FOCUS 76 - PORT MACQUARIE

Feature Story GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Art Auction

SUNDIAL DENTAL Leading the way in 21st century dentistry.

Find out about their new advancements in our special 6 page feature.

WARREN PLOWRIGHT Warren Plowright grew up humbly, then earned success over 30 years in his own business. Lunching with Susie Boswell, he poses some questions for our future.

I N S I D E 76

March M Ma arc rch h 2012 2012 20 2 // // issue i su is sue e 76 76

Modern. Sport. Luxury. Three words that perfectly describe the all new BMW 3 Series Sedan. You will love the way you move in this exhilarating Ultimate Driving Machine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo performance, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution and the latest BMW ConnectedDrive innovations including optional full colour Head-Up display. You will love the way it makes roads come to life. You will love the way we only make one thing, the Ultimate Driving Machine. The all new BMW 3 Series Sedan, visit McGuigan BMW to arrange a test-drive.

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focusinterview.

Kelly is the President of the Hastings Business Women’s Network, which since 1999 has been supporting & promoting the achievements of its members. Kelly shares details about the exciting year ahead for HBWN, its enthusiastic committee and membership. ’m sure many people will find your face familiar. Have you been involved with the community in a number of different roles?

I took on the role of President of the Hastings Business Women’s Network last year and have been involved with a number of community committees and events, but most people recognise me from my days as Bank Manager at Westpac here in Port Macquarie.

Can you give us an insight into what the HBWN is all about?

The HBWN is an organisation of more than 150 local women who come together to exchange ideas, information and inspiration, while striving for business success.

The Network was founded in 1999 and has a proud history of encouraging, empowering and educating women in business in Port Macquarie and surrounding regions.

The HBWN’s regular activities, such as networking events and professional development courses, provide a real sense of belonging to our warm and welcoming business community.

We also see our role as supporting and promoting the achievements of our skilled and talented members, and thereby raising awareness of the contribution of business women to the local economy and community.

The HBWN has a bold new look. What prompted the rebranding?

The HBWN started life 13 years ago and has had the same logo ever since.

A lot has changed in that time, and we wanted a new symbol that would reflect the level of professionalism of our members, have wide appeal and take us into the future.

What is the significance of the poppy flower for the Network?

The HBWN is all about growing tall poppies.

The red poppy flower has been the

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recognisable symbol of the HBWN since its inception, so we wanted to retain that.

We believe it is the right of every business woman to hold her head high and, like the tall poppy, stand out from the crowd.

The Network has a big year ahead. Tell us what’s on the radar for the HBWN in 2012?

Our recently launched Calendar of Events features The HBWN’s , 22 different functions regular activities ng ki or tw throughout the year – that’s ne as such almost two a month! events and professional The HBWN is shaking up development e Does the HBWN its networking events this urses, provid co have a new look in year. We kicked things off a real sense of the online world as with an upbeat cocktail event belonging ... well? at Mykonos Tavern and will We’ve just launched our continue varying the times and sleek new website www.hbwn. venues of our functions, to ensure as com.au, which now provides a range many people as possible can come along and of interactive options for members to refer join the fun. business and provide exclusive offers.

We’ll also be running a series of personal Our Facebook page is also live, and and professional development courses, which members are already enjoying the ability to will tap into the extensive knowledge base of share photos, swap business ideas and stay our membership to benefit everyone. connected with each other.

What other changes are in the wind?

How did the new look and new focus We’ve been looking at clever ways for our come together? members to get the most out of the Network, It simply wouldn’t have come together engage with each other and leverage without the amazing support of a number of exciting new opportunities to promote their members, who generously donated their time businesses. and services.

The HBWN is also aiming to resurrect its Special thanks to all our official Committee annual awards program, which recognises members, who put in a great deal of work, some of the region’s leading ladies and as well as Caron and Tracy at Snap Printing, highlights their success stories.

Zoe Pogonowski at XYZ Support, Kylie Biltris While there are a lot of exciting changes, at Childish Photography, Linda McCully at some things will stay the same – such as our Social Sense and Public Relations Consultant, commitment to inspiring members to achieve Michelle Newman. their goals, providing a sense of belonging With International Women’s Day just and remaining relevant to the needs of our around the corner, what does the HBWN Network and the community.

have planned?

We will be celebrating International Women’s Day with a fundraising cocktail event for the Hastings Women and Children’s Refuge on 8 March 2012 at the Glasshouse.

The evening will feature inspiring stories of local women who have made a lasting impression on our community.

Making a meaningful contribution to local services and celebrating our local heroines are some of the HBWN’s core values.

How can people find out more about getting involved in the Network in 2012?

The HBWN always welcomes new members, and I’m sure that anyone interested would find, as I have, that being a member is rewarding and enjoyable, both personally and professionally.

Thanks Kelly.

the plug!

To find out more or join the Hastings Business Women’s Network, visit their new-look website at www.hbwn.com.au or call Kelly Lamb on 0431 510 071.

editor's note.

DON’T MISS...

SHAOLIN KUNG FU Direct from China, Shaolin Kung Fu will captivate with its high-octane show starring China’s most accomplished kung fu performers.

SUNDAY 4 MARCH, 3pm & 7pm

Tickets: $39.90 Adult, $36.90 Conc/group 6+, $30.90 Under 21/Student, $125 Family (2 adult 2 child)

SYNCOPATION “Give your life a lift” with this smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing set in the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.

editor.

from the

WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH, 8pm & THURSDAY 8 MARCH, 11am & 8pm

jay beaumont beaumont.

Tickets: $39.90 Adult, $36.90 Conc & Groups 6+, $30.90 Under 21/Student

Welcome to the March issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS. hile swimming at Flynns Beach a few months ago, there was a ‘kid’ out surfing in sloppy waves with a superhuman ability. That ‘kid’, I discovered, was Matt Banting. Remember the name. Matt not only won the Junior title at the Australian Open of Surfing, but just to prove his talent, he also won the Opens, against some of the biggest names in the sport. And what’s more impressive, is that Matt credits his inspiration to fellow student, friend and Paralympian, Ryley Batt, whom we featured a few months ago.

W

Ryley is leading Australia’s charge to win gold in wheelchair rugby at the upcoming London Olympics. To both Matt and Ryley, Port is very lucky to have you, and whether you know it or not, you’re currently inspiring the next generation. Well done.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2012 The women have taken over! This issue celebrates our annual Women in Business feature, with 16 pages of some of our most talented, dedicated and inspirational leaders in our local community. Check it out from page 62.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS: 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 PHONE: 02 6584 7433 FAX: 02 6584 6733 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au TV: www.focustv.com.au Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors.

While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Greater Port Macquarie Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 62128786005 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2009-2012 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Henri Szeps, of Mother & Son fame, brings us this touching performance, peppered with humorous anecdotes, jokes, songs and observations about life, family and getting older.

FRIDAY 9 MARCH, 8pm & SATURDAY 10 MARCH, 2pm & 8pm

Tickets: $39.90 Adult, $36.90 Conc/Groups 6+, $30.90 Under 21/Student

IPAD APP Another exciting addition we’ve made to our portfolio is our brand spanking new iPad app, featuring all the latest editions of FOCUS. Never miss an issue, no matter where you are in the world. To download the new iPad app, visit www.focusmag.com.au/ipad.

Presented by Sydney Opera House & the Glasshouse

DIRTY THREE The most purely-expressed live act on the planet, Dirty Three, has earned an international fan base through years of touring and spellbinding live performances.

And if you haven’t already (over 1,000 have), don’t forget to download our eat dining guide iPhone application, featuring a great selection of local restaurants to tempt your tastebuds.

Can’t decide where to eat? Let the app decide for you. Visit www.focusmag.com.au/eat

MONDAY 12 MARCH, 8pm

FINAL SAY “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.”

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.

See the exhibition, join a resin jewellery making workshops, coffee morning events and more. See glasshouse.org.au for all FROCK STARS events.

Tickets: $30 adult, $25 student/under 21

FROCKSTARS On view until 22 April

MORNING MUSIC Celebrate Seniors Week with this beautiful tribute to one of Australia’s finest sopranos, June Bronhill.

MONDAY 19 MARCH, 11am & 2pm

It would be remiss of me not to highlight our own girl power team here at FOCUS, who

contacts.

WISH I’D SAID THAT

work hard to bring together each iissue. We couldn’t do it without you: Louise Beaumont, Jasmin Johansson, Chrissy Jones, Annette Wannell, Jo Atkins and our regular columnists, Kate Wood-Foye, Janette Hyde, Estelle Gough, Susie Boswell and Robyn Butler.

Tickets: $24.50 or $22.50 groups 6+

Jay Beaumont – Editor jay@focusmag.com.au

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD The team behind The Gruffalo return with this charming sequel. The Gruffalo’s Child brings together physical theatre, music and beautiful puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 4 and up, and their adults...

EDITOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable

2007 Business of the Year 2009 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Professional Services 2010 Winner Business to Business Choice Award 2011 Winner Creative, IT & Communications

joey@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Marchment

SATURDAY 24 MARCH, 11am, 2pm & 4pm

michael@focusmag.com.au

Tickets: $24.50 Adult/Conc, $20.50 Under 21/Student, $80 Family ( 2 adult. 2 child)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Zac Wright zac@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont

See glasshouse.org.au for full event details

louise@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones

WHAT’S ON @

chrissyjones1@bigpond.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Jasmin Johansson jasmin@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITORS: Jo Atkins / Reg Brookhouse jo@focusmag.com.au / reg@focusmag.com.au

TRAVEL EDITOR: Susie Boswell winwin@portpr.com

FOCUS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE GREAT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS.

of the

SATURDAY 10 MARCH, 11am

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

greater port macquarie focus 5

focusinterview.

Jones.

Glynis Jones, Curator of Fashion and Dress at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, has invested years of work into capturing the highs and lows of Fashion Week Australia. The museum has gathered together a stunning array of fashion, memorabilia and audio and video commentary from the past 15 annual Fashion Week displays – and now you can experience them all in a remarkable exhibition at the Glasshouse.

H

i Glynis. What’s your role with the Powerhouse Museum, and more specifically, with the Frock Stars exhibition?

I’m Curator of Fashion and Dress at the Powerhouse Museum. Part of the job for a Curator is to collect objects for the museum, and I’ve been collecting items from Fashion Week to archive over many years. When Fashion Week’s 15th anniversary came up, we spoke to the organisers – and they were very interested in celebrating those 15 years.

I put together the Frock Stars exhibition to celebrate Fashion Week and to highlight the interesting items, the fabulous frocks, the people and the controversies behind the event.

How do you go about capturing not just the items of clothing, but as you mentioned, the interesting happenings and the issues that often occurred behind the scenes at Fashion Week?

By using some of the documents from the time period, for example. The exhibition is trying to set up a sense of what it’s like to attend Fashion Week. Fashion Week is a closed event for buyers and the media, so we’re trying to give people a sense of what it’s like to be there.

I’ve used some of the media reports that came out at the time. Very early on, when Fashion Week first started back in 1996, I think it was quite hard to get people to show any enthusiasm for the Australian fashion industry. There was a bit of struggle around and a sense of whether it was ever really going to work … one media report would be saying, “Oh wow … look at us now! We’re on the international stage, and it’s a big moment for Australia” and then on the other side, there were reports claiming the event was “Fashion Weak”.

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I guess at that stage there was some doubt about whether Australian fashion was ready to go on the global stage and be under the

Dion Lee. In between, we have the fabulous Iced Vo Vo dress by Romance Was Born, a fabulous ball gown by Michelle Jank and a gorgeous little

spotlight. Buyers at the event would have already cocktail dress with feathers by Alex Perry. It’s a mix been to London, Paris and Milan to view the of swimwear, through to streetwear, evening and latest fashion, and were we going to be able to cocktail wear. compete with that? There was a lot of tension But people will also be able to sit front row, around. put on headphones and listen to Kirstie Clements, Also around that era, the editor of Vogue the current editor of Vogue, as she describes Australia was Marion Hume. Marion came from sitting front row at Fashion Week and thinking England – and she called things as she about how she’d report on the garments saw them on the catwalk, which for the magazine, while you’re was a mix of good and bad. watching footage of the garments She was quite willing to give themselves being presented at e I put together th advice when she thought Fashion Week. bition Frock Stars exhi something could be You can then go ion to celebrate Fash ht improved – and I guess backstage and watch lig gh Week and to hi s, m ite g for some people, that interviews with the show’s in st the intere , ks oc fr us lo bu was quite confronting. producer, who organises the fa the the the people andbe This caused a bit of models, hair and makeup hind controversies controversy. that’s happening backstage. the event.

These media reports There’s also footage from can be seen as part of the backstage photographer Robert exhibition.

Rosen, who was actually a catwalk How much work was involved with photographer in London and Paris during putting this exhibition together? the ’80s, before he came to Australia.

We had the archives, and because I was always There’s a large AV, which picks out the stories looking through them and also attending Fashion of some of the hundreds of people involved in Week myself, that made it a bit easier. I knew putting Fashion Week together, from volunteers, what Fashion Week was like and the processes to producers and staging people. and people involved … having the Fashion Week It sounds like a very interactive exhibition … organisers on board with us to help us organise It was quite a different exhibition for the the exhibition and to provide interviews about museum. We have tried to make it interactive their roles was really important and a big help. ... you actually go into a recreation of designer Apart from what you’ve already mentioned, Nicola Finetti’s studio. We went into Nicola’s what else is included in the exhibition? studio to take photographs, and he allowed us to People enter the exhibition on red carpet, to take away a whole lot of things like patterns and see a catwalk and 15 garments, representing samples – and these are actually on open display, the 15 years of Fashion Week. The highlights so people can browse through them and touch include a Zimmermann swimsuit from 1996, them. right through to a 2010 Ice Blue Knot Dress by Museums don’t generally allow people to

handle things, but we wanted to gather some things specifically as props – because people do want to feel things and look at them closely.

What’s your favourite piece from the exhibition?

There are a lot of favourites! I’m so close to these pieces as the Curator of Fashion … I love Michelle Jank’s Bird Dress. Michelle started off as a jeweller and did fashion design at East Sydney Tech, but she’s now well known as a stylist and does designs for ballet. She’s one of those very creative collaborators, and this piece is a beautiful grey dress, where the jewellery – a large blackbird – has been incorporated into the dress. It’s very romantic and beautiful.

And then there’s Romance Was Born – a couple of young, Sydney-based designers, who are very creative and very offbeat in their approach to fashion. Their Iced Vo Vo dress is quite lovely.

How far and wide is the Frock Stars exhibition travelling around the country?

It’s going to many regional centres in NSW and up to tropical North Queensland, across to Perth – it’s travelling quite a way. We were lucky enough to get a Visions grant to be able to reconfigure this exhibition, so it could travel. That’s been a big job in itself! To create an exhibition that two people can take around the country is quite an art. The exhibition was shown at the Powerhouse Museum from 2010 - 2011, and people really loved it here. The Glasshouse is the first venue for the travelling exhibition – so it will be very interesting to see how it’s received.

Thanks Glynis.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Photo: Sotha Bourn. ©Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

the plug!

To see the Frock Stars exhibition, visit the Glasshouse between February 18 and April 24.

inside this

SNEAK PEEK RACHAEL BECK Australian stage and screen sensation Rachael Beck’s extraordinary voice, bubbly personality and superbly choreographed dance moves has been wowing audiences across Australia.

Issue 76 - March 2012 Matt Doeland

21.

Matt is passionate about bringing a message of hope through the music he writes and performs.

As well as being involved in worship ministry, Matt has played at many outreaches, schools and churches, speaking a simple message of hope found in God’s love.

Monday 2 April, 11am

To b o thes ok any o e sh ows f call 658

1 88

Henri Szeps

or dr

op in

36.

You may recognise him as the dentist from the classic ABC television series Mother and Son, but Henri Szeps has many other strings to his bow.

Henri’s talent truly shines in his one-man shows – the latest of which, Wish I’d Said That, he’ll be presenting at the Glasshouse later this month …

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...

Sydney Opera House & Glasshouse present

MESSAGE STICKS

Crime Prevention

52.

We all want to live in a safe community, and Christine Bannister, Crime Prevention Officer for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, advocates reporting crime – no matter how minor the incident – as accurate reporting helps to set preventative measures in place ...

For over a decade Message Sticks Festival has been showcasing awardwinning Indigenous films, with a proud history of premiering the finest Australian works including Warwick Thornton’s Samson and Delilah.

Stay tuned for more exciting details!

FREE.

Phot o: M a

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‘P

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usual suspects.

er s

54. Coral Aitchison 75. Donna Carson 55. Sundial Dental Feature 80. JD Graham

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Tuesday 3 April, 6.30pm

the

10. what’s on for March 28. eat featuring local restaurants 41. social scene with Kate Wood-Foye 44. palate pleasures with Lou Perri 87. starguide with Terri 90. landcare with Estelle Gough 91. Travel with Susie Boswell 95. tourism with Janette Hyde 105. port chamber update with Robert Turner 105. real estate with Greg Trembath

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

www.focusmag.com.au u

LET THE SUNSHINE Part Romeo & Juliet, part Meet the Parents... Let the Sunshine is a comedic gem from Australia’s most successful playwright, David Williamson.

Starring Peter Phelps.

Friday 25 May & Saturday 26 May, 8pm

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

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

greater port macquarie focus 7

focusinterview.

me!

With inspiration from her first born daughter Airlie, Sarah McEwan used her creative flair to design ‘The Little Me Collection’. Sarah’s unique collection is practical yet adorable, with must-have products for all expectant mums to be.

W

hat gave you the inspiration to start your business ‘The Little Me Collection’?

My daughter, Airlie. Throughout my pregnancy with Airlie, I was constantly making things for her room. I started with cushions/ canvases and floor mats. My favourite project, the one I enjoyed doing the most, was her rocking chair. It was in need of a bit of love, and after a new seat and a few coats of paint, it was better than ever.

I was eager to find out the sex of my baby, as I feel you can only have so much white and yellow. I have always loved bright and vibrant things; I was finding it hard to find gifts for friends and family expecting babies.

I know babies need a lot of the same thing, but there is so much doubling up; it’s nice to find something different, as well as useful, for a gift. My friends really liked what I was creating and were asking me if I could make stuff for their children. So I thought maybe I could set up a stall at the market, and see how it would go.

In August 2010, I sat down with my sisterin law Tennille. We were throwing around a few business name ideas, and The Little Me Collection was born. Tennille then designed our logo, along with her talented team at Hot Graphics – they designed our rollup banner for us, which we get asked to take to every market we are invited to attend.

In November, my mother-in-law, Jenny, joined The Little Me Collection, bringing her passion for interior design with her. We have worked great together ever since and have taken The Little Me Collection to where it

8 greater port macquarie focus.

day. is today. we are making it available to them. We are Tell us about some of the practical continually being told that there are no other products that are incorporated into your products quite like the ones we offer. artistic pieces?

Describe some of your designs. What All our products don’t just look great, but makes them different and unique? they all have alternate uses.

All our designs we feel are fresh. We try to Our most popular product is our original stick clear of your typical children’s themes ‘My First Sushi’ pack, which includes a face and lean towards a more modern approach to washer, bib and singlet in proper sushi children’s gifts and décor. packaging with a pair of chopsticks. Our Where do you get your artistic newest arrival is our ‘Hatched background?

Ducks’; they are adorable. It’s Before The Little Me a duck made from a face Collection came along, I ran washer inside a baby my own mobile hairdressing r la pu Our most po inal bowl nest with a little business, as well as working ig or r ou product is , ck pa i’ rubber ducky. in a local salon a few days sh Su t rs Fi ‘My a We also have our a week. I find satisfaction which includesb and face washer, bier sushi face washer sundaes, in creating something singlet in prop a pair which come with two different from the original packaging with face washers, a baby and love working in diverse . ks ic st of chop bowl/lid and a baby atmospheres. spoon. we have so many I think having such a more great gifts on offer and wonderful supportive husband are always coming up with fresh helps me a lot; he, along with my ideas. If our customers come to us with ideas, parents, have been so encouraging. we do our best to create it for them.

My dad is continually saying, “Isn’t she Jen’s bunting flags are a big hit. They clever?” aren’t your typically large bunting flags; they Jen has always been told by her friends are just big enough to add that little bit of that she should endeavour more with her colour sometimes needed in your baby’s interior design skills, and this has given her nursery. She has also crafted her own range confidence to explore her hidden talent. Her of embroidered cushions, which are available husband/my father-in-law is her biggest fan in packs with matching buntings or canvasses; and loves that she has found a new interest they make a wonderful gift idea. she really enjoys.

What do you enjoy most about designing What age group does The Little Me and making for The Little Me Collection?

Collection design for?

I love seeing people’s reactions when We have gifts available from newborn - 12 they see our products for the first time. It’s month olds and of course, we have gifts for so rewarding to see that people really are the most important people – our expectant after that unique gift, just as I was, and mums to be.

A lot of our cushions and canvases can also suit children up to 10 years.

Tell us about behind the scenes; where do you source many of your materials? Do you make your pieces at home?

All our novelty gifts are made at home in my sewing room. I get all my stock from local stores and suppliers. Jen gets her fabric from an Australian supplier, and she does all the crafting in her sewing room.

All our printing needs, business cards etc. are done by Donna Cook from Snap Printing.

Our packaging and woven tags are done by Jardine Wright from Riotchild Custom, and all our product photos are taken by our good friend, Dion Carle.

What do you enjoy about attending the wonderful Foreshore Market each month?

The Foreshore Market is the favourite market we attend. We look forward to it every month. It’s great that Jen and I do it together, as we both like to have a look at all the amazing stalls on offer and we can take turns having a little shop – we usually come home with lots of great things.

If you’re heading down to the markets this month, please stop by and say hello!

Thanks Sarah.

the plug!

Find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/littlemecollection

Delivering everything you’d expect from a BMW for less than you’d expect, the exhilaratingly agile BMW 116i and BMW X1 sDrive 20d have never looked so good. Own the exceptional styling and performance of the Ultimate Driving Machine you’ve always dreamed of, visit McGuigan BMW to arrange a test-drive today.

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what’s

31

Ladies in Red

THE MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY RTY is a fun day with a purpose.

The HOPE BOOK CLUB has a purpose and a focus and is hosting a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The Hope Shop was originally known as Mid Coast Bargain Centre. At this Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, we will launch our FAIR TRADE shop, which is connected to our unique HOPE BOUTIQUE.

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THIS PARTY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is the initiative of the Hope Bookclub, to introduce the community to our Fair Trade outlet, which will become part of the HOPE BOUTIQUE. When 31 March, 2pm - 5pm @ Hope Shop.

Where 3 Milton Circuit, Port Macquarie.

Phone 0418 861 487 Or Hope Shop 6581 3303.

Elmo’s World Tour Come along with Elmo and the Sesame Street gang as they circle the globe in this all-singing, all-dancing stage show touring Australia in 2012. Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Elmo use the letters of the alphabet to navigate a voyage through imagination that sees the gang visiting China, Zambia, France, India and Australia!

Frock Stars Gallery Exhibition

Featuring a bunch of classic Sesame Street songs alongside catchy new tunes, SESAME STREET PRESENTS ELMO’S WORLD TOUR will delight Sesame Street fans of ALL ages.

Created by the Powerhouse Museum in collaboration with IMG Fashion, Frock Stars is a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the history, highlights, glamour, controversies and achievements of Australian Fashion Week.

When Thursday 26 April 2012, 10am – 11am (doors open 9.30am) Where Glasshouse, Port Macquarie.

Phone (02) 6581 8888.

Website www.glasshouse.org.au

When Saturday 18 February 2012 to Tuesday 24 April 2012.

Contact Box Office by phone on 6581 8888 or by email at boxoffice@glasshouse.org.au for further information.

more information

Children’s Starlight Trek 4 Kidz

Children’s Starlight Trek 4 Kidz trivia night; $30p/h includes dinner, country theme, auction and raffles to be held.

Where Beechwood Hotel, Beechwood Rd, Beechwood.

Phone 6585 6170.

18 When Saturday 24 March, from 6.30pm.

Call the Visitor Information Centre on 6581 8000, or log on to the new Port Macquarie events website: www.gpmevents.com.au

10 greater port macquarie focus.

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focusinterview.

Belinda Carlisle … renowned lead singer of the popular all-girl group, the Go-Gos and equally well known as a soloist, with hits including Heaven is a Place on Earth and Runaway Horses, Belinda will be stopping in at Port Panthers on her 2012 Summer Rain tour. i Belinda. Considering your earlier performances with the Go-Gos, which then led into a hugely successful solo career, how much do you think your music has evolved over time?

Over time, when you listen to the music, you can see how it’s evolved. The Go-Gos were a Punk band.

When I was growing up, I listened to the California radio. Through the ‘60s and ‘70s, there were things like the Beach Boys – lots of melody, lots of romance and lots of guitar bands. Music was really rich and varied.

When the Go-Gos were formed, a lot of the music I listened to growing up, and the music the other girls listened to as well, influenced the writing of our songs. Although the Go-Gos sounded like a Punk band, there were always those Pop overtones – the rich melodies and that California sound.

Moving from the Go-Gos to my own career, it was more about the influences of what I listened to sitting in front of my speakers as a young girl … although it all transitioned and it all made sense. I was always true to who I was at the time, and I’ve always basically had the same musical taste.

What is it that inspires you in terms of the music you choose to sing? There’s such a sense of freedom and vitality in many of your songs …

Music always has to be fitting and appropriate for me. Even If I’m happy with the sound of a song, I still have to relate to it lyrically. Melodically, I either like something or I

don’t – I’m pretty black and white. I don’t re- in me – and that’s what went into the album ally vacillate on whether I think something’s Voila. good or not. How I feel about a song is the Logistically, me being here makes a lot true question, really. more sense than being in the States, as I Your first solo album was in 1986. You work a lot in Europe and in India. must have experienced some huge Some people probably aren’t aware changes in the music industry since that you wrote an autobiography, Lips then?

Unsealed, in 2010. What made you Slowly but surely, I guess. Womdecide to try your hand at en singers of that time, from writing? the time the Go-Gos were I felt I had a story to signed … at the start, tell. It was like a Rock The most no-one would sign us be‘n’ Roll story. I think it’s rewarding thing g for me was bein ar on cause we were female, an inspirational story recognised last yealk had our own band, that may be able to the Hollywood Wing wrote songs and played help a lot of people of Fame and gett d our own instruments. … people who may oo w a star on Holly From then on, though, be struggling with their Boulevard. there were more and more demons and conditioning women in music doing that and lots of other things.

– like The Bangles, and we all With a little bit of distance began to do very, very well. from my past, I felt I could write You’ve moved from your native USA and clearly and with a little bit of wisdom. have lived in France now for quite some It was something I’d always wanted to time. How has relocating to another do and when I wrote it, it just seemed like country affected your career – has it inthe right time. It took a good year and a half spired you to move in another direction to do. I got it out of my system and I don’t musically? know if I could do it again, but it was very I’ve lived in France now for 18 years. I satisfying. released a French album, Voila, a few years What’s been the most challenging thing ago – and it went very well critically and was for you in being involved with the music very well received. So, the move did have an industry? impact in that respect.

Probably the very frustrating beginning of I had to get that out of my system – I was my career. Obviously the Go-Gos became a learning about French music and French Pop. success, but having to deal with the whole There are a lot of great artists here – and I gender discrimination thing was really chalwanted to indulge the bit of the chanteuse lenging. It’s been good and bad though …

things have always kind of been perfect timing for me; I’ve been very blessed in that way. I’ve always followed my intuition with my career, and I have no regrets about the choices I’ve made.

And the most rewarding thing?

The most rewarding thing for me was being recognised last year on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and getting a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

That was an amazing, amazing point in my career! Even though it may seem kind of silly, but having grown up in Southern California – it was the Hollywood dream!

Sum up the show you’ll be presenting for us here in Port Macquarie? Will you be singing a broad spectrum of hits from across your albums?

Yes exactly, and a few obscure songs as well. Fortunately for me, I have a lot of songs people will recognise and relate to, but there will be a few new songs I’ve recorded.

I’m very excited about the tour. I’ve been to Australia about 8 or 9 times now, and I always look forward to coming back.

Thanks Belinda.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

Belinda Carlisle will be appearing at Port Macquarie Panthers on March 7 at 8pm (doors open 7.15pm).

Tickets cost $60; $55 for members.

Contact Port Panthers on 6580 2300 for details.

greater port macquarie focus 11

focusinterview.

If you’re an art connoisseur, you can’t afford to miss this event!

Twenty-five local personalities have created an array of artwork, which will be auctioned at Port Macquarie Panthers on March 9. The funds raised will go towards the Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod, helping to promote the stunning artistic talent and creative diversity within our local area. Angela Johnson fills us in ... hat is your role with the Port Macquarie and District Eisteddfod?

I am the Director of the Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod Committee and Vice President of the Port Macquarie and District Eisteddfod Society.

How did you first become involved with the local Eisteddfod?

All three of my children competed in Eisteddfods over many years, including dance, music and drama. They performed in all of the local Eisteddfods – Port Macquarie, Taree and Kempsey. In my daughter's case, we also travelled to Newcastle and Sydney for the music Eisteddfods there.

I have always said that after retirement I would involve myself in providing support to the local community. When I retired last year, I was told by my children’s singing teacher, Denise Begnell, that volunteers to run the Music Eisteddfod were being called for. I immediately contacted the Eisteddfod Committee to volunteer.

What is the aim of the art auction you're organising for March?

2012 will see a significant expansion to the Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod. We are implementing a number of new sections and bringing back old ones. Sections such as the Schools Day, Music Theatre, Community Bands, Community Choirs and Rock Bands require a larger venue than we have traditionally used, and sound, 12 greater port macquarie focus.

lighting and staging to support the incredible performances that will take place.

In addition, we are bringing highly talented and well recognised artists to adjudicate, so that they can provide current, expert advice to our competitors. All of this means that the running costs of the ‘new look’ eisteddfod will be significantly higher than in past years.

The money raised from the art auction will go directly to pay for those additional expenses.

How are you sourcing artworks for the auction?

We invited people from our local community to be celebrity artists for our auction. We came up with the idea of inviting people who have lived here and gone on to be highly successful in their careers, both nationally and internationally – also, people with significant roles within our local community and people who work for iconic businesses in the area.

We invited people across many areas of expertise, including sport, business, community, visual arts, politics and performing arts.

We approached everybody by letting them know what we were trying to achieve for the Eisteddfod, that money raised would go directly to the running costs and all about the auction and how we hoped it would work.

They are all extremely busy people, and we are very lucky that they have been so generous with their time.

We asked them to provide an artwork that, if possible, portrayed something significant to

them, being family, career, experiences etc.

We put no restrictions on the type of artwork and as such, we believe there will be a significant variety in the pieces for sale at the auction, which will include abstract work, drawings, paintings, sculpture, mixed-media and textured pieces.

Who are some of the people actually contributing artworks for the event, and what exactly are they supplying?

We have a total of 25 artists. Work for some of the pieces is still in progress as FOCUS goes to press, but I have received information from some people about their pieces: Allison Langdon – Journalist Sixty Minutes and the Today Show. - Allison is a keen photographer and will be providing us with one of her incredible photographs from her travels in the Amazon.

Amanda Douglas – Journalist Prime 7 News - Amanda has done a modern abstract work for us in beautiful shades of bronze, purple, black, brown and white.

Andrew Stoner – Deputy Premier NSW, Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services, Member for Oxley - Andrew is doing a paint-

ing for us.

Angela Johnson – Director Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod Committee. - I am in the process of working on a textured piece in two parts. The majority of the colours are shades of browns and teal greens. The piece is very modern and on the larger side, with each of the two pieces measuring 123 cm by 43 cm.

Brendan Bradshaw – Dancer/Choreographer Royal New Zealand Ballet. - During his travels around the world with the ballet company, Brendan has been developing his photography skills. Brendan is providing us with a black and white piece of a ballet dancer’s feet in rehearsal.

He has a real ability to express a calm, serene feeling through his photography, and this photo is beautiful.

Chase O’Leary – World Bodyboarding.

- Chase is currently in Hawaii competing; however, he has still found the time to work on creating a photo album for us of his travels and his surfing. It will contain comments to go with the pictures, and his signature of course.

Christine Baker – Treasurer Port Macquarie Music Eisteddfod Committee. - Christine is working on 2 pieces for the auction: a beautiful black, white and silver textured artwork and a

focusinterview.

They are all extremely busy people, and we are very lucky that they have been so generous with their time.

painting.

Digs Schmutter – Star FM Radio Presenter.

- Digs tells me that his artwork is difficult to describe; however, he is doing a mixed media piece for us.

Elise Goodwin – Sportswoman – Swimming, Running, Australia Deaf Games 5 Times Silver Medallist. - Elise’s piece is a modern mixed media and is the result of a collaboration between Elise, her mother, Korrina, and her sister, Cloe. The inspiration for the piece is a strong message that people with cochlear implants can and do safely and successfully play sport.

Francessca O’Donnell and Vic Compton – Successful Local Artists. - Francessca and Vic will be creating a painting for our auction.

Judy Standring – Manager Hastings Co-Op Department Store. - Judy will be contributing a mixed media piece that is unusual and feminine.

Kate Dwyer – Journalist Camden Haven Courier. - Kate will be doing a mixed media piece for us, which she calls Eye on the Camden Haven.

Leisa Davies – Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce and Manager of Hastings Business Enterprise Network. Leisa is doing a modern mixed media piece, which has two parts. Her use of black and silver with bright colours is very striking.

Leslie Williams – State Member for Port Macquarie. - Leslie is doing a painting for us on a largish scale, which measures 100 cm x 75 cm.

Lynn Lelean – Journalist Reporter NBN News. - Lynn is doing a modern artwork, which

promotes her travels and her love of her home at Lake Cathie.

Lynne Bickoff – Successful Local Artist. Lynne has done a beautiful artwork of abstract guitars, entitled Acoustic Guitars. The piece was inspired by the contemporary guitarist, Anthony Garcia.

Matt Banting – World Surfing. - Matt is also away competing at the moment; however, he is donating to us one of his surfboards with artwork added.

Phil Cassegrain – Business Development Manager Cassegrain Winery. - Phil is currently working on a textured artwork which focuses on his family's tradition of creating wine.

Rebecca Hicks – Physical Culture National Title Holder. - Rebecca is creating a modern, bright abstract painting for us.

Rob Oakeshott – Federal Member for Lyne Rob’s artwork is not yet complete, but you’ll be able to view the image on our Facebook page.

Ryley Batt – Wheelchair Rugby Silver Medalist - Ryley is in the process of creating a photo montage of exciting personal images of him playing on the Australia Paralympic Team.

Stacey Morgan – Star FM Radio Presenter.

- Stacey is creating a sculpture decorating pointe shoes for us, reflecting her long career as dancer/choreographer/teacher and dance educator with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Tim O’Donnell – Dancer/Choreographer/ Artist. - Tim’s artwork became highly recognised during his time with the West Australian Ballet Company, and we are pleased that he has created a graphic artwork for our auction.

Uncle Bill O’Brien – Aboriginal Elder/Chairperson Birpai Land Council. - Uncle Bill is well known in our local area, both for his ongoing community work and his art. Uncle Bill is painting a landscape for us.

Vickii Byram – Journalist Port Macquarie News. - Vickii is creating a mixed media piece which reflects both her work as a wordsmith and her love of the theatre.

Describe the actual auction event ...

The artwork will first be on display at Port Central Shopping Centre in the area in front of Ritchies Supa IGA from 5 to 9 March. People will be able to view the pieces and for the cost of a gold coin donation, vote for their ‘People's Choice' Artwork.

The artist creating the 'People’s Choice' will receive a trophy on auction night. Port Central have generously donated the space to use for the display.

Throughout the week, people who wish to bid but can’t attend the auction will be able to register as bidders and lodge an absentee bid.

They can do this by completing a bidders form at the display at Port Central, or by going on to our Eisteddfod Facebook Page and completing a form there.

The actual auction will be held at Port Panthers Auditorium on Friday 9 March at 7.30pm.

Stace and Digs from the Star FM Morning Crew are generously giving their time to host and run our auction.

Sharon Green and the Combined Regional High School Jazz Band will be providing us with entertainment at the start of the evening.

It will be possible to still register as a bidders any time prior to the commencement of the auction.

Credit card facilities will be available for purchase of the artworks, and completion of the sales will occur on the night.

Images of all of the paintings are being placed on our Facebook event page entitled Celebrity Art Auction Fundraiser at: http://www.facebook. com/events/220835038012480/ What are the costs to the general public associated with the auction?

There is no cost to the general public to attend. The bar will be open for purchase of drinks as required, and food will not be catered, but available of course, in any of the Club’s eating areas. We will have a raffle with tickets for sale to those who wish to support the Eisteddfod.

Thanks Angela.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

To find out more links to details about the auction are online at the Port Macquarie Eisteddfod site www.portmaceisteddfod.org.au/music There you will find brochures and links to our Eisteddfod and Event Facebook Page.

Alternatively, people can call Angela Johnson on: (02) 6586 4595 or 0424 242 527 or write to us via email at: pmdes-mail@live.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 13

WWW.SWAROVSKI.COM

In 1895, Daniel Swarovski, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, moved to the village of Wattens, Tyrol, in Austria, with his newlyinvented machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewellery stones.

WWW.SWAROVSKI.COM

c stal

© 2012 SWAROVSKI AG

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Near the traffic lights,Horton Street, Port Macquarie Phone: 02 6583 2044 Email: admin@jfj.com.au

14 greater port macquarie focus.

rom this beginning that revolutionised the fashion world, Swarovski has grown the ‘jewels of nature’ – many of them being in to be the world’s leading homage to endangered species. producer of precision-cut crystal In 2012, the Swarovski Crystal Society for fashion, jewellery and more recently celebrates its 25th anniversary, resonating lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the with the Chinese year of the Dragon, company, still family-owned and run by 4th synonymous with good fortune, passion and and 5th generation family members, has a energy. global reach, with some 23,000 employees, a The Silver Jubilee will have members presence in over 120 countries and a turnover worldwide discovering the fascination of in 2010 of 2.06 billion Euros. this mythological creature through a Swarovski comprises two major finely crafted crystal masterpiece, businesses – one producing and a delicate pendant and an selling loose elements to the adorable charm. At the same industry and the other time, Swarovski reaffirms creating design-driven itions its commitment to the The Annual Edar finished products. ul have paid part‘jeicwels of protection of our natural Swarovski crystals tribute to the y of them resources by interpreting have become an an nature’ – m age to the Humpback Whale. essential ingredient of m ho in g bein ies.

Paikea (the Maori word for international design. endangered spec the species) is an impressive Since 1965, the company crystal sculpture depicted in has also catered to the dynamic movement. fine jewellery industry, with Swarovski chose the globally precision-cut genuine and recognised Humpback Whale to show created gemstones. its support for the Swarovski Waterschool Showing the creativity that lies at the heart program. This massive project is aimed of the company, Swarovski’s own brand lines at raising awareness, principally amongst of accessories, jewellery and home décor children, of the conservation and sustainable items are sold through more than 1,900 retail management of water, which is an essential outlets worldwide. resource in the production of Swarovski The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to sparkling cut crystal. Environmental issues have 325,000 members across the world – keen been at the heart of the company’s philosophy collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines. since 1895, as envisioned by founder Daniel And in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, the Swarovski. multi-media crystal museum, was opened in An SCS membership opens up exclusive 1995 as a celebration of Swarovski’s universe access to the world of Swarovski, bringing of innovation and inspiration. the wonder of crystal even closer to the most Due to the farsighted vision of founder passionate of collectors and crystal enthusiasts.

Daniel Swarovski, environmental issues have Jons Family Jewellers is your authorised been at the heart of the company’s philosophy since 1895. Many crystal collections have been Swarovski Crystal boutique in Port Macquarie.

Here you will be able to see the 2012 SCS inspired by nature and since the founding of collection, along with the figurines, home the Swarovski Crystal Society in 1987, the accessories and jewellery.

Annual Editions have paid particular tribute to

The new Scirocco R has just arrived.

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Visit John Oxley Volkswagen for a test drive today.

Your Volkswagen Partner

John Oxley Volkswagen 130 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie Tel. 02-65888555 www.johnoxley.com.au

MD7571

focusinterview.

The journey continues for this instrumental band ... Warren Ellis, violinist with the group shares their genesis as musicians. irty three have been around for over two decades, but for those of us who perhaps haven't heard of you, tell us about the band and your style of music.

We are an instrumental band. We started in the early ‘90s, and the members are Jim White, Mick Turner and myself.

Has you style of music changed over the years?

Well, I hope it has changed. We are an instrumental group, and we don't have a singer or a bass player – so that's one thing that has stayed constant. We haven't altered the size of the band either – there have always been 3 people.

What has kept the band together this long?

We have always enjoyed playing together, and it has always felt like an exciting place to be – playing music.

We left Australia in the mid ‘90s and headed for America, and then we kept touring. We decided to leave and find out if we could find an audience; so we had a few shows just to see what happened and consequently, I never came back to Australia (to live). Jim lives in New York, and Mick moved back to Melbourne in 2005 or thereabouts.

It’s been such a big adventure.

You’re coming back to Australia to do some shows, including at the Sydney Opera House and the Glasshouse Port Macquarie. What do you hope to gain by visiting a regional town – and potentially a new audience?

Well, that's just it ... it is a new audience.

It’s always great to play in front of different people.

I am from a regional town in Victoria, where I was born, so I have an affinity with the regional areas. I guess it is always nice to play different places and in front of a new audience.

So, you have a new album coming out this year, is that correct?

Yes, it’s coming out in February.

It’s been a while since the last album, hasn't it?

Yes, it has been a little while. I think we have tried to record an album (since then), but it hadn't worked on several occasions. But

D

16 greater port macquarie focus.

we have made a few albums, and I guess the question sort of came up that perhaps we had said as much as we needed to say.

But I think we have always loved playing live and felt that there was a purpose for the band and the group, and that is what has drawn us back together.

I mean, we all live in different countries, so getting together can be quite tricky – and it’s the same with some of the other bands I am part of, and also for Jim too, as he tours a lot with other people.

As a group, Dirty Three collaborated with other bands and toured with them over the last 2 decades. What has been one of the standout highlights of this period?

I think curating parties in England in 2007 was a real highlight. To pick bands and put them on and play was really great.

I am very much looking forward to playing at the Opera House too, as we haven't done that before.

I think Jim has played there before with Cat Power, as he has been with them for a while.

What else keeps you busy?

I play in Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and I play in Grinderman. I do soundtrack work as well and have just wrapped up a few scores for some films.

Anything notable we should keep an eye out for?

Yes, there is a good documentary called West Memphis about the West Memphis Three – Produced by Peter Jackson and Directed By Amy Burg, who did a great documentary on the Catholic Priest called Deliver Us From Evil.

Where do you see Dirty Three going from here performance wise?

We are doing an American tour, and a European tour, a few other festivals and a tour of Asia and beyond.

Thanks Warren.

the plug!

Dirty Three comes to the Glasshouse as part of The Open House Project.

Monday 12 March 2012 Tickets: $30 Call: 6581 8888.

OK O B W! NO

The team behind The Gruffalo return with the charming sequel.

The Gruffalo’s Child brings together physical theatre, music & beautiful puppetry to deliver songs, laughs & scary fun for children aged 4+ and their adults...

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

Video

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OF THE

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$115,000,000 total cost 6 KM total length 9,000 users per day $19,166 Total cost per metre 4 MINUTES time to drive $60,000 cost of sculpture 100 aluminium poles in sculpture 70 CENTS total investment per trip based over a lifetime of 50 years DID YOU KNOW? Work commenced on the original Oxley Highway in 1838, Watch on your smartphone

VIDEO BY: Festival of the Sun. ABOUT: Watch the highlights of the 2011 Festival of the Sun at the Sundowner Tourist Park in Port Macquarie. q WATCH AT:

with the use of convicts working from Port Macquarie towards a spot known as ‘Prisoners’ Garden’, about 20 km from Yarrowitch. Here it is said that the convicts were chained up each night.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Pmt84seZs w

LOCAL

Winner of the Walter Stone Award for Life Writing

READ Local Author. Rod Howard Title. A Forger’s Tale.

Rod Howard’s rollercoaster tale – epic in scale and rich in historical insight – is the untold story of a life cruelled by misjudgment and misfortune, and the educated felon who played a part in the birth of Australia’s free press.

Price $20 hard copy or $15 for the e-book. www.arcadepublications.com Let us help promote your local book or music album.

Send us the details to editor@focusmag.com.au

Image of the month.

There’s not too much different in this photo from what we see on our beach every day, except for the fact the surfer happens to be the Deputy Premier of NSW, Andrew Stoner. Nice wave, Andrew.

Photo by: www brettdolsenphotography.com Shot on: Canon 7D SLR / 400 mm.

W H AT ’S I N

season.

with Eric from www.theotherchef.com.au

Th The he potato pota po tato to is the world’s third-most important food crop p after aaft fter er rice r and wheat, with over 200 million tonnes cons n um umed ed globally g consumed every year.

The Maranc Maranca is a relatively new golden-fleshed variety, wh hic i h was originally developed in the Netherlands. It has a which m mi ld, sweet ld sweet taste and is a very versatile potato. Marancas mild, hold their their shape s when cooked, making them ideal for jja ack c et potatoes, pot otat at jacket roasting and potato salads.

A longer long lo ng ger e shelf sh life than other varieties means less waste, and an d the the environment envv en will thank you for choosing this spud – itt h has as a 20 20 - 30% more rapid growing time than other vari va r etties ri iees, s, sso it uses less water to produce. varieties, A creamy crrea eamy m potato p salad is always popular – at home o ou avo v urit is made with a dressing of sour cream, ourr fa favourite mayo ma yonn nnai nn aise s a splash of cider vinegar, horseradish, baby mayonnaise, ca apeers and and n dill. capers

WHERE

Growers Market in Gordon Street grow Maranca potatoes on their own property at Yarrowitch, near Walcha, and they will be available on the shelves throughout March.

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email editor@focusmag.com.au

focusreview.

with Julie from www.gourmetgetaways.com.au

local dr p.

Cassegrain Edition Noir Shiraz Sangiovese 2009.

My choice of red wine for summer is always a Pinot or a Sangiovese. These reds are light and refreshing, very easy to drink and perfect for consuming at this time of year. The combination of Shiraz and Sangiovese in this wine gives a gorgeous ruby red colour and fresh fruit flavours of cherry and spice. It is ideally balanced and an easy drinking wine for a casual night in. Grab a pizza and share a bottle with friends.

GOES WITH: pizza, antipasto or cheese platter.

COST: $25.

AVAILABLE: All good bottle shops, or online at www.cassegrainwines.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 17

focuseditorial.

Dr Ian Brooks is one of Australasia’s leading experts on customer care, creating and selling customer value, becoming customer driven and managing the customer experience. Dr Brooks is passionate about the need for companies to “make it about the customer always” and to manage the customer experience. You are invited to attend a seminar and two workshops Dr Brooks will be facilitating during his visit to Port Macquarie 4 - 9 March 2012. Contact Rachel Ross on 6581 8036 for further information. (Special rates for Customer Care Program Members.)

focusinterview.

Camp Quality Fundraising

Our volunteer group has been going strong since 2006.

We’ve had many different events in our area over this time – golf fundraisers, Bunning's BBQs, camps, family fun days, parents’ retreats etc.

Events in 2012 will be : • Junior Camp in March in Bonny Hills • Bunning's BBQ TBC • Family fun day April • Biggest Hoedown 3 March @ Wauchope Showground Hall, 6.30pm.

We are running a raffle with cash prizes at $2 a ticket. Our volunteers will be selling them at Growers over the next few Wednesdays and

in Wauchope at IGA on Saturdays leading up to the event.

We will also be giving out prizes through the night at the Hoedown– lucky door, best dressed, best dance etc. This is our first Family Hoedown, so it's a bit scary, but we hope with the support we get from our local media and community it will be a great night of LAUGHTER. I think the best thing about fundraising and volunteering with Camp Quality is that we are all hands on and see where all the funds are going.

Hoedown enquiries – Cindy: 6585 3354 or Liz: 0417 231 942.

Access Community Education Services (ACES) exists to enable people with a disability to get more from life. ACES has a wide range of resources available to clients, to ensure they can work towards their personal goals.

ACES needs volunteer drivers to transport their service users from their homes to ACES service outlets (like Hope Café) and back, using ACES vehicles.

Volunteers will need to hold a Class C licence and be available for

transport shifts between 8am and 10am or 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Volunteers will need to pass a Police check and do an ACES induction and some training.

This is a very necessary and much appreciated service, which enables people with disabilities who are limited by distance or disability to attend their day program.

If you can help, contact John at Hope Shop (6581 3303) or Kathy at ACES (6581 2348).

keeping fit is no sweat.

Using the village gym is an easy way for residents to stay fit and healthy.

While you’re living it up, your family will have peace of mind that you’ll be thriving in a warm and friendly community with four levels of care.

18 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

irect from China, Shaolin Kung Fu is set to captivate Australia with its highoctane Kung Fu mastery showcasing China’s most accomplished and spirited Kung Fu performers. Made famous by Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the Shaolin style of Kung Fu dates back 1,500 years and brings with it the traditions, power and majesty of 32 dynasties of Kung Fu fighting.

Shaolin Kung Fu presents a dynamic mix of Kung Fu styles from weaponry using rods, three section staffs, fighting fans, lungchuans, knives and spears to choreographed animal-inspired fight scenes and meditative reflections.

Each performance moves seamlessly

into the next, creating a heady mix of agility, flexibility, stamina and beauty.

Set to an intoxicating soundtrack that mixes traditional Chinese songs with the modern beat of drums and rhythm, the action of Shaolin Kung Fu will have audiences transfixed from the very first beat.

Mastermind behind Shaolin Kung Fu is Master Shen, heir to the 32 dynastyShaolin tradition. Trained as a monk in the Shaolin Temple from age 10, Master Shen spent 16 years learning the ancient ways of Buddhism, Taoism and Kung Fu fighting.

Shaolin fighting monks hold the reputation throughout China as being highly honorable, courageous and greatly skilled. Their model of fighting serves today as virtuous and spiritual representa-

tion of the Great Spirit present in each living being.

Shaolin Kung Fu producer, Hao Zhou, brings these performers to Australia to share the energy and mastery of this ancient art form. To watch their power being drawn from their mental resolve and inner strength is awe-inspiring.

Ninety minutes spent in the company of these remarkable athletes will have you breathless and desperate for more.

the plug!

Shaolin Kung Fu will be presenting two performances at the Glasshouse on March 4, at 3pm and 7pm.

Call 6581 8888 for details.

focuseditorial.

a

decision. amden Haven Music Inc has taken the difficult decision to cancel its March concert series due to poor ticket sales. The program, which was to have spanned two weekends 2 to 4 and 9 to 11 March, was conceived to honour women composers and musicians around International Women’s Day on March 8.

In explaining why the organisation arrived at their decision, president Jaro Kovaricek compared their past experience with today’s situation: “Over the last 16 years of presenting music events in the Hastings we have been able to rely on pre-sales plus the inevitable last minute rush and door sales combined to provide a box office result that allows all costs to be covered. However in all those years pre-sales have never been so low as this time – for most of the six events at single digit numbers. My committee feels that

C

we cannot responsibly go ahead simply hoping that audience numbers will materialise and allow performers to be paid and all other costs to be met.”

Asked what is different this time round, Dr Kovaricek added “Whether the community has bought into the negativity of the national press about the state of the economy, the restlessness that besets the Federal Government or sheer entertainment overload, we don’t know if some or all of these have impacted so dramatically on our endeavours. We are just very disappointed and demoralised that a program that we know has top

quality musicians, lovely music and is so well-intentioned has not found enough favour with Hastings music-lovers for us to proceed. We offer our sincere regrets to those wonderful few people who have purchased tickets, for their undoubted disappointment.”

This does not mean the end of the organisation, as there are still plans afoot for a percussion concert series in May and an October project for “kids to celebrate the spirit of music”. A concert recital by the People’s Choice Winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition will go ahead as planned on 2 September. greater port macquarie focus 19

HERITAGE festival 2012 Port Macquarie-Hastings & Kempsey 14th – 29th April 2012

Celebrating Innovation & Invention This is the seventh year that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council & Kempsey regions have participated in the National Trust’s Heritage Festival. Many community and heritage groups will be working together to promote and stage events which support this year’s theme ‘Celebrating Innovation & Invention’.

It will be an opportunity to celebrate the amazing stories of our landmarks, local people, collections and signiÀcant sites, stories which connect the present to the past and provide interesting insights into our heritage. The 2012 Heritage Festival will be ofÀcially launched on 6aturday, 14th April 2012 at the 1 0th Anniversary celebration of Douglas Vale’s historic cottage.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS: ‡ 14th April – Heritage Festival Launch at Douglas Vale Vineyards ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

1 th April – Ingenuity of the /ighthouse Keeper 17th April – Digging up the Past 17th April – Akubra Tour, Kempsey 18th April – Heritage Variety Concert 18th April – Coffee Morning Talk 18th April – Delving into Dunnies 19th April – Wauchope & Upper Hastings Treasures

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

19th April – Convict /ime Kilns tour 21st April – Celebrating the Creek & its Heritage 21st April – History of the Hastings Oyster Industry 2 rd April – 6tories %ehind the *raves 2 th April – Camden Head Pilot 6tation Tour 26th April – Our Town, Our Heritage 26th April – Morning with History 28th Aprll – Faith Can Move Mountains 28th April – Henry Kendall’s %irthday Memorial

7KH IXOO +HULWDJH )HVWLYDO SURJUDP LV DYDLODEOH DW DOO &RXQFLO RIĂ€FHV OLEUDULHV WKH *ODVVKRXVH and Tourist Information Centre. It can be viewed online at heritagefestival.com.au 20 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Doeland.

Matt is passionate about bringing a message of hope through the music he writes and performs. As well as being involved in worship ministry, Matt has played at many outreaches, schools and churches, speaking a simple message of hope found in God’s love.

H

ow long have you been recording, producing and performing music?

I started playing guitar at seven years old. I was involved in my first recording project a few years ago and have been enjoying producing music (mine and other artists’) for the past couple of years.

Do you have a certain style or genre?

Style is an interesting thing. I’ve always been impressed by musicians who can bring their message to the audience in a simple, pure, uncomplicated way, but yet still be absolutely engaging in how they do it.

Hopefully my style can echo that a little bit. As a guitarist, my new songs do carry a fair bit of guitar; however, I’ve also really enjoyed using beautiful string arrangements and interesting musical textures.

One of the songs just has guitar, vocals and strings, whereas others have a full band arrangement. My hope is that I can continue to be just as engaging, whether playing with a full band or if it’s just my voice and guitar.

Tell us about your CD Life. What inspired the songs on this album?

The songs on the album have been inspired by a number of things – social pressures, self worth issues, and the basic need to know that there is hope. My family has experienced suicide, and I’m aware of the horrendous statistics surrounding this problem.

I’m passionate about getting the message across that there is a way, there is a hope, and you do have a future. Inspiration also came from mission work overseas. One of my songs, Lights On, was written out of an experience while on a mission trip in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was stopped by a couple of guys wanting the few valuables I had. In a city that sees several thousand murders a year, I could have easily been another statistic that day.

Another song called Stand Up carries a message that there is a plan for your life, and we can help to bring hope. It looks like Mission Australia is going to use that song for their cause.

Does your family share in the creation of your music and the making/release

of Life? as a side interest; music has always just been My family is great. My wife Leah is so a big part of my life and continues to be. supportive throughout the processes of What are the messages you’re trying to putting this album together. I’m fortunate get across to people with your music? enough to own a recording studio, which is What I would love to portray from my great; however, there were a lot of late night music and songs is the fact that there is recording and mixing sessions – Leah was hope, there is a way, and you do have a always understanding of the whole process. purpose. I would also like to bring to light My parents are great people. My mum is some of the struggles going on in this an amazing piano player, and my dad and world around us. Some of the songs bring sister have absolutely incredible voices. My encouragement – some of them bring a call sister, Naomi Miller, sings on a couple of to action. Personally, I have a strong faith the tracks on Life. As kids, we would also in God, and I couldn’t successfully do what travel with my parent’s gospel band as they I do without my faith in Him and His love performed in many prisons throughout displayed through His son Jesus.

Victoria – no doubt an Tell us about your involvement experience that played with Grace Church in Port a part in my journey Macquarie? now.

As the Music Director/ to e lik I would also of e m Will you be Worship Pastor at so ht lig bring to ing on go s le gg performing Grace, I’ve been able ru st e th nd or touring in to see the development in this world arou songs us. Some of the em Australia this and facilitation of an ent; ag ur co bring en a g year? amazing team of guys in br some of them n.

Yes. In April I who are great musicians, tio ac call to start in Queensland, who love God (and they’re beginning at Easterfest good friends as well). We in Toowoomba and moving have recorded two albums in around the state from there. the last few years, No Other Name in At the end of 2011, I did a ten day mini 2008, and Strength/Freedom in 2010. tour in Victoria (before the album was The albums were released commercially, even released) playing to thousands of and songs from both albums are used in students at schools and colleges (including churches around the world.

Geelong Grammer School) which was a As a Port Macquarie local, what advice great experience, and I look forward to do you have for other aspiring artists? doing more of. Keep a look out for local I would say to believe in yourself and performances soon. your abilities and be honest about your What made you decide to pursue music weaknesses and your strengths. as a career?

Improve where you can, move out of That’s a good question … I suppose music your comfort zone, but don’t be someone was impossible to avoid throughout my life. or something you’re not. Start to recognise I’ve always been very passionate about music those whom you can learn from, never stop and songwriting. Music is a beautiful way of learning, and never ever give up. expressing a message, which is something I How you handle disappointment will love about it. determine how you handle success.

Whether I’m leading worship in a church What are your goals for 2012? or sharing at a school or outreach concert, To make a positive difference through music can bypass the boundaries of the what I do. mind and speak straight to the heart. The Thank you Matt. fact that I’m a professional musician is www.mattdoeland.com.au such a blessing – and one I’ll never take for www.facebook.com/matt.doeland.music granted. I never just ‘got involved’ in music www.youtube.com/mattdoelandmusic greater port macquarie focus 21

focusinterview.

ross

noble.

The English standup comedian saunters into Port Macquarie to entertain the audience with his revered brilliance and wit ... oss, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Glasshouse.

Can you help me with a puzzle. Why do people at your concerts throw shoes and muffins on the stage?

It’s so much more than just shoes and muffins! What’s weird is that in the UK, it’s got out of control. Here in Australia, it hasn't – and I’m quite happy about that, because I’m not having to deal with all this rubbish that comes up onto the stage.

There was one night, the best thing, and we actually ended up putting it on the DVD. Somebody made me a suit, a full suit with lapels and everything, out of bubble wrap.

An actual bubble wrap suit! It’s a brilliant invention.

When people leave stuff on the stage, if they’ve put a lot of effort into it, that’s amazing. When they just chuck something up there, like one night somebody just left some ketchup sachets on the stage, and I thought, “You’re not even trying.”

Of all the famous people that you’ve met, who is the person who made you pinch yourself?

Well, people who are big heroes, like meeting any of the Monty Pythons or Billy Connolly or any of those people that you just idolized growing up. Mind you, Terry Gilliam did tell me to F... off at one point. He was very drunk, and I asked him to sign a Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas thing, and he just told me to F... off straight away.

Elton John was absolutely the loveliest man you could ever meet. You might expect him to be throwing a tantrum, but he was just the nicest man. This is turning into a very bizarre interview! Yeah, myself and Elton John hang out in the Big Oyster with Troy Bayliss.

Sounds like the start to a very good joke.

Actually, it’s funny, because the people that I get really star struck about are people that wouldn’t necessarily be big Hollywood stars. It’s great to meet those big stars, but they’re just actors like anyone else; they just happen to be very, very famous. Whereas the people that I get absolutely in awe of are people like Troy Baylis, Dougie Lampkin (12 times World Trials Champion motorcyclist)

22 greater port macquarie focus.

and David Knight (3 times world champion Enduro rider).

There are people who you wouldn’t expect to be starstruck by; like Kerry Anne Kennerley came to my gig in London, and it was one of those things where I was really excited. I was like: “I can’t believe Kerry Anne’s come to my show!” Especially in London, you know?

Nobody else in London would have known who she was …

Exactly! And that made it even better. I mean, what was doubly weird, while we’re going off on this tack of weird famous people, I did the gig and afterwards at the bar I went up there to see who was around, and from that night I’ve got this photograph of me, Kerry Anne and, get this, Salmon Rushdie.

What? Not three people that you would expect to ever see t together!

Oh, another nigh th in e Exactly! That is the weird there was a guy da thing, you know, when audience who ha pTo you meet people and very, very long ZZ as w I they know your work – I previous shows style beard, and ho is w ll, he y find that quite freaky. and DVDs, and I’ve od lo “B like: as w it nd A ” e?

Christopher Lloyd (Doc fi lled the set with ok this bl ZZ om fr ns bo Brown in Back to the ib everything you can G Billy Future) came to one of my imagine.

It fi lls the Top. shows. I’m a huge Back to whole stage. There’s a the Future fan, and just the very giant octopus, there’s a idea that Doc Brown is watching few little silver balls in there, your show is, you know ... Oh, another night there’s a duck, um, just random stuff there was a guy in the audience who had a ... pianos, a big telephone with spikes coming very, very long ZZ Top-style beard, and I was out the top of it. like, “Bloody hell, who is this bloke?” And it We’ve got a film thing that runs at the start was Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top. and there’s a big silver curtain that we project I hope you didn’t start paying out ZZ Top onto and, I’m ruining the magic now – it falls before you knew ... away to reveal the set. It gets more and more I very nearly did that once. There was a elaborate as we go on. big fat guy with a baseball cap on, and I was You’re just coming up with ways to very nearly like: “You look like that Michael annoy your touring crew. They thought Moore.” And it was Michael Moore! they had a simple standup tour, and you Can I just say, this is the most name keep throwing things at them. dropping I’ve ever done in my entire life.

Yeah, exactly. But you know, I love all that No, I’m really impressed, and I want big, sort of Iron Maiden style stadium thing. the entrance to the secret famous club What I’d really like is when you see big Rock where you all hang out. Now, when most bands and they have all that scaffolding they comedians tour, it’s with a microphone can run along at different levels. and a case of beer, but you go the extra With the fan blowing up from mile when you tour. What can we expect underneath. this time?

Oh, yeah. I love all that. So I try and do a Ah, you’re going to love this set. What bit of that. I mean fair enough; standup is I’ve done is I’ve gone back through all my just a person talking, but it’s nice to make it a

proper show. Have some great music, a bit of a light show, projector and all that. You want to make it a proper show; you want to give people a night out – a theatrical experience.

We’re looking forward to seeing it at the Glasshouse on March 27 2012. Last question: what is your secret skill?

Hmmm. Well, I can drive a tank.

What?

Yeah, I bought an old British Army Tank, and I drive that around.

This interview has completely changed my whole vision of you. ‘Yes ... I’m hanging out with Kerry Anne Kennerley and Salmon Rushdie as I’m driving my tank down the street ...’

To be honest, it isn’t until you’ve just said that back to me that I’ve realised just how cool my life is.

Thanks Ross.

Interview by Jeremy Miller.

Tickets to the show Prepare your brain for a Nonsensory Overload at The Glasshouse Port Macquarie, March 27 2012.

Get your tickets today!

02 6581 8888 or online www.glasshouse.org.au

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focusinterview.

World’ s Greatest Shave The Milans Hairdressing team will be losing their locks for a cause in March – supporting Leukaemia research. ames: Matt Walsh and Shenade Benjamin.

N

Heaps more deals instore!

We’ve both been ted personally affecin our ith w er nc by ca and one own families, te am ns ila M e of th also members has tt d personally ba le ... ia Leukaem

How long have you worked as a hairdresser, and how long have you been at Milans?

Matt: I started hairdressing in 1997 and was with Milans Port Macquarie for 7 years and established Milans Wauchope 2 years ago. Shenade: I’ve worked in hairdressing for over 4 years and has been with Milans as an apprentice for almost 2 years.

What prompted you to get involved with The World’s Greatest Shave?

We’ve both been personally affected by cancer within our own families, and one of the Milans team members has also personally battled Leukaemia, so it’s a fun way to give support to a cause that is close to all of our

hearts.

We spend all day cutting hair, so what better way to raise some money and have some fun than to shave our own!

How will you be participating in the event? We’re holding an event at the Hastings Hotel on April 13, with bands, fun for the kids and music.

Matt, Shenade and friend Rosie Davidson will be shaving their heads on the night, and Penny Everson will be shaving her head on 16 March, but is also raising funds for the Milans Wauchope Team.

How have you been raising funds for the event?

We’ve been running ‘100’ clubs and ‘200’ clubs, there’s a collection tin in Milans

Wauchope, and we’ve been selling Cadbury Chocolate.

People can also donate directly online by going to the The World’s Greatest Shave Website and searching for Team Milans Wauchope.

How much are you hoping to raise? We started with a goal of $3,000, but friends started to put their hands up to shave also if we reach certain goals, so we’re now aiming for $6,000.

What can the community do to help?

We’d love for the community to get involved – by dropping a donation into the salon, coming in to buy themselves a ticket in our ‘100’ or ‘200’ club draws, attending all the fun and action on April 13 at Hastings Hotel at 6pm, where there’ll be fun and games and entertainment for all ages; or alternatively, donating to Team Milans Wauchope on the World’s Greatest Shave website.

focuseditorial.

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focusinterview.

“

Rosanne Vanderley is a woman of many talents. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of chatting with Rosa about her love of music, spanning several decades and continents.

”

ou have a love for music Rosa. How did this come about, and what formal training have you had?

I was less than 4 years old when I saw my first piano, in a relation’s house ... that big, magic box full of sound enchanted me. My parents bought a second hand German upright when I was 9 and encouraged me. We had a gramophone and recordings of Tauber, Galli-Curci, McCormack etc. Singalongs around the piano were commonplace in people’s houses when I was growing up.

I loved playing but did not enjoy the music lessons and was not a particularly good student, struggling to read written music. I did pass all the exams set me, thanks to a very good memory.

Singing lessons were taken until my late teens. I sang in choirs, recitals and on radio programs. I lacked the drive and ambition to play classics, but developed a great love of popular music – films, musicals, wartime – what a wealth of talented composers and what a legacy they left.

George Gershwin was outstanding; of course, his life was far too short. I also admire Jerome Kern, Scott Joplin and Richard Rodgers; those melodies will live forever. The Spanish say: “Where there is music, there is no evil.”

And it’s true ... look at the importance of musical therapy. I have worked with adults with dementia and depression and troubled kids, and music is a great healer.

You say music transcends all nations and all people. What do you mean?

I have travelled a great deal, and no matter where you are, you can find music. A few years ago in the ancient university city of Salamanca in Spain, I heard glorious l6th century music coming from a building. When it stopped, I knocked and discovered one of the world’s renowned early music specialists rehearsing

24 greater port macquarie focus.

with an ensemble. I was half way out the door apologising for intruding, when he invited me to the performance they were giving that evening. It was magical.

In New York, the best classical buskers are around Colombia University or Julliard School of Music – star pupils there included Neil Sedaka and Billy Joel. Both could have been concert pianists, but chose to write Rock songs and ballads. I have been fortunate in hearing some of the world’s greatest musicians. In London in the ‘60s, when I was working there, concerts were relatively affordable.

I have a formidable list of artists I have seen and heard, including pianist John Ogden, some of the top conductors, violinists, and great Spanish guitarists, including Maestro Segovia.

I’ve heard legendary singers in the major opera houses of the world, and I also enjoy real Flamenco in small bars and bodegas.

Locally you entertain the public as well – tell us more …

There is a wealth of musical talent in the Hastings area – and good teachers. Through my involvement with the Wauchope Youth Theatre, playing for some of their productions, I believe in encouraging young talent and sharing my love of music. I played the piano and arranged the music for last year's sold out Cabaret during the Lasiandra Festival.

This year, on 4 March, we are able to accommodate a bigger crowd at the spacious RSL auditorium, with a matinee performance at 2pm.

I am one of a small team of dedicated people who volunteer in producing free lunchtime concerts in the Ross Studio at the Glasshouse.

This is an initiative of the Port Macquarie Chapter of the Mid North Coast Conservatorium. The Glasshouse is generously making this venue available and more people are attending the concerts, which start at l2.30 on Friday.

One can hear choirs, Jazz singers, pianists and other instrumentalists. Outside on the podium,

we have Jazz groups and bands. There is travelling alone were viewed with suspicion – something for everyone’s taste. The performbut I kept my wits about me. Few there spoke ers range from professionals to students and English, so I was determined to learn the amateurs. language. I found a job with a noble family, as I have performed there several times, with a Governess to their children. I remain friends Latin/Spanish music or songs from Broadway with them to this day and have had extended shows. I also encourage the audience to particiholidays with them several times. pate. The Glasshouse belongs to the Hastings Why did you move to this area? people; it’s yours to support and enjoy. At these My husband has family connections in the lunchtime concerts, you can bring your refreshdistrict, and he likes the peace and quiet. I ments. like the cheese produced in the Hastings! We How would you best describe yourself? found a house in Wauchope, big enough for all As a foyer or functions pianist. I have played our books, my piano and our varied interests. in bars, restaurants, on a ship, at GovernInitially, it was a difficult transition, as I like city ment functions, in country halls and concert living, but being involved with the theatre and venues here, in New Zealand and the Wauchope Arts, I have met many overseas. I have played some creative people and those involved in beautiful pianos, creaky community affairs. old uprights and out I continue to encourage educaThe Spanish of tune janglers; these tion and musical knowledge. e er h say: “W c, si days, I ask about the u There are some great kids here. I m is e er th piano before I play it. I am but one of many people who there is no evil.”

And it’s true. play at small weddings volunteer for a school reading and functions and was program. This is the International privileged to play in the Year of Reading; as I say to children, foyer for the recent Australia “Your computer and your iPod are fun Day Community Awards – and met and will give you information, but books some very inspiring people. give you KNOWLEDGE.” I have been a feature writer and freelancer, Any characteristic you do not admire in have worked as a Court Reporter – and for others? several years at Sydney University as a DepartI get annoyed by meanness, apathy, unreliment Administrator. I was quite young when ability and inefficiency. I cannot bear cruelty or I sailed to Britain in the l960s. I went north to bullying, whether to children or animals.

Northumberland and found employment as a What do you admire in others? receptionist in a very old hotel across the road Generosity, philanthropy, musical talent and from Alnwick Castle. I even went on a dig on modesty; I find the greater the talent, the more Hadrian’s Wall. The cold of Britain soon got to unassuming the person (look at Dame Joan me, and I literally ran away to Spain ... alone.

Sutherland). The biggest pains in the musical It took me two days and two nights to travel world seem to be the thin talents. by train, boat and two more trains, (includYour personal motto is: Always have music ing the train being snowbound on the Plains in your life and remember that Nietszche said: of Castille), which was quite a feat for a sole “Without music, there is no life”. young woman in a country where women Thanks Rosanne Dedman Vanderley.

greater port macquarie focus 25

focuseditorial.

Village Voices from Queenslake and Golden Ponds

MACA members Romayne Page, Valerie Pratt AO with Margret

Village Voices enjoy a concert at the Glasshouse with Margret Meagher and Robyn Ryan from Hastings Choristers.

“Art is like chocolate for the brain” were the opening words by keynote speaker, psychiatrist and geriatrician, Dr Gene Cohen at the Society for the Arts in Healthcare conference in Chicago in 2006. Conference delegate, Margret Meagher, the founding director of Arts and Health Australia, was immediately captivated by the potential for the arts to open up a creative age for older people. ased in Port Macquarie, AHA is the national advocacy and networking organisation which promotes the positive impact of the arts and creative expression on health and wellbeing for both individuals and communities.

Over the past 25 years, arts and health has become established as an international field, comprising programs for all ages across primary and acute care, community health, health promotion and health education.

There is also a growing body of research to underpin the efficacy of these programs.

Dr Cohen coined the phrase ‘creative ageing’ to define arts and health programs specifically designed to support older people as they age.

Gene Cohen led landmark research in the USA between 2005 and 2011, to determine the benefits for older people engaged in professionally delivered creative activities. The study found that those people who participated in art and craft making and singing in a choir remained more independent and socially active, were less reliant on medication, had reduced hospital stays, experienced fewer falls and maintained a more positive outlook. According to Dr Cohen, a sense of mastery and achievement are key to ageing well.

As Margret explains: “We live in a very unusual and challenging time, with a rapidly ageing population and a baby boomer generation which expects a high quality of life as they age. In addition, Australia has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, and there is a growing incidence 26 greater port macquarie focus

of chronic conditions such as depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

“In a few years, for the first time, there will be more people in Australia over the age of 65 than young people under 15 years of age. The workforce is ageing, as are the many volunteers and carers who contribute significantly to community life socially and economically.

“Arts and health programs for older people are now being recognised as effective and cost efficient ways to both encourage healthy lifestyles to prevent the onset of poor health and to support both people with chronic conditions and their carers.”

Margret is a member of the NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (MACA) and has been recently involved in community consultations across the state to inform a new whole of government ageing strategy, due to be released mid 2012.

Margret is chairing a sub-committee on creative ageing, which has been recognised as a priority area in the new strategy. “Our region is fortunate to have two locals on MACA,” said Margret. “Romayne Page, from Lake Cathie and Byabarra, manages Home and Community Care (HACC) programs in the Hastings and brings valuable insights into the issues of ageing in the regions.

“It is an amazing and exciting time right now to be ‘in the business of ageing’.”

There is so much scope for new career pathways. For example, artists are now being trained to work in hospitals, aged care and dementia programs. Increasingly, retirement villages, aged care facilities, local councils and

reative ageing arts of NSW to establish a department for arts, community services will offer creative health and creative ageing, with plans to programs to encourage healthy ageing and introduce courses from 2013. foster connected liveable communities.

On 17 and 18 April, Arts and Health “Arts and Health Australia has established Australia is presenting two performances two community choirs at Stockland by acclaimed UK actress Miriam Margolyes Retirement Villages in Laurieton and Forster. at the Glasshouse, in a one woman show The Village Voices at Queenslake and Golden entitled Dickens’ Women.

Ponds have become an important part of “We carefully select performances which their local community and often perform align with our mission to promote health for events such as the Healthy Living through artistic expression. To date, conference in Port last year. we have organised a piano recital Members of the choir attest with David Helfgott, a twilight to the physical and mental ce The workforth e e opera concert with Teddy Tahu benefits they derive from is ageing, as areers many voluntho Rhodes and David Hobson singing, such as improved and carers w and now Miriam’s stunning breathing, and they say e ut rib nt co significantly theatrical performance, as that singing together is a to communityd an she takes on 23 different real tonic and good fun.“ ly al ci life so economically. characters in Dickens’ books, “Who would have interweaved with a fascinating thought that at 75 I would account of Dickens’ life. Miriam is be singing in front of a crowd a great advocate of the importance of and hearing the applause,” said one reading, and we know that literacy is a core member of the Village Voices. element in health equality. Port Macquarie In 2011, Margret was named an inaugural Hastings Library will be using the show to Distinguished Fellow of the Society for the encourage people to visit the Library during Arts in Healthcare USA, one of 20 people this year, which celebrates Dickens’ 200th selected from a field of 300 and the only anniversary.”

Australian. She also convened AHA’s 3rd international arts and health conference at In May, Margret heads for Detroit, Dublin the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. and Prague to give presentations on creative In March, Margret is a keynote speaker at ageing and then returns to commence a the U3A State Conference in Port Macquarie, research project on dementia and music which has as its theme ‘The Fountain of Age’. and prepare for AHA’s 4th arts and health conference in Fremantle WA. Margret will share the Glasshouse podium “I am privileged to be working in a field with actress Noelene Brown, Australia’s that I find inspiring and fulfilling and one that Ambassador for Ageing. can make a noticeable difference to people’s Arts and Health Australia is also partnering lives. Besides ... I love it!” with the College of Fine Arts at the University

ART AFTER HOURS Art History Series presented by Art historian & guest speaker

David de Giustino The Sound of Music In Austria, the nuns are going about their daily tasks, but towards evening, it becomes apparent that the postulant ’Maria’ is not among them. Maria is out on the mountain, enjoying nature and ’The Sound of Music’ in the air.

This wonderful story is a classic and is brought to you by an astounding cast from The Players Theatre. Maria, played by the talented Amie Ward (pictured above), is sent out of the abbey to become the temporary governess to the children of Captain von Trapp, played by Steve Harris. The Captain has become a martinet since the death of his wife, and the children live like they are in the army! Maria teaches the children to sing and have fun again, and eventually the Captain joins them, caught by the beauty of the song.

Maria flees back to the Abbey after realising she is in love with the Captain, where the Mother Abbess advises her that the love of a man and a woman is holy and she must reach out to meet life. Maria and the Captain are married in the Abbey two weeks later.

When the Nazis invade Austria, the nuns wish them all God’sspeed, as the Captain, Maria and the children make their way to freedom over Maria’s beloved mountain.

Relax at the end of the day while sipping on a glass of champagne and hear Art Historian & guest speaker David de Giustino expand your undesrtanding of art.

Thursday 8 March, 5.30pm

COLOUR IN ART Join us for an exploration of the use of colour throughout history and explore its cultural, social and psychological implications.

Thursday 22 March, 5.30pm

SIZE MATTERS Discover that size really does matter as we trace the depiction of the human form from ancient Egypt to the 20th century.

Don’t miss The Sound of Music at The Players Theatre.

The Players Theatre Inc C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s 1962 - 2012

Thursday 5 April, 5.30pm

MONSTERS IN ART Come on a journey with the grotesque and surreal creatures which have been an important component of art since ancient times.

Buy all 3 Lectures for 1 FABULOUS price $25 Adult, $22.50 Student, $20 Friend of the Glasshouse Ticket price includes a complimentary glass of champagne or orange juice.

COMING SOON

Single Tickets: $10 Adult, $9 Student, $8 Friend of the Glasshouse Location: Ross Family Studio.

Bookings required.

Educating Rita 20 April – 6 May 2012

The One Act Festival 9, 10 & 11 June 2012

P la y e r s T h e a t r e Box O ffic e 6584 6663 C n r Go r d o n & L ord Sts Po rt M a c qua rie w w w . p la y e rsthe a tre . org. a u

(02) 6581 8888 I glasshouse.org.au Cnr Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie

greater port macquarie focus 27

Greater Port Macquarie

Cover Dish Gourmet Deli Burger with Home Made Goddess Dressing from Ocean Breeze CafĂŠ & Catering.

eat. Dining Guide is now available on the App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 28 greater port macquarie focus.

eat.

Corner Restaurant

Scampis Seafood Bar & Grill

The Corner offers a relaxed and contemporary vibe with a modern Australian menu driven by fresh, seasonal produce.

Have you been to Scampis yet? If the answer is no, then it’s time you enjoyed the ocean views, friendly atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine that is on offer each and every day.

• Delicious summer menu showcasing local produce • New drinks menu, including craft beers and local wine • Afternoon menu available • Exclusively serving Campos Coffee • Listed in 2012 Good Food Guide • NSW Tourism Awards 2011 Bronze Award Restaurants

Friendly Maître d’ Joh Chapman

• Daily board specials • Bar facilities • Takeaway available • Indoor/outdoor dining Bookings requested for dinner time and during the holiday period.

Owners Mark and Jackie Holt

• Follow us on Facebook

Corner of Munster and Clarence Sts, Port Macquarie t 6583 3300 w www.cornerrestaurant.com.au

40 William Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7200

open From 7am - 7 Days. Coffee all day.

open Breakfast from 7.30am Saturday/Sunday Lunch from 12pm Dinner from 5pm - 7 days

Confit Duck with Asian greens and Pear Chilli jam

Caprice Breakfast

Watermans Café We at Watermans café have just changed our menu, and already it’s been a big hit with our customers.

Come and see the unique flavours that the new Watermans has to offer.

For breakfast, offering meals like omelette with pumpkin, spinach and feta and house made muesil with vanilla bean yogurt.

Lunch: BBQ pork salad, with crunchy noodles.

Dinner: our ever popular Tapas platter for two and oven baked chicken breast with pumpkin and shallot risotto cake.

Open Friday and Saturday nights; bookings essential.

Port Piazza Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Port Piazza, overlooking the beautiful Hastings River at Settlement Point.

• $25 Lunch – Includes 2 courses; main and dessert and choice of beverage – tea, coffee or soft drink.

• 2 for 1 ‘Pasta & Risotto Night’ Only $19 Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat – from 5.30pm – bookings essential.

Owners Ren & Farrah

• Breakfast from $4.50 Saturday and Sunday

Co Owner Charlie Piazza

Breakfast from 8am, lunch from 12pm – bookings essential.

Parking √ BYO √ Great Food √ Excellent prices √ By the water

56 High Street, Wauchope t 6586 4242 open Monday - Thursday, 8am - 4pm and Friday & Saturdays Bookings Essential, 8am - 9pm.

168 Settlement Point Rd, Port Macquarie t 6584 2020 open Weekdays from 10am. Breakfast Sat & Sun from 8am.

Lunch 7 days. Dinner Mon - Sat from 5.30pm. greater port macquarie focus 29

eat.

Duckling Legs with special Thai Herb sauce.

Gourmet Deli Burger with Home-Made Goddess Dressing.

Thara Thai Restaurant

Ocean Breeze Café & Catering

Authentic, traditional Thai cuisine done in a modern and extraordinary way!

All dishes are homemade using only the freshest local ingredients.

The restaurant’s ambience is relaxed, and the service is professional.

Tasty soups, salads and appetizers begin your dining experience and tempt your taste buds. Your meal will prove to be an explosion of flavour, by combining the five fundamental flavours of true Thai cuisine: hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter.

Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or coffee and a sweet treat, the Ocean Breeze Café has something for everyone.

Our delicious menu includes modern dishes with local produce, fresh seafood, prime cut steaks and home-made cakes and desserts.

Having a function? We can customise a package to suit your needs, including gluten-free and other dietary requirements.

Kylie and the Ocean Breeze team cater for all special occasions, so come in for a cuppa and a chat today.

B.Y.O. and Home Delivery available. ($5 Wauchope area only – Minimum order $30).

Head Chef Thara Watson.

Shop 1, Timbertown Shopping Village, Oxley Highway Wauchope ( Opp. Timbertown ) t 65 86 1029

Inside Port City Bowling Club 4 Owen Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 1133 open Menu available from 9am - 8pm daily.

Cake and coffee served all day.

open Lunch 11.30am - 2pm Wednesdays to Sunday.

Dinner 5pm - 9pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Off the Hook

Authentic Thai Orchid

Off the Hook is owned and operated by Paul and Narelle Walsh and employs thirteen staff. We offer a great variety of choice: tasty old style hamburgers, snacks, salads and of course, fish and chips. We have added a larger selection of fish to our menu, including our favourite, the Flathead fillets. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after 4pm are our extra special nights; pay just $9.90 for two fillets of fish and chips. We also have a compete selection of Coca-Cola beverages to quench your thirst, including the popular Goulburn Valley milk and juice ranges.

Why not treat yourself and your family to the exotic flavours of Thailand presented at their best. Outdoor and indoor dining areas, traditional and relaxed atmosphere. Dine In or Takeaway available.

Banquet menus available for group bookings.

Fully licensed restaurant - BYOB (wine only).

Home delivery - $30min, fee applies Perfect venue for birthday, anniversary dinners.

There’s nothing better than a meal by the edge of the beautiful Hastings River.

Located along Port Macquarie’s Town Green. t 6584 1146 open 7 days, from 11am - late EFTPOS available, phone orders welcome.

30 greater port macquarie focus.

Chefs Jodi, Rachael and Owner Kylie.

The friendly staff.

2011 Port Macquarie Business awards finalist FINALIST: Best Thai on the North Coast Finalist 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

Next to Rivers Menswear, 4 Bay St, Port Macquarie t 6584 9049 open Tuesday - Sunday, from 5pm.

Owners May and Paul

eat.

Crisp skin chicken breast stuffed with sicilian green olives and brie with champ potato, broccolini tossed with almonds and mustard seed sauce.

Luxe Café & Catering

Zebu bar + grill

The perfect place for morning and afternoon tea, breakfast and lunch, and of course, coffee!

Chef Ben Crompton believes in sourcing local produce to create a delicious range of dishes for breakfast and lunch.

Indulge in our French toast with rhubarb, cinnamon apples and vanilla bean cream, or the fresh prawn and caprese salad.

Summer sessions at Zebu – icy cold tap beers, sensational cocktails, great entertainment and loads of fun food to share and enjoy with family and friends.

Coming Soon - New Season Menu.

Zebu Bar + Grill – serving coastal cuisine from sun up to sunset.

Executive Chef Ben Holloway.

Breakfast - Coffee - Cocktails - 10 Tap Beers Wood Fire Pizzas - Steaks - Seafood - Purveyors of Peak Coffee

CATERING: We cater for all special events, including weddings, corporate functions, private dinner parties and cocktail parties.

Menus can be tailored to suit your event.

Chef Ben Crompton

World-Par Teas - Doppio Coffee - Home-made Cakes

Shop 1, Peachtree Arcade Port Macquarie t 6584 1120 w www.luxecafe.com.au

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.

open Breakfast & Lunch 7 Days

Baked Brekkie

The Cheesecake Shop

Crema Espresso Bar

At The Cheesecake Shop Port Macquarie, along with our famous range of Cheesecakes, Mudcakes and Tortes, you’ll find tasty quiches full of fresh baked ingredients. We specialise in Quiche Lorraine, baked with ham and eggs in true French tradition and Quiche Supreme, with ham, tomato and vegetables, a nourishing meal for the whole family. All our cakes and savouries are baked on premises and made with love.

What better way to start the day than with a cup of your favourite coffee, paired with a delicious free-range smashed egg wrap or hand-cut raisin toast?

Crema Espresso Bar has a selection of iced frappes and smoothies, fresh wraps, sandwiches, salads and a variety of sweet treats fresh daily.

Come and try our home-made gelato!

Our gelato bar is open until 9pm Thursday to Saturday.

Ask about our coffee beans – available for home and offices, ground on demand.

Home of Namaste Chai.

March Special – half a quiche & half a continental cheesecake for $24, available Mon-Fri. Just mention this advert.

11/4 Bay Street, Port Macquarie t 6583 7811 open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6pm & Sundays, 10am - 4pm.

Owner Robbie & Manager Kerrie-ann.

Owner Greg Cacace.

Corner of Horton and Clarence St, Port Macquarie t 6583 9858 open breakfast and lunch.

Gelato Bar- open til 9pm Thurs-Sat greater port macquarie focus 31

“We had an instant attraction to Port Macquarie, and the amazing location of Bliss overlooking the river.”

Fresh Start - Bliss New owners and managers, Tony Caird and Ulrike Arns of Bliss restaurant, are bringing the taste of the Mediterranean to Port Macquarie.

Cedro - all day breakfast Cedro café is serving all day breakfast and lunch daily.

With a range of unique breakfast favourites on the menu, owners Andrew White and Melissa Hurrell offer delicious food and efficient, friendly service.

Some of the menu favourites include the Boston style beans, brioche French toast, breakfast tagine, and of course, the Cedro – poached eggs, bacon, chorizo, roasted local Ricardoes tomatoes, chat crisp potatoes and Turkish toast.

Andrew and Melissa are committed to using the best local, fresh and seasonal produce from the Hastings region. You will find the menu reflects this, with an excellent selection and wholesome hearty flavours. In addition to great food, Cedro café has a large local coffee following, serving Toby’s Estate coffee.

A recent review from a happy customer; “Breakfast Tagine is a killer. Banana smoothie was thick, with real ice cream. If you’re there long enough, wash it all down with a Coopers and great chat with proprietor, Andrew. He’s a great source of local knowledge for any curious traveller.”

Relax and enjoy at Cedro café, Short st Port Macquarie.

32 greater port macquarie focus.

What are some of the things that we will find on the new Bliss menu? Lots of fresh seafood and top quality steak. We are also putting an emphasis on a more healthy style of cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients.

Why did you decide to take on this new venture? We had an instant attraction to Port Macquarie, and the amazing location of Bliss overlooking the river is what made us decide to stay.

Where do you source many of your ingredients? We source as many of our ingredients as we can locally, and we strongly believe in supporting local businesses and using the best quality products.

What do you enjoy about being in the hospitality industry?

It is great to be able to provide people with a dining experience that encompasses good food, great wine and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It’s a thrill for us to be able to speak to our customers and receive such positive feedback about what we do.

What will locals and visitors alike love about dining at Bliss? We strive to give great service with a smile. We actually encourage our wait staff to talk to and get to know our customers, rather than just take orders. Our chef, Brad Gibson, is very creative, so we encourage him to use his creative side to supply something different and exciting for our customers.

Discover - the Beechwood Hotel Come west of the railway this month and discover Beechwood hotel. Experience the hospitality and atmosphere of a true country pub. Enjoy a bite and a pint and support these charities and events during the month of March.

3 March Open Mic at 4pm with Cheryl Hall.

6.30pm Everything but Anchovies playing live.

10 March Beechwood rugby league Sponsors night.

11 March Ladies Salad Toss off, 1pm. Fundraising for Renal Centre Port Macquarie and Beechwood Public School.

17 March Children’s Starlight Foundation Lunch Reunion.

24 March Children’s Starlight Trek 4 Kids trivia night $30p/h includes dinner, country theme, auction and raffles to be held.

25 March Charity Ride for Endeavour House. Supported by Port Macquarie Cycle Club. Starts: 8am at the hotel, BBQ Lunch.

5 April Beechwood Hotel Fishing Club Easter Raffle. Bistro open for dinner between 6pm - 9pm, your choice of chicken or fish and chips for $12 – includes free glass of wine or schooner (special available April 5 only).

Our bistro is open every Friday and Saturday night and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch. We also have home made pizzas all day, every day – just ask at the bar.

Take a hinterland drive and relax at Beechwood Hotel!

focusinterview.

Robbie BLACKMORE

Meet the chef from The Cheesecake Shop Port Macquarie.

H

ow many years have you Quiche Lorraine and Quiche Supreme for been working in the food something savoury! We sell our cakes in full and catering industry? I have sizes and halves and have a special daily treats been working in the baking fridge full of quarters and single slices ready to industry for the last 20 years. go. We also bake to order special celebration I started as a Bakers Assistant in Woolworths cakes for weddings, engagements, christenSettlement City at 16 years old and went ings and birthdays – our slab cakes can on to complete my apprenticeship serve up to 60 people. We also with Bakers Delight in Taree. I have pre-packaged treats such have worked in many bakeras apricot bites, rocky road, ies over the years, with the rumballs and various cooke Our cakes ar ly al dream of one day owning ies. Basically, we have you du vi made indi om fr es is my own. That dream covered. em pr on was finally realised in July scratch, not oneaand What would be your production linted to last year, when my wife favourite cheesecake/ or sp an then tr and I decided to buy The dessert to make and . ld so be Cheesecake Shop. why? I don’t really have a What do you love most about your job? I love baking; I always have, and I always will.

There is nothing more satisfying than being able to produce beautiful cakes, from scratch. To watch them bake in the oven and then decorate them into the finished product is a fantastic feeling. But, the best part is having customers come back and tell you how much they enjoyed them – very rewarding!

What is a typical day? A typical day starts g followed byy with cake preparation and baking, dy for sale. I decoration, making the cake ready also serve customers, take orderss and prepare for the next day.

favourite cake. I love making all of them; that’s why we say our cakes are made on premises with love!

What makes the Cheesecake Shop unique?

Our cakes are made individually on premises from scratch, not on a production line and then transported to be sold. Every cake in our shop has the personal touch, from me, the owner/baker. There are so many delicious varieties to choose from; the quality ingredients p make for fantastic cakes and traditional recipes at affordable prices.

oducts you Tell us about the variety of products have? At The Cheesecake Shop, we make nd creamy continental cheesecakes, light and d until set, in cheesecakes that are refrigerated aked cheesea number of different flavours. Baked cakes: which are a firmer, heavierr cheesecake nt flavours. with a richer texture, in 6 different layered We also have a variety of tortes (layered colate, mudsponges) in both vanilla and chocolate, n meringues, cakes and desserts such as lemon pavlovas and apple strudles. We also make

greater port macquarie focus 33

up, ot der

focusinterview.

Out to Lunch

with Susie Boswell

Cycling, it’s said, is “the new golf”.

Warren Plowright.

As Australia suffers manufacturing, retailing and employment crises, Port Macquarie shares the challenges. Toyota/Lexus dealer Warren Plowright grew up humbly, then earned success over 30 years in his own business. Lunching with Susie, he poses some questions for our future. ort Macquarie’s gleaming car dealerships lining Hastings River Drive are flash for a country town. Spanking new vehicles, sparkling showrooms resembling city-style prestige lots. Port’s been good to the dealers,” Warren Plowright admits in his direct, no bulldust way. It’s 25 years since he set up here, joining the pioneers: “Andrew Miedecke, Bob Todd and John McGuigan were already established when I arrived; I was the new kid on the block. The population was 12,000; there wasn’t even an RTA here.” Plowright had already begun, as the saying goes, to “make his own success”. A mechanic’s son who tinkered with cars as a kid, he left school in the ’60s to become a copyboy at Radio 2GB, head station of a then glamorous national network.

“I’d grown up in Sydney’s western suburbs; it was an opportunity in the Big Smoke.” Eschewing announcing - “You had to go bush to train, the pay was peanuts” - he “went into sales, taking ad agency bookings. I was pretty successful at it and earned a lot of money.” At just 18, already dogged and driven, Plowright had discovered his talent for salesmanship.

Over 10 years he worked his way up to sales manager. Then: “Radio was changing radically, talkback arrived, they moved the goalposts in terms of dollars. I was raising a young family” - eldest child Andrew had arrived, followed by Graham and Jacquelin - “and we’d moved to the Central Coast to buy a home. I’d always had other part-time jobs to put extra money in my pocket, carried trays in pubs at nights, keen to improve myself financially. ”While still with 2GB he tried his skills in some casual shifts at a friend’s dealership on Parramatta Road. “I sold a few new cars. In some ways it was easier selling something tangible. I was commuting daily from the Coast, [plus] you need to do a lot of socialising in advertising … so I quit radio and went selling cars.” Two years later “disenchant-

P

34 greater port macquarie focus.

ed with jumping on a train at 6 in the mornings” he joined a Gosford Toyota dealership.

“By the early ’80s we had a nice home over Terrigal Beach, my older son was 12 and into surfing, but I got itchy feet, wanted to start my own business.” Over the following four years he established himself in a dealership in Leeton, before selling it and buying here in ’87.

Plowright would’ve made an ideal radio presenter: maintaining a relentless dialogue for two hours over our lunch of Blue Eye cod and Asian salad, his dexterous vocabulary, detailed recall, news interest and torrent of opinions The future’s in; reveal a nimble mind. We le our young peop cover a history of the postfrom the local commuep st to they need war motor industry, the rise nity.” the up, see whereto of Toyota (in January, No. t ge , Our talk turns to manucountry’s got e 1 in passenger cars, SUVs th p u facturing, retailing, IR, it further and light-commercials, 55% . er productivity, employment, ladd over its nearest rival) and other the high A$, trade and tariffs Japanese brands, and the Thai, … “The future’s in our young then Chinese, emergence. Plowright people; they need to step up, see prizes the Toyota brand, singles out the where the country’s got to, get it further HiLux for mention: “No. 1 individual imported up the ladder. Buying local? - We can encourvehicle for years, super-duper popular!” Son age people to think about the overall impact of Andrew worked for Toyota after uni, including buying out of town. I can’t tell anyone not to spending two years in Japan with the company. buy on the net; big companies advertise on the He married a Japanese girl, Hiroko, and the net; there’s lots of things you can’t buy locally; couple settled here; their son Felix, Plowright’s consumers are entitled to choice and the right first grandson (joining three granddaughters) price. But it’s a fine line; commerce is a complex turns one on April 1. “Andrew’s the upcoming exercise. You have to show respect for the local GM of the business but we’ve a flat managetrader. The big boys with massive buying power ment structure; the department people, manag- come to town; they employ locals but … to the ers, we’re all as important as one another. We same extent and on the same terms? Do you run a pretty good business” - 38 employees get the service? Or: serve it up, hand it over, - “it’s been good to me over the years.” But: [you] hand the money over [like] the McDon“Last year was one of the toughest years, alds model? It’s disheartening to spend time definitely. Businesses that can generate income talking to someone about your product or serfrom other markets, make something that’s vice and all [the overheads] involved yet quite sold in Sydney, [have flexibility]. Businesses that often it doesn’t translate into a local purchase. find it toughest are those depending on income We need to be able to offer the product, at the

right price. But it’s one thing to consider price: the community needs to think seriously about - I employ apprentices, plumbers, electricians, not only salespeople - what it wants the town to be. We need to think: before I spend this money out of town do I want it to go to the local supplier? How will we buy carpet if there’s no carpet showroom?” Food for thought, I ponder, as just one who’d like a big local entity to patronise my own family’s business instead of the Sydneysider they pay.

My guest declines the last of the chocolates that arrive with coffee. Not impartial to red wine, I learn, or slicing sand at the annual barefoot beach ball, Plowright’s nevertheless an apparently disciplined man, immaculately dressed, whose recreations include water skiing. He’s practising for proficiency in slalom. That’s when you use a single ski, placing one foot in front of the other, so picking up speed dramatically.

Slick-looking in presentation; actually very skilful and smart, requiring diligence, persistence, sure-footedness.

It could be an allegory of Plowright’s career.

No doubt he’ll ace it.

The Out To Lunch series is hosted

by Lou Perri at The Stunned Mullet

focuseditorial.

your local friendly butcher. s a multi-award winning butcher, Pete McWilliams has had vast experience within the food industry, working within abattoirs, quality butcher shops, meat wholesalers and major supermarkets, including managing Coles' largest meat room in Australia.

He has had the pleasure of cutting orders for some of Sydney’s best restaurants, as well as the super stylish and well regarded Donna Hay magazine.

Pete opened for business at Settlement City in Port Macquarie after establishing the leading gourmet butcher in Tamworth, which he still owns and runs.

With his wealth of experience, Pete brings a complete understanding of how to source and prepare the best cuts of meat to provide to his customers.

Pete puts a great deal of thought into providing his customers with new and exciting dishes to put on the table and regularly discusses recipes and ideas with industry colleagues, to ensure he is offering a varied and family friendly range.

He cooks his own ham and bacon on the premises using local pork and a traditional family recipe. Customers are welcome to come and try this delicacy,

A ise Pete’s prom s er om st cu to his tently is to consisem with provide th ality qu st be the le meat at affordab prices.

as he says: “You just won’t find any better!”

McWilliams Quality Meats, located in Settlement City, offers value for money, without sacrificing on quality. They have an ability to suit any budget and as recently discovered, their meat prices are amongst the cheapest in town, when you compare them to other local butchers and leading supermarkets.

In an aim to support local meat producers, Pete sources locally where he can. He sources lamb processed at nearby Frederickton and locally grown beef, which is then prepared on his premises.

Pete also likes to offer his customers some of the best meat in Australia, so he sources natural Tasmanian beef and 100 day grain fed Angus beef, both with irresistible qualities.

As well as top quality cuts, this local butcher offers service with a smile.

“We want our customers to be happy, so if you don't see what you're after, just ask. We’ll slice, dice or mince any product happily, at no extra charge,” said Pete.

Pete’s also in the process of improving his website, so his customers can enjoy the convenience of shopping online, as well as providing meat preparation hints

and tips and delicious family friendly recipes.

As parents of 3 beautiful girls, all under the age of six, Pete and wife Kirrily are all too familiar with the costs associated with feeding a large family.

For this reason, Pete has always strived to be competitive with his prices, while still maintaining the quality of his products.

Recently the McWilliams’ undertook a price comparison survey of local supermarkets as well as other butchers, to establish just how much cheaper they were. The results below speak for themselves.

“We’ve always tried to offer our customers better value, but even we had no idea just how much cheaper we are. Our Premium Grade Mince is up to 50% cheaper than anywhere else,” said Pete.

On top of offering consistently cheap prices, McWilliams’ Quality Meats have weekly specials that are advertised in the shop as well as online.

“We post all our weekly specials as well as VIP Facebook only specials on our Facebook page, so be sure to ‘Like’ our page – as you could save yourself a fortune!” Pete said.

greater port macquarie focus 35

H E N R I

focusinterview.

S eps.

W

You may recognise him as the dentist from the classic ABC television series Mother and Son, but Henri Szeps has many other strings to his bow, being no stranger to both television and theatre. But where Henri’s talent truly shines is in is one-man shows – the latest of which, Wish I’d Said That, he’ll be presenting at the Glasshouse later this month …

hat’s Wish I’d Said That actually about?

I’ve written two previous one-man shows which were autobiographical – about my life. This show is not. It’s about a bloke called Joe Bleakley, who’s a failed actor. He ends up in the Foggadieu Retirement Village, and he decides to entertain the inmates with wonderful features of characters from stage and screen, from roles he’s never played. He wishes he’d said these wonderful words at some stage or another.

Through the course of this performance, we discover other things he wishes he’d said – he has an estranged relationship with his daughter, so he wishes he could’ve said certain things to her.

He’s also cheesed off with things the government hasn’t said at various times and should have!

Basically, it’s a guy looking back over his life, who comes to see the miracle of having been born at all and having a life – it’s extraordinary!

The character Joe, as you mentioned, was not autobiographical, but how much do you actually relate to him?

It’s fantastic, because the character is not related to my career at all, as I’ve managed to become quite well known. But it is amazing that when you’re NOT talking about yourself, you can put in stuff that you’d never really say about yourself – and in that aspect, it comes very close!

It’s really intriguing that I can say things in this show that I would never have dared to say in a show that was about me – like my other shows, I’m Not a Dentist and Why Kids?

I wrote the first one, because I thought it might interest people to find out about that bloke who played the dentist in Mother and Son, and tell the story of the actor and how I came to be playing that role. And after doing that for about 4 years on and off, I thought there’s another half to my life, which is my wife, my children and my home, so I wrote Why Kids?

So now, I wanted to do something quite different, which is why I wrote about this guy who’s always wanted to perform these great pieces of literature – and never has. There a lot of gags in the show, a few songs … I think it’s an insight into getting older, the frustrations and the love.

So where did the idea come from to write 36 greater port macquarie focus.

this story?

I suppose the real genesis here – and I don’t know why I’m talking to you like this … maybe I should be paying you as my shrink! There are real roles that I haven’t played, and I do actually mention them in the show – and that got me thinking. I open with King Lear and scare the audience!

To give the readers a bit of background here, where did the whole desire to act begin with you?

When I was 5 years old I was in Switzerland. I was fostered as a child – I was born in a refugee camp during WWII. My foster family took me in when I was 11 months old. There were It’s about a bloke, a lot of babies falling ill ey called Joe Bleaklr. He and dying in the refugee and of course, he was standing to ac d ile fa a s ’ who u ie camp, and there were ad gg Fo e th right behind me. I copped a ends up in ge, and lla networks throughout Vi t en em tir terrible hiding! He must have Re tertain Switzerland, formed by he decides to enwith recognised himself! And it the inmates the Salvation Army and of was that ability that I gradually es wonderful featur the Red Cross, of families & e ag st m developed and leaned on more fro characters prepared to take in these screen ... and more. I’ve always been able children. My mother had to tell a gag and get a good laugh. me fostered to this wonderful In primary school I did a lot of acting, Lutheran Swiss family – who and even then I felt the connection with the probably saved my life. audience and wanted to do it for a living.

When I was 3, the war was over and my But I actually ended up doing Electrical mother was living back in Paris, which is where Engineering at Sydney Uni, because I wanted she’d lived before the war, and she took me back. to reassure myself and my parents that I wasn’t She had developed an inner ear infection in the going to starve to death! While at uni, I was refugee camp which would never clear up, and doing stand up around the clubs. One thing led she had to keep going back to the hospital for to another, and then I did some stuff for the operations. When I was 4½, she had to go back Ensemble Theatre, which was the turning point. into hospital, and she sent me back to the Swiss Many people would know you from family.

Mother and Son, as it was such an iconic That time around, I remember when I was show. You must have so many wonderful around 5, there were 3 neighbours’ kids sitting memories from that time working with Garry on a wooden fence facing me as I stood in the McDonald and Ruth Cracknell … road, in a beautiful little Swiss village under the I think it was absolutely life changing for all of Alps. I was doing caricatures of some of the oldies us in many ways – me, Garry and Ruth. around the place – and the kids were hanging on Garry was already incredibly famous because to this fence with tears of laughter rolling down of the character Norman Gunston, but he wasn’t their cheeks. I remember thinking that I really regarded then as the incredibly fine actor he is. liked this – being the centre of attention and It was Mother and Son that gave him the bridge giving this pleasure. over into fi ne acting.

For Ruth, it certainly did Then I decided to do a take-off of my foster make her famous; she was well known in theatre, brother, who was 20 years my senior – and I but not well known by the general public. And thought I was doing it rather well! And suddenly it was certainly life changing for me, because I’d – the kids stopped laughing. I turned around –

been knocking around for a long time doing tele and theatre, but never being invited into people’s homes of an evening, and that’s what Mother and Son did for all three of us.

When I first approached the show, I saw a really black comedy, and I thought it was really clever. I thought we’d probably do 7 episodes, and we’d never hear about it again.

But somehow, the show touched something in Australians … that compassion, or even that ambivalence we have when we need to help somebody. Dementia is a tricky thing; it’s difficult.

The show brought this issue into people’s homes and allowed them to look at it, suffer with it, laugh at it and laugh with it. I think what I liked about the show above all, was that it didn’t poke fun of any other groups of people.

Thanks Henri.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

Photo: Natalie Boog.

the plug.

Henri Szeps will present Wish I’d Said That at the Glasshouse on FRIDAY 9 MARCH, 8pm and SATURDAY 10 MARCH, 2pm & 8pm. $39.90 adult, $36.90 concession and groups 6+, $30.90 under 21/student. www.glasshouse.org.au or call the Box Office on 6581 8888 for details.

greater port macquarie focus 37

Timbertown events

June Bronhill - Seniors Week.

Timbertown will hold the most diverse range of events ever held at the popular Wauchope theme park in 2012.

Celebrate Senior’s Week at Glasshouse with a Morning Music ticket to the beautiful The Merry Bronhill Show.

Stunning Art. Fresh Produce The Foreshore Markets in Port Macquarie has celebrated

The events have a unique feel to each and every one; most will cater for camping as well.

Night at the Museum is a family campout to be held several times during the year with a magnificent late night steam train ride, spooky tales of yesteryear and of course a wholesome country feed. Timbertown is truly amazing after dark.

Winter will see the return of Steamfest with some very rare major items attending this year; including collectors from surrounding areas and interstate. To learn, admire the skills and talents of timber craftsman - this weekend in September can not be missed.

All aboard for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Big Timbertown Adventure in October with other Thomas favourites also visiting for the weekend and a themed restaurant, the children will long remember this one!

Finally to wrap up the year the park will host its inaugural Pacific coast Ute muster! Camp Wild will open Friday night with legendary entertainment all weekend, stay tuned for this one. Timbertown is great to enjoy any day of the week - if you’re a local consider buying an annual pass which includes all rides and you can visit as often as you like!

38 greater port macquarie focus.

This delightful show pays tribute to the fascinating life of one of Australia’s finest sopranos, June Bronhill.

June Bronhill was a star in that remarkable constellation of world-acclaimed Australian sopranos — Nellie Melba, Florence Austral, Marjorie Lawrence, Joan Hammond and Joan Sutherland. However June’s natural vivacity steered her career into waters unknown to her operatic peers. Twenty years after her Covent Garden triumph in Lucia di Lammermoor, she was delivering outrageous double ententes in the Australian version of Are You Being Served?

its 1st Anniversary on Westport Park and now regularly brings together more than 100 stall holders selling fresh farm produce, locally made fine food products and an array of stunning artworks and hand crafted treasures by a bevy of local artisans.

This eclectic market on the foreshore of the Hastings River is a terrific way to start a weekend - meeting up with friends, talking with the local farmers and artists or kicking back to enjoy the live entertainment and a great breakfast or treat from the healthy food stalls. Food stalls surround the entertainment precinct where there are chairs tables, mats and hay bales all provided for customers comfort and enjoyment.

The market is open from 8am to 1pm. Regular farm/food vendors include Col and Delilah Amos from Comboyne; George Colvin’s

This show is packed with songs as performed by Joan throughout her long and illustrious career, including selections from The Sound of Music, The Merry Widow, Pirates of Penzance and others.

Meltique Beef, Kere Easton with her magnificent sweet selection,

So join us for a memorable morning celebrating the life of one of Australia's greatest sopranos as we celebrate Senior’s Week 2012 together!

Chocolates.

“June had a diamond-bright voice ... and that indefinable quality of charm that always endeared her to an audience,” said former Opera Australia director Moffatt Oxenbould.

Katrina Barker, Liz Bolin’s vintage clothing and hand made bath oils,

The Merry Bronhill is at the Glasshouse on Monday 19 March, 11am & 2pm. Tickets just $24.50. To book visit glasshouse. org.au or call 6581 8888.

The market is supported by the Rotary Club of Wauchope overseeing

Lyne and Ray Hespe’s take-away food, ice creams and fresh fruit; Pete’s Paella; Jean Davy’s scrummy organic food; Holy Goat and Gypsy Falls Coffee, Ray Scott’s Lorne Macadamia Nuts and Tash’s Baba Lila The stunning art by Deb and Reggie G; Yvonne Keily, and Maureen Hales, and Lynne Bickoff, jewellery by Natalie Kube, clothing by soaps, and creams are just a small spectre of the original artisan work on offer. parking on the day. For further information contact: Sonia Fingleton 0414 376 868 or Necia Waghorn 0401 526 936.

The Delicious Bite is known for their yummy food, fast, friendly service and of course, their big yellow delivery truck.

Did you forget your lunch today? No worries: The Delicious Bite has everything from breakfast to afternoon tea.

Open from 6am - 3.30pm, with lunch served between 11am - 2.30pm.

The team also serve up daily meal special: Mondays Nachos or Penne pasta salad Tuesdays Chicken lasagna Wednesdays Roast veggie salad or fisherman’s basket Thursdays Stuffed spud day or Greek salad Friday Asian chicken noodle or quiche served with your choice of chips or salad.

Open Monday - Friday, The Delicious Bite can also cater for group/office lunches and corporate meetings. Give the team a call today. The Delicious Bite can quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite.

Tell us a bit about your business. Bettaprint Rubber Stamps are, of course, locally owner operated. We supply Australia wide. We are your one-stop shop for custom made, self inking, pre-inked, traditional, date and numbering stamps, as well as inks and pads, name badges and desk and door signs.

What makes your business stand out from other similar businesses? All work is done on the premises, and we pride ourselves on fast, efficient service.

How can potential customers get in contact with you?

We are located at unit 10/35 Merrigal Rd, Port Macquarie (industrial area). You can also call us on 6581 4324, or email us at stamps@bettaprint.com.au or visit our website www. bettaprint.com.au What do you love the most about living and working in Port Maquarie? We started coming here for holidays more than 35 years ago. Now, as retirement age draws near, we decided to settle here permanently and bring our business that we’ve had in Sydney for 25 years with us, as I am just not ready to fully retire just yet.

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existing and new customers.

How long have you been in the industry? My wife and I have had this business for 25 years. We were originally in Sydney, but decided to make the sea change to beautiful Port Macquarie.

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Have you wondered where The Delicious Bite have gone? Well, the answer is nowhere – they have just relocated to an exciting new shop at 144 Lake Rd. Kandy and the team decided that moving to the new location gave them more opportunities to expand their business and cater for all

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greater port macquarie focus 39

40 greater port macquarie focus.

ffocussocial.

with Kate Wood-Foye from Rydges Port Macquarie Lisa Bryant fashioning the Red Dress from Bella Rose Jenny Edmunds and Lauren Charlton from The Westport Club at Ladies in Red. Lucy Licciardello & Meredy Bates.

Patrick and Brooke Wood on their wedding day.

The sea of Red Ladies, in aid of the Salvation Army Fundraiser at Rydges

rustratingly, I am writing this column

F

theme was chosen to celebrate and support the

from the waiting lounge of the

Red Shield Appeal and the logo of the benefiting

domestic airport in Melbourne at

charity, the Salvation Army.

hideously long connecting flight from Sydney to

canapés by Executive Chef, Ben Holloway. Guests

Melbourne, when I should actually be zipping up

enjoyed a fashion show featuring outfits of red

Brooke, who also donated his time and even put

onto the scene – little Summer. Congrats to all

my cocktail dress, slipping on my fave pair of heels

from stores including Saltwater Wine, Foxx Foe,

on a little Whitney Houston for the girls. Thanks

three little families!

and hailing a cab for a fabulous cocktail party

Katies, Noni B and Instyle Footwear, to name but

also to Allison Gallagher and Debbie Cooper of

in Flemington. What’s a 3 hour delay between

a few. The stunning finale piece was provided by

the Salvation Army, Patty Cust, Jenny Edmunds,

got hitched on 4 February at Harry’s Lookout

airlines!

Bella Rose Collections – a breathtaking full length

Amanda Perrin-Sumner, Jackie Lawlor, and Janine

to Brooke Gardener. Brooke was given away by

Jean Fox crimson bridal gown and accompanying

Buesnel and the Port News and EveryBody PT, who

Stepdad Paul and little son, Connor. After weeks

faux hubby in a tux.

were all a major part of the night.

of absolutely torrential rain, the sky gave way

8pm (instead of 5pm!) waiting for my baggage to arrive from a

Instead, my colleagues, who are actually at this fabo cocktail party, are teasingly texting me

Guests were greeted with a delicious Ruby Red cocktail created by Brent Tozer of Zebu, with

The Cake Establishment.

The major prize was donated by the gorgeous

Horwood and Carly Lewis of the Milkbar welcomed little Hazel Jane Horwood into the

Carole Beros of Le Dãin Design, who donated a

world, and across town at Bittersweet Café –

stunning handmade earring and necklace set for

Georgia and Lance Dunn welcomed bundle of

the best dressed Lady In Red.

love, Charlotte Elizabeth Louise Dunn. Bec and

The ladies partied away to private DJ Ollie

Ritchie Baker also recently welcomed a little gal

Congrats to little brother Patrick Wood, who

shots of long, luxurious tables full of sparkling

Three hair and makeup stylists also generously

wine, trying to entice me to attend the soiree

donated their time and talents to the event, with

AMAZING generosity of the Port Macquarie

scorcher for the 100 guests, including much

in the horrendous clothes I am standing in

Graham Scott Hairdressing (under Rydges) and

business community, who really got behind this

loved and slightly eccentric imports from the UK

and leaving my luggage ‘til the morning. After

Jolin Shead from Jolin Style, the lovely Evelina from

event, assisting to raise loads for this local appeal.

like Patrick’s Uncle, Paul Wood. The bridal party

actually considering this for just a moment, I have

Glasshouse Hair & Beauty and Lucy and Kim from

abandoned the idea for a hot shower and some

Lovely Locks Hair & Beauty, all creating amazing

recently held the opening for Frockstars, the

roomservice, after all, the airport cheese and

hair and makeup styles for each of the models.

exhibition showcasing the beginnings of Australian

crackers didn’t really hit the spot.

This really is the party of all of parties, planned

Congrats to Jo and Lucy, who won most

A huge and final thank you also to the

From red frocks to Frockstars ... the Glasshouse

to a beautiful sunny day that turned into a total

travelled in a fabulous stretched Dodge Nitro driven by the gentlemanly Laidley Smith.

Guests enjoyed cheese platters, canapés, a main

Fashion Week – the first regional showing outside

buffet followed by a white and milk chocolate

popular style on the night. Thanks also to judges

the Powerhouse Museum. Entrepreneur Simon

fountain and wedding cake with ice-cream. Patrick

by event planners for event planners – sadly, this

Rafaela Galli from Bluebird & Blossom, Jamie Finn

P Locke certainly put in the hard yards with a

and his bride cut a fine figure on the dance floor

year I will have to pass for a big night in. Not

of Port Day Spa (who also donated all of the spray

generous dose of panache and determination and

with the bridal waltz, to You and Me by Lifehouse.

really what I had in mind for my first night in

tans for the models), Louise Beaumont of FOCUS,

a dash of star power, to pull off a Fashion Week

Congrats to you little brother, and wishing you

Melbourne! Anyhoo! Travel disasters aside – I am

and Rikki-Lee Flanagan of Settlement City, who

outside the typical European centres. This hands

love and happiness always.

glad to be over the border in one of my favourite

judged the best dressed categories.

on exhibition curated by the Powerhosue Museum

I leave you this month with a severe case of travel

captures all the glamour and the creativity behind

envy, with friends heading off to none other than

Lady in Red, with Trish Relf going away with

Australia’s biggest fashion showing, from its

NYC for a trip around the big apple and the US.

Macquarie on Thursday 17 February, with the

the best red shoes and Megan Bessling best red

infancy to its international success today.

Seriously wishing I could be a stowaway in their

inaugural Ladies in Red Fashion fundraising event.

accessories. The stunning flowers in the parade

Nearly 200 women dressed in their most fabulous

were done by Meredy of Glasshouse Flowers. The

reds – cocktail dresses, gowns, super sexy heels

red hot ladies tucked into a fabulous red chocolate

and some amazing red jewellery. The crimson

mud ganache donated by Yvonee Randall of the

places for food and shopping – paradise!

A sea of red hot ladies was unleashed on Port

Congrats to Lucy Licciardello for winning

Congrats to the Glasshouse and FOCUS for such a fabulous show!

Babies, babies everywhere, with little girls the flavour of the month. Local couple, Chris

luggage – nevertheless, clear instructions have been given! Bring back heels! Size 8.5 please! ‘til next month!

Kate.

greater port macquarie focus 41

Take the time to

42 greater port macquarie focus.

Tranquil garden setting The Beantree Café is serving delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch daily. One of the most unique features at Beantree is the tranquil ‘magic’ garden setting, where you can relax among the trees and take time out from your busy day.

Using fresh, seasonal and local produce is what our cooks are passionate about, supporting the local community while only using the best ingredients. We are able to create wholesome and inspirational food by using local, fresh produce, delivered first thing every morning!

A few of the special menu favourites include the zucchini and corn breakfast fritters with grilled haloumi and avocado, the rocket, fig and goats cheese salad, and the Morrocan seared chicken breast and cous cous salad with a saffron yogurt, to name a few. The specials menu changes weekly, so there is always something new to try!

Restricted to a 30 minute lunch break?

We can have your meal ready for you at your requested time if you pre-order by phone or fax.

Functions & Catering: We can cater for up to 60 guests at your next party or function. There is no charge for venue hire if you would like catering

in our beautiful gardens at the café. We also do off-site catering at your chosen venue. Whether it’s a corporate function, kids’ birthday party, engagement or small wedding reception, we can cater to suit your style and taste.

At the Beantree café, we strive not only to serve you a fabulous breakfast, lunch and coffee ... but to also provide you with an unforgettable experience to keep you coming back!

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 7.30am - 3.30pm (lunch served until 2.30pm).

Saturday: 8am - 2pm (breakfast and light lunch served until 1pm).

Sunday: opening soon.

greater port macquarie focus 43

focuseditorial.

jason clifton.

Everyone has their vice. Mine is beer. I have been brewing since I was a teenager, when at 16 my father suggested I help him with his homebrew. Little did either of us know what he was creating.

louperri. from The Stunned Mullet

pleasures

G ing it, and k ping it

It can be extremely difficult to get things right. Sometimes you need to try lots of different things to hit the nail on the head. ut once you find a winning formula,

seems to work and what doesn’t, we mostly

you do your best to stick to it. This

reach a point where we achieve a basic formula

is as true of business as it is of life in

for success.

B

general.

In the restaurant game, we are

constantly trying to nail that state of just about perfect – amazingly delicious food, excellent wine and cocktails, scrumptious desserts, charismatic,

Once this state is achieved, all our energies have to pour into keeping it that way.

Unfortunately though, the uphill battle doesn’t end here …

With experience and longevity comes the

cheerful and efficient staff, great location and

dreaded peril of complacency and the danger of

fantastic atmosphere.

becoming stale and tired.

That about sums it up. From your perspective,

This is just as bad as never getting it right in

that is, the customer’s perspective, this is

the first place and something any business needs

pretty much what most of you are looking

to avoid with all their might.

for. Sometimes you hit upon that amazing

So in order to ensure ongoing wow factor,

combination of factors that make your dining

we basically need to stay on a constant learning

experience exquisitely unforgettable. Once

curve – perpetually creative/experimental, while

you find this state of culinary nirvana, it is the

retaining the tried and tested basics.

experience you aspire to whenever you dine

Which means we will never really get it right,

out. You have found your personal benchmark

because we are still invoking the old trial and

of perfection, and this is the level in which the

error to avoid becoming stale and tired.

bar has been raised to, whether you consciously realise it or not.

Owners or managers of, not just restaurants

Sigh … it’s really just like living on a boat and being slightly seasick the whole time.

And then – to add insult to injury – there’s the

but any small or larger businesses, realise the

old subjective experience theory that comes into

above. We strive to create as close to perfect

play. Even if we get it right once and then you

an experience of customer service that we can.

come back again and we still seem to get it right,

Only through years of experience and countless

it might still not be as right as the time before.

mishaps and failed experiments can we even

This can be for all sorts of extraneous factors.

come close to achieving this, and even then it’s a

Last time was a beautiful summer evening; this

fragile and delicate prize which can be lost at the

time it’s freezing and raining. Or maybe you just

expense of one tiny wrong move.

had a row with the other half, or a bad day at

It’s all about getting every part of the process right. A failure in just one factor of the experience can so very easily taint the whole

work, or you have a bit of a cold or perhaps a headache.

Essentially, it’s almost impossible to nail it

thing. For example – a wonderful night can easily

and then hold onto it. We can learn from our

be soured by say, a mistake with the bill – or

mistakes and put all our energies into creating

perhaps even a terrible coffee after a delicious

something special and memorable for you, not

entrée, main and dessert.

just today, but every time we see you.

Unfortunately, there are so many things that

But at the end of the day, the attainment of

can go wrong with a restaurant experience – so

dining perfection and nirvana is a bit mystical and

many points at which the enjoyment factor goes

mostly unattainable. It seems to be one of those

rapidly south. And we humans are unforgiving

things that happen purely through a bizarre kind

creatures, whom in our ‘glass half empty’

of cosmic pre-destiny – a bit like a total eclipse or

natures, look to focus on what we didn’t like,

a date like 11/11/11.

rather than what we did.

Indeed, for business operators who have been in the game for quite some time and have worked out through years of trial and error what 44 greater port macquarie focus.

The most we can realistically achieve is a night where everything tastes delicious and is served with a smile, in a timely fashion.

The rest, well – it’s up to you!

ure, like everyone else I went through periods where money was more important than drinking good beer, but since then, I’ve taken every opportunity to learn about the process, styles, and flavours of the many different brews available throughout the world. I was lucky enough to go to university to study beer and worked for two years as a professional brewer. I look forward to sharing some of my insights, experiences and knowledge, as together we traverse the beer universe.

Australia is currently ranked number five in terms of beer consumption per capita worldwide. Much of that involves drinking the light brown, bubbly, commercial stuff readily available at all local bottleshops. Sure, we drink a lot of beer, but very few people are aware of the many exciting choices that are produced by breweries other than the mainstream ones.

Fortunately for the dedicated beer drinkers of Australia, microbreweries have been opening at a great rate throughout the country. These are typically smaller operations, brewing less than 100,000 litres per annum. They challenge people’s taste buds and senses and offer exciting, and sometimes outrageous, brews. Many release their creations in line with the seasons, offering refreshing, crisp creations during summer, ideal for enjoying after mowing the lawn, or wholesome rich dark ales for when the fire is lit and it’s dark and cold outside.

These smaller breweries are producing wonderful, flavoursome beers, utilising techniques that resonate back to the farmhouse days, when each property would attract their workers, based on the quality of their beer. A mid-strength beer was offered during the day to keep energy levels, and hence productivity, up. I only wish I could convince my current employer to adopt a similar system!

In today’s microbreweries there is often very little technology employed, and in many instances the tanks and fermenters are modified and customised from old dairy farm equipment.

Filtration of the beer is weighed up against the possibility of stripping valuable taste and flavour properties. Taste and flavour usually win, with many smaller operations not filtering at all.

There are trade-offs, in the form of reduced shelf life; however, the production of smaller batches means that beer is usually sold well within the designated timeframe. And when taste and flavour win, we win!

The challenge for some of the smaller pro-

S

ducers can be consistency. Producing smaller batches, without the aid of flavour enhancers and other corrective measures, often means that there are minor differences between production runs. In the early days, microbreweries struggled to secure public acceptance, as consumers who had discovered a fantastic boutique beer found that subsequent purchases were not of the same standard. There has since been work on both sides of the fence, with microbreweries now producing consistent products and the consumer now aware of the possibilities of small variations when purchasing microbreweries’ products. As they say, a change is as good as a holiday.

I hope that this initial information has been insightful and has sparked a level of curiosity.

In future columns, I will cover topics such as beer and food matching, how to critique a beer and the fundamentals of how they are judged, key ingredients used in the production of beer, and glassware – (which glass to use and why).

There will be a focus on particular styles, their characteristics and how you can get your hands on them.

In conjunction with the column, there is a Beer Appreciation Club. Everyone is welcome, from those who know very little and want to know more, to those brewing from scratch at home. Join the revolution (and club) on Facebook at Beer In Mind. ‘Like’ the page and receive updates about events and new beers to try. Plus, we’ll be hosting regular events where you can learn about some different styles, try interesting beers, meet some like-minded people, and most importantly, have FUN. Beer is for everyone to enjoy (responsibly), and my aim is to arrange informal events to encourage people to share comments, ideas, experiences, and generally pay homage to a fantastic creation.

Beer in mind … it’s only OK to drink bad beer when it’s free!

the plug!

The first Beer appreciation night will be at TGs on 8 March, starting at 7.30pm. The cost is $60 per head, for which you will receive beer on arrival and five-course degustation with beer matching.

Register at beerinmind@gmail.com.

It’s our 1st Birthday!

To celebrate and to thank you for your support, we are offering all our customers 20% off* for the weeks of 19 to 31 March.

off *

Visit our lovely store and see our unique and diverse range of books, gifts, inspirational home decorating pieces, jewellery and European toys. A beautiful setting with great restaurants for coffee or lunch right next door! * excludes all jewellery, Pure, selected artworks and fabrics.

Shop 3, The Observatory Hotel, 40 William St, Port Macquarie (opposite Town Beach)

6583 5022 greater port macquarie focus 45

www.customercareprogram.com.au

NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT Four local customer care endorsed businesses tell us about recent changes or improvements they have made to their business in the pursuit of providing excellence in customer service. Recognising the obstacle and challenges and then finding a suitable solution to help their customers is no small achievement. eir efforts and showcase them to you here.

So, we congratulate them on their

PORT DAY SPA

ROSEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL NMENTAL SERVICES

Obstacle: the ability for clients to

Obstacle: many property owners are not ot

schedule appointments while all therapists were in treatment or a err spa hours. Being a fast paced spa, there are times when it’s impossible to answer every phone call. Although w we e have an answering service and are v very ery y prompt in returning calls, I felt this wa wasn’t asn’t n enough.

aware of the issues regarding regulatory ry requirements for their Development & Building Applications, or general obligations and opportunities with regard ard to on-site wastewater treatment systems. ms.

Challenge: finding a solution that would ould ou ld be effective and easy to use. It wasn’t n’tt practical to have a therapist standing ng by the phone all day, as this would me mea mean ea an taking less clientele bookings.

Solution: online booking! With most now using the internet and being able blle to access it anywhere, at any time day ay y or night, this tool has certainly been a success. It’s simple to use and can be accessed via our newly updated website bs te bsi e or Facebook page. Clients can select ctt what type of treatment they wish to hav have, e what time they’re available, and even n their preferred therapist.

www.portdayspa.com.au

Challenge: supplying our clients with all the information and options necessary for them to make the best possible choices s based on their lifestyle, finances and principles.

Solution: providing a high degree of personalised service, spending time on-site with the client to develop a customised solution to suit their individual dual circumstances.

With our long term local knowledge and d experience, we are able to guide our clients through the regulatory maze, while hile also, where possible, returning control and involvement in the decision making g process.

u www.rosewoodenvironmental.com.au

EAST PORT VETERINARY RY H HOSPITAL O S P I TA L

ROSE’S VINEYARD

Obstacle: to ensure we were successfully

Obstacle: with the opening of our cellar

delivering on the commitment made to the public in our mission statement to ‘Exceed expectations ...’

door in 2008, we made the conscious decision to have the RTA place tourism signs on the Pacific Highway to increase visitation numbers. The RTA asks that certain criteria is met to ensure only suitable venues are signposted, and adhering to these can be quite onerous.

Challenge: to identify what it was our clients really wanted from us. What were the things we did well and what not so well..

If we knew what the issues were, then we could resolve them.

Solution: to convene a ‘Client Advisory Board’. Thirty clients, representing a cross section of our clientele, were invited to participate in a focus group.

The night was facilitated by Australia’s leading Veterinary Management consultant, Dr Diederik Gelderman.

An action plan was developed and executed based on the results of this in-depth survey, to ensure we deliver complete satisfaction.

www.eastportvet.com 46 greater port macquarie focus.

Challenge: these criteria require that what is offered is a tourism experience, rather than just a wine tasting one. To do that, it is required that information is provided on the winery itself and the way the grapes are grown and handled. There should be displays and wine tasting notes.

Solution: we improved our displays and information, to provide a more complete experience for our visitors, and we planted a small vineyard right next to the cellar door, where it is possible to take visitors and show them not only the grapes we grow, but how the differences in bunches and leaves impact on their suitability for growing in the Hastings.

www.rosesvineyard.com

The first round of mystery shopping revealed fourteen top performers, all of whom performed exceptionally well.

In December Customer Care Program’s Mystery Shopping top 14 performing businesses were announced. To refresh your memory, these businesses are: The Observatory Hotel; World Par-Tea; The Roving Trainer; St Agnes Early Education Centre; Ryan Financial; Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services; J R Richards & Sons; Mid North Coast Inclusion Support Agency; Olive Communications; Hastings Family Day Care; Hastings Co-op – Head Office; Hot Graphics; Digital Signs and Printing and C & W Security Doors.

To date eight of these top performing businesses have been showcased and, as promised, this month we showcase the next two. Congratulations!

These top organisations will continue to be promoted throughout the next 3 months, together with other premium local Customer Care members.

HOT GRAPHICS

HASTINGS CO-OPERATIVE

Number of Years in Business: 5 years.

Number of Employee’s: 3 full-time and 3 part-time/contractors.

What services or products does your business supply?

Hot Graphics provides a complete and integrated suite of business identification, marketing and promotional services.

We are able to help a new business to develop a unique, appropriate and effective professional identity – including a visual motif, a corporate colour scheme, stationery letterhead, business cards, s, promotional leaflets and DLs.

few clients we have been unable to fully satisfy have been quick to acknowledge that we did everything possible for them.

Sometimes 100% is just not achievable.

Hastings Co-operative Ltd Head Office.

Number of Years in Business:

How will you be using the mystery shopping reports as a tool to identify training needs for your staff in order to service your customers better?

95 years, as of the 2nd December 2011.

The structured feedback from the mystery shopping reports provides us with an ongoing reminder of the many important elements that have to be addressed if we are to continue to p provide outstanding g customer servic service. ce.

What services or products does your business supply?

www.hotgraphics.com.au

Why did you decide to join the customer care program?

Name of Business:

We decided to join the Customer Care re Program when we realised that the objectives of the program were perfectly ectly aligned with our corporate philosophy. hy.

Like the Program, we recognise that excellent customer service is the key y ful to operating and growing a successful business.

Number of Employees: 10 at Head Office, and we look a er 300 staff and 9,000 shareholders.

service in our staff and recognise them for providing such great service to our valued customers within the Hastings Co-op stores and business centres.

What is your customer service philosophy?

‘Anything is possible for the customer’.

www.hastingscoop.com.au

The Hastings Co-operative operates 3 IGA Supermarkets (2 in Wauchope and 1 in Port), 2 Service stations and a bulk fuel distribution, The Co-op Department Store, Mitre 10 & CRT store, the Rural Store in Comboyne plus 3 liquor stores (2 in the IGA supermarkets) in Wauchope and the Bottle O liquor barn, also in Wauchope.

What benefits has it given you so far?

It gives a great benchmark for customer service in which to aim for and a starting block on which to build upon.

As top performer in the mystery shop, how did you feel receiving your results?

What benefits has it given you so far?

Our clients appreciate our demonstrated ated commitment to customer service. Ourr participation in the Program has given en us the opportunity to mix it with some off the e region’s leading businesses and to learn earn ear n from the best.

We were very happy to receive the top result, and it indicates what we are doing works.

How has the mystery shopping reports helped you to identify training needs for your staff in order to service your customers better?

Of course, this being the real world, we can never perfectly satisfy every single gle client. The important thing is that we really do try our best to do so. Even the he

It gave us the opportunity to reward great

CUSTOMER CARE ENDORSED ORGANISATIONS. Alison Spice Technical Services All About Planning Pty Ltd Animal Doctors BALA Vending Bago Vineyards Bay Street Brasserie, Port Panthers Beachside Medi Spa Beantree Café Bendigo Bank – Port Macquarie Broadway Shoes C & W Security Doors Care & Mobility Cassegrain Wines - Cellar Door Childish Photography COMPASS financial management Culinare @ Modishe Cullens Carpet One & Blinds Port Macquarie De Novo Creations Digital Signs and Printing Direct Advisers East Coast Locksmiths East Port Veterinary Hospital Emergency ID Australia Enriched Health Ezy Video Service

JOIN THE PROGRAM

Family Links Program GPM FOCUS Gillespie Media P/L Glasshouse Glasshouse Hair & Beauty Grahams Mechanical Repairs Hastings Co-Op Head Office Hastings Family Day Care (HFDC) Hire Port Historical Huntingdon House B & B Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd Hot Graphics In Phase Productions J R Richards & Sons Joeys House Occassional Care Centre Jons Family Jewellers Learning Insight Life Express Fitness Centre Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel Maharaja Tandoori Indian Restaurant Majestic Cinemas McWilliams Quality Meats Men at Work Mercure Centro Hotel Mid North Coast Inclusion Support

Agency Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Modishe Espresso Moisture Cure Pty Ltd Mount Seaview Natural Springwater Near River Produce Night Owl Painting Olive Communications Oxley Hwy Veterinary Hospital Oxley Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd Party Professionals Pty Ltd PC Pitstop PC Pitstop Peak Coffee Petstock Port Macquarie PMHC - Customer Service Unit PMHC - Customer Service Unit, Laurieton PMHC - Customer Service Unit, Wauchope PMHC - Water Supply Port Badges and Engraving Port Fresh Seafoods Port Macquarie Day Spa Port Macquarie Golf Club Ltd Port Macquarie Growers Market Port Macquarie Panthers

Port Macquarie Trophies Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port Macquarie-Hastings Library Services Port’s Mister Whippy Remondis Pty Ltd Restaurant Synergy, Mercure Hotel Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Rose’s Vineyard at Innes View Rosewood Environmental Services RSPCA NSW (Port Macquarie Adoption Centre) Ryan Financial Rydges Port Macquarie Sara’s Kitchen Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Seabird Swimwear (Soft Edges P/L) Sensory SMART OT Spoilt Diva St Joseph’s Family Services (SJFS) Business Services St Joseph’s Preschool and Long Day Care St. Agnes Early Education Centre

Stihl Shop Port Macquarie Telegraph Retreat B & B Guest House The Corner Restaurant The Little Brewing Company The Observatory Hotel The Other Chef Fine Foods The Rainforest Café The Restaurant at Cassegrain The Roving Trainer Tile Rescue Port Macquarie Touchwood Flowers Trademark Building Supplies Travelworld Wauchope Vast Interior Verde Bamboo Watermans Café Victoria’s Costume Hire, Model Agency & Personal Styling Wendy’s – Port Central Willing & Able Foundation World Par-Tea Wyndham Resort XS Food XYZ Support Zebu, Rydges

If you would like to enquire about becoming part of the Customer Care Program or if your organisation was previously an endorsed member of the Customer Care Program and you have not expressed your interest to continue with the new and improved membership, please contact Rachel Ross on 6581 8036 or email rachel.ross@pmhc.nsw.gov.au to reap the benefits. greater port macquarie focus 47

coffscoast

weddingfeature

COFFSCOAST Ceremony, reception and accommodation at one venue.

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Romantic setting, stunning backdrop, breathtaking views ... this is the idyllic weddings destination, where World Heritage mountain areas, beautiful beaches and Marine Parks lie side by side. It’s where your wedding memories will last a lifetime.

On a boat, in a chapel, amongst rainforest vines, in a spectacularly themed venue, or perhaps on the beach ... Coffs Coast is a blissful location to start your married life. Whether it’s a romantic and intimate occasion or a gala celebration, there is a beautiful venue for your ceremony or reception. To help celebrate your new life together, we can offer awarded jewellers, creative photographers, beauty specialists,

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From a sunset sail through the Solitary Islands to being surrounded by hundreds of butterflies, strolling amidst tropical flowers to being showered by crystal waterfalls, not only is this a honeymoon destination that most could only dream of, but with over 101 things to do on the Coffs Coast, your guests will be as excited about your special occasion as you are.

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wedding.

our fantastic activities and facilities. Play a game

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golf on our 9 hole course, or simply unwind with a

of theming. Our licenced restaurant, Ponds Café,

stroll on the beach or swim in the pool and spa.

comfortably seats 70 people, or the Atrium

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48 greater port macquarie focus.

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enquire today on

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TWEDDINGS COFFS

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weddings Married by Sam. M Myy name is Samantha Dawson, and I am a professional Marriage M Civi Civil Celebrant appointed by the Attorney General’s Office and have completed the latest legal requirement of the Certificate IV in C Celebrancy. I promise to bring to you my own style of fun and enth enthusiasm, with a light hearted, yet highly professional attitude to all our dealings together.

My services include: Weddings, Same Sex Commitment Ceremonies, Naming Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows, all life celebrations from birthdays to anniversaries.

My fee includes: supply and lodgement of all legal documents, telephone and email consultations as required, a powerful high quality wireless PA system, ensuring everybody can clearly hear the entire ceremony, application forms for the official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages and Name Changes, the legally required brochure Happily Ever Before and After, as well as the Keys to Living Together DVD. A sample booklet providing a clear and simple ceremony structure with different vows, readings, closings and ring exchanges to choose from is also provided ...

A professional laser printed Marriage Certificate, beautifully printed copy of your wedding ceremony, secure and confidential record keeping, a full rehearsal, so you can feel confident on your wedding day, Celebrant arrival at least 45 minutes prior to ceremony time, supply of signing table and tablecloth and featherpen if required.

RSVP Bridal.

Since opening in 1995, RSVP Bridal, located at Coffs Harbour Jetty, has been supplying local, statewide, national and international ladies with stunning and unique bridal, formal and party wear for all occasions.

Locally owned and operated, the number one priority at RSVP is providing helpful and friendly service in a relaxed environment. All staff pride themselves on a very high level of customer service and always do their very best, assisting customers in selecting one of the most important purchases of the wedding, ‘THE DRESS’!

RSVP Bridal is an authorised retailer, and all gowns are authentic from the actual designer; this ensures you are getting exactly what you order. Labels include Alfred Angelo, Brides Desire, Paco PM and Henry Roth. Our brides to be are surprised at the low prices of our gowns – particularly given the intricate details on some of the gowns, with prices to suit all budgets, from $250 to $2,600 and flexible payment and layby terms.

An on site alterations service is offered to all of our customers, with a seamstress who has been altering bridalwear for over 25 years.

Along with Bridal, Formal and Racewear, RSVP now stocks an affordable range of party dresses from $50. So for that next night out, make sure to check out all that RSVP has to offer!

InStylee W Wedding & Formal.

I St l W InStyle Wedding d & Formal Services was created in 2008.

Specialising in hair, makeup and beauty treatments with the convenience of a mobile service, InStyle can deliver stress free beauty solutions for weddings, formals, special occasions, photo shoots and more. With a professional and friendly team of qualified hairdressers, makeup artists and beauty therapist, it couldn’t be easier to look your best using the InStyle team.

To achieve a beautiful flawless finish, InStyle uses quality products such as Napoleon Perdis and Natural Compatibles makeup. InStyle makeup artists will make your eyes stand out, sparkle and look healthier. Whether you are after a natural look, a glamorous look or a classic look, they will have you looking your best.

If you want to get to your special occasion on time, contact InStyle for a professional, friendly, affordable service from Yamba through to Macksville. Testament to their excellent work is provided through regular testimonials from happy customers.

“Our wedding was fantastic. My makeup looked great right up until we left the reception at 11.30pm. No shine in sight ... just perfect. And Andrea, my hair didn't move an inch in all the wind we were subjected to on the beach during the photos. I just loved it and was sad to take it out.

Thank you so much, Nicole and Andrea. I couldn't have asked for better.” Kristy – Wedding at Sapphire Beach.

greater port macquarie focus 49

focusinterview.

A S S I S TA N C E

Assistance Dogs provide independence and freedom dom plus great companionship for people with physicall disabiliites who are not able to do everyday activities such as open and close doors, pick up dropped items and press the buttons at traffic lights.

A

ssistance Dogs organisation currently has 50 highly intelligent puppies at-the-ready waiting to be trained as Assistance Dogs for people who have a physical disability. Top Dog and CEO of Assistance Dogs Australia, Richard Lord, talks about the organisation’s urgent appeal to train its new puppies ...

Assistance Dogs Australia trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to help people with physical disabilities. Tell us about your work?

Assistance Dogs Australia is a tiny but national charity that trains Labradors and Golden Retrievers to help people with physical disabilities.

We all know how important our four legged friends can be, but just imagine if you needed them to help you with everyday tasks as well. Assistance Dogs do exactly that, acting as the hands and arms of people in need and opening the door to a life of freedom and independence.

Our fantastic Assistance Dogs are trained to help their team mates in all sorts of ways – by picking up dropped items, pressing the button at the traffic lights, alert barking or getting the phone if their team mate is in trouble, and even unloading the washing machine! They are a constant companion providing love and companionship and smiles with just a wag of their tails.

Assistance Dogs Australia currently operates without ongoing government funding and relies heavily on volunteers and sponsorship. Each dog is an investment of over $26,000, and it takes 2 years to train each puppy; however, dogs are placed with their recipients free of charge. Recipients include people who were born with developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida, people who acquire debilitating illnesses later in life, like Multiple Sclerosis and those who have been injured in tragic accidents and will never walk again.

How did you become involved with the organisation?

About nine years ago, I saw a job ad in my local paper advertising the position at Assistance Dogs Australia. I had never heard of Assistance Dogs, but due to my special education and charity background, I jumped at the opportunity. I met the founders and saw what they had achieved with 50 greater port macquarie focus.

Facility Dog and a Companion Dog? the 3 staff. The organisation had a great feel, and I Service Dogs – these dogs have full public could see a blue sky opportunity to help many more access rights. These dogs increase independence people with disabilities around the country. by performing practical tasks for people with Why are the Labrador and Golden Retriever physical disabilities, while also providing love and breeds chosen to specifically do this sort of companionship. They assist their recipients by work? opening and closing doors, pressing the button Assistance Dogs Australia trains Labradors and at pedestrian crossings, retrieving all manner of Golden Retrievers because of three reasons: dropped items, paying the cashier at the shops and They are the number one big pet dogs in the even retrieving bottles of water from the fridge. country, so most people have experienced them.

Companion Dogs are trained in a variety of The general public have a lot of confidence with surroundings and circumstances to enhance the Labs and Goldies, and accept them into the quality of life for people with physical disabilities by community. This makes it easier for the team, the providing interactive tasks and love. For example, person and their assistance dog, to access public they can increase motor skills for young children places with their service dog. to help overcome their disability. These dogs are They’re easy to train, because they love food! primarily for children, those who need additional Assistance Dogs Australia only uses positive care and people who only need a helping paw reinforcement methods, and much of that includes when around the house, as they do not have full giving food rewards. Also, these dogs are gentle public access rights. natured and love being with people.

Facility Dogs are placed in residential How does a person with a physical or day-program facilities to benefit disability qualify and apply for the residents through enhancing a Service Dog? Assistance Dogst emotional and physical wellThe first step is to fill in ea gr Australia takes g being. These dogs are trained an application form on our in ch at m care in of to support residents in the website, which should the personality the the applicant to eir facility. They are not trained be accompanied with a personality of the to support the residents for recommendation from nc ta sis future As sure community access; therefore, a medical professional Dog, so we can en a perfect working are not trained to travel on and photographic or video relationship. public transport or support the evidence of a suitable home recipients in public settings. environment for a dog. After the Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs application is processed, the person do very important but distinct work. will be interviewed over the phone by Tell us about this?

Assistance Dogs Australia staff and then receive an Assistance Dogs Australia trains dogs to be the in person interview. hands and arms of people with physical disabilities, Once they are accepted, they are placed on a rather than the eyes. Assistance Dogs do physical waiting list. Assistance Dogs Australia takes great tasks for their team mates, opening and closing care in matching the personality of the applicant to doors, helping them to get dressed and even the personality of their future Assistance Dog. getting bottles of water from the fridge.

When the recipient receives their Service Dog, For Port Macquarie residents, tell us what is they need to pass a public access test together. involved in raising and training a dog?

They do this test yearly with Assistance Dogs Assistance Dogs is sniffing out volunteer puppy Australia, to ensure they can maintain their public raisers to take care of our super puppies for the first access rights as a team. fourteen months of their training and socialisation.

Applicants for service dogs need to be over For the first six months, pups and raisers attend eighteen; however, companion dogs can be placed Kindergarten training classes once a week with with children as well. an Assistance Dogs Australia Instructor and then What’s the difference between a Service Dog,

once every two months for the remainder of the 18 months. We encourage puppy raisers to take the pups everywhere, so that the pups are socialised in a range of community settings. They can go to shopping centres, the supermarket, on public transport, to the cinema – everywhere! If puppy raisers go on holidays etc. we also have puppy sitters to look after the dogs while they are away.

If you can’t take on the full-time commitment but would like to get involved, you can volunteer as a puppy sitter taking care of super pups when their raisers go on holidays.

Puppy raisers and sitters do not have to cover any costs related to raising a dog. Assistance Dogs Australia supplies food, a crate which acts as a bed and a training unit, tick and flea treatment and all medical costs, such as vaccination, de-sexing etc.

Puppies need to spend most of their time with raisers and sleep inside. They cannot be left for more than three hours at a time.

To get involved or find out more about training programs: You can contact Assistance Dogs Australia by emailing info@assistancedogs.org.au or by calling 1800 688 364. You can visit our website at www.assistancedogs.org.au Thanks Richard.

Story by Karen Fowler.

Innovative by design A team of talented Scandinavian designers shoe production process, quality inspectors is behind ECCO’s innovative and complex control every aspect – from stitching accuracy collections. Making the best starts with to leather thickness – to ensure high quality and design – appearance is important, but uniform products. never taking away from the shoe’s The Colonial Cobbler is proud to have principal function, to protect a new range of ECCO shoes now and transport. ECCO shoes in stock and available in a variety e ng The new ra are designed to set the foot is s oe of colours. From comfortable sh of ECCO free – designed to move d an fy m co r walkers to patent black and pe su you. super stylish inof workwear styles, there is a a wide variety ed to All ECCO designers have shoe in store to fit your taste colours design one thing in common: they and style. fit your style. stop at nothing to make The design and quality of the every new shoe a work of ECCO brand is outstanding and art that puts technology in the highly recommended for those looking service of nature. All materials and for super comfy, super stylish footwear! leathers are controlled and tested to guarantee Come and check out our unique range of ECCO that they meet ECCO’s quality requirements before entering production. Throughout the

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greater port macquarie focus 51

focusinterview.

Christine CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER

We all want to live in a safe community, and Christine Bannister, Crime Prevention Officer for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, advocates reporting crime – no matter how minor the incident – as accurate reporting helps to set preventative measures in place ...

T

ell us about your role as the CPO? The Crime Prevention Officer performs a number of roles within Council and the wider community.

When working alongside the community, my role is to help determine what some of the contributing factors may be in relation to preventable crime and to work on developing strategies to reduce or resolve these factors.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area is a safe place to live, work and play, but like all areas, there are things we can do to improve safety and reduce crime. Sometimes it is because we live in such a safe area that we can become a little complacent, which creates a perfect environment for some types of crime to happen. This may include, for example, the habit of not locking your car, which may sound like common sense to some people, but surprisingly is an all too often occurrence.

Within Council, my role takes on a different dimension and for the most, part focuses on the future use of the built environment and public space. This includes providing crime risk assessments on new large public and commercial developments, reviewing liquor licenses and being involved in future planning for public spaces such as parks and reserves. We know from experience that when we consider factors such as good natural surveillance and clear definition space, that some crimes are reduced. This may include making sure that vegetation does not create concealment opportunities and that people who come to use public spaces are clear about the intended use of that space.

What are some of your objectives as the CPO? Often people think of Police or courts when it comes to crime, or social factors that are beyond the ability for the average person to change.

A significant proportion of crime, however, especially at a local level, is best described as 'opportunistic crime'. This type of crime is usually not planned, but rather is committed by a person or persons who observe an opportunity. An unlocked car or a handbag in a shopping trolley provide the right amount of temptation that might lead to a spur of the moment incident. A part of my role is to work promoting a greater awareness about the need to be more vigilant with belongings, which may be through the use of signs, awareness campaigns and information.

52 greater port macquarie focus.

Another example of crime that is more situational rather than opportunistic is assaults, more often than not, are by people who are intoxicated and loitering in the CBD during the night, especially Friday and Saturday. Projects such as the Nightrider bus assist in getting people home after leaving licensed premises after midnight on peak nights, thereby reducing the number of people hanging around.

Working to clarify misconceptions about crime also is another key objective of my role as Crime Prevention Officer both in relation to frequency and type. It is not uncommon to hear comments about how crime has grown Within Councail, significantly or is much worse y m role takes onsion presently than it has been different dimen ost and for the mon in the past. While it is true the s se cu part, fo built that over the past 10 years e th future use of and t crime has risen in a couple of en nm enviro areas, for the most part crime public space. rates are relatively stable. One have great value but are small strategy that has been developed in size and easier to conceal. in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Products that are particularly Council’s Draft Crime Prevention Strategy, popular at the moment for thieves include has been the running of a number of forums that GPS devices, mobile phones and MP3 players and have been held in Wauchope, Laurieton and Port iPods. Other items which are also very popular, Macquarie. These forums were jointly run with particularly from residential properties, include Police and presented data about actual current cash and alcohol. crime trends for the local area. Armed with acOf these crimes, it seems many are under curate information, local community members are reported. Why is this, and what can we do to better equipped to help work towards reducing report them? actual crime, rather than fearing crimes that are Under reporting of crime is often due to a not occurring. range of reasons. Sometimes, particularly with What are some of the most common crimes minor crime, members of the community may be encountered in our area? reluctant to report crime based on the view that Crime trends have a tendency to fluctuate all Police have enough to contend with dealing with the time. There are, however, a couple of areas the more serious crimes. Police, however, are inthat have been identified as local priorities, which terested in hearing about all crime. In the instance are assault and stealing. Assaults, especially of minor crimes, there may not be an immediate alcohol related assaults, have been a concern for physical response, as this is not required, but if a number of years – particularly of a night and these crimes are reported, ideally to the Police Asweekend. A range of strategies have been develsistance Line (PAL), then information is captured. oped in relation to this, including two strategies Another reason some people are reluctant to implemented through the Hastings Liquor Accord, report crime is concern about reprisals or ‘pay the 12am lockout and a ‘no shots’ policy, both of back’. If this is the case, then anyone wishing which seek to reduce intoxication. Other strateto report a crime can talk to Police and let them gies include the Nightrider, which was mentioned know that they are fearful about repercussions. earlier, the use of security and increased policing Police will then take this into consideration when in identified areas. responding, to ensure that the source remains The second category of stealing has increased confidential. Crimes can also be reported to marginally over the past 10 years, which has been Crime Stoppers if confidentiality is an issue. The made easier with the increase of products that Crime Stoppers number operates 24 hours a day,

7 days a week and can also be used when you may have concerns about a potential crime or a cause for suspicion.

Why is it important to report crimes?

When the community works together to report crime, Police are able to develop an accurate picture of what is occurring in each neighbourhood and in response, can plan resources around these identified crimes. Like a puzzle, it often takes a number of pieces coming together to form an overall picture.

Are there any upcoming programs or initiatives happening for Crime Prevention?

At present, the number one project is to encourage the reporting of crime, which also includes promoting the three key numbers that the community should use when contacting Police.

Other initiatives includes Serial Number Recording Sheets and a range of fact sheets that provide information on how to reduce crime in your home and vehicle.

Any final comments?

Crime prevention is about working together as a community to reduce crime. Ideally, it would be great to eradicate crime altogether, but this is not realistic. Unlike your super heroes on the screen and in comics, I am an undies on the inside person. One person or small group working alone can make some inroads, but working together is a much more effective way to improve the safety and amenity of our local community.

Thanks Christine.

focuseditorial.

Crime Crime prevention is the responsibility of the entire community, and it starts with the diligent reporting of crime to police. ort Macquarie-Hastings Council works in partnership with local police to promote community education and awareness about the importance of reporting crime and antisocial behaviour that can impact on the quality of life of local residents.

P

Council’s Crime Prevention Officer, Christine Bannister, said the Report It, Don’t Ignore It crime prevention campaign aims to provide residents with a crime reporting checklist that empowers individuals to be more vigilant and report incidents of suspicious behaviour or criminal activity.

“Sometimes we can become desensitised to antisocial behaviour and crime or are reluctant to report crime, because we fear there may be consequences. Often we think a crime or incident is too minor to report,” Ms Bannister said.

“However, what reporting crime does, no matter how serious or minor, is provide police with invaluable information to create a picture of criminal and antisocial activity in our area.

From those details, we can ascertain whether

particular areas, neighbourhoods, public spaces are hot spots and where police resources need to be focused.”

Use this checklist as a guide to record the information you need to provide to police.

Write the information down and keep for your own records and for future reference. Be sure to ask for an Event Number from the police.

When did the incident occur? If the exact date and time is not known, provide a time range when you think the incident most likely occurred.

Describe the ci in dent. What do you think you happened? If event, witnessed an t you describe wha e you saw. What mad suspicious?

Where did the incident occur? Provide the nearest cross street to help police find the location. In rural areas, provide directions from the nearest village and any key landmarks.

What was stolen or damaged? Note the serial numbers of items stolen or damaged. It’s a good idea to make a list of serial numbers •

•

•

•

•

•

of your valuable items.

If a car was stolen or damaged, be ready with the registration, make, model and colour of car.

What did the offender look like (if known)?

• Male or female; Approximate age; Approximate height and build; Complexion, any facial hair; Eye colour, hair colour; Hair type (e.g. short, curly, long, straight); Distinguishing characteristics (e.g. tattoos,

scars); • Clothing, jewellery.

Describe the incident. What do you think happened? If you witnessed an event, describe what you saw. What made you suspicious?

Was there a vehicle involved in the crime incident? What was the registration number, make, model and colour of the vehicle?

Please be ready to provide your contact details, including your name, address, date of birth and phone number.

Make sure you ask for an Event Number from the police for future reference.

Crime prevention and community safety starts with you WHY DO YOU NEED TO REPORT CRIME? Reporting crime allows police to piece together the real picture of crime in our community, sends a message to offenders that crime is treated seriously and may act as a deterrent. The community can sometimes develop a high tolerance to crime or are reluctant to report issues, considering them too minor to report or thinking there is nothing the police can do.

COMMUNITY VIGILANCE IS THE KEY TO CRIME PREVENTION In many cases, minor offences may indeed not warrant a police presence. However, reporting crime, no matter how trivial it may seem, will ensure that police statistics reflect the reality of crime in a community. A series of unreported minor events could eventually lead to the emergence of a crime ‘hot spot’. If a community is more vigilant and consistent about reporting crime, emerging trends are identified that allow the police and other stakeholders to take action before the crime becomes more serious.

REPORT IT!

n

Police Assistance Line (to report non-life threatening crime) ....................... 131 444 Crime Stoppers (to report criminals/suspicious behaviour anonymously) ...... 1800 333 000 Port Macquarie Police (if you require attendance or advice 24 hours) ........... (02) 6583 0199 Laurieton Police (if you require police attendance or advice) ........................ (02) 6559 9044 Wauchope Police (if you require police attendance or advice) ....................... (02) 6585 1404 EMERGENCY (for life threatening situations or crimes in progress) ............... 000

greater port macquarie focus 53

focusinterview.

Coral Aitchison.

Working 48 years as a nurse (RN) – 34 of o those with Port Macquarie Private Hospital, there’s no doubt Coral Aitchison loves her job. This dedicated health dh lth worker k shares her insights into the changes she’s witnessed in the nursing industry over the course of her career, as she prepares for her well deserved retirement later this year ... i Coral. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I came to Port Macquarie with my husband soon after we were married in 1974. He worked as a Radio Announcer for 2KM. I worked for 4 years at the Hastings District Hospital, then took up a position at the Port Macquarie Private Hospital in 1978. I am now into my 34th year of service there.

What are the various roles you’ve held at Port Macquarie Private Hospital?

When I started, we were called ‘Sister’ – now we are called a ‘Registered Nurse’. One of my roles was as the Deputy Director of Nursing (Matron) for 14 years. I have worked mostly Medical, Surgical, Post Natal and Rehab.

After 40 years of nursing, I decided to return to the ward as a Registered Nurse. I gradually reduced my working hours and now work 3 days a week, two of these in the Pre-admission Clinic doing Orthopaedic and General Surgical Admissions and one day back on the ward.

What prompted you to think about a career in nursing?

As a child, when my parents took me along with them to visit a family member in the local hospital, I found myself fascinated by the nurses going about their duties and how they cared for their patients. My older sister was a nurse, and I knew this was going to be my career.

I completed my General Nursing at Muswellbrook District Hospital and Midwifery at King George V Hospital in Sydney. After my Midwifery training, I stayed on at King George V for 12 months working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Ward.

My next move was to Merriwa District Hospital, where I worked for 4 years, becoming the Deputy Director of 54 greater port macquarie focus.

Nursing at 24 years of age. Being young, I newborn into the world. t I’ve seen a lo wanted to see more of Australia, so I moved to How much has the Private t of sadness, bu h uc Alice Springs, where I worked for 12 months Hospital changed since you m so en also se d joy in Maternity and the Neonatal Nursery. While first started working there? happiness an when – especiallyed there, I learnt a lot about the lifestyle and The Private Hospital had 50 I have help boto culture of our Aboriginal people. beds when it opened in 1978. rn w bring a ne ld.

From here, I went to Moree, where I worked As the demand increased for into the wor for a few months at Moree Hospital, before more beds, another 12 private moving to Port Macquarie 38 years ago. rooms were built, then a further 16 What are some of the major changes you’ve private rooms were added a few years experienced in your career over the years? later. P.M.P.H. now has 69 beds and offers When I started nursing, we had a lot of cleaning/ specialised services with Rehabilitation, Renal Chairs and catering duties, as well as our hands on nursing duties. a High Dependency Unit.

The meals came to the wards in a bain-marie, and the Would you still encourage people to take up nurses served each portion to the patients; we also served nursing these days? Do you still think it’s a valid and suppers to the patients. rewarding career choice?

Testing a urine was a real challenge; now it is done Definitely. I trained in the hospital system, and we had with a dip stick. Medications are always changing. the advantage of being paid during our training.

I enjoy working for Ramsay Health; the changes they Today, nurses have a university degree and only get to have implemented at Port Macquarie Private Hospital spend a few weeks a year in the hospitals doing work have improved working conditions for the better. placement.

With better equipment to work with now, our I would like to see the students spend more time in the workload is so much easier – particularly with improved workplace. There are so many opportunities for further Occupational, Health and Safety measures now nursing studies today; you can specialise in all areas of implemented in our hospital and a no lifting policy. nursing.

What has been the most rewarding part of your After a 48-year career, you’re thinking of retiring. career? The contact with people?

What plans have you made?

Yes, I enjoy the contact with my patients/customers I hope to travel more, also continue to join my and colleagues, and I believe it is very important for us all ‘Lunchalot’ friends for our weekly lunches after Pilates to greet each other with a smile and a “Hello, how are and become more involved with the Breast Cancer Group you today?” introducing ourselves to our patients. I’ve in our local area. I’m sure I will keep busy. seen a lot of sadness, but also seen so much happiness Thanks Coral. and joy – especially when I have helped to bring a Interview by Jo Atkins.

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60 greater port macquarie focus.

focusinterview.

Simon Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Why do we sterilise needles before a lethal injection?These are just some of the randomly funny and insightful questions asked by local author, Simon Mitchell. Simon’s book, It’s a Funny Old World, is a journey of discovery. And Simon’s thirst for knowledge and answers doesn’t stop there, with even bigger projects now looming on the horizon …

I

t really is a funny old world, Simon, because I discovered your book after you sold a copy to my aunt, when you were travelling around and selling your work door-to-door – who in turn passed it on to my mother to read. So now I’m interested in the author of It’s a Funny Old World … how did you come to Port Macquarie?

I came to Port Macquarie about 6 years ago.

I’d only been married for 3 days, and I’d had a phone call telling me my dad, who lived in Kempsey, had a blood clot in his lung. I drove up to see him in hospital … and to cut a long story short, he died a month and a half later of lung cancer.

At the time, my wife didn’t know she was pregnant with our twin daughters. We hired a truck and moved all our goods here from Bondi, and we’ve been here ever since. It was a very sad time in my life – but also a happy one, as we’d discussed moving to Port Macquarie regardless of the outcome with my dad.

Where did the idea come from to write and self publish It’s a Funny Old World?

Ever since I was born, I had the bug to write a book. Dad had always been my proofreader for all my work – and I’d often made it half way through a work, and then become annoyed with it and packed it away for a while.

One day, I decided I’d met so many funny and interesting people and collected so many stories, I decided to turn the 25 feet of paper I’d collected as notes into a book that would be funny and relevant to everyone.

The only way I could incorporate all of these stories into a book was to remove the plot and description associated with most literature and invent a character called Bob Bobbin.

So – what, then, is the book about?

It’s a funny look at all the things we have a laugh at, but don’t have time to jot down. It’s cynical, Australian and a satirical look at all the things we take for granted … but at the same time, it’s more relevant to everyday life. The book tells a lot of funny events (which didn’t all happen to me!) and we come out of the other end of the tunnel and hopefully, and it throws up the idea of whether we really need

a Hitler at one end of the scale or a Ghandi at the other … if every little Bob was doing the right thing, would the world be a better place?

It lets us look at our own outlook on life ...

You said that not all of the experiences in the book were experienced by you, but how much of this book is autobiographical? Is Bob really you?

Yeah – Bob’s me (laughs). It is me … but at the same time, it didn’t really all happen to me.

Everyone tells you funny stories, and some of the things happened to mates as well, under the alias of Bob Bobbin.

It’s as much a recolI’d met so manying lection for me, as it rest funny and inteed is a funny story for to id ec people, I d other people. f o et fe 25 turn the What prompted ed as paper I’d colleoctok that’d you to up stumps, notes into a b relevant pack the car and be funny and (Laughs). The girls were travel around Austo everyone.

7 months old at the time. tralia with the family We came back home when to sell your book? they were a year and a half old.

In 2006, when I received I had to sell books like wildfi re! The the first edition of the book, I girls needed to have their bottles warmed took a trip to Coffs Harbour one day and food pureed – we had to stay in cabins, and floated around the shops. I wondered if mostly, along the way. We couldn’t really have people would buy my book – and I ended up done the trip if we’d had to stay in a tent! selling more than 20 copies!

What did you enjoy most about that peI went home. My wife had not long given riod of travelling around the country? birth to the twins at that time, and I decided The landscape was magnificent … the Marto go to Nambucca next and see what would garet River, the Great Ocean Road – which was happen. The same thing happened again! I the best drive I’ve ever done. I’d never been was travelling for a couple of hours each day, to most of these places before. The best thing and after about a week, my wife came on one was we never booked one bit of accommodaof the trips with me. The thought occurred tion at the time.

We just rolled into every new that we could travel even further afield – and city and town, and somehow, some way, we she agreed immediately. Within 2 weeks, we’d just found a place to stay – even at places like put all of our stuff in storage, we put the last Kununurra, where we rolled into town after of our money into printing 1,000 copies of the 8 hours on the road, with the kids screaming book and packed them in the car, strapped a their heads off! cot to the roof – and off we went.

I actually ended up rewriting a lot of the We ended up doing 53,000 km. And that is book and put that second last chapter in after how I ended up writing the second last chapter I returned.

The book has been such a great in the new edition of the book. avenue for me in so many ways – meeting and So, basically, you, your wife, a car load of talking to people. books and baby twin girls, all off on an What’s next for you? I’m sure you have adventure …

another project in the works …

I’m not actually a writer by trade … I’m a chemist! I did a Bachelor of Science and I specialise in organic chemistry. I’ve just finished a Graduate Diploma of Education through UNE. I now want to produce a book that shows kids and families that you can make good food and get it on the table, not only cheaper than takeaway food, but that it can be much more time efficient than you think. I want to travel around to to schools and talk to kids about the benefits of healthy food, discuss Australian wildlife and what their perception of Australia actually is – and get them to draw a piece of artwork, that I can use in the book. The winner will be selected to feature on the cover!

I’d like to show people that no matter how fast paced our lives are, we can eat healthily – and without relying on poor food choices.

Where can people find out more about your past and upcoming writing projects?

Visit www.nutrition4fruition.com for copies of It’s a Funny Old World and my upcoming book. Copies of It’s a Funny Old World are also stocked by the Beantree Café in Port Macquarie.

Thanks Simon.

Interview by Jo Atkins. greater port macquarie focus 61

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focus feature Women in business

Names: Photo: Back row left to right – Natalie Manning, Rebecca Hall, Jenny Magill, Vanessa Alderton. Front row left to right – Kerry Owen, Michelle Percival, Megan Wilson.

Position: Michelle Percival is joint owner with husband Michael Percival.

What makes this business unique: Our focus is on Property Management and care of your valuable investment property. We have a highly skilled and very experienced team of professionals, who work together to ensure your property is well cared for and you receive the optimum rental return on your investment property. More staff per property and specialised staff ensure that we are raising service standards in our industry.

In 2012 we have already assisted many new investors in purchasing a suitable rental property and would like to encourage those people who are thinking about purchasing to speak with us prior. With our vast knowledge of property in Port Macquarie and experience in the industry over the past 54 years, both Michael and I, along with our

Percival Property.

Brenda Fernandez.

Property Management and Asset Care

East Coast Laser & Cosmetic Clinic

property management team, can add incredible value to your ultimate decision. 2012 has also seen us implement new technology to keep streamlining our systems and efficiency, to provide our landlords and tenants with great service.

We are motivated by the desire to pass on the huge knowledge and experience we have gained over those years to benefit our clients. We genuinely love helping people and being the very best we can be in our industry!

The most rewarding part of our business is the many wonderful gifts, cards and praise we receive from our tenants, landlords and clients. It is the small things that count and showing care, respect and demonstrating genuine concern for the people we deal with is incredibly rewarding for Michael and I and our whole team.

Contact: Percival Property Ph: 6583 7499 or 0404 466 501 4/111 William Street, Port Macquarie. www.percival.com.au

What makes this business unique: East Coast

(now 4 treatment rooms), more privacy and more

Laser & Cosmetic Clinic is the only Cosmetic Clinic

comfort.

in the heart of Port Macquarie to offer the greatest

Our clinic’s physician, Dr Andy Williams, is a well

range of cosmetic non surgical treatments, all

known and respected local doctor and is available

performed by our medical team of nurses and

regularly for consultations.

doctors.

Our cosmetic surgeon, Dr Bernard Beldholm,

We are able to offer combination treatments using

attends our clinic monthly and has operating rights

the latest technology. We can boast having the

at Coolenberg Day Hospital here in Port Macquarie.

greatest range and most superior lasers on the Mid North Coast. This means that we can address individual concerns and tailor-make treatments according to client expectations and budget.

We offer the very best in home skincare and a superior makeup bar, eyebrow shaping and with our experienced nurse injectors, we can offer a great natural and healthy look using the latest injection

All IPL and Laser systems are TGA approved and

techniques, with anti wrinkle injections and both

medical strength, which can only be performed

lower and midface volumising. We offer permanent

by doctors and nurse practitioners. Our team has

hair reduction using the only Nd Yag Hair Laser

extensive medical cosmetic experience and regularly

system in Port Macquarie. We can treat Acne,

attends up to date training, statewide, interstate

pigmentation, Rosacea, sun damage, laser skin

and internationally.

resurfacing and skin tightening. Cosmetic surgery

In 2012: We are expanding our business. We are

includes breast augmentation, face lift, liposuction

very excited to open our new clinic in the newly

and many other procedures, which can be discussed

renovated Colonial Arcade, Hay St end.

with Dr Beldholm at our clinic. We plan to open mid

In our new premises we can offer more space

March, and we welcome you to visit us.

greater port macquarie focus 63

feature Women in business focus fea

In 2012 I plan “tobusinesses provide local with tools to minimise their business headaches and provide peace of mind.

”

Susan Judd. (Principal Consultant/Owner)

HR Culture

What makes HR Culture unique is our commitment to deliver measurable achievements and outcomes to our clients, which directly impact their bottom-line, and provide a real return on investment. We do this by finding out up-front what the goals are of each business, measure what is going on through a business benchmarking process and build practical action steps for businesses to implement to provide their specific results – delivering a hands-on working plan.

In 2012, I plan to provide local businesses with tools to minimise their business headaches and provide peace of mind, so that they can focus on what is important in the business, working on their goals and strategy.

I am motivated by meeting new business people, and hearing about their business and being provided with the opportunity to have a real impact on their results. I am inspired by what we stand for, which includes enjoying what we do and seeing others enjoy what they do, building great relationships with our clients, delivering excellent quality services that deliver results, having and demonstrating work/ life balance and really making a difference.

The most rewarding part of my career is seeing the transformation of others – from stressed, tired, frustrated, worried and many more of these feelings, to relaxed, happy, focused (or refocused), and having a sense of achievement and pride in what they have transformed into as an individual or as a team.

64 greater port macquarie focus.

Kerrie-Ann Kemsley. (Manager) The Cheesecake Shop

Kathy Lawrence.

What makes this business unique is: we have a

Kathy has been actively working as a physiotherapist for 22 years in the Port Macquarie area and has expertise in all areas of physiotherapy, including back and neck pain, sports injuries, degenerative, orthopeadic and post operative problems, as well as women’s health.

great range of freshly prepared products that are baked on premises, at a reasonable price, that caters for all occasions from the small family dinner right through to your memorable wedding day. The entire product range is made with love, using top quality ingredients.

In 2012: I will have been at The Cheesecake shop for 10 years. The main aim for this year will be to continue to increase the high standards set in our product range, as well as exceed all our customers’ expectations.

I am motivated by: doing something that I love and enjoy each day. And I find that the motivation comes easy when you are completing something that you are passionate for and enjoy.

The most rewarding part of my career is: the satisfaction and the appreciation of what I do each day is a driving force. Having happy customers who are pleased with our excellent range of products, particularly when it comes to specially ordered cakes; but the most rewarding part of all is doing something that I love.

Port Macquarie Physio & Pilates

What makes this business unique is: What makes Port Macquarie Physio Pilates unique is that together with Catherine McLean and Annabelle Deall, we have combined 2 distinct areas of physiotherapy.

The treatment of injuries and pain with physiotherapy techniques and then if required follow up rehabilitation using Clinical Pilates, an exercise based treatment using Pilates equipment and our physiotherapy expertise.

The most rewarding part of my career is: helping people live an active and healthy lifestyle with a personalised approach in a relaxed and friendly environment.

In 2012: I endeavor to offer my existing patients and all new patients a comprehensive hands on approach to all their physiotherapy needs in a new and improved location, so come and visit us at Murray Street, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

“

It’s not alwayss about the destination, but more about the journey of how you came to be there e in the end that makes akess you who you truly uly y are!

”

Donna Gillies. (Real Estate Agent)

Coast Front Realty

What makes this business unique is: Rebecca Casey, Principal/Licensee, had a vision for an exclusive, boutique sales agency. Working with Rebecca gives me the flexibility of designing tailor made campaigns unrestricted by franchise boundaries. This enables me to provide an excellent service to all my clients. Our all girl team turns what can be a stressful experience into a pleasant transaction.

In 2012: I will be implementing many of the ideas that I gathered from attending the Annual Women in Real Estate Conference. In today's market, we all need to feel valued and appreciated, so a market appraisal should not be a threatening experience; it should feel like a coffee with a friend.

I am motivated by: doing the right thing by people and assisting others. Even though I enjoy the end result of a sale, I believe that it is more important to build a client relationship to be able to provide excellent customer service.

The most rewarding part of my career is: meeting great people, inspecting lovely properties and being involved in one of the single most important transactions – selling your property. I enjoy the marketing, negotiating the sale and the satisfying feeling that occurs by being instrumental in a great result for my vendors.

Kerrie McMahon. (Owner)

World Par-Tea

Joanne Rowan. (Owner/Instructor)

Movement Studios

What makes this business unique is: we ethically source the finest loose leaf teas from the world’s most exotic and recognised producers. World Par-Tea started in the Blue Mountains in 2004, and we now retail and wholesale from our warehouse and retail shop in Port Macquarie.

What makes this business unique: we specialise in noncompetitive dance, performance, staging skills, choreography and the fusion of Personal Training into all of our classes.

We are also the only dance studio to offer Personal Training as a separate entity to all members of the public.

We distribute nationally and sell online. Our ethically sourced fine loose leaf teas are the best available Australian and Fair Trade Teas, including black, green, flavoured, blossom, yellow, red, white teas, organic herbal tisanes, organic Ayurvedic herbs and natural fruit infusions. We also work to create exclusive blends for restaurants, cafés, day spas or health retreats.

In 2012: we have seen the rapid expansion of our studio and the development of 3 new contemporary classes, bringing the style of contemporary dance to the forefront in the Camden Haven and making it accessible for all types of dancers. We are also continuing to pave the way with our philosophy: you do not need to be in competitions to create great performance pieces – rather, have a passion for it, and work hard.

In 2012: the business will expand further through markets and events. We do local markets and have also attended lifestyle and food events throughout NSW. We’ll be using a method of market expansion developed near Byron Bay. Using that model, we plan to sell ‘Market & Events Microbusinesses’ to empower people in their own small Local Par-Tea business ventures.

I am motivated by: ethically driven success.

The most rewarding part of my career is: knowing that our ethical sourcing philosophy and practice gives back to the communities where the teas are grown. Also, we know that people buying World Par-Teas are getting the best possible tea experience available.

I am motivated by: movement, music and all things dance and fitness! But most of all, I am motivated by my students and clients, creating opportunities for them to discover what they like and how they can achieve things they never thought were possible. It’s very satisfying to see someone achieve their dreams, whatever they may be!

The most rewarding part of my career is: watching all of the journeys! I have been a teacher for over 20 years, and watching the journeys of all the students/clients I come into contact with is truly life’s treat.

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feature a tu u rre e Women in business focus fea

“

I take a lot of pride in every very single cupcake pcake ca ake I make.

”

Bertha Gaherity. (Owner)

Little Delights

What makes this business unique: all my cupcakes are made from the finest ingredients. I take a lot of pride in every single cupcake I make. With four amazing flavours, such as chocolate mud, red velvet, candy and cookies and cream, you too will fall in love with Little Delights.

In 2012: I want everyone to enjoy my cupcakes and my amazing cupcake deals. Apart from my deals, I love to create cute little novelties on my cupcakes, ones that can take you to places you can only dream of, so in 2012 I have lots of ideas for my Little Delights at affordable prices.

I am motivated by: all of my customers, when they tell me how much they loved my cupcakes. And of course, my husband Charles motivates me so much; he is the one I turn to for support, ideas and of course, tasting.

The most rewarding part of my career is: when I create new cupcakes with novelty designs for my customers and knowing I have made them happy.

My experience has rewarded me by making cupcakes affordable for everyone, so if you have a birthday, special occasion, office party or just want to treat for yourself or to take home to the family, Little Delights are here to help.

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Karen Green. (Owner & Stylist)

Streamline Hair Design

What makes this business unique: Streamline Hair Design started trading in 2007. After selling my salon in the UK, I wanted my new salon here to provide the highest standards in hairdressing, with a British/European influence.

In 2012: once again we will all be attending advanced cutting and colouring courses, which are provided by Paul Mitchell. These courses are an excellent way for us to keep our skills polished. We also plan to attend the Sydney Hair Expo, to keep up with any new trends.

The salon will be increasing its range of Paul Mitchell products and will be introducing their new Male product range ‘Mitch’.

I am motivated by: my biggest motivation are my clients, by them coming to me, putting their faith in my hands to achieve for them the best results possible.

The most rewarding part of my career is: this is easy; it’s when a client makes a special trip to the salon to tell me about all the compliments they have received since having their new hairstyle. This means they are truly happy with the work we have done. I also find it very satisfying training our apprentices – to see them develop and progress to become successful stylists with their own list of satisfied clients.

Natasha Schurink.

TravelManagers Australia

What makes this business unique: is the personal yet professional relationship I have with my clients. Your own dedicated Personal Travel Manager when and where you want – at home, in the office, at a café, by phone/email – completely confidential, uninterrupted and with flexibility to work outside normal office hours, representing Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast.

In 2012: I am determined to expand my product knowledge. It’s impossible to know everything about every destination. When I get a request for somewhere new (to me), that becomes a key driver to research it thoroughly, both for my clients and my own satisfaction. It will be about discovering new destinations and the enjoyment of exploring them through the eyes of my clients.

I am motivated by: a challenge! Complex itineraries, and creating a special package for first time travellers. Arranging every last detail, from flights, accommodation, car hire and travel insurance, to complete wedding packages, honeymoons, corporate conferences and so much more …

The most rewarding part of my career is: when a journey has exceeded my client’s expectations and receiving lovely postcards and emails from clients I have sent abroad – that is the best feedback/reward I could ever ask for. It is very humbling that they are thinking about me when they are off exploring the world.

“

There is a lot of enjoyment forming win-win situations for buyers and sellers.

”

Kate Meager (Studio Principal)

Allstars Studio

Since its inception in 2004, Allstars Studio has gone from strength to strength. With its unique atmosphere of fun, fitness and friendship, the classes at Allstars have always been about pushing the students’ physical limits and promoting confidence through personal success.

Allstars Studio is unique in its ability to take the highly untrained dancer and make something of them very quickly. Students are given the chance to compete in Eisteddfods, no matter what their ability.

Parents are highly involved in their child’s journey and often stay at the studio during class time to socialise. Studio Pricipal Kate Meager teaches a vast range of classes herself and enjoys every minute of it.

I am motivated by: talent! I love to create innovative routines that are just slightly out of the students’ reach in the immediate, but they can strive to conquer – and they always do. My students are leaving Allstars at the end of their youth training very strong dancers and lovely employable men and women. I am so proud of all who come through the school, but most proud of the ones who are motivated enough to become professional dancers and put their training to good use.

The most rewarding part of my career is: definitely watching little people grow into big people. Having the journey of life with those around us is so special. Allstars is a family, and we are very close. Dancers gaining good results in exams and Eisteddfods is also an important highlight, but the training and day to day contact with the classes is the most rewarding part for me.

The Team.

Complete Health and Wellness Centre

The Complete Health & Wellness Centre, located on Murray Street in the Port Macquarie CBD, offers a range of naturopathic, natural fertility, natal care and massage services. Our experienced practitioners offer a range of complete health solutions and are available to assist with your health and wellbeing. The clinic contains a full herbal dispensary and a wide range of supplements and practitioner-only products.

Our Naturopaths prevent, assess and treat a wide range of health conditions. Our expertise lies in identifying the underlying cause to each problem. Every person has their own healing energy, and naturopathic treatment simply allows the body to repair itself and recover, whether it is an acute or chronic long standing illness.

Our massage services include remedial, sport, therapeutic, hot stone and pregnancy massage, lymphatic/oedema therapy and ear candling. Clients seek our services for a range of reasons, from attention to recent or old injuries resulting in reduced range of movement, pain and discomfort, to relaxation massage for stress relief.

We are pleased to offer the community a range of natural medicine services, professional and caring consultations, local service and value for money. We have gift certificates, EFTPOS and instant health fund rebates available.

Call or pop in to talk to us about your health needs. You’ll be pleased with the results.

Sharon Ward.

L J Hooker Lake Cathie

Position: Licensee, Property Marketing Specialist, Licensed Agent/Auctioneer What makes this business unique: there are many skills required to be a successful agent; however, negotiating offers and achieving the best possible price for my vendors is a strength that I have acquired through my extensive experience. A skilled agent knows the market and sees challenges as an opportunity to learn, adapt and grow. It is important to me to combine knowledge with intuition and empathy.

In 2012: I look forward to growing the business and learning new ways to thrive amidst the changes. Maintaining transparency within the office and to our clients. There is a lot of enjoyment forming win-win situations for buyers and sellers.

Being involved in the local Camp Quality Program has also given me a great sense of appreciation for life, and I intend to continue assisting in 2012 and beyond.

The most rewarding part of my career is: designing a cost effective marketing campaign that will make the most of the unique features that a property may offer. Negotiating and achieving the best outcome for my sellers is very rewarding.

I want to make a difference in people’s lives, and that is the reward for me.

greater port macquarie focus 67

Women in nb bu business ussiine n ss focus feature

Micheala Walsh. (Owner)

Dance Dreams Dancewear

What makes this business unique: great quality and service and the fact that there is no other shop in Laurieton or the surrounding area with dance and gym

Property Management.

Harcourts

If you are looking for experienced, reliable, honest and professional property investment managers, than look no further than Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie.

stockist for Running Bare gym wear – I am sure that this

The ‘all-girl’ team have a professional and honest relationship with all their property investment owners and an approachable relationship with current and prospective tenants – qualities that make this team stand out in a business that requires superior levels of customer service. It is a fact that ‘poor’ Property Management could be costing you thousands. The team at Harcourts are here to protect your investment and maximise the return on what is usually your biggest capital outlay.

will appeal to not only the dancer, but the general public.

Carefully read through the following questions:

I am motivated by: the challenge to give my customers

• Has your property manager inspected the property and provided you with a detailed report in the last 3 months?

wear both in store and online. As I have been involved in dance myself for many years, I have an understanding of the requirements needed for the dancer.

In 2012: I would like to see my business continue to grow, continuing to expand and bring in new products for the benefit of the wider community. I have recently become a

what they want and need and make it the best dance store possible in the local area. As it has been a dream of mine for many years to open a shopfront, it has given me more passion to strive even harder now I have opened my business in Laurieton.

• Does your property manager return your calls or emails when they say they will? Does your property manager thoroughly check a tenant’s application, so you can avoid getting a bad tenant?

The most rewarding part of my career is: seeing my

• Does your rental property receive the current market value or had a 5% increase the last 12 months?

customers come back to the store because they have

If you currently have an investment property and

been given friendly service and advice with their purchase.

answered NO to any of these questions, then you need to talk to the team at Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie by contacting our offices on 6586 1111 or 6583 5555.

I enjoy watching the kids' faces light up as they enter my store and see what’s available for them.

68 greater port macquarie focus.

Bethmay Jones. (Owner) TONIC Beauty Therapy What makes this business unique: is my exclusive home based Beauty Salon, specialising in professional beauty services at affordable prices and using quality products.

In 2012: I continue the never-ending thirst for knowledge, attending seminars and extensive training. This year also marks the third year of operating, so with loyal and happy clientele, the year ahead will be interesting and rewarding.

Everyone deserves a little TONIC time-out!

I am motivated by: the industry and what it provides.

My peers; you can never stop learning; my happy clients and their journeys that we travel together! You portray yourself to the world every day – you may as well do it with tinted lashes and perfect brows! Go on, put your best pedicured foot forward! You deserve it!

The most rewarding part of my career is: that after 19 years (insert gasp), I still love what I am doing! Beauty.

Therapy. It is just that! The concept of only caring for our face has changed to the whole body. How by cocooning yourself in divine melting fondants, can make your worries float away. Stresses can be left at the front door for another day!

There is no “request or need that we don’t make 100% effort to fulfil for all of our customers.

”

Renee Bell. Renee Bell Studios

Linda Bryan.

Position: I am the principal photographer and owner at award winning photography studio, Renee Bell Studios.

Position: Owner and Business Manager.

What makes my business unique is: that the studio specialises in natural beach family portraiture. We are located in the beautiful lighthouse beach area at the Watonga Street shops, where we also accommodate in-studio shooting. A major reason why most residents live in this area is because of the gorgeous surrounds and white beaches. Therefore, who wouldn’t want a beautiful family portrait on the beach?

In 2012: we at Renee Bell Studios aim to continue to provide those great family moments captured forever and displayed as the highest quality artwork for your walls. I am personally always striving to accomplish the highest level of photography possible, which has been recognised nationally and internationally over the past years. I will be aspiring for those top awards and more this year.

Telstra Store Port Central

What makes this business unique: we are representing a large corporate company with small business customer service.

We strive to listen and understand our customers' needs and provide them with a quality product or service tailored to those needs.

The Telstra Store in Port Central is a place where you can speak to a real person about your communication needs. We have live handsets and can show you from the basics to the latest and greatest. We’re committed to delivering tangible value through every part of our service – and that has to be better for your business.

I am motivated by: watching siblings giggle together, children’s expressive faces and teenagers trying not to smile. It’s all part of life’s interaction, and I love every minute. I get to meet such lovely people every day, and being able to call them friends once I have finished working with them is an honour.

In 2012: I am learning to juggle a small business with family life. With my eldest beginning kindergarten and our business beginning to take shape, this is a huge year for our family, both personally and professionally. Who’d ever thought school drop offs and pickups were so hectic! This year we aim to develop both ourselves and our staff to provide optimal customer service.

I am motivated by: customer satisfaction.

The most rewarding part of my career is: the privilege of being part of people’s lives, however fleeting, and being able to capture the happy moments they spend together.

The most rewarding part of my career is: seeing satisfied customers and motivated staff. These two work hand in hand for the ultimate result.

Judy Plunkett.

Plunketts Chemmart® Pharmacy

Position: Owner and Manager.

What makes this business un ique: the level of service we provide to the community. I have a great team of staff, and there is no request or need that we don’t make 100% effort to fulfil for all of our customers.

In 2012: every year we set some new goals, and this year one of our goals is to have a successful launch of Plunketts Chemmart® Pharmacy in Wauchope. This brings special challenges to our whole team, because we have to build that same level of service that we are providing in Port Macquarie out in the Wauchope area. I think it is a really exciting new development; it’s making my staff step up and take on new challenges, which I think keeps the team happy and enthusiastic about their jobs.

I am motivated by: in Health Service provision there is a great shortage of GPs, so what pharmacies try to provide is that auxiliary health service to the community. This is what gives me my passion – improving health outcomes for everyone.

The most rewarding part of my career is: I am rewarded every day that I come to work and get back much more than I give. I have been in business my entire career, so it’s that great combination of service plus business that makes a career in pharmacy really rewarding.

greater port macquarie focus 69

Evelina Kemp.

Glasshouse Hair and Beauty

Glasshouse Hair and Beauty has been

ambitious hairdressers to join the Glasshouse

in Port Macquarie for over twenty

Hair and Beauty team.

years, first as Neffertiti, and for almost

Our exclusive location close to Rydges means

three years now as Glasshouse Hair and

we have a steady flow of customers coming

Beauty. I have been hairdressing in Port

through the salon, as well as an already

Macquarie for nine years, working with

established clientele who have experienced

Dennis Williams for several years and have

our excellent customer service and spacious

seen great businesses begin and grow within

salon first hand.

the walls of Neffertiti/ Glasshouse hair and

Rent-a-Chair is a fantastic opportunity

beauty.

and offers some of the following

Many of the talented hairdressers that were

benefits;

a part of the team at Glasshouse Hair and

• Flexible schedule, choose your own hours

Beauty have now gone on to start their own

• No outlays to start

salons independently. A few of these include

• Part of a fun and talented team

Dollface Hair, Gossip Hair, Brave Hair and

• Opportunity to build your clientele

most recently Lovely Locks was opened by

• Air-conditioned salon

Lucy Licciardello.

• Spacious and inviting atmosphere

I am so happy to have given my staff the

I welcome any hairdressers who would

right tools to succeed and have these

like to offer a great environment for their

wonderful opportunities, but it also means

clients. Come and have a coffee with me in

that we now need some new talent and

confidence.

70 greater port macquarie focus.

Sue Jogever.

McGrath Estate Agents

n extremely likable ‘Woman locals looking to upgrade or, sometimes to in Business’, Sue Jogever is a downsize, and this continued movement highly experienced sales agent, only benefits the local market. One of the working with McGrath Estate great benefits in working with McGrath is Agents in Port Macquarie. In fact, Sue has a the network’s ability to attract out-of-town long history with the McGrath organisation; buyers and personally, I like to make their she was instrumental in the success of its transitions as stress-free as possible.

Northern Beaches office, prior to moving When you meet with people who are with her family to our region. considering the sale of their home, what As a sole agent within the McGrath are the common questions directed to network, Sue relies upon her business you? acumen and professional expertise, as much Usually three questions: as upon her strong personal attributes. There How much is my home worth? is no doubt that she has a winning formula, What will it cost me to take it to market? so we caught up with her to learn more: How long will it take?

Sue, firstly, after so many years on And what three questions do you Sydney’s northern beaches, what believe they should ask? attracted you to Port Macquarie?

How many properties have YOU recently My family and I have always held a close sold? connection with Port. In fact, my parents Does your agency sell the majority of its have lived in this region for a long listings (list to sell ratio)? time, and their home became What are the average days on a regular reunion venue, market, for my area – overall g in th no s almost every Easter and vs. McGrath? e’ er Th Christmas holiday. We Finally, Sue, what better than d having happy annts, love the people, the originally attracted appreciative clie ed lifestyle, the hinterland you to the real estate after having help and (of course) the industry? them through a in major transition great beaches. Then, Prior to joining the real their lives two and a half years estate industry, I worked ago, when McGrath came as a Director of Marketing to Port Macquarie, we made for tourism and hospitality the decision to relocate. It was the organisations. During this time, best decision we could have made.

I bought and sold a number of my own Have you found the local real estate personal properties and was truly appalled market considerably different from by the experiences that I encountered with Sydney? real estate sales people.

There are certainly differences, but I guess that my main motivation was to those differences are good, not bad. Port make a difference, and I am the sort of Macquarie is blooming, as the northern person who just loves a challenge! Real beaches blossomed, many years ago. I don’t estate is fundamentally a people business, believe that it will develop in the same way, and I pride myself on providing the very best but personally, I am very pleased about that. in customer service and communication. And In Port, we have a different demographic. of course, at the end of the day, I love to Certainly, as I notice every day at McGrath, celebrate a great result for all concerned! our lifestyle is attracting many Sydneysiders, but I believe that these newcomers quickly settle into the wonderful, Port Macquarie way of life. After all, isn’t that the reason For more information, friendly why people leave the big smoke, in the first professional advice and service, place? contact Sue Jogever, Newcomers from capital cities generally Licensed Sales Agent. arrive with the proceeds from the sales McGrath Estate Agents of their previous homes, and this enables m. 0411 817 921 d. 6589 3777 them to buy into the upper end of the Port e. suejogever@mcgrath.com.au Macquarie market – a very good thing for w. mcgrath.com.au our area. Often, these homes are sold by

A

focus feature Women in business

Position: Owner/Operator.

What makes this business unique: The eclectic mix of carefully sourced, pre-loved furniture pieces combined with hand crafted giftware and different home decorator pieces. Paradiso is an inspirational melting pot of unique pieces from many different eras and ages. The perfect place for those who like to fill their home with things of character and soul. Not just your average retail store, we prefer to get to know our customers, enabling us to source just what they’re searching for.

We focus on creating a strong seller / purchaser relationship whereby we really get to know our customers.

In 2012: I plan to continue to showcase unique items and affordable limited editions.

I will complement these with more exclusive giftware lines.

I am also offering a ‘Seek and Find’ service for customers, who are looking for that

Debbie King.

Heather McGregor.

Paradiso Treasures

North Coast TAFE

specific piece which has so far eluded them.

This is the ultimate in personalised shopping for the home, where you are guided by a qualified interior decorator with a real passion for the quirky and interesting.

As an added service, I can pop out to your home and get a feel for what you’re after – working together to come up with the perfect solution.

I am motivated by: finding beauty in the often discarded things of life. I enjoy seeing the next chapter in pieces’ lives. It’s very exciting to see people expressing who they are through the items they choose.

Taking these pieces and creating homes of love and comfort, rather than display houses.

The most rewarding part of my career is: uncovering hidden beauty in long forgotten items. I also love the challenge of finding that special piece that completes a puzzle and the satisfaction that comes from knowing the customer absolutely adores it.

Position: Director of Community Development and Aboriginal Engagement.

What makes this business unique: Leading a team of strong, experienced and qualified staff, who collaborate with stakeholders to design innovative and customised options for skills development in communities, support educational pathways for Aboriginal people, provide support for Aboriginal students and arrange educational options in correctional centres.

In 2012: I am working on some current projects, which include collaborating with local Aboriginal communities in Port Macquarie, Taree and Great Lakes to revive and maintain Gathang language, and a Diploma in Management targeting professional Aboriginal women to provide them with formal qualifications to match their professional experience.

We are also very excited about hosting our popular Deadly Days festivals in

September this year. They will provide a fantastic opportunity for schools, Aboriginal organisations, community members, employers and other service providers to come together and celebrate opportunities available to young Aboriginal people in our region, and they’re lots of fun!

I am motivated by: seeing Aboriginal people expand their life choices and change their lives through education. I love learning, and further study has always been a big part of my life. One of my team’s key focuses is to create a safe, culturally aware learning environment that recognises the individual.

North Coast TAFE supports and encourages Aboriginal people to continue their studies from entry level through to higher education outcomes. Education can open up so many opportunities that benefit individuals, their families and whole communities.

greater port macquarie focus 71

Julie Slater.

Lisa Wannell. ell.

Wauchope Real Estate

Wauchope Real Estate tate

Julie: that we are a true team, where each of us works for the success of one another. We only focus on sales, with no rentals, so we rely on our sales performance each and every week.

Our knowledge of our sales area is unparalleled, with each of us having a network of contacts that gives us an intimate understanding of our market and its dynamics.

I am motivated by: The most rewarding part of my career is: Lisa: helping people with one of the most Lisa: achieving the goal of selling someone’s important decisions they’ll make in their life, property. I also feel rewarded working where both buyers and sellers. I set really high I do. I actually get up every single day standards for myself in my work, so and can’t wait to go to work.

I am always looking at ways to There are so many challenges make sure I apply my expertise s and I really enjoy, There’ to every aspect of every sale. nothing better constantly learning and

Julie: I want to increase my own sales by 100 per cent and continue to grow our market share and our brand. I particularly enjoy the breadth of properties we get to deal with.

Julie: finding the right property for every one of our buyers and achieving a sale for all our vendors.

I know they appreciate and acknowledge all the hard work we put in on their behalf to make it happen.

There’s such a variety of property types in our area, and this means there’s also a wide range of buyers. This makes every day completely different – where I’ll be showing a prestige riverfront home in the morning and listing a working farm or charming cottage in the afternoon.

E IC CED PRDU E R

Class And Location • 1069m2 block with large shed • 4 large bedrooms all with ceiling fans • Ensuite & built in robes, high ceilings • Timber Áoors in modern Ànish • Top class renovation

$469,000

$459,000

E IC CED PRDU E R

$860,000 $599,000

$599,000

Tranquil Waters

developing my expertise in this industry. I feel very lucky!

Julie: having virtually all my business coming through referrals. This comes from being completely honest and transparent in all my relationships with vendors and buyers. I know that these are the ingredients for short, medium and long term success.

EW G N TIN S I L

Family Living • 5869m2 (1.4 ac) in King Creek • 4 bedroom brick home, woodÀre • Family room & rumpus area • Inground pool, circular driveway • 4 bay shed with workshop

E IC CED PRDU RE

• 2.02 Ha (5 ac), riverfront position • 4 bedrooms, main with ensuite • Water views from main bedroom • Fully fenced, good pasture & stockyard • Enclosed Summer house with kitchen

ppy than having ha e tiv ia ec pr and ap lping clients and hech a them with suon in si ci de or maj their lives.

There’s nothing better than having happy and appreciative clients and helping them with such a major decision in their lives.

$479,000

I know our clients appreciate our style of doing business, as we really get to know them and understand their circumstances and expectations.

In 2012: Lisa: I want to continue learning about this industry and becoming the best I can be in my profession. I enjoyed the initial learning curve and now I’m established, I find I’ve achieved a good balance between putting everything into practise while absorbing new information and knowledge.

You Will Be Surprised • 4958m² (1.2 ac) fully fenced • 4 bedrooms, main with ensuite & WIR • Multiple living areas plus sunroom • Colorbond shed, double garage • Peaceful, 10 mins to Wauchope

EW G N TIN S LI

“Rosebank” • 4 Ha (9.88 ac) landscaped gardens • 4 bedrooms, main with ensuite • Formal lounge with stunning outlook • Gazebo overlooking inground pool • Self contained Granny Áat

$898,000

What makes this business unique is: Lisa: the people I work with. They make this business what it is; we all get along so well and work off each other’s strengths and skills.

We combine a very relaxed atmosphere, while still remaining professional.

Offers Over

er y and s and such n their

Women in business focus feature

Unique Opportunity • 47.05 Ha (116 ac) in King Creek • As-new home, 2 separate living areas • Stunning outdoor spaces with gazebo • Generous sized bedrooms • Sheds, bore water & tanks

Phone 6586 4888

40 High Street Wauchope www.wauchoperealestate.com.au Julie Slater 0429 901 655

72 greater port macquarie focus.

Troy McKinnon 0407 002 317

Lisa Wannell 0409 125 664

focus featur feature Women in business

What makes this business unique: we love to give that one on one personal service at home shopping parties or in your appointment with your consultant, which is great for those who need some advice or for those who are not very comfortable in branching out in trying new things to spice it up.

We love to continually source new products to add to our growing range to spice it up in the bedroom and for fun gifts such as hen’s night, b’day gifts, his/hers gifts and couples gifts. We have just introduced a beautiful range of soy candles and melts, body lotions, gels and much more. We now have a much larger range of lingerie to cater for the petite to the plus size lady.

In 2012: I aimed to move to a larger premises, which I am currently in the process of doing as well as employ more staff to take on the increasing number of parties requested. I also plan to have more time in the new shop, work with our online store and of course have more time at home with my

Krissy K ris Cole.

Kylie Morris.

Spicy Delights D

Hot Graphics

little boy!

I am motivated by: Janine Ellis, Richard Branson and basically people who get out and have a go! Especially those who go against the grain ...

The most rewarding part of my career is: there are so many avenues to go and grow in Spicy Delights and the fact that I never get bored is a bonus. I am always doing something different, whether it’s training a new sales team member, packing and despatching party orders, pricing stock, hosting fundraisers and home shopping parties, or sourcing new stock to grow our ‘naughty and nice’ party range!

I love meeting fun, new and exciting people, and this is where I have made some of the most wonderful friendships! I love that our team is happy to take on other tasks in the business, and I feel excited and blessed to work with 2 wonderful sales consultants. It’s great to work with such a keen and enthusiastic team!

What makes this business unique: are the we are agile and can respond quickly to market and technology trends. people! I’ve been fortunate enough to engage in a group of very talented individuals, who I am motivated by: the satisfaction of doing each contribute their own unique a job really well. Our whole business values to the blend that produces ethos is based around getting a great results for our clients. great result and exceeding the This gives our clients a warm We create expectations of our clients. We great products glow – what we call our love it when our clients say, for our clients,’s ‘Chilli Factor’. We create at “Wow, this is way better than th because great products for our I hoped for.” That’s the sort what we really enjoy doing. Ite clients, because that’s what of feedback that makes hard gives us all th we really enjoy doing. It work worthwhile. glow too. gives us all the glow too.

The most rewarding part of In 2012: I want to continue to grow my business by focusing on fully satisfying every single client, so they become another advocate for our services.

Building on our current strengths and by exploring new niches in our field. I want to grow our set of product and service offerings, while maintaining our focus on great personalised service. Because we are still a small business,

my career is: continuing to grow stronger in a difficult business climate.

I’ve made some really critical decisions about the direction, culture and values that I wanted my business to adopt. Our continued growth and very positive client feedback provides great reassurance that our policy of openness and ethical dealing with our clients is the right approach.

greater port macquarie focus 73

Paula Jackson.

Hastings Family Day Care

Position: Paula Jackson; self employed business operator/family day care educator.

What makes this business unique: being a Family Day Care Educator is unique, because I operate a home based childcare service, providing quality care for children in my home while earning a very good income. I am supported by a very well established Coordination unit – Hastings Family Day Care, which has been operating for over 34 years. This service provides me with ongoing training, which helps me to continue my education in the early childhood field.

In 2012: I will continue to provide a service which offers care and education, in a safe, secure and stimulating environment while in a family atmosphere. I will also continue to work with the many changes introduced by the Australian Government into the early childhood industry.

I am motivated by: the beautiful children and their families. Each day as I begin work, I am greeted by the children running down my path to start their day with me. It lets me know that the children have a great sense of belonging when they arrive into care, making me feel great also.

The most rewarding part of my career is: the relationships that I have with the children and their families. Seeing these children grow and develop is the most rewarding job I have ever had. Being able to nurture the children in a family environment is a great way for the children to learn social skills and self esteem in a natural way.

I have the opportunity to network with some other great Family Day Care Educators also registered with Hastings Family Day Care. We are able to share resources and ideas. Knowing that I have all of this support makes my job easy.

Our Cover.

A special thanks to our Women In Busines cover models for 2012. Pictured are: Back Row L eft to R ight

Linda Bryan (Telstra Shop Port Central Owner) Judy Plunkett (Plunketts Pharmacy Owner) Bethmay Jones (Tonic Beauty Therapy Owner) F ro nt Row Left to R ight

Kylie Morris (Hot Graphics Owner) Evelina Kemp (Glasshouse Hair and Beauty Owner) Renee Bell (Renee Bell Photography Owner) As local business women from a diverse range of industries we are proud to feature them as just some of the many talented and wonderful women who make up the Greater Port Macquarie’s Business community.

Special Thanks.

• A special thanks to our Hair & Make Up Artist Jolin Shead.

• Thanks to THE BLOCK Coffee + Chocolate shop located in the new Coles building for the great location.

• Featured on the women are jewellery pieces and scarves from The Glasshouse Gift Shop (Glasshouse building, Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, inside the Visitor Information Centre) Michael Marchment and Jolin Shead.

74 greater port macquarie focus.

• Thanks as always to our talented photographer Michael Marchment.

Do a Carson

Born and raised in Sydney, Donna was always a hard worker. After winning a scholarship to study education at university, she became a school teacher.

She taught in the Dubbo community for 15½ years, until she became the victim of a crime which changed her life.

D

uring an argument with her then partner, Donna was doused in petrol and set alight. She spent 5½ months in hospital, 15 months in rehabilitation and underwent 19 operations.

Donna is now an advocate for victims of crime, burns survivors and survivors of domestic violence. Donna will help celebrate Internations Women’s Day this year at a special event, Hastings Heroines, to be held at the Glasshouse and hosted by the HBWN and Leslie Williams MP. You live in Wingham. What do you enjoy most about living there?

The people, the sense of community and feeling safe. Living in such paradise makes it very difficult to go away for holidays.

Family has become an important aspect of you life recently. Tell us what's keeping you busy?

Alone, I have raised and supported my two sons. Coe has recently relocated to Melbourne for work purposes. Bodean is in the RAAF at Wodonga.

I'm fortunate to have both my parents: Dad, who is nearly 83 and now resides with me; and my mum, who is 80 this year and resides at ALMA place, as she requires specialised care.

I spend time with my mum every second day, doing the ‘girly thing’.

As a nanna, I enjoy having my six year old grandson stay with me on a regular basis. I’m a house manager and carer of my family and anytime in between belongs to me, three dogs and two cats.

You are coming to Port Macquarie as a quest speaker for the International Women’s Day event. What other speaking gigs have you been doing lately?

I am looking forward to celebrating IWD in Port. As my major commitment is to family, I have scaled back my volunteering and advocacy work, including speaking engagements.

However, my autobiography, Judas Kisses taking 2 years to write, details my journey and continues my work.

It has been reprinted twice and sold out. To have it reprinted again will be up to ‘people power’ – to fire up publishers, Hardie Grant: (03) 8520 6444.

Your portrait has inspired the artist to paint

you again. How did that make you feel, and what will be different about the next painting?

Dave Thomas is a brilliant Southern Highland artist. This time he wants to paint me ’less traditional and more confronting’. I'm thrilled, but as for knowing what Dave has in mind, we will just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I organise the 2012 Archibald Entry touring the local area, and it's going up to Port for a visit.

A different medium, and it now continues the message.

Wherever the painting goes, it generates discussion and comment. It has a great life and is doing a fine job.

What are your goals and ambitions for this year?

As I'm ageing, I need to live a more healthier lifestyle, diet, exercise and following up all the medical details that one has to do to stay well and strong and to be able to care for others.

That includes taking time out for the activities that I most enjoy: shopping, being a market-stall holder, going out bush and visiting friends and more shopping!

You have met some amazing people. Tell us about some of those experiences.

Since being named Australian of the Year Local Hero 2004, I'm part of that family. Every year I'm invited back to Canberra to attend the Governor General's function for finalists and Prime Minister award ceremonies for Australia Day. This year, Geoffrey Rush was named Australian of the Year, and during our chat I cheekily welcomed him into ‘the family’. Every year I meet the most incredible Aussies, who all have one thing in common – passion for what they do.

The same passion I see in many people who live here in the Manning Valley.

What is your number one piece of advice to women who may be in crisis?

For anyone in crisis, regardless of gender or age, seek information, support and assistance. To ask for help is not a sign of weakness or shame, but rather, a show of great courage and wisdom.

We all deserve to be safe, respected and encouraged to become the people we are meant to be.

Thanks Donna. greater port macquarie focus 75

Lasiandra Festival

focus feature

About Shop in our town and visit our unique boutique range of businesses. From cafés, beauty, fashion, tools and toys, to homewares, farming supplies and florists. Wauchope has it all!

WAU C H O P E

GUIDE. Class-ique Fashions.

Wauchope Lasiandra Festival.

• Simply beautiful fashion clothing for the mature woman.

ENJOYED EVERY MARCH

• Large stockist of Black Pepper, Marco Polo and other leading Australian brands.

• Sunday 4 March.

Purple People Cabaret. Wauchope RSL Club Auditorium. More info/booking: 0419 498 102.

Main Events:

• Size range 8 - 24.

• Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 March.

Lasiandra Country Fair @ Wauchope Indoor Sports Stadium.

• Specialising in smart casual, ‘Mother of the Bride’ and special occasion.

• Thursday 15 March.

Purple People Shopping & Market Day Sidewalk Specials – Art & Craft Markets.

Wauchope CBD.

THIS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS IS OFFERED FOR SALE. GENUINE ENQUIRIES. POA.

33 High Street Phone. 6586 1324.

Class-ique Fashions Style

Fit

Service

Heart to Heart Lingerie.

Sale 5th, 6th March: with every $50 purchase, receive 10% off, excluding sale items & Prostheses Breast Forms!

• Posture Support Front Closure Bras.

• Prostheses Breast Forms.

• Prostheses Lingerie.

• Prostheses Swimwear • Underwear for mature age women.

• The fitting specialist in store and mobile.

Shop 5 /7 High Street Email hearttoheartlingerie@iftelecom.com.au Web. www.hearttoheartlingerie.com.au Mobile. 0438 443 124.

Festival

Phone. 6585 1103 Mobile. 0412 137 621 Web. www.lasiandrafestival.com.au

Blue Cow Designs.

Fantastic Specials leading up to and during the Lasiandra Festival.

• New gift baskets to purchase - various prices.

• Lots of new Wikii candle products just arrived!

• WoodWick have released a new range of scents - available now!

• Great specials for a limited time.

With the Trade Fair at the end of February you can expect to see some new and exciting designs and pieces in store.

FREE delivery on all website purchases. Check it out!

36 High Street.

Phone. 6585 2116 Shop Online. www.bluecowdesigns.com.au Email. info@bluecowdesigns.com.au

Wauchope Travelworld.

Timbertown Teeth.

17-Day Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Explorer Tour. From $5,190 per person, twin share. Depart 8 May 2012.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE 28th WAUCHOPE LASIANDRA FESTIVAL.

• RiverKwai Bangkok • Chiang Rai • Visit local school • Luang Prabang Laos • Wat Sisaket in Vientiane, Laos • Apsara Dance Show • Angkor Wat • Khmer Rouge history • Thai chi on cruise • Mekong Cruise from Phnom Penh to Vinh Long *FULLY ESCORTED

1/31 High Street Phone. 6585 2288 Email. info@wauchopetravel.com.au *Subject to minimum numbers

76 greater port macquarie focus.

STALL BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL LIMITED SPACE

Wauchope

• Full Dentures • Partial Dentures • Mouth Guards • Bulk Bill for EPC • Re-lines & Repairs • Friendly Service Grahame Paulson – Dental Prosthetist.

Shop 1/3 High Street Phone. 6585 3291

focus feature

Lasiandra Festival

w

Let’s WA U C H O P E ’ S 2 8 t h A N N U A L L A S I A N D R A F E S T I VA L

Wauchope Lasiandra Festival is celebrating its 28th anniversary, with a wide array of wonderfull community events on the program.

Sunday 4th 2pm Purple People Cabaret Matinee with the Wauchope Youth Theatre Venue Wauchope RSL Auditorium More Info/Bookings Essential 0419 498 102 Monday 5th Women’s Bowls – Lasiandra Triples Wauchope Country Club Ph: 6585 3020 Saturday 10th 6.30am Battle of the Hastings Men’s Golf Wauchope Country Club Ph: 6585 3020 8.30 am Wauchope Lasiandra Festival’s ‘COUNTRY FAIR’ Wauchope Indoor Sports Stadium – Cameron Street, WAUCHOPE Entry $3/ADULT KIDS U/12 FREE LUCKY GATE PRIZE WIN Weekend Getaway Accommodation Package for 2 adults and 2 children (conditions apply) Exhibitors include: Alternate Farming & Lifestyle Displays, Sustainable Building Products and Services, Alpaca, Dexter Cattle, value added & herbal products, farm machinery, tools & hardware, water tanks, solar & wind power, energy saving

products, ts, plus much more!

Musical entertainment by the Wauchope Youth Theatre and various local talent all weekend.

Kids amusements.

Fun for all the family.

Wauchope RSL Club More info

T I M E TA B L E

Ph Bruce: 6585 1613 8.30am Men’s Veteran’s Golf Country Club Ph: 65 85 3020 Wednesday 14th

7pm Hastings River Greyhound

8.30am Ladies Golf Day - Wauchope Country

Night meeting featuring the ‘LASIANDRA

Club Ph: 65 85 3020

CUP’

5.00pm Men’s Bowls - Wauchope Country Club

Sunday 11th

JACK DWYER MEMORIAL TRIPLES

8.30am Continues Wauchope Lasiandra

Thursday 15th

Festival’s ‘COUNTRY FAIR’

8.30am PURPLE PEOPLE SHOPPING DAY

@ Wauchope Indoor Sports Stadium

Art and Craft Markets in the CBD

Monday 12th 9am Ladies Veteran’s Golf Wauchope Country Club Ph: 6585 3020

12 NOON Judging – Staff Costume, Window Front and Premises Displays

Tuesday 13th

PURPLE & PINK DAY

TABLE TENNIS - Wauchope -v- Port

Timbertown Childcare – 215 High Street

Macquarie Lasiandra Challenge

Fun Activities all day. Enq: 6586 4800

Friday 16th 3.30pm Lasiandra Junior Tennis Classic More info Ph: Bob 0400 446 085 Saturday 17th 5pm Saint Patrick’s Day Purple Picnic Lasiandra Park, Cameron Street, Wauchope Sausage Sizzle at a small cost. All welcome.

Sunday 25th Diamond Ring Golf Day – Sponsored by Jons Family Jewellers Wauchope Country Club Ph: 6585 3020 12 NOON 28th Annual Lasiandra Festival Awards Presentations Lasiandra Park – Cameron St, Wauchope Easter Monday WAUCHOPE JOCKEY CLUB’S 28th ANNUAL LASIANDRA TROPHY RACE More Info Ph: 0412 137 621 or checkout www.lasiandrafestival.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 77

Lasiandra Festival

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Let’s WA U C H O P E ’ S 2 8 t h A N N U A L L A S I A N D R A F E S T I VA L

Kick starting the festival will be The Purple People le C Cabaret abaret ab b matinee with the Wauchope Youth Theatre performing in the spacious Wauchope RSL Club auditorium on Sunday 4th March from 2pm. Bookings are essential. For more information or if you would like to be involved phone 0419 498 102.

W

auchope Lasiandra Festival is celebrating its 28th Anniversary, with a wide array of wonderful community events on the program. Kick starting the festival will be the Purple People Cabaret matinee with the Wauchope Youth Theatre performing in the spacious Wauchope RSL Club auditorium on Sunday 4th March from 2.00pm. Bookings are essential. Phone 0419 498 102.

Members of the Youth Theatre will be involved with a variety of events over the entire festival including the Country Fair, Purple People Shopping Day and a new event on the festival calendar – The Saint Patricks Day Purple Picnic to be held in Lasiandra Park, Wauchope on Saturday 17th March at 5.00pm. A sausage sizzle will be in operation as well as Irish games and dancing. Fun for all the family, all are welcome to come along and join in the fun.

The "Lasiandra Country Fair" will be held once again at the newly refurbished Wauchope Indoor Sports Stadium Cameron Street, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March.

Gates open 8.30am both days with entry just $ 3 per adult. Children Under 12 years will be

78 greater port macquarie focus.

admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

As an added bonus visitors to the fair may be rewarded with a family weekend Get A Way holiday accommodation package. Simply by adding their name and and alpaca, talk to an expert As an added contact details to either s, visitors to nu bo about solar power and the advert appearing the fair may be a energy saving products, in this month’s FOCUS rewarded withnd purchase some beautike or the back of the Fair family wee ay lid ho ful and healthy plants to ay w geta entry ticket and placing odation m m co take home to adorn the ac in the entry box found ckage. pa garden, take a stroll through at the Fair; one lucky the wide array of exhibits person may win 2 nights on display incorporating farm accommodation for 2 adults machinery, outdoor and garden furand 2 Children at Coffs Harbour. niture, tools and hardware to a beautiful The winner of the Family Weekend timber flooring display from Australian Solar Getaway Lucky Gate Prize will be drawn Timbers and an informative display from Hastfollowing the completion of the committee’s ings Landcare. main fundraiser – Cow Pat Lotto, which will Hastings Landcare be conducted at 2.00pm on Sunday 11th, deHastings Landcare is a voluntary community pendant on the cow! One lucky ticket holder organisation promoting ‘best practice’ natural will win $ 1000 cash. Tickets will be available resource management across the Hastings at the Lasiandra stand over the weekend at and Camden Haven Rivers and tributaries $2.00 each. from Johns River and the 3 Brother Mountains There will be something for everyone at this to Kundabung and Maria River in the north years Country Fair with fair goers able to pat

and westwards including the Comboyne plateau, Elands and to the limit of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council area. The Office and Community Support Officers funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA). Our projects are developed in partnership with the community members form the coast to the ranges, along with the CMA and Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

Our Community Support Officer (CSO) is available for site visits to discuss land management issues and to assist with advice and development of property plans.

We will have a range of information on display at the festival – A CALENDER OF EVENTS and FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, INDIAN MYNA TRAPS, RESOURCE KITS FOR RURAL LANDHOLDERS, COAST and ESTUARY RESOURCE KITS, Weed Posters, Plant ID booklets on Aquatic Plants, Grasses, Legumes and Herbs. continued over

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Abstract Plastics At Abstract Plastics we believe in pushing the boundaries to create new ideas, designs and subsequently new markets. We have a skilled team of individuals that continually strive to achieve the impossible when confronted with situations where our competitors say “you can’t do that”.

The team at Abstract Plastics love a challenge and thrive on being able to fabricate that special piece of equipment that you thought could never be designed, yet alone produced. Our products are elegant, functional, sturdy, reliable and will give you years of trouble free usage.

Abstract Plastics manufactures the bulk of its products in its Wauchope fabrication workshop.

We are environmentally responsible and use precise engineering techniques to minimise wastage and loss. Any off cuts are recycled ensuring that our carbon footprint is as small as possible.

Australian Solar Timbers Lasiandra Fair Special Offer Australian Solar Timbers (AST) is Australia’s only onsite specialist manufacturer of hardwood flooring.

Situated right here on the beautiful Mid North Coast AST prides itself on a history that can be traced back to 1919 and remains family owned and operated to this day.

The majority of wood sourced by AST is from local sustainably managed State Forests that are accredited under the Australian Forestry standard. This means that AST hardwood flooring products are AFS and PEFC Chain of Custody certified to international standards ensuring that

they are from legally sourced and sustainably managed forests.

A hardwood floor purchased from AST is a carbon neutral, beautiful and natural product resourced and produced under stringent conditions in line with environmentally sustainable world’s best practice.

AST’s commitment to a sustainable environment has also seen them become world leaders in solar kiln drying, a natural and environmentally sound process, providing a superior product and less green house emissions by replacing fossil fuels with the natural energy of the sun.

The natural warmth and beauty of a hardwood timber floor is timeless and will add character, a sense of space and value for decades to come.

Come and say Hi to Mick and Wayne our friendly solid hardwood timber specialists at the Australian Solar Timbers stand at the Lasiandra Country Fair to find out more about the unique qualities of this timeless product.

Alternatively visit the AST showroom at 116 Armidale Road West Kempsey, open from 7.30am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30am – 1pm Friday’s.

Mention this advertisement and you will receive a 20% discount on any flooring order placed on the day.

The Country Fair promises to be a wonderful event for all the family with an organised program of musical and theatrical entertainment across the entire weekend from members of the Wauchope Youth Theatre, Sing Australia,

Lasiandra Festival

Cow Boy and The Song Bird, Chuck Murray, Port Macquarie Academy of Music Members, Pete the Purple Pirate and Crew, Barney the Clown and Wizzy the Water Drop will make an appearance and provide some great games.

Thursday 15th will see the Wauchope CBD a hive of activity with Purple People Shopping and Market Day in full swing. Sidewalk specials from participating businesses as well as market stalls will be in operation from 8.00am. Prizes awarded for best dressed shopper, best staff costume, and best window front and premises displays. All are invited to come on over to Wauchope, wear your purple best and bag a bargain.

If you require further information or would like to book a site at either the Country Fair or Purple People day feel free to contact Festival Secretary Chrissy on mobile: 0412 137 621. You can visit www.lasiandrafestival.com.au for a full list of festival events.

More info If you require further information or would like to book a site at either the Country Fair or Purple People Day, feel free to contact Festival Secretary, Chrissy.

Phone: (02) 6585 1103 mobile: 0412 137 621. www.lasiandrafestival.com.au for a full list of festival events.

greater port macquarie focus 79

focusinterview.

John (JD) John (JD) Graham is a well known figure around the Wauchope area. A well-respected and prominent businessman and former Chairman of the Urban Committee in Wauchope for 25 years, he has seen many changes occur in the Hastings-Wauchope area over time ...

H

ow long have you lived in the Hastings/Wauchope area – and what originally brought you here?

My name is John Douglas Duncan Graham, but I am known as ‘JD’.

I was born in Wauchope on 7 February 1921, ninetyone years ago. Except for a brief period spent in Port Macquarie when the canal development began in the late ‘70s, I have lived here all my life. I was actually born in my Aunty Ailie’s (Klumpp) little house, which still stands in Cameron Street, opposite the RSL Club and is currently being renovated to house a new business.

Please provide us with a little bit of family background ...

I am the third eldest in a family of six – four boys and two girls. My older brother, Colin, and I survive. My family was a farming one, and I spent my first five years on my paternal grandfather’s farm on Koree Island. My Dad, Jock Graham, then bought a small farm on the Port Lane, so we moved to a house in Randall Street, which was not too far away. It was then, in 1926, that I started school.

During the Depression years, we all had to work on the farm, milking by hand, both before and after school. I finished my schooling at age fourteen. By this time we had a milk run. Once we had a vat full of milk in the dairy, we took off and delivered it to the townsfolk in a horse and cart. The milk was measured with quart or pint jugs which had a flip-up lid, and the milk was tipped into the customer’s jug or billycan.

In 1941 I joined the RAAF Ground Crew, volunteered and became a ‘Don R’ (dispatch rider) and was stationed in Darwin during the sixty plus air raids which ensued. I was discharged in late 1945.

For the next two years I worked with my father in his auctioneering business, which was subsequently sold to Jones Berry in 1948.

The following six years were spent working with my brother-in-law in the local newsagency. We delivered papers on a push bike until we acquired a motor bike – much better!

The remainder of my working life was in selling menswear in the building and business I established in

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1955, retiring in 1996. It still operates to this day as two shops under the names of ‘Street Smart Clothing’ and ‘Uniform Solutions’.

What prompted you to become involved with local government?

As a businessman, I saw the need to be involved in local affairs – particularly local government. Not having the time to stand for Shire Council, I stood for and was elected to the Urban Committee in 1950, which held its meetings at night. It was a separately elected group of five people, which included the Shire Clerk and the Shire Engineer. I served as Chairman for twenty-five years.

This committee looked after the Shire’s parks, roads and footpaths, and much of the town’s kerb and guttering was achieved during that time. Good management of Council and urban rates ensured that the streets were tar sealed and rural roads were well graded and maintained. New Council Chambers and a County Council building (where Watermans Café now stands) were constructed.

What have been some of the major changes you’ve witnessed in the Hastings area over the years?

There have been many changes over the years.

Hastings Shire Council was well run, and we were successful in getting a Technical College, a Motor Registry and importantly, a new High School (which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year).

Amalgamation with Port Macquarie Municipality saw changes in Council administration. At last, rapid growth occurred in Port Macquarie, making it a major tourist destination, and Council’s resources moved to the coast.

What other businesses/charities/committees have you been involved with?

I have been involved with many organisations: the Wauchope Swimming Club, Civil Defence (now SES) as Deputy Controller, Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Club (foundation member), for instance. I was honoured to receive an OAM for Community Welfare Services in 2005.

My number one interest was and is in our RSL Sub Branch and RSL Club. I am Life Member of each, and eleven times President of the Sub Branch. I joined Taree

Legacy in 1953 and was a foundation member of Hastings Legacy. I am still active in welfare work.

What are some of your fondest memories of working within the local community?

I guess the fondest memories are of the people I’ve met (lobbying visiting politicians for town improvements), the lasting friendships I’ve made and the friendliness of the Wauchope community.

Looking back to when you first started your working life, how different is the Wauchope/ Hastings area now to what you envisaged back then?

Very different. A great many changes occur during the course of a long working life. I suppose the most dramatic changes are due to advances in technology: television, computers, mobile phones and faster travel times.

What keeps you busy these days … what interests do you have now?

Well, as I said, I enjoy visiting Legacy widows and old friends. Friday nights at the RSL Club are a regular outing, as is Church on Sunday mornings. A lot of time is spent with family in town, and I have two granddaughters and their families in Sydney to visit, as well as my youngest granddaughter on the Gold Coast to keep in touch with.

If you could change one thing about the Wauchope/Hastings area now, what would it be and why?

My one wish would be to see our town streets resurfaced and our rural roads upgraded. We do live in a very special part of Australia.

Thanks JD. Interview by Jo Atkins.

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Garden Village

Group

Co-ordinator for the Garden Village Craft Group, Beryl Smith, explains how her wonderful ladies have touched the lives of our soldiers in Afghanistan ...

H

ow long have you been the Co-ordinator of the Garden Village Ladies Craft group, and how many members do you have?

I have been craft co-ordinator for ten years, give or take. We have got about fifteen members. Not all of them can attend the craft group, but they make things in their own home to contribute, which makes them feel like part of the group.

What do the ladies enjoy most about being a part of the Craft group at Garden Village?

I think the group has grown very close over the years, because we just really do enjoy each other’s company. The practical side of this is that we sell all of our craft, and raise money for the nursing Garden Village nursing home and hostel villages.

They buy all sorts of things that make the living a little bit more homelike.

They buy pictures to hang on the wall and quilts and bits and pieces for the residents.

Tell us about the knitted beanies that were sent over to our Aussie soldiers in Afghanistan.

Well, that’s a terrific story. About mid June last year, I had a letter from a friend of mine in NSW, who sent along a copy of this beanie pattern.

So I brought this along to the girls in the craft group and said, “I think we can do this. We need to make some woollen beanies for our soldiers in Afghanistan, so who would be willing?”

The knitters put up their hands of course, so I went out and bought the wool – they can’t have acrylic over there – and we set to it and made 20 beanies.

We sent those which worked out very well, but that really isn’t the end of the story.

One of the staff, who retired last

year here at Garden Village (her name is Audrey) has a son-in-law in Afghanistan. Believe it or not, he sent her a photograph of himself wearing one of the beanies! So that got us going well and truly; we just couldn’t believe that out of the twenty beanies we had sent, Audrey’s son-in-law had received one.

The gentleman who wrote the thank you letter to us after receiving them said they had enough for the next two years, so I thought we wouldn’t hear about where they went or even dream we would get the photograph of Malcolm out in the snow in the mountains. He is pointing to our little logo that is sewn on, which reads: “For our boys far from home, keep warm and safe, come home soon. Made with love, Garden Village ladies craft group, Port Macquarie.”

So that was lovely, to think that a family we knew had received one of our beanies. It must be terrible to be away from family and friends and kids and wives and so forth, and to think that a small group in Australia is thinking of them and sends something to make them a little bit more comfortable in the cold to wear under their helmets ... I am really pleased to have been to be a part of this.

What was the response the craft group received?

We received a letter from a Lieutenant.

He said he was very grateful for what we had sent – and there had been a wonderful response Australia wide, actually. They now had enough for two years in stock.

That was another thing, to think that out of the twenty of our beanies that went over, Malcolm should get one. It’s just incredible. They all seemed to be very grateful.

Audrey had been part of the staff at Garden Village for thirty years and of course, the day she brought that email

and photograph in to show us and to meet the craft group, everyone was so excited about this, so it’s just all been a wonderful story.

What other items do the ladies enjoy making?

We make various sized knee rugs, children’s knitwear, baby and toddlers’ knitwear, all varieties of cards. We use old cards, recycling them into all sorts of new cards.

We also make hand towels, kitchen towels, face washers, a large variety of knitted toys, which are very popular and ladies and children’s aprons.

We make the things that seem to sell best, so that we can keep raising money and spending our time contributing to the residents of the village.

How does the Garden Village ladies craft group not only benefit its members, but the rest of the community as well?

The ladies benefit from the meetings.

We meet every week from 8 to 11, and they are a very happy and social group.

Everyone is willing to use their creative talents to produce something.

The thing that is important to us is our community within the village, and the monies we raise through the sale of our crafts goes back into the village, which is a great benefit.

A word from members of the group; Heather- “I enjoy the camaraderie and being with poeple who are doing the same thing. I enjoy knitting mostly, and have been a part of the community at Garden Village for ten years. It was very exciting to know that our beanies were appreciated.”

Evelyn- “The soldiers are doing their fair share so we have to do what we can to help. We do all kinds of knitting, and meet every Monday. The companionship and enjoyment of the ladies is just lovely.” greater port macquarie focus 81

Wellbeing

By Glenise McLaughlin from The Natural Health Sanctum

Hot

Hot flushes driving you mad? It can feel like hot flushes take on a life of their own when you are going through menopause. Waking up during the night hot and bothered, unable to get back to sleep, waking up tired, feeling like you haven’t slept at all, having to fan yourself when no-one else has to, inability to concentrate at work, maybe a tad moody?

The menopausal phase of a woman’s life is a time of huge change and upheaval. The physical and emotional changes can be overwhelming, debilitating and extremely frustrating. Many women experience a roller coaster of symptoms during menopause.

Some women find it difficult to accept the fact that the time has come and their body is changing. There is no need to be embarrassed about it;

ocess that menopause is a natural process h. every woman goes through. ou have But that doesn’t mean you atural to suffer. There are many natural ble at The treatment strategies available at can Natural Health Sanctum that oing through support your body while going ur life. this transitional stage in your ating a good Easing hot flushes, facilitating ght loss and night’s sleep, assisting weight much, much more can be achieved sed natural using an individual customised treatment for menopause program, because ‘one size does not fit all’. nctum, At The Natural Health Sanctum, our natural treatment for menopause p you program is designed to help ugh the manage the transition through le your body phases of menopause, while ormonal adapts to the changes in hormonal production.

Call us on (02) 6583 3544.

By Graeme Lawlor from Everybody PT

obese

By Matt Hempsell (Matt Hempsell Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic) Did you know that an estimated 25% of Australian Children are overweight and one in four will be obese by the time they finish school?

Back care for new mums.

Children are a pain in the back! In fact, 83 per cent of mums suffer back pain directly related to the dayto-day care of their young children*.

“

”

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So you’ve had your baby and thought your back pain from carrying all that excess ‘frontal’ weight would go away … luckily in most cases it does (usually within a couple of weeks) but unfortunately for some cases, it doesn’t. If you are in that category, read on!

That excess weight is now a wriggling, moving and ever growing bundle of love demanding 100% attention, playing havoc with your back. Initially, you could be lifting your baby up to 50 times a day. Your baby requires carrying and pushing in the pram, lifting in and out of cars and in and out of chairs, bending to put in the bath and hunching over while feeding. And they get heavier!

Here are a few tips to help new mothers (and fathers) reduce their risk of injury and back pain. (Adapted from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

• Start gradual exercise as soon as your health professional has given you the go ahead and eat healthily – you and your baby need this!

• Do not stretch your arms out to pick up the baby. Bring the baby close to your chest before lifting. Avoid twisting your body.

• To pick up a child from the floor, bend at your knees, not at your waist. Squat down, tighten your stomach muscles, and lift with your legs.

• Remove the high chair tray when you are trying to put the baby in or take the baby out of the high chair.

• When lifting the child up out of the cot, if possible put the side of the cot down and pull the child toward you. Do not bend over the side of the cot and lift the baby over the top.

• Do not carry a child on your hip; this overloads the back muscles and causes imbalance.

• To avoid upper back pain from breastfeeding, bring the baby to your breast, rather than bending over the baby. While you are nursing, sit in an upright chair rather than a soft couch, and use a cushion to support your arms.

• Choose your buggy wisely; try to find one with a good handle height to keep your arms in a good pushing position that will keep your head, neck and back in correct alignment.

• Do not stand outside the car and try to place the child in the car seat. Kneel on the back seat as you place the baby into the car seat. Consider trading in your sporty twodoor model for a four-door vehicle, which will make it easier for you to place the child in the car seat.

For more information – find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/matthempsell *thinkbaby.co.uk

Did you know that at least 25% of Australian children spend 4 hours or more in front of the TV and or playing video games?

Did you know heart disease is now the number one cause of death in 4 - 14 year olds?

Did you know Australia is now considered to be one of the fattest nations in the world?

As a Personal trainer, I have had several parents contact me for help with their overweight children.

In my experience, the problems usually start from home.

As a parent, you are 100% responsible for the food that your young children eat and even how active they are.

Children learn by example, so as parents it is up to you to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

Some helpful hints are: • Only have healthy nutritious food in the fridge and cupboards • Get active with your children. Take them for walks, go for a bike ride together, head to a park to play games, kick a footy or even throw a Frisbee, but most of all make it fun, because children tend to get bored quickly.

• Limit TV and computer games time.

• Don’t use food as a reward for good behaviour.

• Treats are treats, so use them for occasions only.

• Seek professional advice.

Parents, please help change these statistic; lead by example, get active, eat well and if it’s motivation you need, then seek out a good Personal Trainer.

headaches?

foggy brain?

bloated? tired all the time? stomach upsets?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you could simply be suffering from an intolerance to one or more foods you are consuming.

Food intolerances may cause a range of slow-onset symptoms that are seemingly unconnected to specific foods. Symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear, in which time a lot of different types of food and drink have been consumed, baffling the sufferer as to what has caused their discomfort. Although not life threatening, the impact on sufferers can be significant, sometimes affecting their ability to live normal healthy lives.

Symptoms of food intolerance are many and varied and can include anxiety (acute/chronic), arthritis, ADD, bed wetting, bloating, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, depression, muscle aches and pains, headaches, inflammatory bowel disease, insomnia, itchy skin problems, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight control problems – and many, many more.

Sufferers often complain of seeming to be in a ‘fog’, feeling bloated and being tired all the time.

Up until now, food intolerances have been very difficult and time consuming to diagnose, due to the vagueness of the symptoms and the time lapse.

Now a quick, reliable, simple, safe test for food intolerance to 59 foods is available at The Natural Health Sanctum. This procedure is the world’s first in-clinic test available for food intolerance.

This test now forms part of our comprehensive Food Intolerance Program, which is specifically tailored to suit each individual’s needs. Be quick, be smart, be symptom free – book in for your Food Intolerance Program now.

Glenise McLaughlin – Naturopath with over 17 years’ experience, specialises in the natural treatment of food intolerances. Phone 6583 3544.

Myth Busted!

All spectacle lenses and frames are the same – myth! yth!

Just as there are different quality cars, the same is true for spectacle frames and lenses. All cars are designed to help you get from A to B, and all spectacles are intended to help you to see. However, the level of research and development and quality of manufacture varies in spectacles, just as it does in cars.

As technology advances, so too do spectacle lenses. In the past, spectacle lenses were made exclusively of glass. Today, most lenses are made of high tech plastics which are thinner and lighter and do not break as easily as glass lenses. They can also optimise your vision for different tasks or simply be made to look more attractive.

When it comes to spectacle frames, there are many different types to choose from; they vary in not only the material they are made from (metal or plastic), but also the type of hinge used. There are even spectacle frames available that are extremely flexible and don’t have any hinges.

Eyecare Plus recommends quality frames and lenses which will result in improved visual performance, better comfort and increased durability.

greater port macquarie focus 83

focuseditorial.

Get Fit ...

Not Hit

Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts

Dancers’ DELIGHT New Diploma has dancers delighted. The eagerly awaited announcement of a nationally recognised dance qualification being delivered in Port Macquarie has local dance students and industry looking towards a strong and exciting future.

T

his year, North Coast TAFE’s area, so teachers can manage and deliver the Port Macquarie Campus will skills needed and raise industry standards to a offer the Diploma in Dance, nationally recognised standard,” Joe said. directly addressing an increase in “Our recent successes with the visits of demand for dance and movement skills in the Australian and New Zealand Ballet at the the community recreation, cultural heritage, Glasshouse have provided us with positive fitness and health industries. This has led to a recognition in the dance world. In the coming wider range of employment opportunities for months, we have two of the country’s biggest dancers. National qualifications are required dance companies visiting us for the first time, by industry to reflect these employment and we look forward to welcoming Bangarra opportunities. and the Sydney Dance Company.”

The Mid North Coast has a great Mr Conneely said, “All these reputation for supporting opportunities are supported by and participating in dance our educational program to The future for a events and activities. provide access for our dance ve education is to haowledge With the new national community to meet with broader based kned area, curriculum being the dance companies and lis of your specia manage n ca rs delivered Australia-wide even attend rehearsals or he ac so te ills within government master-classes. In addition, and deliver the sk industry needed and raisetionally schools, the arts we are developing standards to a nadard. component will be additional opportunities an st recognised looking to source teachers through our partnership with with nationally recognised the Sydney Opera House to qualifications, such as delivered support our region’s dancers with in this course. the Open House Project, so having the Dance schools are always on the lookout diploma delivered locally in Port Macquarie is for qualified teachers, and the job prospects an exciting announcement!” are numerous. Having locally delivered Students going through North Coast TAFE qualifications for dance teachers will and already working in the industry will support the emergence of a strong local be able to gain formal qualifications using creative industry that our community already the duties performed at work, towards participates in actively in large numbers. assessments. The course is designed to Up skilling those who look to further their support employed students and flexibly fit professional development will be a positive around their work and training commitments. benefit that has a lasting legacy, as they in It will also provide a consistent and turn can pass on their knowledge to their reliable industry benchmark for training, students. recognising and assessing people’s skills and Joe Conneely, Director at the Glasshouse, administrative skills for those looking to Port Macquarie, has vast experience and manage their own dance studio. knowledge of the industry, locally, nationally If you would like further information about and internationally. the Diploma in Dance, you can contact Julie “The future for education is to have a Johnson on (02) 6581 6221 at North Coast broader based knowledge of your specialised TAFE. 84 greater port macquarie focus.

Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System, which is conveniently located at 31 Jindalee Road in Port Macquarie’s industrial estate, offers fantastic world renowned martial arts programs for the whole family!

For your obligation free trial, please call TODAY on 6584 1050 or email admin@krmas.com.au. You can also check out the Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System website at: www.krmas.com.au

You can learn and obtain the benefits of Muay Thai – Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Authentic Karate. All have traditional values, tailored to suit today’s society.

Some benefits of our martial arts training: • Helps release stress and tension • Provides a means of self defence • Builds a sound body, as well as a sound mind • Enhances conditioning, flexibility, agility, coordination • Can aid in weight reduction, increase endurance • Develops confidence, respect, discipline, character, concentration, leadership • Higher self esteem • Greater understanding of respect and discipline • Develop a positive and winning attitude • Teamwork and team building

All of the Kumiai-Ryu Martial Arts System lessons will not only get you in great shape and enhance your fitness level, but have the added bonus of teaching realistic and effective self defence at the same time! The very dedicated team of instructors, who are fully government accredited professional martial artists with decades of experience, are here to guide you and assist you reach your goals.

The world class, air conditioned facility features a cardio gym, a combat zone fully set up for Muay Thai kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts and a massive Karate studio.

One email or phone call will transform your entire life!

Get Fit ... Not Hit!

focusinterview.

After competing at the Deaf Games in Geelong, local star athlete, Elise Goodwin, brought home a total of 5 silver medals.

ELISE

G O O DW I N

W

hat was your experience the deaf community. It was definitely a bonus like competing at the Deaf and a privilege to be swimming with such Games in Geelong? elite swimmers. Some were preparing for the Australian Deaf Games – Olympics and Paralympics; we saw Thorpe and wow, what an experience! The people were so Klim swim. friendly and welcoming. At times it was a little What was the best thing for you about frustrating not being able to communicate, competing at the Games? but the Deaf Community was so patient and Meeting up with my great friend Jamie from helpful; we had many good laughs. We made Brisbane and making many wonderful new so many great new friends. There were teams friends. I got to try some new sports through from Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand and all over youth workshops that were run over the week.

Australia.

It was wonderful meeting and doing some At times it was a little daunting being one of coaching with Cindy-Lu Fitzpatrick, a Deaflympic the youngest, but the experience has and Commonwealth Champion, meeting put me in great stead for the next Dean Barton-Smith, a Deaflympic, games in 4 years to be held in Olympian (Decathlon) and Adelaide. It has also opened Commonwealth Games ith w e m ho e up opportunities for the representative, Joanne I cam als – 4 for 5 silver medan Asian Pacific Games, Lambert and Annabel for swimming ecdst1 atic Deaflympics and Under 19 Bishop.

Futsal. I wasul the kf & World Deaf Games.

We met some people who and than had an swimming e group, What events did you are training for the next Under 13 agsports compete in, and what Olympics in London; that as all other age. en were your results? was really inspiring.My family were op I competed in the 100 m I and would like to thank Deaf freestyle and breaststroke (1st Sports Australia and Deaf Children time ever), 50 m freestyle, back Australia; without their support and breaststroke. The Australian Deaf and mentorship, we may have missed this Games swimming was held in conjunction with amazing opportunity. the State Victoria - Victorian State Swimming What’s next on the agenda for you?

Championships in Melbourne 13 - 16 January.

I’ve been having a break. Geelong was pretty Thursday 19 January I played Futsal, which was hectic, and thankfully it was in the school a demo sport at the games this year, for the holidays.

Queensland team.

At the moment I am just adjusting to my first year I came home with 5 silver medals – 4 for at Westport High School and this week will be swimming and 1 for Futsal. I was ecstatic and competing in my first swim meet since Melbourne thankful the swimming had an Under 13 age at Kempsey zone. I am looking forward to playing group, as all other sports were open age. I was in the Under 14 girls’ soccer team with Port initially disappointed that there was no athletics, United, and I’m presently working on a sports basketball or soccer and nearly didn’t go. training plan, trying some new sports this year, But through the wonderful support from the but my main focus is to settle into high school.

Deaf Sports Australia, we decided to attend Thanks Elise.

Interview by Jo Atkins. for the experience of the games, sport and greater port macquarie focus 85

We have now been in Port Macquarie 2 years – and loving it!

Before KOR Whitening

After KOR Whitening

The Perfect Smile A ssmile is the light in your window that ttells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

Everybody likes to smile but some people can’t due to different reasons ranging from broken teeth, discoloured teeth or missing teeth. At Davis Dental, we specialise in fixing smiles and rehabilitate broken or worn down teeth. We help people regain their lost confidence back by designing a new smile with the patients actively involved in the entire process.

Apart from the very latest that we offer in our clinic, we have recently started using a revolutionary teeth whitening product “The KOR whitening deep bleaching system”.

The KOR whitening system rejuvenates the tooth’s ability to whiten predictably and fully, every time. If you have had a failed bleaching attempt using light activated whitening products or other take home whitening kits, this system is for you. KOR whitening deeply

86 greater port macquarie focus.

bleaches the tooth, resulting in greater whiteness and longer lasting results.

The other area which we specialise in is rehabilitating broken and worn down teeth. This problem is seen mainly in elderly population as a result of continual wear and tear. This may be complemented by acid attack from various internal and external sources dissolving the enamel. The source of acid attack can be in the form of undiagnosed/ untreated reflux disorder or acidic soft drinks, fruit juices and red wine.

We take great care in studying the patient’s bite first before rehabilitating their broken down teeth to achieve predictable outcomes.

Usually a mock up procedure is done to give the patient an opportunity to participate and visualise the final outcome even before any definitive treatment is begun.

Please feel free to contact one of our friendly experienced staff to know more about the range of Specialist procedures offered at Davis Dental.

Dudes & Dolls Hair D With a prime location at Lighthouse Beach, what do you offer your clients that makes Dudes & Dolls unique? We pride ourselves on listening to our clients’ needs and giving them liste a thorough consultation. This ensures they have a style they can manage at home. We take into consideration the hair texture, manageability of the style, how much time will be spent styling the hair, and of course, what will suit them. It is one thing looking great in the salon, but we want clients to be able to achieve their style at home with ease every day.

What are your backgrounds in the hairdressing industry? We have both been qualified hairdressers for 14 years. We met 15 years ago at TAFE and have been married for 12 years. We now have 3 gorgeous daughters.

After running our first salon in Wodonga for 8 years, we decided to head to Europe for work and travel, where we stayed for 2 years, hairdressing our way through Europe.

We then came to Port Macquarie for the beautiful place that it is and couldn’t wait to have our own business again. We have now been in Port Macquarie 2 years – and loving it!

Have you made any significant changes to the salon since taking over? Yes, we have

redesigned the salon for extra comfort for our clients by adding in air conditioning, new seating and all the latest equipment. We also had a name change to suit the new look.

Who else is part of your team at Dudes & Dolls Hair? We have 5 senior hairdressers: Brendon, Tanya, Lyn (previous owner), E mma and Jamie. We also have our apprentice, Mikaylah. We have a great team, which gives the salon a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

What are your business goals for 2012? We are looking forward to expanding our business by adding on a beauty room, so we can offer a full range of waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting.

MARCH 2012

WITH TERRI

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

Personal strength may be your challenge this month. Avoid relying on others to achieve what you are capable of doing, and be aware of self-destructive thought patterns, to achieve higher self-esteem. Most importantly, listen to your intuition; this is how you are being guided.

Ruby protects us when we are vulnerable.

Commit yourself to your fresh goals. They are, after all, life changing attitudes. Avoid being played by guilt games at all costs. To be able to implement these changes to your life, you need to know you are worth it. Be grateful for your higher attributes.

Turquoise is a powerful confidence booster.

Set fresh goals, because exciting change surrounds you. Repetitive patterns have ceased, old contacts have left your space, new and exciting friendships are coming forward, and a feeling of contentment for home-life.

Career changes can also be anticipated.

Amethyst & Citrine or Ametrine is ideal for connecting our higher purpose to our consciousness.

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

Listen to your inner voice. Your restlessness is quieting, and change is imminent. Pay attention to cycle’s endings and know when to move ahead. Opportunity to express your creative self is approaching, so remain focused until the task is complete.

Citrine connects our imagination to our intellect. Resulting in new ideas.

GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUN 22 Relationships will likely be your major influence this month. Instead of engaging in conflict, simply see there is no problem, because there is no problem – and then there is no problem. Do not allow another to extract negativity from you.

Sugilite helps us to trust where love is concerned.

‘Moving into the unknown without fear’ needs to be placed somewhere prominent, just as a reminder that you needed and wanted change for such a long time but you had to wait for the perfect timing. Well, here it is! It’s time for you to prioritise yourself for once. Enjoy!

Rose quartz the crystal of love, connects us to our own heart energy.

Try and let go of that pessimistic streak that allows you to fall softly if things don’t work out, and recognise how clever you are at manifesting your thoughts. Once you acknowledge this ability, it will grow enormously. Have fun.

Clear Quartz amplifies our self-awareness.

LIBRA.

AQ UA R I U S.

SEPT 24 - OCT 23

JAN 21 - FEB 19

This month should bring forward good luck and open new doors for further success. Stay focused on the task at hand to avoid being overwhelmed. A lot of social activity can also be anticipated. Be sure to have plenty of sleep, and journalize your dreams.

Citrine attracts good luck.

Be B kind ki d to yourself; work out what you want and why you want it, and let the Universe bring it to you. Your time until now has not necessarily been for you; however, things are shifting, so get ready to pamper your mind, body and spirit.

Carry some Citrine for a few weeks.

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

Previously set goals should begin to manifest, and new opportunities for future security will soon become evident. As fearful thoughts appear, try giggling at them to shatter them subconsciously. Waking up new joy and playful energy will soon seem easy.

Citrine attracts positivity.

Sometimes we need to experience hardship to be able to appreciate more the wonderful things to come. You have always known how to get what you really want, and now is no different. Set some short term goals as well as long-term for complete contentment.

Lilac Amethyst brings out our appreciation of all things great and small.

Relationship challenges are offering you tremendous wisdom and growth, but it’s important not to get caught up in the wrong kind of detail. Allow your partner to be your mirror, and find out why things bother you as much as they do. Then forgive and forget.

Rose Quartz keeps our love strong in our aura.

greater port macquarie focus 87

focuseditorial.

Robyn’s Robyn Butler.

Maybe because they teach children at school about oral hygiene and the importance of looking after their teeth, fluoride is not something our body needs. o one has ‘fluoride deficiency’. As one fellow quoted: “It is a false magic bullet solution from bygone years”. This world we live in is a funny old place, because we are feeding our bodies with more additives, preservatives, chemicals than ever before. You only have to look what is in our food, let alone what we don’t know is in our food, because of the ambiguous labelling.

Did you know that some farmed salmon are fed pink pellets so their skin will go red … what’s in the pellets? Heaven knows! I am going off the track now, but instead of fluoride, why not cut out soft drinks and cordials that have heaped teaspoons of sugar in them, that must rot the teeth of our youth.

I know some dentists think it is not only great, but a necessity for our community to add fluoride to our water. Must have a word to my dentist when I see him next time and get his run down on the situation, as I am certainly

N

88 greater port macquarie focus.

no expert. My main concern is putting another ‘foreign man made chemical’ into our ever tolerant bodies.

If you are in the water tank or bottled water business, book yourself a round the world trip for next year, as your sales will be flowing through the ‘pipes’.

High tea anyone? ... Relay for life invites you to …

Where: Tea and Treasures. 76 William Street, Port Macquarie When: Saturday 10 March 2012.

Time: 2.30pm.

Cost: $30 per head.

Tickets: Available at Holiday Coast Credit Union, 13 Short Street, Port Macquarie.

The price includes beautiful food with tea and coffee. Raffles, champagne for sale and entertainment by some lady who writes for GPM FOCUS. All proceeds going to Relay For Life. Hope to see you there.

Camden Haven Music celebrates

International Women’s Day This wonderful festival will be celebrated from 2 March to 11 March 2012. The wonderful line up of entertainment starts off at the Glasshouse at 8pm, with Seven Harp Ensemble (SHE). Don’t forget if you prebuy, you get a $5 discount. You can also ring and book on 6559 6874 … have you credit card ready … or google Camden Haven Music Festival 2012 for all the details.

Douglas Vale 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Cottage As mentioned last month, as part of the Heritage Festival, the Hastings region is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the building of the Douglas Vale Vinery homestead cottage. On 14 April 2012, from 10am at Douglas Vale Winery (on the Oxley Highway, next door to the Westport High School), a marvellous day will be held at the Winery, with stalls, great entertainment, Devonshire teas, BBQs, wine tasting, demonstrations and tours.

A real family day out for a gold coin donation.

You can also purchase their exclusive ‘Portabella Port’ ... 5 years in cask and only 100 bottled for $35 each.

It is the only vineyard in Australia that is owned by the community … established in 1887. If you would like to become a member of the winery, just call in any Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday morning and register. They are always on the lookout for gardeners, wine buffs, pickers etc . … as volunteers to Port Macquarie’s ‘Oasis on the Oxley’.

SNIPPETS 1. After being off the market for some time, Windex is back in the supermarkets as from last year, to wash away our troubles. Rang the company, and they said it is new and improved and can even wash through fly screens. One reader, Pat, told me she just connected it to the hose and “Bob’s your uncle” and reported it did a fantastic job on her windows … with no streaks! Whacko!

2. Did you know if you dial *10# to see who your last caller was, it costs you 70 cents a pop unless the operator says you have no calls, you will not be charged for this call. A bit rich, don’t you think?

3. Congratulations to the organisers of the Men’s Health Forum at the Glasshouse last month. Over 600 people attended this very informative and interesting morning. John Brogden was the main guest speaker and received a standing ovation after his very personal and moving story on his battle and ongoing recovery, after being diagnosed Bipolar.

Conversation heard on a Wauchope farm last month: Two cows … Daisy and Dolly were talking together while waiting to be milked, and Dolly said to Daisy, “I have been artificially inseminated this morning.”

Daisy replied, “You are having me on!”

Dolly said, “It’s true, Daisy. No BULL!” Keep smiling, Robbie x

focuseditorial.

focuseditorial.

Life’s a journey

GOOD

preparation is the key

NEWS

During NSW Seniors Week (18 - 25 March 2012), major sponsor NSW Trustee & Guardian is encouraging older Australians to book a free allin-one legal life-planning appointment to arrange a Power of Attorney and to make or update their Will.

“Planning ahead really involves spending time considering your future and how you would look after yourself if your circumstances change,” says Jennipher Edwards, Port Macquarie Branch Manager, NSW Trustee & Guardian.

Zimbabwe

The best thing anyone couldgdo before makin rnaey is Power of Atto nsider to seriously cot as who they wan... their Attorney

It’s not just about protecting your finances. It’s about taking control of your future. You can appoint someone under a Power of Attorney to take care of your financial affairs, such as operating your bank accounts, paying bills and dealing with your property should you not want, or lose the ability, to do this.

“The best thing anyone could do before making a Power of Attorney is to seriously consider who they want as their Attorney, and that may be an independent professional, such as NSW Trustee &

Aussie Martin Barrow shares the story of transformed lives in Zimbabwe.

How often do we hear good news coming out of Zimbabwe? Well, here’s your chance.

Guardian,” said Ms Edwards.

Appointing an Attorney is an important decision, as it often requires particular skills involving legal and financial responsibilities, and of course, assumes a great deal of trust. Many people appoint family members or friends, without realising the burden it can bring.

Similarly making a Will is part of good life planning.

It is essential to have a Will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

To make an appointment or for further information, contact NSW Trustee & Guardian, Port Macquarie at Shop 2, Centreport, 114 William Street or 1300 364 103, or go to: www.makeyourwill.com.au

If there’s anything left for the kids Make a Will today.

from

Aussie Martin Barrow left his job in Corporate Finance in Sydney to assist the poorest of the poor in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in 2003. Nine years on, and abandoned and orphaned babies have been placed in families, street children’s lives restored, and homeless people have been fed, assisted and empowered.

Martin leads Our Neighbours Ministry, which now has 34 staff and many volunteers and reaches out to holistically love the poorest of the poor in the community. They have homes for vulnerable children, a soup kitchen, health service, empowerment projects and a school for disadvantaged children.

Martin will be sharing details about Our Neighbours Ministry and all that he believes God has led them to do in Zimbabwe at: The Woolshed Where Heritage Christian School, 8 Mumford Place, Port Macquarie.

When 7pm - Friday 2 March Where Grace Church, 2 Kingfisher Rd, Port Macquarie.

When Sunday, March 4.

9.15am & 5pm services.

Come along and hear his story.

There are many people in desperate situations in Zimbabwe, and Our Neighbours Ministry will also give you an opportunity to be involved. For more information, you can also see their website, www.ourneighbours.org

Wills Days in your area NSW Trustee & Guardian (formerly Public Trustee NSW) has been helping the people of New South Wales for over 95 years.

NSW Trustee & Guardian services include: • Will Making • Estate Administration • Executor Services • Trusts • Powers of Attorney There’s no charge to make or update your Will when appointing NSW Trustee & Guardian as your executor. Charges apply on estate administration only. You can also make a Power of Attorney with us as your independent and experienced attorney.

Our Port Macquarie Branch regularly holds Wills Days across the Mid North Coast region, visiting: • Forster • Kempsey • Laurieton • Macksville • Nambucca Heads • Taree • Wingham

Call 1300 364 103 or visit www.tag.nsw.gov.au/willsdays NSW Trustee & Guardian, Port Macquarie Branch Shop 2, Centreport, 114 William Street NSW Trustee & Guardian proud major sponsor of NSW Seniors Week 2012

greater port macquarie focus 89

focuseditorial Port Macquarie Landcare President sident

estellegough.

U P D AT E Donate yourself to Landcare.

“I am pushing 60. That is enough exercise for me!” So said Mark Twain, the famous 19th century writer and humorist. These days, older people enjoy being active – and we are celebrating this during Seniors Week.

Port Macquarie Landcare Group invites evGood quality tools, protective clothing and ery senior to ‘Donate yourself to Landcare’ insurance are provided. and discover the joys of activity in the great They can also access formal training such outdoors. as First Aid or Application of Chemicals.

Landcare will host a fun event on March Many capable mature people have found 21, where seniors can be a Landcarer for a in Landcare a variety of roles where they few hours and see Port Macquarie in a new can use their talents and be recognised. way. They will meet kindred spirits, see how Both men and women volunteers enjoy exLandcare works, and enjoy a tasty mornercise in the open air, socialising with likeing tea. They will visit the beautiful minded people, and being welcomed Lilypond Landcare Project in into the community if they are Koala Street, a showpiece new to town. that attracts visitors while Port Macquarie is a popular Landcare by n conserving wildlife and destination for seniors ar ‘le rs membe nd la sh native plants. and one of the fastestbu g’ in do d Each person who developing areas in regeneration an ecology, plant seed attends the morning NSW. But development identification, event will also receive puts pressure on our d collecting an n. a free native plant from natural environment, and io at ag prop the Community Nursery, our coastal areas are also in return for ‘planting yourfacing the threat of sea level self in Landcare’. rises. Restoring natural areas with The venue is the Function Room at Landcare is a rewarding way to express Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in Burour responsibility to society and to future rawan Street, and the event starts at 9am. generations.

The program will start with a quick audioThe NSW Government’s Ageing, Disability visual tour of our beautiful local bushland and Home Care is generously funding and how we care for it.

Landcare’s event on March 21 as part of Seniors will be welcomed by Landcare PresiSeniors Week activities. dent, Estelle Gough and will meet ecologist It is challenging the stereotypes around and author, Bill Peel, a rainforest expert. ageing and celebrating the achievements Proudly wearing their yellow Landcare shirts, of seniors while rewarding their contribuRex Moir and the Over 55 Volunteers will be tions. It’s all about staying active, learning on hand to share stories and morning tea, new skills and enjoying a great social life. before taking guests on the field trip.

So if you have been thinking about volunThe event will showcase Landcare’s interestteering, this is for you. ing, healthy and fun activities for seniors, Please RSVP to Estelle at 0432 141 605 – who have a lifetime of skills and experience and invite any of your friends or neighto share with the community. bours who would like to know more about Landcare members ‘learn by doing’ bushLandcare. land regeneration and ecology, plant identiSee our website at fication, seed collecting and propagation. www.landcareportmac.com.au 90

greater port macquarie focus.

focustravel.

with Susie Boswell

L CAf tL he

Conch o

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N :

COOK ISLANDS first set foot on Cook Islands by accident.

Or serendipity, as they say. En route to Moorea, the affordable and most accessible Tahitian holiday island, I was unaware my Air New Zealand flight would transit Rarotonga, Cook Islands’ capital. We were keen to complete the long flight to our destination ex Sydney, via Auckland, but delighted to discover as we strolled to the terminal a charming troupe of islanders singing and dancing to welcome the arrivals. Somehow they seemed sweeter and attractively simpler than the norm. So, later, I returned to get to know this formerly “anonymous” archipelago, overlooked in favour of favourites such as New Caledonia, Hawaii, Fiji. The Cook group of 15 scattered islands is equally blessed with blue lagoons and palm-fringed white-sand beaches and is safer and gentler than some places, and more affordable than others, in the AsiaPacific. While it too has developed some 5-star luxury resorts the equal of its neighbours, its simplicity endures in the chance to also enjoy, e.g., an absolute beachfront twin villa for as little as $150 a night, or an apartment from $85 single on what many regard as the “achingly beautiful” island of Aitutaki.

Cyclones are rare, and anyway this month sees the end of the monsoon or rainy season and the beginning of lower humidity during the best months to visit, April to October: average temperatures, 26 degrees. Access now is easier, with Air New Zealand flights ex Sydney travelling the 5000km north-west in around six hours non-stop. Cook Islands are 20 hours behind EST so you won’t have jetlag (and who cares if it’s roughly this time “yesterday” when you’re relaxing!) The climate’s idyllic, the food - tropical menus featuring fish, bananas, coconuts, pawpaw, pineapples - is healthy and the Polynesian people are warmly welcoming. With no international chain hotels and no buildings taller than the coconut palms, tourism is decidedly low-key compared with other developed destinations.

A mixture of coral atolls and volcanic islands, Cook Is are grouped into nine southern

I

islands and six in the north; the main island of Rarotonga’s easily explored via a 30km ringroad, by car, scooter or bus. Places to stay are plentiful around Rarotonga, predominantly on the “sunset coast” beaches and around popular Muri Beach and Lagoon. The tourism office lists year-round attractions including snorkelling and learn-to-dive in clear shallow turquoise-tinted waters, exploring lush mountain interiors on 4WD trips or hikes, dining at budget waterfront restaurants serving delicious fresh dishes with free million-dollar views, mingling harmoniously with friendly laid-back locals at markets and roadside stalls - beautiful carved home wares, colourful handmade quilts, arts and crafts - and at church on Sundays, and learning about the islands’ amiable, fascinating Maori traditions at hotel “island nights” or by visiting cultural villages. Many travellers take a 45-minute flight north to the breathtaking Aitutaki, boasting what many claim is “the world’s most beautiful coral lagoon”. Aitutaki’s a magnet for weddings and honeymoons but also for all lovers of natural beauty. Cruise operators here ply exquisite waters, stopping at dazzling uninhabited sandy islets. Diving and deep sea fishing are other popular diversions, as is browsing for black pearls, sold loose or in lovely settings.

Who can say it better than those who know it best: “Welcome to the secret of the Pacific.

Breathe in the fresh pure air. Wade into cool calm blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart”.

See the excellent website and booking facility at www.cookislands.travel traveleditor@live.com.au greater port macquarie focus 91

focusinterview.

Bobby Rydell is touring Australia with the All Stars during March, and will call in to visit us at the Glasshouse.

Bobby has visited Australia more than 20 times during the course of his phenomenal music career and calls Oz his ‘second home’. Bet you’ll never guess what it is that keeps bringing him back to visit our shores, though … hat’s your favourite memory from the feeling like when you achieved your first number that golden era – the late 1950s to the one?

1960s?

When I heard my first record being played on the radio, I As far as Australia is concerned, the was driving to New York City – I lived in Philadelphia, which Everly Brothers, myself and some other is only about an hour and a half south of New York City. I bands worked the old Sydney Stadium [in 1960] – a was with my manager, and we were going to New York to gentleman by the name of Lee Gordon was the promoter. do some promotion. It was WABC Radio – a Disc Jockey by The kids at the show just went crazy! They started storming the name of Bruce Morrow (they called him Cousin Brucey). the stage, and we couldn’t get off! We had to get the He said, “Here’s a new artist with his brand new hot record – Sydney Police to form a V, so we could get out of the it’s Bobby Rydell, singing Kissin’ Time”! stadium.

I went nuts, because it was the first time I’d heard it on We were also one of the first Rock ‘n’ Roll shows to work the radio. And then, of course, doing The Dick Clark Show Perth. There are so many stories – and all the ones for the first time and American Bandstand promoting Kissin’ that come to mind are from Australia!

Time.

You didn’t have the same crowd I had 3 or 4 records before Kissin’ Time … The reaction everywhere else you Dick Clark Show emanated out of Philadelphia, travelled? and my manager would take my records and g I have a really bi . I I have a big fan base here [in play them for Dick. The first record, second ralia fan base in Aust wn to the USA], but for some reason or record, third record got, “No … no” – and try to make it do ths - I another, I have a really big fan base in I decided I wasn’t really cut out for this on Oz every 18 m it. ve Australia. This visit will be something business, and I was happy just to play the lo ly absolute like my 20th or 21st visit to your drums. Then the fourth record – which wonderful country. was Kissin’ Time came out – and it started I try to make it down to Oz every 18 everything, back in the summer of 1959. months – and I absolutely love it.

So many years and many hits later, are the Back in the beginning, when you were number ones all equally as memorable, or does evolving your musical style, English artists were that first one really stick in the mind? obviously watching what the American artists were I guess the first hit record always sticks in the memory – doing – and vice versa. Did the music coming out of UK and then the first million-seller, which for me was a record at the time have any influence on your act? called Wild One, in 1960. I was working up to three millionNo, because we were around before anything that was sellers by then and other chart toppers. We actually went ever a hit came out of the UK. The artists that I fell in love back into the recording studio in Philadelphia again to do with when I first started recording were people like Bobby Kissin’ Time Australia way – and it was a hit in Australia!

Darin, Elvis Presley and Fats Domino. There really wasn’t any With all the places you’ve travelled to perform – is British music here until The Beatles made it, and that’s when there anywhere else you’d like to travel that you the whole British invasion happened in the United States. haven’t visited yet?

You’ve achieved so much over the course of you career Ohhh … let’s see. Been to Japan, Hong Kong, Manila, the – something like 34 Top 40 hits at last count. What was UK … I don’t know. (Laughs). Is there any place other than

92 greater port macquarie focus.

Australia?

I’m sure people in other countries might argue their case … but good point!

(Laughs). Well, Australia is my second home. We have a football team over here called the Philadelphia Eagles, and there are people [in Australia] – mainly guys – who’ll come and sit in the audience with Eagles paraphernalia like T-shirts and hats on, because they know I’m a big Eagles fan!

What are some of the songs you’ll be singing at your upcoming show?

I gotta do all the records: Kissin’ Time, Wild One, Forget Him, Good Time Baby, Sway, The Cha Cha Cha. We’ve added some new material, and of course, I do some comedy in the show. One of the things I do – and people love it – is a tribute to Bobby Darin, with 4 of his songs: Splish Splash, Dream Lover, Beyond the Sea and Mack the Knife.

Bobby Darrin must have been a bit of an idol for you …

Absolutely. He was so talented; it was scary. I knew him very well, and of course, he passed away at a very early age – he was only 37. He had so much to give …

You’re obviously looking forward to visiting Australia again. What is it about Australia that you enjoy so much – what keeps you coming back?

(Laughs). Oysters Kilpatrick. I love it – I’d have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I still have a lot of friends down there, the people are absolutely wonderful, the food is fantastic … it’s just one of the greatest places in the world.

Thanks Bobby. Have a safe trip over – and all the best for the tour.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

Bobby Rydell will perform at the Glasshouse on March 20 at 8pm. Tickets cost $67 adults, $62 groups 10+, under 18s and concession.

Call the Box Office on 6581 8888 or visit www.glasshouse.org.au

u

ovatingexpo.com.a

www.buildingren

Building homes of distinction

greater port macquarie focus 93

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BUS H POET Bessie Australia’s answer to Pa Pam Ayres? That is Bessie Jennings aspiration … A tall order, but certainly an achievable goal for an enthusiastic and talented bush poet. Bessie plans to publish her sixth book of verse this year, hot on the heels of winning Children’s Poem of the Year at the Bush Laureate

Awards in Tamworth … hat’s your background, Bessie?

I came here in 1974, when my second husband was alive and we decided to retire to the country. We chose Port Macquarie, because my parents were still living in Wauchope, where my brothers, my son and I were all born.

I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney.

The first home I actually remember, though, was in Nabiac. When I write my poems – and a lot of them are about my own life experiences – there’s one about watching the bullocky go past in Nabiac.

I missed the community I’d come from at first, but after a little time I thought I’d make an effort to become part of the community in Port Macquarie. I have done so; and I feel very at home here now.

Tell us the story behind meeting Frank, your husband …

Frank was a boarder in our home in 1947 48, when we were 17 and 18. At that time, my little sister pictured us romantically involved … we weren’t! But, we were good mates. Frank visited me during my previous marriages, and we’d been in touch over the years. After the death of my second husband, he invited me to Melbourne – and it was then, at the age of 67, I learned that he’d asked my father for permission to marry me when I was 20. And that’s how we changed from being a brother and sister to being prospective partners. My children thoroughly endorsed the match!

Where did your interest in poetry begin?

As a child, I loved poetry – I loved rhyme and rhythm. At the age of 6, I decided I wanted to be an author. That changed over the years to other ambitions! My elderly father kept telling us the same stories over and over, and I finally told him he should write the stories down. He said he would if he had help, so I volunteered, and I’d travel to Wauchope every week and 94 greater port macquarie focus.

spend hours taking notes. That’s how I came to finalist in that section. write Dad’s biography, Herman. That’s also how But, it was certainly a finalist for Children’s I found out about self publishing.

Poem of the Year, and we didn’t know who’d In 1996 I entered a competition I’d heard won until the award night. My sister travelled being advertised on the radio – to write a from Maryborough, and her daughter from poem for the Millbank Choko Festival. So, my Brisbane, and my son also travelled from first competition entry was Grandma’s Choko Brisbane, hoping we’d win a trophy … and we Vine – and I won first prize, so I was very did! My sister and I raced up on stage like a encouraged. It was a big town (laughs) – the couple of excited children, and had our trophy school had 12 children! presented by Joy McKean.

After that, I went to a poetry What is it about bush poetry, writing class through adult specifically, that attracts you? education and through that Bush poetry doesn’t mean h discovered there was a bush ‘rural’. It’s a blanket term I’m not so muc lot of inspired by aas poetry meeting (Hastings that means traditional I am s, et po r othe e th Macleay Bush Poetry rhyming, rhythmic verse s It’ s. re Ay

by Pam ness, Group) once a month. that’s about anything to unpretentious s, the homelines Through that group, do with Australian life. It’s at of her poemse!th I joined the Australian important that people realise m to s appeal Bush Poetry Association. that bush poetry can still be The Association holds poets’ about garbage bins, toasters, breakfasts and other events supermarkets etc … the tradition and is involved with the Country came from the bush, where people Music Festival in Tamworth every January. didn’t have access to much entertainment.

I’ve performed at that Festival twice in Poets’ There may have been a mouth organ or a violin Breakfasts and a few times at various other available, but there wasn’t much access to centres. books and reading, and people depended on Two years ago, in Bundaberg, I performed in the oral tradition of reciting poems and stories. the Australian Bush Poets Championships, and Yarn telling very much ties in with bush poetry that was great fun – although I didn’t win a events. trophy that time.

Bush poetry used to focus on droving, And you’ve won a special award recently or outback stories; but we’re no longer a for your poetry. What was it for? predominantly rural country. Yet there is still a Through the Bush Poetry Association, I distinctly Australian culture and our own style learned about the Bush Laureate Awards event. of spinning yarns.

One of the categories was Children’s Poem With bush poetry events there are generally of the Year. My sister, Patricia Gardner, and I three categories: traditional, where poems had just produced a book called Aussie ABC, were written over 50 years ago; original, and I decided to enter it into the competition. where the performer has written the content Patricia did the illustrations. themselves; and modern, where anything that I received a phone call from Max Ellis in has been written in the past 50 years may be Tamworth telling me he thought the book performed. It’s all good fun … there’s a lot of was worth entering into the Book of the Year humour, but also a lot of pathos. I think it’s competition as well; however, it wasn’t a very sad when people think bush poetry has

to be bawdy, or about things like exploding dunnies … it’s much broader than that.

What inspires you to write?

I’m not so much inspired by a lot of other poets, as I am by Pam Ayres. It’s the unpretentiousness, the homeliness, of her poems that appeals to me. I put “Pam Ayres, here I come” on the front of my CD cover, and when she performed in Port Macquarie, I gave her a copy. I bought one of her books, and she wrote on it, “Bessie, here I come.”

My aspiration is to be Australia’s answer to Pam Ayres!

How many books have you self published now, and where can readers source your works?

Five books of verse, one biography, one CD and the joint publication with my sister.

I’m hoping to publish another book this year, called Homely Poems.

And I don’t mind if people want to share my work. If someone wants to copy my poems and send them to 7 relatives to read – that’s great!

Aussie ABC is available at the Book Warehouse and at Sea Acres, and the books of verse are available at Timbertown.

Where can people see you perform, or find out more about the Hastings Macleay Bush Poetry Group?

I’ll continue to perform at schools, nursing homes and similar whenever I get the opportunity.

The group meets at the Senior Citizens Centre in Munster Street, Port Macquarie on the second Saturday of each month from 1pm – 4pm. Contact the Senior Citizens Centre on 6583 7149 for more information.

Thanks Bessie.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

the plug!

Readers can contact Bessie at befrank@tsn.cc or call 6584 5425.

focustourism.

Port Macquarie Tourism Association

Potentially 12,000 competitors, administrators, parents and supporters will head to Port next February for the event. .

Tour m janettehyde. t is hard to believe that I am sitting down writing the March column already – the months just seem to fly along. Despite a few huge downpours, it has been good to see a lot of sun in recent weeks, as our peak tourism season winds down for another year.

In this column we have regularly discussed the importance of attracting more than holiday visitors to town, as while they are hugely important to our economy, it is a fact that they are extremely seasonal and most tourism businesses struggle in the off season.

By widening the scope to target additional visitors via hosting sporting and cultural events as well as conferences, it helps even out what would otherwise be huge peaks and troughs for these businesses across the year.

To this end, I would congratulate the passion, tenacity and vision of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Tourism Marketing Team. They are doing a fabulous job with yet another great event coming to Port Macquarie, with the recent announcement that the 2013 - 2015 Junior State Cup will be played at Port Macquarie after being hosted in Wollongong for the past 12 years. Potentially 12,000 competitors, administrators, parents and supporters will head to Port next February for the event.

The team currently also have bids in for the Surf Lifesaving Championships 2013 - 2014 and the National Touch League 2013 - 2014, along with some conference opportunities.

The same team from Council should also take kudos with Wotif.com figures based on more than 250,000 bookings per month in 2011, that show Port Macquarie as again ranked third in the New South Wales list behind only Sydney and Newcastle, and 16th most booked region nationally. To achieve this result and hold onto it for a second year running is remarkable, given the competitive nature of tourism, as well as the marketing efforts that have been put in by various regions.

It is disappointing to still hear occasional comments from locals who bemoan the

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tourist season and the influx of visitors to the region. Apart from the humorous fact that the majority of these people probably discovered Port Macquarie by being visitors themselves at some point, economically, without our visitors we would be a shadow of what we are now. It is estimated that every $1 spent in town by a tourist equates to approximately $5 in actual spending, as the money flows through our economy.

The Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association hosted their member night during February at the recently (and wonderfully) renovated Waters Edge Boutique Hotel (Country Comfort). Members were treated to wine tastings from both Rose’s Vineyards and Bago Vineyards, while Rachael and Craig from XS foods sampled some of their great finger foods. Linda Hall from Council updated us all on what is happening marketing wise, while Neil Black from Sunrise Rotary spoke about the planned restoration of one of our iconic landmarks, The Tacking Point Lighthouse. Two of our members gave quick updates on what they have happening, with Bago Vineyards about to open their Hedge Maze and Billabong Zoo talking about all the exciting changes they have coming up. These nights are a great way for all our members to find out what is happening, and we would encourage as many as possible to get along to the remaining 4 member nights across the year.

Finally, I would like to wish the best of luck to both Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel (Deluxe Accommodation) and Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre (Visitor Information and Service), who will be waving our flag at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards hosted at the Cairns Convention Centre on March 2.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s tourism operators who have demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement. Just to make the finals of these awards, you have to win both your regional and state awards, and for Greater Port Macquarie to have two finalists is a fantastic effort. greater port macquarie focus 95

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Training Centre.

Mid Coast Independent Trade Training Centre (MCITTC) is now open and offers new state of the art purpose built trade training facilities to serve the Hastings and Manning Valleys of New South Wales.

CITTC delivers and assesses under the Australian Qualifications Framework as a training location for providers who are registered in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQF).

MCITTC is committed to providing quality education and training to students from the Hastings and Manning Regions. Our aim is to keep pace with the evolving needs of young people, industry and the wider region.

MCITTC will assist you in getting the skills and knowledge so you can have the future you want.

MCITTC is for all students who want to learn and succeed in today’s world. It can provide you with: • Practical learning pathways leading to Certificate qualifications • Nationally recognised industry qualifications that employers want Australia wide • Real-life practical learning opportunities that take place both at MCITTC and in the workplace • A fun campus environment with a chance to get involved in co curricular activities, social and

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sporting activities • Skilled teachers with significant industry experience and up-to-date facilities that deliver excellent standards of education MCITTC is on • Pastoral care and learning St the grounds oflic support that students need an ng A Columba Mrs Janet Geronimi to help you achieve your llite te sa ith w , ol ho Sc led a dedicated team goals at facilities y lle Va to research, gather At MCITTC you don’t ng ni an M . community support and spend your time watching Anglican College develop the application demonstrations; you get for $2.98 million. hands on experience leading to In late November 2010, better skills development. notification of a successful Round H I STORY 2 application was received, and the As part of the Australian Federal Government’s MCITTC needed to be completed to be up and ‘Trade Training in Schools Program’, St Columba Anglican School, in a joint venture with Manning running for the start of 2012.

Our project manager, Bill Amy, then set Valley Anglican College, made an application to about bringing the building through the survey, establish Mid Coast Independent Trade Training design, tendering and building process. Hopkins Centre.

Associates worked on the St Columba master MCITTC is on the grounds of St Columba plan to ensure that MCITTC fitted within the Anglican School, with satellite facilities SCAS footprint. at Manning Valley Anglican College. The The architects DRA from Coffs Harbour then application process took several months, and

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set about designing the purpose built facility.

The MCITTC has been designed to have the feel of a work environment, rather than a school and has attractive well thought out learning spaces.

National Buildplan were the successful tenderer for the construction and despite wet weather, worked to ensure the MCITTC was ready for 2012 commencement. The quality build is a credit to all involved in the project and MCITTC would like to thank National Buildplan and Bill Amy. Fast forward to March 2012 and MCITTC is now open, with the first students undertaking studies in Hospitality – Commercial Cookery and Construction. The official opening will be held on 6 March 2012, with Senator Matt Thistlethwaite in attendance for the Federal Government.

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St Columba forlife

The new ‘state of the art’ hospitality kitchen is one of the biggest and best equipped facilities in the region.

he spacious kitchen features 16

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individual stainless steel workstations and a teacher demonstration bench.

This ensures that all students have

plenty of space for practical hands on skills training in a commercial kitchen environment.

The kitchen includes a combi oven, fryer station and hot and cold bain-maries’. The kitchen has a preparation room and can service the café area.

Adjoining the kitchen is a barista training area with the latest ‘Rocket’ 2 group head coffee machine installed by Peak Coffee.

This then opens out to 3 classroom spaces that have bi-fold walls that move out of the to open into a large space seating up to 100 guests. Modern furniture shares the dual purpose of converting from classroom furniture to function furniture.

These three rooms have folding glass doors that open onto a wonderful large undercover al fresco dining area. This is bordered by a kitchen herb garden that overlooks bushland.

C O N C R E T E YO U R S K I L L S MCITTC has 2 large workshops for Construction and Design and Technology, in addition to a large ground floor work space they also have mezzanine theory spaces. These are light and bright rooms with roller door that open to allow truck and equipment access.

There is an attached outdoor project area, with easy access to the workshop space.

Both rooms feature the latest equipment and have plenty of space for projects. A separate machinery room houses major equipment, for access from the workshops. Students are taught by Mr Justin Munro who has extensive trade experience, as well as his teaching qualification.

The Electrotechnology Lab has the latest equipment with work benches and wiring bays.

This is a large room with a classroom space at the end.

T E C H NOL O GY MCITTC also has 2 video conferencing classrooms and interactive projectors in all other teaching spaces. Laptop trollies and a WIFI

connection mean students can have computer access anywhere within the TTC. W H E T YO U R A P P E T I T E For a career in hospitality, by commencing commercial cookery while still at school, you can do this at Mid Coast Independent Trade Training Centre.

At MCITTC you can study commercial cookery as part of your Higher School Certificate.

MCITTC offers: • Skilled teachers with extensive industry experience.

• 16 individual student work stations, with a maximum 15 students per class.

• New purpose built facilities.

• Fast tracked course – 9 hours of hospitality training each week, so you complete the 240 hour Hospitality (Commercial Cookery course) and 120 hour extension in Year 11.

• Great career prospects – an in demand industry.

• Mid Coast Independent Trade Training Centre welcomes students from all schools across the

region.

Come and study Hospitality as part of your HSC at one of the biggest and newest Commercial Cookery Classrooms on the Mid North Coast.

Discover all the advantages of our HSC Course at MCITTC, that will help you achieve your commercial cookery goals.

VISIT US We welcome the public and interested families to visit MCITTC to see what is on offer to students here each Thursday afternoon from 5pm to 6pm. Before you make your Year 11, 2013 decision, come and see the MCITTC difference – great new facilities, small class groups and quality teaching programs.

Offering a unique program, students study 6 units plus the extension of their trade course in Year 11, as well as English, Maths, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Work Studies and complete work placement.

For more information, please contact Julie Robinson on 6581 4188.

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MAX MARKSON Max Markson, founder and director of marketing firm Markson Sparks and famous celebrity agent, recently visited Port Macquarie as a guest of HQ Port and the Hastings Business Enterprise Network Business Breakfast. We spoke to Max about some of the highlights of his career and how to succeed in business. ell us a bit about yourself. When did you create your company ‘Markson Sparks’, and did you ever expect it to grow on an international level?

Next month it will be thirty years. Markson Sparks started out in March 1982, and we were just doing publicity and promotional work, which we still do today for major corporations.

Then we moved into managing celebrities and personalities, which we also still do today.

Almost twenty years ago, we started doing events, and we have done over 200 charity events and given over $40 million to different charities internationally. As part of the events side of the business, I have been privileged to host President Clinton, Nelson Mandela, President Bush, the former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, Al Gore, and just last year I brought Tony Blair to Australia and New Zealand, where we did seven events in five cities in four days throughout the two countries.

What do you enjoy about the publicity and media profession?

I just love having fun. I enjoy the challenge of everything in the industr, and achieving things, and I just really have fun with what I do.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?

I think some of the people I have had the pleasure working with; also, my charity work has been pretty cool. I really enjoyed doing Celebrity Apprentice last year; that was a lot of fun. I never expected to be on a TV show, but thank God I wasn’t chosen for Excess Baggage! (Laughing.) I think the whole journey of my career has been a highlight. I love doing the work overseas as well, and I had some great fun looking after Kim Kardashian in 2010, while she was on a worldwide promotion for Michael Hill Jewellers.

You were in Port Macquarie recently. Have you been to the area before?

The first time I came to Port Macquarie was in 1980, when I was driving from Sydney to Port Douglas, and I stayed in caravan parks for

$5 a night. Then in ‘84 I did all of the publicity and promotions for the opening of Pelican Shores.

A guest at the February Hastings Business Enterprise Network Business Breakfast, what did you hope to inspire business owners with in our regional area?

I guess I hoped to give them any tips or clues on increasing business, a bit of inspiration and the knowledge that if you want to be successful, you have to have persistence and be enthusiastic with everything you do.

You mentioned your involvement with fundraising and charity events. What have been the standout events for you?

The first time I brought President Clinton to Australia, we did a dinner for the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, clearing a profit of $1.2 million for the hospital, so that was a pretty impressive dinner. I also did a big dinner for the Red Cross in March 2005, where we had One Enchanted Evening with Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, raising $700,000 profit for the Red Cross. The big event nights that go fantastically well are what I love, and the support we always get from the community who want to go to these events and give and donate; it always impresses me.

How do you handle being in the limelight?

I just have fun with it, and hopefully at the end of day I make the right decisions for other people and for myself. I try not to upset people, which I sometimes do, but that’s just me being me. (Laughs.) I am quite focused when I am doing things; I just go for it and do it. I definitely like having fun, I enjoy karaoke, I like icecream and chocolate! And I think it’s good to smile.

Do you have a piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners on the Mid North Coast?

I think the main thing is to follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and if all else fails, just persist, and you will get to wherever you want to go to. Whatever you want to do, you have the power to do it. Work hard, and play hard!

Thanks Max. greater port macquarie focus 99

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& David Pride, of D&S Design Pty Ltd, has an artistic flair for working with wood and metal. But, this talented local has also been described as a ‘problem solver and innovator’ – and when you read about his work in the film industry, you’ll see why …

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hat originally brought you to Port Macquarie?

My brother and I bought a property at Bellangry in 1991, to have a retreat from Sydney.

Where did your interest in art begin?

My dad was good at drawing, making gadgets and inventing things, so that was a big influence. The first ‘sculpture’ was probably a piece of driftwood that we found in the Ohio River when I was about 8 years old.

I scraped at that thing for weeks.

Then came the usual model cars and bicycles, of which all were heavily modified. We also had a fantastic junk pile at my grandfather’s farm in Kentucky (where I was born) that was a source of amusement. Thankfully, there were no video games then to distract me.

What art mediums do you mostly work with these days – and why these particular mediums?

I work mainly in wood, because it’s a very tactile medium. I did my time as a welder when I left school, so metal is also a favourite because of its strength and permanency. After welding and various factory jobs, I started in the film industry as a model maker, and this opened a whole new world of opportunities as far as materials and techniques. We have also used high explosives to ‘form’ stainless steel into sculptural shapes.

How did you make the transition to working with special effects in films?

I got into that industry purely by accident. I was asked by a friend who had a small animation company to assist with some mold making for one evening, and it was infinitely more interesting than working on a building site. I have worked in film ever since.

What is involved with working both as a design engineer or special effects on a film set?

It can be quite involved, but basically I would translate the art director’s ideas into tangible objects or rigs and devices to accomplish those visions. I

should add that it is not We quickly became known and respected always possible to bring all as ‘problem solvers and innovators’. I am I work mainlysin a of the grandiose visions to no longer a director, but my brother still wood, becauseedit’ium. m fruition, because of sheer runs that company in Sydney. very tactile as a e tim y m scale or cost restraints.

Among the other flow on changes I did left welder when I al That’s when compromise that occurred are the demise of practical is school, so met ... and common sense prevail. effects, such as some model builder’s also a favourite You’ve worked on many jobs, special film techniques and mass films – including Superman crowd scenes – all of which are ‘generated’ Returns, The Matrix and by computer.

Kangaroo Jack. What film job We couldn’t have done films like Lord of the sticks in your memory most – and Rings in 1980 or the Transformer films. You might why? have made an attempt, but it would have been futile The Matrix movies, because of the concept and the to get the quality possible with today’s technology. people who were involved it the project. These were What gives you the most personal satisfaction projects where I couldn’t wait to get to work, because – working away in your studio, painting and it was so interesting every day … the designs, the sculpting, or working with a team to help create scale of events, and the crew and actors were great to a movie (or are they both processes you find work with. My wife said I was ‘designing rigs’ in my equally enjoyable, but for different reasons?)

Both, and as you said, for different reasons. I sleep during that job. haven’t worked on a film for a while, as there are What’s the most recent film project you’ve been very few being made. Films are adrenaline ... wood involved with ... sculpture is Zen. Over the past year, I’ve designed parts of the stereo What’s next in the pipeline for you (3D) cameras that will be used to shoot the new professionally? Are there any artistic and/or Mad Max film. The cameras were assembled in my film projects on the agenda for the next few brother’s workshop in Botany in Sydney. I have also months? been involved in the design of training devices for I have some camera parts to design and possible the military and federal police. I can do most of this Navy helicopter-trainer. I have a series of wood from home, as it is designed, virtually tested, and sculptures I want to build using the large computer assembled on the computer. controlled cnc router I built last year. That will Doing the work on computer allows me to live in be exciting, as it involves compound shapes that Port Macquarie instead of Sydney. I only have to travel link together at very close tolerances. It would be to check final assembly etc.

What are some of the major changes you’ve seen impossible to do this with traditional methods.

I might add that working with this loud, aggressive in the special effects industry over the years? machine is not at all Zen-like!

The major change, of course, is the computer. We Where can people view your artworks? had designed and built what was probably the 4th or Anyone interested can email me at 5th motion control camera in the world at that time david@dpride.com.au (1979), and it has been a big part of my job since.

Thanks David.

Those pioneering times were the most interesting of Interview by Jo Atkins. my career, because everything was new and exciting. greater port macquarie focus 101

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By now we’ve all seen the large, conical sculpture at the new entrance to Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway, and most of us have probably wondered who created it and what it represents. Artist Rick Reynolds is responsible for creating quite a few remarkable sculptures throughout the Hastings and Manning areas … sculptures that leave a lasting impression and reflect the imagination of their creator. But as Rick explains, it’s really for the viewer to decide what symbolism and meaning to attach to each piece of art ...

Rick

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lease give us a brief bio of yourself as the flagpoles were the obvious choice and suited the an artist ... roadside site. The avenue of flagpoles is a common I moved to Elands in 1970 after entrance strategy. attending the National Art School (East The sculpture is a unique welcome to this beautiful Sydney Tech). My interest in sculpture and sophisticated riverside city. came from meeting Bert Flugelman, who was an The symbolism in a sculpture is secondary to the inspiring teacher and taught me in my first year there. actual experience of viewing the work, which is unique I started making sculpture seriously about 12 years for each person. The sculpture is a response to the ago and entering competitions and shows when site i.e. the roundabout. It is circular, see-through and sculpture became popular and there were more lightweight; it gives the illusion of movement as you opportunities to show the works. My first public drive past it. sculpture was the Centenary of Federation sculpture in The best interpretation of the symbolism I have heard Victoria St Taree, Balancing Act 2001. is the Feng shui version: the upper cone reaches out What type of artworks do you typically create? to the Cosmos and draws in positive energy, while the I make sculptures in steel or wood and lower cone holds that energy in place, thereby installations of short-term site-specific bringing wellbeing to the people of Port works produced for shows like Macquarie (Bee Teck Lim). But it’s really ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ and for the viewer to decide. It is called the The biggest is ‘Aquasculpture’ etc. These are ‘Port Gateway’. s, challenge, alwayan made from whatever material Describe the logistics of creating ith coming up w th the or w is available and appropriate: the piece ... is at th idea to saplings, rope, nets, aluminiumThe sculpture was made with the effort that goes einnext the making. Th foil pie plates. assistance of a number of people: as w e biggest challengg with in How did the opportunity at Rob Butler – tech and 3D drawings; ic un comm . to create the large sculpture Alan Taylor Assoc – engineering, RPE the collaborators adjacent to the new entrance engineering; Ace Flagpoles – supplied to Port Macquarie on the Oxley and tapered the aluminium tubes; Decke Highway come about?

Sheetmetal – the aluminium and steel I was one of four sculptors invited to submit a fabrication; MVP – powder-coating; AJS Welding proposal to produce a work as a ‘Gateway’ to Port. We – onsite installation; RTA – funding; Hastings Council each created a model and responded to the brief. The – administration; Greg Wilson – best boy; and special models were presented to the adjudicating committee, thanks – Saarasa Madden.

I had the idea, did some drawings, made a model, we sold our ideas, and mine was chosen. liaised with the suppliers, woke at 3am worrying about What was the inspiration behind this work ... and it all, put it all together in the backyard, numbered what does it represent? the pieces, deconstructed it, and trucked it to the site.

The brief was complex, and there were a lot of things From contract to completion was about 10 months. the sculpture was meant to represent – including the Made of steel and aluminium, it weighs about 2 2030 strategic plan for the shire. It’s typical of public art tonnes. It is fully demountable. that it is meant to represent just about everything that What was the biggest challenge for you in terms is noble, civic, just and good, as well as being durable, of creating the roadside sculpture? maintenance free and graffiti proof.

The biggest challenge, always, is coming up with an The sculpture is a development of a series of works idea that is worth the effort that goes into the making.

I had created using hardwood saplings. The brief The next biggest challenge was communicating with the stipulated durable, low maintenance materials, so

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collaborators.

How much did you enjoy creating the work, and did you learn anything from the process?

Each work is a learning experience. Lesson number one: don’t be too precious. Getting to the end of the job and seeing the finished product is pretty enjoyable.

As with all artistic endeavours, we have to be prepared to accept both praise and criticism for our work. How do you deal with negative feedback for your creations (if any)?

Negative feedback is just part of the deal and is often the result of misunderstanding the role of art in society – and a feeling that someone is trying to make a fool of you and you just don’t get it. There is no secret. It’s just one more thing in the landscape ... another piece of the jigsaw.

The signs on top of the Roadhouse, or McDonald’s, have a bigger footprint than the sculpture has. The difference is, the sculpture is not selling anything. It’s free!

‘And just a little bit classy’!

Some people resent the fact that Councils spend big on art, while the infrastructure crumbles. In fact, the funding comes from outside sources, so there is a net benefit to the ratepayers – and if more local contractors were prepared to play, more of the money would stay in the shire.

‘No Art’ doesn’t mean the roads will be repaired.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline at the moment?

I am doing oil paintings and making small sculptures for a show at Gallery Aloft in Rozelle in May. Where can people view your other work?

There are Flood-markers in North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan (sculpted poles with steel fish and flood levels).

The Windmill hill sculpture, ‘Foley’, AKA The Pencil.

There was (in living memory), a sculpture at the Sovereign Hills development, ‘the River’, soon to be relocated to a secret site outside the Shire.

Sculptures in Taree: Outside the Gallery, ‘The Weight’ and ‘Lizard Lounge’; and in Victoria St, ‘Balancing Act’.

My website is www.rickreynolds.info Email: rick.reynolds@bigpond.com Thanks Rick.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

greater port macquarie focus 103

focusoneducation.

eve cloud hа a We talked to David Ross from Direction Accounting about the move to Cloud Accounting and discussed why local businesses need to start planning now ...

I

t’s the 1990s, and the fax machine is the new kid on the block in Australia.

Fast forward only 20 years, and very few of us even use a fax number anymore – let alone have one. Added to that, many smartphones now crunch numbers quicker than our computers.

In 2000, GST was introduced into Australia, and 40% of businesses were using computer software to do their books. Fast forward a decade, and over 90% of businesses are now computerised, creating a virtual empire for software producers. Products such as MYOB, Quickbooks and Banklink are names that are now common amongst small business owners.

Enter 2012, a business world on the edge of change. Most change brings with it fear and trepidation, but this change has the potential to impact all businesses, large and small and the way they interact with their customers, their advisors and most importantly, the impact on their time.

What exactly is Cloud Accounting?

Cloud Accounting allows a business owner to run their business software via their web browser. They log in securely, much like their internet banking, and have access to a full featured accounting system.

Close your eyes for a second. Picture your business accounting system at the moment. For most business owners, it is paperwork warfare, or what is sometimes called the electronic shoebox.

Now keep your eyes closed. What if your accounts were accessible by logging into a website. What if the need to buy software was completely removed from the equation. That’s right. No more expensive updates to software; no more new tax tables to install.

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greater port macquarie focus.

So the business does not have the software on their computer anymore?

That’s right. It is all stored securely ‘in the cloud’. Backing up their important data is also taken care of. No more backups that don’t work, or files that go missing. Currently if you lose all your data, your business will have to spend a day reentering or worse still, pay to have it re-entered. All of these issues are resolved when looking at a cloud accounting solution.

Many people are concerned, though, about security and privacy over the internet. How does Cloud Accounting deal with this?

All data is stored by the providers in dedicated offsite storage facilities. The high level of security, integrity and encryption of data is far more than any small business would currently have on their own systems. It is interesting that we believe that simply because the computer is at our shop/office, that security is at a high level. This is typically not the case.

How soon will the change occur, or is it just a flash in the pan?

Over the next twelve months, cloud accounting is expected to become one of the single most important changes for many businesses.

Software providers such as MYOB and Quicken are scrambling to release their versions of an online platform. MYOB, in fact, are reported to have invested over $75M in getting their product released. Quicken already have a system, Quickbooks online, which while not a full cloud solution, is plugging a gap for the company.

The big player on the block (and new kid as well) is Xero. Former MYOB founder, Craig Winkler, is a major shareholder of the company, which has achieved massive growth in recent years and continues to make significant inroads

into what was largely a duopoly between Quicken and MYOB. Xero has recently purchased the company Paycycle, developers of a cloud payroll product, which now provides it with a fully featured cloud solution.

Banklink, an accounting industry favourite of the last decade, have taken a slightly different stance, readying their online offerings as a platform, rather than a dedicated cloud solution.

It all sounds very confusing for small business?

Exactly. The choices are many, and the ones that I have mentioned are just the tip of the ice berg. It is expected that businesses will confront the sales pitch of all products within the next twelve months. The key to implementing a great cloud solution for their business is going to be in the planning. Time is on their side now, but not for much longer.

How is Direction helping business to plan for the change?

At Direction, we believe in leading the market. We have done this in the past with our business coaching services and Proactive Accountants Network status, and now we are able to offer local business the opportunity to learn more about the cloud, giving them the knowledge and the support if needed, to make their way through what is going to be a changing time.

We are running free boardroom briefings on Cloud Accounting throughout March, leading up to our Silver Lining Seminar in April where businesses will be able to get the full picture on the current Cloud Accounting choices.

How do businesses register for either the boardroom briefings or seminar?

You can register online at www.direction. com.au or call our office on 6584 6222.

focusbusiness.

focusrealestate

with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce mmerce

minding your

“The worst retail slump since 1984”.

The papers are full of it, mercilessly trumpeting the bad news so that we all get a serious reoccurrence of our latest disease: “weak consumer confidence”.

robert turner.

here’s no doubt that there are most retailers at that time had ever experienced. some major issues in the Australian Up until then, all the businesses in town were retail landscape, and I do agree located in the CBD. In 1984, Settlement City that the fundamentals of retail opened, immediately giving everyone a whole business altered forever with the new range of retail options, including Port’s first onset of the GFC in 2008 ... it’s only now that discount department store. the symptoms are starting to appear. But the Up until then, businesses existed primarily reality is, complaining about it will only get us so because the community needed someone to far. And sticking our head in the sand is not the sell them the products they needed to buy. We answer either, although it seems that not even were a typical small country town; in economic the biggest companies are immune to doing this. terms, the supply existed to meet the demand.

Remember Kodak? Their business model Settlement City changed all that. Almost relied mainly on the manufacture and sales of overnight, the number of customers walking rolls of film and the paper that photos were through the doors of the traditional CBD stores printed on. Their R&D department actually virtually halved. The new age had dawned. invented digital cameras, but they didn’t want People could now get all their shopping done to upset their core business, so they deliberately under one roof ... and they loved it. didn’t adapt to the new technology and So what happened to the businesses in incorporate it into their business. the CBD? Obviously, the CBD is now Others did, however, and the a vastly different place to what rest is history. In January it was like in 1984, with Port this year, the US parent Central and a whole range In 1984, ty Ci t en company filed for of different businesses.

Settlem iately opened, immed a bankruptcy. It was a Some businesses such as giving everyonee quick journey from the the Council and the Port whole new rang, penthouse to the cellar News have even left the of retail options first s ’ rt for the iconic 130 year CBD to make way for an Po including ent m rt pa de nt ou old company. It’s no increasing demand for the disc store. coincidence that it was retail space. Obviously, not the successful innovators all of them prospered, but the of the last decade who were successful businesses were the the ones to best embrace the new ones that managed to adapt to the digital imaging technology. Who were they? new conditions and give customers a reason to Nokia, Apple, Samsung ... the mobile phone buy from them. developers.

They realised that they had to embrace No; ignoring the future is not an option. And the massive change in mindset from simply complaining may make you feel better for a supplying goods and services to meet the while, but it won’t change anything. What we demand, to that of actually creating an need to do is come up with a plan ... and do increased demand for their specific products and something about it. services. They had to play the game of attracting Please forgive my use of medical terminology. customers and holding onto them. They had I am, after all, a pharmacist, so what more can to be noticeably different and better than the you expect? Actually, 1984 was the year I began competition. They had to make sure they didn’t my journey as a pharmacist. I was a first year give their customers any reason to choose to uni student at Sydney University. I must admit shop elsewhere. that like most uni students, I wasn’t able to Does this all sound familiar? Is the Settlement contribute much to the ailing retail sector. But City experience of 1984 the same as the online probably more to the point, I didn’t know it shopping experience of 2012? The scale is was ailing. What was so bad about 1984? Well, certainly larger, but so is the opportunity. nothing really. It’s just that that was the year we If the executives at Kodak had businesses in started to record the relevant statistics, which Port Macquarie and used the same thinking they we now use as the benchmark to measure retail did with their company, they might not come out activity. of it unscathed. But I think Apple or Samsung What about here in Port Macquarie? Actually, would be fine. In fact, they would probably relish 1984 was a very bad year for a lot of retailers the opportunity to create something new ... and in Port Macquarie ... probably the worst year great.

T

Ask Greg Greg Trembath answers your real estate questions. ith Mum’s move into aged you have sold, but this place really is the care accommodation, we are one for us – we love it. What should we planning to sell the family home. do?

It has been in the family for nearly 40 A. Your friends may have experienced the years now and is starting to show its age. potential complications of buying before you We want a hassle-free sale at a good price. sell. If you end up financing two properties, Should we fix everything up, or do you you will certainly feel the pressure and may think potential buyers will see the house have to make some tough decisions. for what it is?

The upside would be the joy of finding a new A. The presentation and condition of your home you’ll really enjoy. You won’t have to home will play a crucial role in settle for second best and can stop achieving the highest price house-hunting right now. and a smooth sale process.

If you do wait until you have With an With an older home, it sold, you may miss out on older home, ittis is important not to go your ‘dream house’, which important no d ar overboard on the pre-sale could leave you searching for bo to go over le sa epr preparation. Fix anything a suitable (potentially second e th on preparation. likely to detract from the best) purchase or for a short term overall appeal. Repair holes rental. in walls and minor damage, but I would express my interest in the avoid spending money on nondream house and ask the vendor for essentials. An experienced agent will advise more time to complete the purchase. Calculate which items need attention. They will also the lowest price you would accept for your assess who is likely to buy the property, which current home and set a reasonable price to will give an important insight into how the maximise the chance for a prompt sale. home should be presented.

Advice from friends can be helpful, but only Most buyers will obtain a pre-purchase you know what is best for you. inspection. Although this will take into Answers are general comment and readconsideration the age of the property, take ers should always seek their own indepensteps so things such as rotting timber and leaks dent professional advice. are not encountered. Renovators may relish the Send your real estate questions to opportunity to create a great ‘before and after’ gregt@portrealestate.net phone: 0412 001 story, but a long list of faults could jeopardize 944 the sale.

Greg Trembath is Co-Principal at Q. We have found our dream house, Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie but we haven’t sold our existing home.

Licensed Real Estate Agent – Licensed Friends say you should never buy before Auctioneer

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greater port macquarie focus 105

G R E AT E R P O R T M AC Q U A R I E

property guide

106 greater port macquarie focus.

Purposely built as an investment property, the March Home of the Month is a display of modern day architecture and quality craftsmanship. Chrissy Jones takes us through ... onveniently located on the edge of Innes Peninsula, the build comprises two ultra modern family oriented villas. Spacious in their layouts, the villas present magnificently as an easy to care for and maintain rental investment property for its owners and occupants.

The exterior facade is striking to say the least, incorporating many textures and up to the minute and energy efficient materials. Brick work to top window level, weatherboard panelling to eave along with the timber privacy screening and timber step treads leading to the entry patio, all combine beautifully to welcome you into the residences.

Entry to the villas are via the over size timber front door into the beautifully tiled foyer. Off white 400 x 400 porcelain tiles from Tiles With Style are underfoot from the get go and lead you through the home in to the lounge/living/ dining.

Both having 3 fully carpeted good sized bedrooms with built-ins, ceiling fans and down-

C

lighting, the villas are perfect for either a couple or young growing family. To the left of the entry in each villa you will find the master bedroom, which has been given extra attention to its detail. Storage is not a problem throughout the villas and is catered for expertly in the main, with his and hers built-ins along one entire wall. An atrium roof line overhead, with a bank of square set windows, allows in a wealth of natural light, creating a feeling of space that complements the open ensuite. Comprising a glass walled shower, WC, vanity cupboard and louvre windows to direct air-flow, the main bathroom is very comfortable.

An open plan living area is located in the centre of the villa, incorporating the lounge, kitchen and dining areas. Possibly the most striking feature of the villas is the 5 to 6 metre high sloping ceiling; louvre windows have been placed, adding to the natural light and spacious open feel. Timber deck areas have been provided off both the lounge and dining rooms, giving an extra space for indoor/outdoor enter-

The kitchen is e separate from thnes bi lounge but com e well with th oor dining and outd ck de t en entertainm at the rear.

taining in a private timber screened setting.

Large, bright, boasting all mod cons, large pantry, plenty of cupboards and storage – the kitchen is a very well thought-out and equipped part of the home. An L-shaped island bench sections off the dining area and also houses a double sink with flick-mixer, under bench dishwasher and further cabinetry. Pendant lighting overhead adds a touch of style and elegance. The kitchen is separate from the lounge but combines well with the dining and outdoor entertainment deck at the rear.

Servicing the remaining bedrooms is a well appointed bathroom comprising a nice deep bath, glass walled shower and vanity. A strategically placed window takes advantage of

the sunlight emanating from the skylights in the main bedroom.

Leading to the bathroom is a very cleverly designed laundry cupboard which stores and hides away the washer and dryer – a very neat and compact space saving laundry area.

Benefits are many: private deck areas, double garage with panel lift door and internal access, ample storage throughout, open plan living area incorporating kitchen, dining and lounge, quality fittings and fixtures and easily maintained gardens, all this in conjunction with 3 extra large bedrooms. Two stylish, modern dwellings will provide a great return on investment.

From the initial design and construction through to the fit-out, the villas are a real credit to all involved. continued over

greater port macquarie focus 107

focusabode.

The interior of both units speak: for themselves ith very modern w ng pi slo gh hi m 6 5 ceiling.

ow long have you been operating? My business, GW & SL Spalding, is in and always has been in the building trade. My wife and I moved back to Port Macquarie after around 17 years in Sydney and started up our building business in the Hastings, as we thought this was and is a great growth area.

What are the types of building that you specialise in?

We specialise in all types of building, from the small insurance job up to building family homes and town houses. We do a lot of pergolas, decks, additions and alteration work as well; this keeps us busy most of the time.

What are some of the featured design elements of these units?

These units are unique in as much as the outside design feature, bricking up to the top of window heights and weather board cladding to eave, giving the outside a real modern look. This, along with the skylight windows at the front of the skillion roof, create a different facade.

The interior of both units speak for themselves: very modern, with 5 - 6 m high sloping ceilings, an open plan living area and large kitchens. This, together with the main bedrooms’ open ensuite,

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108 greater port macquarie focus.

add to the uniqueness of the design.

If potential owners have specific requirements, do you accommodate, and are your designs flexible?

Myself, wife Sharon and Josh, the main carpenter, along with Mark from Plumbing Experience, who are specialist roofers and plumbers, accommodate all designs and are flexible in our approach to home owners’ wants and needs when it comes to building. We work closely with Architect Steve Lockhart of ArchiEco, who is very versatile in his design. His work is relatively user friendly, which makes our job just that bit easier. Steve puts it all together for you and is there every step of the way, from design to completion if needed.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us? What is the process?

Just give us a call, and we will come out and give you a free quote on whatever building work you need. You can contact either myself on 0405 701 340 or Mark on 0412 758 627.

If you want, we can also sit down with our Architect or draftsman to go over your next building project. By using only the best trades and suppliers in the local area, you are assured a top quality job, on time and on budget every time.

Thanks Greg, Josh and Mark.

A word from Designer Steve Lockhart The Kingfisher Road Duplex Project is part of a longer term property investment strategy.

Prior to this site being selected, we carried out some feasibility studies on a couple of other vacant sites. During this process, we had the assistance of Builder Greg Spalding to carry out budget estimates for the construction, while the Developers crunched the numbers and did some early stage talking with their bank.

This project was planned just after the GFC and was ready to go as soon as some stability had returned. It was also recognised that constructing in quieter times can offer some advantages, with some more competitive pricing by the trades and the ability to have trades available and flowing better on site. Greg Spalding ran the job very efficiently and completed on time and on budget.

The main goal was to construct a duplex development whose rental return stacked up, rather than marketing two dwellings for sale in a flat market. Therefore, the property would become part of a portfolio of investment properties, with the opportunity of returning a capital gain in more buoyant times.

This north to rear corner site allowed us to place all of the living spaces to the north, leading out onto some lovely sunny decks.

Internally, these duplexes really do impress.

Open space living, dining, kitchen spaces enjoy raking ceilings that provide some nice internal volume to these spacious layouts. Kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites also provide some innovative ideas that will appeal to those who like something not so ordinary.

My design goals aim for an outcome that is simple, functional, interesting, cost and energy efficient. For me, the built environment, including the homes we live in, should have ‘triple bottom line’ outcomes. By this, we mean that our buildings must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. They need to tick these three boxes.

Environmentally, with efficient material and energy use. Socially, in providing accommodation that suits a particular market and is pleasant to live in. And economically sustainable, in that the project is a strong long term investment for the owner, or delivers a reasonable return for an investor. This project achieves all of these outcomes.

focusabode.

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greater port macquarie focus 109

Simple, Energy Efficient Homes Little Beach Building Co can build you a simple, adaptable and energy efficient home using the Living Green Designer Homes innovative range of plans or choose to do a custom design.

‘Less if more’, and the way forward in home design is to incorporate flexible spaces and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Living Green Designer Homes challenges the way we live by providing alternatives to standard building and construction methods. Together with Little Beach Building Co, they provide an in house service starting from concept design to the completion of your new home, ready to move into. Little Beach Building Co have recently completed two new Living Green Designer Homes for clients – one on the North Shore at Port Macquarie, and the other at Harrington.

Both were custom designed to suit the individual blocks of land.

Both were simple, energy efficient, sustainable and stylish in design, incorporating lightweight claddings, appropriate insulation, highlight louvre windows to assist with cross ventilation and orientated to capture winter sun, summer breezes and shade. Both owners chose to use solar hot water systems, Photovoltaic Solar panels and rainwater tanks.

Peter and Kim Ruming have nearly completed their own Living Green Designer Home at Bonny Hills, for more information about a home by Little Beach Building Co and Living Green Designer Homes, call Peter and Kim or view their website. Follow the link to view Living Green Designer Home’s website.

110 greater port macquarie focus.

Awesome Window Tint.

Don’t wait until the hot weather is here again.

UV rays are all year round.

MOTHER’S Day is just around the corner – give a gift certificate for the amount you can afford towards or for the window tinting she wants.

You can’t afford NOT to have a free measure and quote. Spend between $600 to $900 on window tinting, all done at the same time, and you will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Spend between $1,000 to $1,500 on Window Tinting, all done at the same time. You will receive a $100 Gift Certificate.

These certificates can be given as a gift or used by yourself on further window tinting. Don’t be fooled: there are more colours than the black look.

Today’s tint colours can range from almost clear for UV protection and lower heat reduction, bronze, light grey, darker grey, to charcoal and more; all are energy efficient in differing degrees.

Cleaning window tint is a breeze – just a soft, damp cloth.

Lifetime warranty on residential and 12 years’ warranty on commercials.

We will recommend the best film for your aspect and show you samples.

Call Pauline or Scott today: 0401 396 762 or 0410 039 471.

focusrealestate

Need to sell your home quickly?

Auction may be ‘the way to go’.

bidding may, or may not reach the seller’s reserve

McGrath Estate Agents, in Port Macquarie,

price, and finally, post auction. On an occasion

have enjoyed great success selling homes under

when a property fails to reach reserve and is

private treaty and through the auction process.

‘handed in’, first right for negotiation is provided

When time is of the essence, Principals Greg and

to the highest bidder. Often this leads to a

Todd Bates urge clients to consider auction as

satisfactory result and, in other cases, the atten-

a means of delivering attention and a sense of

tion that is drawn from the auction introduces

urgency to their homes. “Auction is a far better

additional buyers after auction day.

alternative than simply reducing the attraction

McGrath attributes its auction success rate of

price,” says Greg, “and it provides for open and

almost 100% to its superior marketing, leading

transparent negotiation. The client often secures

website and expertly trained auctioneers. “For

a better sale price, sooner.”

those who can remember the last series of The

An auction campaign introduces a proposed

Block TV show,” says Todd, “McGrath provided

date of sale and offers three distinct opportuni-

the winning auctioneer, with a result that ran

ties to secure a buyer:

circles around their competition.”

Firstly, during the pre-auction campaign, when

On March 10, McGrath will be auctioning ten

a potential buyer, keen to acquire the property,

homes around Port Macquarie, ranging from

may make an offer to avoid facing a possibility

sub-$300,000, to above $2,000,000. All inter-

of higher bidding at the actual auction. If this of-

ested parties would be warmly welcomed. Come

fer is accepted, the buyer will need to exchange

and see for yourself why auction often is ‘the

contracts, prior to the scheduled auction date.

way to go’.

Secondly, on auction day – a day when open

(Roger Bates is a freelance copywriter and columnist.)

OUTSTANDING RESULTS Integrity Clarity Expertise

With the Ànest marketing tools in the industry, Australia’s most popular, award-winning franchise website, plus highly trained professionals who have been hand-picked for their skills and integrity, the McGrath network achieves outstanding results.

Our pooled database of over 129,000 qualiÀed, potential buyers reaches far beyond the local region. One of several reasons why McGrath attracts buyers from capital cities and other regional areas; introducing new residents to the beautiful Mid North Coast.

Whether your home is worth $200,000 or $2,000,000; whether auction or private treaty, McGrath can deliver an outstanding result. On March 10th, we will be auctioning ten homes, in and around Port Macquarie.

Full details are available from our oϞce, or through local newspapers and interested parties would be most welcome to attend.

To become part of the McGrath success story, call one of our friendly team today.

McGrath Estate Agents 147 Gordon Street Port Macquarie T 6589 3777

mcgrath.com.au

greater port macquarie focus 111

focusrealestate.

Coast apartments

Port Macquarie is a great place to live. Apart from its obvious natural attractions, residents can choose from a wide range of housing options to achieve the lifestyle that meets their needs.

F

or those who are searching an indoor, heated lap pool, spa, gymnasium, for a relaxed way of life in sauna and unique, temperature-controlled well-earned luxury and within wine cellar with security access. This is an easy walking distance to the address to delight the most discerning buyer.

CBD, the outstanding ‘Coast’ McGrath Estate Agents, Port Macquarie, apartments would have to be on top of their have been successfully marketing ‘Coast’ shopping list. Located opposite Town Beach in apartments, reporting a number of sales of cosmopolitan William Street, ‘Coast’ has set a these exclusive apartments over the past year, new benchmark in fine living. including four sales within recent months and With a maximum of two with many buyers coming from the apartments to each level, Sydney region. every home provides a McGrath will be conducting wide covered terrace two ‘on site’ auctions on McGrath Port for entertaining, and March 10, offering not only Estate Agents,ve Macquarie ha ully every home enjoys an excellent third floor been successf st’ magnificent ocean apartment, but also one of oa ‘C marketing ith w ... ts views, across Town the outstanding and even en tm apar ming Beach and up to Point more luxurious, two-level many buyers co from the Sydney Plomer. Imagine yourself penthouse apartments. region”. relaxing on your terrace, Interested parties would sipping coffee and browsing be very welcome to inspect the Sunday papers, as whales these remarkable properties and to migrate across your field of vision attend the auction. They will find that ... then you will be imagining your lifestyle at the attraction to ‘Coast’ is contagious. They ‘Coast’. will appreciate the quality, the design and the In bringing ‘Coast’ to the Port Macquarie location. Then they will sit on the terrace, be market, the developers adopted the catchentranced by the vista before them and agree: phrase ‘luxury, without compromise’ and Port Macquarie is a great place to live! indeed, that is the case. The stunning, air (Roger Bates is a freelance copywriter conditioned contemporary interiors, by award and columnist.) winning Hare+Klein, make good use of abundant natural light, blending fine Travertine tiles with quality carpets, neutral decor and the finest inclusions, to create homes of McGrath Estate Agents pure beauty and style. CaesarStone kitchens d. 6589 3777 incorporate Miele appliances, while bathrooms w. mcgrath.com.au and ensuites could take your breath away. a. 147 Gordon Street Literally metres from popular eateries and Port Macquarie 2444 coffee shops, shared facilities at ‘Coast’ include 112 greater port macquarie focus.

TILES With Style have recently combined with Colortile Port Macquarie to create the region’s only tile and bathroom Superstore.

Chrissy Jones caught up with Peter Hollins to find out just what is in store for customers ...

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hat does the new Superstore offer, Peter?

Tiles With Style, your Colortile store, offers a truly amazing range of products from the world’s leading manufacturers of tile, stone and bathroomware. We handpick our materials from over 100 suppliers, which means our displays are brimming with the latest ideas from Italy, Spain and the best factories in the Middle East, South East Asia and Australia.

Tell us about the new look store ...

We have over 650 m² of showroom space, with light filled open areas and fully tiled displays being a feature. There are literally thousands of colour and design ideas, as well as the friendliest and most experienced staff to help guide you through every stage of the selection and installation of your dream project. We have fully trained interior designers in store, available to help you with everything from colour to design right through to putting you in touch with the best tradesmen, so that the job is done correctly.

We also provide a free in-home service, where we can measure up how many tiles you need and also complete a full technical specification for the tile installation process, so that no risks are made during laying.

The latest design breakthrough in the tile industry is laser printing of glazed porcelain tiles. This process involves taking high resolution digital images of natural surfaces such as timber or marble, and then laser printing the images onto the glazed surface of the tile. In this way, the truly unique variations inherent in material such as travertine are stunningly recreated.

Maintenance of natural stone and timber,

along with the high initial cost, have always been the main drawbacks when selecting this type of flooring. The introduction of digital printing does away with sanding, polishing, sealing and time consuming cleaning, all at a price lower than the original.

Tiles With Style also offer a complete range of vanities, tapware, toilets and accessories to complement any home. This means that you can source everything for your new home or renovation at the one location.

Peter, you proudly claim that word of mouth is your best form of advertising.

We work very hard at offering the highest levels of customer service, so that every client gets the absolute best we can do, every time.

We guarantee to strive as hard as we can to keep our customers satisfied. If you are not happy, we are not happy. Our speciality is making the impossible happen. For instance, finding 2 boxes of a long lost tile in a warehouse somewhere in Perth and getting it here in time to complete the job.

Our combined staff experience in the tiling industry is over 250 years. This means we are either getting really old, or we are just the best option for the supply of tiles, stone and bathroomware to your beautiful new home or renovation. Please, drop in for a look, say hello, and see what Tiles With Style, your Colortile store, can do for you. We look forward to meeting you.

Remember, at Tiles With Style, your ColorTile store, we make tiling (and bathrooms) easy.

Tiles With Style, 181 Lake Rd, Port Macquarie. Please phone us on 6581 3200, or visit our website www.tileswithstyle.com.au Thanks Peter.

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focusinterview.

In August this year, three local guys will trek hundreds of kilometres over outback roads in a bright green and purple VN Commodore, to help raise funds and awareness for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Murray (Muzza) McColl, Ben Moylan and Michael Waind tell us about the annual Trek4Kidz fundraiser, and explain how we can all jump on board to help them on their way ...

H

i everyone. Please introduce instigated as the third member of the team. yourselves briefly to our readers.

BM: Plus, we found the perfect car for cheap!

MM: My wife and I have lived in MW: About 5 months ago, I was having a the Hastings for six years – the first chat with Murray McColl (Muzza) at the bar. He five were as proprietors of the Town mentioned that he and his son-in-law, Ben Moylan, Beach Motor Inn in Port. I now have a property were planning to do the Trek4Kidz tour and maintenance business and live on a small property fundraising. I just happened to say, “That sounds near Beechwood. Earlier life was as a Captain with like a great thing to do”, and the next thing you BHP Petroleum. My childhood days were on a know ... I am there. potato farm in Gippsland, Victoria.

Tell us about the Trek ... when is it, where will BM: I moved with my wife and daughter to it travel, and its aim. the Hastings almost four years ago, so that our Michelle McDonald – Trek Manager Events daughter could be closer to her grandparents (Muzz and Promotions. and Gaye). We had previously lived in Bundaberg; Trek4Kidz, in partnership with the Starlight I was working on sugar cane harvesters and plant Children’s Foundation, have been machinery, and my wife is a high school teacher. committed for the past 15 years to supporting an With the move to Wauchope, I started up BDM array of innovative distractive therapy programs Heavy Vehicle Repairs 3 years ago, facilitated by the Starlight Children’s servicing trucks and plant machinery.

Foundation.

MW: I have lived in the Hastings Each year in August, we travel for the past 18 years. For the around various parts of NSW, pe We would ho ts en ev r he ot first 13 years I worked for the Queensland and Victoria that with ia Night such as our Triv onsors local Council, and for the to help promote and raise and with more sp at past 5 years I have been the funds for Starlight.

We visit and donations, th to le ab licencee of a great true blue remote schools and hospitals be we will able make a considerthe country pub that has more promoting Starlight’s programs contribution to the character than your grand and initiatives. Our trek touches overall total that s. dad’s car (known as Beechwood the lives of so many each year – ise Trek ra Hotel). I have been married to especially those whom we visit. Last Tracey, who is in charge, for the year we raised $100K. past glorious 27 years. We have 2 sons: Planning has commenced for this year’s trek; at this stage, we are looking at starting at Mitchel and Bradley, a daughter-in-law, Rachel, Narrabri and travelling to Cunnamulla, Tibooburra, and a grandson, Jonah.

Arkaroola, Renmark (layday), Hay, then finishing in How did you first hear about the Trek 4 Kidz, Forbes. A trek survey is currently being conducted and why did you decide to get involved? to ensure that the roads are in reasonable condition MM: I first heard about the Trek from Rick after all Wilson, our milko at the Motel, a number of years the rain they have had out there, so that route may ago. My son-in-law, Ben, and I discussed how it have to change yet. would not only be a good trip for us, but a way of We are hoping to raise $120K this year. raising funds for a good cause. The running of the What vehicle will you be using on the Trek – motel prevented any real progress on the plan. and what makes it unique?

After selling the motel, we again discussed the MM: We are running a very distinctive green idea and with Ben now running his own company, and purple VN Commodore. The colours are that the time seemed right to put some plans in action. of the Beechwood Hotel. The car has been painted Mike from the Beechwood Hotel was very quickly

114 greater port macquarie focus.

by Shane Gresham and sign writing provided by Gordon at Wauchope Signs. As this is the first year that we have entered, the car is still a work in progress.

MW: We are travelling in a bright green and purple VN commodore, which has been modified

by Ben and Muzza to cope with any road ahead of us.

How has your fundraising for the Trek been progressing?

Again, being the first year of entry, we have had to find sponsors from scratch – but it is progressing well, and after some raffles conducted with the support of the local Beechwood community plus car sponsors, we are close to $2,000.

We would hope that with other events such as our Trivia Night and with more sponsors and donations, that we will be able to make a considerable contribution to the overall total that the Trek raises.

We are also requesting businesses that have any suitable items that could go into show bags to be given to children en route to contact us.

How can people get on board and help the team raise funds?

MM: Anyone requiring more information on the overall Trek can visit the website at: www.trek4kidz.com Support for us can be in a number of ways. A sign can be placed on the car for $250.

A direct cash donation can be made. Goods that can be either used for auction raffles or for placing in show bags can also be donated. We have a number of people who have donated business vouchers.

Thanks everyone.

Interview by Jo Atkins.

make a donation All donations are tax deductible, and a full receipt will be provided.

Contact can be made via mccoll@bigpond.net .au (02) 6585 6170

greater port macquarie focus 115