Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i173

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173 AUGUST 2020

Nathan TOMKINS

WHALEBONE WHARF

The first-ever GLB. Open for what’s next.

Make space for more - the GLB has arrived at Andrew Miedecke Motors. Whether you’re looking for more adventure or more leisure time, it’s the perfect partner for life’s twists and turns. With its unique design, 7 seats as standard, MBUX system and advanced safety features, the GLB is the most flexible compact SUV in our family - and it’s ready to welcome yours.

Discover the GLB today at Andrew Miedecke Motors. www.mbportmacquarie.com.au

Applicable to new and demonstrator GLB first registered on or after 1 March 2020 for 5 years from the date of first registration of the vehicle. Warranty start time may differ for demonstrator vehicles. Commercial application of vehicle is subject to 5 years from first registration date or 200,000km (whichever occurs first). Battery warranty periods vary. Excludes customers with specific warranty arrangements with Mercedes-Benz.

For full terms, conditions and exclusions please refer to the warranty statement here www.mercedes-benz.com.au.

100 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie 6583 8855 DL8071 www.mbportmacquarie.com.au 2 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Kristian Murphy | 0411 156 868 TEA M HEM

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MORE THAN JUST A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD They say “there is no place like home” and with everything that is going on in the world right now, we understand just how important it is to have a place called home. The home is your castle, somewhere you can feel safe, bring up your family, create memories and even work from.

Whilst some agents focus purely on getting you from point A to point B as quickly as possible, we take the time to listen to your individual situation, to make the process as successful and stress-free as possible.

We find the right place for you, rather than just “any old house”...

Kristian showed his depth of understanding of the local market by achieving a sale price within my expectations but also within two days. I would strongly recommend Kristian to any potential property vendor or purchaser due to his professionalism and authenticity.

VENDOR 78 MCLAREN DRIVE With over 18 years experience, Kristian has seen the ups and downs and thrived through every property cycle. His proven record provides you with certainty in uncertain times. So if it’s MORE THAN just another agent you’re seeking to help with you next move, contact Kristian and the team at HEM.

02 6583 2324 hemproperty.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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8 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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focus_team note

t Welcome to the August issue of Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS .

W

here do we start? Climate change, bushfires, lockdowns, restrictions, border closures - the list goes on. There aren't many nice things we have to say about 2020 so far, and our world has most certainly changed. But without further ado, welcome to our first printed edition of FOCUS in five months. And just like the world around us, you'll notice we're a little different too. We needed to pivot and adapt, so what you are holding in your hands right now, is just that.

FOCUS is smaller, and our distribution model is also changing. You will now find us at over 70+ dedicated outlets; plus, we are hand-delivering FOCUS to businesses right across the Greater Port Macquarie via our own dedicated delivery model.

But, some things don't change, and

our commitment to promoting positive advertising in our first issue back, a huge community driven content will always thank you from the bottom of our hearts. be in our DNA. The movers and shakers, Without the support of the businesses you inspirational and passionate leaders of our see in these pages, we would not exist. community; these are faces Inside this issue we interview you will see in every edition some amazing, talented, We needed we do. We're proud to stand infectious and inspiring people. to pivot juxtaposed to the clickOn our cover this month is local and adapt, so bait negativity swamping a restaurateur Nathan Tomkins what you are lot of media today. While from Whalebone Wharf. Nathan holding in your social media becomes toxic, has spent more than 23 years hands right now, at the helm of this famous what you will find in these is just that. pages are people making a establishment and is pushing on difference and showcasing after the setbacks of early 2020. what a vibrant, progressive We would also like to extend and exciting place the Greater a warm welcome to all our new Port Macquarie is to call home. contributors who will bring you exciting local And of course, FOCUS remains free ... All content each month.

10,000 copies.

We hope you enjoy our first issue back.

To everyone who has supported us by Thanks for your support.

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Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS 4/74 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie PHONE 02 6584 7433 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

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MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au ONLINE EDITIONS Chrissy Jones JP chrissy@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

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Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. 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 material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2020 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Australian Community Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.

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contents Issue 173 - August 2020 INTERVIEWS

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SIMONE POPP

Simone recently left her position at Taronga Zoo behind for a life here on the Mid North Coast, taking on a role at our very own Billabong Zoo.

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NICOLA MCLEAY FINE ART

CHAR BAR CATERING

Nicola McLeay was born and raised in New Zealand and inspired by the ever changing picturesque environment around her, which she communicates through her art.

Good food, good times and good people.

Char Bar Catering offers up the goods, with mouth watering burgers and sides that will certainly hit the spot.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

S P EC IA L F E AT U R E

17. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time 28. Kate Wood-Foye - Business Illuminate 30. Nathan Tomkins - Cocktail of the Month 39. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 41. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar 45. Vanessa Lawrence - The Style Vibe Savvy CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

56. Shannon Lawrence - Healthful Wisdom 71. Peta Pinson, Mayor - Peta's People

MICHAEL MOWLE

Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals.

86. David Ross - Money Matters 88. Meet our Members - HBWN 100. David Evans - Real Estate News

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102. Jess and Ash - Design with Sess and Sass

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90. Michael Mowle - Business Voice

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SIMONE POPP K O A L A

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It was Simone’s love of animals from a young age that set the course for a career as a zoo keeper. With a vast background in all things animals, from working dogs to hippos, Simone Popp recently left her position at Taronga Zoo behind for a life here on the Mid North Coast, taking on a role at our very own Billabong Zoo.

i Simone. You’re the senior koala and primate keeper here at Billabong Zoo. Before we talk about the role, tell us what led you to start a career in this field ...

I’ve always had a love of animals but when I was younger, I was horse mad - horse posters all over the walls in my bedroom, loved The Saddle Club and asked for a horse every birthday. I started working at my local riding school as soon as I could and worked there throughout high school and university

as a horse attendant and eventually a riding instructor. I loved being outside and working physically and could never see myself doing an inside office job; I remember my career advisor in high school telling me about a career in zoo keeping.

After I finished high school, I lived and worked on a friend’s property near Young for about one month. They bred pacing horses, had cows and sheep, and I really enjoyed learning about all aspects of farming. I had no idea lambs were born with tails! Growing up on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, I was completely clueless to country life, but was intrigued to learn more.

I remember being torn between studying zoo keeping or agriculture, but I’ve ended up being able to integrate both into my career, which is great.

What was involved in your studies, and

how did you gain experience in the field?

I took a bit of a different route into becoming a zoo keeper and ended up studying a Bachelor of Agriculture Science at Sydney University and did my honours in livestock management; whereas, it’s more common to do a TAFE course in captive animal studies.

I completed work experience at Calmsley Hill City Farm whilst studying, which is a farm and also an Australian native animal-based park that’s built around the fundamentals of teaching conservation and sustainability. When I finished studying, they offered me a job - which I absolutely loved, as it incorporated farming and zoo keeping.

Here, I had the privilege of hand raising animals like wallabies, kangaroos and a pig called Squid. >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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>>> I also trained my working dogs for sheep herding demonstrations and farm work and helped give birth to baby cows, goats and sheep. We did training sessions with our camels, ponies, red foxes and my favourite donkey Jack. I learnt how to shear sheep, crack whips and practiced all aspects of zoo keeping.

I was there for eight years and worked with an incredible team.

But, I wanted to gain more experience, so I started work at Taronga Zoo in Sydney with the amazing ungulate team. There, I felt so privileged to have the opportunity to work with some amazing exotic animals, such as giraffe, hippos and a beautiful bongo named Ekundu.

Now I’m here at Billabong Zoo, working with a massive range of native and exotic animals.

What does a typical day on the job look like for you?

As my primary focus is overseeing the primates and koalas, a typical day starts with me feeding and preparing the monkey and the koala exhibits. Everyone is health checked, the koalas get new browse, All of the koalas exhibits are raked, have such unique enrichment is given, and personalities, and I love it’s a good time for a them all, but I have a weighing koalas koala cuddle or two! particular soft spot for a and the common Most days I will do a koala female called Peta. marmoset monkeys, koala animal encounter, providing enrichment where the public get to the macaws, to come into our koala feeding the red pandas, or gardening and exhibit and get up close and personal with exhibit maintenance. them, and a koala keeper presentation as well.

Do you have a soft spot for any particular I feel it’s so important to educate people on furry friend in here? the plight of our koalas, especially after the Yes, you certainly create soft spots for devastating effects of the recent bushfires. particular animals. I find I become attached There are so many things the average person to animals I’ve given veterinary care for or can do to help them. worked with closely. All of the koalas have Next, I’ll head out into the State Forest and such unique personalities, and I love them all, cut browse for all 16 adult koalas and the four but I have a particular soft spot for a koala joeys. Koalas require half a kilo to a kilo of female called Peta. She is such an absolute fresh eucalyptus leaves every day, so it’s a big sweetheart, loves to have cuddles and has task. the cutest face. I also have a soft spot for the The rest of the day can really vary, and I common marmosets, as they are so super love the diversity of animals I get to work with cheeky, inquisitive and fun. and the different tasks. I could be taking the dingos for a walk, training the spider monkeys, You also work and train with TATE 14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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animal enterprises. How do you find the transition from wild animals to domestic?

I have loved working with the TATE team and have learnt so much more about animal training with them. The transition has been great, as I worked closely with my own working dogs at Calmsley Hill every day doing herding demonstrations and farm work.

At the beginning of the year, I worked on a post bushfire koala project with the Tates. Using their amazing scent detection dogs, we looked for the presence of koalas in strategically chosen areas affected by the recent bushfires around the Mid North Coast.

It was great to incorporate both my koala knowledge and working with dogs. It is so incredibly rewarding working with your dog to do a job, and I really miss working with mine so closely every day. I also teach puppies at puppy school through the TATE animal enterprises.

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I feel very lucky to be living in such a beautiful area that incorporates the beach and open spaces and to have a job that I love.

What's the hardest animal to train and why?

Humans! I think every animal trainer and zoo keeper would agree with me on that one. I wouldn’t say there is a hardest animal, as all animal species are different, and each individual animal is unique. Instead of them being hard to train, some just need more time, attention and planning. However, the spider monkeys certainly challenge me every day.

And the easiest?

I recently really enjoyed training the common marmosets to recall to a bell, which allowed me to move them to their new exhibit without the stress of having to catch them up.

They were so fun to train. I also love training puppies and their owners. Puppies are a clean slate and so willing to learn, and teaching them the fundamentals is so important for them to grow into a well-rounded adult dog.

Tell us about your life outside of being a zoo keeper?

The reason I moved up to the Mid North Coast is because my partner is from here.

When we eventually decided that I would

make the move up this way and leave Sydney, the job at Billabong Zoo came along. We live in Crescent Head with my two working dogs and his staffy. I still ride and love being outside in nature, especially in the ocean, so I like to spend my spare time at the beach surfing or swimming or going for walks with the dogs. I feel very lucky to be living in such a beautiful area that incorporates the beach and open spaces and to have a job that I love.

If you could give any advice and inspiration to the next generation of potential zoo keepers, what would it be?

My advice would be to get as much experience as you can. Do short courses, workshops and go to conferences. There is so much to learn. If studying, try and get a job doing something with animals, even if it’s just working at a pet supply store. Zoo keeping is an incredibly rewarding and awesome job, but is a tough job! You’re going to need to have a good work ethic and be prepared to work hard, on weekends, public holidays and rain, hail or shine.

Thanks Simone.

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What's AU S G U S T

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LIVE MUSIC at Club North Haven

ARTHOUSE Industries

HBWN Back to Business HBWN is hitting the road with 3 exciting Back to Business events in August featuring 3 dynamic speakers Sandie Bennett, Vanessa Lawrence and Kayley Riddle.

Check your inbox for more details on these exciting events.

Tickets are strictly limited for these breakfast events to meet COVID-Safe requirements.

So be quick!

Thanks to our events sponsors TAFE NSW Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie Focus 7.00am-8.30am Breakfast CAMDEN HAVEN 11 August @ Mansfield Estate WAUCHOPE 13 August @ Sheathers On High PORT MACQUARIE 18 August @ Rydges Port Macquarie

Offering a range of creative classes facilitated by local artists in a range of techniques.

What Resin maxi Class, When Saturday 15th August, Cost $150. Book online What Ink drop Resin Class, When Friday 21st August. Cost $90. Book online Arthouseindustries.com.au

PALM Studios

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What FREE MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP Where 56 Hollingworth St, Port Macquarie 2444 - The old Scout Hall.

When Saturday 16th Aug 12:30pm & 2:30pm For Bookings nate@ptstudios.com.au

Live music in the Main Bar at Club North Haven. Join Pure Acoustic for live music and the best of classic rock from the 70's to now on request. Thursday 20th August 6.30pm

22 Wauchope FARMERS MARKET The market is held at Wauchope Showground, High St on the fourth Saturday of the month from 8am until 12pm.

When Saturday 22nd August

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focus_contributor.

wine TIME

with ALEX CASSEGRAIN From Cassegrain Wines

Cassegrain Wines has been OPERATING IN PORT MACQUARIE SINCE 1985, AND WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A "MULTI-REGIONAL" WINERY, producing wines from various regions across New South Wales and sometimes beyond.

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he last decade has seen us alter our direction to only source from high quality vineyards in regions from NSW, including our own Hastings Valley.

Over the last 12 months we have seen an epic chain of events occur, which has affected us all in different ways; from drought, bushfires and now COVID-19.

While we can be prepared for certain challenges that might be thrown our way, I don’t think anyone could have been prepared for all these to come in such quick succession, but we certainly have a newfound respect for what we do have.

Taking the positives out of this situation, we have seen fantastic focus on "local" and a refreshed appreciation for what this region has to offer.

I am fortunate enough to be able to take you all on wine journeys that will showcase many wines/regions that New South Wales has to offer. In

these times, the saying "visiting your back yard" has a lot more relevance. Let us show you with each bottle, starting with the newly bottled 2020 Fiano!

Our 2020 Edition Noir Fiano is a delicious medium bodied alternative for wine lovers looking for something new, and it is new for us too, being the first time we’ve produced this wine - and we’re so excited with the result. The grapes were grown in Young (Hilltops region) and were picked at 5am in the morning, before making their journey to Port Macquarie for us to turn into the wine that it is now. This wine boasts an intense bouquet of apricot, apple and lemon, leaving you with a lovely, lingering finish. Its crisp acidity goes brilliantly with anything remotely spicy, particularly Asian and seafood dishes. This is a very versatile wine to drink - with or without food.

You don’t need an excuse to indulge in this wine; you just need a glass to pour it into.

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Nicola M C L E AY

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i Nicola. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been in Port Macquarie?

Hi there! My name is Nicola McLeay, and I am a New Zealand born professional fine artist and owner of Lighthouse Gallery. I am a realism painter, specialising in finely detailed brushwork.

Port Macquarie has been my home for over three years now; previously I had been visiting my parents, who have resided here since 2006. I fell in love with the stunning beaches and slower paced lifestyle in comparison to Auckland CBD, where I lived previously, and eventually the time felt right to make the move. Since then, I have put all of my energy into creating a unique exhibition space for the public to enjoy at Lighthouse Gallery, plus be actively involved in different creative pursuits within the local community, while still continuing my international endeavours.

Tell us about your career in fine arts.

Where did it begin, and what training have you undertaken?

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supportive and accepting family in regard to following my dreams and aspirations within the art world. I am a self taught artist and grew up watching my grandfather produce incredible hand painted set designs for plays such as The Sound Of Music, where he would make large scale realistic mountain backdrops. In my younger years, despite having other family members do well in a broad range of arts sectors, I unfortunately let others opinions affect my self belief that I could not have a successful career as a fine artist, so I went about choosing other avenues of tertiary study. I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Marketing Management and International Business and a Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Design Communication, from the University of Otago. My favourite subject, not surprisingly, was Art History.

Later on in life, after years of working for different companies mainly as a graphic design contractor or in art sales and marketing, I set out to prove those opinions wrong. This still fuels my internal fire now in a big way - to be the best at my craft, no matter what anyone

Nicola McLeay was born and raised in New Zealand and inspired by the ever changing picturesque environment around her, which she communicates through her art.

else thinks. I am self competitive and a wee bit of a perfectionist, which makes me quite motivated and driven to reach my goals. I hope to show emerging artists that with courage and hard work it is totally possible to pursue your creative passion while gaining respect - and even international recognition.

I have worked for and with numerous art galleries over my 19 year career since getting my first taste of the industry as a gallery assistant and graphic designer at a very well established and respected commercial gallery in the early 2000s while studying. I also started exhibiting my own paintings in this gallery, where I made my first big exciting sale - a turning point, to say the least!

Since then I knew I was destined to eventually run my own art gallery, having gained valuable experience dealing with commercial and private collections, corporate art leasing, home staging, exhibition design and implementation, international sales and freight logistics, to name a few responsibilities.

I love the many facets and broad range of skills needed to be a creative and a small

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business owner, which suits my type of personality perfectly.

Define "realism" art for us.

In its specific sense, realism refers to a Mid-nineteenth Century artistic movement characterised by subjects painted from everyday life in a naturalistic manner; however, the term is also generally used to describe artworks painted in a realistic, almost photographic way. It’s not easy and takes many years of dedication with a near obsession to constantly refine your observation and practical skills.

Coming from New Zealand, I can see some inspirations there in your work beautiful, snowcapped mountains - how have they inspired you?

I grew up on a large scale high country farm in a mountainous region of the deep south of New Zealand, very similar to the beautiful Canadian landscape - a picturesque but challenging environment, from snow blizzards and extreme frosts to spring blossoms I wanted to and lush green hills. This somehow use my lifestyle undoubtedly moulded my appreciation collection of broken for the beauty of nature snowboards, SO and continues to influence I SANDED THEM the art I create.

DOWN AND What places have you WORKED OUT A travelled to that have WAY OF CREATING inspired your art works?

QUALITY Oooh, so many places; led me to really delve into ARTWORK ON local and international researching quality mediums, THE BOARD, which travel has always been a materials and techniques could then be hung huge inspiration! There’s to provide my clients with or mounted like a always something I take works of art that will have painting. away and learn from - I longevity to last generations. take ridiculous amounts I am lucky enough to be at of photographs for my the stage of my career where reference material. I then I am able to use premium sift through my digital grade reputable brands and products, folders of past destinations in search of a sometimes using pure pigment to make my special image that pops out at me to then own oil paint. furiously paint. Going to Italy, in particular, You have also applied your artistic skills served as quite an experience; inspecting to the back of snowboards - can you tell all the grand Renaissance masters' works us how those projects came about? up close was incredible. That experience I grew up in the snow and had been skiing

since I was three; my love of snowboarding kicked in at age 14. I was actively involved with my University Alpine Club and enjoyed riding the terrain park and the odd competition in Slopestyle, until the injuries kicked in, of course! I wanted to somehow use my collection of broken snowboards, so I sanded them down and worked out a way of creating quality artwork on the board, which could then be hung or mounted like a painting. Unknowingly to me, I stumbled upon a unique niche market that has been a popular and sought after creation of mine ever since! >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Nicola M C L E AY

>>> Your gallery is located at Lighthouse Beach and has recently re-opened to the public. What works are on display?

It’s so great to be open again post lockdown! There are a range of one-off original works being showcased right now of Port Macquarie and other areas of Australia and New Zealand. My successful entry into the regional Glasshouse Gallery for this year's Northern Exposure 6 Exhibition is also on display. Artworks are changed frequently, as new ones are completed fresh off the easel.

People can view a digital video installation of my process in time-lapse while they look around the gallery. All works are for sale, and there are attractive leasing options for the larger pieces, plus information about personalised commissions.

Do you have a favourite piece on display?

Yes, it is titled Wind Swept Tree at Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie, measuring 1.83 m (W) x 1 m (H). It was inspired by the iconic banksia tree that used to perfectly frame the lighthouse. This was unfortunately felled in 2017, aesthetically changing the 20 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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So far 2020 has dramatic landscape. and current works in also been a year The naturally balanced progress on my "Nicola composition compels the Mcleay Fine Art" social of REFINING MY viewer to step closer and media accounts. There you PORTRAITURE take in the detail of the can find my artist profile, SKILLS IN lighthouse, the road and achievements and awards, OIL, HAVING the shadows, as if you were affiliated represented PREVIOUSLY USED there in person. galleries, sold works and CHARCOAL AS I imagine you are available works.

THE MEDIUM. m constantly creating!

A newly revamped very excited to What are you working interactive website is e hibit my upcoming on at present? currently being built and collection to the I try to paint as much as will shortly be live, which is public soon. possible, as there’s nothing exciting! like the feeling of being in Facebook @ that state of flow, aiming nicolamcleayfineart for what may be the next Instagram masterpiece. Currently I have overseas bound #nicolamcleayfineart commissions that I’m chipping away at, and Web nicolamcleayfineart.com also a few larger pieces to showcase at the Lighthouse Gallery: upcoming ArtWalk in October - it will be my 159 Matthew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie third year exhibiting. So far 2020 has also 2444 been a year of refining my portraiture skills Opposite the Camel Safaris at Lighthouse in oil, having previously used charcoal as Beach. the medium. I’m very excited to exhibit my Contact Jacki for enquiries 0448 380 725 upcoming collection to the public soon. lighthousegallery@outlook.com Other than the gallery - where can we Facebook @LighthouseGallery.PortMacquarie view your works?

Instagram #lighthousegallery I frequently upload videos of my process Thanks Nicola.

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To question. To capture. To cause curiosity. To ponder. That is the philosophy behind Fraser's photography. In a few short

years, Fraser has honed his skills to bring his creativity to life through his photos. FOCUS caught up with the young talent, to find out what drives his passion.

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i Fraser. Tell us a little about yourself - where did you spend your schooling and youth?

I spent the majority of my rearing in the Hastings area, schooling at Port High, surfing the surrounding beaches and being actively involved in a number of local sports clubs. I always enjoyed and felt the importance of staying active and being creative in some form. I guess part of my growing up process involved working out what creative path I wanted to take to feed my creative curiosities. It was ever-changing, and even now I’m still looking for ways to improve my skills and push my work.

Tell me about the time you first picked up a camera and how it became a career for you.

I had no interest in cameras until I went to university to get my graphic design degree and ended up doing a subject in the dark room, where your creations actually appear in a matter of seconds in front of you. Up until that point, I never really regarded it as a source of creativity … it was more of a documentation device or contraption that forced you to stand

in front of mundane objects and conjure up a smile.

After graduating, I started travelling and working in Europe and America, and throughout Asia for a couple of humanitarian aid organisations. I travelled pretty light, but always made room for a birthday present from my dad - my first camera. While I was traveling, I found all my photographs always had a subject in the frame; otherwise, I didn’t find it aesthetically pleasing. I discovered the images had more impact, added context, were more relatable, and were more emotive when there was a face or a figure involved. It was then I realised I only wanted to photograph people. Capturing faces from different countries and cultures, in remote villages and schools, in confronting environments like refugee camps and orphanages, not only became a great way of documenting the people I was working with, but also made the relationships and interactions much more personal, rewarding me with a much more connected and meaningful bond with people, and resulting in more impacting and accurate images. >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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How do you describe the style of photography that you do?

That’s a good question … There’s a common theme of contrast and texture and mood in my photography, but there’s never been a conscious decision to create images with these elements.

There’s been a real natural and organic evolution of my work. I want my photography to evoke. To question. To capture. To cause curiosity. To ponder. Photography literally means to draw or write with light, so I feel that if I can utilise the full spectrum and represent the full dynamic range from shadows to highlights, a photograph can contain and retain so much more depth. The emphasis on the light delivers much more focus and power when put in the same environment as the dark, thus giving the viewer a much more total and complete experience.

I like how my work enables me to be creative.

We are creative beings; creativity is intertwined in everything we experience in the world. I’ve consistently seen it as an outlet, a form of expression, and a fundamental part of life, so I’ve always felt the need to delegate time for it.

I agree strongly with John Kim when he said it perfectly, and interestingly wrote that creativity was not extra, but essential and a basic human need, “ ... It dissolves time, gives life more meaning, and connects you back to self … thread it into your life. Or, you will slowly start to disappear.”

Talk us through your gear set My speedlite flash is up - camera and lighting. my best friend. We I’m currently still shooting go everywhere together. with mostly Canon gear. My It just allows me to light Canon DSLR is usually paired anything off camera from with my 50 mm prime lens for wherever I want. portrait shots. For most other situations I use 24 mm - 105 mm, which is a great all-round lens. My speedlite flash is my best friend. We go everywhere together. It just allows me to light anything off camera from wherever I want. When the sun or available light is poor, marrying it with different modifiers or diffusers gives me the power to have total control of how to light a subject and create the exact quality of light I need. I don’t want to have to rely on natural light. I want to be in complete control.

As a photographer, do you have other 24 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Creativity is intertwined in everything we experience in the world. I’ve consistently seen it as an outlet, a form of expression, and a fundamental part of life, so I’ve always felt the need to delegate time for it.

photographers you have worked with or been inspired by?

There are so many, and it’s always changing, but if I had to name a few, it would be some of the photography masters like Albert Watson and Annie Leibovitz and Steve McCurry. Their skills when it comes to lighting, composition, posing etc. has been honed over decades of work, so they’re oozing with knowledge and experience.

But, my inspiration comes from so many different places, not only from other photographers. I’m constantly inspired and find myself drawing elements from painters and illustrators and filmmakers and poets and designers and authors. I’ve found that looking outside your world, opening your creative mind to broaden your influential horizons can be so

beneficial.

How much time do you spend in post production with your images?

It varies, depending on the job. If I’m just shooting something commercial or editorial, I don’t need to spend much time in post.

However, if I’m producing something more fine art, post production is a big part of the process. Sometimes I’m more of an artist that uses a camera as a medium, and the process becomes more like producing a painting, where I am building up layers of different elements, colours and textures. Investing time in preparing before a shoot cuts down on the need for huge amounts of post-processing, but also leads to a much more seamless and organic final image.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I’m shooting a bunch of

editorial stuff, working on a series of portraits of ocean people, so surfers, bodyboarders, photographers etc. and trying to squeeze in some personal projects as well. I’ve also recently started working on film and television productions as a portrait/film stills set photographer, which is a refreshing change. I worked on some awesome projects in Ethiopia last year, so hopefully more opportunities like that when flying becomes possible again.

How can we see your work and contact you?

Hopefully soon you’ll be able to check my work in the flesh in some exhibitions, but until then you can find me @i.am.fraser on all the socials or have a peruse on my website: www.iamfraser.com Thanks Fraser.

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COVER DISH EYE FILLET WITH MASHED POTATO, GREENS AND RASPBERRY JUS BY DRIFT AT PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB.

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Nathan TO MKINS

WHALEBONE WHARF

The ultimate shapeshifter and testament to staying power in regional business, Whalebone Wharf has undergone a glorious evolution from a rustic, bustling bait shop in the 1940s to the glamorous Hamptons inspired coastal seafood restaurant it is today.

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athan Tomkins has been at the helm of this iconic business for 23 years and it’s clear that his vision, discipline, determination and damn hard work have ensured the longevity and success of this Port Macquarie classic, that continues to draw adoring crowds from far and wide ... including its most recent fan, actor Sam Neil.

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Illuminate

THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURS, I N N O V AT O R S , L E A D E R S A N D G A M E CHANGERS.

with KATE WOOD-FOYE Whalebone Wharf in Port Macquarie became a part of the Tomkins family story in 1997 - how did you build it to be one of the longest standing successful restaurants on the coast?

From its conception in 1971, The Whalebone Wharf has witnessed Port Macquarie’s fascinating transformation from a sleepy seaside town into a thriving regional destination. In 1997, my dad asked me whether I’d like to catch up for beer at a rustic seafood eatery on the outskirts of town. He wanted to share his vision for the business and a proposition for our future. We’ve had an eventful and prosperous 23 years, and I’ve made some crucial yet difficult decisions along the way. I attribute the business’ success to sheer hard work, perseverance and continuously adapting to customer demands.

How important is brand to your business, and at what point did you realise that Whalebone needed to change and evolve?

Branding is crucial to our ongoing success.

One of the most significant changes the business has observed this past decade is the evolution of fine dining. Five years ago I observed a major shift in society’s dining behaviour, trending towards casual dining with an emphasis on sustainable, honest food and a growing appreciation for the story behind a dish. In 2017 we closed our doors to undergo a major renovation and rebranding.

We wanted not only to adapt to these changing market demands, but be ahead of the game. Our new branding had to be fresh, simplistic and honest, just like our food, with an injection of class and style synonymous with our decor.

You took a major gamble investing some

Who is your business hero? serious time and money into the stunning My number one business inspiration will Hampton’s renovation - was there ever a always be my dad, Ian. My earliest memories moment you doubted yourself? span back to growing up in the Tomkins family Once we started the renovation, it opened nursery in Enfield, Sydney, in the 1970s and up a huge can of worms. The building was later observing him successfully running several so old - everything we touched was falling businesses as I grew up. He is one of the most apart - from the wiring, plumbing, and even calculative blokes I know, and his business mind the flooring. There were times when I didn’t is heavily instilled in my know how I was going psyche. to see the finish line Our new Another inspiration is without having a heart branding had to my head chef through attack! It was sheer be fresh, simplistic and my own apprenticeship, determination and the honest, just like our food, Robert Leggett at grounding support with an injection of class Sails, Port Macquarie from my partner, and style synonymous in the '80s. I learned Yvette, that got me from Robert sheer and through. with our decor. utter discipline. To this Nothing has been day, I try to model this more rewarding behaviour to my staff, always leading by example. than watching the investment pay off with COVID wasn't on anyone's vision board for exceptional feedback from our clients - folks 2020. What has this challenge taught you who have travelled around the world attest about yourself and business?

Whalebone as the most stunning restaurant The first wave of COVID was one of the most they have been too. These accolades make my challenging times I have ever experienced in staff, me, and the Port Macquarie community business. It taught me the value and necessity exceptionally proud.

Are you all about rock solid business plans to remain positive as a leader. When so many of my team were also undergoing hardship and and spreadsheets, or gut instinct and uncertainty, it was crucial that I remained cool, flow? calm and collected.

I would love to say that I run on pure gut It also enabled me for the first time, to look instinct and flow; however, I am the world’s at the business from an outer perspective and biggest nerd, and I live and breathe figures, identify opportunities for improvement and percentages, spreadsheets, graphs and working smarter. Above all else, it has reinforced forecasting. I learnt early on that running the importance of community and the value of a restaurant was an intricate venture of working together. Business is a rough ride, but managing cashflow, staffing and supply. The if you love what you do and you’re making a application of data, analysis, recording and contribution to the larger community, it makes it maintaining percentages is imperative to all worthwhile. my success and testament, I believe, to its Thanks Nathan. longevity.

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1 Bay Street, Port Macquaire (02) 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

WITH NATHAN TOMK INS

Cocktail t MONTH

CHILLI INFUSED MARGARITA

INGREDIENTS 60 ml espolon tequila bianco 20 ml cointreau 30 ml sugar syrup 30 ml fresh lime juice 3 chopped fresh chillis 20 g sea salt 5 g dry chilli granules Ice 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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METHOD 1. Blend salt and chilli granules finely.

2. Shake tequila, cointreau, sugar syrup, fresh lime and chopped chilli (more chilli, more spicy) vigorously on ice for a couple of minutes.

3. Salt rim of cocktail glass, and strain tequila mix into glass.

4. Garnish with fresh chilli and dehydrated lime and enjoy.

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BREWED HERE IN PORT MACQUARIE.

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ef to and

CHaR B A R

i Stef. Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Port Macquarie.

I’m originally from Melbourne, where I completed my apprenticeship. I travelled overseas and around Australia for a few years.

I have been in Port Macquarie for a little over ten years now. My wife, Liz and I love the town; it’s a great spot to raise our family ... Picturesque beaches, and we enjoy the lifestyle.

What was it that drove you to start Char Bar Catering?

What started as a hobby, with some mates, quickly became a second job. We were approached by our mates at Moorebeer, who helped us create an opportunity, and we 32 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Good food, good times and good people.

Char Bar Catering offers up the goods, with mouth watering burgers and sides that will certainly hit the spot. FOCUS caught up with owner Stef, to find out more about the successful food van and what's next to come.

We've literally seen you pop up all over Port in the last few months. How has business been going?

Business got turned upside down for a while and we have been "on tour", as I like to call it. We hit the road for four months, and we felt very grateful to spend time at The Munster Street Shopping village, East Port Bowling Club and The Laurieton Hotel. So many people followed us around, and we are extremely thankful for the local support. decided to have a go. We have been up and Things have settled a bit now, and we are running for just over a year now. "back home" at Moorebeer Brewing Co. every Tell us about your food van set up.

Friday and Saturday.

We have an awesome food van that we What changes have you had to make over serve a variety of food from every week, the past few months? located at Moorebeer With all of our Brewing Co. functions being We also provide My wife, Liz and I postponed or cancelled onsite catering for love the town; it’s and then Moorebeer corporate events, a great spot to raise our Brewing Co. being private parties and forced to close its doors, family ... Picturesque weddings. we were left without any beaches, and we enjoy Recently we have future trade. the lifestyle. ordered a second That is when my wife, trailer, which is due Liz mentioned taking to be delivered next the van down to our month. supplier, Ken Little's Fruit 'n’ veg. We had no Our new trailer has a vintage vibe, like a idea how popular it would be. We still can’t restored caravan. thank Ken and the crew at Ken Little's Fruit

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You can find us 'n' Veg, Munster Street Meats, Munster Street IGA, every Friday Munster Street Bakery, and Saturday with our John Jones, Glen from Port mates at Moorebeer City Bowling Club and Glen Brewing Co. serving up and Zac from The Laurieton some awesome food for Hotel enough for helping takeaway or dine in. us out.

What's on offer in the way of catering and events?

We're still taking bookings for weddings and functions, although we still don’t know what the future holds with COVID knocking on the door again. We will keep our sanitised We look forward to some certainty for future fingers crossed. brides and party planners, so we can get back You dish up some mouth watering food for into the swing of things full scale. You can find your customers. What's your best seller? us every Friday and Saturday with our mates Hands down our fried chicken burger with at Moorebeer Brewing Co. serving up some slaw, cheese and sriracha mayo is the biggest awesome food for takeaway or dine in. Don’t seller. It’s all in the "Fairy Dust", which is our forget to keep an eye out for us popping up very secret spice mix ... Which will be available around town and for the launch of our "very for purchase soon. secret" spice mix.

Where to next for Char Bar? Thanks Stef.

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IN MY

BRAD HODGE & ANDREW BOURKE FROM COAST AT L I G H T H O U S E B E A C H

Whether you're in need of an early morning coffee hit or just a lazy late lunch, Coast has you covered. Offering specialty coffee and amazing food with views of Lighthouse Beach that can't be beaten, Coast is certainly one to add to your list of favourites.

W

feel welcomed while enjoying the stunning hat is Coast?

Nestled on the edge of ocean views. beautiful Lighthouse Beach When it came to planning the menu, with stunning water views, what was the inspiration behind the Coast is a new standard in coffee and hearty dishes you chose? day time food.

We wanted to be more than Open early enough for just a kiosk‌ with a fresh and your daily coffee ritual, fun vibe‌ we have something Our coffee and central enough for for everyone on our menu, comes from a lazy breakfast with whether it be to eat on the run Gabriel speciality friends. or sit down and enjoy with the roasters in Our menu ranges from family.

Chatswood, freshly baked muffins to We are constantly evolving our Sydney ... our famous breaky rolls menu and have an exciting new and of course the coffee! menu coming your way very Does the cafe have a soon! theme or motto?

Can you tell us a bit about the coffee?

Our motto is simple... To bring good consistent Our coffee comes from Gabriel speciality food and coffee to locals and travellers alike. roasters in Chatsworth, Sydney. A company We have created a little spot where people can that works directly with international coffee

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farms. We use three blends, including a monthly rotating single origin What has been the best thing about running and owning Coast?

Our intention from the beginning was to create a place where families, couples and friends come together ate delicious food, drank good coffee and breathed in the ocean air whilst enjoying each others company.

We have been so overwhelmed by the support of our local community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Do you have a Facebook or Instagram page?

We sure do!

Head on over to Coast Lighthouse Beach to keep up to date with our daily specials, pop up flower market and live acoustic music dates.

Thanks Brad.

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SRIRACHA VINAIGRETTE 1 tbsp sriracha 1 lime (juiced and zested) 1 tsp sugar Pinch salt 100 ml rice wine vinegar 150 ml olive oil Combine all and whisk

BACON JALAPENO CRUMB 2 x rasher bacon 1 green jalapeno 700 g panko crumbs 1 eschallot Olive oil to coat Dice bacon, eschallot and deseeded jalapeno.

Sweat in a pot, add panko, and tip on to a baking paper lined tray and roast @150°C for 10 mins, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

PICKLED ESCHALLOTS 150 ml rice wine vinegar 1tsp sugar Pinch salt 2 sprigs of thyme 3 peppercorns 3 eschallots Cut eschallots to 5 mm rings and place into a container.

Bring other ingredients to boil and pour over eschallots;

Coast

BREAKY Toasted urban grain sourdough, smashed avo with haloumi, poached eggs, bacon jalapeno crumb, sriracha vinaigrette and pickled eschallots.

cover and let sit for 30 mins.

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CUE DELI BARBECUE CAFÉ Cue Deli Barbecue Café has adapted to the current social distancing restrictions and reshaped the business to focus on its butchery service.

Cue Deli has a solid focus on supplying low n slow barbecue cuts of meat, such as meaty pork ribs, beef short ribs, whole briskets, quality scotch fillet steaks, pork shoulders, lamb shoulders, whole butterflied chooks, beef chucks and more.

Garry (former owner and founder of Grumpy’s) expertly prepares beautiful fresh cuts of meat each day and Adam (owner and

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pitmaster) barbecues or grills up a range of these products for easy grab n go or heat n serve options, including pulled pork, pulled beef, barbecued brisket, pastrami and a range of smoked sausage packs. The boys break down whole pigs to make some of the tastiest bacon in town, chorizo and kransky. The house-made product range also includes the very popular jalapeno and cheddar sausages, premium beef sausages and burger patties, and there is also a great range of Cowra lamb, marbled steaks, fresh chicken, rubs, sauces and beef jerky.

KEN LITTLE'S FRUIT & VEG August is here, and that brings a beautiful selection of fruit and veg with it!

keep everyone safe while shopping, and we’re still social distancing in store.

We are still proudly offering our home delivery services throughout our community, so feel free to email us or call through your orders.

We have on offer some new fruit and veg gift boxes, so why not purchase a beautiful gift for your friends, family or staff members to enjoy!

Otherwise, we are open every day to help you get your hands on some fresh produce.

We are also ready for whatever comes next. We have our COVIDSafe practices in place, to

Come in and check out the entire fresh produce. My staff and I will give you a warm welcome.

Always remember - “Fresh is Best!”

Ken.

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wine

Welcome back Focus!

A strong supporter of the arts on the Mid North Coast

PALM STUDIOS / Nate Butler - Artistic Director Tell us about Palm Studios? Over the past 10 years, Palm Studios has grown from singing lessons (in my garage) to be one of the Central Coast’s leading performing arts institutions, offering nationally recognised qualifications in musical theatre.

There are too many!

Why are you running this workshop? Tim Maddren and I studied at WAAPA together, and every time I see his shows I am amazed by the level of talent in Port. We want to give students up here the same opportunities we give students on the coast, so thought Why the Central Coast? Only 15 minutes from the beach and an hour we would come and give a taster.

What Free Musical Theatre north of Sydney - why not?

Workshop.

What has been your proudest moment as a tutor? That’s a hard one! Perhaps when Sam Jones got into the professional School of Rock, or when Sammi Constantine toured with Rita Ora ... or every year when we get to see our full-time musical production!

Whre 56 Hollingworth Street, Port Macquarie - The Old Scout Hall.

When Sunday 16th August.

Book your place via email nate@ptstudios.com.au Can’t make it? We’ll be back for auditions on 4th September.

STUDY MUSICAL THEATRE FULL-TIME ON THE CENTRAL COAST

GET TO THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR CAREER

FREE WORKSHOP

we're connecting communities & culture As the peak body for arts and cultural development in the region, we're here to support thriving creative communities in the Port Macquarie region and beyond.

We offer an extensive range of services to the arts and cultural sector including access to creative business resources, training & funding opportunities.

Our website lists all the diverse cultural offerings available in our region including museums, galleries, cultural trails, heritage places, public art and more!

You'll also find all the latest events on our free what' on guide featuring exhibitions, music, theatre, dance performances and workshops . www.artsmidnorthcoast.com

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PORT MACQUARIE

eats E

llen Crepaz has amassed over 10,500 followers for her online group, Port Macquarie EaTS, helping local restaurants and cafés stay connected to customers during COVID-19.

H

i Ellen. Tell us a bit about your history with Port Macquarie.

My family and I moved from Sydney to Port Macquarie in 2015. I have been coming up to Port since I was five years old; it has always been our holiday place. When I met Peter, we started our holidays here together, and he too fell in love with the quiet, laid-back town. So, once our family was completed, we packed up our lives and started our new adventure. I have been working in the food industry for close to 15 years, and I worked in business development, along with some major fast food chains. When I made the move to Port, I took more of a community customer service approach and found a passion for helping the local community, from organising seniors' packs to organising Christmas food drives. I do not know what it is about Port, but it just brings the good out in people.

When and why did you start Port Macquarie EaTs? When the COVID-19 crisis started and day by day the laws where changing, I was talking with my husband, Peter, about how much this would affect our community.

I was so impressed, I posted a thumbs up on a community group, followed by a thumbs up for businesses that are open, and a fair few responded.

So, I started the group on a Friday night and next thing I knew, it had become one of the

website; from cafés to our pantry staples, no most talked about groups in our area.

What has the feedback been like from food business is left behind. The site also has restaurants and cafés who have been my videos and food reviews, and over time I able to use the group to connect with plan to develop the site so much more. customers?

You can go to www.portmacquarieeats.com Well, I have a few good news stories from and click on the link that will take you directly owners who have thanked me. I have done a to the business you want. fair few videos with some businesses and some What are the plans for the group into the food reviews either in my home or on location future? with my recommendation, and owners have Port Macquarie EaTs will be around for a told me that due to the long time. I hope I videos and posts, they can grow this to a full get a boost in business. business. While it is I have over 50 The owner from Crust great that we can see businesses listed Pizza advised me that how well the group is prior to Port Macquarie on my website; from cafés going and how well EaTs, business was slow to pantry staples; no food we all get together to and they were worried business is left behind. The support the locals, I about the COVID-19 site also has my videos and find the most exciting crisis, but with the food reviews. part will be when we support of my videos get ready to open our and posts, business doors again and how has been better. Other I can help businesses to grow to the next level. businesses like The Grill have run promotions Port Macquarie has led the way; other areas to encourage locals to support them and have now taken our EaTs idea and started to return. I have been approached by a few eateries, and I plan to help each and every one. groups too. I hope we can see Port Macquarie EaTs being the solution to ordering food for We hear you've also been working on a now and the future, and I hope I can launch website? my ideas, so that businesses will jump in to Yes, Port Macquarie EaTs has now got its support me. very own Food Directory for Port Macquarie. It My saying is: "Food brings people was a lot of late nights and a lot of work, but together".

I got it up and running, and it is growing every day. I have over 50 businesses listed on my Thanks Ellen.

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focus_contributor.

Palate PLEASURES with LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

W

ell, here we are yet again ... In the midst of some sort of pandemic "Groundhog Day", it appears … The uncertainty and unease of back in March is once again upon us, as we contemplate the looming possibility of Lockdown No. 2.

Every day brings more of the news we really don’t want to hear, but in the same mode as this incredibly aggressive and resilient virus, the media bombards us endlessly with more and more. More cases, more restrictions, more masks, and more sanitiser (thankfully), but seemingly never any solutions or endpoints in sight.

It’s become increasingly clear that somehow, some way, we’re going to have to learn to live with this thing. To remain vigilant and ever adaptable. To alter the way we do things for the much longer than short term - from the way we conduct business, all the way through to our deeply ingrained social customs and traditions.

From weddings without mingling or dancing, to greeting our elderly parents without the hardwired hug and kiss we’ve spent our whole lives automatically offering without a second thought - this virus has altered the landscape of each and every one of our daily interactions.

We have no choice but to bravely navigate this new frontier, finding alternative ways to connect with each other. Hmm ... Zoom networking … Could it be a thing to replace

harbinger of nasty virus inc. and we find face to face professional enrichment?

Somehow, with the grainy, blurry screen ourselves joking nervously about elbow views and inevitable IT issues, perhaps not pumps being the new deal, or else using … How does one replace the subtleties of even more copious amounts of sanitiser human communication - body language, eye on our already prematurely aged, harshly contact this way? It’s still a work in progress; disinfected hands … however, on the plus side, think of all the Somehow, some way, however - we find time that would normally be wasted with ourselves in a position where we just have interstate/international travel for meetings, no choice but to keep going in the same conventions etc. that can now be spent vein, and even as an imminent second working productively from home (obviously wave seems to be approaching us, to be nailing the ignoring of distractions in the even more vigilant than before, as this time form of toilets needing around the stakes are cleaning, copious snacks, higher - we have already or screaming small Somehow, some fought to stay afloat, household inhabitants way, however and many of us have etc).

- we find ourselves in somehow prevailed. This There’s certainly an a position where we time around we can’t awkwardness most of us just have no choice afford to make the same find with the new ways but to keep going in mistakes and wind up … You want to grab your back at square one. Let’s the same vein, and friend you haven’t seen hope it doesn’t happen. even as an imminent since March and give second wave seems to But if it does, we have them a big old hug - but be approaching us, to learned such important it just isn’t the done thing. lessons about how to be even more vigilant Or the classic - you are keep going in the face than before. introduced to someone of all this. How to stay who’s somehow been afloat with our day to living on a completely day lives.

How to stay connected remotely different planet or doesn’t have Wi-Fi with our loved ones. And how to consider and they - shock horror - go in for the each other and think of the big picture by handshake. being careful and mindful with everything Now that’s a tough one, particularly when we do. offered by a member of the older generation … A greeting of respect handed down throughout the generations is now the

We’ll get through it, Port Mac. Stay well, and we’ll see what this month brings …

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i t F RONT

BAR

GREG DAV I ES MARINE RESCUE

with ALISTAIR FLOWER

T

ell us a bit about your life before heading to Port Macquarie.

I was born in Sydney; Dad was in the Army and was often stationed overseas.

Our whole family has been part of the Defence Force really; the Davies family hasn’t missed a war except the Korean War. Unfortunately, Mum died when I was seven, which made life challenging. I’ve lived everywhere - from Tasmania to Darwin over my years, before ending up in Port Macquarie.

I even had a few years on a very remote cattle station in Central Australia. I joined the Army when I could and had 26 years serving.

Is your family based in Port?

My wife and I call Port home. I have a son and a daughter; my son has left the military and is in Port (looking for a girlfriend!) and my daughter lives in Central Queensland with her husband and three children. My wife had our children while I was serving; I was lucky to be there for their births, but missed many, many birthdays. It’s great to have Craig here locally.

What instigated your passion in marine rescue?

I joined the Marine Rescue, as I needed someone to teach me how to cross the bar fishing (ha ha! That’s true).

When I was 12, Dad sold our property in the Blue Mountains, and we moved on to a yacht with my three siblings and three step siblings and made our way up the East Coast, stopping in at different ports. Since then I have had a passion for the water. I have always been community minded, with the mentality to serve. I knew I would be able to use my skills

from my 26 years in the military to serve with the Marine Rescue.

Tell us about your role in the Marine Rescue?

Within the first 12 months of joining, I became the training officer; I realised I wanted this unit to succeed. Today, I am the Unit Commander for the Port Macquarie Base.

Is that the "big dog"?

Ha ha, I suppose, but I don’t view it like that.

I just really enjoy leading a team and helping others succeed.

I joined in a volunteer capacity, although I work enough hours for it to be a full-time job.

I’m usually in there at about 7 and I leave at about 4; that can be seven days a week! When I joined, we had about 30 volunteers; today we have 191. Every training or function we run, I’m making sure everyone is having a good time.

Why do you keep turning up every day?

I enjoy it; I actually love it! The people there are fantastic. We are one big family; we are very involved socially. It's not just about the people in Marine Rescue; it’s about the families as well - we support that. I wouldn’t be able to do it without my wife, Debbie; she’s very supportive of every direction I head in.

Tell us about the famous rescue that secured the Port Macquarie team the International Maritime Federation Award?

That was a crazy rescue. It was 1am when we got the beacon call. The bloke had a broken jaw, so he couldn’t talk properly, a broken eye socket, so he couldn’t see the coordinates, and a bung arm. The coordinates they gave us were different every time; we eventually found them, and one of the fellas had a bad back injury. We

knew we couldn’t move him without making it worse, and the boat was slowly sinking. We made the decision to sink the boat, allowing the water to hold the injured bloke and allow us to manoeuvre him to safety. There were five guys in the water when the Westpac Helicopter arrived, but our team had everything under control. I have never been more proud of my team. They work so hard, they deserved that award; all of their training paid off.

Now mate, aside from Marine Rescue, what keeps you busy during your retirement?

I love fishing! I wasn’t a fisherman before moving to Port. I have been a part of the Fernhill Tavern Fishing Club for four years. I became the president of the club this year, with a goal of seeing the club expand. When I started, we had about eight blokes; now we have 62 - including nine kids. What I really love seeing is the kids bringing in the fish; the look on their face is priceless!

What's the best thing about Port Macquarie?

The community. From the bottom of my heart, I have lived in many, many cities and towns, and I have never seen a town that is as community oriented as Port Macquarie. I’ve never been in a town as giving; we look after each other.

Lastly, what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Family first. Always family first. Work hard, be honest, and it doesn’t matter what happens around you, you always come out the other end.

Thanks Greg.

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It's a balancing act is Anna Morrison's first cookbook - inspired by the lush green paddocks which surround her Rollands Plains home.

Anna shares her love of cooking and 30 recipes in her first book - with perhaps more to come ...

Anna MO RRI SO N

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ell us about where you grew up and how it inspired your love of cooking.

I grew up on a farm just outside Port Macquarie and call the undulating landscape of Rollands Plains home. This environment really got me into the paddock to plate theme of using the freshest, most quality ingredients and turning them into something that tastes delicious. Still to this day, I don’t think there’s anything better than the smell and feeling of a ploughed paddock.

Within the pages, Having studied you’ll find an array hospitality at of fun, utterly delicious, school, what type different career and easy as and informative of career did you keeping food as a recipes, which you can make want to pursue? hobby. from your own kitchen. It I have a Certificate How did the idea encapsulates the essence III in Hospitality, for the cookbook of using simple ingredients which assisted in come about? and transforming them into formalising my I have always moreish morsels. cooking knowledge I dabbled with the have learnt over the idea of writing a years. Initially, I had cookbook and as my heart set on being soon as COVID-19 a chef, but through hit, I thought it immersing myself in multiple operating kitchens, was a brilliant opportunity to start. Coming I found it just didn’t suit my style. I felt that if back home from university, I found I had a I took this route, it would hinder my love for load of free time on my hands, that I could put food. to good use and as a result, it’s a balancing What are you studying now, and how does act was born! Additionally, I had countless it tie in with your future ambitions? requests for recipes which were easy to follow, Currently, I am studying a Bachelor of uncomplicated and used common ingredients Business and Psychology in Canberra and have we all have in the pantry and fridge, so I decided loved discovering the links between this and to create a one-stop shop for classic favourites food. The business side of my degree assists that could be replicated with ease. in the development of my brand, "a balanced What sort of recipes will we find inside? foodie", where I can test out marketing it’s a balancing act is an incorporation of concepts, managing finances and networking. some of my most favourite foods, secret recipes, affordable feasts and a balance between healthy The psychology component enables me to and delectable naughty delights. understand people and human behaviour, which Within the pages, you’ll find an array of fun, translates nicely into realising the "why" of utterly delicious, easy as and informative recipes, consumer patterns and trends. It also gives me which you can make from your own kitchen. another dimension as to pursuing an entirely

It encapsulates the essence of using simple ingredients and transforming them into moreish morsels.

It has 30 recipes for you to enjoy, with a range of healthy, budget friendly, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options and of course, treaties! I delve into what makes each recipe taste extraordinary, key ingredients and explore the "why" of each step and process.

Where can we find a copy, and where can we follow you?

You can order a copy of it’s a balancing act from my website: www.abalancedfoodie.com - or find it at Port Macquarie’s Bookface and select local businesses within the Mid North Coast region. You can also follow my Instagram, @abalancedfoodie for more recipes and daily foodie delights!

Where to next with your cooking adventures?

For the time being, I plan to enjoy the process of selling it’s a balancing act, seeing people’s creations from it and continue growing my @abalancedfoodie Instagram. Sometime down the track though, I hope to diverge into developing food products, cooking videos and possibly, just maybe, another cookbook!

Thanks Anna.

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Vibe S AV V Y

with VANESSA LAWRENCE FROM THE STYLE VIBE

I’m incredibly excited to WELCOME YOU TO MY VERY FIRST "STYLE VIBE SAVVY" COLUMN for the amazing new look FOCUS!

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ver the coming months I will particularly our confidence levels. Whether keep you up to date with you are a stay at home mum juggling all the latest fashion and home schooling, an employee working seasonal trends, personal in the essential services industry or a "what’s hot" recommendations and style business owner doing your best to pivot tips to help educate and inspire you to to keep your dream alive - I think most of get out of those "COVID clothes" and us (myself included) would agree this is start feeling stylish and quite possibly one of the beautiful again! hardest periods of life as I’ll also be doing we know it so far, so my regular shout outs to thoughts are with you all.

Embrace who local fashion and beauty What can we control? you are today! retailers stocking fab And what can we do?

LOVE ALL YOUR new pieces and providing Exercise: please, please!

BITS, BECOME A great customer service.

I understand when POSITIVE FEMALE confidence levels are low, Before I get started ROLE MODEL, this month, I feel it is stress levels are high and and dress to make important for me to it’s cold outside - it is just acknowledge there is no so much easier to pull the yourself feel good! doubt in the world that covers over your head, but times have been tough. this really is the very first Activities most of step to genuinely feeling us female felines thrive off (hello social good about yourself. There is no amount activities, group sports, girls’ nights out, of designer clothes you can wear/buy that long lunches, networking catch ups) will produce the same positive effects as a have all been either stopped, delayed or good walk or workout. We are incredibly changed due to social distancing, which lucky to have so many highly educated of course is in the best interest of our friendly PTs and world class gyms in our community. local area, so pick up the phone, organise Although safety is paramount, these a walk with a friend or a gym session. I changes have significantly and seriously 100% guarantee you will not regret it. affected many areas of our lives Time to cull: did you know most of us

only wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time?

This is the perfect time to cull those items in your wardrobe that are weighing you down. Do you have items that have never worked for you but are still taking up space in your wardrobe? Unworn or expensive pieces that give you feelings of guilt? Clothing that has not been worn in years, or pieces you hope might fit you again "one day"?

Getting dressed is one of the first decisions we make every day, and it need not be stressful or depressing.

Only having garments in your wardrobe that fit, make you feel good and you know are versatile, will set the mood for how you will feel for the rest of the day.

Do yourself a favour and remove that reoccurring despair. Embrace who you are today! Love all your bits, become a positive female role model, and dress to make yourself feel good! (Even if you are only going to your home office in the next room, or taking the kids to the park.) If you do need some help, you can jump on to my website www.thestylevibe.com. au and book a personal styling session or grab a copy of my DIY e-book for just $29.95!

Sending love and positive vibes, Vanessa Jane xxx

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Wild DIANE NORRIS

Bees are critical to a healthy, sustainable environment, and if there has ever been a time in our history to prove how important our way to grow produce is to us, it's now.

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iane Norris from the BeeWild project is raising awareness regarding the conservation of our native bees and aims to have the "foster a hive" project up and running on a larger scale right here in our own backyards.

Hi Diane. Please introduce yourself and your connection to the Port Macquarie region.

During the 1980s, my husband and I packed our Kombi with little more than our free spirit and sense of adventure to head north for a long weekend on the Mid North Coast, where freedom, forests, beaches and open space beckoned. Years later, photographing and writing about organic and biodynamic farms and gardens brought me here again. I knew this was where I belonged, and it’s now my home. It’s empowering to be surrounded by like-minded people and a natural unspoiled environment.

Your career background includes a vast variety, together with horticultural journalism. Tell us how this helped shaped

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your passion for native bees.

I had the good fortune to grow up in Mt Kuring-gai. My mother was a superb gardener and showed me the wonders of birds and insects. The renowned native bee expert, Dr Anne Dollin, lived nearby, and her research was intriguing and inspired me to include native bees in my life. My original hive of Tetragonula carbonaria is nearly twenty years old. After studying horticulture, followed by a couple of years with Australian Geographic, I was invited to join Burke’s Backyard magazine.

My horticultural journalism career had begun in being editor of Good Organic Garden magazine for over four years. This enhanced the love of organics, plants and of nature further. Returning to horticulture is especially rewarding, as that acquired information and knowledge can be shared at a grassroots level.

I found a passion in promoting sustainable

living solutions, while advocating awareness of plants, nature and wild regions through my writing and photography. I have been part of the native stingless bee hive-splitting program for more than ten years with Ku-ringgai Council’s WildThings initiative; all of this opened my eyes to native bee keeping, and I have been a native bee keeper and breeder, installing hives in schools and gardens to

focus_interview replenish native bees into our environment and raise awareness of insects, particularly bees, and wildlife for the past several years.

Beewild is your new project, that is still in its early inception stages. The program aims to educate, engage and support the survival of Australia's native bee population in an ethical, holistic manner.

Please share your vision with us.

Wild bees and honeybee colonies are dying off at disturbing rates, and their decline is telling us something is profoundly wrong in the environment. This has drawn attention to a broad range of issues, not least of which is the insatiable use of pesticides, chiefly insecticides. Researchers are surmising that bees are also succumbing to other factors, including habitat loss and genetically modified crops.

The Kuring-gai Council's Native Beehive program is an award-winning community engagement and education program which aims to boost the number of native bees in our environment by enabling residents to "foster" a hive in their backyard. Since the program’s beginning in BeeWild can control 2006, over 1,500 hives and therefore have been distributed, safeguard the honey with more being added remains with the bees - these every year.

My aim is to emulate programs and bees are purely They rear their such a program on the for ecological purposes. young in brood cells, Mid North Coast - the and store pollen and BeeWild Australian honey in storage Native Bee Project. Such pots. But during a scheme ensures hive splitting, installation cold or times of drought or fire, when blooms and conservation are done correctly, carefully can be scarce, the bees need their stores of and holistically. I’ve already started - holding honey from their honey pots to survive. It’s workshops at several schools, garden clubs worth noting that they only produce a small and community centres and installing over amount - about 1 kg per year. Tetragonula forty hives throughout the region in private carbonaria is the only species of social bee settings and safe bushland locations. The native to our area. BeeWild can control and interest in native bees is enormous, so the therefore safeguard the honey remains with time is right - it’s exciting! the bees - these programs and bees are purely For those of us who are unsure, please for ecological purposes. explain some differences between the European honey bees have a purpose of native bee and the commercial bee. producing honey and for crop pollination.

There are quite a few differences. The Honey bees use hexagonal comb to rear native stingless bees that we are working with young and store food. Honey bees establish a are considered harmless, and by that I mean new colony by the sudden swarming of many their sting is not harmful and contains no workers and the old queen. Stingless bees anaphylactic XXX, and therefore are an ideal first build a new nest and gradually move in option for keeping bees without the worry. with a new queen - the old queen remains

with her colony, as she cannot fly - so no absconding.

You currently offer bee workshops to local schools and individuals. What do the workshops cover?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a meliponist (the rather vivid term used for a person who keeps stingless native bees), is the unbridled enthusiasm and curiosity people reveal. Through PowerPoint presentations, gorgeous photographs, leaflets, display hives and sound advice with expert information, a valuable workshop can take place.

Q and A is the highlight and gives the audience a chance to participate and build upon the information already imparted.

School visits are especially fun and rewarding.

The little ones love nature, and we go walk-about in the garden looking for bees and other insects - the next generation of entomologists? >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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Wild >>> With Australia’s drought still in play and the aftermath of the bushfires that have swept the nation, where does that leave our bees?

The Mid North Coast and other parts of our land suffered terribly during the long dry spell and later with raging fires. The lack of flowering plants and struggling or dying trees saw a habitat catastrophe, and every part of nature was affected. It goes without saying how important it is for wildlife to have food, shelter and homes, which is especially crucial after the bushfires. Billions of animals have been lost but if we consider invertebrates, that number becomes incalculable. Our native bee species are of concern. For example - the green carpenter bee is an iconic native bee species - brilliant blue-green metallic colour, large (20 mm), friendly and harmless. Colonies are only found on Kangaroo Island and in New South Wales - here! Nearly half of Kangaroo Island was gutted by fire, so helping save solitary species is also of vital importance. WildThings and BeeWild also include solitary bee species in their initiatives. We must replenish and protect all our native bees species - our resident pollinators.

It sounds like you have a lot of amazing ideas and projects in the pipeline. What do you need to get it off the ground?

Every great initiative and idea takes many components - passion, expertise, integrity and dedication - but, of course, it takes sound planning coupled with financial resources.

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Fortunately, I have exclusivity to purchase pesticides in and around your home. Your little hives to meet demands each year, as well as patch will be a flourishing ecosystem - safe for reproducing new hives from my own every you, your family and nature. Organic gardening two years. But to move forward will require is easy and rewarding. backing, as native bee Remember, our projects, particularly native bee species are involving hive care harmless, but do not Plan a garden and installation, touch, catch or disturb for year-round can incur large them. flowering. Plant native expenses. I’ve already Our bees are in peril, plants, particularly those welcomed sponsorship and we live in a unique indigenous to our area, from our local geographic spot with and let herb and veggies Volkswagen dealer, a real opportunity to go to flower/seed. which facilitated the protect the survival and installation of five numbers of native bees hives locally. in our area.

For anyone who would like to change For anyone who would love to get in some of their current common practices touch or find out more, how can they do within their home garden, what useful so? ideas and tips would you give them?

Last year the ANBA (Australian Native Bee Don’t be tempted to apply anything to your Association) was formed, by Dr Tim Heard and garden to attract bees - ominously, there are associates, in Queensland for the purpose of products that claim to do this! The only way amalgamating the interest in our native bees. to get bees into your yard is to grow beeI founded and now chair our local group, the attracting plants. They seem to particularly like Mid North Coast NSW ANBA, to accommodate yellow, purple or blue blooms, with open petals the huge local interest in native bees here. We offering lots of exposed anthers. Plan a garden meet on the first Thursday of each month at for year-round flowering. Plant native plants, 7:30pm at LUSC (Laurieton United Services particularly those indigenous to our area, and Club). Hopefully we will resume later this year, let herb and veggies go to flower/seed. when the physical distancing restrictions are Keep a path or corner specifically for native lifted. bees - a little messy space with dead wood, And, of course, you can contact me for bare soil for ground-nesting bees and strappy further information at: grasses that provide roosting spots for males. diane.beewild@gmail.com Most importantly, eliminate the use of Thanks Diane.

Book your encounter online At the multiple award-winning Billabong Zoo (Port Macquarie, NSW) you can get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. You can pat, stroke, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We care for over 200 animals in this friendly 10 acre Koala and Wildlife Park.

Enjoy our much loved Zoo Talks throughout the day. All free as they are included in the Admission price. Learn about our passion for conservation as Ambassadors for Wildlife and our world-renowned koala breeding programme.

WORLD RENOWNED KOALA BREEDING CENTRE (SINCE 1996) GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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TRAVEL A G

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ACHIEVERS GROUP

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Finding a niche in the travel industry for a supportive community to learn and grow is where Roslyn Ranse's business now thrives. With international travel off the cards for a while, Ros has her eyes set on building her business globally via online.

H

i Ros. For those of us who don’t know you, can you tell us how you came to be living in beautiful Port Macquarie?

I moved to paradise (aka Port Macquarie) just over 12 months ago. My husband, Clint and I have been coming here for many years, as his parents have lived here for 20+ years. It was our dream to move here before Jackson, our now five year old, started school. We wanted the life we grew up with away from a big city.

You are an independent itravel consultant. Pre-COVID, what type of businesses were you working with, and what destinations did you most frequent?

I have been a mobile travel consultant with itravel for over 10 years now. I specialise in large international conference and company travel worldwide. With my husband coming from a large events background, we create incredible experiences for our clients and can handle all the logistics, taking away the stress of organising things internationally. I have a team of staff and also get to work from home. My clients are all over Australia.

I love snowboarding, so any excuse to get me on a mountain plus also enjoy the "Après" style is my happy place. I'm so grateful that Clint and Jackson also love the snow.

Off the back of a successful travel business, you also built Travel Agent Achievers and have a podcast. First, let’s talk about the TAA; how did you get started with that, and what do you do?

Several years ago, I started Travel Agent Achievers in addition to my travel business, as I saw a real need for travel agents globally to be a part of a supportive community ...

To learn the "business" side of owning and starting shortly. growing a travel business, helping them https://travelagentachievers. learn marketing, sales, business systems and com/5DaySocialChallenge identifying who to serve.

Your podcast has just passed 10,000 As travel consultants, it's hard enough just downloads - you must be really happy to understand the technical airline systems about that! (the majority of airline systems are booked Absolutely! We're just 30 episodes in; like an IT person working with code!) Our I have had it for 12 months and love the role is to seek out the best suppliers, the transformation and skills that listeners most suitable destinations and understand have got from it. I love a good checklist or what is right for the client. We are there for worksheet, so often include these sorts of emergencies, want to ensure you get the best tools to help travel agents take the next step. deal and are problem solvers! We love and For me, I want to see others succeed and love care for others and want to ensure that you how the feedback I get has helped so many have the most memorable trip ever! people so far.

Learning about How would you all the other describe the "business" stuff content on the Our role is to gets put to the podcast? seek out the best side, and I wanted Educational, suppliers, the most to help educate informative and suitable destinations and and empower relatable. I am a understand what is right for travel agents to real person, going the client. build a business through the same they loved and struggles, and I also understood how to share how I too am grow. affected and what I My background is in international sales have learnt. and marketing prior to travel. I love business!

It will be a long time before many of I have always been a self motivated learner. us get to venture overseas again. What Surrounding myself with great mentors and are you looking forward to in terms of business coaches, I knew that I could help domestic travel options? travel agents at any stage of their business Right now, I would just love to have a get results and learn in a way that worked holiday myself! In travel, we have all had to for them, ensuring they only had to learn the work around the clock for free and also go stuff they needed. backwards financially to ensure our clients When is the next program, and how can are getting the best from their situation. The agents sign up? last five months have felt like a kick in the I have a five day free Social Media guts daily. I feel we are lucky to be living in Challenge for travel agents starting next such an incredible place, that others want to week. I also have a six week "Build or Rebuild visit! But, bring on a ski trip or island getaway your Travel Business", to help educate travel soon, I say. The piña coladas are calling me! agents to come through this crazy time, Thanks Ros.

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YEAR 11 OPPORTUNITY

KNOCKS

2021

YEAR 11 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW

Where are you BEGINNING YOUR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDIES in 2021?

A

t St Columba Anglican have the potential to make the School, we believe world a better place. we exist to inspire An education at SCAS and empower each is contemporary and fresh, other, so that we build a better leveraging technology to redefine world. Our goal is to foster deeper learning. Senior Students choose learning, so that all our learners from a large range of NESA contribute to the common good, approved subject offerings, address global challenges and study in small classes, work in flourish. partnership with We believe experienced we offer our HSC teachers Our students graduates an and mentors, graduate with an education that and complete understanding of the not only allows their classes them to reach and study in vital nature of change their academic modern, state in the world and are potential, but also of the art prepared to face this provides them facilities. reality with confidence with access to SCAS looks and resilience. the knowledge to graduate and skills required young men to successfully and women of enter the next phase of their substance, who are resilient and lives as lifelong learners who are agile, caring and compassionate; erudite, optimistic and disciplined. who understand that while they Our students graduate with an should be valued as individuals, understanding of the vital nature their willingness to serve their of change in the world and are community, now and in the future, prepared to face this reality with will be a key to their continued confidence and resilience. They will growth. have been exposed to and given At a time when we are opportunities to develop such 21st all looking to optimise the Century skills as creativity, critical opportunities open to our children thinking and an ability to work as regards their education, SCAS collaboratively with others. really does offer a world of They will have developed opportunities. leadership skills, so that by their Come knock on our door and great and small actions, they will see for yourself.

Dedicated senior areas

ities amazing opportun

Wide range of subjects At St Columba, we understand how important the final years of school are. We want to graduate young men and women who value hard work and learning. We also know that there’s more to life than results.

Here at SCAS you can grow however you like, and we’ll support you.

3 Iona Ave Port Macquarie NSW 2444 www.scas.nsw.edu.au stcolumbaanglicanschool scasinfo

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focushealth

Health and

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Health and

WINTER SPECIAL! Incredible savings on our winter hyrda-boost treatment! An instant shot for dewier, brighter, more radiant, hydrated skin. Our Hyrda-Boost treatment is an antiageing injectable product specifically designed to improve the condition of the skin and to last up to nine months with only one treatment session. Unlike typical dermal fillers, this is a skin conditioning gel that delivers improvements in skin smoothness (absence of fine lines), hydration and elasticity. It is suitable to treat the face, neck, dÊcolletage and hands of any skin types and ages.

Book Online

This treatment is the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin.

1ml normally $600 NOW $250 2ml normally $1200 NOW $450!

Only While our stock lasts!

Call (02) 6584 6266 | Shop 3, Colonial Arcade, Port Macquarie eclcosmedic.com.au

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Healthful WISDOM with SHANNON LAWRENCE

D I G I TA L H E A LT H C H A N G E S THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CHANGES TO THE WAY HEALTHCARE IS PERFORMED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. Bushfires initially led to changes, and then a global pandemic necessitated sometimes daily changes to the way we do things.

T

elehealth Consultations with general practitioners via telephone or other electronic means became relatively common during the “lockdown� period of COVID-19 and are still available now and into the future under certain conditions. Telehealth prescriptions also became available and continue to be for several more months, to minimise social contact but still ensure access to prescription medications. These prescriptions, sent directly from the GP to the pharmacy via email or fax are the precursor to electronic prescribing.

Electronic prescribing Electronic prescriptions were to commence in Australia even before COVID-19; however, this process was fast tracked so that it can begin at the end of the year. Electronic prescribing is being trialled at locations around Australia, ahead of a roll out across the country.

The way in which electronic prescriptions will work is that when a GP prescribes a medication, instead of a person receiving this as a paper prescription they will be sent a token (QR code) to their phone via SMS, as

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an email, or it may be printed on to a person's My Health Record, in order to piece of paper. The token is scanned at provide them with their medicines. In a pharmacy, and thus the prescription a similar way, this has proven useful in is dispensed from here. For those times of quarantine. people who do not wish to receive their As a pharmacist, I find My Health prescription as an electronic prescription, Record extremely helpful when people paper prescriptions as are discharged from they are now will still hospital and they be available. are not sure how This will obviously be their medicines have As a pharmacist, a very big change to changed. Being able I FIND MY the way prescriptions to access their new HEALTH RECORD are issued and medication list is EXTREMELY dispensed and will essential and is now a HELPFUL WHEN require changes to the lot easier.

PEOPLE ARE way pharmacies work Rapid changes to DISCHARGED and much technology health care FROM HOSPITAL change. It will remain Extreme changes to and they are not sure to be seen how quickly the way we live and how their medicines electronic prescribing is problems we have to have changed. taken up and utilised. deal with have led to the My Health Record need for major changes My Health Record to the way healthcare has proven to be an invaluable tool in is performed. The availability of these providing enhanced health care. When technological changes will mean that no people were away from their homes and matter what challenge we are faced with, could not access their prescriptions and people will be able to access healthcare medicines due to bushfires, pharmacists and their prescription medicines in a and doctors were able to access the timely and less stressful fashion.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY PAIN FREE LIVING...BOOK YOUR 30 MINUTE OBLIGATION FREE DISCUSSION TODAY.

In February 2019, at age 67, I suffered a work-related fall on an airport apron (runway), resulting in a broken and severely dislocated little finger and a shattered, dislocated left elbow.

I had a lengthy operation to remove bone fragments and to reconstruct the elbow with metal plates and screws. The process required a 200mm incision to be made on the underside of the elbow and then literally “pulling” all muscle and nerve tissue out of the way to expose the bones for repair.

Two spaced Neurological Nerve Conduction tests resulted a prognosis of: “..the Ulna Nerve has been

damaged, and it will continue to deteriorate, it will never get better...”

In October 2019 my wife and I retired to Port Macquarie; while over the moon about our new life, I remained disappointed and depressed about my “disabled” arm. The arm was performing like I had experienced a stroke event, I regularly dropped things, spilt things and had difficulty gripping things with my left hand, not to mention the severe tremors when I tried to force the hand to work how I wanted it to.

I have only had three treatment sessions with Krystyna so far; but from the very first treatment, I know that my Ulna Nerve function is returning, skin sensitivity has improved out of site, and for the first time in just on a year, I can fully close my

left hand to make a fist.

As unbelievable as it may sound, during the very first treatment, I literally “felt” the nerve fibres coursing through my left hand ring and little fingers.

I cannot praise Krystyna enough, I feel like a new man, my confidence has returned and my hand and arm are defying the doom and gloom predictions of my past therapists.

To me, my progress to date is absolutely amazing, and I look forward to my next sessions.

Krystyna Zawadzka Krystyna of Somatherapy is a Certified FSM Practitioner and has been using FSM Therapy since 2003. She also has multi-modalities extensive experience in treatment of chronic pain for over 20 years. Krystyna is a member of IAHP - International Association of HealthCare Practitioners since 2008.

Tactile Therapist Accredited Practitioner • International Association of HealthCare Practitioners Australian Traditional Medicine Society • The Medical Register of Australia

Phone 1300 877 011 • 0414 332 037

Master Degree Uni (Warsaw), Dip MFR, Dip Ref, Dip RM, Cert FSM (USA), Cert LDT (USA), Government Cert IV Tactile Therapies

ABN: 73 718 575 340

23 Serene Circuit, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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CHOOSING A

Dentist with DR PETER ELFAR

F R O M S U N D I A L D E N TA L

FIVE COMMON MISTAKES When Choosing A Dentist

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ake no mistake, choosing the wrong dentist can lead to all kinds of problems with your teeth - from overpaying for expensive or unnecessary procedures, to receiving substandard care or receiving care from a team that doesn’t understand your needs and expectations.

That’s why we’ve put together this short guide that outlines the key mistakes so many Australians make when deciding who best to treat their teeth and oral care.

Mistake #1: Rushing the decision Far too often, we find ourselves treating patients for severe conditions that could easily have been prevented with earlier (and regular) check-ups. Most patients tend to wait until they are in pain before they seek medical help. That’s bad for several reasons.

First, it places an unrealistic time line to find the right dentist to address your specific condition.

Second, if you need a dentist really fast, you do not have the option to choose a provider that suites you and your dental needs and sometimes have to pay more.

Make sure you go through a thorough due diligence process whenever you’re selecting a health professional, especially a dentist.

Mistake #2: Choosing the first dentist who has an available appointment Similar to Mistake #1, this is something far too many people do. They sacrifice quality for speed. They miss out on seeing a dentist

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more suited to them, simply because their focus on periodontal treatment or dental timetable doesn't match this week. implants. Make sure the dentist scope of This lack of foresight can be costly - not treatment and area of interest suits the all dentists offer the same range of services. treatment you need.

Not all dentists practice the same brand Mistake #5: Choosing a dentist based on of dentistry or have the same attention to price ... patient care. You want a dentist who suits (Especially a really low advertised price.) you - not just one who suits your timetable.

If you plan on keeping your teeth, you Mistake #3: Choosing the closest dentist shouldn’t trust your dental health and smile Again, convenience at the cost of quality to a dental team whose only redeeming or suitability can leave you short of the best quality is a discount bargain! Don’t buy treatment to suit you into cheap offers; if a and/or your family. practice is advertising a DON’T JUST Don’t just choose the cheap offer, it is usually CHOOSE THE closest dentist to save indicative of a cut price CLOSEST DENTIST on travel time. There are approach to treatment, TO SAVE ON TRAVEL so many other factors to training their team or TIME. THERE ARE SO consider. the equipment they use.

Mistake #4: Not Low price often equals MANY OTHER checking credentials the bare minimum care, FACTORS TO Credentials and and it’s likely that you’ll CONSIDER. specialised training are receive poor care from important, so it’s vital an inexperienced and that you understand your dentist’s expertise. untrained dental team, and if it isn’t done Not all dentists are created equal; you right, you’ll probably pay to do it again … wouldn’t ask your tyre repairman to rebuild Choose a practice with a long standing, your engine, would you? It’s important to good reputation, because they will pride inquire about the dentist’s clinical experience themselves on what their patients say about and training when booking in with a dentist, them and they have built a reputation on so you understand their area of expertise or that feedback, their relationship with their specialised training. communities and long-lasting dental results.

This becomes even more important when For more information or to book an you need more specialised treatment. Not all appointment, visit www.sundialdental. dentists specialise in the same areas - some com.au or call one of our caring teams have a stronger orthodontic focus; others on 6585 2015 or 6583 3533.

Access Access essential essential health health services services Your local Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology collection centres Your local and Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology collection centres are open, we continue to provide testing for diagnosis, are open, and we continue to provide testing for diagnosis, treatment progress and monitoring of chronic conditions. treatment progress andformonitoring of every chronic conditions.

These centres are safe all patients, day.

These centres are safe for all patients, every day.

North Coast Collection Centres North Coast Collection Centres Kempsey Port Macquarie 35 Elbow Street, Kempsey Kempsey Ph:Elbow (02) 6562 1722 35 Street, Kempsey Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6562 1722 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday am Monday–Friday 7.30 7.30 am–10 am–4 pm Saturday 7.30 am–10 am

Kempsey GP Clinic 35 BelgraveGP Street, Kempsey Kempsey Clinic Ph: (02) 6563Street, 1950 Kempsey 35 Belgrave Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6563 19507.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed

Lakewood Your Family Practice Lakewood

1/106Family Sirius Practice Drive Your Ph: (02) 8650 1592 1/106 Sirius Drive Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 8650 15928 am–1 pm Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 8 am–1 pm Saturday Closed

Suite 13, Hermitage Medical Centre Port Macquarie

South West Rocks Shop 5 Paragon Avenue, South1,West Rocks

Port Macquarie 1/66 Street, Port Macquarie PortLord Macquarie

Wauchope Hastings Medical Centre Wauchope

Ph: 6583 1132 1/66(02) Lord Street, Port Macquarie Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6583 1132 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 7.30 am–4 pm Saturday Closed

70 High Street, Wauchope Hastings Medical Centre Ph: (02) 6586 70 High Street,0838 Wauchope Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6586 08388 am–12 noon Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 8 am–12 noon Saturday Closed

72-8013, Lake Road, Port Macquarie Suite Hermitage Medical Centre Ph: (02) 6584 5923Port Macquarie 72-80 Lake Road, Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6584 59237.30 am–5 pm Saturday Monday–Friday 7.30 7.30 am–11.30 am–5 pm am Saturday 7.30 am–11.30 am

Port Macquarie GP Superclinic Clifton Drive, Port Macquarie Port Macquarie GP Superclinic Ph: (02)Drive, 6583Port 8137Macquarie Clifton Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6583 8137 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed

Laurieton 60 Bold Street, Laurieton Laurieton

Port Macquarie Westside Medical Centre Port Macquarie

Ph:Bold (02) 6559 60 Street,5119 Laurieton Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6559 5119 8 am–4 pm Saturday Monday–Friday Closed 8 am–4 pm Saturday Closed

11 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie Westside Medical Centre Ph: (02) 6581 Circuit, 4013 Port Macquarie 11 Highfields Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6581 4013 8 am–4.30 pm Saturday Monday–Friday Closed 8 am–4.30 pm Saturday Closed

South1,West Rocks Avenue, Shop 5 Paragon Ph: (02)West 6566 5151 South Rocks Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6566 5151 7.30 am–3 pm Saturday Monday–Friday Closed 7.30 am–3 pm Saturday Closed

Wauchope 66 Cameron Street, Wauchope Wauchope Ph:Cameron (02) 6585Street, 3438 Wauchope 66 Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6585 34387.30 am–3.30 pm Saturday 8 am–11 am pm Monday–Friday 7.30 am–3.30 Saturday 8 am–11 am

Wauchope Timbertown Shopping Centre Wauchope Shop 1, 243 High Street,Centre Wauchope Timbertown Shopping Ph: (02) 2951 Shop 1, 6589 243 High Street, Wauchope Monday–Friday Ph: (02) 6589 29518 am–12 noon Saturday Closed Monday–Friday 8 am–12 noon Saturday Closed

All pathology requests accepted • Bulk-billing available No appointments necessary most procedures All pathology requests acceptedon • Bulk-billing available All patients welcome • Highly trained and experienced No appointments necessary on most procedures staff All patients welcome • Highly trained and experienced staff For further information, please phone: Douglass Hanly Moirplease Pathology For further information, phone: 87Douglass Lord Street, PortMoir Macquarie 2444 Hanly Pathology P87(02) 6589 2900 F (02) 6584 9280 Lord Street, Port Macquarie 2444 www.dhm.com.au P (02) 6589 2900 F (02) 6584 9280 www.dhm.com.au

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MONIQUE COTTERILL

The fitness industry, like many others, took a massive hit during the COVID lockdown. We catch up with the owner of F45, Monique Cotterill to find out how she survived isolation and how F45 can help get your mind and body back on track.

H

i Monique. The past few months have been challenging, to say the least. How are you and the team going now you’re back into the swing of it at F45?

Ah, it’s so good to be back! We are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive community that has backed us during our closure period, and now our reopening. We’re just taking things one day at a time, and trying our best to help our community reach their fitness goals postCOVID. We’re also incredibly lucky to have an amazing crew of coaches who have backed us every step of the way; we couldn’t have done it without them!

How long have you been in the fitness industry, and what do you love most about your role?

I’ve been an F45 trainer for three years now.

The thing I love most about my job is waking up in the morning and being happy to go to work.

There is no better feeling than helping someone achieve their goals and helping them both physically and mentally from participating in exercise.

During COVID, what measures did you take to ensure your business kept running behind closed doors, and how did you keep your members active?

During COVID we tried our best to provide a premium product to our fitness community.

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From daily online LIVE zoom classes to outdoor Port Macquarie has managed to create the most TRACK sessions, we did it all! Obviously nothing innovative, engaging and results-driven team beats being in the studio sweating it out with training system. In each of our F45 sessions, our community, but when all else fails, we the whole body is targeted with functional pulled out whatever household items could movements to assist in everyday living, leaving be turned into weights, and we got our fitfam our members looking and feeling their best. moving! We got to see some amazing sunrises, Our combination of cardiovascular, strength and and it made us all appreciate the studio so interval training is the most effective method much more when we were of burning fat and building able to return. lean muscle, and with so Physical exercise many different workouts Why is physical exercise helps to release so important for our - our members never get endorphins in the mental health? bored! With no mirrors, no COVID was an incredibly body, which makes you judgement and our team of hard time for us with highly qualified coaches, it’s instantly feel better. the government closure, hard to not feel comfortable especially due to the fact and welcome within our that our studio is a physical and mental escape community. for so many of our members. Physical exercise What has been your biggest lesson learnt helps to release endorphins in the body, which during the past three months? makes you instantly feel better. When our I couldn’t have gotten through the last three members start to achieve their physical goals, months without moving my body. I’ve realised they usually feel better about themselves, and it how important exercise is for my mental health, increases their self confidence - in turn boosting especially during such uncertain times like we mental health. are in now. That meant that every day over the F45 is a global brand. What is it that makes last three months I made sure I moved my body it so popular within the community? in some way, either a home workout, a walk, F45 Port Macquarie is a fun and welcoming paddleboard, a bit of yoga - the tiniest bit of atmosphere that has an exercise physiology that movement helps you to appreciate having a is proven to get results. With our community of functioning body. like minded individuals, it’s easy to see how F45 Thanks Monique.

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KIRINARI MID NORTH COAST

K

irinari Community Services is an established and well respected registered NDIS provider, offering a variety of programs to anyone requiring additional support to live within their community. Initially established over thirty five years ago in the Hume Riverina district, Kirinari are committed to provide quality services to rural and regional New South Wales and Victoria. Our mission is “To enrich the lives of our customers through individualised solutions and choices by providing High quality services, High quality support & Great places to live” Kirinari expanded to include the Mid North Coast (MNC) region in May 2018, after identifying a growing need to provide Supported Independent Living (SIL) accommodation alternatives. Two years on, Kirinari MNC now operates 10 SILs across Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks and Port Macquarie. With several more in the planning stages and will include Kempsey, Taree and Grafton areas.

The Mid North Coast branch offers an experienced team to guide customers through the NDIS process. The Kirinari Mid North Coast team provide a range of supports to a diverse range of customers including 1:1 lifestyle, drop-in support that may be a few hours each day, to 24/7 Supported Independent Living, Short Term Accommodation and Transition to Accommodation (a popular option for younger customers or people that have lived at home with family).

Business development manager Jane said “Kirinari truly lives and works by its motto of “Enriching Lives”. We place a strong emphasis on smaller shared accommodation

options of 2 or 3 people. This lends itself to create stronger social connections and interests within the home as well as building relationships with family and the broader community. We also focus on the compatibility of our customers - It’s not just about filling vacancies. It’s a holistic view – to provide great places to live!”

“To enrich the day-to-day life of our customers we look to the individual’s lifestyle and goals. This may mean supporting a customer to learn finance skills, budgeting and banking or increasing their independence for shopping and meal planning and preparation. We ask - what are the skills needed for this person to become more independent in the community and day-to-day life?

Kirinari also works alongside the NDIS Complex Care Team, for people requiring more complex supports who may have complex multiple disabilities, mental health, complex health and/or behaviour support needs.

In the coming year, Kirinari MNC are planning a drop in service, one that focuses on skill development to prepare for a transition to supported independent living. This will be based on our successful drop in programs The Hive and The Buzz in Katoomba and Bathurst. Interested people are invited to contact Jane with an Expression of Interest as we create our programs around the interests of the local community.”

For more information about our Supported Independent Living (SIL) accommodation options, Support Coordination or COS, Behavioural Support or Aged Care via Support 4 Me, please contact Our Kirinari MNC Office on 02 5719 1060 or Jane Kennedy on 0459 853 858.

Our office is located at 3/16 Clarence Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 We look forward to hearing from you. Visit us at www.kirinari.com.au or Facebook/Instagram 66 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MEET OUR TEAM Business Development Manager, Jane Kennedy. Jane brings a “can-do” approach to the region, finding individualised solutions for customers that best suits their needs and NDIS goals. Jane has an extensive 35 years’ experience working in the disability sector and has lived and worked within the Mid North Coast for over fifteen years, having built strong networks.

Our People and Culture Leader, Kathy Wonderley brings her strong Day Program background, and experience as a respected CEO to Kirinari. Kathy cements the regions operational structure into place, working closely with our Team Leaders and recruiting and training our team of support workers across the region. For anyone interested in working with Kirinari, please contact Kathy!

Our Support Coordinator, Angie Dellow has recently joined our team. Angie has an extensive background in the Disability and Health Care Sector and is a well-known face around the Mid North Coast. Support Coordinators assist you to unpack your NDIS plan; choose your preferred service providers and allied health professionals that best suit you to meet your goals. Angie will work with you to build your skills and set goals to become more independent. Angie, who can also assist with complex support coordination, currently has vacancies and is happy to take any referral enquiries.

Behavioural Support Specialist Michelle Ford is our newest member of Kirinari’s strong clinical team. Another well-known face in the region, Michelle works with a strong emphasis on Person Centred Positive behaviour support to our customers, their families, schools, Allied Health. Her Behaviour Support Plans are relevant and focused on the individuals goals. Michelle is able to draw upon the combined resources of the Kirinari Clinical Team and its years of experience.

WORK WITH KIRINARI Do you want to be part of something special and join a great team that work hard to support various members of our community? We want only the best staff who will engage and care for our customers and assist them to lead the lives they want.

• Experienced + Entry Level Disability Support Workers • Complex Care Workers • Youth Services • Home Care Workers

CONTACT mnc@kirinari.com.au Office 02 5719 1060 kirinari.com.au/vacancies

Administration Support Emily Piera will be assisting locally with the implementation of the Support 4 Me Aged Care packages and provides overall assistance to the office team.

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Kirinari 4 Me In August, Kirinari will launch its new Aged Care Packages, known as, Support 4 Me.

F

or the past 20 years, Kirinari have provided home care services to our Department of Veteran Affairs, aged and disability customers. As we are now an approved Home Care package provider, we can provide your supports if you have a level one, two, three or four package.

Getting a little help with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for longer. In fact, a little support can lead to a much better life.

We can assist you in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: care coordination, personal care, social outings, domestic

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assistance, home and yard maintenance, transport services, respite care, welfare checks, meals, and grocery shopping. This service is managed by Community Manager Paddianne Archdale, who brings extensive experience and

knowledge of the aged care sector.

You can contact us via: Email: support4me@kirinari.com.au Phone: (02) 5719 1060 or at the Port Macquarie office.

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Port Macquarie

P R I VAT E

HOSPITAL

A

t Port Macquarie Private Hospital, we offer a wide range of clinical specialties, to ensure you receive the highest quality of care locally.

These include: • Bariatric surgery • Day medical infusions • Day rehabilitation • Day surgery • Dental surgery • Gastroenterology • General surgery

• Gynaecology • Medical services • Palliative care • Ophthalmology • Orthopaedic surgery • Plastic surgery • Rehabilitation • Renal dialysis • Sleep studies • Urology • Vascular surgery

Our local team is committed to providing excellent care for our community. We have comprehensive support services, including physiotherapy, both inpatient and an outpatient clinic (Ramsay Health Plus), hydrotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, DVA liaison, social work and speech therapy.

To find out more, contact us at Port Macquarie Private Hospital, 86 - 94 Lake Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 (02) 6582 9800. www.portmacquarieprivate.com.au

High quality healthcare in the heart of Port Macquarie.

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People PETA'S

with PETA PINSON

M AYO R O F P O R T M A C Q U A R I E H A S T I N G S C O U N C I L

" A M O M E N T with the M AY O R "

H

i everyone. Each month I will be sharing with you my stories as your mayor in our community. I am constantly in awe of the fascinating, interesting, dynamic people I meet as I move about our community as mayor, and I hope to be able to introduce some of these people to you each month.

To start with, I thought I would just let you know from a personal perspective, I truly understand the anxiety that an uncertain world creates for those of us in business.

I too have experienced tough moments in running a business, even without COVID to worry about, and I am sure many others have too. COVID has impacted my business in ways we have never been before, but I suppose one of the upsides is the newfound wisdom and knowledge we are gaining by just working through the challenges ahead of us.

So, what do you do as a business when out all the stops to keep you in it. As a your opportunity is on hold momentarily? community, we too need to do our bit to You look for other opportunities help all of our local businesses survive. that work in the current business The saying "Shop Local" is not just circumstances. lip service - it is a I have come necessity. Without across some small business, our extraordinary economy will shrink, business and our opportunities operators who as a region will stall.

The saying ‘Shop Local’ is are hunting for a Every day I make not just lip service - it is a new advantage, decisions to shop necessity. WITHOUT SMALL or doing things in local (too much BUSINESS, OUR ECONOMY a unique way to shopping local, my WILL SHRINK, AND OUR make it through. husband tells me!), OPPORTUNITIES AS A It isn’t easy, but I feel good to REGION WILL STALL. but then again, do my bit for our running your own business community business never by reinvesting the is. I hope I can mayoral allowance introduce you to them in coming months. back into the economy.

For those of us who are employed, Stay well and most importantly - stay now is a time to celebrate your job positive, everyone. and support the boss who has pulled Peta.

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EMPOWERING PEOPLE. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES. MSS has come a long way as a business over the last five years, how has MSS continued to grow in the region?

Manning Support Services Inc. (MSS) is a not-for-profit community based organisation which has been operating for over 30 years in the MidCoast and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas (LGA). MSS is led by a dedicated, qualified, and experienced voluntary Board of Directors, chaired by President Michael Burgess.

MSS forms a network of support services for families, older people, and their carers, and financially disadvantaged households. Starting in the Manning Valley over 30 years ago MSS continues to support vulnerable members of the community to live with dignity within their own home.

MSS continues to grow by delivering a variety of services with the highest quality of standards. This has enabled our organisation to not only take on an increased number of clients, but also to hire staff, with MSS now being one of the largest employers in the

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Manning Valley last financial year.

The growth has required MSS to continually seek feedback from the communities we serve to ensure that we continue to meet the ever growing and changing need within the aged care, and family and community sector.

This includes changes to some of programs to meet the needs of the community. One such example being that we now not only offer home modifications and maintenance to support people to remain living in their home as they age, but we also now perform the metal fabrication for the rails and other materials in our new workshop. This not only supports vulnerable community members enabling them to stay living in their homes with dignity, but also supports the wider community by providing increased employment opportunities.

What are some of the key areas that make up MSS? MSS can broadly be split into three teams

Finance and Administration, Aged Care, and Connected Families. All three areas support the MidCoast and Port Macquarie-Hastings LGAs. Specifically for the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA the services come predominantly from the Aged Care team, all of which support our ageing community to have increased choice in the services involved in their life supporting them to continue to live in their home and community with dignity and respect. These services include: • Home Care Packages; • The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS); • My Meals Program; • Community Visitors Scheme; • Home Safety, Maintenance, and Modifications; and • Home Support Programs e.g. Domestic Assistance.

With a big company comes lots of staff, how is MSS different to other big companies

MANNING SUPPORT SERVICES INC. (MSS) IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATION We have been operating for over 30 years in the the Midcoast and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas. MSS is led by a team of dedicated, qualified and experienced voluntary Board of Directors.

• FAMILY SERVICES • COMMONWEALTH HOME SUPPORT PROGRAM • HOME CARE PACKAGES • NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME [NILS] • COUNSELLING SERVICES • VOLUNTEERING

within this industry?

MSS is funded by a variety of both State and Australian Government programs and can only continue to provide high quality services through the passion and commitment of our staff and valued volunteers.

At MSS we have always taken the local and family approach and as much as we continue to grow, we always maintain personalised client communication. This personalised approach helps us stand out, regularly seeking feedback on programs and service delivery as well as information about what clients want and need.

MSS has always been, and will continue to be, dependent on large team of volunteers to assist in the implementation and success of all program areas. Our volunteers also live in the communities we service and are critical to our continued success.

Can you introduce us to the team here in Port Macquarie and their roles?

Our Port Macquarie team consists of: Home Care Package Case Managers: Fiona, Isobel, and Glen.

Commonwealth Home Support Program Case Managers: Kristy and Kristen Our highly trained professional Case Managers take pride in delivering a comprehensive and caring service to our aged care clients to allow them to remain independent in their own homes.

Our Case Managers work with clients to ensure they have choice, flexibility, and personalised services.

Lifestyle Officer: Treena Treena develops our social program supporting community access and various trips in and around our local community. This includes volunteer run programs such as social support and transport, and the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS); connecting volunteers with those ageing members of our community who may otherwise be isolated.

Service Delivery Facilitator: Alana Alana oversees all our Port Macquarie based home support workers and rosters daily in-home services, from things life domestic assistance, personal care and medication

prompting.

No Interest Loan Scheme – Kristen Kristen supports eligible clients through the process of gaining a safe, fair, and affordable no interest loan for essential goods and services.

Administration – Hayley and Molly Hayley and Molly are part of our admin team who will always meet you with a friendly hello at the end of phone or when you come into our Home Street office, and direct you where you need to go.

What is the most important part of what MSS does?

It is our mission to enhance the quality of people’s lives by providing services which enable them to live with dignity and respect, and this is the most important part of what we do. This is at the core of everything we do as we work to achieve our vision for our communities to be resilient and selfsustaining, where everyone feels connected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

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An empowered woman is a woman who is in tune with her wild soul and lives from her heart. She values her intuition and knows her medicine is a powerful force to be reckoned with. But in modern culture, the glorification of busyness is a status symbol, and we can lose touch with who we really are.

INNER

WORLD VILLAGE

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egan and Joh from Innerworld Village have created a space for women of our community to support and walk a path of connection and authenticity.

Hi Megan and Joh. For those of us who haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, please introduce yourselves and share your connection to our region.

Megan: I grew up in Taree. I left as soon as I finished high school and travelled and lived around the country and the world. I had known for some time that I wanted to come back to the Mid North Coast. While I have had amazing experiences in places I have visited, none felt like home. The Mid North Coast is home for me. My partner and I moved here at the end of April 2018 and have been grateful to be here every day since.

Joh: We moved to the Pappinbarra Valley

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in 1996. I grew up near Orange in the Central What we love most about our community is West and really wanted to raise a family their generosity and their genuine care for each somewhere that was warm! We found a other. We are constantly in awe of the beautiful beautiful space, and our three amazing kids connection and support that our community have grown up playing in the bush, the river shows to each other and us. Each new person and on the beach … is welcomed with open It is a wonderful place arms.

I studied to raise a family. I have Tell us how your transpersonal worked in a number paths connected. counselling and art therapy of early education Megan: Our meeting after spending so many services throughout the story is something we area during the years; couldn’t have made years with children and at the moment I still up! We have a dear families; I wanted to learn work part-time with mutual friend and more ways to support the beautiful team at mentor, Carmen, who people in those challenging Wauchope Preschool we have both known times.

Kindergarten Inc. I for years. When I told studied transpersonal Carmen we were counselling and art therapy after spending so moving near Port Macquarie, she told me many years with children and families; I wanted about a wonderful woman to connect with; to learn more ways to support people in those this was Joh. Before we moved, Carmen began challenging times. planning a retreat in Hawaii, and my partner

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and I jumped on this amazing opportunity. We soon found out that Joh was going to be on this retreat too. Peter and I moved and had plans on catching up with Joh, but we didn’t find the time before the retreat, so we ended up meeting on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It was while we were in Hawaii that we knew we would be working together.

From here, you both knew there was something special We sit in circle as in working, sharing through our own and offering space experiences, we know to women within the Welcoming Women community. Together the benefits of this deep Home is a cirrcle that you co-facilitate consists of the same connection are profound. women's circles, women meeting once "Sitting with Sisters" a month over a year. and "Welcoming In this space we aim Women Home" in Port Macquarie. What is to dive deeper, both for the individual woman, the intention of the circle? but also in the collective of that circle. We see Our intention is to create a space where the real healing that takes place on so many women can connect and communicate in a levels with this consistent connection, which way that supports them to not only develop gives women the opportunity to check in once their own confidence, resilience and selfa month with their intention for the year, with awareness, but also hold space for this for the support of the circle around them as they each woman present. We work with women navigate life’s highs and lows, as they trust and because we are women, though we would love are trusted. Healing unhealthy and unhelpful to see this space for men too. patterns that have been inherited from so many We sit in circle as through our own aspects of life naturally occurs when women experiences, we know the benefits of this deep gather with the intention of becoming whole. connection are profound. A circle means that Healing can look very different to each everyone is equal, everyone has something to individual. No one modality is better than share, and everyone is valued. The two circles the other. You both offer unique and have slightly different intentions. Sitting with special services; can you tell us more about Sisters focuses on one of our core beliefs these? that each person has their own wisdom to Megan: I combine various modalities to share, and collectively we can all benefit. provide a space where each person can show We actively challenge the competitiveness in up exactly how they are and with whatever it society that has undermined the relationships is that is present and important to them at the between women, by inviting a guest host from time. We carry so much on every level of our our community to this circle to share their being. There is space in my sessions to care knowledge and raise awareness of the health for the body, mind and soul. Massage allows and wellbeing resources in our community. the body to relax, which can allow the mind to

slow and open to new perspectives and commit to new actions in support of overall wellbeing.

Using massage, therapeutic conversation, creative processes and nature-based healing, each person is supported to open to more of what they are longing for in life.

There is a part of my work that is extra close to my heart. After the death of my son in 2016, I have a deep commitment to supporting those experiencing grief and trauma, especially bereaved parents. Grief is a process that is not very well understood or supported. I want to be part of a change around how we are with grief and death to help create a more beautiful and meaningful way of living.

Joh: I create a safe space where clients know they can express all that is challenging, upsetting or frustrating them … It’s amazing the healing that comes from feeling seen and honoured, without judgement, to be met exactly where you are without needing to pretend or put a “mask” on. Discord between a person’s personal belief system and ones they have culturally adopted can often underlie a person’s discontent and may sabotage their wellbeing. I work to support people to recognise this disparity and assist in reframing thinking patterns to help develop a more harmonious way of being in the world. >>>

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... assisting people

navigate the emotions and sensations of

traumatic events and grief ...

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I work with activities or processes that may be creative or conversation based. Another important element of my work is assisting people navigate the emotions and sensations of traumatic events and grief; I offer practices and support to help through these challenging times. It is a collaborative approach, and clients are always involved in the choices of what will work best for them, supporting them in reclaiming their inner wisdom and self-empowerment.

How do you hope to inspire other women to rediscover themselves and their self empowerment?

Part of how we hope to inspire other women is by living and breathing the work we do. Our aim is to show what is possible, to share resources of self-healing and selfempowerment and to be the reflection of the beauty and utter amazingness each woman brings to the world.

Through generations we have become more and more isolated from one another. Many women have very little opportunity to connect and communicate honestly with others to explore ideas, challenges, or celebrate the wins and sadly, many don’t feel safe to do so. The breakdown of community connection leaves many feeling lost, confused and too many times depressed, anxious and alone.

We aren’t here to fix anyone; we are here as the cheer Many women squad to support have very little and encourage opportunity to connect every woman (and and communicate man) to reclaim honestly with others to their strength, their explore ideas, challenges, responsibility for or celebrate the wins and their own body, sadly, many don’t feel choices, education safe to do so. and therefore their freedom.

In these incredible times, we all face unprecedented challenges. Why is giving ourselves permission to take up space and take time for ourselves more important now than ever?

Ooohhh! Great question! It is like we have been sent to our rooms to think about what we have been doing. While this time certainly leaves us facing so many challenges,

focus_interview it also opens us to great opportunities too, like within our circles, to take time and space with ourselves to get perspective on what is important to us and take the action that reflects this to create the world we want to be living in.

The glorification of "busy" and the ideas like "soldier on" are unhealthy and damaging not only to our physical selves, but our mental, emotional and spiritual selves. After the drought, bushfires and now the virus, most people are feeling this in their nervous system.

These external stresses, along with the internal challenges that each person faces means that everyone is needing to take more care of themselves and their energy. Collectively, the human race is incredibly stressed! The change and healing we need in the world can only be as good as each individual in the system, so the more care we can do for ourselves that is respectful and conscious, the more we can help one another and the wider community.

Slowing down, nourishing food, exercise, good conversation, time in nature, meditation, time in stillness and calm are some ways to help renew the nervous system, so it can cope with the challenges. Everyone has their own way of rebalancing; it’s so important now to identify what you need, and then do this regularly.

What's next for you both?

Well, August is a big month, with the second of our new circles starting in Wauchope on Friday the 14th at The Wellness Collective. Due to a date change, we have two Sitting with Sisters evenings in August, the first on the 8th, which is a rare event inviting men into the circle to work with the masculine/feminine balance, and the wonderful Melanie Lock from The Hollow Store joining us on August 29th. Mel will be sharing how to embody the feminine through movement and mindfulness practice. It is going to be a special night.

September brings drumming circles to both Wauchope and Port Macquarie, as we will have some beautiful medicine drums on loan from Jennifer Wust from Mountain River Drums, an overnight retreat, and Sammi Zajko for Sitting with Sisters, and we are excited to have our beautiful friend and mentor, shamanic practitioner Carmen Morales, here in October!

MEGAN AND JOH

Mel will be sharing how to embody the feminine through movement and mindfulness practice. It is going to be a special night.

For anyone who would like to reach out or come along to a circle, how do they get in touch?

You can check out our website for more about what we do and what is coming up: www.innerworldvillage.com.au Email us: connect@innerworldvillage.com.au Find us on Facebook (@innerworldvillage) or Instagram (@innerworldvillage) We also have a mailing list, where we regularly share resources and keep everyone up to date with upcoming events. If you

would like to get on that you can send us an email, text, or give us a call.

You can find Megan at the Hollow Store on Tuesday and Saturday, and at Lake Cathie the rest of the week, and Joh in Wauchope and soon to be at Tracey Lee Naturopathic in Port Macquarie.

Thank you so much, Claire, for being a living example of women supporting women by giving us this opportunity to share about our work.

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BACK

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to

MEN AT WORK

ARE BACK to

WORK A MESSAGE from our MANAGING PARTNERS.

A WORD FROM KIEL BIGENI

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unning a business during COVID times has certainly been a challenge and unpredictable. Quite early in the pandemic, my partner, Ross Cargill and I realised we may have to put our training courses on hold, and that a large proportion of our regular work coming from local government may be reduced. It was at this point we had to make some really difficult decisions about staffing and how we would be able to support our workforce in the short to medium term, while we navigated the rapidly changing business environment.

We requested some of our permanent staff members take their accrued leave, which would have had a big impact on them and their families.

Luckily, most of our traffic control and labour hire work continued as normal, which allowed us to bring our staff back on board with some major adaptations to our business models and operating procedures to fit within COVID guidelines.

With a renewed focus on shoring up our core business areas, we have been able to successfully move through the uncertainty. I think the key to surviving COVID as a business (in any sector or location) is to be as adaptable as possible and to take opportunities as they arise, even if they are not something you would normally do.

I have been inspired by the stories of local small business owners and individuals who have completely changed what they are doing or how they are doing it to survive and thrive throughout the past few months, from the coffee shops offering home deliveries, to the pub manager taking work in a furniture warehouse to bring in a wage for his family.

A WORD FROM ROSS CARGILL

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o get an idea of what to write here, I looked through our team communication as we managed our business from 23rd March to now. I can quote myself confidently; we “prepared for the worst and hoped for the best”. We acted early and made hard decisions to allow the business to survive what was a truly uncertain short, medium and long term future.

Those decisions and the following actions hurt. They hurt our team and their families. But they were decisions that were made to ensure Men At Work was still here for years to come. I remember saying to Kiel, "Let's be Bubba Gump, the last shrimp boat standing". It hurt; it really hurt.

I also looked at some communication I had with peers and our combined hatred of the phrase, "It’s not personal; it’s business", because when it's your business it will always be personal.

And that is why it hurt so much.

However, this issue is about celebration of still being here. It is about supporting local business that has made it through the tough times.

Men At Work is still here as a local employer of mums and dads, grandmas and grandpas, sisters, brothers, and mates down the street.

We are here to provide training to people who are looking for a new job, upskill, or change direction.

We have learnt so much and grown as a business. Our dynamic capability to be responsive to change has shone through. We are resilient, and we know there is room for improvement.

But for now, we are happy to be in business and to continue “To be the leaders in creating solutions for people, business and services”.

PHONE 02 6581 4600 WEB menatwork.net.au

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Covid CONQUERERS

INTERVIEW SERIES

Glen

PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB

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o far 2020 has been a year we will never forget. If you have to put it into a sentence for a story, what would it say?

“I never want to hear the words COVID-19 again.“ What changes did you have to make in your business, and what lasting effect does it have on your customers - positive or negative?

When we reopened on 1st June, the major changes we dealt with were the restricted floor and bookings numbers and having all people sign in, including members. This was particularly hard for the members to understand, having previously just showing our reception staff their membership card. A lot of our usual club activities, such as bingo, raffles and functions have had a delayed return, and this has taken some getting used to. When the July changes came through, things were much more positive, and we reinstated a few of these activities. A lot of our customers were happy to come back to the club, although we had to be, as we all know, very strict in the compliance around re-opening.

How did you manage the mental load, and what kept you sane throughout the 11 weeks?

The weeks leading up to the closure was very stressful for all our staff, managers and board members. We have a great team here, and everyone took the time to listen to each 80 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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I’m definitely looking to make more effort to spend time with my family during the summer months, when hopefully the restrictions will be eased.

other. Keeping me sane was the hard part. With JobKeeper, we were able to re-engage 44 of our staff and put them to work around the club painting, cleaning, archiving, processing membership renewals and maintaining the grounds, etc. to help keep everyone busy. I personally didn’t have much time away from the business during the closure.

The journey through this for our businesses has been a rollercoaster, but what about our personal lives? Are there any changes you'll be sticking to over the rest of the year?

I’m pretty lucky that I have a family who understands my role and the everyday pressures, though as I didn’t stop working too much, not much changed for me. I’m definitely looking to make more effort to spend time with my family during the summer months, when hopefully the restrictions will be eased.

Fingers crossed!

Where to next for your business?

Next for us, we have a DA in to do extensions to our Drift Café Restaurant, which has outgrown its current footprint.

We will be extending out and adding in a bigger kitchen and 80 extra seats. Hopefully, this will be underway sometime in September, or early in the new year.

How can locals support you and your business?

The biggest support locals can give us, other than utilising the facilities at our venue regularly, would be to follow instructions from staff and cut them some slack as we abide by the regulations that are being imposed by the Government. If we all do our bit, we can get back to some form of normality, although I’m not sure how long that will take. We have a fantastic customer base, and I’d hate to be closed again.

Thanks Glen.

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Covid CONQUERERS

Stacey

PORT MACQUARIE PERFORMING ARTS

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o far 2020 has been a year we will never forget. If you have to put it into a sentence for a story, what would it say?

Social dis-DANCING at PMPA - a year of pirouettes and pivots.

What changes did you have to make in your business, and what lasting effect does it have on your customers - positive or negative?

At PMPA we were lucky to be supported by our dance families in taking our lessons from in-person to online within 12 hours of the Government making a decision to suspend recreational activities. Our dancers enjoyed classes online via Zoom, live classes on Instagram and as the restrictions started to lift, conditioning classes outside and even musical rehearsals seated at a local cafĂŠ. We did whatever we could to ensure our dancers could keep moving and training, not just for their physical health, but importantly for their emotional and social wellbeing as well. Now that we are back in the studio in person, we have restrictions that have meant big changes to the way we do business, e.g. our parents can no longer grab a coffee and enjoy our parents' lounge; our students are not allowed to lift each other or do partner work.

But overall, our dance families have been super supportive in ensuring we are doing all we can to keep our dancers safe.

Unfortunately, our dancers had to miss out on our mid year showcase, but we are gearing up for our season of Bring it On the Musical at The Glasshouse in September and our end of year concert in December. We can't wait to see our

dancers shine on stage wasn't filled to the brim We are gearing up for again. with commitments; our season of Bring How did you now I am committed to it On the Musical at The contribute to the time at home, time to Glasshouse in September community in a breathe, and time to play and our end of year concert positive way during Lego on the floor with in December. the first half of the my kids. year?

Where to next for During lockdown, I your business? was lucky to be part of the COVID-19 recovery We are charging forward with the launch of working group with the council, along with my three exciting ventures within the organisation ongoing role on the Cultural Steering Group. over the coming eight weeks. Whilst the details Jane Hillsdon and I continued to produce Miss are embargoed for now, I can tell you they are Bossy Boots, our fortnightly podcast helping going to create more exceptional opportunities female business owners navigate the changing for PMPA dancers and round off what has been world of entrepreneurship and business. And, at a challenging year with a bang! Our team of PMPA we provided people at home with free live talented teachers and incredible staff have been Instagram dance classes to keep people moving, working extra hard to make sure these get including my Sunday special, "Move it with the off the ground this year; at least two of these Morgans", where my kids and our dog, Benny projects were not due to launch until 2023 or frequently made appearances! We also enjoyed beyond. For kids who love to dance, they will online princess tea parties with our younger be life-changing. I can't wait to share more with dancers and ice cream get-togethers for our you soon. more senior dancers - an opportunity for them How can locals support you and your to connect and share experiences during that business? difficult time.

Locals can support our business by shopping The journey through this for our businesses local. Ensuring that local families have strong, has been a rollercoaster, but what about our viable businesses or stable employment will personal lives? Are there any changes you enable local families to put their kids into made that you'll be sticking to? activities like dance. After a year like we have I certainly slowed down a lot more; I learned had, all of our local kids deserve an outlet to a lot of valuable lessons, made some good and express themselves, and at PMPA we are doing some bad decisions and reflected a lot on my our best to ensure that everyone who wants work/life blend and how I can do better in the to dance has the chance to do so in a safe, future. One thing I am sticking to is white space nurturing environment.

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Telstra BUS I NE S S Technology Centre

In today’s world, there is a greater need for businesses to receive advice on technologies and solutions such as cyber security, cloud storage, video and messaging solutions, and digital marketing.

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he new Telstra Business Technology Centre Northern NSW services an area that includes the Mid North Coast, New England and North West, Far North Coast and Northern Rivers regions. General Manager Peter Lamond said the business’ transformation and its refreshed approach to servicing their customer base would allow regional businesses

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to access the best in technology advice from global technology providers. “Our team has worked very hard over the past 12 months through this transition to a Telstra Business Technology Centre, and our focus continues to be ensuring regional businesses have the same access to technologies and advice that is afforded to those in larger metropolitan

centres,” Peter said. The team has business technology specialists located across Northern NSW - including a number on the Mid North Coast - ensuring businesses have the opportunity to meet with technology advisers face-to-face, as well as receive support over the phone. “There is greater need for businesses - as shown in the past few months - to be leveraging technology solutions such as Microsoft 365, cyber security, and collaboration platforms to help their business recover and prosper in a post-COVID landscape,” Peter said. “Regardless of a business’ size, they can now get the advice and solutions that are right for their own requirements, from a team that understands our region and the needs of regional businesses.”

Businesses looking to speak with the Telstra Business Technology Centre team can call to arrange for a business technology advisor to come out to their business, or can also receive advice and support from their friendly team over the phone by calling 1300 822 822, or by emailing connect@tbtcnorthernnsw.com.au

WEBSTUDIO. While uncertainty and change have become the business norms of 2020, more than ever before: your online brand presence matters.

Here are three tips to help you thrive online: Invest in design Believe it or not, users form an opinion about your business in less than a second of opening your website! Visually engaging and informative design is critical for a successful website.

Make your Who, What and Where clear You have 15 seconds to convince a visitor to stay on your website, so it’s important your first page has a razor sharp message about who you are, what you offer and how your customers can do business with you.

Give, don’t just sell Providing free relevant resources, such as ebooks or an active blog shows your customers you care about them, not just the sale, and helps build brand authority and trust, leading to sales and repeat business.

At Webstudio, we collaborate closely with talented local creatives, including marketers, copywriters, designers and photographers, to give your website the edge.

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POWERS OF AT TOR NE Y with KIRSTY RAYNER

F R O M R AY N E R S L AW Y E R S

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HAT IS A POWER OF ATTORNEY

A Power of Attorney is an excellent estate planning tool that allows someone, known as your attorney, to make financial decisions on your behalf when you’re not able to or simply do not want to. You might have lost the capacity to manage your affairs through old age, accident or illness. Alternatively, you may simply lead an extremely busy lifestyle and would prefer someone else to manage your affairs on your behalf.

WHAT POWERS CAN YOU GIVE YOUR ATTORNEY? The law sets out the powers that can be performed by your attorney. If authorised by you, your attorney could make transactions using your bank account, buy and sell real estate or shares on your behalf and even make superannuation binding death benefits

and Jill cannot look after him anymore. Jack needs to move into a nursing home, where WHO SHOULD YOU APPOINT TO BE he can receive specialist care. The nursing YOUR ATTORNEY? home requires payment of a large sum of The most important decision to make when money before Jack is able to move in. Jill preparing your Power of Attorney is who decides to sell their home to fund Jack’s to appoint as your attorney. Because your move. During the sale process, Jill discovers attorney could do anything you can legally that Jack cannot sign do with your property the Contract for Sale and finances, your of Land, because Jack You might have attorney should be does not have the legal lost the capacity someone you trust capacity to sign a legal to manage your finances completely. contract. Without a through old age, WHAT HAPPENS Power of Attorney, accident or illness.

IF I DON’T HAVE Jill’s only option is A POWER OF to make a costly ATTORNEY? Financial Management The consequences of not having a Power Order application to the NSW Civil and of Attorney are best illustrated using a case Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This is often study. a time consuming, stressful and expensive exercise. A Power of Attorney could have Jack and Jill have retired and own their saved all the trouble and expense. home. Unfortunately, Jack has dementia, nominations on your behalf.

RAYNERS LAWYERS ARE EXPERIENCED IN PREPARING BESPOKE POWER OF ATTORNEY DOCUMENTS. TO PLAN YOUR FUTURE, CONTACT:

PREMIUM LEGAL SERVICES Wills • Powers of Attorney • Enduring Guardianships Trusts • Superannuation • Probate • Will Disputes Business Succession Planning Suite 1, 68 Clarence Street Port Macquarie 02 6583 4312 0422 338 810 kr@raynerslawyers.com.au

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Money MATTERS with DAVID ROSS

FROM DIRECTION ACCOUNTING

JOBKEEPER 2 EXPLAINED

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t seems like only yesterday we get it early. were working out how to deal Key changes with JobKeeper v1.0.

JobKeeper v2.0 starts October, broken Now, with the click of their into two stages - essentially, the December fingers, the Government has moved 2020 and March 2021 quarters. the goal posts. Don’t get me wrong; it’s The 30% decline test will still apply, but great that JobKeeper is continuing, it’s for the December stage, you will need to good to see changes to restrict abuse by have had the decline in both the June and some businesses, but the road beyond September quarters. For the March stage, September is going to get rocky. you will need to have had the decline in It’s a perfect time to not only the June and take a look at what’s September quarters, With the changing and plan but also December. for JobKeeper v2.0, This is going to introduction of especially if your make it tough for JobKeeper v 2.0, we are business may no longer some to qualify. learning that rules be eligible. I’m calling it The payment change and will the "Next Wave". amounts will also continue to do so. It is What did we learn be changing, from clear that cash boosts from JobKeeper $1,500 to $1,200 help in the short term, v1.0? per fortnight in the but are not a long Prior to COVID, December stage, term cure. many businesses did reducing to $1,000 in not consider major risk. the March stage.

Whilst noone could A distinction will have predicted the current environment, also be made for those working less many business owners weren’t prepared than 20 hours per week, with a reduced for a major disruption to their operations payment rate of $750 in the first stage, and finances. and then $650 in the March stage. The 20 With the introduction of JobKeeper hour threshold will be determined based v2.0, we are learning that rules change on an average from February 2020. and will continue to do so. It is clear that Monthly declarations will still be cash boosts help in the short term, but are required, but expect more complexity, not a long term cure. given different tiers of payments.

If the first version of JobKeeper taught It should be noted that more detail will us anything, it’s to get good advice and come over the next month or so, hopefully 86 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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clearing up grey areas of the next stages.

Collateral damage Some businesses are going to get caught in the crossfire. Those that adjusted well and had a good June or September quarter, are going to find that they may drop out of the system. For example, they may have had a decline of 30% early on; but now they have re-opened are only down 25%. Ineligible.

Businesses who benefited from selling items like COVIDsafe equipment may have a great June, but a poor September quarter. Despite this - ineligible.

This is the sting in the tail. Encouraged to pivot, yet miss out on JobKeeper v2.0.

Other challenges will be management of rostering, staff and payroll. The 20 hour threshold will prove to be a challenge, as employers and staff try to get the optimal levels both to be a profitable business, but also retain workers.

So what are the top three things business owners should be doing now?

Get good advice - the complexity of the system has just been turned up a notch; there is too much at stake to DIY. Get a cashflow forecast in place. Look at different scenarios, to know when things will get tighter.

Have a solid Business Action Plan for the next 12 months. JobKeeper v2.0 finishes March 2021… What will your business be doing between now and then to survive?

And above all, stay positive but realistic.

CAMPUS

CLAY Mueller

CONVERSATIONS

with KATE WOOD-FOYE

FROM CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

Clay Mueller has travelled and explored some of the most beautiful locations on the planet, from Thailand to the USA, U.K. and Malaysia.

A lightbulb moment during a hiking trip to Yosemite National Park changed his destiny, leading him to the other side of the world and Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie to study environmental science. Clay shares how he is turning his passion for the natural world into his life’s work. lay, you are a passionate advocate for the environment and the unique natural and cultural world around us - can you tell us about the first time you realised you could transform this passion into a career?

In 2017, I was living in the U.K. working a pretty uninspiring hospitality job. I took a hiking trip to the USA and spent a week at Yosemite National Park. I remember thinking that the people who work here must have the most amazing lives - they get to contribute to preserving something so vast and beautiful.

So, I Googled "what degree do I need to be a ranger?", applied for Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie and haven’t looked back since.

I commenced a Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) and then transferred into the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.

You team full-time study in environmental science at Charles Sturt with your amazing voluntary contribution to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Can you tell us about your role there and how it has evolved?

I first signed up for the Koala Hospital as a volunteer guide early last year. It was a great

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way to improve my communication skills and contribute to something that I care about.

When the education coordinator position became available, I jumped at the opportunity.

Nowadays, my responsibility at the Koala Hospital is to manage the guiding program and the education portfolio. I’ve found the leadership and communication subject at Charles Sturt and the university’s Strive Conference to be invaluable in preparing me for this. Thankfully, I’ve also got a fantastic team of guides, and I'm part of a very dedicated management committee.

Your passion and dedication has led to some significant bushfire and disaster recovery work, both here on the Mid North Coast and in Victoria. Can you tell us about your experiences?

During the black summer, my role at the hospital was to lead tours of visitors through the facilities and educate them on koala conservation. Just when I thought the situation for koalas couldn’t get any worse, a landowner in Cape Bridgewater, Victoria, cleared his property, with hundreds of koalas still on it.

I was sent to Victoria with a crisis team from the Koala Hospital to assist Mosswood Wildlife with the rescue and rehabilitation efforts. I then returned on deployment with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and was able to help see some of these beautiful creatures through to release.

Who is your environmental hero?

My environmental heroes are Pete and Tracey Wilson. They run Mosswood Wildlife, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Victoria.

When the Cape Bridgewater massacre occurred, Tracey and Pete took hundreds of koalas into

their care. Mosswood wildlife, and their house, became the centre of an inter-agency rescue effort - I don’t think either of them slept for about two weeks afterwards. Tracey and Pete put every single spare second of their day into looking after wildlife and have done this for 14 years now. The thing I admire so much and that makes them my heroes is that neither of them is paid for it; they do all of it because it is the right thing to do, and because nobody else will.

How will you use the knowledge and experience gained as part of your study to leave a legacy for the planet?

I’ve got two major fields I’d like to work in - Ornithology (a zoology stream specialising in birds) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I’d love to find a role at the intersection of these two, and be able to either contribute to avian research or avian conservation. Thankfully, we have some world class ornithologists at Charles Sturt and an amazing spatial science team. All my lecturers go above and beyond to impart their knowledge and guide me into avenues I never even considered before, and I am very thankful for this. I hope to share what I have learned to inspire others to experience and protect our natural environment.

Thanks Clay. https://study.csu.edu.au/courses/ environmental-outdoor

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Richard McGovern, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and artist Pauline Roods

MEMBER PROFILE

HELLO KOALAS

JENNY Edmunds COMMUNITY MANAGER THE WESTPORT CLUB

enny, you moved to Port Macquarie with your husband in 2006 and have been community manager with The Westport Club for 13 years. Tell us about your role and why it is important to you.

I believe my purpose is to help people. Through connecting great people and knowing I have played a part in them achieving their goal, especially when that goal is to help others, is so rewarding. My role facilitates our club’s connection to the community, by building relationships and creating occasions that link like-minded people. These occasions contribute to quality of life, and we are proud that each year there are so many of them.

The Westport Club has a strong local presence. How does the club contribute to the community?

The Westport Club has been an important part of the social fabric of this community for over 60 years. Our hearts fill each time we are given the opportunity to support a community, welfare, education, or sporting initiative through our Community Grants Program. I am proud to have coordinated the gifting of over $3M in community funding to many amazing organisations and projects.

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delivering an environment that is safe and a place where members of our community can come to relax, enjoy the company of others and touch lives. Through our Community Grants Program, I will be continuing our commitment to safeguarding the vital work of our region’s volunteer community groups.

As a member of HBWN for 13 years, you joined the committee as secretary five years ago.

What do you enjoy about being a HBWN member?

I believe in surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people.

HBWN provides a great source of friendship and opportunities to work with a diverse range of talented women, who contribute so much to our community.

And finally, what inspires you?

I have two amazing daughters who inspire me every day, and I absolutely love being a granma!

Living in this magnificent part of Australia is a constant source of motivation that inspires and delights me in knowing my work makes a difference.

Thanks so much for your time, Jenny.

Jump on Board for a Search and Rescue Mission!

The 4th Annual Hello Koalas Festival and Treasure Hunt, over the first weekend of the September school holidays, will take you on a ‘search and rescue mission’ across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region to find 30 specially chosen Hello Koalas sculptures.

Most exciting of all, there are 4 BRAND NEW HELLO KOALAS joining the family, including a Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilot!

The Hunt will span west to Bago Maze and Vineyard and

Greenbourne Nursery, north to Cassegrain Winery and Ricardoes Tomatoes, and south to the Camden Haven, as well as around Port itself, including the CBD, Settlement City, the Marina and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. It’s a true adventure and a great way to start the school holidays!

This year’s Festival on September 26-27 is supported by new charity partner Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Destination NSW and the “Community Champions” who sponsor the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.

REBOOT refresh

relaunch

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any people in our community have had their employment impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assist, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council are conducting a number of free pop-up career sessions. The reboot, refresh, relaunch career pop-ups will provide the opportunity for those who have found themselves out of work, or whose work has reduced or been impacted by COVID-19, to speak with an advisor, who will point people in the right direction for assistance.

“We know it’s a tough time for many in our community who have lost their job or business income as a result of COVID-19, and we want them to know they are not alone and there is a range of help on offer,” Liesa Davies, Council Group Manager said. “We’ve brought together specialists from many local agencies, who will assist those impacted by COVID-19 to get back on track, and navigate their next career or business move ..."

Director of External Engagement at Charles Sturt University, Kate Wood-Foye chairs the team of

Dr David GILLESPIE MP NATIONALS FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LYNE As we move through and look forward to the other side of the Coronavirus health and economic crisis which has delivered enormous challenges, we must continue to actively pursue some of the important projects our community has highlighted as priorities.

As part of that process, I have been in discussions with local and state colleagues about some of these projects and I was pleased to announce Federal funding towards important projects in our region, both small and large, to achieve some of the goals highlighted within our community.

industry leaders and learning specialists working collaboratively with council to create and deliver the pop-up concept to help individuals successfully rebrand and relaunch themselves.

“These pop-ups were specifically designed to be a positive and powerful way for these individuals to reconnect and access professional development advice on the services, support and learning opportunities available to retrain, rebrand and relaunch themselves in a completely new career,"Ms Wood-Foye said.

The free career pop-ups will take place as follows: Port Macquarie: Tuesday 4th August, 9:30am 2:30pm, CWA Hall (Town Square.)

Wauchope: Wednesday 5th August, 9:30am 2:30pm, Wauchope Arts Hall (Oxley Ln, opp. Bain Park).

Camden Haven: Thursday 6th August, 9:30am 2:30pm, HACC Centre (60 Norman St, Laurieton).

“The community can drop in to the pop-up career sessions at any time, and whilst it is not necessary to register for these, please note that we will have to limit numbers based on COVID-19 safety requirements ...” added Ms Davies.

For more information on the employment support available, visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/trainingemployment-support.

Shops 2&3, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446

02 6586 4462

144 Victoria Street, Taree NSW 2430

02 6557 8910

david.gillespie.mp@aph.gov.au

davidgillespie.com.au

DavidGillespieMP

SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTED IN HASTINGS-CAMDEN HAVEN VISION 2030 PLAN UNDERWAY: • Safer local roads including $1.5 million towards the Dunbogan Bridge upgrade and upgrading local timber bridges to concrete.

• Investing in our towns and villages with work underway on upgrades to Kew Main Street and Wauchope High Street

• Additional funding for aged care places to assist with important aged care developments including the new $25-million state-of-the art Bundaleer aged care and dementia facility planned for Wauchope and further upgrades at Laurieton Aged Care Residence.

• Better local health facilities with projects funded at Laurieton, North Haven, Wauchope and Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills.

• Major road upgrades including of Bago Road between Wauchope and the Pacific Highway.

Authorised by David Gillespie MP, National Party of Australia, Shops 2&3, 43 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446.

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BUSINESS

VOICE with MICHAEL MOWLE

PRESIDENT PORT MACQUARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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he announcement that the Federal Government will extend revised JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs beyond September 2020 is very welcome news to all local businesses. This revised government support is now more targeted and sophisticated, with scaled back payments and more stringent eligibility criteria. Concerns of blanket overspend, potential rorting and long term government debt held by many business leaders and economists has now been at least addressed in part by these adjustments.

Announcing these measures now is also important, because it provides certainty for impacted businesses beyond the original September deadline. This means there will be a degree of confidence that employer support will be available well into 2021, when some of the worst affected sectors will still be in a recovery mode.

Tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors have been some of the worst affected by COVID restrictions, and businesses in these sectors will continue a slow path to full recovery for some time yet. Locally an emphasis on domestic tourism will assist in the recovery process.

Evidence from recent holiday periods is that there has been strong visitation to this area, particularly when travel overseas

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is not possible and travel beyond NSW somewhat restricted. Destination NSW marketing regional holidays and an emphasis on supporting local businesses are key to this recovery process.

The COVID Recovery Plan represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for council to leverage its sound financial positing to support the business community fully recover over the next couple of years.

The council meeting held in July has Important long term capital works considered and endorsed the local COVID projects, such as Ocean Drive, Boundary Recovery Plan to bring forward a range Street, Lake Road, Regional Sports Facility, of community Town Green and and capital works Foreshore Walk and Important long term projects to stimulate the new Aquatic capital works projects, the local economy. It Centre can support such as Ocean Drive, is now up to senior local businesses, Boundary Street, Lake council staff to make provide employment, Road, Regional Sports recommendations as flow-on spend into Facility, Town Green and to how such projects the community and Foreshore Walk and the can be managed, deliver long awaited, resourced, financed much needed new Aquatic Centre can and delivered. infrastructure. These support local businesses, Business leaders are projects are critical provide employment, flowlooking to recently elements to the on spend into the appointed Acting realisation of the community and deliver General Manager long term prosperity long awaited, much needed Jeff Sharp and his and potential of Port infrastructure. executive team to be Macquarie as a major bold and decisive in regional centre. advancing key projects prioritised by the Business leaders are now looking to COVID Recovery Working Group. representatives and staff from all levels Port Macquarie Council is fortunate to have significant funding in various reserves totalling over $300m, along with an additional $60m State Government allocation specifically for the long awaited and much needed Ocean Drive upgrade.

of government to unshackle themselves from bureaucracy and work closely together to deliver these projects, along with the reforms necessary for a full economic recovery over the next couple of years.

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Clint

PER KINS S P R AY PA I N T P E R F E C T I O N

With a passion for spray painting and a desire to offer more, Clint Perkins set out to open his shop, "Spray Paint Perfection" 14 years ago - and has never looked back.

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he family owned and operated business has grown over the years, meeting the needs of the clients who come through the doors. We caught up with Clint, to talk about how his small business grew to what it is today.

Hi Clint. You're a long time local of Lake Cathie. Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to the region.

I grew up in Laurieton and built a house at Lake Cathie 17 years ago. I enjoy the short drive into Port each day for work. My family and I love our house and neighbourhood and don’t plan on going anywhere.

You own and operate Spray Paint Perfection here in Port. Take us back to when you started in the trade and how the business came to fruition.

I started my spray painting apprenticeship back in 1999 at Bob Todd Motors in Port Macquarie. I really enjoyed repairing and painting more than just cars and thought there was room in the industry for a shop to paint all sorts of odd things, so I decided to go out on my own. Spray Paint Perfection opened for business 14 years ago.

How has the business grown over the years?

Spray Paint Perfection started as a small

paint shop focusing on custom paint work, with just me and my wife, Kate. Over the years we have gradually added staff to keep up with the workflow and to add more skills to the shop. Our staff have over 40 years' combined experience in the motor vehicle repair trade.

We moved to our new shop on Jambali Road four years ago. It is bigger and more presentable, and there is room to grow further.

What services do you cover?

We repair and paint vehicles, covering dings, scratches, paint delamination and smash work, private and all insurance companies.

We can repair motorbike tanks, guards and fairings, plastic welding and custom paint jobs.

Over the years we have painted so many things that you wouldn’t expect to turn up to the shop.

Do you also complete custom work for your clients?

Yes, we do a lot of custom paint jobs on motorbikes (flames and designs) as well as restoring the panels back to the original colour scheme.

Some cars get full colour changes, but before that happens we need to weld and straighten the panels.

Take us through a typical day on the job.

We all work in together at the shop, to try

and cater for a large range of customers. Every day is different.

What do you love most about your role?

Completing the job and showing the customer the end result, to see their surprised, happy face about how good it came up.

What's been your favourite job to date and why?

We Just finished a six metre black hearse full respray. The team did a great job, and it came up mint.

Thanks Clint.

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TECH TA L K with MATT OSBORNE FROM TECHADDICTS

Your Webcam Could Be Spying On You ...

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n the midst of a global lockdown, take control of your computer. They could many of us have been relying on view your online activity, read messages, or webcams to stay connected. These capture screens shots and keystrokes, and cameras let us join virtual meetings they’ll be able to turn your webcam on to for work and online hangouts with spy on you - without you knowing it - and friends. But can they also be used to spy on much more. you?

The webcam light located near the Someone watching you through a tablet, lens will indicate whether the camera is laptop or personal computer camera currently recording. However, it is small may sound farfetched. Except, it is true and can be easily missed, some lights can that webcams can be used for spying! be deactivated, and many people don’t Any electronic device that is connected understand what the light means and the to the internet can be importance of knowing infiltrated! when it is recording and Seeing Seeing someone when it’s not. someone with with a piece of tape What To Do About a piece of tape over over their webcam Webcam Spying their webcam isn’t isn’t that unusual. Even Well, there’s that piece that unusual. Even Facebook’s founder, of tape, or a Post-It note to Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, does cover the camera, but that Mark Zuckerberg, it. doesn’t address the bigger does it.

How Webcam Spying issue. Since we’re talking Works about malware here, the How can someone access your webcam usual security rules apply. in the first place? Typically, they’ve installed • Don’t trust attachments. malware. This malicious software allows • Hover over external links to see where them to remotely control your computer, they will take you before clicking. view its webcam, as well as a lot of other • Question the credibility of any freeware nasty things. you might download.

A cybercriminal might access your • Install a good antivirus system, webcam using spy software, a remote especially one that checks emails. access trojan (RAT). The software can • Put a good firewall in place to prevent spread to you through freeware, spam attackers from accessing your computer. emails, infected attachments, or fake • Keep software up to date on all website links. your devices; this helps to patch areas of The software allows the remote user to vulnerability.

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While we’re talking about webcams, keep in mind your smartphone camera and any surveillance cameras need protection too. On your phone, keep your passcode private, make sure antivirus is current and updates are ran to ensure that security patching is up to date. With a surveillance system and your home WiFi router (actually anything that allows a password) always change the default password to something that is complex and has a range of varied characters - you’d be amazed how many people don’t bother to do so - that’s just making the hackers job easy for them!

The internet provides a wealth of information at our fingertips, but it is important that we’re diligent and always have a strong focus on internet security, to protect our privacy.

RIVERSIDE H O L I D AY R E S O RT

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Riverside Holiday Resort is located below the golf club, OVERLOOKING THE RIVER IN URUNGA.

runga offers pristine waterways, a 1 km long accessible boardwalk over a tidal lagoon and is the perfect place to swim or do a little fishing.

Urunga really is a nature's paradise, and the quaint little township and all it has to offer is within walking distance of the resort.

Riverside is a multi award winning resort and won gold at the 2019 Regional Tourism Awards and the NSW Tourism Awards in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, along with the Self Contained Accommodation category for the second year in a row. Riverside has also been awarded an

Australian Enterprise Award for 2020 Best Family Friendly Resort in NSW. On 1st June 2020, Riverside opened the final eight units at their resort and now proudly offer 40 fully self contained apartments, consisting of 14 upstairs, 21 ground floor accessible and five wheelchair accessible. All accommodation is fully self-contained, offering full kitchen, and an internal laundry with front load washer and dryer.

All units can accommodate up to six guests at no additional charge. Resort staff aim to ensure that every guest’s stay is as enjoyable as possible and are committed to providing suitable accommodation for all guests, whatever their individual needs.

Resort facilities include a large accessible pool and two BBQ areas, as well as a playground, three spring free trampolines and kayak and paddle board hire.

Book online at: www.riversideholidayresort.com.au Book and stay from 24th July to 11th December 2020, enter the promotional code FOCUS and receive a further 5% discount off already low prices.

Weekly rates starting from $92.00 per night.

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St Lucia Rise offers a boutique community of just 15 individually designed luxury two or three bedroom northerly facing homes, ideally located moments to Rainbow Beach and just 25 minutes to Port Macquarie.

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St Lucia Rise is located 25 tage one is complete, with stage two underway now. minutes from the Port Macquarie Designed by the awardCBD. winning team at Collins It is an easy stroll to the Bonny Hills W Collins, this luxurious Garden Centre CafĂŠ, Bonny Hills Beach boutique complex offers Hotel, and the Bonny Hills Surf Club. quality low-maintenance living, moments Just north at Lake Cathie is a Woolworths to the beach. An inspection is a must store, speciality shops and medical services. if you are considering a move to the From the hinterland to the sand, St beautiful Camden Haven area, or if you Lucia Rise is perfectly already live here positioned to take and are looking advantage of all the to move into a Ride a bike wonderful playgrounds brand new, low through the of the Mid North Coast. maintenance home. hinterland, or just There's a wide range of The quality strata enjoy an endless stroll festivals, cultural and titled boutique along the pristine sands sporting events, as well complex is also pet at Rainbow Beach. as wineries and a range friendly, so all the of weekend markets. family are welcome!

St Lucia Rise is a unique gated complex with your own private, large entertaining area and open space. With the freedom of being able to lock up and go whenever you want, with very little maintenance to worry about.

Enjoy some of the best surf breaks in NSW, or sail Queens Lake. Try fishing on the Camden Haven River. Ride a bike through the hinterland, or just enjoy an endless stroll along the pristine sands at Rainbow Beach.

HOMES FEATURE

Three bedrooms, two bathrooms with spacious walk in robe to the master bedroom, with ensuite.

Modern kitchen with essastone benchtops, soft closing drawers, and leading brand appliances.

Servery flowing onto the alfresco area.

Tiled living areas.

Carpeted bedrooms.

Additional inclusions, complements of the builder: Ducted air-conditioning; Solar hot water; 6 kW Solar panels on rooves.

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STAG E 1 COMPLE TE S TAG E 2 BUILDING NOW

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+ Popular beachside community + Modern design with quality appointments throughout + Fully completed with landscaping, fencing and window coverings focus

VO U CHER

Exchange contracts on your new home in St Lucia Rise in the month of August and receive a $5000 Harvey Norman Voucher.

A carefully planned community has been designed for those who want the freedom of their own home, in a secure community without all the restrictions.

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Low maintenance luxury living awaits you at St Lucia Rise Bonny Hills.

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15 BE AUTIFUL BR AND NEW HOME S

St Lucia Rise is located 25 minutes from the Port Macquarie CBD. It is an easy stroll to the Bonny Hills Garden Centre Cafe, Bonny Hills Beach Hotel and the Bonny Hills Surf Club. Just north at Lake Cathie is Woolworths Store, speciality shops and medical services.

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Richard Swan Constructions on 0413 681 125 McGrath Estate Agents on 02 6589 3777 National Property Brokers on 0447 020 742

STAGE 2 BUILDING NOW

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Solahart

P O R T M A C Q UA R I E TAHNEY

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and DAVID LUCK

i there David & Tahney, you both are the new owners of Solahart Port Macquarie. Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Tahney having grown up here and David being from Townsville we decided to make the move back here once we had children as Port is an amazing place to grow up. We met working in the mines in Central Queensland and I guess you can say “the rest is history”.

We are both highly involved in the sporting community with Tahney playing at a high representational level of Touch Football and David playing for the Port Sharks and now coaching and on the committee of Port Sharks Juniors.

What was it that inspired you to purchase this business?

Since we both have had a high interest in building and construction for many years and David being a fully qualified Electrician owning his own business (DTL Electrical – which is still operating), the opportunity arose and thought it was something that we could both be in together and hopefully enhance / grow the business, we felt this could be done by being proactive with David’s electrical background

and knowledge of Solar Power Systems. We knew that Solahart was a great company with great warranties and are always searching new ideas.

We also bought the business as we see the future in the households and businesses lessening carbon emissions and saving money on their energy bills from the Solahart Smart Systems.

Why should people purchase through Solahart Port Macquarie?

We are locally owned and run but also have the backing of a Major Company who has been around for 65+ years and known for their quality products. We are both driven and

THINKING OF GOING SOLAR?

offer a personalised and honest approach to the products we offer and are not after just a quick sale. Our main objective is to offer our customers premium products with either Solar Power, Solar Hot Water and Battery Storage with great warranty inclusions & after sales service.

Solahart was previously run by Anthony and Jason who had a good reputation and already employed local staff.

We continue to employ Vicki as our office manager and Rod our planning and sales consultant. Our onsite installers are local, fully licenced plumbers and electricians Simon & Albert with two Apprentices.

SMART OFFER 1

700 TRADE-IN^

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on your old gas or electric water heater when you purchase a Solahart Solar Water Heater, Atmos Heat Pump, or Solahart PowerStore®.

SMART OFFER 2

60 MONTHS INTEREST-FREE* on any residential solar product including Solahart Solar Power and Battery Storage.

IT’S A SMART TIME TO MAKE THE SWITCH. OUR SOLAR ASSESSMENTS ARE NOW EVEN SAFER. BOOK YOURS TODAY.

Call 1300 721 984 or visit solahart.com.au Unit 9/11 Bellbowrie St, Port Macquarie

SOLAR HOT WATER

SOLAR POWER

ENERGY STORAGE

$700 trade-in is offered as a point of sale discount when replacing an existing gas or electric water heater with a Solahart Solar Water Heater of 270 litres and above, an Atmos Heat Pump or Solahart PowerStore®. *60 Months Interest-Free is available to approved applicants only. Minimum monthly repayments are required. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment amount will not pay out the purchase within the interest free period. Any balance outstanding at the expiry of the interest free period for the purchase will be charged interest at the contractual rate, currently 19.9%. A $6 monthly account fee applies. A one-off establishment fee may apply. Terms & Conditions apply and are available on application. See your contract for further details. Credit provided by zipMoney Payments Pty Limited (ABN 58 164 440 993, Australian Credit Licence Number 441878). These offers are available until 30/09/2020 from participating dealers only, and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions visit solahart.com.au.

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SMART SYSTEMS

STUNNING BEACH & LIGHTHOUSE VIEWS FULLY RENOVATED WITH FLEXIBLE LIVING OPTIONS 22 DENT CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE

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Breathtaking views of a far reaching seascape create a spectacular backdrop to a home renovated to embrace the sun, sea breezes and magnificent outlook.

An alluring combination of size and comfort in a premier coastal setting, 22 Dent Crescent is positioned within a coveted Lighthouse Beach enclave and a mere 350m from the sand and surf.

Contact Michelle Percival - Principal Phone 0404 466 500

SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I www.percival.com.au

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REAL E S TAT E WITH HEM PROPERTY

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IT IS STILL HAPPY EVER MORE IN 2444

020 has been a year like no other! We have had bushfires, droughts and are still coping with a global pandemic. Like all industries, real estate has had to adapt and has seen a huge amount of upheaval and change. However, despite a very slow two - three week period in March/April, the local property market has gone against the trend and has continued to perform well, and we are experiencing far better sales activity and results than any of us could ever have predicted.

The level of buyer activity we are seeing at open houses and via internet enquiry is as high as it has been since 2017, whilst the volume of sales and the median property prices are actually up on the same period compared to 2019. We are seeing strong activity at our auctions, with HEM Property having 12 people register and a sale well over the reserve last Saturday, and the average days on market has dropped. The rental market is also very strong right now. Vacancy rates and rent arrears are at an all-time low, which is great news for investors, but this is posing problems for those looking for a rental as it is just so competitive.

So, why is this happening, and

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what is driving this positive activity?

A key driver of this has been the rise in people getting out of the larger cities and relocating here in search of a better lifestyle. As people are increasingly forced to work remotely, they no longer need to be tied to a city centre office and can actually work from home. As one of the most searched towns in NSW, people are choosing Port Macquarie to be that new home.

This, combined with numerous other factors such as historically low interest rates, new government incentives/home buyer grants, a scarcity of vacant land and homes currently for sale, plus the fact that Port Macquarie was already one of the fastest growing towns in regional NSW all contribute to this buoyant property market.

The good news is, if you are thinking of selling, then now really is a good time. With less competition and more buyers out there, you can expect a quick, less stressful sale and a great sale price. Long term, a slowing global economy could have an impact. But no matter what, as people move and Port continues to develop, the future still looks bright in our region.

MARTIN NEWELL

105 QUARRY ROAD, ROSEWOOD

271 DEEP CREEK ROAD, HANNAM VALE

"Communication is key. Martin's professionalism in his field shines, as he is a fantastic communicator who continually gave us updates and feedback through direct phone conversations and minimal texts. This was much appreciated as we were then comprehensively updated post inspections, which set our minds at ease and didn't leave us wondering what had transpired. Martin is also very interested in getting as much information on the property for sale, so he can answer potential buyer's questions immediately.

Having recently SOLD, (pretty much in the time frame Martin quoted), both my wife and I would highly recommend Martin and the entire team at Percival Property if you are considering selling."

Vendor review - Fritz & Sharon Wurm

"Martin appreciated the importance of professional marketing and its importance in creating a competitive advantage. Martin is always available to talk. He is extremely pleasant with both the purchasers and the vendor. He works extremely hard to achieve the best possible outcome for the vendor. " Vendor review - Robert Hinchliffe

If you have been thinking about selling and would like to have a confidential chat about where your property currently sits in the market, call Martin today on 0429 883 488

SALES 106 William Street, Port Macquarie Phone 02 6583 8606 I www.percival.com.au

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of source COMFORT

How to make your home

with SESS & SASS

With the rise of the global pandemic, we are all living in our homes a lot more now, maybe more than we ever have. YOU MIGHT BE STARTING TO NOTICE YOUR HOME IS ACCUMULATING CLUTTER, FURNITURE IS LOOKING TIRED AND OUTDATED, or your home is simply lacking a little soul, warmth and comfort.

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t's time to make a few small changes to your home that have purpose, especially in heavy, emotional times like these. Give your home a fresh feel, which will in turn lift your mood and create positive energy.

Now is the perfect time to declutter or donate things that you don’t really need. Clutter equals stress, so having a clean and organised home is definitely the first step in creating a relaxed space. Make sure to hang on to a few items with sentimental value, as they will enhance a sense of wellbeing in your home.

Take a look around your home and think about how you would like to better use each space and what needs to change for you to enjoy it most. It is beneficial to have a master plan when making changes to your interior design; ask yourself, how will this room function? Is it a practical space within the home?

Your home should be your haven, where you feel totally comfortable and at ease. When styling your home, ensure you only buy things that truly make you happy or feel inspired; try not to impulse buy!

Be active, be productive, and go with what you love.

Your interior design should indulge as many of our senses as possible: vision, hearing, touch and smell.

When a space is envisioned, designed, and created with the intent of tapping into as many

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senses as possible, only then will the space truly reach its full potential.

Plants ... plants … plants! Surrounding yourself with beautiful lush greenery will improve air quality and By burning your Certain fragrances are reduce pollutants in favourite scented believed to intrigue our your home. They also minds and feelings in look pretty incredible candles or herbal certain ways; for example and give us something essential oils, your fragrances containing to nurture during these house will feel more peppermint, cinnamon and unsettling times. like a home, relax your frankincense are believed Studies have also senses and bring calm to boost your mood and proven that house to your space. calm the nervous system. plants improve Lavender and jasmine scents concentration and are known to have serious sleep-promoting productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, capabilities; therefore, they're a perfect match and boost your mood. To create your perfect for the bedroom. green haven, it's worthwhile spending a little Last but not least … music … We believe bit of time researching the plants are best suited music is an important element to add into your for each room and what kind of environment … home.

Music can raise someone's mood, get We aren’t all green thumbs, unfortunately! them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. It A nice smell leaves a lasting impression; the allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions same goes for your home. By burning your that we experience in our lives. Whether favourite scented candles or herbal essential your favourite tunes are softly playing in the oils, your house will feel more like a home, relax background or blasting through your speaker, your senses and bring calm to your space. It is we guarantee music is an instant mood lifter! important to invest in good quality soy candles Your home is your haven … take care of and organic essential oils to gain the enhancing yourself and be well everyone! mood benefits.

ART HEM PROPERTY ANNUAL

COMPETITION This year HEM Property and local schools give thanks to all our essential worker heroes!

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ell us a bit about the competition: Every year HEM Property run an art competition, in conjunction with local schools, which asks kids to design a new range of sold stickers. It is such a popular competition; the kids love being involved, and it’s a great way to showcase local talent.

The winning entries by James Dwyer and Grace Hartley will have their artworks displayed on our signboards across Port Macquarie and will also receive a bumper prize pack full of vouchers to spend at local businesses such as Inner Vision and Wave Bowl. We also donate money to the school art departments, to help them develop future artists. So, it is a win-win!

What made it so special this year? We feel this

year’s competition was particularly special, as it really captured the community’s imagination.

We have all had a tough year with the impact of bushfires and COVID-19, but none have been affected as much as our frontline workers. So, we wanted the theme this year to focus on the heroic work of our doctors, nurses, firefighters and all essential workers who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.

How did the comp go? It was incredible. We had almost 500 entries, which demonstrates just how much our essential workers are truly appreciated and that in our community their work has not gone unnoticed. Our office window was literally covered with the artworks, and we saw hundreds of people stop and look

at the pictures of our local heroes. The talent was mind-blowing too. When Macquarie Signs and Tinting had the tough task of picking the winners, it took them hours, as the standard was so high. In addition to the two major winners, we decided to give out an extra 100 runner up prizes in recognition of the kids' hard work. Above all, it was incredibly heart-warming to see the community attitude and involvement, which hopefully sends a message to all the essential workers that we thank them.

HEM Property would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our essential workers, who literally put their lives on the line for us day in and day out. Happy Ever More!

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR NURSES, DOCTORS, FIREFIGHTERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKER HEROES!

These amazing artworks can be seen across HEM Property signboards all over Port Macquarie! HAPPY EVER MORE!

02 6583 2324 hemproperty.com.au

HEM 0820 half.indd 1

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the final stage of Sunrise Village, will today! moveSaturday in to by September 2020, Open September 5th so choice of quality villa units is availab Advantages of Sunrise Village includ n On-site Nursing staff available to p care services 24 hours a day, 7 days n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs

Open day! Sa FULLY-FUNDED GOVERNMENT APPROVED HOME CARE PROVIDER

PET FRIENDLY

Make your move now…

Open Day starts at 10am on September 5th, so drop in for a cup of tea and a chat! Stage 3, the final stage of Sunrise Village, will be ready to move in to by September 2020, so the widest choice of quality villa units is available now!

Advantages of Sunrise Village include: n On-site Nursing staff available to provide care services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week n Couples stay together regardless of each individual’s health care needs

Bring your current Home Care package OR we will facilitate a fully-funded package for you n You have your own home with a fully-equipped kitchen OR have your meals in our Community Dining Room n We are Government-funded, fully-accredited Aged Care providers n Sunrise Village is pet-friendly. n

Call us today (02) 5528 5001 You may have to pay a Departure Fee when you leave this village.

Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Ro Sunrise Village: 11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 | T: (02) 5528 5001 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au

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OPEN DAYS Sunrise Supported Living village is pleased to announce the GRAND OPENING DAY of Stage Three of the extension to its village in Tuncurry. This is the third and FINAL stage!

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he expansion will add 28 new units to bring the total units at the village to 106, with a mix of one and two bedrooms, with either one or two bathrooms. Each unit has its own sunny, private rear courtyard and for the first time ever, some units come with private garages.

The final stage of expansion sees villa units at Sunrise Tuncurry continuing to be built to very high standards. All units come fully equipped with all appliances, including air conditioning, washing machine and dryer, oven, dishwasher, designer kitchens with granite benchtops, fully compliant seniors' bathrooms, and high-quality finishes throughout. Most importantly, all villas are fully equipped with our own state of the art emergency nurse call system, which links directly to our care team nurses on site.

Emergency nurse call is free at Sunrise.

Sunrise Supported Living is a unique supported living village. Supported Living is a relatively new concept in seniors’ living in Australia. It combines all the best points of retirement village living with the best points of a traditional aged care facility.

All residents are encouraged to be as independent as they can be. That said, our nursing staff are on site and on call 24 hours a day/seven days a week. The care staff come to our residents’ home as required.

Meals are available for lunch and dinner, like help with showering and getting dressed seven days a week in our own dining room to or medication supervision; whilst some require those residents who want them. Most of the high care. We cater to all care levels and residents come up every day for lunch - others needs. just occasionally. The choice is always theirs.

Sunrise Tuncurry is very different to any The prices are extremely reasonable. A fully other seniors’ living complex. It offers catered morning tea is served every day free the freedom and the independence of a of charge for all residents. The Community retirement village, with all the support of a Centre is used for our resident activities. traditional aged care facility. We believe that These include exercise seniors want to live, to classes, bingo, craft be as independent as sessions, movie they possibly can be It offers the nights, and regular and to feel as though freedom and visiting entertainers. they are independent. the independence of a It is totally up to This is what makes retirement village, with all the residents how Sunrise Tuncurry the support of a traditional much they want to unique. aged care facility. participate in the The village expansion village activities. We is providing up to also have weekly 30 full-time jobs shopping trips and during construction regular outings in the village bus. and another 10 to 12 full-time jobs on Sunrise Tuncurry is a fully accredited completion. approved aged care provider, so we can The grand opening of Stage Three is on facilitate access to government funded home Saturday 5th September 2020, from 10am care packages for our residents, and in most to 3pm. With a complimentary giveaway, a cases provide high level care to our residents sausage sizzle, entertainment and a raffle. It’s at no additional cost. a day not to be missed.

Although we have care staff on site 24/7, For more information, please call we understand that a lot of our residents (02) 5528 5001. don’t need any care at all. Some just need a Paul Greenup, bit of a hand to get started in the morning, Director.

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MORIPO

P A R K

Nestled in Port Macquarie's hinterland is the beautiful riverfront accommodation, Moripo Park. Once a livestock farm, Shannel and her husband, Chris have worked tirelessly on the property, and the two chalets now sit proudly amongst the rolling hills, offering guests a tranquil retreat any time of the year.

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i Shannel. You are the in need of compassionate support, as inspiration behind well as facilitating the Police Legatees Moripo Park Escape here kids adventure camps. in Hyndmans Creek. Tell The eco-tourism project was two years us about your in the making property. from conception Moripo Park to completion, Escape is short working closely term guest with our builder THE ECOaccommodation Justin Laurie and TOURISM nestled in the his team at HLW PROJECT WAS Greater Port Constructions to TWO YEARS IN Macquarie bring our two, two THE MAKING FROM hinterland at bedroom chalets CONCEPTION TO Hyndmans Creek, to life. The chalets COMPLETION ...

15 minutes West are positioned of Wauchope. The on the ridgeline vision of custodian of the property Peter Treseder was overlooking to provide short the manicured term accommodation to share with the green rolling hills and man made greater community and in collaboration lakes that make up the 265 acres of with Police Legacy, a retreat for families manicured grounds and bushland,

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OUR GUESTS ARE GENERALLY LOOKING FOR AN ESCAPE FROM THE ORDINARY ...

WHERE SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT OF CONCERN

that was reclaimed and maintained by my hardworking husband, Chris. Chris has worked tirelessly to encapsulate the essence of Blenheim Palace Gardens, the inspiration behind the major transformation of the once rambling livestock farm.

The property boasts almost two kilometres of river frontage and is the perfect relaxed countryside getaway to rest and rejuvenate.

The chalets are a combination of laid-back style with calming natural textures and minimal lines ... We are all about paredback simplicity combined with luxury. Our two bedroom chalets provide the perfect getaway for families, couples, close friends or a solo relax.

The chalets were designed to complement the surrounding environment, constructed

from Colorbond steel and locally sourced blackbutt timber. Our vision was to provide a rustic country escape with a homely, welcoming vibe. The interiors have been styled with one off pieces and custom made furniture, complete with our very own hand drawn tourist map of Moripo

Park.

Our hotel luxury beds complete with linen create the perfect night's sleep for our guests.

The fully equipped kitchen comes complete with a gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, and coffee machine, all the simple comforts that a luxury country escape has to offer. The wide verandah, complete with an outdoor lounge, allows our guests space to sit and drink in the breathtaking scenery the property has to offer.

The western side of Moripo Park is utilised

by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in the capacity of Koala Conservation plantation.

There are currently 800 saplings, consisting of three different species of koala food trees that are maintained by volunteers in conjunction with research and studies conducted by Charles Sturt University.

When did you first list your property for holiday accommodation, and how successful has it been?

Construction was completed in February.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan with the sudden lockdown with COVID-19. Our initial plans were to welcome guests from Easter onwards. The property was listed on AirBnb in time for the relaxation of New South Wales travel restrictions. We have been overwhelmed with guests ever since, with visitors coming from Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and even our own backyard.

The feedback from our guests has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to finally open our doors and share this beautiful part of the world with those who appreciate the great outdoors and getting back to nature. >>> GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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MORIPO

P A R K

The fully equipped kitchen comes complete with a gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, and coffee machine, all the simple comforts that a luxury country escape has to offer. The wide verandah, complete with an outdoor lounge, allows our guests space to sit and drink in the breathtaking scenery the property has to offer.

The western side of Moripo Park is utilised by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in the capacity of Koala Conservation plantation. There are currently 800 saplings, consisting of three different species of koala food trees that are maintained by volunteers in conjunction with research and studies conducted by Charles Sturt University.

When did you first list your property for holiday accommodation, and how successful has it been?

Construction was completed in February.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan with the sudden lockdown with COVID-19. Our initial plans were to welcome guests from Easter onwards. The property was listed on AirBnb in time for the relaxation of New South Wales travel restrictions. We have been overwhelmed with guests ever since, with visitors coming from Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and even our own backyard.

The feedback from our guests has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to finally open our doors and share this beautiful part of the world with those who appreciate the great outdoors and getting back to nature.

What is on offer here for your guests?

Moripo Park Escape is a place for guests to put their feet up, relax, unwind, reconnect, reflect 108 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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and enjoy the simple things in life. Simply curl up by the fireplace with a good book and a coffee, bask in the sun on the verandah, relax on the cabana feeding the fish, enjoying sundowners whilst cooking a BBQ. Stargaze by the firepit, whilst toasting marshmallows, and we haven’t forgotten about the adventure seeker.

The four-kilometre walking trail covers a variety of terrain, including Moripo Creek, and the banks of the Hastings River where you might be lucky enough to spot our resident platypus.

Take a paddle in one of our double kayaks supplied for the duration of your stay, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Hastings River; you could even try your hand at bass fishing.

For out of towners who come to escape city life, what do they love to do locally?

Our guests generally spend the majority of their stay at Moripo Park, but are also curious to discover local wineries, restaurants, tourist parks and scenic drives to Comboyne plateau, Ellenborough Falls and other local sights nearby.

Our guests are generally looking for an escape from the ordinary and somewhere that social distancing is not of concern.

Share the best part about running your AirBnb/holiday business.

Sharing the beautiful Moripo Park and surrounds with our guests would have to be the highlight of managing our guest accommodation - to feel the joy our guests have experienced during their stay with us. We are blessed to work in such a beautiful environment.

What plans do you have for the future?

Our team is continuously working and striving to improve and beautify the grounds at Moripo Park, with the vision to open to the public to allow everyone to share the tranquillity and beauty of our little corner of the world.

Since inception, the organisation has donated in excess of $2M to various charities and will continue to offer support to the greater community.

Thanks Shannel.

WE’VE GOT YOU

covered

On behalf of our entire team, we would like to thank our clients and local communities for their wonderful support during this time.

Buying, selling, leasing or holiday letting - we are your real estate specialists!

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Abode

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GET BACK ON TH E ROAD I N A LEXUS WITH FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES ON NEW AND DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLES IT’S A GREAT TIME TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD

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