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133 FEBRUARY 2022

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E STA B L I S H E D 2002 Matt Snell established Simply Conveyancing on the Coffs Coast in 2002

NEW PREMISES at The Promenade at the Jetty

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Conveyancing made simple

at Simply Conveyancing, Coffs Harbour

For all your conveyancing needs.

CALL US NOW ON (02) 6652 4233 www.simplyconveyancing.com.au matt@simplyconveyancing.net.au For more information about everything view the videos on our website.

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from the

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Welcome to the FEBRUARY 2022 EDITION.

hey say you learn from the past, well if we have learnt anything in our region in the last two years it would be that supporting each other and the health and safety of loved ones, family and friends is what’s most important. It’s no secret that it’s been a tough two years but it has been so wonderful to see this community getting behind one another and supporting each other when it matters the most. We definitely have a lot to be thankful for as well, as we are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of not only Australia but the world.

This month’s front cover features our beautiful friend Carmel Logue, of Carmel Kestles Makeup Artist and now Harlow & Co. Carmel is one talented lady on the makeup brushes!

She is someone who believes the beauty industry should be about building each other up, creating a community and letting our creativity shine, and that is evident in the way she has grown her business from being a single freelance artist to now having a large

focus

salon with a team of staff.

world.

This month we present to you our 2022 Coffs Coast Wedding Guide which will be sought after by local couples to be the essential wedding planning tool. February, the month of love and eight months out from the traditional commencement of Wedding season, means this is a timely feature for the Wedding industry to showcase what they have to offer future couples.

We spoke to Matt Snell who started the Graff Avenue Project, the Williams family who have been volunteering to cook meals, and AnneFlorence Willefert who is the Principle of ‘Ecole des Cobbers de Fromelles’ the primary school in France that is participating in the pen pal program.

Featured inside this edition is local community group the Graff Avenue Project. The Graff Avenue Project looks to support those community members in need in a number of ways. One project that they have started recently is lining up volunteer families with families that are less fortunate, and arranging a meal roster where meals are prepared by the volunteers and delivered to families that need them. They have also started a pen pal program between students here on the Coffs Coast and students at a school in France, hoping they exchange stories about their experiences and culture with friends across the

COFFS COAST

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POSTAL PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE 0413 816 010 WEB focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

Women in Business – Top 30 influential female business leaders on the Coffs Coast Our special Women in Business edition allows local leaders, managers and workers to step out in front of their brand, and celebrate the amazing work they do within their business. It’s the perfect combination of an advertisement to connect the brand and imagery, with a Q&A interview and photo to allow locals to get to know you. It’s the perfect combination of an advertisement and interviews. If you would like to be part of this feature or know someone who has a great business story, please email nicole@focusmag. com.au or sam@focusmag.com.au

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EDITION COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING SALES Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Sam Dawson sam@focusmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@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. Coffs Coast 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 I S S U E

1 3 3

-

F E B R U A R Y

2 0 2 2

INTERVIEWS

14

PAUL FOGARTY

A songwriter, musician and composer, Paul recently returned home to Australia after years abroad. We spoke to him about his experience and his plans for the future.

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56

MATT SNELL

Local community group the Graff Avenue Project has a new project that lines up volunteers on a meal roster to prepare and deliver meals to families in need.

CARMEL LOGUE

Carmel Logue, of Harlow & Co, is a talented makeup artist who believes the beauty industry should be about building each other up, creating a community and letting our creativity shine.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS C O F F S

22. PFLAG - Sam Dawson

C O A S T

24. Style Edit - Melissa Parisi 72. Fitness Update - Court Waters 73. Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker 75. Counselling Conversations - Julie Thomas 80. Youth Leaders - Cassandra Wilson CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

AARON HARDAKER

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

81. Education Update - Nick Johnstone 88. Women in Business - Cath Fowler 94. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 98. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden

39

118. Real Estate - Chris Hines

Thank you for your contribution to focus Follow us on

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facebook.com/coffscoastFocus

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focus_interview

THE SUN TOUR 2022

Bliss n Eso are performing at the Hoey Moey here in Coffs this month and we are pumped! Bliss n Eso are an Australian Hip Hop trio made up of MC Bliss, MC Eso and DJ Izm. We spoke to Eso and DJ Izm ahead of the show to see how they were feeling about finally getting back out on stage and into a huge national tour for their latest album The Sun.

H

i guys. How does it feel to be touring again?

It feels absolutely awesome to be touring again! It feels like the stage is Bliss n Eso’s second home and we are home sick! Especially because of all the obvious drama that we have all been going through these past couple of years, it’s been a huge hit to the music industry so to finally be getting back out there and rejoicing this new album with the fans after such a long time is going to be unreal. This is what we do.

This is a pretty big tour, where will you be travelling to?

We don’t like just doing the big cities, we think about the little guy. So this is a big tour because we like to hit the regional spots where people can’t always get their way to the big cities. We plan to pretty much go all around Australia and hit up all of our favourite places!

Can you tell us a bit about this album?

This album ‘The Sun’ is definitely a mix of feels, we never stick to one kind of mood 12 COFFS COAST

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or emotion or genre. There’s all different Like a dog going for a can of Pal! So we’re kinds of sounds on this album, there’s old hungry and that stage has got it coming. school sounds like ‘Send It’, there’s current You guys have known each other for a trap sounds like ‘OG’s’, we did a country long time, what does that dynamic mean song... So there’s no boxing us in, every for you when performing or creating album we do there’s music together? going to be something Brotherhood. Family. new, something Unity. This band wasn’t So this is a big fun, something created by looking in tour because adventurous... And I the classifieds and going we like to hit the think that’s what ‘The “hmm, we need a DJ”. regional spots where Sun’ provides.

Bliss and myself (Eso) people can’t always What can we expect were already friends, get their way to the from the show? then I ended up going to Jam packed the same high school as big cities. fireworks! Jam packed DJ Izm and we became fireworks shoved right friends. We were friends up your bottom! The before we made the band fireworks will be coming out your mouth and and I think that’s the reason why we have had ears! Like we said before, this has been the longevity, I think that’s the reason why we’re longest time between shows for us, so to still together, we still love playing together. say that we’re hungry to eat the stage is an And the fact is DJ Izm and I are like blood understatement. I’m gonna eat that stage, brothers of the spiritual world and a different there’s going to be nothing left of that stage! dimension. To spend time with close mates like

This has been It’ were freestyle, off the that and create music top right on the spot, so together is Godly. It’s the longest there’s always a mix of been way too long! time between shows methods that we would What is some of the for us, so to say that come up with songs, inspiration behind we’re hungry to eat but inspiration is from your latest music? the stage is an everywhere. Life.

Inspiration comes understatement. I’m What is it you love from a million different gonna eat that about Hip Hop music? places. It doesn’t come stage, there’s going Dude, EVERYTHING. from a special little to be nothing left of It’s got everything for golden pond called that stage! me. I think I fell in love inspiration, I could be with Hip Hop the first watching a TV series time I heard it, it must and get inspired for have been something like Ice Cube or NWA, a lyric, I could be reading a comic and be and it was this passionate, raw, I don’t give a... inspired, I could be listening to a song and attitude, rebellious and outside the box! And be inspired to write another song, I think everyone has the same story with it, when you that inspiration comes from all around us. rock up to a Hip Hop event everyone has that Hanging out, listening to beats and just vibing, same love and passion for it, especially that dropping a freestyle and then that turns into old school Hip Hop, it was so unifying. We all a song. The songs were all made differently, knew what we loved, that it was dope, and it some were like let’s go off into our separate brought us all together. There’s always a variety areas and write by ourselves and then come with Hip Hop, if I wake up in the morning back together, and then some songs like ‘Send

and I want to be inspired I’ll put on some Atmosphere, or something that makes me think a bit deeper, and then there’s other times where I don’t want to think I just want to party and I’ll throw on Old Dirty Bastard! We fell in love with the attitude of it, the explosiveness of the sound, a way for inner city kids to tell their story on a pretty cool platform.

What are some of your goals or things you’re looking forward to in 2022?

More of this! More of this and less of Covid.

It’s unfortunate to bring it up again but it’s really stuffed a lot of things around for live music. We need to come back, we need the younger generation to get that chance. That’s the big thing for me, if we didn’t have those small pubs and venues to play at, you wouldn’t get that chance to sharpen your tools as a live musician, as a live performer. All those small gigs made us and built us up to the point where we could get onto that bigger stage, because we had the confidence from rocking those jam packed small gigs. I’d like the arts to get that chance again.

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F O G A R T Y

Paul Fogarty is a songwriter, musician and composer, recording and touring his own music, and creating for film and television. Recently returning home to Australia after years abroad, we spoke to him about his experience and his plans for the future.

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i Paul. You were living in Germany for some time, can you tell us about what took you to live overseas?

My wife is German and when our first daughter was born in 2007 we decided we had to sell up everything and move to Germany so she could have a close relationship with her German grandparents and relatives. I was also interested to see if I could make a living playing music in Europe and see where I could take my career as a

musician and singer-songwriter. I got to meet a lot of great musicians and played almost 1,000 concerts and festivals all across Europe.

What made you move your family back home to Australia? And why did you choose to settle on the Coffs Coast?

The live music scene in Europe collapsed with the pandemic and my professional future was in tatters, like so many others. The lockdowns, re-openings, further lockdowns and openings and then more lockdowns – there was so much uncertainty and Covid was rampaging across Germany.

focus_interview your life?

I started writing songs at 15. They just started pouring out of my head. I thought everyone was doing it. At 19 I landed my first gigs at Fernando's Mexican restaurant in Toowoomba. It paid the rent and I always knew I could fall back on it if need be.

I never thought of music as a career until my mid 30s when I realised other people took songwriting really seriously. By then I’d already written 500 songs and figured “Maybe I am a songwriter after all.” Then ABC Radio started playing some of my songs on high rotation in Queensland, I did a live show on Radio National and then things took off from there.

You’re a musician, songwriter and composer. What came first for you?

Writing songs was always my first love.

For me writing songs is like preparing wondrous banquets for other people to gorge themselves on and be somehow lifted up out of the daily grind. I dream up new songs all the time, so I’m lucky in that regard. Also it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.

Can you tell us about some of the projects you’ve been involved Writing songs with over the past was always few years? my first love. For me I’ve had about writing songs is like 50 songs placed in preparing wondrous different film and banquets for other television projects – people to gorge feature films, short themselves on and films but mainly in be somehow lifted prime-time crime up out of the daily shows and mini-series in Germany which are grind. then shown in dozens

By March 2021 I felt of countries around like the only way we Europe. In shows like were going to survive was to move back to “Die Chefin” and “Schuld” my songs were Australia where at least I could play outdoor featured as peak moments and brought the concerts, festivals and markets year round, whole storyline together and they were aired teach guitar on verandahs, that kind of thing. to 5-10 million people per episode just in In Germany it’s just too cold from November Germany, so they reached a pretty substantial through March. The Coffs region was always audience throughout Europe. As soon as that in our sights because we have some good started happening I noticed more people friends living here and they’ve been telling us were coming to my concerts so it all started we should at least come have a look. We fell panning out the way I had always hoped. I’m in love with it. also involved in music projects based out of How long has music been a big part of Nashville and LA and worked on other projects

out of Tokyo for example. About 100 of my songs have had radio airplay from the USA to South Africa, Canada, Indonesia, the UK. What do you enjoy about working in film and television?

I love working with other producers and musicians from around the world. We do it mostly remotely, even before the pandemic, and you feel like you are part of a supercreative team but also have a lot of autonomy.

Without music the world seems grey and two-dimensional to me. Like living in a pencil drawing. I was born with no sense of smell or taste and this helped me develop an extra sense for words, for music. Words are like food, and music is like a non-stop river flowing by. I hear it everywhere, all the time.

If I’m climbing a set of stairs the rhythm of it will inspire a new song. Birdsong drives me insane with its clarity, its melodies, its call and response. I could spend a whole day singing with the birds.

Are you recording as an artist yourself?

Yeah I’ve released 14 albums independently but nine of those were released digitally during the pandemic. I’m mostly a songwriter who also loves to perform on stage. On stage is where I feel most at home. Even when I opened for Status Quo in front of 5,000 people in Germany I should have been terrified but as soon as I walked on the stage I thought “At last, I’m home.”

Obviously the pandemic has been very hard on the entertainment industry, but do you still like to get out and play gigs as well when you can?

Yeah, I love to play in front of people. I have a ball. I never know what I’m gonna play. I just have fun and see where every moment leads.

It’s always a surprise.

What are some of your plans moving forward and what are you looking forward to this year?

This year I’m planning to play house concerts and community hall concerts in places that don’t see much entertainment.

Australia’s a big place and most acts play just the big cities. I love playing halls and small theatres, house concerts, verandahs and back yards – you can look people square in the eye and actually see the tears roll down cos your song touched them in some deep way. Then you can share a beer and kick back and listen to them tell you their stories.

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RHONDA BURCHMORE IS GLAMAZONIA

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BLISS N ESO Illusive Presents and Frontier Touring are excited to announce a 29-date metro and regional Australian tour for one of the country’s finest hip hop acts, Bliss n Eso! When 5th February Where Hoey Moey Tickets $69.90 from hoeymoey.com.au

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UMBILICAL BROTHERS THE DISTRACTION The Umbilicals take the energy of live performance and the spectacle of cinema and smash them together into a new show performed simultaneously on stage and the big screen. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen, and nothing they’ve ever done, and it will blow your mind way more literally than you are expecting.

When 9th until 12th February Where Jetty Theatre Time jettytheatre.com.au Tickets PREVIEW - All tix $49.90 | Adults: $59.90 | Conc: $54.90 16 COFFS COAST

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STEWART REEVE IN CHAMELEON

An award-winning one-man show displaying an amazing array of breathtaking vocal abilities. Chameleon treats you to an evening that spans decades of hit songs and unique celebrity voices.

When Wednesday 16th February, 7:00PM Where Jetty Theatre Tickets from $40

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CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars is Australia’s largest free outdoor cinema program and it’s returning to Coffs Harbour!

So pack your picnic, gather your tribe and join us for a FREE and fun evening under the stars!

When 19th February Where Coffs Harbour Showground Time 5:30pm until 9:30pm

Australia’s favourite showgirl celebrates 40 years from stage to jungle with her dazzling new show GLAMAZONIA. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening of glamour, empowerment and fabulousness, the likes of which can only be delivered by the Glamazonia that is Rhonda Burchmore – and you’re going to hear her roar!

When 25th February Where Jetty Theatre Time 8pm Tickets Adult $55 | Conc $52 | Members $50 | U30 $38

27 SURF CLUB COFFS HARBOUR 2022 WEDDING EXPO Instead of just hearing about weddings at Surf Club Coffs Harbour, why not come and experience it for yourself? We’re hosting a wedding expo so you can get a touch, taste and feel for our weddings. Meet Coffs Coast’s top wedding vendors, view our wedding decor set up, and taste our wedding menus.

When 27th February Where Surf Club Coffs Harbour Time 4:30pm until 8:30pm Tickets online via eventbrite

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focus_interview

G R A F F AV E N U E P ROJ EC T

Local community group the Graff Avenue Project looks to support those community members in need in a number of ways. One project that they have started recently is lining up volunteer families with families that are less fortunate, and arranging a meal roster where meals are prepared by the volunteers and delivered to families that need them.

MATT SNELL

GRAFF AVENUE PROJECT

T

hey have also started a pen pal program between students here on the Coffs Coast and students at a school in France, hoping they exchange stories about their experiences and culture with friends across the world.

We spoke to Matt Snell who started the Graff Avenue Project, the Williams family who have been volunteering to cook meals, and Anne-Florence Willefert who is the Principal of ‘Ecole des Cobbers de Fromelles’ the primary school in France that is participating in the pen pal program.

Hi Matt. Where did the Graff Avenue Project begin?

The Graff Avenue Project started in August 2021, although I have been working with Auntie Kerrie since the beginning of 2020.

Can you explain how this charity works and how people can get involved?

Well, we are not a registered Charity, yet… my Dad always impressed upon me how important it was to just do the very best you can for others whenever you can, trust your altruistic core and go with your

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instincts, but be mindful of Committees who can very easily lose sight of their core objective by getting bogged down in politics and quash the beating heart and soul of their initial existence… We are just a local Community We focus on group who work on Why do you providing local Community think people are Projects that are support to local volunteering for this easily sustainable and homeless youth, youth project? provide significant at risk, and any Our programme is not support to our local unfortunate local at all onerous to be a Community. We focus Community Member part of, we are extremely on providing support to who is happy to accept flexible, we spread the local homeless youth, our offer of support. load with the Volunteers youth at risk, and who are interested in any unfortunate local being involved in any Community Member existing projects or the particular project we who is happy to accept our offer of support. It are developing at the time. is extremely important that we are absolutely Part of what you do is lining up volunteer discreet and respectful at all times to any families to cook meals for families in parties involved. It is also important that any need. You encourage the whole family to prospective Volunteer understands that we get involved with preparing the meals, are not just a ‘one off’ humanitarian group, particularly getting the kids participating all of our Volunteers understand that we must too. What do you hope they learn from turn up consistently offering our support.

G R A F F AV E N U E P ROJ EC T

focus_interview

You have also started a pen pal program with a school in France, can you tell us about that?

Yes, we have a wonderful partnership with opportunity for our children to be involved in a simple humanitarian project, and gradually learn the importance of how rewarding and easy it is to ‘give back’ to their local Community and those less fortunate than themselves.

What are some of the positive outcomes The local you’ve seen so far Community with Graff Avenue? the experience?

Members we are Happily, there have It is so important supporting have been so many, but to that the whole family become less ‘invisible’ name a few… first and gets involved, and in our Community as foremost, the local not just dump it all on we continue to build Community Members one member of the trusting friendships. we are supporting have family, such as Mum become less ‘invisible’ or Dad. We politely in our Community as encourage the families we continue to build to cook together, share trusting friendships… the nutritional and tasty the experience together, have fun doing meal recipes cooked up by our Volunteer it together. Hopefully it may prompt the families, specially prepared by the lovely very important discussion between family Rachel of Hoys, are very popular with the members about why the cooking is being Graff Avenue kids and it clearly shows. Our done and who they are doing it for, creating understanding and awareness of those less very exciting School Support/Homework Club fortunate than them in their local Community, programme will commence in February 2022, but conducted in the safety of their own the kids are actually thrilled and looking home with their loving family. It is a fantastic forward to it.

a primary school in Fromelles, France, the site of one of the bloodiest battles fought by the AIF in World War 1, just after Gallipoli, and the site of the renowned Pheasant Wood Cemetery. The Pen Pal project, not emails but real letters, will commence in February 2022 whereby Graff Avenue kids will be matched up with their French school friends, and Zoom Classrooms will be held weekly for a wonderful cultural exchange.

How did the idea for this pen pal exchange come about?

We thought it would be a lovely discreet way of enabling the kids to tell their own story about their culture and who they are to someone on the other side of the world, an amazing platform to express themselves.

What do you hope the kids get out of this program?

There are so many benefits of this programme and just to name a few obvious benefits… self-confidence, development and support of their Superpower, education!!

Life-long friendships formed across the world, improving sentence structure, grammar and expression.

Where can people find out more about Graff Avenue or get in touch?

It is best to initially contact me via text on 0405 386 165 COFFS COAST

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G R A F F AV E N U E P ROJ EC T

KYLIE, GLEN & MIA

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hy did you choose to get involved with this particular charity?

We both decided to get involved with this charity after having an association with Matt, firstly with the Wesley Charity Football match and then with the Rise Foundation and Football training with the children. Through Rise we found that there are so many children that are disadvantaged in several ways. From just a little act of kindness, we can teach our daughter, Mia, that there are children out there who don’t have the opportunities and the simple things in life. Mia feels happy in the fact that she has helped out as well.

How has Mia gotten involved and why do you think it’s good to get kids participating?

We decided that as a family we could help out this community. When Matt asked if we could cook some meals for them we just jumped at the chance. It meant that we could spend time together in our kitchen cooking (which we love) and we would be doing something to help. Mia has loved being part of this program and helping out. I think

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WILLIAMS it’s important for our selection to choose Mia has loved children to understand from with some of being part of that there are people our favourites being in our community less Shepherds Pie, Thai Beef this program and fortunate than they Vegetable Curry, and helping out. I think are. Our kids have very Chicken and Vegetable it’s important for our fortunate lives but it’s Pasta Bake. We cook children to important for them to 12 meals each time and understand that know it is a privilege can select whichever there are people in and needs to be combination we like. our community less appreciated.

It’s also been good to fortunate than they How much time understand what a are. Our kids have do you find you ‘portion’ actually looks very fortunate lives are putting in each like!! but it’s important for month?

What benefits do you them to know it is a Volunteering feel you as a family doesn’t have to mean get out of being part privilege and needs dedicating lots of of this? to be appreciated. hours. We spend a few I think that the hours a month cooking feeling that our small meals, helping out at bit of effort makes a big Auntie Kerrie’s or whatever is needed for the difference in a child’s life makes our hearts Graff Avenue community. It’s rewarding and feel happy. Both of our parents have taught requires little effort. us that there are always people out there that What kind of meals have you been are worse off than us in some way, and the making? fact that we can instill these thoughts in Mia Thanks to the team at Hoys Physio they makes us feel that the next generation will have put together nutritionally balanced and take the baton and continue the support. portion controlled meals. We have a large

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ANNE-FLORENCE

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hat is the connection between Fromelles in France and Australia?

There is a special connection because during the First World War many Australian soldiers came to France. Fromelles is a small village and during that time German troops held the area and on the 19th July 1916 Australian and British soldiers were ordered to attack, there was a very big and terrible battle and many, many Australian soldiers lost their lives there. It was a very bloody battle, and many soldiers were considered missing for a long time. In 2007 an Australian scientist came to France because he had found some proof that Australians were buried in a mass grave by the Germans. Over time they uncovered the remains and in 2010 they were buried with a ceremony with full military honours in Fromelles Military Cemetery.

When some of the soldiers were identified they invited the family to come to Fromelles and they added the soldier’s name to the memorial.

Some families come back every year on the anniversary of the battle for a special ceremony.

For us, particularly for the children at Fromelles school where I work, it’s a very important moment because we meet the families and we offer to look after the graves while they are at home in Australia. For example, at Christmas time we make candles and drawings and we send pictures to the families in Australia.

So there is a special link between the school particularly and the families in Australia.

You have joined with Australian Matt Snell and have set up some of the children at your school with pen pals here in Australia,

WILLEFERT how did this opportunity come about?

In April, for ANZAC Day, many Australians come to Fromelles because it’s a place of remembrance, so they come and tour the area.

My pupils wanted to thank the Australian people that are in Fromelles, so we put posters up around the village to say to Australian tourists that if you want you can come to the school, you just have to ring the bell and we will welcome you. So people see the posters and come to the school and the children explain to the tourists which soldiers they are taking care of, and the children would sing Waltzing Matilda for them, which is very funny because most Australians that visited knew this song so they would join in and sing it together. It was a very good moment. And then we would have some cake and fruit juice so the children can ask where they are from and hear about Australia, they always like to ask about the animals! So during this holiday Matt was visiting and came to the school. He loved the program and thought it would be great to arrange something together where the children can do more than just send photos and emails to the descendants of soldiers, they can hopefully learn more about Australia through talking to their Australian peers.

What do you hope they get out of this relationship?

Unlike you, we start the school year here in September and the end is in July. But we ended up starting the program in January 2021, so it was just after Christmas, and here at Christmas time it is snowing but for you in Australia it is hot! So Matt and his pupils sent us a picture of Father Christmas but your Father Christmas had on shorts and a t-shirt, so my 6-7 year old pupils thought that was very funny! We started

comparing how things are there compared to here. Another thing my class thought was strange was seeing the students there in Australia all wearing the same clothes, because schools there wear uniforms but here we don’t.

Matt’s group also gave us a recipe for Pavlova to try! All these moments are very special for the children. We already have a link with Australia, and we know it was because of a very bloody battle, it was a horrible moment in history, but we want the next generations to maintain that bond but make it a positive one, learning about each other’s culture and experiences. We want happy associations and connections, not just memories of war.

How will the program work? How long will it run for and will they each have just one other student as their pen pal?

Not yet, but they will. That is the next step.

At this stage we have all been speaking as groups, we have been having Zoom sessions. At the moment my class is introducing themselves, writing about their interests, and then we will be matching up students based on having some things in common. We hope that this way they will really enjoy writing to each other and getting to know one another. The students are 6-7 years old at the moment, but we will continue the project to the end of elementary (primary) school, so they will then be about 11 years old. Our dream is that they might continue on, even after they finish elementary school and are moving into secondary school, that they will continue to write to their pen pal. It would be wonderful if they didn’t need us to continue to write and communicate, so if we connect pupils with the same taste and interests hopefully there is more chance of that happening.

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PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO LOOK BACK SO WE CAN MOVE FORWARD”

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

LOOKING BACK ON MARRIAGE BEING FOR EVERYONE

T

he history of marriage for same sex couples has been a long one. I’m not sure if people realise how real the struggle has been and how it’s travelled alongside reflected social sentiments.

It was the culmination of decades of campaigning by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQ) community and their supporters.

A law legalising same-sex marriage passed the Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent the following day. Between September 2004 and October 2017, there were 22 unsuccessful attempts in the Federal Parliament to legalise or recognise same-sex marriage under federal law.

The amendment of the federal Marriage Act on 9 December 2017 gave same-sex couples the same right to marry as heterosexual couples.

The passing of the Bill in the House of Representatives was seen as a watershed moment for equal rights in Australia.

Close to 13 million people or nearly 80 per cent of eligible Australians expressed their view in the survey. On 15 November 2017 the Australian Bureau of Statistics announced the survey’s results: 61.6 per cent of participants had voted ‘yes’.

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I will never forget this day as I watched the TV and when the YES came through I cried! I cried when I rang my gay son, Ben. We both cried because both of us had been campaigning hard and we both felt it was a victory for equality – my campaign sentence when asked by the media was “I have 3 children but only 2 have the right to marry – how unfair is that?”

Three weeks later the House of Representatives amended the Marriage Act, redefining marriage as ‘a union of two people’.

This is what we now say in every wedding performed as Marriage Celebrants!

I think the hardest part of what I do within the LGBTIQ area is realising that while laws are changing, and there are wonderful hopeful changes with people’s attitudes, there are still homophobic thoughts, actions and feelings and I was sharply reminded of this last weekend.

I witnessed young people in a punch up and homophobic slurs were being called out and it made my heart sad.

I was reminded that even some of our young (who I hold so much respect and hope for change in) were the ones yelling out in this particular incident. There seems to be an acceptance that we “can’t expect the oldies in this town to change their views” but I say why not? Why can’t we challenge our families and

circle of friends young and old on their views? It can be done as a healthy discussion. Why can’t we drill down on people’s fears and concerns and challenge why they have always held the same views as maybe the generation before?

Do these people have family and friends who are in the LGBTIQ community? How do they divorce their sentiments from those family members to their general homophobic views?

We need to know that the suicide rates and self harm statistics in this community are so much higher than the heterosexual community and doesn’t that worry us as a community?

I have the stats if anyone would like to know and it’s alarming. The young are our next generation who will grow up here and this is an important discussion among your family and your peers. If we can save just one person from harming or worse still suicide then isn’t it worth looking at a reboot on our opinions?

I usually like to educate here but this time I want to throw out this challenge. These are human beings in your family and our community who may need you. Let’s make 2022 a year for change!

As a newly appointed Lifeline Ambassador, I can highly recommend the Crisis Support line if you are worried about anyone you love – the number is 13 11 14.

Bishop Druitt College No w t a k i ng 2023 e n r o lme n t s

We are: community innovative inclusive.

www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

Phone: (02) 6651 5644 Email: enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au 111 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

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the

STYLE EDIT

with MELISSA PARISI

T H E H O L I D AY H O M E S T Y L I S T

LIAPARI LUXURY BEACH HOUSE, COFFS COAST ACCOMMODATION

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ECO-FRIENDLY INTERIOR IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME

ith the Coffs Coast officially certified as the first eco-tourism destination in New South Wales, it’s clear that sustainable, ecofriendly and healthy living has never been more important than it is today.

We can all take tangible actions to enhance and protect our natural environment, each other and the land around us. When people typically think “green”, they often first think of things like installing solar panels and changing to LED lights. However, using ecoconscious interior elements made of renewable materials can play a large role in helping our environment and our health.

Choose Sustainable Fabrics For curtains, upholstery and soft furnishing, there are widely available sustainable fabrics you can use. Choose fabrics or items that are made in Australia using hemp, bamboo, flax, organic cotton or premium merino wool. There are also many textiles made of recycled plastic products that help reduce landfill or plastics in our ocean.

Hemp fabric production uses one-twentieth of the water it takes to produce cotton with no toxic chemicals being used. Earthy natural hemp colours such as kale, rye, buckwheat and pink salt have a lovely linen-like appearance and the colours are right on-trend. Vintage linen fabrics feature a uniquely worn look and are super soft to handle are being made from environmentally sustainable flax fibres.

Premium merino wool is traceable to sources meeting environmental and animal welfare benchmarks and is socially responsible. Merino 24 COFFS COAST

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wool makes wonderful throw rugs and cushion covers that add texture and interest to a room.

Choose Rugs made from Recycled Plastic For your next indoor or outdoor rug, consider purchasing one made from recycled plastic, giving new life to non-biodegradable material and reducing pollution in our oceans.

Interior rugs made from recycled plastic are quite amazing and look and feel like wool.

You can source these rugs from local stores.

Outdoor rugs made from high-density polyethene are highly fade resistant and are perfect to add colour and comfort to your outdoor seating area.

Choose Safe Finishes Paint or varnishes that add shine to raw material can be harmful to you and the environment. Many standard paints, including wall paint, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate at room temperature in an off-gassing process that can last for several weeks or longer. As a result, VOCs can cause anything from nausea to kidney damage and they also pollute the air. To reduce your ecological footprint, choose non-toxic paint with low VOCs, such as milk paint, water-based paint, stains and sealants and latex paint.

See your local hardware or paint store for availability and advice.

Choose Recycled Pieces Instead of buying all-new furniture, consider using recycled or second-hand pieces. Source good quality vintage lounges and chairs and have them reupholstered in quality Australian sustainable fabrics. By combining recycled pieces with new ones, you can add interest and depth to your room and give recycled furniture life for years to come.

Choose Ecofriendly Interior Style Some design aesthetics are more environmentally responsible than others.

Minimalist interiors decrease your carbon footprint and can be applied to any interior design style. By decluttering and simplifying, you can not only create a more ergonomic and mindful setting but a more sustainable home.

Scandinavian design is another minimalist style that uses earthy, raw and organic materials.

Fewer items in the home ultimately mean less needs to be manufactured and this helps minimise the negative impact on the environment.

Choose Biofuel over a Woodburning Fireplace Although we all love to sit in front of an open fire, in doing so we contribute to lowering air quality and polluting the environment. Ethanol burning fireplaces provide a beautiful ambience and cosy comfort whilst relying on a green source of fuel and reducing harmful emissions.

Choose Indoor Plants as Natural Air Purifiers Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a great variegated plant that will grow easily from cuttings in a water container or a pot. Sweet basil will also grow in water from cuttings if taken from a healthy plant and is useful in cooking and adding a green purifier to your kitchen.

For more Information Holiday Home Stylist 0449 17 18 17 Melissa@holidayhomestylist.com.au holidayhomestylist.com.au holidayhomestylist

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REIMAGINE YOUR MOTEL

and make it a destination

They were thought of as a novelty a few years ago, but reimagined motels that are going from short-stay to destinations, are about to play a major role in the future of affordable regional holidays.

E

arly in the 2000s, the trend began to emerge in America & Europe.

Older motels were being transformed into exciting, hip little motels or

larger boutique motels, by adding design and “theatre” to their personality, thereby giving them a unique and often playful friendly character. These reimagined motels are becoming a destination in their own right, as an exciting venue for a fun weekend – or longer. This trend is also slowly emerging in Australia.

Robyn and I can’t wait for the pandemic to be a thing of the past. However, the effects of Covid will last long after the disease is under control. One of its effects is that many families will be holidaying by car, instead of plane. That increases the desirability of holidaying in towns

along the Coffs Coast, if they have exciting accommodation destinations.

A memorable venue not only offers guests a bed, a roof and breakfast.

Their environment should also provide a stimulating holiday experience. A stay that guests will give a good review about on Booking.com, or a positive post on their social media page, or a great rave on Facebook.

That increases the desirability of holidaying in towns along the Coffs Coast, if they have exciting accommodation destinations.

It shouldn’t be “a home away from home” (we’ve all been at home long enough recently!) but an adventure destination in its own right.

Guests should want to come back – and even bring (or recommend) their friends.

You don’t need to rebuild the motel to achieve this. Reimagining your property could even be carried out in stages while the motel is operating, or it may be a very simple fix, like changing colours, or accessories. It all depends on the property and the budget.

Ever� Motel has a Histor�

and in that histor� there's a stor� We can unleash the power of that stor� and with it reimagine your �otel to create an exciting and �esh destination that your g�ests won't forget.

Roby� & Peter Rektor Designfocus Resource Pty Ltd

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p: 02 6650 0141 m: 0438 709970 e: inspire@designfocus.com.au

w: www.designfocus.com.au

DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH Blackened Prawn Tostadas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Onion & red pepper salsa, Crispy shallots and shredded Americano Velvets on Jetty

from

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The Sawtell T Hotel H E was opened in 1931, The Hotel is situated in the beachside village of Sawtell which is located 8kms south of We are spoilt on forthe choice Midin North Coffs Harbour the Coffs Coast Coast of area, NSW.with the Sawtell Hotel which is he friendly atmosphere in the a favourite for tourists and Hotel reflects the laid-back locals to soak up and enjoy, as lifestyle and is one of the many are the Toormina andall reasons visitorsHotel come from the Moonee Beach Hotel. over to enjoy all that the hotel

HOTELS

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has to offer. is sohas great about the Nathan, Sawtellhat Hotel renovated Sawtell Hotel?

The Sawtell accommodation- what types of rooms do Hotel is in the heart of the you have and what is included? street of Sawtell, with With the new main renovations upstairs comes our venue open from 10am and our kitchen new layouts to almost all our rooms, we have a open from 12pm-9pm we will always have variety of rooms to accompany to all different something for you whether it’s a nice cold beer travelers. All our rooms can access our large on the deck or it’s one of our awesome fresh deck that looks over the beautiful main street fishSawtell specialsasfrom specials of well our as access to board. our new You are within distance somecan of Sawtell Hotel walking has so much to of offerSawtell’s most beautiful shops, cafes and you tell us more? restaurants as well quick of two-minute The Sawtell Hotelasisainjust thea heart the main walk to street ofSawtell Sawtell,Main withBeach. our venue open from

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Sawtell H O T E L STAY W I T H US AT

What’s is so great about the Moonee

We look forward to keeping live music a strong

Beachand Hotel?

Since taking July 2021 10am our kitchen openover fromin12pm9pm we will always havetosomething forfresh you we immediately wanted make some whether it’s a nice cold beer on the deck changes to the hotel. Installing new carpetor it’s one freshwork fish special fromthe our and of fairour bit awesome of fresh paint throughout specials board. hotel has brightened the venue up on a new We have our kid’s room open from 10amlevel. We also have our new La Cantina cocktail 9:30pm. Along with our bottle shop open bar which overLive 30 tequilas, a as from 10amhouses every day. music onwith Fridays muralasartwork painted a local artist, well raffles and JokerbyPoker that you can get Trudy Smith. amongst ever Friday night.

feature so within follow on our Facebook You are walking distance to catch some the of Sawtell latest acts.most beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a just a quick twoWhat is so great about the Toormina minute walk to Sawtell Main Beach.

Hotel? The recently refurbished Toormina How can people book or find out more?

Hotel is perfect to meet up with friends, have Our visitors can book online through our a delicious meal and of course bring the website or booking.com, or they can call us family and with your one visitors. an ideal and speak our It’s friendly staffvenue who for will everyone. entertainment is back sotofollow always be Live happy to try to accompany our us on socials to catch the latest act. visitors’ requests.

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The

brasserie brasserie The

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A

fter being postponed in 2020 and having to turn around after sound check in 2021, Talent OZ Entertainment are excited to announce that “Briefcase Full of Blues – The Australian Blues Brothers Show” will be hitting the stage Saturday 12th February at none other than Sawtell RSL Club!

The band are stoked to be back together, and on the road again, bringing this fully choreographed show up the coast. With Covid restrictions easing, the audience will be dancing in the aisles as Stevie Vee, Marc Tribbia, Melanie Felony and the cast take you on a journey back in time to when Jake and Elwood Blues were on a mission from God!

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“This is an action packed, fun-filled show featuring all your favourite songs from the Blues Brothers Movies including: Sweet Home Chicago, Shake A Tail Feather, Rawhide, Soul Man, Jailhouse Rock and so much more!

We are so excited to have live music and audiences back in the club, this is definitely going to be a fun night!” said Kate Drum,

Marketing Manager, Sawtell RSL. Pull out your best suit jacket, tie and fedora and get ready to relive the tale of redemption made famous in 1980 by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. This promises to be a memorable night for all the family with the audience getting to experience one of Australia’s best ever tribute acts.

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THEATRE

Stage dive into a star studded line up of Aria award winners and world class performers. Experience joyous walls of mansound, unhinged glow bubbled clowning and a captivating freefall into the world of short film.

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he Jetty Theatre may be rolling with the punches but they are also ready to roll into a spectacular year of entertainment as they reimagine a world of possibilities for the 2022 season.

We took a trip down the theatre rabbit hole with the Jetty Theatre’s Venue Co-ordinator, Natalie Boyle, for a little sneak peek at what’s hot in 2022 and why everyone should experience the Jetty Theatre.

Tell us a bit about the Jetty Theatre?

The Jetty Theatre (JMT) is one of Coffs 32 COFFS COAST

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Harbour’s oldest and most loved entertainment and performance hubs. Build in 1928, the iconic building has a rich history and is blessed with an intimate, arthouse vibe, seating just over 250 patrons. Perched just above the Jetty strip, its proximity to bars and restaurants is perfect for a night out with friends or family.

The JMT welcomes a variety of world-class touring artists and performers bringing cutting edge, iconic and thoroughly entertaining music, theatre, comedy, film and dance to the Coffs Coast.

What’s in store for the Season Celebration event?

After another interrupted year, we are ready

to let loose in 2022. A digital sneak peek of our 2022 program is now available on our website and we’ll also have a live, in person Season Celebration event on February 16 including a special performance by Stewart Reeve in his award-winning one-man show Chameleon.

Chameleon treats you to an evening that spans decades of hit songs and unique celebrity voices, ranging from Frank-N-Furter to Annie Lennox, Depeche Mode, Simply Red, Macy Gray, Tones and I and many more.

This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and celebrate the theatre year ahead.

Tell us about the concept of ‘Reimagine – a world of possibilities’ as your 2022 season theme?

This year is all about reimagining, to imagine anew, to restart, re-explore and rejoice in new thinking and new possibilities and to celebrate a brighter year ahead after yet another challenging year. We’re looking forward to the theatre coming alive again with vibrancy and enthusiasm.

What shows/events are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Tough question! There are just too many to name.

‘The Spooky Men’s Chorale’ are back by popular demand offering a delectable musical

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treat. If you want to joyously experience a wall dance and clowning. This production is theatre of mansound, laugh stupidly, and venture into unhooked, glow-bubbled and blasted back at areas of great tenderness then this show is for you by a leafblower. So much fun to be had! you (March 2022).

Film has always had a strong spot on Also on my ‘must see’ list would be the the theatre program hosting events wonderful and iconic Kate Ceberano coming such as SWIFF, Flickerfest and various to the theatre on July 10. With 28 albums, international adventuring film festivals.

3 Aria awards and a wealth of musical What can we expect on the big screen this experience under her belt, this show will be year? incredible.

2022 sees a brand new Oh and for something look for our fortnightly You’ll get to really spectacular… film program, taking ‘Rebel’ a live circus rock over our much loved stage dive into tribute to the original Cinematinee. Our new the mosh pit for a rebel, David Bowie. brand ‘Jetty Flicks’ night of live music, You’ll get to stage dive will bring world-class glittering glam rock, into the mosh pit for arthouse film to the JMT phenomenal a night of live music, at competitive prices acrobatics and glittering glam rock, and will continue to spectacular heart phenomenal acrobatics be curated by the film stopping sideshow. and spectacular heart masterminds behind the stopping sideshow.

Screenwave International The Jetty Theatre Film Festival (SWIFF). seems to have something for everyone, Films for February and March are already on will there be any kids’ shows in 2022? sale and up on the JMT website for purchase.

There certainly is! We have an abundance of We are also thrilled to see the return of kids’ shows this year which we’ll kick off with Flickerfest on February 18 & 19, SWIFF in April, an open day in March. This will enable families the much loved Ocean film fest in March and to come and check out the venue and what for the more adventurous, the Banff Mountain shows are planned. film fest in May. April sees ‘The Alphabet of Awesome Why should people experience the Jetty Science’ where great big chewy sesquipedalian Theatre in 2022? words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises.

Each year we are lucky enough to be able We also have the colourful whimsical world to host world-class events and experiences of ‘Carnival of the Animals’ a mash-up of right here in Coffs Harbour. As challenging as traditional and contemporary art forms; music, Covid has been (and still is) for the arts, now

more than ever people should experience the wonder, the excitement and connection that the world of theatre can bring. We make sure the JMT provides a range of entertainment to the Coffs Coast and surrounds so that it’s accessible and enticing to all. With over 50 shows, 100 films and much more planned for 2022, the JMT is ready to offer up the thrills, the giggles, the cheers and all the feels – in a jam-packed year of truly spectacular entertainment.

Do you offer gift certificates?

We certainly do. Skip the shipping delays, avoid the shops and give the gift of entertainment for your loved ones with a JMT gift certificate. Valid for 3 years which is super handy given the Covid climate. Purchase online at www.jettytheatre.com or drop into the box office to choose a denomination of your choice.

How can people book tickets and find out about what’s coming up at the Jetty Theatre?

Check out our website for all upcoming shows, further info and tickets: jettytheatre.com And don’t forget to sign up to our E-Newsletter which has all the latest and greatest advice on upcoming shows and events. Our subscribers are first to know about all the JMT happenings and it will provide you with the most up-to-date show info to make sure you don’t miss out on tickets.

You can also speak to our friendly box office staff Tue-Fri 12-4pm and follow us on FB @jettymemorialtheatre COFFS COAST

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$25 redeemable Monday to Sunday Terms and conditions apply

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The Munro group of McDonald's

Macca's

Junior

G rants

T M

THE MUNRO GROUP

G

Proudly supporting our Juniors

Each month a number of grant Nathan - Basketball recipients are chosen based on their commitment in the areas of sporting, academic or community service.

Apply Today

Now Open!

maccasjuniorgrant.com.au

Sara - Surf club/ Nippers

Coffs Harbour • Kempsey • Nambucca • Grafton COFFS COAST

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Read P L AY listen WAT C H WITH NICCI SECCOMBE

READ

Of Gold and Dust - Samantha Wills

Samantha Wills started her self-titled jewellery company on the kitchen table of her share house in the eastern suburbs of Sydney when she was just 21 years old. While her rise to the global stage looked meteoric to many, Samantha has said “It took me twelve years to become an overnight success.” Following Samantha’s journey, from being named a breakout star by The New York Times to barely being able to breathe on a hotel room floor, ‘Of Gold and Dust’ is so much more than a business memoir. In her unique, confessional tone, Samantha tells the intimate details of her life and business, sharing her truths with a rare rawness and vulnerability.

WATCH

1883 A prequel to ‘Yellowstone’, ‘1883’ follows the Dutton family as they flee poverty in Texas and embark on a journey through the Great Plains to seek a better future in Montana. Real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star as James and Margaret Dutton, while Sam Elliott portrays Shea Brennan, a tough cowboy who has sadness in his past.

Other cast members include Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett and Dawn Olivieri. Billy Bob Thornton will guest star and Tom Hanks makes a cameo in a Civil War flashback scene.

PLAY Let’s Get Deep Spice up your date nights and get to know your partner(s) even better by asking and answering questions across 3 levels of intimacy! Using Ice Breaker, Deep and Deeper cards, play until you know too much about each other or until it’s time to take it to the bedroom. BONUS: You can also play with friends!

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LISTEN Brightside The Lumineers Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites’ fourth studio album is an indie folk-rock treatise on striving for hope – released at a time when optimism may not be the prevailing mood. Comforts abound: love songs, a sing-along chorus, a tear-jerking piano ballad, a Springsteen-informed stomper, and this affirming chorus...

“Where we are / I don’t know where we are / But it will be okay.”

National CARTOON

P

GALLERY

RESENTATION EVENING 33rd ROTARY CARTOON AWARDS The wait is finally over! Winners of the 33rd Rotary Cartoon Awards will be announced at the presentation evening on Friday 25 February at 6pm. Join us for a night of fun and laughter as we celebrate another wonderful year of fantastic cartoons, caricatures and comics.

We will also be announcing the People’s Choice Award – a first for the RCA’s! Hundreds of entries have been counted so come and find out which cartoon is the audience favourite.

Enjoy a drink and finger food as you delight in the best cartoons by the greatest cartoonists and caricaturists in Australia. Have a laugh as you look back over the crazy events of the last year and appreciate the irreverent humour and wonderful wit of the artists.

Book your tickets by 21 February at https://www.trybooking.com/BWWWR GINGER MEGGS TURNS 100!

Last weeks of Ginger Meggs turns 100! So get in quick before the exhibition closes on 28 February. We have vintage Ginger cartoons, memorabilia, comic books, stamps, coins and fun activities for kids. Ginger and his gang will be on the big screen getting up to all sorts of antics. Come and learn about why Ginger Meggs has captured Australian audiences for 100 years.

USE YOUR DINE & DISCOVER VOUCHERS Use your Dine & Discover Voucher to pay for entry into the Gallery or join up as a Friend to receive a 24% discounted membership but with all the benefits. These include personal invitations to opening nights and special events, free entry to exhibitions when you bring a

paying guest, 10% discount to Special Events, 10% discount on purchases from the Shop, ‘The Underground’ newsletter, Friends Only events. USE THEM, DON’T LOSE THEM! www.nationalcartoongallery.com.au 02 6651 7343 office@nationalcartoongallery.com.au OPENING TIMES: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 10am to 3pm

national cartoon gallery invites you to the 33rd Rotary Cartoon Awards Night Friday 25 February at 6pm

Entry includes finger food and a complimentary drink Tickets: $35 Adult | $30 NCG Members Book your tickets by 21 Feb at https://www.trybooking.com/BWWWR

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Coffs Coast residents join the COMPOST REVOLUTION Residents of the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley Council areas are joining the Compost Revolution and turning food scraps into soil at home with discounted composting gear delivered to their door.

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s part of the Let’s Get Composting Coffs Coast campaign, local households can access affordable compost bins or worm farms and online training tutorials showing how to make the most of their compost system.

food waste and improve your garden.

MidWaste Coordinator Ali Bigg said residents can access the Compost Revolution offer as well as collect a free Kitchen Caddy to help ensure all food scraps are either composted at home or put in the green bin to be turned into compost at Council’s organics facility.

According to Compost Revolution, about half of what the average Australian household throws out is food scraps and organics.

“Each household can help avoid around 100kg of food waste from entering our waste stream every year, and instead it can be turned into valuable fertile soil or nutrient rich liquid fertiliser at home,” Ms Bigg said.

“Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting out, Compost Revolution gives you the skills and support you need to eliminate

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“This offer is ideal for residents who want to reap the rewards of home composting, keen gardeners, those who don’t have a kerbside green bin service, and families who want to teach their kids about compost.”

“If this food waste ends up in landfill, it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas 34 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Emissions from landfill make up about 5% of Australia’s total greenhouse gases. That’s as much as the entire country’s aviation industry,” Ms Bigg said.

Compost Revolution has diverted 21,474 Tonnes of waste from landfills across 71,623 households in 35 Council areas.

Healthy, compost-rich soils absorb more water

than typical soil, reducing water run off during heavy rains. It also sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, drawing down emissions in the process.

Sign up for Compost Revolution and find out where to get your free Kitchen Caddy at letsgetcomposting.org.au This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority initiative funded from the waste levy.

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Surf

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2022 WEDDING EXPO

WEDDINGS ARE EXCITING! IS THERE ANY OTHER EVENT QUITE LIKE THEM? THEY HAVE THE PULLING POWER TO BRING TOGETHER FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FROM ALL AROUND THE STATE, COUNTRY AND SOMETIMES THE WORLD, IN THE NAME OF LOVE AND CELEBRATION!

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e adore weddings at Surf Club Coffs Harbour and love hosting them!

As one of Coffs Harbour’s premier beachside venues, we’ve played host to heaps of weddings, and we still get excited for every single one. Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is very much a family-run business, with a team 42 COFFS COAST

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“You made our day so wonderful, and we can’t thank you enough.”

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING They said yes, and excitement is running high! The news is shared far and wide, and you decide you probably should start planning.

Now what?!

Booking a venue should be first on the list.

Our wedding reception packages include delicious food, service, Having been in event coordination the wedding and set up, and all the event space for decorating you need almost 14 years, we (by wedding specialists have built strong of staff that are just like Special Occasions). working relationships family, and we feel the You also want it to be with outstanding love in every wedding as smooth and stresslocal providers and event we help host and free as possible. Having create! vendors. been in the wedding Weddings are fun, event space for almost happy, and unique.

14 years, we have built Comments range from “the best day of our strong working relationships with outstanding lives” to “it was so beautiful to see all our local providers and vendors. We trust them, family and friends in one special place” to and they trust us, and together we ensure

2022 WEDDING EXPO

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Special Occasions are our exclusive venue stylers and stagers.

With over 30 years in all things wedding, they bring a level of unparalleled professionalism.

everything is perfectly professional.

Special Occasions are our exclusive venue stylers and stagers. With over 30 years in all things wedding, they bring a level of unparalleled professionalism. They tailor perfectly to suit your style, including all those unique and personal touches.

Of course, you’ll want memories to last a lifetime. Whether it’s photos, videos, or both, the team at Forever Ever Productions have a range of affordable packages to capture you and your guest’s special moments.

RSVP Bridal and Formal Wear have you covered when it comes to The Dress and fitting out the bridal party. Please make a booking with their Bridal Consultant who will provide you with an exclusive couture service. RSVP have bridesmaids, flower girl and mother-ofthe-bride attire too! Finish off the look with Freelance Flowers – they have all your floral needs covered, like posies, buttonholes and corsages, as well as flowers for the reception!

The right celebrant sets the tone for the

whole day. It’s essential to find someone who aligns with and understands your love story. Coffs Coast’s own Married

by Sam brings her bright, bubbly personality and inclusivity along to all her events. With over 390 weddings up her sleeve, she knows a thing or two about facilitating a fun yet intimate and heartfelt ceremony.

After finishing the ceremony, you’ll want to think about providing some great entertainment. The first thing that comes to mind is probably the dance floor! Oppy Entertainment has been serving the Coffs Coast and surrounds for over 15 years, and they especially love weddings! Whether it’s a themed photo booth, jukebox or speaker and light setup, they have your entertainment needs covered.

Surf Club Coffs Harbour, with its island and Pacific Ocean views, gourmet menus, professional service and unique location (destination wedding anyone?), makes it the

perfect choice for all weddings from casual and classy to intimate, formal and everything in between.

WHAT SETS THE SURF CLUB APART? We are SO much more than just a place to host your reception (and ceremony if you need it). We do almost everything for you! Our range of packages will suit the style and flow of your day, with grazing, mingling or sit-down menus.

Included is your staging by Special Occasions with loads of gorgeous styles to choose from after consultation with Margaret in her design studio.

The Surf Life Saving Club Bar has classy cocktails, craft beers, Australian wines, cold tap beers and table and tray service. Craig, who runs the bar, is a great bloke and will help you work out what you need.

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2022 WEDDING EXPO

Surf

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Our Wedding Coordinator and Owner, Nicole Donovan, is your wedding producer and local guide. After confirming your booking, she works with you to help create the day of your dreams, meeting with you, matching you with local vendors and suppliers and documenting all the big and small details.

The Surf Club venue hire (for your exclusive and private use for the entire night) is ONLY $400 for Friday and Saturday evenings or $250 midweek. Paid directly to the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club (after Nicole makes your tentative booking), this payment helps save lives on our beaches and is a direct (tax-deductible) donation.

As well as partnering with decor specialists, Special Occasions (included in your package price), we offer the option of a clear roofed and sided marquee placed on our Island View Deck, providing weather protection and extending your indoor space. It’s spectacular to have a wedding under the stars while taking in the breathtaking views of the Solitary Islands and rolling Pacific Ocean waves.

Our three styles of menus feature fresh, simple flavours crafted by Executive Chef Matthew Donovan and his team. They range from your favourite classics (think arancini, chicken skewers and bruschetta) to fine dining (crispy skin Atlantic salmon with lemon 44 COFFS COAST

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It’s spectacular to have a wedding under the stars while taking in the breathtaking views of the Solitary Islands and rolling Pacific Ocean waves.

decor set up, and taste our wedding menus.

We’re doing this expo differently, making it a wedding experience instead of separate

butter, crushed potatoes, and seasonal greens is a favourite). Every taste, palate and dietary need is taken care of for you and your guests.

When it comes to the day itself, Head Supervisor Avalon Donovan (eldest daughter of Matt and Nicole) works meticulously to keep everything running smoothly throughout your event so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the love and company of your guests.

Making memories is what your special day is all about, and feeling relaxed and looked after is paramount to enjoying your once in a lifetime experience.

2022 WEDDING EXPO Instead of just hearing about weddings at Surf Club Coffs Harbour, why not come and experience it for yourself? We’re hosting a wedding expo so you can get a touch, taste and feel for our weddings. Meet Coffs Coast’s top wedding vendors, view our wedding

stalls and displays. We have a limited number of tickets to ensure you have plenty of time to chat and mingle with our staff, suppliers and vendors.

When you arrive, welcomed with sparkling wine or beer, followed by canapes and degustation dinner, we hope to inspire you and help you think about the possibilities for your special wedding event!

Executive Chef and Owner Matt Donovan will introduce the wedding dishes on the taster menu. We will entertain you with cool tunes and lucky door prizes and look forward to hosting you at our debut Wedding Expo Experience!

WE LOVE WEDDINGS! Tickets are $87 and are available through Eventbrite. Book now. This event will sell out quickly!

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COFFS COAST WEDDING GUIDE - A SPECIAL focus FEATURE

STYLE EVENTS COFFS COAST

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orinne and Gavin are the owners and creative force behind Style Events Coffs Coast. They are passionate about creating visually beautiful celebrations and enjoy working with clients to achieve a look that matches their own personal style and vision.

Together they have worked on many events over the years ranging from creating a sacred proposal setting, the perfect hens day brunch, intimate personal gatherings, corporate functions and weddings. Whether they’re backyard, barnyard, beach front or chapel. Style Events Coffs Coast have the decor and expertise to transform any space into your desires.

Style Events was established in Coffs Harbour in 2012, with Corinne & Gavin jumping at the opportunity to nurture and grow the business when they bought it in 2017. Corinne grew up on the Coffs Coast and always had a passion for styling, design and attention to detail stemming from her first job in retail merchandising. Gavin is skilled in machinery and combines his love of rustic decor and craftsmanship to add the perfect personal touches to your special day.

Corinne is so passionate about helping you achieve exactly what you have dreamed of: “I seriously love and get excited about going to work each day, I love getting to know our clients - so much so that we build relationships that last long after their day is over.”

The Style Events team specialise in bringing your ultimate wedding or events to life, no event is too big or small - they love creating epic events and lasting memories working with the best of the best of our local vendors to bring your dreams to reality.

MAIN EVENT CARS Main Event Cars provides luxury cars for weddings, formals and special events, servicing the Mid North Coast from Port Macquarie to Ballina. Based in Coffs, we offer a variety of packages for Weddings, Formals and other Special Events as well as corporate travel. Main Event Cars is all about making the transport on your special day perfect. We can tailor a package to suit your needs

and even cater for your fur babies and little ones.

Our fleet consists of 3 black Mercedes one is a convertible.

If you have a special request, we will try to find your dream vehicle for you. You can contact the team on 02 8005 8692 or email info@maineventcars.com.au for a free quote. You can find our packages and more info on our website.

They offer an ever-expanding styling and hire collection includes tables, chairs, cocktail furniture, vintage lounges, extensive range of decor, boho props, lighting and accessories and much more as they are constantly adding to their range making sure each event is special and unique.

Perfect for DIY hire, or let them set-up and style everything down to the smallest detail.

They are based in Repton on the Mid North Coast and are available to travel if you require services outside of these areas.

Contact them today to book a consultation to make your dream day a reality.

Corinne Veitch - Director 0481 812 814 COFFS COAST

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BRAD & LEIGH Brad Green and Leigh Harrington had originally planned a large black tie wedding in Melbourne for May 2020, and like so many other couples trying to get hitched during this pandemic their plans had to change with each outbreak and lockdown.

After a number of cancellations they finally got their fairytale ending with a relaxed celebration in Coffs Harbour! Married on a catamaran, followed by food, drinks and lots of dancing by the water, it ended up being exactly what they needed.

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ey Brad and Leigh.

Congratulations on your recent wedding here on the Coffs Coast! Can you tell us about how you both met?

We met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Brisbane. Brad was in Brisbane and Leigh was living in Sydney so we met a lot in Coffs Harbour, and it has a special significance for us. After some longdistance trips and hundreds of thousands of Wow, it has been a rollercoaster. We were frequent flyer points redeemed, we settled originally meant to get married in a big overin together. the-top wedding in Melbourne in May 2020, What was the proposal like? but by mid-March it was clear that it just The proposal was a complete surprise to wasn’t going to happen. As we all were in Leigh who had no idea Brad had gone to March 2020, we were extraordinary lengths sure it was going to be to make this moment over in a few months special. We were It all came so we rebooked for residing in Melbourne together March 2021 – surely that at the time, it was perfectly with would be fine? When Valentine’s Day and we perfect weather, our that didn’t happen, had booked a horse and families and most of we floated the idea of carriage ride through the our friends able to be November 2021, again park to celebrate. This there and the we were in lockdown was all part of Brad’s amazing Coffs Coast and consequently no plan that culminated turning on some wedding! We were lucky with our arrival in a fully beautiful views and to get all our deposits decorated rotunda in even a pod of back and just put the the botanic gardens. idea on ice until we could dolphins!

This was completed with have our loved ones a large illuminated sign together and be able to asking “will you marry tear up a dance floor. me”, music, flowers and Describe how the day went for you both? champagne. It just happened to be outside the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on a concert night, so The day turned out amazing! We had been we had thousands of well-wishers congratulate initially concerned with the weather and with us! a last minute scare with the Surf Club and Like many couples, planning a wedding COVID-19. However, it all came together over the past few years has been quite perfectly with perfect weather, our families challenging to say the least. To get to this and most of our friends able to be there and point has been quite the rollercoaster the amazing Coffs Coast turning on some and the wedding you had was not the beautiful views and even a pod of dolphins! wedding that was originally planned.

We both agree that it is not the wedding we Where did it all begin and how did it thought we wanted, however it was exactly evolve? what we wanted. We just didn’t know it.

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Can you tell us about some of the local to work with in such a tight timeframe – it vendors you used? was so delicious I am still thinking about it.

We pulled everything together pretty last The Platter Effect put on an epic spread minute but the Coffs for the boat, a very Coast has the most luxe way to eat on a amazing small businesses catamaran!

The ceremony that really helped us We stayed at Opal on the Pacific make the day extra Cove on the wedding Explorer was so special. I think it was night and woke up to different to what the first wedding that the sun rising over the we had originally the Pacific Explorer had ocean. It’s a great hotel planned but we onboard but the Harbour in a beautiful location loved it. was the perfect spot to with brilliant staff, we get married. Nicole and really enjoy staying Craig at the Park Beach there.

Surf Club went above and beyond to make Red Carpet Limousine Service is a classy the reception happen during the COVID way to get around the Coffs Coast. We have outbreak at Christmas – we honestly don’t used Mike and his stretch limo a few times in think it would have happened if they hadn’t town and he always makes it feel like a special worked their magic. The out-of-town guests occasion. loved the location and the views from the The highlight had to be our celebrant, deck. The band, Who’s Charlie, arranged by Sam from Married by Sam, though. Sam is Offbeat Operations, were an absolute hit and the most beautiful human and we couldn’t had everyone on the dance floor shaking off think about anyone else marrying us. And talk two years of pent-up dance moves. The cake about some effort – she costumed up for the was a fantastic creation from Sugar Plum occasion as well!

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wedding that really stands out to you?

The ceremony on the Pacific Explorer was so different to what we had originally planned but we loved it. Being on nets over the water, rocking with the waves and trying to put rings on was both hilarious and nerve racking! We actually had dolphins swim next to the boat – where else would you get that?

Did you have a honeymoon? Where did you choose to go?

We actually didn’t have a honeymoon.

I think after everything we want to have a month or two off! We had flights booked in 2020 to go to the Italian Lakes district and relax on Lake Como, followed by a trip through the French countryside and into Paris.

Still a great idea but we have been spending more time holidaying in Australia since the pandemic so North Queensland might be on the cards. We are spoiled for choice with amazing places in our own backyard.

Now if you could do it all again would you do anything different?

We wouldn’t have worried about a black tie wedding in Melbourne in the first place and would have just come straight to Coffs Harbour!

The highlight had to be our celebrant, Sam from Married by Sam, though. Sam is the most beautiful human and we couldn’t think about anyone else marrying us. And talk about some effort – she costumed up for the occasion as well!

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COFFS COAST WEDDING GUIDE - A SPECIAL focus FEATURE

DOLPHIN

I

magine exchanging vows with the love of your life while friendly dolphins swim and play nearby.

Dolphin Lagoon at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is the perfect spot to create your magic moment and make unforgettable memories with your family and friends.

The park is ideal for an intimate wedding or commitment ceremony and a magical place to renew your vows. If you’re not quite there yet, it would be hard to find a more romantic place to pop the question! But if you’re waiting to be asked, you’ll want to bring this page to your partner’s attention!

covered areas as well for guests to relax and mingle. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

Whether it’s a private event for just the two of you or a small gathering of 50 guests, the team will tailor a personalised package to suit your wishes and your budget. And children are welcome!

Set in lush gardens beside the picturesque Coffs Creek, they’ll help you create the special occasion of your dreams. The outdoor locations within the park provide stunning backdrops for your photos. They offer

The functions and events team can help organise everything you need to enhance your special occasion. Or choose the marine park for a unique backdrop and ceremony venue that will delight you and your guests.

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You can even treat yourself and your guests to a special presentation with dolphins and sea lions. Or arrange a once-in-a-lifetime close encounter in or out of the water with a dolphin, sea lion or Little Blue Penguin.

And book a VIP behind the scenes tour with special access to the marine animals and expert marine team.

Host your intimate celebration at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and create an unforgettable, unique experience your guests will talk about for years!

S P A R E

CHEF C AT E R I N G

W

hen did you first become interested in catering as a career? I started in hospitality part-time when I was in high school and university in Canada, but it wasn’t until I travelled to Australia and married an Australian chef, that I became passionate about the industry and the opportunities it could provide.

Spare Chef Catering, I saw an opportunity to jump back in, and I absolutely love it.

More recently, I had taken on a more administrative role in conferences and event planning but missed the more hands-on aspect of actually being on site and executing an event – I love a great party!

When creating a seasonal menu what do you take into consideration? Spare Chef Catering is passionate about contemporary food and quality local ingredients. While we release new menus annually, we like to adopt seasonal changes along the way, and work closely with our incredible Coffs Coast suppliers to incorporate fresh items into our existing menus. We then collaborate with our clients to tailor their chosen menu closer to their wedding day to provide the best catering experience.

When I was approached in 2020 to manage

Where do you source new ideas from?

We use social media to keep an eye on what styles are trending. We love checking out all things wedding related. Items like our donut walls are inspired from Instagram and Pinterest. So many of the amazing and creative vendors that we work with locally spur us on to elevate our product as well.

What services and packages do you offer?

We offer everything from small elopement packages to fully staffed and serviced onsite mobile catering and bar packages.

Wedding menu packages range from casual cocktail style receptions to formal seated dinners and can be tailored to all styles and budgets.

Photo: Weddings by Pete

CELEBRATE

THE LOVE

B E S P O K E C AT E R I N G PA C K A G E S F O R Y O U R W E D D I N G D AY www.sparechef.com.au | info@sparechef.com.au | 0402 282 024 COFFS COAST

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Carmel Logue, of Carmel Kestles Makeup Artist and now Harlow & Co, is one talented lady on the makeup brushes! She is someone who believes the beauty industry should be about building each other up, creating a community and letting our creativity shine, and that is evident in the way she has grown her business from being a single freelance artist to now having a large salon with a team of staff.

Carmel L O G U E

H A R L O W

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i Carmel. When did you first become a makeup artist and was it something you always wanted to do?

Hi, thanks for having

me.

I’ve always been interested in makeup and beauty from a young age. I was always very experimental with my hair and makeup in my teens, although nothing like makeup is today, my teenage look was blue or white eye shadow, lots of glitter and bronzer with neglected eyebrows. I honestly never saw myself doing it as a career either. It wasn’t until around 2012 where I considered doing makeup as a side hustle.

I would do it from my kitchen table for friends. It was around then that I completed the NEIS program with the dream of having my own swimwear label, then the opportunities of doing makeup kept presenting themselves. I was getting asked to do people’s makeup and I made a Facebook page and started sharing my work. I then started getting enquiries.

I started saving my money and booking into my favourite makeup artists’ masterclasses and trying to improve. The swimwear label took a back seat and I kept taking bookings and collaborating with local businesses within our area.

Next minute I was taking bookings regularly and one day a salon owner recommended me for a wedding…

And I’ve never stopped.

You don’t just work as a mobile artist anymore, you’re a salon owner as well. When did your idea for Harlow & Co first come to mind?

Harlow & Co didn’t evolve until one of the hairdressers I was working with and doing packages I started with took a step back saving my and decided to sell her money and booking salon. into my favourite At that time I was makeup artists’ doing spray tans in the people feel amazing and masterclasses and shed of my house. create community – I’m Another girl wasn’t not sure I ever wanted trying to improve. happy hairdressing and to be a business owner. wanted to go out on It’s strange to say that her own and all we because I have found had was a tarp, a mirror and a spray tan tent! that I love business, looking at ways to make I then collaborated with Leah, who is still a things better, watching my staff grow and part of the Harlow team today. encourage and support each other. I love The shed eventually transformed into working with other like-minded people, a salon, home salon to small shop, I then making people feel good. employed one staff, then the next, then to It’s been amazing to work with so many the space I’m in now and we continued to talented people in our community, not just grow. within my own business.

My goal was simple – I just wanted to make Continued over...

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What was the process of getting the salon up and running like for you?

Honestly it just evolved, I never had this grand plan. I started off small, took on a little too much at times, but just did what I thought was right at the time. I took opportunities as they came, and as with all business the hurdles came along with that.

Over time, I have learnt just to do what feels right. If I have to force it 9/10 times it’s not going to work.

There is no competition and no race. I stay in my own lane and do things when I am ready.

I’ve been so fortunate to be supported throughout the process, I’ve learnt a lot about business from my mother and father in law, they’ve set a very high example, they encourage me to be the best version of myself and to keep my feet planted on the ground.

I’d have to say meeting my accountant over the last 2 years also was one of the best things, not just from a business perspective but she inspires and has helped me step up. *Hot tip – have a good accountant!!

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always opportunities to be better.

Can you tell us about how Harlow & Co has grown and what your roles are at the salon?

We have a team of in-house staff, hairdressers and estheticians. Our bridal teams are a collaboration of Harlow & Co staff and other local artists and stylists. Which is amazing because a big part of us at Harlow & Co is supporting our local industry.

You’ve brought My goal was together quite an simple - I just week for one of the amazing team, how has wanted to make services available at it been working with a people feel Harlow & Co, what group again? amazing and create would you choose?

Yes! We do have an community.

Umm... everything. amazing team. What I My staff know I love about ours is we enjoy a weekly blow are always striving to dry without fail. do better. We all have I’m currently enjoying the satisfaction and different strengths, even though we have results from our laser and hydrodermabrasion similar skill sets. Some of us are more strategic treatments too. than others, others more technical. I feel as How have the last couple of years been though we have the right mix of people and for you as a business owner and also skills and brought together, we bring the best as someone who works in the wedding out in each other. industry, which has been so disrupted If you were going to book yourself in this

The beauty community will bring new and wonderful ideas, beliefs, and people into your world. It’s flamboyant, inclusive, and creative.

during the pandemic?

What a roller coaster! Like many other industries the wedding industry has been affected in a massive way.

The restrictions have been devastating for our newlyweds, with some saying they have had to postpone their special day multiple times.The uncertainty has been crippling for the venues, celebrants, entertainers, caterers, florists and anyone involved in the many moving parts of a wedding. From a business perspective a massive loss of income that won’t be made up either… then coming into the new year the postponement, new brides trying to book. Like many wedding vendors

we’ve all just tried to do our best and what we can. All of us, especially in our own community are sole traders and it’s our primary income. It has been hard.

As for being a business owner and having staff, navigating through the chaos was crazy.

I think I felt every emotion. The lockdowns in rural communities when Covid wasn’t present in our areas were frustrating and then when Covid became present and trying to operate while being short staffed due to isolation or clients cancelling due to isolation has been a whole new wave of feels. Again, it was just something to soldier through.

I’m just grateful for my amazing supportive staff and our clients that found a way to support us at that time.

What do you enjoy most about the beauty industry?

I love making people feel good.

Beauty is people-led. So it follows that in your journey, you come across many other passionate beauty therapists/MUA/ hair stylist and enthusiasts, who will inspire and challenge you on your way. The beauty community can be enormously helpful in achieving your goals and expanding your knowledge. The beauty community will bring new and wonderful ideas, beliefs, and people into your world. It’s flamboyant, inclusive, and

creative.

What changes have you seen in the industry over the years?

Our industry is

forever changing and evolving. There is always something new to learn. I sometimes spend my free time googling the history of makeup. It’s fascinating, to me anyway! I think consumers are getting more savvy, we are focusing more on the health of our skin, face, body. No longer buying from big brands with big campaigns. We are influenced by social media. Small, independent brands are popping up. Which means we are most likely supporting small businesses. Instagram has introduced us to international brands which are now more accessible. We are also more conscious of ingredients, moving towards a more holistic approach.

What are some of your dreams for yourself and for your business moving forward into 2022 and beyond?

Right now, my focus is to keep working on myself as a leader, manager and owner. Just to keep striving to be the best version of myself.

Be a great example to my children and to leave each person/client who sits in my chair or who walks through my doors feeling happy and amazing…

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B R I DA L & FO R M A L NIKKI SMITH

Nikki Smith is the new proud owner of RSVP Bridal and Formal in Vernon Street in the heart of Coffs Harbour. We wanted to chat to her about 2022 and the buzz around weddings this year!

N

ikki, congratulations on being a new business owner – tell us about your experience in the bridal gown industry?

Thank you so much. I started working for RSVP Bridal around 9 years ago when my youngest daughter started primary school. I gained some invaluable experience whilst working with a great team, and when the previous owner decided she was ready to sell RSVP, I saw it as the perfect time to take on the business of my dreams – I’m a lover of all things sparkly and beautiful. I wake up every morning and can’t wait to get in there! Every day is a different day and a bit of a dream come true really.

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What do you love about your role in helping brides choose their dream gown?

I’m here for the bride! The day they walk into the store with their ‘entourage’ is a very big day for them.

Each bride is unique and some have an idea of what suits them, and some have no idea. I find it quite fascinating working it all out, that’s the fun part.

We try different gowns of all shapes and styles, we accessorise with veils and headpieces, the bride’s family and friends get involved and have a bit of a fun, and we generally end up where we need to be – with a beautiful gown for a beautiful bride.

It’s so special being part of someone’s big day, it’s very fulfilling and satisfying, and for me it’s all about the experience.

COFFS COAST WEDDING GUIDE - A SPECIAL focus FEATURE

Can you take us through the steps of choosing the right outfits from colour schemes to trends to body types?

From what I’ve experienced, a bride generally comes in with and idea of the colour schemes for her Satin has been a wedding. That may trend more be because she has charmeuse and velvet recently, with gone with her favourite making an appearance charmeuse and velvet colour, or with a colour as well, although the making an appearance that suits her venue. ever popular chiffon is as well, although the Although, some brides soft and pretty and is ever popular chiffon is wait until they find their available in a rainbow wedding gown before soft and pretty and is of colours. they make their final available in a rainbow We also have decision. mother of the bride/ of colours.

I’ve found to ‘mixgroom dresses not match’ has been available in a wide a trend over the past few years, meaning range of sizes. As well as party dresses for bridesmaids have a mix of different styles, guests. but in the same colour. This has been How important is it to prepare your popular, particularly where there are a few wedding outfits in advance? What bridesmaids of different sizes and body timeline would you suggest? shapes.

For a bride seeking a stress-free approach Satin has been a trend more recently, with to their wedding, I would recommend

ordering 6-9 months before the big day.

That way the dress of your dreams will arrive in plenty of time for any alterations that may be required. As discussed when ordering, most brides will generally need a hem, and any tweaking to ensure the dress looks like it was made for her – maybe in the bust, or the waist, or adding straps etc. We have a fabulous ‘gown mechanic’, Donna from ABC Stitches, who we have always recommended for alterations.

What’s the best way to find you?

RSVP Bridal & Formal is located at 9 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour.

Our contact number is 6652 7000.

To avoid any disappointment, please be sure to give me a call to book an appointment.

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Jade Allen L AT I S S E C O S M E T I C I N J E C TA B L E S

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COFFS COAST WEDDING GUIDE - A SPECIAL focus FEATURE

Jade Allen RN is the owner of Latisse Cosmetic Injectables.

They specialise in antiwrinkle injections, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and lip and dermal fillers amongst other beauty treatments, operating from Harlow & Co right here in Coffs Harbour.

We wanted to find out more…

J

ade, what is Latisse Cosmetic Injectables all about?

It’s about my passion for having my own business where I can help others to look and feel their best.

My philosophy is to create a natural look, restoring youthful features to promote inner confidence and wellbeing.

Tell us about your background and experience?

I have 8 years’ experience in nursing and health, specialising in accident and emergency, surgical and dermatology. I’m aware of the need to support people through their personal journey to achieve the result they desire.

What are the services you offer?

My services include anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers as well as lip filler. I also offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) which is a form of cosmetic injectable treatment that uses the client’s own platelet-rich plasma. The plasma component contains stem cells and growth rich platelets. When injected back into the skin, it accelerates the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin to provide overall skin rejuvenation.

I also do Microneedling which is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin.

Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles and large

pores.

My years of training as a nurse make me Another service is PDO threads. empathetic to my clients’ needs.

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are a special I consult with each client to ensure that medical grade thread that is thinner than hair, they understand the whole treatment process made of protein. Research has confirmed that and what results to expect. Some people PDO relaxes tendons and muscles, whilst a like very minimal enhancements, so we foreign body reaction improves the blood flow begin where the client to the area stimulating is comfortable and neocollagenesis (the can progress to more production of new intensive treatments if collagen in the skin).

When injected required.

Juvaslim (fat dissolving back into the Most popular injections) is a safe, skin, it accelerates treatment? effective treatment that the body’s natural I would say lip reduces fat cells in the

production of

enhancement and treated area. It produces collagen and elastin fillers, as those are quick long lasting results, to provide overall which means you can procedures for dramatic skin rejuvenation. banish those annoyingly results. But there are so wobbly bits. many advancements in Ultrasound fat the industry right now cavitation provides real, measurable results. that there is a lot of excitement around new You’ll be able to see how much circumference treatments and what’s possible. you’ve lost using a tape measure – or by The cosmetic industry has really taken simply looking in the mirror. off. Why do you think that is?

Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, also called People can now see that they can avoid radiofrequency skin tightening, is a nonpainful, expensive surgeries from treatments surgical method of tightening your skin. that are less expensive, have minimal down The procedure involves using energy waves time and give amazing natural results. to heat the deep layer of your skin known How can people find you? as your dermis. This heat stimulates the production of collagen.

If people are unsure can they discuss their needs with you?

I’m on Facebook and Instagram and my phone number is 0431 059 674 or email me on Latisse.Injectables@gmail.com COFFS COAST

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COFFS COAST WEDDING GUIDE - A SPECIAL focus FEATURE

focus_interview

Grace S A A D

PHOTOGRAPHER

Grace Saad was a hobby photographer for many years, and in 2020 she decided that it was time to turn her passion into a career. She injects joy and creativity into every shoot and is also a lovely person to have around on your wedding day or to capture special family moments.

Her photos are beautiful and timeless, and she has a talent for capturing those candid moments perfectly.

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Grace

PHOTOGRAPHER

S A A D

H

i Grace, when did you first pick up a camera?

Hey! The first time I picked up a camera I was about 15 years old and I was doing photography as a course in school. I quickly became addicted to photography and started having mini photo shoots with friends whenever I could! I still treasure those photos and memories.

After that course, I learnt as much as I could get my hands on through personal research and lots and lots of practice!

When did you first realise it was something you’d like to pursue as a career?

I never considered that I could make a career out of something I loved until the thought came to me in 2020 that “hey, I could actually do this for work.” So in the middle of a pandemic I decided to set out and make this my career... good timing right?!

I started out with doing photo shoots for families in Italy where I had been living for about 6 years. After living through 6 months of the pandemic there, we decided to come home to Australia, so I continued to build up 68 COFFS COAST

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It’s such a special privilege to be accepted into someone’s inner circle of their family and friends and be allowed to capture their love and be with them while they make memories they will treasure and remember every time they look back over the photos!

my business here with more family photo shoots and quickly moved more into weddings.

Originally I was shooting to build up a portfolio to work for a photography company, but I started enjoying working for myself and the relationships I was able to build with clients and vendors so much that it became clear working for myself was going to be the direction I’d head in. That also allowed me to find my personal style for my photo shoots rather than using someone else’s style in my work.

You photograph a lot of weddings and families, what do you enjoy most about that area of photography?

I love the joy of my clients and telling their story! It’s such a special privilege to be accepted into someone’s inner circle of their

family and friends and be allowed to capture their love and be with them while they make memories they will treasure and remember every time they look back over the photos!

How would you describe your style of photography?

Natural, candid and fun! I love to give simple prompts to get natural reactions and laughter!

I’m very hands-on in preparing for a shoot – I like to try get to know my clients as friends.

For instance, ahead of a wedding, I aim to get to know my couple and their personal story... I love to meet up for a coffee and chat with them about their story and their vision for their day... I send out a questionnaire so I can try and incorporate what I can from their answers into the shoot – for example one couple, the groom-to-be proposed in a park as the sun was setting with fairy lights

I love natural

(YOUR photos) to be through the trees… yet slightly timeless! for their engagement muted, soft colouring Do you have an allphotos we set out to in photos, my editing time fave piece of take some sunset pics style is very soft and equipment that you and I surprised them a bit vintage. I want love to use? with fairy lights that my photos (YOUR Ooh that’s a hard we incorporated into photos) to be one… My Canon 70their photos as a little timeless!

200mm lens is one of throwback to their my favourites! Especially proposal story. They for weddings, it allows loved it!! Their wedding me to get really great candid photos without is coming up next month and I’m so excited!

A lot of research also goes into the locations being intrusive – for the most part people don’t even realise I’m taking their photo which I shoot in. I always check out the area before is perfect! a shoot to look for unique things that I can Do you ever do studio work or do you incorporate into the photos. prefer to work in natural light?

I love natural yet slightly muted, soft I haven’t done studio work, I am definitely a colouring in photos, my editing style is very more natural light photographer. soft and a bit vintage. I want my photos

What do you consider the most challenging aspects of your work?

Phone calls. Haha! I much prefer face to face conversation!

Can you tell us about some personal highlights in your photography career?

Well, this is definitely a highlight! Other than this, some highlights have been the little things – travelling for weddings over the state – I just did two weddings in Sydney!

Booking my largest wedding package in just over one year of business. Also getting a phone call from the Sydney Morning Herald to do a shoot for them was a highlight – it was a nice feeling to know I’m getting noticed, even though I was travelling at the time and couldn’t do the job for them (that was a bummer). Also being published in Tenants Union NSW magazine was very exciting!

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

I’m really looking forward to all the weddings I have booked in so far! It’s such a special day to be a part of so it’s always a highlight for me!

I love to travel so one of my business goals is to get more into destination/ interstate weddings so I’m looking forward to seeing what this year brings!!

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L W O M E N ' S D AY

COFFS COAST

OF THE YEAR The International Women’s Day (IWD) Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award acknowledges and promotes the positive contribution of women to the community in the region of the Coffs Coast.

T

he award aims to recognise outstanding women who demonstrate a significant contribution to empowering members of the community.

Four inspiring finalists have been selected for the 2022 Woman of the Year Award. The winner of the Award will receive a monetary award of $1,000 for her project, sponsored by Coffs Harbour City Council and The Physio Movement. A runner up prize of $500, sponsored by OneAgency Coffs Harbour, will also be awarded.

The three major women’s groups in Coffs Harbour; the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc., BPW Coffs Harbour (Business and Professional Women) and the Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network (BWN) will be holding their very special breakfast on the morning of 8th March 2022.

JADE NAIDU Jade Naidu, the owner of Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio since 2020, is an experienced artistic director/ performer, and brings awareness to anti-bias principles through the arts. Over the last 12 months NAIDU Theatre Co has offered three $500 scholarships to young performers from culturally diverse backgrounds who have stood out as incredibly talented and gifted performers in the arts.

After purchasing the business which included the studio in 2020, the business suffered the threat of having the building sold to a property developer, with a possibility of having the building demolished. Jade and her husband sold their home in order to purchase the property as a trust for the community to secure the business.

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JODI WOOD Jodi is the CEO of KEY Employment where her work life is devoted to changing the lives of youth and people with disability in the community. Examples include a youth hub space, a community garden, free food supplies for clients in need and numerous community events.

Jodi has also held the position of President of the local football club for the past three years and a coach for the past two decades.

She has helped disadvantaged groups including refugees to obtain funding to register for soccer and helped to increase the number of female registrations by 200% in the last three years.

LORRAINE PENN Lorraine launched the Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network in November 2020, an affiliate of NSW Older Women’s Network.

With a strong social media following, the organisation celebrated their first year with 42 active members.

Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of older women, including the importance of social networks, and advocating on important issues as older women’s homelessness, elder abuse

and the effects of domestic and family violence on women and girls.

SARAH POOLE Sarah commenced a successful marketing and consulting business ‘One Fine Day’ some three years ago on the Coffs Coast, originally working out of Melbourne, Victoria.

The business supports startups and microbusinesses as a facilitator for the Federal Government Entrepreneurship Services. Since arriving on the Coffs Coast she has helped to coordinate and host a major event in Coffs Harbour – Botanica, including opening a new brewery in Woolgoolga, volunteered as board member for CHYFM and participated in numerous community events.

Our 2022 guest speaker will be Lorraine Gordon.

The MC will be Lily Isobella. You will also be inspired by the scholarship winners for Performing Arts and the SCU female students.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/27yw9 The 2022 International Women’s Day will focus on the theme #BreakTheBias.

We honour our 2022 IWD breakfast sponsors ANZ, Smart Choice Law, Pacific Bay, Focus Magazine, and Sticky Tickets.

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focus_contributor.

FITNESS

UPDATE with COURT WATERS

F

FROM CLUB LIME

orget about setting grand goals for 2022 and focus on this instead!

Prevailing wisdom suggests that to achieve great things in life – be that health and fitness related, business-related or personal – is to set specific, measurable goals. This is flawed.

While goals are crucial to provide direction, the systems followed to achieve said goals are more important!

If you want to lose weight – your goal might be to reduce your clothes a size or two. Your system is how you plan your meals, overcome cravings and manage your time to exercise.

If you want to get stronger – your goal might be to deadlift 100kg. Your system is how you plan your workout sessions, manage your recovery and nutrition.

If you want to get fitter – your goal might be to complete a 10km trail run. Your system is how often you train, which surfaces you run on and how often, and how you choose strength exercises that will be most beneficial to your running.

Here’s a question to ponder: if you ignored your goals and focused entirely on your systems would you still succeed? If you wanted to lose weight and you ignored your goal to lose 10kg and focused only on your food choices, and managing your time to exercise, would you still get results? We think you would!

The goal is to lose weight, but it would be ridiculous to stand on the scales and wish the number lower. The only way is to do a little bit each day and stick to the systems. Some

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The goal is to lose weight, but it would be ridiculous to stand on the scales and wish the number lower. The only way is to do a little bit each day and stick to the systems.

problems arise when you spend too much time focusing on your goals and not enough time planning your systems.

1 – Those who succeed and those who fail often have the same goal.

Often, we hear stories of people succeeding in their weight loss goals of dropping 10kg, and we mistakenly assume that their ambitious goals lead to their success when really many others had the same goal and didn’t succeed. The difference was the systems they followed to achieve one outcome or the other.

2 – Achieving a goal lasts only a short time.

Imagine you want to exercise more often, and you set a goal to get stronger. You muster the energy to go and workout. But if you maintain the same lack of planning that got you to needing to exercise more, you will be back on the couch days later thinking again that you need to exercise more often. You are left chasing the same burst of energy that got you there before. It’s inconsistent because you never changed the system behind your goal.

3 – Goals can create a yo-yo effect.

People may work super hard in an 8-week challenge following a meal plan to the letter, achieving their goal of dropping two dress sizes only to stop training after they have succeeded.

The 8-week challenge is no longer there to motivate them. When your focus is centred on one thing, what is there to motivate you after

you have achieved it? Many people find themselves reverting to past habits once a goal is achieved.

4 – Goals put restrictions on your ability to be happy.

A common statement is ‘once I reach my goal, I will be happy’. The problem with this mentality is that you can never be happy because there will always be another goal to achieve after the one you are currently striving for. You are continuously putting off happiness until the next milestone is met.

Likewise, goals create conflict as you are either successful or you are disappointed. This narrow field of happiness boxes you in mentally. It is unlikely that your path will follow directly what you had in mind when you set out to achieve. It makes no sense to limit your happiness to one path when many paths can lead you to success.

Instead, fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait until the end to give yourself permission to be happy!

If you want the results, rewrite your goals, then push them to the side and focus on having great systems instead. I’m not saying not to set goals; just that goals are better to set your direction and systems are better for making progress.

If you need help setting up your systems to achieve your 2022 Health and Fitness Goals, come and see our crew of Personal Trainers Court, Jen & Leanne at Club Lime Moonee and let us help get you in for the long game.

focus_contributor.

Physio To You Mobile Healthcare is Here! with AARON HARDAKER

I

n a world where Uber Eats brings the restaurant to you, Netflix provides the convenience of the cinema at home, and online shopping means your retail therapy arrives on your doorstep, why isn’t healthcare more available at home for those that need it? The good news is… it is! Mid North Coast Physio is pleased to be launching its Community Care program, which will deliver a physio directly to your home, office, workplace or school to provide the care you need. We caught up with Aaron Hardaker, director of Mid North Coast Physio, to find out more.

What is Community Care?

The MNC Community Care program is our way of taking the caring, friendly, and highquality healthcare the Coffs Coast community knows and loves from our 4 clinic locations and making it more easily available to those who need it. We’ve recently had Ray Chen, an experienced and multi-talented physio, join our team to head up the Community Care program and ensure we have a dedicated therapist on the road to reach clients across the Coffs Coast.

Who will benefit from the Community Care program?

We understand some of the most vulnerable in our community are the ones who have the least access to the services they need. Our aim is to provide targeted care and support to clients at home including individuals and families suffering with pain, older adults including those with Home Care Packages, people living with a disability including those funded under NDIS, and those in our community living with chronic disease who can’t access our clinics. We can also provide services for post-operative rehab after hospital discharge along with workplace visits for injury prevention and injury management services as well as schools.

Who will be providing the Community Care services in homes and workplaces?

As mentioned, we’ve recently had Ray Chen join our team to head up the Community Care program. Before recently moving to Coffs Harbour, Ray worked primarily as a musculoskeletal/sports physiotherapist and clinical Pilates instructor.

He was the Head Physiotherapist at North Shore Mariners, also working at Central Coast Mariners and Manly United Football Club where he gained plenty of experience in the treatment and prevention of sporting injuries. Ray had a serious accident a few years ago that prevented him from working as a private clinician, but in his recovery found a passion for mental health and mindfulness. This led him to complete his Psychology degree and start his PhD in Mindfulness and Pain. He is so grateful for this life-changing experience as it allows him to now support his clients in both the mental and physical aspects of pain/ rehab management in his Physiotherapy work. Along with being a physio, Ray is also a Mindfulness Teacher and Researcher.

He is dedicated to helping people in the community free themselves of pain and suffering.

To find out more about the Community Care service or to book a home visit, call the friendly team at MNC Physio on 1300 273747.

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R E T U R N I N G TO

focus_contributor.

COUNSELLING

SCHOOL IN 2022

C O N V E R S AT I O N S

with JULIE THOMAS

F R O M BE YO N D T H E S U R FAC E COUNSELLING

A

s the school year starts parents and children may be feeling apprehensive, worried and confused as to what is around the corner. COVID-19 has certainly placed our minds and bodies into highly aroused states of anxiety.

Tuning into our thoughts, feelings and bodies helps establish our ability to feel safe in our autonomic states, be able to identify individual aspects of each state, and activate and maintain curiosity and compassion during the process (Dana, 2020). Noticing, acknowledging and being gentle with ourselves, thoughts and feelings is paramount when we are feeling overwhelmed.

I acknowledge finding our calm in a turbulent environment is difficult. We all have experienced many emotional aspects over the last two years, from anger, loss, hopelessness, stress, fear and uncertainty, however we have also shown great grit and resilience.

You have faced personal challenges, and as parents have shown resilience and hopefulness every day through your love of your child.

Through love we demonstrate to our children kindness for others (even when some days we really do not ‘feel it’), patience, acceptance of diversity, humour (some days this is very important), and to celebrate the things in our life we are grateful for. Hopefulness is seen in your child’s eyes when they look at you for reassurance, guidance and with love. Be compassionate to yourself, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings; by using this practice, negative thoughts can be restructured.

Our thoughts are on to returning to school,

it may be your child’s first year at Preschool, Kindergarten or High School or going into the next year level. Establishing good routines from the beginning benefits all the family.

Sleep Healthy sleep habits are vital for your child’s (and your own) physical health, mental and emotional health, and the ability to function each day. For further information on recommended sleep for children have a look at the Raising Children website, an excellent resource.

Being organised When purchasing all the school supplies allow our child choices in what they would like to take to school such as backpack, stationery etc. Yes, it may not be what you would choose however if the child has chosen it, they are more likely to look after and take care of their things.

Get children to pack their own bags the night before, lay out their own clothes and pack their lunch boxes (these can be stored in the fridge).

Foster independence, the more the child does for themselves the more autonomous they will feel.

Prepare meals together that your child can assist with, keep them simple, nutritious and healthy. There is also the added bonus of dinner left-overs making great lunches the next day.

Decide together what the child will have for breakfast, this does save time in the morning and takes one thing away that you will not have to think about during the busy morning routine.

Getting excited Managing your child’s expectations is something to prepare for. It may not be as the child expects, so be prepared to explain to your child what the first few days may ‘look like’

and all the different routines of a school day.

This conversation also helps to build resilience and growth mindset. Talk through how the day will be divided up and listen to your child’s expectations and thoughts of what they expect.

Talk about their day when they return home, ask them about three great things that happened during the day. This approach focuses on being positive and grateful for the good things that have happened in the day. It also provides a great starting point in the conversation rather than ‘what did you do today?’ It makes me think of all the times I have heard a child say ‘nothing!’ after being asked that question.

Being safe at school Speak positively about school and have clear routines so each day is consistent. Reassure your child about pick-up or bus arrangements. Provide developmentally appropriate explanations about safety protocols being taken at home and at school – hand washing, mask wearing etc.

Let your child’s teacher know how your child is feeling. Teachers want positive wellbeing outcomes for all students and are very understanding to each child’s needs. Teachers are aware of the importance and interconnected relationship between wellbeing and learning.

May your child’s school journey be full of excitement, with many opportunities to develop and grow.

Julie Thomas MCouns, BPsychSC, BEd(ECTeach) Member of Australian Counselling Association Member of WPATH Deb Dana (2020) Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection https://raisingchildren.net.au COFFS COAST

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COVID-19 SELF-CARE

AFTER EXPOSURE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS COVID-19, DO THE FOLLOWING: • Call your healthcare provider or

• Clean your hands frequently.

COVID-19 hotline to find out where

• Stay in a separate room from other

and when to get a test.

family members, and if not possible,

• Cooperate with contact-tracing

wear a medical mask.

procedures to stop the spread of the virus.

• If testing is not available, stay home and away from others for 14 days.

• While you are in quarantine, do not go to work, to school or to public

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• Keep the room well-ventilated.

• If you share a room, place beds at least 1 metre apart.

• Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 14 days.

places. Ask someone to bring you

• Call your health care provider

supplies.

immediately if you have any of these

• Keep at least a 1 metre distance

danger signs: difficulty breathing, loss

from others, even from your family

of speech or mobility, confusion or

members.

chest pain.

• Wear a medical mask to protect

• Stay positive by keeping in touch

others, including if/when you need to

with loved ones by phone or online,

seek medical care.

and by exercising at home.

NAUTILUS ANTI AGEING - C L I N I C -

We are excited to introduce the new CMSlim contouring master.

LASER CLINIC COFFS HARBOUR

T

he team at Laser Clinic Coffs Harbour are all about making sure you look your best on your

It is a professional noninvasive device, a deep tissue electromagnetic stimulation system. It is designed for the relief of muscular pain, building more muscle and burning fat.

An electromagnetic field produced by applicators interacts with motoric nerves and excites them to initiate muscle contractions. Treatment with CMSlim gives a feeling of a high intensity physical workout.

wedding? Ideally 2-3 months before for optimum results.

However, any skin treatment before will be beneficial.

Ideal for those pre and post surgery who are unable to go to a gym. CMSlim is indicated

for muscle strengthening, body contouring, buttock lifting and fat reduction.

For best results, 4-6 treatments in a period of 2 weeks.

For more information on the CMSlim, Swiss DermaPrime products and other services offered at the clinic please contact the manager Kylie at Nautilus Anti Ageing Clinic.

big day.

If you’re pressed for time an Sara, what beauty services AHA peel or Microdermabrasion do you offer brides to look teamed with an LED rejuvenation radiant and feel great on their light therapy treatment will day? One of give you a our tailored beautiful The beauty of a skin packages glow. skin package is would be If you want that it combines the ultimate anti-wrinkle preparation chemical peels, skin or filler for your laser and skin treatments, wedding day. needling to target all or a new set The beauty layers of the skin. of juicy lips, of a skin you should package is that plan ahead it combines and aim for 6 weeks before your chemical peels, skin laser and skin big day. needling to target all layers of the How can they get in touch? skin. Finishing off the package Come down and visit us 7 days a with a course of LED therapy week at Coffs Central. will give you that plump vibrant collagen boost, making you look flawless for your special day.

How early should they plan treatments leading up to their

Call us: 6516 2044 Follow and message us on Instagram: LaserClinicsAUS_ CoffsHarbour COFFS COAST

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Jessica

I love the relationships I build with my patients over the course of their treatment and preventive care over the years.

Cantri

W E L C O M E D E N TA L

W

hat does a Dental Hygienist do?

Dental Hygienists work with dentists to establish and maintain the best possible oral health of their patient. They focus on preventive care and oral health education.

They are instrumental in the treatment of gum disease by cleaning the teeth in areas that are often impossible for the people to reach on their own, and removing the hard calculus that grows on the teeth. Dental Hygienists help people achieve the best cleaning and remineralising they can at home.

What do you love the most about your job?

I love the relationships I build with my patients over the course of their treatment

We’ll turn that frown upside down.

Phone: (02) 6655 5800 Email: info@welcomedental.com.au Website: www.welcomedental.com.au

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and preventive care over the years. I love successfully treating and maintaining my patients’ oral health. It is very rewarding having so many thankful and happy patients.

I really love the job itself. Every day I go in and I enjoy what I do with and for my patients all day and every day, although it’s difficult at times. Many people are naturally a little nervous the first time they come, before long most of them start to look forward to coming back. I always do the very best I can to improve their oral health What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have 3 kids who keep me well entertained most days, but I do enjoy going for bike rides with my friends around Yellow Rock and Group Fitness with Jess Webb at Valla (Align Fitness).

Luckily we live in such a beautiful area there are so many activities to choose from to keep my whole family entertained, whether it’s at

Services.

Late nights Open Saturdays Online bookings Orthodontic treatments Childrens therapist Bulk billing CDBS AirFlow

the rivers, beaches, or rainforests – we truly are spoiled for choice.

Why did you want to be a Hygienist?

When I left school in Macksville I was intrigued to work in a dental surgery. I started out at a practice in Nambucca Heads and soon after joined Sharon Marinucci’s first practice in Urunga in 2004. I was enthralled by the dental industry and what we can do to help people, so decided go to university to study Dental Hygiene with my now husband. We left to the Central Coast to study for 3 years but I graduated and worked there for 7 more years, gaining experience. We decided to return home to the Coffs Coast together with our kids to enjoy more time with the rest of our family. Here I rejoined Sharon’s team and am now working with her new practice, Welcome Dental in Urunga, as I’ve always loved working with her.

Meet The Team.

Dr Sharon Marinucci Dr Margaret Kleinig Dr Oleg Pushkarev Dr Tony Kershaw Wendy Summerill Jessica Cantrill Susan Waldorf Winner MARKETING AND ADVERTISING AWARD

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focus_contributor.

Youth

LEADERS with CASSANDRA WILSON FROM BECOMING U PROJECT

H

i Sarah! Tell me a little about yourself...

I am 19, grew up on the Coffs Coast and went to school at Bishop Druitt College. I work full time at the Optical Superstore at the plaza, which I love, as helping people have better vision can be lifechanging. I work with a great team and I really enjoy learning the science behind it.

Since I was 6 years old I have been playing and coaching, and then refereeing basketball since I was 12, for our Coffs Harbour Basketball Association. My mum was a basketballer so naturally I followed her footsteps. I have recently found surfing again, and love getting out into the ocean with my brother Mitch and my dad.

You said you have been refereeing since you were 12, why did you get into it?

And where has it taken you?

Through encouragement from my family and the referee development coach, I thought I would try and I really enjoyed it. It has given me many life skills such as keeping a positive mindset and staying resilient, and it has increased my basketball knowledge, court control skills and reading plays. The hardest part of refereeing is learning how to back myself and staying strong in my decision making when coaches or parents disagree with what you see and call out. It can be confronting but has helped with dealing with conflict skills and handling stress.

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S A R A H FA H E Y and opportunities to be part of state and national development programs which I am so grateful for. At this time, I have been selected for the Junior Development Program and the Advanced Referee Development Program where I am part of a small group chosen from NSW. We participate in theory and practical workshops and if chosen can move into National programs as a way into WNBL and NBL, which is one of my goals.

How do you use your experience to empower young people you see at the court?

I am always trying to be a positive role model and leader, on and off the court. With referees that are in training, I always make sure I demonstrate the right practices and behaviours. I have a happy and optimistic attitude. I encourage them to try and be confident by always backing them up, especially if there is conflict on the court. I give them constructive feedback and advice on different ways to approach situations. I also hope they see me as someone that they can trust and confide in when they need me, sort of like a big sister and mentor.

On the court I also like to take the time, especially to the younger players, to explain why I pulled them up on a call. Refereeing can be hard to build relationships with players as you are seen sometimes as the bad guy, however chatting, joking and showing I am human too has helped build this trust.

You mentioned mentors and role models, have you had someone like that in your

life that has helped you? Has that been important?

Other than family taking on that role, yes, I have had someone who has made a huge impact on who I am today. Alison has shared her knowledge and skills, mistakes and successes. She has been there when I have needed her and is quite protective. Having Alison as my mentor has so many benefits, shaping who I have become today.

Completing your HSC, the year before last, was a challenge and is a time that you will always remember.

Yes, it was. On top of the actual tests and studying, my body and mind was fighting a medical condition affecting my blood and immunity levels. It was such a hard time in my life, but I got through it with my family and friends wrapping their support around me. It has made me so grateful for the life I live, given me a new appreciation of being healthy and looking after my body and fitting more things in such as surfing, basketball, working full time, studying and achieving my refereeing goals.

Any finally, what advice would you give to other young people?

Be good to your family, life is better when you fill it with good people who are in your corner. And don’t limit yourself – set high goals with no boundaries and you will achieve them.

Thanks Sarah.

focus_contributor.

E D U C AT I O N

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

Grow in 2022 with a mentor

M

entors come in many forms throughout an individual’s life, and you’re never too young to find someone to connect with on key decisions and choices in school, work and life.

When I started teaching in 1993, I learned by accident over the first five years that mentors are important for my own career development, and as a leader, to capitalise on the greatest organisational resource, being the ‘human’ resource. Equally important is the role mentoring plays for students as they’re making milestone choices about the person that they are becoming, the path they’re taking, and the choices they’re making.

In this article, I thought I would share some key learnings I have gathered from my mentors over the years, and perhaps inspire you to seek a mentor for yourself, or your child, in 2022 and beyond.

Believe and invest in yourself Short courses, conferences and degree courses are all fantastic and in the age of Zoom they are so accessible. I have thoughtfully invested in my academic professional career over the years, with one of my mentors expressing to me that it was essential that I invest in myself. What I didn’t realise until recently was that this also meant investing more time with my family and on my health.

In the age of social media, my professional learning network has also developed to include building my learnings through

So how do you find the right mentor for LinkedIn and Twitter. Just don’t get lost in these platforms. you?

It is also essential to become a reader. I What I have learned is that as your needs try to digest one book per month, mostly grow and evolve, you will need more than professional texts and biographies, but one mentor. Don’t go looking for “the one” studies show it is essential to continue to but instead glean from a host of different read some fiction. people’s attitudes and actions and find a set Look after the small things, and the big of professional mentors that can support you things look after themselves as a critical friend.

One of my first mentors shared this piece Firstly, you need of wisdom with to have values that me. I was teaching align with your in a conservative In the age of mentor’s values. If they independent school social media, don’t align then the in Queensland at the my professional relationship is doomed time. He explained that

learning network from the start. The if staff address the little has also developed values I seek relate to things such as how to include building you speak with your mutual respect, trust, my learnings student or focus on compassion, professional through LinkedIn minor uniform issues work ethic and integrity and behavioural issues and Twitter. Just of decision making. then bigger issues don’t get lost in I should also note wouldn’t develop. these platforms. here that your mentor While this address isn’t doesn’t necessarily have strictly true, it did hold to be in the same field true for me in my first or even city as you. decade as a classroom teacher.

Secondly, they need to have a desire to Pay it forward help others, an ability to commit to the As you become a leader in whatever relationship, and a willingness to share their profession you desire, I encourage you to also own personal failures and experiences. pay it forward and become a mentor as well.

A mentoring relationship is a ‘joint This might be through your workplace, within venture’ that requires both the mentor your wider family unit, through community sport or at your local school. The world is crying out for positive role models to balance the blur from youth platforms such as TikTok.

and mentee to create a meaningful and beneficial relationship, and it takes time and commitment, but it is well worth the effort.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021

STATE ALL ROUNDER & DUX OF COLLEGE

STATE TOP ACHIEVER

Ailish Barry

Abbi Dagger

TOP ATARS - OVER 90’S

Ailish Barry

Cooper Wall

Mae White

Vincent Tumminello

Abbi Dagger

Adam King

Calum Reid

Alyssa Golding

Kyah Humphries

Alexandra Harrison

99

93.35

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98.25

91.7

94.9

91.65

94.8

91.35

93.75

90.05

Congratulations to the Class of 2021. You did it! We are so proud of your achievements as graduates of St John Paul College. Your journey is an inspiration to the rest of the College and your amazing results reflect your commitment and shows us your hard work has paid off. Michael Carniato, Principal FIRST PLACE IN DIOCESE

Chemistry & Science Extension

Community & Family Studies

Portuguese Continuers

Business Services

(Ailish Barry)

(Abbi Dagger)

(Elizabeth Sanders)

(Alanna Harrison)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Abbi Dagger & Isabella Watkins Southern Cross University Chancellor’s Scholarship

Jessica Deans

Paris Scott

University of Newcastle’s University of New England’s Vice Chancellor Award for Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award Academic Excellence

Ethan Sultana

Aidan Murphy

Ailish Barry

Catholic Schools Office Undergraduate Scholarship

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts International Scholarship

St Andrew’s College All Round Merit Scholarship

SELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS

MUSIC

TAS INTECH

Lismore Diocese Bravissimo nominations

Ethan Sultana

Michael Casey, Layla Grant

ONSTAGE DRAMA NOMINATIONS

L-R: Mia Carroll, Leilani Fasala, Ginger Freudenstein, Tanami McGuire, Aidan Murphy

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COFFS HARBOUR

NETBALL ASSOCIATION (CH NA ) .

Netball is a sport for all ages 5 years and over and can be played by all abilities. Netball is the most popular women’s sport in Australia with an estimated one million players nationwide.

In 2022 we are introducing the sport to the male population and we encourage boys and men to play.

AT CHNA WE ARE ALL ABOUT

FUN, FRIENDSHIP & FITNESS C O F F S H A R B O U R N E T B A L L A S S O C I AT I O N Junior Saturday, Senior Wednesday nights, Term 4 Twilights e. chna1@bigpond.com 84 COFFS COAST

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@coffsharbournetballassociation

coffsharbournetball

Players under the age of 18 may be eligible to apply for the Active kids voucher and reduce fees by $100.

No travelling involved. All games are held at “Vost Park” Netball Courts. Saturday Juniors will play at the same time each week from 12pm and seniors will play at 6:30 or 7:30 Wednesday nights.

Net Set Go Skills program for 5-7 year olds starts 7 May Brand new International courts - Join us for the Grand Opening ceremony on Saturday 26 February from 3pm-7pm for lots of fun and entertainment and the official opening ceremony by Pat Conaghan.

“COME AND TRY ME” DAYS WILL BE HELD ON 12 AND 19 FEBRUARY AT THE “VOST PARK” NETBALL COURTS, MURRAY DRIVE COFFS HARBOUR FROM 11:00- 12:30PM.

We urge all new players considering the game to come down and have a go. Registration days will be held at the clubhouse on 12 and 19 February from 12pm-2pm for players requiring assistance and wishing to try on and collect uniforms.

Training: Tuesdays from 4pm

Training Thursdays from 4pm

e. southsnetball@gmail.com

e. stnc1@hotmail.com

@southsnetballclub

@SawtellToorminaNetty

southsnetball

sawtell_toormina_netball

Training Wednesdays from 4pm

Seniors 14+ only

e. westsidenetball1@gmail.com

e. surfsidebreakersnc

@westsidenetball1 westside_netball

@gmail.com surfsidenetballclub COFFS COAST

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Jesse

Jesse Clack has been hooked on tennis since his mum bought him his first racket when he was four years old. He plays and trains as often as he can and his mum describes him as a walking encyclopaedia when it comes to scores and facts about tennis! He is passionate about the game and his determination is certainly taking him places!

CLACK

H

i Jesse, can you introduce yourself to us?

Hi, my name’s Jesse, I’m 9 years old and I live in Bellingen. I’m in year 4 at St Mary’s Primary School and I love to play tennis!

How long have you been playing tennis for?

My mum bought my first racket at the Vinnies op shop in Dorrigo when I was 4, and as soon as we got home that day I just kept hitting balls across the paddock that my mum would throw to me!

I began having tennis lessons at Tiebreak Tennis in Bellingen when I was 5 years old 86 COFFS COAST

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with the coaches Keiron My tennis and Jarred, who really dreams are to encouraged me to play, win all the Grand ages and have made and I began competing Slams and become some great friendships in tournaments when I World Number 1 through tennis. Tennis was 6. some day, but even if is also a really fun I joined the Baylis I don’t I will still workout! I always have Tennis Academy at train really hard. a lot of energy to burn Sawtell two years ago and I love running and my tennis has kept around the court, having improving with the good rallies and finding great coaches there, and the winning shots! I also like watching the from playing against all the other great junior Grand Slam tournaments on TV. players.

How often do you train?

What do you love about it?

I train after school 3 days a week at Sawtell, I have a lot of fun! I play against kids of all

with a private lesson, squad training and a weekly competition night. Sometimes I play tennis with school friends on the weekend at Bellingen too!

And how often do you compete in tournaments?

Every chance I can! At least every fortnight during the tournament season, and sometimes it can be every weekend! Fortunately most tournaments are in Coffs Harbour and Sawtell, but I travel all over the Mid North Coast too.

In November I played at the Champion of Champions event in Inverell, along with some of my other team mates from Sawtell.

Do you have a favourite tennis moment so far? Or an achievement you’re really proud of?

I’ve just qualified for the North East Teams event in the U11s which I’m really excited about, but my favourite moments so far were

I practice the shots on the court. Sometimes I get it right but sometimes I get it wrong. I’ll just keep practising until I get it right so I can move on to the next thing. being the point score winner for my age group in the Achieve Anything Superseries two years in a row. That made me really happy!

Do you have any idols or people that inspire you?

Roger Federer is my tennis idol and my absolute favourite player! Rafa Nadal is my second favourite! I really enjoy following all the professional players though. My mum says I’m a walking encyclopaedia of tennis.

I’m always keeping track of the scores of the

players in the big tournaments, it interests me a lot! My dad and I love to watch tennis together. We love to watch the shots the players do and we say that’s what I have to learn to do too. I practice the shots on the court. Sometimes I get it right but sometimes I get it wrong. I’ll just keep practising until I get it right so I can move on to the next thing.

Do you play any other sport?

I love playing table tennis against my mum at home! She’s the best player I know! I love to use my pogo stick and my record is 136 bounces! I like playing handball as well. My dad used to play soccer and sometimes we go to the field to have a kick around. It’s always really fun.

What are your dreams for the future?

My tennis dreams are to win all the Grand Slams and become World Number 1 some day, but even if I don’t I will still train really hard.

I’d at least like to win the Australian Open!

Thanks Jesse.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

with CATH FOWLER

C

PAM WILLIAMS NIK & SHE

F R O M T H E D I G I TA L L A N E W AY

an you tell us a little bit I had many trips to help her with the babies. about your business?

Which did add some challenges in running Nik & She is a leading the business. fashion boutique stocking Now over a decade later we have overcome Australian and international so much. Together with my daughter Shelley labels. We’ve been open for and our amazing full time marketing/sales girl 18 years now. Which I think is amazing for a Jayde the business is pretty much known all small business. over Australia online and in store.

But it hasn’t always been easy street.

What’s your favourite part of the work When we first opened we were upstairs in you do? the Palms Shopping My lovely customers Centre. Then we moved are definitely at the top downstairs for a number of the list. Some days What I have of years, which is where it’s very social in the the business grew shop. Cups of tea, lots found the most considerably. But the of chats. Especially on a beneficial for me is to rents were terribly high.

Sunday. have a good hold of My husband, I also love going my business finances Lawrence, later to Sydney with my as cash flow is often purchased a small shop daughter Shelley. We one of the biggest across the road. Which is go on a buying trip to challenges small where we remain today. seek out new pieces for businesses face.

We had to downsize our collections. It gives as the shop was much us some time together smaller. So it took a few which I value so much. years to get the stock levels right, which is Who is your greatest influence in always hard when running a retail store. business?

After quite a few stressful years with my Definitely my husband Lawrence Williams. husband being very ill and needing a liver He gave us the confidence and space to keep transplant which he got, things got back to going and we really wanted to make him normal and trade was great. proud of us. If he was here today he would Unfortunately my husband passed away in have a smile from ear to ear. He was such an 2011. Which was the same year my daughter inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Nikki was living in Noosa and had triplets. So Have you always lived on the Coffs 88 COFFS COAST

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Coast?

Yes I’m a born and bred local. Having lived here my whole life. After an early career in nursing I feel so grateful to live in such a beautiful part of Australia where I’ve been able to have the chance to follow my dream.

The shop is a passion of mine that I’ve had for such a long time.

What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?

Follow your passion but with caution, as business ownership is not always easy. What I have found the most beneficial for me is to have a good hold of my business finances as cash flow is often one of the biggest challenges small businesses face.

I like to ensure I keep money in the bank for peace of mind, as you never know what’s ahead of you. It’s great to have a huge year and think you have lots of money to spend.

But after all these years I have learnt you want to always try and keep money aside for the next season.

During these hard times with Covid it’s so important. I also recommend having a good accountant to keep you in line. I have Melanie Zander from MJ Accountants who helps me do just that.

Where can people find out more about your business? nikandshe.com.au @nikandshe @nikandshe2450

Matt Snell established Simply Conveyancing on the Coffs Coast in 2002. He and his very experienced team are now celebrating a huge 20 year milestone in business as well as a new location! Simply Conveyancing holds a reputation as the best and most reliable conveyancer in the Coffs Coast Region. We chatted to Matt to find out more.

MATT SNELL

S I M P LY C O N V E YA N C I N G

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MATT SNELL

S I M P LY C O N V E YA N C I N G

W

here have you relocated to?

We are now located in a beautiful modern professional suite on the water at The Promenade, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

What motivates you in your role and business?

The people I engage with every day, and having the opportunity to assist them with all of my 36+ years experience in the industry How has your business evolved since it began?

Modern technology has greatly improved

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After travelling through 35+ amazing countries, such as Egypt and Russia, I decided in my mid 20’s to knuckle down and study Law.

our efficiency, however we have always taken the time to consider the technology changes and ensure that we only embrace and implement the changes that will improve our client’s property transaction experience.

Describe how you got started in your business?

While working in the banking industry from the mid 1980’s, my only interest was to travel the world when I was much younger and experience as many wonders of the world as I could, returning to Australia after each journey very broke, but with no regrets. After travelling through 35+ amazing countries,

such as Egypt and Russia, I decided in my mid 20’s to knuckle down and study Law. I was very lucky to be mentored by 3 great local Lawyers in their respective fields of Law, Michael Fishburn, John Watson and Chris O’Brien, which then spring-boarded me into my own business, with a focus on Customer Service first and foremost What is your greatest achievement?

To be lucky enough to become a Dad to my 3 kids, Taylah, Liam and Amelia. I know this is a very boring cliched statement, but it has truly allowed me to develop my coping skills with most circumstances of delicious chaos with my kids or taking on the challenge of

problems of the world, some employees are just not on the same page as yourself, so you must address and resolve the issue as soon as you possibly can, don’t let it fester.

Ensure that Just be prepared to be your team are compl etely exhausted constantly playing with the constant effort a proactive role of keeping your Team any complex property with all clients, humming along!! Do matter on behalf of my rather than a not despair though or client. reactive role. beat yourself up, it is just What is your part of the gig as the business’s greatest Owner, the rewards will asset? come if you are patient My Team!! I am just and stick to the reasons as to why you created merely the puppet!! the business in the first place, your dream.

What have you learnt about creating How do you measure success in business? an environment where your team can When the phones are not ringing!! Funny succeed? statement I know, but if my clients are It is difficult because there are so many not ringing requesting an update on their moving parts creating and sustaining a property transaction, I know that our team successful team, but I believe it all comes has been doing their job by keeping our down to the attitude and emotional clients up to date. Ensure that your team are intelligence/maturity of each team member, constantly playing a proactive role with all including the Owner. It only takes one team clients, rather than a reactive role. member with a poor attitude, in a small What experience was needed to get you business, to bring a business down. As the to where you are today?

Owner, you have to be constantly aware Practising a strong positive empathetic and accept that you cannot solve all the

Customer Service attitude.

What have you learnt about building relationships in business?

It is the most important skill in your business, and you must ensure that you, as the Owner, develop and maintain genuine professional and respectful relationships not only with your clients but also with such people as your office cleaner, courier and the person that makes your morning coffee.

Being friendly and polite to anyone really doesn’t take too much effort.

Matt, being a local of 50 years, I can imagine you have seen many changes here on the Coffs Coast – what have you observed in your industry over 20 years as a business owner in your field?

Our industry used to provide for a lot of face-to-face contact with many of our peers and associated service providers, which allowed friendships to form with people you may not have had the chance to meet otherwise. Dramatic improvements in modern technology such as electronic settlements, scanning and emails makes face-to-face contact very rare now, hindering casual social interaction or genuine friendships forming, like the ‘good old days’, I think that is a shame…

Continued over...

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Firstly, my Charity work comes in a very distant but solid second to hanging out with my 3 amazing kids, the love and support of my children inspires me every day.

What makes Simply Conveyancing unique compared to your competitors?

Over the past 20 years we have always genuinely endeavoured to place Customer Service first however, we are not perfect, we have not always got it right, we have definitely dropped the ball in the past but we have always learnt from such experiences and endeavoured to improve our Service accordingly.

What helps you find balance between work and life commitments?

Time with my 3 wonderful kids and my Charity work.

Is there a particular quote that you live by?

Has to be ‘Be Curious, not Judgemental’ Walt Whitman.

How will you embrace change in 2022?

A very open mind, the world has changed dramatically and permanently over the past 2 years.

What do you enjoy most about the Coffs 92 COFFS COAST

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Coast?

The ocean, the rivers, rock formations, our headlands and rainforests… all spectacular, cleansing and soul fulfilling.

I know you’re a very humble person, and don’t like to talk about yourself much or your charitable works – can you touch on this and how important this has become within your business?

Firstly, my Charity work comes in a very distant but solid second to hanging out with my 3 amazing kids, the love and support of my children inspires me every day. Since 2016 I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to give back to our local Community, and I have also had the great privilege of connecting with many other kind, selfless people in our local Community who have the same desire. Firstly, we do not rely on grants for the humanitarian work that we carry out, it is all funded by many kindhearted members of our local Community.

Our focus is supporting homeless youth,

youth at risk and unfortunate members of our local Community. To date we have been able to achieve many wonderful contributions to our local Community, such as raising over $120,000 since 2016 to support local homeless youth projects… prepared, home cooked and delivered over 1,000 meals since August 2021… shopped, purchased, individually wrapped and delivered Christmas presents to 91 local kids on Christmas Eve 2021, and many more contributions to our local Community. It is such a pleasure to be involved with so many selfless local Community Members giving back to their local Community.

And finally, if you could invite three business people to lunch, who would they be and why would you invite them?

Sorry, but it has to be my 3 kids, Taylah, Liam and Amelia. They are the most hilarious, supportive, kind, generous, insightful, loving and inspiring people that I know on the planet.

What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you?

I can be contacted on my mobile 0405 386 165, but it is always best to text me first.

Thanks Matt.

MATT SNELL ESTABLISHED SIMPLY CONVEYANCING ON THE COFFS COAST IN 2002.

Matt remembers the criticism he received when he first started working in the property industry over 30 years ago.

Several industry peers told him…

“You are spending too much time with your clients!”

At first this concerned him; but he soon realised that this was the best thing he could do for both his clients and his business.

Since the beginning of the business Matt has taken great pride in the ability of each member of his staff in providing the best conveyancing service to each and every one of their clients.

20 years on and Simply Conveyancing holds a reputation as the best and most reliable conveyancer in the Coffs Coast Region.

For all your conveyancing needs...

CALL US NOW ON (02) 6652 4233

For more information about everything

www.simplyconveyancing.com.au

choosing your property to settlement and

matt@simplyconveyancing.net.au

moving in, view the videos on our website.

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from the loan assessment process and

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STAT E O F

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

THE RELEASE OF HSC RESULTS IS THE EXCITING CULMINATION OF 13 YEARS OF SCHOOLING FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE COFFS COAST.

A

s some young members of setback – almost like doors were being my family were awaiting their permanently closed. results in January, it brought While an ATAR (UAI for my generation, TER back before that) is usually many still required for entry to memories of the anxious university courses, there Traditionally, a and nervous wait for my are now many alternative person might own results just over 20 pathways and training have stayed in the years ago. options into a dream Back then (I know, I feel old just typing this), we called a phone number to get our results. And predictably, no one got through on the first go because the phone lines were overloaded.

same career for their entire working lives, but modern workplaces allow people to move between careers and most of us will have multiple careers in our lifetimes.

So much pressure is put on year 12 students to get the best HSC score – “or else”. But the reality is that unlike previous generations, the finality of the HSC is diminishing with each passing year.

With previous generations, a disappointing HSC result could be seen as a major life 94 COFFS COAST

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career. Some universities offer early placements which takes the pressure off the HSC exams.

More universities are offering remote learning which means the breadth of opportunities for school leavers is growing and school leavers have many more options. Courses that may have been out of reach in the past can be available through other universities and now interstate universities are within easier reach.

Careers in construction, trades and

manufacturing can now offer similar or even greater financial rewards and career progression than office jobs, and many high school students choose this pathway instead of going to university.

In the last two decades, we have also seen generational changes in how careers progress. Traditionally, a person might have stayed in the same career for their entire working lives, but modern workplaces allow people to move between careers and most of us will have multiple careers in our lifetimes.

Workplaces of the future will be different to what we know now, and the skills employers will value will be the ability to adapt to change.

Students coming into year 11 and 12 should work hard and strive for a great HSC result, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of life choices.

Congratulations to all school leavers – regardless of your result, you can go on to achieve great things.

Follow physical distancing and good hygiene practices

Listen to the health advice

Understand border restrictions before you travel

Gurmesh Singh MP MEMBER FOR COFFS HARBOUR coffsharbour@parliament.nsw.gov.au 1/9 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 (02) 6652 6500 Authorised by Gurmesh Singh MP, 1/9 Park Avenue Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements August 2020

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with JASON BURLEY FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

PL A N N I NG

FOR THE FUTURE

...AND ALL CHALLENGES IT MAY BRING – CAN HELP ACHIEVE QUALITY OF LIFESTYLE AS WELL AS QUALITY OF CARE.

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new year has started, and while we are unsure what challenges COVID will continue to send our way, we hope the future starts to look brighter.

One thing we do know is that aged care reforms and funding issues will continue to be an important topic, making awareness and planning ahead increasingly more important. And we are here to help.

As the Baby Boomer generation starts moving into their frailty years, demand for aged care services will continue to grow, and funding will continue to be a challenge.

This will likely raise discussions and lead to reforms around aged care funding, including the payment split between Government and consumer contributions. A recent report on aged care funding by the Actuaries Institute shows that the Government currently funds 96% of care costs in the aged care sector, compared to 75% of broader health care

costs. Over the next decade the government funding in aged care is expected to double (and exceed expenditure on the age pension) but even so, it is likely to be insufficient to meet the growth in demand and could lead to increases in consumer contributions.

In your frailty years, you should aim for quality of lifestyle as well as quality of care.

Access to government subsidies will help to make care affordable, but good financial planning and access to your own financial resources will give you greater choice and control.

The start of a new year is always a good time to take stock of your financial plans and think about your expectations for your future. This should include questions about where and how you hope to age, what is important to you and what you can afford.

Helping older people and families to understand the options available and strategies for funding your costs, while protecting your estate values, is what I do.

Whatever stage of retirement you are in, whether planning ahead for your frailty years or approaching that time, I have the expertise and experience to help you. Or you might be the child of an older parent who is becoming frailer with age.

As an Accredited Aged Care ProfessionalTM I have helped many clients to make this choice. I help to find a choice that is affordable, as well as works best for the family and protects the value of the estate.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it is important to speak to someone like myself who is a licenced financial adviser (I am an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232).

Call me on 0431 414 799 to discuss how I might help yours or a loved one’s own position.

Reference: Aged Care Funding: Accessing the Options and Implications, Actuaries Institute, December 2021

P 0431 414 799 E jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au W www.burleyagedcareadvice.com.au 96 COFFS COAST

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HAPPY NEW YEAR I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and New Year.

As Omicron has spread across the world, its impact is felt everywhere. It has put pressure on workforce availability and our healthcare system.

Fortunately, our region is over 95% vaccinated and this variant is not as harmful. Case numbers are expected to peak in late January followed by a sharp decline during February.

Thank you all for your support in ensuring our community remains as safe and strong as it can through this period.

I am exceptionally optimistic

for our future as our economy remains one of the strongest and most resilient in the world.

I am looking forward to seeing work commence on a number of projects I secured funding for last year. Projects like the $7.8 million upgrade to Woolgoolga pool. The upgrades will include a new eight-lane main pool, learn-to-swim pool, multi-function building, splash zone for kids, and new amenities. There will be a new modern building with an undercover space, terrace seating, large grassed areas, picnic shelter and BBQ, and lighting for night time use.

WisdomWealth S E R V I C E S

ON THE MOVE

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e are now operating exclusively from our office at Suite 1A, 29-33 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour (cnr Mildura and Orlando Streets). Our office is conveniently located in the beautiful Jetty area with ample parking and easy access for convenience.

In 2020 Wisdom Wealth Services owned by Jas Atwal merged with long standing Robson Financial Planning owned by David Robson combining two highly successful Financial Planning practices.

Robson Financial Planning specialised in aged care advice as navigating aged care can be very stressful for many families. Wisdom Wealth Services looks to build upon the good will and great reputation Robson Financial Planning established.

Wisdom Wealth Services provides a broad range of financial advice services including

• Protection Insurance • Retirement Planning • Superannuation • Aged Care • Wealth Accumulation The Wisdom Wealth Services team comprises David Robson, Jas Atwal and Robyn Henman who have a combined 50 years experience in the financial planning industry. We have helped thousands of clients reach their financial goals. We take the time to understand your circumstances and draw on our wide range of expertise to provide fresh insights and guidance for the important financial decisions you may face.

Through careful planning and strategy, we can help you build enduring wealth and a brighter financial future to give you peace of mind. Please feel free to give us a call to book a complementary appointment to discuss your long-term objectives and how we may be able to assist you to reach financial security.

(02) 5626 5689 0478 066 950 jas@wisdomws.com.au www.wisdomws.com.au

Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd | ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL No. 236523 | Suite 1A, 29 - 33 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

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focus_contributor.

TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

WHERE DID THE HOLIDAYS GO? The fun and laid-back days of the festive

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season may have finished, but the relaxing vibes don’t need to end.

hen February hits, the routine of life catches up. Then you know it’s time to reconnect with some of the Coffs Coast’s beautiful spaces. Make the most of nature’s playground to refresh and recharge in NSW’s first and only ECO Destination.

TAKE A HIKE We are lucky enough to live in a location where going for a walk is easy. Whether it’s a coastal stroll, a hinterland hike or a city power walk, there’s a track, a circuit or a path that has your name on it! Headlands, waterfalls, soft sand and green grass – pop on your sneakers, pick your favourite and enjoy. With daylight saving time and sunny afternoons, it’s easy to fit in an after-work or after-school stroll to continue that holiday feeling.

Remember: It’s important to protect yourself from the sun – wear sunscreen and a hat when you’re out and about!

PLAY IN THE WATER A swim, a surf, or a paddle are all great ways to immerse yourself in some of our beautiful places. Whether you want to have a quick dip or gear up for some challenging exercise, we are blessed with many ways to enjoy the water on the Coffs Coast. Before work, at lunchtime or after work, locations are available close to wherever you spend your day. Learn to surf at 98 COFFS COAST

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one of our many beaches, cool off in one of the swimming holes in a local National Park, or take in the sights of surrounding flora and fauna as you enjoy a paddle along one of our waterways.

history, rock pools and rainforests. Even if you don’t have the four days recommended for the whole walk, you can dip in and out over time, collecting sections of the walk until you’ve completed it all!

Remember: If heading into the ocean, visit a patrolled beach and always follow the instructions of lifeguards.

Remember: Take any rubbish with you when you’re out in nature. The environment will love you and so will our community.

EXPLORE OUR PLAYGROUND There is no better time to get outdoors and explore the amazing place we call home. Our National Parks and State Forests offer activities from walking and mountain biking tracks to swimming holes and Indigenous culture to explore. From Bindarri National Park in the west to Mutton Bird Island in the east, the array of landscapes, views and environments are remarkable.

ECO COFFS COAST The ECO Destination certification achieved by Coffs Coast shows the region’s commitment to nature-based experiences and ecotourism principles, and guides real actions to enhance and protect the natural environment and honour our cultural heritage.

In the heart of the city is the amazing North Coast Regional Botanic Garden. Set amongst the mangroves of the Coffs Creek, locals and visitors can discover plants and birds, both endemic and introduced to the region. Take an hour or take a day to explore. It’s the perfect place for a picnic!

From north to south, the Coffs Coast beaches and coastline join together to make up the spectacular 60 km Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. You can tackle it all at once, or complete sections of the walk and explore headlands,

We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia to explore. And while you enjoy the Coffs Coast, we encourage you to connect deeply, tread lightly and discover our place of plenty.

Find all you need to know at coffscoast.com. #ECOcoffscoast #CoffsCoast #PlaceOfPlenty #OurPlaceIsGreat

It’s official! The Coffs Coast is…

NSW’s FIRST & ONLY ECO Destination Certified by Ecotourism Australia Connect deeply, tread lightly and discover our place of plenty.

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John and Barbara have enjoyed life in Marian Grove Village long enough to make good friends and good memories.

COME TO MARIAN GROVE REAL PEOPLE REAL STORIES JOHN AND BARBARA

“IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY” Deciding to downsize and move is a major decision. But if you choose the right place, it really can work out for the best! Here’s why John and Barbara chose Marian Grove Retirement Village.

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hat brought you to Marian Grove?

“It was about eight years ago now we decided to downsize” says John. “I’d retired from driving buses and we wanted to slow down, but to be honest we were a bit hesitant at first about coming into a place like this, a retirement village. We’ve had properties and horses and cattle and so forth over the years and this was more confined than what we were used to.”

“In the end though, we decided coming to Marian Grove was the right idea, since we didn’t want to have to move once, then do it all over again later” says Barbara, John’s wife, and co-pilot in running activities like the extremely popular “MG Travel” bus trips for lunches, shows and overnight stays. “We didn’t want our kids to have to worry about us and it’s definitely worked out for the best. If we hadn’t moved in here, we’d be sitting around on our own looking for things to do. That’s never a problem in the village, there’s always something to do and someone to talk to!”

How did you get involved in running activities in the Village?

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“I started off volunteering to wash and clean the cars” John remembers.

“Then our neighbor across the road was running the concerts and wanted to give it up” adds Barbara. “She thought John would be ideal to take over since he can talk the leg off an iron pot, so we took it on together.”

“As a bus driver I was always talking to people and I enjoyed it. That’s one reason why I ended up being involved with the buses here, which turned into Barb and I running regular bus trips around the area and we’re still doing it now after all these years!” says John.

“You can be as involved in the community or as independent as you like, another great thing about Marian Grove. We’ve helped out in a few different activities over the years but there came a time when we were actually doing too much, so we settled on what we’re doing now” says Barbara.

What do you feel is the best part of living at Marian Grove?

“Getting to know people in the village is really special, right across the board” says John.

“Because we’ve been here so long and been involved in what we do, we know almost everybody. That’s why we do the bus trips, so new and longtime residents can mix and meet each

other. The Grove is one big caring community.

We all look out for each other and connecteven if it’s just to say hello as you walk past. I mean, why live out there on your own?”

“It’s a special place” agrees Barbara “you come down the hill and through the gates and you feel the difference. You feel the security and peace and know you’re home.”

Thanks so much for sharing your story, John and Barbara.

If you’re thinking of making 2022 your year of downsizing to live a secure, stress-free lifestyle in a thriving, established community there’s never been a better time to “Come to Marian Grove.”

With our modern apartments selling fast, and spacious villas regularly becoming available at prices to suit every budget, don’t leave it any longer, come and have a look at what’s on offer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the welcome waiting for you.

Give us a call on (02) 6653 1241, or have a look at our website: scca.net.au/independent and scca.net.au/ new-release-marian-grove We’d love to hear from you!

P RO P E RT Y

GU I D E

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Hibbard HOMES TO P 3 R EAS O N S TO B U Y A

New

BRAND

Home

There are plenty of reasons to buy a brand new home over an older, used home, and these three will really hit the nail on the head. If you’re interested in making an investment in real estate, buying an older home might be tempting because it’s cheaper than buying a brand new one. However, the costs and benefits of both approaches are very different, so let’s take a look at why buying a brand new home can be better than buying an old one.

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Comfort and Convenience Most older homes are not built with modernday homebuyers in mind. Many of them do not have energy efficient heating and cooling, making summertime temperatures miserable and wintertime heat bills sky high. Most new houses come with energy efficient appliances that will save you money on utilities. It’s also more comfortable knowing that your house was built to today’s building codes - so you’re much less likely to end up with unexpected structural issues down the road. Buying a brand new home comes with several perks that are simply not available in old homes. With an older home, you’ll likely have to deal with the outdated appliances and structures, along with electrical and plumbing issues that can potentially cost you more in time AND money even if you attempt to fix a lot of these items yourself. Instead of using your evenings and weekends on big renovation jobs, brand new homes give you everything you need and provide a quality blank slate for those DIY small project enthusiasts.

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Energy Efficiency When you buy an older home, you’re buying decades of wear and tear from its previous occupants. The building envelope—the walls, windows, foundation and roof—may be compromised. Through normal weathering, many of these structures will begin to deteriorate over time, which can lead to higher energy and water bills in both winter and summer months. With a new home, you’ll enjoy topof-the-line standard in energy efficiency without having to worry about replacing any parts; that alone could save you hundreds on your annual utility bills. Many older homes were built in a time when energy efficiency wasn’t as important as it is today. Modern homes have features such as better insulation, higher standards in windows and more that can help reduce your energy bills and save you money over time.

These features also tend to improve air quality, helping you breathe easier and sleep better at night.

Let’s do one more reason - specifically for investors.

Tax Depreciation Investors can use a schedule of depreciation on the brand new property which can put more money back in their pocket.

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3

Warranties and Guarantees When you purchase a new home, you are protected by warranties that guarantee your purchase. Older homes may have mechanical problems and structural issues that could arise without warning, costing you more money and time than you anticipated. Purchasing a new home means everything works as it should right out of the gate. Buying a new home means you’re not wading into unknowns. When you purchase an older home, you’re entering into someone else’s chapter in that property’s life story; buying one with no history gives you more control over what your property looks like and how it will hold up over time. You can decide on renovations or add-ons without having to consider if they’ll negatively impact any historical features of your home. And when something breaks, there’s no need to try and track down who did it fi rst before deciding whether or not you want to replace/repair it – this information should all be given to you or be easily available once getting the keys to the brand new dwelling. New homes typically come with warranty coverage of all different items and can extend up to ten years or longer in some cases. Also, newer houses must be built using current building codes, so they are less likely to have hidden defects than older houses. For example, if an older building was constructed before air conditioning became common in most areas, any needed upgrades won’t be cheap. On top of that, repairs made after a certain amount of time (depending on where you live) require permits—which usually cost extra money. With a brand-new house, there is no need for permits and you will know exactly what types of systems your house has upfront. Warranties cover appliances installed in your home when you move in, including water heaters and major electrical components.

If something goes wrong you can call your contractor (or our service department for all Hibbard Homes).

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unorganised

Hibbard HOMES

MOVER

There’s a lot of moving going on at the moment with the real estate market so hot. MOVING DAY CAN BE STRESSFUL AT THE BEST OF TIMES – CAUSING ANXIETY AND PRESSURE ON RELATIONSHIPS AND YOUR OWN HEALTH. You can ease all that by being on top of the process and this guide could be exactly what you need.

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OVING HOUSE EFFICIENTLY Maybe you’re anxious and unorganised, or maybe you’re fairly chill and fairly unorganised – here is our experienced guide to getting it done.

The secret to a smooth moving day is the pre-move hustle!

THINGS TO DO IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THE MOVE • Get or set the date for the move and straight away book the removalist. Don’t know an exact date, but know a tentative date range? Have a conversation with your preferred removalist to pencil something in.

• Got kids? Book them in with friends or family or day care – whatever is available.

• Got pets? Sort them out so they are out of the way and safe on the moving day.

• Planning on using a professional cleaner?

Book them now. Planning on having professional pack your items? Book them now.

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• Those items you’ve been keeping, haven’t dealt with, had an excuse to keep stored even though they’re useless to you – chuck them out! Unless you’re a ruthless de-clutterer, there’s a reasonable chance you share your home with a bunch of not-entirely-necessary items.

Correct? These items are weighing you down and cause a lot more stress than you realise.

There’s no better time than now. Deal with these things now, not on moving day. Clean out your pantry of items that are out of date and remove old cosmetics or toiletries from your bathroom. Does everything in the kitchen need to go with you to your new house?

• Each week throw out/give away/sell those unwanted items. You are going to feel a lot better once you start doing this. Not only will you love not dragging unwanted items to your fresh new home, but it will cut down the time AND EXPENSE of packing and moving.

• Buy moving boxes OR source them second hand – try Facebook marketplace.

A month to two weeks before the move • Organise internet, power, water and gas if required for the new place – call the providers

and tell them you’re moving and the date you’ll be in the new place. If you’re using the same providers, they will help you go from one premises to the next more seamlessly and with less stress. Organise to redirect the mail.

Start packing!

With each packing box mark which room it comes from and then a quick list of what’s in them. Put aside not-to-be-packed items.

Don’t accidentally pack the kids’ school shoes or your laptop charger when you need them the next day!

Make a list ahead of time and put aside items that are not to be packed. This could be the kettle, tea and sugar, work clothes, a few cups and plates, the dog’s lead – you’ll know what’s vital for your family. The things you pack last should be the things you unpack first – they’re the items you need and use the most. Mark that on the box (eg “priority”).

Professional packers are worth their weight in gold – if you’re able to, use a professional packer to sort all your packing out for you. They work quickly and efficiently and can save you lots of time and angst.

PACK AN ESSENTIALS BOX • Hand washing soap, hand drying towel and toilet paper in bathrooms.

• Shower soap.

• Water bottles.

• Snacks, tea and coffee and kettle.

• Vacuum cleaner.

• Utility knife, a multi-screwdriver, hammer, wrench, tape measure, a notebook and a pen.

• Phone chargers.

• All the TV remotes.

If you’re able to pack your doonas/quilts and pillows in a clean environment to move them, then before you take them to the new place put new covers on them. Now they are ready to pop onto the beds efficiently.

Pack one clean towel per person with the doonas etc AND bath mat.

If you’re moving into a new rental, do your property condition report prior to getting any furniture in the new home.

This means taking a lot of photos of the new space and thoroughly filling out a condition report that should be supplied by your landlord or agent.

Don’t be afraid to be very specific and take a heap of photo evidence to back everything up.

Priorities for first day of moving in • Fuel yourself.

• Unpack the Essentials box.

• Beds.

Make the beds first! You can make your bed within half an hour – should actually take less than 10mins per bed if the bed frames are already intact. If the removalists can put the bed frames in all the right rooms first (and if it’s a great removalist company they’ll put the frames together for you to), quickly put the sheets on, and the doona and pillows (which ideally were covered with fresh covers prior to the move remember). Time yourself if that’s what juices you – try and get a PB with each bed (or have a race with the kids to see who can do theirs the fastest – winner chooses dinner).

Make it look good! A made bed is so underrated to ease anxiety levels on moving day.

Unpack the bath towels (that you put with the doonas) into the bathroom ready for you at the end of a big day.

Have the right boxes in the right rooms.

Beds made? Now boxes. Have the right boxes in the right rooms. Don’t stress about unpacking them right now – just sort them to the right places. You have each box marked for each room. Just place them. If you can’t handle to unpack them on this same day –

that’s ok, do it the very next day. The sooner you get it done, the more at ease you are going to be.

Designate an area for your empty boxes and packaging materials so you’re not tripping over them all day. It will help you keep organised and make life a lot easier until you can get rid of them. For example, with each empty box, put it in the garage.

• Set up the fridge.

• Set up the TV. • Set up the washing machine.

• Get takeaway for dinner – why not menu log? Or some other delivery? This will ease you that little bit more.

• Commence the major clean-up at the old place (a cleaner to do this for you is recommended!) and check for any last items.

In truth, a move is a couple of really tough days (and a couple of weeks of dust settling).

If you ignore the trivial items, and focus on the critical ones, you’ll make it through. As long as you have the power sorted, beds sorted, and food sorted – you are going to be able to handle anything else that comes your way.

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PETRIES MITRE 10 IS A PROUD SUPPLIER OF HIBBARD HOMES. Congratulations to the team – it is a pleasure to be part of their commitment to supporting local, family businesses

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B U I L D E R of

the M O N T H

HIBBARD HOMES

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focus_interview

Julie S N OW L I N G

FURNISHIN DESIGNS

Julie Snowling’s passion for painting and revamping furniture using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® first began around 10 years ago when her family needed to furnish their home on a budget. She quickly became a tiny bit ‘obsessed’ with painting and upcycling old furniture so she turned her passion into a successful business, Furnishin Designs.

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i Julie, tell us about your business, Furnishin Designs?

I am originally from the UK and arrived on the sunny shores of Australia 10 years

ago where I worked as a midwife with four young children. I discovered the joys of Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan and upcycling furniture.

When I first arrived, we bought most of our furniture from op shops and started painting using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan, it’s from here my obsession began! I love the fact that

furniture from the past can be transformed into vibrant bespoke pieces. Some of these items no doubt would have gone straight to landfill as no longer loved.

I’ve been following and loving the work of Annie Sloan retailers for several years, dreaming one day to be a stockist myself – I finally found a space that worked and I can now say my dream has come true!

Furnishin Designs is small but sweet, with a vintage feel. We pride ourselves on the recycling ethic and stock many repurposed and revamped products. Along with the emphasis on upcycling and recycling, we also stock the full range of Annie Sloan products and accessories. We also stock fabulous decoupage papers, candles, glass tumblers and glass platters made from repurposed wine bottles, cups and saucers from coffee husks and even earrings from coffee pods. You will also find a huge selection of handmade ceramic, glass and cast iron knobs and hooks.

All of my display furniture and signs are painted in Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan to showcase the wonderful colours available – we’ve even used our very first pallet which the paint was delivered on as a display on our wall.

the Annie Sloan way – “We look forward to seeing you and chatting with you in store or online for your next painting or upcycling project!”

You can contact and find out more Furnishin about Furnishin Designs is small Designs at anniesloan.

Every day it reminds me but sweet, with a com/stockists/furnishinhow lucky we are to be vintage feel. We pride designs stockists! ourselves on the Annie Sloan products, Annie Sloan Chalk recycling ethic and including Chalk Paint️, are Paint is non toxic and only available through stock many virtually odour free with small local retailers like repurposed and minimal VOCs. Furnishin Designs. A Annie Sloan Chalk revamped products. passionate supporter of Paint is so easy to use, small business, Annie requires NO sanding Sloan has chosen to or priming and you can paint on virtually distribute her paint this way to ensure that you anything. receive the instruction, support and inspiration These attributes are definitely a good reason that she would provide herself. To find the to paint on and on... New products have been shop she has chosen near you, please visit released by Annie Sloan and these will be anniesloan.com/stockists/ available later in the year which is very exciting.

5A/4 Market Street, Woolgoolga At Furnishin Designs we also offer custom furnishindesigns painting and hold regular chalk painting furnishindesigns workshops to teach you how easy it is to paint COFFS COAST

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Design 10

Mathew McKinnon

INTRODUCING

Accent Bath has been a pillar in the Coffs Coast business landscape for more than 30 years.

Locally owned and operated, this business has been on a remarkable journey recently.

Led by Business Manager Mathew McKinnon, the amazing team has always valued their customers over anything else, and wants to tell the story of their evolution, as they become part of another family-owned business... and launch their new brand.

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ey Matthew, can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in this industry?

I have been around the industry since I was a teenager, completing my apprenticeship and engineering degree then progressing into the building and developing side of the space.

After Buying Accent Bath in 2016 it quickly progressed to a national business with our products travelling all over Australia.

There is nothing more fulfilling than being part of bringing so many customers’ renovation dreams to life! It has also been amazing to work closely with fantastic local builders and renovators in creating some stunning homes in the beautiful Coffs Coast area.

Accent Bath has gone through some pretty massive changes lately. Can you tell us about the process over the past 12-18 months?

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honest! Covid forced us to re-think our make selections with the help of a passionate business model and start offering a no-touch, and knowledgeable team. Each Design 10 can Australia-wide delivery service with an optimal be famous for something different, but ideally online experience from the safety of your own it’s a one-stop-shop, with offerings around home. We have had kitchens, bathrooms, great feedback from both laundries as well as Designers and Architects flooring and cladding.

It has been as well as the builder and The brand transition created with the home renovator types. is a really exciting idea of providing a We’ve recently become opportunity for our space where a part of the Petries family, business. We are getting customer can get joining their network of in at the ground floor of inspiration and make nine hardware stores and this national expansion selections with the working with them in plan and we are looking help of a passionate & launching the beautiful forward to being part new Accent Design of the huge potential knowledgeable team.

Centre in Orange. growth we can see. As Tell us about Design we already run a very 10. How are you feeling about the brand successful e-commerce platform as part of transition?

Accent Bath, we will continue to manage this Design 10 is a showroom concept being side of Design 10 from Coffs! Which is a great rolled out by the Independent Hardware Group. thing for our local area.

It has been created with the idea of providing a Who makes up your team? space where a customer can get inspiration and We have an online customer service

department which looks after all our online customers, which includes technical We have been really lucky to work with some information, returns, warranties and everything incredible, supportive people in the IHG/Design in between.

10 team so far, and we are looking forward Our Local Showroom has over 20 years’ to continuing to push the brand awareness in experience in the trade with both Robyn and Coffs but also across Australia!

Louise there to help and give you the best What makes Design 10 different from advice for jobs big and small. other companies in the local area?

Our Store Manager Nerissa Profit started in We offer quality products that are onthe business as a trainee at the tender age of trend, functional and affordable. Design 10 16 and has progressed will be a whole new through our business to world of home design. her current management We are introducing From the role. She is very well kitchens and laundries working displays respected and we’re very to our showroom this to our vast range of proud to have her. year with a range of tapware and vanities, We employ 10 locals kitchen appliances at a it all helps our which includes our reasonable price. dispatch team Jeremy personal consultants We have created and Danny, they have bring your ideas to life. a beautiful selection the exciting job of trying The best part is? It’s destination and an to get freight to every all under one roof. inspirational space to nook and cranny in this help with a vision for big wide parcel of land your next renovation or we call Australia! It’s a challenging job, but the build. From the working displays to our vast boys are still smiling, so that is a good thing. range of tapware and vanities, it all helps our What are some of the things that will personal consultants bring your ideas to life. change or improve with the brand change The best part is? It’s all under one roof. to Design 10?

What is the best advice you can give to Obviously there will be a massive investment a prospective customer? What can they in marketing as the brand will be national, expect when walking in to a Design 10 so that’s really exciting. Our online store showrooom. range will increase as we have access to new There’s two ways you can approach the suppliers and products, and we are looking selections process – you can use our space as inspiration and start with no idea of what you to expand our offering in the showroom too.

want at all! Our team are more than happy to work with you on different options for colours, textures and trends. The other way is to create yourself a mood board of how you want your space to feel, and then let us guide you to options that work to bring your dream to reality.

How has the building and trade industry changed over the last few years? Has this affected you and your team?

Obviously we have seen a massive upturn in the renovation and new build market in the last two years, and we have seen the flow-on effect in both our showroom and our online store. People can’t travel, so they’re investing in their homes! It’s been a great time for our team who have loved the increase in pace and risen to the challenge every single day. We’ve also been able to increase our team and employ more local legends, which always puts a smile on our face!

What are your plans for the future?

The next 12 months we will be hard at work ensuring the new brand lands well with our customers and community here in Coffs, and our online offer will be expanding rapidly.

We will also be continuing to improve our showroom offer and can’t wait to invite you to see it!

How can we get in touch with you and your team?

You can call our Coffs Harbour Showroom on (02) 6652 9322, visit us at 2/12 Isles Dr or find us online at design10.com.au COFFS COAST

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Blue Ribbon Homes

Display Home

DISPLAY

The Belleview

HOME NOW OPEN

The Belleview is a contemporary home that showcases Blue Ribbon Homes’ quality, innovation and individuality.

The Belleview is a unique custom designed home with a feature courtyard that embraces the casual lifestyle of beachside living.

Take the first step in making your new dream home a reality and take a walk through our beautiful display home today with our friendly team. This is a great opportunity to get to know and see for yourself the Blue Ribbon Homes promise of quality, style and value.

7 Angler Crescent, Bonville Sawtell Commons Estate Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 10am - 3pm

Call 6651 8144 www.blueribbonhomes.com.au 114 COFFS COAST

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Come

Home to

Marian Grove LIFESTYLE

AVAILABLE NOW!

For mor call (02 or visit ww

PRICES to suit every budget, HOME OPTIONS to suit every taste 2 bedroom, Village Villa

$485,000

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SAW

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$365,000

2 bedroom, East Facing

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3 bedroom, Courtyard View

$620,000

Stress Free R CA

SAW

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call (02) 6653 1241 or visit

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Stress Free RETIREMENTDeparture LIVING fee paya Departure fee payable, enquire for more information.

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HAVANA ENCORE, FORSTER MASSENA 30 TWO, SOVEREIGN HILLS

Top

10

DESIGN TRENDS

with McDonald Jones

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TREET APPEAL A home’s roofline is key to curb side appeal. A growing facade trends is the striking skillion roof on new homes.

The skillion style is perfect to achieve a stunning coastal look and we are seeing many customers fall in love with this across both single and two storey designs.

Internally, the higher ceilings bring in beautiful natural light and externally there are many ways to bring in stone, cladding and natural finishes to give the home a unique feel.

Massena 30 Two – Sovereign Hills VOIDS One of the many new architectural options in new homes that is proving to be a popular feature is the double height void, which spans over two levels inside entry ways or living areas. This feature provides that wow-factor, as well as a sense of height, space, and light.

This feature is on display in some of our display homes, and it is the next step in the traditional ‘open plan living’ home design, which caters to modern families.

Panorama 39 – Waterford Living

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Home design in Australia is constantly evolving to meet the shifting needs and lifestyles of families, so we chatted with New South Wales’ leading home builder, McDonald Jones on the top design trends, which are coming through new homes right now.

THE NEW HOME OFFICE If lockdowns showed us anything, it was the importance of working from home. Floor plans in new homes will see a more dedicated space for the home office. Gone are the days of a little study nook where you feel crammed.

The new home office takes pride of place and is now considered an essential element of new home living, where you can work and study from home in comfort and style.

Panorama 39 – Waterford Living SKYLIGHTS Bringing light-filled and airy spaces into the home, customers are choosing to include stunning skylights into their designs, and many of the homes now on display show how this really impacts the overall feel of a room. Raked ceilings are perfect to include three Velux skylights, as seen in our Havana design on display at Forster.

Havana Encore – Forster INTERIOR COASTAL STYLE Escaping to the seaside has never been easier, with more and more people seeking calming, cool whites, vertical VJ Board, coffered ceilings and large bi-fold stacker

doors to truly open the home up and offer a seamless transition between the indoors and out. This style is perfect for the North Coast, paying homage to its beautiful sandy beaches and national parks.

Coastal is one of six styles offered at our MyChoice Design Studio, where our customers complete their internal and external colour selections.

What is Coastal? Long gone are the days when Coastal style embodied beachside cliché decor and motifs. Today it’s a design used in both Classic and Contempo homes, and is identifiable by its perfectly relaxed, unassuming style, paying homage to its natural environment. And you don’t have to live by the beach to reflect the coastal interior design style in your home. Set against a crisp white backdrop, it’s an easy, casual look that transports you to a perfect summer day at the beach by using an ocean inspired palette of the beautiful colours of the sea, the sand, and the native vegetation. Bright and breezy, a Coastal style home creates a soothing connection between the indoors and out. All it takes to create a spacious coastal haven is a beautiful, carefully considered blend of natural

HAVANA ENCORE, FORSTER

PANORAMA 39, WATERFORD LIVING

MASSENA 30 TWO, SOVEREIGN HILLS

SAN MARINO MANOR, FORSTER

materials, expanses of glass, and a neutral palette of whites.

The four sub-styles of Coastal are Beach House, Bahamas, Modern Coastal and American Beach House.

Coastal styled display homes: San Marino Manor – Forster Massena 30 Two – Sovereign Hills KITCHEN BLING Barnhouse sinks and fancy tapware are soaring in popularity, with new home builders adding a real sense of style into one of the most important rooms in the home. From gold taps, full stone splashbacks, wine cabinets and larger butler pantries. The kitchen is truly the heart of the home and continuing your selected style through to the finishing touches has never been easier.

Miami 16 – Waterford Living HERRINGBONE FLOORING Adding a real sense of luxe living is creating a talking point, especially when it comes to flooring, with people opting to install the Herringbone look to traditional timber flooring for a sophisticated look.

San Marino Manor – Moonee Beach

OUTDOOR SANCTUARY The alfresco is growing in size and prominence with new home design, now featuring as an extension off the kitchen and dining room to offer a seamless transition between the indoors and out. Larger outdoor living spaces are an entertainer’s dream and are enjoyable year-round!

San Marino Manor – Forster Panorama 39 – Waterford Living SUSTAINABILITY To meet the growing popularity of sustainable features in home design, solar panels are installed during construction on all McDonald Jones homes. To meet the growing trend of electric vehicles and future homes for everyday Aussies, they also include electric car chargers in every garage.

INCOMING HOT TREND! Pet laundries will be coming in force this year, with even the furry family members getting a touch of luxury living in our new home designs. We all love spoiling our pets, so stay tuned!

MCDONALD JONES McDonald Jones has built its success on the

belief that the best-designed homes bring out the best in the people who live in them. That a home with flow enables families to go about their day-to-day lives in welcoming spaces where it’s easy and harmonious to come together, and just as easy to find privacy and retreat. It’s this belief that makes a McDonald Jones home so special. For more than 35 years, the company has been building beautiful, architecturally designed houses across NSW and the ACT. As one of Australia’s leading builders, McDonald Jones prides itself on its affordable, award-winning homes, with an ever-expanding suite of single and doublestorey homes suitable for the whole spectrum of budgets, lot sizes and lifestyles. From the coast to the country, the suburbs to the innercity, McDonald Jones is bringing dream homes to life. Visit one of their 68 stunning display homes in 25 locations across NSW and find yourself at home in a McDonald Jones home.

Head office: Level 4, 62 Norwest Boulevard, Norwest NSW 2153 Phone 1300 555 382 Website mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au COFFS COAST

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focus_contributor.

REAL

E S TAT E with CHRIS HINES F R O M U N R E A L E S T AT E

The biggest issue many homeowners face when listing their house for sale is the price.

You want to get the most you can, but be careful when it comes to pricing it too high.

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any homeowners are no doubt caught up in the great prices being achieved in the current buoyant market.

In making the decision to sell, you do the research to find out what comparable homes in the area are selling for and how long it takes them to sell.

You decide to list your property at the top of the market because you have serious upgrades and the research shows comparable homes are moving pretty quickly.

While you may be willing to wait a bit for an offer, you run a risk of sabotaging yourself.

Time is a two way street in the real estate industry. While you are probably not particularly interested in waiting a long time to move the property, buyers are considering time as well.

Specifically, they are wondering why so much time has passed since your home was first listed. Is it an indication that there is something wrong with the property?

Many potential buyers will start to think so.

If you price the property at the top of the comparable market, you run this risk and selling becomes very difficult.

One justification many sellers make for picking a high price are upgrades done to the property. In many scenarios, this is logical and makes practical sense. That being said, you may be in for a nasty surprise.

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Most buyers prefer to make the upgrades moderately knowledgeable buyers will not themselves, not pay a premium for what take the bait. you have done. Ultimately, this means the Pricing your property for sale is a trick higher price may find little interest because issue. Figure out your market and make your the value of the upgrades is ignored by the own conclusions. To maximise profit, it is potential buyers. This can also lead to the best to be in the middle of the market, but frustrating situation wherein you realise you always below other homes that are superior spent more money on upgrades than you will to your property. ever get out of the property. Ouch.

Once again, as I have said before, find Once again, another a reputable Real great reason to have Estate Agent, who an agent come and can appraise your Many potential appraise your property property and also buyers will start before starting show you documented to think so. If you renovations if your aim evidence on how they price the property at is to sell. came to that price. the top of the If you are renovating Just remember one for you own enjoyment comparable market, crucial piece of advice and long term comfort you run this risk and though, don’t choose in your home, by all selling becomes very an agent based solely means go ahead. difficult. on the price they tell The final risk you, choose the agent associated with pricing whom you believe has your property at the the relevant skills to market your property top of the market is the potential it will and get you the best price. Together, you be ignored. The general rule in real estate can then come up with the correct pricing for buyers is to purchase the lowest priced strategy. home in an area and then fix it up. With The best strategy to get you home sold minor changes, appreciation gains can be is correct pricing, great presentation and significant. standout marketing. If you get these three If your home is already at the top of the key points correct, you put yourself in a great market, a buyer really cannot do this and position to get your property sold regardless will actually have to wait for other properties in the area to appreciate. Savvy or even of market condition.

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