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from the Welcome to the MARCH EDITION.

his month’s cover girl Vaine Rabana is a singer songwriter who found herself moving to Sandy Beach from Northern Queensland on a bit of a whim, and then once she was here she fell in love with the local beaches and community. We had a chat with her about how she got into singing and what gigs she’s got coming up. Inside this edition We’re celebrating women who have taken a leap of faith and are making a name for themselves in small business. We don’t mean to brag, but we have some of the best ladies in business here on the Coffs Coast and we are very excited to share their stories of success with you this month! Our annual Women in Business edition allows local leaders, managers and employees to step out in front of their brand, and celebrate the amazing work they do within their business. We hope you enjoy reading their stories. ‘Slo. Vino &’ is a new bar and bottle shop

created by Max Phillips and Taylah Raymond. It is an inspired and relaxed venue, serving natural wines, craft beer and delicious cocktails. If you haven’t already tried the entire wine and cocktail list we recommend you do. Make sure your order the oysters they are delish. What can we say about Chloe Bates? This youngster first jumped on a bike at just two years old, and began racing round the tracks at four. Competing against others lights up her competitive spirit and fangin’ past the boys puts a grin on her face. This fast paced, high adrenaline sport has her addicted and Chloe’s dedication will take her far into the world of motocross. Nolan Partners are one of the most highly awarded and respected real estate agencies in the region, this ethos has provided the pathway for continued growth every year. Late last year they moved into their very own premises in Orlando Street. Scott, Melissa and the team from Nolan Partners are our featured

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Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE 02 6650 9343 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

“Business of the Month”. If you would like to be featured as one of our future “Businesses of the Month”, give our office a call on 6650 9343. Getting behind our community FOCUS has dedicated 10 years to getting behind our community. Whether it be through supporting festivals and events, charities, new business or artists. We endeavour to continue our support. This year we have partnered with a handful organisations such as International Women’s Day - Women of the year, The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Gala Dinner, Good Vibe Tribe Coffs Coast, Coffs Coast Business Womens Network, 2021 Screenwave International Film Festival and of course PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays). If you are looking for media sponsorship for your upcoming event or community group or charity please get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you.

contacts. SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au 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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR Sue Chamberlain info@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY/EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Gavin Moroney gavin.moroney@austcommunitymedia.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR James Dawson james@focusmag.com.au

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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Issue 122 - March 2021 INTERVIEWS

CHLOE BATES

CLEVERMAN

JASON AND JODIE BURLEY

This youngster jumped on a bike at just two years old, and began racing at four. Competing lights up her spirit while fangin’ past the boys puts a grin on her face.

The Yarrawarra Gallery is currently hosting the exhibition “Cleverman”, an interactive exhibition that showcases the making of the Cleverman series released by ABC TV.

Jason Burley spent two decades in Sydney working as a financial advisor. After moving back, he saw there was a real need for aged care advice in the Coffs Coast.

S P E C IA L F E AT U R E

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 30. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden 48. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 87. Money Matters - Tanya Howe 88. Business Minds - Lindsay Russell & Heidi Figenschau 90. Fitness Update - Duncan Marchant 108. Education Update - Nick Johnstone CONTRIBUTOR OF

134. Real Estate Update - Chris Hines

THE MONTH

TANYA HOWE

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

Thank you for your contribution to FOCUS. Follow us on

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www.facebook.com/coffscoastFocus

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COME DINE Our fabulous Food Court has something for everyone including Aromas of India, Bey Kebabs, Donut King, Fung Tian Asian, Muffin Break, Red Rooster, Ridgey Didge Pies, Shinobu Sushi, Subway and Vietnam Journey or try Nuovo Cafe near the Playground or Boost Juice in the Promotions Court. Plus dine in at:

Check with individual stores for trading hours.

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VAINE RABANA 4 PAGES

VAI NE R A B A N A

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focus_interview image by @melissa_hr

This month’s cover girl Vaine Rabana is a singer songwriter who found herself moving to Sandy Beach from Northern Queensland on a bit of a whim, and then once she was here she fell in love with the local beaches and community. We had a chat with her about how she got into singing and what gigs she’s got coming up.

i Vaine. You grew up in Northern Queensland at Mission Beach, can you tell us a little bit about living there and how you came to be on the Coffs

Coast? Mission Beach was a very small coastal town. It My first ever was so fun I had a really memorable great time growing up experience with singing there. I had sick friends. We did lots of camping, was at a Gold Coast fishing, waterfall chasing Eisteddfod, the theme I got to Sandy Beach and island hopping. was ANZAC and I was and fell in love instantly. I had a friend that I did competing against 30 The beaches, headlands some modelling for, who other schools around and people made me had a friend that was a the district. feel like I was home. photographer at the time You kind of fell into who bought the shop at singing by accident, Sandy Beach. tell us how it happened? She wanted to know if there was anyone When I was in grade 5 all my friends and I keen to move down and help her run the shop. decided to join the choir. We heard that you got I was keen for something different so to go on excursions. I decided why not. If I can be completely The goal for me was to get out of school if I honest I thought Sandy Beach was still in the was being honest. Queensland Sunshine Coast area, so not too far I auditioned for choir and went back to class. from Mission Beach! I didn’t know I was moving A few moments later my music teacher walked to a different state until I flew from Cairns to into my classroom and asked my class teacher if Brisbane. I was contemplating just turning back she could speak to her about me. around, but 19-year-old me was like “No, what I knew then that I was done for, that they are you doing”?

knew my plan on not wanting to be at school. It turned out that I was actually selected to join an ensemble group which consisted of 2 male and 3 female vocalists. My first ever memorable experience with singing was at a Gold Coast Eisteddfod, the theme was ANZAC and I was competing against 30 other schools around the district. So your voice saw you on stage competing at an eisteddfod. What was that experience like? I got chosen to do my first solo at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, I questioned “why me?”. When I sang, everything became so still, it felt like no one was there but me. It was a surreal feeling. In that moment I fell in love with singing. Continued over... COFFS COAST

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image by @melissa_hr

Fast forward a few years (but not many), how did you get your start playing live? I never made music my number one priority after my primary school years of competing in choir, but I always sang to myself here and there. Growing up I didn't have a great relationship with my family so at 16 I decided to leave home. That was when music came back into my life. I taught myself guitar so I could write songs and play at venues. I went to one of the islands in Mission Beach called Dunk Island where there was a local male artist playing, and my friends were telling me to ask if I could play a song for them on his break. Surprisingly he let me play a little set. After that the organisers of the island messaged me 2 weeks later to book me in – which was my first ever gig. From then on I played at local bars and restaurants full time. 16 COFFS COAST

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When did you introduce yourself to the guitar? I was probably 14 at the time, I taught myself guitar so I could write songs. How would you best describe your music? As a solo artist, I best describe my music as chilled acoustic, with a bit of soul and alternative pop. What are some of the things that inspire you and your music? Anything that has played a massive impact in my life and anything that means something to me; then I'll write about it. What sort of venues do you play and what would you say was your favorite to date? I play a lot of weddings, very intimate private functions, local cafes and small restaurants. Although playing on an island was a very memorable experience, my favourite gig to

date would be playing at a 30th party, the atmosphere was so full of love and everyone was just enjoying their time. I sang a song called “Don’t Forget Your Roots“ by six60. Everyone was circled around belting out the tune and just singing along with me! Then again, I just don’t know! Every gig I play I get a different memorable experience. When you’re not playing music we hear you’re quite the surfer. When did you start surfing and how often do you get out these days? I started surfing longboards 2 years ago. I try to go out every single day for a maximum 3 hours in the water. Unfortunately I have the responsibility of running a local seafood take away restaurant called Seasalt, so I can’t always stay out. If I could, I would! Where can people find your music and get info on upcoming gigs? Everyone can find me in the Bellbottom magazine as they have a section for upcoming gigs and events. Or you can follow my instagram @vainerabana where I post what I get up to and raw clips of me singing. Thanks Vaine.

When I sang, EVERYTHING BECAME SO

STILL, IT FELT LIKE NO ONE WAS THERE BUT ME. IT WAS A SURREAL FEELING. In that moment I fell in love with singing.

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What's

M A R C H

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HONEY & KNIVES

Supported by Katie Crane & Laura Taggett Honey & Knives are a 5-piece folk band driven by vocal harmonies and songwriting full of heart, warmth & humour. Supported by Katie Crane & Laura Taggett. Playing Gypsy Swing to Bluegrass and a whole lot in between! When 6th March Where Coramba Community Hall Time 7pm Tickets Adult $20 Child $12

WEAVING CIRCLE AT YARRAWARRA

Giinagay! Come down to Yarrawarra and join our Monthly Weaving Circle first Sunday of every month with local Gumbaynggirr artist and apprentice weaver Lilly Clegg! Lilly will lead you through several traditional weaving techniques and give you the foundations for creation! When 7th March Where 69 Red Rock Road, Corindi Beach Bookings essential Call 6640 7104

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14 MITCH KING Oil & Water Tour From starting out busking in his hometown of Mount Tamborine, Mitch has gone on to sell out Australian headline shows, perform internationally, and to support artists such as “Tones and I”, “America” the Band and Supertramp’s “Roger Hodgson”. Organically building his fanbase to over 36 million worldwide streams and 250,000 Monthly Listeners on US Pandora Radio, Mitch King’s dynamic live shows are definitely not to be missed. When 14th March Where The Bellingen Brewery Tickets $20 via mitchkingmusic.com.au

BEN LEE Ben Lee began his career as a young teenager in the early 90’s, in the Australian lo-fi punk band Noise Addict, who were discovered by taste-making artists Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys. Catch Ben live at the Hoey Moey! When 14th March Where Hoey Moey Tickets $40 from Oztix.com.au

GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT VELVETS

Good Vibe Tribe Coffs Coast presents Girls Night Out at Velvets on Jetty. Enjoy a two course menu designed by experienced chef Dominic Williams plus glass of bubbles. With special guest DJ IVEX on the decks. This is a great opportunity for you to catch up with old friends and make new friends. When 18th March Where Velvets on Jetty Time 5:30pm Cost $70 Tickets Contact nicole@focusmag.com.au or call 0413 816 010

(Opp. The Sneaker Lounge)

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MICHAEL

Rohr

Cowboy Monkey talks Fluff Inspiration can come to us in quite unusual places, and for Michael Rohr, tangible bedtime stories told to his young children set about a ponderable creation for a children's book. Proudly, Michael is now a published author with big dreams ahead.

i Michael. Congratulations on the release of your first published children's book “Cowboy Monkey Talks Fluff”. You must be relieved to have it finally out amongst the world for all to share and laugh along with. Tell us about your book. Thank you, it is an amazing feeling having a published story and it’s definitely on the list as a memorable moment in my life. My book is a fun, simple story, designed to bring joy and laughter to parents and children who read it. It was a tough 2020, so this book helps us remember what it feels like to laugh and connect with others. We follow Cowboy Monkey as he explains what a FLUFF is to his children, when it is ok and not ok to FLUFF. The theme was inspired by my son’s blue and green plush

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monkey toy. I tell bedtime stories with my children and use Monkey as a protagonist, as I make it all up as I go along. I have plenty more material for many more books, so watch this space. Your day job is certainly contradictory to that of a writer. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you felt the desire to unleash the creativity within. I was born and bred in Port Macquarie in the 70’s, when Port was just a small holiday destination. I had the opportunity to take on my parents’ (Frank and Erika Rohr) jewellery business, which at the time was one of the longest established businesses in Port Macquarie. However, I was interested in doing something a little different and knew I needed to challenge myself and forge my own career. I joined the army as an infantry soldier after finishing Year 12 at Mackillop, which challenged every physical and emotional aspect of my being. It was very rewarding

and helped me gain independence as a man. My nursing career has been varied, travelling interstate and overseas to work in various hospitals and settings. I very much enjoy helping people and assisting them when they are at their most vulnerable. I am now a nurse manager and enjoy the opportunity to make innovation and change within the system and support my staff. FLUFFs (aka Farts) are definitely a topic of interest in both industries. I was able to hone my understanding after exposure to them under varied conditions very successfully. For some reason, they are a very innocent source of amusement and fun for both children and adults. They can actually be a great ice breaker and topic of conversation, but please remember everyone, they should be used for good, not evil! Meeting my beautiful wife Caroline, who is also a nurse, and having two amazing children Zsofia and James, has given me

purpose to be the best person I can be. I recall the first time I saw Zsofia when she was born, it was like a light switch turned on and I was Dad, I have not looked back. My wife would probably tell you she has three children in the house, which in many ways has been beneficial for my journey to becoming a children’s author. I love spending time with the kids and bedtime stories often evolve into quests to other realms, and lots of laughter. As a novice to all things writing and illustration, where did your journey begin and how have you managed to pull it all together and complete such an amazing project? With over 10 years of storytelling experience with my children, I literally woke up one morning, had the idea, grabbed a coffee and typed the story down from start to finish in about 45 minutes. I tweaked it a bit over the next few months, then thought, this is not bad! The kids loved the story, so I thought it might be good as a picture book with funny illustrations. I was fortunate to find a freelance illustrator online, Ritwij Sasmal, from India, who was extremely easy to work with and saw the vision of the project straight away. I gave him the picture concepts and he brought them to life. He told me the project was the most fun he had worked on. We started with black and white mock-ups and went to colour from there and very little changes required, I was blessed to

find Ritwij. It came together quite easily, the see it released Christmas 2021. path of least resistance can be quite fruitful. I was fortunate enough to have another What has the response been like from short story called “The Swoozlmonger” the local community and, of course, your published in a writing competition in the US family and friends? in December last year. It was highly regarded The response has been wonderful. by the judges and I look to make this into a Bookface Port Macquarie has been very children’s picture book in 2021. supportive with the local launch of the book, I am also working on another picture selling out in the first book meant for week. There has been younger children called My family is very lots of support and “Greyhounds Are proud of me and interest in social media Great” and hope to I think it is a great as well as local media submit it to publishers opportunity for the kids to outlets. My family is by February 2021. see their dad have a book very proud of me and So I guess the I think it is a great answer to your published successfully by a opportunity for the question is, I want to reputable publisher and see kids to see their dad keep writing in my the book in a bookshop. have a book published spare time, releasing successfully by a books and you just reputable publisher and see the book in a never know, one day make it a full-time gig. bookshop. I hope it gives them inspiration. I would love to hit the top 100 best children’s When I received the email from Emily Kelly books one day, so let's see what happens! at Boolarong Press, I was over the moon. She Where can we grab a copy of your book stated that she loved the story and, having or follow along on your journey? kids herself, saw its potential. They have The Book Warehouse Coffs Harbour, done an amazing job getting the book to Grafton, Ballina and Lismore. market. Links: If you would dream big, where to next https://thebwh.com/ for your writing career? https://www.boolarongpress.com.au/ I already have a contract from a UK-based product/cowboy-monkey-talks-fluff/ publisher for a new classic Christmas story, https://www.facebook.com/ “A Monkey Christmas”, which I will not MichaelRohrOfficial discuss too much for now, but be ready to Thanks Michael. COFFS COAST

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100 Year Old

Historic BEAUTY

As alluring as it may be to invest in an historic building with the promise of converting it into a family residence, the rewarding success of doing so also comes with the risks of unexpected restoration costs and heritage restrictions, as Ineka and Simon Martin found out...

i Ineka. 2016 saw you and your husband Simon start a renovation journey that tops most! You bought a church! A gothic, 100 year old heritage-listed church in Gladstone. What were you thinking? I guess we were not really thinking, rather dreaming. I tend to do that a lot, seeing the potential in things, while Simon is more cautious out of the two of us, some might say responsible. After returning from our trip around Australia in our converted school bus, we rented a suburban house while looking for a rural property. Almost daily I would comb the real estate sites of the entire Mid North Coast, but nothing seemed right. When I stumbled across the advertisement for Expressions of Interest for the church I actually didn't think it would be an option. Although we had always loved Gladstone, it was still 45 mins away from where we currently lived and worked. I organised to see it with the real estate agent. A few days later I convinced Simon to take a look hoping he would catch a little glimpse of what I could see. Thankfully he did and we put in an offer. Next thing we knew, we bought a church! At settlement the pews had already been sold off but everything else remained the same. That first night we decided to camp there on the floor; looking up at the roof, me still dreaming and Simon thinking “what have 22 COFFS COAST

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we done?” You moved your lives to the quaint village of Gladstone to complete the conversion. How did you find adapting to and immersing in a new That first night way of living? we decided to When we told the camp there on the kids we were leaving floor; looking up at Port Macquarie to live It remained a church the roof, me still in a caravan while we up until May 2016 renovated a church, they dreaming and Simon when they held their last were less than thrilled. thinking “what have service. We purchased it Having said that, they in September 2016 as an we done?” are used to us making empty building. less traditional choices. It underwent a It was actually really renovation sometime lovely to move to such a quaint village. It felt in the 80’s when all but one of the original as though we were removed from the hustle of stained glass windows were replaced. The Port life. Now with the freeway connection the remaining one is in the bell tower entry. It commute only takes 45 mins and we still travel depicts a soldier – Lance Corporal Wheeldon. down most days to work and school. Gladstone We have been visited by an authority on the village has a number of heritage buildings and fallen soldiers in the area. seems to come alive on weekends. Heritage buildings are heavily bound by Tell us about the Church’s early beginnings rules and regulations and I take it the and history. conversion was no easy feat. Tell us of the The foundation stone of St Barnabas process to get the build underway, and the Church of England was laid in 1919 in a toughest aspect of this part of the build. different location, however the war meant that I am a home renovation TV show tragic construction stopped and another stone was and would often think to myself, why does it laid in October 1921, making it 100 years old take these people years to renovate heritage this year. buildings and why do they always spend so

much more money than expected? I now know why! Firstly to purchase a “place of worship” you cannot get a home loan because the banks don’t consider it a home. This took time and money. After purchase we had to change its use from a “place of worship” to a dwelling through council. This took time and more money. We then had to consult a heritage architect and civil engineer to see whether the plans we had drawn up were allowed. This took time and yep – more money. A flood plan had to be developed as the church sits in a flood zone. All part of the journey which makes this home. So to answer your question, the toughest part was probably not knowing after all this time if we were ever going to be able to turn this beautiful building into our forever home. The idea for design came from our years of research – watching Grand Designs, but really we wanted the building inside to still feel like a church and not just fill it with small rooms. The high ceilings are definitely a feature inside and we still lay in bed and look at them and marvel how well they built it 100 years ago. The next challenge was to find a willing builder. We were well aware the church was solid but there is not a straight wall anywhere, a builder’s nightmare. A successful conversion comes down to being respectful of the history and the purpose of the original building. What

were the main design and aesthetic changes made to the building and what have you produced as an end product? Externally we were confined by the heritage regulations and couldn’t make too many changes. This suited us as the only change we wanted was to move the front doors on the bell tower to the internal arch as this would allow for an entryway where the rope still hangs from the bell above. On the northern side we were allowed to put in a servery window and double french doors. Many a weekend was spent cleaning the original bricks which were removed and recycled to build a little laundry room extension. The original timber floorboards were lifted, all new bearers and joists laid as previous flood damage had left these rotten. The boards were then laid back down but we were left a few short as some were unusable. Thankfully we kept all the offcuts the builders left and got these cut to size by Bago Woodworks and T Brothers flooring laid them in our entry in a lovely herringbone pattern. Internally due to flood zoning restrictions we were only allowed habitable spaces upstairs, so we added two smaller bedrooms, a main bathroom and master with ensuite. Walking over the joining bridge you get to appreciate the ceiling. Now the job is complete, what are the plans for the beautiful old girl?

We have been able to really enjoy living in the space. We often get knocks on the door from people passing through and are quite obviously interested in what we have done inside. We’ve even had people wander through the open front doors thinking it is still a church. The majority of people we show through comment how amazing it is, while only a couple have said “they couldn’t live in a church”. For those who do find it fascinating we want to share this unique space. We have had quite a few enquiries for wedding photo opportunities. There are a number of photo opportunities inside and outside which could be taken advantage of. We would also be looking into the possibility for actual weddings to take place there. We would love to provide this unique place to bridal parties and their families to stay and get ready. There is a shortage of accommodation options in the area which would accommodate a larger group of people. Barney Church House is listed on Airbnb and have had a few stays already over the Christmas break. Would you do it all again? On the whole, yes. We have spent more money and it has taken so much longer than we anticipated, but Barney Church House is all the more special to us and has been worth taking the journey. Thanks Ineka. COFFS COAST

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BEN LEE Ben Lee began his career as A YOUNG TEENAGER IN THE EARLY 90’S, IN THE AUSTRALIAN LO-FI PUNK BAND NOISE ADDICT, who were discovered by tastemaking artists Sonic Youth and the Beastie Boys.

rom his first acoustic-driven solo album “Grandpaw Would” in 1995 (featuring Liz Phair), Ben’s songs have always attempted to take his most complex and existential romantic yearnings, and compress them into sublimely catchy and melodic pop songs. This seemingly paradoxical quest has yielded some wonderful results over the years: “Cigarettes Will Kill You” from 1999’s ‘Breathing Tornados‘ has become a modern Australian classic, while “Hard Drive” and “All My Life” (songs Ben wrote for Evan Dando’s existential comeback album ‘Baby I’m Bored‘) were hailed by Bruce Springsteen as favourites of that year, and Q Magazine who called them ”tender reflections on life, love and drug-induced folly set in soulful, country-tinged guitar pop.” But it was 2005’s ’Awake is the New Sleep’ that saw Ben get the worldwide recognition his songs deserved, spawning the alterna-hit “Catch My Disease” that went Top 10 in Spain and the Netherlands and was awarded the Song of the Year ARIA award as well as going Double Platinum in Australia. This album saw

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Ben tour all over the world with artists like Persson to sing songs he wrote especially Aimee Mann, Nickel Creek, Sara Barreilles for their voices. He has also collaborated and Dashboard Confessional. But it was the with artists like Sarah Silverman and Lena song “We’re All in this Together” that surely Dunham and is currently in pre-production is Ben’s greatest legacy so far as a songwriter, for an animated “psychedelic children’s a song that has become an anthem of sorts musical about alcohol” called ’B is for Beer’ for a troubled world over the past year, that he co-created with legendary US author quoted from everyone Tom Robbins. from politicians, to Increasingly over I don't look newspapers, to school the years, Ben has also at life as a children. jumped into political But all of this hefty and social activism. linear adventure. subject matter has He dedicated much of I very rarely know never dampened 2020 to campaigning where I'm going next Ben’s playful against the Republican – I follow what I am experimentation such administration and the passionate about as his short-lived side fringe conspiracy theory and where I can project with Ben Folds QAnon. be useful. and Ben Kweller “The “I don't look at life as Bens”, his production a linear adventure,” he of the Grammyexplains, “I very rarely nominated “Cho Dependent” by Margaret know where I'm going next – I follow what Cho, his job as a band leader for the Tom I am passionate about and where I can be Hanks produced “3 Minute Talk Show” web useful." series, or his ’Mixtape from Ben Lee’ album, Playing at the Hoey Moey on Sunday where he invited guest singers such as Zooey March 14th at 3pm Tickets from oztix Deschanel, Neil Finn, Luke Steele and Nina

L EN AST DI CH NG A SO NCE ON !

Sandy Beach Display home open 10am – 5pm every day

Visit us at our display home today. 15 Zenith Avenue Sandy Beach

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | 5525 2582 NSW BLN: 41628. *Conditions apply

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Read P L AY listenWAT C H WITH NICCI SECCOMBE

Change Your Thinking 3rd Ed by Sarah Edelman

READ

All of us experience complicated thoughts and feelings as we negotiate the day, and these feelings can be difficult to manage. Sometimes we are aware that the way we think contributes to our difficulties, but don't know what to do about it. Change Your Thinking demonstrates how we tend to respond to stressful events with self-defeating thoughts and behaviours. It explains how it is within our ability to interrupt and challenge these patterns and change habitual responses. Learning to recognise when negative perceptions contribute to stressful situations and how to dispute these thoughts can lead to much greater personal contentment and a sense of control.

LISTEN Glass Animals - Dreamland Dreamland is the highly anticipated third album for Glass Animals. I mean honestly this can’t be any better, the album is poppy, psychedelic and fun to listen to, each song has personality and uniqueness while also maintaining a vibe that matches the album. I can't recommend it enough, it’s dripping with polish and you can tell they poured as much love and passion into it as Glass Animals could have.

PLAY WATCH

Skins

The lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol, England, are followed through two years of sixth form, with the storyline of this critically acclaimed series delving into such controversial subjects as substance abuse, sexuality, teenage pregnancy, personality and eating disorders, and mental illness. ’Skins’ is unique in its casting of amateur actors, and the fact that the cast is replaced every two seasons, when the characters leave school.

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Balderdash Categories contain real but unbelievable content about People, Words, Initials, and Movies. Players make up phony answers, read them off along with the correct answer, and others vote on which answer is real. Score points for guessing correctly and for bluffing the other players. Grab the bull by the horns and play Balderdash, the game that’s hilarious beyond belief.

W H AT W E K N OW SO FAR ABOUT

SWIFF'21

Coffs Harbour’s Screenwave International Film Festival, presented by Ashton Designs, will present its sixth festival from April 14 to 29. Starting from grassroots in 2016, SWIFF is now the most highly a ended film festival in regional Australia – and this year it sets a new record, having over 120 experiences on offer. Here is what we know already about SWIFF’21!

t is selling out quickly The rapid growth of the festival combined with 75% theatre capacity COVID restrictions means sessions are selling out faster than previous years. If there is a film or event you don’t want to miss, book early. Full line-up announced March 5th SWIFF has been teasing special events for the past two months, however the lion’s share of the SWIFF’21 program will be released online and via iPhone and Android mobile apps on March 5th – or if you like the analogue version, pick up a printed program from your local café.

Last chance for earlybirds Film Passes are currently in their second release, changing to full price Film Passes from March 7th. If you’re new to SWIFF, you can buy your pass now and book your films later. You can also use up to two admissions from your pass for any one session if you want to bring a friend. SWIFF is coming to CHEC In addition to the Jetty Theatre, SWIFF will be hosted for nine days on the Coffs Harbour Education Campus with screenings at the 350seat CHEC Theatre projected on a massive new cinema screen. The CHEC Gathering Space also hosts performances, parties, events, a café and a beer garden.

Grigoryan Brothers headlining SWIFF Live Australia’s most acclaimed classical guitarists will perform their soundtrack live on stage to a screening of new film A Boy Called Sailboat. Tickets are selling quickly. Second show at CHEC added by popular demand. Suitable for all ages. Something for the foodies SWIFF is getting a little fancy this year, teaming up with ex-Aria Sydney (now Hilltop Store) chefs Richie Dolan and Carla Jones, to host a five-stage degustation experience with paired wines. Hosted at CHEC’s Osprey Restaurant on Wednesday 20 April. For all bookings and information visit www.swiff.com.au

SWIFF.COM.AU

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CHLOE

BATES

This youngster jumped on a bike at just two years old, and began racing round the tracks at four. Competing against others lights up her fierce spirit while fangin’ past the boys puts a grin on her face.

i Chloe. You’re a familiar face down here at the motocross tracks, but for those that don’t know you, please introduce yourself. Hi, I’m Chloe Bates, I’m 11 years old and I attend Coffs Harbour Christian Community School. I was born in Coffs Harbour and we have the best motocross track on the Mid North Coast right in our backyard. You’ve been riding motor bikes since you were just four years old. In a sport that’s usually more male based, what was it that had you hooked? I grew up at the motocross tracks watching

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my mum race and At 2 years old my fly through the air, mum brought me often I would sit on her bike and dream I my first motorbike for was riding a bike by Christmas. She would making motorbike run around after me back mudguard. I just loved noises and jumping for hours holding onto going fast, and the faster up and down as if I the back mudguard. I would go the bigger my was flying through smile got, I love the wind the air too. You can in my face and my hair in say I was hooked well the wind behind me. It didn’t take me long and truly before I even owned my first dirt to master riding, and when I did I was off and bike. racing – there was no stopping me. At 2 years old my mum bought me my At 4 years old I was old enough to start first motorbike for Christmas. She would run competing on the track racing, and that’s around after me for hours holding onto the just what I did. I loved racing, flying through

When I’m out on the track I love beating the boys and the faster I go the more I pass, I get the biggest smile on my face when I go past them. They aren't always happy about getting beaten by a girl though.

the air over the big jumps and hitting the big table tops. They looked scary at first but once I’m on my dirt bike everything disappears and nothing is impossible, nothing else matters – I feel free. You’ve been steadily developing your skills and confidence over the past few years and are now competing against some fantastic young girls and boys around the region. How’s that experience been and what are you most proud of about yourself and your achievements? I started off at 4 years old in the 50cc non competitive class at just our local track here in Coffs Harbour. I have since developed my

speed and riding ability stepping up to the 65cc class and soon the 85cc class. It can be scary riding a bigger, more powerful bike sometimes. I now travel away to many tracks in NSW including Grafton, Maclean and Port Macquarie. I do more than just one discipline – motocross (jumps) and flat track (which is really fast). I’m loving the new experience. I’m so proud of myself at how far my riding ability has come from when I first started and just how much I have improved with practice. When I’m out on the track I love beating the boys and the faster I go the more I pass, I get the biggest smile on my face when I go past them. They aren’t always happy about getting beaten by a girl though, but this just fuels my passion to keep racing and getting better and better. You’re certainly dedicated and committed to your sport. What type of training is involved? I try to ride my motorbike as much as I can. I’m very lucky as my mum runs a coaching program for kids and adults called Ashlea Bates Coaching, so I learn a lot by watching

and attending her coaching clinics with her. I’ve started riding my mountain bike in the afternoons too as this will help me to work on my fitness as I start getting more competitive. Who is your inspiration in the motocross world? My mum is my inspiration. My mum was a very good rider before having me and still is. She is returning back to racing this year, and I can’t wait to cheer her on. Mum’s passion for the sport and wanting to help the younger up and coming generation through her coaching speaks for itself. She is always wanting to help everyone no matter what skill level they are at, especially the females in the motorcycle sport which is really amazing. What are your dreams for the future? Ideally I want to be a professional motocross rider and go race in America, to coach and be a mentor in the motorcycle sport. To get there I want to compete in as many races as I can, become a state and Australian champion. Travel around the world and ride, ticking off all my goals along the way. The motocross track is my home away from home. COFFS COAST

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TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

Dine and Discover A great reason to explore and taste many of our Coffs Coast experiences.

he NSW Government is www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/dine-and-discoverlaunching the Dine & nsw. Discover NSW program Businesses operating in eligible industries, to encourage all of us to registered as Covid Safe with Service NSW support dining, arts and (with a Covid-19 Safety Plan) are able to tourism businesses in register to participate in the program. Details NSW. After an initial test period, the program for registration are found at www.nsw. will be rolled out across the state in March gov.au/dine-discover-register. Service NSW 2021, including here on the Coffs Coast. Business Concierges and customer service Every NSW resident teams are available aged 18 and over will on 13 77 88 to NSW residents can be eligible for four support businesses in use their vouchers at $25 Dine & Discover registration. Registered participating businesses NSW vouchers worth businesses will receive to dine between Monday $100 in total. Two a toolkit from Service and Thursday, and spend vouchers can be NSW with information on activities at arts, used for dining out to promote and accept entertainment and at restaurants, cafes, the vouchers. bars, pubs and clubs, WORK IN TOURISM & tourism businesses, seven and two vouchers HOSPITALITY days a week (excluding can be used for March is also a public holidays). entertainment and month to learn about recreation, including what it’s like to work cultural institutions, live music, and arts in the tourism and hospitality sector. venues. More than just pouring coffee or beers and NSW residents can use their vouchers at clearing tables, employment in tourism and participating businesses to dine between hospitality can provide a great building block Monday and Thursday, and spend on for a future career. activities at arts, entertainment and tourism With demand for employees in the businesses, seven days a week (excluding industry growing, TAFE NSW North Coast public holidays). Residents will need a My and Councils in the region are running a Service NSW Account to receive their digital Tourism and Hospitality Roadshow. vouchers. More information can be found on The Roadshow will run across two weeks

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and be held in Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Nambucca. Jobseekers will be given the opportunity to meet with business owners to discover what it takes to work in the industry, what skills are needed and where a career in tourism or hospitality can take them. It might be travelling the country, involvement in international events, or managing an ecoresort. Jobseekers who register for the event will be given the opportunity to take part in specific training to assist with immediate employment needs, and then a further ‘Bootcamp’ to develop more refined skills and opportunities within the industry. The Coffs Harbour Roadshow will be held at the Coffs Harbour Racecourse on Monday 15 March from 9.30am to 11.30am. Interested businesses or jobseekers can register their attendance at tafensw.edu.au/ roadshow SHARE THE COFFS COAST Now is a wonderful time to get out and explore what the Coffs Coast has to offer. The days are long, the weather is perfect, and the water is warm… love it and share it #coffscoast #naturallyconnected

COVER DISH FISH FAJITAS SERVED WITH SPICED CORN, BASIL SALSA & LIME FROM RIBEYE ROOFTOP BAR & KITCHEN

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Cr a f t y THE

REVEL BREWING MANGO & MACADAMIA WEISSE SOUR

othing beats a refreshing ice cream treat on a warm balmy summer afternoon… except if it’s a beer that tastes like an ice cream! Fresh & icy cold on the taps at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this delicious limited edition kettle sour from Brisbane’s Revel Brewing. Based on the summer classic, the Mango Weis Bar, it’s loaded with fresh mango, macadamia & coconut to recreate an Aussie icon... but in a beer! If you’re game, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create the ultimate adult summer spider!

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Phil is shown here with fellow Ribeye Rooftop Bar & Kitchen Chef Richie Romualdo

PHIL

MENDOZA

C . E X G R O U P – R I B E Y E R O O F TO P B A R & K I TC H E N

hen did you first become interested in cookery as a career? My family has always been in the food industry and both of my parents were cooks, so it was only natural that I also followed that path. I really started cooking when I was about 8 years old to help out in the kitchen at home and learnt some valuable techniques and recipes from both of my parents. What training did you undertake and where was your first job? My first job was at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore where I used to prepare meals for the shipmen and yard staff. It was a busy place to work and there were always different people coming through. I then moved to Raffles in Singapore where I began my apprenticeship. This was a completely different cooking experience to the Shipyard and where I learned to hone my culinary skills.

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From there I worked on International Cruise liners for a few years, travelling 9 months out of the year. One of the cruises I was on stopped in Perth which is where I fell in love with Australia and after returning to the Philippines made plans to come back to Australia with my family. What is your favourite dish on the Ribeye Kitchen menu? You can’t go past the 350g Ribeye if you’re after a good steak. It’s a quality cut of meat and a popular choice amongst our diners. What do you enjoy cooking outside of work? When I am home cooking for my family, we enjoy Filipino style dishes and pastas. I love to have family around and have a big cook-up. Throughout your career, what famous chef have you admired and why? I have really enjoyed following Marco Pierre White. He has worked hard to achieve his status and still works hard as a chef. His style is still more traditional than a lot of modern chefs, which I prefer.

Wine matching is important for restauranteurs – tell us about your wine choices? If I were choosing the fish fajitas, I would select a lighter wine from our wine list such as the La Vieille Ferme Rose or the Opawa Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough Region. However, if it’s the Ribeye you’re after I wouldn’t go past the Pepperjack Graded Scotch Fillet Shiraz from the Barossa.

Fish

FAJITAS with SPICED CORN, BASIL SALSA & LIME

INGREDIENTS 2 garlic cloves crushed ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup lime juice 2 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp smoky paprika 1 tsp lime zest tsp salt & pepper 800g white fish, cut into 2cm cubes Corn cob Sliced red onion Thinly sliced cabbage Grated carrot Red cherry tomatoes quartered ¼ cup chopped basil Lime wedges to serve

METHOD 1. Combine garlic, olive oil, lime juice, chilli flakes, smoky paprika, lime zest, salt & pepper and white fish in a bowl and mix well. Chargrill the corn cob on an open flame or grill, remove kernels and mix in a bowl with a pinch of smoky paprika. 2. Sauté the coated fish in a non-stick shallow pan until fish is cooked through. Mix chargrilled corn, cherry tomatoes and basil together with some olive oil to create the salsa. Serve in a softened taco shell with cabbage, red onion, carrot, garlic aioli and lime to serve. 3. To share with friends, serve each component in a separate bowl to make your own fajitas. Enjoy!

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‘Slo. Vino &’ is a new bar and bo le shop CREATED BY MAX PHILLIPS AND TAYLAH RAYMOND. It is an inspired and relaxed venue, serving natural wines, cra beer and delicious cocktails.

SLO VINO

ey Max and Taylah, You have recently opened ‘Slo. Vino &’ here on the Coffs Coast. How did Slo. Vino & come about? Max: Originally, I had planned to break away from my manager position at the Coffs Hotel Bottle Shop to pursue opening my own venture with a focus on biodynamic, natural wines and small batch goods, then the pandemic hit. I knew that I still wanted to branch out and get this fun juice out there to people of the Coffs Coast somehow. Taylah: The Coffs Hotel had a space that we had previously operated as a cocktail bar a few years back now. Given the unknown climate of COVID-19, we took the opportunity to transform the cocktail bar into a truly unique multi-dimensional space, offering both a takeaway bottle shop and drink-in bar experience. Max: It wasn’t our original plan, but the space had offered an incredible platform to get natural wines out there. What's the process been like opening Slo. Vino &? 38 COFFS COAST

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Max: In a word, tricky. There is so much thought that has to go into opening a new space, even with solid design features and structures already in place, we didn’t know just how much we had bitten off. There was transforming the space design-wise, and then there were hours We took the spent searching for the opportunity to products that aligned with transform the cocktail our values to put on the bar into a truly unique and creators throughout shelves. multi-dimensional the process of opening Taylah: We were space, offering both a Slo. Vino &, it’s really fortunate enough to team take-away bottle shop exciting to be a part up with Cooper’s Brewery, and drink-in bar of an emerging who were incredibly experience. community. generous in helping us What is Slo. Vino &? install our 14 taps. That Taylah: ‘Slo. Vino alone, is an art in itself. &’ the bar and bottle shop is an ever-evolving We also had a lot of supporting hands along concept store. A space to introduce ‘Slo’ to the the way, getting to the opening night was a Coffs Coast. Slo. Vino & is an extension of our collective effort of talented good friends and original ‘why’. Our ‘why’ was to create a lifestyle family. As Max mentioned, the fit-out was only of slo living, supporting sustainable small one element of many. startups producing products that aligned with Max: We have met so many young makers

focus_interview our core values. Max: Slo our company, is an acronym; S for small-batch, L for lo-fi and O for organic practices. It is from these pillars, that Slo Vino & took shape. We have been so humbled by the winemakers and creators we have met along the way. Slo. Vino & is a space to showcase our passion for good juice, and support the new vanguard in Australian wine making and sustainable small-batch goods. Taylah: We want to share and champion the stories behind our products. You have taken a slightly different approach to what type of wine will be on offer, what wine will you be serving? Max: I tried my first Natty (natural wine) working in Singapore, a Lucy Margaux Chardonnay, it smelt like buttery popcorn, but the taste was punchy and sweet, it really was like nothing I had tried before. At Slo. Vino &, we have a thoughtfully curated range of Australian made low intervention, naturally made We always wines. Each week we pick a have a couple few different bottles off our of different bottles shelves to serve by pour. open for our guests Taylah: Our range of wines are relatively new to our to dip their toes in community, and picking a creation of Slo. Vino and try something bottle can be a little daunting &. When sourcing wonderfully fresh, when you’re not entirely sure our wines, most are and sometimes about the wines. Max and I from family owned funky. are no sommeliers, but we wineries, or mates do know what we like and that just wanted why we liked it. We always to give it a crack. have a couple of different bottles open for our The human element is so present. Some of our guests to dip their toes in and try something ranges are so exclusive that the wine-maker has wonderfully fresh, and sometimes funky. labelled each individual bottle themselves. What does a wine need to make “the cut” It’s not only wine you are offering up. What at Slo. Vino &? else does Slo. Vino & offer? Max: We taste all different wines from Max: We have 14 rotating taps on our wall. organic, biodynamic makers. As Tay said before, 11 are currently pouring craft beer. If you’re a we by no means are experts in natural wines. nutter for craft beer, you’ll love our seasonal However, we do thoroughly enjoy sharing a selection of kegs. Some of what we have bottle with friends, and if it’s deemed to be available is a one-off. A few of the local guys ‘smashable’, then it’s made the cut. have already found their way in. Why do you feel it’s so important to have Taylah: We have some cocktails available; the Australian made wines at your bar? Slo Colada has been a favourite so far, made Taylah: Supporting local Australian with boozy pineapple infused rum and a white winemakers is so important right now. Given chocolate, coconut foam. We also offer a few the current climate of the world, getting behind snack options. When designing the food menu our suppliers has been a constant theme in the I wanted it to be stress free, just tasty options

that I would serve to my girlfriends if we were having a wine on the lounge. How would you describe the atmosphere that Slo. Vino & has created? Max: Cool and casual. It's a nice space to sit with a couple of mates, or a date, and have actual conversation. We really wanted to create a ‘come as you are’ vibe. During the day it’s flooded with natural light, and of an evening it’s moody and intimate with a mix of reggae and old-school hip-hop playing. Although it’s only a new endeavor, where would you like to see Slo. Vino & heading into the future? Max: We have big plans that we have sort of organised into steps. Slo. Vino & is step 1, our next step is to move on-line and offer same-day local delivery and click and collect, maybe even open a sister store. Taylah: The big dream is to drive around Australia and meet the families that make the wine we are so passionate about. You know what they say about dreaming big... Thanks Guys. COFFS COAST

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WOMEN LIKE US B R A N D N E W S H OW !

Women Like Us is the comedy sensation created by stand ups, Mandy Nolan and Ellen Briggs.

ealising they were an anomaly in their industry – kick arse comics but middle aged women – they realised that it didn’t matter how good they were, they were always going to be behind the 8 ball in an industry that favours under 30’s and is dominated by blokes. After years of performing for women’s luncheons and fundraisers to audiences that fangirled them like crazy, they both decided that there was an audience out there for them – they just had to go out there and find them. And so began Women Like Us.They came to Sawtell 4 years ago and played to a capacity crowd and now they’re coming back! COVID gave them a chance to reinvent the show and the two women are loving getting out in their local community, back into the arms of their beloved regional and coastal audiences.

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Women Like Us is now close to 170 shows. Scoring not just one, but two, 5 star reviews at Adelaide Fringe Festival, their show never fails to deliver, with audience members complaining that the laughs were coming so often that they felt physically exhausted. And yes, women have literally wet themselves, so its been called a 2 Tena show! So find out how COVID was for Women Like Us. Laughter as they say is the best way to survive anything, and heck after what we have all been through – we sure need a laugh! Women Like Us at the Sawtell RSL on Friday 12 March. All tix $40 online at womenlikeus.com.au or at the club. Social distancing is observed so numbers are limited. Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

SAME NAME, NEW GAME

- FRESH SEAFOOD - PREMIUM FISH DELI - C U S TO M P L AT T E R S - LOCAL FISH & CHIPS

15 Minorca Place | 02 5698 6105 seasaltfishmongers.com.au COFFS COAST

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Kevin Hogan - The Nationals Australia is the safest and strongest place to be right now. We are leading the world in fighting COVID-19 and our economy is one of the best globally.

economic recovery.

A recent Deloitte Access Economics report says, “you’d rather be here (Australia) than almost anywhere else” in the world. It continues by saying our economy is “bouncing back rapidly and outperforming expectations”.

This support has allowed our region to receive unprecedented funding. There are many exciting projects I look forward to seeing progress in 2021 – road improvements, sporting upgrades, supporting important industries, and improving community infrastructure.

As a Government, our focus is on fighting the virus and continued

We have managed the virus better than almost any other country and have rolled out over $250 billion in economic support.

Kevin HOGAN MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PAGE

Safer and Stronger: Australia is leading the world in

fighting COVID-19 and our economy is one of the strongest globally

Email: kevin.hogan.mp@aph.gov.au Lismore Offce: ph: 02 6621 4044 Grafton Offce: ph: 02 6643 3973

63 Molesworth St, Lismore 1/83A Prince St, Grafton

Find us on Facebook: Kevin Hogan MP Instagram: kevin.hogan.mp

Authorised by K Hogan MP, National Party of Australia - NSW, 63 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480

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Say hello to the brightest, most colourful range at Macca's yet!

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Download MyMaccas App for exclusive offers and online ordering COFFS COAST

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L O C A L F A C E S E X H I B I T I O N

AMBER CARBURY.

i Amber. Congratulations on exhibiting your portrait at the Local Faces exhibition. Please share your connection to the subject and why you chose to portray them. My portrait is of the beautiful Angela Geordie Sommers-Rees, a young talented emerging artist, violinist, artisan baker and nature lover from Dorrigo. Ange and I first met when she came to me for a tattoo of a blue fairy wren. There are some people in life that you instantly connect with and Ange was one of those people. We have a shared love of art, music and nature. After her first tattoo, Ange booked in for more and now has a small collection of local flora and fauna pieces by me. With each tattoo we became closer and I felt I just had to paint her. Sometimes it’s hard to explain why you want to paint someone’s portrait, often it’s that a person may be striking in a unique way and sometimes it’s a personal connection; for me with Ange it was both. I love portrait paintings and seeing how every artist captures the essence of the muse in their own unique way; it’s a beautiful way to shine a light on 44 COFFS COAST

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an individual. Take us through your creative process. If I could paint all day everyday I still wouldn’t be able to get out all that’s in my mind! My process of making art is a gathering and collection of ideas in my mind that build upon one another and change with my interests, inspirations and experiences. A painting always begins as an idea and once begun, ends up being something I could never have foreseen, and I think the magic of this is what’s kept me hooked. There‘s beautifully creative and varied artworks from artists in and around the Mid North Coast. What does it mean to showcase your work with such high talent? It means the world to be hung alongside wonderful works by incredible artists! Without their encouragement, along with the wider community I don’t know where I’d be, art has made me who I am. Like all art forms, it takes years of hard work, passion, patience and commitment to achieve wonderful things and to stand in a room surrounded by works of art by different amazing artists is truly overwhelming. ambercarbury

FELICE FERRER-BURTON. Hi Felice. Congratulations on exhibiting your portrait at the Local Faces exhibition. Please share your connection to the subject and why you chose to portray her. My subject is Ani from Sawtell whom I have known since she was a toddler. One particular time when they came for a visit when she was 11 or 12, I saw her playing with Winston our staffy and that moment sparked inspiration to use that scene as part of my mural in Macksville. Last January, Ani came to visit us again, now 15. We spoke about creative things like we used to, but this time around we had a conversation about her aspirations; the difference between the girl I have known before and this young lady with whom I had an in-depth conversation about chakras, yoga and meditation was amazingly mind blowing. She is still full of upfront cheekiness, as well as innocent elegance in her enjoyment of her present moment. Those few moments with her on that weekend struck a chord of Janus: god/goddess of 2 doors – the past and the future. Here is a young person leaving behind her childish ways

and elegantly embracing her adolescence. Take us through your creative process. My creative process begins by mapping out my composition using the rule of thirds, as well as developing a good notan shape and then I play by constructing and deconstructing shapes, push and pull colours, textures and lines. I try to keep my palette simple then lay washes after washes to achieve delicate colours. Overworked areas are modified by adding textures. In Ani’s painting, the collage of younger Ani was toned down by spreading tinted modelling paste, scraped back and sanded to achieve the desired effect. There‘s beautifully creative and varied artworks from artists in and around the Mid North Coast. What does it mean to showcase your work with such high talent? To showcase my work with such high talents is both mind blowing and humbling. With such a pool of talents plus amazing reception and support gave me hope and anticipation that more similar endeavours will be organised. feliceferrer

L O C A L F A C E S E X H I B I T I O N

OLIVIA STEEL.

i Olivia. Congratulations on exhibiting your portrait at the Local Faces exhibition. Please share your connection to the subject and why you chose to portray them. My subject is the everyday human. The portraits I create are ambiguous, meaning there is no specific definition. I don’t intend to illustrate a certain gender, race, religion or age in my portraits, just what I see as human. I strongly believe we are all human before anything else. By creating artworks without definition, it allows the audience to connect with the piece individually and interpret them in a way that is unique to them. Many people may even see something new each time they look at the piece. The simple facial features are all connected with a continuous line. This strongly reflects the unique and meaningful connection within a local community. I find that I am continually inspired by anyone and everything I see, from the beauty of the place we live to the wide range of individuals who live within it. Take us through your creative process.

I love to get out into the community, visit local cafes and shops, then come back into my little studio and draw faces. Creating these portraits is almost second nature, it flows onto the paper after what I’ve experienced throughout the day, rather than a conscious recollection of something I’ve seen. Often I’m very intentional about the composition and lines, other times I let go and draw from what I feel. The pieces I create either have a strong focus on detailed and intricate linework, or have an abstract and paired back design. My aim is to portray the simple beauty within such complex and unique creations, whether it be within humans or nature. There‘s beautifully creative and varied artworks from artists in and around the Mid North Coast. What does it mean to showcase your work with such high talent? I’m honoured to be a part of this exhibition, it’s amazing to see my art hanging amongst all the juxtaposed styles. Everyone’s work is so varied, and I think that’s why I love to portray humans... we are all such unique beings. oliviasteelstudio

S I M O N W H I T TA K E R .

i Simon. Congratulations on exhibiting your portrait at the Local Faces exhibition. Please share your connection to the subject and why you chose to portray them. My connection to Marley is a mind-boggling one. Alyson Pearson asked me if I'd like to submit a piece to her Local Faces Exhibition which is an honour in itself, but because most of my photographic work is for clients and to a brief I didn't feel that any of my work was really suitable. To make a brief story even more brief, I just really wanted to shoot a beautiful portrait of an Indigenous Australian and a random conversation with a lovely lady in the library led to me meeting Marley. I wanted to photograph Marley because she encapsulates so many of the messages I want to convey to people. Take us through your creative process. The breadth and depth of Indigenous culture in Australia is massive, it is far beyond my comprehension, it is ancient and fragile and deserves respect and

preservation. I wanted to give a sense of that in the image and I had spent a week letting the concept brew in my brain. When I discovered that Marley was heavily pregnant, the final image popped up exactly as you see it in the print. What I love about this is that there is an acknowledgment of the past, a promise of a future and it has been coupled with a model showing a sense of dignity, pride and serene beauty at the same time. I also wanted to stay away from the traditional photos of pregnant women in nature – don’t get me wrong, they are beautiful, natural shots and are really nice but I really wanted something more formal. There‘s beautifully creative and varied artworks from artists in and around the Mid North Coast. What does it mean to showcase your work with such high talent? This exhibition has really packed a punch, the quality of the work is amazing across the styles and formats and I have so much respect for the artists and their work. I feel privileged to have been invited and I can't thank Alyson enough for putting it on. envogueweddingphotography COFFS COAST

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CLEVERMAN Y A R R AWA R R A

G A L L E R Y

The Yarrawarra Gallery is currently hosting THE EXHIBITION “CLEVERMAN”, AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION that showcases the making of the Cleverman series released by ABC TV.

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ou are currently hosting the exhibition “Cleverman” for the next few months. For those who may not know, what is Cleverman? Cleverman is an interactive exhibition curated by ACMI, co-curated by concept creator Ryan Griffen & Cleverman production designer Jacob Nash. ACMI is the national museum of screen culture, located in Melbourne. The exhibition explores the making of the Cleverman series that was released on ABC TV in 2016, including props, costumes and make-up from the series, designs by Weta Workshop and artwork from the original comic book series. Why do you think Cleverman was so successful and why do you think it’s so important for film going forwards? Cleverman stormed onto ABC TV in 2016 with a predominantly Indigenous cast and senior crew. The series explores Aboriginal origin stories in a contemporary context, with political nuance touching the themes of class, racism and power. Commissioning editor and writer Nayuka Gorrie reflected on the series… “In many ways the show, which caters to an international audience, while applying historical and contemporary abuses of mob here, proves prophetic for many other marginalised people in a Trump era, and closer to home the treatment of asylum seekers. It also signalled a shift in Australian television and heralded a changing era of black television and entertainment.” I believe in recent years, the resurrection of First Nation cultural practices has aroused a curiosity by non-Indigenous peoples into traditional value systems. Climate change, pollution and a growing need for sustainable practices has encouraged many to embrace ancient ideologies that have survived and sustained both people and environments for many thousands of years. What has it been like for the crew at Yarrawarra Gallery to be able to host this exhibition? This exhibition is a big deal for us. It is the first time it’s been seen in NSW, and from our gallery it moves on to the National Gallery in Canberra. It presents a great opportunity for local and regional people to experience a high calibre interactive exhibition that has

significance to Gumbaynggirr nation. What goes into creating such an The exhibition storyline has many significant exhibition? elements, including the portrayal of hairy A large amount of funding, resources and people, Cleverman and the use of our native work! An exhibition of this caliber has many language. hours of consultation, design, expertise and The Aboriginal characters in Cleverman passion culminating in what has become an speak Gumbaynggirr alongside the northern exceptional touring show. NSW language of Bundjalung. Gumbaynggirr There were several exhibition partners and Bundjalung have very particular involved with the creation of Cleverman; pronunciation styles so the cast had to work Swinburne University of Technology, Goalpost with the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language Pictures, Pukeko Pictures, ABC, IAS, Visions of Centre staff to perfect the pronunciation. It’s Australia and Create Victoria. wonderful to see our language featured in film If the hours and work involved in installing and also within the exhibition. this exhibition is any indication, I am sure it The exhibition will be quite immersive. took many months to create. We closed the What can we expect to experience from gallery for a week in December and had a the exhibition? minimum of 5 installation staff assembling the Upon entry, the dark walls and lighting exhibition with the help of Carrie Mulford from create an immediate sense of film and theatre. ACMI, who fortunately was able to travel from Headphones are issued for visitors to plug Melbourne and then have a well-earned stay in to several audio in Red Rock with family. panels and screens to We also zoomed with hear from the curator, ACMI Audio Visual and It is the first time producers, actors and Registration personnel it’s been seen in designers who reflect which made it much easier NSW, and from our on their roles and the for us to work from the gallery it moves on to development of the installation manual. the National Gallery in series. The crates that contain Canberra. It presents a There are many 2 the exhibition are quite great opportunity for dimensional artworks, large and we were local and regional drawings, design fortunate to have space in boards and comics our conference centre on people to experience a for the viewer to gain site to store them whilst high calibre interactive an understanding of the exhibition is on. exhibition that has the varied roles and What has the response significance to elements involved in been so far from the Gumbaynggirr nation. creating a television exhibition? series. The response has been The AV screens are extremely positive. People amazing to behold and deliver a large amount of all ages and backgrounds have enjoyed of behind the scenes information so visitors the exhibition. Some are quite shocked when can expect to gain an intimate insight into the they enter the gallery space and many have characters, storyline and the dystopian views expressed how impressive the show is and how on our first nation culture. fortunate we are to have it in Corindi Beach. A range of props and costumes are on This presents a great opportunity for our display including hair samples, Jaali’s cave and schools and particularly students participating the Cleverman’s Nulla Nulla. in Aboriginal studies to access the Cleverman The central Bindawu Spirit Tree is a exhibition once school resumes. storytelling installation that immerses the Where can we find out more information? audience into sounds and narratives that build Visit the Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, on the tradition of storytelling within First 69 Red Rock Road, Corindi Beach. Nation culture. The exhibition will be on display Tuesday to This exhibition is truly something to Friday 9am to 4pm and weekends 9am to 2pm experience and digest. until April 11, 2021. COFFS COAST

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STAT E O F

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

It seems 2021 HAS BEGUN AT A FASTER-THAN-USUAL PACE, WITH A VERY BUSY TOURIST SEASON followed by a steady stream of other events as well.

ecently we’ve marked some important milestones for Coffs Harbour. Australia’s first and only dedicated cartoon art gallery, the National Cartoon Gallery @The Bunker, has been undergoing a significant upgrade over the past year or two, with $2.6m in State Government funding. The new space is much bigger and can be used for functions. In fact, the newly renovated gallery will create jobs and economic stimulus for our region, with the construction of a second storey, café, terrace, kitchen, theatrette and community space. I joined Deputy Premier John Barilaro to officially open the additions, followed by a black tie gala later that evening. The gallery is hosting an exhibition for the late Bill Leak who is the mastermind

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behind many of Australia’s greatest The Coffs Harbour round will be the satirical cartoons. And certainly some of championship finale. the most controversial. With life returning slowly back to Anyone who enjoys satire or politics normal, domestic air travel to and from could spend hours Coffs Harbour poring over his work. airport received a I’d recommend at welcome boost with Coffs Harbour least an hour or two Qantas announcing airport received followed by a coffee direct flights to a welcome boost with at the new café on Melbourne and Qantas announcing site. Brisbane. We also direct flights to The Coffs region welcomed Rex Melbourne and will also now host Airlines to Coffs Brisbane. a round of the FIA Harbour with their Asia Pacific Rally announcement Championship. Rally has become a part of the Coffs Coast’s DNA, and having another world class Rally event in our region is a great way to attract even more visitors.

of direct flights to Sydney. Air connectivity is so important for our region and I joined many in our community in welcoming this great news.

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 October August 2020 2020

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KATIE PLEDGER K AT I E P L E D G E R A C C O U N TA N T S

ell us about your business Katie Pledger Accountants is a small personalised accounting firm offering a full suite of services including bookkeeping, preparation of Business Activity Statements and Financial statements, Income Tax Returns, Business Structures and Tax Minimisation Strategies. We limit our clientele, to ensure that each client is an ideal fit for the services that we provide to maintain quality and deliver value. I established Katie Pledger Accountants seven years ago, after working in accounting firms and other businesses in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom – with clients of all sizes and industries. The support of our wonderful community saw my business grow rapidly and meant I had to cease new clientele to maintain personal attention and familiarity with existing client needs. I am pleased to say that staffing additions and changes mean we are once again welcoming new clients. Presently we’re an all-female team, born and bred on the Coffs Coast. What motivates you in your role and business?

I’ve always had a love for numbers, so I’ve known that accounting was the path for me since I was young. When I started my degree over twenty years ago, I didn’t have a full appreciation of the diversity that a career in accounting offers beyond the financials. And whilst I'm still motivated by calculating and balancing the books, I get excited when offering small to medium businesses strategic advice or providing clever ways to save money or boost revenue. Call me a nerd, but troubleshooting issues or providing ideas to remove or automate tasks that distract business owners from their core business is very satisfying. I pride myself in building strong connections with my clients and catering to their evolving business needs. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? The last 12 months has been quite an emotional journey for me working through the impacts of COVID-19 with my clients. Through no fault of their own, businesses have struggled through forced shutdowns with loss of jobs and financial stress; whilst other businesses continued to grow and thrive. My

main focus was to communicate and educate my clients of their personal entitlements and business responsibilities to guide them through such an unprecedented time of financial change; to try and keep money in all my clients’ pockets. The past 12 months has also taught me that businesses need to be agile – ready to grow and transform alongside changing consumer needs and external circumstances. And that individuals need financial contingencies for unforeseen events. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Every milestone of my career has given me a lot of joy and pride. From the day I graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting Major) to when I continued my studies and graduated as a CPA. But my greatest professional accomplishment was taking the leap of faith and starting my own business, allowing me to care and collaborate with my clients in a unique and personalised way. Each milestone has required a great deal of dedication and commitment and I have really enjoyed the challenge and success.

0427 601 756 admin@kpaccountants.com.au 49 Beach Street Woolgoolga. COFFS COAST

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DAISY MORONEY DAISY MORONEY B R O W S . M A K E U P. H A I R

ell us about your People get their brows tattooed for a business. number of different reasons; they may I have been in be very fair or sparse, they may have the hair and beauty a scar or area where the hair doesn’t industry for about 17 grow, or they may have over-plucked years, starting out in them in the nineties! There are a few hairdressing, then studying makeup. different techniques that can be done; I work as a freelance artist, offering I will be offering both microblading/ makeup and hairstyling services, and featherstroke tattoo and pixel misting/ have recently expanded into cosmetic ombre as well as combination tattooing for eyebrows! I offer mobile techniques. I can design and map out services for weddings, events and a beautiful set of brows and customise photographic/film work, and will be the appropriate technique and colour offering brows for each individual from a couple of client. beautiful spaces Cosmetic Not only is at existing salons tattooing is it greatly in both Bellingen something that satisfying making and Coffs compliments my someone feel good Harbour. background of hair about themselves, What have you and makeup artistry but they are also then learnt over the and will be an a walking, talking past 12 months exciting addition to advertisement for and how has my business! your business. your business What motivates changed? you in your role The big thing and business? for me in the past 12 months has I really enjoy making people feel been studying and learning cosmetic good in themselves, and making tattooing! I’ve loved learning something someone feel beautiful can really boost fresh and new, and am so excited their confidence. Really listening to to offer this here on the Mid North what a client wants, interpreting that Coast. I already knew from doing into a plan for their brows/makeup/ makeup on lots of different faces that hair, giving them some good advice your brows really frame your face and and then helping them make that can completely transform your look, transformation is fun and so rewarding. they are such an important feature. I love this industry and am always

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DAISY DPS

striving to excel in my craft, stay inspired and up-to-date, and to always grow my knowledge and skills. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/ role. For me, happy clients are a measure of my success. My clients finishing a service with me and leaving feeling pampered and really happy with the result is what I strive for. Not only is it greatly satisfying making someone feel good about themselves, but they are also then a walking, talking advertisement for your business. Recommendations and your word-ofmouth reputation are the best way of growing a business in this industry; I want the quality of my work to be what brings people to book/continue to book with me! What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Connect with me through daisymoroney.com @daisymoroney.hmua Daisy Moroney Brows.Makeup.Hair’

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R&R CARE L I M I T E D

J E N N I G A R D I N E R , D A N I E L A S H A W, R O B Y N K A R S S E M E Y E R A N D C AT H E R I N E W AT S O N

ell us about your business. experiences to everyone engaged with our R&R Care Limited is a service. not for profit community What motivates you in your role and based organisation that business? commenced in 1984 with just We are motivated by the services we are one volunteer coordinator. It able to deliver and the positive outcomes our has since grown to approximately 160 staff participants achieve. The relationships we and 500 participants. have with the participants, R&R Care provides their families/carers, team We are all very respite, one-on-one members and other service passionate and and group support, providers are paramount. plan management, We are all very passionate genuinely care about support coordination, and genuinely care the families we are service coordination about the families we are supporting and seeing supporting and seeing and therapy services the participants the participants grow and to individuals with grow and fulfil their fulfil their dreams is all the disabilities and their dreams is all the motivation needed. families/carers. The motivation needed. What have you learnt services we provide over the past 12 months enable participants to and how has your have all their needs met in the one place if business changed? they wish to do so. We have experienced rapid growth in the R&R Care’s vision is to deliver client last 12 months and with COVID-19 had to focused services that are flexible, reliable, adapt to deliver flexible services that would creative and empowering, enabling fuller life

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still allow us to deliver the support needed by our participants and their families. We also had to look after the whole team trying to maintain a great atmosphere. The move into our new premises certainly helped with that and allowed enough space for people to continue working through the restrictions brought on by COVID-19. We also had to ensure that even though we are now working under the NDIS business model we kept our values and vision at heart to keep providing the great service that we have upheld through the many changes in the last 37 years. Describe for us your definition of ‘success’ relevant to your industry/role. Our success is measured by the success of our participants achieving their goals no matter how large or small. What is the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? We can be contacted by: (02) 5622 8400 Danielas@rrcare.org.au or Jenni@rrcare.org.au

MIGNON BUHN COFFS HARBOUR

PA C K AWAY

ell us about your business Coffs Harbour PackAway specialises in packing for relocation and unpacking on location either domestic households or commercial businesses and of course Decluttering goes hand in hand with a move. The Business is set up to alleviate stress, pressure and confusion when it comes to setting out your home and or packing it away for relocation and of course follow through with your cleaning needs. What motivates you in your role and business? Motivation comes from trying to strive for excellence not only in the job but also in the interactions with my community. . What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? What I have learnt is being highly educated has been paramount in my business survival plan through these extremely difficult times and the business has only evolved through the 2019-2020 fires and Covid pandemic. Describe for us your definition of 'success' relevant to your industry/ role. I would say success for me is being recognised as an important high performing service needed within the

Coffs Coast Region. Success must be measured with your one's own wants and needs and mine is being able to still drop off my son and pick him up from school, food on the table, roof over our heads and clothes on our backs. This is success for me. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? I would certainly have to say my beloved father, now deceased, inspired incredible work ethics and a strive for excellence in my life and would be one of my greatest teachers. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Being a Boss, it is so much more than just the job and I am proud to be an employer on the Coffs Coast. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)? Please message Coffs Harbour PackAway’s Facebook business page

CoffsHarbourPackAway

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bcu

COFFS HARBOUR

BIANCA CURRY

DANIELLE JACKSON

C A R LY O S B O R N

O R G A N I S AT I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T & TRAINING LEAD

DIRECT MARKETING SPECIALIST

M A N A G E R , R E TA I L O P E R AT I O N S

hat have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? The past 12 months we have faced COVID, which pushed us to do things differently, sometimes even out of our comfort zone. bcu has also had a huge 12 months with a complete change to the banking system used, cultural change journey and introduction of a new strategy and values. In one word, my key learning would be – focus. Focus on what is in my control and what I can influence. Focus on self-care – take the time out if needed. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I would have to say creating the balance of having a successful career doing what I love, while raising a young family. When I first returned to work after children it was hard to juggle drop offs and pick ups, time off with sick kids, home life and the mental load. I feared that taking time off and not being able to work after hours would impact my opportunities to grow and develop. I am very glad this has not been the case.

escribe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. My role is responsible for the delivery of direct Member communications for bcu across all channels, as well as Member data analysis and insights. So, the definition of success in my role would be being able to connect with Members, whether this is by delivering an engaging marketing campaign, promoting products and services relevant to Members, or connecting through data-driven, integrated direct marketing campaigns to the relevant Member segments. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? During my time at bcu I’ve worked in several different positions, that allowed me to build my skill set and experience within the finance industry. This, in combination with my Marketing degree, helped me successfully gain my current role as Direct Marketing Specialist. To work in marketing has been a career aspiration I have held for a long time and being able to achieve this is my greatest professional accomplishment to date.

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mail@bcu.com.au |

hat motivates you in your role and business? I’m driven by continuous improvement, questioning the status quo and trying to make people’s lives easier. Whether it’s streamlined processes and systems for our teams or better products for our Members, I like to think when I go to work each day I’ve made at least one person’s life easier. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? I’m inspired by so many women in business! A common theme is women that have gone through adversity and continued to fight and achieve beyond their setbacks. It could be a single mother juggling kids, work and study or more famously women like the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg who struggled through law school with a young daughter, a husband battling cancer and went on to achieve many notable accolades as an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. I am inspired by their courage to keep going beyond all odds, this has always given me great perspective.

bcu.com.au

TMP RENTALS CHRISTINE RENGGER & JOANNE MCINTYRE

ell us about your business. TMP Rentals focuses on providing our landlord clients with specific, specialist property management solutions. We welcome open conversations with real engagement in a respectful manner to achieve reasonable solutions for landlords and tenants in rental situations. What motivates you in your role and business? We are passionate about making property management a hasslefree experience. Building working relationships on a genuine basis of validation, loyalty and trust. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Patience (both Ladies laugh). Everyone has learnt in the last year that no matter how hard you work, things can change in an instant. Business grows, adapts and expands at different levels all the time. Describe for us your definition of ‘success‘ relevant to your industry/role. Constantly evolving and learning ways to challenge one’s self – that’s success. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Christine - Where to start... meeting, working and forming lifelong friendships with some amazing individuals whom I have learnt a lot from on so many levels. Lots of challenges but you don’t grow unless challenged! Joanne – Obtaining multiple landlords with large portfolios to provide them with the expertise and experience to ensure their ongoing success. I thrive on supporting their investment choices to ensure the job is done beyond their expectations. @TMPCoffs or @TMP_Rentals tmprentals.com.au 2B/27 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour 02 6651 2944

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KATY LAWRYK KIN & TONICS

ell us about your business. Kin & Tonics is an online naturopathic practice and dispensary specialising in hormonal conditions (PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, irregular or missing cycles, menopause, andropause, thyroid health, diabetes, sleep apnoea etc), fertility support, mature pregnancies, and weight optimisation. The best part about being online is I can work with people across Australia and around the world, with prescriptions, functional tests, and more delivered to your door. What motivates you in your role and business? Patient outcomes! Everything I continue to study is to help produce that clinically significant difference in someone’s health. I truly feel privileged for each health journey I take with clients. My clientele is typically people who have exhausted all the options, visited all the doctors and specialists and have come to a dead end in finding someone who can help. Like Obi Wan Kenobi, I’m their only hope. Supporting people through challenging health conditions to witness a new person emerging on the other side of treatment fuels my passion to continue to create a business model that allows people, regardless of where they are, time constraints or other barriers, to have access to the health care of their choice. What have you learnt over the past 58 COFFS COAST

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12 months and how has your business changed? Lock down completely changed my business model. I owned a health food store, organic café and naturopathic practice on the Gold Coast and once shut down happened, it was the last push I needed to go completely online. I had roughly 70% of my clients online, so thankfully the transition was smooth. In that time, I moved from the Gold Coast to Coffs Harbour, and quickly had to learn how to run a completely digital practice, how to market online, and how to give clients the experience of getting to know me and my knowledge base. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success is achieving client outcomes and having clients refer people to me. People want to know that when they choose to work with me, I’ll exhaust every option to help them get well and stay well. Success is helping couples fall pregnant, helping people overcome serious health conditions, lose weight, and dramatically improve their quality of life. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? Continued education and great mentors are what gives me confidence to build a business model focused on providing tangible health outcomes to help people through a range of health crises. I have completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science & Nutrition, a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences with a double major in

complementary medicine and naturopathic practice and am currently undertaking a Masters in Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. This education and training continues to inspire me to bring research into the clinical application of patient-centred care. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Healing myself was my greatest accomplishment and greatest teacher. I know what it’s like to not be well, and not find any solutions. I got into naturopathy because I had psoriasis, PCOS, chronic constipation, migraines, and an eating disorder. Healing myself taught me patience, allowed me to appreciate the clinical application of lifestyle changes, nutraceuticals, movement, and truly what lifestyle can do for our health. Rehabilitating my own health gave me immense appreciation for how tough transitioning through health crises can be, and how I can best help people achieve better health just like I did. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you?

clinic@kinandtonics.com.au kinandtonics.com.au kin_and_tonics kinandtonics

RENAE DONOVAN 3 B E A R S C OT TA G E

hat have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Supporting children’s learning through the COVID pandemic meant the introduction of many different routines and experiences throughout our environment for both children, families, and our Educators. In return this required our Educators to focus on creativity more than ever to establish innovative ways to achieve similar Learning outcomes. When interacting and building relationships with people was restricted, many of our connections with the community, which has always been a highlight of 3 Bears Educational practise, just ceased. Knowing that social isolation can cause significant emotional pain and a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone, we quickly began brainstorming on initiatives that would focus on keeping up social connections, even while physically distancing, to ensure we are still developing healthy social humans in these unusual times. A fluffy bunny, a clucky chicken or even a worm! There is no mistake how much joy animals bring to children. But did you also know that animal interaction can improve children’s social interaction, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase motivation and learning? And let’s face it, the past 12 months definitely needed new ways to motivate everyone. As the pandemic has shown, Educators make a crucial contribution to ensuring continuity of learning and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone. INTRODUCING OUR COVID INITIATIVE – KEEPING CHICKENS Our amazing 3 Bears Educators worked very hard on this initiative individually and collectively to find a solution and create a new learning environment to allow education to continue. Observing, interacting with, and learning to care for our chickens became a valuable part of our education and care experience at 3 Bears and an extension to enriching our services “Influencing wellbeing” program. I would like to commend my Educators for the role they have played during the last 12 months and continue to play in partnering with me as an Early Childhood provider that offers plenty of different opportunities for children to learn. COFFS COAST

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MONIQUE FITZGERALD & MELISSA PARISI

MONIQUE FITZGERALD Coffs Coast Accommodation

ell us about your business. We're a local boutique agency which manages short term rental accommodation on the Coffs Coast, operating for about five years. Initially known as Luxury Beach Getaways, we re-branded to Coffs Coast Accommodation last year. Although I started as a small business managing just one property, our business expanded organically by word of mouth from compliments and recommendations of our owners. We currently manage over 25 stunning, well-appointed properties in the local area; ranging from the Luxurious to Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Corporate Stay, Couples Dream and Accessible holiday homes. What motivates you in your role and business? I love providing the means for guests to have a great holiday or stay. Receiving feedback from our guests that they enjoyed their stay, and knowing that I’ve helped make lasting memories is fantastic. Providing investment returns to our owners is also a huge motivation. Managing properties well and providing the best service to my clients is what I focus on every day. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? The last 12 months have been a journey! Like all businesses during this time, we had to learn to change with our environment. When COVID hit, our business was affected by cancellations. It was hard. However as NSW and interstate residents began to travel again, we

became busier than ever. In the last 12 months, Coffs Coast Accommodation has grown both in terms of size and sophistication. We implemented new procedures to be ahead of health and short term rental legislation and introduced premium services including an integrated guest communication platform, dedicated concierge and a holiday home styling service – all of which elevate our guest and owner experience. This period has reinforced the importance of evolving as a business and to keep striving to be the best no matter the challenges. Describe for us your definition of 'success' relevant to your industry/ role. Success in the accommodation industry is all about a low vacancy rate and the satisfaction of guests and owners. Having a substantial number of return guests is also a great indicator. Hours of behind the scenes work go into providing a well-managed, beautiful holiday home and it’s our processes, services and staff that ensure we achieve this. We have seen a large increase in travellers to the Coffs Coast and have hosted a number of high profile clients visiting the area during the last few months. Excitingly, Liapari Luxury Beach House was recently named “Best Coastal Cool Getaways” by Alluxia online luxury travel agency. All of these things make me think “Yes we are doing it right”!

MELISSA PARISI Coffs Coast Concierge and Holiday Home Stylist

ell us about your business. I started working with Monique two years ago assisting with administration

and property management. The COVID environment provided the opportunity to analyse our businesses and provide enhanced services for guests and owners. I established Coffs Coast Concierge as we saw the need to provide superior services to holiday home guests, and we wanted Coffs Coast Accommodation to be the premium provider of accommodation on the Coffs Coast. People are selecting holiday homes as their destination of choice and we provide the hotel-inspired services that guests want. Guests can book services such as having their groceries and drinks delivered and packed away in their fridge and pantry for arrival, in-home massages, private chefs, luxury transfers and catering delivered to their door. We also promote and recommend local businesses and services to our guests. I created Holiday Home Stylist to focus on the specific needs of holiday homes. There is a huge demand for holiday homes on the Coffs Coast and many owners need advice and assistance in preparing their home. My styling service has three objectives; to help owners maximise their investment return, to make it easy for owners to achieve a holiday listing, and to create beautiful spaces that guests love to holiday in. Collectively, Monique and Melissa have over 20 years of experience in the property industry and together they provide a complete accommodation solution for their owners and guests. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Please get in contact via www.coffscoastaccommodation.com.au www.coffscoastconcierge.com.au www.holidayhomestylist.com.au coffscoastaccommodation coffscoastconcierge holidayhomestylist

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THE

COFFS COAST FOOT CLINIC

S TO R M M U R P H Y A N D J ACQ U I B R U C E

ell us about your What have you learnt over the business. We specialise past 12 months and how has in lower limb health. your business changed? We This means we can have certainly realised we have address a vast range of issues to be adaptable and prepared to from the hip down. In a single day take each day as it comes! We we can treat warts, ingrown nails, have had a baby join our team nerve and blood flow problems, recently which is very exciting! sports injuries, foot pain, fungal Jacqui brought the lovely little Irie nails, alignment into the world. And issues... the list not so exciting was The most goes on! While Covid-19 of course. important we love to fix It was, however, problems we thing which keeps rewarding to know also want to that we have a up motivated is help people help business that our passion for themselves. We proved it could still health and the see prevention grow and be a safe wellbeing of our and education as and welcoming community. a very important place even with all part of our job. the changes and We want to keep people happy, curveballs it had to face. 2020 healthy, and on their feet! proved that a business needs commitment from the whole team What motivates you in your and we couldn’t have gotten role and business? We motivate through it without our wonderful each other which helps! We have administration staff, Claire Gordon been friends for over 20 years so identifying our individual strengths and Wendy Shaw. and exploring our different ideas has helped create the business it is today. The most important thing which keeps up motivated is our passion for health and the wellbeing of our community. Pain and chronic disease is a horrible thing to live with... it’s incredibly motivating when you know you can play a role in reducing this burden for someone.

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What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? (02) 5612 1760 112 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour thecoffscoastfootclinic @gmail.com www.thecoffscoastfoot clinic.com.au/ thecoffscoastfootclinic

VANESSA SIMPSON

BEACH OR BUSH BUYERS AGENTS

ell us about your business. The result of what I do allows my clients to exhale and actually enjoy the process of buying a property. My company, BEACH OR BUSH® provides Buyers’ Advocacy and relocation services on the Coffs Coast. Our clients are time poor, or tired of missing out on their desired properties. They appreciate the value of local knowledge and personalised service, uniquely designed to make life easier. We represent and support our clients throughout the home buying process, saving them the frustration of endless searching, researching and the negotiating phase. We alleviate the time, stress, energy, travel and money that goes into uncovering the ideal property. What have you learnt over the

past 12 months and how has your business changed? I’ve learnt to back myself and never give up. The demand for my business has grown substantially over this time, in line with the demand for regional property from out of area buyers. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? Locally, my greatest influences have been Marilyn Brien and Julianne McKeon. They’ve taught me the value of being surrounded by a good network of people and continually learning from others. This helps both myself and my business to grow and improve. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Starting my business from scratch and having the tenacity and faith to do so.

Suite 7A/30 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour vanessa@beachorbush.com.au | www.beachorbush.com.au VANESSA SIMPSON 0481 093 299 /vanessa-beachorbush

/buyersagentcoffsharbourbyronbay

CHERIE PARIK

SARAH POOLE

YOUR COMMERCIAL

O N E F I N E D AY

PROPERTY SPECIALIST

OWNER & SENIOR

FOUNDER AND CEO

S T R AT E G I S T

ho Is Your Commercial Property Specialist (CPS)? Your award-winning commercial property agency – Sales, leasing & property management – Office, industrial & retail buildings…Recognised by industry leaders as a top performing agent… Ranked #1 on major commercial listing portals, based on active listings and results! What motivates you in your role and business? Being the specialist in our field … Raising the bar … Delivering solid results… Ensuring there is a difference when you use CPS to look after your commercial property needs. What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Helping CPS grow through Covid-19. We employed 3 new staff, purchased another local business and dedicated many hours providing maximum service to our clients. It was a scary time for many people and standing by our clients’ side in tough times has always been, and will continue to be the foundation of our business. How can we find and connect with Your CPS… cherie@yourcps.com.au 0423 369 999 www.yourcps.com.au @yourcommercialpropertyspecialist @yourcps

ell us about your business. At One Fine Day we help business owners to create the future they want – primarily through developing and implementing robust business and marketing strategies. What motivates you in your role and business? I have been in business for more than 20 years, with 95% of those as a business owner. I have built and sold multiple businesses and I understand the pressures, challenges, AND joys of running your own business. I started One Fine Day to help others successfully navigate their business journey. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Across my professional career I have been privileged to work with hundreds of amazing businesses and business owners across Australia – and seeing their growth and continued success is by far my biggest accomplishment. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? sarah@onefineday.org.au 0417 113 026 @One Fine Day @onefinedayconsulting

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BROOKLYN LEONARD

ELLIE McEVOY

O N E S T E P C O N V E YA N C I N G S E R V I C E S

ell us about your and I personally love being that business. I’m Ellie and support person and find it to be I work as a Licensed a very rewarding one. Conveyancer alongside What would you say is Sarah Speirs at One Step your greatest professional Conveyancing Services. accomplishment to date? At One Step Conveyancing we I feel that my greatest specialise in all kinds of property professional accomplishment transactions including residential to date would be finishing my sales and purchases as well Conveyancing Law and Practice as family law transfers. We course through Macquarie pride ourselves University, which in providing has allowed Buying or a wealth of me to become selling can experience of officially licensed. be an emotional the industry, Now that I and stressful time, am a Licensed exceptional we are here to personal Conveyancer make the process customer service I have the experience in opportunity as stress-free and a timely and to show my streamline as professional clients and possible. manner every other industry step of the way. professionals What motivates you in your my knowledge, talent and role and business? experience in this industry. What motivates me the What’s the best way for most in my role as a Licensed other businesses or readers Conveyancer is seeing a smile on to connect with you? every client’s face when they sell If you are wanting to get or buy a property and it’s always in touch you can find us on a nice feeling to know that Facebook, Instagram and on our you are helping them out with Website. something that is so personal We are always available to and a big part of their life. help anyone who needs advice Sometimes until you purchase or or assistance when purchasing sell a property you do not realise or selling and property and look how much you need someone forward to potentially working as a support through the process with you in the near future.

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B-WILD FITNESS & SPORT AEROBICS

watching them grow and improve, ell us about your business. B-Wild Fitness reaching for their goals as Sport & Sport Aerobics is Aerobic Athletes. the only Sport Aerobic What is your definition of Club from Newcastle to the Gold success? For me, my success is Coast. I specialise in training measured in the guidance of my Sport Aerobic athletes of all ages, athletes towards improving and abilities, and requirements from reaching their own personal goals beginners to international in one-on-one and group sessions. by focusing on a more positive Little ones, who are not yet ready mindset through good health and to jump around with the big kids, fitness and working are catered for towards becoming I have in special pre a better version of represented school classes. themselves. Australia 3 times B Wild Fitness at the World Your greatest also offers fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels with Power Hour Classes as well as PT’s catered to suit your needs.

Championships and walked away with second place.

What motivates your role and business? My passion for Sport Aerobics started at the age of 5 when I first competed and is still going strong today as a current International Sport Aerobic Athlete. From age 5 to today I have managed to achieve 12 State Titles, and 10 National Titles. I have represented Australia 3 times at the World Championships and walked away with second place. To pass this knowledge and experience on to my athletes gives me great joy and satisfaction. Nothing motivates me more than

professional accomplishment? My greatest professional accomplishment

to date is B Wild Fitness. Gaining my Cert III and IV in Fitness and Personal Training allowed me to start coaching and accept an opportunity to take on a handful of athletes towards the end of 2019, which was the start of B Wild Fitness. That handful has now grown to 20 girls, and at the age of 18 I have now opened my own studio in Cook Drive. B wild fitness bwildfitness or brooklynleonard_ bwildfitness12@gmail.com 0478 115 070

BARBARA HAIGH O W N E R / O P E R ATO R SILK LASER CLINICS

ell us about your business? SILK Laser Clinics Coffs Harbour is owned by my brother and I and forms part of the SILK Laser Clinics national network (an industry leader). We are fortunate to utilise the resources of a large corporate partner (SILK is listed on the stock exchange) while providing a localised service. We specialise in laser hair removal, advanced skin treatments and cosmetic injectables. We have a cool team and collectively strive to deliver results and enjoyment for our many and valued clients. Many of our clients leave the clinic feeling smooth and confident about their appearance. We pride ourselves on offering a convenient and cost-effective means of accessing advanced beauty treatments. If you ask the team, they will say it’s the safe hands and friendly faces that keep clients coming back J. Also, a great Spotify playlist! What motivates you in your role and business? Helping clients with skin goals and seeing

the results over the course of the treatment plan. The team are passionate professionals and create an amazing energy in the clinic. Pleasingly, the formula is working as we have seen continuous growth over the last 2.5 years and are looking forward to adding more services, new devices and new treatments, as part of doubling our clinic’s capacity in Q2 2021. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Resilience & patience – COVID-19 exposed how quickly our industry, business and dayto-day can be taken away. Initially we lost out with our sector deemed ‘non-essential’ (to our client’s horror!). During this period, our team was forced to transition from the intensity of the clinic to the monotony of the couch. This was a strange period. My focus, as clinic owner, during this time was to ensure the welfare of the team while monitoring working capital in the business. We were fortunate to be working with a supportive landlord. Then came the reopening and an

incredible ‘snap back’ as we posted record trading months. I can thank my team enough for enduring the wild ride that was 2020. It became clear following the reopening that people care deeply about their appearance and maintaining self-confidence through tough times. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? We are proud that we did not panic with our industry’s forced closure. We were well prepared, maintained healthy working capital and had the resilience to ride it out. 2020 was a true tale of 4 quarters. Q1 was Business as usual, Q2 was clinic closed, Q3 was a record quarter, Q4 was a time of heeling as we helped the team recover from couch to chaos. The sheer volume of demand in Q3 meant the team were stretched to keep pace. We are grateful to our clients who supported us as a local business. We are proud of ourselves and are confident that the clinic expansion plans (combined with new team members) will enable us to serve the residents of Coffs Coast better than ever!

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I worked as a manager at local supermarkets around the Coffs Coast, but I knew something was missing. I have since combined my knowledge of fresh produce and the creativity of event planning to make something special, that I feel the Coffs Coast will really enjoy. What motivates you in your role and business? It’s simple really, what motivates me is that every experience is different. Every day I get BOHEMEIAN BANQUETS to meet and hear beautiful stories from loved ones. Just recently, I had an experience where the children of Anyone that’s a couple organised a close to me secret 40th wedding ell us about your business between Arrawarra and knows that when an anniversary, since Bohemian Banquets is about Macksville. We look event comes round it they weren’t able providing a unique luxurious forward to hearing from has to be something to be there due to experience on the beautiful you! big, I believe in no border restrictions. Coffs Coast. We set up picnics, How did your business occasion is too small Also, recently I helped deliver grazing boxes and adventure start? to be celebrated. organise a surprise provide grazing platters from 1 to 200 people. I have always had a wedding proposal for a Our experience is perfect for a romantic date, passion for events, ever beautiful young couple. a special occasion or even if you just want the since I could remember I This was just last week. I feel privileged that simplicity of a stress-free grazing platter for found so much joy in organising extravagant I get to share these beautiful moments with you and your guests. The produce we use are occasions. Anyone that’s close to me knows people, and it makes me appreciate the of the highest quality, mainly sourced from that when an event comes round it has to be people close to me and my beautiful family. I local suppliers to ensure freshness. We are something big, I believe in no occasion is too believe this is what motivates me. based on the Coffs Coast and travel anywhere small to be celebrated. Over the past 10 years

TEGAN HISCOX

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I made business cards, created successful social media accounts on different platforms and even learnt how to make my own website.

What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Like everyone, the last 12 months has been particularly challenging however, I have been blown away with how resilient the Coffs Coast has been in supporting local businesses. I personally went from working 3 jobs with 2 kids to now focusing solely on Bohemian Banquets. At the peak of COVID I had no idea how I was going to keep my small business afloat, as my business required personal interaction and social distancing/isolation inevitably affected this. I diverted my focus from primarily concentrating on picnics, to home delivered grazing boxings with which clients can order through my website. Through this change in direction Bohemian Banquets was able to stay afloat. Over the last 12 months, I believe I have learnt that if you’re willing to adapt and overcome challenging situations anything is possible. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? The growth of Bohemian Banquets

would have to be my biggest professional accomplishment. I started this business as a little side hustle on weekends and with an attempt to have a better family/ work life balance. I made business cards, created successful social media accounts on different platforms and even learnt how to make my own website. Since then, Bohemian Banquets has grown beyond anything I could’ve imagined, in which I’m extremely proud of. In addition to the growth, I also believe a huge professional accomplishment of mine is being able to work with so many like minded people through the numerous collaborations I’ve been able to do. Last year we created the “Ultimate Picnic Giveaway” with 9 different local vendors coming together to provide one lucky winner with an unforgettable afternoon. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My biggest influence has always been the people closest to me. I am so lucky to be

surrounded by beautiful friends who always support and challenge me to be better. I believe none of this would be possible without my family who help me jungle my two girls while I’m off delivering and setting up platters all around the Coffs Coast. Also, my mum who has worked tirelessly alongside me throughout this entire journey; whether its prepping food, setting up platters or even looking after the girls, she has always been there. Lastly but certainly not least my husband who has always pushed me to chase what I love. He usually is creating tables for our picnics, homemade platter boards and even teepees. I cannot thank him enough. These people have all been an incredible influence in the success of Bohemian Banquets and I am forever grateful. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? bohemianbanquets.com bohemianbanquets@hotmail.com. bohemianbanquets Photo credits The Moores, Fox and Kin and Van life Australia COFFS COAST

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CATH FOWLER T H E D I G I TA L L A N E WAY - O W N E R

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ell us about your copywriters or digital marketers. business. Helping other businesses rise lifts us all. I run a digital There’s work to be done in my marketing agency industry to see women elevated to called The Digital prominent roles. We know women Laneway. make up to 85% of all purchasing The best finds are found in decisions, but they made up only unassuming places tucked away in a 11% of creative directors worldwide beautiful laneway. In Paris, a concierge (according to a 2016 report). The directs me to the best restaurant. In whole premise behind marketing is to Barcelona, the tastiest tapas are down tap into the beliefs, desires and fears a side street. Here in Coffs, Dark of an audience. If we aren’t having Arts Cafe in Cox Lane is there for my considerable input from 85% of our morning coffee. audience, are we delivering the best It’s this feeling that inspired the campaigns? business name. We build awesome Who has been your greatest websites to ensure your business gets influence in business and why? found and looks good online. I’m surrounded by fabulous business I’m probably best known for my owners as part of the Coffs Coast search engine BWN committee, optimisation the Chamber of skills. Commerce Board, So with close Traditionally, and with my to 20 years the focus for a Women in Business experience working website can be column here at in marketing and on the design Focus. This gives sales, I’m all about elements, but me the chance to ensuring your my motto is see just how much website becomes always ‘design wonderful talent your hardest working attracts, copy lives here. employee 24/7. sells’. So with But there are two close to 20 people who stand years experience out as being the working in marketing and sales, I’m all most influential in my career. about ensuring your website becomes The first was Eric, the mailroom your hardest working employee 24/7. officer at my first job. He was loved Describe your definition of ’success’ by all because he made everyone feel relevant to your industry. important. He instilled in me that every Success is all about impact. The business interaction is never about B2C impact on my clients and, in turn, or B2B. It’s always about one human their customers. Visibly seeing the connecting with another. Because all improvement to their Google rankings, customers are people. All employees website visits and sales is fulfilling. are people. So if you don’t understand Having an impact on growing the people, you don’t understand business. confidence in marketers and creatives He also happened to be my dad. is also something I care about. I We lost him when I was 20. I’m make time to have coffee with fellow grateful for the two years when I got

to see him as more than “just dad”. I saw a peek into the way other people around him viewed him. The real human. I’m forever grateful for that. The other was a boss called Elise. She gave me the greatest gift someone can give another – she believed in me. She was the first to plant the seed that my passion and drive was never going to be fulfilled in a large corporate full of red tape and office politics. The world lost her too soon to pancreatic cancer, but so much of me is made from what I learned from her – that’s impact right there. What is your greatest professional accomplishment? Winning Startup Superstar in the Coffs “Sunny“ Business awards in 2019 was a highlight. I also co-host a podcast called Talking Business Australia, where we chat to regional business owners from all over the country. From almost a thousand businesses that entered, we were selected as one of 20 businesses featured as “Regional Heroes” for Kochie’s Business Builders. With the likes of Stone & Wood as another featured business, we were in good company! Digging a bit deeper, my best accomplishment is demonstrating what a good empathetic, modern leader looks like. I encourage my staff and contractors to bring their whole selves to the office. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? You can find me online at my website: thedigitallaneway.com.au Or let’s get social over on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin. thedigitallaneway thedigitallaneway fowlercatherine

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

TANYA MALONEY OWNER

SHALLA THOMAS T E R RY W H I T E C H E M M A R T PA R K B E A C H P L A Z A

ell us about your business. TerryWhite Chemmart has been trading in Park Beach Plaza since 1993 and has an important role in providing medications, services and advice to improve the health outcomes of our community. I have been at the pharmacy for 21 years and lead a team of 45, including 6 pharmacists.

Describe for us your definition of success relevant to your industry/role. Having the ability to evolve over time to remain a destination of choice within the local community. What stands out most is our consistency of high presentation standards, customer service and team culture. Having a team who are all passionate about our business and our customers is something special Having we are all proud the ability of.

What motivates you in your role and to evolve over business? This What or who time to remain is my 25th year has been a destination as a pharmacist your greatest and I still love influence in of choice what I do! As a business and within the local pharmacist I have why? My biggest community. the opportunity to role models and positively impact mentors have people’s health and as a leader to been Terry and Rhonda White, mentor my amazing team. Founders of the TerryWhite Chemmart brand. They assisted What have you learnt over the me early on into partnership past 12 months and how has in the Coffs Harbour store and your business changed? We assisted me in achieving my reassessed our business model dream of full ownership in May to ensure it remains responsive last year. and maintains a position in the future business landscape. We have remained informed and rapidly implemented COVID-19 procedures and workflow changes due to introduction of Telehealth and electronic prescriptions. 70 COFFS COAST

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What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Being recognised for my leadership excellence by being awarded the TerryWhite Chemmart Leadership Award 2017 (and owning my own pharmacy!)

EAST COAST ACCESSIBILITY EXPERTS

ell us about your business? Community Service with continuity of safety and access services to frail aged and people with disabilities, operating from Coffs Harbour and servicing the Mid North Coast for over 30 years. Began as a small maintenance service and has been grown to include home modification, allied health in home assessment, strength and balance classes, lawn mowing, garden redesign, assistive technology. What motivates you in your role and business? I have a passion for community and the people who share this community. Our elders are an important part of this community and I love to see them remain safely at home and enabling a continued connection with their community. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? We can respond to the needs of our target group, despite a pandemic. We are resilient, we continued to provide our essential service, we did this COVID-19 Safe, with a great team all caring enough to be there when needed. Installations and visits to the socially isolated were an important part of continuity for both the organisation and the connectedness for community

members. I can work from home with an excellent mix of work and creative pursuits, more attention on mental health in the workplace, more opportunities for our clients to engage in socially active and creative events, ensuring ongoing connection to community and increased wellbeing. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My father, Tig Thomas, he was always engaged in his community, through Apex, and gifting. I grew up with a crowded house of interesting visitors and guests as Tig pursued his work globally through Apex. Tig was a professional man, who had a great life balance, sharing his skills and time on a voluntary basis for yacht clubs, guitar society and church groups. He taught me to be a professional with heart. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Greatest professional accomplishment is to date to engage and retain an excellent team of workers, happy in their job and personal lives, with a pride in workmanship and positive promotion of our organisation. shallathomas shalla-thomas

LASER CLINIC COFFS HARBOUR

SARA ALEXANDER AND THE TEAM

ell us about your business. At Laser Clinics Australia we want to create a world where every individual has the right to choose their look and feel great about it. Our 3 main categories are laser hair removal, advanced skin treatments and cosmetic injectables. Our qualified skin/laser therapists are available 7 days a week for complimentary consultations. In-clinic Nurse Practitioner Ruth, who has over 26 years experience within the aesthetics industry, is in clinic 3 days a week. Ruth has tremendous experience with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. What motivates you in your role and business? I’m motivated by the satisfaction we feel when someone walks into our clinic with particular concerns, whether that be from something simple like hair removal, to turning back the ageing clock or softening the appearance of someone’s wrinkles.

There’s no greater satisfaction than seeing commend my girls enough in that aspect. our clientele walking out feeling more Describe for us the definition of ’success’ confident both on the relative to your industry inside and out. and/or role. I’ve also What have you Success to us is knowing learnt the learnt over the past that we are world 12 months and how importance of class leaders and most has your business having a strong team changed? experienced with over of amazing women I’ve learnt that whilst 120 clinics worldwide. who supported, the world was thrown We constantly ensure we adapted and came into a bit of chaos, out the other side remain at the forefront of I’m forever grateful even more resilient training to ensure our team to live in a place like and powerful. I are able to produce the Coffs Harbour as the

can’t commend my absolute best results for our community continued to girls enough in that support small businesses clientele. aspect. like ours throughout. Best way to connect with Considering the year the team at LCA: that we had, I’ve also laserclinics.com.au learnt the importance of having a strong laserclinicsaus_coffsharbour team of amazing women who supported, 02 65162044 adapted and came out the other side even more resilient and powerful. I can’t

lcacoffsharbour@laserclinics.com.au COFFS COAST

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CAROL COWLING

COWLINGS R & R CARPET

ell us about your business. We specialise in flooring, Commercial - Industrial - Residential The business was established over 50 years ago!

the store is renowned for. I feel a sense of support ‘locals looking after locals’ but also confirmation that we are doing something right – without our customers we have no business!

Cowlings is family owned and independent which gives us flexibility to be competitive on price – we have an extensive showroom and carry all the leading brands.

What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? To accept life throws curve balls, BIG ones sometimes, ‘it is what it is’, sometimes you are forced to adapt and just roll with it!

We pride ourselves on quality of service, after sales service, product and industry knowledge, the specialists in floor coverings! Cowlings work alongside local builders to provide excellence for their customers, new homes, reno’s, unit blocks, commercial kitchens, hospitals you name it we can deliver. Some exciting contracts this year are the National Cartoon Gallery and The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living. What motivates you in your role and business? Hearing stories and history from customers who purchased 30 and 40 years ago from this same business, new customers renovating, building or buying a new home. This is what motivates me, to know that we make a difference, still servicing the Coffs Coast Community and surrounds with the same values 72 COFFS COAST

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Last year gave me the opportunity to look at ways to improve our productivity, work towards streamlining our internal business processes and procedures. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Having a happy team, satisfied and grateful customers who have had a stressfree experience from selecting the correct floor covering for their space to installation of their new flooring, hearing the customers’ joy when they see their new floors and my sales team’s satisfaction at the great result. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Pop in, ring or email. rrcarpet cowlingsrrcarpet rrcarpet.com.au

TRACEY LAVELLE

SALES PROFESSIONAL - PERRY HOMES

ell us about your is the increase of clients wishing business. David to knock down their existing Perry founded Perry home and build new. With people Homes in 1993 and spending more time at home, they prides his company on its are re-evaluating their space, and quality workmanship, integrity, if they love the location of their and values. Perry Homes has home, but crave a larger property successfully forged a strong or a low maintenance new build, reputation as an industry leader then knockdown rebuilds are by designing and building new the answer and we have the homes to the highest Australian experience and knowhow to standards, achieve this. and ensuring What would you We have customers say is your greatest noticed receive value professional for money and an increase in accomplishment to exceptional clients wishing to date? Prior to moving customer service. knock down their to the Coffs Harbour

What have you area, I worked for existing home learnt over the state government and build new. past 12 months in California. and how When Governor has your business changed? Schwarzenegger took office, The past 12 months with the he created the California Pandemic have been challenging Performance Review charged for everyone, but what I have with identifying cost savings to learnt is that we are adaptable. We streamline government. As a have all found a way to manage member of that taskforce, my and continue on with life in what initiatives and recommendations is becoming the ‘new normal’. to revise purchasing practices were At Perry Homes we have been implemented and are still in place fortunate. The Government has today. always seen the construction How can someone get in industry as an essential service, touch? Perry Homes has display thus we have been able to be homes in Sandy Beach and Bonville 100% operational with little or www.perryhomes.com.au no disruptions to our clients. One tracey.lavelle@perryhomes.com.au significant change we have noticed 0434 499 829

CATHERINE STOJCEVSKA PARTNER H Q B A C C O U N TA N T S

ell us about your business. After six decades serving the Coffs Coast, we certainly consider ourselves “local” accountants. Our firm has grown but our roots are firmly in this community. We specialise in taxation consulting, audit and assurance, SMSF and estate planning, bookkeeping and a range of business services and advice. All our services are tailored to meet our clients’ goals and we work together on achieving this. What motivates you in your role and business? I have always been a self-motivator throughout my career. One of my biggest motivating factors, aside from my three boys, is helping others. I love waking up each morning knowing that I can play a role in someone else’s success. I work closely with my staff and have experienced the highs and the lows which has helped us kick some massive goals together. I have three business partners who motivate me daily with their knowledge and experience. We

share the same vision for the firm, and the plans we have for the future are very exciting. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? To put what I have learnt in the past 12 months into words is near impossible! For me, 2020 highlighted how resilience, teamwork, compassion, and human kindness can get us through the tough times. It has normalised the mix of families, work and business, and brought to the forefront all the little things that make a difference. Throughout COVID, clients needed our help and we were there to give it to them. Business owners were worried not only for their own livelihood but for the livelihood of their teams, so we were available around the clock. We had to think quick on our feet to navigate new legislation along with our emotions but got through it (mostly) unscathed. Throw into the mix implementing a bookkeeping branch to HQB and becoming a Partner and it was a very exciting and humbling year for me! Describe for us your definition of ’success’

relevant to your industry/role. Being an accountant is so much more than knowing ‘just about the numbers’. It’s about becoming a partner with our clients in their business to not only help them navigate the numbers but to support them in all other aspects of running their business. Providing them with an umbrella of expertise in many areas offers our clients the answers and support they need. We worry about the nitty gritty so that they can realise their dreams for the business they have worked hard to materialise. That, to me, is success. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Becoming a Partner of HQB is certainly my greatest professional accomplishment to date by far. However, the development of our team and the culture within our firm over the last few years has been the most satisfying. I spend more time in the office with our team and clients than I do at home, so being able to work with a team that is as driven and passionate as myself and my business Partners is so important to me.

02 6652 2333 | www.hqb.com.au HQBAccountantsAuditorsAdvisors hqbaccountantsadvisors

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AMBER VAN DARTEL OMG! DECADENT DONUTS

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Amber Van Dartel is the owner of the new OMG! Decadent Donuts right here in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Amber has a busy life and is so passionate about her delicious and unique donuts that we wanted to share her story...

mber, tell us how you became the owner of the Coffs OMG! Decadent Donuts? You know that feeling when something presents itself to you and you just feel it is ‘meant to be’? Well, that was me and OMG! Decadent Donuts. I saw someone on social media raving about the donuts and I just kind of instantly felt like this was the perfect business for me. I bought the licensed business before I’d even tasted a donut! It was a scary time opening a business in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, but I couldn’t be more pleased that I did. What makes OMG! Decadent Donuts special? Apart from the fact they are completely delicious, they’re the most inclusive product ever – just about anyone can have them. They are free from gluten, dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, yeast and sulphites, have no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and they’re vegan. They are also accredited for Kosher and Halal. So, they are a treat that anyone can have. I am gluten and dairy intolerant myself, so I know what it’s like to go out and feel so anxious about eating something without later being sick, or to not be able to find something to eat at all! I was drawn to becoming a licensee in the business because they really take the allergy side of things very seriously; every batch of mix is tested in an independent food laboratory before it goes out. And they’re endorsed and accredited by Coeliac Australia and Vegan Australia. But what really sets them apart is the taste – and that’s actually how the name came about – people would take a mouthful of donut and exclaim “OMG!” because they were so surprised they tasted so great, given they were ‘free from’ so many things. Finally a donut that people with allergies or who are vegan can enjoy – tell us about all the flavours.

The donuts themselves are really light and fluffy – not what you’d expect from a glutenfree vegan product which can often taste kind of gritty and heavy. People who have no allergies or intolerances say they love these more than ‘regular’ donuts. The 12 different bespoke sugars which dust the donuts are made from dehydrated whole fruit, veges and spices in funky combinations such as Berry Sinful which is fresh raspberries, cacao, chilli, coconut milk and salt and Beet-alicious which is made from beetroot, coconut milk, cinnamon and ginger. My personal favourites are Toast My Berry and Strawberry Patch, but the crowd favourite remains plain old cinnamon. One of the things I love most about this business is seeing someone’s face who perhaps has never ever eaten a donut or not for a very long time – and they bite into one of my donuts and have tears in their eyes. I know it’s only a donut – but it’s one of the simple pleasures in life. I’ve often had mums in tears of happiness because finally they are able to let their child eat a treat like this. The donuts are made fresh and are best eaten warm, but many people like to get them to room temperature and let the fruit dusting soak in to the donut a bit. Yumm! Because there are no preservatives the donuts don’t keep well, but many people will still drive a couple of hours to get them, so they buy up a few dozen then take them home and freeze them, then reheat later. There was so much demand for the donuts that the couple of markets a week I was doing wasn't fulfilling customer demand, so I decided to open the shop which has worked out super well as customers can pop by and pick up their donuts hot and fresh for events or parties or get them for the office morning tea. What did you do before becoming an OMG! Decadent Donuts Licensee? My first job was at Muffin Break and after I finished highschool I ended up baking for

some time. Aside from food, my other passion is clothing production and design. I had my own swimwear label for a few years but when I became a mum I put my creative energy into my family. I was lucky enough to continue casually working as a seamstress in a local clothing manufacturing business Wear-it! who did some of my custom Lycra printing for my swimwear range. That was nearly 15 years ago. The staff at Wear-it! are like family, but I’d always had a hankering to own my own business again, and with my youngest child starting school this year the time was right. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made… that is apart from marrying my husband and deciding to have our 3 beautiful children. You are a busy mum of young ones – how do you juggle it all? It is a juggle that’s for sure, but I’m getting into a great groove. I ask for a lot of help and I am truly blessed with not only great kids but a wonderful supportive network. My husband, parents-in-law and sister Kristy (who you will often see in the OMG! Donut store) and staff have been extraordinary in helping me with the kids and the business. My work neighbours are also just extraordinary – they’ve been known to go into my shop to get things started for me if I’m running late with getting the kids to school. I feel so blessed and inspired being in Cinema Walk Arcade as many of the businesses in here are run by women and we all support each other. The power of the sisterhood is alive and well in Coffs Harbour! How can people find you physically and online? I’m located in Cinema Walk Arcade, Harbour Drive, Coffs CBD and you’ll often also find me at Twilight Food Market, Street Eats, Bellingen Farmers and Producers market and other local community events. The website is omgdecadentdonuts.com but best to know where I’m going to pop up at next is to follow @omgdonuts.coffsharbour me COFFS COAST

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LEANNE LOVATT H E R I TA G E HEALERS

ell us about your business. I LOVE the BEAUTY industry – it’s been my passion for ever, I was just 18 when I opened my first beauty salon! My career in beauty continued with bigger and bigger salons … and finally I launched my own holistic skincare company – Heritage Healers; our unique offering brings together high performance professional skincare with bespoke natural healing therapies, and this is all based on my own personal experience and ethos of healing from within. The next exciting step in the evolution of my business is opening Spa Elements - our new Destination Spa & Wellness Centre on the Coffs Coast – watch this space!! What motivates you in your role and business? I am so lucky that I absolutely love what I do, I am totally passionate about helping people … making a difference to the way they look and feel; this is what fills my heart and motivates me every day. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? This tumultuous year, although tough to manage through all the disruption, I think has actually been a positive – helping us all to pause, slow down and really think about what is important and matters most in our lives … taking the time to rediscover some life balance, focus on our health and wellness – and just breathe!

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Describe for us your definition of ‘success’ relevant to your industry/role. Success for me is as simple as a text or facebook message from a client thanking my Company for the amazing difference our products or a treatment has made to their skin, health and well-being … knowing that my work makes a real difference to people’s lives is hugely rewarding. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? A highlight of my career was being invited to speak at the International Spa Conference in Singapore … to be internationally recognised by my peers as a leader in holistic healing therapies was truly special. But … going back further … the greatest challenge – and I feel my greatest achievement

- was pushing out to raise the finance to follow my dream and launch my holistic skin care company. Although already a successful spa business owner, this process threw me WAY outside of all my comfort zones! … but beautifully … I was supported by 9 of my Salon Clients that first backed me in those early days - their belief in what I could achieve fuelled my fire and has brought me to where I am today! Contact us at @heritagehealers heritagehealers.com @liveabeautifullife.hh liveabeautifullife.com.au Spa Elements @SpaElements spaelements.com.au

TANYA DENNY

CHRYSALIS THERAPEUTIC SERVICES, CLINICAL DIRECTOR

ell us about your I am motivated by our clients‘ courage business. and resilience, which influences my drive Chrysalis Therapeutic to offer a dynamic, creative and innovative Support Services (Chrysalis) services, to meet our clients where they was established to provide are at, to support those who care for our high-quality Behaviour clients in challenging circumstances. We Support Services for adults and children aim to provide them with a home at our living with disabilities. clinic, therapeutic tools I work together and opportunities to create with a team of skilled lasting change. I enjoy Our practitioners who bring developing relationships and philosophy experience and training in walking beside clients on is ‘the only way to social work, psychology, their journey to achieving predict the future mental health, applied the goals that they find is to create it’. behaviour analysis, drug most important. I am and alcohol counselling, passionate about human trauma informed care and art therapy to rights and every person having access to their role as behaviour therapists. We work a wide breadth of experiences. I work collaboratively with each individual and together with the clients and their supports their care system, family and supporters to advocate for their rights and inclusion, to improve their quality of life and help I actively participate in committees and address behaviours that the family or work with government bodies to bring support team find most challenging. these issues to light to create policy and What motivates you in your role and community change. business? What have you learnt over the past Our philosophy is ‘the only way to 12 months and how has your business predict the future is to create it’. changed?

Our business has been in a rapid growth phase over the last 12 months; we operate across three regions now with many new clinicians, clients and services. In addition COVID has encouraged us to develop a variety of new skills to remain connected as a team and provide services to our clients who are at risk, at times have limited access to technology, live with a disability and experience difficulty with communication. During this year we have learned to be more flexible, to bring a team together despite physical distance, to access professional development across the world (a welcome bonus), and to provide services to clients with a wide variety of disabilities and life challenges. By far, the most important thing we have learned, which I suspect people living with disability have always known, is that nothing is impossible. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Call our offices on 1300 995 135 www.chrysalistherapeutics.com.au COFFS COAST

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HOLLY HEATHER MARKETING AND EVENTS-BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

ell us about your business. inspired by everyone’s efforts, we said yes I work at Bishop Druitt to everything, we explored new ways to College (BDC) in Marketing engage with our families and to keep our and Events. BDC is the families engaging with each other, and most leading co-educational K-12 importantly, we explored new ways to keep school in the region. I look our students motivated, inspired and learning after the communications to the broader over a very difficult period of time. community, and work with my colleagues Our teachers were incredible with our to deliver the massive program of signature students when online learning kicked in; it events that BDC holds each year. was a constant stream of content for me, What motivates you in your role and things just kept coming and each was as business? creative as the next. BDC is an inspiring place Our non-teaching staff to work as we all take a were absolutely amazing, I love exploring role in transforming the holding down the fort and lives of students every day. keeping the ship sailing. new creative Each day brings something I have learned that in endeavours and am new and exciting and the face of real challenges, surrounded by some I am lucky to have so the BDC community will amazing people who many opportunities to work together, put our continually show the collaborate with inspiring students first, and go hard. things we do make a staff, students, families, We had fun along the way real difference! local businesses, and as well. partners. What or who has been I love exploring new your greatest influence creative endeavours and am surrounded by in business and why? some amazing people who continually show I have had a few mentors in my career the things we do make a real difference! who have not only influenced my work What have you learnt over the past but also my life. The Principal at BDC is a 12 months and how has your business dynamic professional who is always ready to changed? explore and action innovation that improves 2020 was crazy for everyone, wasn’t it?! our students’ learning journeys and I value It certainly was for us, we pivoted so many the leadership and positive energy he brings times our heads were spinning. I was truly to the college. 78 COFFS COAST

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Working as the Operations Manager for large scale exhibitions and events in Sydney and Melbourne had me lucky enough to work with some truly sensational, professional operators and there are too many to list! I would be remiss if I didn’t say my husband Dan has been a huge influence in business for me; he is such an impressive operator and I cannot help but be inspired by him sometimes. I could list so many people, I honestly couldn’t pick one great influence. What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I am so proud of everything I produce but to pick something recent, it would be going through the COVID-19 saga. I am incredibly proud of the content and initiatives delivered over that time; it was new, unwavering, always changing, honest, and allowed BDC to ‘walk the talk’. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Collaboration is all part of the fun, I love finding synergies with people and businesses. So if you have ideas or want to discuss partnership opportunities then reach out to me at hheather@bdc.nsw.edu.au Connect with BDC bdc.nsw.edu.au bdccoffs bishopdruittcollege Bishop Druitt College

TAMZIN REBEL HIBBARD HOMES NEW PUBLIC MANAGER

pread good news. Watch your life change. The media nonstop broadcast terror, crisis, drama and chaos while we question whether we should publicise our successes. Do it. Spread good news, and listen to good news. In a world that seems to be full of naysayers, be the light. Know that there are more people on your side barracking for you than there are that are disrespecting you. Believe it. Women are strong, resourceful, and clever. We are doers, movers and shakers. We are mothers – even to those who are not our own blood. We are passionate. It is the strong who take responsibility, band together with positive reinforcement and genuine words of praise, encouragement, interest, appreciation and respect – even to our “competition”. As women in business, together we are a mighty powerful source and force. And in any moments of weakness, we can remind each other of our ethics and spiritual power which keeps us above being just ‘Queens’ and more in the realm of Goddesses. There is no shortage of success and when you’ve got it in you, you will be successful no matter what you’re doing in this moment or the next. And I promise you, you have it in you. Don’t be disheartened by the successes of others. Surround yourself with good people. Not just people who support you but people that speak well of other people. Notice the difference. Incorporate fitness into your lifestyle. You don’t have to turn into a fitness pro, but I promise you it will make a positive impact to your whole life. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt is real, and I don’t know many people who don’t encounter this. Persist with finding greatness and be a positive influence. You cannot beat a good attitude. Authentic people who have a good crack at anything in life – they’re my people, they’re the people that outlast the bandwagon. You can connect with me on social media @__tamzin__ Tamzin Rebel COFFS COAST

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MADONNA BANNERMAN TWO TAILS WINES, VELVETS ON JETTY, BUNKER RESTAURANT & BAR

our newest project. Located at ell us about your businesses. Two Tail the National Cartoon Gallery, we Wines and Velvets have the café that will operate Restaurant were based 7 days a week from 10am till on something that you would 4pm, serving up quality café see in the Hunter Valley or style meals and amazing coffee. Margaret River. We wanted to Later down the track we will bring the style and atmosphere look to open for nights and will of those locations to the Coffs also be holding events such as Coast, with a completely Degustation and Gala Dinners, different style of corporate events, food and service product launches Having that Coffs had etc. This is really travelled had previously. exciting as the I have always Two Tails is open space is amazing loved amazing Wednesday to in this brand new restaurants and Sunday for lunch. facility for Coffs We do night Harbour. trying different dining on special dishes. What motivates occasions. you in your role Velvets on Jetty, our seafood restaurant, is a dream we have had for some time. Having a seafood restaurant that provides freshly sourced seafood prepared by our amazing team of hatted chefs was what we wanted to achieve with this business. Showcasing local produce is extremely important to our life here in Coffs Harbour. We have so much on offer on our doorstep and we are big on showcasing this. Velvets on Jetty is open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner, and Saturday and Sunday for breakfast and lunch as well. Bunker Restaurant & Bar is

and business? My motivation comes from great food. Having travelled I have always loved amazing restaurants and trying different dishes. I’m always looking to put Coffs Harbour in the minds of the visitors and also having the locals proud of a place to bring their friends. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Follow our businesses on social media and our websites: Two Tails Wines Velvets on Jetty Bunker Restaurant & Bar (National Cartoon Gallery)

CAROL EVANS

COPY CENTRE COFFS

ell us about your successfully facing challenges in business. I have owned business and as a result finding the Copy Centre for strengths and skills I didn't think I the past eight years. had. Financial success: providing for The past few years I have had a my family and giving my children manager run it but since moving experiences that I didn't have back from the UK and my manager growing up. retiring, I decided to manage the What or who has been your business myself and have done greatest influence in business so for the past six months. At the and why? My husband Gary has Copy Centre we been my greatest focus on quality, influence in My personalised, print business. I have greatest and promotional always admired accomplishment products, unique his work ethic, his would be memorabilia dedication to his winning major and all types staff and customers of business interstate but most of all his stationery. From contracts that honesty. pull-up banners, are produced What would business cards, right here in you say is menus, real estate Coffs Harbour by your greatest flyers, posters, Coffs Harbour professional letterheads, core accomplishment locals. flutes, signs, to date? So absolutely anything far, my greatest you need to print or print on we accomplishment would be winning can help no matter how big or major interstate contracts that small. are produced right here in Coffs What motivates you in your role Harbour by Coffs Harbour locals. and business? I am motivated by That has been very exciting. the daily transformation of seeing What’s the best way for other my business grow, staff develop businesses or readers to connect and the positive feedback from our with you? customers not just locally but from 1/26B Isles Drive. across Australia. copycentres.com.au Describe for us your definition 6650 1400 of ’success’ relevant to your manager@copycentres.com.au industry/role. Personal success: copyshop@copycentres.com.au

BRINGING THE POWER OF CONNECTION TO

COFFS COAST BWN

As proud platinum sponsors of the Coffs Coast BWN, we interviewed the commi ee to hear their plans for 2021.

et us know what BWN is about? We’re an inclusive business network focused on supporting, promoting and showcasing our members’ services and products. We know that when women work together we’re a far more impactful voice for femaleled businesses and leadership teams on the Coffs Coast. Who’s on the BWN committee? Kerstin Thode is our President and the principal solicitor at Smart Choice Law, helping clients with their family law matters and their Wills. She believes BWN is a great place to meet like-minded women. Belinda Brown is our Vice President and Business Director and Owner of The Physio Movement. Belinda joined BWN to help inspire, connect and educate women of the region. Sabina Ramana is our Treasurer and is suitably qualified running First Class Accounts Coffs Harbour, helping small business owners with tax and bookkeeping services. Natalie Matulick is our Secretary and is Principal Consultant at Red Peach Consulting. A boutique strategic projects consultancy providing high quality outcomes for not-forprofits and government departments. Sharon Galway is our Marketing Coordinator and her joy is to help women establish successful soul-led, service-based businesses that shine online. She is a

powerhouse woman in business and loves to be surrounded by other inspiring women. Cath Fowler is the immediate past President and you’ll often find her MCing BWN events in her role as Events Coordinator. She is the founder of The Digital Laneway, a marketing agency helping businesses get found and look good online. The final two committee members are Lace Browning from Tursa Employment & Training, and Simone King who, after some time enjoying maternity leave, works as the functions coordinator at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club. You recently announced a refreshed brand look, as well as a new website. Tell us about that. With a proud history back to 2004, it was time to bring a modern look to the brand. We’ve introduced new colours into the mix but retained our history by keeping the poppy flower. Designed as a way to remind women to stand tall. We also have a brand new website. Events for 2021 are all listed and you’ll find a directory of BWN members. How can Coffs Coast women get involved? We’re glad you asked! We’ve brought back a membership model but with a more value packed offering than ever before. Sign up for a membership with BWN you’ll get: • 25% discount on event pricing • Free website directory listing

• Access to our social media community • Free digital workshops And much more. Membership is an affordable $89/year or $149/2 years for individual memberships. Or larger organisations can share membership with up to 3 staff for $249/year or $399/2 years, or up to 6 staff for $449/year or $599/2 years. How did COVID-19 impact BWN? BWN relies solely on our committee volunteering their time, as well as financial support from local businesses via sponsorship. Our events are how we make money to cover insurance, website and event fees. With no events running for some time, our bank balance got pretty scary. While we are a not-for-profit organisation, our sponsors allow us to bring the best speakers onboard and allow us to keep our ticket prices affordable. But investing in women-led businesses isn’t charity. If women worldwide participated equally as entrepreneurs when compared to men, we’d boost the global economy by $2.5 trillion to $5 trillion. We mean business. We’re so grateful for the sponsors that have come on board to support us so far including Estetik MedKlinik, 72CBD, Teepee & Events Coffs, Focus and Sharon Joy. But we are on the lookout for more sponsors. Where can we find out more about BWN? bwn.org.au coffscoastbwn COFFS COAST

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CARLA MARCHANT COFFS COAST H E A LT H C L U B S

ell us about your business. I own Coffs Coast Health Club Moonee Beach and Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina with my husband Duncan Marchant. Both businesses are one stop shops for healthcare that offer affordable 24/7 gym memberships, personal training, weight loss coaching, group exercise classes, kids creche, over 50’s programs and classes, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, massage therapy and a safe, fun and supportive community. We have owned the businesses for almost 12 years and employ over 50 local staff across both clubs. What motivates you in your role and business? I am dedicated to supporting the members of my community in becoming fitter, healthier and happier. My number one goal is to empower people to be able to say “yes“ to the things they want to do, the things they are passionate about and the things that make them happy. For me fitness, health and mental well-being are not about looking a certain way, weighing a certain amount or lifting a certain weight – it’s about living life the way you truly want to. I find myself motivated daily by the beautiful people in our health club community. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? This last year has really helped me to become very flexible and agile in running a business. We 82 COFFS COAST

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are a small local business so we tend to move like a speed boat instead of being a big national or international franchise that tends to turn like the Titanic. Past experiences have taught me that it is ok to put long-term goals on hold and pivot to achieve your essential short-term goals. This definitely benefited me when COVID hit! To keep on top of constant rule changes as well as having to shut our physical doors for three months at the height of the Australian COVID crisis meant having to change and adapt the structure of our business and our workforce. We had to take our business online for quite a while and have also had to operate under very strict protocols for a number of months since we reopened our doors. I am incredibly proud of our team who have been so loyal and committed to our business and our members throughout the last 12 months. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. In the health and wellness industry we are in the business of changing lives. The positive changes we make to the lives of people in our community define success for me. This success comes in lots of different forms… It is when an 82-year-old member came to me during the COVID shutdown with his laptop and asked me to set it up so he would be able to do all of our online classes as he was going to “miss our smiling faces terribly.” He then called every single one of his friends from our over 50’s classes to encourage them to do the same. It is

the member who makes it her ‘job’ to introduce herself to anyone new in class in order to help them feel more comfortable. It is when I walk into a studio to teach a class to find a large group of members all gathered on the stage chatting away, laughing and catching up on their lives. Success is when members of our Coffs Coast Health Club Community get closer to their goals, achieve something they longed for, make themselves a priority and make improving their mental and physical health part of their daily routine. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My husband Duncan is definitely my greatest influence in business. My first career was in the Arts industry as an Art Curator, so much of what I have learnt in business has been learnt on the job. Owning, operating and working in my own business was never a goal of mine and I had little knowledge or understanding of what it entailed, so his knowledge and expertise has guided me along the way. Duncan and I work well together, we have our own distinct roles within the business and very different points of view on lots of things. We talk through issues and challenges and use our different strengths to come up with solutions. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? My door is always open: carla@coffscoasthc.com.au coffscoasthc.com.au

AMY SKETCHER SEASONS ALLIED H E A LT H

ell us about your business I run Seasons Allied Health, a psychology practice with a focus on working with children, adolescents and families. When I started, I knew I wanted to focus on Pediatrics. Having worked in a school previously, I was well aware of how underserviced mental health, psychometric testing and psychology services were for children and young people in our area. I wanted to create a space that was both inviting and able to provide a wide variety of much needed services to the community. It has also been really important to me to have enough different streams of access that mean families don’t miss out on treatment when it’s needed. What motivates you in your role and business? I feel an immense amount of gratitude to be doing what I do, as hand on heart, I can honestly say it’s the best job out there. My role is extremely diverse, for the simple fact that people are extremely diverse. I get to work across such different presentations, problems and skills, so there is never a dull moment. I adore that within my role, I get to witness, encourage and guide towards growth and development. Using problem solving and my creative side, I work out new ways to engage kids and teens in therapy that is both meaningful, and beneficial to their lives not just right now, but hopefully throughout their lifetime. I think that to work in this industry you need to have oodles of passion, optimism and compassion for those really tricky times, but this is also what makes it one of the

most rewarding roles too. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to your industry/role. Psychology is a bit of a strange business model, as the focus is on making yourself redundant, to essentially bring people to a place where they have the skills, resilience and confidence to continue their lives in a healthy and safe manner without you. I guess my definition of success would be to create a fun, effective and safe experience of therapy that allows people to become the best version of themselves; and a service that helps

to reduce the stigma of seeking treatment or support in the future. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? Best way to reach out is to check out our webpage, socials or shoot us an email. We have a range of groups coming up in the next few weeks which are accepting new referrals for kids aged 6-12 years. Contact us today: www.seasonsalliedhealth.com 0424944443 admin@seasonsalliedhealth.com COFFS COAST

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FLUKE & FERN

TRINA SCHAEFER

THE SHORELINE RETIREMENT VILLAGE

ell us about your you love and creating great business. I have recently communities for retirees is my been working with the passion. Bachrach Naumburger I am thrilled to be able to work Group (BNG) to bring Coffs in an industry that I truly love Harbour, The Shoreline Luxury and being back home in Coffs Retirement Living. It has been Harbour to be part of one of the incredibly inspiring most exciting working with BNG developments is a as they are such a dream come true. I have strong supporter I’ve really found an of the community enjoyed industry that I here in Coffs connecting with truly love and am and my passion old friends and passionate about throughout my acquaintances, and believe this years in business many of whom is my greatest has always focused have bought accomplishment on the local a home in The to date. community. Shoreline. The Shoreline What would Retirement Living you say is opens early 2022 with an exclusive your greatest professional retirement village and residential accomplishment to date? aged care facility with state-of-theAs a businesswoman, I have art amenities. worked in several industries which The Shoreline is located just have made me who I am today. I a casual stroll from the beach did not start my career thinking or Park Beach Plaza with shops, what I am doing today would be restaurants and medical facilities what I love. But I have found an all within walking distance. The industry that I truly love and am Shoreline is designed to meet passionate about and believe this retirees’ needs now and into the is my greatest accomplishment to future. date. Describe for us your I look forward to delivering definition of ’success’ relevant a fabulous lifestyle to so many to your industry/role. retirees here at The Shoreline Coffs Success to me is doing what Harbour.

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H E I D I F I G E N S C H A U & L I N D S AY R U S S E L

ell us about your business. We’re a full-bodied marketing agency. We do everything from social media management, branding, web design, strategy and more.

greatest influence in business and why? We see each other as our own biggest influences. The two of us challenge each other on a daily basis to push the boundaries of marketing. Both of us love to constantly learn new practices and question existing Describe for us your ones. Our love definition for marketing of ’success’ We love drives our daily relevant to to try research so that your industry/ different we’re staying role. It might strategies and up-to-date with sound cliché, methods in order current marketing but when our to learn what trends. We simply client’s business works for that cannot wait to is succeeding, try out fresh, new business and so are we. Our marketing tools what doesn’t. two-person team and trends - we is fully motivated will literally try to help businesses everything at least once! We find thrive. Every client that we work that our own business marketing with is a work-in-progress, and is the greatest marketing no one business has the exact experiment available, and it gives same marketing approach. us the opportunity to have fun, For us, success is all about be a bit silly and learn lots of understanding the business as a new things. whole. We love to try different What’s the best way for strategies and methods in order other businesses or readers to learn what works for that to connect with you? You’ll business and what doesn’t. often see us working around the During that process, we build Coffs Coast since ‘the world is up stats, and use these results to our office’. further improve our marketing with tailored and unique ideas.

@flukeandfern

What or who has been your

flukeandfern.com.au

BARBARA WENMAN L A F L E U R D ’A LY S E COSMETIC LASER AND MEDISPA

ell us about your business. La Fleur D’Alyse cosmetic laser and medispa is Coffs Harbour’s Premier cosmetic and laser clinic and was established in 2011 by myself and my husband Dr John Wenman, having formerly been Coffs Harbour Collagen and Laser Clinic which was originally established in 1996. In the early days we just used to fill wrinkles which was a slow and tedious job with little effect, now an experienced practitioner reads the whole face and places the product to lift and volumise the face. A skilled practitioner can virtually do a non-surgical facelift using botulinum toxin strategically placed. As a leader in non-invasive cosmetic procedures we take pride in providing a friendly and safe environment and results . We offer the latest in non-surgical enhancement procedures and skin rejuvenation treatments from dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, cosmetic injectables, skin needling, skin peels and a full range of non-surgical anti-aging treatments, laser and the full face and neck thread lift. My objective is to enhance natural beauty. I hate to see people walking around with a puffy face and trout pout lips. Cosmetic treatments should enhance our natural beauty not turn us into caricature of our natural self. What motivates you in your role and business?

I’m passionate about my role as a cosmetic nurse injector and aesthetician. I love to look at a face and plan how I can fix a problem and enhance natural beauty to restore a youthful appearance and create results and make my clients happy. What have you learnt over the last 12 months? COVID-19 has been devastating for many small businesses. We had to close down for three months which meant no income, fortunately the government introduced JobKeeper and we were able to keep our staff employed. What did I learn? We need to have more than one string to our bow and be able to evolve and adapt. Having to close for three months meant I had to close my Sydney clinic and at the same time we took the opportunity to downsize the Coffs Harbour clinic. We were lucky we sold the building quickly and rented it back which meant we didn’t have to move, but we eliminated a lot of spa treatments and massages so we are now concentrating on non-surgical cosmetic enhancement and skin treatments. We also offer an amazing range of anti-aging skin care products. You need to network; we teamed with Carole Beros of Le Dain Designs and several other businesses to offer a post-COVID makeover to clients which was a lot of fun and very successful. Describe for us your definition of ’success’ relevant to industry role.

Success in our industry is a safe, caring atmosphere with great results and happy clients. It’s important to keep up to date with new treatments and continually attend cosmetic conferences and training to maintain skills and learn new ones. The cosmetic companies were very supportive during lockdown and offered weekly Zoom conferences and lectures by leading practitioners in the industry. Knowledge, an eye for detail, good results and a caring attitude equal success. What or who has been you greatest influence in business and why? I have a thirst for knowledge and learning new skills, and a mission to enhance people’s natural beauty and make them happy. I love Coco Chanel’s philosophy on life, “if you don’t like your life change it“! This can be applied to cosmetic medicine, if you don’t like your wrinkle change it! As Madame Chanel said “you can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40 and irresistible for the rest of your life“. We aim to help you be irresistible! What has been your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I’ve achieved many things during my life; the first was graduating as a Registered Nurse then graduating with a Psychology degree many years later, but nursing has always been my first love. So the ultimate has been designing, building and establishing La Fleur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser and Medispa. COFFS COAST

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SURF CLUB R E S TA U R A N T & BAR

N I CO L E D O N OVA N & AVA LO N D O N OVA N

ell us about your past 12 months and how has business. your business changed? Surf Club Restaurant That you can’t control and Bar is inside the outcomes of anything in life, Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving and that back up plans and Plan Club. B’s are imperative to success. Open for breakfast and That the ability to be flexible, lunch 7 days a week as well as innovative and go with the flow weddings, functions, parties and is a must in the changing global conferences. economy. We are a mother What would Knowing and daughter you say is half the team, even your greatest town helps as swapping roles professional well, we get to at times (laughs). accomplishment be part of some We support each to date? very special other and are each Being in other’s right hand business for over and intimate women! 20 years is a great occasions like What motivates achievement; 100th birthdays, you in your role we are in our weddings and and business? 13th year at wakes. Contributing this location. It’s to the tourist pretty amazing. industry and local economy of our We would have to be one of region is a big motivator. We also our city’s busiest venues and genuinely love people, food and our reputation is iconic. We are parties! Being in a family business really proud of what we have is very special. Knowing half the accomplished. town helps as well, we get to What’s the best way for other be part of some very special and businesses or readers to intimate occasions like 100th connect with you? Surf Club Coffs Harbour birthdays, weddings and wakes. surfclubcoffsharbour.com.au What have you learnt over the

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ell us about your business. Coffs Solar Energy has over the last 12 years grown to become one of the major solar energy companies on the Mid North Coast of NSW. With 22 employees, we now manage three full-time installation teams that look after residential, business and industrial-scale solar installations. What is your role within the business? As the sales manager, my main role is to oversee all sales transactions for quality control and processing. Our primary market is the retrofit market where we install solar on existing homes. My secondary role is managing our relationships with the estimators, procurement managers and sales reps from many of the top building firms. We are also involved in commercial and industrial-sized tender responses under our commercial solar division which I too manage. Over the past 12 months how has your business changed? Wow, the last 12 months has been fascinating in terms of seeing the market change because of COVID-19. During the first half of 2020 we witnessed our highest demand yet for residential solar systems.

TARHLAE GARD COFFS SOLAR ENERGY

The Federal stimulus packages fuelled a resurgence in home renovation projects, and solar was a standard inclusion. Interestingly, whilst residential solar demand peaked, commercial solar significantly dropped, however in late 2020 we started to see an increase in commercial enquiries. This trend has continued into 2021. We are now processing a higher-than-average volume of enquiries from local businesses whilst residential solar has started to level off. The market is always changing. What do you enjoy most about your role or position within the company? I get a lot of satisfaction as a woman in a senior sales position within our industry. This gives us a more diverse approach and perspective in servicing the needs of our clients.

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MONEY MATTERS with

TA N YA H O W E

FROM BARRY HOCKEY A C C O U N TA N T S

W O M E N A N D M O N E Y - W H Y I T ’ S I M P O R TA N T TO TA K E C O N T R O L O F Y O U R F I N A N C E S

of information and tips on how to manage he month of March is your money and plan for your future. Women’s History month, Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there honouring women who really is no such thing as a stupid question. have fought and still fight We all have different strengths and areas of for equal rights. And knowledge. Talk to the people in your life whilst we’ve come such who specialise in financial matters, such as a long way since the Women’s Liberation your financial planner, accountant, solicitor Movement of the 1960’s and 70’s and Equal or your bank manager. Do however check Opportunity for Women in the Workplace with a professional on the financial ‘advice’ Act 1999, is the average woman really in that you receive from your neighbour or control of her finances? well-meaning friends and NEVER sign To me, financial independence anything that you don’t is empowering. By taking understand. charge of your finances, Some of the Do a budget you’re taking charge of major banks It’s not what you earn your life. Here are some have free spend that counts, it’s what you ideas on how to do just trackers built into spend. that: your internet banking, Nobody really teaches Understand your you how to manage a finances or download one of budget. It’s expected Knowledge is no the many free apps that you just know how burden, in fact it’s available. WARNING: to do it. After all it’s that widely empowering. You you may be shocked at easy – right? You fill out don’t need to have an just how much money the budget planner, track accounting or financial you are wasting. your expenses and bingo! degree to understand Whatever money is left and take control of your over you save. If only it were that easy! The finances. fact that we owe approximately $50 billion There are many free resources available on credit card debt, indicates that many of to assist you understand and stay in control us could do with some budgeting help. of your money. Take a look at moneysmart. Step 1 is to find out exactly where your gov.au, a free government website with lots

money is going. Discover this and break some bad money habits that you didn’t even realise you had. Some of the major banks have free spend trackers built into your internet banking, or download one of the many free apps available. WARNING: you may be shocked at just how much money you are wasting. The superannuation Gender Gap Statistically speaking women live longer than men and generally earn less. Add to this career breaks or time spent working part time while you raise a family or care for elderly parents and the result is that on average women retire with 42% less super than men! Do you know at what age you can afford to retire? And just how much money will have for that leisurely retirement that we all dream of? It’s never too early or too late, or the situation is too dire to see a financial planner and start working towards a better retirement. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a plan and are doing everything you can to achieve it is priceless. So, let’s use this March to encourage women everywhere to take charge of their finances as an important step in negotiating a better situation for themselves and their families. COFFS COAST

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BUSINESS

MINDS with LINDSAY RUSSELL & HEIDI FIGENSCHAU

from Fluke & Fern Marketing Agency.

LAURA

PEREGRIN THWAITES MARINE

Major sponsor of the Australian Bluewater Freedivers Classic & Hot Current Fishing Competition

ow did you spark your passion for boats and all things marine? I have a background in diving and marine science. Before becoming a businesswoman, I spent thousands of hours on boats either doing research or teaching people to dive. When I met Ben, the co-founder of Thwaites Marine, he introduced me to all the technical aspects of boating like engines and hulls. We share a passion for the ocean. As a business, what do you see as the most important way you can contribute to the community? In a regional town like Coffs Harbour, I believe it is important to support other local businesses and endeavours. Thwaites Marine wouldn’t be where we are if the local folk didn’t recommend our services. For several years now, we have been giving back to the community by sponsoring clubs and teams to help them achieve their goals. Can you tell us a little bit about the many clubs that you sponsor, and why sponsoring is so important to you? Locally, we help the Coffs Coast Spearfishing Club, the Coffs Coast Game Sportfishing Club and the local Yacht Club, where they introduce kids to sailing. We also sponsored a local sailor, Pierre Gal, who participated in the Sydney to Hobart race in 2019. Australia-wide, we sponsor Women Who Sail Australia, Sistership Magazine and Zulu Waterways. 88 COFFS COAST

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We like sponsoring clubs that are either kids suffer the consequences and so does your starting or would be considered minorities in mental health. My normal day involves getting the big boating and sailing world. We know first the little one ready for daycare, going to work, hand that everyone needs a bit of help when grocery shopping in the afternoon and hopefully starting a new project, endeavour or business. I can sneak a surf or a workout in between all of That is why we try to help clubs with big dreams that, which helps me unwind and stay healthy – that are working really hard to grow. both in body and mind. Thwaites Marine is the In a male-saturated major sponsor for two industry, have you been We try to upcoming events on the met with any challenges help clubs Coffs Coast. Could you tell that can relate back to the and groups with us more about them? fact you’re a woman? big dreams that are This month we have At first, it was very working really the Australian Bluewater challenging to talk boats hard to grow. Freedivers Classic, from 19-21 and engines with customers. March. Even if you’re not a Sometimes I knew I wasn’t freediver, there will be fun family activities and taken seriously. As my knowledge and you’ll be able to see the massive fish caught confidence grew, our customers trusted me to throughout the weekend at the weigh-in station answer their questions. I still nowadays face in Woolgoolga, so check out Facebook for more some negative comments but I don’t get angry. I details. There will be a big celebration at the like to make sure the people we work with value Woolgoolga RSL on the Sunday evening with equality in the workplace. raffles too. The Hot Current Fishing Comp is We know there are some big things in the from 9-11 April, and is perfect for game fishing works at Thwaites Marine. Could you give enthusiasts so make sure to check it out to lock all of those boat-loving FOCUS Mag readers in your spot. You’ll see the Thwaites Marine a teaser? team hanging out at both events so make sure Yes, there are going to be some big changes to say hi! at Thwaites Marine in the upcoming months As a mum and businesswoman, what does a with a new brand of outboards coming in soon. normal workday/week look like to you? We are also stocked up with boats – so anyone Any mum who works full time will tell you looking for a new boat package should definitely that life is super busy. On top of that, when you drop by or check us out on social media have your own business, it is difficult to switch @thwaites_marine, because stock is not lasting from work to home mode. But unless you do, very long these days!

Health focushealth

and

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Teresa R ANNY

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FITNESS

UPDATE with DUNCAN MARCHANT

F R O M C O F F S C O A S T H E A LT H C L U B

This Month’s Inspirational Fitness Story comes to us courtesy of Teresa Ranny who has recently joined Coffs Coast Health Club & started Personal Training Sessions with our Trainer Court Waters.

eresa is a bubbly, hardworking, mum of three and has a farm in Glenreagh. With so many animals on the farm, she says she should start charging admission fees. What motivated you to join the club when you first started? I turned the BIG 50 and realised I should have a new change of life. A colleague of mine who trains at Coffs Coast Health Club suggested I try the club. I met bubbly and energetic Court at the front desk that first day and she helped me get started and made me feel comfortable and enthusiastic for our first session! What benefits have you experienced since starting to exercise? My energy levels have increased, my sleep patterns have become more consistent, I feel happier both physically and mentally, Plus I’ve discovered muscles I didn't know I had! What have you learned since starting to exercise in the club? I have to work hard to get what I want, and my routine dictates my results. What’s your favourite thing about sessions with Court?

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Other than Court being a Super Dooper fitness goals! Chick, my favourite thing about meeting What tips do you have for anyone up with her for my training sessions is that wanting to start exercising? she makes me feel worthy, she pushes me Work hard, be realistic with your and always compliments me on how hard I expectations of yourself and recognise that work. When I started your routine dictates I had no idea what your results. I really want to to do or how to do it Thanks for sharing improve my and being educated Teresa. flexibility and balance while exercising gives If you are looking so I’ve added the 50+ me confidence! I now to kickstart your own flex class on Thursdays love challenging my inspirational fitness into my exercise strength abilities and story with Court, call routine to help achieve goals. her directly on 0448 results in that area. Do you feel as 583 894. Coffs Coast though you have Health Club has full come a long way service memberships, with your health/fitness/weight loss? the largest range of group exercise classes, Absolutely! With a BIG Thank You to the most experienced instructors, an Court! I’m down 15kg and feeling the awesome kids creche, professional personal happiest I've been in a long time. I'm back training and weight management programs into clothes I wore 15 years ago! to help you on your journey. What goals have you set yourself in the Simply check out their locally owned, fun, future? safe and supportive community via www. I really want to improve my flexibility and coffscoasthc.com.au, calling 1300 040 479 balance so I’ve added the 50+ flex class or dropping in to either their Moonee Beach on Thursdays into my exercise routine to or Toormina clubs for further advice. help achieve results in that area. I intend If you would like to read more on continuing to push myself out of my Inspirational Health & Fitness Stories comfort zone to further strive to achieve my visit www.myfitnessstory.com.au

STOP THE

leaks

Does Your Pelvic Floor Need Help?

with AARON HARDAKER

ncontinence is a very weak or that are too overactive common problem faced can contribute to symptoms of by people across the incontinence. Like other muscles in lifespan and is particularly the body, the pelvic floor muscles common amongst can be made stronger with exercise, women. Unfortunately, it can which is where physio can help. A often be an issue which is ignored thorough assessment can help to or left unchecked as it can be work out exactly what is causing embarrassing. It can hold you back your incontinence and prescribe the from activities right treatment you enjoy – but and exercise Incontinence is it is treatable! to address the frequently Leading local issues. experienced as physiotherapist Why should involuntary or Aaron Hardaker people seek accidental loss of urine caught up with treatment for from the bladder. Sarah Brown, incontinence? physiotherapist The at Mid North Coast Physio with a simple answer is because it can special interest in Women’s Health. dramatically affect your quality of What is incontinence? life. In many cases, incontinence can Incontinence is frequently be easily and effectively managed experienced as involuntary or so that you can cough, laugh, run accidental loss of urine from the or jump without worrying about bladder, but it can affect the leaking. It is also important to have bowel as well. It’s a really common a pelvic floor check before returning problem, with as many as 1 in to sport after having a baby to 3 women who’ve had a baby ensure that your body is ready to experiencing urinary incontinence. cope with an increase in exercise This can be due to several factors, and reduce your risk of developing including pelvic floor muscle pelvic floor problems. dysfunction. That’s why good pelvic Thanks Sarah. floor health is so important. If you’re a woman dealing with How can physio help? incontinence, MNC Physio is The pelvic floor is a group of offering 5 FREE Pelvic Floor muscles that sling under the pelvis Pre-Assessments with Sarah to which act to support the pelvic discuss your concerns. Call NOW organs and assist in remaining on 1300 273 747 to secure your continent. Muscles that are spot. COFFS COAST

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AARON

HARDAKER MID NORTH COAST PHYSIOTHERAPY

Mid North Coast Physiotherapy brings together over 50 years of experience in the health and wellbeing industry to provide you with the best possible client experience. FOCUS had a chat to Aaron Hardaker to find out more...

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? As a born and bred local, I’ve spent a large part of my life on the Coffs Coast. I left to study, then travelled the world for a number of years, before realising life was too good here. I’ve now been back 14 years and am firmly entrenched here with my young family now getting to enjoy growing up here just like I did. When and why did you start your business? The business started in early 2007 as Northern Beaches Physio, in a very humble little room in Woopi. It was started to fill a need, as many people from Woopi and the Northern Beaches were travelling into Coffs to get access to good quality physio services, or simply not accessing the services they needed at all! Having just returned to the area after living and working in the UK and Ireland, I saw people who needed our help, so jumped in headfirst to make it happen. Can you tell us a little bit about your

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background and experience in this improve your sports performance, you’re industry? wanting to get back to work after injury I’ve been a physio for almost 20 years – these are all things we help our clients and have had the pleasure of working achieve daily. Through providing you with in a range of public and private settings the help you need from physios, exercise across the globe. physiologists, dietitians, From working with massage therapists, babies and toddlers Pilates and yoga By having a to the very elderly, instructors, hydrotherapy team of elite sportspeople to groups and personal different health weekend warriors, trainers within our team, professionals, we the variety has been you’ll get a solution to can provide all the amazing. Having now your problem rather support you need to built a fantastic team than just short-term get the best longof fun, friendly, caring improvement. There’s term outcome. health professionals, rarely one specific my passion lies in cause of an issue, supporting and so there’s also rarely empowering them to provide the best only one specific person who can solve possible healthcare to you, our community, your issues. By having a team of different How does Mid North Coast Physio help health professionals, we can provide all the their clients? support you need to get the best long-term Our goal is to improve the health and outcome. happiness of our clients. If you’re suffering What makes Mid North Coast Physio with back pain, need help with losing different from other companies in the weight, you’re recovering from surgery, want local area? to enhance your strength and flexibility to The big thing for our team is we want to

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We offer all new prospective clients the option of a free assessment so you can see if we are the right people to solve your problems.

put the “care” back into healthcare – it’s something that unfortunately seems to be less common these days. We do this through a few obvious differences to what other providers are doing. Firstly, we offer all new prospective clients the option of a free assessment so you can see if we are the right people to solve your problems. We don’t believe you should have to pay to simply find this out. We also understand that there’s a risk to you in seeing someone new, will they be able to help, whether they are any good, do they know what they’re talking about! By having a free assessment, you can experience our skills, knowledge and level of service to be confident we are a good fit for you. We also are the only provider in the region that offers a money back satisfaction guarantee – you can be confident you’ll get what you need, or you’ll get your money back because if you’re not happy, we’re not happy. Another big

difference is with four clinics in Woolgoolga, Moonee Beach, Toormina and Urunga, we have great accessibility for you across the whole Coffs Coast, making it easy for you to get to us no matter where you live and work. And you have a family too. How do you juggle work and home life? It’s always a challenge but it’s not unique to just me, it’s something many of us are dealing with daily. My wife, Liz, is amazing, and keeps things flowing at home while also working herself. With Elsie 8yrs, Sadie 6yrs and Harvey 3yrs keeping us on our toes, there’s rarely a dull moment, but that’s the fun of it all too! The other key to getting some balance is our amazing work team, both the clinical team and the admin team. They are all extremely motivated to help their clients and provide great service while also looking at opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. Tell us about your community

involvement? I think that’s the best part of owning a business here, getting to be part of such an amazing community. We’ve supported and continue to support a huge number of local sporting clubs, community groups, charities, local events and individuals in our neighbourhood. I’ve served on the Chamber of Commerce executive, healthcare advisory groups, rugby club committees, am currently a member of the Health North Coast Clinical Council, and even the school golf day committee – it’s great to be able to give something back and enjoy seeing how that enhances our community. You don’t have to look far to see so many people who are always willing to put up their hands and help, it really is amazing to see the community spirit that exists around this special place we call home. If you’d like to find out more about how the team at Mid North Coast Physio could help you, or would like a get a free assessment to review your pain or injury, call their friendly team on 1300273747. Thanks Aaron. COFFS COAST

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WELCOME

Dental

Meet Dr Sharon Marinucci and Ms Kirsty Christensen

ell us a bit about Welcome Dental. Welcome Dental started in August 2020. We are a locally owned dental clinic in Urunga led by Dr Sharon Marinucci and Ms Kirsty Christensen. The practice is like a gallery space with art by many of our talented local artists. It is bright, cheerful, calming and spacious. We have a variety of skilled and experienced clinicians and as such we can provide a full range of dental services – cosmetic, general, orthodontic treatments, Invisalign and implants. How long have you both worked together? Kirsty – We have been working together for 9 years now as a management team. Sharon has always managed the clinical part of the practice and I have done operations and compliance.

We’ll turn that frown upside down.

Sharon; what made you want to become a dentist? It was an accident really – but a happy accident. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I went to school and two days before the results came out, I went to the dentist. She was young and awesome so I changed my preferences and got in. Kirsty; how did you get involved in the dental industry? I met Sharon at a trivia night one evening and before I knew it, I was sitting with her Practice Manager at the time having an interview! I had a dental phobia when I started working with Sharon and have slowly overcome this along with the help from Tash at the Tapping Room, so I have a very good understanding of how anxious some people get. What do you love most about your job? Sharon – Working with very anxious

Services.

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

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon. Our phone number remains the same but our email address has changed. 94 COFFS COAST

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patients and helping them through. Working with kids. Some jobs we do are simple and a satisfying quick but good fix, others require a lot of thought and working through and having that variation is great. I love bouncing ideas around with the team. Kirsty – I love getting to know all of our patients, having a laugh with them and seeing them smile. I really enjoy building relationships with people, our patients and staff alike. What are your interests outside of work? Sharon – I have far too many chickens so it’s fortunate that I can catch snakes as well. Life outside work is quite limited at the moment so mostly I hang out with the family. Kirsty – If I am not in the ocean searching for nudibranchs, you find me spending time with my family.

Meet The Team. Dr Sharon Marinucci Dr Margaret Kleinig Dr Mindie Nguyen Dr John Wills Dr Oleg Pushkarev Dr Tony Kershaw Wendy Summerill Jessica Cantrill

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

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JASON BURLEY

FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

BUILDERS ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE SAFETY AT HOME YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER WITH 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE RESPONSIBLE, TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE

AGED CARE – ARE YOU PREPARED? No-one likes to talk about getting old, but when you or a family member needs help, there’s no getting around it. And at this time, understanding the choices you have for care and how to fund these choices can make all the difference.

hen should you seek advice and start planning for your aged

care needs? If you are in good health, aged care is probably not on your radar but this is the best time to have the conversation! You’ve still got capacity and you’re not in panic mode. If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents, starting the conversation with them while they are still healthy is definitely sensible. They might not be thrilled that you’re raising the subject but it gives your parents an opportunity to tell you what is important to them if you need to make choices for them. The need for care can arise suddenly or result from a more gradual decline in capabilities.

When the care need arises, good advice and careful strategy planning, including how to fund the care, can help to ensure quality of lifestyle as well as access to quality care. Making an informed decision is incredibly important. The wrong decision can have far-reaching consequences for the whole family. When aged care decisions go badly, the stress can lead to family conflicts, fuelled by the Three G’s of aged care® – grief, guilt and greed. However, not all advice is good advice. Aged care financial advice is a specialist area. The rules change constantly, as do the available strategies. You don’t need extra stress wondering if you’ve received quality advice! As an Accredited Aged Care ProfessionalTM this is my area of specialty.

FINDING THE SOLUTIONS USING CONTEMPORARY AND FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS Do your internal stairs have a handrail? Do you need grab rails in the shower or beside toilet? Can you safely access and exit your home? Do you need plumbing or electrical work?

Ask about our discounts and payment plans

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Builder License Number 1541C

“East Coast Accessibility Experts have made living at home a lot easier for me.”

P. 0431 414 799 E. jasonb@jaccam.com.au W. www.jaccam.com.au

FINALIST 2018

Burleyagedcareadvice

HIA Northern NSW Specialised Housing

WINNER 2013 HIA-Shriro Commercial

Northern NSW Special Purpose Housing Project of the Year

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Jason and Jodie

Burley Jason Burley has spent the last two decades in Sydney working as a FINANCIAL ADVISER, covering all areas of financial advice. A er moving back, he decided that there was a real need for AGED CARE ADVICE IN THE COFFS COAST. We had a chat to Jason to find out more…

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I grew up in Dorrigo and so my earlier years were spent exploring the tablelands and the coast. It is a beautiful area with rolling hills, rainforests, and beaches close by. I completed a Bachelor of Business Degree at Southern Cross University. My year was the first to use the ‘new university’ in the mid-90s. I then decided on a big change, packed up my gear and my dog, and moved to Sydney. I found Sydney to be quite different to Dorrigo!!! There were lots of interesting sights and experiences to be had, and I enjoyed living in Sydney for many years. However, I always thought that I would head back to the Coffs Coast at some stage. My wife, Jodie, and I decided the time was right in 2019 and so we sold up in Sydney and moved up. Jodie is a Sydney girl and so we were not sure how she would adapt to the new laid-back lifestyle. There was no need to worry as Jodie

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By helping sort

(and I) haven’t missed They agreed for Jodie through the Sydney at all, and wished to work from home financial issues that we had moved sooner. 3 weeks out of every need to be considered We have family and 4, with the 4th week and then clearly working from the Sydney friends in the area and so explaining the options office. The has meant she it’s been really nice being available, I help my (reluctantly) needs to go closer. We also love the clients to focus on the back to Sydney regularly. relaxed lifestyle and the more important life When and why did you many friendly locals. matters that they need start your business? How did you and your to be thinking about. I had spent my last wife meet and what is 20 years in Sydney her background? working as a Financial We met on my first Adviser, covering all areas of financial advice. day of work at the old Mercantile Mutual (now After moving back, we decided that there was ING) around 22 years ago. Jodie was my new a real need for aged care advice in the Coffs boss and she obviously saw some potential in Coast. This is quite different to ‘traditional’ me! financial advice due to the emotional and often Jodie grew up in Sydney. Her first job was confronting stage of life for many clients (or a courier (foot) for a wool export business their parents) combined with a complicated working mainly around The Rocks. She still aged care financial landscape. considers this her favourite job because of the I started a new business early 2020 where location and being out and about all day. I specialise in Aged Care advice, spending my Jodie ended up working in finance though time helping people understand the costs of and has done very well. their frailty years, and what options they have Before our move in 2019, Jodie secured a for funding. My goal is to ensure people are senior role with a large Industry super fund.

supported to make fully informed choices to access quality care as well as quality of life. Both aspects are important at a time when people feel confused and vulnerable. What is the best thing about your job? It can be an emotional time for the elderly and their families when a loved one needs to move into residential aged care. By helping sort through the financial issues that need to be considered and then clearly explaining the options available, I help my clients to focus on the more important life matters that they need to be thinking about. I find this very rewarding. I also enjoy getting out on the road and meeting a wide variety of people. What makes your business stand out? My focus is 100% on aged care. This allows me to have an expert knowledge on the costs that need to be covered, accommodation options in the region, and the impact that moving into care will have, not only on Centrelink and taxation, but also on your family and ability to leave a legacy. The need for care can often come as a shock. This could result from a fall, or time has just crept up and suddenly medical professionals are telling you that aged care has become necessary for your safety and wellbeing. At that time, you will need to start thinking about which residential home will suit you best, and how to pay for it or whether other care options may

be available. The aged care system we have is complex and a number of variables interrelate (e.g. pension entitlement, aged care costs, taxation, investments and the family home). I also understand the emotional side of when family members become frail and need aged care, having had my own parents go through this stage of life recently. I have found that people who need aged care typically find a way of paying for a room (e.g. often selling their home), but everything needs to be done with a sense of urgency and often the way that was chosen for funding care is not the best option. Without someone to guide you through the maze, this can lead to mistakes and bad decisions. This is where I am able to help. It is my dedicated focus on aged care advice, that allows me to take the time to understand the specifics of each person’s situation to help them make choices to afford the care they need. Families can take comfort that the right choices are being made and mistakes are avoided. Your decisions are hard enough without trying to navigate through the system on your own. When care is needed you will find that decisions need to be made quickly. I am able to meet with you and start working on the advice process usually within a week or so, and help to prioritise the steps that need to be taken first. As a financial planner with more than 20 years‘ experience, I can confidently say that the

right skills and the right aptitude are important, but having good listening skills are critical. I am committed to ensuring excellence and have achieved the ‘ACS Accredited Aged Care SpecialistTM‘ and ‘FPA Aged Care Specialist’ designations. I can come and meet you in your home (or your parents‘), which my clients have found very handy. Being specialised in a single advice area allows me to broaden the region I meet clients to between Nambucca Heads and Yamba. I am also happy to run a Zoom meeting if you are unable to meet around that area. This can work very well where family members live at a distance. What do you enjoy most about living and working on the Coffs Coast? First and foremost, the people. We have really enjoyed the friendly smiles of the locals. We have a motorbike and 4WD and so are spending most weekends exploring the region. We also both have home offices which adds to the flexibility and lifestyle… no more hourlong commutes. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? I have a Facebook Business page (facebook. com/Burleyagedcareadvice) where I post regular topics of interest. The best way to contact me is to give me a call on 0431 414 799 and we can have a chat about your needs. Thanks Jason. COFFS COAST

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SAWTELL GOLF COURSE

Not–for–profit organisation Sawtell Catholic Care’s Marian Grove is more than a retirement village, it’s a local identity.

Marian G ROVE A LOCAL IDENTITY

or over twenty-seven years this vibrant community has grown and flourished, evolving as the needs of their resident population change. Ask those residents what they love most about living in Marian Grove. Is it the 27 acres of award-winning gardens? The onsite facilities like the hairdresser, Café and Chapel? The choices available, from villas to townhouses and now brand-new apartments? Or perhaps it’s the location, with such easy access to shopping, health practitioners, golf courses, beaches and wining and dining options. These responses always appear, but the top answer is inevitably the same; “The community, the people. You start off as neighbours and end up as good friends. It makes you feel secure knowing you’re surrounded by people who know you and care about your welfare. There’s always something to do and someone to do it with.” CEO Michael Darragh is looking to the future for residents, with planning underway for renovations to the existing Village facilities, as well as an exciting addition which will add a whole new dimension to Marian Grove’s lifestyle options. “The residents will be among the first

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You start off as

people to see and strategy and action neighbours and appreciate our new plan to ensure healthy end up as good ‘Link Garden’ project lives and promote friends. It makes you which commenced wellbeing at all ages, feel secure knowing development on so this project places you’re surrounded October 1st last year,” us at the cutting by people who know he says. edge of innovation in you and care about “As a part of the the arena of healthy your welfare. greater Sawtell Catholic positive ageing. Parish, we have a vision The project will be to create an inclusive completed later this community of Christian care. This project year, so keep an eye out for updates. As a will help us deliver that vision. Whilst ‘The not-for-profit organisation, moving forward Link’ is intended to be of immediate benefit with these projects is another way we live our for our residents here, it is also our intention mission as “We Care” for our community.” to extend our outreach more broadly within So if you’re thinking about the future too the region, creating space for a connected and looking for somewhere to put down community to grow and thrive. The Link will roots in a thriving, established community be a space for people of all ages to connect with a reputation that’s second to none, with each other, to enjoy the natural beauty there’s never been a better time to “Come to and participate in events and programs that Marian Grove.” enhance physical and spiritual wellbeing. With apartments in the New Release This location has been well known to locals complex and several completely refurbished for over 40 years as the former Cockbains’ villas in the most up-to-date styles available Sawtell Nursery. Coincidentally, our groundnow, we’d love to hear from you! breaking ceremony took place on the 30th Give us a call on (02) 6653 1241 or have a UN International Day of Older Persons, look at our website: scca.net.au/independent heralding the forthcoming Decade of Healthy and scca.net.au/new-release-marian-grove Ageing, a World Health Organization global for more information.

Come home to Marian Grove Retirement Village VILLAS + APARTMENTS

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Set within 27 acres of landscaped award winning gardens and surrounded by bushland yet only minutes from Sawtell, Marian Grove’s vibrant community is waiting for you. Whether you want a villa, townhouse or apartment you can find just the right place to call home. Enjoy life at Marian Grove where we’ve been caring for our community for over 27 years.

Enquire about securing your part of our community by calling (02) 6653 1241

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SAW

*Availability on apartments at $390,000 is limited. Average price of apartments is $560,000. Departure fee payable, enquire for more information. 101 COFFS COAST

For more information call (02) 6653 1241 or visit www.mariangrovelifestyle.com.au L C A H OLI T

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Youngster.Co We speak with Tony, co-founder of the brilliant entrepreneurial business Youngster.Co, which aims to educate the elderly in regards to modern technology.

i Tony. You are cofounder of the brilliant entrepreneurial business Youngster.Co, which aims to educate the elderly in regards to modern technology. Firstly, please introduce yourself to our readers. I was born in Czechoslovakia and went to school in Germany. About 25 years ago, while on exchange in Sydney, I fell in love with a girl from Emerald Beach. We now have 4 beautiful children and love living on the Coffs Coast. Tell us about the concept and why you chose to focus on this particular field. I love technology and noticed how easy it is for the youngsters to use technology. I also became increasingly aware that many mature people were really struggling to keep up with the digital demands of our modern world. They seemed to be missing someone to ask basic questions to, to do with mobile phones and computers. At the same time, the young generation spend so much time on devices that they can miss out on human interactions. So putting the two together is a great solution: Digitally savvy young people gain communication skills from elders and elders get their questions abut mobile phones and tablets answered. The need for technical and digital 102 COFFS COAST

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knowledge amongst the elders and the potential to utilise an untapped resource, the digitally savvy youngsters, is what sparked me to start Youngster.co More than just education, in your opinion, what exchange takes place between the young and old when working together? By helping seniors to master simple things like the QR code or help with the Service NSW app, our youngsters experience the appreciation of our elders, a sense of achievement and feel valued for skills they often take for granted. Many seniors do not realise the value they bring to the table, their “life skills“. Skills like empathy, patience, communication skills and especially listening skills that the youngsters need for their future, at home and in their working lives. The elders are so often delighted by the help from the youngsters and it is such a lovely connection. This type of interaction really helps bring the generations together and I feel both sides come away feeling like they have contributed and gained. It is lovely to see the different generations learning from each other. How has the business been received throughout the community since beginning? The feedback from the community has been amazing. Not only from the seniors who really think this service is so needed, but

also from the Youngsters’ parents who see their teenagers taking on responsibilities and engaging in meaningful work where they are making a really positive impact on society. The libraries have been especially supportive and embrace the help that Youngsters bring to this space. What plans are you working towards for 2021 and what dreams do you have for the future of the business? We hope to extend our services to all libraries in Australia with the central operation based in the Coffs Coast. Libraries are the perfect safe, public space that embraces learning for our youngsters and elders to meet and solve problems together. We also work with Home Care and aged care providers and would like to extend this service to all those in need of some help using their devices. We are actively looking for more youngsters around the Mid North Coast including Dorrigo, Grafton, Iluka, Maclean and Yamba, Port Macquarie and Nambucca Heads. For anyone interested, where can they find out more? Seniors needing help with technology can register at their local library and come along to one of our free library sessions or alternatively can request our service directly via our website https://youngster.co Youngsters interested to working can also register on the website.

Cheers to more Happy Days How will you spend your 2021? Take a tour, have a chat and see for yourself why Plantations by Ingenia Lifestyle is the most sought after over 55s community on the Coffs Coast. A friendly and secure oasis where you will feel instantly at ease and completely at home, living life on your own terms.

Cheers

To celebrate the new year, we’re offering a $10,000* bonus on selected homes for a limited time.

ITH TO 2021 W * $

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*Terms and conditions apply visit liveinwoolgoolga.com.au for details. Eligible buyers must deposit before 19/03/21 and settle by 28/05/21. + Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

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Social

Seniors What's

AVACHAT Avachat is a free weekly program attracting regular attendances of 35-40 people. Age is no barrier, with people from 30 to 93 joining in the talk, encouraged by a roundtable format with everyone contributing. Join us for a cuppa and a chat, stimulating and interesting conversation or if you prefer - just sit, listen in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. These days talk (and home made cake) are just the foundation of the Avachat program, which includes games, short trips, guided tours, lunches and guest speakers. Where Boambee East Community Centre, Bruce King Dr, Boambee East. When Mondays 10.00 am - 12.00 noon More info Phone 6658 4655

WALKING FOR HEALTH Walking for Health meets at 8.00am each Tuesday next to Dolphin Marine Magic. An easy 4.5km walk and creek-side social. Where Next to Dolphin Marine Magic When Tuesdays 8.00am More info Phone 0408 327 434 104 COFFS COAST

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COFFS SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Coffs Seniors Computer Club meet Mondays at Cavanbah Centre 8.30am to 9am for coffee, 9am to 11.30am tutoring. Annual membership $10 Sessions cost $5. Volunteer tutor on a wide range of topics to suit beginner to tech savvy. Group motto is Seniors helping Seniors. If you’re over 50 and wish to learn more about computers, tablets or mobile phones, come along.

The Coffs Harbour Garden Club is a not-forprofit community organisation run by a team of gardening enthusiasts from the NSW Mid North Coast.

Where Cavanbah Centre When Mondays 8.30am to 11.30am More info Phone Mary 6658 1770 or 0439 581 770

The club has been involved in the development of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden and has provided support for many other local community projects.

OVER 50S TABLE TENNIS CLUB The Over 50s Table Tennis Club play at 189B Harbour Dr (next to the Cavanbah Centre) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4.00pm. Coaching is available on Tuesdays, and the first afternoon is free to new members. Where 189B Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour More info Phone 6653 1551

COFFS HARBOUR GARDEN CLUB

At its monthly meetings, the Club organises interesting guest speakers and conducts a range of activities for our members, including excursions to places of interest each month. Our meetings are also jam-packed with valuable information about what is happening in our gardens. Where Botanic Garden Display Room When Third Saturday of the month commencing at 1.30pm. More info Visit the Coffs Harbour Garden Club website.

COFFS HARBOUR SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB We are a non-profit organisation for seniors 45 and over situated at Cavanbah Centre 191 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour. On Tuesdays and Fridays from 8.45am to 11.30am there are indoor bowls and cards (500). The cost is $3 for morning tea and a lucky door prize included. The cost of joining the seniors is $5 per year. Where Cavanbah Centre When Tuesdays 8.45am to 11.30am

SING AUSTRALIA CHOIR COFFS HARBOUR Sing Australia is a national network of choirs with a difference. There are no auditions, no pressure, no need to read music. It’s just lots of fun and good for your health! Come and join us and put a song in your heart. We meet on Mondays at the Guide Hall, 209A Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour from 7pm-9pm. Sing Australia gives everyone the opportunity to join with others to sing a wide range of songs in a relaxed environment. Where Guide Hall, 209A Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour When Mondays 7.00pm to 9.00pm More info Call Moira on 0417 522 295 or Julie on 0431 381 781

COFFS HARBOUR STAMP & COIN CLUB The Coffs Harbour Stamp & Coin Club meets at the Park Beach Bowling Club on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. The club has a newsletter, competitions, library, guest speakers and a loan of philatelic equipment. Membership is $10 for adults, $5 for pensioners and children. Where Park Beach Bowling Club When 2nd Wednesday of the month More info Call Owen on 6690 0168

COFFEE 4 BLOKES Coffee 4 Blokes Weekly Meet Up might just be the answer for you. We cater to men from all walks of life. Whether you’re all alone and feeling the crunch or if you’re a family man who just needs to offload and get some advice from other men. Each week at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre we band together, have a coffee, a chat and talk about the real stuff that bothers us the most. Where Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre Where Each Thursday at 2.00pm More info Coffee 4 Blokes Facebook Page.

COFFS HARBOUR MEN'S SHED The Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed is a great place for local men to meet, make new friends, build things and access a great support network. Members of Men’s Sheds come from all walks of life - the bond that unites them is that they are people with time on their hands and they would like to do something meaningful with that time. There’s a strong focus on men’s health, particularly mental health, and the Shed can provide a meeting place and a support network for men who come along. You can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all you’re looking for. Where 138a Howard Street, Coffs Harbour When Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 2.30pm More info Call the Shed on 0473 216 418

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BACK TO

BUSINESS

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Red

D I N I N G

KEY EMPLOYMENT

hat is Red Shell Dining? Located at Red C Events in Coffs Harbour, Red Shell dining offers a family-friendly atmosphere where the patrons can enjoy a mouth-watering selection of steaks, seafood and vegetarian dishes all made from fresh, clean, local produce complemented by the breathtaking views of the Harbour, Jetty Beach and south to Sawtell. Red Shell Dining offer weekly and affordable Red Meal Deal specials and cater for functions, weddings and parties for all occasions. We are open 12pm – 8pm Wednesday to Sunday and have a courtesy bus for the patrons. Come and try one of our delicious menu items, whether it be Cajun Crumbed Calamari, Pork Schnitzel with garlic cream sauce or a Mediterranean roast vegetable salad, Manager Brendan Crawford guarantees your satisfaction. Let’s talk staff We currently have 10 staff on board, and pride ourselves on being an inclusive workplace and equal opportunity employer. Around a year ago we approached Key Employment, a Disability Employment Service, to look for staff. It was a simple process, I explained what I was looking for and our business needs. They were able to quickly source

We also saw

several suitable applicants Kolin identified early that opportunities for us to interview, and one of the staff employed to create work straight away we knew we through Key Employment experience approached the right place. required some adaptive activities through a How has Key workplace equipment and Youth Program at Employment helped was able to source funding Key Employment. contribute to your to make this change success? happen, and quickly. By finding us great staff. Staff that have What would you say to other local shown enthusiasm towards employment and employers looking for staff? staff that want to build on their skills in the I’d say give Kolin and the team at Key hospitality industry. This has been invaluable Employment a call to talk about the ways they to us. can help your business needs as they have We have now employed kitchenhands, ours. Hospitality is a Key part of Coffs Coast waitstaff and cooks through Key Employment. Tourism and Key Employment recognise this One added bonus was Key Employment staffer when providing career guidance and sourcing Kolin comes and visits us regularly to guide us essential training for their jobseekers. through any additional support needs that our They also provide excellent wage subsidies new and existing staff may require. for as little as 8 hours a week and can help We also saw opportunities to create work with the initial financial cost of employing experience activities through a Youth Program staff like uniforms and work-related tools and at Key Employment. This was a chance for our equipment. business to train and provide much needed Just give Kolin a call at the local office on skills shortages in the local area and increase (02) 6691 9999 and he will be more than the talent pool for likewise businesses. happy to help you out.

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E D U C AT I O N

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

TOP 5 TRENDS IN EDUCATION

here is no doubt that educational trends for 2021 have been influenced by COVID-19, remote schooling and the increased engagement with parents and students and technology. The top five educational trends are outlined below. 1. The Wellbeing Focus According to McCrindle’s Education Report (2020) parental expectations regarding their child’s wellbeing at school have increased significantly over the last five years. Almost all nationally surveyed parents (97%) believed schools should have a holistic focus and play an active role in the management of student wellbeing. The question for schools is to what extent should they partner with families to provide wellbeing support. Recent research articulated in the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework notes best practice includes: • Visible leadership to inspire positive school communities from engagement through to policies and school’s vision and values • Authentic opportunities for student participation, collaboration and student voice • Explicit teaching and role modelling of social and emotional skills using evidence-informed practices related to personal safety, resilience, help-seeking, protective behaviours and soft skill development across the curricular and cocurricular opportunities • Respecting the diversity of the school community and implement proactive strategies in order to build a cohesive and culturally safe school • Proactively building collaborative relationships with families and communities • Individual support practices with access to specialist counselling and psychological support 2. Parent Engagement Parent engagement is rising, with two in five parents (41%) becoming more engaged with

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their child’s schooling over the last two years. In addition, school leaders and teachers are feeling the pressure of increased parent engagement and their desire for information. Three in five parents (60%) expect weekly communication from their child’s school, with one in every fourteen parents (7%) expecting daily communication via emails, calls, blogs, or text messages. School Principals see this increased parental engagement as a positive. Research suggests that highly engaged parents tend to have children that are more engaged in their own schooling journey and often have increased educational outcomes. Best practice in this area includes creating school learning management systems (such as Schoolbox) that can be accessed by parents online and in real time as well as information nights, webinars, blogs and articles, together with a regular guest speakers program. The African proverb that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is more relevant than ever. 3. Normalising Personalised Learning It is still essential to spend time developing literacy and numeracy skills especially in the early years. It is also, however, essential to innovate with a school’s curriculum and to adapt to modern needs for personalised and inclusive learning, including project-based learning and just-in-time learning. Being able to utilise technology to learn some content or develop a skill as needed for a particular project or task is something the workplace now expects. Student and parental voice, machine learning and artificial intelligence will all have an impact on curriculum development in the next five years. Innovative schools have already started this journey. 4. Tomorrow’s Technology Today Virtual reality, augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are already having an impact on education. AI products aim to provide personalised learning by differentiating

both the content and the testing for each student. In Australia, there are 300 schools using one such product, Maths Pathways. It allows students, teachers and parents to follow the student’s growth rate. Other automated algorithms can save time by checking assignments faster than it takes for any human. Examples include plagiarism checkers, AI writing assistants, writing apps, and dictation apps. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology are coming to the classroom. Many schools now have Immersive VR experiences requiring a VR headset. This has a digital interface that projects images, creating a real or virtual world that users can see and interact with. These devices are used to support richer learning experiences such as virtual field trips, anatomy experiences and even foreign language immersion. 5. World-Prepared Graduates The expected rise of AI and automation in the workplace has led to a focus on developing 21st century skills. As the world of work changes, it is the character qualities of curiosity, adaptability and initiative and the so-called soft skills of interpersonal relations, communication skills, listening skills, time management skills and empathetic understanding that will help create world-prepared graduates with leadership skills. Schools need to ensure their curriculum is inclusive of these skills and that their co-curricular opportunities focus on these opportunities as well. Schools really are exciting places for students, teachers, school leaders and of course parents and I personally am enjoying the current educational trends in my school as they all focus on building opportunities for our students. Sources: https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/the-future-of-education/ https://blog.pearsoninternationalschools.com/the-top-five-educational-trends-tolook-out-for-in-2021/ https://www.studyinternational.com/news/edtech-trends-changing-educationin-2021/

Bishop Druitt College For 2022

Let’s start a journey of opportunity & adventure...

Still providing

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) onsite K-12 Collaborative Student Learning Playgroup Thursday (Term time) Wellbeing Hub, team & programs TOP school on Coffs Coast for HSC Innovative Online Learning

Plus so much more...... www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/about-us/the-bdc-advantage

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in our college

and receive an information pack

www.bdc.nsw.edu.au Email: enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au Phone: (02) 6651 5644 Fax: (02) 6651 5654 111 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

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TONY

ROWLEY

COFFS CON

NEWS with PAT BREARLEY

Tony Rowley is a festival-hopping folk pop singer/songwriter, better known by his stage name ‘Titan Sky”.

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e has a passion for songwriting and contemporary music, and is trained in jazz arranging and production. Tony has more than a decade under his belt as a music educator, and has worked with all ages, spanning from early childhood through to adult. Tony has an easy-going approach to teaching that is holistic and student focussed. He believes strongly in fostering passion and self-motivation in his students, and teaches music as an art, as much as a science. Tony has attended courses in lyric writing with Pat Pattison of UC Berkeley. His work as Titan Sky can be heard on YouTube, Spotify and on National Radio and he has performed at several music festivals around the country. Tony is one of the many highly skilled and talented teachers at the Coffs Conservatorium inspiring students of all ages across the Coffs Coast each week. In 2020, Tony developed the Song Writing course at the Con. This opportunity saw students attend weekly

hour-long classes to develop their song writing skills, musicality, learn about lyric structure and discuss performance techniques. In 2021 the Song Writing course continues, with set goals already in place to achieve the highest standard of learning throughout the year. This unique and inspiring program will teach you all you need to know about lyric writing and song structure, and will provide students with a valuable toolkit that will apply to any style of music. Opportunities for performances and studio recordings will be available throughout the duration of the course, as students increase their knowledge and ability. The class is suitable for high school aged students and above, and we welcome all instruments. Tuesdays 5-6pm. Cost is $250 per term which includes recording sessions and performance opportunities throughout the year. Call 6652 1592 for more information or email admin@coffscon.org.au

Sam and the team of mechanics are

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CharterNet C O F F S

C O A S T

Jack Dixon, Principal, Chartered Accountant

Xero Reporting Hacks

here are a number of cloud accounting platforms out there but there’s a reason that Xero’s our recommended solution. Its intuitive interface is easy to learn and will give you customisable reports and feedback in realtime on how your business is performing. It has a constantly evolving App Marketplace and can free up your time to focus on other tasks. Here are some of our favourite reports: Profit and Loss A summary of income and expenses for the business during a totally customisable time period. Keep in mind that this often contains non-cash items like depreciation or sales that haven’t been paid for so just because the bottom line is positive doesn’t mean you’re rich (yet)! Cash Summary This report gives a better indication of where funds are being allocated, and may tip you off as to what needs to be

investigated further. Balance Sheet This report shows all of the long term assets and liabilities of the business at a given point in time. Tax debts, bank balances, loans, and amounts owed by customers and to suppliers are all summarised here. Aged Receivables / Aged Payables These reports provide detail on the balances owed between the business and its customers and suppliers. From a cashflow perspective alone, these are worth keeping track of, as the older debts get, the less likely you are to ever collect on them. Depreciation Schedule Lenders like this one when you’re seeking finance. A shortlist of equipment and other assets that the business has to its name. Confidence around your accounting software can empower you to make the right decisions on the spot. For Xero training and support enquiries, contact CharterNet Coffs Coast today.

PHONE: 02 6655 7700 sales@northcoastboatingcentre.com www.northcoastboatingcentre.com TRADING HOURS: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8.30am - 12pm

36 Moonee Street, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 PO Box 90, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 Direct: 0472 636 400 | Office: 5616 0100 CharterNetCoffsCoast.com.au

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Liz KEEN

After a number of years working for ABC Coffs Coast, and a remarkable career in media even before that, Liz Keen stepped away from that role and into another. She joined her partner, filmmaker Simon Portus, at their boutique media company Headline Productions to focus on developing podcasts.

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i Liz, Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be living here in beautiful Sawtell? We moved from Sydney to Valla Rural in 2001, and loved living there while we raised our children. Then in 2015, we decided we wanted to be off the land, so we moved to Sawtell. It’s such a beautiful spot, we feel very lucky to live here. You have had an impressive career in media so far, working for the ABC for a number of years among other things, what have been some of your career highlights so far? Oh I had so many great experiences in my years at the ABC, working at Four Corners and Radio Sydney was fantastic, and with Background Briefing. But to be honest, the team at ABC Coffs Coast is so great, I just loved working with them. How did you make the transition from writing and radio to creating podcasts? I started in audio documentary production in 2000 with a story about women in remand, and fell in love with long-form audio. Since then I have developed my skills working on a number of radio documentaries. So when ABC regional wanted to make Still Jill, it made sense that I worked on it. Podcasts just felt natural to me. Then I worked on Little Green Pod, also with the ABC which is much lighter, and just as rewarding. Your partner Simon Portus worked as a filmmaker for many years and then started his boutique media company Headline Productions a little over 10 years ago. Can you tell us about some of his recent projects? About three years ago Simon shifted his production focus to higher end tourism and now works regularly with clients like Destination NSW and a variety of regional destinations. Tourism content looks great but it’s also fun to shoot and involves lots of travel and a fair bit of production behind the scenes. He’s also done work recently for the Department of Education and the RFS so even though tourism is the focus, his work is pretty varied. What made you decide to join Headline Productions and what is your role there?

Well, when I left the ABC last year, a few podcast being made by Audible, that’s in post people I knew asked me to help them develop production right now so we’re pulling together podcasts, and I realised pretty fast that I had hours and hours of tape to string a story something of value. So we decided to include together. podcasts into the Headline business. It’s a natural Talk us through the process of making a fit. So I’m Audio EP, running the podcast side of podcast. the business. The most important part of making a podcast You won the Documentary category of the is the development, and this is the bit most Australian Podcast Awards in 2020 with people ignore. It’s great to have an idea for a ‘Still Jill’, can you tell us about the project podcast, but it takes time to develop that idea to and what it was like to gain recognition for become something of value. If you do that right, a podcast you’d created? everything else is easier. Still Jill was a particularly difficult and Then you get into the pre-production stage, rewarding podcast to where you plan your work on. When I met content and start to Jill she was already prepare your interviews. It’s great to at Stage 4 of ovarian Then it’s production, where have an idea cancer, and she knew you record. And finally, for a podcast, but it it was going to kill post production where takes time to develop her. We became close, you edit the content. that idea to become working together on And finally – launch and something of value. something so intimate. promotion. If you do that right, So winning that award You and Simon work was about much more together from home everything else is than recognition for in Sawtell, what has easier the podcast, it was that been like and how about recognition for do you both balance Jill’s determination to share her story, and get work time and family life with your three better understanding about ovarian cancer. I children? had a chance to say goodbye to Jill a few weeks Although Simon and I haven’t worked before she died, and she told me that she was together before, we’ve always supported each happy that we had made Still Jill. That is more other in our work. That means we already know important than the award. each other’s strengths and we work to that. It’s You’ve got some other pretty interesting really about mutual respect and communication. projects in the pipeline, can you tell us In terms of balancing the house with work, about some of the things you’ll be working we’ve become a lot more organised, planning on this year? whose turn it is to cook and things like that. Yes, we have a fantastic mix of projects on the Our two oldest boys have recently moved out of go. We’re working with the ABC and Red Cross home so that’s probably taken more adjustment to produce a disaster recovery podcast called than working together! After the Disaster. That’s for people coming The change all happened amidst COVID so out of any disaster be it a bushfire or a terrorist everything was changing around us anyway. attack. What would you like the future of Headline We’re also producing a podcast for the NSW Productions to look like? government called Managing Minds. This one is I love what we do now. To be honest I would about how to build mentally healthy workplaces. just like to keep going in this way. I love the Coffs local Anna McAfee is hosting, and Dr blend of consultancy, where I help people James Donnelly from SCU is doing research and develop their podcasts, and production in both fact checking. podcast and video. There is a lot of variety and I’m also Senior Producer on a true crime challenge in that. COFFS COAST

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Sarah and Bryan’s career confidence grows with Wesley Mission

hile Sarah and her partner Bryan now agree they’re feeling confident about their future, they wouldn’t have said this 18 months ago. “They’ve worked through some tough personal challenges which has built their confidence. They now believe in themselves and know they can make changes to their circumstances, so life can be better,” Leanne explains, Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways Employment Coach. Since starting Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways program, through Leanne’s support, Sarah and Bryan have participated in life skills training including Wesley Financial Literacy Education Program’s ‘In Charge of My Money’

and work readiness education. “Leanne’s got us through struggles and it’s just good to have someone to talk to. She’s always been supportive. She goes above and beyond,” Sarah shares. Sarah says her new-found confidence also grew while taking part in a week-long adventure therapy program in Coffs Harbour run by Wesley Operation Hope. Sarah, Bryan and their son participated in outdoor activities including archery, hiking and water activities, which focused on building important life skills including time management, communication, emotional wellbeing, team building and goal-setting. “It really gave people the opportunity to believe in themselves and their future, learn about others’ experiences and know that they’re

not alone. It also gave people the basic skills to handle future situations in a positive way,” explains Maddison, Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways Employment Coach. Leanne continues, “It pushed Sarah and Bryan to do things that they would never really do both physically and mentally. They were very shy when they went in but the confidence that they had by the end of it was amazing.” Sarah and Bryan’s futures are looking bright. Sarah is now working at Woolworths and Bryan is volunteering for The Salvation Army driving a truck while he works towards securing permanent work as a welder. We can help start your career today. Call us on 1800 931 108 or email opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au

Your future. Your way. Take your next step towards a rewarding career with Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways. EMT39955_2102

1800 931 108 opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au The Opportunity Pathways program is funded by the NSW Government. Eligibilitywesleymission.org.au/opportunitypathways criteria apply.

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ice v d a dly aces n e i r “F e f .” h t from know.. you

NOW OPEN

www.parkbeachhomebase.com.au PACIFIC HIGHWAY, COFFS HARBOUR NORTH

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Nolan PARTNERS

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Nolan Partners are one of the most highly awarded and respected agencies in the region, this ethos has provided the pathway for continued growth every year. Late last year they moved into their very own premises in Orlando Street. We had a chat with the Nolan Partners team to find out more...

hen and how did the Nolan Partners story begin? The Nolan family has been part of the local Coffs Harbour community since 1928, with my family moving here in 1972. Scott and I actually met in High School! After both being in real estate with another agency, we opened the doors of Nolan Partners in 2004 initially in Orlando Street next to the car wash. Sixteen years later we are back in Orlando Street, but finally in offices of our own. Who makes up your team, and what are their roles? With a team of 21 across the Coffs Harbour Jetty and Sawtell offices. Our core

With a team of 21 across the Coffs Harbour Jetty and Sawtell offices. Our core business is residential sales and leasing. We have ten in our Sales team and a Property Management team of six.

business is residential sales and leasing. We have ten in our Sales team and a Property Management team of six. We also have an amazing support and admin team who enable us all to do what we do and our son Billy, who is the Operations Manager, making it a very family focused business. You recently renovated and moved into new premises. What does this mean for your staff and clients? We moved in right before Christmas and couldn’t be happier. When we started the build our focus was to create a space that our team would love coming into every

day, along with one that would make clients feel at home. The mood in the office is really like nothing we have experienced before… it’s filled with light, high ceilings, open spaces and an overall sense of calm. Strangely it feels like the most tranquil work environment and yet the team is busier than ever. The feedback from clients has been amazing and the encouragement of the locals really positive. We have even been approached several times by clients to lend out our meeting rooms which is a lovely acknowledgement. >>> COFFS COAST

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Nolan PARTNERS

We ran into several issues and surprises along the way and were so grateful that the team were willing to adapt and implement on the run.

Who were the local tradesmen involved in the build? We engaged Ballyness to undertake the internal demolition and the rebuild, with Trent Maker as the site foreman. Considering 19 Orlando Street‘s ‘interesting past’ it was a huge project, in all honesty, bigger than we initially thought. We ran into several issues and surprises along the way and were so grateful that the team were willing to adapt and implement on the run. Mick Watt from G & A Cabinets did all the joinery, and along with many other amazing local trades gave 120 COFFS COAST

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us the finish we were after. What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed? Probably the biggest learning for us over the past 12 months is to be adaptable! You just never know what’s around the corner. The uncertainty of 2020 forced us to complete the transition to being a cloud based business, something we had been putting off. We were and are proud of the way the team adapted to change especially given that the first few months of Covid were so

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We are very conscious that real estate is a long game and that your reputation is only as good as your last transaction. There is no longevity in a quick win.

uncertain for most small businesses. I heard a saying the other day…”if you don’t like change, you going to like irrelevance even less”, I think that sums up the past 12 months. What part of the business are you most proud of? Our reputation. Clients often say, we are not ‘typical’ real estate agents. The industry in part has always had a stigma attached to it and this is something we work hard to remove. We are very conscious that real estate is a long game and that your reputation is only as good as your last transaction. There is no longevity in a quick win. We are equally proud

of our people. We always aim to provide a supportive workplace that instills both professional and personal confidence. Both Scott and I genuinely get excited by seeing people grow. If people are growing, they‘re enjoying their job, they‘re becoming better people, and that positivity flows through to our customers and

received, but they will always remember how you made them feel. We are very big on having an engaged team pulling in the same direction. And the benefits are huge. There is an expectation that when you meet someone from Nolan Partners it‘s going to be a consistent, high-quality experience. Where to from here? After the process of building and completing a fit-out and the turbulence of 2020 in general, we are looking forward to a year of consolidation and enjoying the new office. That said, the real estate market on the Coffs Coast is so active at the moment both in sales and the rental market. The market is being driven by those escaping metropolitan areas, those upgrading due to low interest rates and the promise of some significant infrastructure projects in Coffs Harbour. It really does seem that Coffs is the “flavour of the month” and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the next few years bring. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you? We are very active on Instagram and Facebook so to keep up with the latest market news, follow us there. Instagram: www.instagram.com/ nolanpartners Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nolanpartnersrealestate You can email us on info@nolanpartners. com.au call us on 0266 500 655 or we would love people to call in and see us at the new office 19 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour (next to Supply).

clients. What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? We are only as successful as our team so I would have to answer by surrounding yourself with the right people and having genuine care for your clients and their situations. People don’t always remember what they paid, or what rent they COFFS COAST

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Melissa Nolan | 0418 443 358 Lauren Courtney | 0413 105 203 Billy Nolan | 0423 421 441

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Commercial specialists in Coffs Harbour

Proud to be associated with Nolan Partners

info@ballyness.com.au ballyness.com.au

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With over 25 years of experience, ColorTile is a leading expert supplier in Tiles, Stone, Bathware and Flooring. Our Coffs Harbour showroom consultants can take your brief and assist in bringing your style to life. Visit us at 155 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour or call 1300 042 899 to speak to one of our friendly showroom consultants. 1300 042 899

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colortile_au

ColorTileAustralia

Tiles. Stone. Bathware. Flooring.

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C O N C R E T E

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JZ Concrete is a VERY SUCCESSFUL LOCAL BUSINESS PROVIDING WORK OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY & EFFICIENCY. We had a chat to Jason, Reed & Nate to find out more…

ey Guys, give us a brief and projects that many would not attempt. With description about a typical day on backgrounds in construction development and project the job. management, we understand the entire building process Reed – Our day starts with a brief – not just concrete. of the day’s requirements to ensure Nate – Our work is of the highest standard using we honour our commitments for our the best materials whilst maintaining very competitive clients. Many of our clients are local builders that are pricing. We support our local economy – employing 16 relying on us to produce the work on time to ensure locals and using all local suppliers and subcontractors. their construction programme remains on track. Nothing Jason – We support our local community – we have happens without a slab down! done many volunteer jobs and sponsored several sports Nate – As we run several teams and organisations. crews, our typical day involves a What is your favorite part of Our work is of range of activities that include the job? the highest excavation, formwork, steelfixing, Reed – We are always working standard using the pouring and concrete polishing in different locations, doing on several different sites. different things each day – so the best materials whilst What services do you offer? variety keeps it exciting maintaining very Primarily anything concrete! Nate – Taking on the challenges competitive pricing. Our main type of work includes: of each job and seeing them We support our local • Slabs & foundations progress to a completed top job. economy - employing • Driveways & pavements Jason – We work with many 16 locals & using all • Detailed excavations great people – staff, trades, local suppliers & • Formwork & steelfixing suppliers and clients. Concreting is subcontractors. • Concrete placement great fun! • Decorative concrete How do we get in touch? • Concrete polishing jzconcrete.com.au Reed 0434 084 464 Why use JZ Concrete? Nate 0422 247 674 Reed – We have the experience, knowledge and jzconcrete confidence to complete any scale of project to the Thanks Guys. highest quality. We specialise in the difficult sites COFFS COAST

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Abode CHH

TRADE DIRECTORY

COFFS HARBOUR

HARDWOODS

161 Tallawudjah Creek Road, Glenreagh

Visit our website coffshardwoods.com.au

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Phone: 02 66492006

Check out our social pages | @coffshardwoods

Clark RU B B E R COFFS HARBOUR

Clark Rubber are your experts in foam and rubber. They've got everything foam from mattresses and overlays to custom-cut foam to upholster lounges, chairs and cushions. They've also got everything rubber with cut-to-length flooring and coverings from matting to stripping, extrusions, carpets, artificial grass and more. We had a chat with manager, Brett Goodfellow to find out more...

an you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in this industry? I have been in the retail industry for 40 years, opening my first business in Coffs Harbour in 1980. That business was Bananacoast Wholesale Meats, later to become Palms Centre Meats located in what is now known as Coffs Central Shopping Centre. I was involved in the retail meat industry for about 20 years. In 1999 I sold the meat business and in November of that year opened Clark Rubber as the very first retailer to open their doors at Park Beach Homebase. Apart from the change from selling meat to pools, foam and rubber, I had made the transition from being an independent retailer to being a franchisee of a large retail group. What are some of the things you have changed and improved? Over the 21 years that I have operated the Clark Rubber business in Coffs harbour, I have relocated and rebuilt twice to ensure growth of the business. Both moves have been within the Homebase precinct because of the convenience that this area offers customers. Although rubber and foam products are still the backbone of our business, the real growth area for Clark Rubber has been our Pool Shop. Traditionally Clark Rubber sold above ground pools; today we also sell pumps, filters, chlorinators, covers,

chemicals, cleaners, heaters, and have 2 service vans on the road. Tell us about some of the unique products you carry. Clark Rubber is well known as the place to buy unusual products. For example: custom cut foam wedges to adjust car seats, anti-vibration pads to go beneath electric motors, cable covers to safely route cabling across walk-ways. Tell us something about your business that many wouldn’t know. Late last year we launched our Made To Order cushion service. Select your fabric and foam grade, provide your measurements and in a few weeks we will have your custom cushions ready to pick up. We also have a custom mattress service, very popular with owners of caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers. Another service that some people may not be aware of is our artificial turf installation service. Clark Rubber has always sold artificial grass, but we can also quote a fully installed job, work carried out by our own professionals. Do you offer solutions for budgets of different sizes? Clark Rubber has, over the last 70 years, built its reputation on providing quality products at budget prices. We now also cater to the customer that may be looking for a premium product. For example our foam mattress prices start at $74.95 for a budget single and go

through to $699 for the very best Platinum King Mattress. Also we can provide an automatic Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner for $399, or you can purchase the very best Robotic pool cleaner, made by Maytronics, for $2,549. Clark Rubber does cater for all budgets. How did your business survive 2020? 2020, ‘the year of COVID-19’ was an unusual year for all businesses. Some business sectors suffered under certain lock-down situations, but some businesses thrived. Clark Rubber across Australia was one of those businesses that thrived. Activity across the group rose as people looked to improve their home environment, both inside and out. They decided to replace mattresses, overlays, pillows inside the house. Our sales of pool filtration equipment, robotic cleaners, pool covers and artificial turf increased with people looking to create a more complete backyard. People also sought to improve the comfort levels in their caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers. Also, I believe shoppers were looking to buy from reputable Australian companies, therefore demand on our products and services increased. How can we get in touch? You can find us on Mastracolas Road Coffs Harbour, right next door to Super Cheap Auto, or online at clarkrubber.com.au Phone number 6650 9922 or 13 80 90. Thanks Brett. COFFS COAST

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Coffs Harbour 6650 9922 Shop 2, 311 Mastracolas Road coffsharbour@clarkrubber.com.au

GOLD WINNER 2020 New South Wales

CARPET COURT NATIONAL TILES COFFS HARBOUR

Meet our happy customers Tim and Casey

THE MAIN

here did you draw your inspiration from for the interior style of your home? Our main inspiration was drawn from the Hamptons Coastal style, whilst also adding elements of a Vintage/Scandinavian aesthetic, with a contemporary twist. What was it that made you choose Carpet Court | National Tiles? Customer service, product knowledge and variety were the key components for choosing Carpet Court | National Tiles. Expanding on that point we found all the staff we engaged with at Carpet Court | National Tiles to be friendly, professional and willing to assist in achieving our style. Shell (our main sales representative), went above and beyond to assist us in reaching our final aesthetic.

Tell us about the process Textured 'Whoosh’ subway FLOORING IS and are you happy with tiles in matte white tie in with DEFINITELY THE the end result? larger matte tiles in the main KEY STANDOUT Our initial consultation bathroom, and because we feature of our main with Shell was to decide loved the matte tile so much on flooring and wall tiles we used this to balance out living area. for the entire house. As the gloss cabinetry in the anyone who has ever built kitchen. We went bold in the knows, it can be a stressful process. However, laundry with Paloma colonial blue subway tiles Shell made sure to take the time to explain in vertical brickbond that tied in nicely with and focus on the product/s that allowed us to our powder room vanity. Our ensuite feature achieve our end result. We spent ample time wall uses the gloss smoke grey Whoosh tiles, viewing products in store and were able to laid in double herringbone, and are a standout take samples home to view in different lighting against the matte white tiles in the room. situations. When it came time to decide on Window furnishings compliment not only window furnishings, we were pleasantly the aesthetic style but functionality of each surprised with what the store had to offer and area – roller blinds, timber-look venetians and the professionalism from quotation to measure shutters. and installation. Overall, what did you think of the service What are some of the features? Carpet Court | National Tiles provided? The main flooring is definitely the key Carpet Court | National Tiles service has been standout feature of our main living area – with outstanding, both friendly and professional vinyl plank flooring in Visions - Mindil Beach, and we are ecstatic with the final results. with only one room carpeted in a deep blue Clear communication, flexibility and variety of textured carpet Stoney River - Gravel that is product choice is why we recommend comfortable under foot and grounds the space. Carpet Court | National Tiles. COFFS COAST

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REAL

ESTATE with CHRIS HINES F R O M U N R E A L E STAT E

Welcome to the next real estate column.

nyone watching the property market would know that there is a lot happening on the Coffs Coast. An undersupply of homes, both for sale and rent, has resulted in a highly competitive market for consumers wishing to purchase or rent. I believe that it is yet another fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world. Although we have been very vigilant in Australia and kept infection numbers down greatly, the resultant ‘fear’ of the general population has very much created a ‘wait and see’ mentality for those considering whether to sell their homes or stay for the time being. The property market is deeply rooted in the basic economic principle of Supply and Demand. Put simply, at present we have a limited supply, no doubt affected by COVID-19, and also a high demand, once again attributed to COVID-19 and people wanting to move to our wonderful piece of the north coast. Due to the undersupply of properties and the large number of potential purchasers, competition builds with buyers. This forces prices up as buyers, no doubt trying to secure a property, are offering higher prices. It is interesting that during these times Real Estate Agents get blamed for driving the prices up, however, when all is said and done, real

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estate agents don’t set the market value of a business for quite a few years now, and for home, the market does. A real estate agent’s many years it was with my late wife who job is to get the best price and terms for the was always a strong advocate for women in vendor on the sale of business, as am I. During their home, and indeed this time, I have had the it goes further than pleasure of employing One of the bytheir job, it is their many amazing women products of a ‘fiduciary’ obligation and still do. At present market where record under law to act in the my entire team are prices are being vendor’s best interests. women. Women who achieved is also a feeling One of the bynot only excel in the field of disillusionment for products of a market of real estate, but also potential buyers who where record prices successfully juggle family are being achieved lives as well. are missing out on a is also a feeling of It is certainly no surprise property. disillusionment for to see that in the United potential buyers who States for interest, a are missing out on a property. recent study by the National Association of My advice to those looking to purchase Realtors found that 63% of the Agents in is to make yourself the best buyer option to America were actually women. Why was that a seller. Have your finance in place, know no surprise to me, simple really, in the vast exactly what you are looking for, get in early majority of cases, women possess the skills and offer strong. Basically, just give yourself required to help sellers and buyers through the the best chance, don’t be in a position that emotional roller coaster of selling and buying you look back and say, I would have paid that property. Why, because women are generally if you didn’t offer it! Trust me, at the present better at relating and emotionally connecting time every agent wishes there were more with clients and also building empathy. And… properties to sell, but that is something that is before I get ‘smashed’ by the men reading not controllable. this, I said generally, there are many amazing Finally, a quick word on the main topic of men in the industry as well. this months FOCUS, ‘Women in Business’. Well, that’s it for another month. Look I have had the pleasure of running a forward to chatting next month.

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Built to inspire. Built for you.

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