Coffs Coast Focus i106

Merv Mercer

July 2019. issue 106

Alan & Tanya

JOHNSON

1 coffs coast focus.

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team From the

Welcome to the July issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS .

T

hree words … Sir Elton John! How lucky are we to be invited to host one of his shows for his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour? Well done to Dan Heather and the Coffs Harbour City Council for making this dream a reality for a lot of people who missed out on tickets to his other shows! The community is buzzing, and so are we.

We are feeling very sentimental this month, as we have a look back at previous editions and how many amazing people are living here amongst us.

People who truly believe in their cause … People who keep-on keeping-on. It’s inspiring. We are so very lucky that we can help share their stories.

Merv Mercer is a legend down at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club; he was President of the club for a number of years, is a long-standing member of the Board, and literally built a number of buildings, stables and stands that you see

there today. And at 85 years of age, he still heads down almost every day to mow the grass, help maintain the buildings and stands, or to work on fundraising. That’s what we call passion and dedication! Check out what Merv had to say on page 6.

ON THE COVER Each month, we carefully consider who we want representing the FOCUS brand, which is why when we decided who our faces would be for the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Racing Carnival for 2019, we invited local racing royalty Alan and Tanya Johnson. Alan is the President of the Coffs Harbour Racing Board, as well as the owner of a successful local business, AJ Civil Projects.

Tanya is the President Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Perpetual Trust (PST) which is a local registered charity committed to raising awareness and funds for local women who are challenged by cancer or illness. You may or may not have heard of

the race day the Pink Silks host in January each year. It is the second biggest race day of the year following the Gold Cup. We absolutely adore this couple and are proud to profile both of them. A big thanks goes to Brooke George, who designed and hand made the incredible headpiece worn

by Tanya.

NEXT MONTH Next month, as we do each August, we are pleased to be able to present to you our annual Men in Business feature. This feature is an opportunity for champions in business in our local area to tell their stories and share their success.

As always, we encourage you to support these businesses. If you would like to be part of this special feature, give us a call on 6650 9343.

FINAL SAY “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

- Elton John.

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Make an appointment with Lachlan on 0402 214 323 for your personalised test drive and demonstration our range of motor vehicles today.

Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast 4 Tolhurst Place, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel 1800 693 876 www.mbcoffscoast.com.au LMD3461 Coffs Coast focus 3

contents

46

Issue 106 - July 2019

focusinterviews

6

feature a special

IN AND ABOUT ORLANDO ST AND THE JETTY

Merv Mercer.

Merv Mercer is a legend down at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club. He was President of the club for a number of years, is a long-standing member of the Board, and literally built a number of the buildings, stables and stands that you see there today.

IN AND ABOUT

18

Shelley Argent.

Shelley Argent is the National Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in Australia and is one of the most successful and effective educationalists, advocates and lobbyists for the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans (LGBTIQ+) people.

28

Gold Member.

Gold Member is an Australian band that will be performing at Bello Winter Music Festival this year.

The trio is made up of Aaron, Angus and Jesse, and their music could be described as a kind of alternative R ‘n’ B/Electronic. We spoke with Angus about the band’s beginnings, their unique style and what we can expect from them.

the Usual

Suspects

12. WHAT’S ON for July 20. EAT local restaurants 30. SOCIAL SCENE with Carole Beros 33. TRAVEL TIME with Kerry Moss 57. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall

34

Darren Squibb.

Darren Squibb’s father was a lighthouse keeper and as a young boy, he spent some time living at the South Solitary Island lightstation, off the coast of Coffs Harbour - an experience that he describes as isolated, but full of adventure and excitement!

4 Coffs Coast focus

66. EDUCATION with Nick Johnstone 70. BUSINESS MINDS with Sam Wardman 72. ABODE property guide

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Coffs Coast focus 5

merv mercer dps

6 Coffs Coast focus

Merv Mercer

focusinterview.

Merv Mercer Merv Mercer is a legend down at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

He was President of the club for a number of years, is a longstanding member of the Board, and literally built a number of the buildings, stables and stands that you see there today. And at 85 years of age, he still heads down almost every day to mow the grass, help maintain the buildings and stands, or to work on fundraising.

That’s what we call passion and dedication! ave you always been interested in horses and racing? And when did you get involved in the club here in Coffs?

I started at the club here in 1966. I’ve always had an interest in racing; Mum and Dad used to put six-pence on an each way bet, so that caught my interest, and I started following the jockeys then. I actually got enough money to build my first house out of one of my wins! When I say that, I mean I had to get a loan from the bank and at first they knocked me back, then I won what I think was about 1,000 odd Pounds - so I went back and told them I needed a bit less now, and with that extra they gave me the loan and I was able to build my house! That house was in Sydney; I sold it for 5,000 Pounds (and made a profit) in 1960.

Once up this way, I leased two horses off Ted Russell, who had the Plantation Hotel in those days and owned horses. I ended up winning a few races with them, and then, later on, I bought my own. My brother got involved too, and we went halves on a horse called Just A Steal in Sydney. Just A Steal raced in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick in 1978; he won nine races in Sydney and four up here.

I started at the club here in 1966. I was

President for six years in the early 1970s, and I still hold a position on the Board.

You’re pretty involved I COME DOWN with the maintenance FOR FOUR OR FIVE here, and you even lots of winners lately!

HOURS EVERY DAY, built some of the early He’s riding over in Hong DO SOME MOWING grandstands, is that Kong, doing really well AND MAINTENANCE, right? for himself. His parents AND THEN I HEAD We built part of the stand still live in Coffs; he’s HOME AND WATCH first, and then they added a Coffs Harbour local, THE LOCAL HORSES on a bit later on. It’s grown and he started riding RUNNING AROUND bit by bit over the years. Ted here, so it’s great to see SOMEWHERE. Russell got involved too and him doing well. really helped get this place There’s been a to what it is today. I was a grandstand named builder by trade, as well as after you here at the working here, so I built the stables and a few club. Was it a surprise to hear that was other things around here too. happening?

I come down for four or five hours every day, Yeah; it was great. I’ve got a lifetime do some mowing and maintenance, and then I membership too. I suppose I’ve done a lot for head home and watch the local horses running the club over the years, and my wife has too. around somewhere. If I go too long these days, She’s made curtains and tablecloths, and she I feel it the next day! It does keep me active comes down and weeds the gardens and things though, which is important at 85 years old! too. She also helps me with the cans and bottle Are there any local jockeys that you like to collections I do for the club. We raised over keep an eye on? $1,000 for the club the last one we did. We go I always like to see Zac Purton ride when he through all the bins and collect what we can comes home for a holiday. He has been riding to take down for recycling. With that money,

we put on a barbecue every race day for all the strappers and trainers. I like being able to do things like that. We often raise enough to get other jobs and things done too. It’s something I like to do, because it’s great for the club and I also really believe in recycling.

What have been some of the highlights for you being part of this club for all these years?

Building this stand has been one of the biggest highlights, the other builds I’ve done here too, the tea rooms I did years ago for the ladies who volunteered here, and the stables too. And of course, the races! I always look forward to them. I love the big crowds we get here for the Coffs Cup. What do you love most about racing?

I love the thrill of the races. I love seeing the place come alive on Cup Day. And I love seeing all the hard work of everyone involved pay off when we have a win. It’s a team effort; horses, trainers, jockeys, track team, and owners all play a part.

Thanks Merv.

Coffs Coast focus 7

focusinterview.

Deb

Ryan DEB RYAN HAS BEEN LEADING COMMUNITY CARE OPTIONS SINCE 2007 AND BRINGS SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE, SPECIFICALLY IN SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY, AS WELL AS EXTENSIVE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FROM OTHER ROLES ...

D

eb, tell us about what you do on the Coffs Coast?

I have the privilege of being the CEO of Community Care Options Ltd, based here on the Coffs Coast. CCO is a great community organisation, that I am proud to have led since 2007. Operating since 1996, we deliver services and supports to in excess of 2,000 people each year, including people with a disability, older people, carers, and people leaving hospital.

Community Care Options has 171 employees who work together as a team to deliver quality services to people needing support to maintain their independence in our community. I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our staff and their commitment to the care of our clients.

How long have you lived here?

I moved to the Coffs Coast from Bathurst, with my family, in 2001. The Coffs Coast has the lifestyle and weather more suited to our needs. I love living in beautiful Raleigh.

Have you always worked in the community sector?

I have mostly worked in the disability sector, completing training as a Registered Nurse Disability specific in 1982. I worked in the public sector from age 19 until I joined CCO (some 25 years). I absolutely learned a lot from my experience in the public sector, but believe I have learnt infinitely more in the not for profit sector.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

8 Coffs Coast focus

Personally winning an

have been some of the The biggest challenge award as NSW Not for highlights?

- remaining positive and Profit Leader of the It has been an amazing supporting staff to remain Year in 2016 was an journey over the last focused and motivated absolute surprise and few years, with so many in an environment of incredible honour. It highlights. constant and complex hasn’t changed my life, but it Our first award was change. All aspects of has recognised the incredible a buzz: State Award for care have changed in the efforts made over many years.

Disability Innovation in aged and disability sectors 2015. Recognition for our - the way we receive contribution to commufunding, expectations of nity on the Coffs Coast government, clients and through We Care Day over three years, and our staff. We have an award that does not really connectABLE projects, promoting and paving keep pace with our sector and these changed the way for social inclusion. It felt very flash expectations.

My passion for quality care and effective client receiving an award at Parliament House.

Walking the red carpet at the NSW Business outcomes has been challenged by reforms such Chamber Awards in Darling Harbour in 2015 as the NDIS. It does not deliver what it should to was quite overwhelming. We very much felt some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It has clearly missed the mark in terms of like country bumpkins amid the ball gowns and glamour. And then we won! We were unbelievits focus on client choice and ably excited to win the state award for Excelcontrol. It has been difficult moving from an lence in Business Ethics. ethos of care and welfare to one of business 2016 was a fantastic year for CCO. We took processes and budgets. home seven of 20 awards from the Sunny’s Attracting quality staff is an increasing Business Awards, including Employer of the challenge. The sector is growing, and there is Year, Business of the Year and Business Leader increased competition for staff. It’s not a of the Year. particularly well paid or "prestigious" sector.

Celebrating with staff, seeing their pride and I’m sure our staff, however, would promote the joy in being recognised for what they do, is inherent benefits and satisfactions received in incredible. this line of work.

Personally winning an award as NSW Not Community Care Options, and you yourself, for Profit Leader of the Year in 2016 was an have won or been nominated for a number absolute surprise and incredible honour. It hasn’t of awards over the last five years. What

changed my life, but it has recognised the incredible efforts made over many years.

In 2018, winning the NSW Safe Work Award was pretty special as well - as an award outside of our specific sector. It was a very prestigious event.

Winning an award is not by and of itself that important. Winning an award is an added bonus and recognition for completing something worthwhile.

Awards do a number of things for your business - they reinforce to your clients that you have robust systems and practices; they build trust, loyalty and confidence in your business; they encourage and motivate staff - everyone likes to be on a winning team. They reinforce that what we do every day is important and that we do it well.

What are you passionate about?

My family.

Human rights.

People. I like to get the best for people - our clients, and to get the best from people - our staff.

Currently I am mentoring a wonderful group of young women who will be leaders for the future. Liz, Lee, Jodie, Laura, Kate, Htay and Yasmin are smart, brave and resilient women, who amaze me with their skills, commitment and positivity every day. I'm very confident that they will continue to achieve success in the future.

A shout out to CCO’s clients and staff - thank you for your trust and loyalty.

Thanks Deb.

focus_archives

WITH KEV SMITH

in the long grass.

Coffs War Effort.

Back during WWII, Australia was in the grips of being invaded from the north after Darwin was bombed. Strategies were put in place all the way down our eastern seaboard, inland through the New England area, where tank traps were put in place from Tenterfield down to Ebor.

C

offs Harbour, in fact, played a very important role in the defence of our country.

Between the years of 1942 and 1944, a communication station was set up right

in our back yard. Aptly named Signal Hill, several large underground concrete bunkers were constructed and filled with radio devices. On the top of the hill, you can still find where the radio masts were bolted to the concrete, and parts of the towers still lay

war effort is the gun bunker located just below the old fishing club. The correct After the war finished, for many years these information is a bit hard to nail, but, some long, empty, derelict concrete tubes were have said that guns were stored here and home to those less fortunate and local others report it was more of an observation graffiti artists. Nowadays they are home to post manned by cadets looking out for Coffs Harbour Bunker Gallery, but you can enemy ships or subs still see old photos on passing by. They must how they looked and have missed a few, as what they contained. one did sneak in to It’s pretty amazing Sydney Harbour and After the war finished, seeing the original one landed further for many years these long, photos where massive south at Crowdy Head, empty, derelict concrete banks of radio receivers, looking for supplies. tubes were home to those transmitters and early Other rumours say less fortunate and local day computers that when it was a manned graffiti artists. Nowadays went from the floor to gun post - soldiers got they are home to Coffs the ceiling. bored and fired shells Harbour Bunker Gallery, Further around town, out towards Pig Island but you can still see old several other “bunkers” for a bit of fun. photos on how they looked were constructed It’s another example and what they contained. one down near the of our local history racecourse below not being preserved the road. Another as it should be; there’s significant one was no reason why these found in the earth when Hurley Estate bunkers can’t be restored and have plaques was being constructed. Unfortunately, it stating what they are and commemorating had to be destroyed, as it was in very poor those who served their time here on the condition, but reports say it was used as a coast. At the moment, these historical transmitting bunker. features are filled with graffiti, broken Another relic we have to remind us of our

bottles and filled with rubbish.

Coffs Coast focus 9

focusinterview.

for 100 SCHOOLS Steven and Trudi Hayes operate the Little Star Bee Sanctuary on the Mid North Coast, providing shelter for and education about both European Honeybees and our own Native Stingless Bee varieties.

ees have created a lot of buzz in the media lately … we know they’re under threat and that they’re a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, which is why the 100 Hives for 100 Schools project that Little Star has become involved with is such an exciting development…

Tell us a little about Little Star Bee Sanctuary.

Little Star Bee Sanctuary has grown out of our family and the journey we have walked together. Trudi gave Steven his first beehive for his birthday when she was pregnant with their first child in 2008. Since then, the dream and family have grown.

The Little Star family have lived on the Mid North Coast in a place called Missabotti since 2009. We have created a bee sanctuary for all bees - honey and native, with the aim of providing fodder all year round. Using nonmigratory processes and natural beekeeping principles, the bee sanctuary has been created to strengthen hive colonies - providing a frontline defence mechanism against diseases and predators. Our bee sanctuary is off-grid on a care-farmed (chemical free), rural property.

In 2017, we launched our education arm and provide dynamic training for those new to beekeeping, those interested in bees and to the experienced beekeeper in 10 Coffs Coast focus

Preserving native bee populations for us works twofold. Firstly,

our practices and hive as they rise in popularity, management strategies. it is important to educate We are currently in people in not just taking the early stages of the colonies from the wild Little Star Collective - a which serves a purpose in native collaborative approach pollination and ecosystems. for those “lovers of bees” in our local community, including collective We have a number of honey distribution and a native bee “hotels” for mentoring programme. solitary native bees, which include the BlueWe know that bees are integral to the future banded Bee, Teddy-bear Bee and Carpenter of our planet and plant species. We know Bee. that the beekeeping industry is facing its Why is it so important to preserve our most complex time ever. We aim to be at the native bee populations? forefront of education and research for our Preserving native bee populations for us bees and community. works twofold. Firstly, as they rise in popularity Our vision: it is important to educate people in not just To create a holistic education and research taking colonies from the wild - which serves a community for the bee industry in Australia purpose in native pollination and ecosystems.

- change, transformation, sustainability with Secondly, building up our native bee integrity. numbers both in the wild and managed Our services/products: hives offers greater security for diversity Education courses/programmes; honey, in pollination methods for our agricultural hives and hive products; mentoring and industry. collective honey distribution; private hive There is also so much we do not know management; Consultancy; research into all yet about native bees. The 100 Hives in types of bees.

100 Schools project aims to collect data How many/what types of bees do you and conduct research with the schools’ keep at the sanctuary? involvement, to provide valuable information We have over 100 honeybee and native bee for stingless native bees across the Mid North hives in residence around the sanctuary.

Coast.

Raising awareness around native bee colonies can help farmers look at diversifying pollination practices, and we can begin to breed up further native bee populations to assist us into the future. Although native bees are susceptible to pest and diseases, they are also resilient to most that are facing the honeybee industry.

What are some of the threats bees currently face in today's modern world?

Bees have been a hot topic in recent media and years, because bee colonies are undergoing significant destruction from pests and diseases - in other parts of the world, colonies have declined at a rapid rate due to threats such as the Varroa mite and colony collapse disorder.

We are lucky in Australia that the Varroa mite has not yet invaded our shores, but the beekeeping industry has been on standby for some time, waiting and preparing for the mass impact on our honeybee and feral

focusinterview.

bee populations, which are major sources of pollination for our crops.

Some of the many issues we have experienced in Australia are attacks by Small hive beetle - which can kill an entire colony of native and honeybees in a short period of time, and American Foulbrood, a bacteria that is fatal to European Honeybees.

You're part of the 100 Hives in 100 Schools project. What's involved?

The project extends from Grafton in the north to Port Macquarie in the south and aims to place 100 Native Stingless Beehives in 100 education environments, from preschools, primary and high schools to vocational education colleges.

The programme will run initially for three years and includes training Bee Mentors in each of the education environments, the creation of an interactive digital bee education platform, face-to-face education sessions from Little Star Bee Sanctuary and resources that support the curriculums.

The rollout will take approximately one year, with 10 hives being placed per month (in optimal seasonal times) with the support of grant, sponsor and donation funding.

100 Hives in 100 Schools?

We have some amazing people working with us to deliver this project: • Paul West - our Bee Advocate - former host of the wildly popular River Cottage Australia, and the recent ABC Catalyst series on bees.

• Dr Tim Heard - mentor Secondly, building up our and supplier of native native bee numbers both 100 hives in 100 bees - with over 30 years’ in the wild and managed schools will: experience working, hives offers greater • Create a mind of researching and teaching security for diversity in enquiry in children and about native bees in pollination methods for our adults alike into native Australia. agricultural industry. bee behaviour and • The Starfish Foundation characteristics our auspicing organisation • Create educational and charity arm of the resources for use in project. Donations to the conjunction with the project are tax deductible.

NSW curriculum Starfish has a track record of innovative and • Aid in the conservation and reproduction of pioneering sustainability initiatives throughout native bees Australia.

• Pollinate school/local gardens • Incredible Education Environments, including • Add a conversation point for teachers, TAFE NSW, community preschools, state schools, colleagues, learners, staff and parents Catholic schools, independent schools and • Increase numbers of Native Stingless Bees nature based education precincts.

(Tetragonula Carbonaria) on the Mid North A project like this will obviously require a Coast lot of work - and funding too! In what ways • Create data from placement and observation can readers assist? of hives - this can contribute to further study on Expressions of interest went out to schools Native Stingless Bees in this region earlier this year, and we already have over half • Create and enhance a network of people the schools on board, with enquiries every day. If passionate about Native Bees on the Mid North you want a native beehive and the programme Coast of NSW in your school - get in contact with us to find Who's partnered with you to help facilitate out more.

We need $250,000 to fund this project to rollout over the next year. We are asking for donations big and small from individuals, businesses and communities who want to make a difference in educating young people about bees for the future.

Schools may wish to fundraise for their hive in part or total, which will guarantee the programme in their host environment.

You can donate directly to the campaign at: www.chuffed.org/project/100-hives-in-100schools Or for more substantial donations/funding, you can contact us directly via email: buzz@littlestar.net.au Where can we find out more info?

You can find out more about Little Star Bee Sanctuary by visiting our website: littlestar. net.au or contacting us on (02) 6564 8737.

You can also visit the project website: 100hivesin100schools.net.au We run education courses monthly through the sanctuary on bees, and we hold two native bee workshops with Dr Tim Heard each year locally. We also offer workshops on building beehives, native bee hotels, fermenting and cooking with honey, mead making, making beeswax wraps and using hive products in cosmetics and healing products.

We can adapt something for a group, school or family, depending on what you want to learn, and we offer tailored “bee experiences” including glamping and paddock to plate honey inspired meals.

Thanks Steven and Trudi.

Interview: Jo Robinson.

Coffs Coast focus 11

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

J U L Y

5

2 0 1 9

13

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Looking for a laugh? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to town. Forget I-Spy, spotto and stale servo snacks; this road trip is jam-packed with a crew of fantastically funny comedians, specially selected to bring the fun of the festival to towns and cities around the nation. Presenting Dave Callan (MC), Blake Freeman, Ivan Aristeguieta, Nikki Britton, Pat McCaffrie.

When 5th and 6th July. Where Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Tickets www.jettytheatre.com.au

6

Sawtell Chilli Festival

Even though it’s the middle of a Coffs Coast (mild) winter, the event is guaranteed to turn up the heat a few notches.

Each year, the popular festival attracts thousands of people to the pretty seaside village, keen to sample the wide range of chilli-related foods and products, take part in fun activities and competitions and be entertained by live music, dancing, cooking and other performances.

When 6th July. Where First Avenue, Sawtell.

11

Bello Winter Music Festival

Bello Winter Music is dedicated to programming an exciting and eclectic mix of new and emerging artists - local, national and international, while showcasing everything that Bellingen has to offer.

When 11th to 14th July. Where Hyde Street, Bellingen.

Tickets www.bellowintermusic.com

12 Coffs Coast focus

Shelley Argent

13

Shelley Argent is the National Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in Australia and is one of the most successful and effective educationalists, advocates and lobbyists for the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans (LGBTIQ+) people. Shelley is volunteering her own time to come over to Coffs Harbour and speak directly to our community.

When Saturday 13th July. Where Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort. Time 2 - 5pm. Free Event

Third Series of Paddock to Plate

Featuring fresh produce from The Fishermen’s Coop, Nambucca Aquaponics, Russells Meats, Two Tails Wines.

Where Velvets Restaurant, Two Tails Wines, Nana Glen.

When 13th July at 5:30pm.

Cost four course meal - $90pp.

Call the Cellar Door to book your tickets: 6654 3633.

Phil Jamieson

13

As the voice and face of Grinspoon, Phil Jamieson fronted one of the most popular Australian bands of the last two decades.

When 13th July. Where Moonee Beach Tavern.

Time 6pm until 9pm. Tickets $25 from www.offbeat. oztix.com.au

22

Damien Knowles Family Fun Day Fundraiser

Damien Knowles of Coffs Harbour Police has been diagnosed with cancer, and a charity has been set up for numerous fundraising activities to take place. There will be lots of awesome events, including jumping castle, face painting, emergency services display, BBQ, cake stall, music, slime centre, coffee cart, pony rides.

When 22nd July. Where Coffs Harbour PCYC.

Elton John’s 26/02/2020

F A R E W E L L

Yellow Brick Road Tour

I

This is BIG news! FOCUS chats with Dan Heather from the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, who tells us how something like this comes about ...

n one word, Dan, how would you describe this event?

Hmmm ... Unprecedented!

Why Coffs Harbour?

Many months ago, Chugg Entertainment reached out to us to explore Coffs Harbour as an option for a new release of tour dates. They had scoped Coffs Harbour in previous years, but this was the first time they had taken a real close look at what we had to offer. With a limited number of shows being added to the tour in Australia, apart from physical space to host the event, it was essential they found a location and community they could partner with that would embrace the event … and that’s when we could shine and say with absolute confidence: Coffs Harbour is the right location for this!

Are we starting to get a name for ourselves in the music world?

Coffs Harbour has been building a reputation as being an event friendly city for some years now. The Coffs Coast has won the highly regarded International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) “World Festival and Event City Award” for four consecutive years, and with recent music event success stories in our region such as Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, John Butler Trio, and many more, Coffs Harbour must have come up in conversation!

This region has the capacity to deliver major events.

We have an active and passionate business community, large hotel and accommodation stock, strong tourism

appeal, a regional airport, as well as easy access via road and rail from major metro areas, and we are naturally a great catchment to draw people in from north, south and west … plus, the Coffs Coast is amazingly beautiful - who wouldn’t want to come here!

What does this actually mean for Coffs?

An event like this puts the Coffs Coast on the world stage … again. The media exposure alone is massive.

From a tourism perspective, events are increasingly driving a more even visitation pattern to our destination and this major event, along with other annual major events, will continue to build visitation outside of our traditional school holiday peak times, providing greater economic benefits for the region across the year.

Does this mean the stadium is our new concert venue?

Ha ha … Ahhh no! The stadium is not a traditional concert venue, and remains primarily a sports facility, but this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was one we were not going to turn down. We have been working closely with the events and green-keeping teams, and have developed a solid plan of preparation, renovation and recovery to ensure that the event will take place without any effect on our major annual sport events at that busy time of year.

With the grandstand upgrades nearing completion, any more news to announce?

I think it’s safe to say, watch this space!

Thanks Dan.

Coffs Coast focus 13

focusinterview.

Michele Timms is one of Australia’s greatest basketball players, having represented our country for many years and also playing internationally, before moving into a successful coaching career.

She has recently started the Michele Timms Basketball Academy in Melbourne and will be hosting an Elite Camp in Coffs Harbour this July for up and coming local talent!

Michele

TIMMS ELITE CAMP

Coffs Coast Basketball

H

ey Michele. For those who may not know who you are, please tell us about yourself and your incredible basketball career ...

I’m a mother to a 15 year old daughter first and foremost!

I played basketball for Australia for 15 years, won a Bronze and Silver Olympic Medal, was the first female Aussie to play WNBA, made seven All Star 5 WNBL teams, then I went on to coaching after my playing career.

I was Assistant Coach of the Chinese Women’s Team 2008 Beijing Olympics, Assistant Coach with Opals 2012 Olympics London, Assistant Coach of China 2016 Olympics Rio. Then in 2018, I started Michele Timms Basketball Academy in Melbourne. I currently coach 40 Elite Players at the Academy and run a domestic program with 90 Future Stars; five - 11 years of age. In 2016, I was inducted into the FIBA Hall Of Fame.

Out of the many, what would you say is the one highlight of your career that meant the most to you?

There are a couple that are equal - definitely winning the first ever medal for a men's and women's team in Atlanta, when we won Bronze - it put women’s basketball and Australian basketball on the map internationally. It was also so special because that medal represented so much more than our Opals team; it represented all past Opals who had played before us and created a pathway for us to have the honour of playing for Australia. So, that medal, emotionally, has a lot surrounding it.

14 Coffs Coast focus

A big focus at our camps is The other one that is equally as special is establishing the intensity you playing at an Olympics in need to become the best player my own backyard in 2000 you can. Both Katrina and being Captain of that and I have played Silver medal team. professionally overseas in When looking back the WNBA, and for Australia, on your career, what and between us we know what it the locals to showcase would you say has takes to reach those lofty heights. their game - shooting made you such an comps games and other incredible basketball competitive drills, as well player? as a round robin, is always a highlight.

Hard work and dedicated parents to help me reach my dream; also, the desire to be the best I What do you love most about travelling to the Coffs Coast? What do you like best could be. I also had a very healthy dose of ego/ competitiveness, which helped me stay focused, about getting out into smaller towns and passing on your knowledge? because I never wanted to be out worked by a Personally for me, I’ve been living in China team mate or an opponent on the court! for the last six years and after getting back You will be coming out to Coffs next month; can you tell us about the basketball to Oz a year ago now and establishing my academy, I haven’t had a chance to get out camp you will be hosting? into any other towns yet - so this is the first.

I run a Basketball Academy in Melbourne Hopefully for the players we are able to inspire and host Elite Camps and domestic camps. I them, at the very least! was very excited when approached by the club You are not travelling here alone and will if I could come up and run an Elite Camp in have Katrina Hibbert, the Sydney Flames Coffs Harbour. Katrina Hibbert, who is newly appointed coach for the Sydney Uni Flames, will WNBL Head Coach alongside you. How important is it to have her expertise passed be assisting me as another headline coach, and on to the kids? together we will deliver a two day camp to the Katrina comes off the back of a year with elite players in Coffs.

NBA ASIA; it's a massive coup for MTBA to A big focus at our camps is establishing have her as one of its coaches. As mentioned the intensity you need to become the best before, she is an Opal, WNBA player, All Star player you can. Both Katrina and I have played WNBL MVP, and her knowledge and experience professionally overseas in the WNBA, and for is invaluable - she also has a great personality Australia, and between us we know what it that goes with her coaching that the kids love! takes to reach those lofty heights - our drills What specific skills will you be teaching at and coaching is geared very much around the camp? high intensity. The camp is also a chance for

Like I mentioned before, a big focus is playing every moment with intensity, teaching players to play dynamically and we have a strong focus on the conceptual side of the game; for example, decision making. And, if you know anything about me, then you know defence is going to be a strong focus too.

What has the response been like from others who have attended previous camps?

Players love them; there is a good balance between skill development and games. At a domestic level or elite Level the kids have been thoroughly engaged throughout the whole camp, and that usually is a good indicator that you are doing something right.

How important is it to teach kids about sport and exercise?

It’s critical, I think; if you can package something that keeps kids engaged and off their iPhones, then that’s a win, right?

Basketball as a vehicle for a healthy lifestyle is very attractive for parents - anyone can play hoop at any level and at any age, it’s indoors, over in an hour in most cases, which means the kids have had an hour of high intensity workout … at the very least, their heart rate has gone up and released those endorphins. For me, hoop leads to friendships too.

Thanks Michele.

FINAL AUSTRALIAN TOUR!

26 FEB 2020

C.EX COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM

ON SALE TueSDAY 25 June OZNZ.ELTONJOHN.COM

Coffs Coast focus 15

After discovering that Kirsty Christensen, the Business Manager from Fresh Dental Care looks after her staff in so many ways, we were keen to chat about the very real and relevant subject of office culture and what she does to help keep up staff morale.

H Kirsty

16 Coffs Coast focus

ow important is office culture?

Workplace culture is highly important for the success in any industry; essentially, it defines the character of your business. Positive culture can attract new employees, improve job satisfaction, employee performance and the overall success of your business.

The focus for my teams has been ensuring a happy work - life balance, that they are inspired, given flexibility to be innovative, are supported in their personal and professional growth and that they are given the unique opportunity to have experiences in the workplace. We invest in our people - both our time, and our money - and enjoy seeing them succeed in their personal and professional lives. Hearing laughter throughout our surgeries is a sign that we are achieving this.

How do you encourage your staff to work together?

Our team members work in very close proximity to each other, so understanding one another and being able to relate to each other is highly important. Some things we do to ensure we have a team that is supportive and encouraging of one another include: - Team building days.

- Monthly one to one meetings with each team member.

- Eating lunch together - this is highly underrated!

- Complimenting each other and recognising the great things about one another.

- Having an open door policy.

- Encouraging team members to problem solve.

- While working in a professional and very serious

environment, we still have fun and laugh!

What are some strategies that you have introduced?

A few strategies we have in place include: - A Smile Program; our teams and patients get to experience a unique level of service or employment i.e.

Valentine's Day Toothbrushes or Mother’s Day packs or International Bubble Bath Day packs for staff. These unique experiences improve staff engagement and performance.

- All team members receive a handwritten birthday card from me (we have a team of 70).

- We celebrate successes (no matter how small).

- Inspirational messages and positive quotes are sent out to our teams; I also have these made into business cards.

What advice would you give to other businesses to encourage a harmonious workplace?

- In today’s modern workforce you need to engage your employees; you need to have a workplace that is unique and thinks outside of the box. If as a manager you do not possess the qualities to do this (not all of us do), look toward your team to assist you.

- Get to know your individual team members, understand what drives them, what gets them out of bed in the morning, where they want to be and where their interests lie.

- Focus on people's strengths and not their weaknesses.

As Howard Schultz (CEO Starbucks) said, "If you are lucky enough to be someone’s employer, then you have a moral obligation to make sure people do look forward to coming to work in the morning".

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Coffs Coast focus 17

focusinterview. interview.

WITH SAM DAWSON OF PFLAG COFFS COAST

Shelley

Argent Shelley Argent is the National Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in Australia and is one of the most successful and effective educationalists, advocates and lobbyists for the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans (LGBTIQ+) people.

S

helley has always had a penchant for human rights generally, social justice and equality in the community and over the years has come to realise the more you do, the more there is to be done.

Shelley is volunteering her own time to come over to Coffs Harbour and speak directly to our community at Breakfree Aanuka Resort (who are generously supporting this visit) on Saturday 13th July 2019. I had the pleasure of interviewing Shelley, to find out more about her.

Hi Shelley; we are really looking forward to your visit here this month. Can you please take us back to the beginning what inspired you to be the driving force behind PFLAG, and what skills did you have to bring to this organisation?

Firstly, my only skills were confidence and research that developed from doing my university degree when I was 45 years old. My other skill was the determination that my gay son was one day going to be seen as equal to his straight brother.

From this, my goal was to normalise anyone being gay or lesbian at that time. Trans and other genders were not on society’s radar in 1999/2000 when I reinvigorated PFLAG. My theory was if I could get others to support their children, they would then be supportive of my son.

What materials did you write, and why did you think these booklets and information were so important for parents and friends?

My first was a brochure just letting people 18 Coffs Coast focus

TO RECEIVE THE

know we were there and parliamentary sitting for OAM I THOUGHT WAS what we did and what many years, meeting with ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. our aims were, which politicians and launching I HAD NO IDEA I HAD was to support parents campaigns.

BEEN NOMINATED, AND I and to assist them to I ended up with my RECIEVED IT FOR MY WORK understand and support own pass for unescorted IN THE LESBIAN AND GAY their children. entry, and staff in the COMMUNITY, WHICH TO ME I then wrote dining room used to WAS A HUGE HONOUR. information for parents give me a discount; they about understanding thought I was an advisor, the coming out of their because I was there so children and the difficulties involved for them. often!

I put together information packs for Congratulations on being recognised for professionals in regional QLD and rural areas this work. Tell us about the OAM you that went to high schools, medical centres , received in 2006. community centres and the QLD Police.

To receive the OAM I thought was absolutely I then wrote resources to address coming amazing. I had no idea I had been nominated, out for young people, like homophobia in the and I recieved it for my work in the lesbian workplace, that unions distributed to support and gay community, which to me was a huge spouses when their partners came out. honour.

I also wrote a variety of resources about In 2011 I was awarded Queensland Senior marriage equality, how to be an ally for Australian. To be honest, I don’t even know the equality, and information supporting parents of person who nominated me, but again it was a trans children and adults. huge honour to receive this award.

Besides writing material, you have been a Funnily, because I represented the most keen lobbyist to the government too. Tell homophobic age group, I never received one us more? invitation to speak because of the title or In 2006 I began lobbying with Rodney award.

Groome, an LGBTIQ activist from Tasmania, What have you seen as the most about economic equality. We knew we had significant changes over the years with the no hope of gaining marriage equality, so we LGBTIQ+ community and with families you decided the rights that apply to marriage was have been involved with? second best.

There are several changes; one is that very This was achieved in 2008, when Kevin Rudd few parents suffer the same extent of shame, was elected, and then it was time for marriage. blame, anger and guilt as they once did.

I would have travelled to Canberra for every Parents of young trans children are

supporting their children more than ever before, and suicide is decreasing.

LGBTIQ people now have more rights than when I entered the community in 1998.

People are no longer dying from AIDS and HIV related illnesses. They are strong and healthy, living relatively normal lives.

There are more clinics open for trans people, young and old, seeking medical support and more specialists available.

Is PFLAG important and relevant these days, and how can people best utilise this group in their regional communities?

People in rural areas can always go online to find a person to call. I have noticed many don’t want to talk to another person in their region, for fear of being outed.

There is also more information online these days than there used to be. But I do believe it’s nice to speak to another parent, because it helps to break down the isolation, and so often people are hesitant to talk about a loved one who may be LGBTIQ ... but we need to realise anecdotally one in five families have someone who identifies in this manner.

Thanks Shelley.

FREE EVENT Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort, 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour.

When Saturday 13th July 2019 from 2pm.

RSVP to Sam Dawson by 1/7/2019 on 0417 861 045.

Coffs Coast focus 19

Beef Pares - short ribs braised in a spiced, sweet and savoury broth topped with crunchy shallots, garlic confit, chillies and micro greens. from Pig and Khai.

20 Coffs Coast focus

focus

DISHES of the month

COAST HOTEL

ELEMENT BAR

Marinated Lamb cutlets with salad of pumpkin, sun dried tomato, rocket & chick peas, yoghurt dressing.

Ploughman’s plate - double brie, prosciutto, salami, feta stuffed green olives, dukkah, light salad, charred bread, honey sesame dipping sauce.

PLANTATION HOTEL

ZA’ATAR MIDDLE EASTERN KITCHEN, BELLINGEN

Wagyu Beef & Bacon Burger - Wagyu beef pattie, bacon, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, onion jam, tasty cheese & JD BBQ sauce.

MIXED SHARE PLATTER: enjoy our selection of our house made dips and salads, including falafel, marinated chicken skewers, lamb kofta and seasoned chicken schnitzel.

VELVETS RESTAURANT, TWO TAILS WINES

BEACHOUSE CAFÉ

Lamb meatballs with pomegranate glaze.

Sundried tomato and feta stuffed chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto on a bed of creamy sweet potato mash and seasonal steamed greens.

Coffs Coast focus 21

Crafty Four Pillars’ Bloody Shiraz Gin

Brand new to the extensive line up on Element Bar’s back bar, is this highly sought after limited annual release from award winning Yarra Valley based gin distillers, Four Pillars. Their 2019 Bloody Shiraz Gin is made from a delicate blend of local cold climate shiraz grapes & their signature Rare Dry Gin which, this year, has resulted in a beautiful big dark fruit gem bursting with plum, blackberry and raspberry flavours. Drink it straight on ice with a slice of orange or with traditional tonic and a squeeze of lemon. A rare and delicious taste to be savoured! with Madonna Bannerman from Two Tails Wines

wine month of the

CHOCOLATE CHILLI VELVET

If you like Chocolate and Chilli, this is for you! Grown and sold at our award winning Cellar door, Two Tails Winery at Nana Glen ...

T

his wine demonstrates a blend of Jacquez (Le Noir) grapes grown at the vineyard, and displays both varietal styles to perfection.

With the combination of distinctive dark colouring, herbaceous aromas and black cherry, chocolate and chilli flavours, to the lush fruit sweetness of the Jacquez grapes, “Chocolate Chill Velvet” was created.

Perfect for drinking straight, on the rocks, warm up for a coffee/hot chocolate or your favourite cocktail or dessert.

CHARACTERISTICS: This wine presents deep red colours with berry driven aromas.

Ripe and lush, this wine is bursting with black cherry and chocolate and chilli flavours - with a hit of chilli and a smooth chocolate finish. Low in tannin, with a hint of oak.

22 Coffs Coast focus

GOES WITH: A match made in heaven with dark chocolate or a rich dessert.

COST: $50.

AVAILABLE: Two Tails Winery Cellar Door, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen NSW. Phone: (02) 6654 3633.

Email: admin@twotailswines.com.au

Finally the Mid North Coast has authentic and delicious fresh Middle Eastern Food!

Nissim, the owner of Za’atar, sat down with FOCUS to tell us more …

Nissim, please tell us what your traditional dishes are, and what fresh ingredients do you source?

All of the dishes at Za’atar are traditionally what you would eat in Israel, where I’m from.

You will find Middle Eastern street food like my hummus, shish kebab and falafel, as well as home cooked style food such as the Moroccan fish and malawach. I source quality ingredients from all over, including olives, olive oil and raw tahini from Lebanon, some spices from Israel and fresh produce from local suppliers.

You are based in the main street of Bellingen - what brings people from everywhere to your restaurant?

Za’atar is the only middle eastern food in the whole region, so word is spreading that we are the place to go for a delicious and authentic middle eastern experience.

What is the most popular of these dishes, and can people try them all - like in a banquet?

We’re getting a reputation as having the best hummus and falafel. Also, people like our meat and vegan share platters, where you get a good selection from the menu. At the

moment we are having a winter special, where you get a free glass of wine with every share platter for two people. There is really something for everyone at Za’atar, from chicken schnitzel and lamb kofta for the meat lovers, to fried cauliflower with tahini for the vegans. Most of our menu is vegan.

Besides eating in or takeaways, what else do you offer?

We’re getting a lot of enquiries for onsite catering. I’m just about to start up catering for private events such as weddings and parties.

I’ve got experience in this area, as I’ve worked the past nine years catering at the largest events in Australia. At the moment we do offer pick up catering and restaurant bookings for large groups or parties.

Billabong Zoo

Billabong Zoo Billabong Zoo are delighted to announce the birth of

Winter is a cub, greattotime to get toand Billabong our firstHolidays African Lion parents Milo Misty on Zoo in Port Macquarie, it’s the perfect place to 27th August. “Amari” meaning “miracle” and “strong” visit these holidays.

Just a leisurely 90-minute drive was born at 7pm. down the highway, for a fun filled day of adventure and Amari’s birth is exciting for the zoo and local community and enjoyment for the whole family. Explore the ZOO in its incredibly important for the Australasian breeding program natural surrounds, where you can get up close with an for African Lions. array of endangered wildlife including the amazing Snow Misty and Milo, South Africa snakes, in 2016,See means Leopards.

Pat a imported dingo or from one of our many that Amari is not related to any of the lions at other zoos Shrek the famous monster Croc, checkout our cheetahs within or get Australia. a little cheeky with our monkeys or mischievous In the future when always he’s ready to start meerkats.

There’s heaps to dohisatown the pride Zoo his genetics willexciting, be reallyisvaluable theof breeding program.

Even more our littletotrio troublemakers, otherwise known Amari as ourwill littlecontinue Lion cubs; Nuru, Zoraya For now however, to explore his new & Kiros, get the zoo soon as they won’t and staygreeting little forthe enclosure andtobuild his confidence meeting long….. and I ain’t LION. guests.

If you’re interested to learn about our wonderful world He can be seen enjoying playtime with his keepers at the of nature, we have 17 FREE daily scheduled Zoo Keeper conclusion of each lion presentation at 10:30am, 1pm and presentations, where you can ask all of the questions 3.30pm daily. about our animals that have keep you wandering, whilst Come and see our adult enjoy Amari’s playful wandering through our lions leafyup-close, tranquil grounds.

The kids antics and hear all about his birth at the zoo, plus learn more will love touching and feeding live creatures and marvel at about African Lions and their challenges in the wild. our presentations Please donate Kevina Richardson Foundation at Cafe on site ortobring picnic. kevinrichardsonfoundation.org Family discount rate for 2 Adults and 2 Children or more.

Zoo Up-close One-on-one personal encounters with koalas, meerkats, snakes, red pandas, snow leopards or cheetahs.

Booking essential. Times & costs on our website or call 6585 1060

Zoo Café Breakfast & lunch, daily specials Zoo Shop Souvenirs & great gifts Zoo Kids Children's play area & all day walk-through kangaroo & wallaby feeding area.

Zoo Talks 16 FREE keeper presentations daily (included in entry fee) + reptile show at the weekends and holidays.

Conservation through education

OPEN DAILY

9am to 5pm

Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie 6585 1060 | Billabongzoo.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 23

Coramba Hotel Brett and Sandy are now not only the owners, but true locals! They absolutely love making continual improvements to their beautiful Coramba Hotel. They are proud of the physical improvements, but they are also listening to locals and making changes, like having regular entertainment and updating their delicious meals at the Broadaxe Bistro.

They are very proud of winning the “Best Pub on the Coffs Coast” as well as “Best Parmi on Coffs Coast”, and servicing not only locals, but making the Coramba Hotel a great destination for visitors too.

Genuine reviews like this: “Great family vibe and the best beer garden around ... The food is top notch and the service from the staff and friendliest owners is second to none. five stars”; and this: “Incredible! Friendly warm staff, quick service and fantastic food. With live music and cheerful locals - this place ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended.

Who could resist that view!” is enough to convince everyone to go and see for yourself!

Check their Facebook to find out about their quiz night and special functions and entertainment; plus remember, Coramba Hotel is ideal for that special birthday party, function, and weddings too.

24 Coffs Coast focus

focusinterview.

Regional Australia Bank

Sawtell

festival

C

an you briefly describe the event?

The Sawtell Chilli Festival has been an annual event in First Avenue for the past 21 years and now attracts over 13,000 people to the village on the first Saturday of July.

The festival features over 100 chilli related stalls offering a variety of foods and flavours from some of Australia’s leading chilli product manufacturers, as well as local restaurants and cafés showcasing their own famous cuisine.

Entertainment, music, competitions and giveaways guarantee a great day out for the whole family. The festival will be held on Saturday, July 6 from 10am until 4pm on Sawtell’s First Avenue, and entry is by gold coin donation. Make sure you save the date!

Where did the idea for the event come from?

Over twenty years ago, the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce decided to work on an initiative to bring people into the village during the winter season. They wanted people to see that Sawtell was not just a summer seaside gem, but was just as beautiful and diverse during the cooler months. The Chilli Festival was born from the passions and vision of local volunteers, and this passion, vision and commitment continues today.

The festival is now an iconic local event and has grown from strength to strength in terms of visitor numbers across the years. We welcome revellers from the Coffs Coast and across the country.

So, congratulations to the founding volunteers, who would probably never envisaged that their simple festival idea would become such a massive success.

Who are some of the vendors we can

The Sawtell Chilli Festival will be running for its 21st year in 2019 - it is a festival that has gone from strength to strength, visited by more and more people year on year. FOCUS had a chat with Kathryn Greenway, to find out more ... look forward to seeing?

We have so many, that sadly we cannot accommodate all the vendors who wished to be part of the 2019 festivities. This year we have concentrated on chilli related products predominantly, so there is a huge variety of chilli products and food from all over the country. Each year the range of products and cuisine on offer becomes more creative and diverse, with something on offer to satisfy all palates.

The balance of the stall holders are charitable organisations and community clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Boardriders, Landcare and stalls offering children’s activities.

Don’t forget also that Sawtell’s many beautiful boutiques, cafés and restaurants are on show, so there are bargains to be had and more chilli cuisine to delight in.

Make sure you arrive hungry, as there is so much to taste and of course, products to take home.

Who are some of the music acts and attractions people can look forward to seeing?

There are two stages at each end of First Avenue with jam packed line ups.

Mayor Denise Knight will open the event at 10am on the main stage, and NBN News’ Gavin Morris will be our MC throughout the day. Gavin is a great friend of Sawtell and brings his wit and charm to the party once again.

There will be performances by local Sawtell and Bellingen talent, including Simon and Angus, Uko Ono, the Sawtell Ukelele Group, Louey Howell and Funkatu, Ziggy and Juicebox, as well as a couple of other major acts to be confirmed.

We have also invited some more friends to join us on the day, like Alex the Lion from Madagascar, Dave and Bob minion friends, Elmo and Big Bird from Sesame

Street, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and the Smurfs and Big Dog will be there too.

Deb Leaney will have your Zumba feet dancing, and once again this year there will be the Great Chilli BBQ Cook Off around noon, where celebrity judges will be casting their vote for chef of the day from Sawtell’s very own restaurateurs.

Is the event child friendly?

Absolutely! Family is key. There will be child friendly entertainment and activities for the kids. This year we will have face painting, a jumping castle, a ride, wizard sand art, plaster painting and ice cream stalls, to name just a few fun choices for the little ones.

Who are some of the sponsors of the event?

This year we are delighted to have Regional Australia Bank join us as a naming rights sponsor. Other proud partners are NBN News, McGrath, Woolworths, The Sawtell Hotel, The Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, The Sawtell RSL, Bathtime Productions, Coffs Harbour City Council, Watch Out Training and Traffic Control and of course, FOCUS. The Sawtell Chamber of Commerce are so grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, without whom we could not stage this important community celebration.

Where can we find out more?

People can visit our Facebook page to keep up with announcements and news about the event.

Thanks Kathryn.

A celebration on cuisine, culture, colour and community … Saturday, July 6 from 10am until 4pm on Sawtell’s First Avenue, and entry is by gold coin donation.

Coffs Coast focus 25

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Rachel R A C H E L

Rachel Rachel is a singer-songwriter who is making a name for herself on the Australian music scene. After growing up in Scotts Head, she has moved around and has now found herself living in the Northern Territory, opening shows for big international acts and recently releasing her first EP.

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ey Rachel. Tell us a little about your relationship with the Coffs Coast.

We’re first cousins.

I mean, I was lucky enough to grow up in beautiful Scotts Head.

After finishing school, I lived in different towns, from Sydney to Hamilton Island, before being drawn back to Coffs Harbour. It was lucky I did that, because that’s where I met my husband.

The Coffs Coast will always be home to me.

There is nowhere in the world like it.

When was the moment you realised that music was not only something you loved, but something that could become a career for you?

My cousin, a friend and I won a talent quest in Nambucca Heads, when we were about 14. We won a voucher for $500 worth of McDonald’s, and I realised that pursuing this career could have a lot of perks. I grew up in a family of musicians. My mum is a singer and an amazing songwriter, and my dad is a super talented guitarist. I guess I always just grew up with the inherent belief that creating music was a legitimate career choice, and really the only one I had. It’s worked out pretty well; I get lots of free food these days.

You are currently in the Northern Territory.

What's the music scene like up there, and how is it shaping your own work?

I was so surprised with the Northern Territory music scene, in the best kind of way. The arts community as a whole is really tight knit and super supportive. From the second I got here, I have had amazing opportunities - from winning spots on major festival lineups to supporting musicians like the Jezabels, Diesel and The Pierce Brothers. The emphasis on keeping

26 Coffs Coast focus

Indigenous culture alive is one of the things I love most about the music scene up here. It’s kind of a rectangle shape. Oh wait - I messed that up. That’s the shape of the Northern Territory, not how it’s shaping my music.

What would you say best describes your music?

My music is definitely pop music. I grew up listening to singer-songwriters like Tracey Chapman, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young and my music was always more skewed towards that folky sound, but as I got to highschool, I became obsessed with hip hop, rap, pop and electronic sounds.

You have just finished an EP which is due to be released soon. What was the writing process like, and what were some of the challenges you faced?

I have, and I’m so excited to get it out into the world! It’s my first proper studio EP - which is really stupid, because I have written songs since I was eight years old and have notebooks overflowing with songs, and so many demos but this is my first real release.

The songs on this EP are mostly older songs that I really just wanted to get out into the world, before I moved on. I worked with a producer in Brisbane called Stuart Stuart (incredibly apt, right?) and he challenged me to re-write bits of some of my songs during the recording process, which was amazing and also really difficult.

As a songwriter, it’s hard to have people critiquing the slabs of your heart that you put on paper. It was lucky that he had a LOT of coffee at his studio and also two dogs. Dogs are the best people to listen to you cry.

If you hadn’t become a singer-songwriter what would you be?

Maybe a dolphin trainer, if you’d have asked

me around age seven.

My song Not the Same IT’S MY FIRST PROPER But, I’ve always wanted won the NT Song of the STUDIO EP - WHICH IS to be on stage - singer, Year in the electronic REALLY STUPID, BECAUSE musician, dancer or section and was also I HAVE WRITTEN SONGS actress - and always just recently shortlisted in the SINCE I WAS EIGHT YEARS loved creating. I’ve International Songwriting OLD AND HAVE NOTEBOOKS sort of never given Competition.

This is not OVERFLOWING WITH myself another real the reason I make music, SONGS, AND SO MANY option. I tried a hell of but when it’s something DEMOS ... a lot of “real jobs” and like a song that you pour always just found it your heart and soul into wasn’t for me. and spend so much time My other love is photography. I fell in love working on, it’s a bloody awesome feeling to with photography as a kid and was lucky get that validation. Also, award dinners always enough to have a high school that still had include delicious, free food. Running theme? a dark room. Film was my first love, but I Where can we find out more about your was finally sucked into the world of digital music? photography, and I’ve managed to dive www.rachelrachelmusic.com headfirst into live music photography, which Instagram is regularly updated with hilarious* obviously mixes my two loves pretty damn well. stories about what I’m up to and various other I’ve been lucky enough to work with the things like protein powder and food. amazing singer Caiti Baker and recently got to *Mum says they’re hilarious. travel to Bluesfest to document the trip.

Thanks Rachel.

What do you enjoy most about being a musician? What do you hate most?

Being a musician is the most amazing job in the world. I pinch myself every day that I get to do this for a living. I think the best thing is connecting with people. There is nothing like someone with tears in their eyes telling you just how much your music has affected them. So, I guess the best thing is making people cry.

I think the mind game is the hardest part.

Comparing yourself to other people is a killer.

There are something like 24 thousand new songs uploaded to the internet every day. You have to be pretty willing to work at it really damn hard and be really OK with rejection!

You have won a few awards recently for some of your songs; what were they?

THE COFFS COAST GIG GUIDE

FFS COAST

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E

CO

9 JULY 201

3RD JULY

14TH JULY

Lauren Edwards - Element Bar

Olivia Wendlandt - Element Bar

Cocktails, Craft & Acoustics with Billie-Jo Porter

Push Band - Hoey Moey

- The Coast Hotel

Mescalito Blues - Coramba Hotel

4TH JULY

Alice in Wonderland - The Jetty Theatre

Madelyn - Element Bar

17TH JULY

5TH JULY

Great Aunt - Element Bar

Dean Sharkey - Element Bar

18TH JULY

Soda Groove - The Seaview Tavern

Rachel Laing - Element Bar

Yhan Leal - Hoey Moey

19TH JULY

TGIF with DJ Bisho & DJ Rjay - The Coast Hotel

Chris Grieve - Element Bar

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Ghost Road + The Smiley Squad - The Seaview

Roadshow - The Jetty Theatre

Tavern

6TH JULY Graham Moes - Element Bar Who wants to be a Rockstar feat; Misschief -

Madelyn Duo - Hoey Moey TGIF with DJ Bisho & DJ Reti - The Coast Hotel

20TH JULY

The Seaview Tavern

Dean Sharkey - Element Bar

DJ Louie - Hoey Moey

RnB Night with DJ Helmy - The Seaview Tavern

Sabotage & DJ Rjay - The Coast Hotel

COFFS GOES COUNTRY! - Hoey Moey

TANIA KERNAGHAN - Sawtell RSL

Matty Devitt Band & DJ Flak3y - The Coast Hotel

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Kiki Dee - Sawtell RSL

Roadshow - The Jetty Theatre

Diamonds After Dark - The Jetty Theatre

7TH JULY

21ST JULY

Jess Swilks - Element Bar

Akova - Element Bar

The Jacks Band - Hoey Moey

V Tribe - Hoey Moey

BIG T - Coramba Hotel

Madelyn - Coramba Hotel

A Taste of Ireland - The Jetty Theatre

10TH JULY Josh Matheson - Element Bar Cocktails, Craft & Acoustics with Sali Bracewell The Coast Hotel Origin Game 3 - Coramba Hotel

11TH JULY Luke Morton - Element Bar

12TH JULY

24TH JULY Liam Moylan - Element Bar

25TH JULY Madelyn - Element Bar Jaq and the Green Pork (Running Til 4th August) - The Jetty Theatre

26TH JULY Josh Matheson - Element Bar Chill Factor - The Seaview Tavern

Chris Wiggins - Element Bar

Big T - Hoey Moey

Empire + The Smiley Squad - The Seaview

TGIF with DJ Bisho & DJ Flak3y - The Coast

Tavern

Hotel

Bobby Lea - Hoey Moey TGIF with DJ Flak3y & DJ Reti - The Coast Hotel

13TH JULY

27TH JULY Victor Cripes - Element Bar Abba Re-Bjorn - The Seaview Tavern

Benny Black - Element Bar

DJ Dangerwaves - Hoey Moey

Mescalito Blues Duo - The Seaview Tavern

Pink Zinc & Cam n Bert DJs - The Coast Hotel

PHIL JAMIESON - Moonee Tavern DJ Louie - Hoey Moey Aftershock of Aus Rock & DJ Blakey - The Coast Hotel Robot Song - The Jetty Theatre

28TH JULY Lauren Edwards - Element Bar THE GROOVE ROBBERS - Hoey Moey Brad n Dave - Coramba Hotel

31ST JULY Jess Swilks - Element Bar Coffs Coast focus 27

focusinterview.

Gold Member al Bello Winter Music festiv Gold Member is an Australian band that will be performing at Bello Winter Music Festival this year. THE TRIO IS MADE UP OF AARON, ANGUS AND JESSE, AND THEIR MUSIC COULD BE DESCRIBED AS A KIND OF ALTERNATIVE R ‘N’ B/ ELECTRONIC. We spoke with Angus about the band’s beginnings, their unique style and what we can expect from them.

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hat best describes your music?

It’s a bit of a hybrid somewhere between GoldLink and Rex Orange County; it will definitely get you moving on the dance floor, get the blood pumping, and there’s a couple in there where you can really sit back and just take it all in.

How did you guys find each other? Was it always a trio?

No, it wasn’t. We found each other when Az was guitar tech-ing for the Sticky’s and I was opening for them, just doing some DJ stuff between the bands, and Neil (our manager) just introduced us to each other and saw some musical chemistry initially and then sort of implored us to make some tunes together! We both respected this man, so we took his advice seriously.

And then, literally every day for the next two weeks, Az was over at my place and we got a collection of songs together. We were loving them, so we sent them over to Neil to see what he thought of them; he loved them as well, and then straight away he put us on the road with Sticky’s that following week!

So, after getting together for two weeks and writing music, the third week we went up to Queensland and supported Sticky’s as a band!

Just the two of us as a duo. It was hit the ground running, that’s for sure. It was a beautiful time.

It was the best possible way to start a band, really, having someone like Neil with their ear 28 Coffs Coast focus

when do you know it’s to the ground, and how EXPECT LOTS OF DANCING, finished? different Az and I are to LOTS OF GROOVING. IT’S That’s the best part each other; Az was into JUST A LOT OF FUN. WE about having so many like Blues and Roots, JUST HAVE A LOT OF FUN members; we don’t have RnB, people like Justin TOGETHER, THE THREE OF just the three of us - we Timberlake and Michael US, AND THAT BECOMES have our management Jackson. And I was into TRANSPARENT AND team as well. They are dubstep, electronic, like CONTAGIOUS, REALLY. quite helpful when we are Flume - that kind of vibe. bouncing around ideas.

So Neil put us together, When someone comes to hoping that we’d meet the table with something somewhere in the middle, they’ve written, whether it’s a chorus or a which we did. melody or a verse or a beat, whatever it might Then we had a gig in Woolongong, and we be, it’s about letting go of the ego and letting got Plural (another duo) on for support. They the song take form organically. were really good and we instantly clicked with Within the five of us we all respect each their lead man, Jesse. After a while, slowly but other’s opinions enough that the songs kind of surely, we kind of poached him and got him into just get created between us quite easily. And our band! He was awesome, we didn’t really Someone will usually just suggest it’s done, and know that we needed a third member until we we’re always pretty much in agreeance, then it’s met Jesse and started writing with him; he just just mixing and mastering from there. became the last piece of the puzzle that glued us You’ve played some pretty big venues all together. before, and you’re coming to Bello Winter How long did your EP take to make?

Music Festival this year. What’s it like It kind of just happened. We only decided to coming out to more regional/rural areas to make it an EP when we were sitting on about play? six or seven songs anyway, and then we put Relaxing, fun, stress-free; there are always those four together as the ones that would beautiful people around. I find that the people work together and finished them off properly in areas like Bellingen are always so welcoming; and made them the EP. We kind of like to work they show gratitude and are happy to have us, while were on the road; we just write and see and we are so happy to be there. There’s just what happens. It probably took about four to six this beautiful exchange of energy. Whereas, months all up, just because we wanted it to be sometimes you go to the big zones and there perfect.

After writing and putting together a song, are thousands of people you have to please, and

it can become way less personal - not to say it’s not great in its own right for different reasons.

Coming to a place like Bello is almost like a holiday; the culture is great - it’s such a vibrant little festival. We always come away with new friends.

Watching some of your video clips, Poppin caught my attention; it just looks like you guys are having so much fun! Is that what it’s like when you guys play live too?

Yeah, definitely! We’re here for a good time, just maybe not a long time! Expect lots of dancing, lots of grooving. It’s just a lot of fun. We just have a lot of fun together, the three of us, and that becomes transparent and contagious, really.

What’s your favourite track to play live and why?

My favourite track at the moment would be Blue Choma, because it’s got such a bop. We’ve just released it, so it’s fresh, and the trumpet comes out in the brass section - and I just love playing the trumpet! I actually inherited my trumpet from my aunty who passed away, so I feel her with me when I get it out for that track, and that’s beautiful for me.

Thanks Angus.

Gold Member playing at Bello Winter Music on July 11th until 14th. Tickets available from www.bellowintermusic.com

Coffs Coast focus 29

focus_contributor

WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS

Andrew Vivian, Helen Morschel

Aileen Wilson, Steve Wilson, Trish Saunders, Geoff Saunders

Anne Hellou, Kathryn White

Laura Humphrey, Kerry Farmer, Kerstin Thode, Cath Fowler, Cass Wilson, Sabina Ramana

Debbie Winter, Trisha Herraman, Shelly Turner (Teeth And Chin), Michelle Williams, Amanda Mcguigan

Marilyn Brien, Susan Douglass, Deidre Lekas

Emma Burke, Kylie Davis, Shelly Turner

Emma Burke, Kylie Davis

Mayor Denise Knight, Emma Rhodes, Stephaine Sims

social scene.

Now we can really say that the Coffs Coast attracts the “Big Stars!” This piece of news will be on everyone’s lips until “The Rocket Man” Sir Elton John - lands his private jet on the runway at the Coffs Harbour Airport!

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hen I first heard the news, I thought one of my girlfriends had lost it and it would be just a tribute of some sort, but certainly not the man himself, who will be here in all his glory early next year!

Woohoo!

Kiki Dee, back in the day, is best known for her duo with Elton John and will be in town with Carmelo Luggeri and performing live on stage in the Princess Room at Sawtell RSL on Saturday, July 20th.

So much entertainment is provided by our local clubs, hotels and eateries, that we are literally spoilt for choice. One can purchase tickets to attend all sorts of shows and bands, and a large number of them are free to enter.

Our local clubs do a great job. The Sawtell RSL is one of them. There is always something going on, and FOCUS attended a music extravaganza there just recently. Local talented Songstress Kailey Pallas opened the show for legendary Bands “Mental as Anything” and “The Radiators”, and I have to say that the dance floor was certainly rocking for the entire show! Once the bands started belting out those songs, all the memories from the pub rock scene from the ‘70s to the ‘90s got the crowd up and enjoying themselves. I have a great job with FOCUS and even managed to get a photo with 30 Coffs Coast focus

“The Radiators”, which made “The Husband” really jealous!

With the Chilli Festival coming up, there will be some Red Hot entertainment at the RSL Club after the Festival at 8pm. The all Australian girl herself, Tania Kernaghan, will be ready to entertain the crowd. Tickets are available at the club for just $33, and you would be crazy to miss out. We love to cover events and promote a few; we have also heard that comedian Isaac Butterfield is set to touch down in Sawtell this August. After selling out 55 shows in Australia in 2018, Isaac is returning with his brand new unfiltered and raw social observation of the society we live in today … This is sure to be a night of naughty comedy!

FOCUS attended the latest Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network bi-monthly networking event at the Osprey Restaurant at the Coffs Harbour Education Centre. The Business Women’s Network Committee had mixed it up for this event in the way of making it a luncheon meeting instead of a breakfast. The TAFE students did a superb job in serving up a tasty gourmet lunch followed by a delicious range of desesrts to the 60 business women in attendance. We are partners of the BWN this year and all the team were there, except for our busy bee photographer Gavin, who definitely missed out on the delicious dishes! The new BWN committee has really ramped up their events and worked hard on finding great speakers on topics

that are relevant for all business women - whether working for a company, looking for a new job or running their own business. Their attendance numbers have been strong, and they have welcomed lots of new faces and seen lots of returning faces as well. The event included an uplifting talk on “Defining your Personal Values” by Carol Malcolm. The Guest Speaker shared her story, and we all walked away feeling like we had some great actions to take back into our business or careers.

The next event will be held in early August, so be sure to check out the BWN Facebook page for all the details.

We are certainly looking forward to the 6th July!

Not because it is my husband’s birthday - ha ha! (sliding in a quick happy birthday to my husband, Ivan) but because it’s the date of an event that many travel from far and wide to attend! The 6th July is the date of the ever popular Sawtell Chilli Festival. The festival is staged on First Avenue in Sawtell. This is one of the events that I mentioned is free to enter, except for a gold coin donation, which supports Rotary International. There will be entertainment for the whole family, which includes live music, a visit from Big Dog, over 100 stalls of chilli products, food and miscellaneous goods, kids jumping castle and so much more! My store, Le Dãin Designs, is situated next to the Sawtell RSL … bang slap in the middle of the action! You could say we have action side seats ... woohoo!

July sees the start of the Coffs Harbour Racing season, which consists of the Sawtell Cup on 21st July, The Gold Cup on the 1st August and a brand new race day, which will be The Bonville Cup happening on Saturday 3rd August. Our store, Le Dãin Designs at Sawtell is proud to announce that we are Major Sponsors for both of the Fashions on the Field events at the Sawtell and Bonville Cup Days. Both are family friendly and fashion fun race days where aside from the fun of the racing itself, you can choose to dress casually and bring the whole family and enjoy the entertainment provided for the children, or dress up and enter into the Le Dãin Designs Fashions on the Field.

In store at Le Dãin Designs-Sawtell we will be holding our usual after hours shopping evening events on Fridays from 5 - 7:30pm. Some of these mini events even have live music for your enjoyment.

Aside from casual wear, we can certainly dress you up for any of the race days in a lovely dress and fascinator or hat to suit any budget! Dresses and millinery start at as low as $20. Enquiries: call 0417 471 019. Come in and enjoy bubbles, get make up advice from La Fleur D’Alyse and have some fun! See you at the races!

Here is to ... Being good to yourself and kind to others.

Carole Beros, Le Dãin Designs.

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WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS

Lorelle Robertson, Josh Mcgrath

John Logan Entertainment

Carolyn & Danni

Laura Humphrey, Carol Malcolm

Maria Pasalic, Sylvia Gergic, Marie Gergic

social scene.

Kailey Pallas Opens For The Radiators

Hanna Kelsey, Maddison Baker

Wendy & Jason

Ilah Arnold, Marci Arnold

Vicki Bunyan, Wayne Nicholas, Sadye Howard, Ruby Howard

Mick & Jo O’Conner

Dennis & Jeanette Marshall

Shelly, Nathan, Pete

Coffs Coast focus 31

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WITH TEGAN SWAN OF WOOLGOOLGA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WITH FIONA BARDEN

events+ UPDATE

Feel the love on the Coffs Coast Can you feel the buzz in the air? Sir Elton John … yes, THE Sir Elton John, is coming to Coffs Harbour!

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his is not a hoax - it is official - Elton John has chosen Coffs Harbour as an additional venue for his world-wide "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" Tour on the 26th February 2020, at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium. With tickets for his shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane selling out in less than a day, the 20,000 tickets for this new show are sure to be snapped up in record time.

With Coffs Harbour being a multi-gateway destination, the numbers of visitors arriving for this landmark concert will be unprecedented.

As a region, this is a great chance to put our best foot forward and showcase why visitors should extend their stay to explore all the Coffs Coast has to offer.

Coffs Harbour City Council has created an online information hub for this event coffscoast.com.au/eltonjohn. Concert-goers will find links to ticketing, accommodation listings, ideas for the best things to do, see, taste and experience, plus suggested travel itineraries to get visitors all around the Coffs Coast.

Over the coming months Council will begin planning for lead in activities and week-long celebration around Elton’s concert involving community groups, schools and businesses.

The aim is to have engaging activities that offer visitors more reasons to stay longer, and to show the high level of community support the Coffs Coast is known for.

If you are keen to be involved in a planning workshop, or have ideas for Elton-inspired activities, go to coffscoast.com.au/eltonjohn and click on the Local Business link.

Eat Local Month - Get Involved While extraordinary in size, Elton John’s concert forms a small part of a vibrant and diverse calendar of events for the Coffs Coast.

With more than 20 major events, ranging from music, food, sport and cultural events scheduled in the next six months, we will see

32 Coffs Coast focus

a broad demographic of visitors being drawn to our region.

One such event is the newly created Eat Local Month. From August 15 to September 15, the Coffs Coast will host a celebration of the region's vibrant food, farmers and natural beauty. The aim of this initiative is to build community appreciation for the fabulous food of our region and understand how they can make local food choices. With an aim to highlight local food businesses across all food related industries - agriculture, production, distribution and service - this event is sure to be a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.

From fine-dining experiences, activities for families and children, farm tours, cooking classes, producer dinners, culinary gardening workshops, industry events and food festivals there is an abundance of avenues for local businesses to be involved.

If you have an idea for an activity that has a strong connection to local food or beverages and would like to be included, please contact us on (02) 6648 4834 or email industry@chcc.nsw.gov.au Is Your Online Up-to-Date?

With the majority of people visiting the Coffs Coast using online resources to find information on businesses and events across the region, it is essential that all information is accurate and available. We encourage local business operators to check their website and their Google My Business Profiles to ensure information, contact details and opening hours are all up to date.

If your business interacts with visitors to the region, get listed on the Coffs Coast tourism website - coffscoast.com.au - there are a variety of categories, including: health and wellness, tours, transport, restaurants, cafés and bars, and specialised shopping. And if you already have a listing, NOW is the time to make sure it’s fresh and ready for visitors.

Let’s get ready to make them welcome! #coffscoast #eltonjohnrockscoffs

Business community in Woolgoolga and on the Northern Beaches We have a great business community in Woolgoolga and on the Northern Beaches. Usually this column is all about why you should come to Woopi and all the awesome things there are to see and do on the Northern Beaches. This month, however, I would like to tell you about one of our incredible local businesses that helps people do the opposite!

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re you wondering what on earth I mean? I’m talking about Coastal Travel and how they are single handedly responsible for sending many, many local people away for adventures of a lifetime over and over again.

I recently sat down with Sandra and Rhonda from Coastal Travel for a chat and a coffee at Bluebottles, to hear all about what they do and why they love it so much. I learnt a lot about the local travel agent scene!

Did you know for example, that there’s a common misconception that using a travel agent means your holiday will cost more because you are paying fees to the travel agent? NOT TRUE! The opposite is actually true. By utilising a travel agent, you have access to a host of incredible deals and opportunities that you wouldn’t have if you tried to plan and book your holiday arrangements yourself. Coastal Travel are part of the Helloworld group, meaning they have access to exclusive deals that you just can’t access elsewhere.

Not only that, but by having Rhonda and Sandra take care of your holiday plans, they take care of E V E R Y T H I N G. That means you just get to enjoy the fun bit of the holiday, and they look after all the stressful bits like choosing the best accommodation (no more Airbnb fails - we’ve all been there), no more trying to calculate flight times and connecting travel arrangements, so you’re not running through the airport or missing flights. By choosing Coast Travel to

book your next holiday, not only will they ensure you get the best deals and the best prices, they’ll also make sure you see and do the things at your destination that will make your holiday extra special and one to remember every time. And heaven forbid that something unfortunate were to happen while you’re away; utilising Coastal Travel means they can handle it all for you, so you can get on with enjoying yourself. That means no standing in line trying to rebook things or on the phone for hours trying to work out how something was missed and how to somehow fix it.

That’s the real difference that you can’t even put a value on. Having someone who is passionate about travel, who has great global connections, is dedicated to putting the time in to craft you the perfect getaway and genuinely wants you to have the best time ever is the difference between a good break and a great one.

I think that’s the thing that struck me the most about talking to Sandra and Rhonda - the knowledge and the passion they have for what they do. They spoke with pride about getting to know all their clients and in learning specifically what each person wants from their holiday experiences and how they can make that a reality each and every time someone travels with them.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve just decided I need a holiday, so I’m headed into Coastal Travel to make that a reality! If you think that sounds like a good idea, you’ll find them in Market Street in Woolgoolga. See you there!

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WITH KERRY MOSS FROM QUADRANT TRAVEL

tour of South Africa

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Quadrant Australia’s Farming and Wildlife tour of South Africa is an impressive tailor-made blend of some of the best of what this country has to offer.

his is a land renowned for offering some of the most memorable tourist experiences on the planet, with a wealth of wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery and a rich tapestry of culture. South Africa has 11 official languages and is regarded as one of the most diverse cultures in the world, giving rise to the term “rainbow nation”.

Crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town’s natural landscape makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And after a transfer from Johannesburg, the capital Cape Town is the first stop of the tour. If weather permits, guests ascend Table Mountain, to be afforded one of the most spectacular views on the planet.

Some of the trip’s many highlights include the historic Stellenbosch region, the town itself, founded in 1679, lays claim to being the country’s second oldest. With oak-lined streets and Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, the pretty town makes for a delightful day trip and is topped off by an afternoon at the Van Ryn Brandy distillery.

Visits to farms are interspersed throughout the journey and help enhance knowledge of farming practices in this country, including a stop at Boontjieskraal Estate, one of the largest farms in the Western Cape, with 12-thousand sheep. The stay allows ample time for viewing sheep flocks and discussing all aspects of sheep-raising with staff.

South Africa’s natural landscapes and incredible vistas complement every excursion, but the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Peninsula make for an epic day trip and is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular drives, with steep cliffs and breathtaking views. From here, there’s a visit to a penguin colony and a tour of the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, filled with over six thousand species of plants.

While Cape Town and its surrounds are a

definite highlight, the next leg of the journey takes guests back to Johannesburg, to tick off the all-important “Big Five”.

En-route to Kruger National Park, South Africa’s oldest and largest park, there’s a stop at a private game reserve and a stay at Hannah Game lodge, as well as a day covering the Panorama Route, a scenic road connecting several spots of interest, including Blyde River Canyon; the world’s third largest canyon and one of the natural wonders of South Africa.

Crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town’s natural landscape makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And while exploring this incredible place should be top of your travel list, just 50 km east of Cape Town is the delightful little town of Stellenbosch. This historical town has a touch of elegance to it, with oak lined streets and Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Founded in 1679, it also lays claim to being South Africa’s second oldest town.

But if there’s one thing Stellenbosch is renowned for, it’s wine. As well as having the oldest wine route in the country, the town has one of the most modern experimental wineries in the world.

There’s hundreds of estates to be found in the area, many producing world-class wines, but even if you’re not a wine lover, the beauty of the area will amaze with its scenery, surrounded by the Stellenbosch mountains and on the picturesque Eerste River.

One of the town’s highlights is Dorp Street, with the longest row of surviving historical buildings of any major town in South Africa; the street itself

has been declared a national monument.

The Dutch architecture, framed by old oak trees, make it a beautiful spot for a stroll. Apparently, the early settlers of the town were encouraged to plant Oak trees, whether for beauty or for the purpose of shade, or some say to make barrels for maturing wine. Whatever the case, Stellenbosch is now often referred to as “Oak Town”, and some of the oldest trees are protected as national monuments.

But it’s not just beautiful buildings; the little town will also satisfy cravings for retail therapy, with boutique shops full of African curios and trinkets.

Van Ryn’s distillery - the only brandy distillery in Stellenbosch, and arguably home to some of the world’s best. London’s International Wine and Spirit Competition has awarded Van Ryn’s the title of best brandy no less than five times!

The complex itself is old-worldly and beautifully preserved, and guests are able to learn the story of Van Ryn’s brandy, which dates back to 1845.

If Africa is on your list this year, be sure to include a visit to Stellenbosch.

The sheer size of Kruger National Park, at around 2-million hectares, make it a smorgasbord of wildlife opportunities, including the Big Five game animals, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.

But there’s also a more intimate safari experience at Kapama Nature Reserve, ideally located between the mighty Drakensburg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park.

After soaking in the natural ambience of this special part of the world, it’s time to head back to Johannesburg for a tour of this fascinating city and before it all wraps up, a farm-stay outside of the city, offering luxury accommodation and friendly Afrikaner hospitality and a stop at a cattle farm.

But South Africa’s highlights are endless, and the extension offered for this tour is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience to the magnificent Victorian Falls and Botswana, including a stay at Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant population.

Scottish explorer David Livingstone, the first European to discover Victoria falls, described it as the most wonderful sight in all of Africa, with “scenes so lovely, they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

This journey of a lifetime departs in August.

More information can be found at www.quadrantaustralia.com Coffs Coast focus 33

focusinterview.

Darren Friends Of South Solitary Island (FOSSIL) Darren Squibb’s father was a lighthouse keeper and as a young boy, he spent some time living at the South Solitary Island lightstation, off the coast of Coffs Harbour - an experience that he describes as isolated, but full of adventure and excitement!

A

fter reconnecting with the area years later and moving to Valla Beach, he has ended up being the Vice President of the “Friends Of South Solitary Island’”(FOSSIL), and he attends annual tours to the island, sharing his memories and knowledge of the place with members of the public.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background in the Coffs Coast area.

My wife, Rosie and I “discovered” Valla Beach through a friend’s recommendation several years ago and after several weekend reconnoitres, we moved down from the much busier Byron Bay in 2011.

Having spent two years as a boy in the Coffs area in the early 1970s, I was aware of its regional beauty, particularly the South Solitary Marine Park, the magnificent beaches and beautiful surrounding hinterland.

My passions are nature, animals and the environment; in particular, the ocean and marine life.

I attribute growing up on lightstations, most of them in remote locations, surrounded by nature, the ocean and animals as playing a major role in my lifelong passion for the environment and all its animals.

In 2014 through a mutual passion with South Solitary Island and its lighthouse, I met FOSSIL President Rob Trezise and am now FOSSIL Vice President, with Rosie treasurer, and my older brother Drew also a member.

The South Solitary Island Lighthouse is a landmark in the Coffs Coast region. You were lucky enough to have lived there as a child. How did you come to live on the island?

My father left home at 14 to join the Navy,

34 Coffs Coast focus

EACH LIGHTSTATION

so he always had a deep passion for ships and the sea. In 1970 while visiting Cape Byron lighthouse on a family holiday, he decided to join the lighthouse service, and our first lightstation was Point Stephens off Fingal Bay, NSW. After 12 months on Point Stephens Island, in 1971 my father transferred to South Solitary Island lightstation. With its remoteness and isolation, my mum affectionately called the island “Solitary Confinement”.

What were some of the highlights and challenges of living out there?

As a lighthouse keeper’s son, growing up on a number of light stations up and down the NSW coast was very exciting and full of adventure!

Each lightstation holds particular fond memories, but South Solitary Island was especially unique and memorable and like no other. Obviously, the remoteness and feelings of isolation were significant! There was no internet back then, so communication for me to the outside world was through the 2 TV channels we had on our little black and white TV. I did school by correspondence, and I would receive two weeks’ worth of schooling by mail (just in case our store’s boat, the Pamela Star, missed a Friday because of bad weather). I somehow always managed to complete my daily classes early, so I could go out and play.

Companionship was limited, so my animals became my friends. These included our Pomeranian dog, our tabby cat, my grandmother’s sulphur crested cockatoo and two seagulls, “Seabreeze” and “Big Bird” I raised from chicks.

In the first year I did have one playmate of the same age, Jane the head keeper’s daughter. In the second year, I had five playmates from the Ross family.

HOLDS PARTICULAR In spite of the isolation in such a remote and FOND MEMORIES, and the island’s tiny size, difficult location, to the BUT SOUTH SOLITARY my childhood out there rich and varied history ISLAND WAS was full of adventure, and associated with over a ESPECIALLY UNIQUE there was never a dull century of lighthouse AND MEMORABLE moment. Whether alone keepers and their families, AND LIKE NO OTHER. or with the other kids, I to the enormous value was always investigating and appreciation of their parts of the island, longevity - a testimony to clambering over the rocks, the incredible ingenuity, going down to the water’s perseverance, hard work edge trying to spot fish, sea turtles and Grey and dedication to ensure ships could pass safely Nurse Sharks. A family pastime after dinner in up and down the Coffs coast for centuries to the nice weather was to walk around the island come.

The lighthouse and keepers’ quarters are at sunset, first one way and then the other. indeed a national and local treasure, hopefully We had an above ground pool to swim in, to be restored, preserved and treasured for and I frequently fished off the rocks underneath time immemorial - an opportunity to visit and the enormous jetty to feed Sea Breeze and Big truly appreciate the life of the keepers and their Bird. Some of my most exciting and hair raising families and perhaps sometime in the future an memories are from getting off and on the island opportunity to stay and enjoy first hand too. in the little cane basket. Wheeled out to the Aside from living there, you have also been end of the jetty, the basket would be hoisted part of a few tours that operate on the by crane high over the ocean and then lowered island. What does a tour provide? into the back of the Pamela Star. This was For me now, the privilege of being part of especially exciting in rough seas, when we were the annual tours through National Parks And dunked into the water on a couple of occasions!

Wildlife and Precision Helicopters is both very Last but by no means least, perhaps the most exciting and an honour and always a highlight remarkable experiences of my time out there as of my winters! a boy were my experiences with “Lydia”, the The opportunity to fly across to the island now renowned resident ghost. is always very exciting! It’s always a great Why do you feel it is so important to Coffs opportunity to see the Coffs Coast, South locals to maintain the lighthouse and living Solitary Marine Park and islands from a quarters at South Solitary Island? bird’s eye view. Especially exciting is spotting The lighthouse and light keepers’ quarters Humpback Whales on their migration between have such a significant place in Coffs Harbour’s the islands! maritime history. The lightstation is not only My role on the tours is to provide a personal a very unique and special place, but it has connection with recollections from my time as a such a rich and colourful history. The houses child there and answer any questions. provide testimony and an ongoing reminder of Thanks Darren. the immense challenges of the day in building

Precision FOCUS chatted with Jo Young at Precision Helicopters, to find out more about the exclusive Solitary Island Tours and why this tour has been at the top of people’s bucket lists ...

J

o, what is your role at Precision Helicopters? My work involves office administration, marketing and IT, tourism, compliance/safety, ground support logistics and aerial photography (the really fun part).

What is the history of the island, and does anyone live there now? The lighthouse and keepers’ quarters were built in 1880; the buildings are considered the oldest in the area.

As there are no manned lighthouses left in Australia, there is a romance and nostalgia about old lighthouses and the life of keepers and their families. South Solitary Island is along the “Highway of Lights”; these towering symbols of our maritime heritage stretch from Cape Byron at the northern tip of NSW to Green Cape on the far south coast. The island was vacated, with all residents leaving and the lighthouse automated in 1975; the buildings were abandoned and left to the elements and birds until the year 2000, when National Parks and Wildlife became custodians of the island. During the 25 years of isolation,

extensive damage was done to the keepers’ quarters, with work being undertaken yearly from 2004 to stabilise and maintain the buildings.

With the visitation to the island, proceeds are raised to complete maintenance work such as re-roofing and restoration of interiors.

Tell us more about these tours via your helicopters to South Solitary Island and how you work in with National Parks and Wildlife? Visitors are transported to South Solitary Island by helicopter. It is a short flight - for many, it is their first time in a helicopter.

Once on the island, visitors have a guided tour of the lighthouse, ascend the ancient spiral staircase and are thrilled to finally step out on to the narrow balcony, suspended some 50 m above the raging ocean below. Once leaving the lighthouse, the tour continues across the island and is then escorted through the keepers’ quarters by the National Parks and Wildlife Discovery Rangers, who deliver an engaging and interpretive history of the island.

Visitors book either a one hour or a two hour

walking tour. One hour passes very quickly on the island; there are many stories of life (and death) on the island from 1880 to 1975 (and stopping to watch the whales travel close to the island).

In the two hour tour, visitors are escorted to the old jetty (gantry) area at the northern end of the island, to see the remains of the last gantry, which is slowly being swallowed by the sea and the ravages of nature. During the tour, visitors meet up with a previous resident of the island, who describes their time living on this remote outpost. Some of these residents were children when living there, and others were lightkeepers or the wives of lightkeepers - they all have

remarkable stories to tell.

Why is there only a limited time that these tours can operate? The island is a bird sanctuary from September to March with predominantly Muttonbirds (Short-tailed Shearwaters) and Crested Terns breeding during this time. The island is only open to the public during the two weekends of tours.

How can people find out more? People can contact me on (02) 6652 9988 or email precisionhelis@bigpond.com and website at www.southsolitaryisland.com.au - there are also some opportunities to WIN a tour to visit this unique historic site - see the website for details.

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Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

THE CARLTON DRAUGHT COFFS GOLD CUP SHOWCASE MEETING WILL HIGHLIGHT A NEW-LOOK FESTIVAL OF RACING AT COFFS HARBOUR.

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A N E W L O O K F E S T I VA L O F R A C I N G

un at 1,600 m (previously 2,300 m) since 2008, the $80,000 Cup opens the curtain on a new racing season on Thursday, August 1.

It is the middle pin of the three-day festival, which begins with the Sawtell Cup fixture on Sunday, July 21 and concludes with the Bonville Cup meeting on Saturday, August 3.

Coffs Harbour Racing Club chief executive Tim Saladine is facing up to his second carnival in charge and, understandably, is excited about the prospect of hosting three first-class racedays.

Originally from Armidale and a former steward, Saladine was racing manager at Coffs for a number of years, before being promoted to the top role 15 months ago.

“We are pleased to have a Saturday meeting two days after the Cup to wrap up our Festival of Racing,” Saladine said.

“The previous format of Wednesday and Thursday meetings ended in 2016, when both were washed out, and the Cup was subsequently rescheduled and run in early December.

COFFS HARBOUR

TOYOTA

GATES OPEN 12pm / $10 ENTRY 6 RACE TAB MEETING LE DAIN DESIGNS & JACK SIMMONS - FASHIONS ON THE FIELD -

BURGUNDY HEIGHTS LOGGING

FOR PACKAGE OPTIONS PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE coffsracingclub.com.au

BURGUNDY HEIGHTS LOGGING

Please see our website for our RACE DAY PACKAGE - coffsracingclub.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 37

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Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

“We are very appreciative of RacingNSW’s support to enable us to be able to host a Saturday fixture this year.

“By creating a Festival of Racing, we are attempting to attract as many visitors as possible to Coffs, which will also help businesses and accommodation places.”

Carlton Draught’s sponsorship of the Gold Cup continues its long standing association with the club - an association which is as close as you can get.

“Carlton’s local office is actually on site at the track, and we are indebted to area

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CARLTON’S LOCAL

manager Brett Butcher OFFICE IS ACTUALLY and his staff for their onON SITE AT THE TRACK, going support,” Saladine Brisbane father and son AND WE ARE INDEBTED said.

Peter and Will Hulbert TO AREA MANAGER “The national brewing were successful last year BRETT BUTCHER AND company has sponsored with Glitra (Matt McGilHIS STAFF FOR THEIR the Cup for at least two livray), who had finished ONGOING SUPPORT. decades.” third to Darci’s Affair a year Queensland trainers earlier. have won six of the last Brisbane’s Liam Birchley 10 Coffs Cups, and no won back-to-back Cups doubt will be heading south chasing the prize with Pepperwood in 2012-13, whilst Gold Coast again. trainers Alan Bailey (Brave The Way, 2011), Toby

Edmonds (Our Boy Nicholas, 2015) and Bruce Hill (Bodega Negra, 2016) also went home with the goods.

The Cup honour roll features many of racing’s big names, including jockeys Des Lake, Kevin Langby, John Wade, Robert Thompson, Mel Schumacher, Glen Boss, Shane Scriven, Glen Colless, Hugh Bowman, Corey Brown and former local champ Zac Purton, now riding up a storm in Hong Kong.

Thompson (Justkez, 1983, Southern Shimmer,

Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

A N E W L O O K F E S T I VA L O F R A C I N G

2014 and Darci’s Affair, 2017) and Colless (Sabre Luck, 1991, Brave The Way, 2011 and Pepperwood, 2013) have each ridden three winners.

Late training greats such as Tommy Smith, Max Lees and Arthur Gore also won Coffs Cups during their careers.

The July 21 opener provides connections of horses with wonderful opportunities to secure places in feature races at the Coffs Gold Cup meeting on August 1.

The $27,000 Sawtell Cup (1,500 m) winner automatically gains ballot exemption from the Coffs Gold Cup, the 1,200 m Prelude winner exemption from the $40,000 Daniel Baker Sprint

THE JULY 21 OPENER

(1,200 m), and the 800 m PROVIDES CONNECTIONS Prelude winner exemption OF HORSES WITH from the $35,000 The WONDERFUL Blinkan Missit Showcase OPPORTUNITIES TO Handicap (800 m).

Coffs Harbour now SECURE PLACES IN Other supporting feaboasts an excellent racing FEATURE RACES AT tures, such as the $35,000 surface, and clearly is a go THE COFFS GOLD CUP Ken Howard Showcase ahead racing centre, as MEETING ON AUGUST 1.

Cup (2,000 m), named evidenced by the number after the iconic race caller, of horses in work there, and $30,000 Merv Mercer which has doubled to 160 Showcase Mile, carrying the name of a true in the last couple of years. legend of Coffs Harbour racing, add further lustre Husband and wife Jon and Donna Grisedale to an excellent Cup program. have recently moved from Kembla Grange to set

up shop at Coffs.

Local trainer Brett Bellamy will host a charity golf day at the magnificent Bonville Golf Course on Wednesday, July 31 (with proceeds going to support the local branch of Parkinson’s Australia) and The Pier Hotel at Coffs Harbour will host the Cup eve Calcutta that night. Terry Kennedy and Laurie Daley will broadcast their Big Sports Breakfast radio program live from the track on Cup morning.

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Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

RECENT

COFFS GOLD CUP

2009 LEGENDARY MAN (K Lantry/D Spriggs) 2010 MOSSURMI (M Conners/D Nikolic) 2011 BRAVE THE WAY (A Bailey/G Colless) 2012 PEPPERWOOD (L Birchley/D Nikolic) 2013 PEPPERWOOD (L Birchley/G Colless) 2014 SOUTHERN SHIMMER (R Stitt/R Thompson) 2015 OUR BOY NICHOLAS (T Edmonds/B Avdulla) 2016 BODEGA NEGRA (B Hill/C Lever) 2017 DARCI’S AFFAIR (P Murray/R Thompson) 2018 GLITRA (P&W Hulbert/M McGillivray)

In its 55th year, this year’s Coffs Harbour Gold Cup is set to be the biggest yet, with not only a huge day of horse racing, but some exciting new hospitality events, along with all the fashions and fanfare that this spectacular social outing brings to the Coffs Coast.

“Organising a huge event like this, really Coffs Harbour’s event, doesn’t come easy, and

WE’D LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS, SUPPLIERS, SPONSORS, CORPORATE CLIENTS AND THE COFFS HARBOUR COMMUNITY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

we’d like to thank all of our supporters, suppliers, sponsors, corporate clients and the Coffs Harbour community for their continued support. We’re super excited for this year’s Cup Day, as there’s a new

and fresh look for almost everything, and we think racegoers will love it,” said Alan Johnson, Chairman, Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

The 2018 Coffs Cup will showcase an eight-race TAB program worth

AJ CIVIL PROJECTS

After 21 years in business, are committed to providing exceptional delivery, service and outcomes for all of our clients

Proud supporter of Coffs Harbour Racing Club

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over $310,000 in prize money, continuing to attract many new and prestigious trainers, jockeys and horses to feature on the day.

So, it’s time to grab a gorgeous outfit, pick the right headpiece, find that stylish suit and round up friends or colleagues for the event that always tops the Coffs Coast’s social calendar.

Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

PARK BEACH PLAZA

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD Celebrating the milestone 11th year of Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field, the 2019 event will have a prize pool of more than $3,000, including: $2,000 in Park Beach Plaza Vouchers, T’Gallant champagne, plus a stunning bouquet of blooms. Winners will enjoy parading in their sash and all the fanfare it entails.

Fashion Categories include: Best Dressed Male, Most Stylish Couple, Best Millinery, Classical Lady of the Day and Best Dressed Young Lady under 35 - so dress to impress! Registrations are from 11am, with judging kicking off from 12:30pm.

THE CARLTON DRAUGHT COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP 2019 - THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST Join us for the best day on the Coffs Coast calendar!

Gates open from 11am. General track admission: $20 at the entry gate (EFTPOS available).

Parking: Howard Street is closed to traffic and car parking is off Hogbin Drive, into the Golf Driving Range. SES collect a gold coin donation to park. Racegoers can also park at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Stadium Drive and take a shuttle bus to the Racing Club.

Transport after races: from 4:30pm, shuttle buses will be transporting attendees to the CBD, Jetty, Sawtell and Toormina from Howard street entrance. Bus cost is by gold coin donation.

Have a great day of racing!

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Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

TANYA & ALAN

JOHNSON O n

t h e

C o v e r

Tanya and Alan Johnson are no strangers to the world of horse racing. Alan is the President of the Coffs Harbour Racing Board, and Tanya is the President of Pink Silks ...

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

AJ: I lived at Nambucca Heads for 38 years then moved up to Coffs in 2003 with my business AJ Pipelines and Construction (now AJ Civil Projects), so I feel like a Coffs local … but apparently, I’m not a Coffs local yet!

Tanya: My nonno immigrated from Italy in the 1930s and chose Coffs. So, my whole family was born here (that’s a true local, AJ). I have spent my entire life here, except for five years to become a Radiographer and now after 30 years, I’m excited about our new business, TAJ Property Developments, and my new career path.

AJ, tell us about your current connection and history with Coffs harbour Racing Club.

I was asked to become a board member with the Coffs Harbour Racing Club (CHRC) in 2004, when the club was appointed administrators by Racing NSW. In 2005, I became the Chairman, a position that I still proudly hold today. The club has been through some tough times, but with our new management team, our experienced board and strategic plans in place, the future looks very good. We truly believe in and support the work Pink Silks Trust (PST) does in the Coffs community. We’ve hosted the Pink Silks Ladies Race Day since 2007. In 2014, PST became a registered charity, and the CHRC became the trustees.

What do you enjoy most about the sport of racing?

AJ: My brother, Andrew and I started following horse racing each Saturday, when I was 23. Our first experience as owners was

a share in a horse called Sunday Swing and when she won at a non-TAB race at Grafton, it was like winning the Melbourne Cup! Tanya and I both love the social side of racing and have travelled the world to attend meetings. We’ve met lots of fun and interesting people along the way, who have become lifetime friends.

Tell us about your community involvement.

Tanya: We are both heavily involved in supporting the Coffs Coast community and making a difference through our contributions to the community we are proudly a part of!

AJ’s community spirit is something I hugely admire, and he has a seriously generous heart.

I chair and co-founded the Pink Silks Trust, and this role has brought so many rewards.

Together with a selfless committee and a supportive and generous community, we have raised $870K to date, with 90% directly helping local women and 10% to research.

Tanya, what are your fashion tips for this year’s Coffs Cup? The winter racing season allows you to use textures in your outfit, like leather, felt, fur, lace and wools. This texture extends from your headpiece, outfit, clutch, shoes and gloves. Choose any winter colour, like navy, maroon, emerald green, mustard, tan or the classic black, white and grey. A headpiece is a must for any major racing day - just something simple, to finish the outfit.

What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast?

The Coffs Coast has the most beautiful beaches and surroundings, with a relaxed lifestyle. We have great friends and family here, and though we love to travel, we love coming home to Coffs!

Thanks Alan and Tanya.

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Carlton Draught 2019 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

BROOKE GEORGE Brooke George is a well-known name on the Coffs Coast, designing and making unique and captivating jewellery for over 15 years. Brooke describes her style as “boho luxe” and has a stunning selection of jewellery to complement any outfit.

Creating one-of-a-kind headpieces is Brooke’s newfound passion and if you’ve ever visited Brooke’s Shop at Coffs or Sawtell, one of the first things you’ll notice is her obsession with dried grasses and flowers.

The magnificent dried flower and feathers arrangement she created to adorn the top shelf in her Coffs Shop is where it all started.

“I’m very excited to be creating gorgeous “Boho Crowns” for Coffs Cup day, or other special events. But there will be only a very limited number for sale in my Coffs store only, and they won’t last long!”

In both shops, Brooke has sourced some gorgeous clothing to complement her jewellery range and personally handpicks every outfit.

“Due to customer demand, I have also just launched a new website - which I’m very excited about!” www.brooke-george-jewels.myshopify.com You can visit Brooke’s shops, located at: Flagship Shop: 64 City Square, Coffs Harbour Pop up Shop: 33 First Avenue, Sawtell (near Sea Salt) Find her on Instagram and Facebook.

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IN AND ABOUT

Photo by Bryce Forrest Media

in and about orland o st and the jetty

SONG “Miss Cummings, if we’re all different, doesn’t that kind of make us all the same?” Juniper May.

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hen eleven year old Juniper May receives a petition signed by her entire class stating that she is “the most hated person in the school” her life is thrown into complete meltdown.

After exhausting all other avenues, her parents resort to the only thing they have left, a giant singing robot.

Based on a true story, Robot Song illustrates the profound, transformative nature of creativity that when combined with unconditional love, becomes an unstoppable force. For Juniper, creativity opens doors into places she never knew existed, allowing her, for the first time, to be defined on her own

terms.

Robot Song is a deeply personal story. It shares an honest, intensely funny and often unconventional window into writer, director Jolyon James’ experience parenting a child on the Autism Spectrum. The show poses and attempts to answer the question, how do we support, foster and celebrate difference in our children in the face of an increasingly rigid and homogenised world?

Robot Song is a genuine family show. It is joyful and full of hope. It is for any child who has ever felt isolated or pushed to the margins and any parent desperate for tools to help. The show employs cutting edge digital technology, startling animatronics and a beautiful original musical score.

MEET THE ACTORS

PHILLIP MCINNES Ash began her professional career at 17, leaving home and school to join Louise Withers and Associates Australasian tour of We Will Rock You. She then went on to perform in My Grandma Lives in Gooligulch, Oklahoma!, SHOUT!, Hairspray and Eddie Perfect’s Shane Warne The Musical, original cast and later as resident choreographer. She performed in Gordon Frost’s successful Australian Tour of Legally Blonde the Musical in the role of “Serena” and in The Rocky Horror Show in the coveted role of “Columbia”. Ashlea worked as choreographer and assistant director on everyone’s favorite music quiz show, Spicks and Specks’ farewell tour and has choreographed shows for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for numerous artists, including Denise Scott and Judith Lucy. In 2014 she originated the role of Billy in Arena and MTC’s Marlin, an experience that opened her eyes to what creating theatre CAN be.

Growing up in Mukinbudin, WA, Phillip’s father told him from a very early age, “There’s no money in farming”, so he decided to become an actor. Deckchair Theatre Company gave him his first role as Lenny in King For This Place in 1999, and later that same year he was accepted into WAAPA (Theatre), graduating in 2002. Since graduation, Phillip has worked extensively in the development of new works in a variety of genres and forms. Some of these projects include: Marlin Expedition with Arena Theatre Company for Vic Arts Centre; Hard Rubbish with Men Of Steel as part of The Malthouse Company In Residence program; Last Scene Imagining’s production of Home for Perth International Arts Festival 2007 and OT - Chronicles Of The Old Testament with Uncle Semolina & Friends for Malthouse Theatre 2007.

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in and about orland o st and the jetty

the

WARDROBE update IN AND ABOUT

The Wardrobe Update is an amazing shop where you can easily find a sustainably sourced collection of preloved clothes and accessories. Its concept is very simple, yet innovative: we consign clothing from the women of the Coffs Coast, set up a shop front and sell to the public on their behalf.

FOCUS spoke with good friends Sam Benson and Nikki Blewitt ...

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ow did it all begin?

Our wardrobes were overcrowded and we decided to let go of things we still loved, but no longer wore. You know - the cocktail dress you wore once, the pants that no longer fit, or the handbag you couldn’t live without.

How does the pop up shop work?

We source beautiful clothing and accessories from women of the Coffs Coast, find a suitable shop front and then sell on their behalf for a small commission. We are so fortunate to have a short term rental in a great location for our next shop at the Jetty Shopping Village. We are only there for one week and hope the next pop up shop is as successful and well received as our previous events.

What kind of clothes and accessories can people expect to find?

We do our best to select a range of designer and well known labels from various sources.

There is something for everyone, from casual clothing to formal dresses and everything in between. One lady left our last shop with an entire new wardrobe for a fraction of the cost of brand new clothing. The timing of this shop is perfect, with formal season and the Coffs Cup just around the corner. Labels you can expect to find at our next store include Shona Joy, Spell, Camilla, Prada, Alice MCcall, Zimmerman, Viktoria & Woods, Talulah, Maurie & Eve, Stevie May, Sass & Bide and many more.

Can men get involved too?

We have offered consignment of men’s clothing in the past; however, we didn’t have

the same response as we do from women.

Have you heard the saying: “Men go shopping to buy what they need; women go shopping to find what they want”? It appears our store has greater appeal to women.

How can people become consigners?

We invite anyone who has quality pieces of designer label clothing or accessories that they would like included in the next pop up shop to contact Nikki Blewitt via our Facebook page. We accept all sizes and want to have something beautiful for everyone.

We appreciate if items are in good condition, freshly cleaned and well presented.

What happens to the money made?

Most of the money from the items we sell goes back to the consigner. Our commission covers expenses, including rent and insurance.

We like to donate a percentage of the profits to a not for profit organisation. This time we have chosen Warrina Women’s Refuge as the beneficiary. We also invite our consigners to donate items that do not sell to local charity stores. In the past we have donated unsold and unwanted clothing to The Salvation Army and donated Funds to Pink Silks Charity.

When: 29th June - 5th July.

Where: Shop 4, Jetty Village Shopping Centre, Coffs Harbour.

Special Preview: Thursday 28th June from 5 - 7pm: tickets $32.50.

More info: facebook.com/samandnik Tickets avialable from: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/88394

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IN AND ABOUT

Why do we need to replace our brake fluid?

Brake fluid is used in the hydraulic system of your car's brakes. Your brakes are subject to very high temperatures, especially in the wheel cylinders of drum brakes and disk brake callipers. Brake fluid must have a high boiling point to avoid vaporising in the brake lines. When the brake fluid is new, it has a boiling point of 205 degrees Celsius, but because brake fluid is hygroscopic (water absorbing - which means it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere), the boiling point drops to around 140 degrees Celsius after it absorbs moisture. This will put you in danger of boiling your brakes under normal driving conditions.

instalike

There’s a simple fix!

Replace your brake fluid every two years, regardless of the kilometres you’ve driven.

Many car manufacturers recommend this in their log book service schedules.

At Advanced Mechanical Services, we can replace your brake fluid for a very reasonable price and keep you safe on the roads.

Call us today and mention you read this ad and book in for a free brake inspection!

We will check your brakes and brake fluid condition and advise on the best remedy for your car.

East Coast Cabinets Mr.Coast Plummer East Cabinets is upon us, and now is the time to organise East CoastPlummer, Cabinets moved into Lawson Crescent in the early I Christmas am Brad owner and operator of Mr Plummer.

I your and New Year activities and whilst on 1980s,Christmas andplumbing for many years was “down thewhere laneway between started my career back in 2002, I moved holidays (for Power those who getComet”. them) Coffs and to CoffsHarbour Harbour from Tools the Manning Valleytotostart start planning my for all those jobs required The local In 1987, the opportunity arose to move thebuilding corner into apprenticeship.

I remained with in the2019. samearound company for 13 years, industry is ticking over and everyone is predicting a brand new attonicely, No. 17my with street frontage, off street until I knew it building was time start own plumbing Business.

I more good things for year.thetoclients parking easy access for trucks unloadneeds downfirst. the side. believe inand hard work andnext putting The live New Year of 1988 saw the beginning of and a and very successful We a 15th great partas ofa New South Wales hopefully Now intoinmy year plumber, drainer gasfitter I have residency. others from anywhere else will realise thatofthey seen it all, which gives me a quick prognosis the can problem and Duringtothis time, many arrivals employees have come gone (some move join from big and smoke” the best way tous. fixNew it, which saves the “the customer time andare money. have done that a few times).

We have successfully seenare nine amazed at how much they can do in a day, as they not At Mr Plummer we are always trying to exceed our customers apprentices, including onetravelling female, through the process spending hours per day to and from work, of giving expectations. becoming and many decidedand that them moretradesmen, time to enjoy familyothers time, have the climate I environment, provide a service that includes rapid response to emergency cabinetmaking is not for them. as well as our sporting facilities. work, arebeen polite andofwell mannered, and always clean up Therewe have a lot changes in technology during these A growing population supporting locally owned businesses after our workthe is completed which is not common years.

When new factory was set up,aone doubleplumbing power and services result in a growing economy. What more is trait. point was all that was needed in Deb’s office - for the electric there to wish for? typewriter (veryup flash) and with a calculator.

Thereand aretechnologies. now ten!

We are keeping to date regulations, To all the wonderful builders alarm, and customers who have These are used for telephone, NBN equipment, computer, Some of our new equipment is cutting the time to do jobs down supported us throughout the year, a big thankitems you for your printer, scanner, photocopier and other ancillary of to half, which we can pass the savings on to you, the client. support, patience andallfriendship when things equipment, which are required in- especially the modern office.

There is no job too big or small, callyear. me Mr Plummer today, your got chaotic in the middle of the The factory now has chargers in the power points for battery Coffs Harbour plumber.

Best everyone for afor very happy Christmas and a tools,wishes which to negates the need leads running every which healthy and prosperous Year from all of us. way, catching on cabinetsNew and creating a trip hazard.

Voodoo Auto Electrical and Caravan Voodoo AutoRepairs.

Electrical Locally based, reliable, and dedicated are all readily used to Michael originally fromPicture Darwin and was taken on many CoffsisHarbour Framing describe Michael, the man behind Voodoo Auto Electrical

camping and four wheel driving trip with his family. Some and Caravan Repairs.

This month he is celebrating a few key We now have the latest technology picture framing of his best childhood memories wereinexploring the off milestones. here at Coffs Picture Framing. road parts of Australia.

IN BUSINESS: Twoisstrong years of experience and absolutely development • CLARITY glass invisible to the eye, showing no He completed his auto electrical apprenticeship in Forster, later as a businesswith owner and TheThis continued growth reflection, 86% UVoperator. protection. is fantastic forhas yourbeen moving to Coffs Harbour. driven by apieces genuine reputation built effortfade. and integrity. As well valuable of artwork, that willonnever Working at Watson's caravans he developed skills and as the support of his family and the local community.

• Computer driven Mat Cutter - this machine is the latest understanding of the needs of campers and caravan goers PERSONALLY: The picture beginning of married life for with wife Melissa technology in the framing industry cutting mats, needs. He appreciates that this is your home away from home. and soon the firsttobaby.

The BIg Blue got a allowing anyarrival shapeof totheir be cut complement yourHilux artwork.

Everything needs to run simply, efficiency and reliably. He will good run exploring and Fraser Island for of their Honeymoon, where she John’s experience knowledge the picture framing give honest advice based on experience and research. trade learnt to four wheel drive didn’t getquality bogged at Inskip Point! enables him to deliver anand exceptional service tailored His many services are fully mobile so you can stay in your home or The outdoor specifically to you.adventures of his childhood in Australia’s caravan park your holiday Michael the work diverse top endenjoying have instilled a love ofwhile camping and does four wheel Custom framing will always create a frame perfect for your on site. driving, bike riding, and fishing. Which he is sharing with his needs: growing family Workshop facilities are available when required.

• Football jumpers • Mirrors He is equally passionate gettingtoyour family on or people, off road Michael " I love what I about do, getting meet different • Medals • Embroidery for your nexttheir trip safely reliable set on up,the firstroad time." hear about travelswith andakeep them • Memorabilia • Certificates He will to the you name... to complete•your job with quality materials uscome about •Tell Family photos Repairs and equipment, drawing on 10 years of experience in the industry.

Michael Voodoo Auto Electrical came about as an accident.

• Holiday artwork One of my customers commented that I had done "some kind of Contact 0481 988 for all yourand autowe electrical We are Michael easy toon find on 335 Lawson Crescent, offer voodoo magic to their vehicle when fixing it " needs relatedatcaravan repairs. Turn off Orlando Street into ampleand parking the premises.

Follow theCrescent, action onand Facebook at Voodoo Electrical Lawson you will find usAuto on the bottom corner.

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IN AND ABOUT

Living Doll Premier Stylists Living Doll Premier Stylists Kate, Lauren and Chloe are masters of their craft and really shine on race day.

Recently returning from their Sydney voyage to Hair Expo, you will be excited to see what they can add to make your hair really stand out from the crowd.

Take the worry and stress of the morning away by sitting relaxing, enjoying a nice massage, sipping on a warm herbal tea and delighting in some chocolate coated strawberries, all the while watching your hair come to life.

Up the ante with statement, urban-inspired looks - abstract topknots, fishtail plaits or more complicated braided styles - all are achievable in just 45 minutes, making them the perfect match for any racing outfit.

Your day at the races demands a winning ‘do. Living Doll is here for you.

Very limited spots available; be quick! Call 6699 2122, and why not book with a friend and make a morning of it!

XO Dolls.

Have your hair styled on race day and receive a take home emergency styling kit for your day at the races.

Coffs Coast focus 51

focushealth

and WITH

DAISY

Wellbeing

MORONEY

WITH

LAUREN

VESTEY

FROM

LIVING

DOLL

faceit.

Race

Ready D A Y

W

hen you’ve got a special event on, it’s always a good idea to start with a bit of skin prep. If you create the best canvas possible, your makeup is most likely to last all day and less likely to end up looking patchy or cakey! So, I’m going to give you a little run down on getting race day ready.

It’s recommended that you exfoliate your skin about once or twice a week; this removes dead skin cells and leaves your face feeling super fresh, so do this in the lead up to an event, but avoid doing it on the day, just in case any irritation occurs. If you’re really organised, you could also do a mask the night before or the morning of, to really get your skin glowing! Choose one for your skin type; there are so many great ones out there now clarifying, hydrating, pore refining, mattifying, plumping, etc - you have plenty to choose from! Makeup should always be applied to clean, dry skin (I know; that’s pretty obvious!

But, before a special event in particular, it’s good to be sure you’ve cleansed properly and not missed anything, to ensure your makeup goes on smoothly). So, cleanse first with something appropriate to your skin type; for example, a cream cleanser for dry skin, or a gel or foam cleanser for oily skin. Once you’re feeling fresh and clean, you can move on to toner; toners help to tighten pores and control oil production, and they also allow your moisturiser to be absorbed better. Next 52 Coffs Coast focus

Heading out for a day at The Races definitely calls for getting glammed up! It’s about going for a look that makes you feel that bit extra, but that will also still look good out in the harsh light of day and stand the test of time over the course of the event. step is moisturiser; again, choose one that is appropriate for your skin type, and massage in thoroughly. I would suggest it’s also a good idea to apply a light layer of sunscreen for a day outside! For those who get oily, you may choose to use it in place of a moisturiser, or you may have a moisturiser or foundation that incorporates SPF. Just be wary of sunscreens with physical SPFs, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as these can cause “flashback” - when the flash of a camera can cause your skin to look ghostly white in the photos! There are a few high-tech sunscreens out these days that promise no, or reduced, flashback. If in doubt, take a couple of test shots with flash, to check that you’re photo ready!

Allow all this to settle into your skin, and you’re ready for your makeup!

Consider that you’re going to be out in the elements for the day, so this is definitely a day to start with primer first. Choose a foundation that is long lasting, and conceal only where necessary. Being out in harsh sunlight can be pretty unforgiving, so try not to pack on the makeup too much, and make sure you blend everything really well! It’s also a good idea to apply your makeup in natural light or a well lit bathroom if possible, so you can see how your makeup will look out on the field. Once you’re happy with your look, finish with a setting spray or powder for all-day glam. If your makeup is well applied, there’s no reason you can’t still go full glam and choose a bold lip colour or a beautiful strong eye! It is race day, after all!

Winter Racing Trends.

Coffs Coast Races is one of the most anticipated times of the year. If you love racing and fashion, you will definitely be in full anticipation for what this year holds.

I

n order to stay on top of the trends, we have curated the best glam hairstyles you could sport on race day. Your hairstyle is an integral part of your race day look, so make sure you get that sorted first.

incentive. And yet, it creates that glamorous touch that will make you stand out on race day - especially paired with a fresh balayage colour, which picks up the peaks and valleys of your beautiful waves. Living Doll’s Premier Stylists know that exact right placement to

highlight around the face and add depth A textured ponytail is one of the most classic to create volume and options for race day movement. hairstyles. It offers a Another great idea glam feel to your outfit, if you are wearing You cannot go wrong while still conveying a a high-neck frock is with glam curls as relaxed look, which is to wear your hair up your choice for a race what racing hairstyles high - and why not try day hairstyle.

The fact should be about. This a milkmaid braid style that this hairstyle is particular hairstyle also that rolls around your easy to do is an added complements a wide incentive. face! Check out Living range of necklines, so Doll’s Instagram over you won’t have to worry the coming month for about it working with some tips and tricks on your choice of outfit for the races. It also how to recreate these looks at home. works as an open canvas, wherein you can Or, why not come into the salon and have add head accessories or pair it with statement the professionals do it for you! Living Doll’s earrings.

You cannot go wrong with glam curls as your choice for a race day hairstyle. The fact that this hairstyle is easy to do is an added

Premier Stylists, Kate, Lauren and Chloe love everything styling, and race day is the day they shine. XO Dolls.

Maccas Junior Grants.

McDonald’s Coffs Harbour and Nambucca are proud to support local children and groups through their Junior Grants Program.

Kai McGregor

Tamsyn Spear

Kai has always shown a love for all things bikes. On his second birthday, his grandfather purchased his first bike. At the time this was thought premature, to only be proven wrong when not long after he was able to ride a bike without assistance, including no training wheels. From that moment on, not a day has passed with Kai not on a bike of some form.

When Kai turned four, he was signed up to Clarence Valley BMX club. Very early on he received attention for his skill, passion and dedication shown on a bike. Endless hours have been spent with Kai going around and around a BMX track, the house or park. Fast forward to 2019, and Kai has now performed at numerous large events, with impressive results. On the 27th April, Kai travelled to Centenary Plains BMX track, to enter into the last round of the Queensland Shootout series. This event had Kai travelling interstate with a minimum nine - ten

This year I have already represented my local association, Macksville 18 girls at junior state cup tournaments, where we were runners up, The Northern Eagles women’s open at the National Touch League tournament, and I have been selected in the North Coast schools’ team, competing at Wollongong in June and the Northern Eagles 16 girls’ team, who will compete in July at Orange. I will have to travel to competitions and training; this grant would help out with the cost of travel. I also play representative netball for Nambucca. The Maccas Junior Grant will help me to continue my success in touch football.

hours in the car every fortnight to compete. Kai ended the series with an impressive win on the day and was the overall winner for the series.

Kai recently also competed in the third round of the National BMX series held at Ipswich BMX Club. This event has all the top riders in Australia present, including state representative teams. Kai qualified in the final for the event, putting him up against the third and 8th world ranked riders for his age group. Kai won the event, showing passion, skill and overall good sportsmanship to fellow riders. Kai will be participating in the National BMX competition in Shepparton during May. On the 19th July 2019, Kai will travel to Zolder, Belgium, to compete in the BMX World championships representing Australia. The Maccas Junior Grant will assist Kai with travel costs, and assist him to achieve his sporting dreams.

Bulk billing CDBS available Family-friendly practice Extended opening hours Saturday availability

(Coffs Harbour & Macksville)

Children’s therapist

Grafton

Cnr Queen & Victoria Streets

6643 2225

Coffs Harbour

Suite 1, 252 Harbour Drive

6651 1350

freshdentalcare.com.au

Urunga

46 Bonville Street

6655 5800

Macksville

1 Princess Street

6568 1335

/freshdentalcare.com.au Coffs Coast focus 53

focusfitness

W I T H D U N C A N M A R C H A N T , C O F F S C O A S T H E A LT H C L U B

MyFitnessStory

.com.au

This month’s My Fitness Story comes to us courtesy of Coffs Coast Health Club Owner, Duncan Marchant.

Y

ou know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life.

7 BENEFITS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Want to feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life? Just exercise.

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

Need more convincing to get moving? Check out these seven ways exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you.

1. Exercise controls weight Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't make it in every day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all.

Consistency is the key.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: stroke, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, many types of cancer, arthritis, and falls.

It can also help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.

3. Exercise improves mood Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-

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esteem.

4. Exercise boosts energy Wounded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energised to go to sleep.

6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and increase your confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life. But there's even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than men who don't exercise.

7. Exercise can be fun … and social!

Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable.

They give you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So take a new class, meet your buddy at the gym and take the dog for a walk down the beach. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. **The bottom line on exercise** It doesn’t have to be intense and intimidating.

The benefits of exercise are simply dose dependent. Enlist some professional help and take your dose regularly. Your mind and body will thank you for it long in to the future.

Thanks for sharing, Duncan, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational health and fitness story … Simply call 1300 040 479 or drop in to see the friendly Coffs Coast Health Club team at either Toormina or Moonee Beach to get started today.

focuscontriubutor Sophie Bird of Tallow and Tide

SOPHIE BIRD TALLOW AND TIDE (FORMERLY WRECKED VINTAGE)

Shaking it up a little this month. I'm talking about ... me! Well, my label Wrecked Boheme and chatting a little about fashion and sustainability!

I

recently released my second fashion juggernaut. We are seeing a culture of collection of Wrecked Boheme ... over consumption and more clothing ending I manufacture small, capsule ranges up in landfill than ever before. So, I curate an out of India, in a small family run entire store that is doing the right thing by factory. I don't follow the typical industry the environment in their production, making "seasons"; I design for style, not trends. So, getting your retail fix a whole lot sweeter. Who I don't want to be churning out pieces every would have thought you could action change few months for people to forget about the last by choosing a dress a bit more consciously? one they bought. For me, it's about creating My store is the ultimate place for a consciously and meaningfully. conscious consumer, or someone looking What is the factory in India like?

It's a small factory in Japiur, in the to lighten their footprint, but still loves manufacturing district. It is family run and shopping, talking fashion and won't worked, so I know my money is supporting compromise on style and uniqueness. a whole family to stay I am a fashion together and build their addict, I love own empire! My factory shopping, I love work with a handful of trying out new other designers, and I think I am a rigorous looks, and I am I am their problem child ha sampler and will obsessed with styling ha! I a a rigorous sampler make changes down people! But I am and will make changes to the millimetre; the down to the millimetre; the more than aware production manager production manager loves to of the nastiness loves to suggest suggest changes to me - we that impacts our changes to me - we go go back and forth a lot! But back and forth a lot! environment from in the end, we get there. purchasing a simple Manufacturing overseas is T-shirt that isn't always tricky, so I really want sustainably made. It's to get there next year to work on more intricate designs!

What inspires the collections?

A lot of it is time. I want them to be relevant in the future, for mothers to pass on to their daughters and still enjoyed and loved when they're threadbare and softer than butter.

I draw heavily on the '70s and feelings of freedom and authenticity.

Why do you focus your business on sustainability?

The reality is, the fast fashion industry is really bad for the environment. Emissions, toxic chemicals, over production and water waste is just the tip of the iceberg that is the

just not worth it to me. I knew there had to be people who felt the same!

Where do people find the range and the store?

We recently rebranded the store from Wrecked Vintage to Tallow & Tide! Find us in Monterey Arcade, Coffs CBD.

EXERCISE A Key To Beating Cancer One in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

And whilst survival rates have increased, and we have seen some major improvements with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, we still have a long way to go. So, imagine if you were told there was something you could do that would reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatment such as nausea and fatigue? A pill that would make you stronger, improve your mood and your confidence. A pill which could increase your life expectancy, reduce your risk of the cancer recurring, and does not cost much. Would you want to take it? The majority of us would say yes! What if I told you this pill is simply exercise? Only 40% of Australians diagnosed with cancer are staying active and completing exercise during treatment, which needs to change. Leading local physiotherapist Aaron Hardaker spoke with Brianna Hope, Exercise Physiologist at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy, to discuss the benefits of exercise for the prevention and management of cancer.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have always been interested in the way our bodies are able to adapt to maintain a balance, especially when it comes to fighting off disease and injury. Having always been active growing up, with a keen interest in hockey, I have been fortunate enough to develop a good understanding of the benefits of regular exercise in keeping healthy. The combination of these two factors led me into studying a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of New England.

Throughout my studies and into my career as an EP, I have developed a strong interest in using exercise as a tool to improve outcomes for a range of chronic diseases, with a particular focus on cancer. Since moving back to Bellingen and joining the wonderful team at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy, I’ve been able to share my passion for using exercise to help with the management of chronic diseases with hundreds of people from the Coffs Coast community.

How does exercise help with cancer treatment?

It is well known that staying physically active is one of many ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer. However, it is not until recently, with a major worldwide effort from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, that we are now seeing the introduction of exercise to be used alongside traditional treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to further improve the outcomes of these treatments.

Research has shown that exercise can reduce adverse side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, reduce fatigue and improve immune

function. Not only is exercise great for our physical health - there are major psychological benefits, including improving mood, reducing stress, and also improving our social interactions.

You’re currently running CAN Ex - exercise groups for people with cancer. Tell us about it.

The CAN Ex program is a joint initiative between the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and Mid North Coast Physiotherapy. The new project has cancer patients referred by the Cancer Institute’s Coffs Harbour team to us to have an individual consultation, assess their current capabilities and record several baseline measures.

They then participate in weekly exercise groups specifically for cancer patients, while being given a personalised home exercise program along with support and education throughout the program.

The patients will then complete the program with another individual consultation to measure their physical and psychological improvements, while being empowered to continue their exercise outside of the program.

So, do exercise benefits just apply to people diagnosed with cancer?

No, certainly not! Everyone can benefit in participating in regular exercise. Whether it is reducing blood pressure or cholesterol levels, losing weight, or improving balance to reduce the risk of falls - all you need is a place to start.

To help you in getting started, Mid North Coast Physio is offering 10 people a FREE Preassessment session with one of our Exercise Physiologists to see how they can help with that by developing an individualised program that suits your needs. Call NOW on 1300 273 747 to secure your spot before they are gone.

You can also shop online www.tallowandtide.com or have a browse on our instagram @tallowandtide - if you tell us you saw this, you can have 10% off your Wrecked Boheme purchase!

Sophie Bird, owner/buyer.

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Winter Forest Fun

Dr. Aaron Budden

Almost every soon-to-be parent has heard words to the effect of “everything is about to change forever”. Whilst this light-hearted comment often refers to life with a newborn, for some women it can feel like their body has changed forever. Some of these changes, like breasts and stretch marks, are talked about constantly. We instead will discuss a few that don’t do the normal rounds.

I

’ve leaked once or twice with a sneeze before, but now it seems all the time!

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the term given when small amounts of urine leak during a cough, sneeze, picking up heavy objects (like a newborn) and during intercourse. A review of published studies has demonstrated that it occurs in about four out of every 10 women during pregnancy and is more likely to occur as the pregnancy progresses. The reason for this is the pressure of the growing uterus and baby on the pelvic floor muscles, together with the pregnancy-related hormonal changes that can reduce pelvic floor muscle strength and the stability of the bladder.

For most women, SUI resolves between two - six months after pregnancy. However, about 10% of women will still have symptoms up to two years after delivery. Risk factors for this persistence are obesity and smoking, but it may occur without these factors as well.

I feel like something is coming down. Could I have a prolapse?

Prolapse occurs when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus (womb) and rectum, bulge through the vaginal walls. Childbirth, particularly vaginal birth, is the main cause of prolapse, although it is also more likely to occur over time even in women who have never been pregnant. The amount of prolapse can vary considerably and whilst early signs of prolapse may be commonly seen by a doctor during a pelvic examination, there are only very few

women suffering from persistent symptoms such as a dragging or pulling feeling in the vagina, or being able to feel a lump on the outside.

Prolapse severe enough to cause symptoms has been reported in one in every three - five women up to six months after vaginal birth; however, most women continue to improve over time. Approximately one in 20 women will have symptoms of prolapse 12 months after vaginal birth, but few will require any significant treatment.

What do I do if I have these symptoms?

Whilst SUI is one of the most common conditions of pregnancy, thankfully it is relatively easy to manage. Starting pelvic floor exercises shortly after birth is the best way to help prevent long standing symptoms of SUI. With prolapse, prevention is always better than cure. As most prolapse is due to weakened pelvic tissues and pelvic floor muscles, the main prevention is consistent pelvic floor muscle exercises.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises are difficult!

Because we can’t see their movement, it is quite common to try and squeeze other muscles like the abdominals, inner thigh and buttocks.

If you still suffer symptoms despite the exercises, consider seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist to check you are performing them correctly and get some advice on the best ways to strengthen your muscles. If you are still experiencing difficulties, then it is time to see a gynaecologist to assess for other treatment options available, especially if you are planning further pregnancies.

Want to know a secret?

NSW State Forests cover two million hectares of forest across NSW, offering a range of experiences that few others can match. There are roomy campsites, shaded picnic areas, tree-lined walking tracks and spectacular lookouts. The natural environment is centre stage, showcasing an abundance of unique Australian flora and fauna within spectacular landscapes. You can wander by a creek, hike up a mountain, chat around the campfire or simply listen to the sounds of nature. You can bring your car, caravan or campervan, you can pitch a tent anywhere you like, explore forest tracks on trail bike or mountain bike, ride a horse cross-country, 4WD and bring your dog too - yes, that’s right, dogs are welcome in NSW State forests.

Best of all, visiting NSW State Forests is absolutely free, representing one of the most cost-effective winter holiday escapes you can find. With over 125 forest-based dedicated visitor areas state-wide, with a mix of visitor facilities such as picnic tables, BBQs, fireplaces, shelters, rainwater tanks, toilets and easy-access carparks, NSW State Forests are a “must-see” destination in your travels.

Your local State Forest is an unmissable stop on your winter self-drive outing, whether it’s for a few hours, a picnic or an overnight stay. An extensive network of roads and trails provide easy entry to State Forests, whilst walking tracks allow visitors to experience special places and nature at its best.

NSW State Forests provide beautiful forest environments for you and your family to

Live large

Visit NSW Forests with Hello Koalas

Guula the koala, artists Wauchope TAFE Visual Art Students

Travel by train to Wauchope Old bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest

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“switch-off” and connect with nature. A range of information is available to ensure your next trip is a memorable one, including a NEW free mobile phone app called ‘VisitForests’, providing online and downloadable maps, photos and information on forest experiences. Alternatively, you can pick up a regional Forest Map at local Visitor Information Centres in NSW or contact us online to purchase your copy. We also encourage visitors to share their experience via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - we love to hear from you and are happy to share your ideas on special places to visit, and your holiday snaps!

With great places to explore, rest, learn, play or just get away from it all, come and experience a forest playground!

Visit us on the web: www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit And share your experience: Facebook: Visit NSW Forests Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

July 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

The challenges you are facing at home stem from not being appreciated or honoured. It is time you try something new to break the dynamics and re-educate those surrounding you to be a little less selfish and more considerate of your needs. A journey is a strong possibility, resulting in further career success.

Rose Quartz is wonderful for selfconfidence and appreciation.

Relationships are likely to be on the main agenda this month. Be open with your communication, to avoid any misunderstanding and know which insecurities belong to you and which ones don’t.

Kyanite helps build inner bridges, so we can literally get over things.

With regards to relationships, instead of looking at what you’re not getting, concentrate on all the special qualities of this relationship. You will feel completely different.

Chrysocolla will keep your heart singing.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You may be feeling a little uprooted lately, but don’t forget how badly you wished for change to come into the picture. The reason you may be feeling this way is because your outcome is not quite here yet. Try a little new goal setting, as this will assist in a happier outlook.

Ruby or Garnet will help you feel grounded, taking away some of the dilemma.

Don’t get caught up in holding on to garbage or things that are not a priority; this takes your confidence out of the picture, leaving you wondering where to go next. Set some fresh goals and enjoy!

Selenite is great for an abundance of crystal clear energy.

Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness.

Don’t be afraid to try something different.

Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Be patient a little longer; you’re about to step into some happier times, but your attitude is critical! If you can step into the unknown fearlessly, there will be nothing to worry about. Become the answers to your fears.

Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

This month your awareness is being called toward your usual happy way of processing life.

The reason why you are so fearful at present, is because you are currently taking life far too seriously. Lighten up and bring back your laughter and watch your fears disappear.

Pyrite will bring back courage.

Now is a really good time to debate your own rules and regulations for life. Your judgement prohibits you from enjoying life to its fullest, so be kinder to yourself. Plan a holiday for yourself and get out of your current circumstance to try a little new goal setting.

Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and attract an abundance of positive ones.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

A sense of justice will be experienced to enable you the freedom to move ahead.

Avoid giving your personal power away at this time, as this is an action that causes self-disapproval. Smile at your reflection for a week - feel the difference.

Rose Quartz will aid in raising self-worth.

Adventure a little longer. If you’re feeling stuck, write some goals down and plan a course of action. Movement is important for dispersing some of your restless energy right now, so keep busy and keep having fun.

Carnelian will empower and enthuse.

Important words need to be spoken to bring a happy outcome to a potential negative situation. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart, as your intention will be felt. Enjoy some laughter, as celebration is on its way for a family member.

Citrine keeps us positively focused and lifts our spirit.

Coffs Coast focus 57

focusinterview.

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL GALLERY

James

M AT T 19 JULY – 14 SEPTEMBER

Saltwater Freshwater Arts

Photographs courtesy of Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance

A CELEBRATION OF ABORIGINAL ARTS AND CULTURE FROM THE MID NORTH COAST: THE WORIMI, BIRIPI, DUNGHUTTI AND GUMBAYNGGIRR NATIONS THAT MAKE UP THE SALTWATER FRESHWATER REGION.

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL GALLERY OPEN TUESDAY–SATURDAY 10AM–4PM FREE ADMISSION CNR COFF & DUKE STREETS \ COFFS HARBOUR  02 6648 4863  coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/gallery  facebook.com/coffsharbourregionalgallery  instagram.com/coffsharbourregionalgallery Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is a cultural facility of Coffs Harbour City Council

58 Coffs Coast focus

Matt James comes from a long line of artists and craftspeople, and says he learnt how to be confident and diverse in his work from his father and grandmother. He is a locally based artist who makes just about anything, including furniture, lighting, and picture frames, from locally sourced, recycled and found materials and objects.

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ey Matt. Tell us about your relationship with the Coffs Coast.

Being a West Australian, the Coffs Coast was unknown to me, but whilst working in the Gibson Desert, I watched some aerial footage on the news, which showed flooding on the MidCoast NSW; it struck me as being the opposite of where I was, flat, dry and red. So, 25 years ago, I packed up and moved over, where I discovered Kalang and the beautiful Mid North coastline. I designed and built a big workshop and a tiny house, where I live happily with my awesome daughter. I’ve travelled well in Australia, and this area is a Jewel of the land.

Where did your journey start, and how long have you been using wood as a medium? The ability to design and draw has come down through my family via my grandmother, father, then myself and now my daughter. Dad was a true polymath, and his ability to design, draw, paint and build was diverse and gave me the very best of training that I could ever get. He has given me the ability to be a confident and varied artist. Wood and metals, from the earth, are central to any build project; from these, we can shape our dreams.

Where do you source wood? Wood has been extensively used in the past, so finding unneeded wood is relatively easy. The forest around me also produces beautiful timber, so between them I collect what I can, generally old buildings and demolitions/renovations, as well as farm finds are the predominant source. Also, recovering timber left behind from logging operations.

And it’s not just my love of wood, but all materials; I love a piece of rusty metal or a slab of stone. Often when a single piece of

something comes to you, it will be suggesting what it would like to be - a common example is a slab for a table top, or I have also built a table from the inspiration of using an old carriage axle.

How does the creative process work?

It starts with the inspiration, that maybe a certain shape and cut of wood which may already be describing itself, then all I have to do is encourage it into something.

Or, it may be out of need, where I have to design for a set task or with unchangeable materials.

Then, there’s the surprise of clients with a project, often with certain and many limitations, but the best is when I’m in my shed with the freedom of time and freedom of design. My favourite part is probably the freedom to dream of all the possibilities, then it has to be moulded back to suit all the requirements necessary to successfully fulfill the scope of work.

What sort of tools do you use? That depends on what I’m designing or making; usually it starts with pencil and paper, or sometimes the computer, to design and map a piece. From there, it’s to the workshop. I may use the CNC router to produce parts or carve, or straight to thicknesser and jointer to prep a slab of wood. And that’s the great thing with being diverse in ability; it means a diverseness in tools. Wood shaping requires hundreds of varied hand tools and power tools, then there’s the metal work and foundry tools, jewellery, bookbinding, model making, drawing / painting and sculpting, electronics, mechanical ... it goes on, and they all use specific tools. My favourite tools are ones that I’ve inherited or been gifted by elder craftsmen, these tools have a timeless quality that I appreciate each time I use them.

What is your favourite part of the

design process? The joy for me of design is adapting to the constraints presented, then within that framework finding the freedom of art. Whether it’s just me freely making art or capturing the dream from a client, the process is similar - moulding and evolving until we arrive at a shape and design that entirely captures the scope, with minimum of compromise and maximum desire.

Can you tell us about the range of things you’ve made? I’ve always enjoyed a new challenge so that confidence has enabled me to dream and build wide. I can and have designed and built homes, renovations, landscape design, stone walls including sandstone carving, custom interior fittings. There’s been stage and film production, which has presented the making of hundreds of "out of the box" things. I can, and sometimes do, paint and draw and hand make frames, I’ve made many light fixtures, I dabble in electronics, where we hand and custom build drones and robotics and general modelling, make furniture, market stall smalls; I’m currently producing wooden hair combs. The computer and the CNC can produce many complex parts, including the 3D carving of topographic maps. I have a thing for boxes, so enjoy making a box to suit a need.

Tool and jig making, aeroplane propellers, star armillaries and various instruments.

Currently I've been building custom picture frames for Bellingen Framers and Gallery, including a local Cedar frame destined for the Australian National Gallery.

Where can people find out more? I have work displayed at Sourced Salvage studio in Bellingen. I have a Facebook page and Instagram page @rustyforksnstuff, plus I’m often working at Bellingen Framers and Gallery where we can catch up.

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

F E A T U R E

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JEREMY HOLDER AND MICHEAL BREWER

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

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TACMED A U S T R A L I A

FOCUS sat down with Jeremy and Mike from TacMed Australia to find out more about their incredible business and how it can help save lives on the Coffs Coast.

W

hat Inspired you to start TacMed Australia?

After deploying to Afghanistan

We have a large range of first aid products with everything from snake bite bandages to defibrillators.

We’re best known for

NORTH COASTS DEFIBRILLATOR SPECIALISTS

FOR US TO HAVE PLAYED A SMALL PART IN ANOTHER HUMAN BEING ABLE TO GO HOME TO THEIR FAMILY AT THE END OF THE DAY MEANS A LOT TO US.

and make the right

aid equipment and training but our staff have

decisions.

extensive experience in using it. Combined,

What’s the most

Mike and I have been involved in over 100

satisfying part of

resuscitations and hundred’s over critical

your role?

incidents, so when we deliver training we

as a Medic with Special Operations, I was

working with clients to

exposed to a huge amount of battlefield

build comprehensive

part of TacMed is

aid but also our experiences of the realities of

trauma patients that required aggressive

bespoke first aid kits

when we receive a

medical emergencies.

medical interventions. This was eye-opening

specific to their risk and level of training.

call or email from a client or previous course

What mindset helped make you

as a 22-year-old relatively junior medic. But

You have some pretty incredible career

participant who has used a kit or their training

successful?

what stood out was that the US was far

highlights. Can you elaborate on how

and saved a life. Over the years we’ve had

better equipped and really experienced in

some of those help you when it comes to

a lot of feedback but the most rewarding

difference we can make. Owning a business

this type of medicine. 5 years later after

TacMed?

call I got was from a Police Officer who used

is certainly not for everyone and success is

the training we’d given him and an arterial

very subjective but when you absolutely love

leaving the Army and joining the Ambulance

Over half our team come from either

The most satisfying

really like to pass on not just the theory of first

Having a passion for what we do and the

as a Paramedic, there was still a big gap

military medical or emergency services

tourniquet he’d bought off our website to

what you do, it makes you look forward to

here in Australia between basic first aid

backgrounds and I think this is a huge

save the life of another Police Officer who

Monday’s, so to me that’s a success.

and battlefield medicine, so I took the leap

advantage for a business. In our previous

was hit by a vehicle. For us to have played a

Can anyone come in and check out the

into business to provide the equipment and

roles, you are constantly in highly complex

small part in another human being able to

shop?

training that is tested on the battlefield to

situations that require making the right

go home to their family at the end of the day

First Responders.

decision quickly and under immense pressure

means a lot to us.

Drive. One of our team members can have a

What kind of products do you offer, and

so when we are under the pump in business

How does TacMed benefit the

chat about your workplace (or recreational)

do you have services available to help

or when things aren’t going your way,

community?

risks and point you in the direction of an

people use those products?

you can really put things into perspective

60 Coffs Coast focus

We offer not only the full spectrum of first

Yes, anyone can pop into our office at Isles

appropriate first aid or trauma kit.

The

Education CENTRE EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

F E A T U R E

After School Tuition

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eading, spelling, maths, science, research, essay writing; so much to learn, so much for students to enjoy - even those who are hindered by hearing problems, poor eyesight, stress, change of schools, bullying, neurological problems and other causes.

Some students need extra help regularly and some require just enough to fill the gaps in learning, so that they can move on.

Many come for a couple of terms and then a few years later come back for a couple more terms, especially in Year 11 and 12, to ready themselves for the Higher School Certificate. Others continue right through school, as learning about a topic before doing it at school helps them to keep up with their class, yet others just need confidence to tackle a topic.

Most students find that the regular weekly tuition helps more than just the academic subjects. “It really improves their confidence and self-esteem; you can see it in the way they present,” says Liz Stevens, Proprietor. “This then spreads into more subject areas than just the ones in which they are being tutored.”

The benefits of private tuition cannot be understated. In an education system that must cope with the demands of increasingly complex learning content and styles, and students with many different learning capabilities, the unique needs of the single student can be easily overlooked. This is where individual or small group tuition can make a vast difference - both for the brighter student and those who find school challenging.

At The Education Centre, the focus is on improving learning skills and personal development. Fully trained teachers and tutors help students both to grasp the basics in areas like numeracy and literacy and, for older students, to dig deep into the learning content to truly understand its complexities. The results speak for themselves.

We believe sending children back to school feeling stronger in their learning ability provides support for teachers and puts children in a better place to be an active member of the classroom environment.

“Our one-on-one and small group lessons are guided by a dedicated team of professional tutors,” says Liz Stevens, emphasising the following, “I can’t stress enough the value of tuition.

Struggling students get the undivided attention they need, whilst more advanced students have opportunities to be challenged.”

Primary students, in particular, can join our Preparation for High School program in Term 3 and Term 4, which focuses on becoming proficient in the maths required to start high school. It also has a project based English component, which covers planning, research, editing, essay writing, and presentation - all the things that will help them throughout high school and on to further learning or their working life.

Secondary students should utilise Term 3 and Term 4 to build knowledge, strengthen research skills and to enjoy learning. Year 10 students could enjoy the HSC Readiness Program - a small group focusing strongly on essay writing skills needed in Years 11 and 12.

HSC students finishing this year can still make great strides with one term of tuition. The new Year 12 students would be best to start from Term 4 to get the edge that they need to follow through to their HSC exam.

Helping students to Love to Learn.

For more information, phone (02) 6652 2222 or visit the website www.theeducationcentre.com.au Coffs Coast focus 61

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McDonald’s

McDonald’s is well known for their training and employability skills, preparing our youth for their future in the workforce and also a career path for many. The Munro Group of McDonald’s, including Kempsey, Grafton, Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour, are the largest employer and trainer of youth on the Coffs Coast. We pride ourselves on providing our people the opportunity to grow and achieve their goals.

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EECE, COFFS HARBOUR SOUTH

Reece started with us in early 2015 and worked nights and weekends through school. Reece started in the production area, and worked his way up to Crew Trainer, where he trained all our new staff on our policies and procedures. Reece than commenced a Certificate III traineeship in Retail through our RTO, which is a nationally recognised qualification, with no cost to the trainee. Reece than went on to become an Area Leader and apply his skills in all restaurant areas - Customer Service, McCafé, etc. At the end of 2018, Reece was given the opportunity to attend “Leading the Shift” Course at Training Centre in Thornleigh, NSW. This course teaches new managers the necessary leadership skills to run the restaurant, including First Aid, Fire Training, and much more. Reece loves his job and is now working towards his next development goal of running the Product Quality Department.

SASHA, COFFS HARBOUR SOUTH

3

62 Coffs Coast focus

Similar to Reece, Sasha started at the Coffs Service in late 2014, Sasha started in the Customer Service Area and soon nailed Drive Thru and McCafé Barista. Sasha also completed her Certificate III in Retail through the school-based pathway as part of her HSC. This program paired with Sasha’s eagerness to learn and grow led her to be promoted up through the ranks and in late 2018 started shift management, she also completed her Leading the Shift course at Charlie Bell School of Management and gained critical skills which has helped her develop and is now looking forward to growing and developing into a department manager role and completing further training/ gaining further qualifications.

VINCENT, COFFS HARBOUR NORTH Vincent started working at our Coffs North restaurant in mid-2013; he worked extremely hard to become a Production Area Leader and enjoys running the production area over some of our holiday peaks. Vincent is currently working on his Management Development Program and will attend Leading the Shift course next month.

BRITTNEY, COFFS HARBOUR NORTH Brittney started with us in late 2017; she was always keen and eager to grow. Brittney was well known by her regulars in the café for her bubbly and infectious personality. Similar to Vincent, Brittney has recently finished school and is looking to start a career in management; she will attend Leading the Shift course next month also.

SHARNEE, NAMBUCCA HEADS Sharnee started working for us in 2012 at our original Nambucca restaurant; she was extremely eager to grow and learn and learnt all areas of the restaurant - she was particularly passionate about McCafé. Sharnee then left the area with her family and worked in a few McDonald’s Restaurants in Sydney. She returned in late 2018, and eager as ever to develop, she has recently completed Leading the Shift course and is working as a Shift Supervisor. Sharnee is looking forward to growing in her role and taking on more responsibility.

SAM, NAMBUCCA HEADS Sam currently works in our new Nambucca Heads Service Centre as a Shift Supervisor. Sam started with us in early 2017 at our old highway restaurant and worked his way up through the ranks into an Area Leader role, prior to being promoted and completing Leading the Shift course earlier this year.

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JODI and ADAM W O O D

Jodi and Adam Wood are a husband and wife team who are leaders at Key Employment (KE). Adam is the Business Development Manager and runs all of KE’s social media, website, advertising, events and community engagement. Jodi is the newly appointed CEO and oversees the whole operation from Port Macquarie to Yamba. Both love working for such a forward thinking, family run business.

W

hat does Key Employment aim to achieve?

We run a disability employment service, a registered training organisation (RTO), a youth service and now an NDIS service. We have been operating on the Coffs Coast since 1991, and our ultimate aim is to help people with disabilities and other disadvantages find a job and keep a job, to support them to participate to their fullest potential across the social, cultural and economic life of our communities.

You have recently relocated to a bigger and better premises. Tell us about that.

We purchased the old Catholic Club in 2016 and have been busy getting it ready to be the best Community Centre on the North Coast. To date we have opened a youth hub, which is a place where young people can come and hang out. We have two basketball courts, a tennis court, a kitchen with food, shower and wash facilities, Internet, Netflix, a pool table and access to trained youth workers. We also have restored and continue to maintain the beautiful grounds, we have fully functional training facilities and run many exciting NDIS programs lots of which are outdoors and plenty of fun!

In the next five years we hope to have a community sensory garden, a fully operational café to be staffed by people with disabilities, state of the art offices and training facilities including a conference venue, a men’s and women’s shed and supported accommodation.

What business plans and goals do you have for 2019/2020?

We hope to further establish our NDIS business in the next two years and have many exciting new programs to offer. Anyone with an NDIS package should call and speak personally to CEO Jodi, who is keen to meet all new clients and show off KE’s exciting new facility.

We are also keen to kick-off our community sensory garden project and have secured some great sponsorships from like-minded businesses already.

Finally we hope to continue to place as many people with disabilities into good quality long term employment positions and continue to build our dream of creating the best community centre on the North Coast.

Tell us about your community involvement.

KE invests thousands of dollars into the Coffs Community annually. We support local charities, sporting groups, schools and other not-for-profit services wherever we can. We have a team of people who are community minded and love getting involved in anything they can.

We recently entered a team of 16 people into the Anytime Fitness 24-hour treadmill challenge in support of R U OK Day and suicide awareness and prevention. We helped raise over $5,500, and our team walked over 175 km in 24 hours. We love our community and we try and give back as much as we can, whenever we can.

F E A T U R E

June at COMMUNITY CARE Options Every month is a busy month at CCO. June has its own challenges - a public holiday and the start of winter. Flu season can absolutely be a killer for community organisations.

Older people and people with a disability can be very vulnerable in the winter months.

We don’t want sick staff to come to work. If staff don’t come to work, then it is difficult to provide client services, particularly for very complex clients. A reminder to the Coffs Coast to have a flu shot and help keep the community safe.

CCO held a round of Friends of CCO Meetings in June. We hosted lunch for approximately 137 clients across three locations: Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads.

These meetings are designed to promote communication and connection between

our clients and our organisation, to ensure that our clients are informed about sector and CCO service changes and to provide an opportunity for clients to be consulted and give feedback about issues that affect them and their services. These meetings have the added advantage of connecting clients to each other, and allowing friendships and relationships to form between people who can be socially isolated.

June is also one of the months CCO brings its 170 plus employees together to review strategic direction, review practices, to share information and to seek feedback.

Effective communication can be a challenge in all businesses. The above mechanisms help build platforms for effective communication.

CCO ... adding value to a client’s experience.

Coffs Coast focus 63

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Coffs CO-WORKING space!

Located on Moonee street’s restaurant strip, Toogetha is available to everyone. A desk for a day, office for an hour?

We configure our space to host your work days and support your endeavours.

We have treasured familiar faces here already.

From parents executing school days = work days, realising their intentions more everytime they breeze in. To permanent residents, renting offices two days a week, to full-time occupancy/home basing. We miss them when they are away and value the networking and sense of community everyone under our roof contributes to.

Our spaces are here to facilitate you. We accomodate trainings, seminars, worshops, launches, business parties, staff meetings, exhibitions and are happily Coff’s TedX host space.

Toogetha has front and rear access and parking.

We have accessible entrances and hallways, are guide dog friendly and have a calm kit and dimmable room to ensure we are sensory friendly also.

Bubble Pop from the markets operate out of our servery window and have brought their cult following and good hearted colour to our building.

Come in and introduce us to your aspirations.

36 Moonee St., Coffs Harbour.

Ph: (02) 6600 1509 Email enquiries to: emma@toogetha.com www.toogetha.com

64 Coffs Coast focus

F E A T U R E

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

F E A T U R E

Dickens Assessment and Training Services Dickens Assessment and Training Services (previously known as MAP Training) provides quality training and assessments for the general and civil construction industries. Our name has changed, but our friendly service and quality training continue!

Our services cover all areas of NSW and QLD, providing courses at your workplace or our training rooms in Coffs Harbour. DATS offers an extensive range of courses, including SafeWork NSW High Risk Licences, such as EWP, Forklift, Dogging & Cranes; RMS approved Traffic Control; Load Shifting; Confined Spaces; Working at Heights; Whitecard; Fire & Chief Warden; Overhead Powerline Awareness, as well as VOCs in all courses.

At DATS we believe that adequate training by qualified and experienced trainers is paramount to a safe workplace.

Don’t leave yourself open to potential accidents. Ensure both you and your employees are fully trained and qualified to carry out the work safely. On-site or private training can be arranged upon request.

Our professional and friendly office staff will look after everything from your initial enquiry to course completion.

For further information, please phone us on 6652 9946, call in and see us at 1/7 Elswick Place in the Isles Drive Industrial Estate, or visit our website at www.datservices.com.au

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EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

Marine Studies

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TEACHER SCOTT HOLLINGSWORTH AND M I K E A N D L I N D S AY F R O M J E T T Y D I V E

Technology & Future Industries

Teresa Welsh

C

H S I E T E A C H E R AT C O F F S HARBOUR SENIOR COLLEGE

ongratulations on your nomination and award, Teresa. Can you tell us what you love most about teaching?

It is a career where you feel you can really make a difference. I love seeing students become excited about learning for its own sake and not just in the pursuit of marks or rank. My subject areas have all been in the humanities, and over the years I have watched many of my students open their minds to alternative viewpoints, cultures and beliefs. They emerge as more understanding and tolerant world citizens, who ask insightful questions and become lifelong learners. There is no greater reward.

How has your experiences in the classroom at Coffs Senior College made you a better mentor to future teachers?

The Senior College has a strong focus on developing your craft as a teacher. It also attracts a wide range of students, whose interests and skills all need to be catered for. Nurturing only senior students and subjects has given me constant intellectual stimulation, encouraging me to maintain the highest standards in my research and lesson preparation. It has also caused me to reflect on my teaching practices to be the best teacher I can for my students, at such a crucial time in their education. The feedback my senior students have given me has frequently inspired me to keep refining what I do. All these practices are important to pass onto future teachers.

Can you tell us about the SCU Mentorship Award you won?

The award is for “Excellence in Mentoring”. The nomination is made by an SCU pre-service teacher or SCU staff member because of the quality of your contribution to their Professional Experience program. It is an initiative to acknowledge the work of mentor teachers in supporting our future teachers. I was honoured to receive this award, as it is part of ensuring excellence in education in our local area.

Hi Mikayla Hannaford (ex-student and current Pre-Service Teacher with SCU). Why did you nominate Teresa for this award?

Teresa is a professional in every sense of the word. She is an expert in her subjects, possesses highly refined teaching skills and strategies, and always models the qualities of a devoted teacher.

She has a keen eye for detail and delivers feedback in a way that boosts both skill and confidence. She is always so supportive, eager to see others succeed. It was being a student in Teresa's classroom that contributed to my choosing to be a teacher, so who better to show me the ropes than a teacher who inspired and nurtured me in my final years of schooling.

H

H T TA S C H R I S W E B B

i Chris. Can you tell us about all the new technologies you are introducing to Senior College students in the next 12 months?

The college has recently invested in many new items of cutting-edge technology, adding to students’ learning experiences. These include vinyl cutters, laser cutters and a range of digital imaging equipment. The vinyl cutter can be used to produce both vinyl and paper products from a graphic image. The laser cutter is exciting, as it allows for cutting and etching into materials ranging from fabric and leather through to timber, plastics and even metal. The equipment purchased for digital imaging subjects includes digital cameras for both still and high-quality video, GoPro action cameras, image stabilisers and audio recording equipment.

Video and photography have continued to grow in application across all courses.

How will these acquisitions help create future pathways for graduates of Senior College?

This equipment is being used across a range of courses to allow students to experience the use of these tools in project-based scenarios. These technologies are not course specific and are available to enrolled students across all courses. By incorporating these into existing coursework and projects, students gain a better understanding of how to use this equipment, but also the possibilities of its use in other areas and industries.

How much access do students have to all these amazing pieces of equipment?

Teachers are steadily being trained in the use of this equipment and encouraged to pass this knowledge on to their students. Some equipment requires specific training and supervision. Training opportunities will be made available to students either through normal class time or through advertised sessions after school. Other equipment has been added to the loan bank available to students through the Student Learning Centre.

How do you ensure they are future ready for the world we see emerging, and what types of industries do you see using these sorts of tools?

These tools allow students to become creators of content and products, instead of merely consumers. Moving the use of technology beyond a printed document opens boundaries to students. We have already seen students using these tools in ways we have not even considered. It has also encouraged students to delve further into the use of other technologies and encouraged deeper learning.

Students looking to join any industries that rely upon users to create a product using information technology will benefit from this experience.

W

hat makes completing Marine Studies at Coffs Harbour Senior College a smart idea?

The course we offer would not be possible without the support of local businesses like Jetty Dive, Coffs Marina and commercial boat owners in Coffs Harbour. In addition, our location at Hogbin Drive on a campus that we share with TAFE and Southern Cross Uni provides access to a broader range of resources and experiences. We also run a week-long excursion to the University of Queensland Heron Island Research Station. Students can snorkel, SCUBA and interact with the environment, whilst engaging in research projects with the aid of university staff.

How is Marine Studies delivered at Coffs Harbour Senior College?

At the Senior College there is a unique slant on the way students engage with Marine Studies. It’s very much about gaining qualifications that make the students employable in the Maritime Industry. Students initially gain their Open Water SCUBA certification through Jetty Dive. At the same time, they attend TAFE and obtain their Certificate 1 in Maritime Operations. This enables them to enter the Maritime Industry as a Deckhand. Students also gain a First Aid Certificate. As a result, students achieve four non ATAR units toward their HSC. Many students go on to complete Advanced SCUBA qualifications and continue at TAFE to complete their Certificate II in Maritime Operations and gain their Coxswain Certificate.

What sort of pathways are guiding students’ reasoning for completing Marine Studies?

The Maritime and Marine Industries provide many opportunities for employment and travel. Students who have studied Marine at the Senior College have been successful gaining employment in ecotourism, as boating and diving operators and managers at resorts.

Students have gone on to become SCUBA guides and instructors.

Some students have actively pursued Hospitality with Marine Studies at school, to place them in a better position to obtain employment on cruise ships and live-aboard diving and surfing expeditions in Australia and overseas. Ex-students have done stints skippering water taxis and Sydney ferries. Students have also used their qualifications as a stepping stone to university to further their studies in Marine Sciences or Tourism.

Hi Mike and Lindsay (Jetty Dive). How important are courses like this for students at Senior College, and where can it take them in their future?

Being able to SCUBA dive pairs well with the variety of future courses in the marine world. Students can become anything from a SCUBA diving instructor, marine biologist and even a scientific diver, which we also teach at Jetty Dive Centre. Lachlan Clark a past Senior College Marine Studies student, has just become a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor in April this year. We find these courses are very important to the students, as it teaches them several key life skills, like being independent, mastering technology, and concentration, whilst encouraging them to be responsible by attending a course outside of the college itself.

Coffs Coast focus 65

focus_education

W I T H B D C P R I N C I PA L N I C K J O H N S TO N E

E D U C A T I O N

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T R A I N I N G

Talent Incubators

Innovation in schooling is occurring at an exciting pace. In my school alone, we have a STEAM Hub, sporting academies, a High Performance Program, a School of Music, a Hospitality Trade Training Centre, a school café and coffee van run by students; we also have a strong student voice in curriculum design and development. We consider ourselves to be innovative, adaptable and set our students up to be world prepared.

S

chools have always been creative educational environments. They have taken this idea from the entrepreneurial world. They use the startup mentality to develop programs and practices and generally, parents want to send their children to schools that are innovative and globally connected.

The next step in education will focus on specialist schooling programs that become incubators of talent development. They will focus on building competencies that can then lead to emerging expertise. The long-term goal for these talent incubators is to prepare students for path-breaking careers, small business opportunities and online entrepreneurialism.

Adolescent students, in particular, have a

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66 Coffs Coast focus

F E A T U R E

societal focus on health, welfare and image achieve those goals by providing small group and development. individual face-to-face instruction to students These types of schooling structures have been who are struggling with the material. trialled in a number of locations around the Templestowe College, in the outer suburbs of world and are under scrutiny, looking at their Melbourne, uses a total individualised learning educational outcomes and career pathways. plan program. Their students do not have year The aptly named The Incubator School levels but have a 100% selection process for is located in the heart of Silicon Beach, Los their 150 electives. Students must complete basic Angeles’ startup ecosystem. This school’s literacy and numeracy units before they are able mission is to launch the entrepreneurial teams to join the elective pool. Templestowe uses this of tomorrow by building student selection to drive a culture of self-starting. their talent incubator ideals.

To engage students in The college is now in its managing themselves and ninth year of restructured The Incubator School’s their own learning, the and reimagined education. learning pathways school uses gamification, One Templestowe policy I embrace technologya school economy, and particularly find inspirational based learning, learning dashboards. is the “Yes Is The Default project-based learning, The Incubator School’s Policy”. If any student, staff game-based learning, learning pathways member or parent has a and socio-emotional embrace technologysuggestion, the answer learning. based learning, projecthas to be “YES”, unless it based learning, gametakes too much time, too based learning, and much money, or negatively socio-emotional learning. The school is now impacts someone else. in its sixth year of operation and has about 50 Both of these schools run outside the normal students. Students spend the first third of each and require special exemptions to function. My school day learning Mathematics and English take-home message for this article is, education online. The school gives students access to a full is changing, it is exciting and I encourage you to suite of online curriculum providers and allows speak with your school about what innovative them to choose how they progress through projects and programs they are working on. the material. Teachers work with students to Talent incubators are happening, and they are set challenges and goals and then help them only getting better.

E D U C A T I O N

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T R A I N I N G

F E A T U R E

Nic Delves, Sarah Townsend and Joseph Carrall will be competing in the ETC Apprentice of the Year Grand Final Cook-Off on 11th July.

EDUCAIION TRAINING F O C U S

F E A T U R E

Rookie Chefs COOKING UP A STORM!

TRENDZ Beauty & Training The Coffs Harbour campus of Trendz Beauty & Training is offering a range of courses to provide a number of beauty industry career pathways.

Now in a new location at 1/25 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour, Trendz Beauty & Training is offering qualifications catering for all levels from Certificate II, right through to Diploma.

Better still, concessions are available through Smart & Skilled to assist eligible students cover costs.

Payment plans are also available.

With funding available to assist disadvantaged learners such as early school leavers, or those who might need to learn at their own pace or with extra support for literacy and numeracy, Trendz Beauty & Training is now offering an innovative range of beauty pathway programs.

Courses starting in July include the Diploma of Beauty Therapy, Certificate III in Nail Technology, as well as associated Pathway Programs.

A range of short courses are also available

for those wishing to learn new skills, or as professional development for those already in the beauty industry wishing to upskill.

Courses such as Provide Lash and Brow Treatments, Provide Manicure and Pedicare

Looking to start an Apprentice Chef?

Do yourself a favour; check out ETC’s Yes Chef Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship Program.

Unlike other Apprenticeship models, ETC’s Yes Chef Apprenticeship program is tailored to your individual business needs and offers the following benefits: • Training and Assessment is delivered in the workplace. We come to you! So no more having to send your staff offsite for training one day per week.

• We offer rolling intakes, so your Apprentices can start at any time.

• You decide what areas of training your Apprentice most needs, including access to specialised workshops.

• Select your own Apprentice or recruit from ETC’s pool of Pre-Apprentice trained students.

• Employer incentives of up to $5,000 may be available.

To find out more, contact ETC’s Ingrid Johansen on 0447 162 970 or visit www.etcltd.com.au/innprogram/yes-chef/ Three Apprentice Chefs will by vying for the title of ETC Apprentice of the Year during a public cook-off competition to be held at Coffs Central Shopping Centre from 11am - 1pm on Thursday 11th July.

Sarah Townsend, an Apprentice Chef with Club Taree, is looking forward to showing off her culinary skills in the cook-off.

Representing the Coffs Coast is Nicholas Delves, a second year Apprentice with The Hilltop Store in Sawtell.

Joseph Carrall outcooked his competitors at the North Coast final to secure a place in the Grand Final, and he will be out to impress his employer - Lismore Bounty Motel.

Make sure you come along and vote for your favourite chef on the day.

Services, Spray Tanning and Lash Extensions, provide a great opportunity for existing business owners or salon professionals to expand their services.

Of course, our clinic days are still a highlight, so go to our Facebook page for all the latest on days and particular services that are on offer. facebook.com/Trendzbeautyandtrainingcoffsharbour/ Come and see us at 1/25 Vernon Street,

Yes

ETC’s

COMMERCIAL COOKERY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Coffs Harbour, ring (02) 6516 2238, or check out the website at www.trendz.edu.au

Flexible Rolling intakes Training & Assessment delivered in the workplace.

We come to you!

Starting in July SHB30315 SHB50115

Certificate III Nail Technology Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Pathway programs also available - enquire now

Call 6516 2238 Trendz Beauty & Training admin@trendz.edu.au

Salon Services

You decide what areas of training your Apprentice most needs.

Employer incentives

Select your own Apprentice or recruit from our pool of candidates.

$5,000

up to

may be available

available by appointment

1/25 Vernon Street Coffs Harbour

www.trendz.edu.au

NSW Smart & Skilled Concessions apply - Call to check your eligibility RTO 90315

Contact Ingrid Johansen on 0447 162 970 or visit etcltd.com.au Coffs Coast focus 67

68 Coffs Coast focus

Motor mouth rating

Motormouth with Carl Bennett from Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast

9.5/10

Mercedes-Benz 2019

MERCEDES-BENZ COFFS COAST IS NOW HOME TO THE ALL-NEW 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-CLASS OF LARGE LUXURY SUVS.

T

he new range is not only sporting a fresh new look with advanced technology, it now comes with the option of third row seating, making it the perfect car for families big and small ... Not to mention the evolution of the MBUX voice-controlled cockpit.

Three models are currently available in the range, GLE300d, GLE400d and GLE450. AMG Variants GLE53 and 63 will become available in 2020.

Under the hood, the new GLE comes with a choice of three engine variants mated with a nine-speed 4matic (AWD) automatic transmission, along with active acceleration, braking and steering and Trailer Manoeuvring Assist (great for first time towers, or those who don’t tow often!).

Standard Features include Head up Display, Electric and Heated Front Seats, Driver Assistance Package, Active Distance Assist (Distronic), Active Braking with Cross Traffic Function, Active Lane Change Assist, Multibeam LED Headlights, Illuminated Running Boards, Keyless Go and Handsfree Access.

Also featured in the new GLE is the MBUX

multimedia system, overhangs, a compact The MBUX system is a with a 12.3” digital front fascia - certainly breeze to use with voice instrument cluster and masks the growth commands. By simply saying 12.3” touchscreen spurt in the flesh, but “Hey Mercedes …” centre display with FM/ the benefits to interior you can control the AM Radio, Smartphone temperature, radio spaciousness are far Integration, USB and station, interior lighting more obvious once you Satellite Navigation. Also colour, navigation and climb inside. built within this system even the sun-blind.

First-row spaciousness is a 360 Degree Camera, is about the same, with with a crystal clear just a little extra shoulder picture, one of the best room, but the second I’ve seen. row is where the upsize pays off. Increased The MBUX system is a breeze to use with space all round, including approximately 64 voice commands. By simply saying, “Hey mm of extra leg room, makes this row feel Mercedes …” you can control the temperature, almost limousine-like. radio station, interior lighting colour, navigation Electric adjustment (on seven seat variants) and even the sun-blind. for the sliding second-row opens up generous The exterior of the new GLE has improved space for passengers, and varies boot space packaging and added practicality. Being larger between 630L and 825 L, or 2,055 L with all in every measure outside other than the roof seats stowed.

Clever packaging of the folding height, the most significant upsizing has been third row means cargo capacity is the same the overall length (up a whopping 105mm) and wheelbase (80 mm) compared with moderate stretching elsewhere.

The conservative and evolutionary approach to exterior design - familiar proportions, short

as the five-seater when tucked away, and a storage compartment for the cargo blind keeps it hidden when all seats are deployed. Kids in

PRICING GLE300 d 4MATIC 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder, 180 kW, 500 Nm direct-injection, turbocharged diesel MRLP $99,990 inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

GLE450 4MATIC 2,999 cc, 6-cylinder, 270 kW, 500 Nm 48 V EQ Boost, Petrol MRLP $111,700 Inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

GLE400 d 4MATIC 2,927cc, 6-cylinder, 243 kW, 700 Nm Direct-injection, turbocharged Diesel MRLP $118,500 Inc GST & LCT Excludes Onroads & Options

Options Seat Comfort Package Vision Package AMG Line AMG Spot Package Comfort Package Luxury Seat Package Night Package 3 years Unlimited km Warranty and 3 years Roadside.

For more information, call the team from Mercedes Benz Coffs Coast on (02) 6648 3577.

the third row get USB ports and cup holders.

Coffs Coast focus 69

focusinterview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative

DICKSON M A S C OT T E S O LU T I O N S

T

ell us how you came to call the beautiful Coffs Coast home?

In 2011, my wife, Mandy and I were living in Canberra and hanging for a beach holiday away from our icy capital. Our criteria for a destination? Within a day’s drive of Canberra and as close to the beach as we could get. We stumbled across a little studio apartment on the beach in Sawtell and fell in love! We returned the following year and spent each holiday dreaming of living there. When our work commitments in Canberra came to an end in September of 2013, we didn’t even hesitate with our decision to move to the Coffs Coast. The Thrifty truck was loaded up, and we hit the road for sunny Sawtell and haven’t looked back!

Your business, Mascotte Solutions, has been running for a few years now. What services do you provide?

We are an audio visual and licensed security company. We supply and install TVs, sound systems, projectors, CCTV and alarm systems.

I’m a licenced Master Cabler, which allows me to install copper and fibre optic data networks, wi-fi systems, build racks and fix the spaghetti cabling behind your desk or TV - I’ve even created the prototype for a CableTidy to help hide cables. In addition, we work closely with homeowners, builders and businesses to design, install and commission systems that are suited specifically to the end-user’s needs. Our 70 Coffs Coast focus

clients are spread out from Taree to Dorrigo, throughout the greater Coffs Coast and up to Yamba.

How did you get into that work?

In my late twenties, I did an aptitude test with a recruitment company. They sent me to an audio-visual company for an interview, and I got the job. The rest, as they say, is history!

From the first day, when I was thrown in the deep end of home automation, I was hooked.

I’d voluntarily spend 12-hour days at work, just so I could learn as much as I could. And after 20 years, I am still just as passionate about audio visual as day one!

What motivates you on a daily basis?

Hands down, seeing the customer’s face light up when I turn on their new audio-visual system for the first time! I don’t turn things on as I go; I wait until right at the end, so that I can provide that “wow factor”! Whether it’s a complete automation system, or a flat screen TV on a wall without a single cable in sight - I get such a kick when a client is blown away by their new toys.

What do you think have been the best forms of marketing for your business to date?

While we use Facebook and Instagram to showcase what we can do, our most effective marketing tool is definitely word or mouth.

And it goes back to that “wow factor” for the customer - which they in turn provide to their friends and family. Our second most effective marketing tool really deserves a mention here

Customer experience is paramount to any business especially a small business in a small city. Without happy

too - my trusty Van of our customer service Steel! Plastered with experience, workmanship customers, business a superman-ish look and after-sales service. would dry up pretty graphic which depicts We have also aligned quickly. We pride the Mascotte Solutions ourselves with suppliers ourselves on our customer logo, it draws some who value the same service experience, attention on and off the attributes and go the workmanship and afterroad. I have often been extra mile for us, which sales service. We have also approached at my van we can extend to our aligned ourselves with suppliers for a chat about what I customers. who value the same attributes and can offer, which has led Living on the Coffs go the extra mile for us, which we to new business.

Coast is magic; what can extend to our customers.

What trends are are your favourite you seeing in your things to do here? industry?

Soaking up the café Technology is an culture of Sawtell, intricate part of our lives nowadays. The hanging out in the village under the iconic demand for bigger and better is what keeps fig trees is really such a tranquil way to the industry, and technophiles like me, on spend a Sunday afternoon. Sunsets from the our toes. Many will say that technology is Sawtell headland, exploring some of the most becoming simpler; however, I would say that spectacular uncrowded beaches, the rainforests, it is just becoming more user-friendly. Behind the waterfalls … I could go on for days. A the scenes, in order to create the illusion of standout for us would definitely have to be the simplicity, the setups are becoming more friendly faces we see wherever we go - so many complex. This ties in with my passion for this people here take the time for a chat and to get industry - I am constantly challenged into to know one another. It’s something to truly learning newer and more sophisticated systems, appreciate here when compared to the hustle in order to keep up with developments. and bustle of the big city, where everyone How important is customer experience in seems in a rush to get somewhere else. your business and why?

What’s your life motto?

Customer experience is paramount to any Find happiness in what you do. If you’re no business - especially a small business in a small longer happy, learn something new, go on an city. Without happy customers, business would adventure and find what makes you happy. dry up pretty quickly. We pride ourselves on Thanks Scott.

focus_tech

WITH GAVIN MORONEY

Tech Head

Coffs Harbour Camera House

H

XRITE COLOR CHECKER

ave you ever taken a photo and looked at the back of the camera to find something is off, or have gone to print an image and wondered why it “just doesn’t look right?” Well, chances are it’s the colour. Every camera manufacturer sees colour differently and how colour is processed is completely different from one camera to the next. To make things worse, even lens selection can make slight alterations in the final results.

That is why colour management should be an important part of any photographer’s workflow; there is the option to use a grey card, or white balancing in a camera can get you close. A colour profiler system like X-Rite’s Color Checker Passport is probably one of the best ways to get the most accurate colours out of your camera and your images.

The Color Checker passport is a pocket sized colour checker that has multiple colour and grey targets housed in one hard plastic case.

Each square is individually colored using a solid tone to produce pure, flat, rich colour, without dots or mixed tints. Because they are industry standards, in a nutshell it should not matter what camera you are holding when shooting the same scenes in the same light, because the Color Checker Passport software will calibrate colours to match these patches.

The way it is used is by holding the colorchecker in front of a subject in the first

run of shots you take, then putting it straight into the back pocket. If you feel the light has changed and you may need to get a new reading, just quickly pull out the Color Checker, take a shot, and you’re off shooting again.

The magic really happens when you get back into post production. The software that comes with the Color Checker will create a profile for you in lightroom and with a simple click of the button, it will calibrate your shot based off its reading of the Color Checker - and like magic, you have the perfect white balance and colours throughout the image. All you need to do next is apply the same profile to every image shot in the same light, and that headache of dealing with colour goes away.

The real upside of using the Color Checker is if you have multiple shooters at an event or wedding, you could do this with several cameras and as long as you do a target shot at the start of shooting in the same general lighting, you will produce perfect colour profiles with ease and have all the images match exactly, as if they were the same camera.

To be honest, 90% of my headaches in photography have had to do with colour even to the point of changing systems - so this is definitely something to consider for the working professional or hobbyist.

If you would like to find out more about Xrite’s line of products, head down and see the amazing staff at Camera House Coffs Harbour.

Why do printed photos look different from what I see on my camera or my phone?

This is quite simple - they should not look different, unless your original photo needed enhancement because of bad lighting or some other error.

Many photos are printed automatically, so the output is dependent on the quality of your photo and the management of the photo printer. In this case, a photo that requires some enhancement or that is not mainstream in colour and exposure, like a normal daylight photo taken in good light of a normal scene, will likely look worse than your expectations.

When you submit your photos to Coffs Camera House for printing, our staff review every image to be printed, so you have the advantage of an experienced photo printer adjusting overall colour and exposure to make your photo prints reflect your expectations of how the image appeared to you and what excited you to take the photo. Classic examples of this are photos of snow, or of a cyclone with low cloud and dull light - in both cases, the prints will appear dull and flat with unmanaged printing, but will appear bright and vivid with managed printing from Camera House. Waterfalls at midday and people on stage in a spotlight are also images that need help from experienced photo printing staff.

This is our minimum standard - fully managed printing for every photograph printed.

Professional and advanced enthusiast photographers expect even more colour management from their photo printer. In this case, photographers work on their images in photo programs like Photoshop and have very high expectations of colour management. In this environment, the important factors are the accuracy of the photographer’s computer screen and the method of saving the file for printing. Most computer screens do not reflect colour accurately and need to be standardised to international colour standards for repeatable colour accuracy.

Camera House provide tools and training for managing your screen’s colour for repeatable accuracy anywhere in the world, assuming the photo printer is run by a professional.

For the serious photographer who requires absolute colour accuracy like reproductions of artwork or other colour sensitive applications, we not only need a profiled computer screen and a profiled print output, we also need a camera profile.

At Camera House we have the equipment and the training to create camera profiles for the utmost colour accuracy for your camera.

If you value the images that you want printed, Camera House will improve your amateur holiday snaps, print enthusiast produced images as the photographer created that image and can produce extreme colour accuracy for those high end photographers committed to the best image they can create.

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Coffs Coast P R O P E R T Y

72 Coffs Coast focus

G U I D E

focusAbode.

I N G E N I A

T

Plantations

If you’re thinking about downsizing and you’re unsure of what the best option for you is, don’t worry; you’re not alone.

he Downsizing Decision Australia is experiencing a tidal wave of over 55s considering their future and making the best downsizing decision to suit their personal preferences. And with a variety of options to choose from, it’s important for downsizers to compare the housing alternatives and consider what’s best.

Age-in-place, move in with family, private rental, apartment living, purchase a property

or build a new house and land package, lifestyle communities or the traditional retirement village / aged care model all come with pros and cons for each individual.

A new option that’s gaining a strong foothold in the over 55s lifestyle living marketplace is the land lease ownership housing model, which allows active seniors to downsize earlier while increasing their disposable income to indulge other lifestyle pursuits.

Land lease living introduces a whole new housing concept to over 55s that’s suitable for all types of downsizers, whether they’re still working or already enjoying their golden years.

The innovative model has seen an increase in popularity in recent years, with leading property developers, such as Ingenia Lifestyle, committed to delivering a more attractive, affordable and sustainable housing model for Australia’s downsizers.

Ingenia Chief Operating Officer, Nikki Fisher,

said a major contributor to the improvement in the lifestyle for the over 55s has been the ability to downsize their family home and free up hundreds and thousands of dollars in equity trapped in such a large asset.

“Our clients then purchase a more suitable brand new home in an Ingenia Lifestyle community, the majority of times up to half of the median average house price in the region, and residents then lease the land without having to pay stamp duty on the transaction.

AN OVER 55s SEA AND TREE CHANGE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD!

ARTIST IMPRESSION ONLY

Come and discover Plantations – a sparkling new community and a fantastic lifestyle on your doorstep. Downsize, free up more time, money and enjoy your new way of life. Now is a great opportunity to view our first stage release and inspect our display village featuring a selection of architecturally-designed homes. Experience the Ingenia difference!

• No exit fees • No stamp duty • No strata levies

• Rent assistance available, if eligible • Keep 100% of capital gain

BRAND NEW HOMES NOW SELLING FROM $349,000* Call 0448 714 021 or visit liveinwoolgoolga.com.au *Prices are correct at time of printing and subject to change

19-GBD-0399

Open daily from 10am to 2pm at 11 McIntosh Cr, Woolgoolga or drop into our display suite at Coffs Central.

Coffs Coast focus 73

focusAbode.

“Additionally, adding to the simplicity and transparency of the land lease model, if or when it comes time to leave, there are no exit/ DMF fees, no sharing of capital gains and no refurbishment fees that you’d normally find in a retirement village,” Nikki said.

The success of the model has positioned Ingenia as Australia’s leading developer in land lease communities, while creating a more sustainable future for those considering their retirement options.

“We’re thrilled to be evolving the land lease model into gold-class lifestyle resorts with multi-million dollar clubhouses set within master planned streetscapes and sub-tropical gardens, along with architect-designed homes, stunning

74 Coffs Coast focus

Whether you choose a two or

facades and wellownership model is an three bedroom home, you’ll thought out interiors. affordable way to own your experience a great sense “Ingenia Lifestyle own home and experience of space and openness, understands our clients lifestyle living with a with raked ceilings and seamless have spent a lifetime difference,” Nikki said. indoor/outdoor connections from working hard, raising STOP WORK AND START your living room to the stunning a family and paying YOUR SEA CHANGE private alfresco areas. off the mortgage, and The sea change lifestyle now they’re putting is hitting an all-time high, themselves first and with downsizers moving starting to do more of to popular coastal regions what they love. and, from all reports, now’s the time to jump on “Many of them love the fact they can simply this “mega-trend” while conditions are perfect. start a new hobby, enjoy keeping fit or grow Social analyst, Mark McCrindle, says their social networks within the community.

Australia’s suburbs are undergoing significant “Ingenia Lifestyle’s unique land lease transformation, with people moving across

more communities than ever before, including downsizers seeking a sea change.

And the advice is to consider making the lifestyle change sooner, rather than leaving the move too late.

Setting an exciting new benchmark in over 55s lifestyle living, and recording strong interest and sales is Plantations by Ingenia Lifestyle, located within the seaside town of Woolgoolga.

Project Sales Manager, Terry Ronan, said the demand for coastal living is on the rise, with the majority of deposit holders coming from within the Coffs Harbour region.

“Local downsizers have snapped up 96% of the first release of homes, taking advantage of purchasing a brand new home, which are now

focusAbode.

selling from just $395,000.

“To help answer the demand, we expect the next stage release of homes to be available in June to cater for the growing demand,” Terry said.

The architect-designed homes complement the relaxing coastal location and take into account the feedback received from community engagement conducted in the early stages of the planning and development.

“Whether you choose a two or three bedroom home, you’ll experience a great sense of space and openness, with raked ceilings and seamless indoor/outdoor connections from your living room to the stunning private alfresco areas.

“With the North Coast enjoying an idyllic

year-round climate, Plantations will be perfect for those seeking a relaxed sea change lifestyle,” Terry said.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL Big changes to infrastructure and development in Coffs Harbour has opened up more avenues to local over 55s looking to downsize earlier than planned, while still remaining connected to the community they love.

The introduction of the $75 million lifestyle community, Plantations, joins a range of new infrastructure and development projects in the region, resulting in stronger employment and a healthy real estate market, creating perfect conditions for downsizers.

Long-time resident and Plantations Project Sales Manager, Terry Ronan, has lived and worked in Coffs Harbour for the past 26 years and can attest to the positive changes.

“Our region is experiencing a strong population growth, which is great for downsizers looking to sell their homes.

“The majority of clients are locals, and it’s been encouraging to see how many of them can still enjoy the connection to their existing lifestyle here in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga.

They love the area, as it’s been a big part of their lives.

“It’s also been an exciting time to work at Ingenia Lifestyle and bring the land lease model into the area, as it is Australia’s new alternative to seniors living,” Terry said.

With housing affordability a growing concern on the north coast of New South Wales and front-of-mind for many over 55s, the new lifestyle community is a welcome addition to the area, where buyers are seeking to minimise their financial risks as they pursue downsizing options.

Another big part of educating Coffs Harbour clients about lifestyle living is seeing them get excited about the new and attractive offering of living within a community of like-minded friends.

“When you create connection to community with your people, it is good for the soul.

“Living a longer, healthier and happier life was the inspiration for the vision we have for Plantations.”

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focusAbode.

It’s so exciting to see them

explore new opportunities and live life like they’ve always dreamed, with more freedom, health and wellness, happiness and a “Our gold class clubhouse takes pride of place as the social centrepiece and hub of the vibrant community life, with pool, spa, gym, sports bar, games, hobby and activities rooms and spaces, cinema and library.

“Their greatest challenge will be deciding how much to fit in to each day.

“They’re so active and independent, they’re even stepping their lifestyle up a notch with the purchase of a new caravan to lock up and leave on a road trip around Australia or head away on an extended overseas holiday.

“It’s so exciting to see them explore new opportunities and live life like they’ve always dreamed, with more freedom, health and wellness, happiness and a home of their own within a safe and secure community,” Terry said.

ECSTATIC DOWNSIZERS JUMP AT THE

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home of their own within a safe

I N G E N I A

CHANCE TO RESERVE things we had hoped to and secure community.

RESORT LIVING do in retirement, such Coffs Harbour as caravanning around downsizers are Australia and holidaying securing their overseas. future sooner than planned with Ingenia “The security that comes with living in a Lifestyle’s new gold class lifestyle community, community such as Plantations gives us peace Plantations. of mind about being able leave our home and Soon-to-be residents Brian and Diane travel whenever we want to.

Greenwood said they were thrilled to be able “Our desired home will have everything to view the plans for Plantations early thanks we need - two-bedrooms, open plan living to registering with the First Choice Club, and a big alfresco dining area out the back, which secured them priority access to select which will be perfect for when we entertain their preferred home design. something I love to do,” Diane said.

“The home prices in Plantations are so The opening of the Display Home Village affordable - I am beyond excited. comes as the first Plantations residents move “We have been in love with the in, with approximately 40 more residents development since day one - the price means expected to settle into their new homes by we will have extra money to fund all the July 2019.

Plantations Woolgoolga locals and Plantations

residents, Stan and Di Purnell, moved into the over 55s lifestyle community in May, becoming the first residents to call Plantations home.

“The process of building our home exceeded our expectations; any issues we faced were addressed straight away, and the team’s professionalism was flawless.

“We have already had plenty of opportunities to meet our future neighbours through Ingenia’s events - it’s been nice to be able to put a name to a face and get to know everyone before they move in,” Stan said.

For more information, please contact the team at Plantations at www.liveinwoolgoolga.com.au or contact Terry Ronan on 0448 714 021.

PLANTATIONS IN WOOLGOOLA OFFERS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST RESORT LIVING Plantations is brought to you by Ingenia Lifestyle Star Collection, a contemporary gold class resort, offering a perfect combination of beautiful new homes surrounded by subtropical gardens. It’s a downsizing dream, with plenty of space, plenty of company, and plenty to do.

Best of all, an Ingenia gold class lifestyle is very affordable. Unlike many retirement communities, Ingenia has no stamp duty when you buy, no exit fees if you ever decide to sell, and you’ll keep 100% of any capital gain.

It’s a simple and fair structure that gives you

The many facets of a Plantations lifestyle can sparkle with those moments you have

worked so hard for and anticipated in retirement -

choice, control and moments filled with contentment, flexibility. No wonder laughter, pride in a gorgeous home, it’s the fastest growing delight in luxurious facilities, good choice for downsizers company, and new ventures. It’s in Australia. where finding the life you love is You will also have more than you imagined. peace of mind that if you require any support and care in the future, the unique and innovative Ingenia Care Assist program is there for you - a care concierge that delivers on your terms in your home.

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Forty Winks Coffs Harbour With nearly 20 years servicing the Coffs Coast, Forty Winks is a well-established Coffs Harbour business, locally owned and priding themselves on being the only local bedding specialists who are serious about sleep.

FOCUS chatted with Sam and his team, to find out more …

Sam, can you tell us what Forty Winks specialises in and what sets you apart from other bedding stores? At Forty Winks we are the bedding specialists serious about finding the right mattress for everybody. With the largest range of sleep surfaces in Coffs Harbour, our exclusive BedMatch system, and trained bedding specialists, we are confident our team will be able to help anyone find a seriously good night’s sleep.

Whether you are looking for a budget

conscious mattress for the spare room or the most luxuriously plush super king sized mattress that will have you never wanting to leave your bed, we have you covered.

Thanks to our relationships with the bedding manufacturers in Australia that have spanned over decades, we are able to offer the widest range of both brands and models, with each and every one on display for you to come in and enjoy.

Why is getting the right mattress so important? On average we are in bed for a third of our life, so by the time you’re 60 years old, you’ve spent 20 years in bed. So, why shouldn’t we strive for the best while we sleep?

Why do we tolerate second best when it comes to something that has such an impact on our daily lives?

“Friend l from t y advice he you kn faces ow...”

www.parkbeachhomebase.com.au PACIFIC HIGHWAY NORTH, COFFS HARBOUR | Plus 15 lifestyle brands

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OPEN 7 DAYS

focus real estate

AMANDA LANGLANDS FROM LANGLANDS PROPERTY

real estate update.

Is your property loan about to change from Interest Only? If so, what are your options? Creating a strong financial position increases your strength in the real estate market for long term investing and profiting in property.

A

round 200,000 interest only loans rates on offer. are set to revert to principal and Build up your cash buffer interest by 2020, according to Whether it’s minor lifestyle changes or a major estimates by the Reserve Bank of overhaul of your financial situation, using the Australia. next year or two to build your cash buffer is a Extending your interest only loan may not be smart move, especially if you’ve been aggressively an option for all borrowers, so what steps can pursuing a negative gearing strategy. you take to prepare for the switch?

Can you increase your rent?

Your bank may not extend your interest only Reducing your spending and living expenses term. alone may not be enough Banks are to reduce to prepare for the switch interest only approvals, back standard home loan because they want more repayments. One possible borrowers to be paying solution would be to increase Many people who have down the principal on the rent on one or two of decided to pay a higher their loans. your properties. Make sure rate are typically at the The most common your tenant can afford the early stages of building reason you may be increase; don’t lose a great their portfolio, with a 10 declined is that you tenant for the increase.

- 20 year plan. However, it don’t meet the bank’s may not be in your best interest to Reduce and consolidate new serviceability pay a high rate for an interest only your existing debt. requirements, especially If you find that the switch loan if you’re planning to sell the for interest only loans from interest only to principal property in three - five years. coming to the end of a and interest will put you a five-year term. tight financial position, look A lot has changed with lending policies in the at reducing any high interest loans or credit card past five years. balances. Consolidating debt when reverting Other lenders may still be able to help. to the new loan could give a stronger financial A specialist lender may still approve your position. interest only loan where a major bank declines Last resort: consider selling a property. your application. You may potentially be charged If you own more then one property and your a higher interest rate. Many people who have predicting tight cash flow when your investment decided to pay a higher rate are typically at the loans revert, you may want to look at selling early stages of building their portfolio, with a one of your properties. It’s important to consider 10 - 20 year plan. However, it may not be in your current market conditions for your local area and best interest to pay a high rate for an interest use a reliable and trustworthy real estate adviser. only loan if you’re planning to sell the property in Seek advice early, so you are not making any three - five years. reactive decisions when selling a property; you Switching to principal and interest earlier. don’t want to be selling in a pressured position.

Not qualifying for another interest only term To maximise the sale price, a strategic plan is not the end of the world. You may be better needs to be put in place with consultation from off making the switch to principal and interest your real estate agent, accountant and financial now, depending on your goals and investment adviser. Please phone our office for a free strategy. There are some attractive lower interests consultation: 6651 2822.

Thursday 2pm-6pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm or by appointment

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INTEGRITY N E W

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T Wayne Frank took over Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast in April 2018; Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast has been a local builder on the Coffs Coast for more than 10 years. They are looking to expand the brand into custom builds that will encompass steep and difficult sites and one-off designs. FOCUS chatted with Wayne, to find out more about the business.

ell us about your team and their area of expertise?

Integrity New homes Coffs Coast has a great team of professionals that include cutting edge building designers, engineers, draftsmen, estimators and interior colour consultants. Onsite we have Wayne (myself) co-ordinating trades that are hand picked for your house construction. We involve the owners in the build and listen to their requests and apply these into their new homes.

What services do Integrity Homes Coffs Coast provide?

Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast is a complete one stop business that offers all design, consultation and build under the one

roof. We walk with you through the design process, whether it’s your plan, one of our many designs from our extensive design library, or custom designing your own home that suits both your land and lifestyle requirements.

Tell us about some of the new, exciting projects you are working on now and in the future.

Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast has recently completed a lovely house in beautiful Valla Beach in well under the specified contract time. We are also completing a beautiful elevated custom designed home on a steep site in Newee Creek, and we are close to signing contracts on a number of other homes in both Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour.

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We were chosen to complete the first stage of the Nambucca Heads SLSC refurbishment; we are also providing the DA drawings for the next stage. We are very proud of our community give back schemes. Integrity new Homes Coffs Coast is currently working on a lovely subdivision in beautiful Nambucca Heads on the river, which will offer a custom designed duplex and townhouse development on an appealing flat location.

What are the stand out features or the benefits of building with Integrity Homes Coffs Coast?

WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF CUSTOM HOMES IN OUR DESIGN LIBRARY AND INHOUSE DESIGNERS THAT ALLOW US TO CUSTOM DESIGN YOUR HOME TO YOUR PARTICULAR BLOCK OF LAND.

Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast is customer and quality focused. When you build with us, our owner is our builder and is always involved in the build, talking to owners and supervising trades to guarantee your build quality. Integrity New homes Coffs Coast offers a Lifetime Structural Guarantee, which is a great benefit for owners. We have hundreds of custom homes in our design library and in-house designers that allow us to custom design your home to your particular block of land.

The (new) team at Integrity Homes Coffs Coast is firmly committed to giving our clients a pleasurable build and welcoming them into our family; our clients become our friends. We choose our subcontractors wisely - they are respectful, tidy, and good at their job. We firmly believe in looking after

Independent Franchisee of the Wet-seal System (”Wet-seal Franchisee”):

Wet-seal

R

“Your Waterproofing Specialists”

Leading the way in Waterproofing fully compliant exclusive complete waterproofing systems

Showers, Bathrooms & Laundries Balconies & Decks Retaining Walls Planter Boxes, Ponds, etc External Joint Sealing

Stoddart Group is the often unseen but everpresent backbone of the construction of a new home.

Matt & Katrina Kennedy

Are proud to be associated with

Integrity New Homes

STEEL FRAMING ROOFING ENERGY CLADDING GARAGE DOORS

Contact Matt or Katrina Today Coffs Coast Franchisees

0418 656 129 E: coffscoast@wet-seal.ws Isa Mad Waterproofer Pty Ltd - Lic. No. 267967C

www.wet-seal.com.au 82 Coffs Coast focus

1800 025 081

BRANZ Appraised Appraisal No.655 [2013] Appraisal No.788 [2012]

stoddartgroup.com.au

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our subcontractors, as they are our front line and the ones who ultimately bring your new home to fruition without unnecessary drama.

What makes you stand out above your competitors?

Integrity New homes Coffs Coast offers a quality home at affordable prices; we design your home to your block. We genuinely care about every client, whether they build a stock home or top end custom designed home.

We build homes that we would be happy to live in. Customer service, quality at affordable

WE FIRMLY BELIEVE IN LOOKING AFTER OUR SUBCONTRACTORS, AS THEY ARE OUR FRONT LINE AND THE ONES WHO ULTIMATELY BRING YOUR NEW HOME TO FRUITION ...

prices, cutting edge home designs are what you can expect from Integrity New homes Coffs Coast.

How important is sustainability when building a new home?

Sustainability is paramount in our designs and builds; our designers are always up to date with the latest design requirements and legislation. We constantly upgrade

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our qualifications to encompass the latest trends and requirements, working closely with the HIA and MBA, to allow us to offer the best and most sustainable homes possible.

What is the process when a new client walks through the door?

Integrity Homes Coffs Coast has a great

process in place. We offer a new client assessment, where we gain a valuable insight into our potential clients’ requirements for both design and budget. We meet on site to evaluate each particular site and complete a preliminary agreement to engage relevant independent and licensed professionals to undertake reports that allow Integrity Homes Coffs Coast to design the required home, supply a firm price, and issue a lifetime guarantee.

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What are the top three things that people should consider when looking to build a new house?

Firstly, we always invite people to look at our completed jobs and talk to our former clients. We honestly believe that reputation comes from word of mouth.

Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast has a process that allows us to gain an insight into our potential clients’ requirements and provide a firm price quote that offers a lifetime structural guarantee.

Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast can custom design a beautiful home on a steep and difficult site, as we design the home for your block; we don’t have to alter the block for your home. This achieves an affordable

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and quality home and airport, the Coffs which better suites Coast region continue INTEGRITY NEW HOMES our clients’ lifestyle to grow. It will be a COFFS COAST HAS A requirements challenge for Council PROCESS THAT ALLOWS US Where are the hot to implement planning TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO spots to build on requirements that allow OUR POTENTIAL CLIENTS’ the Coffs Coast? sustainable and lifestyle REQUIREMENTS AND The Coffs Coast housing estates to PROVIDE A FIRM PRICE QUOTE overall is a very sought continue to enhance our THAT OFFERS A LIFETIME after location at the beautiful coastal living.

STRUCTURAL GUARANTEE. moment and has a Since conception, what shortage of quality has been the most land. The Northern important thing to you Beaches are very popular, as are the smaller as a local trade? towns and hamlets to the south.

I have always had a strong focus on With the new highway cutting travel customer service, communication and times and muted upgrades to the runway quality in my builds. If there are any issues,

face them head on and get them resolved.

I was always taught to look after my trades and value my suppliers and pay them on time. Building should be a pleasurable process.

How important is it to support local businesses?

I prefer to support local businesses as much as possible. Being part of a national building company does include national agreements, which are of great benefit to our clients’ budget requirements. Integrity New Homes Coffs Coast is 100% behind utilising local businesses wherever possible, being mindful of our national agreements that have been negotiated.

What are some challenges that the

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industry has faced, satisfied and happy and how have you customers, that we still overcome these? can visit to this day. We WE HAVE ALWAYS FOCUSED Builders these will continue to focus ON QUALITY AND HAVING days have to identify on our niche and look at SATISFIED AND HAPPY a particular niche where we want to take CUSTOMERS, THAT WE STILL market that suits their our business. I don’t find CAN VISIT TO THIS DAY. WE vision and marketplace it necessarily helpful to WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS sustainability. look at other builders, as ON OUR NICHE AND LOOK AT I have for the past we prefer to concentrate WHERE WE WANT TO TAKE 30 years built on on our clients and OUR BUSINESS. steep and challenging where we are heading sites and have been as a business. In saying fortunate enough to that, I enjoy talking work with Nambucca’s with other building premier builder, Daniel Marino. We have business owners, as I enjoy the networking always focused on quality and having opportunities.

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Tell us about your community involvement.

I am a proud father of an 11 year old daughter (and three older young adults) who loves being part of Nambucca Heads Nippers. I love our Sunday mornings on the beach. You will usually find me flipping sausages on the BBQ. I have undertaken the refurbishment of the club house at Main Beach Nambucca Heads. Integrity New Homes has donated various parts of the build and provided the DA plans and renderings for a proposed concrete deck in stage 2. We love working with the committee, community and businesses to gain funding to see this project come to fruition.

What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast?

I am so fortunate that my parents were

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born and bred in the Nambucca area. I moved back here in about 1982 and have lived here ever since. I completed my building qualifications locally and just love our area.

The Coffs Coast has the most beautiful climate and friendly people who enjoy our precious lifestyle in arguably the best postcode in Australia. I’m a touch biased, but I couldn’t think of a better place to have raised my children and live my life.

Thanks Wayne.

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92 Taloumbi Road, Coffs Harbour Coffs Coast focus 88