Coffs Coast Focus i108

Robbie Preston

September 2019 2019. issue 108

Bob WEEKS SES Corindi k r a D 1 coffs coast focus.

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From the

I

Welcome to the September issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS .

t’s been an exciting month for the FOCUS team. Our lovely Becca married her life partner in a beautiful ceremony at Cedar Bar and Kitchen in Bellingen.

We were very honoured to be part of their special day. Congrats, Bec and Tara; enjoy your honeymoon in Hawaii. Have a cocktail or two for us!

This month we are showcasing the Wonder of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches. The region is buzzing with a huge variety of beaches, great eateries, retail outlets and local boutique businesses. Make sure you turn to page 40 to read about what’s on offer up north.

On the Cover Lisa Nichols is a Woolgoolga local who is one of the driving forces behind “Woopi Wears Yellow”, which is an R U OK? promotion personalised for Woolgoolga and

aimed at raising awareness around mental health and suicide. Lisa cares deeply about this cause and her local community, and her dedication to raising awareness and helping others is quite remarkable. Thanks so much to Daisy Moroney for dolling up our beautiful Lisa. Hair and makeup up is on point.

Inside this edition Bob Weeks is a legendary surf photographer who moved from Sydney to Woolgoolga in the early ‘70s. His interest in photography was sparked as a young boy, then he took up surfing at Cronulla in his late teens and he combined his passions and started taking photos of local surfers enjoying the beachside lifestyle. He went on to work for many iconic surfing magazines, and his images have captured the evolution of surf culture over the years.

Element Bar owner, Darrin Northey, has recently taken over the cracking little laneway space that is Dark Arts Brew & Bar in Cox Lane. He has spent the past couple of months doing a bit of a refurb and a big freshen up, to hopefully create another awesome spot in Coffs that folks can escape to. FOCUS had a chat with Darrin, to find out more …

Home & Garden Guide It seems to be the season for building and renovating, so we thought we would present 29 informative pages of all things to do with your Home and Garden! Make sure you turn to page 67 to check out some of the Coffs Coast’s best builders, tradesmen and suppliers.

Quote “Life is too important to be taken seriously” - Oscar Wilde.

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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

40

Issue 108 - Septemer 2019

focusinterviews

8

feature a special

WONDERS OF WOOLGOOLGA AND NORTHERN BEACHES

Robbie Preston.

Calisthenics, or Street Workout, is a fitness movement that is relatively new to our area.

However, Robbie Preston discovered it via a video he found online and decided to give it a go.

12

Bob Weeks.

Bob Weeks is a legendary surf photographer who moved from Sydney to Woolgoolga in the early ’70s. His interest in photography was sparked as a young boy, then he took up surfing at Cronulla in his late teens and combined his passions and started taking photos of local surfers enjoying the beachside lifestyle.

48

Jennifer Travis.

of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

the Usual

9. FROM THE ACHIVES with Kev Smith

Jennifer Travis joined the NSW SES four years ago, along with her husband, Paul, to learn new skills and to get involved with the local community after moving to Corindi Beach. She started with plenty of enthusiasm but no prior experience and is now a qualified flood boat operator and flood rescue technician ...

70

Mark Diener.

Inspirations Paint Coffs Harbour has been operating since 2000, giving personal attention to your paint projects. From Sawtell to Woolgoolga, they've got you covered for all things paint. FOCUS had a chat with owner Mark Diener ...

4 Coffs Coast focus

Suspects

16. WHAT’S ON for September 18. EDUCATION with Nick Johnstone 20. EAT local restaurants 37. TRAVEL TIME with Kerry Moss 38. SOCIAL SCENE with Carole Beros 50. STARGUIDE with Terri Hall 63. BUSINESS MINDS with Sam Wardman 81. ABODE property guide

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Coffs Coast focus 5

focusinterview.

6 Coffs Coast focus

focusinterview.

Lisa Nichols is a Woolgoolga local who is one of the driving forces behind “Woopi Wears Yellow”, which is an R U OK? promotion personalised for Woolgoolga and aimed at raising awareness around mental health and suicide. Lisa cares deeply about this cause and her local community, and her dedication to raising awareness and helping others is quite remarkable.

H

i Lisa. Can you tell us about your personal history here in Woolgoolga? Have you always lived in the area?

Kind of! I grew up in Grafton; my dad was a member of Woolgoolga Surf Club, so we visited every weekend and school holidays. Mum and Dad were both school teachers, so we would spend the whole six weeks of Christmas here making lots of great memories. I moved to live in Sydney for over a decade, then returned to Emerald Beach in the early ‘90s when I was expecting my first child.

You were one of the driving forces behind “Woopi Wears Yellow”. Can you tell us what this is and how the idea for this initiative came about?

Woopi Wears Yellow is an R U OK? promotion that I personalised a bit for Woolgoolga. It was fabulous. The week leading up to and on R U OK? Day, businesses and shops around Woolgoolga dressed their windows and staff in yellow, asking the question, R U OK? Each day I would drive into town, and my heart would swell with pride as I spotted another burst of yellow. The actual R U OK? Day was amazing; the town was buzzing with kindness and compassion. People were asking each other if they were OK; some said yes, some said no, so we would sit and chat for a while. It was a great way to get people used to asking the question with ease and not be afraid of the answer.

How was this received by the community?

Really well; the majority joined in, most of those that didn’t have said they would like to participate this year, so I’m confident we will have another awesome day. I’m reaching out to the tradies to decorate their trucks, and hopefully community members can decorate their front fences or verandahs.

Each year we start the day on the beach, where we form a giant human R U OK? This is always fun and a great way for people to get to know each other while they stand in the letters waiting for the drone to take photos.

It’s such a great atmosphere. It’s also a little sad, as we reflect on the loss of so many lives via suicide and the grief for the loved ones left behind.

Can you tell us about the award that was received for the community for this

touched by it somehow - whether themselves, initiative and what it means to you? family or friends.

Yes, of course - I’d love to. Woolgoolga had When I was planning to start the Woopi the honour of being nominated and winning version, I went into our local surf Shop XSSurf the Best Community Award at the R U OK? and asked Brett Pilon, the owner, if he was Awards recently. We have a lovely trophy that interested in joining me. He said yes straight the town shares; we move it from business to away, and we haven’t looked back. I often say business - it’s currently at Beachouse Café. it was one of the best decisions I have ever R U OK? have also made a video of our made.

He has been awesome, so supportive Woopi Wears Yellow campaign and use it to to everyone in the group, he makes any encourage other towns and communities to newcomers feel welcome straight away and get behind promoting suicide prevention. always has a positive outlook on life. I’m very What inspired you to get involved with R grateful.

U OK? On average, how many people do you My lovely mum, Lesley, took her own life have attend Fluro Fridays? And how can back in 1988; I sort of saw the signs, but didn’t take them that seriously. I didn’t ask her people get involved if they’re interested in joining in? if she was OK, as I was afraid of the answer We probably average around 25 each week, and back then I didn’t know what to do if though we have had over 100 at a few special she said no. I think if I’d had the confidence events, like when we formed part of a world and the knowledge that I have today, to wide wave and on R U OK? Day. ask mum how she We meet every Friday was feeling and if on Woolgoolga Main she was considering Beach at 6:30am. We’re suicide, there’s every probably not as surf chance she would still focused as some of the be here to enjoy her I WANT TO HELP AS MANY other 200 or so beaches grandchildren and PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO around the world, but great grandchildren FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH most weeks we go for a today.

REACHING OUT. LEARN HOW swim or a surf, or we do I want to help TO ASK THE QUESTION, yoga, meditation, Zumba, as many people LISTEN TO THE PERSON’S Tai Chi … most of all, we as possible to feel STORY, ENCOURAGE THEM laugh, we check in on comfortable with TO GET HELP AND TO CHECK reaching out. Learn IN WITH THEM AS OFTEN AS how to ask the NEEDED AFTERWARDS. question, listen to the person’s story, encourage them to get help and to check in with them as often as needed afterwards.

You are the co-founder of Fluro Fridays at Woolgoolga; can you tell us what it’s all about?

Oh wow - I love Fluro Friday so much. It is also a mental health initiative and was started in Bondi by this really awesome guy, Grant Trebilco. He had his own journey through mental health and found the best therapy for him was Saltwater Therapy … the beach and surfing.

He went down to Bondi one morning dressed in extra bright clothes, hoping someone would ask him why - and they did. Fluro Friday is such an easy way to open a sometimes difficult conversation about mental health. One in four people suffer from depression, so just about everyone has been

each other and tell stories.

You don’t have to have a mental health issue to join us, just be supportive. Our aim is awareness and being there for people who might need some support. Let them know they are not alone.

How do you find salt water therapy helps people with depression and anxiety?

The combination of fresh air, exercise, the sea, salt, sand, surf and social inclusion all add up to a great combination; add a good belly laugh to that, and you have a Fluro Friday Woopi every week. Loneliness is worse for your health than 15 cigarettes a day - we’re trying to help overcome that, and what better place than on Woolgoolga Beach.

What advice would you give to others about starting up a conversation about mental health or reaching out if they need help?

Don’t be afraid, you don’t have to have all the answers - sometimes simply listening is enough. If it’s not, have the lifeline or mental health lines handy and encourage your person to seek professional help. Then check in on them; that night, the next day, the next week, whatever you think is appropriate. It will make a difference in someone’s life; maybe even save it.

Lifeline 131 144.

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

Coffs Coast focus 7

focusinterview.

CALISTHENICS, OR STREET WORKOUT, IS A FITNESS MOVEMENT THAT IS RELATIVELY NEW TO OUR AREA. HOWEVER, ROBBIE PRESTON DISCOVERED

A

IT VIA A VIDEO HE FOUND ONLINE AND DECIDED TO GIVE IT A GO.

fter participating in some Australian Calisthenics competitions, he was then selected for the Australian team to compete in the World Super Final held in Egypt!

Hey Robbie. What's your background in the Coffs Coast region?

My background in the Coffs Coast region consists of being a part-time barista and hospitality casual worker. Half of my time would be focused on working for a steady living, and the other half would mostly be focused on fitness; as to me, it's not just about training in a gym, but more as a lifestyle. Fitness takes up a fair chunk of my life, but I do my best to juggle working, socialising and keeping fit and active.

Where did the interest in Calisthenics begin for you?

What sparked my interest was stumbling across a Calisthenics and street workout transformation video on YouTube. It was of a teenage boy who was very skinny and started Calisthenics. Over a period of one year, he gained an incredible amount of strength and weight from it and completely changed his body in such a way, that it inspired me to do the exact same. It inspired me, as I too was very skinny and just recovered from three weeks' worth of Glandular Fever. I could not eat or drink anything, which had me just laying in bed all day every day, starving. I was disgusted with how I looked by the time I recovered; I was extremely skinny and weak, and that's what drove me to want to change for the better. You could say with the timing, it was meant to be.

8 Coffs Coast focus

So I thought I’d give it a try and start off with the basics like pull ups, push ups and dips and to my surprise, I eventually started getting a lot stronger and put on weight quicker than I thought I would.

For those who don't know, what is Calisthenics, and where did it originate?

Calisthenics/Street Workout is a form of fitness that uses only body weight exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups and dips. Also hence the informal name "Street Workout", as it can be done almost anywhere; for example, doing a pull up on a tree or a simple push up in your living room. It is, in my opinion, the most natural way of working your muscles and body.

Calisthenics has been around for decades, but I'm very sure that people have been doing it for much longer than what is recorded on paper.

Aside from the workout Calisthenics, “Freestyle Street Workouts” have become a professional sport in which you compete in.

How is a competition run?

Freestyle Street Workout Competitions are performed as a staged event that can consist of a 16 man tournament, one versus one battles, or a two to three minute display in which you use the elements of Calisthenics and Street Workout to freestyle and perform advanced Calisthenics skills, such as muscle-ups, levers, and other various freestyle moves such as spins and flips.

Each competition has a few judges who usually judge on different techniques, such as Dynamic, Static or Flow, but each competition can be judged on a different basis. Whoever

performs best and meets the judges' criteria better would be the winner.

You have been lucky enough to be selected for the Australian team and head over to Egypt. What was it like competing against countries from all over the world?

Yes, I participated in my first competition in Brisbane and placed second. I was the only Australian in the top three places to have qualified for the World Super Final held in Egypt in 2018. It was such an amazing experience, being able to meet some of my idols whom I have followed for quite some time, being able to travel to another country and experience the tourism and most of all, being able to participate in a World Final held right in front of the pyramids!

What is the Freestyle Street community like here on the Coffs Coast, and how does it compare to the rest of Australia?

Unfortunately, to my knowledge, not a lot of people are aware of or do Street Workout on the Coffs Coast. I first started Calisthenics on my own and gradually started inviting some of my friends: Dylan, Vigor, Jack and Cooper, who have since joined me in Street Workout as I didn’t know anyone local who did this kind of fitness. It is very big in Europe and America, but is still very new to Australia. I have met some amazing Australian athletes through some of the competitions that have been held in

Australia, but this sport will only grow bigger and bigger each year!

What would be your advice to somebody starting out in their Calisthenics journey?

My advice would be to stay motivated and determined because if you train smart and correctly, you will achieve results quicker than you would think. Start with the basics and never stop doing them, as they are the foundation of what Calisthenics is and will always keep you strong.

Always do your workout with correct form and set small goals at a time and if you can only do a few pull ups or push ups, push yourself to that rep limit each time, more and more. You only get stronger if you push to your limit. No more than two rest days, depending on how you feel after your last workout day, as your body will get too comfortable and lazy and will not feel as strong as it could be.

Lastly, what does the rest of the year hold for Robbie; are there any other big plans on the horizon?

I will continue to participate in the competitions held around Australia and possibly travel overseas to participate, but at the moment my biggest plan that I have in mind is studying to become a certified Personal Trainer in the Calisthenics community, so I will be able to work with what I love doing most; Street Workout and Calisthenics.

Thanks Robbie.

focus_archives

WITH KEV SMITH

Coffs Harbour’s Dying History As each year goes on, Coffs Harbour loses a little bit more history. In recent times we have lost an amazing 103 year old water tower that once serviced steam engines that ran on the old Glenreagh - Dorrigo line.

I

t’s gone now, never to be seen or rebuilt as long as history lasts. This tank was one of two on the line (the other one up near Moleton has a solid timber structure) and holds many memories for those who lived and worked within the area, from swimming in the tank

through to filling the old steam engines when they needed water. Some say that it couldn’t have been saved or moved, but just a few miles away at the GMR museum, the old platform station from Moorland (near Taree) was transported 300 km to its new location and restored.

Our hinterland is jammed packed with it overgrown with thick plots of Lantana? history from mine relics, massive steel and The Coffs Hinterland was built on gold timber trestle bridges, down to random and timber, yet after all these years, it’s graves that give respect to those who have nearly forgotten. I can remember when passed away. The amount of relics in the arriving in Coffs in the early ‘80s that there bush is nothing to be laughed at, and in were tourist operators showcasing our relics my opinion should be located in the local with gold mine tours; these days, the mines museum - small items inside and possibly the are hard to find. The tracks are closing out larger items outside with the growth of under a simple roof.

Lantana and with next It’s not hard to do to no track maintenance and when you visit by authorities, it will only Our hinterland is jammed others towns that have get worse. If it wasn’t for packed with history from accomplished this, it’s dedicated 4WDers and mine relics, massive steel an amazing array of bike riders keeping the and timber trestle bridges, relics all in one place. tracks open, these tracks down to random graves Located within the would be closed off. that give respect to those Coffs hinterland we Coffs Harbour may who have passed away. have found relics such only be 160 years old, as steam boilers, a five but one day it all will be head gold stamper, gone, the descendants numerous square of our pioneer settlers bins, fettler cottages, mine gear, narrow will have passed away or moved on, and tram wheels, early tractors, a massive mine with that goes their little part of local history, shaker, cogs, steam machine wheels and on how, where and what once was. much more. Other towns make the effort to We need to start preserving what we have preserve our heritage. for our future, so our kids and their kids can Why isn’t any of this heritage listed? Why see just how and why the Coffs region is is it slowly rusting away in the bush? Why is what it is today.

Coffs Coast focus 9

focusinterview.

Sawtell

Sawtell Boardriders Club Vice President Julie-ann Willis talks to us about her love of surfing, the club, the community she is part of at Sawtell ... and

H

why she continues to be so dedicated and passionate about the sport.

i Julie-ann. What is your connection with the Coffs Coast, and how long have you called it home?

Ha! I’m not giving away my age, but I am an old time local. I am an out and proud Sawty local. I grew up here attending preschool, primary and high school, and I’m doing the same with my kids. I’m one of those locals who likes to keep this place a secret and makes the daily drive to Southies to check the surf.

Can you tell us about your role at the Sawtell Boardriders Club?

For the last couple of years I have been Vice President under the great leadership of Ged O’Sullivan and long-time committee member and the backbone to the club, Karen Schindler.

My role is basically to do anything I can to help our club, scoring, judging, flipping eggs, registrations, organising presentations - whatever is needed. I believe in the power of an inclusive group, collectively sharing the passion this sport has to offer, and our great committee and members allow this. Our club has a splendid vibe, which is based on the community spirit.

How did you first get involved with the club?

I started many years ago when my boys were young and we were looking for more competitive action. My oldest is addicted to the ocean and just loves surfing - big waves, small waves,

10 Coffs Coast focus

reef breaks - anything. He loves competitive surfing and if I didn’t have to work, we would be travelling the globe.

Every wave has a different feeling and creates enthusiasm or excitement for the rider; it’s this passion we try to foster at the club.

Our whole region has a great bunch of people promoting the surf culture, so we are lucky.

Kids just want to surf, adults do too, so having the opportunity to compete with others in a friendly way is awesome.

When did you first start surfing, and what do you love most about it?

I surfed during my youth, and back then there weren’t many of us chicks surfing. The girls were often chased off the beach by our male companions. Today you would call me the expert in whitewash, scheduled beach surfing.

They say every wave ridden is a personal story, and that’s true; it’s all about what makes you feel good. What I love most is what you see happen after a surf … the thrills and smiles, the stories and commentary of the waves caught and the overall enjoyment.

Sawtell Boardriders has one of the highest female memberships; what percentage of members are women?

We have approximately 120 members; 40 of those are girls ranging in ages from six - 40. I think word of mouth, community involvement and member values have seen this rise. In a broader scope, the WSL is also proactive in the female surfing movement, such as promotion

teams, one male and one and improved stance in I believe in the power of an female, competing in the regards to pay, surfing inclusive group, collectively junior Kirra teams event in brands are also fostering sharing the passion this September, and that is all women in sports, and sport has to offer, and about fun first - then the increasing acknowledgeour great committee and ment into the benefits of competition. members allow this. Our physical activity through We pride ourselves club has a splendid vibe, which is participation in sports is on being a community based on the community spirit. current. minded club that caters Surfing has become for all ages and abilities, and our competing a very popular sport members are mentored by among women; why some of the club’s experts. As have many past would you encourage girls to give it a go? and present surfers vying for state, Australian I remember the first time I tried surfing, I was and even world titles in their age divisions, our with two friends, and we were totally unprepared. We nicked some friends' boards and retired professional surfers who have travelled had no idea what to expect. But despite our the world on the professional circuit are happy not so good experience, we had fun and we to help them out. decided to try it again and never looked back. I Can you tell us about a success story or would say to girls to just do it now; you’ll love some of the girls you’re really proud of it. Whether it’s just for fun or in a competitive from the club? way, the thrill of the chase will take hold, and Our success story is our club really; we just you won’t look back! have a great bunch of peeps - good competitive numbers, good spirit, but also a large Can you tell us about some of the competitions Sawtell Boardriders participates in? number of female social memberships, people Our local competitions are held monthly at just wanting to support. various local locations, but our members can Heilala Philipps, our veteran gal of the club, compete in many other comps locally, such is a great role model and mentor for our upcoming girls. Heilala recently won the U19 All as Woopi Boardriders, state side or nationally.

Schools Girls at State, and competed To name a few, The Barney Miller surf classic, nationally, and in lots of other events. She has a Rip Curl Pro, Havanans NSW Grommet Titles, great rapport with all our members.

Australian Shortboard titles, regional trials and Thanks Julie-ann.

Kirra teams challenge. This year we have two

Overseas model with options shown.

Overseas model with options shown.

Play by by your your rules. rules.

Play Play by your rules.

Play by your rules.

Overseas model with options shown.

Overseas model with options shown.

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A luxurious cabin provides user-friendly technology such as the MBUX multimedia system that intuitively responds to your A luxurious cabin provides user-friendly such as the MBUX multimedia system that intuitively to your The all new CLA Coupé hasvoice arrived attechnology Mercedes-Benz Coast and has been designed you inresponds mind. Striking touch and demands.

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PHOTOGRAPHER

Bob Weeks is a legendary surf photographer who moved from Sydney to Woolgoolga in the early ’70s. HIS INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY WAS SPARKED AS A YOUNG BOY, THEN HE TOOK UP SURFING AT CRONULLA IN HIS LATE TEENS and combined his passions and started taking photos of local surfers enjoying the beachside lifestyle.

ALAN SHARP CRONULLA POINT 1964

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H

e went on to work for many iconic surfing magazines, and his images have captured the evolution of surf culture over the years.

Hey Bob; can you introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been a local on the Coffs Coast?

My name is Bob Weeks, and I moved to Woolgoolga with my family in 1971.

Where did your photography journey begin?

I began taking photos at the age of eight years, after spotting a Box Brownie at a friend’s house and asking my dad to buy a roll of film, so I could take a few photos.

When I saw the photos I took, I was addicted. My family soon bought me a nice

quality English camera and a developing and printing set. By about 1954, I was using our laundry as a darkroom and printing with an enlarger.

In 1958 my parents bought a house near Cronulla and after a few visits to the beach watching the surfers having fun on Mals, I bought a board. I joined the passionate surfers and became mates with many of them, and it was not long before I wanted to capture on film my mates having fun on the waves, and that was the beginning of many years of passionate surfing photography.

Working as a photographer during the iconic sixties surf revolution, you didn’t have access to the cameras and accessories we now see today. What sort of modifications and improvisations did you

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JOHN RHODES 1962

JETTY CRANE 1983

IT WAS NOT LONG BEFORE I WANTED TO CAPTURE ON FILM MY MATES HAVING FUN ON THE WAVES, AND THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF MANY YEARS OF PASSIONATE SURFING PHOTOGRAPHY.

CHEF MARIO WITH A FRESH FISH F O R T H E DAY ’ S M E N U B OA R D 1 9 9 3

have to make to capture those special moments in surfing?

Photographic equipment was fairly basic in the early sixties, although some lenses were superb but expensive. I purchased a second-hand Pentax slr, which cost five times my weekly wage and added a 400 mm tele lens and a tripod; this was my main gear for some time, then I added a 200 mm lens.

Manual focusing the action was a big learning curve and challenging, but kept your concentration full on.

What was it about surfing that was so revolutionary in the ‘60s?

Light-weight balsa Malibu boards were introduced into Australia by a group of American surfers around the late fifties, and this changed the scene dramatically. Soon there were many local Malibu board makers in Sydney … mainly on the Northern Beaches and this made lightweight boards, mostly around nine foot, easily available.

Can you tell us a bit about what it was like carving out a career as a photographer during that time? What are some of the changes you’ve seen in the industry over the years?

My photography career began when I registered my business in 1989. Prior to that I worked in retail at Waltons in Coffs Harbour, until they closed around the mid ‘80s and then worked as a casual on a stone fruit farm. Being a casual allowed me have time off to take photos, but soon I had to leave the farm to do photo shoots, and I registered my business in 1989.

The Coffs Harbour tourism manager spotted some my work and told the resorts about my style, and my commercial work took a big hit after that.

How was the transition for you from film to digital, or do you still shoot film?

My transition to digital was a big learning curve, and I loved the control over the images on the computer - but I still shot weddings on film, because I did not have time to do the processing and printing, but eventually had to eliminate weddings altogether.

What drew you to shoot predominantly in black and white over colour?

WOOLGOOLGA SURFCLUB 1982

My main photography in black and white in the sixties was for a number reasons: The cost of film … I often bought a 400 m roll and repacked into 36 exp. capsules.

Quick to see the results … After a session at the beach, I could process the film that night and print next day. Printing in black and white gave you a lot of control over tonal range. Black and white film in the sixties was far superior to colour negative film.

From working for the government to shooting for some of the most iconic surf magazines in Australia, what would you say was a stand out in such a long-standing photography career?

The stand out by a long shot was being the photographer for a Coffs Harbour based magazine called Coast Living. The editor, Mellisa Coakes is a graphic designer and very talented, and the magazine had four issues a year and covered the area from around Forster to the Queensland border. I got to meet many interesting and creative people and photograph them with their passions in life.

What are your preferred subjects or styles to shoot these days?

My main interest nowadays is producing more abstract arty images with a lot of mood in the lighting, and it is a big learning curve.

Where can we see more of your work?

On my website: bobweeksphotography.com.au Thanks Bob.

Coffs Coast focus 13

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Li l y pade

Local Indigenous tennis star and high school student LILY PADE HAS JUST RETURNED FROM FIJI, PLAYING IN HER FIRST OVERSEAS TENNIS TOURNAMENT. She's also recently received the Grace Roberts Community Development Award for her sporting achievements, and on top of all that is finding time for her studies, as well as coaching other young tennis players!

H

i Lily. Tell us about your relationship with the Coffs Coast.

I was born and raised here in Coffs Harbour and attended Karangi Primary School as a fifth generation student.

I attend Coffs Harbour High School, and I'm in Year 11. My family on my dad’s side were early pioneers, who arrived in Coffs/Orara Valley in the 1880s. My mum’s family come from the Dorrigo, Uralla and Inverell areas, with my Indigenous tribe being the Anaiwan Tribe from the Uralla area.

You have recently been selected to go to the 2019 Fiji Open Tennis Championships. How did you feel when you first received the call?

Receiving the phone call about being selected in the Australian Indigenous Touring Team was awesome. I felt honoured to be one of three Indigenous girls from around Australia to be selected - a massive thanks to the Evonne Goolagong Foundation and Tennis Australia for organising this awesome opportunity.

What was it like heading over to Fiji and competing in the championship?

Heading over to Fiji I was feeling nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect, as I had never played an overseas tournament before.

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My goal into the tournament was to play well, try my hardest in every point and have fun. I feel like I achieved my goal.

What other countries were you competing against, and how did you place?

The tournament consisted of countries throughout the Pacific Oceania. Some of them included: Kiribati, Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Fiji. I made the Quarter Finals in the Singles and Semi Finals in the doubles.

2019 has been quite the year for you, and you were awarded with the Indigenous Athlete of the Year. What was it like winning such a prestigious award?

To be nominated and then winning the 2019 Grace Roberts Sports Achievement Award was a great honour. I’m happy that my results and achievements have been recognised. Also, recently I was the winner of the 2019 North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) Indigenous Athlete of the Year for my results over the last 12 months.

When you're not competing, you are coaching others. How important is it to you to pass on your knowledge?

I love coaching and teaching the young ones coming through at Westside Tennis

I am currently studying Club; it is really My week is very Indigenous Studies and satisfying to see the hectic with not much PDHPE for my HSC and improvement in their downtime, but being would like to combine tennis skills and to involved with sport has my love for sport and watch them also begin taught me a lot of life my desire to encourage to love the game of skills that will be used Indigenous youth to help tennis. in the future. I’m also them excel in their chosen sport.

What has been your undertaking a School best moment on a Based Traineeship tennis court so far? at Coffs Harbour Apart from the fun City Council whilst that I have with my friends when travelling completing a Certificate 2 in Business. around the countryside playing tournaments, If you weren’t playing tennis, what a tournament that sticks out in my mind is would you like to be? actually a tournament that I didn’t win … In I am currently studying Indigenous Studies September last year I played in the 2018 QLD and PDHPE for my HSC and would like to State Age in Rockhampton, where I made combine my love for sport and my desire to the final of the 16 Girls Singles, losing to my encourage Indigenous youth to help them good friend from Cairns in a three-setter, 4/6 excel in their chosen sport.

7/6 6/7 which went for four hours.

What do you think is the key to such Another great moment that I’ve really a successful tennis career so far, and enjoyed is the many teams events I have where do you see it going in the future? been selected in over the years and in Well, you have to love playing, have particular the North Coast CHS Team, commitment and a passion for the sport. where back in 2016 our team won the NSW Some of my best friends are my tennis Combined High Schools event and in doing friends, so having mates with the same so, we became the first North Coast team mindset as you make it easy. I’m hoping to to take out this event in the history of this continue to play and enjoy my tennis. There event. are so many opportunities in tennis, be it How do you keep such a busy schedule playing or coaching. with competition, coaching and school?

Thanks Lily.

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focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

SEPTEMBER 2019

6

The Divine Miss Bette

Prepare to be mesmerised by award-winning stage sensation Catherine Alcorn in her hilarious portrayal of Bette Midler, when she channels the people’s diva in this thoroughly rapturous performance!

When: 6th September.

Where: Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Time: 7:30pm.

Tickets: Adult $59, conc $57, members $56.

15

Hoys Race day

Seven race day meeting, $154K prize money, jumping castles and activities. $10 entry; kids are FREE. When: 15th September.

Where: Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

Time: 11:30 until 5pm.

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Still: National Still Life Award 2019 Exhibition

Still: National Still Life Award is a biennial, acquisitive award for artworks in the genre of still life, in all mediums. The award is open to artists at all stages of their careers.

When: 21st September until 30th November.

Where: Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

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Paddock to Plate

Nexus Con 2019

7

Nexus Con is a chance for the Coffs Coast and the wider North Coast region to come together to celebrate everything pop culture in one place. Nexus Con is an all-age, family-friendly, inclusive event. There is something for everyone, and the whole community is invited to join in the fun. You won’t want to miss it.

When: 7th September.

Where: Coffs Harbour Education Campus, 363 Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Time: 10am until 4pm.

More information visit www.nexuscon.com.au

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Hear from our local producers on how having determination and self belief can keep your dream alive!

When: Saturday 21st September; 5:30pm start.

Where: Two Tails Wines, Nana Glen.

Cost: $90pp.

Call our Cellar Door to secure your tickets: 6654 3633.

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Doggy Date Night

Doggy Date Night is a great community event for families!

You don't even need a dog to join in! The event consists of a headland walk, followed by an open-air cinema screening of A Dog's Purpose. They'll have children's activities, lucky door prizes and a raffle. There will be a variety of food available, or you're welcome to bring your own picnic fare. Don't forget some chairs or a blanket, so you can enjoy the movie in style.

When: 21st September.

Where: Reflections Holiday Park, 50 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach.

Time: 4:45pm to 7:45pm.

1

Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival

After 18 years of putting fun and laughter on to the very streets of this fair city, the 2019 Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival enters its nineteenth year in 2019 and just like an eager teenager, is bursting at the seams with ideas, flavours and new energy.

When: October 1st until October 6th.

More information: www.coffsharbourbuskers.com

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VERA Blue CELIA PAVEY AKA VERA BLUE IS BRINGING HER LADY POWERS TO C.EX COFFS THIS MONTH. FOCUS CHATTED WITH THE SOFTLY SPOKEN YET FIERCE WOMAN ABOUT LIFE AND HER ALBUM, “PERENNIAL” ...

H

ow did music all start for you? When did you discover it as a passion and a talent?

Music was always in our family, so I couldn’t really avoid it - which is really lovely. It’s a nice thing to have.

My older sister, Emily, she sings as well, so I was always doing harmonies with her, and my mum played the organ at church. I started to teach myself guitar when I was 15, which inspired me to want to sing while playing the guitar as well. I started writing my own songs when I was 16 …

What does your stage name “Vera Blue” mean to you?

Well, before the project Vera Blue was born, I was writing music under my real name, and the style of the music was very folky, very stripped back.

At the time I was really inspired by Joni Mitchell, Angus and Julia Stone, early Taylor Swift - so, it was all very acoustic and organic. After I started delving into electronic music, I totally fell in love with the sound and how folk and electronic blended together, so that for me felt like it needed to have its own project name - that’s where Vera Blue came from. It’s a different way I can express myself, by dancing on stage and through feeling way more emotion; it’s kind of like electronica brings a heavier, darker feel to the music, which I really love. It definitely makes me feel more …

Would you say Vera Blue is a bit of an alter-ego?

Yeah, when I’m on stage doing the Vera Blue stuff, I am feeling completely different things to what I would feel if I was playing folk music with my guitar. Folk music brings me back to my roots and brings me back to where I grew up and what I was going through as a teen. Vera Blue is inspired by who I became when I moved to the city, the relationships I fell into and what I’m going through now …

Thanks Celia.

Catch Vera Blue at C.ex Coffs, Sunday 8th September. Time: 7pm. Cost: $50. Joining the tour will be special guest Alex The Astronaut.

Coffs Coast focus 17

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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

Culture is more than a Catchphrase

Whether management guru Peter Drucker ever actually said “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” is debatable, but it is an aphorism that rings true. At the very least, a poor culture can hamstring a positive strategy.

This article outlines how to build up a culture. A great culture is what you get when organisational behaviours, systems and practices all align with the shared or prescribed values of the organisation. Let’s break these items down.

B

ehaviours Behaviours start with a shared values statement. In the schooling context, behaviours need to be role modelled by the Council, the Principal, the College Leadership Team, and all line managers.

Staff need clarity and clear expectations.

18 Coffs Coast focus

They need to see the behaviours that get rewarded and recognised and need to know which behaviours lead to promotions.

Therefore, it is important to revisit the values, as accountability becomes easier when expectations are clearly articulated.

Systems There are five systems that are essential

for building a positive culture. are needed? The College Leadership Team, Recruiting - hire based on people who will the middle leaders and the team leaders improve culture, not align with the status need to support the organisation and quo. Improve the organisation through your promote positive behaviours. employment strategies.

Practices Strategy and goal setting - setting goals Practices include: how meetings are that meet strategic outcomes. Goals that conducted. Are there set outcomes from the staff can be proud of. In schools, this means meeting? setting the annual School Improvement Plan How school events are managed. using the Strategic Plan as the basis.

Are our procedures documented and well Staff review - how communicated? Are they are behaviours repeatable, regardless assessed? Is there a of the person in the 360-degree review decision-making chair? process that focuses on Are decisions A successful school culture and behavioural collaborative and will build upon standards, not just consensus-driven, the culture of the elements of their or is there conflict? previous generation, position description?

If there is conflict, is not just enjoy the Professional growth there mediation and fruits of their labour.

- is best practice, resolution? educational research Culture is more than and innovative practice a catchphrase. It needs part of our individual to be actioned in all that professional growth plan and expectations? is occurring on a daily basis. A successful Is satisfactory okay in our culture, or do we school will build upon the culture of the expect more? Are we always aiming for high previous generation, not just enjoy the fruits quality and to be leaders in our field? of their labour.

Incentive systems - what are the criteria Source: Culture Eats Strategy for for becoming a leader within the college?

Breakfast - Quote Investigator - https:// What behaviours are expected from our quoteinvestigator.com/2017/05/23/cultureleaders? What technical and leadership skills eats/

Two Reasons Log Book Servicing is important Are you wondering what all the fuss is over log book servicing? Can’t figure out why it’s so important and why you should be putting your hard earned money towards it?

Well, let’s have a look at two reasons why log book servicing is important.

1. PROLONG YOUR CAR’S LIFESPAN Log book servicing includes a host of procedures and essential inspections. Regular maintenance of moving parts of the car like tyres, drive train oils, fuel and cabin filters etc. Log book servicing thus helps your car run at its peak performance and helps you save money on car maintenance, all through the car’s lifespan. On the other hand, the effect of skipping periodic and timely log book servicing will eventually show up in two - three years, with signs of higher wear and tear, lower fuel efficiency and frequent escalations in repairs.

2. BETTER RESALE VALUE With regular log book servicing of your car you not only have a full-service history, but also ensure higher resale value. If your car has a record of regular service and maintenance, the resale value of the car will certainly be higher, since the prospective buyer is assured of a well-maintained vehicle.

Love & Kisses They’re back at last, and just in time for Father’s Day BEE HOUSES: $16.95 and $23.95.

Attract our native bees to pollinate your garden, and watch them move in to their own little “apartments”.

Love & Kisses owner Judy Sheehan is just back from gift fairs in Melbourne, so new stock will be rolling in to the shop almost every day from now ‘til Christmas.

Coming this week, or here already: *Great gifts for gardeners *Fabulous new jewellery, scarves, and leather bags *New range of watches *Kid’s Time teacher watches *New Keep Cutlery *New games for Family Games Nights *New blokes’ skin care packs *Lots of other great stuff Coming in October: *Gorgeous handmade jewellery from France - can’t wait! *The prettiest bone china cups and saucers *End October - Christmas collectibles When you need to give a gift “with love and kisses from …”, Love & Kisses is the first place to go.

Coffs Coast focus 19

Beef Sambusa from Mana Chita.

20 Coffs Coast focus

CELEBRATING THE COFFS COAST HARVEST

Discover opportunities to connect with the people and businesses that cultivate, catch, create and cook the delicious food that comes from our region.

D

uring Eat Local Month in September, and beyond, Coffs Coast Harvest will highlight and celebrate local food producers, farmers and foodies spreading the love for the fabulous fresh experiences found in our region.

This celebration of local food will feature a program of food events, demonstrations, farm gate and culinary experiences, industry meet-ups and foodie competitions, available on the new CoffsCoastHarvest. com website. To showcase food choices that both locals and visitors can make, the site is also growing its listings of our area’s food producers, markets, retailers, and restaurants serving local food.

One of the aims of Eat Local Month is to demonstrate how we can all find, taste, make, buy and connect with food and drinks from the beautiful Coffs Coast region. Part of this is exploring your connection with local food in creative ways.

Enter Our Blog Competition Get writing about local food and you could win! The "Coffs Coast Harvest Blog Competition" is a wonderful opportunity for locals to show off their writing skills, tell favourite local food stories, and possibly win a great prize for their efforts.

There will be four prizes awarded under the categories of: • From Soil and Sea - celebrating local farmers or fishers • On the Chopping Block - highlighting local talented chefs • Growing & Making - the best local fresh and artisan produce

• Scraping the Plate - eating out on the Coffs Coast Winners in each category will also be published on the Coffs Coast Harvest or Coffs Coast websites. No matter how young or old, you can get involved!

Share Your Market Recipes Get cooking and create a dish using ingredients from one of Coffs Coast’s local fresh food markets to enter the "To Market To Market Recipe Roundup" during September.

Celebrate your connection with farmers and producers in a delicious recipe, make it, take a picture of your dish, and send it in. Your creation could be published on the Coffs Coast Harvest website - plus, you could win market dollars to use on more fabulous fresh produce!

Promote Your Food-Related Business Coffs Coast Eat Local Month highlights the importance of local food producers to our region - from paddock and ocean, to the plate. There are opportunities for local agri-food businesses to be involved and get fantastic FREE promotion. Contact us if your business: • Holds events or creates dishes on your menu that feature local food • Produces, grows or creates local food • Retails or wholesales local food or beverages • Provides services to local food producers, suppliers and chefs.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.coffscoastharvest.com or contact Nicole McLennan email nicole.mclennan@chcc.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6648 4834.

Coffs Coast focus 21

D A R R I N N O R T H E Y

Dark Arts DPS

Element Bar owner DARRIN NORTHEY HAS RECENTLY TAKEN OVER THE CRACKING LITTLE LANEWAY SPACE THAT IS DARK ARTS BREW & BAR IN COX LANE. He has spent the past couple of months doing a bit of a refurb and a big freshen up, to hopefully create another awesome spot in Coffs that folks can escape to. FOCUS had a chat with Darrin, to find out more …

22 Coffs Coast focus

ey Daz. What’s the idea behind the new restaurant? What style of food will you be serving up?

Essentially the place speaks for itself. From the moment I walked in I could picture that intriguing, unique, cosy, intimate laneway place that hides away from the real world. It’s a café, a casual restaurant, a bar, a lounge and an awesome spot for functions and parties.

Our food is comfort food ... done well!

Just great quality casual food with plenty of options to enjoy for brekky, lunch and share in the evening with drinks.

We run an all day menu from brekky to lunch every day and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, with a focus on lots of great options for people to explore, share and enjoy in a casual social atmosphere.

We’ve also made sure we have plenty of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, so we have something delicious for everyone to explore.

And the drinks menu … Will it be similar to Element Bar? Firstly, of course our coffee and tea are spot on! We use locally roasted Dark Arts Coffee

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Roasters' “Black Magic” as our house blend and Mid North Coast local, Tea by Birdy, for our soothing leafy stuff. These folks really are simply brilliant at their craft.

I also believe grown ups should have their own style of candy store too! So, we have an awesome range of craft beers and cider on tap that we constantly rotate, a really solid range of fantastic wines, our own quality house cocktails (or we can always whip up any of the classics) and of course, a huge range of whiskies, bourbons, gins, rums and other spirits.

Essentially our menu is all about that outstanding coffee and tea you crave every day ... and then lots of choice and exploring with everything else!

So yes, a very big range like Element Bar, but still plenty of different and unique things to sip on at Dark Arts.

Out of all the dishes you could come up with, how does a dish make the final cut?

It’s always a challenge, but also the really fun part.

Firstly, it’s having a great Head Chef who is creative, practical, knows their stuff and cooks damn delicious food. Our Dark Arts’ Head Chef, Josh Pascoe, definitely nails that!

deserve great venues for people to explore!

I love the laneway aspect and the sheer intrigue IT’S QUALITY, CASUAL, when you first walk in the INCREDIBLY TASTY AND doors. It’s almost a sensory A HUGE RANGE FOR overload from an eclectic CUSTOMERS TO EXPLORE, mix of things, but it just Then it’s a big list FROM ALL-DAY BREKKY AND feels like an incredible place of plates that “feel” LUNCH, RIGHT THROUGH to slide away into. right for the style of TO A LAZY ARVO BITE WITH Dark Arts really does place you are trying A FEW DRINKS AND A NICE have a lovely history, with to achieve. Then it’s CASUAL SOCIAL DINNER. a fantastic base canvas explore and taste, to work from, and I was until you throw away excited to see if we can the ideas that don’t really bring it up to what it quite work and land felt like it could be. on the dishes that really fit who you are, taste How will you juggle time between your great and can be served in a reasonable time Brisbane bar Streetcorner Jimmy, Element for customers.

Bar and Dark Arts?

We’re incredibly excited about our final It took me a few years to get there after menu. It’s quality, casual, incredibly tasty and a opening Element Bar, but feel I have a nice huge range for customers to explore, from allpattern between Brisbane and Coffs now. day brekky and lunch, right through to a lazy I pretty much split my time between both, arvo bite with a few drinks and a nice casual perhaps a little more in Coffs (but who social dinner. wouldn’t, right?)

What inspired you to take on this new That said, juggling isn’t even remotely venture? possible without an incredible team of people It was the space and what I could see it in each place. I’m ridiculously lucky to have being. The second I walked in to take a look, I knew it was me, I knew what it could be, and I cracking teams in each place that all have a passion for what they do and genuinely know was genuinely compelled. it’s their place as much as mine. They really are I really felt like Coffs needed that nice the people who make each place so unique relaxed place in the centre of town that was and give them a soul. unique and out of the ordinary. We have an That said, I do actually miss each place when awesome town, in an incredible location and

I’m not there. I feel so lucky to have businesses I really love, with incredible customers and a bunch of wonderful people to be surrounded by, so it always feels like home working in any of them.

I also do tend to get very twitchy if I’m not constantly doing something, so always being busy is something I enjoy and need. Add to that, I’m a perfectionistic, OCD-riddled semi-control freak (I am learning constantly to slowly let go!) so I’m never too long away from any of the places adjusting things, learning what we can change and be better at constantly (not to mention lining bottles and labels up properly, because all of my staff are basically bottle slobs and will one day go to Hell!).

When is Dark Arts open for customers ?

We’re open Sunday to Thursday, 6:30am to 3:30pm and 6:30am to 10:30pm Friday and Saturday.

We’re also available for private functions on the other nights of the week.

Happy hour is 4:58pm to 6:31pm every Friday and Saturday, and we whack on some nice cruisy live music every Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm, as well as Sundays at 9:30am for a Sunday Brekky Session.

Where can people find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening at Dark Arts Brew & Bar? Our website: www.darkartsbrewandbar. com.au and of course, on Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks Daz. Coffs Coast focus 23

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val of the i su st n fe

Share Christmas

Contrary to the name, “The Buoys” are an all women four-piece band that FEATURE WITTY LYRICS WITH AN EFFORTLESS ’90S ROCK BAND SOUND THAT’S MAKING WAVES AND PICKING UP INTEREST IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Heading on tour through August with their new single, “GOLD”, we chat with lead singer Zoe about life and the upcoming FOTSUN here in Port Macquarie.

W

here did your love of music and songwriting come from?

My father was a musician, so that’s definitely where it came from for me personally.

Growing up in school, I was encouraged to learn as many instruments as possible - and I just never stopped.

How did your band come together? Did you all know each other beforehand?

I actually met Tess, our drummer, because I went on a date with her cousin, and I just would not shut up about how I needed a female drummer; he gave me Tess’ number. We met up and just hit it off like hearts on fire.

The rest of the girls we met through mutuals, having so many friends in the music scene.

What is it about playing to a live audience that you love?

You can be in any state whatsoever, but then as soon as you pick up your instrument and you get onstage, it just completely cheers you up and gives you the energy you need.

Your singles are now regulars on triple J. How do you feel when your songs are played on the airwaves?

Still in shock! Very much shock. It is just so cool to hear your stuff being shared around, and I hope it gets around more.

Can you share with us a little about the inspiration for your lyrics?

Usually my daily experiences, whether it’s just mundane everyday tasks or conversation that was had or a situation ... I like to write about personal things, because it’s easier to use language when you’re feeling something quite strongly.

24 Coffs Coast focus

What would be one of your favourite songs to play at the moment?

At the moment it’s got to be Gold, the new single. It’s a very dancy song, and when we play it live we play it a little bit differently. We all have really cool interactive parts.

Gold is more of a dance song. What kind of genre would your music usually fall into?

People usually classify us as ‘90s garage rock.

I’m terrible at classifying genres, so I’m just going with what other people say. We’ve been delving into a little bit of punk lately, but mostly garage rock.

You’re playing at Port Macquarie’s Festival of the Sun in December. What are you looking forward to about this event?

For me, it’s my first festival outside of Sydney!

It’s still unreal that we’re playing, so we are all just looking forward to going on a road trip together.

Have you got any other festivals on your bucket list that you want to play at?

Send me to Splendour and Falls. They’re on the list for sure.

Other than on the radio, where can we hear your music or catch up with what the band’s up to?

Our socials are very active - Facebook and Instagram; you’ll always find what you need on there. All of our released music you can find on all streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora.

Thanks Zoe.

Let the experienced team at Bonville Golf Resort prepare your Christmas or end of year function.

Select from a range of stunning venues, chef prepared buffet and A La Carte options, together with an award winning wine list.

Complimentary transfers and Sparkling on arrival when you book before 31st October.

(02) 6653 4002 christmas@bonvillegolf.com.au

See The Buoys at FOTSUN, December 12th, 13th and 14th. More info at fotsun.com

www.bonvillegolf.com.au

Coffs Co-Working & Function Space Find us on Moonee St., across the highway, up from Woolworths, along the restaurant strip!

We operate 8:30am - 5pm as a co-work space, with desks, offices and training spaces for hire.

We are flexible, and our space is versatile.

We have accommodated things from twilight skin care parties to group guided meditations, Christmas parties to medical seminars.

We have rooms available to hire by the hour for consults, meetings, collaborations and Skype correspondence.

We are open to being approached, should you have a utilisation for our fluid space.

Bubble Pop operates 8am - 3pm through our servery window.

Come try their notoriously good Bubble Teas and toasties!

A Cosmedicentre Salon resides in our Room 4, offering leading edge skincare treatments with Kayla.

IPL, RF, skin needling and deluxe peels and facials are all available Monday to Thursday. Sneak in during a lunch break!

We are an eclectic space and look forward to hearing from you with any enquiries.

Coffs Coast focus 25

Crafty Black Hops “Beetlejuice”

Fresh and ice cold on the taps at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this rare, dark, absolute gem from one of 2019’s most awarded Aussie craft breweries, Black Hops Brewing. Beetlejuice is a limited run and incredibly unique Black New England India Pale Ale (NEIPA). It’s a fresh, fruity, citrusy IPA that pours a murky, jet black colour, with a beautiful golden beige head, and the roasted malts leave the palette with a very faint hint of chocolate and fresh ribena juice. One of the most sought after limited releases on the Aussie craft beer calendar, this little beauty looks like winter and tastes like spring!

Celebrate!

Discover Bayside Bar and Grill for your Christmas or end of year celebration. Choose from a range of relaxed function areas or dine alfresco overlooking the tropical resort lagoons.

with Madonna Bannerman from Two Tails Wines

wine month of the

VILLARD BLANC

V

illard Blanc is a hybrid grape that was one of the most planted varieties in 1960s France. Since then, plantings of the grape, a Seibel 6905 x Seibel 6468 crossing, have greatly declined in Europe, and it is now best known as a workhorse white-wine grape in the United States.

Villard Blanc’s key attribute is its high yields.

In days gone by, the sheer volume of fruit it is capable of producing made it and its cousin Villard Noir very popular, but it is now overlooked in today’s quality-focused consumer environment.

The flavours of Villard Blanc are vaguely similar to Sauvignon Blanc, minus the intensity and razor-sharp focus that the best Sauvignons are capable of delivering.

At best, Villard Blanc shows grapefruit-like acidity, with a touch of fresh grass.

Villard Blanc is grown on site and sold at our Cellar Door at Nana Glen’s Two Tails Wines.

Food matches for Villard Blanc include:

26 Coffs Coast focus

Enjoy our Chef designed Christmas menus featuring fresh local seafood, share platters, buffet and A La Carte options.

Complimentary Sparkling on Arrival • Grilled shrimps • Rollmops (pickled herring)

When you book before the 31st October

• White asparagus risotto Perfect with family and friends at a BBQ, or sit back and unwind after a hard day with this lush and delicious white wine.

COST: $35.

AVAILABLE: Two Tails Winery Cellar Door 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen, NSW. Online at www.twotailswines.com.au or IGA Liquor Store, Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour.

Phone: (02) 6654 3633.

Email: admin@twotailswines.com.au

Bookings (02) 6659 7000 sales@pacificbayresort.com.au www.pacificbayresort.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 27

focus

DISHES of the month

CORAMBA HOTEL

MANACHITA

Scotch fillet steak with pepper sauce (variety of sauces tho to chose from).

Chicken fetera from Mana Chita.

COAST HOTEL

ELEMENT BAR

Pork belly - Master stock braised, sticky black pepper caramel, with crunchy Chinese cabbage & noodle salad.

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

TWO TAILS WINES/VELVETS RESTAURANT

PIG AND KHAI

Upside down brandy snap basket with brandy cheesecake.

Chicken adobo, chicken thigh marinated in soy, vinegar, szechuan pepper and bay leaf served with seasonal vegetables, onsen egg and jasmine rice.

28 Coffs Coast focus

Coffs Coast focus 29

THE COFFS COAST GIG GUIDE

FFS COAST

SE 1ST SEPTEMBER

20

19

TH

E

CO

PTEMBER

At the Bar Band & DJ Skoney - The Coast Hotel

Calum Foulis - Element Bar

15TH SEPTEMBER

Cactus Jack - Sawtell RSL

Billie-Jo Porter - Element Bar

Peter Pan Family Fun Day - Toormina Hotel

David Veasey - Sawtell RSL

Live Music from 10am til 12pm - Dark Arts

Live Music from 10am ‘til 12pm - Dark Arts

Brew and Bar

Brew and Bar

Father’s Day, Smiley Squad 12pm Ball’n’Chain

Mal Eastick and Andrew Hegedus - Coramba

1pm to 5pm - Coramba Hotel

Hotel

Ryan Parson - Element Bar

Josh Matheson - Element Bar

Madelyn - Element Bar

Vena Klymo - Element Bar

Dean Sharkey - Element Bar

Luke Melton - Element Bar

TGIF! With DJs Flak3y & Bisho - The Coast

TGIF! With DJs Flak3y & Rjay - The Coast Hotel

4TH SEPTEMBER 5TH SEPTEMBER

6TH SEPTEMBER

18TH SEPTEMBER 19TH SEPTEMBER

20TH SEPTEMBER

Hotel

21ST SEPTEMBER

Quick Fix - Sawtell RSL

Chris Grieve - Element Bar

The Divine Miss Bette - The Jetty Theatre

Pink Zinc Band & DJ Rjay - The Coast Hotel

7TH SEPTEMBER

Evening Stars - The Jetty Theatre

Burning Hands - Element Bar

22ND SEPTEMBER

Adam Hole Band & DJ Flak3y - The Coast Hotel

Peter Barry - Element Bar

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody - Sawtell RSL

Evening Stars - The Jetty Theatre

Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Presents Best of

Live Music from 10am ‘til 12pm - Dark Arts

Broadway - The Jetty Theatre

Brew and Bar

8TH SEPTEMBER

Ocean Road - Coramba Hotel

Vera Blue - C.ex

25TH SEPTEMBER

Saije - Element Bar

Kailey Pallas - Element Bar

David Barry - Sawtell RSL

26TH SEPTEMBER

Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Presents Best of

Yhan Leal - Element Bar

Broadway - The Jetty Theatre

27TH SEPTEMBER

UFC 242 - Toormina Hotel

Chris Grieve - Element Bar

Live Music from 10am til 12pm - Dark Arts

TGIF! With DJs Flak3y & Bisho - The Coast

Brew and Bar

Hotel

Kailey Pallas - Coramba Hotel

Legends Live - A Night With The Divas - The

11TH SEPTEMBER

Josh Matheson - Element Bar

12TH SEPTEMBER

Jetty Theatre

28TH SEPTEMBER

Ryan Brooker - Element Bar

Benji & The Saltwater Sound System -

Mr Stitches Band & DJ Dollar Bill - The Coast

Element Bar

Hotel

Benji & The Saltwater Sound System -

Josh Matheson - Element Bar

Element Bar

Bilby’s Bluegum Melodies - The Jetty Theatre

TGIF! With DJs Flak3y & Bisho - The Coast

Live Music from 10am til 12pm - Dark Arts

Hotel

Brew and Bar

Rowland & Shekinah - Sawtell RSL

The Rythym Katz - Coramba Hotel

14TH SEPTEMBER

30TH SEPTEMBER

Ryan Brooker - Element Bar

Bilby’s Bluegum Melodies - The Jetty Theatre

13TH SEPTEMBER

30 Coffs Coast focus

29TH SEPTEMBER

Coffs Coast focus 31

the

C O F F S

expo

C O A S T

The Coffs Coast Business Expo is a platform to highlight the extensive diversity of businesses throughout the Coffs Coast and somewhere for the business community to showcase their products and services. The Expo provides an opportunity to network, share ideas, engage local services and support "Shop Local / Buy Local".

FOCUS chatted with Garth Shipperlee ...

W

hat is the history behind the Coffs Coast Business Expo?

Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce identified there was a missing “link” where businesses could interact with businesses. Following feedback

from member forums and the local business community - the concept developed into the "Coffs Coast Business Expo".

What is the Coffs Coast Business Expo, and who is involved?

The Coffs Coast Business Expo is run and hosted by the Coffs Harbour Chamber of

KIDS

Commerce. The business expo is a platform to highlight the extensive diversity of businesses throughout the Coffs Coast and somewhere for the business community to showcase their product and services. The expo includes a trade exhibition that provides an opportunity to network with other businesses, share ideas and engage local services / cross promote and support "Shop Local / Buy Local"; and, for the community to gain an insight into the businesses we have on the Coffs Coast.

What is the purpose of the expo?

The event is unique in that it will offer B2B opportunities, while at the same time raising a greater awareness to the wider community of the businesses we have in our own backyard.

It will also provide those attending with an opportunity to learn more about our local economy and what it may look like in the future.

Our aims and focus for the expo are: Create a greater awareness of the types of businesses we have in our own region; Encourage businesses to work more closely together - i.e. buying products / services locally rather than out of region - "Shop Local / Buy Local"; Create awareness / knowledge of success stories of local businesses and how they engaged state and federal levels of government to expand their businesses; Show how "tourism and events" have an effect on all businesses in the local region. Coffs is a "destination" and events hub.

Last year's event was beneficial to those who

attended, and this year will provide businesses and attendees with the following, plus numerous "break-out" information sessions on: Soft Skills - Customer Service / Interpersonal and Product Knowledge; Technical - Jobs of Tomorrow and the Influence of Artificial Intelligence; Youth Unemployment; Millennials - How to Adapt and Engage with this Generation; Our Environment - Sustainability Cost Efficiency, Waste.

Who can attend?

The business expo is open to all businesses throughout the Coffs Coast to be an exhibitor - if you’re in business and looking for a way to showcase the business to hundreds of attendees all in one location, then the Coffs Coast Business Expo to be held on September 18th, 9am - 5pm at the C.ex Group is for you! There are a couple of exhibitor booth options available; for more details on that or to book an EXHIBITOR SITE, go to https://expo.coffschamber.com.au/registration/ The event is open to the public and anyone throughout the community can attend on the day - Wednesday 18th September at C.ex Coffs.

There is no cost to attend and experience the expo on the day.

How do we find out more?

Go online and visit the Coffs Coast Business Expo website at www.expo.coffschamber.com.au Level 1, The Promenade, 321 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

Ph: (02) 6651 4101.

Coming Up!

MUSIC

EVENING STARS

SAT 21 SEPTEMBER, 7.30PM|SUN 22 SEPTEMBER, 1:30PM West End Musical star, Peter Cousens & Legendary Flutist, Jane Rutter bring you a magical night covering some of the World’s most popular classical pieces

BILBY’S BLUEGUM MELODIES SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 5:00PM | MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 11:00AM Inspired by the Australian children’s bush classics of The Magic Pudding, Blinky Bill and The Muddleheaded Wombat, Sydney’s favourite musical mavericks, Ensemble Offspring take toddlers and families alike on a journey to experience chamber music for the first time!

Featuring old-fashioned folk tunes and sounds of the Australian bush, instrumental demonstrations, hands on percussion fun, and music, Bilby’s Bluegum Melodies is the perfect introductory experience for children!

TIX ONLINE!

32 Coffs Coast focus

TIX ONLINE! DANCE

ARREBATO SUN 6 OCTOBER | 2:00PM Featuring a passionate trio of musicians and one spectacular dancer, Arrebato Ensemble bring you a night of dynamic and emotionally charged contemporary flamenco music. They have performed at Sydney Opera House, regional festivals and WOMADelaide

TIX ONLINE!

NATIONAL STILL LIFE AWARD 2OI9 OPENING NIGHT SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 6-8PM EXHIBITION 21 SEPTEMBER — 30 NOVEMBER JUDGE REBECCA COATES (DIRECTOR, SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM)) FIRST PRIZE $30,000

MAJOR SPONSORS

STILL 2019 FINALISTS Phil Alldis • Louise Allerton • Kelly Austin • Sue Bell • Stephen Bird • John Bokor • Sara Bowen • Janine Brody • Kelcie Bryant-Duguid • Fran Callen • Brett Canet-Gibson • Carol Christie • Christine Courcier-Jones • Madeleine Cruise • Fiona Currey-Billyard • Michael Cusack • Jo Darvall • Sally Davis • Rachel Doller • Kate Dorrough • Christine Druitt-Preston • Scott Duncan • Helen Earl • Michele Elliot • Ben Fayle • Sharman Feinberg • Robert Fenton • Honor Freeman • Corrie Furner • Salvatore Gerardi • Jane Gerrish • Warwick Gilbert • Myfanwy Gullifer • Andrew Hickinbotham • Sally Hook • Julie Hutchings • Susan Jacobsen • Jane James • Susan Knight and Trevor Mein • Suzanne Knight • Catherine Lane and Linelle Stepto • Marie Mansfield • Donna Marcus • Nicola Moss • NOT • Victoria Reichelt • Ignacio Rojas • Daniel Sherington • Asahi So • Stephanie Theobald • Gerry Wedd • Greg Weight • Jo White • JP Willis • Amanda Wolf • Christopher Zanko

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS: coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/still

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL GALLERY

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  coffsharbourregionalgallery  coffsharbourregionalgallery Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is a cultural facility of Coffs Harbour City Council

Coffs Coast focus 33

focusinterview

with Sophie Bird of Tallow and Tide

Melbourne Cup Lunch TUESDAY NOV 5th $149 tickets available online Gourmet Buffet Lunch by the Cater Group & Premium Drinks Package

ALEX SARRE ALAKAI JEWELLERY

R AW DESIGNS, EVERY ELEMENT MADE BY HAND, SUSTAINABLY SOURCED MATERIALS ... THIS ONE WOMAN POWERHOUSE IS BUILDING ALAKAI JEWELLERY WITH EPIC PASSION AND BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS.

I

coffsracingclub.com.au 62 Howard St, Coffs Harbour PO Box 482 Coffs Harbour 2450 (02) 6652 1488

34 Coffs Coast focus

stumbled across your jewellery at mentor? the Sunday Markets and fell in love I don’t think it’s a romanticised dream, but with the organic style of your jewels. it’s definitely one that takes a lot of dreaming! I Where do you get your inspiration have mucked up THAT many pieces and burnt my from? fingertips to smithereens!

Thank you so much! I tend to create I began trying a couple of years ago, and I’m as a means of expression. As personal as it is, a still learning! Living in a freezing farmhouse in lot of my work is directly sourced from my own Victoria, I stopped surfing over winter, and at the emotions and is a reflection of my own journey time I was fixing surfboards for an income and as an artist. found myself drawn to metals, especially copper.

My current collection, The Pirate’s Engagement, I loved its playful and forgiving nature, and the is a series that is created completely from recycled colours that could be produced simply with heat. materials, focusing on connection rather than a After I was given a $10 blowtorch from the false economy of supply Queen Vic Markets, I just and demand. Each piece started watching YouTube has a story; what I love videos! is when people, without Talk to me about your knowing, are drawn to a sustainability in business EACH PIECE HAS A piece organically. philosophy ... How does STORY; WHAT I LOVE What are your pieces that look for you, and IS WHEN PEOPLE, made out of? And can what processes have you WITHOUT KNOWING, you talk to me a little bit implemented to walk ARE DR AWN TO A about your process? a little lighter in your PIECE ORGANICALLY. It really depends … I’ve business practices? usually got a few things I was taught to not going at once, orders or taking anything from ideas and some designs, beneath the earth’s surface and I will make simultaneously a few things.

- that if it couldn’t be reached with our hands My metals are sourced from within Australia, or feet, it was meant to be left, as a gift for the ensuring high quality sterling silver, copper and generations to come. I guess this was the biggest brass. Through my sources I’m able to procure thing for me. Sustainability has become my a lot of recycled mill products and support an standard. ethical production chain, which I believe to be Now, I know I tracked you down at the essential when creating a product.

Harbourside Markets on a Sunday - are you At the moment I have some raw gemstones usually there? Where else can people try, - my goddaughter’s dad found them when he buy and love Alakai? was fossicking; these are the only times I will use I am at the Harbourside Markets, every Sunday. precious stones, as they’ve come from the surface I also do the Bellingen Markets, and I’m stocked layer of the earth. locally in First Avenue Boutique, Sawtell.

I feel like jewellery making is one of those Find me on Instagram (@alakaijewellery) things I’ve romantically dreamed of being or Facebook (Alakai Jewellery). My website able to do, but the reality is so different. Are alakaijewellery.com is well underway, so stay you self taught? Did you study? Or have a connected online for that!

focus_tourism

WITH FIONA BARDEN

events+

meet the

managers

UPDATE

of

McDonald’s COFFS HARBOUR NORTH

T

Dean Herbert. OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR, COFFS NORTH NSW

The future of tourism on the Coffs Coast Sustainable tourism growth - what does it mean?

P

reparing for the future needs of our local tourism industry takes dedication, patience and a lot of planning. Building a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry that meets the needs of visitors, the community, local businesses and the environment alike is a goal worth pursuing now and into the future.

With visitor numbers to the Coffs Coast continuing to build each year, taking the time to recognise and understand the needs and expectations of future visitors to our region will be imperative to the growth of our tourism industry going forward.

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) has identified 92% of international and 40% of domestic overnight visitors to our region are nature-based tourists, specifically interested in engaging in experiences and encounters based on the natural environment.

International tourism trends clearly indicate a steady growth in this market.

To build on the knowledge and understanding of our local operators, a Tourism Sustainability Workshop was recently run for industry operators, where inspirational and successful eco-tourism businesses shared some tools they have used to develop sustainability in tourism businesses. Along with other business skills workshops run throughout the year, this workshop provided further opportunities to grow and develop tourism businesses.

Congratulations!

Coffs Coast tourism operators reaffirmed that the Coffs Coast is the top spot to visit on the North Coast in August, taking away twelve awards at the North Coast Regional

Tourism Awards held in South West Rocks.

This included Sealy Lookout, Orara East State Forest being inducted into the Hall of Fame in the tourist attraction category, after winning gold three years in a row.

We congratulate the winners and finalists in these awards, understanding the effort that goes into the provision of excellence in experiences and products across our region along with entering these awards.

These award winners, along with others in our community, continue to provide positive exposure for the Coffs Coast, building benefits for our community through increased visitation numbers.

The Coffs Coast winners of the 2018 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards were: Adventure Tourism: Gold: Coffs Coast Surf Tours.

Self-contained accommodation: Gold: Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga.

Standard Accommodation: Gold: The Observatory.

Destination Marketing: Gold: Coffs Harbour City Council - Coffs Coast.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism: Gold: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours and Silver: Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation.

Excellence in Accessible Tourism: Gold: Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga.

Festivals and Events: Silver: Woolgoolga CurryFest.

Cultural Tourism: Silver: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours.

Specialised Tourism Services: Silver: I Love Bello Shire and Bronze: Arts Mid North Coast. #coffscoast #createyourparadise #naturallyconnected

ell us about your role at McDonald’s ...

I am the Operations Supervisor for the Coffs Harbour Restaurants - North and Service Centre. The role is to guide and support the business leaders of these two restaurants, ensuring that the high standards of operations are met daily. We pride ourselves, under The Munro Group, in being the leaders in our market and setting high standards within our stores.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

Seeing the people under me grow and develop into excellent leaders. I have mentored Dani into her new role as the Restaurant Manager of North; this was an exciting time for her, and especially her story with where she has come from. She is an excellent asset to The Munro

Group. The challenges of the business and the culture we have grown over the last two years I would say has been the most exciting thing we have developed.

How do you create a positive environment for your team?

I work really hard on ensuring my team stays focused on the outcomes and remaining positive.

We are a fast-paced environment and by turning up to work with a positive mindset, you will get more out of your day and results versus having a negative mindset.

How do you stay motivated?

I have a young family; being able to provide for them is very important for me, and this keeps me motivated daily. I then put this motivation towards my role and ensuring I stay motivated, as it can lead to the people below me not succeeding. Having a good work - life balance certainly goes a long way with being motivated.

Danielle Spagnolo. RESTAURANT MANAGER, COFFS NORTH NSW

T

ell us about your role at McDonald’s?

My role as the Restaurant Manager for the Coffs North Store is to guide my team and ensure the highest standards of operations are upheld on a daily basis.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

The most satisfying aspect of my role is seeing my team grow and develop into great leaders that aspire to achieve greatness as a team.

Best advice for someone starting out in

your industry?

My best advice for someone starting out in our industry is,”You get out what you put in”.

Always have a goal in mind and work hard to get there.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by always seeking improvement for the store and the necessity to learn and develop my own knowledge. I am also passionate about developing my peers’ knowledge of the business and seeing them succeed, it makes me extremely proud to be their leader.

Coffs Coast focus 35

36 Coffs Coast focus

focus_travel

WITH KERRY MOSS FROM QUADRANT TRAVEL

Quadrant Travel

If you’ve never been to Vietnam before, people will recommend all the mustsee places, such as Halong Bay, Hoi Ann, the Mekong Delta, the energy and excitement of the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and perhaps the stunning and pristine beaches. But as with any country, there is usually a little gem that people leave off a seven, 10 or 14-day itinerary and for me, Sapa in far Northern Vietnam is one of those places.

S

apa is located in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, less than an hour from the Chinese border, and you would be forgiven for believing you’re not in Vietnam anymore. It’s one of those places where you will be constantly pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming, because Sapa is simply stunning, magical and mind-blowing, all wrapped up in a little mountain town.

You can get to Sapa by bus or train from Hanoi. We caught a day bus, and it was a comfortable six-hour journey with a great chance to stare out the window and watch the world of Vietnamese people, the rice fields, the villages and day to day life.

Upon arriving in Sapa, the first thing you’ll notice is the temperature drop. Being so mountainous, it is certainly not “tropical” like the rest of Vietnam. But, perhaps the thing that struck me the most was the fog.

One minute you could be standing in the street staring at a perfectly clear view with blue skies, and the next the fog rolls in before your eyes, blanketing everything in white. The beauty of this is hard to describe and something I’ve never quite experienced before.

Sapa is one of those places slowly being changed by the tourism bandwagon, with a lot of construction and development, but the hill tribes remain untouched, and you can get a local guide to take you on a trek to visit the villages of the ethnic minorities such as Black Hmong, Red Dzao and Tay. Here you can immerse yourself in their way of life and really get an insight into how these people live and

survive.

For the energetic, you can do overnight or multiple day treks, where you wander through rice terraces, swim under waterfalls and stay in homestays - traditional family homes - and experience community life and farming firsthand.

Excited is an understatement! We’ve been super busy here at Quadrant, preparing our new catalogue for 2020.

You will still find some of our most popular tours of Ireland, UK and Scotland. But new for 2020 is our Farming in Ireland and UK tour, where we’ve picked the best of the best and included it in a fresh and exciting new tour. Or perhaps you’d prefer more of a European experience, with farming tours to Scandinavia and Finland or Northern Italy and Switzerland.

And not to forget USA and Canada, with five tours to choose from - including the Southern USA Ag Highlights, a new-look USA Beef and Agriculture tour, and we are thrilled to launch the first ever Horse Deals Equine tour of USA. Behind the scenes we’ve been working hard with our partners to offer you the chance to explore Agricultural Highlights of Turkey, including ANZAC Day at Gallipoli, bound to become the trip of a lifetime.

Perhaps our most exciting new tour is part of our Africa and Middle East range; heading off in November 2020 is the Agricultural Innovation in Israel tour. We’ve also got six tours scheduled for South America, such as our Global Trek Brazil with Amazon Jungle, scheduled for March, and three for Asia, including the Best of China Agriculture and Yangtze Cruise.

And of course, our first love, Australia - with more tours than ever before, including a brandnew Victoria and NSW tour, and our popular Kimberley and Top End Tours are back for 2020.

Contact us or drop in for a copy of our 2020 catalogue. We think it’s our best yet, with something for everyone. Whether you have a week or a month to spare, whether you’ve never been overseas before or are an experienced traveller, we are certain you’ll find a tour you’ll love. Let 2020 be the year you say YES to new adventures!

Another truly magical experience is Mount Fansipan, dubbed “the Roof of Indochina” being the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. There is an option to trek to the summit, but we chose the more easy and fun way out and travelled up in a funicular and the cable car (which holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records) which launched us high up in to the mountains, sweeping past rice terraces and through the swirling clouds to the top. Surprisingly, reaching the top I found a bit of a spiritual experience, with gorgeous peaceful gardens featuring ancient Azalea trees and 18 sculpted bronze statues.

Following the sculptures, you’ll come across the largest Buddha in Vietnam - a 20-metre statue perched on the mountainside - nothing short of jaw-dropping.

We stayed in a quaint little hotel in the centre of town, but there are many lodges and homestays and more and more under construction. And, it would be amiss not to mention the spa treatments and massages available - after all that trekking, you’ll be loving the pampering, ready for the next day of adventure.

If you’re planning on a visit to Vietnam, make sure you ask your travel agent to include two or three nights in Sapa, it will be one of those places you’ll never forget.

Coffs Coast focus 37

focus_contributor

WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS

Baryy Bannerman & Madonna Bannerman

Mitch Ballantyne, Dean Herbert & Brent Roulstone

Emma Binns, Erin Jackson, Adelaide Zietsch & Kailey Pallas

Pa Adams, Cam Nealet and Tracey Adams

Sawtell RSL Sawtell Cup

Nicci Secombe & Gavin Moroney

Kim Connolly, Marcus Phillips & Brian Hopwood

Best Dressed Family

FOCUS Men in Business Event

social scene.

We are certainly zooming through the year like a rally car, that’s for sure ! Yes! That’s coming up really soon ... exciting times, with hordes of visitors arriving here on the Coffs Coast to enjoy the excitement of it all. I remember covering the first one for FOCUS; it was staged up at the airport, and I was totally blown away by it all! My husband has been part of it since the word go … and looks forward to being a Head Official every year. Lots of hours and many volunteers go into streamlining this amazing event. Bring on the dust!

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alking along the lines of racing, we have just had the Coffs Harbour Racing Carnival occur recently. It was kick started with Sawtell RSL Sawtell Cup, followed by the ever popular Carlton Draught Coffs Cup and completed with the brand new Bonville Golf Resort Bonville Cup. Visitors and locals streamed in to enjoy the races and the fortunately fabulous sunny weather we were awarded with. Whether you like to bet, love dressing up or just want to enjoy it with the family, there was something for everyone. The FOCUS Team hung out at the Lawn Party at the Carlton Draught Gold Cup and had an amazing time. My business, Le Dãin Designs at Sawtell, was proud to be the Major Fashions on the Field sponsor for the Sawtell RSL and the Bonville Cup, with Jack Simmons Menswear being the supporting sponsor. Park Beach Plaza was the Major Fashions on the Field sponsor for the Carlton Draught Golf Cup and did an amazing job as usual. We can look forward to the Coffs Harbour Summer Carnival, which starts in November with our Melbourne Cup Race Day. There is always something different to enjoy here on the Coffs Coast. All kinds of festivals are on their way, including the OceanHarvest Festival, which will be held down at the picturesque Jetty at Coffs Harbour. This is a family

38 Coffs Coast focus

friendly event, with no entry cost. It will definitely be a celebration of seafood! There will be food stalls, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and the event will be fully licensed. If the weather keep up with the way it has been, we are out for another fantastic food festival!

FOCUS attended the Bald Archy, which always draws the crowds to the Bunker Cartoon Bunker in Coffs Harbour. The Bald Archy is now in its 25th year! This event showcases so many of Australia’s best known artists. One of the artists we got to meet and greet was Steve Panozzo, who gave us some information on how the Bald Archy Competition started. One of Steve Panozzo’s pieces of art is called Kitty Litter, which is a fine example of the cheeky artwork that was showcased ...

Just another fantastic event staged at the Cartoon Bunker Gallery.

FOCUS are one of the major sponsors for the Business Women’s Network, and we attended one of their networking luncheons just recently. The event was held at the Coffs Harbour Surf Club. The view from this venue is out of this world!

You could be anywhere when you gaze out over the ocean. The food is always amazing here, so we knew what to expect ... Yum! The guest speaker for the BWN luncheon was Anna McAfee, and she discussed personal

branding. Anna’s goal is to help individuals and businesses to build better and more authentic connections in our fast digital world. This lady was recently recognised as the Sunny Business Awards Outstanding Business Leader, having founded the #linkedinlocal movement in Coffs Harbour, and a concept that has been copied in 90 countries around the globe, helping people to build genuine relationships and communities offline. Guests enjoyed a delicious two-course lunch with great company and an uplifting talk.

It has been a busy month for FOCUS. We held our Men in Business event at the Plantation Hotel. The major players featured on our last front cover were there, along with many more business owners and their employees.

Front cover guys were Ryan Moran from Rod Moran Automotive, Michael Lockman from the Big Banana, Tony Jones from the Plantation Hotel, Brent Culkin from the Coast Hotel and Reed Clayton from JZ Concrete. The hotel served the guests with an array of delicious dishes and the event was buzzing, as it always is. Being a Friday night, it always has people in a great mood ready for the weekend! Great times!

Here is to living the dream on the Coffs Coast!

Carole Beros, Le Dãin Designs.

focus_contributor

WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DĂƒIN DESIGNS

Heidi & Ben Ainsley

Ivan Beros, Kay Ryan, Christopher Beros and Maisie Anning

Richard Hinton & Michaela Pleasance

BWN Event

John Curren & Matt Loretan

Jenny Evans and Nicole Moore

social scene.

Mike Hibbard, Adam Shalders & Tamzin Shotbolt

Ryan Hunter-Moran, Lauren Hunter - Moran, Jo Hunter & Rod Moran

Maisie Anning, Tracey Adams, Julie Bellamy and Chris Grieve

BWN Committee

Izzy Robbins & Sparky Somosi

Nathan Taylor & David Hopwood

Scott Dawson & Peter Richardson

Svetlana Burrows and Brett Weick

Vicky Hunter, Leanne Zietsch & Carole Beros

Tamzin Shotbolt & Duncan Marchant

Tracey Adams, Bronwyne, Leisa Browne, Deanne Redfern and Carlie Eckersey

Craig and Kim Jackson

Coffs Coast focus 39

of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

40 Coffs Coast focus

A Special Focus Feature

DRESSES IN THE DEEP RO B B ROWN'S DENTURE CLINIC Rob, how long have you been in the denture making industry, and what credentials do you need?

I started working in a dental laboratory in 1984 in Armidale. After qualifying as a dental technician, I then worked in Newcastle and Armidale for a number of years. I owned my own laboratory in Armidale but wanted to deal directly with the public, where a referral is not needed. So, I decided to enrol in the two year course, the Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics at the Sydney Dental Hospital in 2008 to become a qualified dental prosthetist.

What do you love about living in Woolgoolga?

We love the village atmosphere of Woopi. Previously when holidaying here, have found the locals amazingly friendly and down-to-earth. As we now live in Woolgoolga, it was an opportunity for me to bring my business here and enjoy life in this warm and beautiful place, while providing quality dentures to the people here.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

I always find it a humbling experience when you are able to provide a patient with a set of dentures where they are happy with both the aesthetics and function of our product.

How did Dresses in the Deep start?

When I was at home with a young child, I was looking for an outlet that would enable me to be of service to others, whilst also connecting my passions and gifts.

What sets you apart from other businesses?

My home based boutique is full of carefully selected, high quality garments at affordable prices and one off designs from all around the world. I have created a clothing revolution, where clothing is returned to wardrobes, rather than going in landfill. My choice of clothing reflects this ethic, as the natural fibres create a sustaining resource beyond fast consumerism for conscious families.

Why did you call your business "Dresses in the Deep"?

The poetic name expresses the essence of my passions clothing and connecting with people on a meaningful deep level.

Where did the idea and passion come from?

I love meeting people, sharing stories and reviving old pieces to their former brilliance. So, I decided to create a cosy space where people could come, connect and find amazing, vibrant pieces. I get so much pleasure from finding unique garments, and I love watching people find something that lights them up.

T H AT B E AC H S H O P That Beach Shop opened its doors four years ago in Woolgoolga to meet the needs of the growing community and holiday makers alike, specialising in beach inspired gifts and homewares to suit all budgets.

The owners, Wayne and Karen Brown, moved to Sandy Beach six years ago and opened That Beach Shop as part of a sea change. Both being lovers of the beach, the vision was to provide unique and different items that were affordable to everyone.

So, That Beach Shop began and has continued to grow with the wonderful Woopi community.

There is something for everyone. Choose from shells, beautiful mermaid dolls and statues, decorative cheeseboards and servingware, picture frames, cushions, beach signs, Coastal Kreations jewellery, Palm Beach candles and diffusers, or the ever popular sentiment plaques. You will also find a nice range of whale and turtle items, the timeless Kombi range of gifts and much more. Keep your eye out for the unique cabinets and side tables and the ever changing range of canvas art, paintings and wall art.

Laybys are welcome over a three month period, and gift certificates are also available.

You can also shop online at www.thatbeachshop.com.au

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A Special Focus Feature

VA L A X U S A family owned and operated business that has been servicing the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches community for over two years now, with experience in telecommunications and I.T. We offer both home and business grade solutions for your technology needs - no job is too big or too small! We pride ourselves on delivering a prompt and professional service, with the majority of our computer repairs completed within a 24 hour period, and the customer is notified every step of the way.

Our services include: NBN, mobile plans, home/business grade voice services, computer service and repairs, managed anti-virus systems, new/refurbished computer sales, website design/hosting, email set up/management, office relocation services, Office 365 management, data back up management, Apple Mac repairs - we are your technology experts, offering over 20+ services to make sure you stay connected.

If you need help with your technology, you can find us in the Woolgoolga industrial estate at 7 Bosworth Road, or call us on 1300 431 678 - we even offer on-site services and remote services; if you can’t make it to us, we come to you!

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of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

putting the “care” back into healthcare Mid North Coast Physiotherapy brings together over 50 years of experience in the health and wellbeing industry, to provide you with the best possible client experience. FOCUS spoke with Aaron Hardaker ...

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

As a born and bred local, I’ve spent a large part of my life on the Coffs Coast. I left to study, then travelled the world for a number of years, before realising life was too good here. I’ve now been back 12 years and I'm firmly entrenched here, with my young family now getting to enjoy growing up here just like I did.

When and why did you start your business?

The business started in early 2007 as Northern Beaches Physio, in a very humble little room in Woopi. It was started to fill a need, as many people from Woopi and the Northern Beaches were travelling into Coffs to get access to good quality physio services, or simply not accessing the services they needed at all!

Having just returned to the area after living and working in the UK and Ireland, I saw people who needed our help, so jumped in headfirst to make it happen.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in this industry?

I’ve been a physio for almost 20 years and have had the pleasure of working in a range of public and private settings across the globe.

From working with babies and toddlers to the very elderly, elite sportspeople to weekend warriors, the variety has been amazing. Having

now built a fantastic team of fun, friendly, caring health professionals, my passion lies in supporting and empowering them to provide the best possible healthcare to you, our community, How does Mid North Coast Physio help their clients?

Our goal is to improve the health and happiness of our clients. If you’re suffering with back pain, need help with losing weight, you’re recovering from surgery, want to enhance your strength and flexibility to improve your sports performance, you’re wanting to get back to work after injury - these are all things we help our clients achieve daily.

Through providing you with the help you need from physios, exercise physiologists, dietitians, massage therapists, Pilates and yoga instructors, hydrotherapy groups and personal trainers within our team, you’ll get a solution to your problem, rather than just short-term improvement.

There’s rarely one specific cause of an issue, so there’s also rarely only one specific person who can solve your issues. By having a team of different health professionals, we can provide all the support you need to get the best long-term outcome.

What makes Mid North Coast Physio different from other companies in the local area?

The big thing for our team is we want to put the “care” back into healthcare - it’s something that unfortunately seems to be less common

these days. We do this through a few obvious differences to what other providers are doing.

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

We don’t believe you should have to pay to simply find this out. We also understand that there’s a risk to you in seeing someone new; will they be able to help, whether they are any good, do they know what they’re talking about!

By having a free assessment, you can experience our skills, knowledge and level of service to be confident we are a good fit for you.

We also are the only provider in the region that offers a money back satisfaction guarantee - you can be confident you’ll get what you need, or you’ll get your money back because if you’re not happy, we’re not happy.

Another big difference is with four clinics in Woolgoolga, Moonee Beach, Toormina and Urunga, we have great accessibility for you across the whole Coffs Coast, making it easy for you to get to us, no matter where you live and work.

And you have a family too. How do you juggle work and home life?

It’s always a challenge, but it’s not unique to just me; it’s something many of us are dealing with daily. My wife, Liz, is amazing and keeps things organised at home while also working herself. With Elsie six years, Sadie four yers and Harvey 19 months keeping us on our toes, there’s rarely a dull moment, but that’s the fun of it all too!

The other key to getting some balance is our amazing work team, both the clinical team and the admin team. They are all extremely motivated to help their clients and provide great service, while also looking at opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

Tell us about your community involvement?

I think that’s the best part of owning a business here - getting to be part of such an amazing community. We’ve supported and continue to support a huge number of local sporting clubs, community groups, charities, local events and individuals in our neighbourhood. I’ve served on the Chamber of Commerce executive, healthcare advisory groups, rugby club committees, I'm currently a member of the North Coast Primary Health Network Clinical Council, and even the school golf day committee - it’s great to be able to give something back and enjoy seeing how that enhances our community.

You don’t have to look far to see so many people who are always willing to put up their hands and help; it really is amazing to see the community spirit that exists around this special place we call home.

If you’d like to find out more about how the team at Mid North Coast Physio could help you, or would like a get a free assessment to review your pain or injury, call our friendly team on 1300 273 747.

Thanks Aaron.

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of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

Big Garden FURNITURE

Big Garden Furniture is a local, family owned and operated business situated in Woolgoolga. Gareth and Lisa are recognised as market leaders in the outdoor furniture industry. FOCUS wanted to know more …

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hat is Big Garden Furniture? Big Garden Furniture is a small family operated business in Woolgoolga that builds solid timber high quality furniture and structures using locally sourced hardwoods. The business has been in operation since 1996 and owned by Gareth and Lisa Owen since 2008.

pretty hard on us sometimes!

How has your business evolved since it began? Well … Big Garden Furniture doesn’t really speak for our current capabilities; however, the name and logo is so well known on the East Coast, we have just kept it because BGF is who we are.

We are known for our high-quality products, that’s backed up by the exceptional service we offer with each project. We now offer a full turnkey service, from concept through to installation, where before, we just supplied what people wanted - and we always go the extra mile to exceed our customers’ expectations.

What are the trends you have seen over the years? We have seen the trends go full circle since we started in 2008; however, there’s always the common denominator in Blackbutt.

Blackbutt still manages to keep that ageless appeal; whether it’s for an outdoor setting or elegant dining chairs, it complements all colours and has a fresh look, even We now offer a full 10 years down the track. turnkey service, from The biggest trend at the concept through to moment is wall hung installation, where before, furniture; vanities and TV we just supplied what people entertainment units are wanted - and we always go still in vogue, with the soft the extra mile to exceed our close and push to open customers’ expectations. mechanisms the norm with drawers and doors.

Tell us about the orders you receive and how your wife, Lisa, is involved in your projects?

Business from our local region has increased three-fold over the past year, mainly due to our online and magazine presence. Our new website has just started to show a positive return, as it now showcases our capabilities beyond the “outdoor furniture” umbrella. We’ve also been seeing enquiries as far north as Darwin, west to Perth, south to Melbourne, with Sydney and Brisbane/ Gold Coast bringing the most enquires.

Lisa is heavily involved with the colour concepts in the soft furnishings that we do in house and is also in charge of quality control; if it doesn’t pass her scrutiny, its comes back to be rectified - she’s 44 Coffs Coast focus

What are your greatest achievements? We’ve a few achievement milestones over the years, though designing, building and installing a 4.0m x 4.0m outdoor lounge on a fifth storey penthouse on the South Bank in Brisbane last year was a major one. The furniture had to designed to be dismantled and fit in to a small service elevator, then transported up four flights of stairs to the outdoor platform that overlooked the river. The finished product was nothing short of spectacular, and the customers were extremely happy - or should we say “totally stoked” with their lounge suite. It features heavily on our website, advertising and stationery.

We also won a contract to design and build custom furniture for the recently opened Howard Smith Wharfs in Brisbane last year, which is a feather in our cap, because the furniture had never been seen before and we had to do a twopack paint finish, which was new to us. I think Lisa was over it when she had to sew for a solid month to make all the soft furnishings.

Thanks Gareth.

A R C AT TAC K FA B R I C AT I O N Arc Attack Fabrication is known for its community involvement. What particular projects have you been a part of, and what are you most proud of?

Over the past 21 years, we have sponsored so many events, teams and individuals, from ballet dancers, soccer teams, surf boat crews, basketball teams, surf clubs and netball comps.

We have donated books and given donations for school awards. In the past, we have been involved in the sponsorship of the Woolgoolga Carols by Candlelight and Curry Fest. We have been a long term sponsor of the North Coast Surf Boat Series. And last year for the first time we got behind Share the Dignity, which provides sanitary items and toiletries

to homeless girls and women. Not only do we donate, but we are a drop off point. But perhaps the things we are most proud of are the things people don’t know about or see: handrails for a disabled person, or repairs for someone struggling financially.

Do you believe it is important to be part of the Woolgoolga community?

If you are in business, you need to be part of your community; it is extremely important that you give back to those who support you.

We also encourage our staff to be involved, with many of them being active Surf Club members. Warren donates his time as an official for various surf boat carnivals at local, state and national level.

A Special Focus Feature

BILLY

of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

FLICKER Billy Flicker is a bit of a legend in Woolgoolga, always up for a chat and helping out around town. He is the bloke who volunteers his time to look after the town flags and change them regularly for events and not only participates in Woopi’s R U OK? Day events, but is genuinely interested in the wellbeing of the community. He has experienced first hand the warmth and support of his town and wants to continue to pay it forward by always being there for anyone in need.

ey Billy. Tell us how long you have been a Woolgoolga local, and what brought you here?

Easily about 15 years, I’ve been here. I used to have cousins who owned the Strawberry Patch up the road, so I'd come and visit. I just loved the area. I grew up on the Central Coast, and it was very quiet; now it’s become like Sydney! When it started to get really busy down there, I came up here and I thought ,“This is the spot!” It’s not too hot, not too cold, and everyone is so friendly! If you were in trouble, you could ask half a dozen people for help, and guaranteed at least four would jump up to help!

From what I’ve been told, you’re the kind of guy who will always help anyone out. When some people would not, why is it that you always step up and help?

Anybody who wants help, I'll step up. Years ago the van I was living in got burnt out down at Woopi Lake, and everybody rallied together and raised some money to help me out. In those few weeks when I was really down in the dumps, I was lost, and the community stepped in to help.

Places like Bluebottles were giving me free coffees and some meals; so many people were helping me until I got back on my feet.

Even when I first arrived to visit here 20 years ago, it was just such a friendly town. If anybody needed help in any way, the community just did it; it was that old traditional behaviour of looking

IF ANYBODY NEEDED out for one another, and the flag pole, I've let it go for HELP IN ANY WAY, THE Woopi is still well known another week! At different COMMUNITY JUST for it. times I might be asked to fly DID IT; IT WAS THAT You man the flag pole the R U OK? flag for example, OLD TRADITIONAL in Woolgoolga; how did if there’s a particular event or BEHAVIOUR OF LOOKING this come about? a reason to want to get the OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER, About three years ago, community to rally together.

AND WOOPI IS STILL I was going past the flag Woolgoogla has been a WELL KNOWN FOR IT. pole, and the Australian huge support for the R U and Aboriginal flag both OK? movement. What does had their tails hanging it mean to you? off! I thought, “That’s not It means we are all willing to give support at right”. So, I went to the Council chambers to see any time. A simple gesture like asking someone if if they knew about the flags being in disrepair they are OK if you think they may be down, and and after a brief conversation, I was handed the keys - and the rest is history.

What types of flags do you put up?

Most of the time it’s Australian flags, state flags, different groups, then occasionally there’s something in particular; like there was a local family whose daughter went over to live in Tanzania, then she was bringing her husband back earlier this year. Her parents gave me a Tanzanian flag to fly, so that from the day they flew into Brisbane and for the duration of his stay, his flag flew. They were so stoked! And then, we sent him home with an Aboriginal flag.

Very rarely does the Australian flag come down; it will come down for NAIDOC week, and the Aboriginal flag will go up top.

So, how often do you change the flags over?

Normally once a week; a couple of times I’ve let it go a fortnight. If I haven't felt like climbing

actually sitting and listening and trying to help them out, can mean the world sometimes.

And if you can't help them, you can point them in the right direction, because we are so lucky to have so many helpful people in our community.

I think that the R U OK? day reflects what Woolgoolga is as a town, so it made sense that we would celebrate it like we have. On the day, I think I was asked to take about 50 selfies as I handed out flyers in my multicoloured mohawk, and it was so great to see the community come down and support the event.

What does the word "community" mean to you?

Love. You look after each other. Coming together in support when it’s needed.

Thanks Billy.

Coffs Coast focus 45

A Special Focus Feature

WITH TEGAN SWAN OF WOOLGOOLGA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

Pictured from left: Matt Becker, Andrew Lane, Nicole McKay - Physios, Ryan Poole - Exercise Physiologist OVER 70 YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR YOU TO TAP INTO RIGHT THERE!

COFF S COAST SP ORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY CCSP Clinics are multi-disciplinary, which provide a comprehensive range of rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.

These services include - general injury treatment, sports and workers compensation, exercise physiology (strengthening, health and disease management), pre and post-op orthopaedic rehab, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, remedial massage, Pilates classes, dry needling, physical capacity assessments, real time ultrasound and traditional Chinese medicine.

Radial shockwave therapy is used for chronic tendon, calcific tendinitis and muscular injuries.

We are accredited and registered providers for NDIS, Veterans Affairs, Medicare - EPC. CCSP provides comprehensive surgical rehabilitation for tendon repair and debridement, joint reconstruction and replacement, for example - neck and back, shoulder, hand, hip, knee and ankle surgeries.

Radial Shockwave Therapy: Treatment for tendinosis/calcific, plantar fasciitis, myofascial release

46 Coffs Coast focus

Our focus is providing a “hands on” manual approach, which can include soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation, dry needling, specific strengthening/stability exercises, Pilates exercises, hydrotherapy, stretches, electro therapies and progression of activities for return to normal everyday activities, sporting pursuits or returning to work.

We aim to get your injury, condition or surgery rehabilitation on track. We offer Exos thermoplastic based braces and fibreglass casting for support, immobilisation and fracture management. We stock and offer hireage of a wide variety of bracing products, moon boots and physio products to improve and maintain your injury.

Please contact our friendly knowledgeable team for bookings/enquiries. A referral is not needed to book at CCSP. Woolgoolga Clinic, 3 Fawcett St, 6654 2477.

Coffs Harbour Clinic, 78 Albany St, 6651 9622.

Things get hot and spicy on the Northern Beaches in September…

Do you love festivals? How about food? Do you love dancing in the street or lolling about on the grass in the sun watching awesome musicians perform?

Would a cooking demonstration by a famous chef pique your interest? What about some zen time focusing on your health and wellbeing by the ocean?

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ounds incredible, right? Well this is friendly The Lunch Box on the outdoor big just the tip of the iceberg of what screen. Bring a picnic blanket and some wine and Curryfest 2019 is set to deliver to grab dinner on the reserve or from one of the the 15,000 odd festival goers who cafés or takeaway options in Woopi (you can’t go descend on Woolgoolga from the wrong; they’re all delicious!)

27th September 2019.

Saturday is the big day, with the festival Curryfest is now over a decade old and besides opening from 9am. Plan to make a day of it (that winning multiple awards, this festival is so loved way you can fit more food in). There’s plenty by the local community and visitors far and wide to do, with multiple cooking demonstrations as a celebration of culture and cuisine. This event

by Justine Schofield throughout the day and continues to go from the Bhangra and Gidha strength to strength; dance competitions, with Curryfest has even teams travelling from all garnered international over Australia to compete, Accommodation all over recognition! This year including a first for the the Northern Beaches the flagship event of festival, with a kids Bhangra books out for this epic the Woolgoolga and team entering the comp! weekend, so even if you’re Northern Beaches There’s also the health local you should jump on Chamber of Commerce and wellbeing zone, with the opportunity to join in continues to pull out Ayurvedic practices, yoga, the three days of colourful all the stops. The meditation, massage, fun and come and stay up “Bollywood Express” henna and more. Of course, this way, so you don’t miss leaves central station there’s also the kids' zone, a minute. on Thursday 26th gorgeous market and hand September and will crafted stalls, so, so much transport a train full of food from all over the world Sydney-siders to the to try and plenty of places real Northern Beaches via a journey of delicious to sit and watch the colourful festival world go curries and Bhangra entertainment. If you know by (lying down to recover from the food coma is anyone down south who would love to be part also encouraged). of the fun, tell them to book quickly, as I believe The fun doesn’t end there though, because on there is less than one carriage left (book via Sunday, Eat Street brings you a Taste of Curryfest bollywoodexpress.com.au). with even more food, drink and entertainment to Accommodation all over the Northern Beaches really make a weekend of it. books out for this epic weekend, so even if I may be a bit biased, but Curryfest is THE BEST you’re local you should jump on the opportunity festival on the Coffs Coast, and it’s definitely to join in the three days of colourful fun and something you don’t want to miss! See you come and stay up this way, so you don’t miss a there… minute.

Visit: Facebook.com/WoolgoolgaCurryfest for Friday night kicks off with Bollywood on the all the updates. @woolgoolgacurryfest on insta or Beach Movie Night, with the hilarious and family curryfest.com.au on the web.

A Special Focus Feature

KATIE Pledger a c c o u n t a n t s

G R E E N L E AV E S E A R LY L E A R N I N G

An innovative early learning haven in Moonee Beach.

Green Leaves Early Learning Moonee Beach is a purpose-built early learning and childcare haven located on the beautiful Mid North Coast, just 20 minutes outside of Coffs Harbour.

Facilitating up to 92 children, Green Leaves Moonee Beach specialises in the fundamental stages of educational development, from bubs through to little scholars (six weeks - six years).

The learning journeys at Green Leaves Moonee Beach are designed to suit each child’s knowledge, strengths, culture, abilities and interests.

Green Leaves Moonee Beach boasts five learning hubs, a warm and inviting community lounge for parents and an indoor play area with a purpose-built tree for play experiences. The centre’s nursery is a magical sleeping haven for babies, with tranquil music and beautiful twinkling lights creating the perfect atmosphere

for quality rest and care.

The centre is a fully recognised and funded long-day care provider, with all-inclusive fees which covers nappies, linen, hats, nutritious meals and snacks, as well as sunscreen. Extracurricular activities are also included, such as language and culinary lessons, music and movement classes, events, excursions and even visiting shows.

The bachelor-qualified educators at Green Leaves Moonee Beach deliver a National Learning Framework, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and play-based learning to provide children with opportunities to reach their potential and prepare them for the transition to school.

Visit www.greenleaveselc.com.au or pop in to the centre for a tour at 2B Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach, New South Wales.

An innovative early learning haven in Moonee Beach

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here are you originally from, and when did you realise you had a strong passion for accounting?

I moved to this area when I was two years old and although I have travelled abroad, the Coffs Coast was always home. My experience as an accountant has spread over 15+ plus years working with a vast number of businesses and industries. I am the owner of Katie Pledger Accountants, a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and a registered tax agent. I started my business five years ago, and the support has been overwhelming. Being a trusted business advisor and confidant is a role I take great pride in. The accountant role comprises data analysis and review, but more and more it involves providing support, insight and strategies to business owners. The traditional stereotype of an accountant just being a number crunching robot is long gone, and I embrace this evolution.

Who makes up your team, and what are the advantages of dealing with a local business?

When you call the office, you will either speak directly to me or Danielle Hemming, my resident bookkeeper and office administrator. The beauty of having a small team is the personalised service that comes along with knowing all there is to know about my clients. Whether it be large or small, I know about it.

Being a long-standing member of this community has allowed me to support local businesses to understand the economic climate and how this can affect issues including cash flow, staffing and customer retention, just to

name a few. Business can be complex and an ever-changing landscape and to be successful … you need to have the right people working alongside of you … and that is where I fit in.

What services do you offer?

My services include the preparation of: • Individual, partnership, company and trust tax returns • Business Activity Statements • Financial statements • Tax planning/tax minimisation • Business start-up planning and advice • Bookkeeping What are your thoughts on cloud based accounting programs?

Cloud based accounting programs offer a flexible, multi-user, automated data entry system which is freeing up not only the taxpayer’s time and energy, but also the accountants’. This automation of simple tasks allows the taxpayer to focus more time and energy on growing their business and offers real-time reporting to facilitate decision making. If you are not already using a cloud-based program, please contact me to review the available options.

How can we contact you ... do you offer obligation free consultations?

I believe it is critical to the success of any business to build a great relationship with your accountant and business advisor. In order to facilitate this, I offer a one hour, free, no obligation consultation. You can make an appointment on 0427 601 756, email admin@ kpaccountants.com.au - find me at the Vision Property Sales Building 49 Beach Street, Woolgoolga, or on Facebook.

2B Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach NSW 2450 mooneebeach@greenleaveselc.com.au 02 6656 4306

greenleaveselc.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 47

of Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches A Specia l Focus Feature

Jennifer Travis NSW SES CORINDI

Jennifer Travis joined the NSW SES four years ago, along with her husband, Paul, to learn new skills and to get involved with the local community after moving to Corindi Beach. She started with plenty of enthusiasm but no prior experience and is now a qualified flood boat operator and flood rescue technician. We had a chat with her about her experience with the SES and what is involved in volunteering. i Jennifer. Can you tell us how you came to be living here on the Coffs Coast?

I am blessed to call the Coffs Coast home. I am from the UK and married to an Australian; we moved to Grafton in 2014 for work after a nine month road trip. We bought a property in Corindi Beach later that year, as we wanted the coastal lifestyle - and haven’t looked back.

How long have you been part of the SES? And what made you decide to volunteer?

I have been a volunteer in the SES for four years. My husband, Paul and I joined as we had just bought a property in a flood prone area and we wanted to build new skills, as well as be part of the community.

What is your role at the SES, and what does it involve?

As the response agency for floods, storms and tsunamis, I keep my training current, as we never know when the next emergency event will require our skills.

How many are there on the team at Corindi?

The SES Corindi-Woolgoolga Unit has about 15 active volunteers. It’s a relatively small unit, but punches above its weight in terms of experience, skill levels, capabilities, field experience and local knowledge.

Do you need any special skills or training to become an SES volunteer?

You don’t need any special skills or training to join the SES. All volunteers bring something 48 Coffs Coast focus

into the SES, even if it is just a new perspective. during and after storm events. The Unit also Full training is given, and there is opportunity responds to requests for assistance from other to follow your own pathway. emergency services, such as helping with land I was really interested in flood water rescue and water searches for missing people, or for and flood boat operations. I didn’t have any when trees have fallen across roads or are training or experience in these areas, and now risking properties.

I’m a qualified flood boat The most significant operator and Rescue 3 event I have been flood rescue technician, involved in was being with nationally deployed to Lismore and recognised qualifications.

Tweed during Cyclone At the end of a long night I am also trained in Debbie in 2017. evacuating people from storm and water, which What have been some rising flood waters is bread and butter for of the most memorable during Cyclone Debbie, our unit and important experiences for you? a young woman came skills, as storm response For me it’s the people up to me and said that is our single biggest call you meet during training she was going to join out. I am also training and operational events. the SES, as she was so in chainsaw and would You are only with them inspired by what I was doing. like to learn more about for a short time, but you incident management. share a lot of laughs, as There are numerous well as some extreme roles needed to keep an SES unit running. fatigue.

While most volunteers join for operational Being plucked out of the water by a training, we also need non-field staff to support helicopter during a training exercise was also operations, such as administration, incident pretty memorable! management, public relations and community What do you find most rewarding about engagement, which equally contribute to being part of NSW SES? keeping our communities safe.

Building skills that can help people and What sort of emergencies have you having a positive impact on the lives of others. encountered in Corindi and adjoining At the end of a long night evacuating people areas? from rising flood waters during Cyclone Since I joined the SES in 2015, it has been Debbie, a young woman came up to me and the driest period in recent memory. During that said that she was going to join the SES, as she time I have responded to requests for assistance was so inspired by what I was doing. That was

really rewarding.

What is expected of an SES volunteer once they join?

Teamwork and a positive attitude.

As we are all volunteers with work and home lives to balance with the SES, there is no expectation or minimal requirements. There is basic training, such as First Aid, and then it is down to the individual volunteer. Flexible volunteering means that even if you only have a little bit of time to give, or just want to focus in a particular area, there is an opportunity for you. We do ask that all volunteers support the unit and attend certain training and events, as we all need to be able to work together when we respond to an emergency. As well as training, we also combine social time with skills development, such as camping trips and supporting local events.

How can people stay informed during emergency situations or extreme weather events?

The Bureau of Meteorology alerts communities to the threat of storms and information and alerts are available on the BOM website.

The NSW SES are responsible for ensuring communities are aware of, informed of and prepared for flood and storm events.

You can find us on Facebook: SESCorindiWoolgoolga If you need assistance during a flood or storm event, call 132 500. www.ses.nsw.gov.au Thanks Jennifer.

A Special Focus Feature

P O O LW E R X Spring is just around the corner, so now’s the time to get your pool ready for months of fun in the sun!

Poolwerx Moonee Beach can take the stress out of getting your water clear, clean and healthy so as soon as the sun is shining, you can dive on in.

Bring a sample of your pool water in-store now for FREE water testing, and they’ll get it ready for summer! It’s as simple as that.

They stock an extensive range of pool equipment, chemicals and accessories, so they’re your local one stop pool shop, having fully certified technicians in-store, as well as mobile technicians who can come to you! So no matter what your preference for pool care is, Poolwerx can assist.

Poolwerx Moonee Beach and Poolwerx Coffs Harbour are owned and run by Shann and Ged O’Sullivan. They’ve been in the pool industry for 13 years, so you can trust them and their experienced team to get your pool sparkling, no matter its current condition.

They’ve seen it all!

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Coffs Coast focus 49

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

September 2019

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

The ending of feeling suspended is on the way. Reflect on the past 12 months, and release any undigested emotions. These are the only things holding you suspended, as you can't take them into the future. It is time to let them go.

Ruby helps us release our fears and hurts.

Love and romance will be high on the agenda this month. Reflect yourselves in each other, and you will discover a lot about yourself. Don’t end your day without solving any conflict when you put your head on your pillow; do it with a clear mind.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Know you deserve the best of the best. Let this be a motto for a few weeks, and see the difference life makes to you. Release any beliefs of bad luck or misfortune, and give yourself permission to succeed.

Citrine attracts an abundance of good.

To balance your moods, try spending more time near the water. Allow your negative thoughts to leave your mind and see them washing out to sea. The next wave in carries the answer to what you just released; see it wash over you.

Selenite is great for an abundance of crystalclear energy.

You have recently been recognising cycles that have repeated in the past. However, now they aren't affecting you the way they used to. This is because you have healed.

Identify the change you made to have this shift, and thank yourself.

Apophyllite tip placed on the third eye helps us to see clearly.

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Your patience is being tested currently.

Don’t get frustrated by delays; use your inner sight to see the answer you will be living, then everything will fall into harmony.

Try to be a little more aware of your thoughts and remain positive.

Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.

You’ve recently stepped out of emotional turbulence. Don’t look back; just focus ahead and let go of recently triggered future fears, as they are only FEARS. Concentrate your thoughts into the things that matter most to your heart.

Pyrite will bring back courage.

Better times are coming into clarity. Set some awesome fresh goals, give yourself permission to achieve them, and go and live life. You can expect new friends with social activities, and restless energy is likely to be satisfied by travel or commitment to adventure.

Jade brings a feeling of peace and wellbeing.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Justice is coming into play to balance any injustices from the last 12 month cycle. Don’t allow any negative experience to pass by without gaining your reward for it. Ask your higher self what you have to gain from it.

Danburite connects us to our higher consciousness.

50 Coffs Coast focus

Reflect yourself in your loved ones.

If someone is displaying behaviour you disapprove of, find out why you disapprove, instead of asking them to stop it.

Relationships are mirroring you presently; don’t judge - just observe.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

You are a natural born leader and the master of your own destiny. Your word is your honour; this is why people trust in what you say. Your arbitration skills are going to be useful over the next few months; you're a natural peace keeper.

Clear Quartz amplifies strength.

Justice is coming into play. You can expect all kinds of change! Focus your attentions to the task at hand, to avoid a dazed, wandering mind. Your clever Capricorn brain will greatly benefit from some fresh goals or intention.

Carnelian is a terrific stone for focus and productivity.

DAISY MORONEY, DAISY LLEWELLYN HAIR & MAKEUP

WITH

LAUREN

VESTEY

faceit.

Spring BRIDES

Lately I have been doing lots of wedding makeup trials for my spring brides who have their big day fast approaching. The most important thing for me about a trial-run is communication.

I

t’s an opportunity for me to meet the bride and gather as much information as I can about her, her style, what she wants out of her wedding day look, and then to take that information and create a makeup look that is in keeping with all of it.

The other benefits of doing a trial are that the bride gets a preview of how she will look on the day, and we have the time to iron out anything that isn’t working.

Some brides know exactly what they want, some give me a few guidelines or a vibe they want to create, some arrive feeling unsure and looking for advice. Although all of these scenarios are absolutely fine, and we always get there in the end, I wanted to give out a few tips on coming up with a look you’ll love, how to best communicate that idea to your makeup artist, and other tips to help you feel organised and confident about your wedding day beauty!

If you’re feeling uncertain, start by looking for loads of inspiration pics! Get on Pinterest, grab some bridal magazines, or look up red-carpet events, Google a fave celeb whose style you relate to, or even better; someone who has similar features or colouring to you! Find some looks you like and narrow it down from there.

Never apologise to your MUA for bringing photos! (This happens a lot). Pictures give us a clear vision of what you’re after, and it’s easy to point out aspects you love (and don’t love)

about a look. One person’s idea of a “natural” makeup can be completely different to the next person’s, but if you’re both looking at the same photo, that can make things a lot simpler.

Other things to consider that can affect your makeup choices are the colours and tones in your dress, bridesmaids’ dresses and the overall colour theme of the wedding, the dress-code; is it black-tie or a barefoot beach wedding? And, what time of the day will it be? Will you be in full sun for most of the event, or is it an evening wedding?

Wedding makeup is really about confidence; it’s about feeling like the best version of yourself! So, stay true to yourself when planning your look. If you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, don’t feel as though you have to pack it on, and if makeup is your thing, feel free to go all out.

Some questions that are good to ask your MUA before the day are: whether they include or can include lashes? Whether they sell retail versions of their lip colours? (If not, it might be good to bring your own, so you can touch up later). It’s also really important to talk timing as soon as possible; your artist will know how long they like to allow per person, and sometimes it can be surprising if you haven’t had professional makeup done before; the last thing you want is to feel rushed or stressed over timing on the day, - you want to be feeling relaxed and pampered!

FROM

LIVING

DOLL

the TRUTH about GOING BLONDE.

I

Going from brunette to blonde is not an easy process. A lot of clients think it can just be done in one visit, by putting one colour all over the hair - simple as that! But, that's not the case.

t takes skill, patience, confidence, experience, a colourist who knows her stuff, and a client who is cool, calm and collected through the many stages of blonding. Lauren from Living Doll will talk about whether you're the right candidate for becoming a blonde!

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? First things first.

You need to ask yourself if you're ready to be a part of a blonde entourage. Let’s talk about what it entails to become a blonde.

Damage - going lighter calls for some type of damage to your hair. If you have box colour, or any type of colour at all on your hair when going blonde, your stylist will HAVE to use bleach.

There is no other way to lighten hair with colour on it. Colour does not lift colour out of hair. End of story. Therefore, it's important to gradually lighten your hair when going from one extreme to the other. If your hair is already severely damaged, you need to ask yourself, and your stylist, if it’s in your best interest to go lighter. I've had to ask clients several times, would you rather have healthy, shiny hair or dull, damaged hair?

If your stylist (or several stylists) tells you it's not in your best interest to go lighter, PLEASE trust them. You will find some stylist out there who WILL lighten your hair; however, it will probably cause damage or in worst cases, break off. I'm not saying that you can't ever go light. If your hair is healthy, and the lightening process is done correctly and slowly, you can safely go lighter with your hair over time. But even then, there will most likely be some sort of minimal damage to your hair.

Time - going from dark to light takes several appointments, and normally several hours at a time. Plan to be in the salon every four - six weeks to start with, and plan to spend several

hours in the salon with each visit. No stylist should try to take your hair from a very dark colour to light in one session. In fact, I have turned clients away who would just not listen to me when I said I couldn't take them from dark brown to blonde in one session. If you're planning on going light, make sure you tell your salon beforehand, so they can schedule enough time for you. If you're a new client, go in for a consultation first.

Patience - like I stated above, it takes time to get to the desired blonde of your choice. Be patient with your stylist when going lighter and understand that you might have to live with a colour that is "in between" what you're hoping to achieve for a few weeks. Dark hair is naturally going to lift to warmer tones, especially if it has old box colour on it, so you are most likely not going to be an "ash” blonde until you're closer to the lightest blonde shade. However, it should still be a pretty colour in the process.

Money - being blonde isn't cheap. It’s a higher maintenance lifestyle, not suited for everyone. If you’re going from brunette to blonde, you will need several appointments for full highlights about every four - six weeks, until your desired colour is achieved. Once you've reached your desired colour, you will need to come in for touch ups or a base break every five - 10 weeks, depending on the contrast in your natural colour vs. your blonde. At this point, you can get by with just doing a partial highlight, and a full every few times, which is less expensive. You will also need to invest in good products to keep your blonde looking healthy! Something to think about, Dolls. Come in for a consultation with one of the Premier Stylists at Living Doll today.

XO Dolls.

Coffs Coast focus 51

52 Coffs Coast focus

professionals

WE’RE HIRING Are you a hairdresser tired of the same old thing?

Wanting an employer who values you?

HCF

Do you want to work in a salon that is colour and extension focused?

Living Doll Premier Stylists are a passionate team who specialise in colour, balayage, style cuts and hair extensions.

We pride ourselves on our quality of work and our clients know this, and that’s why we need to expand our team.

Living Doll Premier Stylists is not just any Hairdressing Salon … We are a new generation in PREMIER Stylists, with the utmost skill, passion and enthusiasm for our craft.

Living Doll believes knowledge is the key, and we continue to encourage ourselves to learn more, providing all the training that is necessary to be at the top of your game, with opportunities to travel around Australia for training and to take part of special events such as Fashion Week and Hair Expo.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion but is also open to learning new things. We have a flexible position for the right person; casual, part-time or full-time available. We believe in looking after our team, because we know how important you are!

So, if you’re a hairdresser who’s looking for a change and excited about what you do, please contact Lauren via email info@livingdollstylists.com.au or 0413 006 696 to arrange a confidential interview. XO Dolls.

As Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, HCF puts our members’ health before anything else. It’s why more than 1.5 million Australians trust HCF with their health insurance.

As an HCF member you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits, including: • More money back - for every dollar members paid in premiums over the last five years, we’ve given them back more in benefits than the industry average.

• Reduce your out-of-pocket hospital costs - you can keep your hospital out-of-pockets down by choosing a private hospital in our network. We’ve partnered with hundreds across Australia, so you can find one that’s right for you.

• 100% back on extras - get 100% back on one or two dental check-ups a year and a first visit to a physio, chiro or osteo with our network of more than 10,000 participating extras providers (depends on your level of cover and annual limits).

HCF has been serving the Coffs region for over 40 years through our Coffs Harbour branch at 3 Harbour Drive.

To experience our award-winning service for yourself, talk to Julie and her friendly team today. We have a great one month free joining offer running until the end of September; details below.

GET ONE MONTH FREE WHEN YOU TAKE OUT HOSPITAL & EXTRAS COVER* Visit Julie and her team to find out more.

* Pay two months’ premiums and get the third month free.

Offer only available at our Coffs Harbour branch until 30/9/19.

Terms & conditions apply — ask at branch for details.

VISIT US

3 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

CALL US

(02) 6652 4592

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

The Keys to Successful Weight Loss

T

he number one topic of conversation I have been having with you fantastic FOCUS readers since last month has been firmly centred around weight loss. Unfortunately, around two thirds of Australians are overweight or obese and our kids are also suffering through poor nutritional and exercise habits, and even our pets are starting to feel the pinch. At the end of the day, you are the one with the power to control what goes into their mouths, as well as your own, so let’s take control.

Diets that encourage and promise rapid weight loss often lead to weight being regained just as quickly. Australian women spend over $400 million per year in an unsuccessful quest to be slim, with 95% of people who go on weight loss diets regaining everything they have lost plus more within two years.

When very little food is eaten, the body begins to break down muscle to meet energy (kilojoule) needs. Unfortunately, this occurs much more readily than the breakdown of fat stores. Breaking down muscle leads to a loss of water, creating the illusion of rapid weight loss.

Additionally, breaking down muscle leads to a lowered metabolic rate, meaning that when the diet is stopped, it is much easier for the body to gain fat than it was prior to going on the diet. As a result, over time, people can diet themselves fatter. Clearly there is more to the overweight issue than just food, though.

Remember when you would run around all day at school and then come home to play with your friends until you were called in for dinner? Were you overweight then? Well, what’s changed now …? We live in a push button society where movement is seen as an inconvenience, rather than an essential part of daily living. This way of life means that our metabolic requirement for food and kilojoules is very low, yet we continue to overeat. Our current lifestyles require about 30 - 50% less kilojoules than our parents and

54 Coffs Coast focus

grandparents before them. Fifty years ago you were lucky if there was one car in the family, but now we have two or three. TV was in its infancy, but now we watch an average of 21 hours per week. The energy equation, which is the basis of all things weight loss, is out of balance, and that is the first thing we need to correct.

Being overweight puts you at an infinitely greater risk of a range of health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, gout, gallstones, arthritis, sleep apnoea and reproductive abnormalities. Apart from these issues, you can become tired and cranky, develop emotional and psychological problems and become depressed. Unfortunately, our society is also starting to discriminate quite heavily against overweight and obese people, which only increases the need to get healthy.

If you wish to lose weight, you should participate in a program that helps you lose fat, not muscle and water. Its aim should be to get you to eat the right amounts of the right foods for the rest of your life. If you eat too much, you will put on more weight but if you eat too little and don’t exercise, you will lose muscle. Losing muscle in turn sets you on the diet cycle of regaining more weight and getting fatter in the process.

Nutritional advice, achievable exercise, social connection and professional support are critical to your long term weight loss success.

My recommendation is to search locally for a program or centre that provides assistance with all of these components.

The Healthy Inspirations Wellness Program that we offer at both Toormina and Moonee is one such program that offers all of the above. Our professional coaches have helped almost 450 locals lose over 6,500 kg, as well as achieve untold improvements in both physical and mental health. If you would like more information about the program, please call our Head Coach, Jen McCulloch, directly on 0431 141 701.

Tacmed Australia Medical Equipment and Training You guys are the experts in defibrillators; can you tell us a bit about the training you offer? Sure can. As registered paramedics with over 10 years each working on road, both Jeremy and I bring real on-the-job experience.

It’s great to have a defibrillator, but if you don't know how to use it, then it is a complete waste getting one. We spend time teaching everyone how to use them and we'll even come to your work to train the staff, at no extra charge. The feedback we get from our customers is this gives them so much confidence, knowing what to do if the worst-case scenario eventuates.

What is like to work in the industry? Really rewarding; we love what we do. If we can help

someone by giving them some tools or training to deal with a really bad day they may have, that’s a good day for us.

Your team is made up of veterans and paramedics. How does that history give you the edge when running your business?

I guess we've had some fairly unique experiences as Army Medics and Ambos, and we've seen first hand the difference quality equipment and training can make in an emergency.

What is your favourite part of the job?

There are lots of things, but having a laugh with the team at work and knowing we've equipped our clients for a "bad day" are both right up there.

No matter who you are and what you love doing, there’s going to be times your body stops you from achieving your best. However, that doesn’t mean you need to stop doing everything. Many physios will tell you to rest and avoid doing anything heavy, but that shouldn’t always be the case. Aaron Hardaker, director of Mid North Coast Physio, caught up with Julian White, physiotherapist and weightlifting coach, to find out more about how he can help you reach your health and fitness goals.

T

ell us a little about yourself.

I relocated to Coffs Harbour about a year ago. I completed my Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney and worked in a range of different roles in Sydney before making the move. Before working as a physio, I completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science, served in the Defence Force and worked in international medical assistance. Moving to Coffs Harbour has been amazing and even with the weather cooling down, it is great to get out and about to explore everything the area has to offer.

I am a qualified Level Two Australian Weightlifting Federation Coach and have been coaching Olympic Weightlifting for the last three years to people of all ages. Outside of the clinic you’ll often find me in the gym, trying to lift heavy things!

I love physiotherapy, because it gives me the chance to utilise all my experience to help others.

Typically, people think that physios are scared of people who want to train hard, lift heavy weights or do CrossFit workouts; that’s not the case with me. I enjoy pushing myself and enjoy working with anyone who wants to challenge themselves too.

What do you commonly see with athletes you’ve coached or treated?

Just because you're active doesn't mean you just have to accept having a sore back or aching knees and shoulders. People are often scared to

get assessed, because they think physios will tell them to stop training or stop competing in the sport they love. As a physio, I consider keeping you active and regularly training as vital to your treatment. I can help you, and work with your coaches or trainers, to modify your training to keep you progressing while you overcome any obstacles.

Does that mean you only work with athletes?

Not at all! Physiotherapy can be beneficial to everybody, and for some people the demands of their job are just as taxing as a sport! My goal is to help you understand any physical problems you may have and empower you to overcome them. Whether that is recovering after joint replacement surgery or treating long term back pain, I will work with you to reach your goals.

What’s the best way to find out if you can help?

You can give our admin team at Mid North Coast Physio a call and request a FREE assessment with me or one of our other therapists. Come in and find out what’s wrong and what needs to be done to address the problem, with no cost to you. Simply call 1300 273 747 to book at one of our clinics in Woolgoolga, Moonee, Toormina or Urunga - these appointments are limited, so call now.

Remember that the greatest wealth you have is your health!

Thanks Julian.

Coffs Coast focus 55

Maccas

junior

grants

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

Ruby PADE

W

hat have your achievements been so far?

My number one achievement so far has been my recent selection in the NSW PSSA State Tennis Team, where I will represent NSW

in the School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under Tennis Championships to be held in Perth, Western Australia. It was also amazing to win the NSW Country Championships in Singles and Doubles and winning the 12/u Singles at the Northern NSW Championships.

Why did you apply for this grant?

I have applied for this grant because it costs lots of money for my parents to take me away to tournaments with entry fees and travel costs, and I would like to be able to help them.

How will this grant benefit you? And how do you plan on using it?

I would like to put the money towards the cost of my uniforms and entry fees for the upcoming School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under Tennis Championships to be held in Perth.

Who inspires you the most?

Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong - coming from an Indigenous background, it’s great what Evonne has done for junior Indigenous tennis players, and now with Ash’s win at the French Open - she is great.

Orara Highschool Volleyball Team

W

hat have your achievements been so far?

Coffs Harbour School Volleyball Zone Champions 2018; second in the North Coast region 2018. NSW CHS State Championships in 2018 - placed 11th. Number one ranked team in the North Coast region 2019.

Why did you apply for this grant?

The players have trained exceptionally hard for the last two years during and after school hours.

They also played in the local A grade competition on Thursday nights, where they received plenty of encouragement and advice on how to improve their individual skills and as a team.

They are fantastic students on and off the court, representing their school and region admirably 56 Coffs Coast focus

with honour and pride.

How will this grant benefit you?

On top of training hard and keeping up with their studies, the students also find time to do some fundraising with school BBQs and raffles.

This helps; however, it barely covers the travel cost ($57 per student).

The Maccas Junior Grant would alleviate the financial burden that comes with participating in this kind of sporting event.

What are you hopes for the future?

The team’s goal is to qualify in the top six at the NSW CHS State Championships this year (2019). Furthermore, the students are also keen on leading with example to demonstrate to the school and wider Coffs Harbour community that with hard work and determination, dreams and goals can be achieved.

professionals

ProfessorTHOMAS SHAKESPEARE Professor Thomas Shakespeare is the Director of Cancer Services at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, and how lucky we are to have someone as passionate, experienced and skilled as him, along with his incredible team, providing such an important service to our community.

H

i Tom. Tell us how you came to be on the Coffs Coast.

I was originally a Sydney boy and did all my schooling, university and medical training there. One day my wife and I were sitting in a café and found job ads for a radiation oncologist and an international school teacher in Singapore. We applied, and next thing you know, we were living in a different country.

I landed in a tiny cancer centre where I was the only specialist, and I was supposed to serve a population of two million people in Western Singapore all on my own! I managed to recruit another five specialists from Australia and the US, and we ended up building three huge cancer centres for the population. We had our two boys over there, but after five years, the heat and concrete were too much for our young family.

We decided to relocate to Australia.

I was offered a job heading up Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, as well as a job here in Coffs Harbour. By that stage we were pretty sick of the rat race and decided to move to Coffs Harbour. That was the best decision we ever made.

You head the Cancer Unit here on the Coffs Coast. Tell us how you came to be an oncology professor and what inspired you to get in to this field?

I think I was initially inspired by my parents. My dad was an anaesthetist and was a Professor doing research at NASA. My mum was a gastroenterologist and was the understudy for the lead of the Australian Ballet. They were such inspirations.

Unfortunately, my mum died of breast cancer when I was 13. So, when I came across radiation oncology as a junior doctor, I was drawn to it.

Since then my stepmother, aunt and grandfather have all died of cancer. It is such a terrible disease, but it is so rewarding to be able to cure patients with breast cancer and prostate cancer (my two sub specialty interests). Even those pa-

tients who I’m not able to cure still benefit from our treatment, and we usually improve quality and length of life.

I first became a Professor in Singapore. The title is really just a recognition by a university of your research and teaching contributions. I had received a number of research prizes and also set up Singapore’s first oncology training program.

How many patients would you say come through your doors yearly?

As Director of Cancer Services, I was part of a team that set up comprehensive cancer centres in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Lismore.

Although I am based in Coffs Harbour, I see patients in Port Macquarie on Tuesdays and Lismore on Thursdays. This is to ensure our three centres are delivering equally excellent care. In addition to treating patients, I also meet up with the staff at the three sites each week and ensure treatment protocols remain similar.

I am quite passionate about adhering to evidence-based protocols. Across the three centres I would have several thousand patients a year coming in for treatment or follow-up. I would say they receive around 10,000 radiation therapy treatments a year.

Your unit won the NSW Premier’s Gold Public Service Award; how did this come about, and what does this achievement mean to you and your team?

This was a real honour, and I am not aware of any other cancer centre ever having achieved that. It was awarded to our team for building the integrated cancer centres in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie and for our staff providing an exceptional quality of service.

We have a truly amazing workforce from all over the world, many with fascinating backgrounds. We have nuclear physicists (the smartest people you will ever meet), a sailor living on his yacht at the Marina, an actress who performs at the Jetty Theatre, an ex-Australian Army paratrooper and sniper, farmers, entrepreneurs, and then relatively normal people like me! But,

we all have one thing in common - the desire us, or my staff and I fly to them for training. to provide compassionate care for our cancer The Vietnamese are some of the warmest and patients. We are incredibly lucky being able to most wonderful people you will ever meet. When do that in a world-class facility, with equipment I am teaching the specialists in Vietnam, I often and techniques that have delivered many firsts for think to myself that in Australia one hour of my Australia. time might save one life, but in Vietnam one One of the biggest benefits is that patients no hour teaching the oncologists can potentially save longer have to travel to thousands of lives.

Sydney for their radiation Your unit has one of the therapy. When I first starthighest success rates for ed, the Mid North Coast the treatment of prosCancer Institute at Coffs We all have one thing in common tate cancer in particular; Harbour was a green field - the desire to provide what is it that contriband an idea. I had to fly compassionate care for utes to these results, do my patients to Sydney for our cancer patients. We you think? treatment. Now they can are incredibly lucky being I think success can be have treatment locally, able to do that in a worldmeasured in many ways. and all of our patients are class facility, with equipment In terms of cure rates, for bulk billed. and techniques that have delivered prostate cancer we have The thing that keeps many firsts for Australia. some of the highest pubus all going is the wonlished cure rates in Austraderful work environment lia. We also have some of with dynamic, caring the lowest side effect rates and collegial staff, and the heartfelt thanks from in Australia. I also treat breast cancer, with simipatients and their carers. larly excellent outcomes. This is attributed to our Coffs Harbour Base Hospital has a relationstate of the art equipment and dedicated highly ship with a hospital in Vietnam. Can you tell skilled staff. We have pioneered many treatments us about that and how it works? that are Australia-wide firsts, which have since I first came across the cancer centre in Vietnam been adopted by centres throughout Australia. when I used to audit radiation facilities in Asia I also have a very strong belief that a patient and South America. I came across a small centre with cancer needs to be managed as a person in Saigon which had three oncology doctors they may be someone’s partner, part of a family, and was catering for a population of 40 million. and always an integral part of our community.

On top of that, none of the doctors had been We strive to ensure patients are managed holistitrained in oncology - they were physicians and cally and are engaged at every step of the treata neurosurgeon. The hospital administrator told ment process.

Patients need to be given enough them that the following week they were going to information to be part of the decision-making be radiation oncologists. They had no idea what in order to make an informed choice for process they were doing. treatment.

We, and the Cancer Institute NSW, So, I managed to get funding for them to measure outcomes such as patient satisfaction, spend six months with us in Singapore to be trained. Our relationship has continued even after and our cancer patients continually express some of the highest satisfaction rates in NSW. I moved to Coffs Harbour. Every one - two years we do an exchange where either they come to Thanks Tom. Coffs Coast focus 57

focusinterview focusinterview.

WITH SAM DAWSON OF PFLAG COFFS COAST

lifeline PAU L F E L L OWS

NORTH COAST

Lifeline North Coast is situated here in Coffs Harbour. It provides an important service to the public, with a mission to enhance individual and community wellbeing by providing quality telephone crisis support and complementary services. I wanted to learn more, so have chatted this month with Paul Fellows, who is a supervisor, trainer and generalist counsellor for Lifeline North Coast.

P

aul, can you explain exactly what Lifeline is all about and what role it plays here in Coffs Harbour?

Most people would know Lifeline for our national crisis phone line; however, Lifeline North Coast provides

many different services within the Coffs Coast community. We provide training in suicide awareness, suicide intervention skills, domestic violence awareness for frontline workers, and communication skills across different situations. We offer free gambling help counselling and financial counselling, as

well as affordable generalist counselling. We What reasons do you find are the also provide a monthly suicide bereavement most common that bring people to call support group for those who are bereaved Lifeline? by a loss of a loved one to suicide. And, Any form of distress or crisis that can of course, we have our wonderful Lifeline occur in life is a reason to call Lifeline. From shops, which are so important because the thoughts of suicide, to relationship issues. money that is made in our shops is used From mental health concerns, to worries to fund the phones and to help us provide about coming out or gender issues, our these services to our community. telephone crisis supporters are trained to Who can access Lifeline? support our callers, no matter what the Anyone! If you are situation. distressed or in crisis, Can people volunteer to support is available assist?

24/7 on 13 11 14.

We are always on the Our training programs WE ARE ALWAYS lookout for dedicated are open to anyone HAPPY TO TALK volunteers, whether it wanting to learn TO ANYONE be in our shops or as a important life skills, ABOUT HOW telephone crisis supporter. especially that of COUNSELLING CAN We are indebted to our suicide awareness. Our BE BENEFICIAL IF wonderful volunteers, as face to face counselling THEY ARE UNSURE. without them we would services are also not be able to operate. available to anyone How can people find needing individual out more? support. I think it’s If you are interested in any of our training really important to let people in the Coffs programs, would like to enquire about any Coast LGBTIQ community know that our of our counselling services, or in volunteering counselling services are a safe and supportive at Lifeline North Coast, please call 6651 environment, and we have an understanding 4093 or email reception.northcoast@lifeline. of the concerns that an LGBTIQ person org.au might be experiencing. We are always happy However, if you are in crisis and need to talk to anyone about how counselling can be beneficial if they are unsure. support, please call 13 11 14.

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

(Coffs Harbour & Macksville)

Children’s therapist PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & STAFF TRAINING FRESH DENTAL

2019

Grafton

Cnr Queen & Victoria Streets

6643 2225

Coffs Harbour

Suite 1, 252 Harbour Drive

6651 1350

freshdentalcare.com.au 58 Coffs Coast focus

Urunga

46 Bonville Street

6655 5800

Macksville

1 Princess Street

6568 1335

/freshdentalcare.com.au

professionals

Why a happy

WORKPLACE is good for staff AND good for business

Employees that feel happy and supported at work are more likely to go the extra mile and work together to meet deadlines.

They tend to go home feeling proud of where they work, and this is important in regional towns, where everyone wants to be the Employer of Choice.

U

nfortunately, when employees are having personal problems or feeling stressed at work, it can be difficult for them to stay on top of things. They are not always able to do their best work, which can impact on the rest of the team and lead to a sharp reduction in productivity. The cost of absenteeism in Australia is estimated at $7 billion each year, while the cost of presenteeism (not fully functioning at work because of poor health) is nearly four times more.

Mental health in the workplace is a hot topic right now.

Maureen Dollard, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology at the University of South Australia, advises, “Support is critical to improve their health, productivity at work, and the overall wellbeing, quality of life, and productivity of society.“ Investing in employee wellbeing also provides a lucrative return on investment, with research suggesting a $2.30

return for every $1 spent. “This is due to reduced sick days, presenteeism, and workers’ compensation claims,” Ms Dollard explained.

Local experts agree. Harbour Therapy Clinic has long been recognised for its integrative therapies, including therapeutic yoga, nutrition and mindfulness, relationship counselling and mental health services. It is also a respected, local provider of workplace wellbeing and leadership support services on the North Coast. Directors Rowena Bianchino and Angie Laussel understand that regional companies need a professional, responsive and confidential service that cares for their employees and protects their business reputation. They also understand that employees work better when they feel valued, respected and supported to seek help for both personal and professional issues.

“Our Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Program provides a timely service to assist employees at difficult moments in their lives,”

Clinic Directors Rowena Bianchino and Angie Laussel. advises Ms Bianchino. “Our team of experienced counsellors work with individuals and couples with a range of concerns and support mental wellbeing and work/life difficulties. Our EAWP clients know our service is confidential, respectful of diversity, and they are grateful that their workplace supports them to attend.”

Workplace wellbeing programs are also beneficial for existing and emerging supervisors and managers. “Good leaders set the tone that creates the culture,” said Ms Laussel. “Our leadership coaching helps managers address difficult situations, as well as develop long term skills that build teams, workplace morale and productivity.”

Local business and organisations are welcome

to contact Harbour Therapy Clinic to find out more about their Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Program. Rowena and Angie also encourage staff to talk with their managers about making an EAWP Program like HTC’s available to them, in their workplace: “In our experience, managers are keen to know what they can do to make a difference and often don’t know about EAWP services until their staff let them know.”

Harbour Therapy Clinic is the largest, locally based Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Provider in Coffs Harbour. To find out more about the range of services they offer, and how they can help build your workplace wellbeing, contact them on 6652 1120.

HARBOUR THERAPY CLINIC Integrative Mental Health

Employee Assistance & Wellbeing | Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy | Mental Health Social Work Child & Family Therapy | Relationship & Intimacy Counselling Gender & Sexual Diversity Counselling | Somatic Therapies Art Therapy | Therapeutic Yoga | Nutrition & Naturopathy Workcover Accredited Counselling

Harbour Therapy Clinic is an inclusive and integrative mental health practice, based in Coffs Harbour. Our innovative approach focuses on the whole person, and incorporates leading research on the importance of the mind-body connection. Our diverse team of professionals offer a range of approaches to suit you and your family’s needs. We are open six days a week including evenings.

364a Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty 6652 1120 | enquiries@harbourtherapyclinic.com.au

harbourtherapyclinic.com.au We do not provide a bulk billing service

Coffs Coast focus 59

professionals

LIZ Harrigan

Kingdom Denture Clinic

Community Care Options

W

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

My parents came to the Coffs Coast in the 1970s and loved the place, so decided to settle here. I feel fortunate to have been born and raised in Coffs Harbour, attending school in the area and making lifelong friendships.

After school I spent time in Sydney and then England, before deciding to move back to Coffs Harbour to begin working with my father, Des, in his business. I love the laid back feeling of the town, the people and being able to call this place home.

Describe how you got started in your industry/business?

My first job in Sydney was working as a dental assistant. I was lucky enough to work for very passionate dentists and became interested in crown and bridge work. Because of this, I began working in the crown and bridge laboratory, which is where my studies enabled me to become a dental technician.

After working in this role for a number of years, I decided to do some travelling and worked in London to enable me to backpack around Europe. It was toward the end of this travel that my father approached me to join him in the family practice.

What was it like to be mentored by your father, Des Kingdom?

60 Coffs Coast focus

There are not many people who can say that they have been lucky enough to work with and spend extensive time with their family. Dad and I have been able to form a wonderful working relationship, whilst still retaining a close personal relationship. He has taught me so much about the industry and has given me the confidence to grow professionally and personally.

I have now taken ownership of the business to enable Dad more time to enjoy his life, although he is still working a few days a week to help out.

What is your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is being able to give our patients their confidence and self esteem back. To see the patients leave our practice with a confident, happy smile is the most satisfying part of my job, and this is why I do it.

How do you measure success in business?

Customer satisfaction and repeat business are the cornerstone of a successful business. Our practice strives for professionalism and as a result, we provide extensive after sales service to ensure that we are offering the best support to our patients on an ongoing basis.

We consistently have patients return or attend our practice who have been recommended by their friends and family. We continue to provide state of the art service to the people of the Coffs Coast and are currently implementing digital technology into our practice, so that we can continue to improve the products and services we provide to our patients.

Community Care Options’ vision is to provide leadership and innovation in the provision of high quality community care services to older people and people living with a disability.

Collectively, our mission is to support an improved quality of life for our clients.

Our first point of call for all aged care and disability enquiries comes through our intake, direct to our Program Managers, who are the experts in providing up to date information and excellent customer service, ensuring you hang up the phone or leave the office feeling well informed.

Navigating the aged care and disability systems is not an easy task. The process of accessing the right type of support can be very overwhelming, confusing and frustrating. Sometimes you just

experience information overload and need to go over things again with someone. We know this. That is why we only employ passionate and caring people as part of our team.

Introducing our Program Managers - Kate Leary (Aged Care) and Khinhtay-yee Matete (Disability). If you are looking for information on what supports are available to you or your loved one under either aged care or disability, please feel free to contact the girls on 6650 2000, who will be sure to guide you as best they can, ensuring you feel valued and heard.

Community Care Options is a proud, local provider who offers supports to clients through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages levels 1 to 4, NDIS, Compacks and Private/Brokerage.

professionals

Work beyond 2020 the future of healthcare FOCUS speaks with Maree Bernoth, Associate Professor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University, to explore the nature of these changes and how healthcare provision is responding to them.

W

here is healthcare headed?

The coming decades will present the healthcare industry with unique challenges. These challenges will need innovative solutions to ensure patient care remains effective, equitable and economically viable.

How do we meet the needs of a changing and ageing population?

The demographic profile of Australia is changing like never before. Immigration is one factor, but the biggest structural shift is that Australia is, in terms of the people who live here, getting older. Often this shift in demographics is presented as a negative thing.

You may read of a “time bomb” or a “looming crisis”. Of course, an ageing population presents challenges socially, economically and in terms of healthcare provision, but it also presents opportunity. Associate Professor Bernoth feels that the changing demographic means unique

possibilities for healthcare workers.

“The growing number of older people means that healthcare workers can work with people from preconception right through the lifespan, so that patients have quality of life throughout their lives. That’s exciting for healthcare workers. More people living longer is a sign of a successful society. However, we want people to age so they don’t have co-morbidities and chronic health problems that some of our current older members of society have.”

“And, as we understand more about the ageing process and effects on it through research, frontline healthcare staff like nurses can help people apply this knowledge to ensure their quality of life. That means things like health promotion about lifestyle choices as we age,” says Professor Bernoth.

Meeting the needs of an ageing population who make more demands on healthcare services will require growth in dynamic services, delivered by agile workers able to respond to change positively. Growth in the industry will

mean opportunities for shortage of nurses in those looking to work in our regions by studying the field. Just in terms of nursing in your region? nursing, in the medium Charles Sturt University GROWTH IN to long term Australia’s delivers the Bachelor of THE INDUSTRY demand for nurses will Nursing across most of WILL MEAN significantly exceed their campuses, making it OPPORTUNITIES supply. It is thought as convenient as possible FOR THOSE the shortfall will be for its students. From 2020 LOOKING TO approximately 85,000 onwards, the degree will BUILD A CAREER nurses by 2025 and be offered at the Port IN HEALTHCARE. 123,000 nurses by Macquarie campus. Get 2030. (Dept of Health, ready to make a difference Australia’s Future Health to the future of healthcare Workforce - Nurses). and study by the beach!

How can we increase the number of nurses? Find out more or apply now at csu.edu.au/ Did you know you can help combat the bachelor-nursing

Become a nurse, right here in Port Macquarie!

Now you can study nursing at Australia’s #1 university for grads who get jobs.* Join the ranks of Charles Sturt University nursing graduates with the degree that’s led the way for almost 50 years.

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Three-year undergraduate degree.

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Get hands-on with more than 800 hours of workplace learning in an exciting range of health settings.

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Enjoy small class sizes, with personalised attention and support.

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Strong links with local industry partners means opportunities for clinical placements and employment after graduation.

Please note: only first-year subjects offered at Port Macquarie in 2020.

csu.edu.au/bachelor-nursing *The Good Universities Guide 2018/19 **Pending external ANMAC accreditation. CRICOS Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F. © Charles Sturt University, 2019. S1001.

Coffs Coast focus 61

Kikstart program Key Employment Key Employment’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) Program KIKSTART has been running for the last two years and is having great success at transitioning people with disabilities from school to work. Today we chat with the Coffs Harbour Driving Range, who have been working with Chris, a participant in KIKSTART, about how this is working for their business.

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62 Coffs Coast focus

ow did you hear about Key Employment’s KIKSTART Program?

Adam from KE contacted us and explained all about the program. We have Chris complete four hours of work experience with us every Monday. Chris is accompanied by Adam the whole time and has been completing duties such as gardening, picking up golf balls, driving the cart and washing customer cars. He is doing a really great job, and we are loving seeing his progress every week. Chris always arrives on time; he hasn’t missed a shift and he always just gets in and does his work. He is working out to be an asset for our business.

Why was it important to your business to be a part of this program?

It is really important to us to ensure diversity in our workplace. We want our staff to be able to relate to and reflect all the people we see using the range. It also made good business sense; we have been able to trial a worker who has been fully supported by Adam, whom we know and trust. Chris is quickly picking up all his duties and is becoming a part of the team.

It’s really a win-win for us.

How has Key Employment helped?

Adam is familiar with our business, so he has taken all the stress out of this process.

He completed all the paperwork, ensured our insurance and worked out a duties list with Chris. He fully supervises Chris throughout the shift, so it adds no extra work at all to my staff.

Would you recommend giving someone from the KIKSTART program a go?

Absolutely. Having Chris work with us has only added to our business. He is a good worker, fully supported by Key Employment.

We get to diversify our workplace, and we feel like we are contributing to our community in a really positive way. If you are keen to get involved, I’d highly recommend giving Adam or one of his team at Key Employment a call to set it up.

Where to from here?

When Chris completes his eight weeks of work experience, we will talk to Adam about having him here as a paid employee. Adam has already given us some good information on wage subsidies that are available, and we may be able to hire Chris for eight hours a week at little cost to our business. This is important to us as a small business and will help us train Chris fully. We will also happily support other young people in this program in the future.

focusinterview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative

LOOKOUT

RETREAT P H I L I P K E N N E D Y & W AY N E N O R M A N

Y

ou’re both from Melbourne originally.

What brought you to the Coffs Coast, specifically Dorrigo?

The weather! Melbourne’s winters are long, cold and miserable, so the move here was inspired by the warmer climate, sunshine and just how green it is here in Dorrigo and on the coast. We had also been looking for a hotel to purchase for some time and came across the Lookout Mountain Retreat in Dorrigo and fell in love with the potential ... and the rest is history, as they say.

You made the leap of faith to purchase the old Lookout Mountain Retreat in 2016, with the view of making it truly a special accommodation venue once again. Tell us about the journey so far ...

When we purchased the retreat, it was very run down. So, it really needed a major renovation to bring it up to market standards.

There has been lots of blood, sweat and tears over the past few years renovating it.

We basically followed the same principles and ideas that we used when we renovated homes in Melbourne, but just multiplied it by 26 rooms! The keep it simple approach was the key to keeping it on track. We used lots of local suppliers for all the things we needed to buy, with many trips to Coffs. And Bunnings became our second home … literally!

During this time, we also had to create new processes and reinvent the business to meet the current and changing market. Moving away from coach tours and more into special retreats, conferencing and weddings, creating a destination where people want to come and spend time enjoying the gorgeous surrounds.

What work backgrounds have you both come from?

Phillip: We’re both ex corporate. I was a spare parts manager at Australia Post; I spent 22 years there. I started out as an apprentice electrician and technician and ended up

There are not too many

running the national accommodation providers on the that boast a beautifully spare parts division for coast that boast a beautifully manicured property with them. manicured property panoramic vistas that Wayne: My with panoramic vistas overlook the Dorrigo background was that overlook the Dorrigo National Park, alongside nursing and human gorgeous gardens, an National Park, alongside resources. I spent the award-winning onsite café gorgeous gardens, an awardlast 13 years working and guest accommodation winning onsite café and guest for Northern Health that really offers a tranquil accommodation that really offers in Melbourne, and I and relaxing retreat away a tranquil and relaxing retreat looked after around from the everyday life! away from the everyday life!

300 volunteers and over We’re really looking five health campuses, forward to building so this change is the awareness of the very different for us. We’ve never worked in retreat and our unique offering to the hospitality as such, but lots of the skills we’ve accommodation, wedding and retreat markets, learnt in our careers in service and dealing with so that more people can come and experience people are transferable. how beautiful it is here at Lookout Mountain How have you juggled the balance of Retreat and Dorrigo. working and living at your place of work What do you think is the most important so far? aspect of the guest experience?

We didn’t manage that very well to begin The memory that the guest takes away with with! There was no balance at all with them is the most important. If they retain the renovations and the sheer volume of work experience of staying with us as a positive that needed to be done. There was really no and memorable time, over some other places business when we came here; everything they may stay on their travels, than we’ve needed replacing and renovating. So, it was a done our job right. Happy guests help to build real struggle to manage everything for the first word of mouth, and hopefully they will return three years and have any time out. again to see us! Our philosophy is to create a It has also been hard to find good, reliable guest experience that is truly memorable in all staff in a very small town like Dorrigo. With aspects, for each and every guest. younger people moving on to bigger cities, this Do you have any event or conference can put extra pressure on us to manage every spaces at the retreat that businesses can aspect with changing staff. But now we have utilise for events? finished all the renovations and have good, We’re very excited, as we’ve just completed reliable staff in place, we can really take a break our conference room. When the retreat was and focus on the marketing and promotion of built in 1984, they actually had some good the retreat to attract the right target markets. foresight in the design and planning of the What is your vision for the Lookout building, with the old conference room now Mountain Retreat? What sets you apart fully refurbished. It’s a good size and space is from other accommodation providers in suitable across all types of conferences, retreats Dorrigo or Bellingen? or meetings - even weddings or special events.

Probably our property and the experience Things like team building, fitness, health we offer sets us apart. There are not too and really any sort of workshops we can also many accommodation providers on the coast host, with onsite catering available from the

Waterfall Way Café too. The facility has state of the art technology, plus a private kitchenette and restrooms, which means that it’s an allinclusive space. The Waterfall Way Café onsite is also a dual-purpose space, which can be utilised for conferences or special events too.

You’re looking to host special retreats around health and wellness; when can we expect to hear more on this?

Our first Wellness Retreat is booked in November! We’re now working with the organisers and our marketing team on getting that campaign together. So, stay tuned for more information! Sign up for our email news on our website to get notified of special events or accommodation deals too.

Weddings are a big part of the Coffs Coast as a destination. What does Lookout Mountain Retreat offer couples looking for the perfect wedding venue?

Uniqueness. We’ve got everything, 26 guest rooms fully refurbished and in terms of reception and ceremony spaces, we have four available. The Lodge - Waterfall Way Café seats 70 people in a beautiful indoor space with an expansive stone fireplace. The Terrace - seats 60 - 70 people for a more relaxed outdoor affair, or even a great dance floor with DJ or band. The Pines - which is beautiful area by the entry of the retreat, bordered by deciduous pine trees and beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. And the Vista - which takes in the panoramic views over the rainforest and coastline. It’s a huge lawn area and perfect for a marquee wedding or bigger affairs. We are also fully licensed and have an onsite chef for catering, or guests can bring their own catering in for their wedding. There is a wedding guide that people can download on our website for all the details.

Do you have a motto or piece of advice that you live by?

“Every day is an adventure”. There are always challenges, we’re never bored - haven’t stopped yet!

Coffs Coast focus 63

Book your Coffs Coast

Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa

AirBNB is a popular choice for most holiday makers these days. This property at Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa is set on nine tropically landscaped acres of absolute beach frontage, seven kilometres north of Coffs Harbour. FOCUS had a chat with owner Madonna Bannerman, to find out more …

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hy did you decide to invest in a property for the purpose of AirBNB? We decided to invest in this property as an AirBNB due to its location; it is one of the only beachfront resort styles left on the Coffs Coast, and who doesn’t want to stay on the beach! We could see that it had so much potential, and the property was just a stunning location.

Where is the property located, and what are some of the stand out features?

Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa is located at Sapphire Beach, north of Coffs Harbour. This property has so much on offer, with absolute private beach frontage, three swimming pools, indoor and outdoor spas, exercise cabana, two full size beachfront tennis courts, a children's playground, nine acres of tropical landscaped gardens, and beach fishing right on your doorstep.

You have recently renovated the property. Tell us what has changed and improved.

We have done a complete renovation on the studio villa; it now has a very coastal Hamptons feel about it. It hasn’t had a makeover since it was built in the '80s. It now boasts a stylish bathroom, large bedroom and dining lounge area.

In the coming months we are doing an enclosed

64 Coffs Coast focus

courtyard with an outdoor shower and entertaining area.

IT NOW BOASTS A STYLISH Who were some of the BATHROOM, LARGE local suppliers involved BEDROOM AND DINING accept credit card payments at in the reno?

LOUNGE AREA. IN THE the time of booking. You can All the tradies we use are COMING MONTHS WE contact Maddy on 0413 522 locals: from our builders ARE DOING AN ENCLOSED 518 to secure your booking Trent Hart and his fantastic COURTYARD WITH AN and add additional extras team; Andrew Ross, our OUTDOOR SHOWER AND such as beach towels, cheese electrician; Peter Harrison, ENTERTAINING AREA. platters etc. our painter; Jessy, our tiler.

How can we book or find These guys all worked out more information? to my strict deadline and You can book direct by budget and have done an outstanding job to calling 0413 522 518 or by going on AirBNB. complete this in three weeks.

You can also email us and we can send you more What are the top five things people should information: madditk@hotmail.com or admin@ consider when looking to book an AirBNB twotailswines.com.au property?

Why do you think Coffs Coast is a great place People should consider what needs they have to visit? when booking an AirBNB property, not just look The Coffs Coast has so much to offer - not just at the price - where is it located, what facilities are beautiful beaches. It has some amazing attractions available to them and most of all, is it the style of beyond the Big Banana; we have Dolphin Marine break that they are looking for?

Magic, fantastic restaurants, such as Tapas at Two Can we book the property directly with you?

Tails Wines, Coffs Coast's number one winery, If so, how can we get in touch?

Thai, seafood - just to name a few. There's also Yes, we encourage people to book direct, as bush walking trails, surfing, diving, horse riding. like all holiday accommodation if you book direct Thanks Madonna. you in most cases get a better deal. We can also

focus_tech

WITH GAVIN MORONEY

Tech Head Camera House. Your binocular and scope specialists.

T H E

E-bike

WHEN YOU THINK OF THE WORDS “ELECTRIC BICYCLE”, YOU MIGHT IMAGINE SOMETHING LIKE AN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE OR SCOOTER. BUT, JUST IMAGINE YOUR REGULAR BICYCLE, ADD SOME ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, AND YOU’RE S O M E W H AT T H E R E .

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When looking for a pair of binoculars, what do the numbers mean?

The numbers in the name of any pair of binoculars denote the specifications of that binocular. For example, a set of Olympus EXPSI 8x42 - they have a fixed 8x magnification and a 42 mm aperture size (lens diameter).

With 8x magnification, for example, a subject 800 metres distant appears as it would when viewed from 100 metres with the naked eye.

As a rule, magnifications of 6x to 10x are recommended for handheld outdoor use. With magnifications of 12x or greater, any shaking by hand movement is more likely to create an unstable image, and image stabilised binoculars are recommended.

Can I use binoculars if I wear glasses?

Lots of people wonder what they should do if

they wear their glasses while using binoculars.

Most binoculars have been designed to allow for comfortable viewing even with your glasses on, and to do so, they provide you with longer eye relief.

Is there a set of binoculars that stops them from shaking?

Yes, there are binoculars with image stabilisation.

This self-steadying feature (for example, found in Canon binoculars) autocorrects for jitters and shakes that easily occur during high magnification observation - especially when you hold your binoculars in your hands, or you are in a moving vehicle.

Make sure you pop into Camera House Coffs Harbour to find out more about binoculars and other specialised products.

the crank area (where the pedals attach) of an e-bike frame and offer electrical assistance relative to the amount of power being exerted by a rider. On a majority of the motor systems, they will typically be programmed with three - five levels of assistance. The tech that goes into an e-bike is quite straightforward, with Aside from the often obvious electric controller, battery and motor all seamlessly motor system that integrates into an integrated into the design. E-bikes will e-bike, modern e-bikes are starting to come with an look more and more onscreen display like their traditionally showing speed, level pedal-powered cousins. of assistance and They come in most battery life. Battery styles, including urban, The electric bike is just life differs from bike mountain, city/folding like a normal bike, where to bike, but in some and the debated road you can pedal, but has cases on the lowest bikes. When looking an additional battery assist setting, some at pedal powered and pack and through an companies claim to an e-bike side by side, integrated motor can have a battery life of it’s easy to see some assist you in pedalling.

100 km. resemblance between -bikes have hit different bicycle scenes in a big way, and by a big way I mean they are the fastest growing category in the cycling industry globally, despite some opinions from purist cyclists.

the two. Start looking a little closer, and a number of differences become more noticeable.

The electric bike is just like a normal bike, where you can pedal, but has an additional battery pack and through an integrated motor, can assist you in pedalling. There are also options for a throttle styled e-bike, which is controlled more like a motor bike and pedalling is optional. The motors are usually very quiet and can assist up to 45 km/h.

In most cases, pedelec motors are fitted to

Who are e-bikes for?

They are for anyone from a novice to a pro rider, but I can see this will greatly help people who would enjoy a long ride but may not be at a fitness level for traditional biking. It should definitely be considered for daily commutes to work and because of the ease of the ride, there is no need for the change of outfit when you get to work.

Lastly, this will be my final tech review for now, and I would like to thank anyone who has read any of the reviews for the past year.

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community What’s new at Billabong Zoo Visit Billabong Zoo this school holiday for a fantastic day out, with 17 free keeper presentations daily.

Lots of new animals for you to see, including our three cute lion cubs, Zoraya, Nuru and Kiros - still playful and cute, but growing up quickly.

New Common Marmoset monkeys also joined us, called Miguel, Romina, Celeste and Alehandra. They are so much fun to watch.

Plus, our beautiful dingoes, Ernie and Beauty, adopted a cute pup! Archer is still at that cute and cuddly stage, and you can pat him at our dingo presentations at 11:30am.

Watch our monster croc feeding show at noon!

Enjoy a bite to eat from our new delicious menu in our Zoo Café. All meals are house-made by our talented chefs and are reasonably priced, serving breakfast, lunch and morning or afternoon tea.

For those who enjoy retail therapy, you have a wide selection of beautiful gift ideas or souvenirs to choose from.

Book your entry and personal animal encounter tickets online at billabongzoo.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Forestry Corporation of NSW, Boral Timbers and Planet Ark have a partnership program donating timber for community projects across NSW. Justin Black from the Forestry Corporation talks to us about the program and what has happened so far. i Justin. Tell us a little about the program.

The program is about us supporting community groups by supplying beautiful North Coast hardwood timber for projects. The scheme has been operating for about six months now, and we have already supplied timber to seventeen different projects across the state. So far, we have provided timber to schools, sports groups, museums, community gardens and halls. We have around a thousand packs of timber, so there will be a few more projects and community groups that will benefit from this program.

That sounds like a lot of timber; where did it all come from?

When Murwillumbah flooded in 2017 during Cyclone Debbie, water went through Boral Timbers' processing plant on the south side of town. A fair amount of their stock was damaged and was subsequently determined usable, but unfit for sale. Boral is one of our timber customers and they had heard about the different partnerships we have with community groups that use State Forests and our networks in regional communities. We decided to work together to salvage the timber for local community projects. Even though the timber is water damaged, it is still pretty good; timber is very forgiving, and a lot of the damage is superficial.

You said there were seventeen projects so far; have any been finished yet?

We really only started distributing the timber in January this year and already five projects have been completed, with quite a few underway. It’s not easy for community groups when they rely on volunteer support and fundraisers, so the

timber has been a real support.

The first finished project was at Bellingen Primary School, where a timber pergola was built around the music room. Another partner, Thora Sawmill, also supported this project, donating the timber posts. The pergola was built on the northern side of the classroom, to keep it cooler over the summer months.

The music teacher, Elizabeth Scott, told us that it was designed with vertical slats, creating musical staff lines for students to decorate with notes and music symbols.

The Connect Presbyterian Church has been another recipient of the timber and have restored the ageing floor of their 150-year-old building at South Grafton.

The building is an important community facility used by many different community groups each week, so it was great to be able to support this project.

Nambucca Cycle Club have upgraded their mountain bike tracks with a timber donation, and the Nature School at Port Macquarie have created a nature playground using logs from our local forestry operations and some of this timber. The timber has really added something special to these projects, and I can’t wait to see some of the other ways it will be used.

Why is Planet Ark involved in the program?

We have been working with Planet Ark through their Make it Wood campaign for the last couple of years, to promote the important role that wood plays in helping tackle climate change. It was natural to partner with Planet Ark for this program, given the opportunity to promote the sustainability benefits of timber.

Wood is unique among building products, because trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and store the carbon in wood, which can be used in buildings

such as people’s homes while the forests are being regrown. Wood also requires less energy to produce timber compared with steel, aluminum and concrete. As a rule of thumb, if you replace one cubic metre of concrete or brick with one cubic metre of timber, you will eliminate one tonne of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.

More recently, Planet Ark has started to promote the health and well-being benefits of using wood. Research shows that using wood inside buildings has physiological and psychological benefits that mimic the effect of spending time outside in nature. The research has shown that having wood around you can lower blood pressure and heart rates as well as reducing stress and anxiety. The timber we are donating is a real gift that not only looks good, it feels good as well - and helps the environment at the same time. Hopefully through these projects we are sharing the message that locally grown timber is an important sustainable industry on the North Coast.

It must feel pretty good being able to support community projects with the timber.

It’s a very positive way for us to support the communities where we live and work.

Staff from across our organisation are helping to find a home for this timber, and it's helped that many of us live in regional communities across the state.

We have always seen caring for State forests while providing community access and supporting the local timber industry as being of benefit to regional areas, and this is just another way in which we can give back. We are grateful that we’ve been able to develop this program with the help of Boral Timbers and Planet Ark. Thanks Justin.

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Luxcrete

Designer concrete

Concrete is upping the ante in the interior design space, and there’s no denying it’s here to stay.

Stylish and refined, it’s the perfect medium to throw personality at your space through a statement architectural piece. We took a few minutes to chat with Matt and Jade Blomgren, the artisans behind LUXCRETE DESIGNER CONCRETE, to get their tips on the best ways to incorporate concrete into a home, emerging trends, and their stylish new coloured basin range.

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hat do you do? We manufacture polished concrete basins, vanities, bench tops and furniture. We use both pre-cast and insitu methods, and our specialised mix designs produce a product that means concrete can now be used in ways that was once not as practical or even possible.

Give us the nitty gritty ... Our “slabs” are 20 mm thin, and we pre-cast in our workshop. Weight is comparable to stone, so there’s no need to change your existing cabinetry to support the bench tops - which is great for renos. We use glass fibre reinforcement, and there are a variety of high performance mix designs used to achieve different end results.

We’ve noticed a huge trend toward people incorporating raw materials like concrete into their homes. What are some popular ways to do this with concrete?

One of the most popular ways is in the kitchen. Concrete gives both a natural and bespoke feel and stands as quite a beautiful yet subtle hero piece of the room. Our bench tops are hand crafted in a number of finishes and custom built to suit the space.

Another on-trend way is with concrete basins, which are a modest entry point into the world of polished concrete. These have the potential to make a big impact in a smaller space. We have a range of styles and beautiful new colours available on our website, which we ship Australia wide.

Our climate means entertaining year round, and we hear

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that concrete outdoor kitchens are high in demand ...

The popularity of open-plan living and the blurring of lines between indoor and outdoor has seen concrete flow through to outdoor entertaining areas with a fully functioning outdoor kitchen. Summer spaces are made in winter, so if this is something you’ve been considering for your outdoor area, get in touch to chat about the potential for your space.

What are some concrete design trends to watch out for?

Colour and texture!

Favourite piece you’ve created to date?

It’s actually a piece we created a couple of years ago for The Hilltop Store in Sawtell. Being an iconic part of all our childhoods, it also held nostalgic value for us. We send our customers up there to check out our work and grab a bite.

What interesting projects are you working on at the moment? We always have a constant flow of projects on the go.

Much of our time lately has been spent behind the scenes, driving the business forward. We’ve been working on some commercial partnerships, as well as a modular outdoor kitchen range, looking ahead to the summer months. The remainder of this year will be a busy one for us, with a move to a larger premises imminent, as well as looking to fill some new staffing roles, so keep an eye on our socials for this.

Check out Luxcrete Designer Concrete via www.luxcrete.com.au or Instagram and Facebook @luxcrete_designer_concrete

What kind of products do you make?

We make tailor-made furniture with no limit on what we create, a lot of your simple home furniture but we also can create feature pieces for any space. We are really trying to achieve pieces that will last a lifetime.

Are they one of a kind pieces a one off?

All of our furniture is tailor-made from conception to construction, we believe that there is a lot of satisfaction from our clients when they receive one of our pieces What’s the most extravagant piece you’ve made?

We have created an amazing dining table which was collaborated with Luxcrete Designer Concrete, it is a real show stopper and will be revealed in the coming months and will be in our pop up shop opening in the next couple of months Did you say pop up shop?

Yes we are in the process of designing and building a lot of pieces and will be opening a pop up shop in the coming months, keep an eye on our socials for more info

Dean Brigman is the craftsman behind Ashton Designs and in the business of making some amazing furniture. This is available exclusively through Sawtell Kitchen Centre ...

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hat type of timber do you prefer working with?

to pick one it would be American

It’s really hard to pick one species of timber, there are so many variations and attributes between different types of timber. If I had

with some very simple grain lines

We make tailor-made furniture with no limit on what we create, a lot of your simple home furniture but we also can create feature pieces for any space.

Oak, it has a nice light colour which allows people to add some colour into their home with accessories

What’s the design process like?

Sometimes it’s fairly straight forward, some people know exactly what they are after and other times we are left with some creative license to come up with some new and exciting options for the client.

Where do you source your material from?

We believe that you should always shop local, all of our timber is sourced locally where possible. Supporting local businesses in the Coffs area is really important to us, we live locally and like to support the community.

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focusinterview.

Diener Inspirations Paint Coffs Harbour has been operating since 2000, giving personal attention to your paint projects. From Sawtell to Woolgoolga, they've got you covered for all things paint. FOCUS had a chat with owner Mark Diener ...

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

Until moving to Coffs, our family didn’t have any connection other than it being a great holiday destination. After now moving here, we cannot see ourselves moving anywhere else. Our entire family loves the Coffs Coast, and we have been welcomed with open arms.

When and why did you start your business?

We purchased the business back in March 2018. After looking at a few stores around the state, we fell in love with the Coffs Coast after visiting when we first came to look at the Coffs store and thought what a perfect place to build a business and raise a family.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in this industry?

Having a vast background across the coatings industry over the past 18 years, I have had exposure to an array of products in different industries. I started in a little country store for Inspirations Paint back in the day, venturing across to Dulux Trade/Commercial, branching out into Dulux Refinish. Whilst in the various roles, I have made time to spend on the tools using the products, to better strengthen/ understand them from the application side.

What services do you provide?

The most important service we provide is our expertise. Between our employees, we have 30 plus years experience working in the paint industry. We have Paint Club, which enables 70 Coffs Coast focus

us to record everything marine and concrete. our customers purchase, We carry major brand We are all involved in the so if they ever needed names, to get your business in some way or to repurchase items and projects done. We have another; they love it as much as were not sure what it was, all the accessories and I do. Sundays are family we have it all on record, knowledge to help make day in our household, including the colours. your project easier. Our and we are always out On the get your hands major brands are Dulux, and about somewhere dirty side, we will be Berger, Porters, Avista, exploring, and at the beach introducing project nights Emer, Intergrain and every other spare moment. for our customers. This Norglass - that’s just to will enable them to try the name a few. products before they buy, Do you offer solutions you could say. We also for budgets of different have a few pieces of machinery/equipment that sizes? can be hired to help customers get their projects We can create solutions for all types of done. budgets, whilst trying not to sacrifice quality, You have recently won a national award. remembering that most projects not only make Tell us about that ... things look amazing, but also protect our largest The Franchise of the Year Award celebrates assets. and recognises the top paint store in the country How has the local building and construction by evaluating a range of measures. Motivation industry changed over the last few years? and innovation has been and always will be This has changed positively over the time our key too success, from product range right we have been trading since April 2018. We are through to the way we service our consumers. excited to see the positive growth of the Coffs What makes Inspirations Paint different Coast and look forward to being part of the from other companies in the local area? region growing over the coming years.

Inspirations Paint is a “way”, not just a name What do you offer to the tradespeople on for the business. We are here for your projects, the Coffs Coast? from big projects to your little projects. The ones We offer a full extensive range of tools and you’re doing now and the ones you’re going to accessories, along with the products to meet start tomorrow; together we can do amazing the requirements of the job at hand, from the things. foundations to the roof. The trades can get Tell us about the products you carry. everything they need in a one stop shop.

We carry products for the home, commercial, We can also deliver to site.

What are your plans for the future of Inspiration Paints?

The future plans for Inspirations Paint Coffs is to reach out and service larger parts of the Mid North Coast. In the meantime, we are in the works of relocating to a larger site that will consist of better accessibility for our customers, a new and improved showroom and warehouse.

And you have a family! How do you juggle everything?

Yes, we love to juggle. My wife, Tammie, is a blessing - not only does she run the business alongside me from behind the scenes, from advertising/marketing to accounts and administration, she also runs the troops - Oliver, who is five, Ellena and Alastar, who are almost three, on the home front.

We are all involved in the business in some way or another; they love it as much as I do.

Sundays are family day in our household, and we are always out and about somewhere exploring, and at the beach every other spare moment.

What do you enjoy most about owning a business on the Coffs Coast?

Two words: “the community”.

The Coffs Coast community is something we have never experienced before coming from larger parts of Newcastle and Sydney. The ease in which we have settled into the area as a business has been amazing, and this all has to do with the support from the community.

Thanks Mark.

with Marcus Phillips + ANNIE & BRYAN

kitchen of the

I N S P I R AT I O N S Paint

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hat was it that made you choose Marcus from Designer Living Kitchens to design and build your dream

kitchen?

We gave our kitchen brief to three kitchen designers and decided on going with Marcus, as he had worked as a designer for a prestigious kitchen designing company in Germany for many years and understood what a well functioning, aesthetically pleasing kitchen was all about. He understands that a well designed kitchen is all about good design and functionality. He immediately instilled a sense of confidence I did not feel with the other two designers. He also offered quality materials, German Hettich hinges in all the cupboards, and he was able to look outside the box. He immediately understood our brief, and we loved his conceptual drawings from the onset.

What are some of the features?

It’s a smallish C-shaped kitchen and although it sits in an open space, we needed to stay within the boundaries, as otherwise it would have encroached on the living space. The appliances are German from AEG and include the dishwasher, the induction stove, oven and multi function microwave. There is also double under mound Oliveri sink, separate Liebherr fridge and freezer. A wine fridge sits under the island. All the pantry storage and kitchen items are kept in large pull out drawers. A couple of

open shelves in light oak breaks the monotony of the white cupboards. A couple of flip open cupboards at a higher level makes it easy to access the kitchen goods. The dustbin and recycling bin sits under the counter in a pull out drawer. We have fabulous pull out cupboard shelves as a corner cabinet that sorts out the dead corner, and shelving with a roller door that hides all the electric kitchen gadgets. There is a sliding window along one of the bench top counters that faces the outside and which works as a server to the outside deck, which is great in summer. The island top is devoid of any appliances. All the cupboards under the island are in a dark grey colour, to add contrast to the white cupboards.

Overall, what did you think of the service Marcus provided?

We enjoyed working with Marcus and would not hesitate recommending him. He is a very experienced kitchen designer and is passionate about his work. What he promised, he delivered, and it was all in the promised time frame. He is also backed by a great team; Cindy, his assistant, is a great communicator who always kept us informed along the way, and his carpenter/ installer did a great job assembling the kitchen, with great attention to detail. It all flowed like clockwork. Marcus has very much a can do attitude, which we appreciated. Nothing was too hard and he worked around any obstacle, which is exactly what you want when you are a stressed out renovator.

Tell us about your team.

Our team is made up of me, Ben, Jera and Tom. Ben has been working in the Coffs Harbour store for 10 plus years. Ben brings a lot of experience and knowledge into our team that we don’t take for granted.

Jera has been with us going on a year. She has settled right into the team very quickly. She has also become very knowledgeable on our products and particularly enjoys our Porters products.

Tom has also been with us going on a year, whilst also finishing high school. He has been a great addition to our team.

Tell us about your products and services.

We carry products for the home, commercial, marine and concrete. We carry major brand names, to get your projects done. We have all the accessories and knowledge to help make

your project easier. Our major brands are Dulux, Berger, Porters, Avista, Emer, Intergrain and Norglass - that’s just to name a few.

We have 30 plus years’ experience working in the paint industry. We have a Paint Club, which enables us to record everything our customers purchase, so if they ever needed to repurchase items and were not sure what it was, we have it all on record - including the colours.

How important is customer service?

In our business, customer service is paramount.

Without customers, we would have no business.

We take their feedback very seriously and have recently introduced a new email survey for our customers to complete after each sale, to provide any feedback they want. This is reviewed and discussed with our team, so we know where our strengths are and where we need to improve.

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focus real estate

AMANDA LANGLANDS FROM LANGLANDS PROPERTY

PROPERTY of the Month

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1 2 T I D A L C R E S C E N T, MOONEE BEACH

his home was architecturally designed and built in 2009 by award winning local builder Hopwood Homes. Owned by prominent business identities Matt and Renae Donovan, the design plan and layout was specifically built for their growing family and with entertainment in mind. Specifically considered for ease of practical family living and being completely level ensures the property is accessible for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.

Renae’s years of experience owning and running the successful 3 Bears Cottager Early Education Service has been reflected in the home, showcasing design features that ensure smooth family routines. Matt, with his expertise as Head Chef/owner of The Surf Club Restaurant and Bar caters for family and guests from their open plan kitchen, dining and entertainment areas.

Whether it be hosting or spending time with the family, Renae’s keen eye for style ensured the home featured multiple living areas to accommodate every event, be it lounging undercover by the pool, having a BBQ under the entertainment patio, or enjoying the games room. There is a place for everyone.

Where is the property located, and what are some of the stand out features?

The property is located at 12 Tidal Crescent, Moonee Beach, and features five bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering supreme functionality with modern architecture to create an exceptional entertainer’s home of quality, size and style.

Two independent living spaces, plus an alfresco dining area, mean there is plenty of 72 Coffs Coast focus

room for a growing family.

A sizeable master suite with an impressive full WHERE ELSE CAN YOU ensuite, including bath need to even take the ENJOY HAVING and double shower, is the car out of the garage!

AWARD WINNING ultimate parents’ retreat.

The Coffs Coast has PUBS AND BEACHES The functional kitchen some of the cheapest WITHIN ONLY A with waterfall edge stone real estate between SHORT WALK TO bench tops is the ideal Sydney and the Gold YOUR HOUSE, YET family hub.

Coast and with its ENJOY THE PROXIMITY The sizeable population growth, new TO AN ESTUARY AND entertaining area services and connectivity PARKLANDS AS WELL? overlooks the in-ground to Brisbane, Sydney and swimming pool, with Melbourne, is one of the a daybed and plenty best value investment of room for relaxing regions for real estate in the country. poolside.

Tell us about the location and surrounding Why is this property appealing to buyers? area.

Completely private yet surrounded by the Australian Geographic recognised Moonee finest designer properties in Moonee Beach, Beach in 2016 as one of the “top ten beaches this as-new residence combines supreme in Australia”, and the area now features the functionality with modern architecture to 2018 “Most Family Friendly Pub”. The home create an exceptional family and entertainer’s enjoys a much desired location only a short home. walk to the Moonee Beach estuary, parklands, Renae has her own childcare business tavern and shopping centre, while only being (3 Bears Cottage Early Education Service) less than ten minutes from the city of Coffs and recognises the need to create multiple Harbour. living spaces to accommodate everyone. This The surrounding area is ideal for all buyers, home has been creatively designed, with pool, with the cultural hub of Woolgoolga and Coffs entertainment, a games room and manicured Harbour both being under ten minutes away. lawn segmented to create your own private In addition, the beauty the hinterland offers in area. areas such as Bucca and Nana Glen is only a Where else can you enjoy having award short 10 - 15 minute drive west along Bucca winning pubs and beaches within only a short Road. You are superbly positioned to enjoy all walk to your house, yet enjoy the proximity to of the finest things life has to offer. an estuary and parklands as well? This home What are the top five things people should and location offers everything, without the

consider when looking to purchase a property?

• Is my home positioned amongst other quality homes to maintain long-term growth and value • Quality of build, design and features • Location and proximity to shopping, services and parklands • Orientation and whether the living spaces of the home remain warm year-round • Privacy and security How can we get in touch and find out more?

Contact Amanda Langlands on 0408 561 682 today to arrange your inspection!

Why do you think Coffs Coast is a great place to live?

We have the finest lifestyle location and climate in the world.

With the growth of the Coffs Coast we have seen an expansion of our health, education and sporting sectors, while seeing increased connectivity in flight services to major cities.

Our area is no longer a secret. With all we have to offer, it is easy to see why we continue to receive more and more attention from those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or escape the challenges of the drought from rural areas.

We are fortunate to have the infrastructure and services we currently do, and this combined with the best beaches, hinterlands and weather year-round ensures we will remain a popular lifestyle area to live.

James Robinson C H O I C E S F LO O R I N G C O F FS H A R B O U R Can you tell us a bit about the store’s background?

My family has owned and operated a flooring retail shop in Coffs Harbour for over 30 years. Our business has been servicing the Coffs Harbour area longer than any other flooring retailer. Our business was established in the late 1960s and has always been in Park Avenue. The business has had a few name changes over the years.

It originated as Max Finlay Carpets, it has evolved to Max Finlay Carpet Choice, and is now Choices Flooring. We changed from Max Finlay Carpet Choice to Choices Flooring Coffs Harbour, because we were giving our customers more Choice. We are a part of Australia’s largest retail flooring company, Choices Flooring, which helps us to buy better and pass our savings onto our customers. By joining the Choices Flooring group, we were able to offer more surface choices, more contemporary colours and patterns, more choices in carpet, vinyl, timber, laminate and bamboo flooring to help our customers find the floor they have been searching for.

What commitment do you have to your customers?

At the heart of our business is our key promise to you - to help you find the floor you’ve been searching for.

With so many elements to consider in your decorating project, we help you design your interior from the floor up. Our holistic approach ensures we support you in creating the perfect space for your lifestyle.

Embracing the latest product developments and styles, our new store layouts (incorporating touch-screen technology) and interior decorating training for our team members, are just some of the many ways in which we are helping to support your decorating project.

It’s an exciting phase in the life of our business, as we continue to look for new and improved ways to help you find the floor you’ve been searching for.

How do you effectively market your business to new customers?

The key to any successful business is ensuring customers are at the heart of all decisions. As a Choices Flooring member, I benefit from their integrated marketing communication initiatives and campaigns, that are run on both a national and local level. These incorporate a mixture of media channels, including TV, home magazines, radio, press and online.

Best advice for someone starting out in your industry?

Hard work pays off. Under promise, over deliver. Go with your gut.

Lastly, remember customers always come first.

Choices Flooring, (02) 6652 2473 48 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour www.choicesflooring.com.au

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focusinterview.

Deb Farquhar

East Coast Cabinets has been producing award-winning custom kitchen designs and shop and office fitouts for more than 30 years. Servicing the Mid North Coast, they combine their family business values with innovative designs and concepts to produce quality workmanship in every domestic and commercial fitout. FOCUS had a chat with Director and Manager Deb Farquhar, to find out more...

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an you tell us a little bit about your background?

Peter and I were both trained draftsmen, and our early working life was spent in the public service. Peter also helped a builder friend with commercial fitouts at night and weekends.

I quickly moved into the management side of construction projects, starting with small irrigation systems and moving up to multimillion dollar overseas aid water and sewerage schemes in the Pacific.

In 1983 we realised that we still had 30 years of working ahead of us and that the Canberra Public Service was not where we wanted to be for all of that time. It was time to start looking for a business to buy, and the coastal strip appealed as a good environment to live in and bring up children. The purchase of a joinery in Batemans Bay fell through, and East Coast Cabinets came on the market. The rest is history.

We moved to Coffs Harbour from Canberra in June 1984, having purchased East Coast Cabinets. Our children were then aged seven and three, and they attended both primary and secondary school here. Like many others at the time, they had to leave for Canberra and Sydney to take up further studies and careers not available locally.

Peter’s parents joined us in April 1985.

Unfortunately within four years, some would consider us as locals - “One child in primary school, one was in high school, and sadly two 74 Coffs Coast focus

parents in the ground”.

In the early 2000s after a national At the time of purchase, there were two distribution reorganisation, we were trades qualified working partners and two appointed as a licensed fabricator of “Corian” casual trade assistants. One of the partners solid surface material for bench tops, doors stayed on as the factory foreman, and the and panels. two casuals were given full-time employment.

What makes East Coast Cabinets different By the end of our first year, four tradesmen from other companies in the local area? had been added to I would not say that the workforce, one of we are necessarily whom is still with us. different from other What services do you companies in the area.

GROWING UP ON THE provide?

Many of us have been LAND, YOU REALISE THAT We are predominantly here for a long time and YOUR NEIGHBOURS ARE manufacturers of have ageing long-term YOUR FRIENDS AND kitchen cabinetwork employees, as well as YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. and shop and office younger and newer ones.

THEY ARE THERE FOR fitouts. However, we Some of us endeavour to YOU IN GOOD AND BAD also do laundry, vanities, train apprentices. We all TIMES. THEY ARE NEVER robe units - basically any have the same options as YOUR OPPOSITION. cabinets that may be to how we promote our required. Modifications business, what products to existing work may we tend to use and the also be done but are support and service that not always a practical or economical option. A we provide for our customers and employees. “cut and edge” service is also available.

It is up to each business to decide how they In July 1986, with the support of Laminex use those choices.

Industries and Formica Australia, we Growing up on the land, you realise that commenced manufacturing post formed your neighbours are your friends and your (rolled edge) laminated bench tops and doors support system. They are there for you in for other cabinetmakers, distributors and the good and bad times. They are never your general public. This was a most successful opposition. I like to live by that philosophy, move, as it provided an extra option at a especially in business. reasonable price for local requirements, whilst Tell us about your involvement with HIA? significantly cutting down on freight damage East Coast Cabinets has been a member in long haul transport. of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) for

over 30 years, and I have been a Northern Region Committee Member for many years as a voice for the sub-contractors and the industry as a whole. It is very interesting to hear of the different issues within different Council areas and authorities, as well as with various types of developments.

For a few years I have had the pleasure of being a judge for the HIA Housing Awards, and I am always amazed at some of the detailed work and intricate designs on some projects. We should be extremely proud of many of our Northern NSW building companies who are good designers and have a well-earned reputation for their quality and finesse.

Over the years we have been thrilled to receive the HIA Award for “Best Kitchen in NSW 1994-95” and several Northern NSW Kitchen awards.

What do you enjoy most about owning a business on the Coffs Coast?

I am extremely proud to be part of a country community who work hard to provide a quality product using local labour and suppliers wherever possible. It is very satisfying to be able to keep people employed and to see them progress in life.

As a Rotarian, I am also able to put back into the community in many assorted ways, whilst meeting people who I would not always come across.

I feel very fortunate not to have to live in a big city.

Thanks Deb.

Mark McClurg MANAGING DIRECTOR - COFFS SOLAR ENERGY What is the history behind Coffs Solar Energy?

We were established in 2010 and have been based in Coffs Harbour from day one.

Since then, our company has installed over 2,500 solar energy systems along the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers of NSW. What services does Coffs Solar Energy provide?

We are a specialist solar design, supply and installation company - looking after residential, commercial and industrial clients, and we also provide solar panel cleaning, maintenance and inspections services. We have a great deal of experience in dealing with strata managed residential complexes.

Tell us about some of the new exciting projects you are working on now and in the future.

Ahh … that may help our competitors … What I can tell you is that we are busy! In all seriousness, our business is all about lots of mini projects every week, and every project is unique in its own way. We have great systems and processes in place that allow us to manage multiple projects.

What are the stand out features or the benefits of working with Coffs Solar Energy?

Our number one asset is our accountability to both our customers and our employees. We aim to give our clients the best quality installation, whilst keeping our installers safe and free from injury. We provide an individual and tailored service for our customers and welcome the opportunity to work on complicated projects.

Certainly, we don’t follow this “one size fits all” approach adopted by the majority of the national solar companies.

For us, communication is the key to customer satisfaction. In fact, the most common theme amongst our many 5-star Google reviews is our installers’ professionalism and the communication from our administration.

What makes you stand out above your competitors?

The major point of difference between us and most solar installation companies is the quality of our workmanship and the precision efforts taken in ensuring the aesthetics of the solar installation are as appealing as possible. We know that for most people, their home is their “castle” and we want an investment in solar to add to the value of their property, not reduce the value by having solar panels positioned randomly and with no care or aesthetics in mind. Unfortunately, there is a growing number of cowboy operators giving our industry a bad name. You could say that our job is to restore credibility in what is fundamentally a very credible industry.

We go to the extra effort at the design stage, and our accommodating approach to obstacles (even if it means our installers are taking longer to complete the job) is the fundamental reason why so many local builders like working with us.

How important is it to support local businesses?

Supporting local businesses is crucial to our local economy - and we absolutely lead by example. Money spent on the Coffs Coast, stays on the Coffs Coast whether that’s where we purchase staff work shirts or where we buy our vehicles.

However, it’s not just about keeping the money circulating locally; it’s also about being accountable. A local bricks-and-mortar based business will always be more accountable and available for customers to access their services and follow up with them. If you have an issue or a query, most of us want to visit the company in person, and speak with the owner or manager, not be passed from department to department by a call centre-based business or out of town operations.

Coffs Solar Energy, (02) 6652 2718 4/26 Isles Drive, Coffs Harbour mark@coffssolar.com.au coffssolar.com.au

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WAT T S C O N C R E T E & Formwork Pty Ltd Jamie Watts heads up Watts Concrete & Formwork Pty Ltd, which is a local concreting company that delivers a wide variety of products to the local area.

EAST COAST CABINE TS

We are quickly becoming preferred contractors with builders on the Coffs and Clarence Coast and due to demand for us to go into other areas, we have now expanded to the Northern Rivers.

At last all the elections are over and a lot of the uncertainty disappeared overnight. Customers are busy planning renovations and new builds. The list of orders is growing daily. All we need now is the commencement of the Coffs Harbour bypass to encourage new business and tourist development in Coffs Harbour, such as now being experienced in Woolgoolga.

We are local, professional and reliable concrete contractors for every need in the construction of concrete projects, whether large or small.

Thanks to our long term relationships with many of the local building companies, we have been kept busy recently with some large projects.

We have a dedicated and experienced crew to deliver a large variety and selection of products to a high standard and workmanship.

The refurbishment of the Bananacoast Credit Union at Woolgoolga in conjunction with X-corp Building Services Pty Ltd has been open for a few weeks, and the new Toormina Branch has been completed.

Not only do we service commercial jobs or spec homes for builders; we have also opened up our decorative side with Covercrete, which is a spray coat finish to resurface existing concrete.

These services include epoxy floors, spray finishes, honed and polished concrete.

So whether you are seeking plain, decorative finishes, resurfacing, or formwork for a residential or commercial project, then make sure you get a quote and chat with Jamie and the team at Watts Concrete & Formwork Pty Ltd.

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A two residence development in Woolgoolga by Solitary Designer Homes was completed just in time to be entered in this year’s Housing Industry Association Awards. Keep your eyes out for the results later in the year.

On 1st July we celebrated 35 years of our association with East Coast Cabinets, which means that we are now getting repeat business from satisfied customers. Recently we have replaced two kitchens that we built 25 years ago and modified another one from the same era. It is very satisfying.

MACLE OD’S Furniture Court Andrew, as the owner of Macleod’s Furniture Court, can you tell us more - as I believe you don’t just sell furniture?

N R M A Mid-North Coast Come in and meet the team of insurance experts at NRMA Mid-North Coast. You will be able to speak to an insurance professional face to face about your personal insurance needs.

Conveniently located at Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Macksville and Kempsey, you can be assured they understand local issues that are important to you.

The Mid-North Coast boasts a great lifestyle, attracting many people to the region. With the colder months now here, we know how important it is to stay safe in your home.

NRMA Home insurance can protect against the unexpected, such as damage to your home from fire, storm, impact and theft or attempted theft. Whether you own your home or rent, there is a policy that we can tailor to your circumstances and protect what

is important to you.

Conservation is something we know is important to our customers, and we are fortunate to have koala populations scattered along the Mid-North Coast seaboard.

Our favourite marsupial is under threat.

Cuteness alone is not enough to save them.

Deforestation, bushfires and climate change are all contributing to the loss of koala habitat. To ensure the future of koalas, for the rest of this year, NRMA pledged to plant a tree for every new home insurance policy, proudly partnering with the amazing people at Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Every home is worth protecting. Protect your home or contents by visiting our teams at NRMA Mid-North Coast, and you’ll be helping to protect our koala populations at the same time.

Macleod’s Furniture Court stores offer our customers a complete interior design resource.

In addition to stock from our mainstream supplier ranges, we also directly import from boutique overseas manufacturers and buy from specialist importers. This allows us to offer the very best in floor coverings, prints, wall hangings, artwork and decorator items, in addition to our furniture and upholstery.

What is trending at the moment?

Natural materials and finishes are big news; feature timbers and clean, contemporary lines are providing the modern aesthetic for interior design lovers.

What makes Macleods Furniture Court a stand out?

Adjustable furniture is a huge growth area; modern technology means that we now have the latest design powered recliners that provide lifestyle, convenience and comfort, with headrest, lumbar and recline function.

First and foremost, our customer service.

We have an absolute commitment to provide our customers with the best possible experience when they shop with us; after all, without their support, we wouldn’t be here.

We are very proud to have been serving Coffs Harbour for the last 17 years.

Andrew recently attended the La Z Boy conference, where he saw the latest and best products on the world market, and we have them available in our stores!

Andrew has recently returned from the Furniture Court conference, where we were recognised as their largest store (and still growing) for the third consecutive year.

Get quality Home Insurance at a great price Our Home Insurance includes features like: • New for old replacement of your belongings • Up to a year’s temporary accommodation for you, your family and even your pets • Cover for theft and damage, even if you forget to lock the door Drop into your local branch and chat to the team today.

NRMA Nambucca Heads at

6568 5477

Shop 8, 38-40, Bowra Street NRMA Macksville at

6568 3515

Shop 2, 6 Cooper Street NRMA Coffs Harbour at

dvice a y l d n “Frie aces f e h t from w...” o n k u yo

6650 0122

30 Gordon Street NRMA Woolgoolga at

6654 8088

Shop 13, Woolgoolga Plaza, 42 - 44 Beach Street www.parkbeachhomebase.com.au Things you should know: Cover is subject to standard underwriting guidelines and policy terms.

To see if our insurance is right for you, always read the Product Disclosure Statement from the product issuer Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance.

PACIFIC HIGHWAY NORTH, COFFS HARBOUR | Plus 15 lifestyle brands

OPEN 7 DAYS

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AMANDA LANGLANDS FROM LANGLANDS PROPERTY

real estate update.

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Why now is the time to invest in Coffs Harbour.

ost leading economists some of the cheapest coastal real estate will say “if you between Sydney and Brisbane, then why want to build a city consider anywhere else? from scratch, you The Coffs Coast enjoys consistency want the following when it comes to annual capital growth infrastructure and for housing at 3.98% growth, while units services for air, road, rail and sea. You experience a 3.90% annual performance. would build a university and have adequate With connectivity to the area through our health services”. regular flights to Sydney, Sound familiar? Coffs Brisbane and a weekly Harbour’s two major flight to Melbourne, employment industries combined with the are in education and anticipated significant Another great benefit of health. upgrades to the Pacific the area is the significant During the past Highway, the region is work population, with 10 years we have attracting a number of more than half of the enjoyed the growth government services town’s population of the university and to meet the growth between 20 and 59.

TAFE Campus, seen of the area. The city’s the introduction of an permanent population International Teacher is expected to increase Training Academy from 70,000 to 80,000 and enjoyed a significant growth in the in the coming few years. Most of this growth expansion of the Coffs Coast Health Campus will be down to retirees and sea changers and Rural Clinical School. relocating from cities. This is something So, if you ever need a reason to purchase that may increase in coming years, as they

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purchase investments in today’s money with the view to move later on in retirement from capital cities.

Another great benefit of the area is the significant work population, with more than half of the town’s population between 20 and 59. This, combined with the diversity of industry employers mentioned previously, means the area isn’t entirely dependent on tourism and sea changers making it a better

coastal investment than most coastal towns, and has seen the demand for new housing estates across the region.

There is a wide range of amenities, shopping centres, restaurants, sport facilities and two hospitals, along with the picturesque beauty of the Great Dividing Range and some of the best beaches in Australia - what is there not to like about investing on the Coffs Coast!

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B LU E R I B B O N Homes Blue Ribbon Homes is a locally owned company that has been building homes on the Mid North Coast and surrounds for over 30 years. We are proud to boast a reputation of honest and reliable service to our clients, built with hard work and dedication.

Design Flexibility At Blue Ribbon Homes we pride ourselves on offering our clients unique custom designed homes that will cost you no more than building from our extensive range of standard floor plans. You may already have some plans drawn up, or maybe even just a sketch; either way, we are more than happy to quote on your plans and help develop your ideas.

Free Site Inspection We can arrange a free pre-purchase site inspection of your land, providing you with the right advice to help with your land purchasing and building options. After discussing the requirements of your new home, we will develop your unique concept

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plan. You’ll then be provided with a full and comprehensive itemised quote; you’ll see exactly what we have included in the price, which means there’ll be absolutely no hidden extras.

Challenging Site?

No worries! Challenging sites are our speciality.

We can achieve the desired outcome for our clients at an affordable price. If it fits your land, lifestyle and budget, rest assured, we can build it for you.

Stress Free Building Some people consider building a new home to be stressful, but at Blue Ribbon Homes we make it easy and enjoyable, as it should be!

Our experience and skills will give you the confidence to know you’re in great hands, leaving you free to enjoy the exciting experience of building your new home.

At Blue Ribbon Homes we can make your dream home a reality! Call us today for a chat on (02) 6651 8144.

H A RV E Y N O R M A N The summer is all about enjoying the outdoors.

At Harvey Norman Furniture, our range this year is very contemporary, with white platinum frames and comfy cushions being the main focus.

Our range of bright scatter cushions in various colours will help to enhance your furniture.

Outdoor cooking goes hand in hand with our furniture range as well, from small portable bbqs to complete outdoor kitchens.

Come in and look at our range of market umbrellas, which are also an integral part of

living on the coast.

This year we have 3 m octangle umbrellas from $399.

But don’t worry; apartment living hasn’t been forgotten either.

We have a great range of three piece balcony settings for you to choose from, with comfy high back recliners or sets that are contemporary black rope and aluminium.

For all your outdoor furniture, cooking and accessories, please come in to see what we have on display to set you up this summer.

Coffs Coast

property guide

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

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In 2006, aged in their 20s, Rick and Susan Fischer took on the opportunity to become G.J. Gardner Homes’ youngest franchisees. PASSIONATE AND DEDICATED TO THE G.J. BRAND, together they successfully ran the Clarence Valley business for six years, before taking on an opportunity to also acquire the Coffs Harbour franchise in 2012.

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espite running a busy business and raising a family with three children, these gogetters continue to reach new and greater heights and proudly hang numerous awards on their walls, including the recent award for Contract Houses under $450,000 at the 2019 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Building Awards.

How long have you been living in the Coffs community?

Rick and Susan first lived in Coffs when they were in their early 20s. Rick was a contract carpenter to another wellknown and respected builder on the Coffs Coast, and Susan worked as a real estate salesperson for a local agency. They married, built their own first home and started their family in Coffs during this time.

Just after their first baby, Hayley, was born, Rick was offered the role as Construction Manager for G.J. Gardner Homes in Grafton, so they relocated to Grafton for the G.J. role and to be closer to family while the kids

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were young. They were levels for hockey and then offered to purchase surf lifesaving, as well IN BUSINESS, THERE WILL the G.J. Grafton business, as many other school ALWAYS BE CHALLENGES making them the sports. They love the TO OVERCOME, AND OUR youngest G.J. franchisees coastal lifestyle on APPROACH IS ALWAYS TO in the G.J. family. Rick the Coffs Coast and BE OPEN, HONEST, TO and Susan owned and are often out surfing ADDRESS ISSUES QUICKLY operated G.J. Gardner before school and AND KEEP EVERYONE Homes Grafton for seven work.

INFORMED OF PROJECT years, before jumping at The Fischer family STAGES AND PLANNING. the opportunity to move have been building back to the Coffs Coast homes for over 150 in 2013. years, making Rick a “We love the Coffs Coast; it is such a fifth generation builder. Rick’s first memories beautiful part of the world, with so many are digging through his father’s shed or wonderful people that live here, we are so running around a display home. grateful to live on the Coffs Coast. Every Levi could be in line as a sixth generation time we travel away for either work or our builder if he chooses to follow that path; he family sporting trips, we are so excited to be has already shown interest in being a builder home, and it makes us realise how lucky we when he grows up, but we will have to wait are to live right here on the Coffs Coast,” and see where his future takes him, as he is shared Susan. only 11 years old.

Tell us about your family …

Or, perhaps one of the girls will take up Rick and Susan have three children: the family business. There are plenty of Hayley, Breah and Levi, who all love their capable women in construction these days, sport and compete at state and national and Susan was recognised amongst peers as

a leader in the industry, winning the Master Builders 2018 Women in Building Award.

What are some of the challenges experienced personally and in business?

“There is always the challenge of work-life balance - the ability to manage a successful business while also maintaining a happy, healthy family,” shared Susan.

“In business, there will always be challenges to overcome, and our approach is always to be open, honest, to address issues quickly and keep everyone informed of project stages and planning,” said Rick.

What part of the business are you most proud of?

“We are so proud of winning the Master Builders Contract Houses under $450,000 award and the great work that our team consistently produces. We are driven by an expectation of excellence and a desire to give personal attention to every detail of a home build. This award is a great recognition of us achieving our goals with our amazing team,” shared Rick.

The G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast team are proud to have received a range

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of accolades in recent years, including the Master Builders Association 2018 Women In Building Award, Chamber of Commerce Business Leader, Master Builders Awards for Excellence, HIA NSW Industry awards, G.J. Gardner Homes International Display Home of the Year, as well as recently celebrating 10 years as a G.J. Gardner Homes Franchisee.

What have been the biggest changes

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IT’S SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND AND GET A FEEL FOR A SPACE ON THE SCREEN, COMPARED TO LOOKING AT FLAT DRAWINGS OR PLANS, AND IT’S CERTAINLY MUCH QUICKER AND EASIER THAN VISITING A NUMBER OF PHYSICAL DISPLAYS ...

you have seen over the last 10 years?

G.J. Gardner Homes has recognised a shift in the way customers want to experience home designs and displays and offer a range of ways to test out a home’s design and floor plan.

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“While we still have traditional display homes, we also have an incredible Virtual Display Village that allows customers to virtually walk through over 70 G.J. Gardner home designs and display homes right from our office,

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including the exclusive new Tailored Range created with Darren Palmer,” explained Rick.

“It’s so much easier to understand and get a feel for a space on the screen, compared to looking at flat drawings or plans, and it’s certainly much quicker and easier than visiting a number of physical displays,” added Susan.

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

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The virtual home experience was created by architect Peter Mannion from Synergy Designs and takes home design planning to the next level, giving people looking to build a new home a hyper realistic understanding of how the home flows and each room works to create a great living space.

“Changing a home design mid project is the number one reason for budget variations, so the fact our clients can take a virtual tour of multiple house designs and customise

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floor plans live on screen before they commit will really help minimise this frustration.

“We understand the touch and feel component of choosing elements of a home will always be an important part of the process, so we combine the virtual tour with a physical walk through of our design studio, showcasing our standard inclusions and upgrade options.

“We also have our own Stillwater 303 display in North Sapphire Beach for those

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that want to see our quality workmanship first-hand. However, if that particular design doesn’t suit a customer’s block of land or budget, we’ve got 70 plus more options ready to virtually walk them through with just the click of a button,” said Rick.

The GJ Gardner Homes story is a familybased business. Have the original values and goals remained with growth?

“The very first G.J. Gardner office was built on family values back in 1983 on the

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Sunshine Coast, and now owning and managing our own G.J. Gardner office here in Coffs Harbour, we maintain the same values that align with our own family and business ethics.

“We believe in and work with integrity, kindness, community spirit and team work.

We strive for excellence and support our teams, trades, and community along the journey to deliver homes that people in our community love living in,” explained Susan.

LIVE IT

O U T B AC K RUSTIC Australia’s gifts are yours to keep The rich, earthy tones of the Australian outback set the perfect backdrop for this warm and cosy style.

COFFS HARBOUR CARPET COURT 1/22 Keona Circuit, Coffs Harbour P 6652 4866 Hybrid | Aqua-Tuf Longboard | Native Blackbutt

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

H A R B O U R

Tell us about your team and their area of expertise.

Rick is a fifth generation builder with incredible industry insights, and Susan runs the accounts and marketing, with a background in design and furnishings.

Together with their team of experienced building professionals, they share a common passion for anything design and construction, and their overarching goal is to deliver beautiful new homes on time, on budget and with the best quality service you can experience.

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TARA RHOADES

BILL CLARKE

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATOR

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Tara comes to G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour with an extensive background in client services and for the past six years has worked specifically within the residential and commercial building industries in project administration.

Originally from Toronto, Tara gained valuable experience in the professional landscape and then decided to travel. She met her husband while exploring Queensland and moved to Coffs Harbour 10 years ago to raise a family.

Bill has over 40 years’ experience in the building industry, having run his own building business prior to becoming a construction supervisor. His role involves coordinating tradespeople, the delivery of building products, managing quality control during the construction of new homes, ensuring health and safety requirements are being met and liaising with clients during the building process.

Tara’s role is to guide clients through the pre-contract process, including finalising plans and colour selections, and then brings all the elements together for quick and seamless approval processing through the Council, so that building works can begin as soon as possible.

HAVING WORKED IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY FOR SUCH A LONG TIME, BILL HAS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE BUILD AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF EACH TRADESPERSON.

Tara is your dedicated contact person throughout the build process, to support you with any questions you may have.

She thrives on positive customer experiences and loves to see clients settled in their new homes.

Bill says the best part of his job is seeing a design concept turn into an actual home and guiding clients through that process.

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MARC ZVECZKY

SCOTT BROWN

KELLEE BUCHANAN

ESTIMATOR

NEW HOMES CONSULTANT

NEW HOMES CONSULTANT

With five years at G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour, Marc’s role involves balancing client budgets to include custom designs and specific fixture and fitting selections. He prepares work orders prior to the commencement of construction, to ensure that work is carried out within a specific budget.

Scott has been a new home consultant for almost a decade and has a trade background, having worked as a roofing installer. Scott works with clients to help them design their new homes and fit their design to their budget.

Marc has a good understanding of the building industry, having worked as a carpenter prior to becoming an estimator. He says the best part of his job is working through design plans and doing the calculations, to ensure clients receive their dream home within their budget. Marc says the building industry is constantly evolving and coming up with new products, which he is able to incorporate into his clients’ new homes.

He enjoys the fact that he can work with a variety of clients, including first home buyers, investors, retirees and families. He says it’s especially rewarding to help a young family through the building process and see them excited to move into their first home. Living in Nambucca Heads gives Scott the opportunity to work closely with clients in that area, as well as throughout the Coffs Coast region.

Kellee is a New Homes Consultant for G.J. Gardner Coffs Harbour, bringing her bright and cheerful disposition to your home planning experience, guiding you through the process to explore all your wants and needs in a new home, from finding the right block to planning the final detail.

Kellee comes to G.J. Gardner with many years of experience in customer service, accounting and administration, and she’s practically a professional multitasker, always seen wearing a big smile. She’s a wonderful people person who gets great satisfaction from delighting customers and seeing them light up when they can see their dream home ideas come to life.

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

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What are the stand out features or the benefits of working with GJ Gardner Homes?

G.J. Gardner Homes are trusted local builders backed by a strong national brand.

They know the area and work closely with trusted local trades and suppliers; plus, they’ve got the buying power of the national group to deliver great cost savings and value. Their virtual tours and design showroom are a great way for customers to explore and select features of their new home and are a stand

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out feature of G.J. Gardner Homes.

Beyond this and underlying all their business decisions and interactions are their strong family and business values. “We value honesty first and foremost. There is no better way of developing trust between us, our customers and our building partners than by being truthful and honest in every single customer and partner interaction,� said Rick.

Rick and Susan also explained that all their achievements and positive recognition would

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WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM; EVERYONE IS VERY POSITIVE AND ENTHUSIASTIC. WE ALL WORK HARD AND ENJOY WOWING THE CUSTOMERS.

G.J. Gardner HOMES not be possible without their team.

“We have a great team; everyone is very positive and enthusiastic. We all work hard and enjoy wowing the customers. Our team members take initiative when they notice something that the customer, team and company can do to succeed. The best team members are positive to be around and enjoy working with people.

“We know that by having fun and enjoying what we do, our customers will enjoy their journey,” said Susan.

How important is sustainability when designing a new home?

Being Coffs Harbour locals who love the beautiful climate and coastal lifestyle, the G.J. Gardner team take into consideration the environment and the natural beauty of this region when planning the build of a new home.

Considering options from solar panels to shower heads, Rick and Susan can help you explore energy saving options that not only save the environment, but also save on running costs. With reporting estimates showing that an 8-star energy efficient house can potentially save 40% on heating and cooling costs, this is something to seriously consider.

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What is the process designs, or even building WORKING AS A when a new client from a client’s own STREAMLINED TEAM, walks through the plans.

G.J. GARDNER COFFS door?

Working as a HARBOUR IS ABLE TO Rick and Susan have streamlined team, G.J. GUIDE HOME OWNERS built over 200 homes, Gardner Coffs Harbour THROUGH A SMOOTH each one very different, is able to guide home AND ENJOYABLE BUILD but the approach to owners through a PROCESS. every client is the same smooth and enjoyable to treat them like family. build process.

Being custom builders, “It begins with the G.J. Gardner Homes designer, builder and Coffs Harbour have the flexibility to cater to salesperson going to site with the client and clients’ land, lifestyle and budget needs by working through options that are suitable modifying any of the 150 plus G.J. Gardner for the specific block of land, taking into

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consideration both the financial and structural confines of the land.

“This is a complimentary service that enables clients to understand their options and possibly explore ideas they never thought possible,” explained Rick.

What are the top three things that people should consider when looking to build a new house or renovate an existing home?

Taking design and functionality inspiration from the G.J. Gardner Homes feature designer Darren Palmer, here are the top three recommendations from Rick and Susan: Kitchen layout: the kitchen is a busy hub in any home, so it’s important to have a good

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layout to enable a zones. Once the layout is HUB IN ANY HOME, SO functional and beautiful locked in, consider clever IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE space to be enjoyed storage solutions like A GOOD LAYOUT TO by the whole family pull-out pantries, blind ENABLE A FUNCTIONAL (even at the same corner systems, drawer AND BEAUTIFUL SPACE time). Be aware of dividers and integrated TO BE ENJOYED BY THE the Five Zone kitchen rubbish systems.

WHOLE FAMILY ... layout as followed by Bathroom design: the Darren Palmer in his bathroom is the next big exclusive G.J. Gardner home value-add after the Homes designs - the kitchen. When designing two storage zones for food items and items your bathroom, think about the overall like plates and cups (which should be near aesthetic of your house, and bring those same the dishwasher), the cleaning zone (sink and colours and textures in to your bathroom rubbish area) and the cooking and preparation surfaces. Storage is critical in busy bathrooms,

so consider how you can incorporate underbench storage, face-level storage such as shaving cabinets and shelves and clever storage solutions in dead zones such as behind and above the toilet.

Test out the floor plan: before choosing your home design, take a walk or virtual tour through the home to feel the flow of the rooms, to make sure the layout of the home will suit your lifestyle and needs. With the Smart TV in the G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour office, you can virtually walk through over 70 home designs, without breaking a sweat.

COFFS HARBOUR

28 Isles Drive, Coffs Harbour (02) 6651 4133 www.ambertiles.com.au

Proud supplier to GJ Gardner Homes Coffs Coast focus 91

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

H A R B O U R

Do you believe that it is important to be part of the Coffs community?

“Yes, we are passionate about our local community and proudly support our local surf lifesaving club and hockey club, as well as being involved with local business groups and construction industry initiatives,” said Susan.

Rick is a keen member of Sawtell SLSC and can be seen on patrol with the family during the summer months, always out updating his training and certificates to help keep our community safe on the beaches.

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Coffs Harbour 17 Isles Drive Ph: 6652 1408 tile.com.au 92 Coffs Coast focus

He gets great satisfaction from helping in the community with the Surf Club.

Rick is also currently coaching the boys Hockey NSW U18s boys state squad and recently coached the Hockey Coffs Coast Under 13s boys’ hockey team to victory at the NSW State Championships. Rick admits it was after all his years playing and coaching hockey it was his first state “Gold” medal.

“It’s so satisfying when you see the massive smiles on the kids’ faces at the end of a tournament,” shared Rick.

As business owners in Coffs Harbour, Rick

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G.J. Gardner HOMES C O F F S

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LOCAL BUILDERS KNOW WHAT’S UNDER THE SOIL, THEY KNOW THE LOCAL COUNCILS, AND THEIR BUSINESSES ARE RUN BY PEOPLE WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE IMPROVED LOCAL COMMUNITY WE CREATE.

and Susan work hard at being market leaders in the industry. They strive to instil confidence in the market and as perceived role models in the region, they hope to influence the actions of all of competitors, so that the general quality and experience for families in our community are raised to the next level within the industry.

“We’re a local business with local knowledge;

we use local tradespeople and local suppliers. Yes, we build homes, but we also play a part in building the community that brings all these home owners, investors and tenants together.

“Local builders know what’s under the soil, they know the local councils, and their businesses are run by people who will benefit from the improved local community we create,” said Rick.

Stoddart Group is the often unseen but everpresent backbone of the construction of a new home.

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stoddartgroup.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 93

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B U I L D E R

from TRUE WATER

Household sewage management is usually an afterthought or unknown for most homeowners.

W

hen building a new home, if your lot is not connected to Council's sewerage system (or town sewer), you will need to dispose of your household wastewater with an on-site sewage treatment system.

True Water Australia designs home sewage treatment systems to suit the specific needs of each property. The company works closely

94 Coffs Coast focus

with G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour to provide the highest quality customer service, ensuring each project is delivered on time, on budget and hassle free.

There are special regulations that apply to home wastewater systems. Before installing a new Home Sewage Treatment Plant (HSTP), homeowners need to provide Council with a Wastewater Report and gain approval. True Water meets the clients and builder onsite to

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discuss options and provides a concept design and detailed information free of charge.

Once a solution is agreed upon, True Water and the G.J. Gardner Homes team work together to complete all council and regulatory requirements, to make the application and approval process as simple as possible.

True Water only installs accredited systems that are known for their high quality, longevity and excellent treatment capabilities.

Our team provide safe, reliable and cost-effective sewage treatment systems, ensuring the highest level of protection to the health and safety of your household and family.

Working with the G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour team is fantastic, as our businesses share a focus on quality, reliability and value for money.

James Mahoney, Managing Director - True Water Australia The Fuji Clean CE1500EX is True Water’s system of choice for home wastewater treatment. It efficiently treats domestic wastewater generated in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, as well as sewage from toilets.

Tucked away below ground with treatment chambers and microbes working away quietly, these systems produce the cleanest output of any domestic wastewater system in Australia.

The systems have no internal moving parts and use a highly developed bacterial diges-

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tive procedure to enhance the treatment process. This advanced process achieves safer water by removing large amounts of contaminants and nutrients. The reliable system protects your home, family and the environment, while adding value to your property.

Fuji Clean’s domestic systems are small and lightweight. This guarantees easy installation and additional cost savings. The whole treatment process requires very little electricity and produces high quality treated water.

With regular scheduled maintenance by a qualified service technician, each system will continue to operate for decades to come.

The True Water team work closely with G.J. Gardner Homes to coordinate the installation and commissioning of each system. This ensures the homeowners have a working home wastewater system at handover that is ready to “set and forget”.

True Water provide our clients with the best possible system for their home, handling the design through to installation. Their knowledge and communication with clients, regulators and our staff make them a pleasure to deal with.

Rick Fischer, G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour Contact the team at True Water Australia for more information about home wastewater treatment options.

Coffs Coast focus 95

Call 13 2 to book 8 36 a tour

Aged Care has never come with so much Freedom When many people think of aged care they think of a nursing home and living on someone else’s timetable.

But that’s not what you’ll expect after visiting Aveo Freedom Aged Care Coffs Harbour, a welcoming community that gives you the flexibility to do what you want. It’s a genuine alternative to a nursing home.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Freedom Aged Care^

Nursing Home

24-hr nurse services – immediate response nurse-call technology

✓

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Low, High, Palliative and Dementia Care

✓

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Government funding available

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Your own self-contained home with kitchen, bathroom, laundry and courtyard/garden

✓

✗

Couples stay together

✓

✗

Family and friends can stay whenever they want

✓

✗

Pets are welcome

✓**

✗

No means-testing or asset-testing required for move-in

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✗

Call 13 28 36 to book a tour **Subject to management approval. ^This comparison is a guide only and we encourage you to compare for yourself. FRE250

Aveo Freedom Aged Care Coffs Harbour 13 28 36 aveo.com.au/freedom

92 Taloumbi Road, Coffs Harbour Coffs Coast focus 88