Coffs Coast Focus - i120

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120 JANUARY 2021

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T HE NEW LEXUS I S MOVE AS ON E FEEL CO N N ECTED — on every level in the new Lexus IS. With the new Lexus Driving Signature, every turn, every acceleration, connects you to your journey like never before.

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Ohana Early Learning opens new childcare centre in Woolgoolga!

Great news! Ohana is opening a new centre in Woolgoolga, directly across the road from Woolworths, and is now taking enrolments. This means local parents will have more options for childcare in this rapidly growing region.

Ohana Early Learning already runs four other centres across the Coffs Coast at South Grafton, Emerald Beach, Coffs CBD and North Boambee, and this new centre confirms the demand for their locally owned childcare service.

Ohana takes the well-being of their children and staff very seriously by regularly checking temperatures and overall health

throughout the day. With a dedicated chef on the team, they also serve up fresh, tasty and nutritious food cooked daily. This is just one of the ways they continue to make childcare easier for all families.

They have also implemented an innovative learning program across all ages which is generating wonderful results. This educational program, based upon a playbased approach to teaching is a whole lot more than fun and games, taking full advantage of the natural outdoor areas specially designed with real grass and heaps of shade, all of which helps set up the preschool child for a smoother transition to big school. Call them to find out more details.

Ohana uses the latest contact-less technology so you can check-in and checkout faster. All families can now monitor their child throughout the day with updates via a convenient mobile app.

A commitment to the environment means running each centre entirely by solar energy.

The final leg in their sustainability strategy will be installing battery storage at each centre in early 2021.

Sustainability is taken seriously within the organisation, recently introducing an electric vehicle for all food deliveries covering over 1,000 kilometers per week, all powered from installed solar panels. Other strategies include generating compost for thriving garden beds, phasing out single-use plastics, plus the reduction of office paper and other consumables.

Contact Anne, Ohana’s dedicated enrolment specialist, to book a tour of the new Woolgoolga centre or to find out more details about the flexible day sessions designed to maximise your childcare allowance.

To book a tour of the new Woolgoolga Centre, call 1300 956 200 or complete the form on our website at:

www.ohanaelc.com.au

New Woolgoolga Early Learning Centre Book a centre tour or enrol today on 1300 956 200 and discover the ohana difference.

Why local families love Ohana:

� 5 conveniently located centres � 6 weeks to school age with flexible session times to suit your family � Chef-prepared meals and free nappies � Innovative “Walker Learning” pre-school program � Natural playgrounds

Enrolments open across all ohana’s centres now www.ohanaelc.com.au Woolgoolga � North Boambee � Coffs Harbour � Emerald Beach � Grafton 8 COFFS COAST

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Issue 120 - January 2021 INTERVIEWS

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LACHLAN SKINNER

RAKU ONE O'GAIA

FLETCHER O'SULLIVAN

Lachlan Skinner’s vision of a First Nations radio station is to be commended. OneMob Radio is a place where First Nations people and their rich culture are celebrated.

Raku One O’Gaia has opened for Kasey Chambers, played at the Mullumbimby Music Festival, and busked all over. Music is his passion and it’s reflected in his songs.

This ocean lover spends more time in the water than out. Picking up a surfboard at just four years old, Fletcher’s determined to keep pushing limits and reach new heights.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 23. Pflag - Sam Dawson 44. Travel Time - Kerry Moss

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

52. Look Good Feel Good - Carole Beros 68. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden 85. Fitness Update - Duncan Marchant 96. Education Update - Nick Johnstone 101. Business Minds - Lindsay Russell & Heidi Figenschau CONTRIBUTOR OF

102. Women in Business - Cath Fowler

THE MONTH

104. Money Matters - Barry Hockey

FIONA BARDEN

119. Real Estate - Amanda Langlands 126. Real Estate Update - Chris Hines

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

t i ti t Follow us on

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focus_interview

Lachlan Skinner’s dedication and commitment to bring about his vision of a First Nations radio station is to be commended.

OneMob Radio is a place where First Nations people and their rich culture are celebrated and encouraged, stories are shared, achievements are heard and wonderful talent is on show.

C

ongratulations on the launch of the coast's newest radio station – OneMob Radio. Tell us about the hard work that went in behind the scenes and how the station has come to fruition.

I really don’t even know where to start. I guess long nights, no sleep and panic attacks are some of the words that come to mind when you think about the project and the effort that has gone into it. It wasn’t easy building a webcasting First Nations radio platform. But it was all worth it!

I highlight our online presence (Facebook and Instagram @OneMobRadio) to stay connected, promote, consult and engage with the community during COVID-19, was something that really helped push the process through and reassured me that this is something we all want and need.

It was so fun working with our amazing creative team; our Website designer

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First Nations Media Platforms are so important as it provides us with a platform to really celebrate and encourage our people, stories, achievements and culture.

(GiantMedia), Videographer (Ashwater Films) and Photographers (Barefoot Wandering Photography and Wayila Creative) building our visual components while helping hype and raising the profile of our new station, to working on the Sound and Test Broadcast. It was great just going wild with ideas that will separate us because we are not restrained like your typical radio station.

You're very prominent in the community of the Coffs Coast Region. Tell us a little bit about your role here, what's involved

and why you're so passionate about it.

Aww Thanks! I really enjoy what I do and treasure the working partnerships and relationships I have with community organisations and community.

I am the founder of OneMob Radio and the reason for founding a station like it is because we have an amazing network of Aboriginal Service Providers, Aboriginal Businesses and Strong Community that need to be showcased and promoted.

I often get told that our community is very innovative, and we always raise the bar. Huge compliment because I personally feel like I am always pushing myself and my events and programs to be different and fresh and I am glad that is being recognised.

First Nations Media Platforms are so important as it provides us with a platform to really celebrate and encourage our people, stories, achievements and culture.

Previously we hosted a 1.5 hour show on a community radio station which was just not enough to promote the deadly things happening in our community.

My role within the station is just about everything at this moment. I work on sponsorships, music, production, host a breakfast show, and manage our online platforms. I work long and hard on this project, but I really do believe in it and what it can do for Coffs Harbour as a whole. That's what keeps me going.

This being the first of its kind in our area, can you tell us what the main aim of OneMob Radio is and what's on offer for those that tune in?

We wanted something that could be accessible from anywhere, anytime and available on your smartphone devices.

OneMob Radio's main aim is to highlight First Nations music, culture, language and more. Our motto is “Our People, Stories, Achievements and Culture” and we stand by this and remind ourselves and all listeners that we are here to promote the great in our mob and there is so much to share.

The listener can expect a change from your typical radio station. This is a station that promotes and showcases all people in this community from Aboriginal, Non-Aboriginal and our newly arrived brothers and sisters from near and far.

They will also hear amazing radio shows from strong local mobs and people from across the country! Gumbaynggirr Language, Storytime and more that we can look forward to in 2021.

What has been the response so far and

This is a station that promotes and showcases all people in this community from Aboriginal, NonAboriginal and our newly arrived brothers and sisters from near and far.

what does it mean to be able to share this with people and celebrate the culture?

The response has been so incredible. There is definitely a sense of pride. We have worked on Language segments and other recordings and just being able to sit back and know this will be heard by mob from here, there and everywhere you sit back and go “WOW”.

Even the littlest thing to the normal human makes me so excited when it comes to this station.

Only days ago, I finally had an opportunity to sit at my desk and switch on OneMob Radio and hear the content on our station.

Amongst all the madness being able to sit there and hear it as if I am a listener I was blown away. I’m probably it’s (OneMob Radio) biggest critic and I will pull it apart until I am happy. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time.

To answer the question, we have the ability to learn language and culture as Gumbaynggirr People by simply listening to the radio. Whether you are a Gumbaynggirr Person living in Gumbaynggirr Country or

Gumbaynggirr Person living in other parts of the country you have access to HOME. That in itself will provide so many people with a form of meditation in a way. After a long day you can tune in and know that you are home even if that is only in your mind. I bet you don’t get that on other stations.

All of the above is the reason why I do this and why it means the world to me.

What big things can we look forward to and what's on the cards for the new station?

You will just have to TUNE IN to find out!

Only joking, we obviously look to expand and branch out. I really just want to see our mob come more on board and I want to see our mob lose that “shame” factor and give it a crack.

We plan to push out and do LOTS of outside broadcasting and getting involved in community events, projects and school holidays. Always pushing ourselves and trying new things. But yeah you will just have to wait and see.

Thanks Lachlan.

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Welcome to the JANUARY EDITION.

hen the pandemic finally hit our shores, our best-laid plans went astray. We needed to reassess and readjust… very quickly.

In reaching out to our clients, contributors and readers it was clear that we weren’t alone. In the beginning, we found that most businesses and people were struggling. However those that were able to dissect their business model, focus on more collaborative, systemic solutions and measure success beyond just business performance were able to bounce back more quickly. 2020 was a great opportunity to look inward and focus on improving our community engagement, look, feel and processes. They say “feedback is a gift”, we like to add “It’s what you do with it that counts''. In 2021 we will be leading with empathy and knuckling down on all the valuable lessons we’ve learnt from last year. From the importance of active listening to supporting our local communities and businesses we are excited about the possibilities.

On the Cover As a young teenager, JP Willis started off unsure of where normality fitted into society, rebelling against conformity. Willis enjoyed a vivid existence. Now a world renowned artist, Willis enjoys expressing himself through contrary works of art while the irony of his work finds beauty in the imagery of masculine weighty subject matters.

Inside this edition Lachlan Skinner’s dedication and commitment to bring about his vision of a First Nations radio station is to be commended.

OneMob Radio is a place where First Nation people and their rich culture are celebrated and encouraged, stories are shared, achievements are heard and wonderful talent is on show. Monica Przybylek was approached about entering the Miss Universe Australia contest, and after some hesitation she decided to jump at the opportunity and give it a go. Out of over 50000 applicants she ended up in the top 20, and learnt a lot about herself along the way. Lewis Hackfath is a performing artist who, as an actor, writer and director, has been a part of many different productions both locally and afar. And

focus COFFS COAST

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Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE 02 6650 9343 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

we are lucky enough to have him as MC at the upcoming Met Gala New Years Eve event here in Coffs Harbour!

Kids Who Rip! Do you know a young gun under 14 who is tearing it up in their sport?

Nominate them to be interviewed in our Kids Who Rip series! Email nicole@focusmag.com.au with your suggestions.

Our February edition will be dedicated to Weddings & Events. Weddings and Celebratory Events are back on for 2021! Our comprehensive Wedding & Events Guide is back for 2021. Now we know that the Events industry has taken a beating in 2020, but it's time to get your business back in the market place and showcase what you offer for future weddings and events.

Contact Nicci Seccombe or Samantha Dawson for more information.

Whilst 2020 has been full of challenges, setbacks and reckonings we’ve come through the other side with a few battle scars but also an enthusiasm for what’s possible.

We’ll see you in 2021!

contacts.

SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au EDITION COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING SALES Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Sam Dawson sam@focusmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR Sue Chamberlain info@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY/EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Gavin Moroney gavin.moroney@austcommunitymedia.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR James Dawson james@focusmag.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Articles marked as ‘Interview or Contributor’ are non-sponsored content. Coffs Coast Focus is published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2020 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. FOCUS is printed by Australian Community Media Print & Logistics North Richmond. Our paper is FFC and PEFC certified and meets with ISO14001 accreditation.

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Monica

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focus_interview

Monica Przybylek was approached about entering THE MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA CONTEST, AND AFTER SOME HESITATION SHE DECIDED TO JUMP AT THE OPPORTUNITY AND GIVE IT A GO. Out of over 50,000 applicants she ended up in the top 20, and learnt a lot about herself along the way.

H

ey Monica. How did you end up coming to live on the Coffs Coast?

The first time I visited Coffs Harbour was back in 2018 when my partner Rob brought me to his home town to meet his family for the first time. I am from northwest Adelaide and am not accustomed to being surrounded by nature and being so close to the beach. I really love Coffs and don’t see myself moving on from this place.

I already consider this as home and would love for my family to move here.

You were an entrant into the Miss Australia pageant, what made you decide to enter?

Applying for Miss Universe Australia was something that I thought I would never pursue. A member of the Miss Universe Australia social media team reached out to me via social media and encouraged me to apply. I had doubts and procrastinated about completing my application. I have an introverted personality and the thought of being on a stage and in front of a crowd made me feel ill. I debated the idea with my partner, close friends and family for a long time until the day before applications were due. I am very grateful for the continued encouragement I received by those closest to me as they shifted my perspective from the fear of failure, to using the experience to meet new people and grow as a person.

What did you learn about yourself through that experience?

I learnt that I am capable and need to believe in myself. Confidence and mental

toughness are traits that I want to continue to build on. Putting yourself out there was a scary and confronting experience, however the moments of fear and anxiety helped me become more comfortable with myself and open to future opportunities.

Through coincidence you headed into Putting yourself a profession as a out there was a dental nurse. How scary and confronting did this come about? experience, however I have always felt the moments of fear passionate about the and anxiety helped me be challenging and health industry but become more uncomfortable at didn’t think to explore comfortable with times, but what you career options as my myself and open to learn about yourself, partner had to move and the people you future opportunities. frequently and I was meet, is 100% worth more focused on it. The competition employment. One of gave me the opportunity to fly to another the first events for Miss Universe Australia country and encounter new experiences with was sponsored by a tooth whitening other contestants my age and equally as company, and after talking with the excited as myself. It was a period in my life sponsors at the event, I was offered a job I will never forget and am grateful for the with a dental practice on the Gold Coast. positive impacts it has made on my personal It was definitely the right place at the right development. time kind of moment! I have loved working Now you're settled here on the Coffs in the dental industry for the last 2 years, Coast, are there any plans for more I have expanded my knowledge in dental pageants in the future? hygiene and have been fortunate to secure I would definitely love to re-enter the Miss full-time employment in Coffs Harbour at Universe Australia competition some time in Ethical Dental and Orthodontics. the near future. However, for now my main What advice would you give any girl focus is on developing a career in health and who may be interested in entering a dental and building a future on the coast. beauty pageant?

Thanks Monica.

Have fun! The entire experience will

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What's J A N U A R Y

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NEW YEARS EVE MET GALA

What better way to celebrate a band than flinging a CD in the stezza of the tour van and rip up and down the coast, we are bringing along some special mates from the Bargain Bin family, Dennis Cometti, The Unknowns, King Stingray and Perve Endings!

This will be one heck of a way to bring in 2021. Come dressed in colours, sequins, feathers. Includes a three course banquet

by Executive Chef Matt Donovan, Entertainment & Music, Tables of ten or we will sit you with new friends

When 13th January Where Hoey Moey Tickets Oztix.com.au

When 31st December Where Surfclub Restaurant and Bar Time Doors open at 5:30pm Tickets $99 + bf from eventbrite

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RAINFOREST RATTLER

Explore the beautiful Coffs Coast from our vintage train. You will enjoy a wide and quickly changing variety of scenery from your open window as you enjoy the summer breeze.

When 1st January until 14th January More info rainforestrattler.com 18 COFFS COAST

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THE CHATS AC/DC CD TOUR

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ANNUAL PINK SILKS RACE DAY

Pink Silks is a local registered charity, committed to raising awareness and funds for local women who are challenged by cancer or illness. Currently verging on the $1 million milestones, the Pink Silks Trust hopes to achieve this on race day!

When 10th January Where Coffs Racing Club Tickets GA$20 More info coffsracingclub.com.au

THE 39 STEPS This multi-award-winning theatrical extravaganza of minimalism, adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan and inspired by the movie of the same name by Alfred Hitchcock.

When Sat 16th – Sat 23rd January Where Jetty Theatre Tickets and times jettytheatre.com.au

EXCEPT THU 31DEC

EVERY FRIDAY

Acoustic

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focus_interview

LEWIS H ACK FATH

Lewis Hackfath is a performing artist who, as an actor, writer and director, has been a part of many different productions both locally and afar. And we are lucky enough to have him as MC at the upcoming Met Gala New Years Eve event here in Coffs Harbour!

H

ey Lewis, you have spent a lot of your time performing in front of audiences. Where did your passion for performing arts come

from?

Growing up I have always had a strong interest in film and television, which led me to my dream of becoming an actor/writer/director.

Living in Coffs Harbour never really offered me the opportunity to follow that career path which led me to my first audition for a stage production of “Hairspray” in 2014.

My first ever audition and I landed two roles “Mr Pinky” and “The Matron” the latter being a drag-based role. It was the beginning of my love of theatre and performing arts. Since that first show I have now been in several other shows including: “Pirates of Penzance” which saw me understudy and learn a lead role in only two days to cover for a cast illness, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” for which I was also Assistant Director, “Anything Goes”, as well as three locally written shows: “Jaq and the Green Pork” by Maureen Burgess, “It Takes a Village”, and “A Very Evil Cabaret” by Jade Naidu of Naidu Performing Arts Company.

Where did the idea of drag come into your performances?

My debut into the world of drag was quite 20 COFFS COAST

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I really enjoyed the experience and have had the opportunity to perform at several other “Coast Out” associated events since and other local charity events.

unexpected. Back in my late teens I used to teach beginner Ice Skating at The Big Banana Ice Rink, “Coast Out” a local festival was holding a “drag on ice” show one year and I was asked to perform alongside some well-established queens.

I really enjoyed the experience and have had the opportunity to perform at several other “Coast Out” associated events since as well as other local charity events. Performing is my passion and I see my drag persona as an extension of that passion, being in front of a crowd singing, dancing; whatever it may be, is one of my favourite places to be.

What sort of time and effort goes into

the transformation for drag?

What a question… I think the first time I tried to do my own makeup it took me about 3 hours, and a lot of redo’s and YouTube video tutorials. More often than not I have had an amazing make-up artist, the illustrious Rebecca Riches, wave her wand or make-up brush over my face and the transformation takes about an hour or two if we’re getting really involved with the makeup.

She once transformed me into the Wicked Witch and took about four hours to complete.

As for costumes/clothing I generally try to have a simple base look which then allows me to switch out parts of the costume on the fly to

create different outfits/looks.

Let’s talk about the beard as well! In my early days of drag I shaved my beard to go along with that realistic drag style, however in my more recent show I’ve actually kept the beard. I personally prefer that look when I perform though it is definitely not everyone’s preference! Drag to me on the whole is just like putting on a costume and becoming a different person, like playing a character on the stage.

It’s very reminiscent of playing dress-up as a kid and who ever said a grown up (I use the term loosely) can’t play dress-up!

You were lucky enough to perform with Lisa Hunt. How did that come about and what was that like for you?

I love performing with Lisa! At her show “Forever Posting videos to Soul” she has this part of YouTube differs her act where she gets a in the fact that it number of different men up brings out the inner from the crowd to usually perfectionist in me. dance to “It’s Raining Men”, however in a special Unlike live shows and mind. case scenario I got to sing events where you have I’ve also had alongside her. It’s a tradition to live in the moment the opportunity to that has happened at every and whatever happens, work with some show in Coffs Harbour happens. of the actors from since. the television show At her most recent “Supernatural” show, due to the effects of COVID she was not this year on an online live streamed talent allowed to have audience members on stage. show which was another great and unique We discussed this prior to the show and she experience. generously organised a guest singing spot for myself during the show. I love performing at her You're the MC at the upcoming Met Gala New Year’s Eve event here on the Coffs shows. The audience is always so full of love Coast. What can we expect from you on and happiness and it's one of the best crowds the night? you could perform for!

I’m very much looking forward to the Met You also perform skits on YouTube. How do Gala event. I have three different acts lined up; live performance and film differ for you? two vocal numbers and a vocal/dance number Posting videos to YouTube differs in the fact for the finale. We’ve also got some trivia and that it brings out the inner perfectionist in me. costume/catwalk competitions so get those Unlike live shows and events where you have outfits cleaned up and bring your fiercest to live in the moment and whatever happens, catwalk game. We’ve got a DJ, and there’s happens, YouTube and video editing allow me to have as many takes and attempts as I want… going to be some great food. So if you haven’t already, be sure to book your tickets; it’s going Sometimes this is a blessing because it means to be a great night!

I can really polish the work and make it the What's your dream performance? best it can possibly be, but sometimes you fall My dream performance would probably prey to your inner critic and end up falling into be on a Broadway stage or even in a sports a rabbit hole trying to make something better stadium. Lots of special effects, big dance that isn’t actually a problem. The phrase “don’t numbers and lots of costume changes. Think try to fix something that isn’t broken” comes to

something along the lines of the Lady GaGa Super Bowl half-time show, something that really gets the crowd invested and wondering what is going to happen next. Either that or a small theatre where I get to perform alongside all my friends.

Your day job is worlds away from performance. What do you do and how do you find the balance between such contrasting careers?

My day job takes me to the world of Information Technology and computers, where I do work in web design and digital media, CAD Drawing, IT support and problem solving.

I generally don’t find I have much trouble finding a balance between them. You’ve probably heard the saying “It’s not work if you do what you love”; this rings very much true for performing. I don’t find it to be work, it’s like a hobby that I’m fortunate enough to be able to earn some money from occasionally. It’s very much about the enjoyment of the show and leaving the audience with smiles on their faces.

What would be your ideal career in performing arts moving forward?

It’s always been my dream to work in the television and film industry or even to work as an actor on Broadway.

Thanks Lewis.

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T H E C H AT S The boys are back on the road and at a live venue near you!

H

ey Guys. You're heading down the Coast this month, stopping by both Coffs and Port for your AC/DC CD Tour. I can't tell you how excited we are to have bands touring and playing live for us again. Tell us what's been happening lately and how's prep been going?

We have been taking it pretty easy, jamming a fair bit, getting into the booze, and recording new songs!

High Risk Behaviour is your first full length album, after your first hits catapulted you into the spotlight. How was the writing and creative process for this and did you focus on changing things up a little from your earlier sound?

Eamon had a few of those songs already written, but a lot of them were spontaneously done in the studio which was fun. We weren’t too stressed about how it would sound. Billy and Mikey both did a really good job at getting a sound that we thought suited us.

It seems like it's all fun and

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games for you guys, just good times and keeping it real…. How have the past couple of years been for you all professionally while keeping up with demands and expectations?

Yeah it’s been sick, obviously playing a lot takes its toll but it’s all good fun. I don’t think we have too much expectation on us, other than to just play a solid show.

Who's been your main influence in your music career?

Heaps of different artists, but I really like The Saints.

Unfortunately this year, you couldn't head out on tour with the release of the album due to restrictions. What was this time like for you and are there any positives you take away?

Yeah it sucked not being able to go tour it, but we still had a good time jamming and writing new songs.

2021 and 2022 are shaping up to be big years for you guys.

What are you looking forward to most?

Just playing again!

Thanks Guys.

focus_contributor

PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Coffs Coast PFLAG ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays) is A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS OR ALLIES WHO HAVE EITHER A CHILD, FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER THAT THEY LOVE WHO THEY WANT TO SUPPORT in the best way they know how.

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anuary is a great time to make new relatives, a child and friends who are gay or starts, new beginnings and take a transgender and they want to know how really good look at ourselves. It’s a to best support that person, and sometimes time for a change for the better and just meeting with likeminded people or to really re-evaluate what it excites people in exactly the same situation as us and what sustainable changes we yourself is perfect. I am sure that’s the can make! I really believe this also translates foundation of why these groups work. This to our attitudes – hitting that reset button! last year has been hard to get together face It’s often geared around to face with Covid 19 but things like giving up a as we enter 2021 I am bad habit or a health revisiting more ways to IT IS A SAFE change but have you entice anyone out there GROUP WHERE ever thought about what who would like to explore WE MEET AND CHAT you can do to be more our group, come along CASUALLY AND to be a part of your and meet new friends and SHARE OUR STORIES community? I know we share. It is a safe group AND THE FEEDBACK are all so busy – for me it where we meet and chat SO FAR HAS BEEN is full-time work and also casually and share our GREAT. marrying people most stories and the feedback weekends but I must so far has been great. I say it is so satisfying to be able to actually welcome all ideas as we move whether it is make a difference in someone’s life being speakers, fundraisers etc but let's make it a part of a voluntary cause. This has been easy, fun yet meaningful for everyone. my experience with working in PFLAG too.

I wanted to highlight some days on the I love those conversations in the street, on calendar too that you may not be aware of, the phone or randomly conversing at events. called Diversity Days.

I think we all love connection – it's who They are all about celebrating or we are as humans – and I have so many honouring LGBTIQ days of significance, people who now say to me that they have and increasing awareness of the LGBTIQ

community’s rich and fabulous diversity.

It opens discussion and aims to educate people about our diverse community.

March - Mardi Gras. 31 March Transgender Day. 26 April - Lesbian Visibility Day. 17 May IDAHOBIT - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia,Intersexism and Transphobia - it's about justice and equality for all. June - Pride Month.

14 July - International Non-Binary Peoples Day. 31 August - Wear It Purple Day, Wear it Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. 23 September Celebrate Bisexuality Day. 8 October - International Lesbian Day. 26 October - Intersex Awareness Day. 8 November - Intersex Solidarity Day. 20 November - Transgender Day of Remembrance. 1 December - World AIDS Day. So Happy New Year everyone and wishing everyone a great 2021.

Let's sprinkle a bit of love and tolerance around at the same time!

PFLAG is here to give help, support and information to families and friends of all gay people right here on the Coffs Coast.

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Read P L AY i t

WAT C H

WITH NICCI SECCOMBE

The Barefoot Investor Sco Pape This is the only money guide you'll ever need. That's a bold claim, given there are already thousands of finance books on the shelves. So what makes this one different? Well, you won't be overwhelmed with a bunch of 'tips' … or a strict budget (that you won't follow).

You'll get a step-by-step formula: open this account, then do this; call this person, and say this; invest money here, and not there. All with a glass of wine in your hand. This book will show you how to create an entire financial plan that is so simple you can sketch it on the back of a serviette … and you'll be able to manage your money in 10 minutes a week.

WATCH READ

The Undoing Grace Sachs (Nicole Kidman) is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She's a successful therapist, has a devoted husband and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Overnight a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing husband, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.

Cards Against Humanity Family Edition

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Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition is a new fill-in-the-blank comedy game that’s just like Cards Against Humanity, but it’s written for kids and adults to play together. This is a brand new game written in consultation with child development experts and play tested with thousands of families. Kids get to engage in absurd wordplay with adults, and adults get to laugh at cards like "Filling my butt with spaghetti." The game is simple. One player asks a question from a black card, and everyone answers with their funniest white card.

LISTEN Push The Blues Away - Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald have both built careers around a patent reverence for the early exemplars of blues, soul and R&B music. So, when the pair set out to make a straight blues album, it was a given that they’d be taking a back to basics approach.

The result is Push The Blues Away: an eight song collaborative LP made up of six originals penned by Grunwald and Teskey and a couple of blues standards.

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Our biggest sale ever.

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

Visit us at our display home today.

15 Zenith Avenue Sandy Beach

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | (02) 5525 2582

NSW BLN: 41628.

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As a young teenager, JP Willis started off unsure of where normality fi ed into society, REBELLING AGAINST CONFORMITY WILLIS ENJOYED A VIVID EXISTENCE. NOW A WORLD RENOWNED ARTIST, Willis enjoys expressing himself through contrary works of art while the irony of his work finds beauty in the imagery of masculine weighty subject ma ers.

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i Willis. You're a world renowned artist, depicting quite masculine iconography throughout your work.

Firstly, can you take us back to where it all began for you in the creative world?

My creative life started early. I was always looking in wonderment at my father’s collection of LPs and their cover art, at the psychedelic posters and artworks that were customary on the walls at home and at the homes of family friends. I was a little scribbler and used coloured pencils to create artworks influenced by these transcendental and sometimes alternative political ideals. I used any surface that I could – sketchbooks, novels on the bookshelf, the bookshelf itself, my own clothes and if the dogs or my siblings stayed in one place too long then they were fair game too.

The artworks I was exposed to at an early age were often depicted in bright iridescent colours and I would say that this ideal of alternative view examined in vivid colours is still portrayed in my artworks today – though without the bearded men, topless ladies or

I’ve always commenced every artwork with the view that they must be beautiful even if contradictory and a little deadly.

dog hair.

How have you developed your career?

Growing up on the North Wales coastline I knew wanted to make art a career but had little idea of how. The only real creative career opportunity in my hometown (Llandudno) was to become a hairdresser. I’d have to say as a 16-year-old with few achievements in school apart from being expelled from the same school twice, my options were limited. So, it seemed like a good plan to me. I had a rather large black Mohawk haircut at the time and I’d spent plenty of time cultivating my skills with the scissors and plenty of fluoro hair dyes on myself and friends. Personally though I think I would have been quite good at the old blue rinse, but sadly, the local salons weren’t

eager to let a leather clad punk loose on the local grannies so I didn’t get an apprenticeship. So that was that and I left town for broader opportunities.

I went straight from a little Welsh town to spend some time in Amsterdam and later Paris from where there are plenty of tall tales to regale. But to cut a fun story short, I made it back home some time later and ran into my old high school headmaster in the local supermarket. The conversation that we had eventually led to me going to art college.

I will be eternally grateful to Mr Gareth Jones.

Even though I was a somewhat interesting student at school, he went out of his way to help me and gave me an opportunity to achieve positive life goals. >>> COFFS COAST

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JP WILLIS It brought to life and introduced me to ideas of art and creativity that validated my ‘weird’ ideas encouraging me to consider it was ok to be different and not follow what everyone around me thought to be the norms.

I did take two attempts to go through university; first time I wasn’t ready, left after a year and went and lived in London for a while with lots of music and fashion industry contacts that I had met over the years. The decadent 80’s was party after party with one of my greatest claims to fame – I fell down the stairs and landed on Chuck Berry, at the opening of his own biographical movie in Leister Square in central London. I could have landed on Paul McCartney or any number of the industry heavyweights but I had to pick the star of the night.

I’d had enough of London. The 80’s ended and this time I was ready to go back to school and went to university in Bristol in the UK, as well as the Royal Western Academy finishing with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and a Masters in Printmaking. I have to say going into college every day for consecutive years builds relationships and a discipline for the future that no online course could ever compete with.

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Your artworks have been exhibited So I think there’s an irony here in finding a all over the world for decades and, pure aesthetic beauty in the imagery of the through it all, your ongoing guns, bombs and fighter planes body of work has a very and rockets. A beauty where central theme used function is the main throughout. Can you objective and where share this with us? an encompassing A beauty where To me the central utilitarian element is function is the theme has always displayed without been beauty. main objective and compromise. A Some people paradox where where an encompassing might disagree a base ideal of utilitarian element is with this premise an immature displayed without and can only masculinity shines compromise. see the masculine through, founded iconography also in a sincere and central to my work. I’ve traditional boyish always commenced every fascination present in all artwork with the view that they things surrounding war and must be beautiful even if contradictory conflict as the universal ideal of the and a little deadly. macho. When I was a child it was the norm in Why the fascination in weapons and society – marketing guns, knives, models of tanks and fighter jets to boys, and dolls and military propaganda?

kitchenware to girls. I grew up a hippy kid in a peace loving family and so had to learn to fight hard because I was considered different, and if you were different in rural Wales you were hammered, if you could be. As a teenager I discovered punk rock, and rebelling against the hippy ethos of peace and love, embracing anarchy and physical rebellion displaying my colours openly as a form of non-conformity.

What processes and mediums do you work with or prefer to work with?

I’ve been very lucky to have not been tied down or to work in only one medium. In the past I have worked in mediums as traditional as paint and pencil to mediums as diverse as Italian glass neon and large scale digital works on paper. Currently I am engaged in a collaborative photographic series with lots of tinsel. It’s always exciting to find a new way to engage with a material to echo thoughts and advance process, engaging people into my concept or some might say inflicting my ideas onto the public at When I was a large. child it was the Looking beyond norm in society – the subject, what meaning do they marketing guns, portray? knives, models of Contradiction, a tanks and fighter jets can’t beat love for liberating the to boys, and dolls and discussion or beauty with the beast. kitchenware to girls. argument in How do you cultivate person – real your collector base and expressed emotion has this changed over the from one human to years? another.

Luck, word of mouth and most Who are your biggest importantly putting your work out there, to influences in the creative world? cultivate conversation, meet people, nurturing The images, be they art, movies or relationships one on one. I think a real photographs, that engage me the most engagement in a physical space blows the are not static images of sentiment but digital encounter out of the water. There is no the whole body encompassing feeling of soul online. How could you expect to build colour visualised and expressed to wrap up a healthy relationship without meeting? To you up, enthralling and intimate burrowing me it’s like saying you’re having a relationship down into my understanding and allowing with an online pornstar – someone you’ve me to participate in and broadening my never met, talked to and with whom you’ve understanding of the human condition. From only engaged with solo, without their the bold red and black paintings of Mark knowledge albeit with their consent. You

Rothko, the delicate multifaceted portraits of Lucian Freud, the assailed images of the city and portraits of Frank Auerbach, as well as the images of war photographers Tim Page and Robert Capa.

I was lucky as a child that even though I grew up in a small town there was a regional art gallery. It brought to life and introduced me to ideas of art and creativity that validated my ‘weird’ ideas encouraging me to consider it was ok to be different and not follow what everyone around me thought to be the norms. Allowing, daring me to keep going and just be.

If you can go back and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Work harder, listen to criticism, be a critic and don’t be afraid to be different!

Thanks JP. COFFS COAST

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with PAT BREARLEY

COFFS CON

NEWS with

GE ORGI E O S T E N F E L D

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ello Georgie! What brought you to Coffs Harbour this year?

I’ve always had a passion for quality music education in the country, and wanted to give back in some form to the wonderful educators I’m indebted to from my youth in Armidale. I think passing on the knowledge I’ve received to the next generation has to be one of the most potent ways to give back, so I moved here to do just that through my position at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.

The cello is also such a beautiful instrument, yet requires a lot of detail and precision to teach (and play!), so it’s really important to have quality teaching from the start.

Tell us about your role at the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium.

My role is primarily in education, through one on one lessons with my cello and double bass students. I have students of all ages and walks of life, from absolute beginners to those on the cusp of a musical career. I also regularly perform in the Con’s concert series, which is one of my favourite parts of living here - making music with my incredible

colleagues.

What other programs are offered at the Coffs Con? The Con has extensive offerings for all ages and abilities. The most fundamental program offered is our Early Childhood Music (ECM). This cultivates a rich love of music from 6 months of age until the children are 5. They then move onto Keyboard classes which are ‘pre instrumental classes’ developing what students learnt in ECM and preparing them for single study tuition.

These are taught across all instruments and ages, and cater to the beginner student (no matter the age) through to preparing for University studies and professional careers in music. The Con has a wonderful Ensemble program which creates group playing opportunities. These include a Youth Orchestra, Jazz Band, the Academy, Six Again, guitar ensembles and choirs.

What do you enjoy when you’re not playing and teaching cello?

How great are the beaches and national parks here? You’ll definitely find me somewhere in nature on my weekends, or in my new little veggie garden.

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Velvets O N

J E T T Y

Velvets on Je y is the Coffs Coast’s newest and freshest seafood dining experience. Enjoy the very best in local produce alongside their award winning wines and decadent cocktail menu all in a relaxed coastal se ing. We sat down for a vino with owner, Madonna Bannerman to find out more...

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ey Maddy, congratulations on the next phase of your business journey, Velvets on Jetty. What was it that drove you to start Velvets on Jetty?

We had been thinking of expanding for around 12 months. Barry and I had talked about it a lot, but must say this was Barry’s idea. After a weekend away in Kingscliff he finally convinced me that we needed to do it. We looked at Sawtell, Woolgoolga and the Jetty, and felt the Jetty strip had what we wanted at this point in time. Who knows, we may do a Velvets 3...

As a place to do business, why the Jetty?

We felt that we had such a great customer following with Velvets Restaurant at Two Tails Wines. It was time to bring Velvets to town. We wanted to be right in the heart of 32 COFFS COAST

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Who were some of the local tradesmen the restaurant action so the jetty strip was that worked on the most obvious choice your new fitout? for us.

We had the guys You have a hidden All our from O’Brien Electrical, talent that not many ingredients are Kurt Daley Plumbing, people know about‌ sourced locally using Jerard O’Dwyer for Interior Design. What as much local produce all my fit out (family particular look did as we can. The menu friend), Humble Home you choose and where will change on a daily for the coastal items, did you draw your basis as we are unable Peter Harrison Painter, inspiration? to source some seafood Scott from Mascotte I just love interior Solutions, Trent Hart design and before we all year round.

- Builder, along with had even found this many other to get this space I already knew turned around in just 4 weeks. what theme I wanted to go with, and the What is currently on the menu? coastal lifestyle had a huge influence on We have a number of options on our the space I created. Once I decided it was menu but we do offer the freshest seafood. straight to Humble Home to purchase the We also have pasta, steak and chicken as items. The girls there are amazing and well. All our ingredients are sourced locally helped put it all together with me.

I think sometimes they think Barry and I are either really smart or just crazy, but no ma er what they have all gone above and beyond to create this amazing new venue.

using as much local produce as we can. The menu will change on a daily basis as we are unable to source some seafood all year round.

How would you describe your chef’s style of cooking?

Dom, our Executive Chef, likes the traditional French method of cookery for all sauces and stock bases. As for the modern style of cooking his gastronomy methods in stabilising his mise en place, i.e. fluid gel, foams and spherification. He is also a big fan of incorporating Asian flavours to enhance the taste buds especially in seafood.

Wine matching is important for restaurateurs – tell us about your wine choices.

Like both our restaurants, we like to match our wines to our menus and we have not only matched Two Tails Wines but also sourced wines from around the world and Australia to complement our menu.

Everyone wants to know… what’s on the cocktail list?

We have gone with some real coastal and summer type cocktails such as High Tide, Watermelon Summer, Passionfruit Summer, Beach Water and well as the old fav

Espresso Martini.

You dish up some mouth-watering food for your customers. What's your best seller?

The Seafood Tower is extremely popular and is all local even down to the mud crab we currently have on the tower. The other one is the Tortellini and Linguini which are all handmade on site each day and you can really taste the difference with fresh pasta.

Do you offer group bookings and functions?

Yes, we cater for both groups and functions and will be producing a group menu in the new year for these types of events.

You are by far one of the busiest humans we know. What and who keeps you motivated?

Well I’d have to say that Barry, my husband, is the one person that keeps me going with these businesses. He is my rock and couldn’t do any of this without him.

Also my amazing staff at both venues. All of them have all stepped up to the plate with us taking on this new business. I think sometimes they think Barry and I are either really smart or just crazy, but no matter what they have all gone above and beyond to create this amazing new venue.

What have you learnt from 2020 and what plans do you have for 2021?

The biggest thing we have learnt is that we need to change things up a lot more, keep it interesting for our customers and offer great food and service. My team of chefs (now 9 in total) are always looking at new ideas and produce so we get repeat business and our customers don’t get bored with the same thing. My front of house staff are very big on making everyone feel welcome in both our restaurants and treat people like family and friends.

How do we make a booking and get in touch?

The best way to book with us is to call 66521957 as we are coming into the busy season, so we recommend that you book so as to not be disappointed.

Thanks Maddy.

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Stefano

SOTTO ZERO

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ow were you first introduced to the food industry?

I was first introduced by nature, and from travelling being Italian and growing up in a big family that always cooked at home, people would always ask for me to cook for them.

What is the story beyond Sotto Zero?

The story beyond Sotto Zero was from missing Italian gelato and decided why not do it myself.

Tell us about the different burgers on the menu.

I think we touch a bit of every variety with the burgers. The one that touches closer to home is

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the Ciccio made with the Italian pork sausage, pickled fennel and homemade tomato jam.

If we snooped around your kitchen, what items are we certain to find?

If you were to snoop around my kitchen you would find very good olive oils and vinegars.

Where do you source your produce?

Most of the produce I source is local, the beef is from Crow farm and veggies is a wholesale that buys locally and supports local farms.

Where are you located and how do we get in touch?

We are located at Shop 6, Ground Floor, Coffs Central shopping centre. You can contact us by 0423 511 441 or mail@szgelato.com.au

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Coffs Coast

Sea Salt FISHMONGERS

Rebecca Marks and Cookie (Joshua Cook) are the new Managers for Sea Salt Fishmongers at Toormina! A unique fish deli with a “Boat to Plate” concept that the area is lucky to have - we had to find out more...

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ey Bec & Cookie. Sea Salt Fishmongers Toormina is the newest kid on the block, joining Sea Salt Woopi, Sea Salt Jetty and Sea Salt Sawtell. Tell us about this addition of a Fishmongers Deli?

Not only are the owners, Phil and Penny, great people to work alongside, they also share a penchant for sustainable fisheries. We basically want our children to be able to enjoy Australia’s pristine ocean resources well into the future and beyond. Even if that means simply being able to catch a fish themselves to enjoy! The idea came along pretty organically.

What do you & Bec bring to the business?

What is your background and experience?

We have both been around seafood our entire lives. Bec’s mother grew up in a Ballina fishing family so she never had a chance after her father bought the family tinny and fishing rods for the kids at a young age. My love sparked from the first bream I caught at four years old with my father and much to Mum's dismay, I was determined to turn it into a fish dinner for the family… they all got a tiny fish finger to share each. I was hooked for life. I took that passion and had a 20 year career as a Chef specialising in seafood and now a proud fishmonger. We have the best selection

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of seafood right on our doorstep and want to share that with everyone.

Fish can be so much more than just panfried, skinless and boneless fillets… from flathead and chorizo pies to rosemary and garlic marlin belly sausages and that’s not even touching the edge on the whole dry aging aspect… You don’t eat a cow the day it is slaughtered and the same concept applies to certain fish to really experience the optimum flavour and texture complexes. Kingfish, after seven days of dry aging, turns into the most amazing culinary delight that has be tasted to believe. A fatty fish like Barcod can reach its peak at around 17 days. We encourage locals and tourists to enjoy this journey with us as we continue to experiment with new recipes and ideas to really utilise more of the “whole fish” and try a vaster range of local species by understanding the best methods to prepare and consume.

How did the idea of this come about?

The three already established fish and chip outlets have grown to a stage where the need for a dedicated fish processing facility is more of a necessity than a luxury. Why not combine this with consumer access to the product to take home themselves in the form of a sustainable fish deli? Education is the key; in our region alone over 350 different species

are caught over the course of the year and commonly we Aussies only eat around 20-30.

All that is required is simple key knowledge on how to use the other 320 resources and bam!... you’ve automatically taken pressure off the heavily targeted species.

What kind of products can consumers expect to be able to buy?

Think high end seafood deli – everything in the display has a reason to be there and fully backed with “boat to plate” transparency, knowledge and a fisher’s passion. We are proud to work closely with our suppliers whose hard work and diligence resonates through the seafood quality we have on offer. Combined with the local fish and chips everyone loves from Sea Salt – what more could you ask for in a foodie outlet?

Where are you located and how can we find out more?

“The Roost” in Toormina has a fresh face and has been taken over by fish! Don’t worry, school goers can still get their after school hot chip experience and YES of course you can get tomato sauce and chicken salt! We are located right next to Toormina Hotel.

Instagram @seasalt_fishmongers Phone 1300 737 258 Email rebecca@mrandmrs.fish Web seasaltfishandchips.com.au

Affordable Wholefoods

Enjoy a healthy summer with good food, good eating and good company at Affordable Wholefoods...the sustainable way to shop!

W H E R E S U S TA I N A B L E M E E T S A F FO R DA B L E & L O C A L

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eeping up a healthy lifestyle is easy when you can readily buy bulk wholefoods that are fresh and affordable. This is what we offer at Affordable Wholefoods. Since opening our doors in August 2014, we have continued to grow from strength to strength due to our dedicated team of staff, along with those behind the scenes who work tirelessly to ensure it is always well stocked with fresh quality products.

Be it through the service you receive from our staff or the quality of our products, we always endeavour to make sure our customers have a rewarding shopping experience supporting the strong desire in the community for sustainability. “Shopping with us supports sustainability across the board from food production right through to plate. We provide paper bags for filling and encourage our customers to reuse their own clean containers and jars where possible,� says owner Mark Evans.

With some great suggestions from our customers we have introduced many new products

into the store over the past few years and now stock close to 400 bulk wholefood products along with a selection of locally grown and manufactured goods.

Products include a huge range of organic and natural nuts and seeds, dried fruits, grains, legumes, flours and cooking ingredients, superfoods, chocolates and confectionery, organic teas & coffee as well as a neat selection of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Some of the local producers we support include My Twin Loaves, Jacks Free-Range Eggs, Gut Instinct Kombucha, Soapcakes handmade soaps and the popular Rainbow Chai Tea. Affordability is high on the list for everyone. Mindful of this we work diligently on providing affordable prices while maintaining the highest quality and freshness. We also have a fantastic recipe blog on our website with over 300 wholefood recipes to cater for all appetites and diets. You can sign up to receive our new weekly recipe and in-store special on our site.

Visit our family owned store at 25-27 Little Street, Coffs Harbour.

We look forward to seeing you.

Visit our store to choose from over 400 bulk products Nuts & seeds | Dried fruits | Grains & Legumes Bulk oils | Superfoods | Natural Sweeteners Organic teas & coffee | Locally grown produce Flours & cooking ingredients | Chocolates & confectionery | Nut butters & tahini's | Hand made soaps | Eco-cleaning products | Ecosilk reusable bags | Zero Waste Packs

SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE LOCAL Affordable Wholefoods 25 - 27 Little Street, Coffs Harbour 02 66 51 1991

Visit our Recipe Blog for inspiration affordablewholefoods.com.au/recipes

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McDONALD'S SPONSORSHIP SPOTLIGHT

MACKSVILLE EX-SERVICES JUNIOR

CRICKET CLUB The Munro Group of McDonald’s are super excited to be part of the unveiling of the new scoreboard at The Phillip Hughes Oval in Macksville last month prior to the Juniors hi ing the field for the first game of the season. With the Prominent Pavilion and white picket fence, the Scoreboard is the perfect finishing touch.

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ow long has your club been established?

Our Club has been established since 1965. It is a strong club with many players progressing from junior cricket onto senior cricket competition.

We are seeing second and third generations of families come through our club.

What success and experiences would your club/group like to share?

Our main goal is to get the kids out there to have fun, be part of a team and make new friends – and of course hopefully pick up a love of cricket at the same time. Our cricket club has been quite successful in having several players chosen to play at higher levels of cricket other than just our local competition and the inter-district competition. Kids have gone on to compete in various competitions representing the North Coast, including the Northern NSW Pathway Challenge, and the State Challenge.

There are a number of pathways the kids can take to excel at their cricket. What the club are all immensely proud of is our most notable cricketer in Phillip Hughes, who was a friend to many and looked up to by all at the club, it wasn’t just the juniors that 38 COFFS COAST

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idolised Phillip’s talent. Our new club house and oval are named after Phillip, which we feel is a fitting tribute for our club, the area’s and the greater cricketing community.

What are your club/group’s goals moving forward into 2021?

We would love to encourage more kids to have a go at cricket, enjoy the outdoors and expand on their skills. Parents are also welcome to come along and support in the canteen, or in a coaching or support role. We have an amazing club full of great families and encourage others to join the fun.

It would be great to see more kids go on to represent the North Coast and beyond if they are keen to have a go.

How has McDonald’s assisted your club?

It is thanks to McDonald’s that we now have a wonderful new scoreboard installed at Phillip Hughes Oval. This has been the perfect finishing touch to the upgrade of the oval and will help us attract games of a higher calibre to the field. The kids will also love being able to read the score from the ground and see what they are chasing – this will add to the excitement and performance of the game. McDonald’s has also been very generous in supplying meal vouchers to our younger players as encouragement for doing

their best – who doesn’t want to be the recipient of this award?

What is your most valuable piece of advice for aspiring athletes within your club?

Listen and learn and Practice Practice Practice. Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.

Don’t give up, just keep trying. It’s amazing watching kids progress and grow throughout the season and how much they can improve if they apply themselves.

How do people get involved in your club?

People can register through playcricket. com.au, speak with their friends and take them along to a training session, or contact Mary Cooper with any questions.

Mary’s email is kmcoop@netspace.net.au or 0418 494 103.

All our club members are very approachable and would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Munro Group McDonald’s proudly supporting our local community Grafton • Coffs Harbour • Nambucca • Kempsey @maccasjuniorgrant.com.au

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Munro Group of Mcdonald's In-store • Drive Thru • Delivery Delivery via

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Download MyMaccas cas App for exclusive offers s and online ordering

Fast • Safe • Contact-Free

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SMURF TEARS

ne of the absolute gems on the brand new Cocktail Menu at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this little blue delight, Smurf Tears. With its delicate blend of cherry cognac liqueur, citrus vodka, sour apple liqueur, fresh lemon juice & house syrup, not only does it look amazing on the eye, but is one of the most delicious & unique flavour surprises you’ll ever taste!! An absolute must-try for any cocktail lover!

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Coffs Coast

The

Fun Park

We cha ed to Russell Lee, Operations manager at The Big Banana Fun Park about all the various a ractions available this January to enjoy!

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ussell, how can we make the most out of our time when visiting The Big Banana Fun Park?

Stay a little longer with our Unlimited Pass, available from 19th December until 24th January! Whether you want to chill out with our Theatre and Tour Experience, jump into the action at Laser Tag Area 351, go full speed down the awesome Kamikaze water slide or try a bit of everything, we’ve got something for everyone!

What is included in the Unlimited Pass and how do we purchase them?

This pass is valid for 1 full day from 9 am to 5 pm only and includes the following attractions: • Mini Golf • Laser Tag • Water Park • Giant Slide • World of Bananas Theatre & Tour • 4D Ride Simulator • Ice Skating • Toboggan Ride Your unlimited Pass can be purchased online https://bigbanana.com/unlimited-pass/ Tell us more about each of the attractions?

Laser Tag; Strap on your Gen7 Supernova Battlesuit vest and phaser. Then it is off into 42 COFFS COAST

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the arena, dimly lit with fog swirling – you think you are in a Star Wars set! Watch out for the opposition players and the interactive targets hidden throughout the arena – zap them before they get you!

Water Park; It’s the biggest Water Park between Sydney and The Gold Coast and it’s waiting for you! Over 4 stories high, Reaching speeds of up to 60km/ph, our 4 world class thrill slides will have you begging for more.

Super slidey fun for the whole family!

The XD Theater - 4D Ride Simulator; an experience like no other! Our XD Theater features four of the latest 4D ride films in the world. Powered by the best seat simulator in the industry, offering an unparalleled, multisensory, immersive experience.

Go Bananas Fun Zone; “Go Bananas Fun Zone” features some of the latest Ticket Redemption gaming machines in the world!

The attraction is reminiscent of a carnival side-show alley and is a heap of fun for the entire family.

Toboggan; Your heart pounds in your chest as you ascend to the top of the track, anticipating the thrill and excitement of Coffs Harbour’s famous Toboggan ride! Hold on tight and hug the turns as you navigate down over half a kilometer of track overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Ice Skating; Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned skater everyone enjoys a spin around our Ice Rink and it is the perfect place

to “cool off” on those hot Summer days.

The World of Bananas; sit back to enjoy a whole new theatre experience. The presentation details the discovery of bananas and their advance through history followed by a self-guided short plantation walk to our re-established Packing Shed Mini Golf; Challenge your mates on our mini-golf course set amid the bananas and overlooking the beautiful Coffs Harbour coastline. We’ve got 36 uniquely sculpted holes waiting for you. Grab some friends and get golfing!

Giant Slide; At 17.5m tall, our indoor Giant Slide is the biggest slide of its kind in the country! This 6 lane, 83m long “Racer” slide is the best way to challenge friends. The interactive scoring system will soon tell you who was the quickest!

Can we visit the café & retail stores any day without buying tickets?

Yes, most definitely!

Go Bananas Café, The Big Banana Gift Shop, The Candy Kitchen, The Cheesemaking Workshops & Deli, The Opal Centre and Steve McEwan’s Reptile World are all open to the public every day and you do not need to pre book to visit these businesses.

How do we find out more and book?

Everything you need to know about The Big Banana Fun Park is on our website www.bigbanana.com and by following us on FB & Instagram

TO WATER PARK, 4D RIDE SIMULATOR, LASER TAG, MINI GOLF, GIANT SLIDE, WORLD OF BANANAS THEATRE & TOUR, ICE SKATING & TOBOGGAN RIDE FOR 1 FULL DAY! (FROM 9AM TO 5PM)*

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W A S $6 9

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$

W A S $7 9

*SESSION TIMES, RIDE RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY APPLY, VISIT WWW.BIGBANANA.COM. SOME ATTRACTIONS MAY NOT BE OPERATING AT CERTAIN TIMES. PASS INCLUDES ONLY ATTRACTIONS LISTED, ALL OTHER OUTLETS ARE NOT INCLUDED. ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN DAYS AND CAPACITY IS LIMITED.

WWW.BIGBANANA.COM | PH: 02 6652 4355 351 PACIFIC HWY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

DON’T HAVE TIME FOR A FULL DAY? CHECK OUT OUR FRIDAY & SATURDAY

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION COFFS COAST

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TRAVEL TIME with KERRY MOSS

F R O M Q UA D R A N T T R AV E L

E X P L O R E AUS T R A L I A

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e’re all excited that the borders have opened and we can travel within Australia once again and with some of the world’s best right here in our own backyard, why not holiday here this year.

If you’ve never been to Tasmania then you’re really missing out. Tasmania is as intimate as it is beautiful. Its capital, Hobart, is home to one of the world’s most intriguing art galleries and artisan markets. World Heritage-listed buildings around Tasmania tell the story of almost 50 years of convict life in the 19th century. Australia’s most notorious convict settlement sits in the beautiful coastal setting of Port Arthur, a one-hour drive east of Hobart. And for the brave you can stick around for the nightly ghost tour. You can drive easily around and go from beach-lined coasts to World Heritage-listed National Parks in just a few hours. Along the way you’ll pass welcoming farm-gate producers, cellar doors and restaurants specialising in local produce.

Take the chance to get out in the great outdoors and get active with one of the Great Walks of Australia. You could tick these off your bucket list when you are in Tassie or explore further afield exploring Australia’s varied landscapes in the outback of the Northern Territory, to the white sand coastlines of Western Australia. You can trek through the rainforest hinterland of Queensland, walk UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands in New South Wales, and marvel at the mighty Murray River in South Australia. You can enjoy plenty

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the allure of destinations further afield, we’ve of creature comforts and pampering with accommodation in sustainable eco-lodges, lost our way on the camping trail. While the wilderness camps, glamping tents and luxury international crowds are low and we’ve got retreats. Gourmet meals showcasing regional the time, re-engage with your outdoor self food and wine are another highlight. So lace and explore some of Australia’s incredible up your hiking boots, strap on a backpack and national parks. We have plenty close to explore Australia’s great outdoors. Walking is home on the Mid North Coast and hundreds a great way to immerse scattered across the country. yourself in Australia’s If you haven’t been to the While the natural environment.

Grampians then this should international Explore Australia’s last be your time! A majestic crowds are low and wilderness frontier by mountain range and forest we’ve got the time, exploring the Kimberley rising out of flat farmland in re-engage with your Region of Western Victoria’s west, the region's outdoor self and Australia. Spread over

national parks are home to explore some of Australia’s entire northa huge array of native plants western corner, it’s Australia’s incredible and animals, adventure nature at its best with national parks. wildlife, majestic canyons, and a rich and continuing freshwater swimming Aboriginal history. Where holes and several outback stations. For the off- else can you stay in a treehouse cabin, explore roaders, one of Australia's greatest 4WD road scenic mountains, take a helicopter to lunch trips. Despite the area’s remoteness, it is home and land between 150-year-old vines for wine to luxury accommodation and friendly locals. tasting? See the Grampians National Park Not your average country town, Broome is from below and above, dine on fresh seasonal the heart of the Kimberley, an old pearling produce, taste award-winning wines, and port where heritage buildings house lively bars learn about the area from a local pilot. and restaurants. The town’s pride and joy is 2020 has challenged us all and the impact the extraordinary Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre on businesses and communities has been stretch of fine white sand where you can treat yourself to a sunset camel ride as the sun sinks massive. Many Australians rely on tourism to thrive. Now is the chance to get out and see over the ocean. Because of its popularity and this beautiful country and explore what's on remote location, you’ll need to book early to your doorstep. Take a drive up the coast, head get your piece of the action in the Kimberley.

Camping in the Australian Bush. Many of us grew up on camping holidays but with

inland, fly across this vast and beautiful land.

It’s time to holiday here this year.

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

Check with individual stores for trading hours.

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focus_interview MID NORTH COAST

t

Walker

BA BYS I T T I N G S E RV I C E S t

Mid North Coast Babysi ing Services provide qualified certified babysi ers to look a er your children in your home or holiday accommodation. Available for any occasion. We had a chat to Kirsty Walker to find out more...

W

hen and why did you start your business?

I moved to the Coffs Coast in 2001 from the Central Coast and answered an advert calling for babysitters.

I had a background in providing care for children of all ages, so felt this was a good fit.

I worked with the previous owners for a number of years, before they relocated to Brisbane.

In 2016 I had the opportunity to take over the business and I jumped at the chance!

There wasn’t a service in Coffs at the time, and I was often asked to do private jobs through my family day care.

My aim is to provide a premium babysitting service to residents and visitors to the Mid North Coast so they are confident knowing that they are receiving the best care possible for their children, delivered by our qualified and highly experienced team members.

What services do you provide and which areas do you service?

We offer child minding for children of all ages and all needs. We have educators that specialise in children with special needs

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also. We cover all areas Certificates, Working We have on the Coffs Coast with Children checks educators that and have recently and Police checks. We specialise in children extended our service have midwives, nurses with special needs to Port Macquarie and teachers who also. We cover all areas and surrounding often take jobs with on the Coffs Coast and areas. Our sitters look our service. We aim to after the children in put the parent’s mind have recently extended private homes, resorts, at ease, knowing their our service to Port motels/hotels, AirBnB children are being left Macquarie and accommodation, cabins in the best hands. surrounding areas. and even tent sites at What sets your caravan parks! We also service apart from offer larger bookings for group sittings for others? What’s your point of difference? weddings and parties.

Our sitters are qualified, experienced and Tell us about you and your team and professional. And authentic. They genuinely their areas of expertise. care about the children they are charged I have been working in the childcare with caring for. We take a range of ageindustry for 25 years. I have held a range of appropriate activities to every job – we have roles including Director of a childcare centre; fun! We have so many wonderful families support worker; nanny; educator at OOSH that repeatedly use our service, as well as and long day care centres; and for the past some fabulous reviews on Facebook, so I 15 years, I have operated my own Family guess we’re doing something right!

Day Care service. I recently completed a Kirsty is also still working 3 days a week, teacher’s aide qualification which has been as a Family Day Care educator in Sawtell, fantastic in providing further insight for my under Coffs Harbour Family Day Care. personal journey as a child educator. At How do we get in contact with you?

Mid North Coast Babysitting Service, our You can get in contact with us via sitters are qualified educators, each with Facebook or Instagram. Or call or text us on a minimum qualification of a Certificate 3 0417 406 822. in Childcare. They all have current First Aid Thanks Kirsty.

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$25.00 from Le Dãin Designs

M E T

$65.00 from Le Dãin Designs $110.00 from Le Dãin Designs

G A L A

2 0 2 0

$65.00 from Le Dãin Designs

$55.00 from Le Dãin Designs

$44.99 from Strandbags

$65.00 from Le Dãin Designs

$55.00 from Le Dãin Designs

$30.00 from Le Dãin Designs Shoot Stylist - Carole Beros

$35.00 from Le Dãin Designs

$55.00 from Le Dãin Designs

G E T

T H E

L O O K

Dress from Le Dãin Designs - $175 Millinery Headpiece from Le Dãin Designs See Instore

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Makeover Packages

36 FIRST AVENUE, SAWTELL •

Le Dãin

or Purchase from each business

Designs

to receive a COMPLIMENTARY

Boutique on First Avenue in Sawtell

Before and After PHOTO SHOOT

dresses ladies of all sizes at any age

with Exclusive Fashion Styling

for every occasion!

Session with Carole Beroš and

We now can provide... COMPLETE

Team at Le Dãin Designs

MAKEOVERS and PHOTO SHOOTS!

- Sawtell

We have teamed up with local

Please note:

businesses

FOCUS coverage

Therapy,

to

provide

Hairdressing,

Beauty Make-up,

not included.

Health and Fitness and Fashion

Just BOOK a

Styling — all to suit your budget!

Makeover or

We even have a Barber & Menswear

individual

connections for the guys!

appointment

Perfect Gift idea or a special treat for yourself !

Package must include a Treatment

and INDULGE

Before

Perfect Gift Idea!

yourself or a loved one!

Call Carole to book your makeover

Award winning hair salon located in beautiful Sawtell.

Figtree

DAY SPA

First Avenue, Sawtell

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(02) 66585779

www.jsociety.com.au

OPEN Tues - Sat from 10am • Experience Ultimate Relaxation ‘Wellness Escapes’ • Calming Beauty Therapy • Makeup Artistry • Yin Yoga Studio - Remedial Massage Call: 0455120222 Safe Clinic Australia

• SITUATED NEXT TO SAWTELL RSL

After

C

atherine Wilson was the latest client to experience one of our Makeovers: Catherine is the Practise Manager at Sawtell Dental Surgery.

When not at work Catherine is a busy wife and mother who enjoys baking and is involved with the local Church.

She is one of the many who are eagerly awaiting to be able to travel again and has an interest in High Fashion.

Makeover Package For Catherine • Exclusive Styling Session with Carole Beroš at Le Dãin Designs Boutique to select her ‘NEW LOOKS’ plus tips to utilise her existing wardrobe!

• Catherine will be pampering herself with the indulgence of one of the fabulous pedicures at Figtree Day Spa which is situated on First Avenue in Sawtell.

• Hair appointment at award winning Hair Salon J.Society on First Avenue at Sawtell. Aside from having a trim, Catherine decided that as we are heading into Summer she wanted to lighten up her hair. Honey and cool

Phone 0417 471 019

caramel highlights were added to compliment her skin tone while also adding volume to her hair. Her hair was then styled for her special Make over.

• Next appointment was with Barbara Wenman and her team from La Fleur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser and Medispa.

Barbara commented that Catherine has a lovely bone structure with high cheek bones and a nice firm skin structure. To enhance Catherine’s look we chose the Yaffa Zhav 24KT Gold skin care range and the intraceuticals serum package, to add a glow to Catherine’s skin. To add an exotic look to her eyes we used a burgundy shadow and a red lipstick to vamp up her evening look.

All products and advice are available for home care treatment from Barbara Wenman @ La Fleur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser and Medispa.

• Final part of the package included Bubbles with Carole Beroš and her Team at Le Dãin Designs - Sawtell for the styling / dressing and PHOTO SHOOT to showcase Catherine’s NEW LOOKS!

Tel: 6652 8943

TREAMENTS

• Injectable dermal fillers to create volume, lift and smooth • Lip enhancement, including lip flip treatment • Anti wrinkle injections to smooth frown, crows feet, forehead • Nefertiti lift to neck, gummy smile • Absorbable thread face and neck lift • P.R.P Platelet rich plasma rejuvenation for face and body • Dermapen micro needling to stimulate collagen and skin cell renewal • Laser hair removal • Capillaries & tattoo removal and IPL • Medical grade peels • Oxygen therapy • Dynamic Lift, non surgical face lift • Products to lift, firm, smooth and enhance and moisturise the skin • Make up Artistry Barbara Wenman RN.BA Dip.Soc.Sci Dr J.C Wenman M.B.B.S (Syd) R.A.C.P Cosmetic Nurse Injector Consultant Physician, General, Gastroenterology, Aesthetician and Director Cosmetic & Anti-ageing Medicine

296 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour www.lafleurdalyse.com.au • lafleurdalyse@bigpond.com COFFS COAST

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focus_contributor.

Look Good FEEL GOOD with CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS

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Whereas, I am usually commenting about how this year has flown… I feel compelled to announce that it is such a huge relief. to get rid of 2020 and hope we never see the likes of this past twelve months again!

n the last column, I wrote about celebrating Christmas, New Year and how we waded through months of hearing about riots, drought, hideous bushfires, floods and the unmentionable Covid prior to that.

In my new column I am trying to write about something to interest or inspire you. Here is something you might not know and it ties in with the whole New Year Celebrations vibe.

Many ring in the New Year with a loud sing along of Auld Lang Syne. I am pretty sure not many know what it means? The song itself is reflective in nature and is basically about two friends who catch up over a few drinks, their friendship being long and occasionally distant.

Celebrating letting go of the old, welcoming the new and being grateful for good friendships!

Sounds good to me! The words were written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. The tradition began in Scotland, where Hogmanay would be marked and by the singing of the song while singers joined hands to form a large circle.

So in this column I am also continuing on with covering celebration, only this time… it’s the celebration of life itself!

When you celebrate (without even a sip of bubbles) or feel gratitude, your body and brain automatically receives a natural health boost!

It’s like getting a present. With the end of the year and the promise of a much brighter 2021,

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we become more positive and calmer which has a powerful effect on your mental and physical health! Celebrating life and positivity sets off a cocktail of chemicals in your brain that gives you a natural high… without the hangover the next day!

Endorphins: These amazing FEEL-GOOD chemicals pop out like a firework when you laugh, dance or exercise.

Oxytocin: This hormone is associated with bonding and happiness and is released when you are around people whose company you enjoy.

Imagine the depths this important hormone plunges down to, during instances such as lockdown, which unfortunately is still occurring as you read this column.

Noradrenaline: This neurotransmitter skyrockets when you socialise… even over the internet, and makes you feel energised and happier. We have all had a moan about the pitfalls of social media from time to time, but during these times… I think it’s literally saved lives and helped so many cope with loneliness and depression.

But here is the HOT TIP!!! These substances do more than just lift your mood, Oxytocin may also help repair injured muscles and heal wounds. Noradrenaline is critical for focus and concentration and the firework endorphins can help reduce pain!!! I think this information is enough to make you celebrate anyway!

After the celebrations of the Festive Season are over, you can sometimes feel flat. This time of the year gets people, who don’t usually socialise, out and about. But after work parties and outings are over and if you live on your own, it’s sometimes hard. Promise yourself you will do something a bit ‘old school’ like join a book club or get involved in a team sport or go and volunteer your services with a charity organisation. Sometimes making others happy mirrors onto yourself.

Traditionally, it is the time of year, to make a list of your New Year’s Resolutions. I have never been a big fan of this but each to their own.

Statistics show that there are a high number of us who commit to New Year’s Resolutions and never really follow through. Throw out the ‘Should Do’s’ and focus on having fun… try and feel present in the RIGHT NOW and try and enjoy new and different experiences. This will activate the brain region that releases noradrenaline (a hormone I have just written about) and helps build strong emotional strength and confidence!

The truth is, that the best New Year’s Resolution you can make is to be kinder to yourself and others. Try to accept yourself for the way you are and gently ease yourself into 2021, knowing it can only get better if you attempt to get healthier mentally and physically.

Wishing you all a Healthy, Safe and Happy New Year xxxxx

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The best of both worlds.

From the coast to the country, you’ll discover something unique at any of our amazing venues...

THE HOEY MOEY

THE MOONEE BEACH TAVERN

THE SEAVIEW TAVERN

THE CORAMBA HOTEL The North Coast Hotel Group boasts a unique blend of venues on the mid north coast -from laid back beach-style atmosphere to the ultimate in country charm. Award-winning bistros to top-notch mixologists. Plus, there’s no shortage of icy cold beer to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day -- or any day!

THE VILLAGE GREEN HOTEL

Live music is also on offer at most of our venues, especially over the weekends. Check out our websites or social media for more information.

The Hoey Moey | 84 Ocean Pde, Park Beach | Coffs Harbour | 6652 3833 | hoeymoey.com.au The Moonee Beach Tavern | 2 Moonee Beach Rd | Moonee | 6653 6199 | mooneebeachtavern.com.au The Seaview Tavern | 51 River St | Woolgoolga | 6654 1206 | seaviewtavern.com.au The Coramba Hotel | 17 Gale St | Coramba | 6654 4216 | facebook.com/corambahotel The Village Green Hotel | 230 Pound St | Grafton | 6642 2095 | villagegreenhotel.com.au

NORTH COAST HOTEL GROUP Great food. Live music. Good times.

The North Coast Hotel Group encourages and supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol

THE HOEY MOEY With live music and great meal and drink specials, the Hoey Moey is the Coffs go-to pub destination!

E

veryone has fun and With our large venue the Hoey looks forward to Moey can cater to a variety of seeing each other occasions; from intimate private both in and out of dining to corporate events, work time. Our nicknames fundraising events and even include Walrus, The Owl, Emu, product launches. With years of Penguina, Unicorn, Shroomy, hosting a multitude of events Invisible Man and the Yeti. You and parties, our team offers a could say we run a zoo and it wealth of experience, making definitely feels your special like it sometimes. occasion We will be Our focus a truly introducing is going to be memorable on bringing one. Our Joker Poker, and our great wonderful Shultzies mega entertainment chefs come up raffles on Fridays. back to the Hoey. with amazing Our famous selections Sunday Sessions now start at including daily specials and can lunch times on Sundays, great also cater to any dietary needs. for coming up off the beach We have a great deal of for a feed, a beer, or a delicious fun with our amazing locals, custom cocktail. including Barra, Cutter, Benji We also have live music Butterfly, Sue LaLa, Turbo Fridays and Saturdays, as well as Tommy, Lindsay the Professor Monday night trivia, Wednesday and many more. nights Musical Bingo. We will So come on down and have be introducing Joker Poker, and fun with us!

Shultzies mega raffles on Fridays.

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T H E V I L L AG E G R E E N Located in Gra on, food is one of our specialities. We bring together the finest, freshest local seafood, meats and produce to create an unforge able dining experience.

T

ell us about your team and their areas of expertise.

We welcome you to the Village Green Hotel in Grafton. A busy location on the corner of Pound & Turf Streets. We have a passion for helping our customers with their entertainment needs. A large drive through retail bottle shop – yes that’s correct you stay in your car & we serve you!! On premise we cater for all types of parties, with large booking areas & an exclusive upstairs area overlooking the trees of See Park. Our busy restaurant accommodates all types of food enthusiasts – we have a main menu with the great pub classics and a chef’s specials blackboard changing weekly. Regular promotions of Kids Eat Free & Members specials demonstrate we specialise in engaging our staff to know our customer base & continue our fantastic customer

service standards. Come in & see what we have available for your next family event. Music needs are met with constant bands for Friday night Live & Sunday Sessions to keep all ages interested. With a courtesy bus available to pick you up & drop you home. We love our local community & welcome all locals and visitors alike to our venue.

Any big plans for the future?

The next stage in our renovation plans is the upstairs space – we envision a cocktail/ tapas space capable of serving 150 people that will retain the heritage component of the Hotel but allow an open plan arrangement… perfect for a catch up or casual get together.

What live entertainment do you have lined up for January?

We will have live music every Friday Night and Sunday afternoon across January. Weekly Trivia is held on Tuesday evenings as well.

MOONEE BEACH TAV E R N

Whether you are with family or friends Moonee Beach Tavern offers all that you need.

T

ell us about your team and their areas of expertise Our team hasn’t changed too much over the years.

Tim Hayden is our Licensee, he is our Mr Fixit, he is the man with a plan and a workaholic, he has been with us since we opened the doors at Moonee and there is not much he doesn’t know about the place. He was born to be a Publican and he loves his job.

Damien and Sylvia are our Bistro Bosses, chances are, if you have visited the Tavern over the last 7 years you have met Sylvia at our Bistro counter and Damien (our Head Chef) has cooked your meal. Nothing is a problem for this brilliant couple, they have seen it all before! Our Bistro is the backbone of our business, so it is no wonder that Sylvia has a bad back and Damien walks with a limp (LOL) she is going to kill me for that one!!!

Peter/Crozz/Tubbsy/Evan/Wade and Jennifer...

These are the faces that meet and greet you every time you

walk into the Tavern, they open and close the place, they pour all the beer and they clear every table, they help you with your box of beer in the Bottleshop and organise every kids activity in our beergarden, they are the heart and soul of the place and we are truly lucky to have them.

Jennifer is the unsung hero that keeps us all in line and pays all our bills and chases us to make sure we keep things balanced.

She is a STAR. Then there are all the Ladies that pour beer and serve food … the real workers, you know who you are and I can assure you the work you do does not go unnoticed.

What live entertainment do you have lined up for January?

December: Saturday 19th – Lisa Hunt January: Saturday 2nd – Thisty Merc Saturday 9th – Pig Racing February: Friday 26th – Jon Stevens, The Noiseworks and INXS Collection Tour

S E AV I E W TAV E R N Located in the beautiful township of Woolgoolga, The Seaview Tavern is a Family Friendly Hotel offering a bo le shop, bistro and live music

T

ell us about your team and their areas of expertise.

Here at the Seaview we consider ourselves one big family. Our team is a mix of born and bred coasters and newbies who have come to call Woolgoolga home. Combining local knowledge and a wealth of experience from pubs and clubs, to island resorts and cocktail bars, we’re all about a great experience, good times and service with a smile.

COVID impacted many pubs across the nation. How have you evolved and adapted?

COVID-19 threw a mountain of challenges at us – most of which we have never had to deal with before. The good news is we have managed to maintain a strong core group of staff throughout the whole period and the Woolgoolga community have been amazing in their support.

Any big plans for the future?

We’ve been busy over 2020, updating the Tavern. A new bar, a new gaming room and our new undercover outdoor dining area are already open, ready for the summer crowds. We have our new summer menu on the go and a brand new cocktail list ready to tempt your taste buds.

Next on the agenda is doing up our kids area, which will see big changes after the holidays.

What live entertainment do you have lined up for January?

Live music is amping up over the summer months. We’ll have bands every weekend, Friday night, Saturday night & Sunday afternoons. Bands like The Groove Robbers, Living in the 70’s, The Harry Nichols Band and so much more. A full gig guide is up on our website seaviewtavern. com.au or follow our socials for more info. We also have entertainment for the kids every night over the school holidays, games, arts and crafts, and more!

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C O R A M BA H O T E L Family friendly atmosphere, beautiful views, cold beer and delicious food!

T

ell us about your all here to make the customer’s team and their experience a memorable one. areas of expertise.

Any big plans for the future?

The North Coast Definitely a ‘watch this space’.

Hotel Group along with Brendon Having only recently taken on and Steph have big plans for the Coramba adventure, the this special little country pub of plans are BIG! We have already ours. Brendon and Steph have created a fantastic bottle shop been in the area for many years, area, the accommodation has and are active members of the received some renovations, and Orara Valley we are looking community, forward to Having only managing creating some recently taken another local great new on the Coramba hotel for the spaces for adventure, the past 2 years. people to plans are BIG! They are strong enjoy. supporters of our What live schools, community and local entertainment do you have sporting groups. lined up for January?

NCHG has brought their We have live music every wealth of knowledge in the Sunday week in our spectacular industry to the table with beer garden, Pig Racing is Laurelle joining the team after 12 coming on the 10th January, and years at the Hoey Moey bringing fingers crossed we will be able her passion for the industry to to once again host the annual Coramba. The team along with wood chop on the 24th January. familiar local faces of Mark, Be sure to keep an eye on our Kathryn and our friendly staff are socials for all the latest updates.

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focus_interview

Raku One O’Gaia is a musician who has lived in Bellingen before, but was drawn to living in the Byron Shire to pursue his music career, but he still felt the pull towards this area a er all these years and se led near Bello just over a year ago. He has opened for Kasey Chambers, played at the Mullumbimby Music Festival, and busked all over. Music is his passion and it’s reflected in his songs.

ONE O’GAIA

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i Raku. You live in Fernmount near Bellingen, how did you end up there?

Well there’s a story, an interesting ride. My wife and I and our young family lived in Bellingen from ’92 to ’96. Loved it and made some deep connections with the people and the land but coming from the city in the UK and wanting to establish myself as a working musician it felt so small! So, principally motivated by my work we found a great alternative in Byron Shire which was kind of like a sister town to Bellingen with lots of movement between the two. We got lucky in the housing boom at the turn of the new millennium and lived up there in a small village until our kids were long gone and a chance to come back here popped up. It was a massive move, but because of our connections with the land and the community down here, we went for it. Been back for just over a 60 COFFS COAST

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Music is everything to me. It’s been the source and inspiration behind some of my best moments on the planet. I get more joy from it now than ever and that kind of amazes me.

year now and what an incredible year it’s been.

This year has been a pretty crazy one, especially for those in the music/ entertainment industry.

What are your plans moving forward after the pandemic experience?

I’ll second that. Crazy alright and one in which a lot has changed and a lot has become apparent. What struck me most powerfully about the Freedom Rally I witnessed up in Bryon a few months back was the number of different interest groups under one banner. It felt fragmented, and leads back to the power of social media and the more insular world’s people inhabit now across the spectrum; left, right and centre without necessarily realising

it. But fundamentally we are the same human beings just wanting to be happy. For me music has a big part to play.

Coming out of ‘Rona I’d like to shift the focus of what I’m doing to include short workshops with music at the core of delivering the content for personal empowerment.

Other than that I definitely have a clearer sense of what I do and don’t want and need in my life after all this..So I want to bring that to what I do wherever I play.

What does music mean to you? You write your own songs, what is that process like?

Music is everything to me. It’s been the source and inspiration behind some of my best moments on the planet. I get more joy from it now than ever and that kind of amazes me. I

can honestly say I haven’t even scratched the surface of what’s possible so I’m very grateful for this career. As for writing I’ve been blessed with quite a pronounced talent for coming up with songs. I can come up with multiple song ideas a day, every day, but there’s a big difference between that and producing finished work that you can then make available to people. That’s where I see a big distinction between songwriters and artists in terms of levels of success or fame because talent is a given. It’s a lot of hard work and focus that makes the difference. I haven’t fallen by the wayside because of drugs or alcohol or wrangles over money, but I’ve always been aware and emotionally cautious around the business because of how easy it is to get caught in that downside. Still working on some hits though!

Has music always been a big part of your life? Did you grow up around other musical people?

Music didn’t really When I was 13 a start to step out from boy called John the background of my life until my teens. Until Hopkins played a song then it was just around. from the radio in our My parents were both music class at school.

That whole Tamworth devoutly faithful GodIt was an instrumental adventure was preceded fearing folk who were and I was mightily by quite a series of into the joy of singing mishaps on the way impressed. Kaboom! hymns in church and which meant I arrived work songs as they in Tamworth on the went about their lives. back of a tow truck with one dead vehicle My Mum in particular brought the work song and serious doubts about being there at all! thing with her from Jamaica to England where Fortunately I stayed, and on the second day I grew up, and would sing in the early hours while I was playing outside a pavement cafe while she tended her garden. Dad loved to sing on Peel Street along came none other than in choirs and light opera. They both played Kasey Chambers and her family. I noticed they various instruments too and the love of music were there but kept doing my job trying not definitely translated to us kids. When I was 13 to lose my cool. Would you believe in the next a boy called John Hopkins played a song from break Kasey came up to ask me if I’d like to the radio in our music class at school. It was play at her Dad musician Bill Chambers’ session an instrumental and I was mightily impressed. up the road as a guest! And what did I think, Kaboom! That moment right there was when maybe she could sing some harmonies on one music jumped out of the background and of the songs?!! So come the appointed day, I into the foreground of my mind and began to have an absolute ball playing to a packed room become a force in my life. with the band, and Kasey and Bill Chambers You met Kasey Chambers while busking all singing along. Left there high as a kite only in Tamworth. Can you tell us about that to get invited to do four shows opening for experience and what it did for your Kasey in Tasmania. Which has continued to career?

open doors and gave me a lot of contacts and experience. And yes, Kasey is just as likeable and down to earth as she seems!

Can you tell us about some of your most memorable gigs?

I’ll tell you about the standout show of the many good ones. It was in my old home town in 2017. The Mullumbimby Music Festival. I’d been applying for 10 years straight and never got in and now I’m in front of 200 people in a crowded hall where a combination of factors inside and outside my music mean I’m in a highly emotional and unexpected state.

Basically I’m just about to do this longed-for gig and I’m a mess! I try to say something to lead the show off but I’m so choked with unnamed emotions that all I can do is start to play. By some strange alchemy the pentup feelings translate into the music and familiar songs seemed to affect people in an unprecedented way that day. I don’t know what’s happening but more and more people are coming to the hall which is full. >>> COFFS COAST

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Although I’m barely holding it together inside I’m actually playing well out of muscle memory and the crowd seems entranced. It’s like that for the whole show. Teetering on the brink. After the last song there’s a post show flurry of signing CDs and taking photographs and it takes me a while to get away and try to figure out what just happened. I haven’t been able to pinpoint it completely to this day or repeat it but it was certainly magic. If I could bottle that…

What do you think is important in creating a good vibe or atmosphere at a gig?

Well I’m sure it’s very different for different performers but for me it’s all about confidence.

And to be more precise being confident enough to be real. Just being oneself in the throes of the music and letting the night go where it goes. Every show is different, or should be. I have a natural tendency to high spirits when I am playing, much as I revere tortured artists like Ray LaMontagne, and so I let that out and in my show and that predominates over shades of blue. It takes people by surprise sometimes 62 COFFS COAST

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By some strange alchemy the pent-up feelings translate into the music and familiar songs seemed to affect people in an unprecedented way.

but they warm to it and of course the licensees love that because it creates an uplifting atmosphere which as we all know is quite precious.

Do you have any favourite venues that you like to play at?

Yeah I love to play any venue or event that’s been specifically set up for music so that people have come with the intention to listen to music.

Ironically those events can be terrifying too because people have actually come to see you and you feel caught in the spotlights. Then the other polarity is busking type situations.

Markets can be pretty close to that. I dig those because you don’t have a captive audience and so you aren’t captured by the audience per se either and can stretch out and experiment and quite often that can lead to discovering great things. Plus I’m a frustrated comedian so in informal settings I can try out my jokes!

What are your strongest influences when it

comes to your music?

My tastes are really quite wide ranging in that I like everything from classical music through to heavy metal to folk to pop.

If what I’m listening to strikes an authentic chord whatever the genre, then I tend to like it. That said I do lean toward voices that have character rather than traditional beauty or form. Artists that convey real life like Ray Charles or Otis Redding are great, which is why I like soul music. It can come from anywhere though. I saw the earlier Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band late one night on a show called “The Old Grey Whistle Test” in the 70’s and that was that “That’s what I want to do!”... my Elvis moment.

Where can people find you/your music?

You can find me in all the usual places but the very best place to find out where I’m playing is on my website www.raku.net. au/Shows. Or on my Facebook page www. facebook.com/RakuOnline and I have a YouTube channel www.youtube.com/Rakuonline Thanks Raku.

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ELEMENT

BAR 64 COFFS COAST

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elementbar.com.au | 6651 6655 | 380 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Je y COFFS COAST

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GO local F I R S T

How you can support local…

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during economic recovery. his year has been a tough At a local level, there are more than 6,000 year for many people and businesses in the local area, employing businesses on the Coffs approximately 30,000 local workers!

Coast. The Coffs Harbour So how can we show our support for the Chamber of Commerce, in area’s local businesses? It could be as simple conjunction with COSBOA as eating at or getting takeaway from a local (Council of Small Business Organisations restaurant or café, buying Australia) have your loved one’s next recently launched It could be as gift from a local shop, or a fantastic way for simple as eating at liking and leaving positive locals to support or getting takeaway from reviews on local business businesses through a local restaurant or café, social media pages. the GO LOCAL FIRST buying your loved one’s There are countless small campaign. next gi from a local ways to support local From the local shop, or liking and businesses. food producer or Before you buy online restaurant to gift leaving positive reviews – is there a local business shop, allied health on local business social that can provide a similar professionals and media pages. good or service? Before corner store, small you take off on a holiday businesses together – is there somewhere in your own backyard make something far more valuable than you haven’t yet discovered? Before you do anything they do or sell. They help to build it yourself – is there a local professional our local Coffs Coast community.

Small businesses contribute to a third of our who might be able to help more easily and efficiently? economic activity, keep millions of Australians Find details of many of our local businesses in jobs and are responsible for paying wages at www.coffschamber.com.au/shop-coffsto more than half of our workforce. They are coast and let’s GO LOCAL FIRST. vital to our everyday lives – especially now

If you are a Coffs Coast small business owner, it’s not too late to be part of this initiative. Head to www.coffschamber. com.au/go-local-first to find details of how to be involved, add your business to the Go Local First directory and access some digital and print collateral to let your customers know. You’re invited to use the hashtags #CoffsGoLocalFirst and #GoLocalFirst on your social media posts and encourage your followers to buy locally first.

It’s probably also a good time to consider how you can also use local first for your business needs.

We encourage you to #supportlocal and #GoLocalFirst within our local #CoffsCoast community.

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TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

We’ve started the journey to ECO Destination accreditation What do you love about our natural areas?

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here’s one thing we have bucket loads of on the Coffs Coast and it’s our natural attractions. Flora and fauna, coastal experiences and hinterland explorations.

As people start to get out and explore, the focus on open spaces, natural areas and destination appeal has been highlighted. In a post-COVID survey, conducted by Booking. com, close to 70% of travellers expect more sustainable travel options.

Coffs Harbour City Council was recently given the opportunity to commence the eco destination accreditation journey. This assures travellers that our destination is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides highquality nature-based tourism experiences.

Coffs Council will receive support to take part in this program via a partnership between Ecotourism Australia and WWFAustralia.

These are groups providing funding to assist bushfire-affected destinations to build back better and revitalise their local economies through nature-based tourism.

The Coffs Coast, on completion of the accreditation journey, will be showcased as an authentic nature-based destination, receiving an internationally recognised, independently verified stamp of approval as sustainable and ecotourism credentials.

The accreditation process can take up to

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12 months to complete and measures ecotourism thrives, ensures internal and the destination against defined criteria external destination management practices of destination management, nature and are in line with international best practice scenery, environment and climate, culture sustainability standards, and offers visitors an and tradition, social well-being, business easy way of determining where genuine and and hospitality, and authentic ecotourism is ecotourism. The initial found.

Destination audit has shown The Coffs Coast certification is us what we as a joins an established about much more than destination do well and global network of likethe tourism sector: it’s what improvements minded destinations about real, tangible can be made to attain striving for ecotourism environmental accreditation. excellence and Ecotourism is learning best practice sustainability being where nature tourism examples of sustainable demonstrated by how and sustainable tourism management. the community as a tourism intersects and The support from whole operates. is defined as ecologically EcoTourism Australia sustainable tourism includes the opportunity with a primary focus on experiencing natural for individual tourism businesses to also areas. This focus fosters an environmental explore business certification. and cultural understanding, appreciation and As a destination, we are excited to begin conservation. It guides how we share our this journey, to share the benefits this beautiful area now and into the future. will bring to our destination, and the Destination certification is about much recognition of the amazing experiences and more than the tourism sector. It’s about wonderful operators that deliver for the real, tangible environmental sustainability Coffs Coast. demonstrated by how the community as a whole operates.

Increasingly visitors are demanding authentic, unique and environmentally sustainable experiences. These experiences build a business environment in which

SUMMER

ION STAYCATIDEAS

GET OUT AND #EXPLORECOFFSBACKYARD!

Cheese Making Workshop

Montem Bike Tours

HWH Stables

Treetops Adventure Tours

Dorrigo National Park

Solitary Islands Coastal Walk

Big Banana Fun Park

Giingan Cultural Experience

Get your ‘Masterchef’ on and learn how to make delicious cheeses at home in a fun and tasty workshop.

Climb, weave and fly through the treetops on the self-guided rope courses and zip lines at Sealy Lookout.

Australia’s original and most famous ‘Big Thing’ with toboggan rides, laser tag, mini golf, ice skating and waterslides.

Be entranced as you watch the sun come up on an early morning guided tour cycling along the coastline.

Visit the World Heritage listed rainforest a million years in the making.

Enjoy this award winning Indigenous cultural tourism experience at Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest.

Discover the shoreline of Boambee Beach or ride the rivers of the Orara Valley hinterland – all on horseback.

This spectacular 60km coastal walk follows the gorgeous beaches and headlands from Red Rock to Sawtell.

C Change Adventures

Enjoy the pristine waterways kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling – or book an Eco Tour to discover more.

Find more fantastic things to do over summer on coffscoast.com #coffscoast #naturallyconnected #holidayherethisyear #lovensw

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The 4WD bug hit Kevin Smith hard around 30 years ago and since then, adventures have been plentiful. Now, Kevin enjoys sharing his knowledge and time with others to help spread this infectious sport around the Coast, enabling friendships to be made and fun times to be had.

KEVIN SMITH WOOLGOOLGA OFFROAD

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i Kevin. Woolgoolga Offroad is your fantastic 4x4 organisation that you run here on the Coffs Coast. Tell us why you started up in the first place and share a little bit about its growth over the years.

I was introduced into the 4WD world back in the early nineties after years of having fast cars, and that was it – I got the bug. I started Woolgoolga Offroad as a mates group for anyone who wanted to come along to explore the bush or even on camping trips. I really didn’t think much of it at the time, it was just getting out to explore our hinterland from Coffs down the coast behind Port and Taree. Over time, more and more people wanted to tag along, whether it was for company or just to see what we have to offer around the area. I was finding that we had some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the Mid North Coast where the Great Dividing Range towers over the 70 COFFS COAST

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We have some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the Mid North Coast... access from the beach to the bush is available everywhere.

ocean in so many spots, and because of this the access from the beach to the bush is available everywhere. In fact we can thank prehistoric times when the volcanoes erupted and created what we have, especially the Ebor volcano.

This was 10 years before social media and texting so I started Woopi Offroad as a blog to let others know when I was going bush and it evolved from that. After our day out I would post a trip report with photos and trip details and that started my passion for writing.

These days it’s so easy to throw an event up on Facebook to get a bunch of great people to spend the day with. Over time things happened and I had the chance to host and lead a DVD crew around the Coffs Coast, and with that I got my foot in the door for so many avenues.

In fact over the past 30 years I’ve hosted no less

than a dozen DVD crews here in Coffs, several national TV shows and written my own 4WD book on the Coffs Coast.

With a stack of hard work I had the chance to submit a destination article for a national 4WD magazine, and now I reckon I have written well over 100 magazine destination articles spanning from our coastal fringes, desert areas, Tassie and just recently Cape York.

For anyone that enjoys the outdoors and is looking to get into 4WDing, then a club is a great place to start. What are the benefits to joining in along with the group?

Totally agree. I kept Woopi Offroad as a social group where anyone from anywhere is more than welcome to come along and be part of the fantastic family that has been created. The best part of this is that anyone can host for a day out

and everybody is on the same level.

There are so many benefits to blend in to our group and it starts from the friendships that form. We have different 4WD days from easy touring exploration days, through to recovery days (where we go over basic 4WD recovery techniques), to more advanced hard days through to fun camping trips away. But you know what, everybody in the group has the same fantastic mind frame that if there is a newbie on the drive and they need help, there’s plenty of the right advice and help to give.

Nobody judges when we go out. In fact, I can go out with a newbie to run over how to 4WD so they feel more comfortable. Gone are the days of just selecting 4WD with a short lever, now there’s different switches that need to be done in a certain way, technology at its best.

Often I see friendships form on our days out and that makes me smile, seeing people connect.

What equipment/basic requirements are needed on your truck to enjoy a day out?

Well, here’s the best thing, it doesn’t matter at the start. Everybody needs to start somewhere and I am more than happy to spend

time with any newbie to get set up, come out for a drive, find some hidden gems and leave them wanting more for another day. But for those who have a little experience under their belt, the basics include proper recovery points on their 4WD, a UHF is a bonus for safety and a little banter on the tracks plus a sense of adventure. When we do other specialised drives like the more adventurous ones, include good tyres, recovery gear and a maybe a winch. I always prepare people to bring plenty of water, snacks and footwear because we always spend time exploring any waterfalls or historic spots along the way.

Best 4WD tracks along the coast?

We are so lucky here with so much at our fingertips. One of my favourite touring drives and camp trips is down to Crescent Head along to Point Plomer for a camp, then follow the dunes and across the ferry to Port Macq.

From here follow the coast down to Crowdy for another camp, then west of Taree through Coorabakh NP. It’s a great one for the novice or just an easy three day exploration. Out in Coorabakh you can see a couple of old volcano plugs, plenty of stunning coastal and valley views plus you’ve got the drive up to the Brother Mountains. But then saying that, out the back of Wauchope in an area called the Cells, there’s some truly stunning cross valley drives, with creek crossings, mining relics and some of the best camping on the Great Dividing Range.

Finally at Coffs, I could rattle off 5 pages of drives. But one that is a favourite is the Friday Creek explore where it takes you only minutes

behind Coffs, then high up along several ridge lines where you have stunning ocean views.

Along the way there’s a host of old red cedar tree stumps that were cut down by the early explorers back in the day and still have the standing board marks cut in them. Then 4WD off the ridge line down a steepish track passing several stunning waterfalls and large swimming pools. All this only minutes from the town centre. I think I rave on about our backyard because it is regarded as the 4WD capital of NSW due the closeness of the tracks and the vast variety. I mean, what other areas can you name where you can stay in a coastal resort, jump across the highway and get straight into some of the best 4WDing on the east coast.

Either taking a picnic lunch beside a stunning and pristine creek or eating at one of our delicious cafes or pubs then 4WD back to your accommodation and then delve into a fresh and tasty evening meal.

Oh and don’t forget that there are nearly a dozen beach drives up and down the area too, which opens up a whole new world for the explorer, fisher person or sun chaser; just make sure you get a permit where needed though.

The 4WD community on the coast is one of the best I have come across as most are aware to keep the tracks tidy and respect the bush. In fact in early next year I’ll have a track cleanup day where we go out to address any rubbish we find, plus drive some great tracks, but more importantly socialise and network with great people.

Thanks Kev. COFFS COAST

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Waterfalls CHASING

with KEV SMITH

People probably don’t associate waterfalls with the Mid North Coast, BUT, because the Great Dividing Range is right on the doorstep of the coast, there’s a stack just waiting to be discovered.

I

’d like to share just some of my favourites in the area, mind you there are a host more and these are just the tip of the iceberg. In layman’s terms it all happened around 30 million years ago when the east coast super volcanoes erupted, plus the little Ebor one creating what we have today, and depending on which way the water flows from these peaks determines where the valleys and eventually where the waterfalls flow.

Now some of these falls have designated names, others are unofficially named.

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WA I T U I FA L L S Midway between Port Macquarie and Taree in Coorabakh NP flows the ever so beautiful Waitui Falls. With a wide rock face and a deep pool at the bottom it always seems to flow, creating its own micro system where delicate ferns and moss grow. A relatively easy one to find by heading west from Johns River to Hannam Vale and onto the aptly named Waitui Road for 12km.

M O B O N G FA L L S West of Coffs Harbour high up in the hinterland in the Nymboi-Binderay NP is little known Mobong Falls. Surprisingly this waterway spills sideways through a rock crevice and not straight over the edge.

Viewing it from the top doesn’t allow you to see the entire falls in all its glory, you need to scramble to the bottom to be in awe.

Head west from Coffs up to Ulong and onto Cascade, then head down Measuring Hut Road for about 15km until you find Mobong Creek. Park up and listen for the falls.

S W E E T P O TAT O FA L L S This is the unofficial name for this stunning waterfall that is surrounded by broken ferns and has several different drop offs. It's another favourite as it seems to flow all year round as the water seeps out of a nearby swamp. The views at the top are stunning with pools of water in the foreground and as you look westward towards the rugged Nymbodia area, Glenreagh and Nana Glen are in the valley below.

B A N G A L O R E FA L L S Now Bangalore is high on everybody’s list when they head up in the hinterland near Ulong. Either head up into the stunning Orara Valley then to Dairyville and up the easy 4WD trail named Pine Road. Or simply head to Ulong and out along Corfes Road. Signposted to a beautiful picnic area surrounded by tall Hoop Pines and stands of Coachwood Trees; it’s a stunning area, and often you’ll see a lyrebird darting across the road. Bangalore Falls is an easy stroll from the picnic area along the dedicated path to a viewing deck. The walk down to the falls meanders past old growth cedar trees and amazingly tall tree ferns with the ground covered in iridescent green moss. The falls tumble down after the water gathers in a large pool at the top, showering the rocks below in different areas. When there’s been some good rain anywhere in the hinterland, these falls crank and you’ll hear them from the car park. Very spectacular.

S C O U T S FA L L S M AG I C P O O L S Now these deserve an honourable mention and are definitely a go to place in the heat of summer. Tucked up the back of the Friday Creek area in the Orara State Forest these falls are fun for the whole family. Head up deep into the Orara Valley and up Dingo fire trail, and right onto Carmadies Trail to the falls.

Known to the locals also as the Rock Slide it’s a fun adventure exploring this waterway. The keen can slide down where the water flows into the deep and often cold pool, yet the little ones can splash around in the side pools.

The increasingly popular Scouts is a must do if chasing waterfalls. It’s not so much about the falls, but the walk to them. Very easy to find along Sherwood Creek Road between Glenreagh and the highway. Park up at the sign and then the adventure begins with a 1km walk upstream to the falls. Most people will find the walk and rock hopping pretty easy, ever so attractive walking through the stunning sandstone and wildflower little gorge to the end. It’s another one that always seems to have some flow of some kind but when it flows hard it really pumps over two sections giving an immense wide flow.

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FLETCHER

O'SULLIVAN

This ocean loving grom spends more time in the water than out. Picking up a sur oard at just four years old, Fletcher’s gone from amateur, to one to keep an eye on and his determined spirit inspires him to keep pushing limits and reach new heights.

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Surfchimp Photography

Rosie Smart

Rosie Smart

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i Fletcher. You’re a familiar face here on the beaches of Sawtell, but for those that don't know you, please introduce yourself.

My name is Fletcher O'Sullivan from Sawtell NSW. I am 10 years old and I am in year 4 at Mary Help of Christians school in Sawtell.

I love surfing, fishing, snorkelling and swimming. Pretty much anything to do with water!

After starting out at the age of four, you’ve steadily been developing your skills and gaining confidence over the past couple of years. How and when did surfing go from a fun after school activity, to a sport you put all your time and energy into?

It is still fun but in the past year I have travelled to Newcastle and competed in some bigger comps that require much more critical manoeuvres to advance further into the comp. The standard of surfing is very high, so lately I have been putting in lots of time to improve my skills. I like to think the more I surf, hopefully the better I can get!

You’re certainly dedicated and committed to your sport. What type of training is involved?

I surf every day and most days twice a day. On the weekends I might even surf three times a day If I can find someone to surf with!

I surf every day and most days twice a day.

On the weekends I might even surf three times a day If I can find someone to surf with!

Every week, local photographer Dave Mowbray films all the Sawtell Boardriders kids surfing and we get to watch ourselves surf and see where we can improve.

Also, once a month we get coached by professional coaches Samba Mann and Barney Miller. Not only do they work on our technique but also competition strategy, fitness, breathing and coordination.

You compete in comps around NSW against kids that are a few years older than you. How’s that experience been and what are you most proud of about yourself and your achievements?

It’s really challenging surfing against older kids but I have learnt a lot and it has pushed me to try harder. I went to the Rip Curl Grom Search in Newcastle in October and made it to the semi final in that event surfing against kids two years older than me. I felt very supported and encouraged by everyone. I was very proud of myself because I made it that far and I was lucky to go down there and surf some great waves.

I came equal first in the Woolworths Grom

comp in Coffs Harbour in September. I received equal first because one minute into our final a big shark swam between us, we were rushed in by the jet ski water patrol and the comp director called our final off and awarded us all equal first place. All four of us were stoked, and Mum was relieved!

Also, just recently, I was awarded Sawtell Boardriders Under 12’s overall winner for 2020 and as an even bigger surprise for me, I also received the Club Championship award for overall points scored over all the divisions!

I was so stoked!!

Who is your inspiration in the surfing world?

My inspiration is Mick Fanning because he kept on surfing even after his shark attack and that inspires me to keep going and trying and never giving up.

What are your dreams for the future?

I love competing in comps and hopefully I can get some better results in the big comps.

Fingers crossed that we can travel interstate to surf and maybe even overseas.

I’m not too worried though, because we are pretty lucky to live where we live and surf around here.

Thanks Fletcher.

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Mandy ATKINSON We sat down with Mandy Atkinson of Modern Digital to talk about her journey behind the lens and how the Coffs Coast plays a vital role in photography.

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ey Mandy, tell us where your photography journey began.

Hey Gavin! I first picked up a DSLR camera 2.5 years ago, which makes me pretty fresh by photography standards. I’ve always been fairly creative and I just decided one day that I wouldn’t mind giving photography a whirl.

I bought an entry level Nikon D3400, flicked the dial to manual and started teaching myself the ropes. It wasn’t until October 2019 that I decided to stop pestering my Facebook friends and start sharing them with a broader audience.

Modern Digital was born! I’ve since made the leap to a full frame camera and opened a whole other world.

What would you say best describes your style of work?

I’ll give most photography a go, but I’m a big fan of landscapes, especially astrophotography and long exposure. I don’t like to over-edit my images where I can avoid it and try to keep them fairly close to reality. Having said that, my favourite part of long exposure is that I never quite know how a shot will pan out!

How big a role does the Coffs Coast play in your work?

I’m pretty fortunate to have moved to the Coffs Coast from a little country town called Cooma. Compared to the cold, brown Monaro 76 COFFS COAST

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region, the Coffs Coast is alive with colour and warmth. We have sapphire ocean, green grass all year round, uncrowded beaches, rainforest less than an hour away and so much more. It’s so beautiful and offers such an abundance of things to capture. I’ve had friends who grew up in Coffs tell me my photos have changed the way they view their home town. That’s pretty powerful stuff, and I hope I can show more people the region through my eyes.

A part of your work is astrophotography.

For those who are unaware, what is astrophotography and what does it take to get some of the shots you do?

Basically, astrophotography is any photography of the night sky. Most people are familiar with the photos of the Milky Way galaxy, but there’s also people who take deeper space images with telescopes etc.

The first thing to getting a great shot is the conditions! No one can control them and I love (and hate!) the uncertainty. Clear, mostly cloudless nights are ideal. I’ve been known to drive 30-40 minutes to try to outrun the cloud cover.

For any astro shoot, I’ll have my Nikon D750 and Rokinon 14mm f2.8. A tripod is an absolute necessity too. I try to scope some areas out in advance but I also like to improvise some shots.

Even using a phone torch can help illuminate a foreground and change a photo.

Finally, patience! Waiting for the exposure to finish, waiting for a car to drive by, waiting for a rogue cloud to move... It’s almost meditative, actually!

What were some of the challenges you faced so far in your photography career and how have you overcome them?

Honestly, my biggest challenge has been with myself! I’m a massive perfectionist, so I spend a lot of time wondering whether my shots are good enough or whether I can even call myself a photographer. Being self-taught, my only real comparison point is other photographers’ finished products, which I’ve since learnt aren’t always what comes straight from the camera!

Seeing before and after RAW images really helped me with that one.

It’s only since I started Modern Digital and people I don’t know started contacting me to buy prints that I realised I might not be as terrible as I thought. It’s still a constant learning process but confidence inspires creativity, and my drive to constantly improve is still strong.

Where could we see more of your work?

Check me out on Insta and Facebook - I’m very millennial! I’m actually giving away a 50x75cm canvas on my Facebook page at the moment. instagram.com/moderndigitalau facebook.com/moderndigitalau Thanks Mandy.

Follow physical distancing and good hygiene practices

Listen to the health advice

Understand border restrictions before you travel

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

Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements October August 2020 2020

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R A E Y NEW U O Y W E N

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NEW

year N E W YOUwith

Have you found this year a challenge in terms of staying on track with your health & fitness? If so then you are not alone. Many have found this year has thrown out their rhythm. BUT, the past need not define the future and as the old saying goes, today is the first day of the rest of your life!

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he new year is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button and get back on track. Here are the top tips to rebooting your health & fitness and starting your journey towards the healthiest, happiest version of you in the NY! 1. GET ACTIVE Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories.

The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Exercise also delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. It also helps

prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer and even arthritis.

2. GET SOME COACHING Good trainers motivate their clients by understanding their goals. Reminding clients of these on their off days is often how some sessions get completed. A good trainer will also conduct regular assessments to monitor your progress and adjust the goals you set along the way as necessary.

A trainer can show you around the gym, teach you how to use the equipment, take

you through workouts and help you set achievable goals and strategies.

3. JOIN A COMMUNITY A workout buddy is hugely helpful for staying motivated. But even better than one friend is a whole group of like-minded people who are working to better their health and as a result, their lives.

As the new year rolls around the best way to kick things off is by joining a fitness challenge run by a local gym like Anytime Fitness. These challenges will give you a simple to follow structure, world class trainers to coach and guide you, on top of an incredible community to share the journey with!

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LEANNE

CHEAL

AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH? Coffs local Leanne Cheal recently gave up alcohol and found it a truly life changing experience, here she talks about her journey and hopes it will inspire others to make healthier lifestyle choices

W

hile Dry July may be coming to end, there is always a good reason to keep having conversations

about alcohol.

Have you ever asked yourself, or googled a question like; how much alcohol is too much, is alcohol bad for me, am I an alcoholic, or how much alcohol is safe? If you have, you are one of the growing number of people across the globe questioning their relationship with alcohol, and for good reasons.

We Aussies love to drink. Alcohol is everywhere, at every BBQ, dinner, celebration, get-together, work and sporting events. We drink for countless reasons; to celebrate, commiserate, relax, unwind, get pumped for a party, to enjoy with dinner, to de-stress, to help us sleep, or just because we like the taste.

As a teenager, drinking was almost a rite of passage and was such an accepted part of life that I never questioned my consumption of it, or ever really stopped to consider what impact it was having on my health, my brain and my life. Binge drinking was simply ‘normal’.

As an adult I was hardworking, a good employee, friend, daughter, sister, and mother.

Not for a moment did I consider that my drinking was becoming too often and too much. I had a saying that I’d never say no to a

wine, and I rarely did.

There were times that I tried to quit drinking, relying on my willpower to keep me off the slippery slope of what I considered to be ‘problem’ drinking, however I always felt like I was depriving myself and I struggled with that.

I’d avoid socialising because I always felt like I was the odd one out.

Then I would convince myself that I could ‘moderate’ my drinking. This seemed easy enough however never worked for me for very long. I would be back to drinking daily and my tolerance to alcohol increased.

Last year I knew I was no longer in control.

Drinking was consuming my life and having a detrimental impact on my health, sleep, relationships, work and my family. While I considered I was a ‘high functioning’ drinker, ie able to ‘function’, it was make or break time.

In October 2019 I picked up a brilliant book

by Annie Grace called ‘This Naked Mind’.

I made the decision to go alcohol-free in November 2019 and participated in her Live Alcohol Experiment. This online program really investigates our ‘love’ of alcohol, educates us in what happens when we drink and provides the knowledge on how to change the desire to drink so you never feel ‘deprived’. Quitting alcohol becomes a lifestyle choice, and personally, the greatest of my life.

So at the same time our country was being ravaged by bushfires, I was fighting a fire of

my own, working through the damage of two solid decades of daily heavy drinking, and trying to start a new life without alcohol. I can’t say the first few months were easy but for me they were absolutely worth it.

For me, understanding the reasons why I drank was the start of real change.

Over the summer I worked on building a solid ‘toolbox’ of healthy and mindful ways to keep me from wanting to drink. This included doing the Live Alcohol Experiment, reading and educating myself, journaling, exercising, eating well and making self-care my non-negotiable.

The benefits of being alcohol-free are enormous; no waking in the middle of the night, less anxiety, no hangovers, a clear head and better relationships, to name a few.

I am now alcohol-free for 9 months and this has had such an impact on me that I am training to become a SMART Recovery[4] Facilitator and a Recovery and Resilience Coach to help others make positive changes in their lives.

Feel free to contact me at recovery4life. coach@gmail.com if you are interested in any of the resources that have helped me or would like to more about my story.

Please consult your GP if you have any health concerns related to alcohol consumption.

For immediate crisis support call: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 COFFS COAST

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SAM BRADDICK

London Ivy Beauty House is a local beauty salon here on the beautiful Coffs Coast, owned and operated by our gorgeous friend, Sam Braddick. We caught up with Sam to find out more about her new salon and how the business has grown over the past few years...

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i Sam, what is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I have lived in Coffs for 16 years now. My parents moved us here from the UK when I was 17. It was a tricky age to move, but I am so grateful that it was something we did as a family. We are all still in and around the Coffs area, so that’s definitely something that makes living on the other side of the world to the rest of your relatives so much easier.

When and why did you start your business?

Around 6 years ago, when my two babes were still really young, I decided to do a lash course to keep me occupied and possibly do a home salon. Really, it was just meant to be a hobby, but quite quickly it turned into a job. I originally just did ‘rent a room’ in the plaza. After 18 months of that, I decided to take the leap and go out alone, which was how London Ivy was born. I spent almost 4 years at my smaller boutique salon in Vernon Street. I grew my knowledge within the beauty industry by learning more skills and in September this year moved into my much larger premises in Murdock Street. I still think back to how the salon started, and can’t believe how far my dream has come.

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What treatments and services do you provide?

At London Ivy I have grown my team to three; Nurse Penny (Cosmetic Nurse Penny) Lauren (Livelle Hair Studio) and myself.

We offer cosmetic injectables (fillers and Botox), lash extensions, brow sculpting (tint/ dye/lamination), spray tans, teeth whitening and hairdressing with our NAK colour specialist Lauren who has over 12 years of industry experience.

It was always a goal of mine to have hair and beauty all under one roof, so it really is so amazing to finally have that!

What is your favourite part of your job?

For me, it’s always been that I can make my clients feel welcome, chat, have a laugh and download their day if need be. Then leave feeling beautiful. Most clients become friends -– it’s really just like catching up with all the people you enjoy spending time with. Doesn’t feel like work at all!

You have recently relocated to a new premises, tell us about that.

In January this year, the family that own the home approached me about renovating and turning their property into a salon. If you could see the before photos of what it looked like, you would hardly believe it is the same place. I remember walking around the house visualising what each room would become.

It was such a massive job, but I am forever grateful for being given the opportunity to lease this space. It took around 8 months to strip it right back and start again. We decided to keep the original ornate ceilings and the fireplace in the hairdressers. I felt it kept the character of the building. I'm not going to lie -– picking floors, wall colours, lighting, and

Remember that we all have to start somewhere, and things take time.

But with hard work and determination, reaching your dream is 100% achievable.

decor of the whole house inside and out was pretty daunting, but I am just so happy that my vision came to life. It definitely made me realise my love for interior design runs deep and its something I want to pursue later on.

The salon includes 3 treatment rooms, spray tan room, large reception area, and separate hairdressing salon with its own waiting area.

A massive contrast to my last salon that I think as a whole could fit into my new treatment room... gosh, how Penny and myself used to work together like that I’ll never know!

You have a family too. How do you juggle both work and family?

Yes, I’m a single mom of two. I have Knox (9) and Indi (6).

Juggling being a solo parent and running a business is not for the faint hearted. Joking... no, seriously it’s not too bad. I have my days where I think I must be crazy, but I have amazing clients that know my day starts early but finishes at 2:45pm so I can be at school to collect my babies. It’s always been my number one priority that I am present and there for my kids. So I work the salon around that. So far, it has worked well.

What plans do you have for the future?

At the moment, my main plan for the next

few years is really build the salon and grow.

I’d like to employ more therapists and extend our services. During COVID I released my own skincare range, that’s also something I would like to focus on, and expand.

What tips do you have for someone starting out in your industry?

Start small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, physically and financially.

Remember that we all have to start somewhere, and things take time. But with hard work and determination, reaching your dream is 100% achievable.

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

I am a massive summer lover, so I feel so blessed to be living here. We spend all of our free time swimming or at the beach.

I guess too, because I wasn’t born here I find I appreciate the coast and scenery so much more. We get to enjoy stunning quiet beaches, and then have the ability to drive to places like GC if we want the bigger cities. We are super lucky.

Find us on social media : @londonivy_beautyhouse @livellehairstudio @cosmetic.nurse.penny COFFS COAST

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Lee

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K E N N E DY

FITNESS

UPDATE with DUNCAN MARCHANT

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

FORGET 2020, PRE-SEASON FOR 2021 STARTS NOW!

This Month’s Inspirational Health & Fitness Story comes to us courtesy of Lee Kennedy who is a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor and Club Manager at Coffs Coast Health Club Moonee.

He also happens to play local Premier League football himself and coaches the North Coast Football Goalkeepers, so he knows a bit about the importance of preparation.

T

his year has brought with it many challenges and the local sporting codes are no different. With most winter sports seasons only finishing in October or November, for the weekend athlete this means our pre-season is just about to begin and it will come much sooner than our bodies are used to. We loath the idea of the dirty word that is “Pre-season”, with flashbacks to our youth of sand hill sprints and countless laps of the local park, along with our coach yelling stern words of “encouragement”. Your 2021 season doesn’t need to be like that though, we are much smarter these days…

Here are 5 key points to reduce your chance of injury, increase your strength and improve your performance on the field in 2021.

1. Strength training – it’s about building a foundation for your athletic performance. A pre-season strength program should be part 1 and run for at least 8 weeks. A carefully designed sports-specific strength program will highlight the major muscle groups you use in your chosen sport. Starting off with a priming phase that is 2 weeks duration. This is designed to get rid of the rust (so to speak) and get the body used to moving again.

Weeks 3 – 6 is where you build strength and

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the final 2 weeks comprise the conditioning phase. This is where you would get your sweat on through aerobic conditioning.

2. Hydration – you have to keep the water up. We should all be consuming between 2-3 litres of water each and every day especially in the Australian summers.

When your pre-season training starts, you are going to be moving more and sweating more and in turn you are going to need to drink more water to counteract what you have been losing in your training. A small pinch of salt (electrolytes) is far better for you than a sugary sports drink.

3. Mindful eating – this one is pretty simple. Your body is a machine you use to do the things you love. If you put rubbish fuel in the car, don’t expect it to perform at its optimal levels and your body is the same.

If you’re training, make sure you put some good fuel in before you start and when you finish.

4. Don’t smash yourself – just saying pre-season usually strikes fear and horror in the hearts and minds of any would be athlete, let alone the weekend warrior.

Make sure you don’t smash yourself in the first session and can’t move the next 4 days.

Small incremental changes are what you are after, not becoming a wounded warrior.

5. Record your results – it is important to

track your results. If you don’t record what you do when you start, how do you know what you are doing is improving you? If you want to get better at something you need to write in down somewhere, stick to your program and you will see yourself improving.

Pre-season doesn’t have to be scary if you are prepared for it. Pre-season is simply an essential process for sporting success later down the line, which brings you joy in the sports you love.

Thanks Lee – and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story with Lee, call him directly on 0409 079 311.

Coffs Coast Health Club has full service memberships, the largest range of group exercise classes, the most experienced instructors, an awesome kids creche, professional personal training and weight management programs to help you on your journey.

Simply check out their locally owned, fun, safe and supportive community via www.coffscoasthc.com.au, calling 1300 040 479 or dropping in to either their Moonee Beach or Toormina clubs for further advice.

If you would like to read more Inspirational Health & Fitness Stories visit www.myfitnessstory.com.au

HOW TO

kickstart

NEW YEAR'S

resolutions FO R F R E E with AARON HARDAKER

A

re you someone who makes New Year’s resolutions and never keeps them? Do you always talk about getting healthy after the Christmas binge, but don’t really know where to start?

Rest assured you are not the only one – recent studies showed over 50% of people make New Year’s resolutions but as little as 8% of those actually stick to it.

Mid North Coast Physio principal physiotherapist, Aaron Hardaker, explains why he doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions and outlines the best method for making 2021 the year of good health and happiness for you.

Why don’t you like New Year’s resolutions?

Generally, it’s because they’re made with little thought given to creating a tangible goal, or a clear plan to achieve it. I love to see you making goals, especially with a focus on improving your health, but I want you to have a plan to ensure you’re successful.

Surrounding yourself with the right people to support you is imperative.

What are the common reasons people fail to achieve their health goals?

It is usually one or all of the following: 1. Injury – if you don’t manage an underlying issue to start with, you’re more susceptible

to suffering a more significant injury that will stop you exercising.

2. Inappropriate exercise or bad technique – doing exercise that isn’t suitable for you and your body will lead to soreness, injury or lack of progress.

3. Lack of motivation – everyone hits low points when trying to improve fitness, lose weight, build strength or improve flexibility – having someone there to support you through the challenges will ensure success.

So what’s the best way to overcome these challenges?

Surround yourself with the right team to ensure your goal is reached. Having a physio assessment to highlight any underlying risk factors will reduce your risk of injury and manage any problems before they stop you exercising. Seeing an exercise physiologist could ensure you’re doing exercises that are best for you and most suitable for your goal, whether it be improving fitness, reducing weight or increasing strength.

To kick start your new healthy lifestyle in 2021, Mid North Coast Physio is offering 10 FREE Assessments with your choice of physio or exercise physiologist in one of our four Coffs Coast locations. Call NOW on 1300 273747 to secure an appointment and start 2021 on the right foot.

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Mariel

Del Valle KINGDOM DENTURE CLINIC

Dental Prosthetist Mariel Del Valle has recently moved to Coffs Harbour to work alongside Liz Harrigan from Kingdom Denture Clinic. We had a chat to Mariel to find out more

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ell me about yourself and how you moved to Coffs Harbour?

My name is Mariel, I am a graduate Dental Prosthetist from Brisbane.

I studied at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and acquired a double degree, successfully completing a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Technology and Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics. My role as a dental prosthetist allows me to provide patients with high quality dentures in a clinical setting using state of the art technology.

I moved to Coffs Harbour to pursue this career path having been given an opportunity to work alongside Liz. She has given me a chance to show my potential and I have been fortunate enough to have her as a mentor. I have learned so much about the industry from her.

How did you decide to become a dental prosthetist?

Coming from a long line of healthcare workers, I was inspired to build a career in health because I could see how my family loved what they did. Growing up, I saw that no matter how tiring the job might be, at the end of the day my family sat around the dinner table sharing stories and would smile knowing that they have helped someone.

This is what motivates me. I have also been exposed to technology and computers from a young age and I wanted to incorporate this

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Our full denture

aspect into my career. especially for immediate process has an There’s a stigma around dentures as patients do entirely digital workflow young people using not have to leave their where the try-in of teeth computers just for social dentures with us for is designed on our media/gaming. I want the day. This is a good so ware and 3D printed, people to change this option for patients who then milling the finished perspective and have a have full dentures in denture on our new positive outlook on the good condition and are PrograMill7 machine. use of technology. looking to have minimal I looked into the change and a more dental technology and accurate fit. prosthetist course and found that this would What do you find most rewarding about be a good opportunity to combine my passion this job? for healthcare and technology.

There’s more than one thing that I find In what way has technology/computers rewarding about being a Dental Prosthetist. changed the dental prosthetic industry?

Mainly it is the ability to improve a person’s CADCAM software has been used in quality of life; helping them eat as normal dentistry, mainly for crown and bridge work, as possible and giving them the confidence however in recent years the technology has to smile again. I am also grateful for the been optimised for designing and constructing wonderful team that I work with; Liz, Anna, dentures as well. Our full denture process has Yash, Kristy, Stacey and Lilli who constantly an entirely digital workflow where the try-in push to deliver the best care possible. of teeth is designed on our software and 3D How do you see the future of dental printed, then milling the finished denture on prosthetics? our new PrograMill7 machine. It reduces time I think as technology continues to improve, working at the bench, allowing us to provide more dental clinicians and laboratories will be services to more patients while still producing able to incorporate 3D printing and milling a successful and high quality outcome. into their denture processing. I believe that A feature that has been particularly this is a good investment, in terms of being successful is the copy dentures where we take user-friendly and reducing manual labour. It an impression in the patient’s current dentures would also be a game changer if the software to accurately scan into the software. From integrated the construction of partial dentures this, we are able to mill out an exact replica with milled clasps. with a better fit. This has been advantageous, Thanks Mariel.

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Wendy i MEET

H

ow did you start as a Dental Therapist?

I started as a Dental Therapist when I was chosen to go to New Zealand by the Australian Government on a scholarship to train to start the child dental service in Australia. When I returned I was sent to Canberra and worked for the Capital Territory Health Commission.

I then moved to NSW where I worked as a Dental Therapist tutor at the Training School at Shellharbour.

I moved to Sydney and then to Coffs Harbour to work for the public system in the Child Dental Service.

After 30 years of service I joined Dr Sharon Marinucci, 11 years ago and now with her at Welcome Dental in Urunga.

We’ll turn that frown upside down.

What is the best age to bring kids to the dentist?

18 months to 2 years of age. By then D E N TA L T H E R A P I S T they have their 2-year-old molars, it is good to instill good habits, e.g. tooth brushing by the parents, brushing twice a day, and also to allow the kids to feel comfortable coming in and having a ride in I love looking the chair to acclimatise after families them into the dental in the area, I have environment. built a rapport with What are your tips for What does a Dental many people over good oral health for Therapist do? children? the years in my A Dental Therapist • Brush your child’s looks after the dental care place of work. teeth with a fluoride for our younger members toothpaste 2 x daily of the community. Aged • Have a checkup at the dentist every from birth to 18 years of age. We carry 6 months out many procedures including check-ups, • Limit snacking cleans, x-rays, fillings, extractions, fissure • Have a low sugar diet sealants, diet, education etc.

• Drink water.

What do you love about your job?

• Avoid soft drinks, juice and sports drinks I love looking after families in the area, I • Dont put your baby to bed with a bottle have built a rapport with many people over • Drink water from a cup at a young age. the years in my place of work. Teaching kids What is your availability? and their parents how to look after their oral I am available until late in the evening on a hygiene to set them up for adult years and Wednesday for consultations and treatment then pass it on to their respective families. It at Welcome Dental Urunga and would is so important to have good oral hygiene as welcome any new clients. it is the gateway to a healthy lifestyle.

Services.

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

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

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Meet The Team.

Dr Sharon Marinucci Dr Louise Clement Dr Mindie Nguyen Dr John Wills Dr Oleg Pushkarev Wendy Summerill Jessica Cantrill

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

Wesley Mission helps turn lawn mowing hobby into business It started out as a hobby. But when Michael and Jackie began mowing their neighbours’ lawns, they started to dream.

“I like outdoors work. I just find it quite relaxing,” Michael explains.

“But I wanted to make a business of it, be my own boss and have that positive feeling of working for myself.”

It wasn’t until they met the team from Wesley Mission’s Opportunity Pathways that they turned their hobby into a business called ‘Mo Lawncare and Maintenance’ in Coffs Harbour.

“The Wesley Mission team been very helpful showing us how to start and build our business,” Jackie says.

ABN and business advertising, the team also supported with funding for lawn mowing equipment and safety gear.

“Wesley Mission’s been a great stepping stone and has given us the self-confidence to be able to take on the prospect of the business,” Michael says.

R

ecently at Home Instead Senior Care, we decided that we needed to refresh our logo and branding to move with the times in facing the future maintaining our proud history of serving Seniors across the Mid North Coast, around Australia and indeed around the world.

To prepare for new products and services that our clients or people in our region may need, we are changing our name from Home Instead Senior Care to Home Instead, effective 1st January 2021.

We can help start your career today. Call us on 1800 931 108 or email opportunitypathways@ welseymission.org.au

EMT39955_2012

Along with registering their business name, applying for an

Helping you to stay in your home, Independently for longer.

While older adults will remain our primary focus, this change allows us to expand our brand and offer services to a younger audience, entailing personalised and complex care. As we innovate and envisage new services, we will be able to sustain our goal to help more people age well in their own homes.

Our Services Include •

Companionship, Medication Reminders.

•

Personal Care, Meal Preparation.

•

Light Cleaning, Gardening, Transport & Outings.

Our Ageing Information Centres are located at

Your future.

Your way.

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

1800 931 108

opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au

The Opportunity Pathways program is funded

wesleymission.org.au/opportunitypathways by the NSW Government. Eligibility criteria apply.

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Tuncurry - 1-9 Manning Street P: 02 6595 8188 Port Macquarie - 2/143 Horton Street P: 02 6583 9944 Kempsey - 18 Kemp Street P: 02 6599 2342 Bellingen - 82 Hyde Street P: 02 6655 6959

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F A T H E R

DARYL McCullough

Father Daryl McCullough has settled into his new role here at St John's Anglican Church with support from his family and community.

Now, looking forward to a bright 2021, Daryl is working towards growth and renewal in the parish and establishing relationships with the wider community.

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i Father Daryl. As a newcomer to the Coffs Coast region, please introduce yourself and your family to our readers.

My name is Daryl, my wife Di and I have been married for 15 years, and have three kids, Katie, Will and Tom. I’m a Wiradjuri man and am proud to also serve on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council, the church’s peak representative body for Indigenous Australians.

When was it that you decided to dedicate your time to St John’s Anglican Church, Coffs Harbour and how did this come about?

I wasn’t actually looking for a move anywhere

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While all of these experiences are different and challenging in their own way, they are also an incredible honour, as I walk alongside people in both joy and sadness, hope and despair.

but stumbled across an advertisement for the vacancy in the Coffs Parish in August 2019.

On doing some reading, I felt I had the gifts and abilities that the parish was looking for, and so my wife and I began a period of discernment which took several months, and included much prayer, meetings and interviews with parish and Diocese leadership.

You have not had the most organic transition to your new role as Priest here at St John’s Anglican Church. Can you tell us a little about this time, your experience and what positives you take away?

It has certainly been a challenging year to start in a new parish, and to have moved the family to a new community and school. However, I have been well supported by the parish leadership team here in Coffs and, whilst challenging, the COVID shutdown enabled us to branch out into new ways of doing and being Church.

This has included starting a new family focused service at 10am which follows a more contemporary format and includes kids’ talks and songs. We are also broadcasting that 10am service live on our Facebook page every Sunday. Churches have traditionally been

slow to embrace change, however the parish community at St John’s has been amazing in adapting and being willing to try and to support new things.

Tell us a little more about the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council and the role you play within.

NATSIAC is the peak representative and advisory body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglicans. We advise the senior leadership of the church on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people both inside and outside the church. We seek to be a voice which brings reconciliation and unity, while also calling the church to be accountable for its past actions.

NATSIAC advises the Primate of the church

on appointing national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bishops, we have representatives on the General Synod Standing Committee (the national church’s executive) and we also elect members to represent the church on international matters relevant to Indigenous peoples via the Anglican Indigenous Network (which is made up of Indigenous Anglicans from Mainland Australia, Torres Strait Islands, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Hawaii, Mainland USA and Canada).

My role with NATSIAC was up until this year as secretary on the executive. I have now stepped out of the executive but still serve as a minute secretary. I am also on the steering committee of the Anglican Indigenous Network.

It is my goal over the coming year to establish relationships with the local Aboriginal community, seek out ways in which we can work together and how I can best present the concerns of this community to the broader church. It is important to me, as an Aboriginal man from different country, that I don’t seek to speak for the local people, but let them speak.

Over the years, what have been some of your most memorable experiences and why?

One of my greatest ‘big’ experiences was doing a study tour of the Holy Land in 2014.

It was amazing to walk and pray in the same places that Jesus walked and prayed, but for me the Sea of Galilee was the most amazing place.

However despite my best efforts I couldn’t walk on the water as Jesus did!

In terms of experiences in my day to day ministry, I have had the honour to support hundreds of families in their time of grief, I have baptised countless children and presided at the wedding of dozens of couples, and while all of these experiences are different and challenging in their own way, they are also an incredible honour, as I walk alongside people in both joy and sadness, hope and despair.

As the Priest here at St John’s Anglican Church, what does your day-to-day role involve and what do you aim to share with others?

My role is to lead the parish in sharing the Gospel (good news) of Jesus, by helping all those who come to us understand that they are truly loved by God and that no matter who they are or what they have done (or failed to do) God wants them to have forgiveness, love

and hope in their life now and eternal life in the world to come. That all that is required for that is a genuine willingness to turn away from wrongdoing and trust in Jesus.

That means I lead services and preach, I celebrate the sacraments (that is, Holy Communion and Baptism), I give care and support to those in need, I pray with and anoint the sick, support families as they grieve and as they celebrate, and I seek to equip the members of the parish to take this message of God’s love, hope and reconciliation out into the world.

What are you most looking forward to with the new year and do you have any other words you would like to share?

I think everyone is looking forward to seeing the end of 2020! I am looking forward to a short break after Christmas and then continuing to get to know the parish and the wider community, which has been hard this year.

Over the coming 12 months I will be working to see growth and renewal in the parish, making the place more family friendly, and also seeking to establish relationships in the wider community.

I guess the key message I want to give to everyone as we head into Christmas and the new year is If you aren’t a regular church attender, but are open to the idea, please know that you are welcome! No matter how long it’s been, and even if you have never been!

Despite what you may have heard in the media and elsewhere, we will not exclude you. You are welcome, whether married or divorced, rich or poor, black or white, fat or thin, a single parent, in a de-facto relationship, a convicted criminal, gay or straight... none of that matters! If you are willing to come with an open heart and mind, you are welcome in God’s church, you will not be judged, you will not be excluded. Jesus’ love and welcome are open to you.

Yes, God calls us to transformation, and to reject the sin (wrongdoing) in our lives, but before that he calls us to simply accept his invitation. The first step is not to be perfect, the first step is to come with an open heart and be willing to put your trust in God. Personal transformation takes time, but your relationship with God which brings salvation, forgiveness, joy and hope begins with you simply accepting the invitation. So come, you are welcome!

Thanks Father Daryl.

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EVERY CHILD THRIVES St Augustine’s prides itself on ensuring every child thrives at school. How has this happened in 2020?

This has been a year of twists and turns, of obstacles and solutions t we li e a allen e e sta have been amazing in handling remote learning, social distancing and changing regulations while ensuring growth and connection.

The students adapted but they were very happy to be back to

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their friends and to get into the classroom again. It’s been a year of growth for everyone at school arents ildren and sta ave all learned so much about how we can work in new ways and the importance of relationships.

Was the musical a success?

Disney’s Aladdin Jr was a stunning success and a remarkable a ievement r m sta and students. Performing a musical without singing in a group was

a very tricky problem to solve.

Individual recording of the main characters, ‘mashing up’ recordings for the choral pieces and lip syncing the performances stretched our creative limits but the end result was achieved with a level of quality that amazed everyone. As the parents and friends couldn’t come t wat we made a lm versi n and screened it at the cinema to rave reviews. If you would like to have a look it’s on YouTube as well.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES What opportunities are there for students outside of the classroom?

I wish I was a student sometimes!

Besides our academic program that has a focus of growth for every child every day there are so many options for students at St Augustine’s. Our lunch time kid’s clubs vary through the year and include gardening, yoga, Lego, robotics, coding, skipping, music, Book Clubs, sport and more. Rugby after school is popular for girls and boys and there are several basketball teams that

play on the weekend. Arts festivals and musicals, choirs and excursions all go into providing students with opportunities to thrive.

What can we look forward to in 2021?

The new year is full of excitement and promise. All Year 6 children will be part of a leadership program that has a focus on service to others in the areas of social justice, environment, sport, technology support and many more areas.

High potential students can be part of a high quality extension

program that includes work on science, technology, philosophy and critical thinking with specialist teachers at St Augustine’s and St John Paul College. We are really looking forward to having parents, grandparents and carers back on site as unfortunately we have not been able to hold our community events. In 2021 we will hold our mid-winter ‘Firefly Arts Festival’ and this will be a great celebration of children’s art in digital, paper, 3D and animated forms. There is so much to get excited about!

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E D U C AT I O N

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

GRATITUDE

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e have all at some moment throughout 2020 thought about how we spend our time, where we focus our actions and what needs to take priority.

I have focussed on being thankful for the simple things that we take for granted. In my school’s context, I have given thanks for our families and expressed my gratitude to the staff and the students and this article is themed on that topic - ‘Gratitude’. Gratitude is a powerful tool that is often ignored or left to chance both in schools and in our wider community.

One of the world’s leading experts in the field of gratitude research is Robert Emmons.

Emmons’ research points to many benefits of exercising gratitude. He concludes that gratitude: • Boosts feelings of optimism, joy, and enthusiasm • Reduces anxiety • Increases resiliency and empathy for others • Strengthens relationships • Promotes forgiveness; and • Builds compassion He states that ‘it is one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and satisfaction.’ Other recognised adolescent research notes that practicing gratitude regularly provides greater life satisfaction and more positive emotions. It also allows children and teens to feel more connected to their community and this sense of belonging is also well documented.

There are seven strategies that I encourage you to try over the Christmas break.

1. Compare our lot

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In past years, I would compare myself D - Has anything been difficult? to people who were more athletic, more E - What are you excited about or what are successful, more musically talented, were you grateful for? better dancers, had more hair or were more N - What support do you need? productive or more resilient than I was. I 5. Reframe Your Language would ask myself. ‘Why can’t I be like them?’

Words touch our brain’s mood centres and And then I remember the Helen Keller quote: they affect our emotions and even our body ‘Instead of comparing our lot with that of chemistry. So instead of expressing yourself those who are more fortunate than we are, in terms of what you cannot do, reframe we should compare it with the lot of the great your language in ways that express forward majority of our fellow man. It then appears movement and positivity. In other words, that we are among the privileged.’ This quote instead of ‘I can’t, I don’t, I won’t, I want, I is truer than ever in our need,’ say, ‘I can, I am, modern world.

I will, I choose, I have, I 2. Write Thank You love, I create, I enjoy.’

Recent American Cards 6. Serve research This year I wrote an Service to others suggests that keeping individual thank you will not only make you a gratitude journal can card to all the teachers more grateful for the increase your energy, and the support staff things that you may relieve pain and during the October take for granted, but fatigue and generate a school holidays. It was studies have shown sense of satisfaction a simple exercise in that volunteering for and even happiness. cultivating gratitude the purpose of helping but I think I received others increases more than I gave in this our own wellbeing, process. and consequently our ability to have more 3. Keep a Gratitude Journal gratitude.

Recent American research suggests that 7. Hang With Positive People keeping a gratitude journal can increase your Motivational speaker Jim Rohn says, ‘You energy, relieve pain and fatigue and generate are the average of the five people you spend a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. the most time with, including yourself.’

4. The Golden Check-in Research suggests that positive social For every problem you’re having, or connections with positive people help the every negative rumination try and put it in collective. I guess this is the opposite of the perspective with Dr Arne Rubinstein’s Golden old saying of ‘hanging out with the wrong Check-in: crowd’. Instead, hang out with the right G - How are you going overall? crowd. It is your choice.

O - What have you been occupied with?

Remember it is not the joy that makes us L - What have you really liked recently? grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful.

BDC welcomes 2021 Kindy students and families BDC has enjoyed welcoming kindy 2021 students to the school, with over 50 new students attending our orientation days and beginning their exciting big school journey. Our new students enjoyed meeting each other and the Stage 1 teaching team. Students became familiar with their new learning environment, enjoyed fun activities such as writing, drawing, craft, and listening to stories, and had their first Crunch & Sip together. ‘Boz will be our fourth child to attend BDC. We are so pleased with the opportunities the college offers our family. We cannot wait for Boz to start kindergarten.’

Jen Daymond

For 2022

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

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Picking up a netball at just six years old, Ausrae Harrison quickly went from amateur to one to keep an eye on. Now at just 15, Ausrae has been selected into the U21 Samoan National Netball team training squad and aspires to represent her country and make her family proud.

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i Ausrae. You're a familiar face down here at the Coffs Netball courts, but for those that don't know you, please introduce yourself.

Well I’m Ausrae Harrison, I live in Coffs Harbour, originally born in Samoa. I’m currently in Year 9 at John Paul College and I’m a 15-yearold that really likes to play netball.

You’ve been playing netball since the age of six. What was it that got you hooked and how have you developed your game over the years?

I’ve been playing netball since I was six years old. I started at such a young age when I first moved to Australia from Samoa and my mum used to play netball and thought it would be a good way for me to start and make new friends.

I started off just like any other young NetSetGO player, shy and pretty closed off. But once I

started to make friends and come out of my shell a bit, I started to really become passionate about netball and join in on club activities. The thing that got me most hooked was probably getting to hold the game in your hands and having a team of people I enjoy being around cheering for me. By the end of my first season of netball, I eventually became the little girl in front of every march pass, cheering our club on and chanting the loudest and proudest. When I started playing netball, I started to gain a lot of confidence in myself, even in my first year, and it taught me a lot about teamwork, how to lead and work together. Netball really helped shape me to be the person I am today; without it I would never have had the ability to work in a team, be confident in what I do and take control when times get rough. As I’ve developed deeper into my netball, I have become a lot stronger and know where I stand on the court and what my role is as a defender.

Congratulations are in order! You’ve recently been selected in the Samoan U21 National Netball team training squad. Tell us how this came about and what will be involved in your commitment.

Well my mum really opened me up to this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to play for my home country ever since I started; I’ve dreamt about having the chance to represent my country. I came across it when Mum saw that they were opening up offers to try out for the U21 National Team Squad. I didn’t think I’d be taken seriously because I was so young but decided to take a chance and just put my name down for the experience. I found out I got into the squad and finding out I had a chance to play for my family and country made me pretty happy.

I’d be fully committed to what lies ahead in hopes of having the chance to represent Samoa.

I’d have to train the hardest I ever have, spend my week at the courts working on what needs to improve, go to every training camp that will be held mostly in New Zealand, and I will have the chance to play in the Netball Junior World Cup in 2021 in Fiji. Hopefully, this will further my netball career and open up more opportunities.

What are you most looking forward to

Ausrae i

having been selected?

I’m looking forward to finding out if I got in! I’m also looking forward to bonding with the other Samoan girls and creating a close relationship with the team. I’m also excited to see my family in Samoa and see how proud they are of me if they get the chance to watch me play and I get the chance to represent my family and where I’m from.

What are you most proud of about yourself and your achievements?

Probably making the squad this year and also going to the state championships in Sydney with the Coffs girls last year, because we trained so hard throughout and pushed through every challenge we faced. We went as underdogs and came out in equal first against numerous teams from around the state. Being a part of that team has been one of my proudest moments. We worked tirelessly day and night to work on our game play and how to work as a team. Having the challenge of being one of the only country teams, we had to work two times harder and having our efforts pay off was a moment I don't think I’ll forget. Those girls have made me a stronger player and my coach Nikia Humphris and Damon have been the best role models for me in my netball career, pushing me to be where I am and they have definitely made me the player I am now. Being a part of that team has given me many of the opportunities I’ve had and every time I train with the girls and my coaches, I always walk out feeling better than I ever had.

Who is your inspiration in the sporting world and what are your dreams for the future ?

I don’t really have a single person who is my inspiration, but there are definitely athletes I admire in the sporting industry like Sharni Layton and Sarah Klau, who are both amazing netballers and people I aspire to be as good as in the future. My hopes for the future are to further my career in netball and make it to a much higher level that I’m currently playing and maybe make the national team for Samoa, getting to play in the Commonwealth Games.

That is definitely something I’d love to achieve.

Thanks Ausrae.

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KEY

Employment THE FENNEL SEED

The Fennel Seed is a European restaurant located on Church Street in the heart of Bellingen.

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inner of Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2020 the Café offers a hassle-free bistro-style atmosphere for their guests to enjoy a selection of Swiss, French and Germaninfluenced dishes. With years of international experience as well as some of Australia’s top restaurants, Chef Renato Silvestri confidently delivers a modern menu that focusses on ethically sourced food and quality produce.

The Fennel Seed also boasts a small deli next to the bistro for those wanting to take home a small piece of Europe. All this while serving premium espresso coffee and a selection of loose leaf teas, everything from exotic flavours to the classics.

We chat to owners Michelle and Renato about the KEY to their success.

Let’s talk staff inclusiveness Sure, we have a great example of what inclusiveness is all about. Back in 2015, Key Employment, a Disability Employment Service, approached us about giving Reign a work placement as part of their KAPOW program for disadvantaged youth and we thought this was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate our inclusive workplace and give back to the local community.

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Following his work placement Reign commenced a traineeship in Commercial Cookery, once completing this, Reign knew his lifelong goal was to become a Chef, and shortly after commenced his apprenticeship as a Chef. Fast forward a few years, Reign is now only weeks away from becoming qualified.

Regular ongoing support from Key Employment consultant, Juliet, and self-dedication from Reign has been key to this success.

How has Key Employment helped?

Key Employment (KE) has been pivotal to Reign’s success and the supports they provide to us as the employer has been instrumental in ensuring Reign’s long term employment goals.

Reign’s consultant Juliet supported us through regular fortnightly contact supporting Reign with his written assignments and helping to build his confidence in the workplace. One of the biggest challenges we all faced was transport, Juliet supported Reign with managing bus timetables and the ongoing encouragement to obtain a licence. KE assisted with the financial costs of licencing to ensure this was possible. Reign

is now the proud owner of his own car after recently passing his test; he has now gained more independence and the ability to commute to TAFE. KE was also able to assist with the set up of his work placement, traineeship and apprenticeship.

This can be a lengthy process and KE made sure this ran smoothly for all parties. KE was also able to coordinate financial incentives for us to assist lower our overheads.

Would you recommend Key Employment to other potential employers?

Yes, without a doubt. Working with Juliet and the KE team has been an easy process. Juliet understood our business needs and identified supports early for Reign to ensure that he reached his goals.

Cliché I know, but there’s no problem too big or small for KE. Whether it’s our business or Reign, they have been here to guide us in the right direction. So from our business to yours, if you are thinking of taking on any staff, give Juliet a call on (02) 66 919 999 and let KE tailor a way to suit your business needs as they have ours.

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BUSINESS

MINDS with LINDSAY RUSSELL & HEIDI FIGENSCHAU

from Fluke & Fern Marketing Agency.

Sophie HALLAM

M I L L A & H O N E Y, Y O U A R E S O L O V E D B O O K

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ou’re an inspiring young entrepreneur at the age of 14. Where did your passion for business start?

I used to run little lemon stalls and cupcake stands when I was about 6.

Business to me was always so rewarding and making things always made me so happy. It was never ever about money, it was about being able to create. Creating beautiful things is my passion. If I didn't have it, I'd make it- such as art, shoes, clothing, toys, jewellery. A part of me also couldn’t stand the fact that I would probably end up applying at a fast food place as a first job. I needed something with more freedom.

How did you learn the skills needed to start a business?

This was a hard one. It really took a village, and it's definitely not as simple as looking it up online. During the creation of Milla and Honey, it was about meeting people and other businesses – it’s the connections that matter.

It wouldn’t exist without my suppliers, my printers, my Dad (who is a pro and built my online store), my best friends who modelled for me, my past experience and my inspirations – books by entrepreneurs are my favourite source of inspo! There were so many successful locals that offered me a helping hand. It’s also a really learn-as-you-go process. I feel like I’m winging it a lot of the time.

What does a day in the life of Sophie look like? Most people need a work-life balance.

But you need work-life and school balance.

Milla & Honey’s Instagram is gorgeous.

How do you manage? (@millaandhoney) What inspires your In the mornings before school, I go over marketing strategy? emails and messages and pack any extra orders Thank you! It’s recently been improved I haven’t filled in. My parcels get shipped during because we had our latest collection shot by the day with Auspost, while I’m in the classroom Hayley Carlisle (@carlislephotography.jpg). The dreaming about our next jewellery collection inspiration behind our Instagram marketing with my co-founder Sarah. My friends will is just to display and create beautiful visuals. hear a lot about deadlines, It’s also helped me connect stockists and events I have with other locals. Personally, CREATING coming up (Sorry girls!). The it’s user friendly and easy BEAUTIFUL afternoon is usually my peak exposure to an audience. time in productivity. Every Ethical scrunchies have led to THINGS IS MY once in a while, I’m the what some may call a budding PASSION. family cook. But from dinner empire including a self-love until bed, you’ll find me in book, an ethical clothing my home office packaging and printing labels. brand & a co-owned boho jewellery business.

As someone who’s yet to drive, my parents really What’s in store for 2021? do a lot for me and I’m so lucky to have their I literally want to do everything! I’d love to help. I think I’ve even impressed myself with open my own store/space for Milla and Honey, my time managing, I’m still achieving highly at and we’re currently working on getting stocked school while building my businesses and being in some big stores (We’re also desperately an author. searching for local stockists!). Getting “The What is your biggest challenge?

Wildflower Jewellery” pieces into stores My biggest challenge is having too many worldwide would be so much fun. I really want ideas. It’s a serious problem! It’s hard knowing to do some pop-up stores, and create a series that I can’t do everything. I have tonnes of for my self-love book. I’ll be running a young business ideas every week and I wish I had entrepreneurialism workshop in 2021, so keep people to take action on them for me. Having an eye out if that interests you. 2021 will be full a business on the Coffs Coast may also be a of new collections, new books, new spaces, new challenge of limiting opportunity, although, it’s travels! nice to be in a coastal town that isn’t notoriously Check back with me in a year, I could be fickle with lots of clothing line start-ups. Plus, doing something completely different. That’s the we live in paradise. fun of it all.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kerstin THODE P R I N C I PA L S O L I C I TO R AT SM ART CHOICE L AW

with CATH FOWLER

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

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an you tell us a little bit about your career and what led you to start Smart Choice Law? I grew up in Germany and practised as a German lawyer before moving to Coffs Harbour 18 years ago.

I have two law degrees as I had to resit my law exams when I came here, like many other overseas professionals need to do.

As a solicitor I have had many years of local experience working in the Coffs Harbour area for family law matters, wills and estate planning and administration.

I decided to start my own business as I wanted to start a firm with a fresh new approach. At Smart Choice Law our goal is to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that our clients don’t end up with massive legal costs and years of ongoing conflict.

My team and I believe that divorce and separation do not have to be costly and drawn out. That’s why we offer a fast and affordable way to formalise a separation agreement, so that our clients can keep an amicable relationship with their ex-partner.

I’m quite passionate about helping local families through their stressful times, and as a mum myself, aim to be very child focused.

I believe that separation is stressful enough and so I try to help take the stress out of the divorce.

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BWN is a great

There’s a warm able to hold many events place to meet welcoming feel in I stepped up into the other like minded our office, which is President role and I’m really women in business in located at Shop 1/ 45 excited about where BWN is Coffs Harbour. We Grafton Street, Coffs heading in 2021. catch up regularly and Harbour, which helps It’s a great place to get to know other local our clients to relax. A meet other like minded women in business. solicitor’s office doesn’t women in business in Coffs need to look boring or Harbour. We catch up intimidating. I’ve tried to regularly and get to know make our office’s atmosphere friendly, cosy and other local women in business. BWN hosts welcoming – a bit like at home. events where speakers present great content Have you always called the Coffs Coast tailored for women who want to make their home? way in business in Coffs Harbour. It is all about I was born and raised in Germany and networking and getting to know other women decided to move to Coffs Harbour after and their businesses and supporting each other. meeting my husband who grew up here on the What piece of advice would you give Coffs Coast. women making their way in the business Even though I liked living in Germany, I love world? it here in Coffs Harbour. I love the lifestyle and My advice is: “go for your goal.” I always the beaches and the nature surroundings. It is wanted to run my own business and I worked like being on holidays all year around. hard to do it. Coming from a different country It’s a great place to live and raise my children, and having to start all over again, after being as well as be part of the community and grow a lawyer in Germany, was not easy. But I was my business. determined and have now achieved my goal You have recently stepped up as President to run my own law firm in a very competitive of the Business Women’s Network (BWN). industry.

Can you let us know a little bit about why As a woman in business I believe it’s you got involved? important to stop comparing yourself to others I’ve been coming to BWN events for a and to focus on your own strengths, your number of years now and a few years ago uniqueness, and the value you can bring to joined the committee. In what has been a those around you. challenging year for us in terms of not being Thanks Kerstin.

TicliBlaxland

CharterNet C O F F S

L A W Y E R S

C O A S T

Jack Dixon, Principal, Chartered Accountant

I

Have I Outgrown my Business Structure?

n the exciting rush to start being your own boss, it’s not uncommon that new business owners neglect to consider what their longer term plans are.

Business structuring is the very unsexy term to describe setting up the right entity or entities as a business’ journey begins and changes over time.

Common business entities include sole trader (ie. using a personal ABN), companies and family trusts, among others.

This conversation usually begins with, “I think I’m paying too much tax” (you may be), but there are a lot of different reasons to choose one entity over another.

Consider Felicity, who’s uncertain about whether she should operate her new storefront café as a sole trader or through a company structure.

Risk is a key consideration here – from disgruntled employees or customers, to debts, to potential accidents on the premises. If Felicity operates the café as a

sole trader, she has personal liability meaning that her own assets (including home) could be pursued to settle a dispute.

Companies, on the other hand, are a separate legal entity, reducing exposure to Felicity’s personal assets.

On tax, while a company is more expensive to set up and maintain, as the business increases its profits over the years, the tax savings will often make up for these additional costs.

Finally, knowing that Felicity wants to sell the café and move onto something else in five years would probably be the last deciding factor towards choosing a company structure, as they’re simple to transfer ownership on sale or succession.

Ultimately, there is no one-sizefits-all. It depends on your goals and what works well today, may not tomorrow (so it’s something worth revisiting from time-totime).

To chat about your business structure, contact CharterNet Coffs Coast today.

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RHIANNON, JAMIE & SANDY

ANDY: How long have you worked at TBL? I’ve been with TBL for 24 years, in a secretarial role, being hired after completing High School/TAFE in 1974 when it was Sam Ticli and Doug Turner with Jack Blaxland arriving later. After taking a break to raise my family, a position was available at TBL in 2007 when I rejoined the practice.

What do you think sets TBL apart from its competitors?

I think that the excellent mentoring and training of staff, combined with the integrity and commitment of the solicitors in providing the best outcomes for clients, sets TBL apart.

RHIANNON: Why have you chosen to live and work in Coffs?

I have lived in Coffs Harbour for 6 years now and it gets better every year. At the start of 2020 I made the decision to begin studying law, a long-awaited dream of mine.

Recently I chose to pursue an opportunity to work here at TBL as a legal secretary and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever

made.

What do you enjoy most about working at TBL? Although I am new to TBL, working here already feels like being a part of a family and everyone works together to ensure everything runs smoothly. My favourite part of my job, so far, is assisting with wills and estate matters.

JAMIE: Why Coffs, why TBL? I initially moved to Coffs Harbour to finish my studies in 2017. Between the beaches, the bushwalking and the people, I fell in love with the area and decided to make it my home.

During my Post-Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training (PLT), I developed a particular interest in wills and estates which is why I approached the TBL team.

My skills have certainly been put to the test. I have enjoyed being able to ‘learn the ropes’ in a practical and fast paced setting.

I also thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients and I find it incredibly satisfying to be able to draft documents that accurately reflect their wishes.

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

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MONEY M AT T E R S

with BARRY HOCKEY A CCO U N TA N T S

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CLIENTS, FAMILY & FRIENDS. We would like to wish all our clients, family & friends a happy New Year & hopefully 2021 will see us get back to business as usual.

he festive season has gone quickly, and I hope it treated you well. It is now time to reflect on the year that has gone and focus on your plans for the New Year. I find that many people think about their financial situation over the holiday period and how they can do things differently or improve their situation in the year ahead.

ACCOUNTING IS MORE THAN NUMBERS There is a story behind every business and how they operate. Quite often business owners get caught up in the numbers without considering the “big picture”. It can be quite stressful in running a business day to day, which can sometimes lead to adverse health effects on families. Just

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up to date. Have current financial statements remember there is always help at hand and I urge (balance sheet, profit & loss statements) going all business owners to talk to a professional if you back at least 2 or 3 years. are experiencing financial difficulties. Remember a Business Valuation: Either from a licensed problem shared is a problem spared. business valuer or from your account based ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING YOUR on business appropriate BUSINESS? valuation methods.

Best Practice for Policies & Procedures: preparing your Business There is a Manuals should be current for Sale story behind which demonstrates good If you are thinking of every business management. selling your business, you and how they Staff: The lifeblood need to be “Buyer Ready”. operate. Quite of every business. Staff Essential that 3 years’ often business contracts & wage rates need financials are available owners get to be current and compliant. in a consistent format: caught up in the Customer database: A All-relevant business & numbers without valuable asset and include financial information is considering the analysis of specific market “big picture trends.

Engage your Accountant: You can avoid unnecessary legal risks, cost & stress by engaging your accountant and lawyer. Business advisors can add value add is a better option that warranty/insurance claims or litigation.

Don’t rely on friends, “mates”, agents or other non-qualified third parties for advice.

They do not act for you, do not owe you any fiduciary duty and are not qualified (or insured) to give you proper legal advice.

At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business.

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If you’re looking to build your dream home, or develop an investment block, maybe even build a commercial premises – if you want it done right, on time and on budget, head straight for the Toscan Homes team.

T

oscan Homes has been a local business in Coffs Harbour for over thirty years. Directors Todd Mackay, Rob McClennon & Malcolm Singleton have a wealth of local building industry experience between them and have been working at the helm of Toscan Homes for 11 years, bringing many dream builds to life.

Todd began his building career as an apprentice with Grazz Toscan back in 1995. From there he moved to overseeing commercial high-rise builds in Sydney and across NSW, before returning to Often the Coffs Harbour and taking difference over Toscan Homes with He’s cut his teeth on the between a house his brother-in-law, Rob Prime Minister’s residence and a dream home McClennon. of Kirribilli House and is choosing the Mal heads up construction completed a number of right builder, on the ground and is large historic projects says Rob. passionate about the in the center of Sydney. building industry and has He’s even built six-storey an incredible eye for detail. high rises in Ireland, and As a second generation builder he also loves worked for celebrities including sport stars having the opportunity to sit down with clients Russell Ingall, Matthew Haymen and and assist with design concepts to help see our Ian Healy. client’s dreams come to fruition. Malcom did His most revered project to date is a large the hard yards as a building apprentice, at the house he built in Chatswood, which won the ripe age of 16, and has since amassed a wealth Willoughby Council Heritage Award, Master of building experience both here and overseas.

Builders and HIA Awards.

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team is perpetually awarded for their efforts. Toscan Homes is not a franchise and therefore our relationship with the local community is extremely important, locals supporting locals.

“When you buy or build a Toscan Home, This is because you’re getting a solid Toscan Homes the team is investment,” explains consists of a team renowned for their Rob. “We work with of dedicated quality builds that the area’s top building individuals and stay ahead of professionals, and we countless subindustry trends and also have access to contractors. Todd are built to last. the newest and most is in a Contract innovative materials.”

Management Flick through the Role, Mal is local For Sale adverts the construction manager where Rob and you’ll often see Toscan Homes predominantly does sales and design. mentioned as a selling point.

This is Cherie is our office and purchasing because the team is renowned for their Manager, Diana in accounts Emma is in quality builds that stay ahead of industry administration and Livio Toscan undertakes trends and are built to last. all the estimating and quoting duties.

Wireless and WiFi integration is an We have young Will McClennon, as an upward trend and has been for some apprentice carpenter moving into his third time but now with systems such as Siri, year in 2021.

Google Assist and Alexa, the home voice We proudly use over 200 Suppliers and control automation is just amazing. If you Subcontractors from the local area, all of have a smartphone you pretty much can which employ local people. “We have control all electronics including lighting in always been strong believers in using local your home.

Their systems are increasingly trades and suppliers as much as we can in demand to control the temperature, as we consider this to be important in the light, sound or security of homes as well. continual growth and development of the A smart building or home offers its users building industry on the Mid North Coast. greater comfort and reduces consumption We couldn’t create such amazing homes bills. The cost of creating a smart without them,” says Rob. “They have the building has also dropped with so many energy and passion that’s synonymous new products on the market in the last with the Toscan Homes brand.” This local twelve months that even most can set up industry support gives Toscan Homes the themselves. >>> edge over other builders and is why the COFFS COAST

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Staying on top of trends is a core specialty of Toscan Homes and they use the best local experts to create their custom-designed plans. “Toscan Homes has been in the local building business for more than 30 years and only uses the best, to ensure our clients get the very best on their budget,” Rob says. The team at Toscan Homes works with local Architects and building engineers to find cost effective ways to get the best use out of your sloping site.

“Every client and project varies, so does the process of taking your dreams to reality.

We are often also working in conjunction with the client and their Architect and or draftsman” Mal explains “Most of our projects are custom designed from scratch with us working off plans provided by the owner or architect/draftsman, but we also do inhouse design and drafting for those 108 COFFS COAST

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After 30 years of construction we also have a large number of plans and have the ability in house to sit with clients and work with them designing their dream home.

starting from scratch. After 30 years of construction we have a large number of plans and have the ability in house to sit with clients and work with them designing their dream home.

We love this ability with our clients to design and create their dream home, from the outset they know exactly what they are getting and it is exciting getting initial ideas and then seeing this progress through to

the handing over of a beautifully crafted home.”

The Toscan Homes team loves a challenge, which is why they are considered specialists in steep site and sloping site construction on the North Coast.

“Every site has its challenges, but you just have to use smart design to get around them,” explains Director of Toscan Homes, Todd Mackay. There are numerous points to consider when building on sloping sites, with access to the site, yard space and how you’ll use the land all coming into play.

and regulations set by the Federal and State Governments. But in Essence the jobs kept rolling.

We certainly did have to manage trades on site and in particular manage the supply chain of materials that were disrupted from either overseas and or on the docks.

We got there in the end though and out the other side to a very busy end of year and an even busier 2021.

Toscan Homes enjoys continuing local sporting teams and individuals. Over the years Toscan Homes has supported many different clubs and sporting groups, most recently providing sponsorship to the Sawtell Cricket Club. As a local business we are always on the lookout for opportunities to support groups and organisations.

The team at Toscan Homes are just starting a number of new builds in the region now including Sawtell, Bonville Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga & Macksville. We look forward to 2021 being a successful year for construction on the Coffs Coast and wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Building with someone you can trust is a big responsibility that we take seriously at Toscan Homes as we want every build to meet our client’s expectations

“Building a custom designed home is an exciting journey which from the start develops a meaningful relationship with your Builder “I love working with clients and seeing the project from start to finish,” explains Mal. “It’s always satisfying to see something go from a plan to completion, and we put in that extra mile to ensure that the quality and detail follows the vision of our clients. The ability to adapt and build so many different styles of homes with our clients enables us to be always at the front of our ever-changing industry”. Building with someone you can trust is a big responsibility that we take seriously at Toscan Homes as we want every build to meet our client’s

expectations, says Mal. “The more meaningful and open the builder/client relationship is the better outcome we always have at the end.

Communication is always the essence”.

With the Corona Virus hitting the world at the commencement of 2020 it was an extremely turbulent time for a lot of industries and still is. The building industry did hit a slow period that is for sure but as the year has continued with the government incentives to build, it has been a busy final quarter.

Covid 19 affected the building industry in a number of different ways. We were lucky in the building industry that predominantly we were aloud to continue daily operations but of course had to comply with the rules

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29 Sugarmill Road, Sapphire Beach Sold $1,110,000

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15 Royal Poinciana Way, Coffs Harbour Sold $660,000

19 Nature Drive, Emerald Beach Sold $845,000

156 Pacific Street, Corindi Beach Sold $460,000

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1/9 Mitchell Street, Coffs Harbour Sold $485,000

3/24 Bonville Street, Coffs Harbour Sold $375,000 COFFS COAST

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BLUE RIBBON HOMES

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Located at: 7 Angler Court, Bonville Sawtell Commons Estate Wed - Sun / 10am - 3pm Ph: 6651 8144

www.blueribbonhomes.com.au 120 COFFS COAST

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

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Love where you live?

Build what you love...

The steps to a Knock Down Rebuild for your dream home. If you have outgrown your home, but love where you live and don’t want to change location, it then becomes a question of renovate or rebuild?

T

he HomeBuilder grant, which has now been extended, has provided a great incentive for those now considering their options and researching what is on offer.

When you start looking at what you need and want from a renovation, even minor improvements to a couple of rooms, can add up to be incredibly expensive. It is not unusual for a medium to major renovation to add up to double the cost per square Our experienced metre of a new build. team at Not to mention the time, McDonald Jones has effort and unknown issues renovated home. that may arise throughout refined the knock “The unrenovated a renovation, making a down rebuild process spaces within your renovation sometimes home end up reducing and guide customers difficult to justify. your satisfaction with through each step of Building & Design your renovation. the build journey Consultant, Nick So, more and more from start to finish.

Townsend from McDonald people find it a much Jones, says the other better option to do a aspect that frustrates complete knock down renovators are all those areas you can’t rebuild, which is also partly driven by the or don’t renovate which always stand out scarcity of land in many suburbs and the vast considerably when you start living within a range of affordable designs now available.”

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As the largest builder in New South Wales, McDonald Jones have been building homes for over thirty years and innovation is at the centre of their success, along with their singleminded desire to make it possible for more Australian’s to transform the way they live.

“Our experienced team at McDonald Jones has refined the knock down rebuild process and guide customers through each step of the build journey from start to finish. If you are interested in looking at your options and costs for a completely new home, the initial suitability process is just three easy steps,”

Nick says.

1. Drop in and see the team at McDonald Jones. They will assess your home location and suitability for a knock down rebuild at no cost. “We also like to get the real demolition professionals onboard so we will refer you to local contractors who will aid you with the actual knockdown and costs involved right from the start,” Nick explains.

We know 2. An experienced people have a Consultant will work with currently have a lot of questions you to identify the perfect 20-month fixed price about building costs, home design for your tender promotion council requirements block, lifestyle and needs, which allows you and construction plus they also explore to secure your build the required Council time frames when it price now, whilst also development constraints comes to a knock having the flexibility of and conduct a free initial down rebuild the 20 months to sort site inspection. “After out and finalise the this free site inspection, demolition. we will have enough “When you look information to complete a design siting at the wide range of architecturally designed specific to your block. This is the first glimpse homes, you can see the practicality and of your new home coming to life.” smart use of space combined with stylish 3. The McDonald Jones team prepare and and modern features. These are common present you with a quotation which will throughout our architectural designs and give you clarity and confidence to take the make the thought of building a new home next step towards your dream home. “Our even more inspiring. quotation is very in depth and includes fixed “We know people have a lot of questions price site costs and fixed price piering. We about building costs, council requirements and

construction time frames when it comes to a knock down rebuild. Our team are here every step of the way to answer those questions and make it easy to transform the way you live.”

The McDonald Jones team are located at Sandy Beach display homes to help make your knock down rebuild journey a happy and satisfying one, from assisting you with the right design for your block and lifestyle, to managing all the design requirements for building approvals, to their expert interior designers in the MyChoice Design Studio assisting you to create the home of your dreams.

Discover the possibilities and build what you love in Coffs Harbour, contact McDonald Jones for a FREE QUOTE and SITE INSPECTION to transform the way you live.

Visit www.mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au COFFS COAST

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TRADE DIRECTORY

Tools t

R L E

Jake C O U G L E

E L E C T R I C A L

W W

hat attracted you get an apprenticeship in the electrical Industry?

I enjoy working with my hands and have always wanted a job that is different every day. In the electrical industry one day you could be wiring up a new house and the next you could be on a farm fixing a pump station.

What is the most interesting part of your job?

I find new houses the most interesting. It's pretty satisfying being able to be a part of completing a home for someone from start to finish.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Probably working in industrial factories and with machinery.

There is a lot of complicated control gear in factory machines that can be confusing and there is often a lot of pressure to get it running asap so that company staff can get back to work.

What advice would you give 124 COFFS COAST

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to people interested in the electrical industry?

If you get a chance to do a trial, make the most of it.

Apprenticeships are hard to come by, mature age apprenticeships are even harder.

At RLE, I’ve seen over the years people come and waste their trial opportunity. Even if you don’t know what to do, ask and take some initiative.

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

There is so much variety and great people. There aren’t many places in Australia where you can go from working on the beach at one job and then up in the mountains on the next.

I love that the Coffs landscape offers an array of different styles of homes. Also surf checks from people’s roofs is pretty rad.

RLE would like to add: Jake has almost completed his four year apprenticeship with RLE, he has been an exceptional apprentice throughout – we are very proud of his achievements.

CHH

COFFS HARBOUR

HARDWOODS

161 Tallawudjah Creek Road, Glenreagh

Visit our website coffshardwoods.com.au

Phone: 02 66492006

Check out our social pages | @coffshardwoods

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REAL

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

WELCOME AGAIN TO T H E R E A L E S TAT E C O LU M N.

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ast month I left you with the first part of the buying process which was after you had an offer accepted. I discussed the opportunity you have to exchange contract with a ‘cooling off’ period of 5 clear business days. What this does is lock your offer in with the home owner and prevents them selling it to anyone else. Your risk is only .25% of the sale price which is a non-refundable deposit. These 5 business days allow you to complete Pest and Building inspections and final finance before having to lock in the sale with your full 10% deposit.

Should you not avail yourself of this opportunity you can also move ahead by just having your offer accepted and then go through the process of pest, building and final finance, however, during this time the property is technically still on the market and able to be sold to other parties.

I’m sure we have all heard stories about the term ‘gazumping’, which basically means that after the home seller verbally accepts an offer from one party, they then negotiate and sell to another party, hence the first party have been ‘Gazumped’. Whilst this may sound illegal, it is certainly not and does happen on occasion. Whilst some buyers claim they will take legal action, there is no cause, as it in fact is quite legal to do so should no contract be signed and exchanged. Once again, if you

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have any doubt whatsoever, consult your examined by your Solicitor or Conveyancer. It legal professional. does sound a lot to do in five business days, I have had many people tell me that by however additional time may be applied for. selling to another party after accepting That brings me to the inspections. As a someone else’s offer the Home Seller is potential purchaser you need to be aware somehow morally wrong? I take a different of any deficiencies in the property. As such view however. The buyer is quite entitled to it is important to use a reputable, licensed walk away from the verbal offer should they inspector to conduct these investigations not like something on the inspections, or for you. Just remember that many of the their finance could fall visible problems with the through. I have even home are quite obvious and Just remember seen on occasion where have probably already been that many of they have withdrawn taken into account with the visible problems their offer because the pricing the home went with the home are they have seen another on the market for. Always quite obvious and property come on the make sure that you discuss have probably market that they believe the report with the inspector already been taken suits their needs better. after you receive it as well. into account with This being the case, The good ones are more the pricing the why should the home than happy to discuss the home went on the owner not be able to report with you and clear market for. sell to another buyer for up any concerns you may more money or more have. Also remember you desirable terms? are not necessarily buying a In short however, by exchanging with new home, but want to make sure it is in fair the cooling off, this whole dilemma can be condition for its age. prevented.

Well again I am rapidly coming to the end So what happens during this cooling off of my allocated space and will continue next period? Basically, it allows you and your legal month. May I take this opportunity to wish representative time to do due diligence, such you and yours a merry and safe Christmas as pest and building inspections, ensuring and a prosperous New Year from myself, my your finance is ready to go, and the contract family and the team at Unrealestate.

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