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nother month, another fabulous jam packed edition! Thank you to all of our supporters, contributors, advertisers who we are blessed to work with each day. We love what we do here at Focus – we have so much fun along the way and we hope that this reflects in our epic 136 page edition! Thank you to all that connect with us. Whether you read the printed copy or online, or you interact with us directly, it’s each of you that encourages us to work hard to bring you this great publication. We are extremely proud to be part of this small team (comprising Nicci Seccombe, Sam Dawson, Gavin Moroney and Nicole Browne). We are passionate about bringing you great local stories introducing you to people who are making a difference in the community. We also pride ourselves on getting our

Welcome to the JUNE EDITION. advertisers “results”. We don’t just want advertisers to buy an advertisement – we want to be part of marketing solutions. We thrive on bringing you great content, but we’re also in the business of growing your business! This month we are going nuts over donuts! Amber Van Dartel is the owner of the OMG! Decadent Donuts right here in the heart of Coffs Coast. Apart from the fact they are completely delicious, they’re the most inclusive product ever – just about anyone can have them. They are free from gluten, dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, yeast and sulphites, have no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and they’re vegan. They are also accredited for Kosher and Halal. So, they are a treat that anyone can have. Amber has a busy life and is so passionate about her delicious and unique donuts that we wanted to share her story. Our featured builder this month is

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

Hopwood Homes. They have been building quality homes in the Coffs Harbour region since 1988. With over 40 years experience building beautiful homes, you can be sure you’ve chosen the right people. We sat down with Brian and David Hopwood to find out more. Decades in the trade To celebrate the success of local businesses we present to you a showcase of business powerhouses that have been trading for over a decade. This feature is always a great read and it recognises businesses that have grown and succeeded over the past decade or longer. Welcome to the team Nicole Browne We would like to introduce you to our new circulations coordinator, Nicole Browne. Nicole will be hand delivering 10,000 copies of Focus to stands and businesses each month. If you see her around town make sure you say “Hello”.

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 Nicole Browne wedeliverfocus@gmail.com

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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INTERVIEWS

AMBER VAN DARTEL

Amber Van Dartel recently opened a new business, OMG! Decadent Donuts, which started as a market stall and now has a shopfront in Coffs Harbour.

CRITTERS DISTILLERY

Launching in the middle of a world pandemic, Critters Distillery is a small batch boutique artisan spirits distillery based in Woolgoolga that continues to thrive.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 26. PFLAG - Sam Dawson

MARLEY MORGAN

Marley Morgan’s photography business ‘Barefoot Wandering’ beautifully reflects her personality and deep connection to country and culture.

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

63. Women in Business - Cath Fowler 65. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden 67. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 70. Fitness Update - Court Waters 71. Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

COURT WATERS

84. Education Update - Nick Johnstone 94. Money Matters - Barry Hockey 134. Rental Update - Christine Rengger

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

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Amber Van Dartel is an incredibly creative person who started her career in the fashion industry and has recently opened a new business, OMG! Decadent Donuts, which started as a market stall and now has a shopfront in Coffs Harbour. We sat down for a chat about her journey and what sparked the big change.

i Amber. You have fully immersed yourselves in life here on the Mid North Coast and brought ‘OMG! Decadent Donuts’ to the Coffs Coast. How did you get into the donut biz? I love food and the enjoyment it can bring, but being gluten intolerant like so many, you can end up feeling like you are missing out on some of the fun. The one thing I had really missed during my 11 years being gluten-free was fresh donuts. I once spent the best part of a weekend trying to create a good gluten-free donut recipe with my sister but it seemed like an impossible mission! So I couldn't believe it when I saw a comment on social media raving about these gluten-free donuts! I followed the trail to find out who this OMG Decadent Donut company was, and when I saw I could own my own local business I just instantly felt like this was the perfect business for me. I had just closed one door with my studies which was a really hard decision and was trusting a new opportunity would present and it sure did! OMG are not your traditional donuts, what makes them different? Apart from the fact they are completely delicious, they are so inclusive and just about

I love that the flavours are made from real fruits and spices, so no nasty colours and flavours and because they are so yummy nobody feels like they are missing out.

anyone can enjoy them. They are free from gluten, dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts, yeast and sulphites, have no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and they’re vegan. I love that the flavours are made from real fruits and spices, so no nasty colours and flavours and because they are so yummy nobody feels like they are missing out. For some, particularly children with allergies, being able to share in the same treat as their peers and family means so much to feel included. OMG! Decadent Donuts take the allergy side of things very seriously, every batch of mix is tested in an independent food laboratory before it goes out. And they’re endorsed and accredited by Coeliac Australia and Vegan Australia. But what really sets them apart is the taste – and that’s actually how the name came about! People were so surprised they tasted so great, given they were ‘free from’ so many things. What do your kids think of your donut business? Do they like to taste-test for you? My kids think it is the coolest! The most exciting part of buying the donut business was actually telling my 3 kids – I'll never forget it,

they were egging me on big time to do it and they are still my biggest cheerleaders! Absolutely yes they are my taste testers! When I was doing my very first training session to launch we did the full market setup in my driveway, the kids invited a few friends over and had lots of fun having their very own free donut stall in the driveway! I think they worked their way through many of the flavours that day! What have been the biggest challenges and lessons learnt since starting the business? I have learnt so much really quickly in my 11 months since owning OMG Coffs Harbour. My biggest challenge in the beginning was getting donuts to OMG lovers outside of market hours and being able to cater for parties and events – this led me to the decision to open the shop in Harbour Drive. With the very wet summer season in Coffs this year the market cancellations and logistics was also very challenging. It has been such a blessing to have the shop open to keep up and be available consistently. Continued over... COFFS COAST

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Being a market food business is really fun and rewarding but comes with its own challenges and surprises and having a shop comes with its own completely different set but together they work well. However, operating at markets and in stores 6 days a week has meant I couldn’t run the business on my own as much as I had anticipated and I am so grateful for my amazing staff. Each and every one of my 7 casual employees play a very important part in OMG’s success – without them I couldn’t do it. My husband is a high school teacher so he is also super busy but his work hours really suit the family and I have learnt how important family and staff are to the success and smooth running of a business and can’t believe how lucky I have been in finding the best crew. Your background was far from donuts, and started in fashion and design. What were you doing? After high school I finished my studies in clothing production and design. I started my own swimwear label which was mostly vintage inspired styles designed to flatter all shapes and sizes. We went from being stocked in stores for a couple of years to selling solely through our own website which was when my sister came on board – this suited our lifestyles with young kids, but as we grew we had to go offshore for the manufacturing and that comes with all sorts of challenges. It was heaps of fun and super rewarding hearing all the wonderful feedback from happy customers, but for both of us we 18 COFFS COAST

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Everything is now done digitally so it is a vital part of being a building designer but I just couldn’t invest so much more time and energy into a career pathway I couldn’t see myself happy in. All jobs come with their ups and downs but I feel it is so important to be happy and love what you do. You are obviously a very creative person, how does this translate into your donut business? I love having a project on the go to keep me busy and most importantly learning. I have been working in I have learnt OMG! Decadent Donuts how important Coffs Harbour the same family and staff are way I’ve worked on my wanted to be fully to the success and creative ventures in the present with our smooth running of a past, OMG Coffs has just children while they business and can’t been a bigger version of were so young and in believe how lucky I anything I’ve done. such precious years of have been in finding I really enjoy working life. I feel like in the the best crew. with my hands so the fashion industry you weekly mechanics of the need to be in it with shop and market stall set your all... it’s fast paced up and cooking keep my hands moving and and really demanding and I needed to put all the creative side of me loves working on new my creative energy into family life. solutions and ideas for the business. We are all I do love sewing so much and l got my sewing outlet casually working as a seamstress navigating unusual times at the moment and like all businesses we are all learning how to in a local clothing manufacturing business adapt and be flexible and become creative in Wear-it! It was nice being behind the how we operate machines while maintaining a great balance Where do you see OMG headed into the between family and work. future? You moved on to designing houses. What I still haven’t figured that out exactly and was that experience like? feel like it will be ever evolving! Maybe a little In 2019 I started a course to become a trailer set up is in the not too distant future? building designer. For the past 15 years I have I would also like to spend a bit more time in been immersed in renovating and building Woolgoolga. I am not sure how that will look and it is an industry I find so interesting. I love yet but I am certainly excited for the future. seeing and being a part of the transformation OMG! Decadent Donuts Coffs Harbour of spaces having renovated twice and also wouldn’t be where it is today, especially in building our own home. such uncertain times without the continued I got a third of the way through the course and, although I was achieving great marks and support of the community and the huge efforts of all our local event organisers! I am loved the theory and creative design aspect while learning all the nitty gritty with Archicad, so grateful for the overwhelming support, I realised no matter how much I love designing kind words, recommendations, likes, shares and for each and every customer, and I look the spaces I really don’t enjoy spending hours forward to continuing to cook these fresh on end in front of the computer. After I had delicious little treats for years to come! designed my first whole house this was really Thanks Amber. obvious to me.

I feel like in the fashion industry you need to be in it with your all... IT'S FAST PACED AND

REALLY DEMANDING AND I NEEDED TO PUT ALL MY CREATIVE energy into family life.

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WHAT'S IN JUNE 2021

SANCTUS CRAFT BEER DINNER Come and join us for an evening of great food and sensational beers. Sanctus will be showcasing 4 great beers and our head chef has created 3 tasty courses to complement them. You also get a 4 pack of Sanctus beers to take home with you. When 4th June, 6:30pm - 10pm Where Seaview Tavern Tickets $55 visit www.trybooking.com/BQXDL

NANA GLEN BALE OUT! Winter Welcome Warmer is a family-friendly afternoon into evening event at the Nana Glen Equestrian Centre. It is a FREE community fun day/ night with free pony rides, climbing tower, loads of art activities, hay play zone, slippery lizard chase for cool prizes, monster machinery display, along with lots of yummy food available and cool live music. When 5th June, 3:30pm until 7:30pm Where Nana Glen Equestrian Centre Cost FREE with parking by donation 20 COFFS COAST

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HELL ON HIGH WATER

VOL 1 - The New World Slaughter We're bringing metal & rock to the Coffs Coast with 7 bands on 12 June 2021. Join us for an epic night of face-melting metal and hard rock!

MY LIFE: THE STORY AND SONGS OF BILLY JOEL STARRING ANTHONY MARA More than just a Piano Man, Billy Joel is a living legend of the music industry with a catalogue of hit songs spanning more than 50 years. Anthony Mara has performed in every nook and cranny of this country for over 20 years, and now takes centre stage playing the ultimate tribute to one of his biggest influences in Billy Joel.

When 12th June Doors open at 5pm Where Red C Events Tickets Moshtix.com.au

When 25 June, 7.30pm Where Jetty Theatre Tickets $55 Conc: $52 Members: $50

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW Join our diverse line-up of the hottest acts direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a very special show that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone. With special guests Andy Saunders, Lizzy Hoo, Nikki Britton, Sam Taunton and hosted by Ben Knight in one jam-packed show of the biggest and best belly laughs you’ll have all year.

When Sat 26 June 7.30pm & Sun 27 June 6pm Where Jetty Theatre Tickets Adults $52 | Conc $50 | Members $46, Super Special Sunday Price: All tix $45 | Members $40

Same, same, but different.

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JACK S H E E H A N

Jack Sheehan competed in two events at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney, alongside his teammates from the Coffs Harbour Track and Field Club. He did incredibly well, taking home a Gold in the 110m hurdles and running a personal best in the 400m hurdles.

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i Jack. You recently travelled to Sydney with the Coffs Harbour Track and Field Club to compete in the Australian Track and Field Championships. Can you tell us which events you competed in, how you went and how you felt about your races? Yeah sure, I just had the 110m hurdles and the 400m hurdles. I ran a 14.20 sec for the 110 hurdles. It wasn’t a PB but still more than happy at taking the win. The 400 hurdles I ran a high 58, two seconds off my personal best and just missing the finals by 0.01 of a second. How long have you All together the been training towards team went well, achieving something my coach Glenn like this? Thacker who put in a I’ve been doing hurdles conditions affected huge amount of time as my main event for training? and effort to get about 4 years, before that The rains everyone ready was I was a high jumper. I won affected my training really pleased with my first national medal enormously as the how everyone went. coming away with a silver fields that I used to in the Australian Little train on were closed Athletics Championships for nearly 9 weeks in 2017 for high jump. The year after I made leading up to the event and although I was it to the Australian All Schools Championships still able to practice some drills in the carpark for hurdles for the first time and came 5th you really can’t hurdle on the road, it’s just too in the under 16s, but as I was only 14 I set dangerous and too hard. I ended up going to my hopes at a medal the next year but was the gym as often as I could but I just wasn't unable to compete due to injury. Last year’s as fit as I needed to be and really felt it in the nationals were cancelled due to Covid so this 400m hurdles. year I was ready to go. The Championships also included the Has sport always been something you Olympic Selection Trials for Tokyo, what enjoy? did you take away from being there? Yes, I’ve always enjoyed sports. I’ve been It was really good being able to watch some playing sports since I was little, I played soccer of Australia’s best athletes get those Olympic until two years ago when I snapped the qualifiers, those guys are just so good it made ligaments in my ankle during the grand final me realise how far I’ve got to go if I ever want (still got the win, so worth it). to be that good. How have the recent rains and weather You went along to Sydney with a group

of local athletes, how did the team go as a whole? All together the team went well, my coach Glenn Thacker who put in a huge amount of time and effort to get everyone ready was really pleased with how everyone went. Especially Linc, my hurdles training buddy who managed to pull out a massive one and a half second PB in his first ever nationals (U14) and place 5th in the final. What were the conditions like in Sydney? The conditions in Sydney were pretty good, not raining, hardly any wind. It was freezing though and we weren’t able to take trackies onto the track so by the time of my race everyone at the start line was shivering! Now that you’re the new Australian Champion in your event, what are some goals you’ve set for yourself for the future? My goals are to shave a bit of time off my personal bests in time for World Juniors in Columbia next year. Thanks Jack. COFFS COAST

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HAYLEY KITCHING Hayley Kitching recently a ended the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney with a group from her local club and won Gold in the Under 18 women’s 800, with a personal best time no less! The group as a whole did extremely well, what a bunch of amazing local talent.

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i Hayley. You recently travelled to Sydney with the Coffs Harbour Track and Field Club to compete in the Australian Track and Field Championships, can you tell us which events you competed in and how you went? Under 18 Women’s 800 - Finished 1st Under 18 Women’s 1500 - Finished 4th How did it feel winning the Gold in the 800 with a Personal Best time as well? It felt amazing, the happiest moment of my life to be completely The key to honest. I have been success is hard training so hard for the past few years, banking work and consistency, the sessions and slowly and I have been making progress. pu ing both of those It has been a long elements into my Athletics member since road, but worth the hard training for the past the beginning of high work I’ve put in. I’ve been few years. school. improving each year and What do you enjoy moving up the ranks, but most about sport nothing beats being first and being involved in a club like this? in the nation, especially in my favorite event. One of my favourite things about running In March last year when I found out is that how you perform all depends on you. Nationals had been cancelled because of When you put in the hard work, you get the Covid I was devastated, but even more results and you only have yourself to blame. motivated to keep training and improving for I love racing with the other girls and guys, when I would be able to race again. It took it is awesome to get to know so many other me a year, until nationals where I finally had people that share a passion for the same sport the perfect opportunity to run my best race, I do and talk to people that understand why and drop those two seconds to get me from I enjoy running. While I do enjoy competing 2:09 to 2:07 and win the national title. individually, being part of a team is something What has the preparation been for that can’t be replaced. something like this? The Championships also included the My preparation for nationals was no Olympic Selection Trials for Tokyo, what different than any other race, except I really does this mean for you? sharpened up my intensity and speed in the Watching the trials take place was amazing. weeks leading up to the event. It’s so inspiring to watch the elite athletes The key to success is hard work and of Australia compete and make their mark consistency, and I have been putting both of in the world by qualifying for the Olympics. those elements into my training for the past The athletes that compete in the trials are few years, and it was no different in the weeks the people I one day aspire to be like, and leading up to the National Champs. watching them compete in the sport they love How long have you been involved with is outstanding and very motivational. the Track and Field Club? There were nine of you that went to I have been competing as a Coffs Harbour

Sydney to compete, how was it travelling with the team and how did everyone go? Because everyone’s events were on different days and times we all travelled separately with our families down to Sydney. But we kept tabs on who was competing and when, we cheered each other on and congratulated each other. The Coffs Club produced some good races and medals throughout the week. Now that you’re the new Australian Champion in your event, what are some goals you’ve set for yourself for the future? I want to continue training hard, take it up a notch, and go after some more personal bests and return to the Championships even stronger and faster next year to defend my title. I would also like to drop more time and make my mark in the 1500 at the next Championships. I was only 0.30 seconds off the World Qualifying time in the 800m this year so I’m planning to go under that time by the end of this year. Beyond that I’d like to attend University in the United States and run on a top level team, alongside an elite group of girls at an NCAA Division I institution. Thanks Hayley. COFFS COAST

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focus_contributor.

PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

This month’s interview is based around June being Pride Month. I wanted to interview Tod Trappe who is an active community member for the LGBTIQ community and is one of the creators of the LGBTIQ Coffs Connection & Community (& Surrounding Areas) that’s run for almost 6 years in Coffs Harbour.

od, tell us what Pride Month means to you? Pride Month in June annually is dedicated to celebrate LGBTIQ+ culture, it’s also to show support and give voices about our community’s rights and it is celebrated in June from the memory of the Gay Liberation Movement with the Stonewall Riots back in 28th June 1969. It is now all around the country, celebrated with parades, parties, protests, drag performances, live theatre and memorials and a celebration for members of the community who have lost their lives. We need to appreciate the meaning of Pride Month. Tell us more about LGBTIQ+ Coffs Connection and Community and what’s happening in Coffs lately for the LGBTIQ+ Community to do. We started the community development and social groups up just over five years ago to get more connection and letting people live more in community with events, catch ups and just meeting other LGBTIQ+ people in the area or surrounding areas. Living in regional areas it is important to have the LGTBTIQ+ Community connected and also knowing there is support out there and putting on events is a great way to get

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people together. We are hoping to put on a few events We do have great groups in the area that over Pride Month and would encourage and we love to support and share their events for assist anybody in our community with any people to see what’s going on. ideas (bbq, picnics, catch ups, walks, events Rainbow Coff Harbour and Country etc) that they would like to see happen network have regular dinner catch ups, for our region, to bring the community United Flag put on events and catch ups. together more. LGBTIQ+ Coffs Connection Bent in Bellingen crew & Community is here have regular Queer to promote anything in Beers and awesome DJ’s the area, assist and to WE DO HAVE Dances Acon and the connect people more GREAT amazing PFLAG Parents together and to be more GROUPS IN THE and Friends of Lesbian in community with groups AREA THAT WE and Gays are here for and organisations within LOVE TO SUPPORT AND SHARE THEIR support in our region. our area. EVENTS FOR We also have a lot of We also have a great PEOPLE TO SEE networks and referrals for network and contacts for WHAT'S GOING the LGBTIQ+ Community referrals for any LGBTIQ+ ON. in the area if anybody is issue in our region. needing assistance. We encourage people Coffs Harbour and in our community to our surrounding areas need more things to celebrate Pride Month by connecting and happen in the Coffs Coast for our community remembering the reason why Pride Month is and especially for our youth. It’s been a year here – Happy Pride. pflagcoffscoast.com/ of not being able to connect and we should PFLAGcoffcoast now start to be be more in community. 0417 861 045 To start off Pride Month, we are so For more information on IDAHOBIT day lucky to have the amazing “Briefs Factory and how you can get involved personally International” crew here with their new or at your workplace then check out this cabaret show ‘Dirty Laundry’ at the Red-C website – idahobit.org.au Events Centre at the end of May.

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• No stamp duty • No exit fees • Keep 100% of any capital gains COFFS COAST

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LISTEN

Read P L AY i t

WAT C H

WITH NICCI SECCOMBE

READ The Divines - Ellie Eaton

Delta Kream - The Black Keys Delta Kream, The Black Keys prove yet again that rock can be wonderfully soothing and uproariously loud at the same time. The album celebrates the band’s roots and is a celebration of their early inspiration. The band has won six Grammy Awards and headlined festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza and Governors Ball.

The Divines is a coming-ofage story with a thriller twist. It follows the story of recently married 30-something Josephine, and moves between present-day LA and a British boarding school in the 1990s, as ‘Joe’ comes to terms with her past and a violent incident that occurred in her final weeks at the school. It’s the perfect page-turner for fans of Pretty Little Liars and The Luckiest Girl Alive or anyone who is currently feeling nostalgic about their own high school years.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Enjoy two Mario adventures solo or with friends! Pounce and climb through dozens of colourful courses! Mario (and his friends) can use a variety of power-ups like the Super Bell, which grants catlike abilities like climbing and scratching. Team up with up to three other players locally or online to reach the goal and see who can get a high score. Available to play on Nintendo Switch.

WATCH Shameless - The Eleventh & Final Season It’s last call for The Gallaghers and you’re invited to the party to end all parties. After a decade of dysfunction, the South Side’s favourite clan is going out with the biggest bang ever. It’s going to be a wild last ride, but changes are coming that will force each of them to either step up or hit the road. And while devolving may come more naturally than evolving in a family where excess never gets old, they know one thing for certain – Gallaghers may grow up, but they’ll never grow apart.

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PLAY

Accepted b

at selected stores

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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i Royce AU T HOR

Ellie Royce is a local writer who has just PUBLISHED A NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK CALLED “FRIZZLE AND ME”, WHICH CELEBRATES DIVERSITY IN FAMILIES and takes a unique look at how a child sees big changes and the world around them.

i Ellie, you have had another book published, can you give us a little insight into “Frizzle and Me”? Yes, it’s so exciting to finally see this story become a book, because it was written almost five years ago now! “Frizzle and Me” is the gently humorous story of an ever-expanding rainbow family. Told in the first person, the child at the centre of the family shares their experience as their family changes. One by one, their mother’s female partner, their biological father, their father’s wife and finally a stepsibling are added to the mix. I wanted to shine a light on the idea that sometimes life’s big changes are experienced differently by young children than they are by adults, so I used questions I felt a child would ask, like, “Will you still hug me tight?” to show it’s the special things we do with our children that make our relationships with them precious. I guess what the child is actually asking is simply “Will you still love me?” 30 COFFS COAST

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I also wanted to make this story a really positive example of change. As it says on the back of the book “It’s a big deal when your family changes, but with plenty of love to go around, even the biggest changes can be wonderful!” How is this story different from the last book you wrote? My last book was “Auntie Uncle; Drag Queen Hero” published by Pow! Kids in New York. It was released April 28 last year, just after Covid hit, so there were no launches for that one! “Auntie Uncle” is a story about different kinds of courage and being true to yourself, so it focuses on different aspects of relationship and allyship, but it also featured a loving rainbow family. Why do you think it’s important for younger readers to learn about diversity (in this case the LGBTQIA+ community) and what do you hope they will take away from the story? Okay, so there’s a term I’m hearing used in relation to the current focus on diversity in literature, and that is “incidental

representation.” To me, this means telling stories that contain diverse characters without focusing on or making the story only about their diversity, because this is actually how real life looks. Our community is made up of people who are every size, shape, colour, age, culture and ability, doing all kinds of exciting things. My recent books have featured rainbow families with the intention of reflecting what I hope will be seen as another version of normal; in that, we are all different, we do things differently, our families are all different and that’s normal – as well as special – since it’s our delightful differences that make us unique, precious and interesting. But on a deeper level, my stories are about needing love and wanting to belong, emotions that we all feel no matter who we are or how we appear on the outside. This is where we can connect and understand each other, if we choose. I think it’s vital that younger readers learn that diversity is something to recognise, value and celebrate. I aspire to offer them the

opportunity to see themselves, their families and friends reflected positively, with love and respect, in my books and hope this is what they take away. I’m proud to be part of the recent wave of emerging diversity in children’s literature, even more so because I’m expecting my first grandchild to arrive any tick of the clock, and these are the kinds I THINK IT’S of books I want him to VITAL THAT grow up reading! Uncle” has been YOUNGER READERS Where does the overwhelmingly LEARN THAT inspiration to write positive. It’s been so DIVERSITY IS your stories come heartwarming to hear SOMETHING TO from? the stories of real-life All over the place! I RECOGNISE, VALUE Auntie Uncles reading think I can safely say that AND CELEBRATE. the story with their most writers, authors families. and story creators are What’s the process constantly playing a like from starting game of “what if” in their heads. You’ll see, with the idea to publishing? read or hear something and think “what Glacial! No, seriously, it does take a if…?” Sometimes it’s fun to think about LONG time to make a picture book. In the most outrageous “what if” (what if I the case of “Frizzle and Me”, it took even woke up to find my legs had grown ten feet longer because the wonderful Andrew overnight?) McLean (who also illustrated my first picture What has the response to “Frizzle and book ”Lucas and Jack”) wasn’t available Me” been like so far? straight away. He’s done the most beautiful “Frizzle and Me” has already had some illustrations though. It was totally worth the fabulous reviews, which is wonderful. As wait! it’s officially out on June 1, I guess I’ll find Is there a part of this process that you out more soon! The response to “Auntie

most enjoy? The whole process has its moments. Of course, I love the writing, the initial creation which is a fairly solitary endeavour. Then when an illustrator and editor come on board it becomes a fabulous collaboration and co-creative experience which is so satisfying. But the best part is ALWAYS seeing the final product, a beautiful book that was once just an idea floating around the universe, being shared and enjoyed by kids and their families, or when I do a school or library visit. That’s real magic, that is. Where can people find your new book? “Frizzle and Me” (ISBN 9781925804737) will be available at The Book Warehouse in Coffs. You can order direct from Ford Street Publishing, (https://fordstreetpublishing. com/book/frizzle-and-me/) or most online bookstores, like Booktopia. Thanks Ellie. COFFS COAST

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Robert Linton from North Coast Basketball, Kiah Bowen – Region Domestic Violence Coordinator for NSW Police, and Cass Wilson from Uniting have combined their love of basketball with their passion for domestic and family violence awareness in our local community to create the “Ball Against Domestic Violence” charity 3x3 basketball event on Saturday July 3rd.

hat is the aim of the event? Kiah: Our vision behind this event was for continued domestic and family violence awareness for our community – for people to continue the conversations about what is not acceptable in a relationship, to know what a healthy relationship looks like, what red flags in a relationship look like, how to report domestic abuse and how to best support someone going through it. Players on the day are taking a stand to “ball against” domestic and family violence. We also wanted to create an event for our tireless emergency services workers, who most certainly deserve a fun day out while supporting a good cause. Who can enter and what divisions are there? Rob: We would love to see as many teams enter as possible to support the cause. We are calling upon local schools and businesses to enter a team each! All proceeds from the event will be going to the local Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. Open Division - $500 prize money (open to anyone age 15 and over). Emergency Services Division - $500 prize money (3 out of 4 team members must be from the same emergency service/first responder agency). Junior sections - Under 12’s, Under 14’s, Under 16’s. What’s the difference between 3x3 and regular basketball style format? Rob: 3x3 is a fast and exciting version of

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basketball. The game is played on one half of a basketball court and teams consist of 4 players. Each team has 1 sub and does not have a coach. The point scoring is different to a normal game, 3 point shots are worth 2 points, and 2 point shots are worth 1, which makes 3 pointers a very valuable point scoring option. Games go for 10 minutes, or the first team to 21 wins. What else is happening on the day? Cass: There will be a sports raffle with some great prizes including a signed Sydney Kings jersey and a signed Brad Fittler origin jersey and much more. We will also have the police bus and community engagement ambulance out the front of the stadium with information and officers around to chat to. There will be a BBQ lunch and also SportzCentral canteen will be open all day for coffee and snacks. There will be a wheelchair 3on3 basketball exhibition match and Casey Alexander- Year 11 student at CHEC will be singing the national anthem. The event has been created due to many volunteer hours and donations from services – is there anyone in particular to thank? Cass: We are so appreciative of all of the local agencies who have joined us so that this event could happen. A special thanks to Coffs Harbour City Council, Coffs Harbour Basketball Association, Uniting, Busways, 3x3 Hustle, North Coast Basketball, SportzCentral, the PCYC and the Hoey Moey (official host of the presentation/ after-party). Comment from CHBA President Bob White (who is also playing in the event): Coffs Harbour Basketball Association is

extremely proud to be involved in any efforts to change public attitudes towards domestic violence, especially attitudes ascribing blame to victims. As a Sergeant of Police I see it far too commonly, the persistent victim-blaming attitudes in society when it comes to the issue of domestic violence. Campaigns need to go beyond communicating what constitutes domestic violence in intimate relationships and where to get help. They need to explain how and why this type of violence can affect anyone. And they need to illustrate how perpetrators control their victims and manipulate those around them. Any campaign aimed at reducing domestic violence and changing the communities attitude and acceptance of this devastating issue, will always have our support. Comment from Hayley Cassell (past Queensland rep player from Logan Thunder) who is coming home to play in the event: It is unacceptable that domestic and family violence remains at such high levels in Australia! Events like this can continue to provide awareness of such an important cause. Enough is enough. We cannot let this be the end of someone’s story. Please come down to SportzCentral Stadium on Saturday July 3rd and check it out. Main events will be from 4:30pm onwards – and will be officially opened by Mayor Denise Knight and Uncle Richard Widders. **Support numbers – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support, CrimeStoppers 1800 333 000, or 000 for emergencies.

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Critters Launching in the middle of a world pandemic, Cri ers Distillery is a SMALL BATCH BOUTIQUE ARTISAN SPIRITS DISTILLERY based in Woolgoolga that continues to thrive.

ll of Critters Distillery’s spirits are brewed, fermented and distilled in-house using 100% Australian ingredients, which is a point of difference in white spirits production in the Australian distilling industry. Australia has seen an increase in white spirit production driven by the accessibility of bulk refined ethanol, where it can be flavoured, rebranded and sold onto the market. Investing years of training and research into craft spirit production, particularly specialising in brewing and fermenting, co-owner and Head Distiller Chris Fraser chooses quality over quantity. Product authenticity and transparent supply chains are his focus, continuing the 34 COFFS COAST

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Critters Distillery is making some of the finest craft spirits catching the attention of other Australian and International distillers.

Critters ethos of ‘paddock to glass’. Earlier this year Critters Distillery was awarded a Silver Medal for Australian Pure Neutral Vodka in the prestigious World Drink Awards held in London in February, competing with over 170 other category entrants from all around the globe. Critters Distillery is making some of the finest craft spirits catching the attention of other Australian and International distillers. Converting both wine and gin drinkers, Critters Vodka is sweet on the palate with citrus notes (grapefruit and lime), the

sophisticated heart of plum and spices like peppercorn. To appreciate the true characteristics of the spirit, Chris recommends it’s best served neat on ice or with a Mediterranean Tonic Water and a fresh wedge of lemon. Critters Distillery is committed to investing in sustainable practices within their business wherever possible. They choose to adopt a hierarchical approach to goods, services and materials, with local and Australian being prime priority. Reusing grain and liquid waste products from production, to

sourcing recycled cardboard packaging, are some examples of the practices currently adopted in an effort to become more sustainable. Opening to tastings and tours in February 2021, owners Chris and Nicola Fraser have seen visitors from across Australia return to the Northern Beaches of the Coffs Coast to relive the Critters Distillery Tasting Experience. Tours are booked online through Eventbrite and typically operate on weekends, but can be scheduled during the week, which are currently favoured by corporate organisations. During these tasting experiences, visitors indulge in a selection of local and Australian cheeses, salmon and prosciutto along with unique accompaniments, and olives paired with bespoke seasonal cocktail tasters served by Kamil Piotrowski. In addition, distiller Chris Fraser shares his wide knowledge and insights into distillery production and Australian craft spirits. Critters Distillery are about to release their long-awaited Gin due in July 2021. The unique botanicals feature many endemic species to the Coffs Coast. Chris’s passion and meticulous approach to quality before release to the market is clearly evident from

This sundowner experience features a collaboration between a select group of talented local artisans who are all leaders in their chosen fields.

bottle selection to label design. Critters Gin is a must for those who appreciate Australian craft spirits. Due to the overwhelming interest, Critters will be taking pre-orders for their first Gin release. If you are wanting a unique numbered bottle from the first Gin batch you can contact the distillery direct via social media or via their website. The Critters Distillery team are looking forward to the upcoming “Sensory Overload” event on Saturday 13th June 2021. This sundowner experience features a collaboration between a select group of talented local artisans who are all leaders in their chosen fields including... Critters Head Distiller (Chris Fraser), Critters Drinks Director (Kamil Piotrowski), Artist (Alyson Pearson from Alykat Creative), delectable food from Byron Goh (Head Chef and owner of Café Ophelia) and Sous Chef Civanni Candan. Guests will be able to experience the critically acclaimed artwork produced by designer and illustrator and founder of Alykat Creative whose work has been exhibited in London, Sydney and Melbourne. Alyson is the 2020 Winner of the Good

Design Australia Award and Finalist in the Frankie Magazine Good Stuff Awards. Alyson will be attending in person to showcase some of her creative pieces, and this is a unique experience to speak with Alyson

about her works. A selection of canapes designed by Byron and Civanni featuring Critters Vodka-infused kingfish and locally-sourced produce have been specially selected to compliment the natural flavors of Critters spirits and cocktail tasters. A highlight will include a feature of the infamous ‘Critters Bitters’ produced inhouse and exclusively by Kamil Piotrowski. It is rumoured a preview of Critters’ next product may also be featured at the event. Tickets are limited and now on sale through Critters Distillery, secure your seat at bit.ly/ BookCritters. Critters Distillery cellar door is also now open to the public from Wednesday to Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturday to Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Products can also be purchased through selected independent bottle shops and wine cellars. COFFS COAST

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Barefoot M A R L E Y

Marley Morgan has creatively developed her photography business ‘Barefoot Wandering’ to one of expressive emotion, something that makes you feel and one that beautifully reflects her personality and deep connection to country and culture.

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ake us back to when you first took an interest in the creative industry and why you chose to expand that by starting your own business. Ever since I could remember I have always had a love for taking pictures. Growing up I always had some form of a camera whether it was a polaroid or a disposable camera.

I always loved documenting moments such as friends’ birthdays, sleep overs and portraits of my loved ones. I purchased my first DSLR camera after the birth of my first son in 2016. I wanted to capture all of his milestones. My love for photography grew and I began to explore different styles of photography. I began photographing nature and wildlife which then went on to photographing people. I was most interested in capturing the beauty of my culture. After 2 years of teaching myself photography and finding my style, I decided I wanted to turn my hobby into a career. How has Barefoot Wandering grown and developed over the years as you have grown and developed as a woman? As I have grown in my business and as a mother, there has been a shift in what I prioritise. What I started as a creative release and hobby, grew into a passion project, and as recognition of my work grew that project made the natural transition into more of a business.

That said, while I have worked on finding my style and honed in on the important aspects of life that I strive to showcase, I feel my vision has not changed since I started Barefoot Wandering; that being providing a platform for insights into motherhood, culture, my people, femininity, and the natural world. Tell us about your style and how it reflects not only you, but your wonderfully rich Aboriginal culture. My style has been described as soft, emotive, and earthy. My work reflects my personality and my deep connection to country and culture. I feel of late there has been a spike in non-Aboriginal creatives using Aboriginal culture as a trend to gain a following which can dilute and misinterpret our people. I am a passionate believer in keeping culture alive through learning from it, growing by it and passing it on to our next generation. I am also a firm believer that we are the knowledge holders of our ancestry, and it is our place to tell that story. I hope that by holding space that belongs to Aboriginal people in the mainstream, I encourage other Aboriginal creatives to be confident in their talents and know that our input should never be part of a quota and is an essential and necessary part of ensuring our culture remains the oldest continuous culture on this earth. Talk to us about these powerhouse cultural shots you take and your vision behind it all. My vision is to show how beautiful my culture I feel of late there is. During my experience has been a spike as a model, I noticed a in non-Aboriginal lack of representation and creatives using pay gaps for Aboriginal Aboriginal culture as a people within the trend to gain a industry. Through my following which can photography I aim to dilute and misinterpret showcase the beauty of our people. our people to a wider shines through in the audience and generate end product. During fair and equal income my sessions I have a for aspiring models, fellow photographers unique opportunity to share culture with mob and other Aboriginal people in the creative from all over, a sharing in the truest sense of space. I also aim to uplift and empower our the word. Sharing Aboriginal culture has always Aboriginal people through photoshoots by been a reciprocal accord. I feel this archetype instilling confidence and presence of mind reciprocation is the determinate line between during our time together, in the hope this appreciation and exploitation. It is an immense

privilege to be entrusted to hear and tell stories and songs and witness traditional practices, and I can never describe the feelings I get to be surrounded by grounded people strong in culture. Using photography as a medium to document these moments, I hope to capture those feelings through my images and share those with my audience. Continued over... COFFS COAST

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As a self-taught photographer, how have you gone about developing your skills over time and what would you say has been your biggest learning curve/ challenge? Over the years I have developed my skills through free online learning resources. I have found YouTube videos and tutorials to be extremely helpful. I have also found learning by trial and error to help with increasing my 38 COFFS COAST

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In my early days of photography, comparing my work to others meant I would look at my own in a negative light. I had unrealistic expectations that my work would be at a high level, even as a beginner photographer. I put in hours and hours of work to find my unique style and perfect my technique. This also meant hours and hours of free labour to build up my skillset. But I found once I had found my style and stopped comparing my work to others, I began ...some would using my previous work have to travel for as the benchmark of hours to buy the items my professional growth. needed for the home, This shift in thinking provided those items has allowed me to stop were in stock. I’m basing my progress at reminded that this is an unattainable level, the same story for and start viewing my other remote advancement in a positive communities as the knowledge around light. photography and demand for our happy You’re also a big editing. I am lucky to supporter of vulnerable boxes grows. have many friends women situated in in the photography many remote areas of community who have been incredibly Australia. Tell us more about the happy supportive and have always been comfortable boxes project and your part in this. with helping me with any photography related The Happy Boxes Project is a non-for-profit issues or questions, as well as providing organisation that helps women in remote guidance and generally just having a yarn. communities access self-care products through

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donations of essential and luxury items. I grew up in Lightning Ridge, a small remote town in north-western NSW with limited access to everyday needs. The Happy Boxes Project is close to my heart, coming from a remote community myself. I am currently serving as a Director on the Board for the Happy Boxes Project and have embraced the opportunity to give back to my own community and others, being fundamental in the process of establishing networks and gathering donations from generous gift-givers. After moving to the coast, it hadn’t even registered with me that people that have lived in this country their entire lives aren’t aware of the issue of access inequality right here in Australia. When I was growing up in Lightning Ridge, there was only a small general store called Food Lands to service multiple towns within the Walgett Shire. This meant some would have to travel for hours to buy the items needed for the home, provided those items were in stock. I’m reminded that this is the same story for

other remote communities as the demand for our happy boxes grows. Currently the Happy Boxes Project ship to over 60 communities with more expressions of interest being taken each week. I take great pride in the work the Happy Boxes Project does alleviate barriers to access and I hope others can help our vision to empower women by visiting the website happyboxesproject.com or following on Instagram @happyboxesproject to find out how you can get involved. For anyone interested in learning more and viewing your work, where can they follow along or get in touch to book your services? You can visit my website barefootwanderingphotography.com.au to learn more about myself and the services I provide. Additionally you can follow our socials on Instagram @barefootwandering.photography and by searching barefootwanderingphotographer on Facebook. Thanks Marley. COFFS COAST

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. S W O BMRAKEUp. HAIR.

DAISY MORONEY DAISYMORONEY.COM 0421656035 40 COFFS COAST

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DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH PAN FRIED FISH OF THE DAY, MANGO, GREEN PAPAYA, CHILLI, CORIANDER, MINT, PEANUTS WITH BUG & PRAWN CROQUETTES FROM VELVETS ON JETTY

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Adam HARVEY Highly acclaimed Australian country music artist Adam Harvey announces the release of his new single “Ramblin’ Fever” and the much anticipated Highway One Tour.

Shaker THE

CHOC MAC MARTINI

Nothing cosier in autumn than settling into a warm seat, kicking back to some lovely vibes & plenty of chocolate!! On the amazing cocktail menu at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this little choc & macadamia gem. With a perfect blend of vanilla infused vodka, chocolate liqueur, Brookie’s Mac liqueur, fresh milk, choc sauce & crushed Flake, this stunning little treat is guarantee to satisfy all your cravings!! Beware though, it’s almost impossible to have just one!!

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oinciding with the release of the song which is the second single from Adam’s forthcoming album “SONGS FROM HIGHWAY ONE”, Adam has also announced his Highway One Tour. Beginning in February 2021 directly after his annual pilgrimage to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Adam has put together a schedule of tour dates that add up to become the largest solo tour he has ever undertaken. Adam will perform over 40 shows across NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD and SA from February to September 2021. Joining Adam on the extensive national tour is Raechel Whitchurch, a multi-talented singer-songwriter and musician who grew up performing in her family’s travelling band The

Lees. Now an accomplished solo artist, Raechel is excited to be joining Adam on the road as the opening act and performing her new music live on stage. Adam has won eight Golden Guitar awards, achieved Gold and Platinum sales and has sold over half a million albums. He was also awarded the CMA Global Artist Award in Nashville and is the recipient of a Centenary Medal in recognition of his charity work. After a lengthy time away from the road, the ever-popular Adam is raring to go with the “SONGS FROM HIGHWAY ONE” tour featuring the new songs, many of his classic hits as well as Adam’s engaging and entertaining stories from his travels around the country. Don’t miss Adam’s show when he performs live at C.ex Coffs on Friday 25 June.

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J A D E NORTHEY Jade Northey moved to the Coffs Coast to join his dad Daz in running Dark Arts Cafe & Bar, and hasn’t looked back since. He is passionate about the place and he says working with family keeps him inspired and driven to provide a space that is welcoming and an enjoyable place to kick back and relax.

ey Jade, Tell us how you came to be on the Coffs Coast? I moved to the Coffs Coast bang on 2 years ago now from Brisbane, with a big life change set in place. I frequently travelled down this way visiting my father (Daz) who spends a lot of his time here, as well exploring the beautiful coastline. Given at the time of my move I was still extremely young and excited to explore this extraordinary area, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pack up and 44 COFFS COAST

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move here. Daz took over this business we call Dark Arts Cafe & Bar in which he saw an abundance of opportunity, growth, character and soul to it. I had the pleasure of being offered a rare opportunity to seriously knuckle down and run this for him, and without a doubt is the best decision I have made to date. You manage Dark Arts here on the Coffs Coast alongside your dad. What’s it like working alongside the “old man”? Working with my old boy in all honesty is nothing short of amazing. I view the old digger as an extremely hard working,

passionate, highly intelligent, loyal and honest man. Having the opportunity to learn each day from him is incredible. We have an extremely strong relationship, and we are actually just really close and honestly mates more than anything. There are definitely situations when one of us is frustrated with the other, although I believe that has to do with him struggling to accept he is about to turn 50 next year and he is already turning into a cranky old man!! Besides that, having my old man as my ‘boss’ is just a lot of fun and I look forward to a lifetime of working with him.

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WHAT BRINGS ME THE GREATEST PLEASURE IS THAT IT DOESN’T ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE A ‘JOB’. THERE IS NEVER A DAY THAT I WAKE UP AND FEEL AS IF I DON’T WANT TO GO TO ‘WORK’ OR FEEL BORED. DARK ARTS HAS BECOME MY SECOND HOME

What drew you to want to manage a restaurant and what are your fav parts of the job? At first the thrill of challenging myself to thrive in a completely new industry was what drew me into this. Personally I love heading out to other venues and kicking back, enjoying a drink and a bite to eat in a comfortable atmosphere, enjoying the present moment and momentarily forgetting about the outside world. Ultimately I really wanted to be a part of creating Dark Arts as a space to welcome others to do the same.

Although you can’t accomplish this by days in the 40 degree blistering heat or below yourself, Daz and I are grateful we have a 0 temperatures frozen, but was never quite strong team of staff behind us who work so sure what I wanted to dive into next. their butts off so we can achieve this. We Although I always had a lot of fun concreting, have enormous amounts of fun opening 7 a change was due and the opportunity to days a week being able to do this, creating head south was almost too good to be true. friendships with our customers. In doing this, After spending a considerable amount of what brings me the greatest pleasure is that it time weighing up the pros and cons of a big doesn’t actually feel like a ‘job’. There is never change, my mind was set on Coffs becoming a day that I wake up and feel as if I don’t home. want to go to ‘work’ or feel bored. Dark Arts When you’re not behind the bar what do has become my second home. you get up to? It must run in the family because you I like to live a simple lifestyle. I spend as also have a brother who manages a much time as I can exploring the beautiful restaurant/bar in Brisbane. What have area we live in, both along the coastline you learnt from each other when it and inland. I love the water and surfing, the comes to business? uncrowded spots are endless and too much Yep, my brother who is known as Squish fun. I love beating my partner in the board is up in Brisbane running Streetcorner Jimmy game ‘Backgammon’, and we love going out in Teneriffe. Squish and for a cheeky drink and I get along like best bite to eat ourselves. I mates and both have head back up north to Personally I a strong passion and Brisbane every once in a love heading positive attitude for the while to catch up with out to other venues work we do. We always the family and friends. and kicking back, catch up for a chat Besides this a complete enjoying a drink and about life and work vege out and time out a bite to eat in a and I know we push from the world never comfortable each other to grow gets old!! these businesses and Where do you see atmosphere, enjoying watch them flourish. yourself headed in the present moment There is just something the future? and momentarily different about working Excellent question forgetting about the alongside your own and I always find myself outside world. family and taking asking the same thing. opportunities with In all honesty I’m not them, there is this 100% sure as the unconditional trust and joy I didn’t know opportunities are endless. One thing I know existed before. for sure is I want to continue working with Your journey didn’t start in the restaurant my family for as long as possible. It’s a rare business but somewhere completely opportunity to have people surrounding you different. What did you do and why the who are so passionate, supportive and want big change? to push each other towards the same goals. It definitely didn’t!! Up until the move I had I want to see us to continuously push our spent the last five years concreting around current venues further than where we think Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. they can go, and explore the same scenarios in I had always known I wanted a change in the other locations. world, especially after some long and gruelling Thanks Jade. COFFS COAST

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Ain’t That Swell - Up in Smoke

Ain’t That Swell, the surf podcast dedicated to cu ing sick, is absolutely fizzing to announce the return of the Up in Smoke Tour that was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

oddy hosts Jed “Smivvy” Smith and Vaughan “Rinsed Corn” Deadly will be bringing their unique brand of maaaaadness to legendary core surf towns like Newy, Cenny Coast, Bondi, Cronulla and North Narra to Freshie, Margs, Byron Bay, Cooly, Coffs and Port Mac with a handful of wave riding royalty joining them on stage including the likes of Occy,

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Creed, Parko, Griff & Crosby Colapinto, Carroll, Italo Ferreira, Jeremy Flores, Pauline

occasional train wreck debauchery. This is a tour no fan of true surf culture can afford to miss so get ya tickets and strap yourselves in!

Menczer plus more to be announced.

When 4th June

The Ain’t That Swell live show is famous

Tickets are $49.40 on sale now.

for outrageous unfiltered yarns, deep exploration of surfing’s most famous

Doors open 8pm, show starts 8:30pm. It will be held in the Hoey Moey Backroom.

moments and characters plus more than

Tickets hoeymoey.oztix.com.au

Hoyo, Hazza Bryant, Ross Clarke-Jones, Tom

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YO U NG

A er retirement, photographer Steve Young found that he had more time to do the things he loved. That included taking himself out into nature, which in turn, was the beginning of a new venture; Photographing fascinating, alien-like Myxomycetes.

i Steve. Your day job is not a common one, and let’s face it, all the best ones aren't. As a retired commercial photographer from Coffs Harbour, firstly, please introduce yourself to our readers. Hey Claire, well, I’d spent three decades in corporate life then completed a four year Advanced Diploma of Commercial Photography at the Photography Studies College in Melbourne. I started shooting in the final two years ahead of arriving in Coffs about 17 years ago. My Commercial photography work here has been varied and incredibly rewarding, meeting an extraordinary cross-section of the community along the way. Tell us how you’ve come to find yourself 48 COFFS COAST

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very first Myxomycetes (commonly known as Slime Moulds). These red ones were Arcyria denudata and I was fascinated by their beauty as they looked like miniature feather dusters. My Once I started learning more about the whole photographic family of Myxo's I did work is done in photographing nothing but go looking studio, so I’ve learnt Myxomycetes? for them! by trial and error Winding back the What is it that how to harvest and business to retire, fascinates you/what maintain a healthy I wanted to keep you love about the growing state, as I shooting and decided process so much, and transport them to go into our amazing how exactly have you home to photograph local rainforests and managed to capture over sometimes a photograph fungi. such minuscule two day period. They didn’t move so organisms? the learning process Well these little was easy! I wanted creatures start life as single cell amoeba, and as it grows this jelly to do first class environmental portraiture like plasmodium literally pulses and moves of this stunning group of little beings, and over the forest floor feeding on nutrients. once I started I was blown away by the sheer When conditions are right it clumps and diversity out there! One day I found tiny fruits into sometimes vast swathes of tiny but red dots on a log that were no more than exotic looking protrusions. The average size 3-4mm long and these turned out to be my

I have one that has caught the attention of some of the world experts as being worthy of examination as a potentially new species, so samples are going to Russia and the USA for analysis.

is 2-3mm, some are larger and some are less than 1mm tall! The fruiting and subsequent sporing process is very fast and may last 1-2 days only, so firstly finding one at the right stage and then handling it during the photographic process is challenging. I use a microscope objective (lens) attached to a 200mm lens on a standard camera. It’s mounted on a focus rail that takes 150-200 shots that I stack together in software to build a single crisp high resolution image. The fruit bodies come in all shapes and colours with many displaying an awesome metallic, iridescent patina as well. My photographic work is done in studio, so I’ve learnt by trial and error how to harvest and maintain a healthy growing state, as I transport them home to photograph over sometimes a two day period. That alone has been a significant learning phase as it is all about maintaining forest-like conditions of humidity, temperature, light conditions and airflow. As a biological species there is much to discover, being so small they’ve had limited scientific analysis so there are many undiscovered species out there! Each new find for me is exciting and I guess I may have found around 50 known species in the short few years I’ve been studying them. Some of these are very rare observations here in Australia. Currently I have one that has caught

the attention of some of the world experts as being worthy of examination as a potentially new species, so samples are going to Russia and the USA for analysis. It is an extremely nerdy past time but a significantly rewarding one along the way! Along with your micro fossil discovery work, you’re now busier than ever collecting and contributing data from areas you visit in Australia. Tell us more about this/what’s to come? Well, I should briefly dwell on my micro fossil work that for me is equally important. I work with the Eromanga Natural History Museum in the arid SW corner of QLD. Apart from significant and major dinosaur discoveries they have rich deposits of 100,000 year old mega-fauna (the precursors to modern day animals) along with micro fossils of the tiny creatures that lived at the same time. My work involves their discovery and importantly doing the super macrophotography to allow palaeontologists to follow up with identification work. So far I have around 160 specimens ready for potential addition to the Museum’s collection, ranging from skeletal sections of fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals and also many teeth too. Again all these are extremely small.

Whilst the museum boasts having the largest dinosaur ever found in Australia, I hold the record for their smallest fossil discovery, which is a very sweet vertebra that is 0.5mm across, followed up by an incredibly small jaw bone with teeth of an arid desert gecko. It is just over 1mm long! So far I have literally just scratched the surface of the work there, with a never ending supply of material to work on. It’s an important aspect of building the knowledge of the ecology of the area 100,000 years ago. Any final words? This very specialised field of photography becomes a bit addictive with a never ending quest to produce high resolution images of objects smaller and smaller. I’m achieving good quality images of objects that are around the 700 micron (0.7mm) height now, and am now seeing fruiting bodies down at the 150 micron level that demand attention... deeper into the forest!! So I guess the geometry and mathematics involved becomes an important aspect now too. Taking on the challenge to find and cobble together equipment capable of doing the next level of smallness keeps me thinking outside the box. Definitely a case of SMALL is beautiful too! Many of Steve’s images can be found on his Instagram @youngsteve100 COFFS COAST

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CB-LSide UES

C-Side Blues is a casual weekend of Blues and Roots music by the sea, at RED-C Events in Coffs Harbour!

op Australian Blues performers, as well as talented locals, will entertain you over two days and two nights in this awesome lineup of fun and fantastic music on 23-25 July 2021! Featured headliners include critically acclaimed Ash Grunwald, Fiona Boyes, The Mason Rack Band, Marshall Okell, YeeeW

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(featuring Marshall Okell & MC Triple Nip), Mal Eastick & Andrew Hegedus, Swanee, and Cass Eager! Supported by a range of fantastic acts including Blues Brothers Rebooted, Stormwater, Then Joelene, Pam Hata, Cold Caller, Pleasing George, The Orlando Street Blues Band, Nathan Beretta and The Shufflemen! This is blues with a twist!

Limited full weekend tickets are available covering all sessions. Or you can choose the session you most like the sound of with our Session Tickets: available separately for Friday night, Saturday daytime, Saturday nighttime, and Sunday. If you buy tickets in house at RED-C, you can use your NSW Discover Voucher too! More information and tickets available at www.redc.org.au or in house at RED-C!

South Solitary Island Tour with Precision Helicopters Ready to travel overseas again... well... not quite over seas, but over ocean... 18kms offshore from Coffs Harbour, NSW. Time to visit the historic abandoned lighthouse on South Solitary Island for an adventure beyond your imagination! Visitors are flown by Precision Helicopters to this remote isolated island to be met by National Parks & Wildlife Discovery Rangers for an interpretive walking guided tour for two hours. The Lighthouse, Head Keeper’s

Quarters and two Assistant Keeper’s Quarters located on the island were built in 1880 and are considered the oldest in the area. The island is open to visitors for walking guided tours of the buildings for just a few weekends each year. Be one of the lucky few visitors to ascend the ancient spiral staircase of the lighthouse, be thrilled to finally step out onto the narrow balcony, some 50m above the raging ocean below. Book now to visit one of our own pieces of history.

$25 redeemable Monday to Sunday Terms and conditions apply

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Andy SAU N DE R S

With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow set to visit this June, we checked in with one of the stars - local funny man Andy Saunders.

ey Andy. Australians have come to know you as a loveable larrikin and of course a huge family INTRO: man. Give us an insight Andy Saunders. With the Melbourneinto International Comedy I am a family man Festival Roadshow set to and visit someone this June, we whoinalways putsof family first. -My wifefunny checked with one the stars local and kids are everything to me and I man Andy Saunders. couldn’t do anything without them and I definitely wouldn’t haveto theknow Hey Andy. Australians have come content I have without them either, you as a loveable larrikin and of course a love them much. a proud hugeI family man.very Give us anI am insight into Andy Biripi man and am always bragging Saunders. about the Mid North Coast when I go even if it’s butwho whyalways I am aaway, family man andoverseas someone not, our coastline is the best in the puts family first. My wife and kids are world as far as I am concerned and I everything to me and I couldn't do anything will fight anyone who disagrees. I have without them and I definitely wouldn't have to add that I am a keenthem tickleeither, fighterI love the content I have without so it will be a tickle fight. I am from a and them very much. I am a proud Biripi man huge Indigenous fishing family from am always bragging about the Mid north coupleeven at the who CoastTaree whenwith I goa away, if helm it's overseas taught me everything about being but why not, our coastline is the best in the good andand human, worlda as far father, as I amhusband concerned I will fight my grandparents (Horrace and Faith anyone who disagrees. I have to add that I lost them years am a Saunders). keen tickleWe fighter so it both will be a tickle they hard workers, fight.ago I ambut from a were huge very indigenous fishing humanitarians and just awesome family from Taree with a couple at the helm andeverything anything that is good who people taught me about being a good about me pretty much comes from father, husband and human, my grandparents them. I miss them both immensely but (Horrace and Faith Saunders). We lost them they inspire me to want to do the same both years ago but they were very hard that humanitarians they did for myand ownjust family. workers, awesome My humour comes from myabout me people and anything that is good

grandmother and my own mother who How do you go about collecting good are quite funny in their own right and material? I grew up laughing my head off with I am collecting material as I write now, them both about many things. I was a the comedian’s head a different machine both immensely but they inspire me to want to laugh. It really is aisbuzz. I am very much also young boy who always loved listening and it works 24/7, it doesn’t have an off out there do the same that they did for my own family. looking forward to just getting back to older people tellfrom jokes.my I was always I don’t knowanywhere how manyand times I have My humour comes grandmother and switch. and performing doing it with asked to leave the conversation but woken my wife up laughing in my sleep and my own mother who are quite funny in their the best in the country. never didand and Itherefore up my withhead then had to wake up and write the joke I own right grew up ended laughing some corkers as a young boy. It’s safe wasFresh dreaming about. with them both about many things. I was content on tour is important. How do to say I had the What wecollecting a young boy who you gocan about taste for telling expect from your always loved listening good material? jokes at a very performance? to older people tell My humour youngI was age which A journey intomaterial the jokes. always I am collecting as I comes from my often weren’t PG. abyss of laughter asked to leave write now, the comedian's grandmother and my You’re touring and Nah just the conversation headfrivolity. is a different machine own mother who are with the 2021 good jokes and fun it doesn't but never did and and it works 24/7, quite funny in their Melbourne really. therefore ended up have an off switch. I don't own right and I grew International Who you look with some corkers as know do how many times Comedy Festival up to and admire up laughing my head a young boy. It's safe I have woken my wife a taste as comedian? off with them both toRoadshow, say I had the up alaughing in my sleep show you’ve been I can’t name about many things. for telling jokes at a and thenreally had to wake up involved with for anyone cause I loveI was very young age which and write the joke someweren't time now. everyone steps often PG. dreaming who about. What are you onto the stage cause looking forward to most this year? I know how it is. It isfrom not the most What canhard we expect your performance? I am really excited to get out to some new natural place for a human being. If I had to Your touring with the 2021 Melbourne towns and tell new jokes. I think it is one ofa name anyoneinto I would anyofpolitician International Comedy Festival Roadshow, A journey the say abyss laughter at and the hardest things to explain, the feeling the moment, they are hilarious. show you've been involved with for some time frivolity. Nah just good jokesSeriously, and fun really. of telling jokeyou created from your own I love any performer who is putting now. Whata are looking forward to most head that can make a room full of random themselves on the chopping this year? Who do you look up to and strangers laugh. It really is a buzz. I am very block to address a societal admire as a comedian? alsoexcited lookingtoforward getting issue through jokes, it is I much am really get outtotojust some new back out there and performing anywhere theI hardest thing but the towns and tell new jokes. I think it is one of can't really name and doing it with the best in the country. most educational the hardest things to explain, the feeling of anyone cause Ithing at Fresh content on tour is important. the same time. who telling a joke created from your own head that love everyone

pretty much comes from them, I miss them

can make a room full of random strangers

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steps onto the stage

Mentally it was extremely challenging and it was the hardest physical thing I have ever done but I am glad I did it and I am glad I did it with my wife.

2019 saw you on our screens for different reasons. You and your wife Deb were contestants on The Block. Looking back, what stands out to you about this time, and would you do it all again? I would definitely do it again but if you asked me when I was on the show, you wouldn’t finish the sentence before I said “no”. Mentally it was extremely challenging and it was the hardest physical thing I have ever done but I am glad I did it and I am glad I did it with my wife. What stands out for me is how much strength my wife has and what she is capable of. I am impressed every day by her but 102 days with no days off at an average of 20 hours physical labour per day was next level. What’s one thing about you that would surprise people? I dance and sing constantly and always have and now my kids do the same with me, it is so peaceful for Deb.

SEE ANDY AT THE COFFS HARBOUR JETTY THEATRE Sat 26 Jun, 7.30pm Sun 27 Jun, 6.00pm TICKETS jettytheatre.com/

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Flying Giant are a pre y legendary local band, who LIKE MANY IN THE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ARE KEEN TO GET BACK OUT THERE AND PUT ON AN EPIC LIVE SHOW AGAIN! You can catch them at Hell On High Water festival this June long weekend.

ey guys, tell us about some of the band’s history and how Flying Giant came to be? Music. It’s one of those things that finds its hooks in all of us, we all have some early memory of that first band, album, lyric, song where something clicked, and we were changed by our new awareness of this intangible thing called music. And for some of us it isn’t enough to discover and appreciate it. We want to understand it, dissect it, and ultimately create it. That’s been the reality for the four of us on our individual journeys – and now having reached a convergence of those journeys through this band, we are able to express and further explore what can be achieved creatively and technically as musicians. Our paths have overlapped in other bands over the years – and pursued individual projects during the hiatus – but Flying Giant has always served as a vehicle to push ourselves past comfortable limits and make our pilgrimage towards a unique and worthy contribution to the music of humans. Who makes up Flying Giant and what

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drew the bandmates together? Initially, the universe paired Chris and Jarred as musical comrades. Things clicked musically and spiritually, other projects were abandoned, and the first particles of Flying Giant began to coalesce. The band got started in Melbourne, feverishly writing music and developing a sound. It was an exhaustive process to round out the band with the right combination of musicianship, determination, direction, and energy together as people. Because ultimately it is a relationship, a marriage of ideas, so it was so important to have equilibrium within the band as individuals. Paul and Bennie are the perfect counterparts to balance the band as a whole. We have all known each other for many years – in and out of playing music together – so there is a great exchange of camaraderie and respect, and generally being stoked to make music together. How would you best describe your style of music? There is a lot of overlap between the bands we all love and the kind of music we like to make as a band, as well as some really unique flavours and influences we each bring to the table as individuals. There are definitely some standout

influences that can quickly be discerned from our music – the likes of Tool, Karnivool, Silverchair, Cog, The Butterfly Effect – it’s clear the path we are on is not too different from the ones carved by these pioneers of sound. Everything anyone does creatively is going to be derivative, you can only hope your spin on things is original enough to establish your own sound. We are drawn to big dynamic music, technical playing and adventurous progressions, and of course catchy and infectious melodies. Our style has many layers, offering something to keep coming back for to discover. How would you describe the rock/ metal scene here on the Coffs Coast? It’s a really great community here with a lot of musicians who know and support each other. It’s hard to even boil it down to being one particular genre or scene here as there’s such a mixture of flavours. It’s definitely apparent that live music has been hit hard by Covid, so it’s great to see things happening again and we are excited to see and participate in festivals like HOHW. It’s also awesome to see local favourites still kicking it, as well as having new bands up and coming that we get to check out!

There is definitely a starving hunger out there for live music at the moment in Coffs and the country as a whole. It feels like a new wave of live music is building and is going to break at any moment. Exciting times indeed. You’re working on a new album at the moment. What’s that process been like? New music is the most thrilling thing for musicians and audience alike. We absolutely cannot wait to get the new stuff out there to the world. Getting back in the rehearsal space, bringing new ideas and revisiting old ones, has spawned some of our most exciting and ambitious work yet. The space is buzzing with energy and these songs can’t be recorded fast enough. Our process isn’t the fastest, we can be painstakingly meticulous and a little perfectionist dialling in all the parts and exploring every idea together. But the end result is always something we can be proud of and in our eyes well worth the wait.

We are starting to move closer to some studio dates and getting some tracks recorded and finalised. We have enlisted once again Tyson Fish at the helm, who produced and engineered our EP. We are all very excited to be working together again and see where this chapter takes us. You’re getting set to play at Red-C here on the Coffs Coast this month. What’s it going to be like playing in front of a crowd again? It’s a very cool opportunity for us. Our music sounds tighter than ever. The venue is fairly new and something that we haven’t had a chance to play yet, so we are very keen to take to that stage. The stage is where we all feel most at home in the band, it’s where we can let the songs breathe and interact with our audience. It’s the way it’s meant to be heard. We prioritise producing the best quality recordings we can, but it will never match the way the music feels with us right there playing it live. It’s been overwhelming the amount of positive feedback we have received since

announcing our return and the upcoming gig. It is looking to be a big turn out, a lot of people have been waiting a long time to hear more of us. And it’s an opportunity for newer fans to get to properly experience the CD that’s been wearing out their stereos. We have also been working hard to produce some new designs and merch that will be released and available at the festival, so we are very excited to share that with everyone. Although we can’t wait to see all those old faded FG shirts in the crowd! Where can we check out more from Flying Giant? Our debut EP is available online for streaming on all the places, Spotify etc. You can find us on both Facebook and Instagram @flyinggiantband We have a YouTube channel - Flying Giant Band - where you can check out live and behind the scenes footage, as well as any video clips we release. COFFS COAST

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ACCOMMODATION

SAPPHIRE SANDS BEACH HOUSE

Coffs Coast Accommodation is A BOUTIQUE AGENCY MANAGING SHORT TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATION ON THE COFFS COAST. We chat with Monique Fitzgerald and Melissa Parisi about how their industry is changing and how they help investors and developers create be er holiday homes.

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MONIQUE F I T Z G E R A L D

C O F F S C O A S T A C C O M M O D A T I O N

ell us about your business. We welcome around 3000 guests per year and manage a portfolio of over 30 (and growing!) stunning properties in the local area with a range of Luxury, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Corporate Stay, Couples Dream and Accessible holiday homes. We proudly support a team of small business owners, ensuring the money earned locally stays in the community. What services do you provide to owners and investors wanting to list a holiday home? We proudly provide complete property management and accommodation solutions that encompass appraisal and advice on achieving an optimum listing, property management and guest management. We also provide advice to investors and developers on the specific requirements of 58 COFFS COAST

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Accessible, ecofriendly, sustainable, and petfriendly holiday homes are increasingly in demand and are high priorities for consumers and investors

accommodation. How is the shortterm accommodation market changing? I purchased my first short-term holiday rental property in September 2001, well before the days of Airbnb. The industry has revolutionised, particularly in the last two years. The introduction of the NSW Code of Conduct for Short-term Rentals in December 2020 has amplified the responsibilities of guests and property managers, which I believe will be beneficial to all stakeholders, particularly residents. The demand for holiday home accommodation has never been higher; consequently, the returns for investors can be very lucrative. With increased investment comes increased competition. Accessible, eco-friendly, sustainable, pet-friendly and workcation or corporate stay holiday homes

are increasingly in demand and are high priorities for consumers and investors alike. We are already providing these type of holiday homes and expanding our portfolio in these areas is where our

future lies. What is an “Accessible Holiday Home” and why is accessibility important? An accessible holiday home is a property that everybody can enjoy, including those with special requirements such as older people, people with mobility challenges, hearing or vision loss, families with young children, and more. Various design aspects are taken into account in an accessible home as part of the build or renovation. These may include wider hallways and doors, level entrances, even surfaces, and increased access space in bathrooms and around furniture.

S U N D E C K S AT EMERALD BEACH

Developers and investors are seeing the benefit of engaging us early to avoid costly oversights or mistakes.

Luxury We currently have four accessible holiday homes listed, with additional properties coming soon. According to Melissa James, CEO of Inclusive Tourism, approximately 20% of Australians have a disability. It is estimated that as baby boomers retire, about 40% will have some form of disability. It’s no wonder accessible tourism is the fastest-growing sector in the tourism market. Tell us about your consulting service for developers, builders and investors? Frequently, we are asked to consult and provide advice on specialised requirements and optimum designs for holiday homes to ensure the best returns. Having many years in this industry, I’ve experienced what works and what doesn’t in holiday homes. It’s a specific market with specific requirements. Melissa Parisi - the Holiday Home Stylist, is our in-house expert who advises on design considerations such as layout, accessibility, interiors, exteriors and furnishing. Together we bring more than 15 years of sector-specific experience to the table. Collaboration during any design process results in improved outcomes; developers and investors are seeing the benefit of engaging us early to ensure they hit the mark and avoid costly oversights or mistakes.

Why do people choose you as their property manager? Personal referrals are the best form of advertisement and this is how we gain most of our clients. I think people see what we are doing, know the quality of our team and our properties and want to be part of that. We are also the only provider on the Coffs Coast with a dedicated concierge service, giving guests an option to make their holiday home stay more like a hotel experience. People choose us to manage their properties because of our reputation and the personal service that we provide. Where do you see your business going in the next 12 months? The level of enquiry from investors and

T H E O U T LO O K AT S A P P H I R E

owners has grown significantly in the past 12 months, and I believe this will continue. Excitingly this entails that our business has also grown considerably – and I don’t see that slowing down! I’m excited to see our portfolio of accessible, eco holiday, sustainable and pet-friendly homes flourish! What do you love most about your job? I’ve had a passion for real estate for a long time; I love the pride of ownership most of our clients have. It’s a pleasure working in such a beautiful environment and knowing we provide solid investment returns to our owners and a stunning destination for our guests. Having the privilege of promoting tourism to all on the beautiful Coffs Coast is the absolute icing on the cake! COFFS COAST

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MELISSA P A R I S I

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

t t

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THE SANDON @ DIGGERS BEACH

hat services do you provide and how do these benefit your clients? I consult and advise on all design elements relating to holiday homes plus assist clients with a range of projects, from styling and selecting artwork and furniture, through to total fit-out and project management. Essentially, I transform residential and investment properties into beautiful, functional and successful holiday homes! Quality and personal service are at the basis of everything I do, so meeting my client’s needs is important to me – whether it be helping them work with existing property and

SEA PINE COTTAGE

I transform residential and investment properties into beautiful, functional and successful holiday homes.

WAVES APARTMENT

We meet with owners, review the property and advise on the most suitable type of listing, whether that be Luxury, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Eco, Corporate Stay or Accessible holiday home.

furnishings or designing and furnishing a new property. Tell us how you work with Coffs Coast Accommodation? Monique is frequently contacted by investors wanting to list their property as a holiday home and needing assistance with maximising its potential and getting it guestready. Together, Monique and I provide a complete service to clients, making it easy for them to achieve a holiday listing. To get the ball rolling it’s as simple as booking us to give an appraisal! We meet with owners, review the property and advise on the most suitable type of listing, whether that be Luxury, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Eco, Corporate Stay or Accessible holiday home. I then work

with owners to ensure the property has all the elements required for a holiday home. That can be as simple and inexpensive as upgrading bedding or purchasing additional items, or it could involve updating existing furnishings and layout with a complete makeover or renovation. Whatever the upgrades, I work within the owner’s budget. Once the home is ready for guests, it is photographed and listed on the Coffs Coast Accommodation platforms. The property and guest management is then ongoing with Coffs Coast Accommodation. I regularly attend all properties ensure that standards are maintained consistently high. What do you love most about your job? I absolutely love creating holiday spaces for my clients that are welcoming, comfortable

and inspiring for guests. Using my design skills and experience to ensure guests can holiday effortlessly in a relaxed and memorable holiday environment is such a privilege. Being able to positively impact our local tourism sector by improving the range and quality of holiday home listings, and helping my clients optimise their properties for their investment or personal goals is really rewarding. For enquiries or to list your property with Coffs Coast Accommodation visit coffscoastaccommodation.com.au admin@coffscoastaccommodation.com.au coffscoastaccommodation To see more on holiday home stylist visit holidayhomestylist.com.au melissa@holidayhomestylist.com.au holidayhomestylist COFFS COAST

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Monica

Gutierrez focus_contributor.

TEEPEES & EVENTS COFFS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

with CATH FOWLER

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

an you tell us a little bit about what led you to create Teepees & Events Coffs? Until March 2020 I was a full time quality engineer. But when Covid hit I decided to stay at home with my twin boys. With the highs and lows of 2020, I was looking to create a memorable 10th birthday for them. But I couldn’t find anything special or a business to help create a dream party for them. After that and a few more parties, I was encouraged by a friend to start my own events business. This was the perfect place to combine all my skills, education and passion. The initial name was “teepees dreams” but I started receiving many different enquiries for other kinds of events. So I changed the name to Teepees & Events Coffs. Now I decorate for teepees parties, corporate events, birthday parties, picnic tables, baby showers, weddings and more. In January I was contacted by BWN Coffs to be their main event stylist for all their events. This was a real honour and I’m so happy to be selected as a local business to be part of this amazing group of women. What’s your favourite part of the work you do? As an engineer one of my favourite parts

I design, plan and

set up every was when you see the my honeymoon. After a single detail. The idea is final product as a building few months my husband or road after many was offered a position to create elegant, years of planning and as a quality engineer in unique, beautiful and execution. Similarly, every Melbourne so we decided special moments that party or event is a mini to stay in Australia. Since will last forever! project for me. I design, then we’d been traveling plan and set up every around Australia behind single detail. The idea is projects until in 2012 to create elegant, unique, beautiful and special when we came to the area for the Sapphire to moments that will last forever! Woolgoolga project. We fell in love with the Who is your greatest influence in Coffs Coast. Almost immediately we decided business? to establish our home here and stay forever. It’s a combination between my parents, my Coffs has the best lifestyle that Australia husband and my boys. My parents taught me can offer. It’s our home, we have amazing the value of tenacity and perseverance. We friends here, we love the area, all the familylived in Mexico for 4 years when my parents friendly activities, the most amazing views were doing their PhD and Masters. My mum and walks at the beach, amazing school and was doing two Masters at the same time opportunities. We’re so blessed to live here. and she had 2 successful businesses with 3 What piece of advice would you give kids. My dad was doing his PhD and when women making their way in the business he finished he was awarded as the best world? performed student in his year. My twin boys It’s important to love what you do. And always encourage me to create happiness don’t be afraid to try because when you put through my business. My husband shows such 100% heart into what you do, everything will great work ethic and hard work as a main come around you. Be authentic, be yourself, principle for a successful business and happy this will be the WOW factor for your business. family life. Good partnerships with amazing local Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast? women in business has been a really special What do you love about the area? journey for me too. We share experiences and I came to Australia almost 16 years ago for help each other out. COFFS COAST

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WINTER ON THE

COFFS COAST EXPLORE | DISCOVER | PLAY

Whale Watching

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

Solitary Islands Coastal Walk

Stroll amongst hundreds of Australian butterflies in an indoor subtropical rainforest and say hello to some friendly dinosaurs!

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

Bite Food Tours

Orara Valley Tourist Trail

Solitary Island Tours

Discover local flavours and hospitality with a curated food tour featuring the best food and wine on the Coffs Coast.

Take a drive to explore hidden waterfalls, swimming holes, rolling pastures and meet the friendly locals.

Explore the island via helicopter flight and guided island tour, finishing by climbing the historic spiral lighthouse staircase.

Atop a stunning headland, watch a majestic display of whales frolic off the coast as part of their migration from now till October.

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

Giingan Cultural Experience

Experience dolphins, seals, penguins and turtles up close while discovering how to protect precious marine wildlife.

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

The Big Banana Fun Park

Visit Australia’s original ‘Big Thing’ with toboggan rides, laser tag, mini golf, ice skating, giant slides and more!

Find more fantastic things to do today on coffscoast.com 64 COFFS COAST

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#coffscoast #naturallyconnected #holidayherethisyear #lovensw

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TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

HELPING BUSINESSES GROW Coffs Harbour City Council’s Industry & Destination Development team works to support and stimulate economic development and grow tourism in our region.

hile tourism marketing is a major focus of our team, we also work across a number of key industry sectors to facilitate creation of activities and collaborations designed to support business sustainability, turn businesses ideas into a reality, and grow business into the future. 6 degrees is Council’s flagship industry initiative that creates and promotes opportunities for both new and established businesses… a one-stop shop supporting local innovation and business growth. The 6 degrees website, 6degreesco. com.au, brings together resources and information for Coffs Coast business people, creatives and entrepreneurs. The platform hosts: • A calendar of business workshops and training delivered by independent and government organisations – these cover everything from digital marketing basics to cash flow • Details of Coffs Coast business networking groups and the events they host – this is where you can find your tribe • A directory of local business advisors – here’s who can help

• Information about 6 degrees programs such as the Festival of New Thinking, 6 degrees CONNECT pitch and mentoring sessions, and drop-in co-working days • Grant Guru to help you find grant opportunities – this service is subsidised by Council making it free for local businesses • Information on co-working spaces - perfect if you need to escape the lounge room • Information about support and rebates to assist your business with energy, waste, recycling and sustainability • Additional resources for startup businesses including worksheets, courses and inspiration. The 6 degrees Talent Directory is an important part of the website, which can be downloaded as an app on your phone. This directory has been designed to help Coffs Coast businesses find local talent that can help grow their business – professional services that can assist in day-to-day business operations to make them more efficient, reach new customers or grow into new markets. Categories include Photography, Accounting, Digital Marketing, Human Resources, and many more. The 6 degrees Talent Directory is free for local business to access, and free for professional service providers to list their ‘talents’. You might be a freelancer, have an

established business, be part of an agency, or you might be employed in a different area and have untapped skills. We encourage local businesses to support local and seek each other out using this app. Find out more on 6degreesco.com.au

EVENTS ARE BACK! Events are really starting to rev up again after missing out on many last year. We’re excited to see what’s coming up at the Jetty Theatre, the exciting line-up of Bale Out! community events in June, and the return of some of our favourite major food festivals with Ocean Harvest Festival in August and Curryfest in September. Make sure you check out www.coffscoast. com for all the latest events coming up on the Coffs Coast. And if you’re an event organiser, jump online and list your event free of charge. #coffscoast #naturallyconnected

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APPLY NOW FOR ROUND 2 REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

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 April 2021

STAT E O F

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS One of the early casualties of the COVID pandemic was the postponement of the NSW local government elections.

t the time the Minister for Local Government said: “The decision to postpone was not taken lightly, and was made to provide certainty for councils

wellbeing and the liveability of our villages and towns. Most importantly, local councils control the majority of planning decisions which can have far-reaching consequences. Local government is run much like a board

and communities.” The new date seemed

of directors, with day-to-day operations run

a long way down the track, but in the past

by a CEO or general manager, and their staff.

few weeks there have been candidates

Elected councillors vote on policies which are

announcing their intention to run for local

then executed by the management and staff.

government. With the elections now three months away, it’s time for us all to have a closer look at who

So what local issues are likely to be front and centre in the lead-up to 4 September? One will be Coffs Harbour City Council’s

wants to represent us on Coffs Harbour City

contentious Cultural and Civic Space. While

Council.

work proceeds on site, this project continues

Of our three tiers of government, local government is the layer which interacts the most with our daily lives. Most of our roads

to be divisive and inflammatory in our community. Another will be waste. With so much focus

are managed by councils, our water and

on the stench from the current tip site, there’s

sewerage, our rubbish, and most of our

a pressing need for a solution.

public amenity is managed and maintained by councils. They run events, manage community spaces, and can have a huge impact on our

Housing is a massive issue. The lack of available housing in most coastal towns and cities has meant prices have skyrocketed. It has also meant those who cannot afford the

The lack of available housing in most coastal towns and cities has meant prices have skyrocketed. It has also meant those who cannot afford the higher prices are priced out of the market, and that is unacceptable. higher prices are priced out of the market, and that is unacceptable. Homes need to be available and priced accordingly. We should not be paying Sydney prices in Coffs Harbour. Good council candidates will offer more than just platitudes. There is usually a large field of candidates at local government elections representing people from all walks of life. Unlike the capital cities, we haven’t seen party politics take hold at a local government level, which means most people make up their minds based on local issues. I applaud every candidate for having the guts to put themselves in the public eye, and I look forward to working with our incoming city council. COFFS COAST

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Apply Now T

Macca's c 's ca'

THE MUNRO GROUP

J unior

G rants Now Open! n!

Each month a number of grant recipients are chosen. Our aim is to provide sponsorship to individuals and groups in the community to encourage and grow the next generation. Grants can be used for development and assistance towards academic , sporting, community , cultural and social endeavours. To learn more and apply for a grant, head to our website.

maccasjuniorgrant.com.au

Proudly supporting the local community. 68 COFFS COAST

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McDonald's Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca & Kempsey

Dr Chandran Arianayagam

COFFS COAST

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DO YOU EVER WORRY ABOUT ATTENDING THE GYM BECAUSE YOU DON’T FEEL CONFIDENT OR YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO?

FITNESS

UPDATE with COURT WATERS

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

ell you are in the same boat as hundreds of other people! Every day I have people express this concern to me, and you know what, that feeling is so normal! Evolutionarily we have an inbuilt anxiety of new things, this was to help us take less risks to aid our survival and there are both advantages and disadvantages to this. However being able to recognise when this instinctive feeling is unhelpful, and overcoming it, is a great self development step. Fortunately for you, I have one of the best ways to overcome this feeling in a Gym setting... Training Programming! Firstly, what is a Training Program and how is it beneficial? A training program is a collection of individual training sessions that build on each other to form a structured plan that outlines exactly what you need to do in order to achieve a certain goal. The individual training sessions include everything from a warmup, to the exact exercises to complete and how many sets, reps and the rest periods. It takes the guesswork out of what to do! A well structured program will often have repeated exercises with progressions for example an increase in the amount of sets,

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reps or weight to allow you need to take to A training you to quantify your achieve certain goals progress. Often there and allows you to see program guides will be different days the progression of your you through each with different exercises, strength across training session so you can get this enables you to sessions via the weights in, get it done and not train a larger variety of you are lifting. It takes have to worry about movement patterns, planning and decision what you are going to allows recovery and making out of the do each session. adaptation from the equation and guides you previous session’s through each session exercises and helps to so you can get in, get it stop you from getting bored doing the same done and not have to worry about what you exercises day in day out. are going to do each session. It also gives you The physical benefits of following a well confidence when you complete the sessions written training program are numerous, knowing that you are on the right path for the key one being that it paves the way for your goals. It can also help you stay on track progressive overload which is the driving force with your exercise as there are often days and behind building muscle fibres, getting fitter sessions set for you. and getting stronger. Other benefits include If you need help feeling confident in the endorphin release, sense of self achievement gym come and see Coach Court at Coffs Coast when you see your progression, and Health Club Moonee. As she says - “I will do confidence in yourself and your ability! the planning for you, you just need to show up Why should I follow a training program? and give it your best! My Programs come via For a lot of people following a training my Coach Court App, with an Exercise Video program prescribed by a trainer you trust, can Library and 24/7 chat function, it’s almost like help take away the nervous feelings of unease I’m there in the gym with you!” that pop up while training when you are just To get started on your own Fitness Journey making something up for yourself. get in contact with Coach Court at Coffs Coast Following a structured and progressive Health Club Moonee via call or message on training program allows you to see the path 0448 583 894.

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Pregnancy & Post-Natal Recovery - How Can a Physio Help? with AARON HARDAKER

re you pregnant and suffering with back pain? Have you just had a baby and are unsure about how to help your body recover? Are you wanting to get back to exercise and not sure when it’s safe, or whether your pelvic floor is up to it? Pelvic health physios are an integral part of the healthcare team through pregnancy and the postnatal period. But what exactly can they help with? We caught up with Sarah Brown, pelvic physio at Mid North Coast Physio in Woopi, to find out more. What can pelvic floor physio help me with during my pregnancy? Pregnancy is a time of enormous physical change in the body. Pelvic physios are full of information about the changes that occur and what it means for you as you progress through pregnancy. We have post-graduate training in the ways pregnancy affects the various systems in your body – particularly the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on your pelvis, pelvic floor

muscles and pelvic organs. We can guide you through the role of the pelvic floor muscles, help you prepare for labour and delivery, assist in managing pain such as Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain AND help you manage any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (e.g. urinary incontinence). When should I see a physio during pregnancy? It’s a great idea to have a chat with your pelvic health physio and run through some birth preparation as you progress through your second and third trimesters. It’s also helpful to check in at any time if you have specific questions about exercise in pregnancy, have a history of pelvic floor dysfunction prior to pregnancy or are experiencing any aches and pains. What about after I give birth? After either a vaginal delivery or caesarean, you should see a pelvic health physio at the 6-week mark as you do your midwife/GP/ obstetrician. This is where pelvic health physio can address any birth injuries (perineal tears,

pelvic organ prolapse, C-Section scars), assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles and help you get back to physical activity safely. Pelvic physios will be able to provide advice, guidance, and a plan for rehabilitation after giving birth. What services do you offer at Mid North Coast Physio? ALL OF THE ABOVE! I work with women through pregnancy offering birth prep consultations, 1:1 exercise sessions, and run hydrotherapy classes (which are great for relieving pain, reducing swelling and offloading pressure as bub grows in pregnancy). I also provide individual post-natal reviews from the 6-week mark where we discuss any concerns you have after giving birth, and start to work towards your goals! Thanks Sarah. To book your pregnancy assessment, post-natal review, or Healthy Mums Hydro class with Sarah, call the friendly admin team at Mid North Coast Physio on 1300 273747.

COFFS COAST

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Specialising in • Body contour surgery including breasts and abdomen • Laser surgery including facial rejuvenation • Occuloplastic surgery

PLASTIC COSMETIC & LASER SURGERY Dr Chandran Arianayagam FRCSEd Specialist Plastic, Cosmetic and Laser Surgeon

Corresponding Member American Society of Plastic Surgeons American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

For appointments please call

6651 5611

www.pclscoffsharbour.com.au 72 COFFS COAST

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CHAITANYA MORLEY-SOUTHALL

WOMB T E M P L E

Women’s pelvic health is not o en spoken about in our day-to-day conversations, and is o en overlooked, especially a er the birth of a child. Holistic care that treats both physically and emotionally is exactly what Chaitanya from Womb Temple brings to our region, and finds it an honour to be of service to women.

i Chaitanya. You’re a passionate women’s health practitioner with a particular interest in pelvic wellbeing. Firstly tell us about yourself and how you came to this work. With a background in Women’s Yoga, Ayurvedic Massage and a love for all things Indian, it was no big surprise when I travelled to Woolgoolga many years ago and found my home. Working with some local Sikh women, I discovered the rich postpartum care practices of India and developed a love of working with mothers of all ages. All the old cultures have traditions which safeguard the healing of the new mother so that she and her baby can recover from the immensity of birth and move forward with a rich and stable foundation. I decided to train in Holistic Pelvic Care with Tami Lynn Kent and then with Lynn 74 COFFS COAST

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Schulte from the Institute of Birth Healing – two women who are pioneering gentle ways of supporting women to heal and recover from birth and pelvic With the high imbalances. I haven’t incidence of course there are many looked back since. difficult and wonderful practitioners Women’s pelvic and traumatic birth, supporting women, emotional wellbeing pelvic wellbeing for but the connection are so connected and most mothers between emotional and so undersupported. seems like more of physical holding is often You offer support in an ideal than a overlooked. this area – something With the high common reality. But that you are very incidence of difficult it’s something we passionate about. and traumatic birth, can all benefit from For those who don’t pelvic wellbeing for moving towards. know, can you most mothers seems like explain what pelvic more of an ideal than wellbeing is? a common reality. But it’s something we can There’s not a lot of awareness out there all benefit from moving towards. Physically, about how to really heal from birth. Of

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the ability to run and jump without wetting yourself, an absence of urinary or pelvic pain, pain-free sex and a responsive pelvic floor are all signs of pelvic wellbeing. Emotionally, pelvic wellbeing brings a sense of resilience, inspiration, sensuality and groundedness as well as a feeling of resolution about your births and previous pelvic experiences. How do you aspire to help women heal within your practice here at Womb Temple and in the wider community? Locally, I run workshops and women’s gatherings, inspiring connection and holding a space where women can open up about their births, their fears and the feelings they’ve been holding onto. When we do too much holding on and too little I wish all expressing or letting go, women could our pelvis can become a have some gentle storehouse of emotions, supportive tension or stagnation. bodywork after Feeling uptight? That’s birth! But no probably reflected as ma er how old you tension in your pelvic are or what’s going muscles. on, it’s never too In my healing sessions, late to move I offer gentle abdominal towards healing. and pelvic bodywork that helps women bring to help women out of their awareness to places this stuckness, bringing of physical and emotional holding and in a sense of completion and healing to their my presence they often find emotional and birth experiences. physical release. Internationally, I help educate My clients report all sorts of benefits – through podcasts, summits and virtual red that they feel whole again, more connected tents, many of which can be accessed freely to their children, have less pain with sex, through my website. less leakage, sensation where there was What do you find are the benefits of a numbness, better pelvic floor connection and pelvic healing, especially after birth? above all they feel resolved about their births. Many women that come to see me after You can’t change what has happened in life, birth, are still quite traumatised from the but you can change how you feel about it in experience. Both of my teachers emphasise your body and in your emotions. that when a woman is scared or even I wish all women could have some gentle disturbed in the birth process, there can be an supportive bodywork after birth! But no element of freeze that happens as a trauma matter how old you are or what’s going on response in the pelvis. Months or even years for you, it’s never too late to move towards later, some part of her can still be frozen in the healing. I work with women of all ages before shock of what happened. It is my special work

and after birth, surgery and hysterectomy, after miscarriage and birth loss and with women who just want to come into right relationship with their periods, menopause and their femininity. It’s really such an honour to work with women in this way. For anyone looking to book in a session, how can they do so? Just give me a call! Contact me through my website wombtempleyoga.com to join a women’s circle, book a healing session or a package. I teach a women’s yoga class @coffsyogahub and run circles and events up and down the Mid North Coast. I’m based in Sandy Beach but also offer sessions in Valla, Bellingen and Port Macquarie so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to make a move towards pelvic wellbeing. COFFS COAST

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Jessica

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

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

hat does a Dental Hygienist do? Dental Hygienists work with dentists to establish and maintain the best possible oral health of their patient. They focus on preventive care and oral health education. They are instrumental in the treatment of gum disease by cleaning the teeth in areas that are often impossible for the people to reach on their own and removing the hard calculus that grows on the teeth. Dental Hygienists help people achieve the best cleaning and remineralising they can at home. What do you love the most about your job? I love the relationships I build with my patients over the course of their treatment

We’ll turn that frown upside down.

and preventive care over the years. I love successfully treating and maintaining my patients’ oral health. It is very rewarding having so many thankful and happy patients. I really love the job itself. Every day I go in and I enjoy what I do with and for my patients all day and every day, although it’s difficult at times. Many people are naturally a little nervous the first time they come, before long most of them start to look forward to coming back. I always do the very best I can to improve their oral health What do you like to do in your spare time? I have 3 kids that keep me well entertained most days but I do enjoy going for bike rides with my friends around Yellow Rock and Group Fitness with Jess Webb at Valla (Align Fitness). Luckily we live in such a beautiful area there are so many activities to choose from to keep my whole family entertained, whether it’s at

Services.

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

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon. Our phone number remains the same but our email address has changed. 76 COFFS COAST

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

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

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

Welcome

to a new luxe destination Spa on the Coffs Coast

Let our skilled therapists take you on a sensory journey of wildflower healing, an essential escape from a busy

life, working inside and out to restore your life balance, total well-being and ageless beauty.

Opal Boulevard, Opal Cove Resort, Korora @spaelementsaustralia

spaelements.com.au

LOCAL

LAUNCH OFFER

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LED Light Therapy

Custom Spa Rituals

…and all your beauty essentials Call, email or drop in (02) 6651 0532

hello@spaelements.com.au

Mention this ad to receive an introductory 20% discount* on the treatment of your choice (min. 60mins). Book now, this offer is available for JUNE ONLY.

Spa Elements proudly uses Heritage Healers – Coffs Harbour based holistic skin care. *Local Launch discount is an introductory offer for June 2021 only, and is limited to one use per person, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other Spa Promotional Offer or Discount.

78 COFFS COAST

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Our mission is the early detection and treatment of skin cancers. Coffs Coast Skin Cancer Clinic is a privately owned medical practice offering a comprehensive skin cancer service, including screening, and both surgical and non surgical treatments.

Our experienced doctors are Fellows of The Skin Cancer College Australasia, which is the highest achievable level of primary care skin cancer education.

WE AIM TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE BASED SKIN CARE AND WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH ALL TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

Phone 6652 2277

info@coffsskincancer.com.au coffsskincancer.com.au 30A Orlando St, Coffs Harbour 2450 COFFS COAST

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Daniel 80 COFFS COAST

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Growing up in the sleepy coastal village of Crescent Head saw Daniel Bannerman develop a love of the ocean, in particular swimming, and he enjoyed success with the sport at a competitive level. After moving to Coffs Harbour 18 years ago, Daniel decided to share this passion, dedicating his time to teaching the development and technical skills of learning to swim with students in the community.

i Daniel. You’re a long time local of the Coffs Coast region and have spent many years sharing your expertise in the swimming community. Firstly, introduce yourself to

our readers. My name is Daniel Bannerman and I have been living in Coffs Harbour for the past 18 years, originally from Crescent Head. I have been involved in different types of community sports as a participant and coach from swimming, surf lifesaving and soccer. I now get to watch my two sons be a part of these sports and encourage them with my own experiences. I’ve been a member for the Coffs Harbour swimming club coming up to 10 years and have served on the Board for the club for the

past four years. my coach at the time, Roger Whitmore, that Tell us about your background in I learnt from a young age how important swimming. training and race planning I began like most with is. Roger treated all his At the age of 10 learn-to-swim at an early swimmers equally, no I would be age, and progressed matter what level you were regularly attending through a squad at, and this is something I competitive swim program where I would have taken with me into my meets across NSW end up training seven own coaching. times a week in the pool After moving to Coffs and QLD, competing plus gym sessions. Harbour and starting a at QLD and NSW At the age of 10 family I started a career with state championships I would be regularly learn-to-swim over 13 years at the same time as attending competitive ago. swimmers like Ian swim meets across NSW I wanted to pass on my Thorpe. and QLD, competing passion for the sport and at QLD and NSW state started from my 10m pool championships at the same time as swimmers built at home which grew quickly! I have spent like Ian Thorpe. It was under the guidance of the past six years progressing swimmers from COFFS COAST

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focus_interview I have also continued to swim competitively myself in both Open and Masters swimming, winning medals at NSW, QLD and Australian surf championships along with Pan Pacific and National masters swimming championships. You’re one of the coaches here at North Coast Swim Academy. Tell us about your role and what you love most. After building successful learn-to-swim and squad programs I wanted to expand and offer more squad options so I could support my swimmers with their goals. In December 2020 I was successful in being awarded the coaching contract at Sharing my the Coffs Harbour War knowledge of Memorial Pool and started the ocean started in January 2021. with an assistant I have employed four coaching role with local coaches; Dean, North Coast Andrew, Pedro and through the determination Academy of sport Racinda, who all have and drive from the young over 6 years ago and an impressive level of swimmers. The constant was last year experience where we are chase of their dreams announced as Head able to cater to a range pushes them through the Coach for the of swimming abilities hard training sessions. program. from mini squads, squad Notable achievements training, adult squads and from Harry Campbell were competitive swimming. winning medals at every Each session is structured to ensure all major championship meet this year, including swimmers are receiving feedback on stroke Country, QLD state, NSW state and PSSA. He development or monitoring time progression. was also selected into the NSW team for All I have a passion for nurturing the swimmers Schools. Unfortunately, this meet has been ability when they are starting in the sport. cancelled due to COVID. I love to see them achieve their goals and Coco Becker won gold at PSSA NSW state build skills that help them with understanding championship as well as making five finals. commitment and dedication. Squad members Larnie Mordue, Lucy Wilde, Your students have been competing in Courtney Clark, Alexander Cabral-Barbosa also many championships and returning with competed at NSW championship meets and great results of late. Can you share some over 30 North Coast Swim Academy swimmers recent success stories? advancing to PSSA and CHS swimming This season has been a little bit different due championship held at SOPAC in April. to COVID restrictions. However, we have been You’re also an ocean swim coach, offering fortunate with swimming carnivals still going training clinics to surf clubs and their ahead most of the time. members. Tell us about this. Success is different for everybody. For some I grew up at Crescent Head so, like swimmers just starting in local carnivals it swimming, a love for the surf was natural! could be achieving a personal best time. Once I started in nippers and along with my pool you reach high levels of swimming even taking swimming ability I developed a knack for milliseconds off a time is a success. ocean swimming. In the months since January we have seen Sharing my knowledge of the ocean started exceptional results from several swimmers in with an assistant coaching role with North both club and school swimming competitions. Coast Academy of Sport over six years ago I believe these results have been achieved and was last year announced as Head Coach 82 COFFS COAST

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for the program. Unfortunately due to COVID the surf life saving program was put on hold but we are hopeful that this will resume next season. I have held ocean swim coaching clinics for different surf clubs along the North Coast partnering with Nutri-Grain Ironman champion Kendrick Louis to run training sessions at Crescent Head over the Christmas period. For anyone wanting to excel in their sport and take it to the next level, how can they dive into lessons? Excelling in any sport comes down to the athlete being committed and to goal setting. If anyone is looking at joining the squad the best way to contact myself is via email ncswimacademy@outlook.com to discuss squad levels and availability or jump onto North Coast Swim Academy on Facebook and follow the page for updates. What’s next for you? As I started this new role halfway through the summer season I’m looking forward to developing the program to the next level with some exciting opportunities leading into next summer. Now that I’m all settled in, I am eager to get back into some training myself and looking to racing again at carnivals next summer! Swimming is a great way to stay fit and active at any or all abilities. Whether it be in the pool or ocean! Thanks Daniel.

LMA

LEGACY i

Capable Hands

$23 Million Sport Centre for Woolgoolga, Major Work Has Begun

eadership Management Australia (LMA) is a true local success story. While this premier leadership and management development business operates Australia wide and in 66 countries globally, the Mid North Coast is without question the most successful regional arm of the educator. Two decades ago, Marilyn Brien recognised the value LMA’s programs offered to local businesses and organisations wanting to skill up and grow. She took on the licence for our region and went about building the leading development programs in sales, productivity, leadership and management in this community. LMA has had a major impact on regional businesses, local governments, not for profits and individuals over the last 20 years, including BCU, Coffs Council, Forestry Corporation, Terry White, CHESS, Mid Coast Trucks…. The list goes on! The power of the programs is evident when you talk to people who have been through them. It is not unusual to hear past

participants say, “LMA changed my life.” So when the time came for Marilyn to retire, her biggest concern was to find someone with the skills and passion to carry on the legacy she has built over the years. Enter Olivia Jamison. This dynamo has spent the last 20 years working in leadership and development globally with major organisations including 10 Downing Street, BP and Barclays. Her wealth of skills and experience will benefit all future LMA participants. She also grew up right here in Coffs Harbour, so she shares Marilyn’s passion for our community and drive to see us grow and prosper. Olivia and LMA are a match made in heaven. “It has been an honour to watch local people and businesses grow through LMA programs,” says Marilyn. “I’m just so grateful to have someone of Olivia’s calibre to carry on the LMA tradition on the Mid North Coast.” To find out more about LMA programs contact Olivia: 0427 788 434 ojamison@lma.biz

Great to be at the official commencement of the major building works. This is a game changer for the whole of the northern beaches. The facility will be great for local families and sporting clubs. It will allow us to attract major sporting and cultural events. It will also create and support jobs in our community. The Indoor Multi-Purpose Centre includes 2 indoor courts for basketball and netball, a stage, kitchen, café, multi-purpose rooms and male and female amenities.

The outdoor fields will include ovals and rectangular fields, cricket field (turf wicket), training nets, touch football fields, 2 rectangular fields and bright lighting to allow for night games. Civil works will include a new road in from Solitary Islands Way, shared pathways to connect to residential areas, parking and internal roadways. 141 jobs will be created during construction. Many more will be supported by sports tourism and events this facility will bring to our region.

Australia’s Economic Recovery Australia is the third fastest growing economy in the world

More people are employed today, than before the pandemic

Unemployment rate has dropped from 7.5% to 5.6%

Kevin HOGAN MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PAGE Authorised by K Hogan MP, National Party of Australia - NSW, 63 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480

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E D U C AT I O N

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

Faith and Pride in our Gen Z’ers

very generation has trials and tribulations to deal with that mark their era: the Vietnam War in the late 60s, early 70s; the AIDS crisis in the 80s; the internet in the 90s; terrorism in the 2000s; the financial crash and political instablity of the 2010s; and in the 2020s, the continued growth of social media, concerns over individuals’ rights, safety and freedoms, climate change, pandemics and mental health concerns. Yes, it is a complex world with many issues to be understood and remedied. But the emerging generation of those born between 1997 2015, known as Generation Z, are taking these challenges in their stride. Today, they are at school, TAFE or University, and many of them are already in the workforce and chasing their dreams. I’ve been working with Gen Z’ers for most of my teaching career and I find them to be digital, mobile and thrive with social connection. They are innovative, creative, and driven. They are also dreamers and have empathy for political and social concerns. They want to make a difference to this complex world, with strong values and integrity. Here’s a few examples across a variety of domains to illustrate my faith in Gen Z’ers. Emma Serisier, class of 2019, excelled in scientific research throughout her senior school years, with a raft of awards by the time she graduated. Emma was named Coffs

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Harbour Young Citizen of the Year 2020 for her extraordinary efforts in science. She is a problem solver, an environmentalist and a mentor. Emma invented STEMpower as a way for farmers to manage their soil and water quality, and help counteract their environmental footprint. She is strong and resilient and is a trail blazer and role model in a male-dominated community. Jack Winchester, class of 2018, has represented Australia in rugby union since he was just 17 years old, and was a foundation member of the BDC High Performance Program. Jack is known mostly by his strength of character and his approachable personality. Since graduating high school, he has been studying Law at Bond University after winning the prestigious John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship. In 2020, Jack was selected in the Junior Wallabies training squad and this year he debuted for the Western Force in the Super Rugby AU competition. Jack has however made this multistate journey with the humility and respect that sporting identities are not often

recognised for. Jonah Bedford, class of 2020, is a proud Aboriginal man with a strong sense of identity, commitment to his people and to the broader community. Jonah won the Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award for Youth of the Year in 2020 for his work in mentoring Aboriginal youth, and leading numerous Aboriginal events. Jonah recently featured in local surfing legend Otis Carey’s Billabong advertising promoting his Guluun Garaala (Rain in the Cloud) range. Jonah spoke out regarding the Black Lives Matter issues with respect, integrity and love in his heart. Jonah now studies medicine at UNSW in Sydney and has the potential to become one of this country’s next First Peoples’ leaders. As Gen Z continues to come of age, I am confident that these socially active, tech-savvy, motivated and independent thinkers will grow to become conscientious, engaged stewards of our planet and help shape a more equitable future for everyone.

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MARK McCLURG COFFS SOLAR ENERGY

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Established in 2010, Coffs Solar Energy runs under the careful watch of Mark McClurg who is the company owner and Managing Director, has strong principles based on trustworthy and truthful advice, quality product, and exceptional service. Coffs Solar Energy has installed over 3000 solar energy systems on the Coffs Coast and their reputation for great customer service, good value solar pricing and our high degree of product knowledge precedes them.

hen you first opened the doors, what products and services did you offer? Our company was established in January 2010 and back then our company name was our trading name ‘Self Sufficient Homes’. Our initial objective was to sell a variety of energy-efficient products like solar hot water and solar PV. We stopped selling solar hot water when we registered our current trading name – Coffs Solar Energy. Our focus has been 100% solar energy since 2013. How has your offering changed over the years? The reality is that we are an electrical company that specialises in grid-connect solar PV system installations. We employ electricians; hence selling solar hot water systems and sub-contracting the installation to plumbers did not fit our business model. Our business model has us managing 100% of the transaction inhouse from the initial contract engagement to the final installation. Since 2013, our entire business model has been based around the supply and installation of solar electricity and associated services. Having an in-house team rather than outsourcing to contractors, we can offer a higher quality installation and, most importantly, one we can take ownership of. There have been big changes in technology – how has that helped your business?

It has been amazing to be a part of this and we only trade on the Coffs Coast. rapidly evolving industry. Back in 2010, For that reason, we invest in our trade solar panels were rated 190W. We have relationships, and most importantly, we seen solar panels evolve continuously. maintain those relationships. There have been incredible advancements How do you define success? in the design and manufacturing of solar Success is a balancing act. Imagine a panels, vastly improving the efficiency drinks tray filled to the edge with glasses. rating. New Each glass represents generation solar a component of panels are now rated your business, be I would say our at 370W. We are that staff, clients, most significant about to launch a processes, resources, accomplishment is new range of solar relationships and developing our system packages, profitability. If you relationships with which comprise can get from the bar key businesses on the 400W solar panels! to the table and have Coffs Coast. We pride The other significant not dropped a glass – ourselves as a genuine advancement has you have succeeded. locally owned and run been with solar What advice do business, and we inverters. The new you have to other generation inverters business owners on only trade on the we source provide us the Coffs Coast? Coffs Coast. with lots of design Building up your flexibility. The latest business takes MPPT tech allows us to install panels time. Building up your network of trade over several roof sections with different relationships takes even longer. You need orientations. Updated tech, used in both to look after your clients. Coffs Harbour is the panels and the inverters, reduces shade a close-knit community. A bad word will losses and increases output on those low spread faster than a good word, so do light days without consumers needing to whatever you can to make sure that your spend a large amount of money. client’s interaction with your business is Looking back, what have been some of always positive. your biggest accomplishments? How can we get in touch? I would say our most significant Visit our showroom at 26 Isles Drive, accomplishment is developing our Coffs Harbour, phone us 02 6698 0167, relationships with key businesses on the visit our website www.coffssolarenergy. Coffs Coast. We pride ourselves as a com.au or flick me an email at mark@coffssolar.com.au genuine locally owned and run business,

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R.L.E

R E G L AT T E R ELECTRICAL AND ENERGY

Reg La er Electrical have been around since 1979, so for over 40 years, and they are true local leaders in electrical services that cover Domestic, Commercial and Industrial plus provide energy services. We sat down with Renae to find out a bit more…

LE has been a firm part of the Coffs Coast for so long now. What do you think makes RLE stand out and still be here after so long? We are committed to maintaining a high standard in all our projects, we offer a personalised service and strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. What services do RLE provide? We offer a large range of electrical services and are also Level 1 and Level 2 Accredited Service Providers. Our team has many years of experience establishing overhead and underground mains

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cabling, as well as sub-transmission network assets. We provide a variety of services, including pad mounted substation construction and upgrades, pole mounted substation construction and upgrades, power pole replacements, service pole installations and high voltage overhead and underground power line construction. This also covers low voltage overhead and underground reticulations, upgrades and line extensions, street lighting and sports lighting. Tell us about your staff The team at RLE is made up of amazing people with high skill sets that work together in a forward-thinking environment. RLE Energy

are committed to maintaining site safety and meeting construction and servicing deadlines. We work directly with our clients on a domestic and commercial level to achieve their goals. This can include anything from large electrical installations and repairs, to smaller hot water repairs. We can also provide our clients with statutory electrical safety checks – which may include testing and tagging appliances, thermal imaging, emergency and exit light testing and repairs. The team at RLE is committed to maintaining the highest quality of workmanship and site safety.

FIRST

N A T I O N A L REAL ESTATE COFFS COAST

First National Real Estate Coffs Coast Celebrating 10 years since joining the First National network and almost 40 years in business

bout us. Our team, led by three Sales Directors, Caroline Campbell, Rich McKeon and David Small, and Property Management Director Lisa Hanlan, offers decades of combined experience in the local real estate industry. What sets you apart from other agencies? We have chosen to run a boutique style agency allowing us to maintain a high level of customer and client focus. We value all relationships that we build throughout our community and have resisted growing too big to avoid losing our ‘personal touch’. The vast amount of experience we have across all our employees, including long standing sales agents, property managers and administration staff, is something we are very proud of. How did Covid affect your business? Our close-knit team adapted quickly, maintaining our high servicing levels for our clients. Though the last year has been challenging in many ways, we have managed

success in both our sales and property management departments. We attribute much of this success to our team’s ability to evolve and embrace change quickly, such as: virtual tours; drive-by appraisals; private inspections; and much more. What is the secret to your success? We play to our strengths. We have a wide variety of expertise which makes our office life exciting. Rich McKeon is our land and development specialist; Caroline Campbell is our residential specialist with a focus on coastal and beachside properties; David Small is our rural specialist with a keen focus on his hometown of Upper Orara; and Avi Aronsen is our other very valuable sales agent who is well established in the local residential market. Lisa Hanlan, head of our Property Management department, personally brings 30 years property management experience to the business and, with her team of six, oversees the management of over 550 properties. Our job is so rewarding because every day we are helping clients find their homes here on the beautiful Coffs Coast.

What is your business’ greatest asset? Without doubt, our team. We pride ourselves on our passion, enthusiasm, honesty, adaptability, and highly refined negotiation skills that can only be achieved from experience. Our results speak for themselves. What does 2021 hold for your business? We look forward to continued success. Finding the right people is extremely important to us, and we are always on the lookout for a new team member who matches our values and ethics and fits in well with our culture. What do you enjoy about living on the Coffs Coast? We have all called this beautiful place home for most of our lives and would all agree it is the people, climate, beaches, and relaxed lifestyle that ensure we never want to leave. We are honoured to be servicing the Coffs Coast, and will continue putting our clients first for many more years to come. How do we get in touch? Visit us any time at our primely located office on the Jetty strip at 386 Harbour Drive or call us on 6652 1144. COFFS COAST

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Museum REGIONAL

Our region’s rich history is to be celebrated and there’s no better place to visit than

the Coffs Harbour regional museum to absorb our fascinating heritage.

his month, being our Decades in the Trade feature, we chat with the team of curators to share not only the museum’s story, but the town’s. The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum and Gallery has played a large role within the community for many many years. Tell us a little about its own history and how it has grown since its inception. The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum sits on a rise along Harbour Drive in one of the few heritage listed buildings in Coffs Harbour. Originally built as our town’s first Police Station and Courthouse, it stood open to the public from Thursday 21 February 1907, roughly halfway between Top Town (the CBD) and The Jetty area. The architect was Walter Liberty Vernon, who designed many similar buildings in New South Wales. Coffs Harbour City Council purchased the building in 2010, 90 COFFS COAST

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after public encouragement, to rehouse the opened 1988 at 189 Harbour Drive – many museum collection. locals remember the old museum with great From 1955-2004 the volunteer-run Coffs fondness. Unfortunately two devastating Harbour Historical floods in 2006 and 2009 Society fostered the saw the loss of some Originally built community’s interest collections, and closure as our town’s in local history and of the Museum until first Police Station heritage, and began 2014, when it reopened and Courthouse, it the collection of at 215 Harbour Drive stood open to the research data, historic in the former Police public from Thursday photographs and Station and Courthouse artefacts. All this work building. 21 February 1907, was the foundation of Like many museums roughly halfway the original Museum. around the world, between Top Town Amateur historian displayed items are only (the CBD) and The George England and his a small fraction of the Jetty area. wife Naomi were two of collection and the Coffs the driving forces of the Museum collection is no Historical Society and the establishment of the different. People are always keen to go behind first Museum. Operations were handed over the scene and fossick around to see gems they to the City Council and a dedicated building find.

Not only does the service provide information about the MUSEUM AND GALLERY COLLECTIONS TO THE PUBLIC, MANY ITEMS HAVE BEEN DIGITISED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME so you can see new content being added weekly.

However, thanks to a $500,000 grant from Create NSW in 2018, the Coffs Harbour Museum and Gallery team were able to develop a new on-line discovery portal aptly called Coffs Collections. It was launched on 1 September 2020 and has been a huge hit with Coffs Harbour locals and people further afield who are looking for historical information about the area. Not only does the service provide information about the Museum and Gallery collections to the public, many items have been digitised for the very first time so you can see new content being added weekly. Coffs Harbour’s rich history includes that from early pioneers to WW1 volunteers and everything in between. What makes the Coffs Coast history and heritage so unique? Coffs Harbour is one of the youngest major settlements on the east coast of NSW, primarily because of its lack of a big river. It didn’t attract permanent European residents until around 1880. This seems to have led to a more egalitarian society, and to democratic

interest and why? developments such as a universal health care scheme. The scheme is described on the One prominent family with a strong Museum’s history blog Coffs Coast Heritage connection to the Museum is the Hoschke [3]. family. Amandus and Mary Ann Hoschke The “make-do” approach required of the arrived in the Orara district in 1886. He new residents by the town’s isolation has led and his wife were two of the first settlers in to some varied and Upper Orara. In 2015 the innovative artefacts Hoschke family donated being donated to the two items made by Ada Th e new Library, Museum over the years Davis, daughter of Jessie Museum and of its existence, such Hoschke and George Gallery (part of the as a timber jinker [4]; Davis – a table and a wall a chair made out of new Cultural and Civic packing cases [5]; and panel created in Upper Space), due to open in a cushion cover made Orara [7]. the next couple of from silk cigarette In 2017, several rare years, will feature more cards [6]. items including two of the objects from this The new Library, family portraits – one of make-do culture. Museum and Gallery Clunie Bain Hoschke and (part of the new the other of Frederick Cultural and Civic Amandus Hoschke, a 1925 Speedwell Space), due to open in the next couple of Cycles medallion [8], and an illuminated years, will feature more of the objects from address [9] – were presented to the Museum this make-do culture. by family members Ian, Fred, and Doug If you could choose only one prominent family from the region, who comes to mind in regards to great family stories of

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Mr. Sherwood, in proposing the health of the guest of the evening, referred to Mr. Hoschke's early pioneering experiences, and showed the great pluck and upright honesty of practically a young man in the little settled district of the Orara.

Illuminated addresses were like an elaborate thank you or farewell card and “a popular way to mark a special occasion or outstanding service.” This address was presented to Amandus Hoschke in 1909 by the Orara citizenry on the occasion of his departure to Germany to visit his origins. It is beautifully rendered, with a photograph showing the main street of Coramba as well as one of Amandus himself and stylised signatures for all of Hoschke’s peers. The wording starts: “Dear Sir, On the eve of your departure on a well earned holiday trip to Germany, your many friends in the Orara, Bucca Creek and Coffs Harbour Districts…” The farewell event was held on 10 May 1909 at Coramba: “Mr. Sherwood, in proposing the health of the guest of the evening, referred to Mr. Hoschke's early pioneering experiences, and 92 COFFS COAST

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showed the great pluck and upright honesty of practically a young man in the little settled district of the Orara. As one who was foremost in everything that went for the best progress of the district, and one who had worked hard for the attainment of such, Mr. Hoschke was a citizen to be proud of. It afforded him the greatest pleasure to wish him bon voyage on his well earned holiday trip to his native country.” “Messrs. McLean, Smith, Martin, MacNamara, Gale, Pritzler and Cochrane also spoke, the latter gentleman presenting Mr. Hoschke with a beautiful illuminated address in album form, showing, various photographs of the district, and one of the recipient.” “In replying, Mr. Hoschke said that it was one of the proudest moments of his life to think that he was held in such esteem by his many friends, as had been evidenced within the last few days and at the gathering that evening.”

SEND OFF AT CORAMBA (1909, May 13). Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW: 1889 - 1915), p.8 [at http:// nla.gov.au/nla.newsarticle61541011] For more details about the family, just search for Hoschke in Coffs Collections @ coffs.recollect. net.au. There are many collections of interviews, documents and fantastic resources available for the public to watch, listen to or read about. What are some of the most popular and where do we go to find out more? Our most popular items are all available online in Coffs Collections. They are: the Coffs Harbour Home Movie at https://coffs.recollect.net.au/ nodes/view/68094; the photographic collection of Sawtell Historical Society at https://coffs.recollect.net.au/ nodes/view/55196; the Indigenous History of our region at https:// coffs.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/30668; and the early 20th century land sale posters at https://coffs.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/67990. The 3D tour of the Museum itself at https:// coffs.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/37370 is also very engaging.

Mick GENTLE Mick Gentle is a local banana farmer who was born and raised on the Coffs Coast, and has been farming in the area for the last 27 years. He feels his love of the land was inherited from his grandfather, and after speaking with him we can see how passionate he is about farming and great local produce.

ey Mick, Can you share with us a bit about your background, and how long have you been a banana farmer here on the Coffs Coast? I’ve been growing bananas in Bonville for 27 years. Born and bred in Karangi, I left Orara High School in 1984 to work for Coffs Removals. I was there for 10 years before starting out growing bananas on a run down farm in Bonville. My first wife and I grew a combination of varieties on the farm such as Williams, Cavendish, Goldfinger, Ducasse and Lady Fingers. It was many years of hard work getting the farm established and profitable. As well as farming we raised two great kids, both now adults and my son is now becoming a very competent banana farmer in his own right. In 2011 after my marriage broke down I came very close to leaving the industry. But with the support of some neighbours and a bit of luck, I was able to continue farming on 5 acres of leased land in Bonville. One day in Bunnings I was pleasantly surprised to see a friend from my school days who is now my lovely wife. Together we found a beautiful secluded 14 acres of north facing land with a house and shed at the end of Cassidys Road in Bonville, which we cleared

MY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE IS THAT OUR LOCAL FARMERS KEEP THE ICONIC COFFS HARBOUR BANANA ALIVE AND PROSPEROUS.

and it is now our home and my banana farm. What does a typical day look like for you and what’s the process from growing to being in the fruit bowl? There isn’t really a ‘typical’ day on the farm, anything can happen! Before the banana can be in the fruit bowl, once the plant is in the ground weeds have to be sprayed, the plants are fertilised, suckers are removed (these are the shoots from the mother plant) leaving just one to grow a bunch for the next year’s crop. Once the plant throws a ‘bunch’ it has to be pruned and covered with a bag for protection. Once the bunch has matured, which can take 4 to 6 months, it is manually cut from the plant, transported to the shed, and the fruit is cut from the bunch into hands, washed, graded, sorted and packed into cartons. My bananas are then transported to my agent in the Sydney markets for sale. What type of bananas do you grow and why? I choose to grow the Rossi Lady Finger and Ducasse varieties of bananas. I chose the Rossi Lady Finger after well-known local farmer Gerry Rossi came across a shorter Lady Finger plant growing among the taller plants in his farm and decided to propagate from this one

plant, thus creating this variety. This plant is half the height of the standard Lady Finger variety which makes it easier to put a bag onto the bunch and is easier to harvest. As a bonus, this fruit has all the great characteristics of the standard Lady Finger. Ducasse bananas are a Vietnamese variety. They aren’t normally found at your local supermarket, but they are making an appearance in our local growers and Sunday markets. They are easy to grow and very resilient and yield a dense, creamy and delicious fruit, unlike any other banana you would have tasted. What is your secret for maintaining a successful business for over 20 years? There’s no secret for me, maintaining a successful business is all about the end product. When my fruit is to my complete satisfaction, I feel a sense of pride that I have done the best job possible throughout the whole growing process. It is so rewarding when I can look into one of my cartons and feel “WOW that’s great fruit” there is nothing that completes me more, this is where my passion pays off. Thanks Mick. COFFS COAST

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

Tax Time is looming fast Make the most of the recent changes

t is hard to believe how asset write off before 30 June. quickly this year is going. We This could help to reduce or even have seen the Government eliminate tax payable this year. E.g. deliver many new policies company buying a $100k piece of to assist the economy equipment before 30 June 2021 through an exceedingly difficult will save $26,887 of income tax at period. There are several changes the corporate tax rate. to consider, Effective 6 particularly October 2020 Small small business Businesses with businesses owners and aggregated annual should ensure that superannuation. turnover within the their financial Small relevant threshold information is up businesses will be able to to date, so that should ensure deduct the full cost important decisions that their financial of eligible capital can be made prior information is assets acquired to June 30. up to date, so from 7:30pm AEDT that important on 6 October decisions can be made prior to 2020 (Budget night) and first June 30. used or installed by 30 June 2023 Rental property owners (extended from 30 June 2022 should consider obtaining a tax previously). This applies to both depreciation schedule if you do new and second-hand assets as not already have one. Depending well as improvements to existing on the age of your property, assets. residential investors have found on ATO Watch List - Capital gains average of $8,846 in deductions from sale of Cryptocurrency for the 2018/19 year. If you have traded, sold or gifted Small business owners cryptocurrency you must include should look to take advantage this information in your tax return of the “full expensing” instant for capital gains tax purposes.

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Subee NEWLAKE 28 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Subee Newlake (pronounced Soo-Bee-New-Lake) was founded in 1993, so we have been helping families like yours for nearly 30 years. And we are still a local, family-owned business.

n one room of a cottage on Albany Street, Coffs Harbour, we began life as Bananacoast Home Nursing and Respite Care. From that humble start, we‘ve grown from a one-(wo)manshow to a workforce of over 120 people. Annually we provide over 50,000 hours of care to our clients. And our support staff travel over 4,000km per month to provide help to families on the Coffs Coast and Newcastle. We provide in-home nursing, personal care, cleaning and respite services to families, the elderly and the disabled. We provide help to you in your own home. So, we can help you continue living at home and staying independent.

Owners Sue and Mick Beehag, have always prioritised supporting your health, your home and your ties to your community. We can help in your home. Call Subee Newlake on 6651 3153, if you: • want to stay at home longer and maintain your independence • need aged care or NDIS care and support in your home to do that • you are eligible for a Home Care Package or NDIS funding • you are looking for a reliable Service Provider on the Coffs Coast. Our staff take the time to build you a Personalised Care Plan to help you with housework or personal care through to high level nursing care. How can Subee Newlake help you?

Call 6651 3153 | subeenewlake.com.au

Harbour Fire & SECURITY 19 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Tom Baker started out in the communications industry, then branched out and acquired skills in fire alarm installation and security / CCTV systems. He took over “Harbour Safety and Security” from its previous owner Bill Lidster in 2010 doing various size commercial security and fire projects since then.

ow has your offering changed over the years? In 2013 we merged with an IT business to form Advanced Technology, incorporating IT, Telco, telephone systems, CCTV and security systems, fire alarms and regular fire inspections. Changes in the industry made us “re-specialise” and deepen our skills and knowledge in the fields of fire maintenance, alarm systems and electronic security, leading us back to our beginnings with “Harbour Fire & Security”. How have changes in technology helped your business? We have always been at the forefront of technology changes. Modern internet solutions, changing from hardwired to cloud based technology, enabled us to implement some fantastic state of the art modern security and communications solutions locally.

We’ve employed top notch job management and maintenance software early in the stage to deliver efficient service to our clients in the short and long run. This is especially important in fire safety and maintenance. Looking back – what have been some of your biggest accomplishments? We have a great team, and we’re proud of our participation in some of the recent projects to benefit Coffs Harbour like the CEX Stadium, The Bunker Cartoon Gallery, the new TAFE facility at CHEC among others! How do you define success? I’m an “Artisan” at heart, so whatever you fashion, whatever you build – as long as you are happy in what you do you are successful! How can we get in touch? Ring 02 6658 8888, or email connect@ harbourfiresecurity.com.au Check out our website www.harbourfiresecurity.com.au COFFS COAST

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Some of the team who have worked at Key Employment for over a decade

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Key EMPLOYMENT

Key Employment has been

finding jobs for people with disabilities over the past three decades. We caught up with CEO, Jodi Wood to find out more...

hen did your business open and who was involved? Key Employment (KE) has been dedicated to helping people with disability find employment since 1991. In our 30th year we have grown from a small service with 5 staff and 20 clients in 2 locations to a service with 90 staff and over 1500 clients in 7 locations. We now operate from Yamba to Port Macquarie and are one of the largest employment services for people with disability in Australia. The company was founded by Chris Worboys who continues to work at Key Employment today and is the executive director of the board. Chris has built a loyal and dedicated team over the last 3 decades. Whilst the employment services industry sees a high rate of staff turnover, KE continues to

buck this trend, with over 20 staff members who have worked at KE for a decade or more. This is a testament to the positive family culture Chris has built within KE over the last 30 years. What have been some of the changes in your business? KE has changed its service delivery model many times in line with the government of the day and the contracts and policy changes we face regularly.

The company was founded by Chris Worboys who continues to work at Key Employment today and is the executive director of the board. Chris has built a loyal and dedicated team over the last 3 decades.

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Key EMPLOYMENT

have been successful in running our business under all the different government contracts we have been awarded. More recently the biggest change we have seen is in the services we offer, expanding from employment services only into both youth services and the NDIS. Whilst employment opportunities for people with disability remain at the heart of everything we do, we are now able to offer services that assist people with disability participate more fully in the social aspects KE today is a of their life. KE today is a more holistic more holistic provider that provider that can can offer a wide range offer a wide range of The employment of supports to all people supports to all people services industry is with disability. with disability extremely volatile What have been some with performance of your challenges? expectations changing The biggest challenge often. To stay in the game for over 3 decades we face today and have always faced is is a credit to the flexibility, innovation, and public perception and the stereotypes that go hard work of the team at KE. We adapt and with hiring a person with a disability. Many work with changes to our operations daily and employers just are not willing to give a person 98 COFFS COAST

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The economic benefits to hiring a person with disability exceed the cost, not to mention the social benefits that come with employing a diverse workforce

with disability a go because they are concerned it will cost them time and money. The reality is that people with disability have less WH&S incidents than other workers, are more reliable and are likely to stay with a company for longer than other employees. The economic benefits to hiring a person with disability exceed the costs, not to mention all the social benefits that come with employing a diverse workforce. We are lucky to work with some amazing employers on the Coffs Coast and have seen many thousands of success stories that prove these points every day. What is the secret to your success? The simple answer is – our team. We employ some of the most passionate,

dedicated, and hardworking people who are also extremely invested in this community and the clients they see. KE offers an unrivalled personal approach to the case management of our clients. Over the past 10 years our client satisfaction levels, as measured by an independent research company, have been above 9 out of 10 every year. This is an amazing result and reflects why we are so successful. Tell us about your community involvement? Key Employment has invested millions of dollars in the Coffs Coast Community

over the past 30 years and has been an active participant in many thousands of community events and initiatives. We have missed attending these events over the last 12 months due to COVID, but we have spent the time wisely planning and saving for the infrastructure of our own community and disability hub at the old Catholic Club on West High street. We are really excited to begin this project later this year and are planning a 30th Anniversary fundraising event to celebrate. Keep an eye out for tickets, because a Key Employment event is one not to be missed.

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Cardow &

PA R T N E R S

C O F F S

H A R B O U R

MEET THE AGENTS

ANDREE CARDOW NICOLE CARDOW PRINCIPAL | LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT

an you tell us about how you came to be a Real Estate Agent? I’ve been a real estate agent for almost 30 years. Real Estate is in the blood with my father having over 50 very successful years experience himself.

Can you tell us about your role? I’m a principal owner of both Cardow & Partners Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. I oversee the running of both businesses and am also a sales consultant. The Woolgoolga office being my “baby” so to speak and in December this year, will have been operating for 20 years. What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? Honesty, integrity and great negotiation skills are probably the most important parts of my role and played the biggest role in my success. What are your goals moving forward with your career? After the success of the Coffs office it has given me more motivation and drive to add another 2 offices over the next 5 years.

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PRINCIPAL

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT

an you tell us about how you came to be a Real Estate Agent? I guess it was in the blood from birth. Growing up in the family business it has always been a career that I have found intriguing. Our father instilled in us the value of good work ethics and sent us out into the big world to find our own way first. I moved to Sydney in my early 20’s for work, before returning to the Coffs Coast and officially commencing my career in real estate in 2014 and I have never looked back. Can you tell us about your role? I initially started in Property Management before progressing into my current role in Sales. What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? A passion for the

industry, good market knowledge and integrity. What are your goals moving forward with your career? I love working and meeting new people. I look forward to the challenges ahead and achieving some great sales results and assisting clients in securing a dream home or investment. What have been your greatest highlights and accolades over the years? There have been many highlights over the years including the growth and expansion of our business. The recent property boom over the last 12 months has been quite a ride with many beautiful, unique properties sold at record breaking prices. Achieving “Rate My Agents” - Sales Agent for the Year in 2020 and 2021 has also been a personal highlight.

M E E T

ALETA STEPHENS

T H E

A G E N T S

EMILY McILWRAITH

NICOLE STARK

PRINCIPAL

LICENSED

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Can you tell us about your role? I am a partner in the Coffs Harbour office alongside Nicole and Andree and work full time in a sales capacity.

Can you tell us about your role? I like to refer to myself as the ‘middleman’ as we are constantly juggling people’s emotions in the most stressful time of their lives and ensuring both the owners and the buyers are happy.

an you tell us about how you came to be a Real Estate Agent? I had an appraisal done on my home by a local agent who said “you should be in real estate” so whilst on maternity leave I gave it a go and 12 years later here I am still enjoying the industry.

What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? I think agents need to be transparent, educated on local matters and honest along with being hard working for both the vendor and purchaser alike.

an you tell us about how you came to be a Real Estate Agent? I saw a job as a receptionist at a local agency and applied, so I technically fell into the industry 6 years ago and I have never looked back.

What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? Being upfront and honest with all clients.

What are your goals moving forward with your career? To continue to give 100% in all that I do and to look after my past and future clients.

What are your goals moving forward with your career? I want to help as many local owners as I can sell their properties for record prices.

What have been your greatest highlights and accolades over the years? I was proud to win the Most Recommended Agent for the Coffs Harbour suburb for 3 years in a row and an award for Regional Agent Achiever of the Year also.

What have been your greatest highlights and accolades over the years? Having a close friend of mine appoint me to sell their home and sell it within 24 hours for $65,000 more than what it was listed for.

an you tell us about how you came to be a Real Estate Agent? I started in real estate in 2000 as a real

estate sales agent and have always had an interest in the housing market. Can you tell us about your role? Licensed agent selling in the Coffs region for over 20 years What do you think is important to be successful in this industry? To be successful it is important to listen and understand your clients’ needs, provide them with excellent and sound advice to make their experience a great one. What have been your greatest highlights and accolades over the years? During my career I have achieved the Top 20 status for real estate agents in Australia, not many can say they have achieved this. COFFS COAST

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MEET THE TEACHERS

ELYSE STUART

AMY HLIOUNAKUS

These four happy faces belong to passionate educators Amy Hliounakus, Lauren Condon, Anneliese Mills and Elyse Stuart who all began their teaching careers in Coffs Harbour Catholic schools this year. We met up with these four ‘classy’ ladies to chat and hear how it’s all going.

hat made you decide to be a teacher? Amy: I was blessed to have some amazing teachers throughout school and they inspired me to follow this dream. Anneliese: To be honest, I don’t remember ‘deciding’ to be a teacher. It's something I’ve wanted to be since I was little. (cliche, I know!) I suppose I was very lucky that, in my own education, I had some amazing teachers who encouraged and supported me. Lauren: I felt something was calling me to be a teacher because of my love of learning and love of children. My mum is also a teacher so I feel it’s in my blood. Elyse: After Year 10 work experience at a local school, I fell in love with teaching and knew it was the only career for me! What grade/subject area are you teaching?

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Amy: I am teaching Year 1 and I love my class! Lauren: I’m currently teaching a beautiful group of Year 3 children. Elyse: I am co-teaching in Stage 2 with two other amazing teachers and 83 beautiful students. Our Stage is always filled with learning and laughter. (Shout out to Stage 2 at St Francis Xavier, you bunch of legends!) Annaliese: This year I am teaching a straight English load to Years 7,9,10 and 12. You’re a term into your career now. How are you finding being a full-time teacher? Elyse: Goodness, it is so crazy to hear that! The journey so far has been joyful, heartwarming and BUSY!. Being a grad teacher is one BIG learning journey and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Amy: I just love it! So much happens every day.

Lauren: I love it too! It’s certainly a busy and demanding profession but the children make it all worthwhile. Annaliese: I am really enjoying it. It has been amazing to be able to start the year with my classes and watch them grow and develop in confidence. How well supported are you? Is there help available when you are starting out? Annaliese: I have been offered a huge amount of support; from having a mentor teacher to days off class to help with accreditation. I am enormously grateful for all of the guidance I receive. Amy: My amazing team has been very helpful and the entire St Augustine’s staff are all super supportive. We’re all part of the system-led Graduate Formation program which provides us with the opportunity to receive support and connect with other beginning teachers.

LAUREN CONDON ANNELIESE MILLS Lauren: The MHOC staff are friendly and helpful, and I’ve been given wonderful support from my co-teacher, mentor teacher and the leadership staff. There are so many ‘knowledgeable others’ to seek out when I need more information or assistance. Elyse: Absolutely! After my first day at SFX, I couldn’t believe the amount of kindness and support that was available. My co-teachers are very patient and the leadership team is very approachable.I also have the privilege of meeting the other wonderful graduate teachers in the area; they are a major support network for me. What’s the best part about being a teacher? Lauren: It’s great being part of a school community where relationships are a priority. I love being part of a team working towards a common goal, providing students with the best opportunities to learn, grow and reach

their full potential. Amy: Each day, my students share stories of how people ‘fill their buckets’. The class goes around and tells each other what someone did to make their day better. They are getting really good at looking for kindness and it encourages them to do nice things for each other during the school day. Elyse: The students! They make me so proud everyday and I am beyond blessed to have such a beautiful bunch who continually inspire me. Anneliese: Seeing students grow and progress. I get as excited as the students do when they achieve their goals. Any advice for people aspiring to a career in education? Amy: Ask lots of questions and ask for help. You will never stop learning as a teacher so make sure you’re open to feedback and

advice. Lauren: Remember to celebrate the little wins! It is so rewarding to see growth in the students and to witness their smiles when they take risks, persevere, challenge themselves and succeed. Elyse: You will not regret it! Be ready to put in the hard yards and give it your all because those little people look up to you in more ways than you realise! Annaliese: Go for it! It really is the most rewarding career. Secondly, no one warns you that uni will only teach you half of what you need to know and absolutely none of the practical things; like how to manage a room full of teenagers on a Friday afternoon! Gold stars for you all! Thanks for your time Amy, Lauren, Anneliese and Alyce.

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PISK

Pearl Pisk is a talented and hard working young dancer from Bellingen. She has grown up around dance as her mum owns Rivers Dance Centre’86 in Bello, so she has watched on and joined in for as long as she can remember. She may be small but she is doing big things!

i Pearl. Your love of the stage and dancing started at a very young age. Firstly, for those that don't know you, please introduce yourself. Hi, I’m Pearl. I’m 10 years old and in year 4 at Bellingen Public School. I have been involved with Dance for probably as long as I could walk! I go to Rivers Dance Centre’86 in Bellingen, where I train every afternoon. I also enjoy art and being creative on other levels, making projects, building Lego and shopping with my mum! I have two other siblings, Kirra who is 4 and Bree who is just 3 months old! You’ve steadily been developing your 104 COFFS COAST

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performing and doing competitions on the Coast along with many other kids who love dance as much as I do! You’re certainly dedicated and committed I also enjoy art & to dance. What type of being creative on training is involved and what styles of dance do other levels, making skills and gaining you perform? projects, building Lego confidence over Yes, I love my Dancing! & shopping with my the past couple of It makes me feel good and mum! I have two other years. When did it gives me something to siblings, Kirra who is 4 go from a fun after work towards. I’m really and Bree who is just 3 school activity, to focused on my Classical months old! a sport you put Ballet, which involves doing all your time and two Syllabus classes during energy into? What the week, working towards do you love about it most? my Cecchetti Ballet exams each year. I also do Well, my mum owns a Dance Studio, so the Junior Under 12’s Performance Team which I was around the studio a lot, watching the means I do 4 other classes during the week in “big kids” in classes and going along to all the the styles of Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical. extra weekend rehearsals and performances. Outside of the classes, I also learn solos with I looked up to them and thought “I wish I my teachers, and practice during the week at could do the show!” And well now here I am, home (in between my normal classes). It takes

The Senior girls at the studio over the past few years have certainly been amazing leaders and my inspiration, along with my mum who gives me the confidence to work hard & enjoy myself at the same time!

a lot of commitment but when you put your mind to it and stay focused it becomes natural. Last year, I actually did 2 Ballet Grades (Grade 3 and Grade 4) which meant I was attending double the classes, as I was encouraged by Miss Antonia to sit both in the one year! Even during Covid, our studio did “Zoom” classes so that we didn’t fall behind (Thanks to Miss Antonia!) and I came out passing both exams with Honours. I also auditioned for The Australian Ballet ITP Programme and got in! So I will be travelling interstate to Melbourne and Sydney over the next couple of years! It will be a very busy time – but very rewarding too! You compete across NSW in competitions. How’s that experience been and what are you most proud of about yourself and your achievements? My team from Rivers Dance Centre’86 is competing at the Coffs Harbour and Kempsey Eisteddfod this year, along with

other local community performances. I will also be taking my solos to Coffs, Kempsey, Macksville and Ballina Eisteddfods and will try to qualify for the Gold Coast Showcase Eisteddfod in January 2022. In 2019, I won 1st place for all my solos, which left me super proud of my efforts and how far I had come. It also meant I stepped up into the ‘Open’ sections which are considerably harder. This year I’m also competing in the Open sections with the Seniors which I’m really excited for as I’m dancing in one of my favourite routines choreographed by Miss Tehani. Last year, I qualified as a finalist for the Miss Diamond International Pageant, whereby I created a fundraising campaign for the Royal Institute For Deaf and Blind Children, raising funds and awareness for the organisation to help out as much as I could. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 the Competition was postponed,

therefore I will be embarking on this in 2022. Who is your inspiration in the dancing world? I don’t have a particular dancer, but there are many out there who I hope to be as good as one day! I have a favourite dancer on Dance Academy – Tara. She is amazing. I would also have to say the Senior girls at the studio over the past few years have certainly been amazing leaders and my inspiration, along with my mum who gives me the confidence to work hard and enjoy myself at the same time! What are your dreams for the future? I’m not sure exactly where Dance will take me yet as I’m only 10, there are so many options out there and I’m still learning so much. So I will just keep working hard on my technique and gain experience in performing for now, and short term I hope that I can pass my next Cecchetti Ballet exam in August with successful marks. Looking to the future, maybe I will be a Dancer/Actor in a show like Dance Academy, or be a professional Dancer in a company such as The Australian Ballet. Thanks Pearl. COFFS COAST

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JASON BURLEY

FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

AGED CARE AND RESIDENT FEES With increasing life expectancies and improvements in medical technology we can all expect to have longer and more productive retirements.

ut there is still a high chance of needing help with daily living activities and medical care, especially at

older ages. For some people, moving into residential aged care may be the best option. Room fees The accommodation payment is quoted as a lump sum (called a refundable accommodation deposit – RAD) and an equivalent daily fee (called the daily accommodation payment – DAP). If you pay the lump sum RAD it’s fully refundable when you leave care and repayment is guaranteed by the Federal Government provided you have paid the RAD to an approved service provider. A DAP is not refundable. Care fees All residents pay a Basic Daily Fee which is set at 85% of the Age Pension. Depending on your income and assets you may be asked to pay a

means-tested daily care fee. Some providers also charge an additional services fee. Lots to consider Financial aspects are only one consideration when preparing for your care years. It is more important to find the right care service at the right time. If your finances are carefully planned, you will have more choices and greater control over where and how you live and receive care. The value of advice Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it is important to speak to a licenced financial adviser. I am a licensed financial adviser who specialises in Aged Care, and an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232. Giving yourself time by starting your research early can reduce stress levels and, for an older person, can ensure their voice is heard more clearly. Call me on 0431 414 799 to discuss your own position and how I might help.

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

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Fantastic It sure is, the Colourworks team at

Coffs Harbour have won Canon’s NSW Partner of the Year Award for the second year in a row, we’ve also launched our new brand despite a challenging year. We couldn’t have done it without our fantastic customers. Thank you.

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Making the move to

Marian G R O V E

When life changes, we often need to reevaluate and revisit our needs and direction. Such was the case for New Release resident Chris, whose journey led her to a new home and life at Marian Grove.

here’s definitely an element of trauma in leaving somewhere you’ve lived for many years and moving to somewhere new” she says. “It usually involves downsizing, which means letting go of so many things that are more than just things, they have sentiment and memories attached to them so it’s a whole process in itself. Then there’s a whole new set of circumstances to adjust to. It asks you to be flexible and change isn’t easy for anyone, so we’ve got to dig deep to make it a positive and life enhancing experience.” What led you to choose Marian Grove, Chris? “A lot of people said to me along the way, ‘Have you thought about the new apartments at Marian Grove, oh but they’d be too expensive’,” Chris says, “so I didn’t bother. I discounted that option as out of my scenario. Then I saw an ad on the television one night and I thought, well it can’t hurt at least to look. I made no appointment or anything, because I wasn’t even sure exactly where the new part was, although I knew Marian Grove 110 COFFS COAST

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with Chris

I just pulled up out the front of the apartments and walked up the stairs, and it was like someone put their arms around me and said, ‘You belong here.’

because I’ve had dear friends living here for years.” “I just pulled up out the front of the apartments and walked up the stairs, and it was like someone put their arms around me and said, ‘You belong here.’ The sense of peace and feeling like this was home was overwhelming. So, I went back outside, toddled down the street to reception and asked, how do I organise to have a look through the apartments? The team in reception were so helpful and I made a time to meet Michelle, who I found to be thoughtful, mindful, caring, and able to put herself in someone else’s shoes, which made that whole process of thinking and looking and deciding much easier. And I have to say that she’s indicative of, without exception, everyone I’ve come across since I’ve moved here.” “I’ve been reading through the resident handbook, about your Vision and Mission and Values and I don’t know how you do it, to be

honest. A lot of places say, we’re this or we’re that, but they’re just empty words. The thing I strongly feel that sets this place apart is that your words seem to be backed up by actions and I observed this even before I decided to buy here. Everyone, from the maintenance team to reception and the others, have smiles on their faces, love in their hearts, and patience when they deal with people, and you can feel that. And now that I’m meeting other residents in the community, I feel the same thing from them. It’s the journey to peace I was looking for, and it’s priceless.” Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Chris, welcome home. If you’ve discounted the option of coming to Marian Grove, perhaps you’d like to take a better look and find out what we have to offer! Visit our website scca.net.au/independent or to make an enquiry just phone 02 6653 1241- we’d love to hear from you!

LIVE YOUR

BEST LIFE

AVAILABLE NOW!

There’s never been a better time to come home to Marian Grove, with prices to suit every budget. 2 bedroom, Village Villa

$365,000

2 bedroom, East Facing

$485,000

3 bedroom, Courtyard View

$620,000

For more information call (02) 6653 1241 or visit www.mariangrovelifestyle.com.au

Enjoy life at Marian Grove where we’ve been caring for our community for over 27 years.

LIFESTYLE

SAW

Marian Grove

Departure fee payable, enquire for more information.

L C A H OLI T

LU X U R Y A PA R T M E N T R E S I D E N C E

E L E G A N T CO M M U N A L L I V I N G

THE SHORELINE

CO M M U N I T Y P O O L A N D PAV I L I O N

Luxury Retirement Living

The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living is a brandnew state-of-the-art village and residential aged care development currently under construction in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Stage 1 of the development is due to open around Easter 2022 with more than fifty-percent of the retirement residences already sold.

rina Schaefer, The Shoreline Customer Service Consultant explains, “To date the sales have been excellent with more than half of Stage 1 homes sold.” “The feedback from the local Coffs Harbour community has been extremely positive and I hear the excitement in retirees’ voices when I explain the full suite of what The Shoreline has to offer.” “I believe The Shoreline has been so successful due to the quality apartment residences, soughtafter location and the abundance of community facilities that are all part of the residents’ lifestyle, offering real value for their purchase.” The Shoreline is just a stone’s throw to Park Beach Plaza - home to Woolworths, Aldi and Ritchies IGA plus over 120 specialty stores, medical suites, cafes and award-winning restaurants. Residents can enjoy the majestic, coastal ambience of Coffs Harbour beaches, stunning walks and Macauley’s Headland, all within just a five-minute stroll. Many of the apartments have views to the hinterland and some have ocean views. Trina states, “I have no doubt The Shoreline will be one of Australia’s best retirement villages when it’s finished, and it’s a privilege that it’s being built here in Coffs Harbour.” The development offers an elegant collection of architecturally designed retirement residences with one, two and three-bedroom apartments 112 COFFS COAST

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and resort-style community facilities. Offering an abundance of amenities where residents can enjoy either an active or relaxed lifestyle depending on their desires. The retirement village is co-located with a contemporary 120-bed residential aged care facility to offer peace of mind for residents to age-in-place all within one location. Residents of The Shoreline can enjoy a variety of activities in the state-of-the-art community centre designed to offer as much or as little as they desire. They can choose to relax by the swimming pool, enjoy a coffee at the café or BBQ and enjoy happy hour at the resident bar. There are lots of social activities to enjoy with new friends such as bocce, bowls, snooker or golf putting on the village green. Residents can keep active with a range of indoor and outdoor fitness and recreational amenities plus a walking circuit for their canine companions. Each retirement residence in The Shoreline has been designed to SEP senior living standards to ensure the design and construction of the homes will meet retirees’ needs now and into the future. The spacious apartments feature well-appointed fixtures and fittings throughout. Every aspect of the design has been meticulously thought out, incorporating full-sized kitchens with marble-effect stone bench tops, and Miele and SMEG appliances. Residents will enjoy cooking their culinary delights and entertaining within the comfort of their own home. In addition to the luxury independent living

residences, The Shoreline will also offer premium residential aged care. Brett Kelly, The Shoreline General Manager said “The Shoreline is about creating an environment where you can attain the finest possible living experience in a supportive community both now and into the future.” “This could simply be that maintaining the family home is becoming a burden and you want more time to do the things you love. Alternatively, you or your loved one might need a greater level of support than is possible at home.” “At The Shoreline your happiness and wellbeing are at the centre of everything we are about.” The Shoreline Aged Care will feature spacious rooms, lovely sitting areas, shaded outdoor gardens, individual lifestyle programs and fresh chef prepared meals. The Shoreline Aged Care team of nurses, carers, allied health care professionals and support staff will be onsite 24 hours a day offering the best in personal and clinical care in a nurturing and happy environment. There will be a focus on re-ablement and maintaining quality of life. It will also offer memory care suites with specifically designed accommodation to assist those with more complex care needs. Growing older should not mean you no longer have a choice or have to settle for second best. If you would like to book an appointment at The Shoreline Display Suite, located at Park Beach Plaza call Trina Schaefer on 0477 777 957.

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FREE