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focus_team note

hat a fantastic month we have had executing this bumper edition at FOCUS. As you flip through our 120 fabulous, glossy pages you'll be introduced to all that makes up this unique city from the eyes of the FOCUS team and all that contribute to putting this wonderful publication together every month! Featured on the cover this month is our friend, Chelsea Crowe. Chelsea has spent time both working on the family farms in Nana Glen, and working in the film industry in New York city with her uncle. We sat down with her to chat about some of the different roles she has taken on and why she still loves living here on the Coffs Coast. Also inside this edition we interview Curry Queen, Raye Alford about her business Off the Rayles which has soared in popularity since

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Welcome to the JULY EDITION. beginning on her kitchen table just 4 years challenge. The Race to Ranch competition, ago, to now selling her 54,000th packet! giving a retired racehorse new passion & Erna Walraven has over purpose. Since 2004, The 30 years experience Education Centre has working closely with been empowering people ERNA many different animals on the Mid North Coast. at Taronga Zoos. She Their students blossom WALRAVEN has gained knowledge after they uncap their HAS OVER 30 YEARS and insight into the capacity to love to learn. EXPERIENCE animal world that not We had a chat with Liz WORKING CLOSELY many get to experience Stevens to find out more. WITH MANY in their lifetime. We It is with great pleasure DIFFERENT had a chat with her that we introduce ANIMALS AT about her time at the to you our “Health TARONGA ZOOS. zoo and the books she Professionals” feature. has written since. The Health and Fitness Horsemanship Industry has developed Clinician Tanja Kraus is no novice to horses, in leaps and bounds...With people naturally and has an in-depth understanding and wanting to live longer, be healthier, look better immeasurable love for them. Tanja will be and have fun. We hope you enjoy reading taking that passion and dedication to animals about local’s servicing the largest sector on the to the next level to compete in a wonderful Mid North Coast.

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Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

POSTAL PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE 0413 816 010 WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

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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I S S U E

1 2 6

J U L Y

2 0 2 1

INTERVIEWS

AYA J

An up and coming electro pop duo, Angus Field and Sam Miller got together in September last year and are already making moves as a musical group to watch!

GEORGIA WINN

TANJA KRAUS

Starting out surfing and moving into the skating world, this little ripper is sharpening her skills on the concrete wave, dropping into the bowl and just carving it up.

Horsemanship Clinician Tanja Kraus takes her passion and dedication to the next level in The Race to Ranch competition, giving a retired racehorse new passion and purpose.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 26. PFLAG - Sam Dawson

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

49. Women in Business - Cath Fowler 53. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden 55. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 72. Fitness Update - Lee Kennedy 73. Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker CONTRIBUTOR OF

92. Education Update - Nick Johnstone

THE MONTH

111. Rental Update - Christine Rengger

SAM DAWSON

118. Real Estate - Chris Hines

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

t i ti t Follow us on

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Bishop Druitt College Future-minded learning for world prepared students

Personalised learning programs build on your childʻs abilities and interests Specialist teachers in language, performing arts and PDHPE Flexible learning environments Maths Pathways program Personal learning devices for each student

Taking 2022 enrolments now for years 4-6 www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

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

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Chelsea CROWE 16 COFFS COAST

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Chelsea Crowe has spent time both working on the family farms in Nana Glen, and working in the film industry in New York City with her uncle. We sat down with her to chat about some of the different roles she has taken on and why she still loves being here on the Coffs Coast.

i Chelsea. You were born beach. Being close to my family is important in New Zealand, how too, as my grandparents have had the most old were you when you amazing relationship seeing their great moved to Australia and grandchildren all the time. Unfortunately, we what brought you to the lost my Pop back in March and it was a big hit Coffs Coast? to our family and the community. Hey, I was born in Auckland and came How has the farm changed over your to Australia with my Dad (Terry), my Uncle lifetime? (Russell) and my grandparents (Jocelyn and It has evolved from a hobby farm from Alex) when I was 7 years old. Russell came when I was a child to now producing organic over to further his acting career and asked my Angus Beef under the name Black Standard grandparents to help Beef. We used to find him a property supply customers and A portion of my for us all to settle on. I restaurants locally but travelled the east coast land is used in recently transitioned with my grandparents, to solely providing our the rotational grazing looking at properties product to Russell’s cycles for Angus Beef while Russell was Prime Quality Meats, the farming. My girls do working. We finally butcher at Moonee. horse riding lessons settled on a property You haven’t always and compete in local out in Nana Glen, had the quiet country shows; all things I did where my family still life, but spent time in when I grew up here. lives today. My Dad and the hustle and bustle It really is a stunning I are very fortunate to of New York City. area to live in and still own the neighbouring What took you over be in close proximity properties, keeping us there and what was to town and the all close. your time like there? Tell us a bit about life beach. I wouldn’t say my on your farm here on life has ever been quiet the Mid North Coast? haha, but I was one of My two daughters the youngest in my year Aria and Scarlett live group to finish high with me every second week in Nana Glen school and decided I wanted a gap year before along with our wolf pack of three dogs. A going to university. During this break, I found portion of my land is used in the rotational myself working for Russell in Sydney and in grazing cycles for Angus Beef farming. My America doing various roles and working as girls do horse riding lessons and compete in Production Assistant on a small film called local shows; all things I did when I grew up Tenderness based on a novel by Robert here. It really is a stunning area to live in and Cormier and directed by John Polson. still be in close proximity to town and the >>> COFFS COAST

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During this time, we did the pre-production work for American Gangster too. We came home for a short break before American Gangster started shooting and my family were worried that I would love the film industry and travel too much at the end of the project and skip out on getting a tertiary education. I ended up proving them all wrong, as I never went back to the US as I had applied for mid-year entrance to university; moving to Townsville only 6 months into my gap year. 18 COFFS COAST

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you will find me playing Rugby with the women’s SCU Marlins community. The rest of the weekend is for making memories and adventures. With COVID making international and interstate travel near impossible at the start of this year; I decided that it just meant we needed to see and do all the things in our own backyard without straying too far from Coffs. We have explored many waterfalls and lookouts, gone hot air ballooning in Byron, got lost in the maze at I travelled the Wauchope and so much east coast with more. There is so much my grandparents, to offer and experiences to be had right here. looking at We even ran away for properties while the afternoon when it Russell was was snowing in Guyra working. We finally the other week. I love a se led on a property good café brekky or an out in Nana Glen, afternoon cocktail or wine where my family somewhere along the jetty still lives today. My strip. Dad and I are very Of the many roles fortunate to own that make up Chelsea the neighbouring Crowe, what’s been one properties, keeping that you’re most proud of and why? us all close. Being a mum of course. It is the most diverse and challenging role I’ve ever had, and it continues to evolve every day. I not only help shape and form who they are, but I get to show them the world through my eyes and vice versa, to educate them on health and fitness, on compassion and people skills, I loved the job, I was just ready for the next on experiences and cultures. In return, they challenge. teach me something new every day. I am Can you tell us a bit about what you’re up very fortunate to work for my family and that to at the moment? allows me to be the best parent I can be. But, I don’t tend to sit still very often and am a if we are talking jobwise, I love anything to do bit of a social butterfly jumping from place with events. From the initial planning stages, to place. But, during the week when I am themes, collaborating with vendors, throw in not with my kids or at work, you can find me some public speaking and charming a room to at F45 doing some HIIT style workouts or at complete the event – that’s my vibe. No event Genesis training with my mentor, trainer and is ever the same and that always keeps things great friend Jenna Ferreira. On Saturdays, exciting.

I found myself working for Russell in SYDNEY

AND IN AMERICA DOING VARIOUS ROLES AND WORKING AS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ON A SMALL FILM CALLED TENDERNESS based on a novel by Robert Cormier and directed by John Polson.

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GRAFTON JULY RACING CARNIVAL

Come to Grafton in July to experience one of the greatest country race days, enjoy the atmosphere and back a winner. Breakdown of dates: 27th - Westlawn Finance Prelude Day, 4th - Grafton Toyota South Grafton Cup Day, 7th - Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap, 8th - The Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup, 11th - Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup Day. When 26th June until 11th July Where Clarence Valley Jockey Club

RED ROCK EATS N BEATS

Are you ready Red Rock? Twilight Food Market & the Red Rock Bowlo are so excited to be combining to bring you this free family event. Will be heaps of fun! Multicultural Foodies, Climbing Tower, BareFoot Bowls, Fairy Floss & your fave bevvies from the club! Live entertainment! Don’t forget to bring the kids! When 4th July, 2pm until 7pm Where Red Rock Bowling Club

BJORN AGAIN

WHAT'S I N J U LY 2 0 2 1

ISAIAH ‘SPIRIT’ (SHOW & WORKSHOP)

Isaiah will be bringing his 'BEYOND' workshop to the JMT sharing his journey and how he overcame adversity to reach his dreams. As a leading indigenous mentor, Isaiah will be sharing his ‘no shame’ message to the community so that they can follow their creative path with confidence. Isaiah Spirit will also be performing an acoustic concert of original songs with some of Australia’s most talented multicultural musicians. When 24th July, 3pm workshop, 7pm performance Where Jetty Memorial Theatre Tickets www.jettytheatre.com/isaiah-firebrace

C-SIDE BLUES Red-C presents C-Side Blues. A casual weekend of blues and roots music by the sea. Entertainment includes Ash Grunwald, Fiona Boyes,The Mason Rack Band, Marshall OKell, Yeeew plus many more!

Bjorn Again, the world’s number one ABBA Show returns to C.ex Coffs for one night only. Dust off those flares, platform shoes and satins and get ready to sing, dance and have the time of your life. Bjorn Again are so excited to be back playing all of ABBA’s biggest hits in an action-packed, highly-entertaining concert that is ABBA-SOLUTE fun for the whole family.

When 23th until 25th July

When 15th July Where C.ex Coffs

Where Red-C, Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Jetty

Tickets $40 from cex.com.au

Tickets available Humanitix, Bigtix and in-house at Red-C

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Same, same, but different.

/edegrees

@edegrees

6651 1575 / PARK BEACH PLAZA [ WOOLIES ENTRANCE ] 47’ Brand / Birkenstock / Calvin Klein / Casio / Carhartt WIP / Dickies / HUF / Huffer / Lee / Majestic / M/SF/T Mitchell & Ness / New Era / Playboy / Pop! Vinyl / Stussy / The North Face / The People Vs. / Wrangler

focus_interview

S E L Y A R ‘Do you know the Curry Lady?’ This was an odd question to be asked at 33,000 feet onboard a Qantas A380 Flight from Sydney to Singapore in 2018. ‘Of course I know the Curry Lady’ I said to the Hostie - everyone knows the Curry Lady!

ell it was my family that she stayed with in India all those years ago and she learnt to cook Indian Curry.’ Well I never… now this was a story I wanted to know more about, so I eventually caught up with Raye herself to find out just how she became the ‘Curry Lady’. Louise Beaumont chats to Raye Alford about her business Off the Rayles which has soared in popularity since beginning on her kitchen table just 4 years ago, to now selling her 54,000th packet! Hi Raye. It was a funny place to be over the Java Sea mid-flight to meet the man whose family taught you to cook Indian Curry – and there is so much to the story so let’s start at the beginning. Your career with Qantas began in 1982 in their scheduling department – what exactly was your role? Haha what a small world in which we live…! That was my flight attendant friend Satesh you met on the aeroplane and his sister Aruna who took me to India all those 22 COFFS COAST

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years ago. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself running a curry biz and being known as the ‘Curry Lady!’ In 1982 I took 12 months leave from my job in NZ to stay with my 2 sisters in Sydney, landed a job with Qantas, and there I stayed for 32 years! It was an exciting role as Duty Manager in Aircrew operations, monitoring aircraft movements to ensure the pilots and flight attendants stayed within their operating limitations. Dealing with the ‘issues’ that resulted in delays and diversions, our team would re-crew the aircraft when limitations were exceeded to minimise further disruption to the Qantas schedule. I took a redundancy package about 6 years ago. I don’t miss the stress but I do miss the people, Qantas was a fabulous company to work for. It was in 1986 on a holiday to India that you stayed with an Indian family. Where did you stay and tell us about the living conditions and cultural impact on you. On my holiday to India, I stayed with my

friend Aruna’s family in a small apartment in Colaba, Mumbai, near the Gateway of India. The family had a young boy named Pradeeb, I’m guessing around 15 years old, cooking for them. The family weren’t overly ‘wealthy’ but they had a roof over their heads which is better off than a lot of Indian people, especially in Mumbai. In return for cooking, on top of a small wage, Pradeeb would sleep under the shelter of their apartment’s lobby. Pradeeb taught me the basics of Indian cooking, the importance of high temperature, constant stirring, having all the ingredients at the ready as you can’t leave the stove… The curries he taught me that have stood the test of time and feature in my range are Dahl (Dahl Darl) and Rogan Josh (Rogue n Spice), still my favourites! One thing I found most disturbing, that has stayed with me always, was the HUGE contrast between rich and poor, I saw such absolute poverty and extreme opulence all within walking distance of the apartment block. What has also remained is my love of Indian culture; I adore the expression of the people, particularly the women, their dress, their love

of music, dancing and mostly their warmth. Learning the fundamentals of Indian cooking and how to extract the flavours from the amazing array of spice makes no it surprise that Indian food is one of the great world cuisines with its endless repertoire of delicious dishes, and I have barely touched the surface! Coming back to Australia and throughout your career you continued to cook and learn more about the curries. How did the recipes develop over time? Well the little packs of goodness look amazing; when Sarah said ‘you should sell these!’ I poo-pooed her. The process was so labour intensive that it wasn’t viable, she replied ‘hhmmpph’ her fingers did the walking… next minute she had a local biz (Balmoor Distributors) who would produce bags to size and sell me a commercial sealing machine. Suddenly it became a viable option. I ordered $1000 worth of spice, and figured if it didn’t work out, I would have enough spice at home for curry for life. I already had the tried-and-true recipes for Dahl and Rogan Josh, but you can’t have an Indian curry business without Butter Chicken and Vindaloo, so I did a lot of trial cooking until I was happy with the flavours that became the Off The Rayles Butter Me Up and Findaloo. Often, I am asked what my secret recipes are, thing is there is no secret, you can google the recipes, go out and buy some 17 packs of spices, and make an amazing authentic Indian

Suddenly it became a viable option. I ordered $1000 worth of spice, and figured if it didn’t work out, I would have enough spice at home for curry for life. meal, but you then need to preserve and store the remainder of the spice (spices can go stale). The curry creating was so labour intensive, to make you lack the time or energy to make it again. This is where my packs work, I have packaged the best quality spices for your authentic ‘curry in a hurry’. You get to take the credit as you are the one who has cooked the curry from scratch. The smell of the raw spices cooking in your kitchen is unbelievable. Sure it takes a little longer than opening a jar of curry sauce and heating it in the microwave but the difference is immeasurable. These are the real deal, nothing except spices, no preservatives, they’re all Vegan Australia certified, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, just 100% spices! You’ve just sold over 54,000 packets of Curry! What a huge achievement – can

you tell us about all the products “Off the Rayles“ produces. Yes I pinch myself at times, I can’t believe how many we’ve made!I am just thrilled that people love them as much as I do and I love hearing how they tweak them to suit their own tastes and needs. Well lets start with the ‘bloody hot’ and work down the chilli scale. Findaloo - People say ‘oh Findaloo is this your version of vindaloo?’ We reply, well yes but its called find-a-loo, which always gets a giggle. Obviously not a family choice. Hot on many levels, from the peppercorns and whole dried chillies, to the generous serving of hot ground chilli, this variety is robust and full. But it’s not just about the heat, the tang of the tamarind paste, the hit of sugar with the burst of tomato paste make for a memorable dining experience that leaves your tongue tingling with delight. >>> COFFS COAST

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Rogue n Spice - Our Rogan Josh, medium heat with 17 different spices, this variety is just sensational, not too hot but you know you’re eating curry. So flexible, just mix it up with a few ingredients to totally change the flavour. Swap out the canned tomatoes for a tub of tomato paste and a can of coconut cream and you have this insanely creamy delicious sauce which is just perfect for seafood, veg or any protein. My 15 year old son Cameron’s fave is ‘rogue wings’ (which he cooks himself), simple to prepare, great to throw in the slow cooker and totally moreish to eat, the meat just falls off the bones. I have also found a lot of Vegans and Vego’s like spice, the rogue is perfect with veg of choice, it goes a really long way, just a little imagination will turn this humble curry into a show stopper meal. Butter Me Up - Our Butter Chicken, mild spice rating. Big family favourite. To be perfectly honest I never rated butter chicken as a curry, certainly one I never ordered at an Indian restaurant, but one that needed to be included as a variety due to its global popularity. With a lot of the same spices as the rogue, the butter chicken swaps 24 COFFS COAST

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My 15 years old son Cameron’s fave is ‘rogue wings’, (which he cooks himself) simple to prepare, great to throw in the slow cooker and totally morish to eat, the meat just falls off the bones.

out chilli for paprika. The key ingredient, the mehti leaf an amazing aromatic herb which makes this identifiable as “butter chicken”. The blend of the whole and ground spices together with tomato paste and coconut cream make this dish plate-licking good and worthy of a spot on the weekly family menu. Our version has zero baddies and makes for an awesome way to get onion, garlic and ginger (nature’s antibiotics) into the kids. Not to mention the 14 anti-inflammatory spices bringing goodness to the fam. Dahl Darl - Mild spice rating. Oh my golly gosh, where do I even begin with this one Darl… The staple dish of India for many generations for very good reason. This low cost meal is full of the goodness, the base ingredients of onion, garlic and ginger combined with anti-inflammatory whole and ground spices together with premium Australian lentils and a few pantry items, in under 20 minutes you have a healthy hearty soul warming curry.

So flexible, so freezable. So divine. What is your favourite curry and why? Ohhh tough question. The Rogue is my favourite tasting, I love the heat and delicious balance of flavours. However for flexibility, nourishment and value I would have to choose Dahl Darl! It’s a no brainer made with a few pantry items that most people have, and makes a meal for 6 in under 20 minutes. Feeding 12 or want to stock the freezer? Take the meat off a BBQ chook, stir it through a cooked pot of Dahl and you have an amazing meal to feed 12 for under $20, or add 1kg of roast veg, super tasty. One of my favourite things at the markets is getting babies and kids hooked on the Dahl. Often babies cry for more, I think they crave the flavour, they don’t want bland tastes and what a better way to get those medicinal spices into them for such a low price... Darl! Thanks Raye.

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

#coffscoast #naturallyconnected #holidayherethisyear #lovensw COFFS COAST focus 25

focus_contributor.

PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

hat is all this talk A “gender pronoun” is the pronoun about Pronouns? that a person chooses to use for I am here to help themselves. Gender Pronouns are explain what all the pronouns that we use to refer to people this is about. in sentences and conversation. This subject was brought up at our latest How do I get someone’s pronouns PFLAG coffee meet, so I wanted to explore correct? Do I ask them? this further. If you’re meeting someone one-on-one It goes without saying that language for the first time and don’t know their is invaluable; how we express ourselves pronouns, you could start by sharing your to others has a huge impact on how we own when making an introduction. Offering see ourselves and construct our identities. your own pronouns first helps make others Language is far from more comfortable sharing static, too – cultures their own. Then you can A “gender change over time, and ask for their name and pronoun” is the words we use to refer pronouns, or more simply the pronoun that a and relate to each other ask, “how may I address person chooses to also shift, adapting to you?” When there’s other use for themselves. encompass new concepts people around or you’re in Gender Pronouns are and ideas within society. a group, never single out the pronouns that The pronouns we use are one person and ask them we use to refer to no exception, and with to share their pronouns people in sentences the increased visibility if you think they don’t and conversation. of those who identify as go by “he” or “she” – nonbinary or use genderdoing so can out them neutral pronouns we need to have this as trans or nonbinary to people who might awareness. not otherwise know, potentially creating In the English language, the word “he” is an unsafe situation. In a group setting, it’s used to refer to males and “she” to refer to best to offer your name and pronouns and females. ask everyone to go around to share their Gender pronouns (like he and hers and own. Asking and using correct pronouns are them) specifically refer to people that we are powerful opportunities to show respect, and talking about in the LGBTIQ community. it should be a common practice, no matter What is a “Gender Pronoun”? how those we share company with identify.

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In the event that you don’t know someone’s pronouns, you can use they/them/theirs or simply refer to them by their name until you do. I noticed that Instagram asked me to update my personal data and asked my pronouns! It’s becoming more commonplace more than we realise. What do I do if I mispronounce someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns? We all make mistakes, and you likely will the first handful of times you’re referring to someone by pronouns you’re not familiar with. It’s okay! Briefly apologise, correct yourself, and continue the conversation. If you hear someone use incorrect pronouns for someone else, don’t point it out, but affirm the correct pronouns in your own speech and address them privately later, unless you have been given permission to speak up in the moment. Sometimes, pointing out that someone has made a mistake can again shift unwarranted and embarrassing attention to the person with gender neutral pronouns. I hope this goes a little way to understanding gender pronouns and why this is an important discussion to have. PFLAG is here to give help, support and information to families and friends of all gay people right here on the Coffs Coast. pflagcoffscoast.com PFLAGcoffcoast 0417 861 045

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LMA T H E N E W FA C E O F

MID NORTH COAST THE BATON PASSES ON LOCAL SUCCESS STORY

FOR THE LAST TWENTY YEARS ON THE COFFS COAST, LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA (LMA) HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH TWO THINGS: effective leadership development programs and the name Marilyn Brien.

arilyn started as an account manager for LMA in 1998, and acquired the licence for the Mid North Coast region in 2005. Her strong belief in LMA’s transformative techniques and personal drive have turned the global educator into a local success story, while also building performance, productivity and profits for many other local businesses. This year Marilyn passes the LMA baton to Olivia Jamison. While Marilyn has decided to retire, LMA is in good hands with Olivia, who has spent two decades working in leadership and development roles globally. Focus spoke to both women about the transition and their shared passion for

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LMA and developing leadership capabilities achieves permanent behavioural change, locally. and those changes make such a visible Marilyn, how have you been able difference to people’s lives and business to build LMA into bottom lines. It’s such a success story incredible to watch. LMA uses a regionally? It’s the potential of different It’s been a labour of LMA programs and a development process love really. Way back passionate team that when I started with make the difference that achieves permanent LMA I was excited by – and of course the behavioural change, and the results I was seeing. referrals from so those changes make such Most leadership and many participants a visible difference to management training who have benefitted people’s lives and programs run for a from the programs business bottom lines. couple of days. You over the years. That’s It’s incredible to watch. show up, feel inspired, been the secret to go back to work and LMA’s success in the a week later have region. forgotten everything you learned. LMA Olivia, what “sold” you on LMA? uses a different development process that Obviously, Marilyn’s passion was a factor.

But the real selling point came when she in leadership and development globally, took me out to meet people who had so she brings expertise and new done LMA programs. People said things perspectives. I mean it’s not every day that like, “LMA changed you get to work my life.” My jaw just with someone dropped. When do who has run She’s had twenty you hear comments programs with years’ experience like that from #10 Downing working in leadership and business people? Street. Her development globally, so Then I did one of qualifications are she brings expertise and the programs myself impressive. But new perspectives. I mean and I could see she’s also a local it’s not every day that you how powerful the girl, born right get to work with someone LMA development here in Coffs and who has run programs process is. I just went to Jetty with #10 Downing Street. knew I wanted to be High. So I know a part of something she genuinely that could make cares about our that kind of difference. community. It’s a perfect match. And Marilyn, how did you decide that Olivia, what changes can we expect Olivia was the right fit? to see from LMA regionally? It was an obvious fit from the moment The LMA development methods, Olivia initially expressed interest. She’s which is really their secret sauce, remain had twenty years’ experience working unchanged.

Post-Covid the programs are all being run online which for us locally means there’s an opportunity to participate with business owners throughout Australia and, of course, no need to travel to sessions. LMA has a strong local connection – and we will continue to be true to that. Every student will continue to have a local mentor and individual support. Plus I’m considering a few other ideas to further strengthen and celebrate local businesses, so watch this space. I’ve seen for myself that these programs can make a huge difference to people and businesses. My job now is to make sure organisations in this region know we are here to help. To find out more about the new face of LMA visit their new regional website or contact Olivia directly. lmamidnorthcoast.com.au 0427 788 434 ojamison@lma.biz COFFS COAST

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easy composting

FREE KITCHEN CADDIES

MAKE IT to get

Residents of Coffs Harbour City, Bellingen Shire and Nambucca Valley Councils that receive a kerbside bin collection service can pick up a free kitchen caddy from 1 July to make it easy to collect food scraps for disposal in the green bin, as part of the Let’s Get Composting Coffs Coast campaign.

ll food scraps and garden waste belong in the green bin, which is collected weekly and turned into nutrient-rich compost used on local parks, farms and gardens. Free kitchen caddy kits will be available in batches over the coming year for residents that receive a kerbside bin collection service to collect from their local Council. The kit contains a list of what can and can’t go in the green bin, as well as tips for keeping your caddy and green bin clean and fresh.

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The kit includes a sticker for your kitchen or kerbside bin to remind everyone in the household that food scraps don’t belong in the red bin, and a larger sticker to display on your green wheelie bin to encourage your whole street to put food scraps and garden waste in the right place. You can put all food scraps in the green bin, even onions, garlic, citrus peels, meat, bones and soiled paper such as serviettes, and they will be collected every week, reducing smells and pests around your home. It’s a win-win for our community and

environment – we’re reusing valuable resources and also reducing the greenhouse gases that are produced when these materials breakdown in landfill. Be quick as numbers are limited. If you don’t have a caddy, you can use any small, lidded container such as an ice cream tub or large yoghurt bucket to collect your food scraps in the kitchen. This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority initiative funded from the waste levy. Find out where to get your kitchen caddy at www.letsgetcomposting.org.au

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Erna Walraven has over 30 years experience working closely with many different animals at Taronga Zoos. She has gained knowledge and insight into the animal world that not many get to experience in their lifetime. We had a chat with her about her time at the zoo and the books she has wri en since.

zookeeper in 1983. Have you always had an interest in wildlife and conservation? I have always loved animals but I became interested in conservation once I learned more about the dire situation many species and their habitats find themselves in. It is impossible to be fascinated by animals and not care about what is happening in their natural world. You were one of the first female zookeepers in Australia, what was it The most like working at the zoo important lesson at that time? for me is that we are Interesting! Being one not as different to of the first females and them as we may think. one that spoke with a We share a common noticeable Dutch accent ancestor with the it was challenging at Great Apes for in hobby farms milking times. Some of my fellow cows and goats, with example, only some zookeepers perhaps felt a dog breeder who four to six million years that their job was less bred Irish Wolfhounds macho if ‘a girl’ could do ago. A blink of the eye and Whippets, and it too. Over time this has in evolutionary time. one day a week in a changed, now there are pet grooming salon. more female zookeepers Meanwhile, my ecologist boyfriend introduced than male in most zoos. me to the Aussie bush, I fell in love with the Did you have a favourite animal to work local fauna and even after qualifying as a with? translator I did some courses to become a That’s like asking which of your children do

ERNA W A L R AV E N

i Erna. You spent much of your career working at Taronga Zoo, how did you come to start working there? I arrived in Australia in 1980. At the time I was a translator and interpreter and found that Australian English was full of slang I did not understand! Deciding that I’d work for a year and pick up the lingo better determined my fate! I worked part-time 32 COFFS COAST

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you love most! The more you learn about a species and get to know the individual animals, the more rapport you have with them. I did however dedicate my latest book to Kibabu, a magnificent silverback gorilla. You were with Taronga for many years, can you tell us about your time there and some of the different roles you have had over the years? I started as a junior zookeeper at the ripe age of 31. Over the years I worked in many different places around the zoo with the big cats, the hoof-stock, the apes and monkeys, the Australian native animals and more. In most of my early years I worked as a veterinary nurse in the zoo’s hospital. In 1990, that experience led me to writing the first book on wildlife rehabilitation in Australia. During the last 20 years I was the Senior Curator for both Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the zoo? Inevitably, most of my favourite memories involve animals. The day the Brolga danced for me. The moment Mary the Gibbon tried to play a joke on me. That fleeting instant when Kibabu a Western Lowland Gorilla looked me in the eye and we had a second of connection between us. What are some of the lessons you have

taken away from your experience of spending time with wild animals? The most important lesson for me is that we are not as different to them as we may think. We share a common ancestor with the Great Apes for example, only some four to six million years ago. A blink of the eye in evolutionary time. Many of our instincts and emotions are therefore shared with our cousin species, the apes. You have published a few books now, the last one a unique look at leadership and your most recent one on fatherhood. Can you tell us about these books and how the idea for them came about? The book on leadership came about because at the time I was concerned about leadership in the world, in politics, in the churches, in banking, you name it. I used to mumble to myself “a chimp could do a better job.” In my three decades of observing animals in human care and in the wild I found that animal societies thrive or fail subject to the quality of the leadership. We are the same and I wanted to write about the ancient social contract that exists between leaders and followers. We want to trust our leaders to have our best interest at

heart. The book about fathers explains how courtship works in animals and how we can pick up some tips from animals on successful courting. I use animal examples to demonstrate that many animal dads can teach us a thing or two about bringing up babies. I also explain why some fathers are mere sperm donors and others bring up their babies with total dedication. You have actually written a few books, is writing something you think you will continue to do? I feel I have many more animal stories to tell. Watch this space! Where can people find your books? As they say: “in all good bookshops!” Also available from the publisher, New Holland Publishing or online at the usual sites. Walraven, E. (2021). Wild Fathers – What Wild Animal Dads Teach Us About Fatherhood. New Holland Publishers, Sydney. Walraven, E. (2019) Wild Leadership – What Wild Animals Teach Us About Leadership, New Holland Publishers, Sydney. Walraven, E. (2010) Care of Australian Wildlife (Revised), New Holland Publishers, Sydney. COFFS COAST

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LMA Changes Lives Fiona McCredie, Carpet Court owner

WORKSHOP SAT 24 JUL 3PM

Fiona McCredie, Owner Carpet Court | National Tiles, Olivia Jamison, LMA

It’s been said that LMA’s leadership and management training programs actually change lives. Could that be true? We asked Fiona McCredie, of Carpet Court | National Tiles, how LMA had affected her life and business.

ell us about your first LMA experience.

I completed my first course many years ago, when I was working in the accounting profession. I was stepping into my first management role – going from managing only myself to a large team. The opportunity came at just the right time. Do you remember anything from that course?

$25 redeemable Monday to Sunday Terms and conditions apply

Yes! I was a full-time working, studying mum. LMA helped me to clarify my goals and put systems in place to better manage my very limited time, to set goals, to manage others and that really got me through that period of my life. You’ve done multiple LMA programs. Did each program provide value?

Every time I completed an LMA program I was in a time of major change. That first course I was becoming a manager. Next I stepped into a promotion in the accounting practice. Then I selffunded a program that helped me to make the major career decision to move into the Carpet Court business with my husband. Every program has helped me to move forward confidently. You put your team through LMA programs. Is it worth the investment? Absolutely worth the investment! The outcomes are both personal & professional with improved time management, efficient systems and processes, enhanced communication skills and confidence. These obviously benefit our business bottom line and the success of the team. So yes, it’s worth the investment!

Contact Olivia to find out more about how LMA could change your life. W lmamidnorthcoast.com.au P 0427 788 434 E ojamison@lma.biz 34 COFFS COAST

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DINING GUIDE

SMURF TEARS

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

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CHOIR

BOYS AT S A W T E L L R S L

It was an era of live music, and they were THE BAND THAT PUT THE ROCK INTO PUB GIGS all over Australia.

he sound of a generation. “The pubs inspired and helped create all the great Aussie bands like INXS, The Angels, AC/DC, Cold Chisel, Men At Work and on and on. We called it Pub Rock way after the fact.” Mark Gable and his mates started in the 70s on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. “We had no idea what we were doing or where it would end up taking us – they didn’t call it Pub Rock in those days, but we were there in the beginning and we’re still here now!”

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CHOIRBOYS

Choirboys are renowned been recording a series of ARE for a great live show, it’s songs by influential artists. RENOWNED FOR A not just the music it’s the Starting with a 6 pack of GREAT LIVE SHOW, atmosphere they bring to Creedence Clearwater IT’S NOT JUST THE the stage. The grafting, Revival moving through MUSIC IT’S THE sweating, pulverizing, Tom Petty and now onto ATMOSPHERE pounding, screaming – Bruce Springsteen, the THEY BRING TO doing what they do best. band are on the trail to THE STAGE. Entertaining an audience a music revelation. A by spilling their hearts and reinterpretation of some souls onto the stage. You just don’t get much classic songs into the Australian pub rock more Rock ‘n‘ Roll than that. format. Possibly the way they should always For the past 18 months the band have have been done.

RIVER

Sounds M U S I C F E S T I VA L

River Sounds, the biggest multi-day music festival to be staged on the Mid North and Coffs Coast since pre-Covid is upon us.

he event takes place at the Bellingen Showground on the weekend of August 13-14, 2021 and features the best artist line-up we’ve seen in a very long time. Topping the bill is Regurgitator, still touring and flooring it. More than ever they find themselves extending the vitality of their live performances, continuing to infuse them with exuberance, mania and their mashed-up motion of rock, punk, electro, funk, pop, where it goes, vibes. Equally exciting is the announcement of First Nations artist Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy

to perform at River Sounds. Baker Boy is the freshest new hip-hop talent to emerge from Australia. Young, strong and proud Baker Boy raps in English and Yolngu Matha language representing his Arnhem Land family. Another big name is Australia’s favourite musical misfits and auteurs of Aussie hip hop, Butterfingers. Having just dropped their latest album Bad News and having sold out venue after venue on their album launch tour, the Briz Vegas crew are exuding confidence and performing with more ecstatic energy and sharp lyrical wit than ever before.

Full line-up: Main stage: Regurgitator, Baker Boy, Butterfingers, JK-47, Adrian Eagle, Jerome Farah, Resin Dogs, Cool Sounds, Pinch Points, The Regime, The Pinheads, The Terrys, Sunfruits, Nice Biscuit, The Stained Daisies. Boiler room: Phil Smart, Simon Caldwell, Katch, Biz, Pob, Jimmy D, Jamie B, Freebass, Bhakti, Jahzen, Phoenix, Dave Forward, Delusional Monk, Tropical Punch. River Sounds will be epic! Head to their website for tickets and info: www.riversounds.com.au

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Koala TRACKING IN NSW FORESTS

Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have been GPStracking koalas in State Forests to understand how koalas live in areas previously harvested for timber. Dr Brad Law (DPI) and Chris Slade (FCNSW) share their project experiences.

rad, tell us about the project. We’re using GPS collars on koalas to track their movements, to understand how koalas use the landscape a few years after it’s harvested for timber. Do they prefer ridges or gullies? Where do koalas go when it’s hot? We also want to learn more about whether koalas use different tree species and sizes for browsing to resting. An important part of the research is understanding the effectiveness of protections in place when timber harvesting occurs in State Forest. We’ve had eleven koalas giving us real-time information on how they are using the forest for two years. Chris, how hard was it to track eleven Koalas? It was substantial! Multiple field trips per week, regular contact with the Koala Hospital for screening, collar fitting and removal, vegetation plot work. It’s been fascinating learning individual koala personalities, seeing how they move through the landscape. Brad, has the project provided new knowledge and insights into koalas ? Yes, koalas haven’t been GPS-tracked in recently harvested forests before, so there’s a lot of new information. Tree species and sizes used, how that differs between day and night, what topographic positions koalas like (ridge vs gully) and the intricacies of koala home ranges overlapping the mosaic of harvested versus older unharvested forest. Chris, after spending two years getting

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to know eleven koalas, do you have a favourite? It’s hard to pick a favourite! Tracey, our first collared, was a petite little lady. Dazza was a very relaxed alpha male, not at all perturbed by tracking, he would almost wave down and say “Gday, how is your day?” Izzy was elusive, cautious; Sandy was a roaming hider; Taylor was cryptic; Jacky was a grandma-like mature lady; Terry was a proud roamer; little Brent was an explorer; Beau was relaxed; Shazza was a shy and effective mum; Woody would deliberately hide while being tracked. I have a soft spot for Woody, a very good looking midaged male with some real character. Brad, what did you learn about trees that koalas use? We have a substantial task ahead of us analysing all the data collected. A few obvious patterns are that koalas use different tree species at night compared to day. Night-time is when they browse; Tallowwoods were the standout favourite! Daytime is more about safe shelter – shady in summer, sun basking in winter. We learned that koala home ranges in the area were not very large, remaining stable over time. We did not have animals passing through in a transient way; our koalas were clearly resident, except for Brent who moved a little way before settling into his home range. Home ranges encompassed most of the available landscape, including gullies and upper slopes, young regenerating forest and mature forest. There is so much we can learn

from the data, it’s going to keep us very busy. Chris, how has koala health fared during drought, fire and flood? We tracked several females with babies in the pouch. I was lucky enough to watch them emerge, spend time on mum’s back and start to become independent. Izzy weaned her young little girl Belle as we tracked her. At the time of capture for her collar removal, Izzy had another baby in the pouch. This was all through the drought leading up to Black Summer bushfires, which thankfully did not impact the study areas. Some koalas in in the Maria River population area did show signs of chlamydia. We recorded at least 8 individuals within a 2.5 by 2.5 km area at one study site, so we can say there is a good population occupying forest harvested 5-10 years ago. We’ve mapped individual home ranges and have some fantastic data. Brad… future plans for this project? We’re in the data-analysis phase, hoping to complete this in 2021. There is plenty of scope for future research to refine our understanding of how koalas use the forest. We do a lot of acoustic work to record koala bellowing during spring mating season, and recently used this technique to estimate koala density in a range of forests. We’ll continue looking at koala recovery post-bushfires too. But the tracking has a special place for me because of the detail you learn about individual animals. How they use their habitat is just gobsmacking.

KOALAS K GPS Tracking in a Forestry Landscape The results, especially tree use, can be used to inform management and optimise existing protections when forests are harvested Forest Science Unit in NSW DPI has partnered with Forestry Corporation of NSW and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to study how Koalas use landscapes after they have been harvested for timber on the mid-north coast. � � 5 females and 6 males tracked (including during the 2019 drought)

Dazza on the move Image - Bronwyn Ellis

11 Koalas collared

Map shows GPS results for 6 koalas

Two years of tracking >11,000 GPS locations 500 koala trees located Releasing a koala Image - Brad Law

Home range of Jacky showing extent of harvesting 10 years prior to her tracking

Home range: typically 20-40 hectaresa

� Koalas use the full extent of their available landscape: gullies, ridges and mid-slopes young regenerating trees in recently harvested forest and mature forest where harvesting is excluded. � Home ranges were small (20-40 ha), stable and rarely overlapped (see GPS points left). No koalas were found to be transient. � but females also successfully bred and were tracked as part of the study

� Tallowwood, a preferred browse tree, was the most often used species at night – medium-sized trees were typically used (average diameter = 31 cm) Koalas typically preferred to shelter in other species during the day. Turpentine was most commonly used during the day, especially in summer when it provides a shady retreat. � The same tree was rarely re-used by a koala.

Study area showing forest mosaic harvested 5 years prior to study

16837 21APR

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N A T I O N A L

CARTOON GALLE RY DONʼT WASTE YOUR DISCOVER VOUCHER

The National Cartoon Gallery is moving into a new era, with an amazing new building that offers venue hire, a new café - Bunker Café, Restaurant and Bar, and a new team on board.

For FREE MEMBERSHIP redeem your discover voucheranywith the of the popular exhibitions has been extended until 7 November, so there is

Cartoon Gallery in Australia but also receive held annually will remain on still time to view it and enjoy a great laugh with great benefits including personal invitations the event calendar, such as this iconic Australian. to exhibition openings and events; free entry the Rotary Cartoon Awards During the school holidays we will be putting to exhibitions when you bring a paying guest; SIGNUP END OF and the Coffs Harbour on some Japanese inspired workshops for 10% discount onBEFORE gallery shop merchandise; JULY FOR CHANCE Camera Club Nature Photography exhibition, young people and the young at heart, including regular newsletters andA entry to Friends-Only but there will be many exciting new things Origami and Manga drawing workshops and events. TO WIN A NIGHT AT coming up. we hope to also have some Taiko drumming We also want to invite the people of the The first of these is the Manga Mania workshops to capture the spirit of Japan. Coffs Region to come to our first OPEN DAY (Japanese comics) exhibition on until 15 August. We are currently running a membership on Sunday 25 July. Admission is FREE, the café If you, or someone you know, are mad about promotion where people can use their NSW is open all day, fun activities for kids, learn Manga this is the exhibition for you. Come and Discover vouchers to join the Gallery at a about the history of the Bunker and its amazing experience the talent and work that goes into discounted rate. You can do this at our stall at transformation into the Cartoon Gallery and creating Manga. the Sunday Markets or drop-in to the gallery. next time you have visitors to the region you The Bill Leak exhibition has nationalcartoongallery.com.au been so popular it You will not only be supporting the only can bring them along. Everyone is welcome. | 02 66 517343

DONʼT WASTE YOUR DISCOVER VOUCHER For FREE MEMBERSHIP redeem your discover voucher with the

SIGNUP BEFORE END OF JULY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A NIGHT AT

nationalcartoongallery.com.au | 02 66 517343 COFFS COAST

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K I M C

Honest self reflection and finding deeper truths are part of Kim Churchill’s creative process. This simultaneously flows into beautiful lyrics and intimate performances. Kim’s tour uniquely combines van life and performance in quiet nooks of Australia.

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R C

i Kim. At heart you’re an explorer and enjoy travelling. You’re currently touring around Aus doing things a little differently than most; you’ve created a solar powered camper van/stage to perform intimate shows. Tell us a little more about how this came about? Yeah I guess over the years it has morphed into a fairly different way of living. I’ve been living out of camper vans for the entirety of my career now I think of it. It’s just quite a simple way to tour and is a lifestyle I find I’m naturally really drawn to. The highways

and beach carparks of the the country really become your home. One of my best friends has a company called ‘Undercover Creative’ which does custom fit outs. We had talked for a few years about fitting my van out and somewhere along the way the idea of a stage that slid out came into the equation. I really dug the idea of sleeping on my stage each night and the romanticism of it. It also allowed me to really customise the way my live performances go down and make it a beautiful and complete expression of who I am and my artistic aesthetic. Your songs are warm, intimate and thought provoking. Tell us about your creative process and how you’ve

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There was a sign as we left point to the road out saying ‘reality’ and it summed the whole experience up perfectly. It was like we’d entered another world and had lived a beautiful fantasy life.

developed/changed We had talked over time? for a few years I’ve always tried about fitting my van to be really honest with myself in my out and somewhere songwriting. Finding along the way the those deeper truths and idea of a stage that exploring self reflection slid out came into to find those ‘aha’ the equation. moments has always been my priority. I find melodies when I play if I’m working hard on different instruments, bettering myself, and having long hard looks but sooner or later they have to translate to in the mirror so to speak, then there is always the guitar. some kind of journey happening that I can You’ve been around the music scene channel into my songs. I also really like writing for many years now and have played early in the morning. Around 5 till 8 am is a at a number of festivals. What do you time when I just have a beautiful connection enjoy most about being a part of these to my inner self and seem to be able to find performances? the right words. Festivals just have such a beautiful sense You can play a repertoire of instruments. of community. You almost feel like you move What do you enjoy most about changing into this little town and it becomes your home it up between them all and what would for a few days. It’s amazing all the friendships you say is your go-to? and connections you have over those few My go-to is definitely the guitar. Playing days and playing to all those people is just guitar has literally been my life’s work. Though magical. Parked up at a beautiful little festival I’d prioritise songwriting as my main objective for the weekend is possibly where I feel most I think, playing the guitar has been part of at home. every day of my life since I was 5 years old. It’s inspiring and helps me find tunes and Do you have any standout memories from

these times, either on stage or off? Definitely my first year playing Woodford folk festival was incredible. There was a sign as we left pointing to the road out saying ‘reality’ and it summed the whole experience up perfectly. It was like we’d entered another world and had lived a beautiful fantasy life. You’ll be playing at the Bellingen Brewery on the 23rd July. What can we expect from your ‘I am forgetting the end’ tour? It’s a beautiful night of story telling with a couple of whiskeys and a lot of laughter. What are you looking forward to heading into the back half of 2021? Honestly just playing heaps and heaps more gigs. I’m so happy on the road currently and exploring all the smaller towns and regional parts of Australia is such a trip! I’m just stoked to be doing a bunch more of it. COFFS COAST

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ANGUS FIELD & SAM MILLER

Aya J is an up and coming electro pop duo, Angus Field and Sam Miller. The boys got together in September last year and are already making moves as a musical group to watch!

ey guys, how did Aya J form? Aya J was formed last September when I moved up to the Gold Coast in search of more of a music scene after moving back to Coffs during Covid. I was previously doing a solo act in Byron Bay for the last three years as Aya J but was looking for a drummer to complete the dynamic that Aya J is now. A lifelong friend of mine Billy Sheridan told me that he was mates with a drummer who was doing his university degree, who was in fact Sam. One thing led to another and Sam and I had an introduction and then a rehearsal together, and ever since then we have grown into a progressive pop duo on the Gold Coast. How would you best describe your music? Our music I would say definitely fits under the electronic pop genre, combining intricate catchy melodies and lyrics to a very filled out electronic pop sound. I write a lot of my lyrics about the themes of love and relationships and combined with our incredible producer Joachim Mueller from Germany creating the 46 COFFS COAST

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soundscapes around the melodies and lyrics, never been before. I can’t wait to go on our the sound of our music has really found its next tour to bigger shows in front of more groove within the electro pop category. new people! You’re in the midst of your national tour Angus you are a Gumbaynggirr man, born at the moment, what’s it been like being and bred here on the Coffs Coast. Can you on tour? tell us about your connection to this area Being on tour is and what it has been amazing. This tour like for you leaving Being on tour has taken us to some to pursue your music is amazing. incredible cities and career? This tour has taken places around Australia Coffs Harbour was an us to some incredible already and we can’t incredible place to grow cities and places wait to see where else it up in and I don’t think around Australia will take us for the rest I need to explain why. of it. We have met some The beautiful beaches already and we can’t incredible people as well right on the foothills of wait to see where on our way. One thing the mountains made for else it will take us that we didn’t realise an incredible upbringing for the rest of it. was how much touring and is where my passion makes you appreciate for music began. As when you get home. After we got back from an individual and a proud Gumbaynggirr our Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast shows man I have a very strong connection with the the travelling definitely took its toll and we area and bush that surrounds Coffs. For me were exhausted. But the reward is way greater the bush grounds me and brings me peace when you’re walking out on stage in front of and purpose. Being on tour I’m constantly heaps of new people in a place that you’ve playing shows in big cities that are filled with

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I miss and will always call Coffs my home but I feel as an up and coming musician trying to make something with music, it is beneficial to leave Coffs and be in more music rich parts of Australia.

traffic, people and big buildings. Being from a small town like Coffs I can feel not myself sometimes as it’s something I’m not used to. But whenever I get a chance to come back to my family home in Coffs Harbour I always make time to go and immerse myself in the bush and the many creeks and rivers around our beautiful area to settle down, reset and relax. Nature and the bush around Coffs in my eyes is so unique and beautiful and I haven’t seemed to be able to find the same ecological dynamic anywhere else in Australia. The beaches around Coffs are the most beautiful in Australia and have such a strong indigenous connection to our Gumbaynggirr nation. Moving away though was a massive step for me. I moved up to the Northern Rivers to study music straight after high school to pursue my dream in music. I miss and will always call Coffs my home but I feel as an up and coming musician trying to make something with music, it is beneficial to leave Coffs and be in more music-rich parts of Australia. I knew for me to make something of my passion that I had to leave and take it upon myself to place myself in areas that I had the best chance of getting that opportunity to get to the next level in the music industry,

and although it meant moving away from my friends and family, it has all been worth it and just makes coming back home all that bit more special. Sam, you’re American but living in Australia, how did that move come about? The reason that me and my family ended up moving to Australia came about from my Dad’s work. He is a pastor and there was a church on the Gold Coast that needed one. For about 18 months before we moved, we travelled to almost all 50 states in the US visiting churches and gaining support for us and the church. We moved here when I was 10 and I have absolutely loved spending over half of my life in this beautiful country. What is the process of creating and recording music like for you guys? For Aya J the process of music starts with us sitting at a keyboard or guitar and just letting our creativity flow. We will create a chord progression and create melodies to accompany it and then lyrics. Once we have a basic song structure created we then record it and send it to our producer in Germany who we then work closely with to create what the song will then become.

Where do you draw inspiration from? We draw our inspiration from the ideas of love and relationships, and also situations that people our age encounter in life. Also, it can be hard sometimes to get the right lyric or melody idea, so sometimes we use different methods and try to write whilst in different moods or listening to a type of music to get our creativity flowing. But then again it is a very personal thing and everyone is different. Now that you guys are living the dream and creating music for a living, what are some of your plans for the future of Aya J? Aya J has plans to play some bigger shows and festivals around Australia such as Splendour In The Grass and Falls Festival. But the main plan that we have is to tour overseas as soon as the borders open up and spread our music to places all around the world. Our producer lives in Germany and has strong ties throughout the European music industry. We have been planning since Aya J started to get over there but unfortunately because of Covid we haven’t been able to get there. Sam being from America, we also have strong ties and a fan base in the States as many of Sam’s friends and family follow and support our tunes religiously. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as we see ourselves as a massive up and coming act to come out of Australia in the future. Thanks Guys. COFFS COAST

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COFFS COAST ACCOMMODATION

Coffs Coast Accommodation is a BOUTIQUE AGENCY MANAGING SHORT TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATION ON THE COFFS COAST. We chat with Monique Fitzgerald about Accessible Holiday homes and how she helps owners to create be er holiday homes.

e manage a portfolio of almost 40 (and growing!) stunning holiday homes in the local area, including Luxury, Accessible, Eco Friendly, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly, Couples Dream and Corporate Stay listings. We proudly support a team of small business owners, ensuring the money earned locally stays in the community. What is an “Accessible Holiday Home”? 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. Accessible tourism is the fastest growing sector in the tourism market. Various design aspects are taken into account in an accessible home as part of the build or renovation. We currently have five accessible holiday homes, with additional properties coming soon. Tell us about this luxury holiday home under construction and how you've helped the owner enhance the property by making it Accessible and Pet-Friendly. We’re excited about this upcoming holiday home listing, due for completion and open for bookings by the end of September. This three-bedroom holiday home, yet to be named, is located on the lower level of a new luxury

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home in the Jetty precinct and has stunning views. The Owner’s private residence will be on the upper levels The owners approached us during the construction phase for advice on the optimum layout and inclusions. Melissa Parisi - the Holiday Home Stylist, our in-house expert, advises on design considerations such as layout, accessibility and interiors. Together we provide suggestions that enable owners to capitalise on our expertise, and we took this holiday home from a pure luxury listing to a Luxury, Accessible and Pet-Friendly listing. Thus providing this property with an appeal to a broad range of people with a wide range of needs, who all enjoy a luxury getaway! With an ageing population, the disability sector is expected to grow significantly. By 2050, a quarter of the population will be aged 65 years or over. Currently, around 20% of Australian adults have a disability or long-term health condition. Combine this with increased life expectancy and we will see a greater demand for accessible and inclusive tourism. The second highest in-demand holiday markets are pet-friendly properties. This holiday home ticks all the boxes! Accessible features of the home include, but are not limited to, wide hallways and doorways, a spacious kitchen with built-in talking appliances, low-level light switches and bathrooms with open plan wet areas. The

furniture throughout the home is specifically chosen to aid spatial awareness. In addition, all printed material in the property, such as our guest compendium, will be available in large format. This holiday home is a win/win for everyone involved, not least of all the guests! We encourage owners and developers to engage us in the planning stage of a new property. We understand the accommodation market and what guests are looking for in a holiday home. We bring over 15 years of sector-specific experience to the table. Given the high number of holiday homes in our region, it’s crucial to get the design considerations right from the start. How can people get in contact with you? To register your interest in booking this property, please contact Monique Fitzgerald on 0434 486 660. For enquiries, to book a consultation, or to list your property with Coffs Coast Accommodation, visit coffscoastaccommodation.com.au or email Monique Fitzgerald at admin@coffscoastaccommodation.com.au For enquiries or to book a consultation with Melissa Parisi, the Holiday Home Stylist holidayhomestylist.com.au melissa@holidayhomestylist.com.au 0449 17 18 17 coffscoastaccommodation holidayhomestylist

s o u r n e d v e s i f t s c i v i s a u l m R Showground August 13-14 n e g , 202 lin 1 Bel

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Adelle

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KEIKI FOLK

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 Keiki Folk? After the birth of my daughter in 2013 I discovered the lack of choice in clothing options. We lived in a hot climate and it was hard to find breathable quality basics and fun fabrics. We were a cloth nappy family and clothing wasn’t made to accommodate the bulk of a cloth nappy. So I started to make my daughter outfits and from there my hobby grew into a business. In 2015 I started doing pop ups and selling via social media. I went online in 2017 with Etsy and a website, in 2020 I went full time, rebranding and opening my studio to the public. Keiki Folk means little one in Hawaiian. This resonated with me as you’ll hear me call my kids my ‘little ones’ most days. I’ve created an eco-minded, ethical business taking great care in my choice of materials used and products that I stock. I choose as many Australian sourced and made items as I can and a large majority of my suppliers are women-owned businesses. The business is largely powered by solar, and orders are packed with recycled materials and fabric offcuts to minimise wastage. 50 COFFS COAST

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Keiki Folk means What’s your favourite Coast? What do you li le one in part of your work? love about the area? I love working with I was born in Ballina Hawaiian. This families who are looking NSW and have moved resonated with me as for customised fit around a fair bit, you’ll hear me call my clothing. Children with including a stint in the kids my ‘li le ones’ disabilities, hip dysplasia, Northern Territory. We most days. I’ve created premmie babies, kids now consider Coffs to an eco-minded, ethical with medical conditions be our final move and business taking great who put on weight due to settle here. I love the care in my choice of to medication. Helping coast and the weather materials used and these families to have is fabulous! Our family products that I stock. well fitted clothing that love checking out all is adjustable is a very of the outlying small rewarding process. I also surrounding towns, love first time aunties, grandmothers and there’s so many places to explore in the mums. The preparation and celebration that area. We are very lucky here. comes with babies is an exciting time in What piece of advice would you many people’s lives, so being a small part of give women making their way in the that feels really good. business world? Who is your greatest influence in I come from a long line of creative business? women. Growing up with handmade My children! I have a son and daughter things, I was taught how to sew by my who have grown up on my sewing room mother and grandmothers. So I would say floor, wearing the clothes I make and follow your heart and do what you love. participating in the process. Both are very Small business is tough and it’s all too easy handy with the scissors and label machine to get wrapped up in the what ifs… or these days. They both love to promote what comparing yourself to others. But now I mummy does. And are so proud to be at my know it’s most important to do what you market stalls and in the studio. do, and do it well. Back yourself and the Have you always lived on the Coffs rest will fall into place.

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L C A H OLI T

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GRAFTON R A C I N G C A R N I VA L

The Gra on Cup is a Listed race held annually at Gra on Racecourse. Conducted over 2350m, the Gra on Cup a racts a quality line-up of winter stayers and offers a total of $200,000 in prize money. We had a chat with Michael Bea ie to find out more...

i Michael, what can we expect from this year’s Grafton July Racing Carnival? This year’s carnival gives every indication of being bigger and better than the last pre-Covid running. The interest in the corporate areas and marquees is at an all-time high with very limited spaces available and only on some days. How has the event changed from previous years (post-Covid)? I think having to manage the event in a Covid year showed us to some degree that we had taken our members for granted. With 2020 being a members-only event, those members enjoyed increased benefits. That had to be factored into this year to replicate the 2020 experience. That is not to say the general public will not be catered for, they will be. With more bars and food outlets open than in previous years the public can feel assured their day will be very enjoyable. What makes this event different to other racing events across NSW? The tradition Grafton is about the racing… Sure, the party is there as well but the CRJC has always been about the best horses, the best

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trainers, the best jockeys. And the best racing. What packages are available and where can they be purchased? To be honest it would be impossible to try and explain what is left on what days. The best bet (pardon the pun) is to call the office on 6642 2566 and ask… Memberships are still available and are a great way to go. Do you know if there will be transport packages from the Coffs Coast? Some of Coffs’ best watering holes arrange buses for cup day. It is a safe and inexpensive way to get to and from the track… again speak with your local and if they are not coming get them to call us we might be able to help out. Who can we expect to see on the track? The best of the best horses that win at our carnival year in and year out go on to compete at the highest level. Only recently Signore Fox, the 2020 Ramornie winner was placed at Group 1 Level over the Brisbane Carnival. The best sprinter in the world Takeover Target, won a Ramornie Handicap in 2004 before winning in England, Singapore and Japan. Historically Grafton Cup winners have gone on to win Melbourne Cups; it does not get much better than that and 2021 will no doubt unearth another star.

Who are the sponsors and affiliates of the Grafton July Racing Carnival? The Maclean Hotel is the Grafton Cup Sponsor; The Grafton District Services Club the Ramornie Handicap; Grafton Toyota the South Grafton Cup and Maclean Bowling Club, the Maclean Cup. Westlawn Finance sponsors the Prelude Day. XXXX Gold has the Carnival Naming Rights and is the Carnival’s beverage supplier. I say with some modesty that every race over the five days is sponsored by mostly local business houses who support the club. Where can people find out more? Visit our website www.crjc.com.au or find us on Facebook at Clarence River JockeyClub. A call to the office on 6642 2566 will provide most answers as well. Thanks Michael.

UPCOMING RACE DATES 27th - Westlawn Finance Prelude Day 4th - Grafton Toyota South Grafton Cup Day 7th - Grafton District Services Club Ramornie Handicap 8th - The Maclean Hotel Grafton Cup 11th - Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup Day

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TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

Discover the Coffs Coast How much do you love a fantastic gi card to use where you want? That’s what Dine & Discover vouchers are. A gi card to encourage the community to get out and about to support tourism and hospitality businesses.

he Dine & Discover vouchers have been made available by the NSW Government to any NSW resident over the age of 18 and come as four separate vouchers (two for dining and two for discovering) each valued at $25. If you haven’t jumped in to use your vouchers yet, the deadline has been extended until July 31 to explore the local area using them. If you haven’t applied for vouchers yet, you are still able to at www.service.nsw.gov.au. The Coffs Coast is a holiday paradise, with many opportunities to play, taste, explore and experience. You may have found it easy to use your ‘Dine’ vouchers at one of the many local restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs or clubs that have registered, but now is a great time to ‘Discover’ the Coffs Coast and the many activities we are lucky to have right here on our doorstep. Here are some of the ways to use your vouchers: Birch, Carroll and Coyle Cinemas – enjoy a new release or two at the multi-cinema complex. C-Change Adventures – kayak, standup paddle board or take in a tour, exploring the waterways and some of its interesting inhabitants. Club 300 Bowling – strikes and spares, pins and balls – it’s all part of the fun as you try your hand at ten-pin bowling. Coffs Harbour Butterfly House – butterflies,

insects, dinosaurs and fairies are all part of the mix when you interact with this collection of displays and critters. Coffs Skydivers – soar through the air with local professionals from Australia’s highest skydive landing on one of Coffs pristine beaches. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park – learn about the interesting life of some of our amazing sea creatures including penguins, dolphins, turtles and more. Jetty Dive Centre – explore the many dive sites, the amazing creatures and the beautiful waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a rich biodiversity where tropical and cool waters meet. Jetty Memorial Theatre – live shows, cultural events and visiting artists, there’s a full program of shows to enjoy all year round. Majestic Cinemas (Sawtell) – sit back in the restored historic cinema and watch a new release or an old favourite. Montem Bike Tours – offering guided bike tours and bike hire for plenty of fun memory making moments to share with your friends and family. All skill levels. National Cartoon Gallery – a unique opportunity to view cartoons from all around the world, this one of a kind gallery housed in a WWII bunker delivers laughs and surprises for all ages. Precision Helicopters – a bucket list experience, travel by helicopter to the South Solitary Islands Lighthouse, tour the historic

buildings and learn about the islands, taking in the magnificent coastal views as you fly back Steve McEwan’s Reptile World – ever wanted to smile with a crocodile, hold a snake or get up close to a lizard. The amazing world of reptiles is sure to delight. The Big Banana Fun Park – visit Australia’s original ‘Big Thing’ with toboggan rides, laser tag, mini golf, ice skating, giant slides and more. Don’t forget the ultimate Coffs Coast selfie! TreeTop Adventure Park – swing, step or fly through the trees as you lookout across the expansive views of the Coffs Coast. Waves to Wilderness Experiences – explore with expert guides the hinterland areas of our beautiful coast. Walks, tours and gorgeous food are all part of your day out. Wild Trails Mountain Biking – starting out or full-on adventure, Wild Trails will help you discover some of the amazing tracks around the area. Get in before the end of July to enjoy a fantastic Coffs Coast experience with your ‘Dine and Discover’ vouchers, and check out more on www.coffscoast.com. #coffscoast #naturallyconnected

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DINE AND DISCOVER

EXTENDED UNTIL 31 JULY You now have until 31 July to spend your Dine and Discover Vouchers. Find a participating business by visiting service.nsw.gov.au or by scanning the QR code below

coffsharbour@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 6652 6500 Authorised by Gurmesh Singh MP, 1/9 Park Avenue Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements June 2021

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STAT E O F

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

hat’s the difference between a job and a career? A career is an occupation which can be undertaken for a significant period of your life and, importantly, has opportunities for progress. We want our children to have careers of their own. The ability to climb the ladder, build prosperity, and live a meaningful life are all worthy life goals. But opportunities to build a career have always been greater in the cities. One of the goals I set myself when I entered politics was to level out this inequality. Since my election, I’ve worked hard to secure business and government investment in creating careers on the Coffs Coast. The exciting announcement about Pacific Bay Resort Studios and Village with Nana Glen actor Russell Crowe is a complete game changer for career pathways on the Coffs Coast. The resort will also build a hotel, a stateof-the-art film school, an indigenous art gallery and an Olympic and film memorabilia museum. This precinct will be an important

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! cultural hub regional New South Wales will be proud to call home. Coffs Harbour ticks a lot of boxes for the film industry as well. We have a variety of different backdrops from urban to ocean, rainforest to rural and a great year-round climate perfect for filming. Making movies at a resort in a regional city also offers a much better work-life balance for crew, actors and their families. During breaks in filming, actors and crew can enjoy our wonderful city and spend time with their families instead of killing time in an industrial estate like they must do in other cities. Not only will the film studios put us on the world entertainment industry map, it brings with it opportunities and careers in varied fields. Film making will create many careers in the creative sector. But film making is a far more complicated process than it might appear from the outside. There are skilled technicians who operate the lighting and cameras. There are people who must build (and demolish) the sets which is almost like building a house. Then there are the people who paint the sets. There are

people who design the costumes. There are people who feed the crew. And people who transport everyone from location to location. And accountants to keep track of all the spending. The list of possible careers is long. And so is the list of opportunities. Over the years Coffs Harbour has been known for many things. Timber, fishing, bananas, tourism, and now hopefully film. The NSW Government will pursue establishing a Regional Job Precinct to help the project get off the ground in a timely manner. The State Government will investigate a range of options to support this exciting project. Regional Job Precincts, an extension of the Special Activation Precinct Program, provide planning support to help fast-track approvals and build shared infrastructure to drive growth, investment and development opportunities within regional NSW. This precinct, along with the Bypass and many other projects under way in Coffs Harbour at the moment, showcases the incredible confidence people have in the Coffs Coast and regional NSW more broadly. COFFS COAST

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TYLER’S

SUPERHEROES

Four year old Tyler was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in January 2020. A er an 18 month ba le, devastatingly Tyler passed away this year in May.

yler’s short but beautifully blessed life will continue to bring change for the better for so many people. We had a chat with Tyler’s mother, Kamie Kennedy to find out more about the work she is doing with Starlight Foundation and Red Cross in honour of Tyler’s Legacy. Our beautiful boy Tyler was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at the age of 3. Our lives were instantly uprooted while we had to move to Sydney for his treatment. Devastatingly Tyler passed away this year in May after battling for 18 months. Tyler’s life and passing has a purpose. I have already seen change in so many lives for the better just because of his story. Kids who are diagnosed with cancer rely heavily on blood products, and lots of them to survive. I could not count the amount of infusions Tyler needed over the past 18 months and how many donations of blood from donors would have been used. We will all need blood products at some point in our lives and I am calling on anyone who can donate to please do so on a regular 56 COFFS COAST

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and play during their time in hospital. basis as it’s just so important. Tyler’s short but beautifully blessed life will Tyler has his own donation team “Tyler’s continue to bring change for the better for Superheroes” set up so we can always see how so many people. This many lives he continues is helping with the to save from his own life. Kids who are overwhelming grief for Kids who are sick diagnosed with our family in this difficult in the hospital are still cancer rely heavily on time. beautiful little children blood products, and lots Tyler was perfect. who need laughter, play of them to survive. I could He will always be in and happiness. not count the amount of our hearts as the most Starlight Foundation infusions Tyler needed courageous boy who and in particular Starlight will continue to heal Captains made such over the past 18 months and help generations of a positive, happy and and how many donations people both before and hilarious place for Tyler of blood from donors after his passing. while he was in hospital. would have been used. Thank You to our The laughter and beautiful community excitement the Captains who has supported our family in so many bring to children who are sick is priceless and ways over the past 18 months. We are forever so important to their healing and happiness. grateful and our hearts are full of gratitude. Starlight Captains rely on funding and Live each day for now and help others, that’s donations to run their program. They are Tyler’s legacy. amazing and have been such a huge part of DONATE BLOOD TODAY by joining Tyler's Tyler’s life over the past 18 months. team. Sign up online and assign yourself We would like to continue to raise enough under "Tyler's Superheroes" . money to ensure kids can continue to laugh

IN LOVING MEMORY

TYLER’S LEGACY

We’re fundraising for Starlight Children’s Foundation in memory of Tyler. Please make a gift via our fundraising page to help: inmemory.starlightfundraisers.org.au/tyler Your donation will make a world of difference to sick kids and their families. You can also join Tyler’s Superheroes Lifeblood team. You can book individually or as a group. Simply scan the QR code below Thank you, Tyler’s family

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GEORGIA

Georgia Winn started out surfing as a preschooler and has progressively moved into the skating world. Although the deck is a li le different, this li le ripper is busy sharpening her skills on the concrete wave, dropping into the bowl and just carving it up.

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My dad bought me a skateboard and it just seemed like more of a challenge to ride a skateboard than a scooter..

i Georgia. You’re a familiar face down here at the Coffs Skate Park, but for those that don’t know you, please introduce yourself. I just turned eight, I go to St Francis Xavier Primary at Woopi and I’m from Emerald Beach. I love to skate and surf and just hang with my friends. You’ve been skating since you were very young. At a time when scooter riding was so popular amongst kids your age, what was it that made you get into skating? I’ve been skating since I was five years old. I started surfing at a young age and it just seemed natural to get into skating. My dad bought me a skateboard and it just seemed like more of a challenge to ride a skateboard than a scooter. Ever since I’ve been skating ramps, I’ve just wanted to try more and more tricks.

your achievements? My favourite thing is just riding the mini ramps and the bowl. I’m really trying to lock down my 50/50 grinds at the moment. I love to do half-cab rock to fakie and I’m also working on my rock ’n’ roll. I would love I’m really proud of You’re certainly how my frontside turns to make it to dedicated and are progressing and the Olympics one committed to your how I’ve been able to day but until then sport. What type of start linking all my tricks training is involved? it’s all about having together. I try to skate at least fun and just going Who is your three times a week and sideways! inspiration in the I’ve been focussing skating world? on improving the little I really like Sky Brown. things that make it look She inspires me to really stylish and easy. practice every day, to believe in myself and just I have been a part of the girls performance have fun doing it. I can’t wait to see her skate class at Skate and Create in Woolgoolga for in the Olympics this year. about a year. Matty Day is our coach and he makes it really fun. He is really good at helping What are your dreams for the future? The plan right now is to keep on practising with my footwork and my balance. I just love and building my bag of tricks. Then I’m riding the ramps there. excited about entering in a few more regional I try to surf a couple of times a week which competitions. I would love to make it to the is also good for my balance. Olympics one day but until then it’s all about What new tricks have you been working having fun and just going sideways! on over the past six months and what are Thanks Georgia. you most proud of about yourself and COFFS COAST

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Images Sandra Henri Photography

Judy

MORT Midwife, Mentor, Shamanic Way Shower. These are a few facets of Judy Mort’s life that are valued and held deeply in her practice. Working harmoniously with women while gently guiding those from many paths of our intertwined lives, Judy wholeheartedly follows the calling of her soul’s path.

i Judy. You are a prominent figure in the community working within the women's health and wellness sector. For those of us who haven't had the pleasure in meeting you yet, please introduce yourself and share your connection to our region. Originally from Sydney, I moved to Bonny Hills in 2004 with my husband and our two young boys. We love living here and enjoy the beaches, the ocean, the beautiful natural environment and the community in which we live. We moved here after living in England for about four years. It was the call to be near the ocean and waterways which drew me to the Camden Haven region. I swim most days, it is such an important part of my wellbeing. You wear many hats, and a pretty special one in particular being Midwife here at Port Base Hospital. How long have you been involved in birthing and what do you enjoy most about helping mothers 60 COFFS COAST

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bring their babies Earth-side? I am an experienced midwife, having spent more than 25 years working with birthing women and What goes on families in Australia and around women England. I have been and occurs to women working at Port Base mothering will impact during pregnancy, Maternity Unit since we and influence her and birth and early moved to the area. her baby for years to mothering will After all these years come. impact and influence as a midwife I continue To me, the most her and her baby for to hold a passion for all important aspect of years to come. aspects of childbirth. I supporting women love being a midwife during pregnancy, birth and making a positive and new parenting is difference in the lives of women. Every day that women are strongly placed at the centre is unique as a midwife, there are so many of their experience; that they are listened to, enjoyable moments as well as challenging that their decisions and choices are respected ones. and that they come through their birthing Childbirth is a significant time and rite of experience emotionally whole and physically passage for women, their babies and families. well. What goes on around women and occurs We know this is not always the case. Data to women during pregnancy, birth and early shows that one in three women describe

their birth experience as traumatic. One in eight women go on to develop PTSD from what occurred to them during childbirth. The incidence of perinatal depression and anxiety is around one in five women. These are shocking statistics which do not often get spoken of and need to be addressed. This is a widespread systemic issue which has a huge impact on all areas of life for women, families and our society. A safe, sacred and empowering birth in any setting is possible. It is how women are treated, respected, cared for and held which can make this the case. Through your business, Artemis Rising, you offer many opportunities to women in our community, whether that be through women’s circles, workshops or private bespoke consults. Can you share more about what's on offer? My background spans the scientific and the sacred. My life experiences, education and training are grounded in Feminism, Goddess-centred Earth-based spirituality and Midwifery. As well as being a midwife to women and birth, I am a mentor, way-shower and guide to women on their Soul Path in life. I guide women on their own journey of self-discovery, healing and awakening. This aspect of my work is woven through all that I offer with Artemis Rising. I offer a range of workshops, courses, highly personalised one-to-one sessions, and community-focused circles; where women learn, remember, reclaim and reconnect with their Moon Circle for most authentic, fulfilled and sacred selves. Soulful Women I currently hold a regular offers a rich and Moon Circle for Soulful rewarding way to be Women, with new dates together, providing opening soon. inner nourishment we the inner These circles are for require in our full and nourishment we women who wish to complex lives. require in our full connect, share and grow In Circle, women and complex lives. deeply within the safe and come home to intimate space of a closed themselves and each and ongoing group. other. Held as a series of six gatherings for a small When this occurs, everyone benefits; number of women, meeting monthly, Moon ourselves, our families, our communities and Circle for Soulful Women offers a rich and the Earth. rewarding way to be together, providing the As a teacher and practitioner of

the Women’s Mysteries and Shamanic Womancraft, I have a strong grounding in the Wisdom of the Cycles, a deep understanding our Rites of Passage in life, a holistic and shamanic approach to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, and the profoundly transformative experience of peri-menopause and menopause, for women. >>> COFFS COAST

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I have two workshops covering these themes coming up in July. Saturday 17th July Moonsong and Sunday 18th July Shamanic Dimension of Pregnancy. Personalised One-to-One Sessions: These are a one-off or short series of bespoke private sessions for those seeking guidance and clarity relating to a range of situations in life whether that be facing transitions and finding themselves at crossroads in life, feeling stuck, restricted or noticing repetitive patterns and ways of being which are inhibiting growth or enjoyment, seeking insight, clarity or healing relating to personal or professional situations. I offer deep listening, skilful and effective processes by which to guide people towards their own unique solutions, activating their inner wisdom, intuition and power to move forward. Pregnancy and Birth Services: I offer a range of holistic services for women and their families; as well as mentoring and support for Midwives, Student Midwives and Birth Keepers. Women who are pregnant, considering pregnancy or those who work with women and birth may like to join the one-day workshops I hold. I also offer personalised one-to-one sessions and programs for women (and families) who are preparing for birth in a sacred way and for those seeking to debrief or make sense of 62 COFFS COAST

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The Shamanic Journey is an inner journey; a fundamental part of our human experience in connection with nature, Earth, subtle energies and the wisdom inherent in all the cycles of life.

their pregnancy and birth experiences. I am not a midwife in private practice and do not offer pregnancy, birth or postnatal midwifery services. For Midwives and Birth Keepers: I work on a one-to-one or small group basis with midwives, student midwives, doulas and birth-workers; offering holistic clinical supervision, debriefing, mentoring and Support Circles. Over the past 12 years, you have been immersed in, learning and teaching Shamanic Womancraft. Firstly, can you tell us more about the concept of Shamanic Womancraft? In this context the term ‘Shamanic’ describes the inner and outer multi-dimensional spaces that exist within and around us. The worlds or realms of the shamanic experience are both actual and metaphoric and are accessible by everyone. The Shamanic Journey is an inner journey; a fundamental part of our human experience in connection with nature, Earth, subtle energies and the wisdom inherent in all the cycles of life. As women we are intimately aware of our own cyclical wisdom. Menstruation, pregnancy, birth, and menopause are shamanic journeys.

A woman travels deeply during these times into her inner world. She meets her fears, her obstacles and her deep inner knowing. She meets her extraordinary strength, wisdom and available guidance. Through paying close attention to the ebbs and flows, the natural rhythms of our own bodies we can come to know ourselves on a deeper level. We experience ourselves as an integral and aligned part of all nature. The School of Shamanic Womancraft has been operating for 13 years, offering courses and workshops in Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Canada and US. This August will see the Four Seasons Journey coming to both Port Macquarie and the Coffs Harbour region. Take us through the content of the program. The School of Shamanic Womancraft, founded by Jane Hardwicke Collings in 2009, is an international Women’s Mysteries School, a community of women united by a revolutionary impulse for social change and healing. We create circles of intimacy and belonging in which growth and transformation can unfold. I completed the Four Seasons Journey (4SJ) program in 2010. During that year I had a strong vision to bring the modality of Shamanic Womancraft and the Four Seasons

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Journey to the women in my community. After completing a number of years apprenticing, training and attending to my own inner work, I graduated as a teacher of the Four and Eight Seasons Journey and workshop teacher, too. Alongside my dear friend and colleague Joanna Dadd we co-facilitate the Mid North Coast Four Seasons Journey. Now in its second year, Joanna and I are so excited to be offering this positively life changing program in our region again. We begin the next Mid North Coast Four Seasons Journey in August 2021 and are accepting enrolments now. The Four Seasons Journey program runs over a year and involves exploring our personal connections with the Earth, the Divine Feminine and ourselves. This program invites women to attune to their cyclical, transformative nature, as well as their relationship with each other, in a powerful sisterhood that provides a oneof-a-kind context in which to undertake significant inner work and become a Shamanic Craftswoman. The Four Seasons Journey offers women an opportunity to dive deep into the philosophy and practice of Shamanic Womancraft. It is a personal and collective journey of

activists, psychologists, doctors, birth keepers, musicians, women in media and the financial world and more, have all attended 4SJ over the years. Truly, this program is for every woman who is ready to awaken to her feminine power and willing to embrace the powerful and life changing experience that is 4SJ. Each woman arrives to 4SJ for her own reason, often with a strong “inner knowing“ that this journey is for her. Women feel strongly resonant and “called“ to this work and way. What women receive will of course be unique to her. It is her own journey of discovery and becoming. What women gain The program is is multi-layered and life-long. Women gain offered via six connection to a strong face-to-face and growing sisterhood gatherings, including and community. Women a 10-day Wilderness gain a qualification in Retreat culminating discovery and healing. Shamanic Womancraft. in a wilderness solo, During the year which prepares students together, students five coursework to become teachers will gain in-depth modules, and includes and practitioners of the experience with the home-study, reading Women’s Mysteries. Women’s Mysteries, and preparation. Women may take away building the skills an unshakeable knowing and understanding of who they are at their needed to work in the inner shamanic realms – core and what they are here to be, do and facilitating transformation for themselves and offer into the world. others. Women go on to weave and integrate their The program is offered via six face-to-face 4SJ experience into their lives and work in gatherings, including a 10-day Wilderness many creative ways. Retreat culminating in a wilderness solo, five This is a powerful healing path for a woman coursework modules, and includes hometo remember and reclaim her Sovereign self. study, reading and preparation. Thanks Judy. This program is for women from all walks of life both personally and professionally; To contact Judy: what will each woman expect to take Email: judy@artemisrising.com.au away from this experience? Website: www.artemisrising.com.au Over the years women from all walks of Instagram: @artemis_rising7 life and stages have joined the Four Seasons Facebook: Artemis Rising Journey. To find out more about the School of Younger women, mothers, grandmothers, Shamanic Womancraft: sometimes pregnant women or women with https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/ young babies join, and as a community we find Mid North Coast Four Season Journey ways to support that. Programs: Women in academia, teachers, midwives, https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/4sjartists, healers, naturopaths, counsellors, mid-north-coast/ COFFS COAST

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MACCAS

JUNIOR GRANTS

KOROR A PHYSIC AL CU LT U RE CLU B

ow long has the Korora Physical Culture Club been established for? Korora Physical Culture Club has been established for approximately 27 years. What success and experiences would you like to share? In 2019, we had some really great results... We had 8 girls selected as State Finalists to compete in Sydney. From here, 5 girls were selected to progress as Grand Finalists. This meant that these Grand Finalist girls were in the top 12 of their age group where they competed at the prestigious Sydney Town Hall. Our club results were: 9yr Grand Finalist, 10yr 1st place Age Champion, 12yr 4th place, 12yr Dance Champion and 15yr 5th place. For a small club of 33 members, our results were outstanding! In 2020, after what was a difficult year due to Covid, we again achieved some great results. We had 7 girls selected as State Finalists to

compete in Sydney, of which 1 girl was selected to progress through to the Grand Finals in the 13yr section. One of our highlights was having the only two 12yr old girls selected from the Mid North Coast Region as State Finalists. We are hopeful of some further amazing results this year and are really excited to see what 2021 will bring! What is the club’s focus / goals for the remainder of 2021? Our club goals for 2021 are to try to achieve amazing results as we did in 2019 and 2020, and for our girls to strive to do their very best. How has McDonald’s assisted with KPCC? In 2019 and 2021, our club was lucky enough to receive a sponsorship from McDonald’s. This sponsorship was used to cover competition entry fees for our members along with some new

team leotards which we are extremely grateful for. We were also gifted 50 encouragement awards which allowed us to provide weekly encouragement and support to our members. What is your most valuable piece of advice for aspiring athletes within your club? Physical Culture is designed to empower girls and provide powerful, positive role models. It is great for flexibility, fitness, coordination, posture and most of all friendships. Our advice... Have confidence in your ability, try to focus in class, practice at home, and work hard to achieve your best result. How do people get involved with KPCC? You can contact us via our Facebook page, email kororaphysi@gmail.com or call one of our dedicated teachers: Dawn Roberts 0438 525 362 or Kayla Collett 0402 742 436

Apply Now Macca's

J unior

G rants Proudly supporting the local community.

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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.

McDonald's Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca & Kempsey 64 COFFS COAST

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maccasjuniorgrant.com.au

MACCAS JUNIOR GRANTS PROGRAMME

COFFS HARBOUR

NETB ALL A S S OCIATION The Grants Program was developed to provide junior individuals and not-for-profit groups with funding to encourage the development of academic, sporting, community, cultural and social endeavours. This month we shine the spotlight on Coffs Harbour Netball Association.

ow long has the Coffs Harbour Netball Association been established for? 1974 – currently we run with 3 junior clubs – Sawtell-Toormina, Souths, Westside and are joined by Surfside in our Wednesday senior ladies competition. How is the mentoring program for umpires going to support / impact your Association? CHNA is very aware that without umpires there will be no games. Training new umpires to become independent takes time and effort. The Munro Group of McDonald’s sponsors Team White (umpires). This has allowed us to provide one-on-one mentorship for new umpires by having an experienced umpire “shadow” them in their first few games right through to them becoming independent. We then do ongoing mentorship in an attempt for umpires to work towards the National Accredited C Badge. Coffs Harbour has 5 representative teams ranging from U12s through to U17s. This year has seen Coffs Harbour attend 6 carnivals around the region including Taree, Grafton, Great Lakes and our own carnival here in Coffs Harbour. These carnivals all lead up to

the Junior and Senior state CHNA promotes titles being held in June in having fun with your Each week various locations in Sydney. friends from ages U8 McDonald’s Each team and carnival through to ladies. has sponsored our 2 require an umpire. The Netball can be both best and fairest sponsorship money has great fun socially but players from each allowed us to subsidise the also we support and match. This in total cost by sending multiple encourage our girls works out to be 44 umpires to multiple to take netball to the games each week. carnivals whilst still next level. facilitating our mentoring How do people of junior umpires. get involved with What is the Association’s CHNA? focus / goals for the remainder of 2021? With our season finishing in September Here at CHNA we are all about “fitness, fun and friendship” and we support the ongoing we would encourage those who haven’t development of girls in sport. Netball is for played before to get in touch with one of our all ages and abilities and teams are based on clubs prior to the season finishing so that we both these things. can contact people when our registrations How has McDonald’s assisted with CHNA? commence next year. McDonald’s has assisted Coffs Harbour Goals for 2022? Netball Association for the last few years We are very excited for 2022 because with continued support via their junior sports after the end of this season our courts will awards. Each week McDonald’s has sponsored be having a total refurbishment ready for our 2 best and fairest players from each the next season. There will be 9 new fully match. This in total works out to be 44 games refurbished courts with new lighting. This each week. What is your most valuable piece of advice for aspiring athletes within your Association ?

will enable us to continue to provide a team’s based girls sport for the Coffs Harbour Region. COFFS COAST

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T A N J A

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K R A U S

Horsemanship Clinician Tanja Kraus is no novice to horses, and has an in-depth understanding and immeasurable love for them. Tanja will be taking that passion and dedication to animals to the next level to compete in a wonderful challenge – The Race to Ranch competition, giving a retired racehorse new passion and purpose.

i Tanja. Congratulations on being selected to take part in the Race to Ranch competition. You are the only Northern Rivers woman, and one of four NSW women to be selected. Please introduce yourself to our readers. Thank you so much. It’s very exciting to be one of the women selected to take on this challenge. Horses are pretty much what I live and breathe – they are my passion in life, my hobby and I am fortunate that they are my work as well. I live out at Glenreagh with my partner Phil on our property with our horses, dogs and our cat. I spend most weekends away working, and so when I am home I like to hang around on the farm, maybe

head to the Golden Dog for lunch or hike Standardbred gelding and back then I had to Scout’s Falls, or in summer I love to head no idea what “off the track” even meant down to the Jetty strip and enjoy the beach – to me he was just my world and we did and restaurants down everything together, there. from beach rides and You have an road trips, to hacking, I’ve basically extensive jumping, dressage and been “horse mad” background in sporting. I was lucky for as long as I can horse training and enough that we lived on remember, and I coaching, travelling a rural property that was worked on my parents both nationally very close to a riding for many years before and internationally club, so every single day they finally caved in for your work. Tell I was riding, or spending us how you found time with my horse in and bought me my first yourself in the some way. We joined horse when I was 12. industry? the club and became I’ve basically been avid members, attending “horse mad” for as club days every fortnight long as I can remember, and I worked on my and eventually helping with the setup and parents for many years before they finally organising of rally days. Around 16 years old caved in and bought me my first horse when I took a position on the committee and right I was 12. Shadow was an “off the track” into my 20’s served in various roles. >>> COFFS COAST

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So I was always very interested in the organising of events and helping people enjoy their horses. Around the same time I started teaching kids to ride, and it grew from there. My second off the track horse came a little later, in my early 20’s and I was interested in pursuing dressage competitively. I took on a thoroughbred gelding, and embarked on a crash course of “track to hack”, and it was this horse, and our many “issues” that ultimately led me to horsemanship. This year we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of “Tanja Kraus Horsemanship” which is my full time business and passion – travelling and teaching people how to 68 COFFS COAST

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I took on a thoroughbred gelding, and embarked on a crash course of “track to hack”, and it was this horse and our many “issues” that ultimately led me to horsemanship.

understand their horses a little better and how to train them in a kind way. I like to think I’m a little more educated these days, and can really recognise what the individual horse needs and thrives on, so I’m excited to challenge myself with this project. Race to Ranch is a unique opportunity in racehorse rehabilitation. Can you tell us about it? This project aligns with TKH in so many ways! First and foremost demonstrating that just because a horse is finished racing, doesn’t

mean he is finished, secondly taking an OTT to a western discipline to demonstrate their versatility, and third I love that the competition is over an extended period of time, meaning we aren’t trying to “rush” the horses for entertainment’s sake. Race to Ranch is a competition that is part of the “Cowgirls Gathering” event which will be held in Kilkivan this October. 10 off the track thoroughbreds, 10 women trainers, and 100 days to get them transitioned from a racehorse to a ranch horse! It is quite the challenge as the horses had to have been raced in the last 6 months (mine raced in

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April this year) and It will include so they are fresh off cattle working, the track. They were flatwork, and then spelled (rested) up to obstacles relevant June 1st, and then we to what you may were able to begin their find on a ranch – training. It’s a unique ranch or station like gate opening gates, competition in that it opening, bridge crossing, bridge, roping. is a western discipline roping and a freestyle – and usually off the track our freestyle is 5 minutes horses are switched into of our choice, so we can more English disciplines have a bit of fun in this section! like dressage and jumping, so not only are You have been working with your boy these horses being asked to transition out of Ginger Coops since June 1st. Tell us a little their racing career, but they are being asked bit about the horse and how he’s coming to perform tasks you would find on a working along? ranch or station, like cow working or opening Yes I am thrilled to bits with him. Ginger a gate – things like that. Coops is a gorgeous 5 year old chestnut The competition has several elements for gelding, who has been training here at my the rider and horse to demonstrate their place in Glenreagh, NSW. He certainly has skill and aptitude for ranch work. What his “racehorse” moments, but we are really are they? learning about each other and getting along. That’s right. It will include cattle working, I’m pleased to say he is a super quick learner, flatwork, and then obstacles relevant to what considering we only started in June and he is you may find on a ranch – opening gates, definitely enjoying the challenge. bridge, roping. Working a cow, where we It can’t be all work and no play. What sort show that the horse can hold and move a of downtime do the horses enjoy? cow on demand, demonstrating pattern I make a point of having a “cross training” work – this will show that the horse is willing approach with all my horses – some days we to be guided by the rider at any chosen pace, might be training in the arena, most weekends navigating obstacles that you would find on a

we are out teaching clinics and so for down time it may be a trail ride in the bush, or simply “hanging out” at home in some new pasture. Probably the favourite thing for the horse is stretching exercises as these involve lots of carrots! Where can we keep up with the progress of you and Ginger Coops and the Race to Ranch competition? The Cowgirls Gathering itself has Facebook and Instagram profiles, and I’m sure they will be sharing our journey with you. I will be sharing my training in detail across my platforms, and each trainer I’m sure will be doing the same – we have 10 amazing horsewomen in this event, and I recommend following each one of them! Go to horsemanshipforperformance.com & subscribe to our newsletter for free articles and updates. @tanjakraushorsemanship TanjaKrausHorsemanship TanjaKrausHorsemanship Thanks Tanja. COFFS COAST

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THWAITES

MARINE

Thwaites Marine is a family owned marine business based in Coffs Harbour. They are experienced marine mechanics and engineers who pride themselves on having a passion for boating. They also sell new Stacer boats. Focus sat down with Ben Thwaites and his wife Laura to find our more…

here does your passion for boating come from? Ben - My family has always been into diving and fishing, so I spent a lot of time on boats when I was growing up. I became a marine mechanic at the age of 20 and worked as a marine engineer on super yachts around the world. In 2015, I established Thwaites Marine in Coffs Harbour. Laura - Being a diver and a marine scientist, I have spent most of my adult life

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on boats. Ben and I also love sailing. We share a big passion for the ocean. I joined Thwaites Marine in 2017, we took on new dealerships and have been building the business together with Ben ever since. Tell us about Thwaites Marine. What type of work do you do? We started off doing just marine engineering and mechanical repairs on boats with inboard engines, such as marine rescue boats, fisheries boats, sail yachts, charter boats... Then we decided to also take on smaller engines. Today we can install, service and repair any make and model of outboard

and inboard engine, in any recreational and commercial vessel, from small tinnies to big super yachts. We are also proud dealers for Stacer boats and trailers and we have affordable boat packages in stock. What makes Thwaites Marine a strong, reliable marine business? We care about our work quality and take pride in what we do. All of our staff are passionate about boating or sailing, which help us relate to the issues our customers face. We always aim for a five-star quality service, no matter what your boating needs are.

PROFESSIONALS

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I AM FAR MORE POSITIVE WHILE I DO MY WORKOUTS. MY HUSBAND ALSO JOINED THE GYM AND WE GO TOGETHER MOST OF THE TIME.

FITNESS

UPDATE with LEE KENNEDY

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

This Month’s Inspirational Fitness Story comes to us courtesy of Kathy Coombs who is 70 years old and has led an active working life before a major health issue changed her life. She is a retired teacher with a husband, 2 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandies. She loves golf and, with her husband, joined the gym to improve the quality of their later years.

efore joining Coffs Coast Health Club, what was your exercise background? I have been an active person all my life, swimming, hockey, tennis, walking, riding bikes, skiing and so on. When I retired I felt I needed some structure to keep fit, so joined the Moonee gym and went to the over 50’s classes. I really enjoyed them What prompted you to change your lifestyle? In April last year I went to the doctor because I was feeling ill. Within 5 days I was in RPA in Sydney for a major operation to remove part of my pancreas, liver, stomach, gall bladder and intestines due to pancreatic cancer. When I returned home I had 6 months of heavy dose chemotherapy. During that time I lost a lot of weight and condition. I had to do something. I was told that exercise is a big help to assist recovery and the fight against cancer. I did 8 sessions at the gym during treatment, designed for this situation, and this set me back on track. Has that lifestyle change had a positive effect on you and your family? I am far more positive while I do my 72 COFFS COAST

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workouts. My husband also joined the gym and we go together most of the time. We look out for each other but the staff are very proactive with their interest in our progress. We also walk 5-6km for fitness and I play golf and am involved in a music group and a book club. It is important to have the full quota of interests for good health. What type of exercise do you enjoy doing? Before I had my reset button pushed I enjoyed the weight classes, balance and flexibility groups and circuits. I am aiming to get back to those but in the meantime I have a routine that has been designed for me by the club staff which is good. I am getting my “bum” back as my husband says. Do you find the support from the staff helps you achieve your goals? They have been very understanding of my situation and have made adjustments to my routine accordingly. They are also very nice. What goals have you set yourself in the future? To stay alive and cancer free as long as possible with a good quality of life which is all based around a fit mind, body and spirit.

Do you feel as though you have come a long way with your fitness? Absolutely! From someone who could hardly get out of bed or move on a bed to walking 6 km and doing an hour’s workout at the gym 3 times a week and playing 18 holes of golf. I feel I have come a long way in 10 months. How has your exercise changed since joining Coffs Coast Health Club? My routine is specifically designed for me and my situation and can be altered as I get better. It also sustains my level of fitness. Encouragement is a large part of that and the friendly environment is all part of their service. What is the most useful advice you could share? Get in and do it. It is so good for you. You may not feel like it but you will feel 100% better for it even if it is only a small session at first. The stats say exercise has the highest impact towards a positive outcome from cancer and cancer treatment and prevention. That is good enough for me. Not only that, in the stressful world that we live in, it is an economical treatment for the gloomies, weight gain and stress. Do it!

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Sick Of The Dieting Merry-GoRound? Help is Here! with AARON HARDAKER Why do we struggle to maintain a diet? Or make long term changes that are actually good for us? What if eating well was far more simple than it’s made out to you in the media… to find true health in an age of confusion. Aaron Hardaker, Principal Physiotherapist at Mid North Coast Physio, caught up with their newest member of the team, Dietitian Anna Hicks to discuss. nna, why do we struggle so much with eating well? There is a constant dichotomy of “this food equals this health”, and “this food prevents this disease” etc. I think the internet is a wonderful resource, but with so much available information out there, it can be very overwhelming and downright misleading. We live in an age where the media and food industry try to sensationalise or exaggerate health and nutrition. This has led to people constantly seeking the latest and greatest food trend or diet that promises the world but leaves you confused and feeling worse.

So how do I decipher the media’s headlines We all need encouragement and around health? accountability to others and dietitians are able I think to an extent we have been trained to use their scientific education and training to stop listening to our own body cues and plus provide you with the support, guidance, everything the body is trying to tell us. We coaching and accountability that you need to ignore our appetites, our emotions, energy, and go from knowing what you should be doing to stress levels and then look actually following through externally for the answer. and doing what it is you Always ask yourself if want to achieve with your Always ask you’re looking at changing health. yourself if something in your lifestyle: The take home message you’re looking at ‘could I keep doing this must be, to spend the time changing something for the rest of my life’? If fi nding someone who can in your lifestyle: the answer is no, then you teach you to create an ‘could I keep doing need help to find a different eating style that you can do this for the rest of option to meet your goals. each day for your life and my life’? So how can a Dietitian helps you find what works help? for you. The reality is when it comes to food and Thanks Anna. If you’ve struggled with nutrition, there are many diverse ways of eating eating well or don’t know what works as you can see if you travel around the world. A for you, MNC Physio is offering 5 FREE healthy diet doesn’t have to include expensive pre-assessments with Anna to discuss your supplements, restrictive calories, cutting out needs and find out how she can help. Call carbohydrates or other food groups and hours 1300 273747 and mention this article to at the gym. secure your spot now.

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GALAMBILA ABORIGINAL H E A L T H

W O R K E R S

At Galambila we provide a range of services, delivered by our in-house and visiting practitioners. We provide support around Chronic Health, Child and Maternal Health, Mental Health and much more. Meet our team...

asmine Williams – My Story My heart and soul is this Community. I am a proud Wiradjuri woman and grew up in Gumbaynggirr Country for the last 30 years. I feel so fortunate to have two beautiful kids, who were born and live on this land. Galambila has been my workplace for about 7 years. My story and my past trauma is so important in how I work and drives how I support Community every day. I was pregnant when I was 15 years old and I remember feeling judged; I never should have felt that way and don’t want anyone else to feel that way. I’ve slept rough and lived through domestic violence. When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and had to leave my kids in Coffs Harbour to get treatment off Country. I had my own experience in hospital and I remember the Galambila mob coming to see me, providing me with support. I am real; our Community has experienced trauma and I need to deliver healthcare that is right for our mob. 74 COFFS COAST

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My journey into health was based on my own with Adult Foundation Education in 1996. experiences – I wanted to help people. I started Prior to Galambila opening in 1998, Coffs by working with Jagun Aged Care, then moved Harbour didn’t have an Aboriginal Medical on to Galambila as an Aboriginal Health Worker Service and the Community had to drive and I am now a Senior Aboriginal Health over an hour for culturally appropriate care. Practitioner. Galambila feels like family; it is my Along with Community members, Indigenous safe place. My role means TAFE students and everything to me. Aboriginal organisations, My teachers Jim Hurley – A I was involved in the doubting me Galambila Pioneer beginning of Galambila. taught me resilience, I am a proud Kamilaroi I was then a transport which our mob has in man from the Tamworth driver on the first day spades. I deliver area and moved to Coffs we opened almost 23 Harbour in 1995 with my years ago and am now a healthcare by helping family. I have a beautiful Senior Aboriginal Health mob see this within wife, 2 daughters, 8 Practitioner. themselves, grandkids and 2 great My teachers doubting empowering them to grandkids. me taught me resilience, improve their health. Becoming a Galambila which our mob has pioneer is my story of in spades. I deliver resilience. When I was 14 years old, I left healthcare by helping mob see this within school because my teachers said I wouldn’t themselves, empowering them to improve their amount to anything. I had to re-educate health. I continue to learn every day and see myself when I moved to Coffs Harbour and this as an important way for me to keep healthy started on a journey of learning, starting and well. As a result of my experiences, one of

focus_interview my proudest achievements is encouraging and seeing my grandkids finish year 12. What is the role of an Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW)? Jim: Our role as AHWs is to provide comprehensive healthcare to our mob for all stages of life. This means we don’t just focus on people’s physical health – it is also about social, emotional and cultural wellbeing. We come along on the journey with our clients across all aspects of life to achieve goals that are important for them. Jas: Mainstream healthcare has traditionally been an unsafe place for our mob, so our role is to ensure clients feel safe Find your when they are at their passion in your a career in health both most vulnerable. When Community, your Jas and I would love to clients need to go outside culture, your mob and yarn up! of our service, our role find what is Jas: Go with your is to be an advocate, heart! Find your passion important for you. provide a voice when in your Community, your Believe in yourself sometimes it can be hard culture, your mob and that you can achieve to do so themselves. find what is important whatever you want to Galambila has been for you. Believe in strengthening the role achieve in health. yourself that you can of the AHW workforce achieve whatever you since we opened in want to achieve in health. 1998. Our model of care has AHWs central to The pandemic has made everyone’s lives all parts of our clinical care. We started with look different, including how we think one AHW and we now have 16 trained or in about our health. What is your advice as training across the whole organisation. Six we continue to go through this? of these are Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Jim: The Gumbaynggirr Community has done who are registered health professionals with an amazing job to keep COVIDSafe and we the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation want to keep it that way. We know with COVID Agency (AHPRA). changes, that some people got behind on some Our AHWs support all areas of your wellbeing of their important regular health needs. It is – things like wound management, taking blood really important that mob come in to see us for tests, support people with long term health their annual health checks or if they have any conditions, provide health assessments with our concerns about their health. Prevention is better community, hearing and vision screening, Social than a cure, so we want to see Community and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) support, when you are feeling well to keep you well! provide different clinics out in our communities, What is an annual health check and why is home visits, ECGs and much more! Our AHWs it important? are part of #TeamGalambila – a team including Jim: An annual health check is a thorough our GPs, nurses, specialists and allied health check up of someone’s wellbeing that is professionals. designed to save lives. We are focusing on Do you have any advice for young people what is important for you, including social and looking for career in health? emotional wellbeing; while making sure we do Jim: Get in contact with your local Aboriginal all the medical checks we need to keep you and Health Service and show you are interested in your family healthy. You will have a long yarn a career in health. Yarn with your mentors – if with an AHW, then spend about half an hour there are young people out there interested in

with your GP to discuss what is important for you about your health. Jas: We have recently updated how we offer health assessments based on Community feedback and what we know keeps mob well. Coming in every year for a health check, even if you’re feeling good, is the best thing you can do to look after you and your family’s health. What is your advice for Gumbaynggirr people to keep healthy and well? Jas: Looking after your cultural, social and emotional wellbeing is so important to be able to look after your body. Don’t be afraid to yarn with us about what you are feeling, don’t be shame, we have all been through some sort of trauma in our lives and we are here to support you through that. We don’t judge, we are here to help. Connect to your culture, yarn up and get your yearly health check! What services does Galambila Aboriginal Health Service provide? Galambila has been providing primary healthcare services to the Aboriginal community for nearly 23 years. Starting as a GP clinic with just five staff, Galambila became independent in 2008 and we are now an Aboriginal organisation employing over 70 staff delivering primary health care, community programs and NDIS services. Our purpose is to deliver culturally appropriate care that ensures the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for those on Gumbaynggirr land. Galambila is a community-controlled organisation, meaning it was initiated, is governed, and is run by local Aboriginal people. Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands. 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

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 78 COFFS COAST

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MARIEL DEL VALLE

KINGDOM DENTURE CLINIC

Dental Prosthetist Mariel Del Valle has been working alongside Liz Harrigan from Kingdom Denture Clinic for 18 months. WE HAD A CHAT TO MARIEL TO FIND OUT MORE

ell me about yourself and how you moved to Coffs Harbour? My name is Mariel, I have been working with the Kingdom Dental Clinic team for 18 months now. I am a graduate Dental Prosthetist from Brisbane. I studied at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and acquired a double degree, successfully completing a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Technology and Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics. My role as a dental prosthetist allows me to provide patients with high quality dentures in a clinical setting using state of the art technology. I moved to Coffs Harbour to pursue this career path after being given the opportunity to work alongside Liz. She gave me this chance and I am very fortunate to have her as a mentor. I have learned so much about the industry from her.

How did you decide to become a dental include my interest in technology with my work prosthetist? everyday. Coming from a long line of healthcare I looked into the dental technology and workers, I was inspired to prosthetist course and found build a career in health that this would be a good I looked into because I could see how opportunity to combine my the dental my family loved what they passion for healthcare and technology and did. Growing up, I saw that technology. prosthetist course no matter how tiring the What do you find most and found that this job might be, at the end rewarding about this job? would be a good of the day my family sat There is more than one opportunity to around the dinner table thing that I find rewarding combine my passion sharing stories and would about being a Dental for healthcare and smile knowing that they Prosthetist. Mainly it is the technology. have helped someone. ability to improve a person’s This is what motivates me. quality of life; helping them I have also been exposed to technology and eat as normal as possible and giving them the computers from a young age and I wanted to confidence to smile again. I am also grateful incorporate this aspect into my career. I have for the wonderful team that I work with; Liz, been fortunate that Liz has invested in the Anna, Neil, Kristy, Stacey Lilli who constantly latest digital technology at KDC and I get to push to deliver the best care possible.

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t i Health

Northside Health is a General Practice and Allied Health area under the one roof at 14 Edgar Street, Coffs Je y so our Doctors are able to make in-house referrals to our allied health practitioners. We cha ed to Karen Jackson, the practice Manager to find out more.

aren tell us about the staff you have at Northside Health. Our staff numbers have grown significantly over the last 12 months and we currently have 14 Doctors, 7 Allied Health practitioners, 4 Practice Nurses and 19 administrative staff that make up our health care team. As a team we are all committed to optimising our patient’s health and wellbeing and providing a welcoming and positive experience, no matter what their health care needs entail. What services and areas of expertise do they bring to the practice? Our team of doctors brings a wealth of experience to all areas of health care across all stages of life. Our newest members to the team of Doctors include Dr Jolanta Benson, a specialist Haematologist who has decided to pursue a career change by becoming a General Practitioner. Dr Sangita Khobragade moved from Townsville with her family, and enjoys all aspects of general practice and loves to help her patients through a collaborative approach to their health. She has experience in Paediatrics, women’s health, chronic disease management, travel medicine and skin checks. Dr Sally Gillespie also enjoys all aspects of general Practice and was awarded North Coast GP registrar of the year in 2018. Dr Lisa Harris has joined the team of integrative medicine doctors and she also specialises in Palliative Care, after spending 12 months working with the Palliative Care team at Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Hospitals. 80 COFFS COAST

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Our Allied Health team members all bring something special to our team. Adam O’Mara has studied many modalities of natural medicine and he practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine; his treatment style varies depending on the problem and patient sensitivity. He has had great success treating menopause symptoms and pain management amongst other things. James Wood is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Strategic Psychotherapist who has customised treatment plans for anxiety and stress, insomnia, weight loss, smoking cessation, dependencies, low confidence and self esteem. Chris Cherry is an accredited Exercise Physiologist and exercise scientist and has extensive experience working with athletes from a range of sports. He specialises in training and coaching children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and children and adults with mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. He also has a passion for treating lower back pain and disorders and has had great success with his patients. Angus Glover is an accredited Practising Dietitian who grew up in Coffs Harbour and is now grateful to have the opportunity to improve the health of the local community through good nutrition. His main areas of interest include weight management, diabetes management, cholesterol management, irritable bowel syndrome and sports nutrition. He likes to incorporate a realistic approach to his practice and focuses on providing his

patients with advice that is going to be most effective in helping them reach their health goals. Liz Darrington is an accredited remedial massage therapist and provides treatments in deep tissue, relaxation and lymphatic drainage. Her areas of interest include chronic pain management and postural dysfunction. Dr David Pham is a chiropractor and pain prevention expert with over 15 years experience in specialist advanced techniques. Julie Waters one of our registered nurses is also an accredited Yoga instructor and offers classes in Yin Yoga to reduce stress and tension and to improve overall wellbeing. Who can access these services and how? Everyone is welcome to access our services, some of our doctors have closed their books but we do still have a lot of doctors that are taking on new patients. Our allied health practitioners are available for appointments and referrals. You can ring our friendly receptionists on 6652 5322 to make appointments or you can also book on line through our website northsidehealth.com.au. We are also an approved clinical trials and research site and our chief investigator Dr Olga Voloshyna and the clinical trials team are currently involved in trials of a meningococcal vaccine and a vaccine for RSK. We are currently looking for patients aged between 18-23 years of age and patients over 60 years of age for these research projects. If you are interested in either of the research projects you can also contact the clinical team on 6652 5322.

COFFS HARBOUR

MEET

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AAT can help build social skills, empathy, emotion regulation, communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. The team at The Counselling Space know that coming to therapy is a big step. This is why creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming space is their top priority. Harnessing the power of the human-animal bond helps reduce the stress and anxiety of that first visit. And as Zuni says, “a puppy cuddle is the best therapy!”

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

DR MARGARET

KLEINIG

ell us a little bit about your career as a dentist. I graduated from Queensland University in 1978. My first year after graduation, I joined a private practice in Lower Hutt, New Zealand where I had two mentors available to assist me with the development of my clinical skills. I then spent six years in the dental section of both Nambour and Southport Public Hospitals. After I married, my husband and I relocated to New Zealand, where our two children were born. I again returned to group private practices, and when our family came back to Australia, I had a solo practice in Coffs Harbour for 15 years. I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry, but am particularly interested in minimally invasive restorative work with optimal aesthetic results. Are you excited to be returning to the

Urunga Clinic? painful as they had anticipated. I am excited to be working at Welcome What is your best dental tip? Dental in Urunga. It is an accredited dental My best dental tips are to avoid sugary practice and has well set out surgeries. The foods and drinks. Try to eat fresh healthy support team are excellent and I am fortunate foods and drink plenty of water. Brushing to be working with them twice a day for two all again! minutes at a time and to I prefer to It will be nice to work floss prior to brushing! in a larger group of What is your favourite work in a team clinicians again. Although thing to do on the Coffs environment, where having had a solo practice Coast? the expertise of in Coffs Harbour for 15 My great passion is fellow professionals years, I prefer to work in a not on top of the ocean, is available, if team environment, where but below its surface, required. the expertise of fellow where I try to spend a lot professionals is available, of my time diving. I am if required. fascinated by the diversity of life and its fragile What do you love most about your job? existence. There is a place for all creatures on I love to be rewarded with a happy patient this planet, and we must strive to maintain with a beautiful healthy smile, and even more its delicate balance, so that we are able to so when they comment that it wasn’t as continue to enjoy the wonder of nature.

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

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

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24th – until 4pm 29th – 9-12 31st – 9-12 2nd – 9-12 4th – normal hours

CLOSED

Christmas Opening hours. OPEN

We’ll turn that frown upside down.

25th 26th 28th 30th 1st

A N D

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C E N T R E

Since 2004, The Education Centre has been empowering people on the Mid North Coast. Their students blossom a er they uncap their capacity to love to learn. We had a chat with Liz Stevens to find out more...

i Liz, tell us a bit about your background. When and why did you start your business? In 2003 we were looking for a business which we could enjoy for our future. We looked at some different businesses and then found Clever Kids Education Centre, a franchise. After looking at one Centre, we decided that it was 84 COFFS COAST

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We are registered for NDIS and provide a range of opportunities for people with disabilities like Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills or we can design a program which fits in with their goals. certainly something that we could embrace for the long term. In this occupation, I come from a parents’ point of view as to the needs of the student. Between my youngest and oldest child there is a quarter of a century, so I have done a lot of work in and around schools and with teachers and students, from helping to read to discussing student needs with staff. The major franchisor, Clever Kids, folded in

about 2007 and we were then left as independent operators, so became The Education Centre. What services do you provide? Our mainstay is ‘After School Tuition’ for students from Kindergarten to HSC. We also offer ‘Preparation for School’ and ‘Preparation for High School’ and some tertiary assistance. We are registered for NDIS and provide a range of opportunities for people with disabilities like Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills or we can design a program which fits in with their goals. We are now registered with Creative Kids

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for Languages and offer Japanese, French, work their shopping and leisure around the German and Arabic and will be applying tuition lessons. for registration for other subjects as well. The benefits from such a much larger Tell us about your new premises. What premise is that we can offer many more are the benefits activities such as and how has the Cooking, Working move helped the Maths, STEM, The benefits from growth of the Entertaining English, business? Art and Drama such a much larger Previously we classes. premise is that we can worked from a house We will be offer many more in Bray Street. When offering TEC Talks activities such as it was sold at the for adults in topics Cooking, Working end of last year, we such as parenting, Maths, STEM, thought it was a budgeting, how to Entertaining English, disaster, as we could use and enjoy the Art and Drama classes. not find another new technology. house to rent at There will be some the time. We then of an evening for discovered these premises in Harbour Drive working adults and some in the morning and realised that we could offer bigger after the kids go to school. and better classes, courses and adult And our admin will become more information talks in many, many areas. The efficient with the large space put aside for location is really central and parents can that. >>> COFFS COAST

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C E N T R E

What is the best thing about your job? The best thing is definitely the change that tuition makes for the students, how it empowers them to be more confident and self-assured. How it gives them the confidence to contribute more in their class back at school. You can see it in the body language as they come and go from their lesson. You can feel it in the way they respond to greetings. You hear it from the parents when they give you their feedback. What makes your business stand out above your competitors? I believe that our Teachers and Tutors are some of the best in the area. They have always been dedicated to their work with the local students. We have some who have been with us for 10-15 years serving the students of our local area. The new teachers who have come on board this year are excellent. We have even had some previous teachers returning to us recently which is 86 COFFS COAST

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There will be plenty of classes for younger and The best thing older students as our is definitely new programs emerge as well. the change that Do you have any tuition makes for advice for parents the students, how it when it comes to empowers them to children’s learning? fantastic. be more confident From my experience, Now with our versatile and self-assured. the majority of kids new Centre we can offer enjoy learning and a much better range of getting on with their classes, courses and talks work at their own pace. However, there than we have seen before. are a lot of students who, for many various What plans do you have for 2021/2022? reasons, can’t keep up or who are stuck Wow, now that we have a great place on one or two concepts, or have very low to work from and the convenience of the self-esteem. There are also quite a number location for parents, the sky’s the limit! of students who are far ahead of the game Not only will we continue our regular who become bored when not stimulated by tuition classes, we can offer working parents broader information. (of years 5 to 8 students) a great service, This is where we can step in. If the student so that their kids can enjoy the whole afternoon, not just playing without guidance, does not understand their work, then tuition could very well be the answer. When we and maybe finding ‘other’ interests when assess students we take into account how left unsupervised, but learning and enjoying they actually complete their assessment when a range of different classes to entertain and they start. educate in a safe environment. Students can This can give us an indication of whether come in straight from school and parents will they have fallen behind because they have be able to pick up by 6.30 which will enable missed something at school or if there is a them to finish work and in some cases do deeper reason. that last minute shop before going home.

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If the student has been struggling for four years then it would not be feasible to think that one term of tuition at one hour per week will be enough.

Sometimes it takes longer to identify, sometimes we may not be able to identify the cause but we are able to bring their levels up regardless. If we believe that the student could benefit from being assessed by another professional we may suggest this. Mostly the usual one hour per week tuition with a qualified Teacher or Tutor will make the world of difference over a few terms. Depending on the cause of the difficulty, the time taken to bring the student up to an acceptable working level will differ in most cases. Although you may notice a marked difference within one term, it would be unwise to think that this is enough tutoring and pull the student out. If the student has been struggling for four years then it would not be feasible to think that one term of

tuition at one hour per week will be enough. Mostly it will be the confidence level that really matters and it may take more than a term to change their level of self-confidence. We think that one year of regular weekly tuition can make a huge difference for most students. Some students require assistance for their whole school life as the classroom environment or a disability holds distractions making it more difficult to understand the work. The kids who show the most improvement do at least two lessons per week.

What do you enjoy most about working on the Coffs Coast? Spring, summer and autumn! Seriously, the relaxed lifestyle and the people who make up this amazing location. How can we get in touch? Check out our website: www. theeducationcentre.com.au which will have all of our contact numbers and emails for our three Centres – Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Grafton. Or you can call me, Liz on 0435 972 460

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IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING AT SCHOOL? We guarantee your child’s result or it’s FREE!

Experienced Tutors Mid North Coast The Education Centre is the Mid North Coast’s tuition hub for learning. We believe after school tuition plays a very important role in education. Which is why The Education Centre has so many available tutors and subjects.

W O R K I N G M AT H S E N T E R TA I N I N G E N G L I S H COOKING CLASSES STEM CLASSES L A N G UA G E S ART CLASSES LIFE SKILLS CLASSES R E G I S T E R E D N D I S P R OV I D E R REGULAR TUITION R E G I S T E R E D F O R C R E AT I V E K I D S F O R L A N G UA G E S And So Much More!

Experienced Tutors Mid North Coast

WE HAVE MOVED TO H A R B O U R D R I V E

The Education Centre is the Mid North Coast’s tuition hub for learning. We believe after school tuition plays a very Suite 2, Level 1, 34-38 Harbour Drive, important role in education. Which is why The Education Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Centre has so many available tutors and subjects. Ph 6652 2222 M 0478 413 549 E coffsharbour@theeducationcentre.com.au

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST CHANCE TO SUCCEED.

Since 2004, The Education Centre has been empowering people on the Mid North Coast. Our students blossom after they uncap their capacity to love to learn. Bolstered by a new-found confidence and selfesteem, they are ready for challenges and keen to learn more. Some students will come to The Education Centre to learn maths, only to come back wanting to study French or Japanese language. For primary and secondary students, it’s often more magical to see the transformation when they experience a love for learning.

2/7-9 Market Street, Woolgoolga Ph 6654 839 M 0435 979 535 E woolgoolga@theeducationcentre.com.au

Teaching similar skills to adults is the most rewarding. We have a great track record of success with this. The Education Centre is classified under the NDIS program—NDIS no. 4050023650. We are of course, widely recognised for our excellent NEW early learning facilities. We are the source to go to for solid primary and secondary tuition and advice.

Get in touch with us today! Level 1/9 Duke Street, Grafton Phone 6643 5610 M 0420 982 981 E grafton@theeducationcentre.com.au

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SPORTING EXCELLENCE AT ST JOHN PAUL COLLEGE

Already well known for its sporting success both locally and nationally, and after a quiet 2020 in the sports arenas due to COVID, St John Paul College has started 2021 with some very impressive sporting results. We ask SJPC Sport Co-ordinator, Danielle McAra about the outstanding success of the students in both team events and as individuals.

hat have been the highlights of the year so far?

Union as well as our teams being Diocesan and CCC Champions in sports such as Tennis, Basketball and Football.

and Trophy. This is without accounting

With only half the year completed we have

Do you expect more sporting success to come?

to be contested this year. Big things are

We still have many sports up for contention, including teams contesting All Schools Regional ﬁnals in Netball and Rugby League, NSW All Schools Tennis, CCC Open Basketball and Bill Turner Cup

life of our College and you can see the

had a large number of students achieve at a local, regional, state and national schools level. This includes NSW Combined Catholic College (CCC) representatives in Tennis, Swimming, Basketball and Rugby

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for the Netball, AFL, Union, Volleyball, Squash, Lawn Bowls and Athletics yet expected! Sport plays a major role in the variety of sports that experience success. Our students are passionate and many have aspirations to pursue this as a career.

SPORTING EXCELLENCE AT ST JOHN PAUL COLLEGE

Honour Board for 2021 - so far…..

* Denotes competition still in progress at

Teams -

state or national level.

Combined Catholic Colleges Champions Open Boys Tennis*

Individuals -

Diocesan Champions Open Boys Football*

CCC Basketball Representative

Diocesan Champions Open Girls Basketball*

CCC Rugby Union Representative

Diocesan Champions Open Boys Champions*

NSW Country 15’s Development Squad

Diocesan Champions Open Boys Tennis* Diocesan Champions Junior Girls Tennis* Local All Schools Champions U13 Boys Rugby League Local All Schools Champions 7/8 Girls Netball

CCC Swimming Representative

CCC Tennis Representative Representative Diocesan Swimming Age Champions 13 years boys and 15 years girls 12 Diocesan Swimming Representatives 12 Diocesan Cross Country Representatives 5 Diocesan Touch Football Representatives

Local All Schools Champions 9/10 Girls Netball

What facilities does the College oﬀer to

Bill Turner Cup and Trophy Round 4 (still in progress)

The facilities in the College are without

support the various sports programs? doubt the best in any school in the area.

We currently have an indoor basketball court on sprung floors, an additional two covered outdoor courts, a number of outdoor volleyball and netball courts, and our ovals include a rugby league/rugby union field as well as an additional soccer field. Just recently, a new state of the art building was completed for the PDHPE faculty and a second building will start being constructed in November. A purpose built gym is part of the new developments and will house a weights and exercise room as well as 2 additional classrooms for theory and indoor physical activity. The drainage on the hockey field will also be updated in the next round of building with plans for that sport to have a significant place in the College moving forward. Thanks Danielle, it’s good to see a lot happening in the area of Sport.

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E D U C AT I O N

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

Listen up: giving students a voice (and a choice) in their education

or many of us who grew up in years gone by, we were told ‘be seen, not heard’. And the same was reflected in our schooling decades ago. But as generations evolve, and where students are given the opportunity to self-reflect and speak up on their own learning needs, so too does our understanding of teaching and learning evolve. Student voice involves engaging with our students and listening to their opinions, beliefs and perspectives. It involves incorporating this feedback into everything from school leadership to instructional approaches. Student voice can’t replace the voices of parents, researchers or experienced teachers but it can value-add to the outcomes and create ownership and curate student offerings. Research indicates that students who believe they have a voice are seven times more likely to be academically motivated than students who do not believe they have a voice (Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations, 2016). This report also concluded that student voice led to an increased likelihood that students will experience selfworth, engagement, and purpose in their schooling years. These indicators are related to traits associated with the development of intrinsic motivation which we know is a desirable characteristic for building grit and determination. Historically, student voice in schools relates to student representative councils

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where formal meetings are held with elected interest not by age. Students can choose from representatives on a fortnightly basis. Opinions the more regular extension electives such as and viewpoints are gathered, based on the history and STEM to also include more exotic tabled agenda with proposals being presented ideas such as first responders, Eurovision, to school leadership. mountain bike course design, kidpreneurship, Student voice today has the opportunity architecture and design, civil engineering to reflect the complex and athlete development. dynamic of teaching in Follow the link to see the Student voice a personalised learning fun in action - https://bit. permeates all environment. At our ly/2S12FyA levels of our work school, this is achieved The encouraging news together, from through student surveys, from this type of student students participating interviews and the early voice and choice is that in small group introduction of curriculum teachers and students classroom choice of both learning alike are confi dent in the conversations to areas and utilising projectmeaningfulness of their students partnering in based learning. Student learning journey with 88% curriculum design or voice permeates all levels of the students affi rming establishing school of our work together, from that “I believe I can be norms and policy. students participating in successful”, 83% of small group classroom students tell us that they conversations to students partnering in enjoy learning new things as it has relevance, curriculum design or establishing school norms usefulness and meaning. and policy. As a school and a collective of teachers, A key example of this student voice in would we have achieved such high levels of years 5 to 8 is The Kaizen Initiative. Kaizen is engagement and academic success without a Japanese word that describes the concept their voice? Maybe. But by giving the students of continuous improvement. This program voices and choices around their learning and was driven by student voice with the goal interests, students know they are being heard, of increasing student engagement through are more engaged in their learning, and their cutting edge curriculum innovation. The Kaizen results speak for themselves. Source: The Glossary of Education Reform. 2021. Initiative units are driven by passions and also Student Voice Definition. [online] Available at: have a career focus. This multi-age curriculum < https://www.edglossary.org/student-voice/ > project is now in its fourth year at BDC. Kaizen [Accessed 15 June 2021]. https://quagliainstitute.org/ Initiative classes are timetabled according to dmsView/School_Voice_Report_2016

KEY EMPLOYM E N T K'PANE BAKERY We talk to owner Brett Knight about his thriving business, K'Pane Bakery.

W T

ell us about K’Pane Artisan hat NDIS Bakery. programs does We are the creators of exquisite Key Employment pastries, tarts, danishes, run for croissants, youth? slices, pies, sausage rolls, andKey artisan Employment sourdough breads. We make from haseverything been focused scratch you won’t fi nd any pre-mixes here! on helping youth with disabilities for the commenced in purchased 2009, and the I’m proud pastK’Pane decade. In 2016 we old to claim we now have three retail outlets: Catholic club building on West High StreetCoffs Central, Park Beach Plaza and the Coffs and have created a welcoming space forJetty Shopping Centre, plus a factory and 30 staff. young people with a purpose designed youth We are clearly doing something right. hub, basketball, tennis and soccer fields, The and Coffsfree Central a French avour, kitchen Wi-Fistore – allhas located onlyfl500 refl ecting many of the classic French treats, metres from the town centre and directly like pain aua chocolat, andthe baguettes, outside bus stop.brioche We have best spotasin well as breads, pastries, gourmet cakes town for youth and currently run pies, two NDIS and tarts, panini, ciabatta, and melt-in-theprograms KIKSTART and STRIKE which have mouth French fruit flans. for people aged 15 been specifically designed Mouth-watering cakes can also be ordered to 21. for special occasions; just call the day before Tell us about KIKSTART? and pick up a delicious treat! KIKSTART is a work readiness program for Let’s talk staff. school leavers in their last 6 months of school, is an equal opportunity employer, and whoK’Pane have an NDIS package, that specialises we have a very inclusive workforce, in building employability skills while employing engaging

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KIK START

K E Y E M P LOY M E N T

backgrounds: including in30a staff fun, from socialdiverse environment. The KIKSTART recent arrivals into Australia and people with program includes social excursions, disability. community engagement, transport training, We have been working closely with Key personal development andvery work experience. Employment, a Disability Employment Service, The KIKSTART program has been running for over the past few years and have sourced the past 18 months and has seen incredible various transitioning staff through young them. These success peopleinclude on theretail assistants, bread packers, apprentice bakers / NDIS into permanent employment positions. pastry chefs and kitchenhands, to name a few. And what is STRIKE? We believe that providing the same STRIKE is a new and exciting employment opportunity for everyone is essential having transition program for young peopletowith happy and productive staff members, and an NDIS package that are still attending high it makes us proud to see school in years 10 to 12. people STRIKEachieving focuses on outcomes they never thought life skills and preparing for thepossible. workforce How haswork Key Employment helped including experience and practical contribute to your success? activities and will run in conjunction with answer - our staff! Key Employment theirEasy school program. have been infl uential in the success of our STRIKE is a precursor to the KIKSTART business, by providing us with dedicated program. It is for younger students who and are work-ready staff.employment Joe from Keyand Employment has keen to develop social skills a background in hospitality, which gives him whilst still attending school. This program is an uncanny ability suitable staff for an excellent waytotoidentify give young people withus. This is a huge advantage, as he understands disability the early start they need into the our business’ labour marketneeds. and is run in collaboration with

Keylocal Employment consultants also come each high school. out and see us regularly. They don’tprograms? just put Why register for one of these someone in a job; they support us with any Both programs are tailored to the individual issues that arise. As all businesses do, we come and include one-on-one support as well as across speed humps - and when this happens, fun group activities and can be delivered Key is here to support us. I guess that is why both at Key Employment, in the school they are the Key; no pun intended. environment and out in the community. They Key Employment continue excellent support are flexible, fun and run by a company that for their clients, with work preparation, has specialised in employment, disability and workplace adjustments, and some of the initial youth forThis the takes past 30 training. theyears. pressure off us and Who is eligible? allows to us to focus on providing the best Youngaround. people aged 15 to 21 with an NDIS product package that social and What would includes you say funding to otherinlocal community, finding and keeping or SLES. employers looking for staff? How do we register? If you're looking for dedicated and reliable Thisgive is the part, simply contact our staff, Keyeasy Employment a call and tap into NDIS Coordinator on (02) 6691 a huge talent pool Charlotte of people just waiting for 9999 and have They a friendly, noexcellent obligation chat an opportunity. provide wage subsidies, support, andyou. can You assistcan with about howgreat KE can support also workby related tools and equipment andStreet, uniforms drop our facility at 61 West High too. So, give Joe a call atbetween Key Employment on Coffs Harbour anytime 9am – 5pm (02) 6691to9999, willushappily talk about Monday Fridayand or he send an email all the services they can offer. NDIS@keyemployment.com.au

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JASON

COOPER

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KENWORTH

TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Growing up, Jason Cooper had strong influence around him, HIS WHOLE FAMILY WAS INVOLVED WITH TRUCKS. It was inevitable that he would one day find himself tinkering in mechanics. Fast forward a few years and proudly, Jason has taken out the Kenworth Technician of the Year.

i Jason. Congratulations on taking out the Kenworth Technician of the Year award in the PACCAR contest 2021. Tell us about the man behind the name. Thank you! My name is Jason Cooper, I’m a local to the Nambucca valley where I have been born and raised, and still live today! As a kid I would always be in the shed working on motorbikes and cars with my dad and my friends. As I had grown up around the farms of Bowraville, we would spend all weekend riding our motorbikes and every weekday afternoon fixing them to go out again the following weekend! I had always grown up loving trucks, my grandfathers had driven trucks, my uncle owned a fleet of trucks where my mum was employed as an office clerk, and three of my older cousins were diesel mechanics around the area. There wasn’t really any hope for me to not be involved in trucks myself! I started at Brown and Hurley as an apprentice diesel mechanic in January 2013, and I have been employed here ever since. The competition included a number of tests to be awarded the winner. Tell us what was involved. To qualify for the competition there was a series of four online quizzes relating to our chosen brand, either Kenworth or DAF, the two PACCAR brands we support. Any technician or apprentice from any PACCAR dealership across Australia was able to enter. Once they were completed, the top five from each brand were chosen to attend the finals in Melbourne in April this year. In Melbourne PACCAR treated us to a tour

of the Kenworth and DAF manufacturing transmissions. plant and a meet and greet afternoon before The emphasis that is put on training staff the competition the following day really puts us in a strong position for repairing The finals competition consisted of five and maintaining trucks for our customers and separate tests conducted by specialists from for competitions such as these! PACCAR and their suppliers. These included What do you love most about your role as practical hands-on tests on electronic braking leading hand here at Brown and Hurley? systems, engine systems and driveline systems. The Kenworth and DAF products that I There was also a written questionnaire believe are second to where the information none, the staff I work had to be found in with throughout the We have our PACCAR’s online service whole group, the own training portal. ongoing training, centre and trainer We were then treated and that every day is at our Yatala branch to an awards dinner different; I could be where we were all given behind a desk in the where we can gain our prizes which ranged office or I could be qualifications for from a $500 Snap-on out fixing a truck for Kenworth and DAF Tools voucher for 5th a customer 100’s of systems, Cummins place right up to a $5000 kilometres away in the engines and Eaton Snap-on Tools voucher middle of the night. transmissions. and $5000 cash for Every day is a new 1st place in both the challenge! Kenworth and DAF competitions. Work/life balance is important to a This is the second year in a row that the healthy lifestyle. Tools down, where will Brown and Hurley team have done well we find you? in the competition, proving to be a group Out and about in the area of a weekend, of high achievers. What makes the team whether it be down the beach with my so great to work and collaborate with? partner and my dog or 4 wheel driving to a Yes, this year we had three of the top five camp spot with my family and friends! Kenworth technicians and one DAF technician What do you enjoy most about living on from Brown and Hurley in the finals which we the Coffs Coast? matched from the previous year, which is a The whole area has so much to offer, the huge achievement in itself! beaches and headlands are picture perfect The Brown and Hurley group really focus and we are right on the doorstep to the on technical training for all apprentices and beautiful rainforests and mountain ranges that technicians, we have our own training centre are still open for all to enjoy whether it be 4 and trainer at our Yatala branch where we wheel driving, motorbike riding or camping, I can gain qualifications for Kenworth and couldn’t see myself living anywhere else. DAF systems, Cummins engines and Eaton Thanks Jason. COFFS COAST

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Allegra SCHOOL

Allegra School is a SAFE AND INCLUSIVE LEARNING SPACE SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THE CBD IN COFFS and is a unique alternative for students in Year 9 and 10. We spoke to the principal Erin Caceda to find out more...

rin, what makes Allegra a great independent school option for Year 9 and 10 students? We offer an holistic approach to teaching and learning. We focus on supporting the wellbeing needs of our students in an inclusive and accepting environment. We recognise the benefit of providing learning activities for the students that enhance their academic, social and physical wellbeing, and we try and support the students as they develop agency and self-advocacy. The compassion, empathy and genuine concern staff have for the wellbeing of the students helps to create a positive school culture which embraces the value of education and community collaboration. Students are encouraged to achieve their ‘personal best’ in a relaxed and creative learning environment, where opportunities and experiences are provided that foster the skills and attitudes needed for both life and future employment. How does your school differ from ‘mainstream’ schools? The main structures in our school, like the curriculum, teaching programs and timetables all still meet all mandatory requirements put in place by NESA (the NSW Education Standards 96 COFFS COAST

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Authority). This means that the students are meeting the same outcomes as their peers in other schools. What is different here is the interactions between staff and students; we are deliberately and systematically relinquishing some of the ‘power struggles’ that can happen in larger schools. Our students don’t wear a uniform which means that they are free to express their identities and individualities in any way they choose. The staff and students are on a first name basis which is another step we’ve taken to removing the typical hierarchical structures that are in place at other schools. We have an open door policy and the students are encouraged to self-regulate and are welcome to come into the Principal’s Office for a chat or go to the Student Support Officer whenever they need. How is the learning delivered? We have an amazing team of highly skilled and specialised staff. Within the classroom, students have access to personalised attention which fosters the creation of meaningful student-staff connections. We keep class sizes small to enable flexible, realistic and relevant modifications to be made to the learning program, and to break down the barriers to learning that students may have experienced in the past. Our varied learning opportunities are

complemented with local learning excursions to deepen the development of practical and relevant life skills for the students. When is enrolment and what does it look like? We are such a small school and we cap enrolment numbers at 14 students per class so we encourage anyone who is interested to apply early to avoid missing out. We do, however, take enrolments throughout the year. We are currently enrolling for 2022 and all of our enrolment information is on our website. Students who are interested in applying are invited to tour the school and attend an interview. During the interview process we gauge what supports the student and their families will need so that we can ensure that we are implementing strategies for success. The students are made aware that we are a safe space and that we will not tolerate bullying; they are also made aware that their education is their responsibility and that we are there to facilitate the change they would like to see. If a student does not want to be at school, and does not want to learn then our approach will not work for them. We believe that it’s important for the students to truly appreciate what we can offer before they decide if we’re the right school for them. Thanks Erin.

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JASON BURLEY

FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

HELP FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

ncouraging older parents to accept help can be difficult. But when help is accepted, as a member of the “sandwich generation” you may find yourself sandwiched between obligations to help with care of older parents and young grandchildren – and just when you were thinking about your own retirement. Life might feel a bit overwhelming. Knowing where and how to access support for your parents and yourself may make all the difference. Helping you – the carer Start your research at the Carer Gateway (carergateway. gov.au). This website can help you to identify and connect with available support services. As a carer, your physical and emotional well-being is vital. So don’t feel that you need to do it all and don’t feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself. This is where respite care can step in. Respite provides short-term temporary care when you need

some time out for several hours, overnight, days or even weeks. If your care duties prevent you from being able to work you might qualify for a Carer Payment or a Carer Allowance. Helping your parent Depending on how much help is needed by your parents, you may want to look at support in the home or in residential care. These services may be government-subsidised, with the starting point through MyAgedCare (myagedcare.gov.au). 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.

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KEVIN HOGAN - The Nationals Sikh Games 2022 in Woolgoolga The Sikh Games will be held in Woolgoolga over Easter in 2022. This will be fantastic for our local economy. The event will bring people from all over Australia, including 3,500 athletes and their families. Team sports include Soccer, Netball, Hockey, Volleyball, Cricket, Basketball, Touch Football, Tug-o-War and Kabbadi. Individual sports include Athletics, Badminton, Golf, Tennis and Wrestling. Economic Recovery Continues The 2021-22 Federal Budget was presented recently. There are more people employed

in Australia today than there were before the pandemic. We are the third fastest growing economy in the world. Key announcements included tax relief for more than 10 million Australians, extending the Instant Asset Write-Off, $17.7 billion for aged care, $1.7 billion investment in childcare and $2.3 billion for mental health. It also included $351.6 million in women’s health and wellbeing measures, $1.1 billion for women’s safety, and $1.9 billion to support women’s economic security and leadership.

OUR ECONOMY IS ROARING BACK Australia is the third fastest growing economy in the world

More people are employed today, than before the pandemic

More to do, but there is

nowhere else you’d rather be

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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RS & ENTREPRENEURS

ATTENTION: BUSINESS OWNE

Presented by

Dale Beaumont Award Winning Entrepreneur, Business Growth Expert & the Author of 19 Best-Selling Books

Australia’s most accomplished Business Coach is coming to Coffs Harbour to present a brand-new one day business growth workshop unlike anything you have seen or experienced before.

Are You Ready to Discover the Latest Breakthroughs to Grow Your Business Faster and Easier Than Ever Before?

By attending this breakthrough one day event you’ll learn… The 10 hottest technology tools to transform your business

A proven formula for documenting your systems to help scale

The best software for managing your tasks like a real pro

A checklist of over 145 tasks that you should outsource now

The 7 best ways to market your business and get more leads

How to make customised legal documents in under 2 minutes

How to unlock the power of Social Media to win more clients

The new rules of SEO and how to get 5x more Google traffic

What is the “Profit First” system and how to implement it

How Facebook Ads have changed with iOS 14 and what it means

These are just a sample of the many things you’ll learn – in just one day! To find out more and claim your free tickets now, visit the website below now or scan the QR code.

www.NewRulesofBusiness.com/coffs PLEASE NOTE: Due to current COVID conditions seats for this very special event are strictly limited. So to ensure you don’t miss out, take action now.

W H AT O T H E R S H A V E T O S A Y A B O U T A T T E N D I N G T H I S B R E A K T H R O U G H E V E N T

A bloody incredible day full of value for ALL types of businesses. If you have a business and you want more leads, be there!

Absolutely brilliant. After 10+ years learning business I have never seen a 1-day training a this good. I high recommended it.

Marguerite Howlett

Jon Kaplan

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colourworks Colourworks has been in existence for over 30 years. It has taken hard work, consistent investment, and putting customers first for us to become Canon Australia’s largest regional partner. We had a chat with Chris Rowthorne.

i Chris. As the owner of Colourworks, you have been actively involved in the Mid North Coast Community for many years. Give us an overview of what Colourworks is about for those who are unfamiliar with your business. Our business has grown significantly since we purchased it in 2010. Back then we had a single office location in Coffs Harbour with 5 staff managing 220 machines. Fast forward 11 years and we have 5 offices in Northern Rivers, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Central Coast, 56 staff and we now manage 8,000+ machines for our clients across Australia. We are Canon Australia’s largest regional partner as a result of putting the interests of our customers first, our hard work and continuous reinvestment in our people and our business. Working hard and having fun is a part of our daily routine. 102 COFFS COAST

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We have

website and a new look. The members of become Canon What was the inspiration our team continuously Australia’s largest behind your new innovate, so we are regional partner as a branding? always at the forefront result of hard work, We had a lot of fun of the market. It is our reliable investments, immersing ourselves in goal to provide the and putting the all things Colourworks to best-managed document interests of our develop this new brand. solutions for our customers first. It has been 12 months in customers. the making, and it has been Our strategy simply is a well-thought-out process. to do it better. Better for Our team is young and energetic, so we wanted our customers, better than we were yesterday, to refresh our messaging and inject some fun Better than our competitors. It sounds simple into the communication, adopting a more casual and the best solutions usually are. We listen to tone to adapt to the modern workplace and our customers and we develop simple solutions future-proof the brand. We want to make it to complex problems. This has always been one easy for people to understand the services that of the primary ingredients of our success. Colourworks can provide and how it can benefit We remain focused on achieving our growth their businesses in unexpected ways. goals as a team, we communicate, we celebrate To demonstrate more complex scenarios in a progress and success as a team. We always have fun manner, we have selected to work with an fun along the way. animation style. Colourworks has recently launched a new

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As a supporter of the local business community, we sponsor local business chamber events. There is a great deal of appreciation among the small businesses in our community for their support.

How does Colourworks differ from other companies in your industry? We are Canon’s largest regional business partner and are small enough to care, yet large enough to innovate. Our company is unique in that we have our own software engineers who work on improving our products. Having the ability to streamline our clients’ business processes is important to us, and we are committed to helping them improve the results of their business. Our staff profile is a mix of 20-30+ years “lifers” to some of the best young talent I’ve ever worked with. This mix ensures our company maintains a competitive advantage. With our geographic reach, we can provide broad coverage to larger companies with multiple locations so they can maintain the consistency of their document management across their organisation. Both in business and sports, you are an active member of the local community. Describe how your company contributes to community initiatives. In addition to employing local people, we also support our local community. We support multiple sporting teams and events because they are the fabric of our community and I am personally an avid sports fan and participant. I am the president of the Southern Cross

University Marlins Rugby Club and I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of improving the interests of the club and growing our junior and female participation numbers. As a business we invest in more than ten different sporting clubs and associations. As a result of these funds, the clubs can purchase equipment, maintain facilities, increase participation and attract players of all ages and abilities along the way. Over the past few years, we have been proud to be a part of the movement to increase junior and female participation in all sports. I have also been an active member and sponsor of the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club for 8-9 years which is an extremely healthy lifestyle sport. As a company policy, we will sponsor any sporting organisation in which a staff member is involved, and we encourage them to serve in volunteer capacities within their respective sporting and community associations. Besides increasing our presence at all levels of the community, volunteers are also developing new skills and fostering interests outside of the workplace that is of value. Charities and small businesses benefit from equipment donations when they are in

need. After the recent floods in the MNC, we announced a $50,000 equipment donation program to assist local business owners who did not have flood insurance. Some of the beneficiaries have been non-profit organisations as well as small businesses. As a supporter of the local business community, we sponsor local business chamber events. There is a great deal of appreciation among the small businesses in our community for our support. Besides our employees’ support for local charities and fundraising activities, we demonstrate continued generosity by participating in Movember and other initiatives. Would you mind sharing your thoughts regarding the last 12 months of business as we approach the end of the financial year? The challenges we faced have made us smarter, more resilient, and have strengthened our company culture. It has enabled us to engage in our relationships both internally and externally in a new way. We set ourselves the goal of stretching our minds during a difficult time and building better relationships, and we achieved it. Our motto is to do things better, and we’ve stayed true to that over the past year. Thanks Chris. COFFS COAST

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Awesome It’s how the Colourworks team at Coffs

Harbour are feeling having won Canon’s NSW Partner of the Year Award for the second year in a row. A huge thank you to our awesome customers.

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Coffs Coast

BUILDER

MONTH

INSPIRE HOMES

The team from Inspire Homes believe that building your home should be enjoyable and exciting. Whether you would like to be involved throughout the design and build process, or would prefer to leave the process up to us, you can rest assured knowing you have selected a builder to construct a quality home at a competitive and realistic price.

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INSPIRE H

i Jason and Sonja, could you tell our readers a bit more about the history behind Inspire Homes? We used to live in country Victoria, down on the south coast, where we operated a building company. One day in the middle of winter, on a freezing cold and windy day, the decision was made to make the move north to escape the weather! Google was consulted and the advice was that the best weather in Australia indeed lies in Coffs Harbour! No further research was conducted; we were happy with the advice, so the plan was put into motion to move the family.

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This time, we wanted to offer clients the complete build experience; offering a comprehensive service from initial design through to house completion. After a year in Coffs, we missed the satisfaction that comes with building beautiful homes so we decided to relaunch the business. This time, we wanted to offer clients the complete build experience; offering a comprehensive service from initial design through to house completion. Can you explain the process of your custom design service? Usually when we first meet a client they are about to purchase a block of land and would like to meet to discuss their ideas for a home.

Jason will often meet them on the block of land to listen to the client’s thoughts, and then throw around ideas and suggestions. Meeting on the block of land gives him a feel for the block, views, orientation etc to maximise design opportunities. Once our clients have secured a block of land, they can custom design their home with Jason, where he draws on years of extensive experience in the industry to make it perfect for the block of land. Once designed, the client is taken on a 3D virtual tour of the building project. We ensure that the client’s home works on the block of land, taking into consideration the layout of the block, the lifestyle of the client and budget. After building homes for many years Jason is brilliant at the form and function of dwellings, so not only does it look great but is practical for everyday living. Some clients like to instead choose from our standard designs, though they always like to tweak them a little. All our standard house plans can be easily modified to suit the client and block.

During the construction process, our clients have the opportunity to meet with Jason regularly to walk through and discuss the home build, seeing it brought to life!

Once we have finalised the floor plan we lodge all the paperwork with the council for approval. Our clients meet with our very talented interior designer, Natalie from Linnea Design. Natalie guides our clients through the task of bringing all the fittings, fixtures, colours, along with any other finishing touches together, making the home just as

they imagined it would be, and more! During the construction process, our clients have the opportunity to meet with Jason regularly to walk through and discuss the home build, seeing it brought to life! They meet with key tradesmen – for example the electrician, tiler, and the painter to ensure that the home is being built just as they imagined and dreamed! COFFS COAST

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We don’t employ a salesman; our clients only talk to the builder about their home, gaining positive input and feedback during the process of design right through to handover day.

You work alongside many other trades and suppliers here on the Coffs Coast and seem to have a great working relationship with many of them, why is this important to you? We can’t run a quality building company without great suppliers and great tradesmen. Our company will only ever be as good as our products and our workmanship so this is completely vital. It has taken years to create, and now we have an excellent working team of suppliers and tradesmen. Inspire Homes would not be the company it is today if it was not for the amazing suppliers and tradies who make an Inspire build a very high quality build.

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Our local tradesmen are some of the best in the industry and we use them because we know that we can trust their workmanship. We trust them to be onsite when they say they will, and we trust that their finished work will be of a very high standard. Same goes for our suppliers; we trust that they will source us and be able to have the product onsite when we need it, and the product will be of a high standard. What are the stand out features or the benefits of working with Inspire Homes? Our point of difference is our focus on building a relationship with our clients; this ensures a personalised service and such an exciting and positive building experience so that next time they build they won’t consider going anywhere else! We don’t employ a salesman; our clients only talk to the builder about their home, gaining positive input and feedback during the process of design right through to handover day. During the build, there is constant communication and site meetings to update our clients on progress;

this also gives our clients opportunity to discuss anything that comes to mind. Finally, how important is supporting the local community and businesses to you? With everything that has happened in the last year, it has highlighted just how important it is that we support local businesses. Supporting local businesses is really supporting local families. Supporting local businesses means that we may not get the cheapest price, but

what we do gain instead is the customer service and relationship that goes with buying locally. It’s a lot easier phoning your local supplier for assistance, as we have great working relationships with them. How can we get in touch? Phone 6652 1239 inspirehomescoffs inspirehomes.net.au admin@inspirehomes.net.au COFFS COAST

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THE BEST BRANDS AND BACKED BY REAL GUARANTEES *100 Day Peace of Mind Guarantee: Terms and conditions apply. See in-store for details.

For a free measure & quote, call 02 6651 7171 or visit 7 Collison Pl, Coffs Harbour. CARPET • TIMBER • VINYL • HYBRIDS-VINYL PLANKS • BLINDS SHUTTERS • AWNINGS • SECURITY SCREENS AND DOORS

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RENTAL UPDATE

with CHRISTINE RENGGER FROM TMP RENTALS

THE DIGITAL AGE No doubt we’re living in a digital age. The pandemic has only fast-tracked that trend. And while many will be quick to dismiss social media and shout its downfalls – it’s incredibly important to be well-informed of the benefits for both consumers and business owners (and use them to your advantage).

et’s look at the stats: in January 2021, Australia had 20.5 million social media users with social media penetration in Australia currently at 80%. According to the 2021 Yellow Social Media report, Australians spend one hour and 46 minutes on social media; roughly one-third of the time spent online, making it the second most popular media activity for Australians after watching television. Furthermore, 1 in 3 users turn to social media to get information on the brands they’re considering, while 68% of people will read online reviews or blogs to find out what other people think about products or services.

For business owners, this means your potential clients are making decisions about your services, based on what they see online.

This represents a huge opportunity for both business owners and consumers. For consumers, quick and easy access to information and reviews of their chosen products or services enables them to make informed decisions, without ever stepping foot in the physical business. For business owners, this means your potential clients are making decisions about your services, based on what they see online. It also gives you a unique (and costeffective) opportunity to connect with your target market on a personal level, grow the integrity of your brand and position yourself

as an expert in your field. Nothing will ever replace good old-fashioned communication and service. But if you’re failing to use social media to its full potential, you’re leaving money on the table and robbing your potential clients of knowing just how awesome you are. How are you using the world’s biggest word-of-mouth recommendation platform? If you’re not happy with the answer to that question, then it’s time to take stock and decide whether you dig in and learn how to use it yourself – or, delegate it to someone who does. COFFS COAST

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Blue Ribbon Homes

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The Belleview

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The Belleview is a contemporary home that showcases Blue Ribbon Homes’ quality, innovation and individuality. The Belleview is a custom designed home with a feature courtyard that embraces the casual lifestyle of beachside living.

Recycled Australian Timber.. ..for walls, floors and decks.

Take the first step in making your new dream home a reality and take a walk through our beautiful display home today with our friendly team. This is a great opportunity to get to know and see for yourself the Blue Ribbon Homes promise of quality, style and value.

commercial and residential www.northernriverstimber.com.au

1300 27 47 87 sales@northernriverstimber.com.au 112 COFFS COAST

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7 Angler Crescent, Bonville Sawtell Commons Estate Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 10am - 3pm / Ph: 6651 8144

www.blueribbonhomes.com.au

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PERRY H O M E S

STUNNING NEW DISPLAY HOME

Multi-award winning home builder, Perry Homes has unveiled an inspiring display home in the soughtafter Moonee Beach Estate.

stablished in 1993, Perry Homes has been building throughout the Coffs Harbour area for more than 20 years and is firmly established as a trusted and respected builder in the region. New Home Consultant, Phillip Hitchins said “unveiling a new display is always an exciting milestone and provides a great opportunity for people to see the quality of homes that we build as well as the latest trends in home design and interior styling. “And the Aria home design is no exception to that. Providing four bedrooms, two living areas and three bathrooms, what is noteworthy with this design is the dual living potential. The floorplan is designed in 114 COFFS COAST

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Our clients want flexibility in their home, they want it to be able to expand and contract to their needs should a family member need to reside with them. They could even use the space to generate some extra income as an Airbnb.

such a way that the front living space can easily accommodate a kitchenette and be sectioned off from the rest of the home along with the fourth bedroom and third bathroom. This has certainly spurred people’s interest. “Our clients want flexibility in their home,

they want it to be able to expand and contract to their needs should a family member need to reside with them. They could even use the space to generate some extra income as an Airbnb.” Perry Homes’ new display home showcases the on-trend Hamptons design with its coastal charm.

The exterior of the home catches the eye with its light-grey timber cladding and render with white feature trim highlighting the ornate features of the home, and is set off by a quaint, white picket fence. Inside the home you will be amazed by the amount of natural light flowing through, which is only emphasised by the subtle light-coloured tones and textures used to style and furnish the display home. Featuring raised ceilings throughout, the crowning glory of the home is the paneled raked ceiling with breathtaking skylights that frame the kitchen area, flooding it with light. This really sets the tone for the home and inspires the way this home is fashioned – with a beautiful, relaxed vibe. The expansive open plan living, kitchen and dining area opens out onto a covered terrace and timber feature pergola – providing zoned areas for casual seating and dining. Overlooking a sparking swimming pool

Featuring raised ceilings throughout, the crowning glory of the home is the paneled raked ceiling with breathtaking skylights that frame the kitchen area, flooding it with light. complete with water slide, this home will inspire your new home goals! Located just 15 minutes’ drive north of Coffs Harbour CBD, Moonee Beach Estate is a 53 hectare masterplanned development with 2.56 hectares allocated to a public reserve. Stages one and two sold out quickly and planning for the next stage is now underway.

Moonee Beach is proving to be a soughtafter location in the northern beaches with Moonee Market providing a hub of activity and amenities including a supermarket, cafes, restaurants and retail and leisure outlets. If you are thinking of building or interested in one of the many Perry Homes home and land packages available, visit Perry Homes’ new display home located at 47 Moonee Creek Drive, Moonee Beach. Open Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 4pm or call Phillip Hitchins on 0428 271 884 for more information. COFFS COAST

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Ben Rose is just one of those people who seems to fit an incredible amount into a day. From running his growing landscaping business Shades Of Green, to running a marathon!

JOB ON THE

BEN ROSE

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ey Ben, tell us about a typical day on the job? I’m up early at approximately 3:30am on the computer setting up my staff and contractors, usually working on a quote or two as well. I arrive at the landscape yard for a 6:30am start. A day of landscaping involves digging holes, building retaining walls, paving, and using all sorts of machinery. It’s a pretty physical job. I usually finish the day back on the computer doing invoices, planning the next day, and back to more quoting. I had a lot of landscape job for that How did you get time off running day. into the landscaping as we raised our What would you say business? beautiful family, but would be the best My love of the outdoors now they are growing part of the job? combined with landscape up, I have time to They say if you love gardening has led me concentrate back on your job you’ll never here. my running. It’s my work a day in your As a kid I used to life. I honestly love time to help clear my mow lawns after school what I do. I get a lot for a bit of extra cash, I head ready for the day of satisfaction seeing suppose that’s how it all ahead. It helps me happy, smiling clients started. focus, and the physical when we achieve what With the landscape fitness definitely helps was set out to do. yard, I was actually in my job. Now the thought of looking to hire a shed landscaping would to store my equipment tire most people just as I had it everywhere. I by the thought of it, but you have also ended up going home one day to tell my wife been putting in the extra yards training. Haylee that I had somewhere to store all my What are you training for? equipment now, but that we had also now I’m currently training for the Gold Coast taken over a landscape yard! LOL. marathon at the beginning of July. That’s a So you’re not only on the gardening tools 42.2 kilometre run. by day, you also run a landscape centre in Not long ago I did an Olympic distance Raleigh, here on the Coffs Coast. How do triathlon in Byron Bay. I came 16th out of 52 you juggle them both? competitors in my age group. I was pretty The juggle is definitely tricky but I love it. I work on the tools with my two apprentices happy with that! Most days I get to see a sunrise, I train from Monday to Thursday. And I have a crew before work either running or doing CrossFit. at the landscape yard Tuesday to Saturday, I love to do anything I can to push my body to consisting of horticulturalists, delivery drivers, the maximum limits. a manager, and a few minions too! Haha. Were you always a runner? I’m there as well every morning to help Yes, sure was. I used to run at state cross open and pick up the tools we need for the

country every year in high school. I had a lot of time off running as we raised our beautiful family, but now they are growing up, I have time to concentrate back on my running. It’s my time to help clear my head ready for the day ahead. It helps me focus, and the physical fitness definitely helps in my job. How much training do you have to put into running a marathon? Training for a marathon requires a lot of training, up to five to six days a week for me. I go to CrossFit at Sawtell three mornings a week. This is high intensity training including weight and core strength training. I run 10 to 15 kilometres during the week on a Tuesday or Thursday, plus Parkrun at Urunga on Saturdays which is 5 kilometres On Sundays I do a long run of 21 or more kilometres. Rest days are as important as training, letting the body recover is important. With such a full plate, what’s next for Ben Rose? Funny that, my wife keeps asking the same question! I have big plans for the landscape yard in Raleigh. You’ll have to wait and see! A little family camping holiday is definitely on the cards. I hope to do the Coffs Harbour Running festival in September, taking part in all three events, five kilometre, 10 kilometre, and a 21 kilometre run. COFFS COAST

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REAL

E S TAT E with CHRIS HINES F R O M U N R E A L E S T AT E

Your home may be a great place to raise a family or just live. The problem, of course, is a buyer does not know that and instead forms an immediate opinion on what they see first.

ven in the present ‘Hot’ market, it is important to remember the basics of presenting your home at its best. Love at first sight is a cliché, but it has an underlying truth to it as do most clichés. The simple fact is we are an emotional species. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we always form a first impression of everything we come in contact with. That impression may be conscious or subconscious. The undisputed fact, however, is our first impression determines any subsequent decisions a majority of the time. If you are selling a property, you must accept and focus on this fact. As a seller, it is vital that you understand a buyer’s first impression of your home is everything. If the first impression is not good, the buyer will move on. It is as simple as that. There are two areas where you are going to make a first impression, so let’s take a closer look at them. Obviously, one area is when a buyer first comes to see the property. The minute they drive up your street, they are evaluating. They are looking at all the homes, not just yours. As a result, it is important that you

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home looks as good as it can compared to Then make the beds. If you want to do those around you. This means you need to more, and really you should, take a hard have the landscaping in excellent shape. look around. Are your surfaces covered in Remove dead plants, edge the lawn, fertilise decorations? If so, are these here because everything, rake up leaves and so on. If they enhance the room, or because they you have a driveway, you should have it have sentimental value? If the answer is cleaned before showing the latter, get rid of it, at the property. Keep garage least for the time being. doors closed. The list is Start packing, even if People haven’t endless, so just make you don’t know where taken the time sure the first impression is you are going to move. to even tidy up a impeccable. You will be glad you did little before they or When I look through for at least a couple of their agent take the pictures of real estate reasons. First, potential photos that will be online, I see so many buyers won’t be any buyer’s first pictures of messy rooms. distracted by your clutter, impression. People haven’t taken and second, you’ll be the time to even tidy that much further along up a little before they or their agent take when it does come time to move. the photos that will be any buyer’s first Look around the home again. Is it impression. So often in these photos, the crowded? If you have more furniture tv’s are on and there are cans of drink on than you absolutely need, or than fits the coffee table. This looks so ugly! So I comfortably in the room, consider packing think the easiest way to make your home it up also. look better than most is to simply clean it But all this doesn’t mean emptying your up. home to achieve that un-lived-in feel. On First off, tidy the surfaces. Clearing away the contrary, you want your home to be dishes and your daily clutter is the bare cosy. There is a balance between cluttered minimum you can do to at least let a buyer and cosy, and you must find it. see the house that sits underneath it all.

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New display home now open! New display home now open!

New display home n

Ourdisplay new Aria display home showcases latest in dual occupancy living. Featuring four Our new Aria home showcases the latest the in dual occupancy living. Featuring four bedrooms, a stunning master suite with freestanding bath, and an inspiring gourmet kitchen and bedrooms, a stunning master suite with freestanding bath, and an inspiring gourmet kitchen and outdoor entertaining area complete pool and slide! outdoor entertaining area complete with pool with and slide! Creating your dream homebe couldn’t be easier PerryWe Homes. We have Creating your dream home couldn’t easier when youwhen build you withbuild Perrywith Homes. have over 150 over 150 fl oor plans to choose from, including single level and two storey, granny fl at and dual occupancy… floor plans to choose from, including single level and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s to beto a design to lifestyle. suit your lifestyle. there’s sure to besure a design suit your you can dream it, we can If you canIfdream it, we can build it. build it.

NSW Lic. No. 110970C QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748. NSW Lic. No. 110970C QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748.

Visit our stunning new display home in Beach Moonee Beach today! Visit our stunning new display home in Moonee today! Moonee Beach : 47 Creek Moonee Creek Road, Beach Moonee Beach Moonee Beach Estate : 47Estate Moonee Road, Moonee Open to Saturday to Wednesday, 10am to 4pm Open Saturday Wednesday, 10am to 4pm Contact Phillip0428 Hitchins 0428| 271 884: phillip.hitchins@perryhomes.com.au | email : phillip.hitchins@perryhomes.com.au Contact Phillip Hitchins 271 884 email perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au E32689

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