33 minute read
State of Play - Gurmesh Singh
by Focus
STATE OF PLAY
with
COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH
What’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 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.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
TYLER’S SUPERHEROES
Four year old Tyler was diagnosed with Burki ’s Lymphoma in January 2020. A er an 18 month ba le, devastatingly Tyler passed away this year in May.
Tyler’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 basis as it’s just so important.
Tyler has his own donation team “Tyler’s Superheroes” set up so we can always see how many lives he continues to save from his own life.
Kids who are sick in the hospital are still beautiful little children who need laughter, play and happiness.
Starlight Foundation and in particular Starlight Captains made such a positive, happy and hilarious place for Tyler while he was in hospital. The laughter and excitement the Captains bring to children who are sick is priceless and so important to their healing and happiness.
Starlight Captains rely on funding and donations to run their program. They are amazing and have been such a huge part of Tyler’s life over the past 18 months.
We would like to continue to raise enough money to ensure kids can continue to laugh and play during their time in hospital.
Tyler’s short but beautifully blessed life will continue to bring change for the better for so many people. This is helping with the overwhelming grief for our family in this difficult time. Tyler was perfect. He will always be in our hearts as the most courageous boy who will continue to heal and help generations of people both before and after his passing. Thank You to our beautiful community who has supported our family in so many ways over the past 18 months. We are forever grateful and our hearts are full of gratitude.
Live each day for now and help others, that’s Tyler’s legacy.
DONATE BLOOD TODAY by joining Tyler's team. Sign up online and assign yourself under "Tyler's Superheroes" .
focus_interview
GEORGIA
Georgia Winn started out surfi ng as a preschooler and has progressively moved into the skating world. Although the deck is a li le diff erent, this li le ripper is busy sharpening her skills on the concrete wave, dropping into the bowl and just carving it up.
Hi 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 fi ve years old. I started surfi ng 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.
You’re certainly dedicated and committed to your sport. What type of training is involved?
I try to skate at least three times a week and I’ve been focussing on improving the little things that make it look really stylish and easy.
I have been a part of the girls performance class at Skate and Create in Woolgoolga for about a year. Matty Day is our coach and he makes it really fun. He is really good at helping with my footwork and my balance. I just love riding the ramps there.
I try to surf a couple of times a week which is also good for my balance.
What new tricks have you been working on over the past six months and what are you most proud of about yourself and 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 to make it to how my frontside turns the Olympics one are progressing and day but until then how I’ve been able to it’s all about having start linking all my tricks fun and just going together. sideways! Who is your
inspiration in the skating world?
I really like Sky Brown. She inspires me to practice every day, to believe in myself and just have fun doing it. I can’t wait to see her skate in the Olympics this year.
What are your dreams for the future?
The plan right now is to keep on practising and building my bag of tricks. Then I’m excited about entering in a few more regional competitions. I would love to make it to the Olympics one day but until then it’s all about having fun and just going sideways!
Thanks Georgia.
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.
Hi Judy. You are a prominent fi gure 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 bring their babies Earth-side?
I am an experienced midwife, having spent more than 25 years working with birthing women and families in Australia and England. I have been working at Port Base Maternity Unit since we moved to the area.
After all these years as a midwife I continue to hold a passion for all aspects of childbirth. I love being a midwife and making a positive difference in the lives of women. Every day is unique as a midwife, there are so many enjoyable moments as well as challenging ones.
Childbirth is a signifi cant time and rite of passage for women, their babies and families. What goes on around women and occurs to women during pregnancy, birth and early
What goes on around women and occurs to women during pregnancy, mothering will impact birth and early and infl uence her and mothering will her baby for years to impact and infl uence come. her and her baby for years to come. To me, the most important aspect of supporting women during pregnancy, birth and new parenting is that women are strongly placed at the centre of their experience; that they are listened to, that their decisions and choices are respected and that they come through their birthing experience emotionally whole and physically well. We know this is not always the case. Data 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 most authentic, fulfilled and sacred selves.
I currently hold a regular Moon Circle for Soulful Women, with new dates opening soon.
These circles are for women who wish to connect, share and grow deeply within the safe and intimate space of a closed and ongoing group. Held as a series of six gatherings for a small number of women, meeting monthly, Moon Circle for Soulful Women offers a rich and rewarding way to be together, providing the inner nourishment we require in our full and complex lives. In Circle, women come home to themselves and each other.
When this occurs, everyone benefits; ourselves, our families, our communities and the Earth.
As a teacher and practitioner of
Moon Circle for
Soulful Women o ers a rich and rewarding way to be together, providing the inner the Women’s Mysteries and Shamanic nourishment we Womancraft, I have a strong grounding in the require in our full Wisdom of the Cycles, a deep understanding and complex lives. 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. >>>
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 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
e Shamanic
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 discovery and healing.
During the year together, students will gain in-depth experience with the Women’s Mysteries, building the skills and understanding needed to work in the inner shamanic realms – facilitating transformation for themselves and others.
The program is offered via six face-to-face gatherings, including a 10-day Wilderness Retreat culminating in a wilderness solo, five coursework modules, and includes homestudy, reading and preparation.
This program is for women from all walks of life both personally and professionally; what will each woman expect to take away from this experience?
Over the years women from all walks of life and stages have joined the Four Seasons Journey.
Younger women, mothers, grandmothers, sometimes pregnant women or women with young babies join, and as a community we find ways to support that.
Women in academia, teachers, midwives, artists, healers, naturopaths, counsellors, 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 is multi-layered and life-long. Women gain connection to a strong and growing sisterhood and community. Women gain a qualification in Shamanic Womancraft. which prepares students to become teachers and practitioners of the Women’s Mysteries. Women may take away an unshakeable knowing of who they are at their core and what they are here to be, do and offer into the world.
Women go on to weave and integrate their 4SJ experience into their lives and work in many creative ways.
This is a powerful healing path for a woman to remember and reclaim her Sovereign self.
Thanks Judy.
To contact Judy:
Email: judy@artemisrising.com.au Website: www.artemisrising.com.au Instagram: @artemis_rising7 Facebook: Artemis Rising
To find out more about the School of Shamanic Womancraft:
https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/
Mid North Coast Four Season Journey Programs:
https://schoolofshamanicwomancraft.com/4sjmid-north-coast/
MACCAS JUNIOR GRANTS
KORORA PHYSICAL CULTURE CLUB
How 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 Ju iorn Gr na ts
T
THE MUNRO GROUP
M G
Proudly supporting the local community. McDonald's Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca & Kempsey
Each month a number of grant recipients are chosen. Our aim is to provide sponsorship to individuals and groups in the community to encourage and grow the next generation. Grants can be used for development and assistance towards academic , sporting, community , cultural and social endeavours. To learn more and apply for a grant, head to our website. maccasjuniorgrant.com.au
MACCAS JUNIOR GRANTS PROGRAMME
COFFS HARBOUR NETBALL ASSOCIATION
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.
How 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 titles being held in June in various locations in Sydney.
Each team and carnival require an umpire. The sponsorship money has allowed us to subsidise the cost by sending multiple umpires to multiple carnivals whilst still facilitating our mentoring of junior umpires.
What is the Association’s focus / goals for the remainder of 2021?
Here at CHNA we are all about “fitness, fun and friendship” and we support the ongoing development of girls in sport. Netball is for all ages and abilities and teams are based on both these things.
How has McDonald’s assisted with CHNA?
McDonald’s has assisted Coffs Harbour Netball Association for the last few years with continued support via their junior sports awards. Each week McDonald’s has sponsored our 2 best and fairest players from each match. This in total works out to be 44 games each week.
What is your most valuable piece of advice for aspiring athletes within your Association ?
CHNA promotes
Each week having fun with your
McDonald’s friends from ages U8 has sponsored our 2 through to ladies. best and fairest Netball can be both players from each great fun socially but match. is in total also we support and works out to be 44 encourage our girls games each week. to take netball to the next level.
How do people get involved with CHNA?
With our season finishing in September we would encourage those who haven’t played before to get in touch with one of our clubs prior to the season finishing so that we can contact people when our registrations commence next year.
Goals for 2022?
We are very excited for 2022 because after the end of this season our courts will be having a total refurbishment ready for the next season. There will be 9 new fully refurbished courts with new lighting. This will enable us to continue to provide a team’s based girls sport for the Coffs Harbour Region.
focus_interview
TANJA KRAUS
Hi 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 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.
head to the Golden Dog for lunch or hike to Scout’s Falls, or in summer I love to head down to the Jetty strip and enjoy the beach and restaurants down there.
You have an extensive background in horse training and coaching, travelling both nationally and internationally for your work. Tell us how you found yourself in the industry?
I’ve basically been “horse mad” for as long as I can remember, and I worked on my parents for many years before they finally caved in and bought me my first horse when I was 12. Shadow was an “off the track” Standardbred gelding and back then I had no idea what “off the track” even meant – to me he was just my world and we did everything together, from beach rides and
I’ve basically road trips, to hacking, been “horse mad” for as long as I can remember, and I jumping, dressage and sporting. I was lucky enough that we lived on a rural property that was worked on my parents very close to a riding for many years before club, so every single day they finally caved in I was riding, or spending and bought me my first time with my horse in horse when I was 12. some way. We joined the club and became avid members, attending club days every fortnight and eventually helping with the setup and organising of rally days. Around 16 years old I took a position on the committee and right into my 20’s served in various roles. >>>
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 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
April this year) and so they are fresh off the track. They were spelled (rested) up to June 1st, and then we were able to begin their training. It’s a unique competition in that it is a western discipline and usually off the track horses are switched into more English disciplines like dressage and jumping, so not only are these horses being asked to transition out of their racing career, but they are being asked to perform tasks you would find on a working ranch or station, like cow working or opening a gate – things like that.
The competition has several elements for the rider and horse to demonstrate their skill and aptitude for ranch work. What are they?
That’s right. It will include cattle working, flatwork, and then obstacles relevant to what you may find on a ranch – opening gates, bridge, roping. Working a cow, where we show that the horse can hold and move a cow on demand, demonstrating pattern work – this will show that the horse is willing to be guided by the rider at any chosen pace, navigating obstacles that you would find on a
It will include ca le working, flatwork, and then obstacles relevant to what you may find on a ranch – opening gates, ranch or station like gate bridge, roping. opening, bridge crossing, roping and a freestyle –our freestyle is 5 minutes of our choice, so we can have a bit of fun in this section!
You have been working with your boy Ginger Coops since June 1st. Tell us a little bit about the horse and how he’s coming along?
Yes I am thrilled to bits with him. Ginger Coops is a gorgeous 5 year old chestnut gelding, who has been training here at my place in Glenreagh, NSW. He certainly has his “racehorse” moments, but we are really learning about each other and getting along. I’m pleased to say he is a super quick learner, considering we only started in June and he is definitely enjoying the challenge.
It can’t be all work and no play. What sort of downtime do the horses enjoy?
I make a point of having a “cross training” approach with all my horses – some days we might be training in the arena, most weekends 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.
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…
Where 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 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
