33 minute read
Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker
by Focus
focus_contributor.
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 fi nd 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. Anna, 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 around health?
I think to an extent we have been trained to stop listening to our own body cues and everything the body is trying to tell us. We ignore our appetites, our emotions, energy, and stress levels and then look externally for the answer. Always ask yourself if you’re looking at changing something in your lifestyle: ‘could I keep doing this for the rest of my life’? If the answer is no, then you need help to fi nd a different option to meet your goals.
So how can a Dietitian help?
The reality is when it comes to food and nutrition, there are many diverse ways of eating as you can see if you travel around the world. A healthy diet doesn’t have to include expensive supplements, restrictive calories, cutting out carbohydrates or other food groups and hours at the gym.
We all need encouragement and accountability to others and dietitians are able to use their scientifi c education and training plus provide you with the support, guidance, coaching and accountability that you need to go from knowing what you should be doing to actually following through and doing what it is you
Always ask want to achieve with your yourself if health. you’re looking at The take home message changing something must be, to spend the time in your lifestyle: fi nding someone who can ‘could I keep doing teach you to create an this for the rest of eating style that you can do my life’? each day for your life and helps you fi nd what works for you.
Thanks Anna. If you’ve struggled with eating well or don’t know what works for you, MNC Physio is offering 5 FREE pre-assessments with Anna to discuss your needs and fi nd out how she can help. Call 1300 273747 and mention this article to secure your spot now.
GALAMBILA
ABORIGINAL
HEALTH WORKERS
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...
Jasmine 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.
My journey into health was based on my own experiences – I wanted to help people. I started by working with Jagun Aged Care, then moved on to Galambila as an Aboriginal Health Worker and I am now a Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner. Galambila feels like family; it is my safe place. My role means everything to me.
Jim Hurley – A Galambila Pioneer
I am a proud Kamilaroi man from the Tamworth area and moved to Coffs Harbour in 1995 with my family. I have a beautiful wife, 2 daughters, 8 grandkids and 2 great grandkids.
Becoming a Galambila pioneer is my story of resilience. When I was 14 years old, I left school because my teachers said I wouldn’t amount to anything. I had to re-educate myself when I moved to Coffs Harbour and started on a journey of learning, starting with Adult Foundation Education in 1996. Prior to Galambila opening in 1998, Coffs Harbour didn’t have an Aboriginal Medical Service and the Community had to drive over an hour for culturally appropriate care. Along with Community members, Indigenous TAFE students and Aboriginal organisations, I was involved in the beginning of Galambila. I was then a transport driver on the first day we opened almost 23 years ago and am now a Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner. My teachers doubting me taught me resilience, which our mob has in spades. I deliver healthcare by helping mob see this within themselves, empowering them to improve their health. I continue to learn every day and see this as an important way for me to keep healthy and well. As a result of my experiences, one of
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 when they are at their most vulnerable. When clients need to go outside of our service, our role is to be an advocate, provide a voice when sometimes it can be hard to do so themselves.
Galambila has been strengthening the role of the AHW workforce since we opened in 1998. Our model of care has AHWs central to all parts of our clinical care. We started with one AHW and we now have 16 trained or in training across the whole organisation. Six of these are Aboriginal Health Practitioners, who are registered health professionals with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Our AHWs support all areas of your wellbeing – things like wound management, taking blood tests, support people with long term health conditions, provide health assessments with our community, hearing and vision screening, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) support, provide different clinics out in our communities, home visits, ECGs and much more! Our AHWs are part of #TeamGalambila – a team including our GPs, nurses, specialists and allied health professionals.
Do you have any advice for young people looking for career in health?
Jim: Get in contact with your local Aboriginal Health Service and show you are interested in a career in health. Yarn with your mentors – if there are young people out there interested in a career in health both Jas and I would love to yarn up! Jas: Go with your heart! Find your passion in your Community, your culture, your mob and find what is important for you. Believe in yourself that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve in health.
The pandemic has made everyone’s lives look different, including how we think about our health. What is your advice as we continue to go through this?
Jim: The Gumbaynggirr Community has done an amazing job to keep COVIDSafe and we want to keep it that way. We know with COVID changes, that some people got behind on some of their important regular health needs. It is really important that mob come in to see us for their annual health checks or if they have any concerns about their health. Prevention is better than a cure, so we want to see Community when you are feeling well to keep you well!
What is an annual health check and why is it important?
Jim: An annual health check is a thorough check up of someone’s wellbeing that is designed to save lives. We are focusing on what is important for you, including social and emotional wellbeing; while making sure we do all the medical checks we need to keep you and your family healthy. You will have a long yarn with an AHW, then spend about half an hour
Find your passion in your with your GP to discuss what is important for Community, your you about your health. culture, your mob and Jas: We have recently updated how we find what is offer health assessments based on Community important for you. feedback and what we know keeps mob well. Believe in yourself Coming in every year for a health check, even that you can achieve if you’re feeling good, is the best thing you can whatever you want to do to look after you and your family’s health. achieve in 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.
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
Tell 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 prosthetist?
Coming from a long line of healthcare workers, I was inspired to build a career in health because I could see how my family loved what they did. Growing up, I saw that no matter how tiring the job might be, at the end of the day my family sat around the dinner table sharing stories and would smile knowing that they have helped someone. This is what motivates me. I have also been exposed to technology and computers from a young age and I wanted to incorporate this aspect into my career. I have been fortunate that Liz has invested in the latest digital technology at KDC and I get to include my interest in technology with my work everyday.
I looked into the dental technology and prosthetist course and found that this would be a good opportunity to combine my passion for healthcare and technology.
What do you find most rewarding about this job?
There is more than one thing that I find rewarding about being a Dental Prosthetist. Mainly it is the ability to improve a person’s quality of life; helping them eat as normal as possible and giving them the confidence to smile again. I am also grateful for the wonderful team that I work with; Liz, Anna, Neil, Kristy, Stacey Lilli who constantly push to deliver the best care possible.
Health t i
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.
Karen 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.
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.
MEET ZUNI
Therapy Dog at The Counselling Space.
Zuni is a 3 year old Cavoodle who loves belly rubs and running on the beach. She works at The Counselling Space providing Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) - an evidence-based form of therapy helpful for people with trauma, PTSD or anxiety.
Zuni has a very special connection with children who have neurodevelopmental differences, such as being in the autism spectrum (ASD) or having attention difficulties (ADD / ADHD).
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!”
COFFS HARBOUR
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focus_interview
WELCOME DENTAL i t i DR MARGARET KLEINIG
Tell 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?
I am excited to be working at Welcome Dental in Urunga. It is an accredited dental practice and has well set out surgeries. The support team are excellent and I am fortunate to be working with them all again!
It will be nice to work in a larger group of clinicians again. Although having had a solo practice in Coffs Harbour for 15 years, I prefer to work in a team environment, where the expertise of fellow professionals is available, if required.
What do you love most about your job?
I love to be rewarded with a happy patient with a beautiful healthy smile, and even more so when they comment that it wasn’t as painful as they had anticipated.
What is your best dental tip?
My best dental tips are to avoid sugary foods and drinks. Try to eat fresh healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time and to floss prior to brushing!
What is your favourite thing to do on the Coffs Coast?
My great passion is not on top of the ocean, but below its surface, where I try to spend a lot of my time diving. I am fascinated by the diversity of life and its fragile existence. There is a place for all creatures on this planet, and we must strive to maintain its delicate balance, so that we are able to continue to enjoy the wonder of nature.
We’ll turn that frown upside down.
Christmas Opening hours.
OPEN 24th – until 4pm 29th – 9-12 31st – 9-12 2nd – 9-12 4th – normal hours
CLOSED 25th 26th 28th 30th 1st
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
AND
CENTRE
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...
Hi 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 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
We are registered for NDIS and provide a range of about 2007 and we were opportunities for people then left as independent with disabilities like operators, so became The Literacy, Numeracy and Education Centre. Life Skills or we can What services do you design a program which fits in with their goals. 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
for Languages and offer Japanese, French, German and Arabic and will be applying for registration for other subjects as well.
Tell us about your new premises. What are the benefits and how has the move helped the growth of the business?
Previously we worked from a house in Bray Street. When it was sold at the end of last year, we thought it was a disaster, as we could not find another house to rent at the time. We then discovered these premises in Harbour Drive and realised that we could offer bigger and better classes, courses and adult information talks in many, many areas. The location is really central and parents can
work their shopping and leisure around the tuition lessons. The benefits from such a much larger premise is that we can offer many more activities such as Cooking, Working Maths, STEM, e benefits from Entertaining English, such a much larger Art and Drama premise is that we can classes. offer many more We will be activities such as offering TEC Talks Cooking, Working for adults in topics Maths, STEM, such as parenting, Entertaining English, Art and Drama classes. budgeting, how to use and enjoy the new technology. There will be some of an evening for working adults and some in the morning after the kids go to school. And our admin will become more efficient with the large space put aside for that. >>>
CENTRE
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 fantastic.
Now with our versatile new Centre we can offer a much better range of classes, courses and talks than we have seen before.
What plans do you have for 2021/2022?
Wow, now that we have a great place to work from and the convenience of the location for parents, the sky’s the limit!
Not only will we continue our regular tuition classes, we can offer working parents (of years 5 to 8 students) a great service, so that their kids can enjoy the whole afternoon, not just playing without guidance, and maybe finding ‘other’ interests when left unsupervised, but learning and enjoying a range of different classes to entertain and educate in a safe environment. Students can come in straight from school and parents will be able to pick up by 6.30 which will enable them to finish work and in some cases do that last minute shop before going home.
There will be plenty of classes for younger and older students as our new programs emerge as well.
Do you have any advice for parents when it comes to children’s learning?
From my experience, the majority of kids enjoy learning and getting on with their work at their own pace. However, there are a lot of students who, for many various reasons, can’t keep up or who are stuck on one or two concepts, or have very low self-esteem. There are also quite a number of students who are far ahead of the game who become bored when not stimulated by broader information.
This is where we can step in. If the student does not understand their work, then tuition could very well be the answer. When we assess students we take into account how they actually complete their assessment when they start.
This can give us an indication of whether they have fallen behind because they have missed something at school or if there is a deeper reason.
If the student has been struggling for four
Sometimes it takes years then it would longer to identify, not be feasible to sometimes we may not think that one term be able to identify the cause but we are able to bring their levels up regardless. If we believe of tuition at one hour per week will be enough. 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
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 a er school tuition plays a very important role in education. Which is why The Education Centre has so many available tutors and subjects. available tutors and subjects.
WORKING MATHS ENTERTAINING ENGLISH COOKING CLASSES STEM CLASSES LANGUAGES ART CLASSES LIFE SKILLS CLASSES REGISTERED NDIS PROVIDER REGULAR TUITION REGISTERED FOR CREATIVE KIDS FOR LANGUAGES Experienced Tutors Mid North Coast And So Much More! Suite 2, Level 1, 34-38 Harbour Drive, Coff s Harbour NSW 2450 Ph 6652 2222 M 0478 413 549 E coff sharbour@theeducationcentre.com.au
WE HAVE MOVED
TO HARBOUR DRIVE
GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST CHANCE TO SUCCEED.
Since 2004, The Education Centre has been empowering people on the Mid North Coast. empowering people on the Mid North Coast. Our students blossom a er they uncap their Our students blossom a er they uncap their capacity to love to learn. capacity to love to learn. Bolstered by a new-found confi dence and selfBolstered by a new-found confi dence and selfesteem, they are ready for challenges and keen esteem, they are ready for challenges and keen to learn more. Some students will come to The to learn more. Some students will come to The Education Centre to learn maths, only to come back Education Centre to learn maths, only to come back wanting to study French or Japanese language. wanting to study French or Japanese language. For primary and secondary students, it’s o en For primary and secondary students, it’s o en more magical to see the transformation when they more magical to see the transformation when they experience a love for learning. experience a love for learning. Teaching similar skills to adults is the most Teaching similar skills to adults is the most rewarding. We have a great track record of success rewarding. We have a great track record of success with this. with this. The Education Centre is classifi ed under the NDIS The Education Centre is classifi ed under the NDIS program—NDIS no. 4050023650. program—NDIS no. 4050023650. We are of course, widely recognised for our We are of course, widely recognised for our excellent NEW early learning facilities. We are the excellent NEW early learning facilities. We are the source to go to for solid primary and secondary source to go to for solid primary and secondary tuition and advice. tuition and advice.
Get in touch with us today!
2/7-9 Market Street, Woolgoolga Ph 6654 839 M 0435 979 535 E woolgoolga@theeducationcentre.com.au www.theeducationcentre.com.au
Level 1/9 Duke Street, Gra on Phone 6643 5610 M 0420 982 981 E gra on@theeducationcentre.com.au
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.
What have been the
highlights of the year so far?
With only half the year completed we have 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 Union as well as our teams being Diocesan and CCC Champions in sports such as Tennis, Basketball and Football.
Do you expect more sporting success to come?
We still have many sports up for contention, including teams contesting All Schools Regional fi nals in Netball and Rugby League, NSW All Schools Tennis, CCC Open Basketball and Bill Turner Cup and Trophy. This is without accounting for the Netball, AFL, Union, Volleyball, Squash, Lawn Bowls and Athletics yet to be contested this year. Big things are expected! Sport plays a major role in the life of our College and you can see 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…..
Teams -
Combined Catholic Colleges Champions - Open Boys Tennis* Diocesan Champions Open Boys Football* Diocesan Champions Open Girls Basketball* Diocesan Champions Open Boys Champions* 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 Local All Schools Champions 9/10 Girls Netball Bill Turner Cup and Trophy Round 4 (still in progress) * Denotes competition still in progress at state or national level.
Individuals -
CCC Swimming Representative CCC Basketball Representative CCC Rugby Union Representative CCC Tennis Representative NSW Country 15’s Development Squad 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
What facilities does the College off er to support the various sports programs?
The facilities in the College are without doubt the best in any school in the area. We currently have an indoor basketball court on sprung fl oors, an additional two covered outdoor courts, a number of outdoor volleyball and netball courts, and our ovals include a rugby league/rugby union fi eld as well as an additional soccer fi eld. 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 fi eld will also be updated in the next round of building with plans for that sport to have a signifi cant place in the College moving forward. Thanks Danielle, it’s good to see a lot happening in the area of Sport.
