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13

focus_team note

t Welcome to the NOVEMBER EDITION.

I

t feels eerily like the calm before the storm.

With interstate borders shut, once we reach those vaccination targets, get ready for Sydney to fill the highways looking to put the last four months behind them.

Coffs Harbour is bound to be one of the most popular spots to holiday. We have had lots of close calls, but impressively we have managed to remain Covid-free, which is astonishing, while we watch other LGA's across the state open and close into lockdown. But that might change once restrictions are lifted and tourists once again flood our town. As we step into the unknown, just remember that those working in the front line of retail and hospitality deserve not just our respect but also our patience. If you find yourself having a rant on thumbs up, thumbs down, stop and think about all the extra challenges they are facing with restrictions and regulations. Remember they aren’t the ones making the decisions.

On the cover this month we feature BBQ

focus

legend, Andrew Donn-Patterson. Andrew has a long family history here on the Coffs Coast and he and his family have settled back into life here bringing their family run business, Black Iron Smokers & BBQ, to the Coffs community. Their BBQ is next level and they not only do events and pop up stalls but they are also getting a more permanent set up happening so we can enjoy their food more regularly!

This month we have featured some very cool locals. Carla and Duncan Marchant decided to move on from their two successful Health Clubs that they had been building for many years and take some time to enjoy their family farm and a slightly slower lifestyle. They are now opening up their property to provide “Farm Therapy”; capacity building experiences for people with disabilities, social anxiety and mental health concerns.

Hannah Legge is a 21-year-old local woman who is a powerhouse and an incredible inspiration. Her sporting achievements are varied

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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

and she clearly gives anything she tries her all!

She has done everything from triathlons to gymnastics and swimming squads, and is part of North Coast Special Olympics as well.

Trent Long is a passionate teacher and reader who during the first Covid lockdown started Mr Long’s Learning Lounge on YouTube and Instagram – where he reads children’s books for his students and any other kids who wanted to watch along. He gained a lot of popularity and from there has recently self-published his very own children’s book ‘Are You Kidding Me?’ Tim Jones has always had a love of plants, gardening and growing fresh produce. He then discovered an interest in growing cacti, which turned into a hobby and something he is very passionate about. He now propagates cacti to sell online as well as at a couple of local nurseries and his hobby is slowly growing into a successful little business.

We hope you enjoy our November edition as much as we do!

contacts.

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 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney Daisyfocusmag@gmail.com 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 3 0

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N O V E M B E R

2 0 2 1

INTERVIEWS

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PRIVADA FARM

Carla and Duncan Marchant are now opening up their family farm to provide “Farm Therapy” for people with disabilities, social anxiety and mental health concerns.

58

WELLSTEIN CHEESE CO.

WHITE BLUFF PROJECT

Tim Wellham and Jess Holstein share a passion for not only amazing cheese, but also animal welfare, supporting local dairy farmers, and using traditional and sustainable methods.

Artist Ray Rixon is the coordinator and founder of the White Bluff Project, exploring changes to our coastline by humans and nature, in collaboration with local artists and scientists.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

CASSANDRA WILSON

38. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 40. Style Edit - Melissa Parisi 42. PFLAG - Sam Dawson 56. From the Shaker - Element Bar 66. Tourism Update - Fiona Barden 80. Fitness Update - Court Waters 81. Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker 84. Counselling Conversations - Julie Thomas 97. Women in Business - Cath Fowler 98. Youth Leaders - Cassandra Wilson 104. Education Update - Nick Johnstone 105. Money Matters - Barry Hockey 134. 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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www.facebook.com/coffscoastFocus

46 focusmag.com.au

Bishop Druitt College We are: community innovative inclusive.

No w t a k i ng 2023 e n ro lm e n ts

www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

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

FOLLOW US COFFS COAST

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17

focus_interview

CARLA + DUNCAN MARCHANT

Carla and Duncan Marchant decided to move on from their two successful Health Clubs that they had been building for many years and take some time to enjoy their family farm and a slightly slower lifestyle by opening up their property to provide “Farm Therapy”; capacity building experiences for people with disabilities, social anxiety and mental health concerns.

H

i guys, how long have you been living at Privada Farm?

We moved from Korora to Boambee to establish Privada Farm almost five

years ago now.

When did Privada Farm go from being your home to also being a family business and how did that idea come about?

Privada Farm only officially started to become our family business midway through 2021. We love living on the land, we love nature and we love the feeling of freedom and happiness it provides. After running multiple businesses for many years, we sold two of them in May to free up some spare time and 18 COFFS COAST

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(We found) a new owner who not only shared our passion but could also provide a future for our team and members with the resources they had at hand.

properly embrace that lifestyle. Since then we have taken some time out to improve the infrastructure around the property and started to think about how we could share what we have created with other people in our community.

You used to work in fitness and owned a number of gyms here on the Coffs

Coast, what brought on making such a big change in your work life?

Over the years we have owned numerous health and fitness businesses.

Some here, some in other areas and some online.

Duncan had been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and I had been in the industry for about 12. We had worked incredibly

hard with our team and members for over a decade on the Coffs Coast to create two inclusive and community-focused Health Clubs. We had many offers over the years to buy our clubs but resisted until we could find a new owner who not only shared our passion but could also provide a future for our team and members with the resources they had at hand. Club Lime (Viva Leisure) were a perfect fit at the time and we look forward to seeing those We work directly communities thrive with those in in the coming years. need, with disability It was certainly the support providers and hardest decision we have allied health care ever made due to our professionals to emotional attachment to provide fun and our community there, but therapeutic outcomes, I am sure it will work out through unique farm best for everyone in the experiences with long run. the clubs for over 10 animals, adventures What have you enjoyed years we had built a and produce. most about the change number of amazing in lifestyle? Is there relationships and been anything you miss? a positive part of so many people’s lives. We We have enjoyed having more time to do miss seeing our terrific team and magnificent the things we love with the people we love. members on a daily basis.

Owning large complex businesses that are What sort of things do you offer at the heavily customer focused means that you are Farm? well and truly always ‘working’. After owning

We specialise in capacity building experiences for people with disabilities, social anxiety and mental health concerns. We work directly with those in need, with disability support providers and allied health care professionals to provide fun and therapeutic outcomes, through unique farm experiences with animals, adventures and produce.

Continued over.

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How big is the property and what are some features of the land there?

Privada Farm is a 20 acre property situated in the beautiful Boambee Valley. We have two koala habitats on the property that have been left as bushland. One of them has a beautiful dam in it with lilies and we are currently working on creating a walking trail and seated areas so that people can enjoy the peace and quiet. We have a large area of cleared land on multiple levels that has been divided into paddocks for our animals and our leisure.

There is a large shed for wet weather projects 20 COFFS COAST

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CARLA + DUNCAN MARCHANT

and animal yards and we have created a space for our smaller animals where people can interact with them and enjoy them. We have a creek that runs through the property which is deep enough in some spots to swim in. We are only about 10 minutes from Coffs CBD and Sawtell, so convenience is a major benefit indeed.

You have quite a selection of gorgeous animals at the farm, can you tell us about them and why you decided to keep them?

We have 6 horses, two ex-race horses that were locally raced and are now happily

retired and living their best lives. A retired provide for people who might be socially, endurance Arabian mare that suffered a mentally or physically challenged? catastrophic injury during a training ride but is Being outdoors is good for the heart and now paddock sound and happy, an Australian soul and being around animals makes it even Riding Pony that was our daughter’s pony better. We can provide practical hands-on and is now my pack horse pony that enjoys skills that focus on farming, gardening, trekking and will be used for Equine Therapy, taking care of animals, infrastructure projects my main riding horse an Anglo Arabian mare and teamwork. We will be running multiple and Milo the miniature horse that will also be programs that focus on different interests used for equine therapy. and different aspects of the farm. These will We have a herd of 12 show quality Suri cater for individual clients and groups by Alpacas that are used appointment. for breeding and sales, What has the response animal therapy and for been like so far to We can provide their fleece. these programs? practical We have Vienna Mini We have started a hands-on skills that Lop rabbits for breeding Facebook page and focus on farming, and therapy work. Silkie leaked our concept to a gardening, taking chickens for breeding few friends and family, care of animals, and therapy work. but there is a clear need infrastructure Mixed breed backyard locally for this type of projects and chickens. Two cows that service, as the response teamwork. roam the farm. Two has been overwhelmingly budgies, multiple fish positive. and of course Wilbur Where would you like the ultimate farm dog. to see the direction of Privada Farm go We have also had a special request from a into the future? certain disability support services CEO in town We believe that Privada Farm can provide for Pygmy Goats, so we will start work on one of those important pieces, in the very their paddock next week. complex puzzle of a happy and healthy Coffs Can you tell us all about ‘Farm Therapy’; Coast community. As with our previous health what you offer and what you hope to clubs, we simply want to make a positive difference and leave a positive legacy.

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02

What's NOVE M BE R 2 0 2 1

01

FLAVOURS OF THE BUSH

TWILIGHT

01

Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre invites you to experience Gumbaynggirr Culture first hand with our Bushtucker & Medicine Tour and Tasting. Learn the native foods, ancient medicines and various fibre plants used in healing and weaving by Gumbaynggirr people for thousands of years!

A family friendly food only market, diverse in multicultural cuisine and lots of choices for the kids... Dog friendly too. Bring a blanket or chair, bottle of wine or beer and kick back and enjoy the entertainment. Eat, relax, walk, swim and enjoy!

When 1st November until 12th December Where 69 Red Rock Road, Corindi Beach Cost $40 To book Please call our friendly staff at Yarrawarra on 02 6640 7104

When Every Friday from 1st November up to 15th April 2022. 4pm until 9pm.

Where Park Beach Reserve More info twilightfoodmarkets@ozemail.com.au

FOOD MARKET

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

15

Join our diverse line-up of the hottest acts direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a very special show that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone.

Featuring a cast of Australian stars, talented newcomers and special guests, we’re homedelivering Australia’s largest comedy festival in one jam-packed night of the biggest and best belly laughs you’ll have all year.

When 15th & 16th November, 7.30pm Where Jetty Theatre Tickets All tix $45, Member $40

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MELBOURNE CUP AT RIBEYE ROOFTOP BAR & KITCHEN Join us for the 2021 Melbourne Cup in Ribeye Rooftop Bar & Kitchen! Indulge in tapas style dining with cocktails, tap beer and sparkling on the terrace. Stay tuned for more information on all the exciting things we have planned!

When 2nd November, 12pm Where Ribeye Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, C.ex Coffs Tickets $49.90 tickets include a beverage on arrival, mixed tapas plate and a dessert plate To Book www.cex.com.au

20 BELLINGEN

COMMUNITY MARKETS

Live music plays all day with spontaneous performances and buskers throughout the park.

Kids will love the jumping castle, pony rides, swings, face-painting and bargain hunting.

When 20th November and every third Saturday after Where Cnr Church, Park & Ford Sts, Bellingen More Info info@bellingenmarkets.com.au

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focus_interview

t

LONG Trent Long is a passionate teacher and reader who during the first Covid lockdown started Mr Long’s Learning Lounge on YouTube and Instagram – where he reads children’s books for his students and any other kids who wanted to watch along. He gained a lot of popularity and from there has recently selfpublished his very own children’s book ‘Are You Kidding Me?’

H

ey Trent, tell us about yourself?

G’day! Well I’m a true local growing up around Sawtell as a young fella.

But I spent years living on the Gold Coast and most recently North West Queensland. My partner and I thought it was time to return to our home town – how good is this place? Teaching has given me many opportunities, but none better than right now, landing a job right here in Coffs Harbour helping students with challenging behaviours.

We’re here to stay!

Where did the idea of ‘Mr Long’s Learning Lounge’ come from?

When Covid arrived in 2020 and we were in our first lockdown I started a YouTube channel and Instagram for the kids. I would select my favourite children’s stories to read aloud, creating an authentic experience for parents and children, with a strong focus on literacy. Parents and teachers were all getting on board with support – it received 26 COFFS COAST

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the best reception. I was able to acknowledge giving too much away, how often in life do and showcase some of everyone’s favourite you find yourself saying the phrase “Are authors and illustrators. you kidding me?”. The animals in the book What inspired you to write a children’s are tired of being labelled as someone they book? are not. It challenges I love a good stereotypes and sends a children’s book. Simple message to children to I love a good as that. I’ve always be true to yourself. My children’s book. envisaged writing a book uses a range of Simple as that. I’ve cheeky children’s book fundamentals to reading always envisaged one day. One that like rhyme, repetition and also sends a positive rhetorical questions. writing a cheeky message to its readers.

What was the process children’s book one day.

I got super tired of of creating “Are You One that also sends a reading other people's Kidding Me?” from idea positive message to its stories, so I decided to publishing? readers. to write my own (just It was a seed that had kidding). I love the been planted early on in inspiration I get from my teaching career. Since reading other talented authors and illustrators. establishing an Instagram page and YouTube So, here I am with my debut book “Are you channel it really sparked the obsession to selfkidding me?”. publish my own book. I was able to connect What’s “Are You Kidding Me” about? and gain friendships from other authors, This book is tongue-in-cheek. Without illustrators and editors etc. One of those

The animals in the book are tired of being labelled as someone they are not. It challenges stereotypes and sends a message to children to be true to yourself.

friendships is my illustrator Kris Lillyman. I also set up a Kickstarter. Which is like a GoFundMe but for creators. The support from my online community was overwhelming. This helped me pay for costs along the way from manuscript to editors through to uploading onto an Amazon publishing platform.

How was working with Kris Lillyman and his ideas about illustration?

Kris is a genius at what he does. He illustrated a fellow author’s children’s book.

I knew from reading her book I wanted his illustrations in my own book. The way Kris uses colour, subtle humour in his drawings and cheeky characters. I knew this would compliment the story I had written. I had to reach out to him. The process with Kris was smooth, unlike other horror stories I have heard from authors. It was a bit of ‘to and fro’ but overall Kris was very professional and we shared the same brain for this story.

What do you hope to inspire in your students with Mr Long’s Learning Lounge and your book?

I hope this book sends a message to kids to be true to themselves. The world can be quite tricky to navigate sometimes. Spending time to understand yourself will make life better for everyone. But, don’t forget to have a laugh along the way!

Where can we find out more about yourself, your book and your channel?

Come and check out my Instagram page @ mrlongslearninglounge. Every Monday night at 6:30pm I read a story or two to my followers on Instagram Live. As my motto goes “If noone will read you a story at home – I will...”

My website to purchase “Are You Kidding Me?” is mrlongslearninglounge.com Thanks Trent.

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TOGETHER WE'LL FIX IT

The Together We'll Fix It Team will represent all different interests from throughout the Coffs Harbour LGA community.

R

odger Pryce Mayoral candidate, Rodger Pryce has lived in numerous different neighbourhoods throughout his 47 years of being a resident of the Coffs Harbour region. His children attended school at both Sandy Beach Primary and Woolgoolga High, whilst his grandchildren have attended the Steiner, St Augustines, and Bishop Druitt education facilities. Having owned and operated

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Rodger has a

businesses in Coffs a balanced level of vast Harbour and Toormina, community association, knowledge of many along with farming ideal for a Council aspects of what is interests at both Bucca which, by design, can required to steer and now Brooklana, relate to the needs of Coffs Harbour into Rodger has a vast the Coffs Harbour Local the future. knowledge of many Government Area. aspects of what is Nikki Williams required to steer Coffs Nikki lives at Diggers Harbour into the future.

Beach, is a third The remainder of the prospective Councillors generation Coffs Harbour local with a successful each have areas of special interest, offering business in the Coffs Harbour CBD known as

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The Salon by Nikki Williams. Mum to identical 10 y.o. triplets who are becoming increasingly involved in cultural and sporting activities, Nikki is to say the least, occupied. However, she does have the ability to multitask at the highest level and to listen to and act on the numerous requests that she is already receiving. A shining star who would make an amazing Councillor.

Rob Gam Rob carries a well known and highly respected surname, his parents Doug and Kay both went to school in Coffs Harbour, and ran

highly successful businesses within the Coffs indigenous community, with an understandable CBD, and his sister Jacqui still carries on the connection to many different aspects of life. An tradition. Rob had a highly successful career outstanding prospect, we look forward to John in the airline industry, rising to captain for the becoming an elected Councillor. prestigious Emirates Airlines. Living at Sapphire, Tammy Mills-Thom he loves to surf and Tammy is a true Coffs plays a mean game Harbour local belonging of golf. Now semiMum to identical to a multi-generational retired, Rob combines 10 y.o. triplets family. Tammy has a keen his worldly experiences interest in all things cultural who are becoming with a high level of having served on numerous increasingly involved intellect and is very committees associated in cultural and sporting keen to assist guiding with the arts, with a special activities, Nikki is to Coffs Harbour so that interest in the Jetty area. say the least, occupied. it becomes a better Tammy was born in Coffs However, she does have place for the existing Harbour, as were her the ability to multitask community and creates parents who were banana at the highest level and a blueprint for future farmers. There is very little to listen and act to the generations. about the region that she numerous requests John Lardner does not know about. that she is already The current Coffs Tammy spends a lot of time Harbour Citizen of receiving. with our newest residents, The Year, John is especially those from a captain of the Nana multicultural background in an effort to assist Glen Rural Fire Service and was in the front them assimilate into the Coffs Harbour society. line during the horrendous bush fires of 2019.

A single mum with a grown up family, Tammy is Residing at Nana Glen, John is well respected extremely resourceful, even being the manager throughout the rural community, he has a of the Coffs Harbour Zoo at one time and being working experience sense of what the needs heavily involved with the Coffs Harbour Tourism of the rural community actually are, and the industry. ability to provide input to make sure that the Approved by Rodger Pryce, 1/72 Grafton St, job gets done. John has an affiliation with the Coffs Harbour COFFS COAST

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TONY JUDGE It was as a candidate for the 2019 State Election that Tony Judge started thinking about a role in local government. Tony noticed that so many issues that people were really concerned about were related to the Council.

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ony says “it was really clear that people care most about the things closest to them and that the way to help is through local government.”

What position are you hoping to gain in this Coffs Coast Election?

I am running for Mayor, but I would be honoured to be able to represent our community as a Councillor.

What do you bring to the position?

It starts with a real commitment to listening.

As a volunteer crisis supporter at Lifeline I have learned that one of the greatest gifts you can give anyone is to really listen to what they are thinking and feeling. We all need to be heard and to be understood. The solution to so many of our problems starts with genuine listening.

After taking the time to understand the issues I am willing to step forward and advocate on the things that our community cares about. In recent years I have taken up many issues on behalf of the community, either directly with Council or through the media.

I also bring 27 years of experience of

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working in the Commonwealth government, support. Planning so that we are prepared for much of it at a senior level. Local government the challenges of the future. Creating secure, is different, but it shares many of the same well-paid jobs to provide opportunities for our issues and challenges. All levels of government young people and a meaningful career for are complex and there will always be everyone. Working across levels of government competing interests and demands. None to make housing more affordable and reduce of us are experts in every field. My time in homelessness. Treating people with kindness government taught me the value of listening and respect. critically and evaluating And working together, a broad range of expert despite our differences, advice before making towards a common goal.

Keep what any important decisions.

What would you change if we love I would bring that you were elected? while we build approach to my role as a Our campaign theme what we need.

Councillor. is “make Council work What are you for you.” That starts with passionate about? a more transparent and So many things! Protecting our incredibly accountable Council. In the current term of beautiful natural environment and the Council there have been many times when the character of the place we live in. Building a community has found out long after the event stronger and more resilient community. Having that important decisions have been made and a Council that works for the community. large sums of money spent. At times, even Making Council open and transparent by our elected Councillors have not been aware. sharing its plans with the people it serves.

Council needs to rebuild the trust of the Taking a compassionate approach to helping community. That starts with being open about people who are struggling and need our decisions, actions and plans. If elected, I will be

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asking questions, seeking timely advice and pushing for more open engagement between Council and the community.

How would you implement these changes?

Sustainable change is built on bringing people along with you. The community needs to be consulted and engaged.

Communication needs to be clear and honest.

Decisions must be properly explained. We need to have a sense of shared destiny. We will know that we have succeeded when our community feels like it is a genuine partner with Council in building a better Coffs.

What do you love about our region?

I love our natural environment and the lifestyle it allows us. We can watch the whales pass by or chase a wave at great surf beaches.

We can head into the hills and find ourselves in a different world. On a single day we can swim in the ocean in the morning and explore remnant rainforest in the afternoon. Who wouldn’t love it?

I love the unique character of our region.

We will inevitably grow and change over time, but we need to make sure that we don’t lose the things that make this such a great place to live. We need development that benefits the community, not development that benefits a few people at the expense of the community. We need to keep what we love while we build what we need.

What do you feel we are lacking in this region?

We need more affordable housing.

Council needs to work with other levels of government to increase the stock of social housing, remove the barriers to downsizing and foster more low-cost housing.

We need a better sense of where we are going and how to get there – a vision for the Coffs Harbour region. What are our greatest assets? Where are the jobs of the future coming from? How do we sell our region to tourists? How do we attract businesses we need here?

That vision should drive the decisions we make about our future. We need to know where we are going before we plan how to get there. That’s hard work, but it is critical to our future.

The pandemic has hit the region hard

Make Council work for you.

– how can you assist businesses and constituents of Coffs Harbour?

We need to come out of lockdown safely.

Removing restrictions will immediately boost businesses. There will be demand for overdue haircuts, a night out at a restaurant or the pub and an opportunity to do the Christmas shopping. We need to be smart and safe so that the new-found freedom does not lead to more pressure on our health system and make people hesitant about being out and about.

Many people who were already doing it tough before Covid have lost casual jobs and slipped into poverty. All levels of government need to do what they can to provide the services those people need to survive and rebuild their lives.

You have chosen to run as a Labor candidate for Council. What’s behind that decision?

My campaign is based around honesty and openness. My values are Labor values – social

justice, equality and a better life for working people. I want people to know who I am and what I stand for. We should ask that of all candidates.

I am running with a strong team. Julie Hendy is a retired neuropsychologist with a distinguished career in the health system.

Angela Mansell has an extensive background in marketing and John Marsh has experience as a Councillor on the Blue Mountains City Council. Each brings a wealth of experience and their own perspective on how we should move forward in Coffs Harbour.

Being a member of a political party exposes you to a diversity of views, open debate and a democratic approach to developing goals and policies. Isn’t that how a good Council should work?

If elected as Mayor, what will you do straight away?

I will get together with community leaders across our region to start mapping our vision for a better future.

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SALLY TOWNLEY

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ally has been teaching circus skills and gymnastics to Coffs Harbour kids for over 15 years and also works as a kids’ entertainer and face-painter. “I love working with kids, facepainting and clowning brings instant delight and is so rewarding. And our work in the circus school is amazing because every single student will keep achieving new skills at their own pace. It’s physically challenging but noncompetitive. Seeing a child conquer their fear and self-doubt is the best feeling and pretty much the reason we have kept the circus school running for so long. We have a great team of coaches who continue to motivate and encourage every student to express themselves through physical movement.”

As well as the ringmaster’s top hat running a circus school, Sally wears a number of other hats. She is an environmental scientist with a career spanning 30 years. With a degree in Coastal Management and a PhD in Wildlife Biology, she has worked as an ecologist in 32 COFFS COAST

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Many of you may already know Sally Townley through her work on Council for the past nine years.

But if you haven’t met her, there is a fair chance your kids may have.

north Queensland, Papua New Guinea and northern NSW. “I came to Coffs Harbour in 2000 to work for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and never left. After six years with NPWS, I worked as a Biodiversity Officer for Coffs Harbour City Council for a couple of years then worked as an ecological consultant on the Pacific Highway upgrade for over five years. There have been real changes to our natural environment in recent decades. Big infrastructure projects like the highway have impacted habitat connectivity. The intensive agricultural industry has been an economic boon, but has come at a cost of vegetation loss and impacts on waterway health. But there is also greater awareness among our community of the importance of our natural environment. People are seeing changes to the creeks and beaches they have grown up around. The impacts of climate change on weather patterns are becoming more visible.

A theme that constantly comes through all of Council’s public engagement is that people want to see the right balance struck

between development and protecting the environment.” She says that is probably one of the hardest challenges of being a Councillor.

“A lot of the decisions are about land use; it’s about asking ‘what is the highest and best use for this piece of land’ each time.”

Another challenge is the workload.

Although it is paid as a part-time role, the work doesn’t stop. As well as the meetings, there are emails, phone calls, briefings, requests for assistance and Sally sits on around 10 different committees. “I’m lucky that my husband is super supportive. We have five children between us, but they are all grown up, so there is a bit more space. It’s still very busy though.”

Sally’s husband Dave is also a well-known local. They own the Hearthfire Bakery, with shops in Bellingen and Sawtell. “A lot of people ask why I live in Bellingen but am on Coffs Council. My life has been based in Coffs since 2000, but a few years after buying the bakery, we needed a base in Bellingen as well.

For the first two terms on Council I was a

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resident of Coffs but this time I will be running as a non-resident ratepayer. I am passionate about serving this community. I work in Coffs every day, my kids did all their schooling here.

I have lived in Emerald Beach, Mullaway, Woolgoolga, Orara Valley, Bonville and Korora and feel I have a great deal to offer this area.

Having two terms as a Councillor plus having worked on the staff of Council is a lot of experience. It’s important to have new people, but experience and continuity is valuable.”

Sally is running a team ticket and says their focus is on sustainability. “We want to improve community well-being and make sure the future generations aren’t missing out. We want to support all members of community, particular the vulnerable. We want a Council which governs from the heart, as well as the head.”

Number two on the ticket is Geyne Feeney.

Geyne is a young local man who moved to the Coffs Harbour region when he was 10 years old and has lived a number of local communities, including Sandy Beach, Woolgoolga, Korora and Coffs Harbour.

Living through the A theme that shortages of housing constantly within our LGA during comes through all the development of local Surf Life Saving of Council’s public the Woolgoolga bypass community, having engagement is that and Pacific Highway been a member of people want to see upgrade, Geyne has Woolgoolga SLSC since the right balance become passionate he completed his Bronze about encouraging a struck between Medallion in 2008. He considered and balanced development and believes that there is approach to town protecting the a great public utility in planning that will help environment. our community’s Surf to ensure economically Life Saving Clubs in sustainable growth both a public safety for the Coffs Harbour aspect but also in encouraging a healthy LGA while ameliorating some of the critical lifestyle and lifelong skills for those families issues facing our most vulnerable community that participate.

For the last five years Geyne members. He is particularly passionate about has been involved in the management of affordable housing. the North Coast Surf Boat Series which is A major emphasis of Geyne’s working responsible for the organisation and running career so far has been on providing service of Surf Sport competitions from Forster to the and support, going above and beyond to Queensland border. find solutions to technical problems, having Third on the ticket is in Brigit Mackenzie. worked for several local telecommunication Brigit is well known in the Coffs Harbour and technology businesses, including Let’s disability sector having an adult daughter with Enjoy Technology and Janison Solutions. a disability living in a fully supported villa in Geyne has been strongly involved in the

Coffs Harbour for past 14 years. Brigit was very involved with the NDIS rollout in this region, attending the leadership program then presenting at NDIS workshops in several cities and towns from Port to Coffs. Brigit currently serves on Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee as a community member and deputy chair. She is passionate about acceptance and access for all those with the various disabilities that make up the diverse fabric of our LGA. Brigit is also Secretary of Pacific Bay Resort Strata and is excited about Russell Crowe’s Film Studio Proposal at Pac Bay which has proceeded to State Significant Development Level and will be a wonderful economic and jobs boost, particularly for the young of our region. Brigit looks forward to working collegially with other councillors for the benefit of all who live in our LGA on the many aspects of good governance, including participation in all briefings, meetings and on-site inspections to fully understand what it is she is voting on.

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JONATHAN CASSELL I fish. I mountain bike.

I surf. And I vote.

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ell us why you have decided to run for the local election?

Before we begin, I’d like to pay my respects to the Gumbaynggirr community and acknowledge that we meet on Gumbaynggirr Country. I’m running for local council because a new era of voters are now residents of Coffs Harbour. We value our environment. We want to protect our waterways. We love the places where we play.

I never in a million years imagined that I would aim for this kind of highly public position. It was not part of my life plan. But I feel sad about some of the things I see happening on the Coffs Coast, and I want to know that I did all I could to turn them around. I had the saying ‘if not you, who and if not now, when?’ floating in my head and knew I needed to put my hand up and go for it.

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What position are you hoping to gain in this Coffs Coast Election?

I am running first and foremost to be the Mayor of Coffs Harbour and secondly for the role of Councillor.

What do you bring to the position?

I have a passion for the good things in life. A healthy natural environment, a strong and respectful community, financial and cultural wealth shared between our people, being adaptive to the external shifts we’re all experiencing, and most importantly government that is for the people. As a High School teacher, I am passionate about the responsibility my generation has to make sure our kids have a healthy future. I’m troubled by the world we are creating, which is why I am committed to making a positive social impact whatever I can.

What is the main focus of your campaign?

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Coffs

Harbour is having a growth spurt. With our population expected to be 100,000 by 2040, the quality of our lifestyle is likely to significantly change. My main focus is to make sure we are smart in how our LGA grows.

Nobody wants the traffic congestion of the Gold Coast. Nobody wants our beach carparks to be metered like Byron Bay or littered with rubbish. Nobody wants our koalas to be pushed to extinction or our waterways polluted. Nobody wants more homelessness or unaffordable housing. Nobody wants the world to get worse. My campaign is focused on three specific goals, which are designed to strengthen our region for the better and include Green Jobs; Affordable Housing; and Clean Waterways.

Can you expand on your goal for Green Jobs?

Sure. My Green Jobs idea is to create a new business arm for Council that taps into the

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emerging zero-emissions economy. Council are well placed to manage both domestic and international carbon credits for our own public lands and also private landholders who engage in the initiative. This would create a brand new source of revenue for Council and private landowners. Council would manage the monitoring and enforcement of the carbon offsets while simultaneously meeting its strategic biodiversity outcomes.

Direct employment would be created for existing business such as those involved in bush regeneration as well as an expanded Council bush regeneration service. A training pathway already exists but more needs to be done to link High School students to TAFE and then on to Higher Education in this industry.

There would also be indirect economic value returned to the community as well as natural buffers that build resilience and sustainability for the long term. In the coming weeks,

I will launch a proposal document and video campaign with business owner Lindy Davis from Mountains to Sea Natural Area Management providing further details of this needed employment and revenue raising initiative. Undoubtedly this initiative would also have positive flow-on effects for the ecotourism industry which has not even begun to grow in Coffs. The economic benefits from this industry are clearly demonstrated by countries like Costa Rica and towns like Derby in Tasmania. The great thing about this kind of growth is it creates economic benefits AND looks after the environment.

How would you implement these changes?

Anticipating the emerging carbon economy is all the talk at the moment, especially with world leaders meeting in Glasgow for COP26 climate talks. My aim is for Council to report back to Councillors with their assessment of the Green Jobs initiative. Questions still need to be answered such as how Council would assess existing carbon store baselines on Council or freehold land. The techniques used to measure existing carbon in the land varies between trees and soils and if a landscape is cleared of trees or retains them.

This obstacle is not insurmountable, however, and gives Council institutional advantage due to its legitimacy as a public service provider.

It’s my expectation that this could become a lucrative pathway for Council and private land holders (agriculture) who could benefit from the rapid and dynamic business of carbon sequestration.

What do you love about our region?

I love the Coffs Coast. I thoroughly enjoy everything that the Coffs Coast has to offer in terms of its natural environment and the opportunities it offers for creating a good life.

I’m running for local government because I’m concerned that the very things people love about the Coffs Coast are changing for the worse such as the social and environmental impacts of plastic pollution, inappropriate development and stubborn unemployment.

I moved here in 2002 from Queensland after a short stint in Sydney for the opportunities the Coffs Coast provides. I love the outdoors here and could see there were employment opportunities. I was also attracted by the presence of Southern Cross University, which

has now provided me with an Arts degree and a Graduate Diploma in Education.

Overall, what I have come to love about the Coffs Coast are our stunning beaches and lush subtropical forests and cultural diversity.

What do you feel we are lacking in this region?

As part of this election, I have a campaign called Grow the Grower. One of the greatest lacks we have is a thriving local food producers market in collaboration with Coffs Coast Tourism. There is huge demand for fresh locally produced foods that are not harming our environment to supply local families, cafés and restaurants and tourist visitors. I want to see the Council develop a plan that supports small-scale growers to not only make a living but make our region healthier and increasingly food secure. It’s being done in the South Coast township of Moruya and Eurobodalla Shire Council sees the tourism values it brings as worthy of support.

The pandemic has hit the region hard – how can you assist businesses and constituents of Coffs Harbour?

I’d like to see the Council directly employ more people. I support the State and Federal governments relocating public sector jobs to Coffs Harbour. Even though these people will compete with locals for housing, they will bring higher full-time wages than the private sector, leading to more dollars spent locally.

Public sector employment has a flow-on effect into local businesses and will bring economic benefits long term. This is well researched by the Australia Institute.

If elected as Mayor, what will you do straight away?

Give thanks to the community for believing in my vision for a better and healthier Coffs Harbour. I would thank the community by bringing back the Bale Out Festivals that were such a fantastic community success. They unified and celebrated what’s great about our diverse community. I will also give my wife a big hug and thank her for her patience, encouragement despite the ‘doubters’, and her unending support.

How can we find out more?

You can go to my website at www. coffsgreens.org that will take you to all of my social media links and contact information.

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TEGAN SWAN Tegan Swan has not only been a Deputy Mayor here but a passionate Councillor who is always listening to her community and helping to achieve their outcomes. She is hoping to get your vote for Mayor!

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egan, what’s important about choosing the right people to be our Mayor and Councillors?

Our Mayor and Councillors are elected to represent our community. As a community we’re a pretty diverse bunch, so it would make sense to ensure the make up of our Councillors is reflective of that.

Currently in NSW the most common age group of Councillors is 60-69 years, making up over 40% of all Councillors, but only 21% of the population. And, while 16% of the population is aged between 18-29 only 4% of Councillors are.

Simon Whittaker Photography

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There’s lots to be said for age and experience but it also needs to be balanced with new energy, ideas and innovation. Additionally, 50% of our population are female vs 31% of Councillors. Given it’s well documented that gender balance improves performance and productivity, it’s definitely a factor to be aware of in the make up of our next elected council.

Aboriginal Councillors make up less than 2% of all Councillors, Councillors with disability less than 3% and culturally diverse representatives just over 8%, the population comparisons are 3%, 5% and 27% respectively.

So who makes up your team and what do you all share in common?

Well with the above in mind, my goal was to support and encourage a mix of very inspiring and community-minded people to join me in running in the next election.

When we have representatives who are reflective of us individually and as a collective, the decisions they make will be more reflective of what we want as well. We will feel more heard and understood because the people who are guiding our direction are a true representative of us as a community.

The result of that (in no particular order) is Patrick Mullan, Meena Johnson, Troy Robinson and Kareena Johnson joining me. I have so much respect and admiration for this crew, I’ve known them all for many years and am so

proud to be on this adventure with them. I don’t have enough space to gush about all of their wonderful contributions here, but I can’t wait to share all of that with you. The thing I love most about us is that we all believe we each have a responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world and in our communities.

And yes in case you’re wondering, you can vote for us individually, in whichever order you choose, under the line – we support that! We want you to choose the exact council mix that best represents YOU! I hear you have a close friend and ally who is backing you all the way-tell us more Ahhhhhhh! An absolute idol of mine called me recently and said she would like to mentor and support me in this journey. It was Aunty Bea Ballangarry! I was so blown away I burst into tears! She is incredibly inspiring and the work she has done in connecting communities and creating social change has had a huge impact not just locally but on a national level. To have her guidance and learn from her means the world to me.

How can people find out more about you or make contact?

Head over to www.yourlocalleaders.com.au to learn more about us. The site also has our social media links, phone and email details. To reach me personally it’s tegan_swan@outlook. com or 0428 932 609.

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STAT E OF

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

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I’VE NEVER LIKED CHEMISTRY MUCH. IN HIGH SCHOOL IT WAS MY LEAST LIKED SUBJECT. I PREFERRED PHYSICS AND MATHS, AND IN MY LATER YEARS, ENGLISH.

ew things stick out as memories from Year 11 chemistry (I dropped it for the HSC), but I remember enough to know that the State Government’s recent announcement of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy is a big deal.

When most people think of renewable energy, they picture solar panels and wind turbines. Maybe hydro-electric dams if they’re old enough to remember when they were in vogue. These technologies are great, and certainly have their place in the modern energy mix. In fact they’re crucial to the green hydrogen conversation.

Low emissions hydrogen can be produced using several methods. These include the electrolysis of water using renewable energy (this splits water into its component hydrogen and oxygen molecules). Another method is to use responsibly sourced renewable biogas and use a process called Steam Methane Reformation (SMR). These methods are referred to as green hydrogen.

There are several reasons it is important to

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invest into these newer technologies now. In that they can be refilled quickly instead of a the transport sector, hydrogen can be used to lengthy charge time. In fact I will predict that fuel cars, trucks and buses. Electric vehicles are petrol stations will start to have hydrogen becoming more common, but we also know pumps in the very near future. that the heavier the Hydrogen also has vehicle, the more energy the potential to radically it takes to move it. change the economics A hydrogenThis has presented of energy generation ba ery vehicle problems for the heavy and storage. As more has a much smaller vehicle industry. The and more renewable on-board ba ery mass and expense of the sources are coming than a traditional traditional batteries are onto the market, there electric vehicle, but potentially prohibitive, are times of day when uses the hydrogen to but hydrogen changes the energy costs are power the motor and that. very low. Diverting this charge the ba ery.

A hydrogen-battery energy into an energy vehicle has a much source like hydrogen smaller on-board battery can mean cheaper peak energy prices as well than a traditional electric vehicle, but uses the hydrogen to power the motor and charge the battery. Because the energy is being generated on-board, it is constantly charging the battery and powering the motor.

The strongest advantage that hydrogenbattery systems have over battery-only cars is

in the long term.

The NSW Government is committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to finding solutions. The Hydrogen Strategy is something we should all keep an eye on, and is one I am proud to be a part of.

Follow physical distancing and good hygiene practices

Listen to the health advice

Understand border restrictions before you travel

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

Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements August 2020

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LUMIÉRE AT KORORA, COFFS COAST ACCOMMODATION

focus_contributor.

t

STYLE EDIT

with MELISSA PARISI

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

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4 STYLE IDEAS INSPIRED BY HOLIDAY HOMES

. Create a Dreamy Bedroom One of the top features of holiday homes that guests enjoy are beautiful bedrooms. The total relaxation of comfy beds, crisp linen, fluffy pillows and stunning decor.

Make your bedroom feel like a holiday sanctuary by following a few simple steps to complete the look.

Keep furniture light in tone and ensure you have plenty of natural light so your room feels airy. Dark rooms with heavy-looking furniture may feel oppressive.

Bedheads add structure and height to a room and can help make a room look complete. Bedheads can be inexpensive, so consider purchasing if you don’t have one.

Upgrade your linen and pillows and if you need assistance with your purchases, visit specialty stores with staff who can advise you.

Use large scale lamps in proportion to your bedside tables and bedhead to add a touch of luxury to your bedroom. The height of a lamp should be similar, or slightly lower than your bedhead height. Small lamps lack pizazz and are often underwhelming. Consider using two different lamps to add interest.

Add large artwork to your room that compliments your colour scheme. Use tone on tone colours through your scatter cushions, throw rugs and artwork to build texture, layers and add interest.

Place a large rug under the foot of your bed, but ensure that that rug is large enough to have a generous amount showing on either side of the bed. Adding a rug creates a sense of arrival and makes your bedroom feel

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welcoming.

If you have the space, a comfortable chair and a small side table for reading or enjoying a coffee makes a nice touch.

To feel completely relaxed, above all, a bedroom needs to be clean. Spring clean to remove clutter to make your bedroom feel and smell amazing!

2. Use Natural Materials To create a relaxed coastal style, holiday homes such as Lumiére at Korora use natural materials in each room of the home. Timber floors, natural wall art, timber or rattan furniture and neutral colour palettes work harmoniously to create a beautiful sense of calm. Consider the look you are wanting to achieve remembering that beautiful spaces are the result of thoughtful planning.

3. Choose Hardworking Furniture If you are redecorating with new purchases, choose furniture that is hard-wearing, washable or easy to wipe clean. Furniture that people can use without being afraid to ruin it, make for the most comfortable and relaxing experiences.

Removable washable covers are a great option for lounges and outdoor furniture.

Although trending delicate rattan inserts as seen in bedside tables, coffee tables and bedheads are currently fashionable, they can be easily damaged. Choose furniture that is family and pet friendly that will last.

Furniture with built-in storage can also prove useful in helping to make your home less cluttered, which is an important aesthetic for holiday homes and homes in general.

4. Create a Day Spa Bathroom

Create a holiday sanctuary in your bathroom for relaxation and pampering that will nourish your mind, body and soul.

Get the day spa look by updating hardware like door handles, taps and depending on your preferences, consider upgrading your shower to include a rain shower or good quality shower head. If you are unsure of what is best for your bathroom, talk to your local plumber.

Add timber details to accentuate your spa bathroom style; an easy way of doing this is to use timber shelving or accessories. The addition of a rustic wooden or contemporary stool by the bathtub, can complete the day spa look and provide a useful spot for a glass of wine, book or to have your bath products in easy reach.

Keep vanities up off the floor with a deeply recessed kickboard to make your bathroom feel bigger. Avoid cluttering vanities with cosmetics and toiletries and invest in good storage solutions instead.

New fluffy towels and aromatic elements such as soaps, candles or diffusers will complete your day spa experience and if your bathrobe has seen better days, it’s time to get a new one!

Ensure to curate the look you wish to achieve in your bathroom before randomly buying items. Great design is more often than not the result of good planning and execution.

Enquiries: Holiday Home Stylist Melissa@holidayhomestylist.com.au www.holidayhomestylist.com.au 0449 17 18 17

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focus_contributor.

PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Angela Martin, a dynamic and enthusiastic person has taken up the role of Communications and Community Engagement Manager for Lifeline North Coast. I wanted to chat to her to find out about the services of Lifeline and the important role they can play in our LGBTIQA+ community particularly.

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i Angela, congratulations on your newish role – tell me more about it.

It’s an incredible role and organisation. I develop and deliver internal and external communications about Lifeline North Coast which covers the region from Tweed Heads right down to the Port Macquarie region. We offer a variety of support and services to our local community and I work with my incredible team which includes both staff and volunteers to develop community engagement and fundraising events which are both online and held locally when possible within our North Coast region. And we support the various departments such as our training and retail sectors that bring in much needed revenue to support the Crisis Support phone line 13 11 14.

For people in our community with real concerns about themselves or a loved one like our PFLAG members – how can Lifeline help?

Our 13 11 14 phone line is available to anyone who is experience emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

But because of the stigma and discrimination, LGBTIQA+ community members are more likely than non-LBTQ to struggle with their mental health, and experience significantly higher rates of suicide than the rest of the population.

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estimated to experience up to 14 times higher rates of attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers, if you add the fact that we live in a regional area and feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent lockdowns, this has had a significant impact on everyone, with 1 in 4 Australians feeling lonely, isolated and having no one to speak to. Our Lifeline Crisis Supporters provide compassionate support for people in crisis. No judgement. No conditions. No agenda. Just human connection to help people get through their darkest moments.

Our work is important at Lifeline as it concerns everyone on the North Coast who is affected by suicide and mental health. We deliver training to build our local community’s capacity to respond to crisis and our own individual self-care. We work with adults, young people, families, schools, councils, community groups and the gambling industry to help prevent and address gambling-related harm.

Our service is delivered by volunteers who are skilled and equipped to assist those who call by providing support to people in crisis and referral options.

Did Lifeline find they had increased calls and are people willing to call to discuss such personal issues?

The recent lockdown has pushed many people to breaking point with calls to suicide prevention and mental health crisis reaching an all-time high. In August Lifeline Australia

recorded that we made history nationally as an organisation with 3,314 calls made in one day – the highest number of daily calls in our 58-year history.

As people we seek reliability, certainty and we seek human connection. Not everyone has a supportive environment or has someone close to turn to and Lifeline is well known nationally for being a confidential and free service to access via 13 11 14 and people feel safe to share their personal issues.

What are the best local contacts?

Lifeline National crisis support line: 13 11 14 Available 24/7 Qlife 1800 184 527 is available 3pm to midnight every day but they are experiencing a longer wait than usual. Qlife provides an Australia Wide anonymous LGBTI peer support and referral service for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Thanks Angela.

PFLAG is an acronym for Parents and Friends of Lesians and Gays and it is globally recognised although it absolutely encompasses everyone in the LGBTI world. It is here to give help, support and information to families and friends right here on the Coffs Coast. pflagcoffscoast.com PFLAGcoffcoast 0417 861 045

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FRANKIE AND MIMKA

ZUVELA Mimka and Frankie Zuvela are local sisters who both love to train in Sport Aerobics! They are both doing extremely well on the competition circuit, including both recently competing at Nationals, and show so much enthusiasm and drive for their sport.

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i girls. Can you introduce yourselves to our readers?

Hi, I’m Mim and I am 9 years old and I‘m Frankie and I am almost 6 years old, we are the Zuvela Sisters! We also have a younger sister, Portia, and we love Sport Aerobics.

So you both train at B Wild Fitness & Sport Aerobics, when did you both start out there?

Mim: We have both trained at B Wild Fitness for 3 years.

I started training when I was 5 with World Champion Cass Scully before Brooklyn opened her B Wild studio.

Frankie: I started in preschool aerobics classes when I was 3. I would watch Mim train and then I’d practice her skills at home so I could be like her!

Did you know much about Sport Aerobics before you started?

Mim: Nothing at all! Before I started Sport Aerobics I tried Ballet which was too slow for me, so when Mum showed me Cass Scully on YouTube I knew that Sport Aerobics was for me!

How often do you each train?

At the moment we are not preparing for a competition, so between 6 and 10 hours a week.

When training for competitions, we usually train 6 days a week which is around 12 to 15 hours a week.

What do you enjoy most about Sport Aerobics?

It’s great fun! Brooklyn teaches us some really cool skills, training is high intensity movements combined with flexibility and strength. There are challenges each lesson and we love how it pushes us!

It makes you feel really good!

Can you tell us about some of the competitions you’ve participated in

recently?

Training is high We both competed in intensity competitions this year, movements combined the Super Series in Coffs, with flexibility and Newcastle and QLD. We strength. There are then both competed for at the studio Brooklyn challenges each lesson State titles in Newcastle takes us down the and we love how it and just recently, Jetty on Sundays to run pushes us! It makes National titles! up and down Mutton you feel really good!

Being backstage Bird Island for fitness. with the team is really When we travel away fun, everyone is pretty for competitions we nervous while warming up but then when it’s sometimes practice our performances in the your turn it’s just you on stage but with the lobby of our Hotel and then backstage we whole team cheering for you, the music is very are with our team where we practice our loud, it isn’t like any other type of sport or performances before going on stage. competition!

After each competition prior to State Titles You’ve both done really well this year, the judges give you feedback on what requires can you tell us about some of your improvement. So, it gets pretty stressful trying achievements? to learn new skills and choreography to cater Yes! We both recently competed in the for what the judges want to see better next Australian National Titles but results have not round. been released yet, but so far we have won Who inspires you? medals.

Mim: Cass Scully and Brooklyn Leonard who Mim - Silver Medal Newcastle Super Series are both from Coffs Harbour and have both and Silver Medal Mini National Individual at competed on the world stage. They are both NSW State Titles. incredible and I even watch them on YouTube Frankie - Bronze Medal Coffs Super Series, to learn and practice new skills at home!

Gold Medal Newcastle Super Series and Gold Frankie: My sister and Brooklyn, I am Medal NSW State Titles! constantly trying to keep up with all of the What is the preparation like for older girls at training! competitions?

What are some of your dreams for the Lots of training, before school and after future? school! You need to be super fit and really That’s easy – to become World Champions!

Thanks Girls. strong to compete, so in addition to training COFFS COAST

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DINING GUIDE COVER DISH OMG DECADENT DONUTS

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The Sawtell Hotel was opened in 1931, The Hotel is situated in the beachside village of Sawtell which is located 8km south of Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

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he friendly atmosphere in the Hotel reflects the laid-back lifestyle and is one of the many reasons visitors come from all over to enjoy all that the hotel

has to offer.

Nathan, Sawtell Hotel has renovated its accommodation – what types of rooms do you have and what is included?

With the new renovations upstairs comes new layouts to almost all our rooms, we have a variety of rooms to accommodate all different travellers. All our rooms can access our large deck that looks over the beautiful main street of Sawtell.

Sawtell Hotel has so much to offer – can you tell us more?

The Sawtell Hotel is in the heart of the main street of Sawtell, with our venue open from

Sawtell H O T E L STAY W I T H US AT

10am and our kitchen open from 12pm9pm we will always have something for you whether it’s a nice cold beer on the deck or it’s one of our awesome fresh fish special from our specials board.

We have our kid’s room open from 10am9:30pm. Along with our bottle shop open from 10am every day. Live music on Fridays as well as raffles and Joker Poker that you can get amongst every Friday night.

You are within walking distance to some of Sawtell’s most beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a just a quick twominute walk to Sawtell Main Beach.

How can people book or find out more?

Our visitors can book online through our website or booking.com, or they can call us and speak with one our friendly staff who will always be happy to try to accommodate our visitors’ requests.

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TIM WELLHAM AND JESS HOLSTEIN

C H E E S E C O. Tim Wellham and Jess Holstein have worked in cheesemaking both here in Australia and in Europe and share a passion for not only amazing cheese, but also animal welfare, supporting our local dairy farmers, and using traditional and sustainable methods.

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hey have settled in Dorrigo which they believe provides the perfect conditions for cheesemaking and are excited to be starting their own artisan cheese business, Wellstein Cheese Co. Hi Guys. Can you tell us a bit about where you live and what makes it unique, in particular for making cheese?

We live in Dorrigo on the Mid North Coast.

Dorrigo sits on the Plateau surrounded by mountains and World Heritage rainforest.

The pastures here are lush – with an average annual rainfall of 2 metres and fantastic volcanic soil, it has some of the best grass in the country and therefore the best milk. It is the perfect place for cheese making and aging too. The climate is so cool thanks to its altitude and being close to the coast.

Making cheese not only requires culinary skills, but also knowledge of microbiology and the science behind the process. Do you have experience in this field and where have you learnt those skills?

Tim: Making cheese really is a practical application of microbiology, instead of growing cultures in petri dishes you grow cultures, moulds and yeasts in milk. I studied a BSc Biology at the University of Newcastle before getting into cheesemaking and it

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definitely helped with my understanding of the process. My first experience making cheese was at Bruny Island Cheese Co down in Tassie, they make some of the best cheeses in the country and were the first to bring raw milk cheese production back to Australia.

Having a science background definitely helps with raw milk cheese, it is the pinnacle of cheese making and not something you want to get wrong. After working in Tasmania, Jess and I went to Germany and made cheese at a local artisan Käserei. Making cheese in Europe was eye opening and being able to travel all across Europe and view such a diverse range of cheese being made was just unreal.

Jess: I experienced my love for cheese making by chance because I visited Tim on Bruny Island and was fascinated by the process of turning milk into cheese. It was magical to me and I was hooked from the start. I love the practical parts of it, getting my hands in the milk and caring for the cheeses as it matures.

The taste, the smell, everything from start to finish. I only really learned about the science behind it through books about cheese making and Tim’s knowledge through his degree.

What is the process like of making cheese from start to finish?

We get the raw milk from the farm, pasteurise it, slowly heat it up, add cheese cultures and rennet and wait for it to

coagulate, cut it, wait, hoop it into little baskets to give it its form and wait some more – it is a slow but rewarding process. Then depending on the cheese we will look after it for several weeks or months, by washing it, brushing it or just flipping it. Once the cheese is ready we will package it and sell it at local markets, to some local retail shops and can ship it Australia wide with sustainable packaging.

What is the set up like? Is there a lot of specialised equipment needed or is it quite simple?

Cheese making itself is simple, you need milk, culture, rennet and forms. To do it on a commercial basis is a different story. You need a lot of specialist equipment and the regulations are very strict. Our facility has to be purpose built and set up similar to an operating room, especially when we aim to make unpasteurised cheese in the future.

We need a pasteuriser, a cheese vat, a milk storage vat and different sized hoops to make cheeses in. Different cheeses need different environments to mature in, so we need several cool rooms to ensure the cheese ages in the right temperature and moisture. We’d love to age in a cave in the mountains but that’s a bit of a pipe dream.

You have both done a fair bit of travel, where have been some of your favourite

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tasting experiences?

Jess: I grew up next to the French border and have been spoiled with Europe’s greatest cheeses from an early age. I love markets in France, Spain and Italy and all the different regional cheeses. Every place has its own cheese and a story behind it. I sure miss all the raw milk cheeses in Europe. One of my favourite tasting experiences was going to Bergamo in Northern Italy and tasting Taleggio cheese straight from the farm after petting calves and going into the cheese maturation cellar.

Tim: There have been so many amazing cheeses on my journey. If I was to list half of them it would take up a whole book, haha.

If I was to pick two experiences, one would be a trappist cheese I had at a monastery in Belgium that was washed for months in the beer I was drinking, it’s hard to get a better pairing than that! The second would be in Spain eating a raw sheep’s milk cheese that was aged for 6 months in the cheese cave before being aged another 6 months in a barrel of Jamon Iberico (cured pork) fat, that was amazingly complex and indulgent!

You’re planning on having your first lot of cheese available early next year, what is the plan for where people can sample your work?

With Covid and a few delays in our set

up we are looking more into mid next year for our first cheeses, but we are keen to get started and get them out there. We will sell them at our market stall, at local shops around Dorrigo and Bellingen and a little down the track in an online shop to sell them Australia wide. We have had a few people ask if we were interested in adding our cheeses to local hampers and grazing platters and we are all for it! Local produce and small businesses for the win!

You’re already attending some local markets selling French Raclette cheese melted onto local Dorrigo potatoes, what has the response been like and where can people find you in the coming months?

We are doing the Urunga Riverside Market, Bellingen Community market (when it’s on) and setting up at Thora General Store regularly. Our market dates are on our website www.wellsteincheese.co and on our social media.

Raclette cheese is super common in France, Switzerland and Germany but almost unknown in Australia so it is quite fascinating for people to see a giant wheel of cheese grilled under a specifically designed contraption. They usually come to our stall because they can smell the Raclette from a mile away and stay for the theatre as Tim scrapes the melted cheese onto potatoes. It is

very satisfying to watch and eat. The response has been very positive and encouraging, especially from our local Dorrigo community who can’t wait for us to be up and running.

What are some of your goals for Wellstein Cheese Co. and what are you hoping will set you apart?

We want to make exceptional cheese that is close to traditional raw milk European cheese and that incorporates the flavours of our region. We are passionate about our product and the land we operate on. We want to go back to traditional ways of artisan cheese making, away from quantity-focused industrialisation and back to the basics. Good quality milk, time and passion.

We aim to be a sustainable company, using compostable packaging and we have partnered with Carbon Neutral to offset any emissions from our operations. The location of our production facility was important to us.

We will set up at our friends’ dairy farm. They have a beautiful dairy herd with mostly Jerseys and a few Ayrshires, grazing on lush pastures.

We value the work of our Aussie farmers and believe in paying them a fair price for our milk. We know happy cows make for the best cheese and are committed to animal welfare.

Thanks Guys.

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Andrew Donn-Pa erson has a long family history here on the Coffs Coast and he and his family have se led back into life here bringing their family-run business, Black Iron Smokers & BBQ, to the Coffs community. Their BBQ is next level and they not only do events and pop up stalls but they are also ge ing a more permanent set up happening so we can enjoy their food more regularly!

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i Andrew. Your family has been part of the community here on the Coffs Coast for a long time, can you tell us about your connection

to the area?

The “Donn-Patterson “ Family has been on the Coffs Coast since 1915 when my grandfather Benjamin Donn-Patterson moved from Armidale and started BD Patterson & Sons Building. He was responsible for several of Coffs Harbour’s major infrastructure projects in the 1920s to 1950s such as the original Fire Station, Railway Station, Bank of NSW, and the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Tell us about your journey into the world of barbeque.

In 2016 my wife Ilinka and I became interested in competitive BBQ and competed at the original BBQ Wars in Port Macquarie in 2016 where we came second place in brisket at our first competition. We continued our journey with competitions, winning trophies and loving the whole experience.

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dynamic like when you’re working This led to a passion for cooking over live together? fire and better understanding the history Black Iron Smokers & BBQ is run by my behind low and slow BBQ, to the point we wife Ilinka and myself. We have 5 children decided that we would start our business. from our blended family. At many of our Hence Black Iron Smokers & BBQ was born. events you will see our entire family working The best part of what we do in BBQ is together as part of a the people we meet, successful small family either fellow BBQers business. or our customers who In 2016 my wife Who is in charge of we engage with at Ilinka and I various festivals and what when you’re on became interested in the job? at our regular pop up competitive BBQ and Generally I will be events. From a humble competed at the running the pit and beginning to now original BBQ Wars in cooking the meats, being regular vendors Port Macquarie in 2016 arranging the sides etc. at large events such where we came second Ilinka is normally as Meatstock Sydney place in brisket at our running front of house, and Melbourne, we are first competition. taking the customer pleased to announce orders, inventory we are bringing our control, general duties BBQ home to Coffs.

Our BBQ journey has taken us from Sydney and anything that needs to be done. Our business would not be as strong as it is to Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania and into without the team work both she and I have regional NSW. at an event. I could not do this without her Your business is family run, what’s the

and the support of our entire family.

Black Iron Smokers and BBQ is a true small family business right down to our son Isaac being our graphic designer for all our logos and banners.

Can you tell us about the unique meat smoker that you’ve created?

Ilinka and I toured Texas in 2019 and visited with several large BBQ businesses whilst there. They all had one thing in common… HUGE 1000 gallon BBQ PITS… so we decided that we should build one due to the growth our business has seen in the past 5 years.

Our smoker was a 1150 gallon LPG/ Propane tank. Finding a tank like this in Australia is not an easy thing to do as

The best part tanks of this size are of what we do not commonplace in in BBQ is the people Australia like they are in chamber for other we meet either the USA. meats such as Beef These large tanks fellow BBQers or Rib, Pork Rib, Texas make ideal smokers our customers who Sausages etc. as they are a sealed we engage with at “Jimmie Donn“ vessel with round ends various festivals as he is called took allowing for very even and at our regular just on 18 months heat distribution and pop up events. to complete and we really dynamic air flow were undecided on from end to end. A where to house him. critical thing in cooking After some long nights of discussion and good BBQ is that the air needs to flow freely our connection with the Coffs Coast and the across the meat. overwhelming support we received from the It will hold 45 x 8kg briskets on the main Coffs community last Christmas, we decided rack with 4 other racks further up in the the best place for him was Coffs Harbour.

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It won't be long before Jimmie has a brother to keep him company in Coffs Harbour to keep up with the growth of our business. This brother however, may very well be mobile.

Jimmie was the next logical step for us as we currently own two trailer pits, one of which "The Gangster" is a very well known trailer pit here on the Coffs Coast.

The Gangster is 3 tonne 40 inch x 9 ft long Silver Creek smoker. Silver Creek is a Melbourne based business who in our option build the best smoker trailers in this country.

Their attention to detail and ease of use on their pits is second to none.

So you’ve named your smoker, where did the name come from?

We decided to name the smoker “Jimmie Donn” after my Uncle Sergeant James DonnPatterson who was shot down and killed in WWII over in Holland on a bombing mission.

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We decided to name the smoker “Jimmie Donn” a er my Uncle Sergeant James Donn-Pa erson who was shot down and killed in WWII over in Holland on a bombing mission.

We had several names in mind but we kept coming back to the family history, and the fact it was going to live on the Coffs Coast, that it would be a fitting tribute to my uncle who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the 31st of May 1942, RAF MK incident number N2851.

The smoker is coloured in British Army Green that my Uncle Jim’s aircraft, a Vickers Wellington Bomber, was painted with.

We will also be adding his serial number, flight and aircraft number along with several emblems and medallions to the pit once it’s fully finished and in use here in Coffs Harbour.

Where do you source most of your meat?

We source all of our meat locally here on the Coffs Coast and pride ourselves with

keeping the dollar local and in the community.

We work closely with the local butchers in town who provide us with the brisket, beef rib, pork shoulder and pork ribs that we require to run our business.

Our rubs are made to our specification by a local spice company on the Coffs Coast.

What makes the perfect brisket?

Simple answer… Time…

In my opinion if you don’t have 8-12 hours to devote to cooking a brisket then my advice is don’t open the plastic bag. Good brisket requires a good balance of salt and pepper along with a nice balance of smoke and a considerable rest time. We sometimes rest our meats 6-8 hours after the initial 12 hour cook time. So as I say the best advice I can give to

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get the “perfect” brisket is take your time and if it’s not ready in 8 hours just wait a bit longer.

World famous Pit Mistress Ms Tootsie from Snow’s BBQ Lexington Texas once told me “Andrew don’t overthink it. If it’s not ready, it’s not ready, just BBQ is a labour wait longer, as good BBQ takes time.” of love and food We have very high is what brings people standards on our BBQ People can find us together so devote the offerings, every brisket on our Facebook and time to it and you will once cooked is checked Instagram pages. This is be rewarded with an for tenderness and where we post where we incredible piece of flavour before it is ever are and what events we meat for your next served to our customer are doing. family get together. base. If we find one As we get Jimmie and that doesn’t meet our the service area here in high standards it is not Coffs finished we will be served, as our motto is “If we don’t eat it posting up our opening hours and days so we then I certainly won’t serve it to you.” can start serving our BBQ to our customers BBQ is a labour of love and food is what here on the Coffs Coast. brings people together so devote the time to We have been approached by several local it and you will be rewarded with an incredible businesses here in Coffs Harbour to work with piece of meat for your next family get them to offer our food to their customers. So together. we have several sites that we will be popping Where can people find out more about up at across the coast in the months to come.

Black Iron Smokers & BBQ and where to We will also be offering Meat and Meal find you?

packs for purchase for Christmas Day this year so watch our socials for information around that.

There will also be a regular BBQ class on all facets of low and slow beginning in the new year.

Black Iron Smokers & BBQ @blackironsmokers COFFS COAST

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COFFS HARBOUR UNITING CHURCH

SOUP KITCHEN S A W T E L L

R S L

Sawtell RSL Club is once again calling on Coffs Harbour locals to help them spread some generosity and Christmas spirit with their annual Christmas food drive, supporting the Coffs Harbour Uniting Church Soup Kitchen this November and December.

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ow in its 5th year, the food drive aims to collect non-perishable food items to help ease the pressure on the Soup Kitchen who rely solely on donations from individuals and businesses.

“We are asking everyone in the community; when you are out buying your groceries in the lead up to Christmas, please put a few extra items in the trolley that we can add to the soup kitchen’s pantry so that they can continue to provide this valued community service,” said

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Kate Drum, Marketing Manager of Sawtell RSL. The items will be used for not only preparing the daily meal service but also for the crisis packs the soup kitchen prepares for individuals or families who need something extra to take with them.

The Uniting Church Soup Kitchen is led by over 50 volunteers who design the menu, cook, serve and clean up daily.

The food donations provide the soup kitchen with the ingredients they require to create

nutritious, tasty meals for the local homeless who use the service, but they can always do with some extra support. It is hoped that Sawtell RSL Club’s Christmas food drive will relieve some pressure on the soup kitchen and assist them in being able to provide even more meals and crisis packs to those who need the service.

The Club will be collecting non-perishable items on behalf of the soup kitchen until Sunday 19th December with all donations able to be dropped off into the Club’s reception any time.

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SMOKIN’ RAZ SECRET SQUIRREL RED SANGRIA Just in time for spring, Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip have created an absolute gem of a house red sangria. A wonderful fragrant mixture of light Tasmanian pinot noir, Adelaide Hills brandy, Cointreau, fresh orange & lemon juice, lemonade & fresh summer fruits, it’s the perfect chilled drop to help you kick back & chill with friends on a warm sunny day. Spring, sunshine, sangria, smiles...sublime !!

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The

brasserie brasserie The

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White Bluff P R O J E C T

The White Bluff Project, inspired by the unique environment of White Bluff (a rocky headland north of Coffs), is about exploring the

changes to our coastline by human development as well as natural processes, through research and experimentation in collaboration with local artists and scientists. Ray Rixon, artist, coordinator and founder of the White Bluff Project, answers our questions about the project.

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here is White Bluff and what makes it so unique?

White Bluff is a rocky headland north of Coffs Harbour, at Sapphire, right at the end of Beach Road.

It’s a little-known headland, surrounded by development on its landward side and yet protected by the Solitary Islands Marine Reserve on its littoral and off-shore waters.

It also sits on the border of local indigenous territories. And, it is now protected as part of the Coffs Coast Regional Park.

Its soft white sedimentary rock formation is unique to this coastline – hence ‘White Bluff’. Like all the Coffs Harbour coastline, it

with RAY RIXON sits at the point where tropical and temperate currents meet. This results in a melting pot of species and an incredible oceanic biodiversity seen nowhere else.

How did the idea for this project come about?

With having a 40-year creative association with the site and as a painter, the idea initially came from me. I then paired up with fellow artist Sarah Mufford to lead the project and foster relationships with other local artists and bring on board local scientists. The aim was to create a multi-disciplinary team to explore, and respond to, their experiences of the Bluff, and by extension, expose not only their concerns about the transformative effects of climate and urbanisation but celebrate the beauty, fragility and unique

discoveries to be found in our local landscapes. Our coastline is increasingly being altered by human development, as well as natural processes. The White Bluff Project is about exploring these changes, through research and experimentation.

Who are some of the people that have been involved in this project?

It is quite a diverse group – a number of local visual artists, ceramicists and sculptors, a poet, musician, filmmakers and we have had a great deal of input and collaboration with a number of land and marine scientists including a historian, ecologists and a marine biologist.

The actual list is: visual artists Sarah Mufford, Terri Butterworth, Tori Donnelly, Ashleigh Frost, Jeremy Sheehan, and J P Willis, artist and scientist Jo Elliott, sculptor John Van Der Kolk, ceramicists Phil Greed and Julie Nash, film makers Mark George and Megan George, musician/composer Martin Van Veluwen, writer/poet Chris Armstrong,

ecologists Greg Elks and Mark Graham, marine scientist Dr Karina Hall and historian Dr Lisa Milner. And me, as a visual artist, Ray Rixon.

When did it first get started and how has it evolved?

Like all the It started over three Coffs Harbour years ago with a series coastline, it sits at the of workshops and on point where tropical site field trips – both and temperate on land and offshore currents meet. This – as well as research results in a melting at the National Marine arts, science and history. pot of species and an Science Centre and in Not only have incredible oceanic artist-led workshops. the artists created biodiversity seen Since it began, artists work but they have nowhere else. and scientists have nurtured, fostered and got together in their encouraged the White own unique, organic Bluff scientists, musicians ways, in different groups and small team and community members to create artworks collaborations. themselves. These symbiotic collaborations The COVID pandemic had a dramatic effect have produced paintings, drawings, ceramics, on how we all collaborated. Relationships sculptures, film and mixed media work – a developed more independently because large fusion of diverse disciplines, responses, group get-togethers and site visits proved materials and techniques. This show is an difficult. Everyone has worked hard to help exciting, thought-provoking array of works foster and grow the project to what it is now, incorporating light, sound, video, 2D and and the exhibited works are infused by that 3D works; from delicate, small works to big generosity and the passion of a professional muscular installation pieces. team of local creatives drawn from across the Continued over...

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What has the collaboration between scientists, artists and the community been like? What do you think you have learnt from each Artists and other? scientists share As quoted a curiosity for the from one of our Another quote from unknown, an contributing artists our contributing Marine appreciation for the and scientists Jo Scientist Dr Karina Hall beauty of the worlds Elliott “there is an “My experience with existing symbiotic they explore and an collaboration with the relationship between interest in creating White Bluff project has art and science. something new. been fantastic. Looking Artists and scientists at the project with new share a curiosity for eyes. In science we tend the unknown, an appreciation for the beauty to collaborate a lot. Everyone has a different of the worlds they explore and an interest take on a project and this is particularly in creating something new. The White Bluff evident when you are working with artists.

Project collaborative process has questioned They have a whole new perspective on and pushed the boundaries in which we have things”. engaged with our natural environment. It Can you tell us about some of the works has made all of us look deeper, beyond the that have been created? surface. Overall there has been a vast creative Collaborations naturally morphed and collision and artistic blossoming as a result evolved over time with many different and of passionate minds coming together in one fascinating partnerships arising. In one such place. Magic has happened”. collaboration, Sarah Mufford collaborated 60 COFFS COAST

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with poet Chris Armstrong and Gumbaynggirr artist Tory Donnelly on a work which uses poetry translated into Gumbaynggirr whilst also referencing the geology and post-colonial history of the site.

Ceramicist Julie Nash and artist/scientist Jo Elliott teamed up with marine biologist Dr Karina Hall, to study, explore and sample the microscopic life found in the seawater off White Bluff’s coastline. Armed with buckets, funnels and other sampling equipment, several expeditions were made to collect seawater samples which were taken back to the National Marine Science Centre where a whole world of microscopic forms was discovered. This collaboration was a collision of scientific and creative minds and it has resulted in an extraordinary array of artworks made by all three participants, in varied forms and materials.

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Some team Mark George and through to 15 January members have I share a fascination 2022. The exhibition taken the for kelp and months will close out the Coffs opportunity of the of experimentation Harbour Regional Gallery’s yielded results for us.

20 year anniversary – a extra time to fine tune We took circular units home-grown summer and evolve their work of dried stipes and blockbuster exhibition further, which has successfully created that is an absolutely been something of a totemic columns, fitting close for the silver lining resulting informed by practical gallery’s anniversary from the unfortunate advice from Sculptor year: showcasing a setbacks.

John Van Der Kolk. unique project, born in Another year of Coffs Harbour but that experiments with LED resonates far further lighting resulted in an array of Light Totems, afield. with elements two metres long. These have It hasn’t been a straightforward and become an installed arrangement aptly titled easy road in achieving this exhibition. The ‘Float’. first exhibition date was set for early 2020, The works are on display as an exhibition and then the COVID pandemic hit. The at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. gallery closed and we all went into a long What has the process of getting this lockdown. All exhibitions were rescheduled. exhibition underway been like?

The White Bluff Project was rescheduled for The project is due to culminate in an March 2021. Then just 5 days out from the exhibition at the Coffs Harbour Regional exhibition opening in March, a burst water Gallery (CHRG) from 30 October 2021 pipe in the Rigby House building (home of the

gallery) forced the temporary closure of the Gallery and another delay in the White Bluff exhibition.

The team has remained dedicated to the project, seeing it to fruition. Some team members have taken the opportunity of the extra time to fine tune and evolve their work further, which has been something of a silver lining resulting from the unfortunate setbacks.

What have you learnt through this process?

True collaboration requires an openended commitment to embracing divergent perspectives and points of view. And, it requires an experimental approach to the creative process. The renewed sense of discovery and the potential for new ways of working are intoxicating.

What do you hope to showcase through this project and the exhibition?

There are two points really. One is to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of our coastline through an immersive exhibition of diverse, exciting, thought-provoking works.

The other though is to showcase the power of collaboration. The way science and art can inform each other and the way artistic collaborations can produce powerful pieces.

Where can people find out more about The White Bluff Project?

You can find out more about the White Bluff collaboration on our website at https:// www.thewhitebluffproject.co/ or visit our Instagram or Facebook feed.

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$25 redeemable Monday to Sunday Terms and conditions apply

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National CARTOON GALLERY

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LAST HURRAH - 5 Nov to 5 Dec - OPENING NIGHT 5 NOV @ 6pm The gallery’s previous Manager, Margaret Cameron has chosen to make this final tribute to her 5 years at the Gallery through an exhibition of some of her favourite works. This was not an easy task with over 24,000 works to choose from.

This exhibition covers the humour, the chaos and the seriousness that cartooning can present. It shows how cartoonists have responded to our changing times, and represents the sheer talent on display by our Australian cartoonists and caricaturists.

Everyone is welcome to the opening night @6pm 5 Nov. It will be a real treat for the eyes.

Check our Facebook and website to book tickets.

ROTARY CARTOON AWARDS ARE BACK in their 33rd year!

Our highlight exhibition of the year is on again from 12 November to 6 March 2022.

The Rotary Cartoon Awards attract entries from professional and enthusiast cartoonists

Australia-wide.

Run by the National Cartoon Gallery the competition is highly regarded by those in the cartooning industry and is well supported by the Australian Cartoonists’ Association. The aim of the Awards is to promote an ongoing appreciation and awareness of the cartooning industry and its artists.

Each year cartoonists are given selected themes to come up with funny, relevant, and sometimes controversial works. This year’s themes are: • Best Cartoon - Political Theme • Best Cartoon - Open Theme • Best Cartoon - Sporting Theme • Best Caricature of a Well-known Person • Best Comic Strip

• Special Category ‘IN OUR BACKYARD BUBBLE' The competition attracts around 400 entries and around 160 are selected to be hung.

With so many entries and categories there is something here for everyone, so don’t miss this one.

The winners of each theme will be announced at an Awards night held at the Gallery on Friday 25th February with everyone welcome to come in and meet the cartoonists.

Come in and pick your ‘winning work’ and go into a draw to win one of six prizes, one ‘people’s choice’ prize per theme. www.nationalcartoongallery.com.au 02 6651 7343 office@nationalcartoongallery.com.au

COME TO OUR OPEN DAY ON 31 OCTOBER, FREE ENTRY! COME TO OUR OPEN DAY ON 31 OCTOBER, FREE ENTRY!

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For FREE MEMBERSHIP redeem your discover voucher with the

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2SWIFF 022

COURTNEY BARNETT

7TH ANNUAL

The 7th annual Screenwave International Film Festival, presented by tailor-made furniture company Ashton Designs, has been confirmed for April 21 to May 6 next year and there are some major changes coming.

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his past year’s SWIFF festival set another record with over 11,000 festivalgoers heading into cinemas for 16 days and nights of back-to-back film viewing – and now, the creative collective behind the festival have confirmed some murmurings that SWIFF’22 will be launching a new major outdoor arts event in addition to the already extensive program of world cinema and independent films.

Here’s what we know so far about SWIFF’22.

Big (Screen) Vision Already the most highly attended film festival in regional Australia, SWIFF’22 will host 120+ screenings showcasing 80+ different feature films in next year’s line-up, and be again championed by international Australian screen icon Jack Thompson, SWIFF’s Festival Patron.

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return as festival sites, with the signature SWIFF Live hybrid film + live performance program also making a comeback.

Award winners, festival circuit darlings, dark indie comedies, edge-of-your-seat documentaries, new Australian titles, and so much more to experience when films come alive with a raucous, booming festival crowd. The film line-up will be as on point as ever.

This week, first Release Film Passes were announced, available until November 30, ranging from $84 for 6 films up to $199 for 20 films at the most cost-effective way to get a round-the-world cinema trip – and they can be shared with a friend.

We haven’t announced the big news yet though. Here’s what’s coming to SWIFF’22.

Welcome to STORYLAND This year, the Australian Federal Government officially recognised SWIFF as a nationally significant Australian cultural festival through its RISE program, supporting

a whole new vibrant, pulsing program of live music and arts coming to SWIFF for the music lovers among us.

Details have been kept firmly under wraps, but here’s what Festival Co-Director Dave Horsley has to say about it, “We’ve always built SWIFF listening to our inner arts nerd.

This idea of designing a festival experience based around what we love – and what we don’t love – about the festival experience sits right at the middle of what we’re building with SWIFF’s STORYLAND. When we venture into new cultural territory, we make sure it connects to our deep love for film. STORYLAND is about experiencing and experimenting and challenging ourselves for what creativity means to us – most of all, it should be entertaining and irreverent and fun, and not take itself too seriously.”

Described as a creative playground for grown-ups, STORYLAND is SWIFF’s new live music and arts event held during SWIFF in April. The one-day outdoor event will feature

a curated line-up of national touring music artists, immersive arts installations, and a performance-based narrative backbone that tells a unique, cinematic story.

Courtney Barnett headlines STORYLAND SWIFF tends to play away from the middle when it comes to working with artists. In their first year for STORYLAND, they’ve swung for the fences.

Experimental, independent, “antiinfluencer”. Courtney Barnett is an international sensation. Renowned for bringing her brand of creative, impromptu, unrepeatable performances across America and Europe, the Sydney-born singersongwriter will headline the inaugural lineup of SWIFF’s STORYLAND. More artists to be announced via e-newsletter – sign up at www.swiff.com.au Meet the STORYLAND team While SWIFF is the brainchild of Coffs Harbour couple Kate Howat and Dave Horsley, it’s the handpicked A-Team of artists and arts workers that will bring the party to STORYLAND. Danni Colgan, a veteran of the Australian music festival scene, is STORYLAND’s Music Curator, lining up music acts from across Australia for STORYLAND adding Coffs

The one-day outdoor event will feature a curated line-up of national touring music artists, immersive arts installations, and a performance-based narrative backbone that tells a unique, cinematic story.

Harbour as a new touring stop for some of Australia’s most original live music performances. Danni has a comprehensive CV as one of Australia’s leading music curators: Head Music Programmer for Sydney Festival, Womadelaide, Melbourne Festival, PIAF, BFI London Film Festival, and Brighton Festival (UK), among others.

STORYLAND’s cover artwork is created by Coffs Harbour artist Caleb Cowie, with the STORYLAND event supported by top local crew from Events Delivered, Inspired Audio Visual, and Good Crew.

Narrative Backbone Festival Directors are collaborating with Alison Page and Nik Lachajczak, the duo behind First Nations creative powerhouse Zakpage, who will be STORYLAND’s inaugural Creative Directors. They will cocreate with artists, Elders, performers and community on this maiden STORYLAND voyage that will delight, entice and excite.

Zakpage will weave a vibrant, engaging and somewhat mysterious story thread

that will showcase a dynamic contemporary connection with the local Gumbaynggirr culture, as their millennia old story becomes part of a new history of this place. The inaugural STORYLAND tale will provide a deliriously heady skeleton that will be adorned with elaborate costume and ritual, projection art, light, sound, and

performance.

Across STORYLAND, Zakpage will curate a multi-arts experience broken down into performance chapters that create a narrative backbone to the event – it’s what puts the “story” in STORYLAND. 250 Happy Punters To celebrate the announcement of SWIFF’s inaugural STORYLAND event, SWIFF is providing the first 250 people their STORYLAND ticket for $99, instead of $139 full price. Once the first 250 are gone, that’s it though. Early bird gets the worm.

Dates & Tickets SWIFF’22 dates are April 21 to May 6, with STORYLAND taking place on Saturday, April 23 next year, during the ANZAC Day long weekend.

For SWIFF’22 Presale Film Passes and STORYLAND tickets, visit www.swiff.com.au COFFS COAST

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TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

Love Your Local Businesses Local businesses are the heart of a community, and a er some tough times it’s more important than ever to continue to shop where we live. We’ve put together some ways you can show and share the local love…

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INE & DISCOVER – With that you can’t live without on the Coffs two additional $25 Dine & Coast? It’s easy to share the love and let Discover vouchers up for locals know. Download the ‘My Favourite grabs (for NSW residents Businesses on the Coffs Coast’ social stories over 18 years), make a template and share to your social media commitment to spend these at a local – don’t forget to add tags for your fave restaurant, café or attraction you haven’t businesses. Go to coffscoast.com.au/golocal been to before. Discover for the template. something new, treat GRAB A LOCAL GIFT yourself and support a local VOUCHER – A great way Discover business – it’s a winning to support local businesses something combination! is to Gift Local. Buy a gift new, treat yourself CLICK ON voucher to say thank you, and support a COFFSCOAST.COM – Our for a special occasion, for local business – it’s tourism businesses have a Christmas gift you know a winning had a difficult couple of everyone will love, or just combination! years. These businesses to treat yourself! Find LOVE welcoming locals, so some ideas at coffscoast. pay them a visit. You can com.au/giftlocal find them all listed on our visitor webite.

HOLIDAY AT HOME – Book a staycation Horseriding on the beach? Paddling the at home and treat yourself to a short break Orara River? Trekking to a waterfall? Getting at a local luxury holiday home, a holiday park a fishy kiss from a seal? Snorkeling the on the beach, or a resort with an indulgent Solitary Island Marine Park… it’s all there to spa package. You don’t have to travel far to explore and much more! enjoy a relaxing night, weekend or longer…

SHARE YOUR FAVES – Do you have it’s the perfect way to change your daily a fave coffee shop, a great mechanic, a view, reset and recharge. Did you know the fabulous beautician, or any other business NSW government is offering $50 vouchers

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to spend on accommodation from Autumn next year? Bonus! #OURPLACEISGREAT – ‘Share’ the places, people and moments that make the Coffs Coast special to you through images. Sharing pics on your socials with #ourplaceisgreat and #coffscoast helps others discover the hidden gems in our beautiful region. Remember to tag the business as well.

Find lots of other ways to support local businesses at coffscoast.com.au/golocal REMINDER: It’s important that whatever way we choose to support out local businesses, we follow current Covid-19 guidelines. This includes hygiene, physical distancing, QR code check-in and mask wearing, along with travel restrictions if appropriate. #coffscoast #ourplaceisgreat #supportlocal

LOVE YOUR COFFS COAST TOURISM BUSINESSES T A CEISGREA #OURPL

dolphin Marine Conservation park

The Big Banana Fun Park

Jetty Dive

montem bike tours

C-Change Adventure tours

HWH Stables

Waves to Wilderness experiences

Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours

coffs harbour trike tours

coffscoast.com.au/golocal COFFS COAST

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Susan W E I L H O U S E

L I V I N G

Susan Weil lives with her two children on a gorgeous eight acre farm just a few minutes from Bellingen.

She has brought new life to the property, using both permaculture and biodynamic farming principles, and has built four stunning homes (three on her farm and one off-grid hut on the New England Tablelands) that she offers up as unique and beautiful accommodation options.

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i Susan. What are some of the things you love about living in our beautiful local area?

What I love most about living here is the easy access to the incredible diversity of nature that surrounds us, from our magnificent rivers, to the eastern coastline with our many unspoilt beaches to the waterfalls and mountain hikes in Dorrigo and beyond. It’s a nature lover’s paradise here without the crowds. I also love the sense of community we have living in a small rural town where people know me and my children, where people look out for each other and where life is much slower and simpler in many ways, and with that comes far less stress.

You live on a property just outside of Bellingen, can you tell us about the farm and what you do there?

When I bought this piece of land 12 68 COFFS COAST

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years ago, it was in poor shape, it had hard compacted soils from overgrazing and overall poor land management practises. I fell in love Initially I grew with growing food food for our and was drawn to local markets, cafes our guests and I sell any both permaculture and surplus at our roadside and restaurants but biodynamic farming stall at the front of our now I just grow for principles, so I married farm. us, and our guests the two together and You have four houses and I sell any surplus designed my farm under Weilhouse at our roadside stall around that, creating Living that you at the front of our healthy and sustainable have available as farm. farming systems that accommodation, three both supported and on your farm near improved the land I inherited. Within 2 years Bello and one up on the New England a whole new ecosystem developed around Tablelands, can you tell us about each of what I grew, the more variety I planted, the them? more diverse the wildlife became. Initially I We have three beautiful properties on our grew food for our local markets, cafes and eight acre farm in Bellingen and we have an restaurants but now I just grow for us, and off the grid hut one hour from Bellingen in

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Hernani. Each property has been lovingly designed and built to blend into the environment and to tread lightly on the planet, with an emphasis on beauty and sustainability. I tried to create accommodation that appeals to a wide range of tastes and budgets, so that everyone could afford to have a beautiful holiday with us, regardless of their budget, that matters a lot to me.

Each house is fully equipped with everything you would need to have a fantastic holiday, including a full pantry, fully equipped kitchens, plenty of toys, books and games for families to enjoy together, an outdoor bath and a bonfire pit. Guests can book our entire farm (all three houses) for a special celebration or if they’re having a wedding nearby.

The Bellingen Farm House is our high end luxury farmstay and is also the largest and most beautiful house here, it sleeps 8-10 guests. It’s a stunning property with three bedrooms inside, an outdoor bedroom under the veranda, an outdoor bath and shower, a mineral plunge pool, a bonfire pit and it has incredible mountain views to Old Man Dreaming.

The Vintage Farmstay is our family friendly

The Bellingen property and pet Farm House is friendly stay. It is priced our high end luxury middle of the road, farmstay and is also accommodates four people but we can the largest and most extend that to six. It beautiful house here, has a lovely enclosed it sleeps 8-10 guests. back yard where young children can play safely while the parents can not many places you can stay and feel totally relax and have a glass of wine outside alone, surrounded by the Australian bush, see on a day bed. Kids can enjoy our trampoline, so much native wildlife, sit by a bonfire under swings and tree house and there is a lovely the incredibly clear night skies and enjoy the outdoor bath overlooking our citrus orchard most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. which guests can help themselves to.

Hernani hut is beautifully built from recycled The Bellingen Farm Shed is our ‘budget tin and timber, with two fireplaces, and if you friendly’ baby of the farm, it‘s where we stay go during summer the fruit trees are full of when our house is booked up and we make it available when we aren’t using it for ourselves. nectarines, cherries and plums from the 100 year old orchard. If you’re a horse rider you’re It’s a light and spacious rustic style refurbished welcome to bring your horses, and if you’re a Shed that accommodates five guests. hiker or trout fisher then you have access to Hernani Wilderness Hut is a very special some of the best hiking trails in this area, and place to stay, it’s an off the grid cabin that freshwater streams. This place is most suited is situated on the National Trail, the longest to those who love nature and getting away uninterrupted hiking trail in the Southern from people.

Hemisphere. It accommodates nine guests and there’s more room for camping. There are Continued over...

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You have a strong ethos of living simply and in harmony with the environment.

Can you tell us firstly about your lifestyle on the farm and how you carry this into your rental accommodation options?

We live a simple life here, and I really like that. I do most of the work here, including all the building, maintenance and repairs myself, with the help of my two girls, Sahara and Sassafras. My children have grown up in this environment, so they don’t know how to live any other way, and they Guests can understand how and why wander we try to live in harmony through our farm with it all. Everything we and growing zones do here is interconnected, and can order a water is our most we don’t preach to our box of farm fresh important resource, so guests, we hope that seasonal produce they understand the the way we set up our and eggs for their value of that and how properties and run our stay. to manage our usage. farm speaks for itself.

All our properties run off Each house relies on solar, so we run all our tank water and solar, we machines during daylight hours to maximise recycle all our grey and black water back onto our system. We grow our own food, so they our farm and the food we grow here. Guests help me with that and we have animals that can wander through our farm and growing require feeding daily, eggs that need collecting zones and can order a box of farm fresh and jobs that need to be done daily, rain, hail or seasonal produce and eggs for their stay. All our shine. They see the full circle of life and death homes are passive solar designs, meaning they here, they also understand how valued their stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter contribution is to helping me run the farm and with minimum energy usage. what it means to work together as a team.

Each house is furnished with second This ethos carries into all our properties, hand and recycled furniture from roadside 70 COFFS COAST

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collectables, auctions and op shop finds.

Guests have a ‘chook scrap’ bucket to feed to the chickens each morning and their children can help us feed our farm animals and help us collect the eggs in the afternoon. We don’t have TVs in two of our houses, and each house is fully stocked with an assortment of games, puzzles, books and toys for people to get off their gadgets and enjoy some good old fashioned down time.

It’s great to see the ‘slow stay’ movement becoming more available and popular among travellers, why do you think this is and what do you personally love about the concept?

I think it’s great to see it catching on too. I think there is a growing movement of conscious

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travellers that care about climate change and want to stay in places that tread lightly on the planet and help protect it for future generations. I think these people are tired of the hectic pace of our lives, our addiction to our phones and Wi-Fi and our insatiable appetite for consumption of ‘new things’.

These travellers are now thankfully looking for something a bit different, a place to slow down, so they can have the time to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones and hopefully leave feeling more rested and rejuvenated then when they arrived. I think when you immerse yourself in nature and are surrounded by animals and beauty we get to experience that.

What I love about the ‘slow stay’ movement, is that it’s really about reclaiming time. I think people are so time poor, it’s a conscious choice to stop rushing, and to take the time to smell the roses. It’s about providing a beautiful space for people, regardless of their budget, where they can step back in time, that sense of nostalgia that we had when we were kids, when time slowed down and we were much more in the present moment. In that space, the simplest things like picking a piece of fruit off a tree, or running around climbing trees and

The simplest things like picking a piece of fruit off a tree, or running around climbing trees and pe ing farm animals is a muchcherished delight.

petting farm animals is a much-cherished delight.

You have a number of gorgeous animals on the farm, can you tell us about them?

I’m such an animal lover, so to be able to live here surrounded by my animals is one of the greatest joys of living on a farm, and honestly they bring us and our guests so much enjoyment. Every one of them are individuals and have their own quirks and idiosyncrasies which is always amusing for us.

We have three gentle horses; two brumbies (Megsy and her foal Cosmo) and a Welsh pony, Mr Prince. We have two African pygmy goats, Lucy and Betty, and we had two sheep Lizzie and Lucky, but sadly we lost our oldest farm animal Lizzie last week so that’s been incredibly difficult for us, as we got her two months after moving here. Our remaining sheep Lucky is beside herself, so I’m looking for a new baby to bring to the farm for her to have company.

We have over 40 heritage chickens, two native stingless bee hives and two dogs. Guests can spend as much time as they want with our

animals, and most love being able to sit in a paddock and pat them whenever they want.

Where can people find out more about WeilHouse Living?

They can visit our website, it has all our farm information and properties and they can book and pay directly there www.weilhouseliving. com.au and they can follow us on Instagram Weilhouse Living as we’re always posting our farm life and shenanigans on there.

Thanks Susan.

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TO I M M E R S E YO U R S E L F I N T H E

Visit the Tweed’s sweet valley towns, from Tumbulgum and Tyalgum to Murwillumbah and Uki, and you’ll find a fresh country vibe that is both soothing and restorative.

1. Eat your way around the Tweed Take a food-lover’s journey for a real taste of the hinterland, from high teas and kitchen gardens to farm-fresh cheeses.

There are also roadside produce stalls, bush tucker picks, cakes for days and wood-fired pizza goodness. With all this abundance, it’s easy to savour the flavours of the Tweed on your next visit.

Did you know: The Tweed hinterland was recently awarded Outstanding Region (jointly with the Gold Coast Hinterland) at the Delicious Produce Awards 2021.

2. Make your stay an arty one Inspired by the Tweed’s dramatic landscapes and abundance of good life, creative people have been drawn here for years to live and work, creating a rich artistic scene.

With so many makers, musicians and artisans on hand, it’s easy to get your fix of the arts whether viewing, learning or seeking a takehome piece.

Don't miss: A visit to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre - also put the month of May in your trip plans when the Murwillumbah Arts Trail is on.

3. Breathe in the fresh country air Home to majestic Wollumbin Mount Warning and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Tweed hinterland is naturally a place for immersing in green forests and fresh air.

Chart your nature journey around gardens, nature reserves and National Parks for hikes, biking, a picnic, birdwatching or simply breathing in the Tweed’s restorative energy.

Hike here: The Border Ranges NP is a stunning day trip with a network of trails and panoramic views from the Pinnacles Lookout.

4. Discover the Tweed's rich cultural stories Learn more about the people, places, events and stories of the Tweed and discover how these past moments have shaped the present.

From a proud Indigenous culture to the drama of ancient landscapes and heritage

Find your moment

towns to evolving trades, there are tales aplenty in the Tweed.

Learn all about it: Visit the Tweed Regional Museum to learn about the region's past and present at the Land|Life|Culture exhibition 5. Stay a night or two, or more A drive holiday to the Tweed hinterland comes with plenty of options for overnight stays to maximise your days and nights of discovery.

Retreat to a forest villa, check-in at an art deco hotel, step inside a cosy glamping tent or get amongst local life with a farm-stay experience. Whatever your choice, you'll rest easy in the Tweed.

For more information on what to see and do and where to stay in the Tweed, head to visitthetweed.com.au

WELCOME TO THE TWEED, a place where sparkling seaside villages, riverside towns and hinterland hamlets create endless holiday experiences.

Foodie moments

Wollumbin Mount Warning — an iconic vista

Swim with turtles at Cook Island

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@THETWEED

@THETWEED_NSW

Read P L AY i t

WAT C H

WITH NICCI SECCOMBE

PLAY

WATCH ANIMAL KINGDOM PANDEMIC

LISTEN

The odds are against you from the start in Pandemic, but that's the beauty of it. This co-op epic is never less than thrilling, and teamwork - not to mention the ability to think on your feet - is your only hope of winning after the world gets overrun with disease. That helps it reach the top spot as one of the best board games overall.

LEON BRIDGES - Gold-Diggers Sound This R&B collection is birthed from extended late nights at the Los Angeles, California, studio of the same name.

The album celebrates Leon's immersive experience of creating music in the same East Hollywood room where he lived, worked and drank over the course of two years.

The soulful collaboration between Leon as an artist and the space itself was so encompassing that he chose to name the album after the studio complex.

After a heroin overdose kills his mom, Joshua "J" Cody moves to Southern California to live with his freewheeling relatives. The family's matriarch is J's estranged grandmother, Janine "Smurf" Cody, from whom he's been shielded for years. J soon finds out the reason for the isolation - Smurf and "her boys" make their living through carefully planned armed robberies and other criminal activities. Prominent perpetrators include Smurf's three sons: mentally disturbed ex-con Pope, hyperactive drug user Craig, and suspicious Deran. In order to stay alive, J must prove loyal to his beguiling grandmother, who rules with a borderline incestuous love.

READ THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH - Eddie Jaku Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends and his country. Published as Eddie turns 100, this is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

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Baker Boy Regurgitator

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VAX OR NO VAX, EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT RIVER SOUNDS!

fter being postponed twice due to Covid, the inaugural River Sounds festival will now take place on January 14th-15th, 2022 at the Bellingen Showgrounds.

River Sounds will be one of the first multi-day festivals to go ahead on the Mid North Coast since Covid hit our shores and crippled the events industry over 18 months ago.

The event will benefit from taking place after December 1st, 2021, which is when the NSW Government eases Covid restrictions as part of the Government’s “Roadmap to Freedom” announcement. River Sounds Festival Director Ben Lewis is pumped that the event can finally go ahead. We asked Ben to tell us what the Roadmap to Freedom means for River Sounds. “We’re so happy everyone can attend, vaccinated or not, and do so in an enjoyable way. The live music industry has been one of the hardest hit 74 COFFS COAST

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Adrian Eagle

since Covid kicked off. Music festivals and gigs in venues have either not been able to go ahead, or run under strict restrictions such as no singing, no dancing, no standing, and very limited Baker Boy capacity.” describes Gela After December 1st, as, “more than just those rules have mostly headliners Baker Boy, the music, it is my gone. People attending Regurgitator and experience of living River Sounds will be able Butterfingers have in duality as a Yolngu to do everything you’d juggled their busy Man and as the Fresh normally do at a festival. touring schedules Prince of Arnhem You can sing, dance, hug to perform at the Land as Baker Boy. your mates, and because new date. And, the the event is outdoors artists will be in top you don’t have to wear form with a number a mask. People are hanging to get back to of them coming off big tours and releasing normality. River Sounds will be a fantastic new tunes before hitting the stage at River event, but it’ll also be a huge celebration Sounds. about getting back to normal life.

Here’s a wrap on some of the latest River Amazingly, the entire lineup including Sounds artist news.

Nice Biscuit

Resin Dogs

Jerome Farah

It’ll be sticky and sweaty, but guaranteed to be a hoot. Just the way all summer festivals should be!

It’s been a massive month for Baker Boy performing at the AFL Grand Final and releasing his highly anticipated debut album ‘Gela’, followed by a national tour in November and December. Baker Boy describes Gela as, “more than just the music, it is my experience of living in duality as a Yolngu Man and as the Fresh Prince of Arnhem Land as Baker Boy.” Regurgitator are set to embark on a huge touring schedule kicking off in November with a bunch of legendary 90s bands including Spiderbait and Grinspoon at Springloaded and Scene & Heard festivals. Long live 90s grunge!

South Coast NSW surf rock band The Terrys

have been clocking up some massive numbers on Spotify after having three of their recent singles, ‘Cost of Peace’, ‘Pesos’ and ‘Our Paradise’ added to high rotation on Triple J. To celebrate their new found rise to fame, the lads are kicking off the TerrySonic MixTape tour in December – which includes their performance at River Sounds.

Melbourne-based rapper and RnB artist Jerome Farah dropped his latest single ‘Concrete Jungle Fever’, and it’s a banger! This track is also getting heaps of love on Triple J and has been added to their high rotation list in October.

Brisbane based, psy-rockers Nice Biscuit released two new singles this month, ‘Passing Over’ and ‘The Tower’, and performed a sold out show at The Zoo. Hip hop pioneers Resin Dogs are back with their new single ‘Bad Dogs’, showing the eight-

piece band still have plenty in the tank to get the punters jumping.

MAIN STAGE Regurgitator, Baker Boy, Butterfingers, Adrian Eagle, Jerome Farah, The Terrys, Dallas Woods, Resin Dogs, The Pinheads, Pinch Points, The Regime, Nice Biscuit, Sunfruits, The Good Love, The Stained Daisies, Altai BOILER ROOM Phil Smart, Simon Caldwel, Katch, Biz, Pob, Jimmy D, Jamie B, Freebass, Bhakti, Jahzen, Phoenix, Dave Forward, Delusional Monk, Tropical Punch Bellingen is bloody hot in January, and often wet. With that in mind River Sounds are adding a massive big top tent at the Bellingen Showground to keep punters comfortable. It’ll be sticky and sweaty, but guaranteed to be a hoot. Just the way all summer festivals should be! riversounds.com.au COFFS COAST

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Andrew

ELLA BY

Andrew Ellaby has played guitar since he was a teenager, and fell into FIXING GUITARS AFTER DOING SOME WORK ON ONE OF HIS OWN, WHICH THEN LED HIM INTO MAKING GUITARS FROM SCRATCH. He now has many years of experience as a Guitar Luthier and his handmade guitars are truly works of art.

H

ey Drew, tell us how you came to be in the Guitar Luthier business?

I am a curious person – I always want to know how things work and how to fix things. I was wanting to fix something on my own guitar, but a luthier told me that it wasn’t worth fixing. After his comment, I decided to fix the guitar myself. Then I started fixing friends’ guitars and it went from there.

What’s the process from start to finish and what sort of materials and time go into making a single guitar?

I start by visualising the guitar and drawing a picture. Next, I draw the guitar to scale.

I usually use blackwood for the neck and jarrah for the fretboard. For the body, I use various timbers such as silky oak, oregon, 76 COFFS COAST

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paulownia and blackwood. All of the this point in time. This keeps me occupied hardware I get through Buckley’s Music in almost full-time.

Grafton or Rage Music in Coffs Harbour. I You can’t make a guitar without having shape the guitars and a love of music. How route the cavities in my long have you been workshop. I paint them playing, and how The first guitar I and do all of the wiring important is it to made was for myself. The time taken be able to play the myself. It is made of to build a guitar varies artistic creations you oregon wood from from 15 to 80 hours, make? my wife’s depending on the type I have played guitar grandfather’s stool, so of guitar and whether on and off since I was it is also sentimental...

I have templates for it a teenager. My playing I still play that guitar (which I hand-make). has changed over every day.

Do you build or fix the years due to my any other types of diagnosis of Parkinson’s instruments?

Disease in 2018. I will I fix mainly stringed instruments, but I be building and repairing guitars long after occasionally do other instruments as well. I I stop playing them. I have always loved only build electric guitars and bass guitars at music, especially overdriven lead solos of the

late 80s and early 90s. I feel that if you can’t play the instrument, then you can’t put the soul into the creation. It helps to know the instrument and the way it works, so that I can customise it to the needs of the person I am making it for. For example, Fiona from The Blak Shirtz needed a light bass guitar due to her shoulder problems and a small scale because of her reach. Hence, I made the “green machine”.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect guitar?

The tone of the guitar, which is a combination of the type of wood and the pickups. The alignment of the neck to the body is also important. Also, the player themselves and how the guitar fits to his/her body to become one.

What has been one of your all-time favourite builds and what has made it so special?

I have two favourites, besides my own.

Bennie from Flying Giant’s bass guitar, because it was completely different from other basses, with a smaller body and a 35-inch scale as they play in a lower tone of drop C. Chris, the lead singer of Flying Giant’s custom Les Paul guitar which is set

Chris’s guitar up as a combination nothing was square. took me of his PRS guitar and a I still play that guitar Les Paul shape. It was almost 80 hours to every day. I gave it a go very challenging as they because I like creating make, but I learnt a are not easy guitars to things, and I have an lot during the get right because of artistic background with process. With every the angles of the set 29 years of signwriting build, you learn neck and the shape of and graphic art. something new. the arched top body.

What would you say Also, binding on the is most important, neck and body was function and sound or time consuming to get around the curves as aesthetics of a guitar or both, and why? it was all wood binding not plastic. Chris’s The tone of the guitar is the most guitar took me almost 80 hours to make, important feature besides the neck. If but I learnt a lot during the process. With the tone doesn’t sound right, it won’t be every build, you learn something new. I enjoy pleasing to the ear. The neck because it is the watching people play my creations, especially ‘engine room’ of the guitar. If the neck isn’t when they are really good musicians. set up properly with the frets in the correct Can you tell us about the first guitar you positions, the intonation will be out. Meaning made? What made you decide to give it a the notes at the upper end of the fretboard go yourself? will be out of tune. Also, the frets being The first guitar I made was for myself. levelled and crowned so as to get a nice low It is made of oregon wood from my wife’s action without fret buzz. grandfather’s stool, so it is also sentimental.

Where can we find out more?

This is the only guitar that I haven’t made the LRB Guitars on Facebook and Instagram. neck for. I make my own necks now because Bennie from Rage Music in Coffs and Craig it took me a long time to fit the neck to that from Buckley’s Music in Grafton. guitar and clean up the fretboard, because Thanks Andrew.

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FITNESS

UPDATE with COURT WATERS FROM CLUB LIME

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ant to Bulletproof your Spine and have Confidence in your Core?

Imagine a reality where you have a stable core, you can pick your kids up with ease, you never worry about hurting your back, you feel in control and confident about your mid-section and doing the active things you love is easy. That reality is possible.

As a Personal Trainer at Club Lime, three of the most common statements I hear from people, are in reference to their midsection.

“My abs are weak”, “I’ve previously had a back weakness/injury” and “I want to tone up my middle”.

These statements are usually followed up by questions like “should I do more sit-ups and crunches”?

This is a common but understandable misconception.

My answer usually follows something like this: “Yes, we need to make your core more stable! A stable core will help keep your back safe from injury and will help make daily activities like picking up your kids easier. It will also help you make progress with your strength and resistance training goals, thus making you feel more confident! There are so many good core stability exercises out there and I can teach you which exercises will be the most effective!”

Your core is a group of muscles that all function as a cohesive unit to control your spinal column and torso while your arms and legs move. For example, they work together

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to help stop your spine from collapsing or your core muscles to resist unwanted spinal twisting while you walk up and down stairs, movement/twisting while your limbs move. while you carry groceries and while you pick Think ‘plank exercise’ where your muscles things up off the ground. When we see it are working to keep your spine and hips still this way, we recognise that the core is made as gravity pulls down on you. This ability to up of more than the superficial abdominal resist forces placed upon the spine and trunk muscles. Your core includes the muscles that is stability and this allows you to safely pick stabilise the hips and pelvis, the muscles that things up off the floor, lift things above your wrap around the torso, including the muscles head, carry your shopping and play sport on the front, the sides and around the back without compromising your spinal alignment. of the body and the muscles that stabilise the Targeted stability exercises can improve the shoulders. Many of ability of the core muscles these muscles are not to resist external forces, visible, as they are deep helping to keep the Some of the inside the body. spine still and in optimal most Because your core alignment. Whether commonly known consists of numerous you’re lifting in the gym, ‘ab strength muscles wrapping all aiming to improve your exercises’ like sitaround the torso, some posture, or just looking to ups and crunches, of the most commonly make common activities are just not enough known ‘ab strength like picking up your kids to help target all exercises’ like sit-ups easier, core stability is the the core muscles. and crunches, are just key! not enough to help My ‘Core Confidence target all the core Program’ is designed to muscles. This leaves help you build your core those underutilised muscles weak, unable stability, and you’ll be on your way to that to resist the forces pulling your spine out of reality where its comfortable to pick up your alignment and potentially results in injury. kids, you no longer worry about hurting your There are two main types of core exercises: back, you feel in control and confident about Strength Exercises and Stability Exercises. your midsection and you do the active things ‘Strength’ exercises create movement, you love to do, with ease. usually to bend the spine, for example sit-ups Put the sit-ups and crunches on the back and crunches. Basic core strength is necessary, burner and Text ‘Core Confidence Program’ it helps you sit up out of bed in the morning. to Coach Court on 0448 583 894 or call into However, stability exercises are the key to a Club Lime Moonee and let me fast track you more complete core. toward your Bulletproof Back and Confidence Core ‘stability’ is defined as the ability of in your Core!

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Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Impacting Your Life?

Help Is Here. with AARON HARDAKER

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hile the cause isn’t well understood, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often can impact people who are otherwise healthy.

It can impact kids, and adults of all ages.

The big question is where can you find help to understand it and get help to address it. We caught up with Anna Hicks and Ingrid Sivertsen, Dietitians at Mid North Coast Physio, to find out more.

FODMAPs and IBS: What’s the deal?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. It will affect 30% of the population over their life. Symptoms include changes to bowel habits including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. IBS can be confused with other gastrointestinal conditions, but your

GP can help rule out other possibilities. so it’s important not to cut them out Is there a cure? Or a treatment? unnecessarily. A Dietitian will work out If your GP suspects that you have whether it’s the right thing for you. They IBS, the best thing you can do is see an may guide you through a low FODMAP Accredited Practicing diet - these are shortDietitian. A Dietitian lived (4-6 weeks) and will work with you to involve reintroducing one Irritable Bowel discover what foods carbohydrate group at a Syndrome trigger your symptoms time. This way, you can (IBS) is one of the and will make sure be sure you’ll be eating most common you’re meeting your the widest possible range gastrointestinal nutritional needs. of foods. disorders. It will affect 30% of the A friend mentioned Thanks Anna and population over that FODMAPs are Ingrid. So, if you’re their life. linked to IBS. Is suffering from IBS, that true? What are trialling a low FODMAP FODMAPs?! diet may be a lifeFODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates changer for you. To find out more, book which, in some people, can produce in with one of the experienced Dietitians gas and pull extra water into the gut at Mid North Coast Physio to get you on - this is what leads to pain. FODMAPs the right track to feeling healthier and are found in some really healthy foods, happier.

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LEGGE

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Hannah Legge is a 21 year old local woman who is a powerhouse and an incredible inspiration. Her sporting achievements are varied and she clearly gives anything she tries her all! She has done everything from triathlons to gymnastics and swimming squads, and is part of North Coast Special Olympics as well.

H

i Hannah. Have you up club events again soon. I would like to always lived here on the compete at the Noosa Heads Triathlon one Coffs Coast? year soon. We are all missing the competition I was born here in Coffs and friendships that come with getting up at Harbour nearly 22 years 5am on a Sunday morning. ago and have lived here You are part of North Coast Special for my whole life. I have three siblings and Olympics as well. How often do you two nieces in Coffs Harbour. I love it here and train? Do you compete as well? can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I started with the Special Olympics When did you first start on your attending Ten Pin Bowling, but switched journey of fitness training? to Swim Squad. Our coach, Kim Roach at I first joined a gym when I was about sixteen, Sawtell, took a group of us to the Hunter doing Zumba and Body Balance classes with for a swim competition earlier this year and Mum to get fit, but I have loved swimming I think we had the best cheer squad. We and gymnastics since I was little. were all pleased with how well we swam.

What was it that got you hooked on I also train with our coach Julie Wales at training? How does it make you feel?

So Fun Gymnastics. We haven’t been able A family friend, Leeann Lloyd, got me to compete for a while, but we still enjoy hooked on training, training every week, so motivating me to we will be ready when give Disabled Surfing, we can finally compete Training makes Special Olympics again. Special Olympics me feel happy swimming and have dinner dances every and less stressed. I gymnastics, cross year, which are great fun, wanted to get fit and country running, because I love to dance healthy like my Personal Training and catch up with other and bike riding a athletes. friends. I like to go. Leeann always What has been one workout every day encourages me to try of your proudest and challenge myself new things. Training moments in your to do better every makes me feel happy fitness/sport journey time I train. and less stressed. I so far? wanted to get fit and There have been a lot healthy like my friends. of highlights, but my I like to workout every day and challenge proudest moment would be this year’s 600 myself to do better every time I train. metre Ocean Swim at the Jetty. I had a lot of You train with the Coffs Harbour supporters there cheering me on, and I was so Triathlon Club, how often do you meet proud that I managed to finish the 600 metre to train and how often do you compete? swim, because my previous swims were 300 I have been a member of Coffs Harbour metres.

Triathlon club for a few years now. We train Not sport related, but my proudest moment every second weekend over summer. I have ever, was when my old primary school competed in two triathlons at South West Principal from Mary Help of Christians School, Rocks and also in Coffs Harbour. Everyone in Liz Watts, invited me to be the guest speaker the club is excited at the thought of starting at my sister’s year 6 final assembly to give a

talk about my experiences in high school. My little sister Tiana was so proud of me!

We hear you have been working as an Administrative Assistant. How long have you been in that role?

Yes, I started working at Northside Health Medical Centre in March this year. It is a really great place to work, and everyone is so friendly. I love going to work and enjoy the social events we have and I like the satisfaction I get from doing a good job. I like that I work somewhere where we help people.

What skills have you had to learn for that role and what do you enjoy most about your job?

I have had to learn how to use the computer programs, data entry, how to use the photocopier and I am learning new things all the time. I had never worked in an office before, so I had a lot to learn. I enjoy mixing with all the staff and being part of a team. Of course I also like earning my own money.

What are some of your goals for the future?

Like most people I am keen to put COVID restrictions behind me, so that I can start competing in Triathlons, Ocean Swims, gymnastics and swimming competitions.

I also go to a drama group Mix-Tub and can’t wait to get back on stage and be part of another CHATS Production. I used to be in an All Abilities choir and would love to be able to perform at the Carols by Candlelight again, because singing is my favourite thing to do.

I would like to do a First Aid course so that I can help people if they hurt themselves.

Like everyone, one of my goals is to go away on holidays with my friends again. One of my best holidays was traveling to Hawaii with three of my besties, when we finished school. I like socialising and it’s been a long time since I have been able to catch up with them all, to share a laugh and a chardy.

Thanks Hannah.

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COUNSELLING C O N V E R S AT I O N S

with JULIE THOMAS

F R O M BE YO N D T H E S U R FAC E COUNSELLING

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CHILDREN’S WELLBEING CONNECTION OF MIND AND BODY

ost children have an innate sense of joy, playfulness, sense of adventure, and enthusiasm. Please take a moment and remember the last time you saw your child play outside in the rain, make mud pies, build sandcastles at the beach, or play their favourite sport or music. Perhaps you observed quieter moments with your child creating artwork, colouring in a favourite page, or playing a board game. Children’s pleasure and sheer exhilaration of ‘letting go’ and being in the moment are essential for their growing confidence in their abilities and curiosity in the world.

We often hear being in the moment or being in the flow or zone. But what does this mean?

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian-American Psychologist, explained the flow as a mental state of concentration and engagement. It is a mental state in which the child is experiencing an activity and fully immersed in a feeling of involvement, focus, and enjoyment. Engagement in the ‘flow effect’ can assist self-regulation and de-escalation of anxious feelings. The introduction of flow can increase happiness and levels of engagement in tasks. Engaging children and adolescents in developmentally appropriate activities and experiences assist them in growing positive mental health and resilience.

However, what happens when your family or your child is feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? As parents, we often find ourselves

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self-doubting our parenting abilities, and we ask, am I doing this right, and am I a good parent?

These feelings are normal and understandable, and most parents have these thoughts.

Challenges and distress look different for all families, and it is as individual as you and your family are. Parenting itself may be demanding, let alone during a pandemic and home-based learning! We all want the best for our families and children, but what happens when we feel anxious?

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of apprehension, worry, nervousness, unease, and fear about an unknown outcome. Some stress is beneficial as it presents opportunities for personal growth.

Such as; delivering a speech, a child’s first day at school or high school, learning a new skill, going for a job interview, and environmental stressors may cause most people to feel worried, nervous, and fearful. The goal of understanding our body’s natural response to anxiety is not to eliminate stress and anxiety but to assist a child to recognise and manage them. But how do we do that?

The use of a structured problem-solving technique may help your child reframe their worries, nervousness, apprehension, and fear.

Acknowledging the difficulties they are having is the first step. Select a small problem rather than try and solve multiple issues. Use pen and paper or another medium that your child likes, such as textas, paint, chalk, and chalkboard.

List all the possible solutions you can think of,

brainstorming your ideas. Work out the positive and negative answers to each proposed idea and then choose one. The use of a structured problem-solving technique assists a child in moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Through managing anxiety, we help children in building resilience and solutionfocused problem-solving.

Building stress resilience routines and activities within your family will benefit everyone. Listen to music, sing, hum, practice yoga, mindfulness, use breathing techniques, swim, catch up with friends, go for a bushwalk. We all have preferences for different types of activities and have different learning styles. Exploring what is the suitable activity for you and your child is the fun part! Activities that feel right for you are the perfect starting point.

It is often the simple things we need at stressful times, such as; spending time together, hugs, talking with friends, practicing gratitude, going for a nature walk, taking time to notice nature’s beautiful gifts, and remembering adults need to play and have fun too!

References and further reading: Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: Harper & Row. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

Julie Thomas MCouns, BPsychSC, BEd(ECTeach) Member of Australian Counselling Association Member of WPATH

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Its not too early to start your Shopping!

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Beautiful gift packs are instore now!

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Men’s EDT Gift Set $165

L’Occitane Almond Shower Duo $65

Napoleon Perdis On The Tools 8 Piece Brush Set $129

Dior Miss Dior Eau De Parfum Set $275

MOR Dusk to Dawn Marshmallow Little Luxuries Trio $32.95

TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour Shop 51 Park Beach Plaza

Open 7 days!

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8:30am to 6pm Thurs: 8:30am to 7pm Sat: 8:30am to 5pm Sun: 10am to 3pm

Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 P: 02 6652 4188

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D A N

MARTIN

Dan Martin is a doctor who works as one of our wonderful local skin cancer specialists at SunDoctors in Coffs Harbour. As a keen surfer and lover of the outdoors himself, we thought he would be the perfect person to get some advice from about staying safe in the sun as we come into the warmer months and all head out to enjoy our stunning local coastline, rivers and the great outdoors.

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H

ey Dan, tell us how you ended up at the skin cancer clinic.

What made you want to specialise in skin cancer?

I’ve always enjoyed working in rural locations. I grew up on a farm in Tasmania, and I’ve never really enjoyed working in the cities. As such, I’ve always ended up in places where you need to be a jack of all trades. Places where I’ve seen how they struggle by with what is available, not what’s ideal.

I’ve always prided myself on being as useful as possible and I saw a gap, so I poured myself into it. My career before working bush was fairly varied which, oddly, made me a perfect fit. Who knew that a stint as a pathologist would be so helpful in my later career?

Your career as a doctor has taken you all across Australia from Darwin to Broken Hill, can you tell us about some of the different roles you’ve had?

In the hospital system, I’ve worked in various emergency departments all over the country. Before skin cancer I’ve helped out with hundreds of surgeries.

Everything from plastics to caesars to orthopaedics. I’ve worked in pathology, inner city health, Aboriginal health, and with the RFDS. I’ve worked in Bangladesh and India. But I prefer it here.

Why did you decide to make the Coffs Coast home?

My wife’s terms to drag her out of Sydney were; be near family, and the beach! We’re lucky enough we live around the corner from both! What sold it for me was the community that I met through both work and in the water. Coming from the RFDS where it is so close knit it was welcoming to find a connection like that again.

What was it like working with the what’s the best way to protect your Royal Flying Doctor service? skin when you’re going to be out in The RFDS is an incredible organisation the water for a long time? that achieves the impossible on a daily Clothes are always the best basis. The logistics involved in the care protection. A rash vest is great as long of the truly remote are incredible. I as it has a UPF 50+ tag. I feel the cold have amazing memories of being able in the water, so I prefer a 1mm vest. If to use my skills in ways to help that you you can tolerate them, hats are great as don’t often see elsewhere. I also have are sunglasses. In terms of sunscreens, memories of the hardships involved, zinc is the only sunscreen that can be trying to organise the impossible with guaranteed to be coral safe. As such I very limited resources. However, I use pure zinc only (but I plaster myself look forward to when I can get the in it). opportunity to go back west again.

What are some misconceptions We are blessed with incredible when it comes to skin cancer? outdoor spaces and beaches here They’re all brown splodges. The most on the Coffs Coast. What advice common ones I see are pink splodges. would you give What should we our readers be looking out for about skin safety when checking Another heading into over our own mistake is these warmer skin? being too months?

Anything weird conservative in The biggest and changing. We application. The sun mistake we all make all have a good sensitive skin on our is not protecting sense of how our face continues down ourselves on a own skin looks. and around our daily basis. We’re Melanomas and necks to upper chest all quite good at other skin cancers and ears. “slip, slop, slap”. aren’t part of our I see we mostly normal skin. They protect ourselves grow and change in when we’re headed to the beach, but ways that aren’t normal. Trust yourself. the sun doesn’t quit on the other days If you feel it’s weird, get it checked. If either. Applying a light moisturiser with you see something weird on someone sunscreen in it every morning can give else let them know. good protection when you get stuck in How regularly should we be getting the garden or running after kids. An skin cancer checkups? easy way to remember it is to put it next We recommend it yearly for most to your toothbrush so it’s hard to miss in people. Some people have higher risks the morning. Another mistake is being and should be checked more frequently. too conservative in application. The Whilst younger people are at a lower sun sensitive skin on our face continues risk for melanoma and yearly may not down and around our necks to upper be necessary, I’ve still seen melanomas chest and ears. in teenagers! A good reminder that it’s You spend quite a lot of time in worth everyone getting seen. the sun as a keen surfer yourself, Thanks Dan.

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JADE ROLLER - $50 Jade rollers have become a popular facial treatment because they promise to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production.

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Meet Our Support Team ROSE

DAN

APRIL

FAC I L I TATO R

A S S I S TA N T

A S S I S TA N T

CLINICAL

What do you love about working in the dental industry? I love being a part of the clinical team and providing support so that we maintain a high level of patient care.

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy hanging out with my dogs and tending to my plants!

Why do you enjoy working at Welcome Dental? Getting to know the local community is always nice and the team here feel like family – we have worked together for so long.

D EN TA L

Why do you like working in dental? I really love that this is a new career opportunity for me and I enjoy learning about teeth. I really enjoy seeing our patients leave smiling.

Why do you love working at Welcome Dental?

I love it because every day I get to learn something new!

What do you like to do in your spare time? Well I have 4 cats - so I spend time taking care of them and I love exploring our rockpools along the coast; I love finding Cowrie shells and sea cucumbers!

EMMA

MAYRA

D EN TA L A S S I S TA N T

Why do you like working in the dental industry? I love to meet new people and help them, especially comforting nervous patients.

It’s a very rewarding job.

What do you love about working at Welcome Dental? The team. Everyone is so genuinely caring, friendly and supportive.

The level of professionalism is outstanding to anything I’ve experienced before.

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? I do yoga, I volunteer with animals in need, meditation and enjoying the beach!

What do you love about working in the dental industry? I enjoy seeing people leaving with a smile. It is great to help people who have been in pain.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy camping, hanging with family and friends and going 4-wheel driving.

Why do you enjoy working at Welcome Dental? I love the team – everyone is nice and I really enjoy chatting to our patients; they’re all so lovely.

MARIAH

D EN TA L A S S I S TA N T

Why do you like working in the dental industry? I enjoy learning about different treatments, it is such a diverse and evolving industry. It is interesting and rewarding.

What do you love about working at Welcome Dental? We are always striving to provide the best support for patients, there is so much that happens behind the scenes that we do as a dental assistant to make the day run smoothly.

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? Caring for animals, walking and cooking.

D EN TA L

EMMA

D EN TA L A S S I S TA N T

Why do you like working in the dental industry? I like seeing anxious patients leave happy and lose their anxieties over time.

What do you love about working at Welcome Dental? There is a supportive team environment, always someone to help you if you need it.

What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? I love horseriding and taking my four dogs to the beach - Navy, Jax, Ellie and Patch!

D EN TA L A S S I S TA N T

What do you love about working in the dental industry? I love that we get to assist in improving a patients overall health and wellbeing. Not only that but smiles will help boost someone’s confidence and wellbeing.

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy going to pole fit - it helps with strength and posture.

Why do you enjoy working at Welcome Dental?

The team is always growing and improving to ensure that we are aiming to provide patient care and efficiency.

Services

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

Meet The Team

Dr Sharon Marinucci • Dr Margaret Kleinig Dr Mindie Nguyen • Dr Tony Kershaw Dr Oleg Pushkarev • Wendy Summerill Jessica Cantrill • Susan Waldorf

Ph (02) 6655 5800

Email: info@welcomedental.com.au Website: www.welcomedental.com.au

2021

FINAL IST

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LEADERS IN AGING EXCELLENCE FOOD DESIGNED FOR YOU The Shoreline Residential Care Home is currently under construction and is expected to open in June 2022.

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his luxurious state of the art residential care home comprises of 120 beds and is co-located with a large retirement village to create a healthy aging precinct.

The lived experience of residents at The Shoreline’s Care Home will be tailored to suit every individual. All residents will have a choice in where, when and what they eat – with seasonal menus prepared with the freshest ingredients to tempt any taste.

We humans are “foodies”; we enjoy a good meal, with good company in a nice environment. We eat multiple times a day, and we often spend even longer preparing and purchasing items to make these meals. Some people make it their whole livelihood to grow and produce the items we serve to our tables.

Food has familial importance, it has cultural importance, and it has social importance. We love good food, and The Shoreline is well aware of it!

One of the most common grievances you will ever hear about a place is that the food was subpar, or that meal options weren’t sufficient, and through our reviews we at The Shoreline have found this is due to two main reasons.

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The first is that bulk food preparation is So, what does this mean for The Shoreline? commonly utilised in most care environments, It means we have done our research and are and for good reason as it allows for large looking for someone who is aware of the amounts of food to be prepared in a cost and existing issues but is willing to approach the resource effective manner. Sadly, this means situation from a different perspective. The that in certain circumstances the quality of what Shoreline is currently looking for its Catering is served is reduced due to its Manager to take on the role one size fits all nature providing of ensuring our nutritious and limited choice and meal flexibility. person-centric meals are of The second is that food the highest quality, because budgets often are limiting in their we understand how important nature, and the people cooking food is. the meals are balancing a tight Throughout this process, we budget with quality meals. If have prioritised some key items If you are interested you’ve ever tried a “feed your to assist our new Catering in applying for the family for $10” recipe you will Manager in their operations, Catering Manager know what the chefs and cooks which includes having better role, scan the QR experience. budgets to work with and code to find out more.

Any health professional we are in the process of will agree that nutrition is of implementing a true cook-toutmost importance for the elderly, and through the-individual’s preference order service. appropriate nutrition a range of factors are We expect that the food that we serve is supported including medical conditions, lifestyle, of such high quality that we want visitors and energy levels and even mood! Often these families to be able to order off the same menu concepts are lost within the competing priorities and to be able share it with a friend or loved that occur in a typical care-related kitchen, and one. Food brings us all together no matter your sadly the people that suffer are the people that preferences or background, and here at The are receiving the food at the end of the day.

Shoreline our luxury services will celebrate that.

with JASON BURLEY FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

HOME

SWEET

HOME

IT IS THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN DREAM TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME. But how does your home affect your age pension or the aged care fees you can be asked to pay?

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ligibility for an age pension and liability to pay aged care fees, are both impacted by your assets and income. This includes an assessment of where you live and your ownership status.

The Centrelink (or Veterans’ Affairs) assets test starts by identifying you as either a homeowner or a non-homeowner. A higher threshold applies to non-homeowners but homeowners receive an exemption for the home.

Arrangements may be complex and variations may apply for certain situations.

In some cases, you may be considered a homeowner even if you don’t own the home – for example under certain rules for aged care and retirement villages.

What is the exempt amount?

If you are classified as a homeowner, the building you live in will be an exempt asset, as well as up to two hectares of land (if that land is held for personal use). Farmers and people

on rural properties may receive approval to exempt a greater parcel of land if they meet requirements for the 20-year extended landuse test rule.

What if you move out?

If you move out of your home, the former home usually becomes an investment property and is fully assessable at market value. Some specific exemptions include: • Move to access care – you may continue to be a homeowner with the home exempt for up to two years • Temporary move – in other cases, if the move is only temporary, you may be allowed a 12-month continuation of your homeowner status.

If you sell your home, the sale proceeds are assessed depending on how they are used or invested unless you intend to use the sale proceeds to purchase or build a new home. In this case, you can continue to be a homeowner, with a continuing assets test exemption, for the first 12 months. Money

used to pay the accommodation costs for residential aged care, is an exempt asset.

Talk to us Buying a home or moving out of your home are major life decisions and can involve significant amounts of money. Advice from a licenced financial adviser can help to ensure that you make a fully informed decision and understand the impacts on your pension or aged care fees – mistakes in this area can become very costly.

As an Accredited Aged Care Professional™ I have helped many clients to make this choice.

I help to find a choice that is affordable, as well as one that works best for the family and protects the value of the estate.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it is important to speak to someone like myself who is a licenced financial adviser. I am also an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232.

Call me on 0431 414 799 to discuss how I can help you or a loved one.

P 0431 414 799 E jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au W www.burleyagedcareadvice.com.au COFFS COAST

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HOME C A R E

‘Sawtell Home Care’ is the newest service provided as part of the resident lifestyle experience at Sawtell Catholic Care’s Marian Grove Retirement Village.

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hat made Sawtell Catholic Care branch out into the Home Care arena?

“We saw a gap in the continuum of care between Marian Grove and Mater Christi,” says Matt Digges, Director of Mission. Originally, the vision was for Marian Grove, which served a need at the time. When Mater Christi was added it included low care, hostel care. But that’s not the case now. There’s no more hostel accommodation, so Home Care fills that space in the middle where people need support but may not be ready to go into residential care. It completes the puzzle, going from independent living, to supported living to, where it’s needed, residential care.”

“Most Australians, statistically speaking, want to avoid residential care and remain in their homes,” adds Home Care Manager, Robert Wilson. “Providing this service makes sure that residents who have chosen to make Marian Grove Village their home are also given the choice to remain living independently in their home as long as possible. It’s proven that people do better at home, have better health and wellbeing outcomes living at home and

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affording them the opportunity to continue doing the things that make them feel fulfilled and give their lives meaning, whatever that is for each person, is what this service is all about.”

“Sawtell Home Care is relationship focused,” says Robert. “I don’t think it’s possible to provide good quality care with good outcomes for the person, particularly if you’re talking about wellness and reablement without a strong relationship between the client and the provider, the provider and the family, the GP and everyone who might be involved to ensure that the needs and choices of the person are fulfilled. It all stems from getting to know each one as an individual.”

“That’s where it all dovetails with our ongoing mission in action, to envisage and create an inclusive community of Christian care,” says Matt. “We have a village that’s based on relationship and a system of care which acknowledges the independent nature of each of our residents. The relationship deepens over the years and so if there does come a time where a person feels they need some support to continue to live their life the way they choose, now we have the ability to facilitate that.”

What does the future look like for SHC? “Phase one is focusing on our Marian Grove residents. Phase two will be connecting to the wider community,“ Robert says. “I’m more than happy to talk to anyone and assist them through the process of finding the right provider for their needs, which can be challenging. I recently had a couple of enquiries which ultimately led to those people finding that they were better served through other means. It’s not about making sure people come to us, it’s about making sure they have the information and knowledge and support to find and receive the assistance they need.”

“There is an element of fear around what people feel is someone ‘taking over’ their lives or giving up their independence,” Robert says.

“But you’re in the driver’s seat. The right level of support gives you the ability to continue to do the things that make you independent. It’s also about providing a service in the way the client chooses, and that circles right back to relationship.”

For more information visit our website at scca.net.au/sawtell-home-care or get in touch with us on 6659 6651. Our dedicated staff members are more than happy to help you navigate your way through the process.

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Marian Grove L C A H OLI T

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SAWTELL HOME CARE

There’s never been a better time to come home to Marian Grove. Set within 27 acres of landscaped award winning gardens and surrounded by bushland yet only minutes from Sawtell, Marian Grove’s Independent Living is waiting for you. ENQUIRE TODAY!

Delivering high quality assistance to support your independence. Contact our team for more information on how we facilitate a wide variety of services from Domestic Assistance, through to more complex needs such as Dementia or Palliative Care.

CALL 0490 522 596

CALL 6659 6651

Come

Home to

Marian Grove Modern Apartments and Spacious Village Villas are waiting for you. Enquire NOW to secure your new home in our established, vibrant community.

Prices to suit every budget.

AVAILABLE NOW!

THE LINK

THE LINK is an intergenerational space where people can connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways, supporting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

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COMING SOON! s

Your Community is HERE CA

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Sawtell Catholic Care, Marian Place Toormina

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Call: 0490 522 596 Email: MarianGroveSales@scca.net.au Departure Fee payable, enquire for more information.

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WOMEN

JENNI & BELLE

with CATH FOWLER

AC TIVE NUTR ITION TE A M & PA N T R Y

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

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an you tell us a little bit about your business?

We have some exciting news to share. Active Nutrition Team’s services have expanded into the retail sector, with the opening of a new plant-based nutrition store in Hi-Tech Drive Toormina, called Active Nutrition Pantry. The store enhances our successful RESET and Creating Healthy Habits programs by supporting existing clients, and new customers/clients, to follow our philosophy of eating more plant-based foods. This diet and lifestyle is associated with lower body weight, reduced risk of diet-related diseases and has a positive impact on our environment.

The Pantry offers freshly prepared take-away meals and includes a range of plant based, organic and gluten-free pantry ingredients, some of which we produce in-house. Our delicious vegan treats are a ‘must try’. Being nutritionists we’re passionate about helping others to improve their diet and are pleased to offer the service of helping to create balanced healthy meals from our pantry.

Active Nutrition Team programs, personalised consults and group workshops will continue to take place in our new space.

Our current promotion offers the hosting and a 4 course meal workshop for your staff Christmas party.

LY O NS

What’s your favourite part of the work you do?

Working with Belle, my daughter, business partner and best friend. Luckily she has the creativity and patience of her father! Our skill sets complement each other perfectly. We both really enjoy being around people and love to see a friendly face.

Who is your greatest influence in business?

Locally we have met many women running small businesses, juggling families and life.

It’s truly inspirational how they support one another.

A key contributor to the success and growth of Active Nutrition Team & Pantry was being part of the Alt-Collective small business program, locally developed and run

by Courtney Tune, Entrepreneurship Facilitator.

Being a partner of the Sawtell Success Hub, created by Scotty Schindler has provided a wonderful work space, connections and a sound support network.

Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast?

After graduating from uni, working for a global food company, juggling a young family and with all of life’s busyness I learnt that health and lifestyle are my priorities. In 2008 the decision was made, we packed up and moved to Sunny Sawtell while the children were young enough to have the freedom and lifestyle we enjoyed as children.

Each day I practise gratitude for where we live, our local connections and mother earth’s nourishment. Coffs Coast offers clean air and water, lush land and nutrient rich soils to grow fresh produce for us to enjoy and nourish our bodies. We buy local produce where possible and support local businesses, this is reflected in our selection of Pantry meals and products.

What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?

Follow your heart and passion to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek help in areas that may not be your strength. Speaking from experience, we can't control or do everything ourselves. There are many wonderful and talented locals that have inspired, guided, advised, helped for free and supported our business to make the dream a reality.

A massive thank you to our caring friends, loyal clients, husband and father. They are always up to be our food guinea pigs, willing to test a new program, recommend their friends/colleagues and more recently, shop fitters.

Where can people find out more about your business?

Website: www.activenutritionteam.com Facebook.com/activenutritionteamandpantry Instagram.com/active_nutrition_team_pantry COFFS COAST

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Youth

LEADERS with CASSANDRA WILSON FROM BECOMING U PROJECT

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Cass Wilson works with many INSPIRATIONAL LOCAL YOUTH and this month she is interviewing Molly Langley

i Molly, so, I hear that you have been very busy since leaving Nambucca Heads High School a few years ago. Between studying fulltime, working 4 days a week, volunteering and founding your own not-for-profit organisation, you certainly are an inspiring young person.

Which degree did you study and why did you choose that?

In October this year I completed a Bachelor of Laws degree. Growing up I was never certain about what I wanted to do but I did know that I wanted to do something that would allow me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. After being lucky enough to receive a Vice Chancellor scholarship, I completed my law degree with the goal of working in the field of Human Rights.

What moments can you look back to now, and know that they helped you choose the path that you have?

One of the most lifechanging experiences I was lucky enough to have was volunteering internationally. Since, age 8 I had the opportunity to travel around the world with my family. Little did I know these experiences would change my life.

One of my favourite trips involved living in a monk monastery in Myanmar (Burma).

During my time here, I would wake up at 5am and walk barefoot for 10km every morning 98 COFFS COAST

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to collect food for over 8,000 orphans, disabled, homeless or sick people who lived in the community. This experience unearthed a deeper appreciation for the luxuries I often took for granted and inspired me to make the most of the opportunities available in Australia.

Tell us more about the Fiji Project that you founded, why did it start and what would you like it to look like in the future?

At age 16 I founded The Fiji Project.

Since 2016, through the project I have been striving to ensure underprivileged students can access education without barriers. I have been working in some of the most remote and disadvantaged schools throughout Fiji supplying students with hygiene and educational resources to increase their quality of life. I have distributed sanitary resources to over 800 disadvantaged students during education workshops and provided scholarships to students in need of financial assistance, to keep them in school and to make life a little easier. I have raised funds for the construction of a student learning centre and purchased a minivan for an orphanage to transport children to and from school.

During my time in Fiji I put together a short film and in 2019 I began carrying out motivational talks with schools and employment agencies to motivate other young people to adopt a profound appreciation for their education. I have founded Nalu Tours, a cultural exchange program for students that

allows participants to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life that defines third world countries and broaden their awareness of the hardship students undergo to receive an education.

Throughout Covid I have been able to send aid from Australia. With the support of the community, we have been able to send shipping containers full of shoes and uniforms that have been distributed to schools who need it most. I have also been able to provide financial support for essential food and hygiene supplies, homes schooling resources, repair and maintenance of homes and medical expenses.

You also work for Uniting – what do you like the best about your role working with young people?

I have always dreamed of working for an organisation like Uniting where I can empower young people and make a positive and longterm impact on their lives and futures.

The best part about working at Uniting is being able to give back to a community that has given so much to me.

What advice would you give other young people?

The two greatest pieces of advice I have been lucky enough to have shared with me: No act of kindness however small, is ever wasted.

You can achieve anything with a grateful mindset.

Thanks Molly.

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CHAMPIONS Meet the winning team of the regional Paul Kelly Cup competition!

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he Paul Kelly Cup is the largest AFL primary school competition in New South Wales and the ACT and is open to students in Years 5 and 6. The senior girls from Mary Help of Christians met Yamba Public school in the regional final and were slated to move on to the state final following their win.

The event was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions but that won’t stop these girls taking to the field in the years to come!

Some comments from team members: “We had such a great day. The girls from Yamba played really well too.”

“I found out I love AFL!” “I haven’t played too much AFL but I am looking forward to playing much more in the future.

“I play on the weekends and it was so great to play with the girls from school.”

“Our coach, Mr Morgan, was awesome. He was so excited when we won.”

Congratulations girls!

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Allie BLOOMQUIST

A L L I E D H E A LT H A S S I S TA N T

Allie Bloomquist has been an early childhood teacher for a number of years and is now providing support to children as an Allied Health Assistant under a local Occupational Therapist.

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he combination of the collaboration with the OT, being able to provide support in the children’s most familiar environments and Allie’s skills and knowledge working with young children is proving to be incredibly successful!

Hi Allie. Can you explain to us a bit about your role as an Allied Health Assistant?

I work under an Occupational Therapist implementing one-on-one sessions with

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The most rewarding part of the job is watching the ‘AHAA!’ moment when a child learns something new, or achieves a task they have found difficult in the past.

young children who have ASD, ADD, ADHD, and developmental delays within the early childhood setting. I work based on direction given by the OT, family feedback, early childhood service feedback, and the child’s NDIS goals.

Not many Occupational Therapists have an AHA working with them that

goes into an early childhood service for their sessions, what do you think the benefits of that pairing are?

It’s definitely something that is becoming more common amongst early childhood clients. It allows the Occupational Therapist to delegate tasks and manage clients more effectively. It gives the clients,

families and children more support where some of the children need it most, which is within an early childhood social setting, school readiness, and through one-on-one work.

Your background is in early childhood teaching, how did you get into that?

I’ve been an educator since 2008 when I finished my Diploma of Children’s Services through TAFE and when I moved to Bellingen I actually wanted to study my Cert IV in Disability Support, but an opportunity came

up to extend my Diploma of Children’s very passionate about continuing to grow Services to a Bachelor of Teaching degree professionally and exploring new skills and through a scholarship which I applied for and ideas. received.

Have you had any standout moments of What sort of things do you get up to in success with the kids? your AHA role?

Too many to count! For some of these Learning through play! I work based on children it doesn’t outwardly seem like a children’s NDIS goals which have a wide range big thing but when I see children accepting of needs. I support the children to use what’s challenges, engaging in independent play available to them within services to help and independent skills, managing frustrations develop skills such as self regulation, self help, and other emotions, and developing skills social skills, fine motor skills, and gross motor that have been challenging for a long time it skills. We play games, participate in group brings me great joy. Being able to collaborate activities, implement any sensory diet needs with schools and working out a plan to addressed by the OT, include some of the engage in fine motor children I’ve worked skills such as cutting and with into mainstream It allows the drawing and painting, schools is probably Occupational create visuals for the my standout. Being Therapist to service and for home to part of a child’s delegate tasks and support the child, look support network, and manage clients more closely at things like having that child look effectively. It gives routine and noise levels, up to me even years the clients, families and bring in any support later has been very and children more aids the child may need fulfilling. support where some to be able to participate What do you find of the children need in day-to-day activities. most challenging How do you think it most, which is and rewarding your experience with about this kind of within an early both your Educator work? childhood social and AHA roles The biggest setting, school complement each challenge is the hard readiness, and other? days. The ones where through one on one There’s a lot of nothing really goes work. overlap in the roles to plan or the child mainly when it comes is feeling heavier to an understanding of emotions. The child development, having a solid memory most rewarding part of the job is watching bank of ideas that can incorporate skills the ‘AHAA!’ moment when a child learns the child’s working towards, identifying something new, or achieves a task they have children’s strengths, and supporting social skill found difficult in the past. development.

Where would you like to take your work What do you enjoy most about working heading into the future? with young kids?

I don’t really know at this stage! I would It’s fun! It can also be very challenging love to be able to share the knowledge I’ve to my knowledge, which I actually LOVE. gained through my two roles and continue to So in collaboration with the OT I often am advocate for children. forever expanding my skill base and I am Thanks Allie.

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EDUCATION

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

Embracing rites of passage to build wellbeing and belonging

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s adults, many of us can reflect on the rites of passage that we experienced growing up such as transition into adulthood, graduations, weddings, retirement and even funerals.

These are momentous occasions where we celebrate change and ease a person into their new stage of life.

These rituals remind us that we are constantly evolving and that life is a transformative journey. They connect us with the past and help us to make sense of change.

Many communities across the globe hold true to longstanding rituals today. In Indigenous communities such as the Eora Nation in the Sydney Basin, boys are accepted into adulthood when a tooth is knocked out by a fellow male member of the clan, and girls learn important medicinal and culinary skills and are then welcomed by other adult women into adulthood.

In the Christian context, rites of passage are outlined by ceremonies including Baptism, Weddings and Funerals. Confirmation is the opportunity for a person, usually a teen, to confirm their desire to live their lives according to their baptismal covenant. Similarly, Jewish boys and girls celebrate their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at age 13 and 12 in order to demonstrate their commitment to their faith and responsibility to Jewish law.

Modern societies however more generally have lost their rites of passage traditions. This is due to a range of societal changes from reductions in physical connection to family,

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Outgoing student leaders lighting the candle for incoming leaders at the induction ceremony.

cultural groups or a reduction in familiar an opportunity to project and reflect. connection to religious ceremonies and School Camps - These are exciting and practices. challenging, but they can be more than just Schools therefore can take this opportunity a list of physical activities. They can include to mark the transitions from one stage of conversations, rituals, group challenges and life to another utilising their own rites of opportunities to build connection and grow passage measures. Marking these transitions together. It is important that school camps can be seen as fundamental in the growth, are long enough so that challenge, reflection connectedness and health of the individual and growth can take place. Many schools and the community more broadly. incorporate a 24 hour solo experience within Schools must build their own practices one of their senior camps. Time disconnected and traditions for their from devices and other rites of passage but over voices and influences and the last 20 years there think about what is truly SCHOOLS are the practices that I important to them and MUST BUILD and my respective school their direction as young THEIR OWN communities have valued people.

PRACTICES AND the most: Year 12 Valedictory TRADITIONS FOR Honouring Letter - where Week - A graduation THEIR RITES OF the parent writes a letter service, presentation PASSAGE. to their adolescent about ceremony and a graduation their unconditional love, dinner all with parents and respect for particular present. A Guard of character traits or virtues they possess.

Honour walk through the campus from the Student Mentoring - Each student in their youngest year level classrooms to the senior final three years of schooling is involved in car park is symbolic of the journey. In Coffs a mentoring relationship, with both a staff Harbour, all senior students also do a jump off member and also with a young group of the jetty as part of their traditions. students. This is often done in gender groups Rites of passage create a sense of belonging as role models. and connection with the community which Uniform Changes - The movement and then builds self-esteem and resilience. They handover of a shirt or jacket or availability of also create opportunities to recognise gifts, a badge to represent transition and change. talents and character traits that are productive Letter to Future Self - At least three years and community building. Let’s embrace and should transpire before the student gets their respect these opportunities for the wellbeing letter back. In my experience this can be done of our emerging youth, and the whole at least twice in their schooling journey and is community.

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MONEY M AT T E R S

with BARRY HOCKEY A CCO U N TA N T S

TAX-SMART TIPS FOR YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY

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eing tax-smart when investing in property means more than making the right property choices. If you use your property to earn income at any time, you will have tax obligations and entitlements.

The two common questions that are asked by rental property owners are: 1. Should I spend money on repairs and maintenance on my rental property and 2. Are the expenses tax deductible?

The short answer to both questions is YES. Maintenance and improvements on your rental property is essential not only keep the property in good repair, which is a requirement if you want to keep your tenants happy, but it can also assist in keeping your investment in good shape so that you realise the maximum rental return and achieve the best sale price when you ultimately sell the property and “cash in” on your equity.

All costs incurred on your rental property are tax deductible, however it becomes more of a question as to whether the costs are classed as repairs (repairing existing structures, cleaning etc) or whether the expense is classed as a “capital expense” (e.g. installation of a new kitchen would be a capital expense). Repairs and maintenance and small asset purchases are written off in the year incurred.

Capital expenses are depreciated to match the effective life of the asset. In other words, they are claimed proportionally each year.

Another thing to consider is obtaining a “tax depreciation schedule” completed by a registered quantity surveyor. Costs can vary (usually about $600 for a standard residence), but the cost is also tax deductible and can significantly improve your tax position. Always seek advice from your accountant to see if this would benefit your situation.

Here are some common expenses incurred that are tax deductible: Rental property expense checklist • Advertising • Body Corporate fees • Management fees by agent • Commissions paid to agents • Capital works • Depreciation • Cleaning and garden maintenance • Pool maintenance • Insurance • Interest on loans used to purchase or improve the property • Bank fees and borrowing costs • Repairs and maintenance • Legal expenses or lease costs • Postage, stationery, and telephone • Smoke alarms check and installation • Pest control • Council rates • Quantity survey report fee

Keep the right records for each stage of your property journey to ensure you can claim everything you are entitled to.

Buying • Contract of purchase • Conveyancing documents • Loan documents • Legal/conveyancing fees • Borrowing expenses Owning • Proof of rental income • All rental expenses • Periods of private use by you or friends • Periods you used the property as your main residence • Loan documents if you refinance • Efforts to rent the property out • Capital improvements Selling • Contract for sale • Conveyancing / legal documents • Legal fees in connection with the sale • Calculation of capital gain or loss Good record keeping is the key. Set up an easy-to-use record keeping system such as a spreadsheet or professional software. Keep records of every transaction. Scan copies of your receipts to make it easier to store an access them.

This guide is provided for general information only and if you have specific questions that are particular to your own personal situation, you should consult with your accountant or registered tax agent.

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OUTSPOKEN ENTOURAGE

Mark and Nicola Ruitenberg from Outspoken Entourage, a local design studio specialising in branding and websites have moved and we wanted to find out more...

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ou have recently built a custom studio in a new location – why the move?

We sure have! One of the reasons we moved to the Coffs Coast in the first place was to enjoy a lifestyle on acreage. We found a beautiful property in Upper Orara and have been renovating it over the past 7 years.

While we loved working from our office at the Promenade, due to future development of that complex, we decided to make the most of a large, unused old workshop on our property and convert that into a beautiful, creative space that we could work from. The space is large, with lots of natural light with a huge custom window that allows us to look out over the property and creek. It encourages creativity and focus when working on our graphic design projects and features many architectural features and strong elements to inspire our work. We moved in at the start of October and we couldn’t be happier with the space and the sense of permanency it gives our practice!

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branding. How does this help your clients?

We can’t stress it enough, that your branding and website Whether you’re is EVERYTHING when it starting out or comes to your business. are doing a rebrand, An inconsistent or high visibility on search it’s important to think diluted brand can hurt engines such as Google, about just HOW you the way your business and provide an excellent wish your business to is perceived, which in user experience. If your be looked upon, who turn can affect your website doesn’t live up to your target audience sales. Whether you’re the user’s expectations, starting out or are doing is and what their they will move on to the a rebrand, it’s important values are. next business that can to think about just HOW provide them a better you wish your business experience. To put it simply, we help our clients to be looked upon, who your target audience look good and get found through our striking is and what their values are. Your brand needs brand identity and mastery of SEO on our to be designed accordingly. For example, if custom websites! We are also known for our you’re selling a high-quality, high-ticket item, unique graphic design – from vehicle wraps your logo and branding need to reflect that. If through to signage, flyers, business cards and it doesn’t, your target audience will walk away more. empty-handed. The same with a website. It needs to be designed well, have fantastic search You’ve recently been shortlisted and placed engine optimization in the back end, to ensure for various national and international

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design awards. Tell us about those?

We were recently awarded as a finalist in the Designers Australia 2021 Awards for our logo and branding project completed for Clarence Valley Conservatorium (CVCON). This was a multi-disciplined category with some of the best designers in the country competing for honours across architecture, interior design, graphic design and industrial design. To be named as a finalist of 6 against the best designers in Australia was an amazing result.

We were then awarded (on behalf of our client) a Bronze Design Award for packaging design in the World Drinks Awards which is an international competition recognising the best of the best in the liquor industry. Our client, Critters Distillery, was delighted to achieve this with their first release (Vodka).

Lastly, we received a Commendation from an International Web Design Awards organisation (Orpetron) for our studio’s website. This was based on the overall aesthetic, user experience, performance, and SEO results.

What experience was needed to get you to where you are today?

Nicola (who founded Outspoken Entourage) holds a digital marketing qualification and creatively comes up with solutions to successfully run digital marketing campaigns.

She writes thousands of social media posts

per year for our Nicola has owned dynamic range of other businesses, clients from industries Mark’s focus for both locally and such as hospitality, the design part of the nationally, so she’s got B2B, insurance, real practice is for creating a great understanding estate, retail, trades, amazing branding of what it takes to manufacturing and for clients along with more. Nicola has owned start a business and websites that impress other businesses, both market it in a way that and get results. It is locally and nationally, gets noticed. this area that Mark so she’s got a great continues to focus on understanding of what it and continually develop takes to start a business his skills. and market it in a way that gets noticed.

What types of businesses do you work Mark on the other hand started out in the with? graphic design industry in the late 1990’s with We are so lucky to be able to work with such a local printing business. He has always had a a broad range of clients, both locally on the passion to continuously improve the work that Coffs Coast, through to large corporate clients he creates and design amazing collateral for his in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. We clients. love working with passionate NFPs such as The Mark was recently granted the Accredited Community Transport Co. and CVCON and look Designer™ title by the Design Institute forward to releasing a very large project within of Australia of which he is one of a very the family law industry in the coming months. small handful of Designers who hold this Whilst we don’t have a specific prerequisite accreditation and the only one in the region. for whom we work with, we do love working This title gives recognition of a designer’s ability with clients who have great passion for what and experience and also assures potential they do and understand the importance of clients that they are working with someone that good design and its ability to communicate is suitably qualified to produce their marketing materials. their message.

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Clare KITLEY

Clare Kitley is a teacher at Cascade Environmental Education Centre and one of the educators involved in their inspiring Waterwise program. She regularly heads out to schools around our region to teach our youth about the importance of water as a resource and how we as a community can be ‘waterwise’.

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i Clare. Can you tell us about your role at Cascade Environmental Education Centre?

Cascade Environmental Education Centre is a lovely Department of Education School located in the magical cool temperate rainforest out at Cascade. We are around 20 minutes drive north east from Dorrigo.

For the last 30 years or so Cascade has offered environmental education through school camps onsite and incursions including our Waterwise program. Cascade facilitates programs that are curriculum-based but also provide the opportunity for participants to connect to our wonderful environment. I am lucky to be part of a small but fabulous team of environmental educators and auxilliary staff who work for Cascade. Our educators are all trained teachers.

How long has the Waterwise program been running and how did the idea come about?

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Cascade Environmental Education Centre Waterwise Program

partnership between Cascade and a team of local council officers. The group had a common interest in water, as a precious resource, and collaborated to create this amazing program. The program swiftly grew to encompass schools across the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Kempsey Shire Councils. These four councils fund the program as a means of engaging students in water education and conservation. The fact that the program has been generously supported by these councils for nearly 15 years is testament to how much they value our future generations and their knowledge of their local environment, especially water.

Can you tell us about the program and what it aims to achieve?

The Waterwise program aims to develop ‘water literacy’ in our young people and in

turn, across the community.

We explore water from a broad, or more global, sense, learning about how much fresh water actually is available on our planet and about the water cycle.

However, we really focus in on water in our day to day life – how we use it, where it comes from and where it goes. We learn about the journey water takes from falling from the clouds into our catchments, pouring from our taps, flushing down our drains and eventually rising back into the sky.

By equipping students with awareness and wisdom about water and how to look after this precious resource we are facilitating students’ agency as water conservationists and working to safeguard their future.

The program has formed a partnership with some local councils, what areas do

focus_interview you cover when teaching the Waterwise program and is this something that is unique to our region?

Our staff Jo Cunningham, Aleisha Robinson and I, supported by our principal at Cascade John McQueen and our admin manager Caritta Tosio, are lucky to visit schools across the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Kempsey Shires. We visit schools on the coast, mountains and inland. Next week I am off to Stuarts Point Primary School (Kempsey Shire) and in the following fortnight will visit Urunga Primary School and Ngaarilla Preschool in Thora (Bellingen Shire) and then Ngameny Community Preschool in Grafton (Clarence Valley Shire).

When you’re visiting schools, what sort of age groups are you working with?

In primary school we teach all ages and stages. We tend to work in primary schools mostly but also have a Stage 4 program for high school. I am really excited about rolling out our program in preschools this year.

Children at this age are at such a critical stage in their development and by visiting preschools we have a golden opportunity to embed values of water conservation in their little hearts and minds.

What do you enjoy most about working in different schools all over our region?

It is fantastic to spend time with smiling children across the shires and recognise our shared experience and values. All children love to play with water, have access to clean beautiful waterways and they all recognise its fundamental place for all life – from preschoolers up to high school students. I also really enjoy taking in the beautiful landscapes of the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Thunggutti/Dunghutti countries we are lucky to live and work in.

How do the kids usually respond to your program?

We find kids love the program! They really enjoy the fun and interactive nature of our lessons. We like to get the kids involved in sharing their knowledge about water, participating in games and proposing solutions to problems that exist around our water. We work with a group of keen Stage 3 students from each school to complete a water audit.

The kids identify all water outlets in their school and squirrel out leaks or issues that

By equipping students with awareness and wisdom about water and how to look a er this precious resource we are facilitating students’ agency as water conservationists and working to safeguard their future.

may need addressing.

We look at the school’s water bill to calculate the water efficiency of the school and figure out where and how water and money could be saved. The kids really get a kick out of working as citizen scientists and are empowered as change agents for their school.

What is the process like for schools to become ‘water wise’?

At the start of the year the program coordinator, who is our lovely Jo, sends out an invitation to schools across the region to participate in the program either for the first time or as a refresher visit. We tend to do refresher visits every 3 or 4 years for each school. Initially, schools are introduced to the program’s goals and lesson delivery and teachers are provided with resources to introduce the program. Following our visit teachers are provided with more resources and we type up the school’s water audit report and email that to the principal or director.

We then arrange a time to participate in an assembly to recognise and celebrate the school as a Waterwise setting. Often students in the school may prepare a song or presentation

for this occasion. In times without Covid complexities, the relevant mayor attends this assembly and commends the school on their Waterwise achievement.

What are some of your top water-saving tips for schools and households here on the Mid North Coast?

I love this question!

Tip number one: Tight Taps! Tip two: Short Showers! And tip three: Half Flush! Nice and easy ways to make a big difference!

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

I love working with young people and find their enthusiastic, positive, fun-loving, creative and thoughtful spirits a joy to flow with. I am really passionate about all of us feeling empowered as environmentalists and knowledgeable about day-to-day actions and choices that can make our future brighter. I live in this beautiful part of Australia because the country sings to me. I am glad in my heart to be able to work in a role that spreads love and awe for our natural world and works toward inspiring young people to protect and care for it.

Thanks Clare.

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COFFS HARBOUR B U I L D E R S

Eric Horspool from Coffs Harbour Builders is a locally respected builder with over 40 years’ experience who takes pride in every project from basic renovations to complex architectural designed buildings. He is our featured builder of the month…

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ow long have you been living in the Coffs Community?

I relocated to Coffs Harbour from Sydney in 1981 and have never regretted this decision. Coffs Harbour drew me in because of its relaxed nature and beautiful people. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to work hard during the week, and enjoy the weekends in the ocean, on the bike, or getting away camping.

Tell us about all the various builds you do.

No job is too small or too big for us at Coffs Harbour Builders. We do a variety of projects from high-end architectural homes to smaller renovations and extensions. No matter what size of construction, all projects are completed with respect, integrity and with a high level of

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proficiency. I like to say that the words ‘can’t do’ are not in my vocabulary and always enjoy a challenge. In the last 5 years we have taken on complex architecturally designed homes, often taking over 12 months to complete. All of which have been completed to very high client and architect standards.

What is the history behind Coffs Harbour Builders?

Coffs Harbour Builders is a new name, only recently changed (formerly E.J. and P.G.Horspool), however I have owned my own business for many years now. After completing my apprenticeship in Sydney, followed by working for many talented local builders, I decided to take what I had learnt and create it for myself. Leading my business ensures that the exceptional quality remains high in every single detail.

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The last few houses that Coffs Harbour Builders built have been a rewarding journey given their high intensity of detail, complexity and challenging nature.

What part of the business are you most proud of?

That is a hard one, but probably how far the business has come over the last 5-10 years. The last few houses that Coffs Harbour Builders built have been a rewarding journey given their high intensity of detail, complexity and challenging nature.

Observing the progress unfold and take shape is exciting and rewarding for both my team and the clients. This provides myself and the team great pride in knowing that the completed project allows the clients to come home to a place that they will cherish and value for years to come. I love what I do and feel this is reflected in the finished product.

I have had over 40 years building experience in Coffs Harbour and cannot thank my clients from over the years enough for trusting me to build their dream homes.

What have been the biggest changes you have seen over the last 10 years?

Population growth on the Mid North Coast continues to amaze me. Coffs Harbour

and surrounds are continually expanding, which has fortunately meant we have stayed busy. Covid and bushfires have also been unique situations that have made us adapt our business operations to ensure construction can continue.

Tell us about your team and their areas of expertise?

The continued success for Coffs Harbour Builders is a direct result from employing an exceptional team. Our small team consists of myself and 5 others who I am extremely proud of and feel extremely fortunate to have working for me. Leon has extensive skills in the building and management industry with over 40 years’ experience. He works alongside me as project manager and ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the site. Bill is a qualified carpenter with attributes of outstanding skill levels that are constantly expanding and has an amazing eye for detail. Harry is my apprentice who is just about to complete his first year who has grown immensely in his skill level and confidence during the past year. Sam is a subcontracted carpenter and

his apprentice Jack who both bring extensive quality skills to the construction site. I would also like to acknowledge a key group of consultants who I work closely alongside to name a few; G2 Architects, Armstrong Architects, Frank Scahill Architect, Atelier Architects, Studio Friend Architects, Garden Expressions, Natural Habitat, John Tozer Engineer and Chris Wood Engineer. I have a network of key expert local subcontractors who are hand-picked and trusted which is fundamental for ensuring quality is achieved during the construction. >>> COFFS COAST

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What awards have you won?

• 2017 Northern NSW custom-built home between 1 million and 2.5 million • 2017 Northern NSW custom-built home of the year • 2017 Northern NSW home of the year.

• 2019 Northern NSW custom-built home over 4 million • 2019 Northern NSW custom-built home of the year • 2019 Northern NSW home of the year.

You are only as good as the trades that are working for you, so thank you again to everyone who supported and worked alongside me to achieve these awards.

How important is sustainability when designing a new home?

Coffs Harbour Builders’ philosophical approach to sustainability comes from our core belief of responsibility to the environment.

This drive can be attributed to my long-lasting appreciation of the natural untouched areas I frequent along the East Coast of Australia.

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Coffs Harbour Builders’ philosophical approach to sustainability comes from our core belief of responsibility to the environment.

responsibility to protect the environment for generations to come.

When designing a new home, or modifying an existing one, sustainability is crucial to our ongoing habitation in harsh climates such as Australia. While it is important that the architect gets the orientation, cross ventilation and siting factors of the house right, there needs to be an understanding of the embodied energy within construction techniques, which are often overlooked.

Engaging a builder early on can help to understand and adapt construction methods to achieve a desired outcome, without being at the expense of the environment.

When designing or building a new home, the term sustainability is often thrown around as a marketing technique and never

questioned or understood in its full extent.

Coffs Harbour Builders are constantly questioning what it means to be sustainable builders, and how to continually improve onsite practices. The following points are key in our approach to sustainable building: 1. Building less is a good thing 2. Spend money where it matters 3. Build with intent and longevity 4. Build homes that are joyful to live in 5. Maximise use of Australian Hardwoods 6. Work with local trades who understand the climate 7. Always look for alternate ways of using materials and minimise use of harmful materials 8. Look for alternate ways of using leftover materials onsite before recycling 9. Factor in long-term cost savings by engaging an architect – eg heating, cooling, natural light

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COFFS HARBOUR B U I L D E R S

As clients’

10. Sustainability does not or renovating a home budgets are need to be expensive. is often the biggest always diverse, Coffs Harbour investment clients have ensuring that I meet Builders are aware that ever been part of. their ‘wants’ and approximately 44% of Open communication ‘needs’ remains all waste originates from is a valued and critical critical for a the construction industry. quality that Coffs successful project.

We feel that each time Harbour Builders we are designing or are very proud of. I building new homes, there personally meet with is a responsibility that the client(s) at their we all must make in continually asking these block of land or current home to discuss the questions. Buildings need to be responsive to vision and plans, providing advice if required the environment, use appropriate construction and a detailed explanation of what to expect for techniques, and ultimately make sense. their project. This enables the continuum from What is the process when a new client design to construction of their dream home. walks through the door?

What are the top three things that people With every project we undertake at Coffs should consider when looking to build a Harbour Builders, we strive to ensure it is an new house or renovate an existing home? efficient, smooth and enjoyable journey from 1. It is critical for anyone who is seeking to the beginning to the end. Building is not a quick build or renovate a home to choose the right process. It requires continuous collaboration builder who they can trust, who has excellent between the clients, consultants, contractors, communication skills and who possesses the team and me. As clients’ budgets are always exceptional building skills. diverse, ensuring that I meet their ‘wants’ and 2. Understand the possibilities and constraints ‘needs’ remains critical for a successful project. of the site.

We understand and appreciate that building 3. Speak with local professionals who know and

understand the climate and locality.

Do you believe that it is important to be part of the Coffs community and why?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent community to be a part of and I feel extremely grateful to live the life I do on the Coffs Coast, spending any spare time in the ocean and on the bike. I have recently donated to the Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Club to maintain the trails which helps people to stay active. It brings me great joy seeing people out and about living the lifestyle that the beautiful Coffs Coast has to offer.

W coffsharbourbuilders.com.au I #coffsharbourbuilders M 0417439573 E info@coffsharbourbuilders.com.au COFFS COAST

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Highgrove B A T H R O O M S

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TIMOTHY

JONES MR PRICKLES

Tim Jones has always had a love of plants, gardening and growing fresh produce. He then discovered an interest in growing cacti, which turned into a hobby and something he is very passionate about.

He now propagates cacti to sell online as well as at a couple of local nurseries, and his hobby is slowly growing into a successful li le business.

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ey Tim. Tell us how you got into the cactus business?

I’ve always been interested in gardening from a very young age.

When I was young I would spend the school holidays at my grandparents’ house and my Nan would regularly have my brother and I out in the garden picking herbs and salad greens as well as digging for potatoes.

This instilled a love of plants and nature at a very young age and my passion for agriculture and horticulture developed further whilst in high school.

Towards the end of high school I started training as a chef. Although I was indoors a

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My Nan

lot more I still had a commonly known as would connection with fresh Peruvian Apple Cactus. regularly have produce which gave On returning home to my brother and I me a deeper respect Woolgoolga my Aunty out in the garden for the plants and the noticed my cactus and picking herbs quest to grow my own saw how much I loved and salad greens vegetables. it so she gave me some as well as digging A few years later succulents and a few for potatoes. whilst travelling around different cacti. I was very picking fruit and excited. working on orchards My collection was with my now wife, Hannah, I received my first rather modest at the time but I had so much cactus from a farm in Mundubbera (Central fun propagating more and more plants and West Qld). was amazed at how well they grew and how I was very fascinated with the cactus and easily you could divide them into more and decided to bring it on the long trip home more plants without too much difficulty. to Coffs Harbour. It was a Cereus repandus Before long my collection had grown

I focus on the weird and wonderful stuff and the things I think will be trending in the years to come. I try to source a wide variety of seed, from reputable breeders from around the world and make seedlings and cuttings available to customers here in Australia.

dramatically and I was needing more and more space for them.

This is when I started buying seed off the internet to start propagating from seed. I didn't really have much idea what I was doing but to my surprise the seedlings grew and survived. I still have a lot of those seed grown plants today, 12 years down the track.

What was it about the cactus that you fell in love with?

I think the unusual formations and the amount of different genus and species is what really grabbed my attention. The amount of

different shapes, colours and textures and the symmetry and geometric patterns was a real attraction. It’s amazing how eye pleasing a well thought out and organised collection can be, and I definitely felt a lot of joy from caring for the plants and making more and more to share around.

There is something soothing in staring at plants and watching their growth, whilst tending to their needs. Most cacti and succulents are pretty low maintenance and easy to work with which is also a reason I fell in love with them. They are pretty forgiving and not too needy.

They do thrive though with extra love and attention.

What’s the process like in the nursery from cuttings to maturity?

I mainly propagate from seed these days, I do propagate from cuttings as well but the majority of my collection I have grown from seed. From seed to flower is around 5-7 years, some types shorter and some types longer.

I sow seeds mid-spring and then I focus on propagating grafting stock. Each year I graft as many seedlings to Pereskiopsis spatula as I can. I focus on the weird and wonderful stuff and the things I think will be trending in the years to come. I try to source a wide variety of seed, from reputable breeders from around the world and make seedlings and cuttings available to customers here in Australia. Unfortunately for Australian cactus collectors, importation of live plants is not allowed without strict quarantining, which can be quite expensive and not cost effective.

Seed for most species, however, is available to import under CITES. We try to grow as many species and hybrids as we can each year to help diversify people’s collections with genetics that would not ordinarily be available to us as Australians.

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What are some unknown facts or misconceptions about cacti?

There is a huge misconception that cactus don’t need food or water.

I hear this statement so often, “they live in the desert so they don’t need water”.

Not all cacti come from the desert, the Cactaceae family is quite diverse and grows in a lot of different places across the Americas some with quite high rainfall. Most cactus love food and water. There are exceptions to this but the rule is if the plant is actively growing, then the cactus is hungry and thirsty. In spring I can water every second day and fertilise every fortnight. The trick is to not rewater a wet pot.

Make sure the soil medium is completely dry before you water again. This wet, dry cycle is very important for the cactus’s health. The trick is to make a soil mix that is free draining with quality soil amendments and to keep the nutrients up to them.

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nutrients which are very important and extremely vital for good overall health and pest and disease resistance.

In the winter when Not all cacti the plants are dormant come from the they like a lot less water. desert, the I might water once or Cactaceae family is twice per month over quite diverse and winter depending on grows in a lot of weather conditions and little to no fertilisers. very popular. different places Where do you supply We are thinking Mr across the Americas to in Australia?

Prickles may do an some with quite We are predominantly open day at the nursery high rainfall. an online-based this autumn if time business (Facebook) and permits but that is still ship to most parts of Australia. We sell mainly undecided. through the Mr Prickles Facebook page and a You have a horticultural background but couple of local nurseries. up until recently spent your time as a Our biggest retailer is Sandy Beach chef. How has the transition been for you Succulents located at the end of Morgans Rd. and what have you learnt about yourself That nursery is a collaboration between my having gone from a hobby and passion Aunties and Nan who grow a lot of amazing into a full time career? succulents and Bromeliads. They have been I’m actually currently still in the transition stocking a lot of my cacti which have been period from chef life to full time Mr Prickles

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We hope to be able to provide landscaping services for businesses and residential gardens.

We are especially excited to see more cacti growing around the Coffs Coast.

life at the moment. I can’t say it’s been an easy transition, but we are adapting as best we can. The extra time in the nursery will be good and means we will be able to step things up even further.

Horticulture is definitely where my passion and heart lies and I’m nervous and excited about taking this next step. I’m still digesting what the lesson of this transition means, but one thing the plants have taught me over time is patience and resilience and I’m trying to adapt those virtues to my current situation.

I’m hoping to continue on as a passionate hobbyist who can make a living from the hobby rather than viewing it as a full time

job. I definitely want to have that work life balance between the two and still be able to enjoy the plants rather than looking at them as a job or a chore. I’m sure this balance will take some adjusting to get it right over time but we are definitely excited to focus more time and energy towards the nursery.

You have some big plans for expansion.

What are some of the plans you have in the works?

We have just completed our fifth and ‘final’ ;-) greenhouse and also added a hardening off area which will give us some more room for propagation and allow us to grow some larger, more mature feature pieces for our landscaping projects. We hope to be able to provide landscaping services for businesses and residential gardens. We are especially excited to see more cacti growing around the Coffs Coast.

Where can we find out more about Mr Prickles nursery?

We are on Facebook, the page is Mr Prickles @mrpricklesaustralia And we are also on Instagram

@mr_prickles_australia We share a lot of knowledge, tutorials and updates through the Facebook page and that’s where I am currently most active. We are also adding photos up on Instagram of some of the exciting things that we are working on.

Most sales are listed on the Facebook page and it’s best to message me through there if you’re looking for anything in particular.

We are currently working on a website but are unsure when that will be up and running.

It’s propagation time in the nursery now and my main focus will be growing more exciting things for next year’s releases.

We will update Facebook when the website is up and running but it’s best to keep an eye on the Facebook page for sale listings. We usually sell out pretty quickly so it’s best to Like and Follow the page and change your default notifications settings to preference Mr Prickles in your news feed. This will help to ensure you don’t miss out when the drops go live.

Stay Spikey - Mr. Prickles.

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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

Many people think they should entrust THE SALE OF THEIR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE TO THE REAL ESTATE AGENT who puts the highest value on it.

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ot necessarily so, and in many cases the absolute last thing you should do, if you want to actually sell at the best price.

These truths even hold true in the current HOT market. Just because it is a seller’s market, does not mean that choosing the best agent doesn’t directly correlate to getting the best result.

Talk to people you know who have recently sold in the area, act on advice from people whose opinions you respect. Word of mouth is the best source of current information about local real estate agents or any other professional services.

Intending sellers should also obtain submissions from agents who are active in their local area.

You can tell if agents are active by the number of ‘Sold’ signs they have, and by the quality of their local advertising. A busy well-located office with ready after hours facilities is also a must. Choose two or three agents and get them to put their submissions in writing.

Some of the criteria to consider are level of service, specific advertising details, fees and expenses, and a commitment to feedback during the marketing programme. Make sure they show you comparable sales in your local area, no two homes are exactly the same, but 134 COFFS COAST

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compare similar properties to your property, they give you a great indication of what you can expect.

Once you have two or three submissions you are in a position to compare apples with apples.

It’s no good going with the agent who puts the highest value on your home or offers you the lowest commission only to find out that there is obviously a reason why they are heavily discounted. Many would-be sellers see through this kind of false economy too late. Like everything else in life we don’t mind spending money as long as we get value for money. And at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how little you’re paying if you don’t sell regardless.

As hard as it is to do, do not focus on the fee or commission that the agent is going to charge you. Consider first if you think that agent and agency is the best to represent you in the sale of your property. In a nutshell, are they the agent who is going to represent your best interest, ethically and honestly and put the most amount of money in your back pocket at the end of the day. Not just a high ‘fantasy’ listing price that doesn’t reflect the true market price of your property.

When you in fact compare agents on commission, you are really doing yourself a huge disservice. If you were going to compare any other professional, do you go on fee

only or do you in fact look at their credentials and track record? Remember that in the vast majority of cases you are entrusting your largest asset to a person you have probably only recently met. Make sure you don’t make that decision based on a few hundred dollars in fees balanced against tens of thousands of dollars in price.

Potential buyers recognise overpriced property for what it is, this makes them cautious and decreases competition for the property. Most overpriced properties fail to attract offers and purchasers end up with the psychological edge once negotiations are underway. Take your time about choosing an agent, after all, it’s not something you do every day and you want to be confident in your choice. Do your homework and don't be seduced by fantasy prices.

Do you know folks, that ‘buyer’ does exist that has sold their property in one of the capital cities and moves to Coffs with a wallet full of money, but do you know what; he also looks at the internet and the papers and knows value for money.

Never forget that for most of us our home is the largest investment we ever make. It’s our nest egg, part of our superannuation package, and our kids’ inheritance. Choose and choose wisely, if you were going to a specialist you wouldn’t make a decision based solely on price.

COFFS COAST

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