Coffs Coast Focus - i131 by Focus

131 DECEMBER 2021

CHRISTMAS GR AE ME WR I GHT

Fancy some delicious tapas and cocktails after work? Or maybe a long lunch with family and friends on the weekend? What about your end of year Christmas party? Velvets on Jetty has a new TAPAS menu to suit all taste buds.

TA PA S BOOK YOUR STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH US! Open Wednesday to Sunday: 11am until 2pm, 5pm until 9pm

VELVETS ON JETTY Phone 66543633 - 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen

384a Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour 02 6652 1957 - www.velvetsonjetty.com.au

“The Florent & Mundey family would like to wish you the warmest greetings of the season and every good wish for the coming year”

P. (02) 6652 7888 F. (02) 6652 9066 E. info@fmrealestate.com.au 4 COFFS COAST

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A. 40 Park Avenue COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 W. www.fmrealestate.com.au

Large Blocks For Sale High View Estate - Veduta Drive Shane Brooks 0403 266 707 | Luke Wenban 0418 165 979 | Yvette Ward 0403 602 544

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Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Saturday closed Sunday 9am-12pm Cnr Pioneer St & Duke St, Nambucca Heads PH: 6568 7484

www.beattiesfurniture.com.au

NOW OPEN Discover two extraordinary homes now open at our new Moonee Beach display. The stunning San Marino Manor 16 & the new Havana Encore Two are ready for you to explore. Chat with our Coffs Harbour team on how we can help bring your dream home to life today.

S A N M A R INO M A NOR 16 & H AVA N A ENCOR E T WO

Open 10am – 5pm. Visit the San Marino Manor 16 & Havana Encore Two NEW Moonee Beach Sales Office, 2 Beechwood Place Moonee Beach NSW 2450

mcdonaldjoneshomes.com.au | 1300 555 382 See website for conditions. Image is for illustrative purposes only and may contain optional upgrades and variations not included in our standard specification or supplied by McDonald Jones Homes. For detailed information on home pricing, visit our website or talk to one of our consultants. NSW: Newcastle Quality Constructions Pty Ltd ABN 82 003 687 232, NSW BLN: 41628, T/A McDonald Jones Homes.

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t Welcome to the DECEMBER EDITION.

his is our last edition for the year – our 131st edition. It’s a nice time to reflect on the year that has been. This month’s cover is one of our favourites. Graeme Wright along with his wife Amy are the owners of E Degrees, The Sneaker Lounge and The Basement 175. They have been longtime supporters of Focus. We have watched their businesses grow from strength to strength over the years and what an inspiring journey it has been. If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift make sure you pop in and see the team in any of their three stores. They have something for pretty much everyone. Who wouldn’t love a new pair of kicks for Chrissy?

try and correct the defects in her heart, and she is currently on the list for a life saving heart transplant. Between surgeries, she has managed to continue to live life to the fullest and has a beautifully positive outlook on life. She wants to share her story in the hope of inspiring other families experiencing this disease, and to also start some conversations about the importance of organ donation!

jewels, but homewares, food and she even has some beautiful new holiday accommodation in the works!

Paul Gibbins and his wife Nada have been in the local fruit and vegetable industry for many, many years. When they became involved with a blueberry packhouse in Coffs Harbour they saw the amount of produce going to waste and decided something needed to be done with the excess fruit. And so Wild Berry Wines was born.

We have a jam packed edition with lots of really interesting and clever characters.

Brooke George, well known local jewellery designer and boutique owner, has just acquired a new premises in Sawtell and is expanding into her new emporium with not just fashion and

This month we also have our local government elections. Local council representation is a poor paying gig, with lots of responsibility, and you’re faced with tough issues that don’t always have simple solutions. But we can’t stress enough how important it is that we have effective and passionate councillors to represent our community. The council itself is really the backbone of our area, so best of luck to all those who are standing for election in early December.

Cara Curan was born with Congenital Heart Disease and has already had five surgeries to

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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

Adele House is a men’s rehabilitation centre that has recently moved into a new purpose-built facility at Bucca. The new premises is set on a beautiful 900 acres and includes a training farm where clients can access work skills training and education programs.

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

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 1

D E C E M B E R

2 0 2 1

INTERVIEWS

TIA LANCASTER

Combining creativity with ceramics and a passion for beautiful accessories, Annikah Designs’ unique hand made jewellery is inspired by our natural surroundings.

CARA CURAN

Born with Congenital Heart Disease, Cara is on the list for a life saving heart transplant. She shares her story to inspire others, and to start conversations about organ donation.

WILD BERRY WINES

When Paul and Nada Gibbins became involved with blueberry farming, they decided something needed to be done about the produce going to waste. And so Wild Berry Wines was born.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 24. Style Edit - Melissa Parisi

M E N TA L

42. PFLAG - Sam Dawson 56. Talking Destination - Fiona Barden 70. Fitness Update - Jen McCulloch 71. Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker 97. Education Update - Nick Johnstone CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

CHRIS HINES

98. Youth Leaders - Cassandra Wilson 103. Women in Business - Cath Fowler 104. State of Play - Gurmesh Singh 126. 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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SNEAKER LOUNGE NIKE ADIDAS PUMA NEW BALANCE REEBOK ASICS LACOSTE CONVERSE VANS DR. MARTENS TIMBERLAND STANCE G-SHOCK JASON MARKK CREP

ONLINE / IN STORE / PARK BEACH PLAZA / CBA ENTRANCE COFFS COAST

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Annikah DESIGNS

TIA LANCASTER

Tia Lancaster has managed to combine her creativity with ceramics and a passion for beautiful accessories to create Annikah Designs; unique pieces of jewellery inspired by our natural surroundings, and made by hand at her home in Bellingen.

i Tia. You use ceramics in a fairly unique way, can you tell us a bit about what you make at Annikah Designs? Each piece of Annikah Design ceramic jewellery is uniquely handmade. The designs are a result of experimentation and evolution. Each stage of production provides a learning experience through which my designs are refined and advanced. I have only been producing ceramic jewellery for about 18 months, so I am still really experimenting with technique and style. I am confident that the learning will never cease. This learning experience is not isolated to that of ceramics, but also to silversmithing as I have also explored and developed my own hooks to meet the needs of my earring designs. When did you start working with ceramics? Creativity through clay was something I was exposed to periodically throughout my childhood. I was fortunate enough to attend Chrysalis Steiner school where I was taught a love of the natural world, and where creativity was nurtured. My first experience of glazes 14 COFFS COAST

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and firing was actually at Bellingen school, a provided the perfect base for the development high school elective in year 9 and 10. I have of Annikah Designs. not been formally trained in ceramics, but Where do you draw most of your have had an amazing mentor in Bec from inspiration from? Georgella Studio. She is an amazingly talented I guess I am what you would call an and skilled potter exploratory artisan. I without whom Annikah mostly follow intuition Designs probably would and draw inspiration I find that in not have been able to from my experience this busy life, grow as it has. and surroundings. Let’s it is these little self Where did the idea face it, the Bellingen care acts, like of turning ceramic Shire provides plenty adorning yourself elements into of opportunity for with something jewellery come from? inspiration, with the beautiful, or gifting I love things with beautiful rivers, oceans someone something function. I personally and rainforests. I find you know they will prefer the idea of ceramics such a beautiful love that have using something of medium, I just need to increasing meaning beauty rather than look at a catalogue of for me. having it collect dust. I glazes and I get inspired flirt with the idea of a to mix and match with minimalist wardrobe, clays and glazes. where accessories add the individual flair Talk us through the process of making and personality to one’s wardrobe... Haha, your pieces? I am yet to actually pull this off... However Firstly there is the selection of clay, I use 7 this attraction to accessories combined with different types in my designs. The clay itself my love of ceramics married together with I either roll out or mould with my hands, my training and love for fashion and design it is at this stage that I need to decide if I

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want the piece to be a smooth surface or a patterned surface. From there the piece has to be smoothed and dried. Once it is dried it is placed in the kiln for a bisque firing. From here it often has to be sanded and shaped to create the pair. Once this happens it is then time to glaze. Depending on the effect of the glaze that you want, some glazes need to be applied multiple times. It is at this point that the patterned items need to be wiped back to reveal the pattern underneath. Next it’s time to load the kiln and fire the work. Once the item is fired I then remove it from the kiln. It always feels a little like Christmas when you open the kiln, because you never quite know what you are going to get. Once the items are removed from the kiln, I need to make the hooks to match the design, and then package them up into my environmentally friendly packaging. When did you first consider that selling your work had the potential to turn into a successful little business? Let’s face it, a girl can only have a few hundred pairs of earrings until it is too many. By selling my earrings I can keep making them. In all seriousness though, I was looking to do

When I create something that is so beautiful and tangible it is extremely satisfying. I find the experience almost meditative.

something that brings me joy, was possible in the small space I have to live and work in, and provided me flexibility in the workplace so I can be present for my two little boys. Being a single mother, flexibility in time and increase in income have been essential to me. What are some of the things you enjoy most about having your own creative business? I love the tangibility of this work. That I can be creative and see my results so beautifully displayed in front of me. I don’t know if you have kids, but a lot of my efforts in parenthood you can’t easily see and are often undone almost instantly. When I create something that is so beautiful and tangible it is extremely satisfying. I find the experience almost meditative. I love that I am creating something that brings people joy, that they can spoil themselves a little, or give a unique gift to someone. I love seeing my business expand and watching the development of my product flow through me. I find that in this busy life,

it is these little self care acts, like adorning yourself with something beautiful, or gifting someone something you know they will love that have increasing meaning for me. A few local shops are now stocking Annikah Designs, and we hear you can also be found at some local markets, where can people check out your designs? Yeah it is super exciting that I now have some retail locations where you can find my work. This is an area I hope to continue to expand. You can currently find my work at: Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, The Local Shop, Ground Earth Cafe, Go Vita Grafton and Macleay Farmstore. Georgella Studio and I often share popup shops and market stalls. I am also working on a website www. annikahdesigns.com.au and am always on Instagram and Facebook, so I sell directly to people there. How can people get in touch? I am always on socials so drop me a DM, otherwise if socials aren’t your thing you can always email me at connect@annikahdesigns.com.au COFFS COAST

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Cara Curan was born with Congenital Heart Disease and has already had five surgeries to try and correct the defects in her heart, and she is currently on the list for a life saving heart transplant. Between surgeries she has managed to continue to live life to the fullest and has a beautifully positive outlook on life. She wants to share her story in the hope of inspiring other families experiencing this disease, and to also start some conversations about the importance of organ donation!

CARA CURAN

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CARA CURAN DPS

i Cara. You were born with congenital heart disease; can you tell us the story of how it was picked up and what that meant in your early

condition that requires in most cases ongoing care and surgeries. How many surgeries have you had on your heart? I have had 5 surgeries thus far. My first surgery was at 3 days old, another years? at 6 days old, and 6 months old (I was the first I was born on 21 June 1984, and a few person in Australia to ever have this surgery), hours after my birth my mum mentioned to then another at 21 years old and my last the nurse that I was looking quite purple and surgery was in 2017 when I was 32 years old. they wrapped me in a silver foil blanket and Because you have had your condition took me to the intensive care nursery where your whole life, your parents and family they told Mum I was the bluest baby they had must have played a huge role in its ever seen. treatment and management. What has Following that I was diagnosed with that looked like for you and your family? Pulmonary Atresia which meant I had no I owe a lot to my parents, as I believe the outlet on the right side of my heart and an reason I am still here and am the person I extremely underdeveloped right ventricle. grew to be is partly due to how I was raised. They never let my condition hold me back They advised my parents they did not think I or stop me from doing anything. I was never would survive and painted a grim picture for wrapped in cotton wool. Now as an adult I my future. understand how extremely scary that may I was hooked up to a lot of machines and in have been at times. a humidicrib and the I was always nurse said to my mum encouraged to live life “you can tell how They never let to the fullest, and I am sick a baby is by the my condition blessed in the fact that amount of machinery hold me back or stop most of my life I was still they are hooked up to me from doing able to live like everyone and your daughter has anything. I was never else. the lot.” wrapped in cotton As you got older, As it was in the wool. Now as an what was it like for 1980s they did not yet adult I understand you transitioning have the technology into managing your to pick up any issues how extremely scary condition and making through any of Mum’s that may have been big decisions yourself? pregnancy ultrasounds; at times. I have found the today CHD can be transitional stage from diagnosed whilst in the pediatric to adult cardiac womb. teams quite difficult to navigate. For me Congenital heart disease is more common that sounds silly as I have had my condition than many might realise; can you explain my whole life, but it almost felt like I was what exactly it means and how common only just being diagnosed as all of sudden is it? you’re dealing with all medical appointments Congenital heart defect (CHD) or congenital and the medical terminology which can be heart anomaly is a defect in the structure of overwhelming. It has taught me speak up the heart and great vessels that is present at and if I feel something is not right or I am not birth. understanding to use my voice. CHD is the most common congenital What advice would you give to disorder in newborns. The birth rate individuals or families who are in the prevalence of congenital heart disease is early days of living with heart disease? understood to be approximately 8-10 cases Ask lots of questions, reach out to others – per 1,000 live births. there are a lot of support groups these days, There is no cure for CHD, it is a lifelong

focus_interview and don’t let your illness define you. What they can do medically these days is amazing. Would you mind telling us where you are at now in this journey? Unfortunately, after my last surgery in 2017 we discovered it didn’t work how they hoped, and I went into end stage heart failure. We also were told due to this I could not carry a pregnancy, as I would not survive, which was hard as nobody throughout my adult years had ever told that my heart condition would ever affect my ability to become pregnant. In June I was referred to the heart transplant team at St Vincent’s Hospital and after a long 3 months of work up testing, I was officially listed for a heart transplant at the end of September. To know your only chance of survival is to have a whole new heart has been so scary and overwhelming, but also exciting as I realised once I receive this beautiful gift, I will be able to do things I have never been able to do before… like go for a run or go on a hike and actually do the hike. What have you learned about organ donation through your experience? A lot… Until we began this journey I still thought it was just a box you ticked on your licence application. I had no idea you actually had to sign up and register on the Donatelife website (donatelife.gov.au) – and even though you may be registered as an organ donor in the end it is your family and loved ones who ultimately make that decision. This is why it is so important to have the discussion with your family about your wishes of being a registered organ donor. What message would you like to get out into the community about congenital heart disease and organ donation? If, by sharing my story, I can inspire other families who are affected by CHD that despite the illness it does not have to define you, us zipper kids can still grow up and achieve our dreams! Organ donation is so important – it literally saves lives, lives like mine, please have the discussions with your loved ones. Please register as an organ donor and have those discussions as they can help save a life like mine. Thanks Cara. COFFS COAST

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DECEMB E R 2 0 2 1

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

THE WHITE BLUFF PROJECT The White Bluff Project is a local artist-led art, science and community collaboration exploring and responding to the unique, significant and overlooked site of White Bluff. When 1st December till 15th January Where Coffs Harbour Regional Art Gallery More info Contact CHRG on 6648 4863

COFFS COAST CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

When 4th December Where Hoey Moey - from 11am

Coffs Coast Carols brings the whole community together to celebrate Christmas in true Coffs style – laid back and family friendly. The fun-filled evening will feature a fantastic lineup of local performers! Santa will pay a visit and to top it all off, the show will finish with a bang thanks to the fireworks display grand finale! When 11th December Where Brelsford Park Time 6:30pm 18 COFFS COAST

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Craft Beer Lovers! The best in the industry are coming to the Hoey Moey's Craft Beer Festival. There will be 18 local and national breweries including Bentspoke, Black Hops, Ballistic, Young Henrys, Feral, Modus Operandi, Colonial, Dainton, Mountain Goat, Malt Shovel, Coopers, 7 Mile, Hope, Sanctus, Stockade, Newstead, Moorebeer, Fox Hat and New England Brewing Co!

BWN CHRISTMAS PARTY Mix and mingle with members of the Business Women Network as part of their annual network Christmas celebrations When 8th December Where Woolgoolga Brewing Co, 7 Willis Rd, Woolgoolga Time 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Cost $75 Tickets www.bwn.org.au

TIJUANA CARTEL - ACID PONY TOUR

Tijuana Cartel hit the road on tour following the release of their new album ‘Acid Pony.’ Finding their feet in the 1990s underground venues of the Gold Coast, Tijuana Cartel have honed their live set on some of Australia’s biggest stages dishing up an east meets west wonderland for those seeking sensory overload, euphoria, fat beats and heavy, bass-fuelled electronica. When 18th December Where Federal Hotel, Bellingen Time 8pm Cost Free Entry

COMPOSERS IN EXILE

10 KELLY MAC

Peter Coleman-Wright and Nexas Quartet take audiences on a musical journey following these exiles from Berlin and Vienna to New York and beyond with a mixture of political songs from the turbulent times prior to World War 2, the musical theatre of Weill and the cabaret and song from Stolz and Schreker. These songs capture the spirit of the times: defiant, soulful and searching, but also capable of moments of exuberant joy and hope. When 10th December Where Jetty Theatre Time 7:30pm Tickets Jettytheatre.com

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Nana Glen local Kelly Mac cut her comedy chops on brekkie radio in Coffs Harbour. In her first year she was nominated for the Australian Commercial Radio Award for Best Newcomer (she lost) and Best On-air Team (she won, with a little help from her co-host). She entered stand-up in early 2020 and hit the ground running with performances at the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe Festivals and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

NSW BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR Volleyball NSW is excited to announce NSW Beach Volleyball Tour Round 4 will take place in Coffs Harbour for 2021. This year, the NSW BVT will go for 3 days, including a Beach School Cup, BVT tournament, and the Junior BVT tournament. In addition, our participation team will organise free beach volleyball activities for everyone to have a go at this lovely summer sport during the 3 days. When 10th December till 12th December Where Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour. To register visit volleyballnsw.com.au/events/111890/

When 9th December Where Dark Arts Cafe & Bar Cost $45 for dinner and show Tickets topdogcomedy.com/kellymac50

THIRSTY MERC Thirsty Merc are unquestionably one of Australia’s finest live acts. Hitting the Coffs Coast these Christmas holidays, make sure you book your tickets NOW so you don’t miss out. When 29th December Where Hoey Moey Tickets $39.30 from the hoeymoey.com.au

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TRASH GIRL

lifts the lid

O N L O C A L WA S T E Living Lightly’s Trash Girl has teamed up with the Let’s Get Composting Coffs Coast campaign to lift the lid on local waste behaviours and encourage everyone to put all food scraps and garden waste in the green bin.

esults from a local waste audit across Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley Council areas show almost 40% of the stuff we’re putting in the red bin belongs in the green bin so it can be made into compost. “Any food scraps and garden waste in our red bin ends up in landfill where it breaks down and produces greenhouse gases that are costly to manage and dangerous to the environment,” Trash Girl said. Only 38% of the loose food waste found in kerbside bins was found where it should be – in the green bin. That means most of our

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food scraps are landing in the wrong bin and we’re wasting the opportunity to turn them into valuable compost for use on local parks, gardens and farms. If we all did the right thing, we could divert an additional 57 tonnes of food waste from landfill every year and prevent more than 130 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from being released into the atmosphere. “The good news is we’re great recyclers in this region, with 91% of recyclable materials being properly placed in the yellow bin,” Trash Girl said. “We’re also doing extremely well when it comes to correctly disposing of garden waste,

with 99% of vegetation found where it belongs in the green bin.” To make it easy for residents to collect their food scraps from the kitchen for the green bin, residents of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley Council areas can collect a free kitchen caddy. Find out where to get your kitchen caddy and watch Trash Girl’s new waste education videos at www.letsgetcomposting.org.au This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority initiative funded from the waste levy. Living Lightly is the Sustainable Living Program of Coffs Harbour City Council.

A NEW CAREER DOESN’T MEAN STARTING FROM SCRATCH After studying at TAFE and cycling through various jobs, Elizabeth was yet to find the right fit for her – a career where she would look forward to going to work each day.

ith the help of a career aptitude test, she decided to leverage her love of the outdoors and study surveying. Elizabeth has just completed her Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) at the University of Newcastle – a top 200 University in the world*. “One of the main reasons why I chose the University of Newcastle was that I could obtain credit within the degree for some of the subjects I had already studied at TAFE,” Elizabeth said. TAFE Guaranteed Entry is just one of the many pathway options available to help people get into Uni. If you don’t have an ATAR, are seeking a career change, or are contemplating study for the first time, you don’t need to start from scratch – the University of Newcastle considers all kinds of prior learning including industry certificates and life experience to help you gain entry or credit. The University also has a range

of new diploma programs on offer, so whether you’re interested in environmental science, business, IT, education or arts and social science, these are another great pathway into a number of degrees. The University’s NUPrep program also makes starting uni a breeze. It offers free academic support that will help you start your studies with confidence. The industry connections and valuable practical experience the University offers has also enabled Elizabeth to further enhance her skills and network, preparing her for a graduate surveyor position she is due to start at the end of this year. Like Elizabeth, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling lifelong career with greater employment prospects and higher salaries. *2022 QS World University Rankings

Visit the University of Newcastle’s website newcastle.edu.au/undergrad and find a program that suits you.

Elizabeth Evans Drawn to Newcastle for its relaxed coastal atmosphere and beautiful scenery, Elizabeth decided that the University of Newcastle was the place to make her dream of studying a Bachelor of Surveying a reality. COFFS COAST

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Sa e The te FOR COFFS COAST

CAROLS

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and from 6.30pm on Saturday 11th December it will also sound a lot like Christmas at Brelsford Park in the heart of the city.

offs Coast Carols brings the whole community together to celebrate Christmas in true Coffs style – laid back and family friendly.

This year’s line-up is brimming with talent including cast members from the hugely successful Mamma Mia, Mak & Shard from Brothers 3, and local artists including Jen Aarts, Imogen Daymond, Kailey Pallas, Samuel Booth, Heather Rose, Mal Winckle performing his Australian Christmas, and local band The Drive Ins presenting “A Doo Wop” Christmas. They will be joined by Julie Ross Dance School and

The Smiley Squad.

the date.

Santa will pay a visit and the show will finish

We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends to celebrate and spread some Christmas cheer. Follow the ‘Coffs Coast Carols’ event on Facebook for further information in the lead up to the event.

with a bang thanks to the grand finale fireworks display! It’s not just performers on stage; there will be entertainment and activities for the kids and delicious food and drink options to choose from. So come down, bring your picnic blanket, dress up in your best Christmas outfit, ready to sing along to your favourite Christmas Carols. Admission will be free, and please adhere to the Public Health Order and restrictions in place on

A massive thank you to our Major Event Partners: JLE Entertainment and Coffs Harbour City Council, our Gold Partners: C.ex Group and Good Price Pharmacy and our Silver Partners: Geoff King Motors and Mike Blewitt Coffs Coast plus the many local businesses also showing their support.

B R E L S F O R D PA R K SATURDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2021 FROM 6.00PM

carols

COFFS COA ST

Bring a picnic blanket and join us for a spectacular show! Enjoy a range of delicious food stalls and kids’ activities! All your favourite carols and a visit from santa!

THAN KS TO

G O L D PA RTN E RS

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SI LVE R PA RTN E R S

Bishop Druitt College No w t a k i ng 2023 e n r o lme n t s

Exciting education opportunities. Transforming lives.

www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

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

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BARELLEN BEACH HOUSE AT SAFETY BEACH,

focus_contributor.

COFFS COAST ACCOMMODATION

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

HOW TO CREATE MAXIMUM IMPACT IN SMALL SPACES

or have an armchair reupholstered in bright or f your home lacks space or falls into the compact category, it doesn’t mean it has chic fabric to create visual impact so the size of to lack style. Designing smaller homes or your room becomes less noticeable. Create the decorating smaller rooms requires creativity illusion of a tall ceiling and grander space by and out of the box thinking to ensure you hanging artwork at height and dropping curtains increase your home or room’s functionality from almost ceiling height rather than from the and visual impact. Here are my top decorating window frame. Choose light, textured fabrics to ideas to inject maximum style with big impact visually open up a space however, be careful if into a small space. using patterns, as they may create visual clutter. CLEAR AWAY I’m a big fan of decluttering A large pendant light can also help create the whether that be in a large or small space. Find illusion that your space is bigger than it actually the balance between practicality, creativity and is. what you really need for your lifestyle. Have BRIGHTEN UP WITH INDOOR PLANTS fewer pieces on display Greenery helps to and know that not soften corners of your every surface has to be room and breathe life A strategically covered. It’s important to into your space. Adding placed large create “moments” that a large plant to a small mirror on the wall can are clutter-free allowing room is the easiest way create the illusion of your eyes and your mind to add a colour, fill an space by reflecting to rest. Further declutter awkward corner or trick light into dark corners your room by perhaps the eye into thinking and can create depth pushing some furniture there is more to your in a smaller space. to the edge of the room room. Plants work best or consider creating in corners or behind extra storage space for chairs and sofas. If you your items by installing extra shelving in other don’t have a green thumb or the time to care for rooms or the garage. plants, there are wonderful faux plants available GO LARGE Contrary to popular belief, you from our local stores. don’t need to scale down all your furniture if USE COLOURS Whilst lighter, neutral colours you have a small space. Your room can look certainly make rooms feel larger, design schemes larger with a few larger-proportioned statement that are too washed out may lack contrast pieces that are cleverly positioned. A strategically and depth. Use pops of colour with cushions, placed large mirror on the wall can create the artwork and rugs to create focal points that draw illusion of space by reflecting light into dark the eye around the room and energise the space. Keep your scheme tonal by incorporating shades corners and can create depth in a smaller space. of the same colour, as too much contrasting Consider selecting a large statement artwork, 24 COFFS COAST

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colour may make a room feel cluttered, noisy and busy. One of the easiest and most economical way to make a big impact in your room is to add new cushions to a sofa, chair or bed. If your bedroom is small and you’re on a tight budget, make a statement my adding a chic blanket to the foot of your bed and updating your cushions rather than buying all new bedding. If your kitchen is on the petite side, consider updating your splashback with unique or bold tiles to give your kitchen the designer look it’s missing. Mirror splashbacks, although difficult to keep clean, can be worth the effort and a great way to make your kitchen and living space feel larger and brighter. DUAL PURPOSE Often, small spaces require furniture to perform dual duties. Consider replacing items like your coffee table with smaller nesting tables that can be moved around easily or consider an ottoman with built in storage that can be used as extra seating when required. Raising the height of your sofa by a few centimetres (as long as it’s still comfortable) can be a clever way to create extra storage beneath it. Bar carts are another great option for moveable yet stylish storage. A built-in window seat in your bedroom or living area can be a clever space-saving solution to provide additional seating with built in storage, whilst creating a beautiful space to relax. Contact Us Holiday Home Stylist 0449 17 18 17 Melissa@holidayhomestylist.com.au holidayhomestylist.com.au holidayhomestylist

Affordable Wholefoods would like thank all our customers for your support, feedback & encouragement in 2021.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas & a joyful New Year Affordable Wholefoods 25 - 27 Little Street, Coffs Harbour 02 66 51 1991

Visit our Recipe Blog for Inspiration affordablewholefoods.com.au/recipes COFFS COAST

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DINING GUIDE

COVER DISH Pan seared scallops (gf), Sweet & sour beetroot puree, burnt garlic butter, pineapple & cilantro salsa Velvets on Jetty

from

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THOTELa

he Toormina Hotel sits in the heart of Toormina. It is a large venue including public bar, casual dining spaces, TAB and VIP Lounge, recreation areas, beer garden and drive-through Bottleshop, and has become known for its family friendly atmosphere, great service and quality food and beverage menu. What is so great about the Toormina Hotel?? The refurbished Toormina Hotel is perfect to meet up with friends, have a delicious meal and of course bring the family and your visitors. It’s an ideal venue for everyone. Live entertainment is back so follow us on socials to catch the latest act. Tell us about the restaurant and the Covid-safe menu ordering. We have a unique ordering system all off your phone and

using QR code and our table discs that show the complete menu. It’s quick and easy and then your meal is delivered straight to you!

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in December leading up to Christmas Day – tickets on sale 6pm, drawn 7.30pm.

With Christmas around the corner, should people book? Absolutely they can. We have an online system at toorminahotel.com.au and click the BOOK button or call us on 6653 1039.

Tell us about your Gift vouchers. Spoil a friend or loved one for their birthday or as a gift idea for any occasion with a dining experience at Toormina Hotel. Locals voted it the best local pub on the Coffs Coast. There’s something on the menu for everyone – from pub classics, fresh seafood, through to gourmet pizzas and lighter options. Toormina Hotel is the perfect place for any celebration.

What else is happening in December? Don’t forget we also have our annual Christmas Ham Raffles which starts on Thursday 2 December. Try your luck every

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TheVIN DAN COOPER

Dan Cooper and his wife Em have been running their own graphic design and film production business for some time now, and they have recently taken a leap into a totally new venture with a boutique natural wine and bottle shop, The Vin.

ey Dan, you have recently ventured into some new territory with The Vin, a boutique wine and bottle shop. Where did the dream of The Vin originate? I’d be hard pressed to think of a time I didn’t enjoy drinking wine. Fundamentally The Vin came about from a desire to do something new and different; Em (my wife and partner in all things) and I have been running a creative studio for a long time and we didn’t want to look back retrospectively and regret never trying to do something fresh. It’s about embracing the surprises of discovery, sharing something we love and believe to be important, a chance to meet new people, and make wonderful memories and a business to be proud of. I’ve always loved wine and its association with celebration, but never thought it would be an industry we’d move into. A few years ago we were introduced to natural wines through some friends and loved their uniqueness, vitality, positive environmental angle, as well as not feeling totally shady the next day from all the preservatives. At the end of the day we’re just fans of natural wines and all that they represent – doing things your own way with passion, integrity and respect for nature, striving to do better in all things, using less and 28 COFFS COAST

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We’re dealing directly with producers or through distributors, who are typically independent family-run businesses with a focus on sustainable practices.

caring more. I suppose it means something different to everyone, but for me it’s a reminder of how I want to go about my day. The Vin has sourced mostly local brewers and winemakers and non-mainstream products. How do you go about sourcing new products? It takes a bit of time for sure as everything we stock is carefully considered, and we’re just scratching the surface as there’s now so many great producers crafting awesome and conscious products. We’re dealing directly with producers or through distributors, who are typically independent family-run businesses with a focus on sustainable practices. We often don’t think of wine as an agricultural product as it’s become such a commodity, but a big part of the picture comes back to the farming practices – healthy soil leads to better produce, and wine is no different. Our wines come from organic or biodynamic farming and the wine making process is low-intervention or made with no additives – you’d be surprised to know what goes into many conventional wines. We’re only focusing on Australian products

currently, in part as a way of supporting Aussies in a very challenging time, but also because they’re producing really great and different wines. Most of our wines have very small quantities produced so we’re always keeping an eye out for new releases as they can disappear real quick. There’s also some great producers emerging here on the Mid North Coast and we’re hoping to stock and support them as much as we can too. We’re different from your conventional bottle shop in that we’re an online store and delivery service, with a selection of curated products you won’t find on most retailers’ shelves. Your ethos is one of sustainability and ethically sourced products. How important was it for you to find products that align with your ethos? That’s one of the foundations of our business and something that’s hugely important to us. Sustainability is a big deal, and something that’s unfortunately become somewhat of a throwaway term, but environmental impact affects everyone, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s great to see a lot of people, both businesses and consumers, are now looking

beyond just the economics and looking at the larger picture of sustainability and ethical practices. We’ve tried to be as sustainable and lowimpact in our own operations right from the start with The Vin, implementing simple things like sourcing recycled FSC and PEFC certified packaging, to using green energy sources to planting a tree for every dozen wines sold. This is an area we’ll constantly strive to improve upon. What are some of the criteria you look for when sourcing new suppliers for The Vin? The wines we curate and share are categorised as ‘natural wines’ which is a loose and sometimes confusing definition, but essentially it just means the grapes are grown organically and the winemaking process is low-intervention (essentially not adding to or manipulating the wine through tech and additives). Most of our products aren’t readily available through most retailers, so there’s a level of uniqueness in our offering. We’re also starting to add craft beers, small batch spirits and non-alcoholic beverages to the repertoire, which are also goodies you won’t find on a lot of retailers’ shelves. How have you found managing a media company and a boutique wine/bottle shop? Haha, it’s certainly been interesting. Add to the mix two kids under two and we’ve got ourselves a pretty wild time! Novel Creative is

a graphic design and film production company that Em and I have been running since 2007, so one benefit is that we’re able to handle all of our marketing internally. Do you have a personal favourite beverage or are you a If I had to pick variety kind of person? something I’m biased I guess as specifically that we’re I love them all for their currently stocking it unique qualities, and seasonal dinners with food would be the Brave yes I’m always keen to and wine pairings. New Wine try something new and We’re in the process of Doppleganger as different. I really love applying for our catering we’re heading into orange wines, which license so that we can warmer days. again a lot of people cater to events both aren’t very familiar with on- and off-site. We’ve – essentially they’re white also just started offering wines that are fermented with the skins left on, hampers, which is something we’ll continue to which gives the wine a wonderful character and expand on. It’s an exciting time in the beverage vibrancy and also an orange colour. If I had to industry and there’s a lot of interesting new pick something specifically that we’re currently releases coming out across the board, not to stocking it would be the Brave New Wine mention the natural wine game continues to Doppleganger as we’re heading into warmer improve and gain traction and awareness. days. Where can people find you and check out Although only new, where do you hope to what you have on offer? see The Vin heading into the future? Everything happens through our website We’ve just started to offer shipping Australia– thevin.co and you can also check us on wide, which is an exciting step for us. The next Instagram @thevin.co step of our plan is to offer tastings and host specialty events such as ‘meet the maker’ and Thanks guys. COFFS COAST

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2021 ith Amber Van Dartel

We chatted to Amber Van Dartel, the vibrant and wonderful business owner from OMG Decadent Donuts, about owning a local business in 2021 and all her plans moving forward…

hat a year it’s been for everyone! Ups and downs, starts and stops... I think we are all eagerly looking forward to the festive season and the new year. I really want to take this opportunity to thank so many people for their support this year! To my valued customers, without you OMG Coffs wouldn’t be here and going strong. I look forward to continuing cooking these delicious little indulgences well into the future. OMG Australia HQ who have been here for all of us OMG licensees this year in so many ways and for creating our new Pine-Lime Burst flavour (haha) we love it and I think I speak for many of us that it’s been a fun addition this year! I also would like to thank some of our local suppliers. Paperboys, EWH Foodservices and Fiesta Kombucha for being a phone call away and always delivering the goods.

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Thank you to Victoria and your team for for supporting us this year. looking after us Coffs City Centre businesses So what's happening OMG Coffs for with marketing and promotions. Courtney, December? We are bringing Mondays back! Sarah and the Alt collective team for helping You have been asking for Mondays at the me navigate the new shop and we are ready world of small business. to rock out Donuts It’s a pleasure to be a Monday-Saturday part of the local events for the holidays Dec It’s a pleasure and markets crew and through to Jan! to be a part of to the magnificent We have a number the local events and market managers and of markets booked markets crew and to event organisers - thank too so keep an eye the magnificent you! You are amazing on our socials for our market managers - planning events in whereabouts over the and event organisers 2021 has been met festive season. - thank you! with uncertainty and We are taking cancellations but look out orders now for end of 2022! It’s going to be so year celebrations and much fun. Let’s get behind Christmas Eve, so get our local events and make our local events in in early to book your order in preparation for 2022 stronger than ever. the silly season. And of course the Focus team for bringing To each and every reader I hope you have Coffs the best free local mag. It’s been lovely a wonderful end of 2021 and a joyful festive being a part of it and OMG Coffs is so grateful season full of everything you love and more!

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Located at C.ex Coffs | Ribeye Rooftop Bar & Kitchen is an 18+ venue

ENTERAINMENT BY KAILEY PALLAS

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SAWTELL RSL

Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club WELCOME A NEW MEMBER TO THE TEAM this summer!

he new All Terrain vehicle has hit the sand, all thanks to the generous donation of $23,000 from Sawtell RSL Club as a tribute to highly regarded life member of SSLSC and President of Sawtell RSL Club, David Jones, who passed away earlier this year aged 70. When General Manager Greg Agius heard the surf club was in need of a new ATV, he thought it seemed a fitting gesture to the ‘Unofficial Mayor of Sawtell’. “David had dedicated so much of his life to not only the Surf Club and RSL, but the community of Sawtell in general. Being able to provide such a valuable lifesaving piece of equipment, was easily the best way to carry on David’s legacy.”

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The ATV has affectionately been named “Jonesy” and is multifunctional, a vehicle that carries supplementary oxygen, a first aid kit, major trauma kit, rescue board, rescue tube and communications equipment. Not only will the ATV allow patrols to respond quickly and deliver lifesaving first aid, it will be used to support nippers, surf carnivals and provide a reassurance to visitors that our beaches are in safe hands. When David’s wife Linda found out about the contribution in David’s honour, she said

“Words can not convey how I feel about this generous gesture on behalf of Dave’s memory. He was heavily and actively involved in both clubs and he would be truly humbled to know that he has been bestowed this honour.” Linda, and Dave’s children Brad, Shane and Lisa, were on hand with Sawtell RSL Club president, Dallas Burrage and General Manager Greg Agius to officially and proudly hand over “Jonesy” to the Sawtell Surf Club on Sunday 21st November.

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P AUL G I B B I NS WILD BERRY WINES

i Paul. Can you tell us about yourself and how the idea for Wild Berry Wines came about? Hi and thanks for having me. The idea came about when Golden Dawn became involved in a blueberry packhouse in Coffs Harbour. We saw the amount of surplus berries that didn’t make the grade that were packaged into the punnets that you buy in the retail stores. This is when North Coast Blueberry Company and Wild Berry Wines was conceived. My wife Nada and I are the owners of Golden Dawn, a 34 COFFS COAST

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becoming waste? In the first year of operation in The Packhouse, we saw that around 40 tonnes of blueberries were either binned or sent to a farm for cattle feed. We are This was not ideal and passionate about we needed to fix this sustainability in our problem as we are a big environment and dairy farm – as well as believer of innovation although some of the running cattle on our and doing things better. berries were being properties and building There is still some waste sent to farms for feed, blueberry mounds for that is produced, and we established that growers, we are also in this is dependent on the there must be a better a partnership with my weather conditions of the brother and his wife, use for this produce. season. This year we had Chris and Christine, in a lot of rain at the wrong Gibbins Refrigerated time which impacted the Transport (GRT) that runs semi-trailers up and quality of the fruit that we received, however down the coast into central produce markets. the waste was down considerably as we have We keep pretty busy! also frozen the surplus berries and have an Before you started using the discarded arrangement to send them up north in bulk to blueberries to make wine, how much was be repackaged and sold in independent retail

stores. What were some of the reasons why it was important to you to find a new use for the berries that were going to waste? We have great relationships with the growers all up and down the Coffs Coast and we see and understand the amount of time, effort and money that they put into growing berries or any produce for that matter. It is phenomenal. To see all that beautiful produce being thrown away was very difficult to witness. My family have been in the fruit and vegetable game in Coffs Harbour and Sawtell for over 30 years in some form or another, and Nada’s family are proud third generation banana farmers in the valleys to the south of Coffs Harbour. Golden Dawn also directly supplies local bananas, avocados, lebanese cucumbers, truss tomatoes and blueberries into independent and major supermarkets. We are passionate about sustainability in our environment and although some of the berries were being sent to farms for feed, we established that there must be a better use for this produce. One that would make the fruit into a saleable product for many to appreciate and enjoy, not just the cows! The berries are sent down to Bago

Winery to be turned into wine, what is Blueberry Rosé, a Blueberry Red and a the process like from the berries being Blueberry Liqueur. The sparkling Rosé is light collected to the wine being ready to sell? and has a unique beautiful flavour that you The process is very similar to that of grape have to try. The red has a richer and deeper wine. The berries are first pressed, and the taste and will appeal to the wine connoisseur skin and flesh are left to soak. The skins and and the liqueur is sweet but not sickly sweet. flesh stay in a fermentation vat for the length Do you have a personal favourite? of time dependent on what wine we are My personal favourite at the moment is the making. When creating the Rosé, the skin and sparkling Rosé. It is a chilled sparkling wine flesh are taken out earlier than the red wine and is very drinkable. Perfect for springtime and liqueur. The skins and flesh are separated drinks with friends or loved ones and it is only and used for fertiliser and the juice is left to 9% alcohol, so it is fantastic for a lunch time ferment until this process is completed to the tipple. It is great as an unusual gift for mates winemaker’s satisfaction. This liquid is then or family members as it is such a unique wine transferred to vat, bottled, labelled and boxed that not many companies produce or promote ready for sale. in this region. Coffs Coast produces most of Have you learnt much about the Australia’s blueberries so we are well placed to winemaking process yourself? create this lovely wine. No. I leave that to the experts. Greg, the Where can people get their hands on a winemaker at Bago is the man. He has a bottle or a glass of Wild Berry Wine? superb sense of taste and smell and is very They are currently stocked by our good knowledgeable about friend Mike at Ritchies wine styles and varieties, IGA in the Park Beach My personal with 30 years of Plaza and hopefully we favourite at the experience in the field. will be extending into moment is the What types of wine the other Ritchies liquor are you producing and outlets in our area. sparkling Rosé. It is a what are they like? There has been a great chilled sparkling We produce amount of interest in wine and is very exclusively Blueberry these wines and would drinkable. Perfect for wines in three different love for people to get springtime drinks styles. A sparkling out there and support with friends or loved local farmers and ones and it is only 9% produce and keep the alcohol, so it is circular economy going. fantastic for a lunch We are hoping to extend time tipple. the number of outlets that stock our beautiful range of blueberry wines in the near future when more businesses open up and after restrictions are relaxed. Thanks Paul.

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$25 redeemable Monday to Sunday Terms and conditions apply

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National C A R T O O N

GALLERY

OTARY CARTOON AWARDS may be one of the lucky people to win one of ARE BACK in their 33rd six prizes, one in each of the six categories. year! GINGER MEGGS TURNS 100 Come and see what all It’s hard to believe that the little 10-year-old the cartoonists have been red-haired larrikin Ginger Meggs turns 100 sweating over for the past few months this year! Older Australians will remember as they got out their pens and inks to the escapades that Ginger and his mates compete in one of the country’s most got up to while a younger generation will prestigious cartooning fall in love with the little competitions, the Rotary mischief-maker who is Enjoy seeing how Cartoon Awards. Entries Australia's most popular the cartoonists have flooded in from and longest-running applied their irreverent around the country by comic strip. humour to the political, both professional and The exhibition will sporting or social enthusiast cartoonists. include many of the highlights of the last 12 This year’s winners and Gallery’s Ginger Meggs months. Look back on runners up will be kept cartoons and lots of a year full of a closely guarded secret vintage memorabilia, challenges and have a until February 25th when including comic books, good laugh. While you the Awards night will stamps, coins and other are here choose your be held at the National items that show how own ‘winning work’ in Cartoon Gallery. Ginger Meggs has our People’s Choice Enjoy seeing how the captured Australian competition. cartoonists applied their audiences for 100 years. irreverent humour to Kids will have fun the political, sporting or watching Ginger and his social highlights of the last 12 months. Look gang get up to all sorts of antics on the big back on a year full of challenges and have a screen and there will be fun activity sheets for good laugh. While you are here choose your them to enjoy. own ‘winning work’ in our People’s Choice Keep an eye on our website and Facebook competition. for school holiday workshops coming in Enter as many times as you want and you January.

OFF CENTRE – TAFE Ceramics 27 Nov – 5 Dec In our upstairs gallery see the wonderful ceramics produced by our local TAFE students and pick up a unique handcrafted Christmas present or browse our shop for quirky cartoon-related gifts. There is something for everyone so come in and grab some Christmas bargains. The Precinct Café is now open Tues-Sun 10am-3pm for coffee, cakes and lunches. www.nationalcartoongallery.com.au 02 6651 7343 office@nationalcartoongallery.com.au OPENING TIMES: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY | 10am to 3pm

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH 4 PAGE

LANA GRANT

Lana Grant has been creating some stunning wildlife art that is both realistic and yet has a very magical quality to it. The talent and time that goes into each detailed piece is quite amazing.

i Lana. How would you describe your art style? Hi! Firstly, I just want to say a big thank you to Focus Mag for featuring me, this is my first ever interview as an

artist and, well, just a pretty big milestone all round for me.

I would describe my style as “subtly

anthropomorphic wildlife art”. Is that a thing? I’m going to say it is. I primarily draw our beautifully unique Australian animals by incorporating a rigorous amount of detail

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into their features, particularly in the feathers and fur, to create a somewhat realistic piece. However, I also will manipulate the details ever so slightly to create a more emotive appearance to the animals I draw. Has drawing and art always been something you enjoy? Definitely! For as long as I can remember I have always had a keen interest in creating, particularly with painting and drawing. At school all of my book margins had little drawings in them, I would take any assignments that involved creating something

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years ago! Have you ever done any formal study/ training in art or are you self taught? I’m 100% self taught. In a bit of a sliding doors type moment, when I I took a bit of a was in Year 12 I had my very very seriously hiatus in my mind set on studying Fine and I was the type early 20s from Arts at University, but at of teenager that creating and the last minute decided chose to spend my honestly it left a big to switch to a Bachelor weekends painting hole in my life, until I of Biomolecular Science. in my bedroom (a took it up again a Following this I studied big thank you to my few years ago! a Graduate Diploma in mum who tolerated Education (Secondary) and the destruction of her have been teaching High carpet). I took a bit of School Science for over 10 a hiatus in my early 20s years. There’s always a little bit of ‘what if’, but from creating and honestly it left a big hole I also absolutely love teaching science. in my life, that is until I took it up again a few Continued over... COFFS COAST

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focus_interview What mediums do you prefer to work with? I love the creative control I have over mediums including graphite, coloured pencil, watercolour, acrylic and even digital illustration. I’ve tried my hand at other mediums including ink, ceramics and fibre art – more so due to curiosity and to have a play – because ultimately these mediums are a bit too unpredictable for my liking – hahaha. Can you tell us a bit about your process when working on a piece? It’s a long process. That’s for sure. From concept to completion often takes many months. Initially I will visualise the layout in great detail, everything is worked out mentally first. Then when I can see the finished piece in my mind I will use I love the photo references to creative create the initial sketch control I have over outline. As I begin to mediums including draw or paint, the first graphite, coloured component I will focus pencil, watercolour, on is the eyes, if they’re acrylic and even not just right, there’s no

point progressing - I will need to start over. From there it’s just a matter of adding layer after layer until I feel the piece is complete. There’s no rhyme or reason to this, it’s purely intuition to when I feel an artwork is digital illustration. complete. Where do you draw most of your inspiration from? The natural world. I love the organic motion, shape and colours of natural components. I try to place my animals into a little story, as if you’re viewing a tender moment, like the nurturing snuggle between a baby and it’s mother. I want my pieces to evoke feelings of love, connection and empathy. Do you have a personal favourite or a piece you feel a particular connection to? That’s a tricky question to answer. I wouldn’t say that there is only one artwork that I have a connection to, I have that feeling to all of them, I’m fond of each of them for different reasons. However, there are certainly pieces that I hold most dear because they represent a particular milestone for me; the first drawing where someone reached out and requested to buy it from me, the largest drawing I’ve completed, my first coloured pencil illustration, my first digital illustration, you get the idea. When looking at a piece of art, what are

you often drawn to or what do you often connect with in a piece? As with all art, sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why you like an artwork. I mean you can usually point out the techniques, colours or content that you enjoy, but that doesn’t automatically mean you will have an emotional connection to a piece just because it matches those criteria. In that regard I find it difficult to explain what I’m most drawn to, because it’s not a thought it’s an emotion. I think if I try to identify the type of artwork I’m attracted to it would be abstract landscapes that catch my eye the most, particularly coastal. I’m drawn to the motion and composition of landscapes but love the freestyle of that slight abstractism. I’m well aware that the artwork I have in my own home is very different to the artwork I create. Perhaps that's because it is so different from what I create? However I also know that others have that same emotional connection to my works, which makes me so very proud and also humbled that others feel deeply for something I have created. Where can people find out more about you and your work? You can join me on social media at @ lanagcreative and my work can be found on my website www.lanagrant.com.au or on occasion you can drop into Alykat Creative Gallery when Alyson has a group exhibition on! I’m hoping to get involved in local markets in 2022, so I may see you there! COFFS COAST

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PFLAG with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

HERE’S YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR CHRISTMAS, OR ANY HOLIDAY PERIOD WITH YOUR FAMILY AND THIS MAY EVEN HELP EVERYONE OUTSIDE OF THE LGBTIQ COMMUNITY TOO!

ome people love everything about this time of year, and others dread it. Whatever your outlook, it’s likely to be an intensive time of social activity, financial demand, and juggling multiple expectations. So – how do we look after ourselves and each other? The images of the Christmas season often show happy, shiny scenes of family, fun and food! Presents, harmony, laughter. But for many LGBTIQ people the reality of Christmas and new year can be very different. Heres some great tips by Gina Battye. Self-care. Look after yourself before, during and after your trip. Exercise, reading, writing, meditation, being social, massage. Whatever self-care looks like for you, do it. Get some fresh air, move about and limit the alcohol. Prepare yourself for any questions that tend to come up at family gatherings. The usual ones: partner, marriage, kids, job. Know how you will respond to these. By doing this you will boost your confidence and reduce the anxiety you may be feeling. Triggers. Stay away from topics of discussion that trigger disputes. You know the ones… What to do WHEN you are triggered. When you are triggered, acknowledge it, breathe into it and feel the emotion. Don’t react or respond in that moment. Simply be. You learn so much about yourself in these moments of vulnerability.

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Be kind and extend compassion to everyone or cigarettes, increased social activities can be – more so in those moments where you feel testing. triggered. Instead of reacting, be curious. People who are shy, or struggling with mental Coming from a place of curiosity feels totally or physical illness, or other big events like a different than when you come from a place of break-up or job loss may just not feel able to anger and frustration. Try it. keep up with social demands. Stay present. Don’t let your mind wander into As Christmas and New things that happened Year approach, weighing in the past or worrying up who to be with and This time of the about what the future how to feel safe are year can bring may hold. Be here, now. important steps in taking up painful feelings. Enjoy this moment. care of ourselves and Th ese may be related If you feel it is each other. to family conflict or getting too much, If you are struggling, where other excuse yourself for 5-10 feeling really alone or disappointments feel minutes. Offer to make distressed, please let even stronger, such a hot drink for everyone. someone know. It may as a lack of family or Go to the bathroom. be a trusted friend, a Stick your head out of friends to rely on, or counsellor or GP, or a the door and breathe in questioning phone and online support some fresh air. Offer to relationships. service. Talking it out can do an emergency run for help. more crisps or napkins. PFLAG is an acronym You can never have too many napkins, right? for Parents and Friends of Lesians and Gays This time of the year can bring up painful and it is globally recognised although it feelings. These may be related to family conflict absolutely encompasses everyone in the or where other disappointments feel even LGBTI world. It is here to give help, support stronger, such as a lack of family or friends to and information to families and friends rely on, or questioning relationships. right here on the Coffs Coast. Money pressures can go up, with expectations to buy presents, provide food and pflagcoffscoast.com drinks, or shout rounds at the pub. PFLAGcoffcoast For people avoiding alcohol, drugs and/ 0417 861 045

GIFTS NRL FESTIVAL CHAIRS $49.99, CTC Tobacconist

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All prices and product descriptions are correct at the time of printing.

$49.99 Spendless Shoes

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All prices and product descriptions are correct at the time of printing.

PIG THE PUG BOOK SET $59.99, QBD Books

METAL SMOOTHIE CUP $24.99, Typo

CARE BEARS 1000 PIECE PUZZLE $29.99, Typo

SUNSET LAMP $49.99 Typo

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Pets

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$8, Target

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DOG HAWAIIAN SHIRT ORANGE CARS $15.95 Lowes

CHEERBLE WICKEDBONE SMART INTERACTIVE DOG TOY $79 JB Hi-Fi All prices and product descriptions are correct at the time of printing.

CERAMIC PET FRAME - PAWS $12.99, Kaisercraft

POKEMON NOT TODAY SNORLAX BARREL MUG $25, EB Games $

GIFTS

Everyone

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$20, The Reject Shop

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$19.99, Typo

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Natio Desert Spirit Gift set $21.99

from GOOD PRICE PHARMACY WAREHOUSE

SHE Aromatherapy hand cream trio $7.99 James Bond 007 for Women 2pce gift set $29.95

Time to be a unicorn $5.99

Lynx Black Trio Gift Set $14.99

For all your Christmas gifts! SHOP 6, BAILEY CENTRE, 150 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, COFFS HARBOUR PHONE 6651 1800

T2 Fill your cup gift pack $37.99

W I S HI NG E V ERYO N E A S A F E B OAT I N G A ND H A PPY H OLI DAY S E ASON

PH 02 6655 7700 2 Marina Crescent, Urunga NSW 2455 sales@northcoastboatingcentre.com www.northcoastboatingcentre.com

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OPEN HOURS Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturdays from 8.30am -12noon

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ea h M s a GLAZED HAM Serves 4 I Prep 10-15 min I Cook 2 hrs 15 min INGREDIENTS 10kg Ham on the Bone (the best you can afford) 300g Jamworks Golden Peach Jam 125g Newman's Seeded Mustard juice of 1 lime METHOD Preheat the oven to 160°C. Prep your ham for glazing by removing the rind and scoring the fat. A good butcher will do this for you on request. Mix the peach jam, mustard and lime juice together. In cooler weather slightly warming the jam prior to mixing will help things along. Place your ham in a roasting dish & using the brush, paint the ham liberally with about two thirds of the jam mixture. Add 2 cups of water to the base of the roasting dish. Bake for 1-2 hours depending on the size of your ham. A 5kg ham will take approx 1.5 hours. A 10kg ham takes about 2 hours. Brush on more glaze every 25 minutes. Keep a minimum of 1 cup of water in the roasting dish at all times. * Remember - the ham is already cooked, you're simply warming it through and baking the glaze on.

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It’s official! The Coffs Coast is…

NSW’s FIRST ECO Destination Certified by Ecotourism Australia Connect deeply, tread lightly and discover our place of plenty.

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focus_contributor.

TALKING DESTINATION

with FIONA BARDEN

FROM COFFS CITY COUNCIL

COFFS COAST’S ECO FIRST IT’S OFFICIAL! THE COFFS COAST HAS BECOME NSW’S FIRST DESTINATION TO BE AWARDED ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA’S ECO DESTINATION CERTIFICATION.

s travellers become increasingly aware of their ecological footprint, the tourism industry has adopted more eco-friendly practices to keep up with consumer trends and global concerns. A big mover of this change has been ecotourism, one of the fastest-growing areas of the tourism industry. Ecotourism Australia works with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to certify ecotourism operators and destinations. Coffs Coast is the first destination in NSW to achieve ECO Destination Certification (Ecotourism) and only the second destination in Australia! What does being a certified ECO Destination mean? Being a recognised ECO Destination assures that our destination provides topnotch nature-based and eco-friendly tourism experiences for visitors and locals alike. Furthermore, it shows that the Coffs Coast is leading the way in our commitment to wellmanaged sustainable practices. The certification also extends beyond the tourism sector. It’s about real, tangible environmental sustainability being

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demonstrated by the community. What are the benefits of being a certified ECO Destination? Attaining the ECO Destination Certification places the Coffs Coast on the world stage of sustainable practices, connecting us with an established global network of likeminded destinations striving for ecotourism excellence. The certification will also attract travellers who value authentic nature-based experiences. These travellers will stimulate our local businesses, reinvigorate our community and bring a much-needed boost to our economy. What’s involved in becoming certified? The journey to certification has been a long process with more than 14 months of work. However, the hard work has paid off with the Coffs Harbour City Council’s team achieving the required level of internationally recognised Green Destinations Standards. These standards cover destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, social well-being, and business and hospitality. The certification is independently assessed and audited every two years, ensuring a high

standard for quality and compliance. What’s next? As part of the ECO Destination Certification program, local tourism operators have the opportunity to pursue certification with support to help their business become more sustainable. Our region currently has six operators and experiences certificated by Ecotourism Australia, with more following in their (green) footsteps. Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, TreeTops Adventures, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat, Niigi Niigi / Sealy Lookout, and Jetty Dive Centre all ECO Certified and leading the way. Let’s celebrate this fantastic acheivement for the Coffs Coast and our tourism industry. Find out more at coffscoast.com #ECOCoffsCoast #OurPlaceIsGreat

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BROOKE G EO R G E

Brooke George, well known local jewellery designer and boutique owner, has just acquired a new premises in Sawtell and is expanding into her new emporium with not just fashion and jewels, but homewares, food, and she even has some beautiful new holiday accommodation in the works!

ey Brooke, you have been quite busy the past few weeks with a move to a new store and some planned renovations

the small boutique across the road. I love a new challenge and let me tell you, this one has been big. Tell us about your staff and their background. Our Brooke George in the works. What Boutique team comprises brought on the experienced, friendly, I love the move? fashion forward ladies, energy a group Yes, we have been always there to team up of women on holidays busy, busy, busy! your favourite dress, belt can bring to my store. Anyone that knows and boot. Our mantra is Watching them laugh me, knows I have a shopping should be a fun together and enjoy long standing love experience! the fun of clothing affair with Sawtell. The What labels do you and jewellery is so trees, the atmosphere, stock? rewarding for me. the people, the food... We stock a variety of it is just the place I love labels to meet the needs to be. An opportunity of every woman’s tastes came for me to move to my new premises and and loves. We have a beautiful silk range, the timing was perfect as we were outgrowing Cienna Designs, who cater for special events.

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We have just branched into a condiments range of various brands. Flavoured salts, infused olive oils, and cocktail accessories of flowers and syrups.

Their capes, dresses and pants are of stunning prints and luxurious fabrics. Our staple brand is Worthier. We just love this brand. All affordable linen, easy wear, muted colours and perfect for our climate. We have just started stocking Lanier Lane, a local brand of baby and toddler wear that has custom made garments for our shop. Human Shoes are our footwear apparel. They are 100% Australian family owned. Quality leather, a range of styles and pure comfort. We have just branched into a condiments range of various brands. Flavoured salts, infused olive oils, and cocktail accessories of flowers and syrups. We can’t wait to get our creativity in the Foodies Lair. And of course, Brooke George jewels! Can you tell us a bit about what you

have planned at the new location? The new location is now an emporium. My love for food, fashion and interior is now all combined in our new unique shop. The main section is the boutique for linen lovers and bohemian queens, inside the old freezers we have a range of homewares, a gifts line and a gorgeous selection of (handmade on the Coffs Coast) baby apparel. Finally, at the back of the shop we have beautiful condiments and drinks, and a functioning kitchen where the journey to the Foodies Lair begins. What have been some of the highlights of your career as a designer and business owner? I have highlights every day. I love the energy a group of women on holidays can bring to my store. Watching them laugh together and enjoy the fun of clothing and jewellery is so rewarding for me. That I can provide

that space. Seeing a woman happy and comfortable leaving my store gives me great joy. My highlight of jewellery making over the past 20 years would have to be making the jewels for my daughter’s wedding this year. I may be biased but she was the most beautiful bride. What are some fashion trends for summer? It’s all about block colour and comfort. People are transitioning from Covid track pants back to having to wear a bra. Therefore the look for this season will be more relaxed and less fitted. Think long linen dresses that go from the beach to cocktails. COFFS COAST

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How do you juggle both work and family? Back in the day I used to work from home wholesaling jewellery and the good ol’ jewellery party. Now that my kids are all grown up, it’s much easier to juggle work and family life. And of course, I have a wonderful supportive husband. Just don’t ask my kids about moving my bedroom! What advice do you have for someone looking to get into your industry? Position, position, position! Location is 60 COFFS COAST

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of all of your senses… you eat with your eyes… when you feel beautiful you are more confident. I wanted to incorporate it all into my new emporium. People have been asking me for a long time to help them with their interiors and food styling. This space offers it all. Your plans for Foodies Lair are sounding pretty exciting, can you tell us all about it? A small intimate setting to share good food, have a laugh and I am a true maybe some bubbles. believer in And when I say good beauty being a part food, it will be good of all of your senses… food… I am a food so important. There you eat with your snob…hahaha. We are many challenges eyes… when you feel want to inspire people with running your own beautiful you are to take their cooking boutique. You have to more confident. to the next level and ride the rollercoaster. One try new things. A day is different from the demonstration of broad next. Be willing to work cultures and cuisines. very hard and trust your instincts. Can you give away any of the guest chefs Known for your jewellery designs and you have planned? boutique, what has made you venture It is going to have a local focus, as we want into other avenues? to showcase local produce and talent. I am a true believer in beauty being a part

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We are surrounded by some amazing resources and I want to bring it all together under one umbrella. As if you didn’t already have enough on your plate, part of your renovations will be to create an Airbnb At the moment space. What plans we are pretty do you have for the full but I always have Airbnb? jewellery we all know my eye out for the Sawtell attracts a lot you for? next thing. What more of travelling groups, be Of course! I now could you want? We it a high school reunion, have my workshop have yummy food, family catch-up or girls out the back and it is dresses with pockets weekend. I saw that my happy place. Next and a luxury escape. there was a gap in the year I will have been market that I could making jewels for 20 fill. We are currently years. I appreciate all renovating this five bedroom, three bathroom, my customers that have supported me and I two living area gem smack bang on top of the love seeing ‘vintage’ Brooke George jewels still heartbeat of Sawtell, First Avenue. A Tuscan being loved. meets boho escape. Lucky my husband is a What else will you be bringing to the new builder and can interrupt my design whims boutique space? and loves renovating after hours… after all he At the moment we are pretty full but I was on The Block. always have my eye out for the next thing. Will you still be designing and selling the What more could you want? We have yummy

food, dresses with pockets and a luxury escape. What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast? What’s not to love about the Coffs Coast?! My drive to work is from the mountains, along the coast to the quaint village of Sawtell. When do you expect to have it all up and running and where can people keep up to date? The Foodies Lair should be operational from February 2022 and Georges On First is available from early December 2021. Bookings can be made now via Airbnb. We regularly post what’s happening on Instagram (@ brookegeorge1) so our followers know where it’s at. COFFS COAST

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PARK BEACH PLAZA / CBA ENTRANCE

GIFT G LAURA /

SNEAKER LOUNGE X

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A. Top / Playboy Nov 13 Tee $79.99 Accessory / Casio Womens Vintage Watch $89.95 Footwear / Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi $119.95 C. Top / Calvin Klein Womens Reconsidered Comfort Triangle Bralette $59.95 Bottom / Calvin Klein Womens CK One Glisten Lounge Joggers $99.95 Accessory / Casio Womens Vintage Watch $89.95 Footwear / Puma Womens Suede Mayu $149.95 E. Top / Stussy Womens Vermont Oversized Shirt $99.95 Bottom / Stussy Womens Vermont HW Short $79.95 Footwear / Nike Womens Blazer Low Platform $149.95 G. Top / Mitchell & Ness L.A. Lakers Shaquille O’Neal ‘96 Reloaded 2.0 Swingman Jersey $179.99 Bottom / Champion Womens Essential Bike Short $49.99 Footwear / Nike Air Huarache $169.95

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NIKE ADIDAS PUMA NEW BALANCE REEBOK ASICS LACOSTE CONVERSE VANS DR. MARTENS TIMBERLAND STANCE G-SHOCK JASON MARKK CREP

ONLINE / IN STORE

GUIDE

X E DEGREES

Mitchell & Ness Charlotte Hornets Ivy Arch Vintage Muscle Tee $64.99 / Top Majestic Las Vegas Raiders World Mark Fleece Shorts $89.99 / Bottom G-Shock Watch $249.95 / Accessory Adidas Forum Mid $159.95 / Footwear Nike Waffle Trainer 2 $149.95 / Footwear HUF Glenn Stripe Knit Top $69.95 / Top XLarge 91 Pants $89.99 / Bottom XLa Polish Club - Now We Are Cooking (Coloured Vinyl) $37.95 / Accessory Vans Old Skool Tapered World Code $129.95 / Footwear Dickies Spur Classic Fit Tee $49.95 / Top TCSS Valley Trunk $79.95 / Bottom Stussy Canvas Bucket Hat $39.95 / Headwear G-Shock Watch $249.95 / Accessory Converse Chuck 70 Hi $129.95 / Footwear HUF Abstract Resort Shirt $49.95 / Top XLarge 91 Pants $89.99 / Bottom G-Shock Watch $479.95 / Accessory Vans Sk8-Low $139.95 / Footwear

/ JADEN

STUSSY CARHARTT WIP M/SF/T WRANGLER LEE TCSS DICKIES HUF XLARGE THE NORTH FACE PLAYBOY CALVIN KLEIN NEW ERA MITCHEL MITCHELL & NESS BIRKENSTOCK

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Hair Studio Abbey

ounded nearly 10 years ago Abbey Hair Studio has grown from strength to strength, we opened our second salon Abbey hair & Co 12 months ago situated in Coffs Central shopping centre. We would like you to meet our amazing team who have a wealth of knowledge and skills catering for all hair needs. We offer all services from ladies, mens, children haircuts to formal styling, chemical straightening, smoothing treatments, perms, balayage, ombre, foils, all over colours, treatments, blow drying our apprentices run various specials to help with their training needs every thursday and saturday. We offer a place where technique is refined, creativity is nurtured and good vibes are a

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must! We have been so lucky to have the best stylist and clients past and present who support us

We have been so lucky to have the best stylist and clients past and present who support us and have allowed us to grow to who we are today.

Our product range we use is Keune, Nak, Davines. It is selected to help our clients' hair

We are also an Elite ambassador for GHD stylers and products, We have a gorgeous

and have allowed us to grow to who we are today.

integrity and vibrancy.

range of Christmas gift ideas coming in store from next week come in and have a look you will be surprised!

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Stress Free

RETIREMENT LIVING

Come

Marian Grove

START THE NEW YEAR

IN OUR Established VIBRANT community where there are PRICES to suit every budget and HOME options to suit every taste.

Home to LIFESTYLE

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY

Merry Christmas

From THE Marian Grove SALES TEAM

AVAILABLE

SAW

NOW!

L C A H OLI T

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For more information call (02) 6653 1241 or visit www.scca.net.au Departure fee payable, enquire for more information.

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focus_contributor.

FITNESS

UPDATE with JEN McCULLOCH FROM CLUB LIME

THE POWER OF THE BARBELL

believe that everybody at any age would benefit from learning how to use a barbell. Getting physically mentally strong changed my life, and I believe it has the power to change yours too!" Barbells help you perform foundational and functional movements like squats, deadlifts, presses and rows with more weight than kettlebells and dumbbells. The most significant benefit of barbell exercises is the ability to add additional load over time. Barbell exercises train your entire body in the way it was designed to move. As you use more muscles, you can get strong in these movements. Strength is the foundation to help build speed, stability, and mobility if executed correctly. While dumbbells and kettlebells get more challenging to manoeuvre, the heavier they get, barbells stay the same size. So, to keep yourself and your body challenged, barbells can be the most efficient tool to use in the gym. However, wanting to pick up a barbell and safely doing so are two entirely different matters. Whenever I see a 'newbie' lifter in the gym, they often look unsure and overwhelmed. This is completely normal and part of getting out of your comfort zone and

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learning a new skill. classic car. However, that does not mean we When starting with barbells, there's no only take it out for a run on a Sunday! required amount of time that you need to This is why I designed 'BUILD with Jen' have spent strength training. Instead, the to support and educate women through a only thing that's a prerequisite is good form. series of progressive programs, starting with Performing fundamental movements using a 12-week program called PRE-BAR to help your bodyweight, you build confidence kettlebells, and across functional dumbbells is a solid, movements. The design Barbell pain-free technique of the program begins exercises train that will set you up for by introducing you to your entire body in success. bodyweight, kettlebell By the time you get and dumbbell and the way it was to using a barbell, machine exercises. designed to move. you should feel as Moving to the latter part As you use more though you are already of the program, you will muscles, you can comfortable with the start learning how to get strong in these squatting, pressing, and navigate training with a movements. hinging mechanics of barbell. squat, bench press, and My mission in an deadlift movement. aesthetically driven As a personal trainer, one of my many facets world is for women to find body confidence is to help people move better and understand through lifting weights. Inspiring and the mechanics of how their bodies work. Not educating others to pursue their strength only helping them build a stronger and more journey, whatever level they start. functional version of themselves, but it also Want to begin your strength journey today? helps people avoid unnecessary injuries and Text BUILD to Jen on 0431 141 701 or come preserves the longevity of their bodies. We into Club Lime Moonee to see how I can help only get one body, and it needs treating like a you today.

focus_contributor.

Pregnancy and PostNatal Recovery – How Can a Physio Help? with AARON HARDAKER

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

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

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

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TERRYWHITE C H E M M A R T TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour has been a mainstay of Park Beach Plaza for the past 28 years, always a favourite for locals and always with the local community

at its heart. The pharmacy is owned by North Coast local Tanya Maloney.

ver the years, beauty has remained constant as a core category for for the store but there has been substantial innovation in its delivery to accommodate changing demand. “It is a great fit for our pharmacy as our core focus is on health and wellness. Beauty is entwined with individuals’ sense of health and wellbeing,” Ms Maloney said. “One of our strengths is our ability to evolve over time to remain a destination of choice within the local community. The changes we have made repositions our beauty offering, sets our pharmacy up to make the best possible use of its beauty space, and injects new life into an important area of the store.” “Our beauty team is actively listening to each customer to ensure the beauty

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experience and advice is very personalised.” money or a splurge of extravagance – they “The results are very positive and have something to suit every budget. show our research and investment have The shop stocks a range of beauty been worthwhile, brands including Estee with our beauty Lauder, Clinique, Whether you’re department well Lancome, Napoleon after natural matched to the Perdis, Revlon and demands of the Designer Brands. beauty products or top pharmacy beauty There is an increased department store customer – who offering of L’Occitane, beauty products. tends to be time Glasshouse and Circa Whether you are after poor, but also likes brands. You can also value for money or a to know expert choose from the largest splurge of extravagance advice is at hand,” range of fragrance in they have something to Ms Maloney said. Coffs Harbour from suit every budget. TerryWhite budget brands and Chemmart is your celebrity fragrances one-stop shop for all things beauty related through to high end brands including Dior, – whether you’re after natural beauty Carolina Herrera, Armani, Gucci and Marc products or top department store beauty Jacobs. products, whether you’re after value for What stands out most when you enter

TerryWhite Chemmart is the combination of high presentation standards, customer service and positive team culture. It can be seen from interactions that the team are passionate about the business and their customers. Staff spotlight The beauty team consists of 11 staff who have loads of training What stands makeup artist. Bindy and experience in out most when is well known in her makeup, skincare and you enter TerryWhite industry for her high fragrance. Chemmart is the quality makeups. Julia is Assistant combination of high Ann is the Lancome Manager at TerryWhite presentation consultant and is very Chemmart and heads up standards, customer passionate about the beauty team. She is the Lancome brand service and positive part of the Estee Lauder and its products. team culture. team along with Yvonne You can book in for and Ros. These ladies a complimentary have worked together for individualised skin care consultation with Ann many years, and they have a loyal following and she can assist you in determining the of clients and love introducing new clients to best skin care regime to suit you and your the Estee Lauder brand. skin. Bindy is the Clinique consultant and is an Paige is the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Artist extremely talented skincare consultant and

and is highly skilled in the latest makeup application techniques. Paige can assist with a one-on-one makeup lesson or can tailor your makeup look for your special event such as school formals, glam events or a night out. Vicki is one of the original team members who has been with the store for the entire 28 years. Over the years she has mentored many of the current team members and brings her loyalty, experience and unique skill set to the pharmacy. Vicki, Amanda, Joanne, Kylie and Carmel are fragrance specialists and can help you find the perfect scent for you or the perfect gift for your friends and family this Christmas. COFFS COAST

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It’s time to do all your Shopping!

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Beautiful gift packs are instore now!

L’Occitane free gift with purchase with any 2 L’Occitane products.

Estée Lauder Revitalising Supreme Set $160

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Fragrance Pack. $163

Clinique Moisture Overload Set $75

Glasshouse Christmas Candle Trio contains 3 x 60g $59.95

Napoleon Perdis On the Tools 8 Piece Brush Set $129

TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour Shop 51 Park Beach Plaza Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 P: 02 6652 4188

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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

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Welcome D E N TA L

The Christmas season has finally arrived for 2021, we are all getting into the festive spirit early this year.

t’s time to sit back and relax, enjoy the holidays with loved ones consisting of endless eating and drinking. However, grazing and drinking sugary drinks can have significant impacts on your oral health. The more you graze, the more you expose your teeth to sugar, the more chance that problems occur. At Welcome Dental we see a high rate of dental emergencies this time of year. Toothaches, broken teeth and dental infections... well that doesn't sound very festive does it! Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without those extra treats though, right! Many of the treats we enjoy are filled with sugar, which is one of the major causes of tooth decay. Not only this, but we also seem to take more risks leading us to breaking teeth, which means a visit to the dentist, not the greatest gift for Christmas. Even though it’s time to relax, it doesn't mean you should relax your standards for taking care of your teeth! It is recommended that we continue to see our dentist and dental hygienist for

preventive dental treatment, such as routine examinations and cleans. Early carious lesions, cracks, demineralisation surrounding existing fillings can all be diagnosed and addressed prior to these conditions becoming an issue. It’s all about routine and sticking to it throughout this festive season. We can all be a little too relaxed when it comes to flossing and brushing well. These simple tasks if done correctly are the best prevention and can save you an unplanned dental visit which could result in missing out on the Christmas cheer! Flossing seems to be the most forgotten or disregarded part of the oral hygiene routine, yet it plays such an important role especially after those sugary meals. Floss is designed to get into the spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush simply doesn't clean. Be sure to floss prior to brushing, by doing so the contacts between teeth where decay most commonly starts is plaque free. On average people think they brush their teeth for 2 minutes but in fact its approximately 30 seconds! Use your smart phone or a timer to ensure that you spend

We’ll turn that frown upside down. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon. Our phone number remains the same but our email address has changed. 76 COFFS COAST

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2 minutes to reach every aspect of the tooth surface. Perhaps use an electric toothbrush with a timer, an effective way to ensure your brushing for 2 minutes (a great gift idea also). Your teeth aren’t tools! It may be tempting to tear open Christmas packaging, or cut the ribbon surrounding presents using your teeth. This can cause broken fillings, cracked or lost veneers, loose crowns and dentures. Commonly those dental problems which cause that sightly broken tooth are a result of eating that delicious pork crackle, olives, nuts and dried fruit in Christmas cake or minced pies. As a result it may be a painful, expensive and stressful over the holiday period. We want you to enjoy this festive season, a dental check-up and clean is a sure way to enjoy your holidays, create memories to cherish with loved ones, all with a bright beautiful smile. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with an abundance of cheer, from Welcome Dental. Susan Waldorf Oral health Therapist

Christmas Opening hours. 24th December – Normal Hours 25th – 28th December – Closed 29th December – Emergencies Only 30th December – Emergencies Only 31st December - Emergencies Only 1st – 3rd January – Closed 4th January – Normal Hours Phone: (02) 6655 5800 Email: info@welcomedental.com.au Website: www.welcomedental.com.au

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OF N U T R I T I O N

Local personal trainer and nutritionist, Rachel Law delves into the motivation behind her nutrition and fitness journey. Rach also shares the importance of exercise and diet for our mental health.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was raised here, I have seen the growth and change in the Coffs coast over the last 38 years. I’ve bought up my beautiful two boys here, worked and made some long lasting friendships. Tell us about your business, Law of Nutrition. What services do you provide? My business provides a positive approach to a flexible lifestyle. Working on the whole person as an individual for nutrition, personal training and mindset. In terms of your personal motivation, did you have a particular moment or time in your life when you decided that you wanted to pursue a healthier lifestyle? Yes, definitely! I had just moved out of my dad's place and one of my housemates was 78 COFFS COAST

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My kids get me back on track. I know I have always negative to me about my weight.. I then decided to create a healthier lifestyle to keep up with their energy levels, but I have by eating healthier and daily exercise. Once a clear goal with my I became a mum I health and fitness. decided to pursue it How do you know even more. I studied, what diet and exercise I studied, worked worked hard and was works best for each hard and was dedicated to learning individual? What have dedicated to learning more as I knew I wanted you tried that you more as I knew I to help people change didn’t enjoy? wanted to help people their lives. I realized how Everyone’s diet and change their lives. I important a healthy training is different, it realized how important lifestyle is to your mental truly depends on their a healthy lifestyle is to health. lifestyle as to what your mental health. Do you find that works best! motivation still comes To be honest I haven't and goes? If so, how really tried too many of do you get back on track? those fad diets but I have seen plenty of my Yes, of course there are some days I just friends try them. My thoughts are they are a don’t feel like training and that’s ok. I know quick fix and many times people revert back to it’s my body telling me I need a rest! I know their old tendencies. tomorrow is another day to start again. My program works on a complete lifestyle

change for the body and mind. Describe what mental health benefits can result from exercise? The mental health benefits are endless, it can relieve stress, anxiety, increases serotonin which is the hormone which stabilizes mood and feelings. Helps you sleep better also which will help with general well-being. How much exercise is necessary to derive these benefits? As much as the individual wants, there is no recommended amount. It’s hard to say as everyone’s mental health is different. Exercise can be used to switch the brain off from everyday stresses and concertante on the movement instead. How else can we encourage people to be more physically active? There are plenty of ways to become more physically active, even just start off with a walk a few times a week with your family, get outdoors and do all the fun things like kayaking or outdoor sports. Make plans You are the with your friends to keep only one who yourself accountable, join a consistency is so can look after it. I’ve gym or fitness facility. important, set a What advice would had to look after my goal, and make you have for someone kids and in order to your health a that wants to get into do that I have to look priority. You are exercise for their mental after myself. the only one who health? can look after it. Do exercise which you I’ve had to look enjoy and you look forward after my kids to rather than something that you don’t like. and in order to do that I have to look after So if you don’t like cardio then a weights myself. program may be something that helps you What do your customers say? stay consistent. I myself don’t like burpees For over 10 years I had neglected my and if someone told me I had to do them I physical and mental health. Alcohol and would make up every excuse not to exercise. poor food choices controlled my life. I felt Training with friends can be another good depressed, insecure, anxious and not myself. thing for mental health as you can keep each I felt like a shell of myself. Six months other accountable as well as enjoying social ago I met Rachel. She helped me change time. my entire lifestyle but what’s even more We are trying to get people to start doing amazing is that she gave me my life back. something TODAY, and your words may In the past six months I have completely cut just help them do that. What would be an out alcohol and sugar. I’ve lost over 19kgs. experience from your own training that you My mental health is the best it’s ever been. think people could learn from? It may be Rach, I can’t thank you enough for helping me challenging at the beginning but the more you (also Patty lols). - Nicci Seccombe look after your body the easier it will become..

How can we get in touch? Follow me on social media rahellaw Or contact my mobile number 0413012554 Anytime fitness Toormina 0433 922 911 COFFS COAST

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LIFELINE NORTH COAST

Focus chatted with Angela Martin from LIFELINE NORTH COAST to find out more about this great local resource and what services they offer

upporting our community since 1987. Our expert knowledge in counselling provides our community in crisis with support and strength regardless of underlying issues they face. As a service-based organisation, we offer National telephone crisis support (13 11 14), a range of accredited workplace training, community engagement and awareness programs such as: GambleAware We are the North Coast Provider of GambleAware from Tweed Heads down to Laurieton – we have a dedicated local team that provide information on how to gamble safely, plus free confidential support for anyone affected by gambling. A healthy approach means having balance and we can help you find it. If you’re impacted by someone’s gambling – we’re right here for you. Training and Workshops Lifeline North Coast delivers a wide range of training courses to corporate businesses and community groups across the North Coast of NSW. Our dedicated training programs are facilitated by accredited trainers who work with participants to promote an inclusive culture or workplace that destigmatises mental health issues and encourages help-seeking. Crisis support training Learn how to listen and support callers to our 13 11 14 Crisis Support Line. 80 COFFS COAST

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EVERY dollar you direct to this platform is invested directly back into our local community that spans the Clarence Valley down to the Nambucca Valley. You are making a difference and saving local lives.

Mental health and wellbeing training Our comprehensive mental health and wellbeing training will equip you to support yourself and others. Lifeline Crisis phone line 13 11 14 Every 30 seconds, a person in Australia reaches out to Lifeline for help. Lifeline North Coast is part of a national charity, providing local support. The Lifeline Crisis Phone Line is available to anyone experience emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline exists so that no person must face their darkest moments alone. Fundraising /Host your own event – Its now easy to set up your own fundraising page where you can direct your donations on our easy-to-use website. Need assistance? We have a dedicated team to help you create a successful fundraising event and we offer support and services to assist you with your goals. Contact the Communications Department and speak to Angela Martin, to find out how you can make a difference in your community today. Shop at Lifeline – Now with five Lifeline shop retail outlets across Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Toormina, and Nambucca Valley, they are a

great way to shop sustainably. We pride ourselves on curating a wide range of high-quality second-hand and new fashion and homewares and presenting fresh creative retail spaces. Every purchase from our stores helps to fund Lifeline’s crisis support line (13 11 14) and our Community Support programs. Volunteer with us – it’s a rewarding experience At Lifeline North Coast, we are lucky to be supported by some incredible volunteers who make our services possible. That said, there’s always room for new volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. As well as helping us care for people in our community, you’ll meet new people and even learn new skills. Not to mention have fun along the way! What kind of things do volunteers do? Our policy is to match people to suitable roles rather than the other way around. Here’s an overview of some areas where volunteers help. • Telephone Crisis Supporter • Fundraising & Special Events. • Retail shop, fashion curators and Warehouse assistants

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H E A LT H & WELLBEING TIPS

he Christmas season is meant to be a time of joy, but for many people it can be a time of stress, anxiety, disappointment, or loneliness. Christmas comes with high expectations of perfect, happy families enjoying lavish celebrations and gifts, but not all of us are able to live up to these ideals. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify feelings of grief and sadness. Some people experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict that can make this a very stressful time of year. The team at Lifeline North Coast share some tips to help manage stress and anxiety during this festive season. Managing your money Is the festive season a burden on your wallet? Here are some suggestions for reducing your financial stress during the silly season: • Be aware of what is causing you financial stress: Buying gifts, attending social events can be expensive. Plan ways to reduce your spending in advance – you could suggest to your family and friends that you only buy gifts for the kids or organise a ‘Secret Santa’ among the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. • Be creative and find low-cost ways to have fun. Don’t let money cut you off from your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktail catch-ups, organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home

where everyone brings a plate of food. Dealing with family tension Just because you’re related doesn’t mean your family members will all get along. Split families, blended families and unresolved conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety. Family and relationship problems can be a trigger for anxiety. Here are some ideas for getting through: • Set realistic expectations. Christmas might not be the fabulous family reunion you hoped for. Plan how you will manage any feelings of anxiety or depression that may arise. • Put the kids first. If you have children, consider putting aside ongoing adult conflicts in their interest. Think about Christmas as a day for the kids and focus on enabling their happiness. • Drink in moderation. It may be tempting to drink too much during the festive period, but alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression. Alcohol may be a problem if you’re drinking to cope. Or if you are dealing with family or friends that drink too much, If possible, try and avoid events or situations where family members may become agitated after drinking alcohol. • Avoid known triggers. If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up. Managing loneliness If you find yourself isolated or grieving a loved one over the Christmas period, there are ways to manage your loneliness:

• Connect with friends and family. Even if you’re separated by distance, you can stay in touch with loved ones online or by phone. • Volunteer. Why not lend a hand and volunteer over the holidays? Volunteering is a way to connect with others, boost your selfesteem, and bring joy to people who are less fortunate. Consider offering to help serve dinner at a soup kitchen, bring gifts to a children's hospital, or visit lonely residents at a nursing home. • Attend community events. Find out what’s on locally and get involved. Whether it’s Christmas carols or local markets, getting out and about can help relieve loneliness. • Make plans for Christmas Day. Develop a plan to avoid feeling depressed or stressed on the day. Perhaps make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance so that you can enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat. • Reach out to other people. Is there anyone else you know in your neighbourhood or friends circle that are going to be on their own over the holidays? If so, why not contact them and suggest sharing a plate on the day together. Need more help? At Lifeline North Coast we encourage any person who is experiencing emotional distress, contemplating suicide, or caring for someone in crisis to call 13 11 14. The phone line is available 7 days a week 24 hours a day and is free to anyone who calls. COFFS COAST

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INTRODUCING OUR

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eing a Lifeline North Coast Ambassador is an important role in our North Coast community. Our local Ambassadors are passionate about suicide prevention and supporting mental health, they undertake community engagement activities and participate in Lifeline North Coast events and initiatives. This helps to raise awareness of our services and encourages open and responsible discussion about mental health and suicide. TONY JUDGE Why did you apply to become an Ambassador for Lifeline North Coast? Lifeline is an important part of my life. I have been a telephone crisis supporter for 5 years. Since joining Lifeline I have seen the immense difference that it makes to the lives of people who are suffering distress. I would like to do as much as I can to support the work that Lifeline does and to help it grow. It is so important that we continue to work towards the prevention of suicide and provide the support that is so deeply needed by people who are facing a tough time in their life. What does being an Ambassador mean to you? I am honoured to be offered the opportunity to be an ambassador for Lifeline. I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent Lifeline, to explain and publicise the work that we do and to highlight the importance of that work in preventing suicide and dealing with distress. I am very aware that I will need to represent the values of Lifeline – compassion, connection, and a commitment to help. During your time as an ambassador, what would you like to achieve? I would like to contribute to a greater level of understanding of the work that Lifeline does. I would like to help to translate that improved understanding into a greater level of community engagement and to encourage others to consider taking up the role of crisis supporter. What would you say to encourage someone to reach out for help? No matter how 82 COFFS COAST

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desperate things become, take the opportunity to ask for help and share how you feel. Find people who listen and people you can trust with your thoughts and feelings. One of the great benefits of Lifeline is that it is an anonymous, confidential call service. Many people feel more comfortable opening up in that setting. SAMANTHA DAWSON Why did you apply to become an Ambassador for Lifeline? I believe this will be an amazing opportunity to extend my volunteer work in supporting the LGBTIQ area as my current role is coordinating PFLAG here on the Coffs Coast. I am passionate about helping families as I have a gay son and knew how hard it was to navigate when I arrived here 12 years ago and there weren’t any support networks readily available. What does being an Ambassador mean to you? It means being able to show how much Lifeline is important for the LGBTIQ community and to be able to easily cross over what I do with the services offered that truly help the people I engage with. During your time as an ambassador, what would you like to achieve? I hope to bring further awareness to how much we need to support these regional families. I already write monthly articles in Focus magazine drawing attention to real issues that LGBTIQ families face from “coming out” to homophobia, transphobia and try to shine a light on people's attitudes and

beliefs by dispelling age-old myths and prejudice. I was very active and happy to be interviewed on TV and radio when the Marriage Equality debate was in full swing and held an 80 strong event at Supply with all suppliers in the wedding industry for the YES vote. What would you say to encourage someone to reach out for help? I would make sure I listened and asked the right questions and then encouraged them to seek further help with the appropriate service. I am currently learning all the services via my Cert IV in Mental Health course which I'm really enjoying, and I am doing online around my full-time job at Focus Magazine. “Sam and Tony play a critical role in destigmatising suicide and mental health issues in the community, and they assist in showing that mental illness and suicidal thoughts don’t discriminate between social status, age, race, gender or any other demographic. Anyone can be affected, at any stage of life, stigma is still one of the main barriers for people seeking or accepting help for a mental illness or suicidal thoughts. Our carefully chosen Ambassadors will help us spread our message of building a more resilient suicide-free community.” Angela Martin Communications and Community Engagement Manager for Lifeline North Coast. To express your interest in becoming an ambassador please email angela.martin@lifeline. org.au to fill out an online form.

Lifeline North Coast has been saving lives for more than 34 years and continues to provide crucial support to people in crisis when they are in distress.

13 11 14 When you donate to, buy from, or attend a Lifeline course all funds are directed back into our local community initiatives

We run a full range of Lifeline Mental Health & Wellbeing Training Courses for individuals organisations and communities

Scan QR code for more information

We have five Lifeline North Coast Shops which are located in Coffs Harbour, Toormina, Nambucca Valley and Grafton

2/115 West High Street, Coffs Harbour 02 6651 4093

Adele se JACKSON WALSH

Adele House is a men’s rehabilitation centre that has recently moved into a new purposebuilt facility at Bucca. The new premises is set on a beautiful 900 acres and includes a training farm where clients can access work skills training and education programs.

ey Jackson, Tell us about your role at Adele house and how long have you been a part of the PAYCE Foundation? I am the Centre Manager of Adele’s 40-Bed residential rehabilitation facility located at Bucca, I have been in the role for three years. Adele offers rehabilitation for men over the age of 18 who have substance use issues that they wish to address. I oversee the day to day running of the facility and the delivery of the rehabilitation program along with stakeholder management, compliance and implementation of the Salvation Army’s Drug and Alcohol Group Work Program – ‘Foundations’. When I originally came to Adele House, we were located at Moonee Beach in a facility which essentially was a large house that had evolved over the years to cater for 84 COFFS COAST

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20 clients. I have overseen our migration to evolved into a residential rehabilitation facility a $10.6 million, purpose built, state of the in Toongabbie. In 2005 a property was set art facility here at Bucca. This was financed up at Moonee Beach with the idea of having through a joint venture between the PAYCE a facility away from the bustle of Sydney Foundation and the for the clients to have State Government. a safe, rural space to We employ 24 staff undergo treatment. When I originally in a variety of roles: When a partnership was came to Adele Case Workers, Support established with the House, we were located Workers, Administration PAYCE Foundation the at Moonee Beach in a and Catering. We are a vision for the property facility which 24/7 facility. at Bucca along with essentially was a large For our readers who the Training Farm and house that had evolved may be unsure what Rehabilitation Centre over the years to cater Adele House and the was developed and for 20 clients. Payce Foundation are, undertaken. can you give us a bit The PAYCE Foundation of background info? was founded in 2016 Adele House originally started as a to build on the long philanthropic tradition supported accommodation service for clients of leading property developer PAYCE. PAYCE ‘post detox’ in Sydney in 1984. It gradually look to establish long term partnerships

with a range of charities and community organizations addressing the causes and effects of disadvantage and misfortune to ensure these are not determinants of anyone’s quality of life. PAYCE have a range of focus areas: Addiction, Domestic and Family Violence, Homelessness and Social Isolation, Mental Health and Disability The aim of Youth at risk. Adele the program House and PAYCE is to prepare and have had an ongoing support clients to partnership for over 10 years. reach their full What are some potential through empowerment and of the programs sustainable longchoice to people with you run and what term behavioural substance use issues. The opportunities do you change. aim of the program is offer people who to prepare and support may need it? clients to reach their Adele House, as full potential through sustainable long-term part of their service delivery contract with the behavioural change. Salvation Army, delivers the newly developed Our holistic program covers a range of ‘Foundations’ program which is being rolled content to target building personal resilience: out at all Salvation Army Recovery Services managing triggers and recovery hazards, throughout Australia. It is an evidence relapse prevention, building positive social based, contemporary and engaging group identities, forming community connections, work program which seeks to provide hope,

moving toward independent living, having healthy relationships, developing spirituality, meaning in life and compassion. Our Model is ‘client-centred’: the goals of the admission are set by the client; ‘trauma informed’: the clients are treated with dignity and respect and they are encouraged to reciprocate; and underpinned by a ‘harm minimization’ approach ensuring that the overall harms of alcohol and drug use, if not eradicated, are reduced. Continued over...

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Adele

Can you tell us about the Adele training farm? Adele Training Farm is a social enterprise including a blueberry/blackberry farm and work skills centre. It provides training and employment opportunities to clients of Adele House, with income generated supporting Adele House operations. Clients are offered job training and education programs to ensure they are well equipped to reintegrate in the community. Adele Training Farm is a registered charity, its vision supports two key principles of the PAYCE Foundation’s approach to philanthropy: long term self-sustainability for charities through the generation of social enterprise revenue and support and upskilling of disadvantaged members of the community to ensure they are job-ready and able to become healthy, productive and positive members of our community. The Salvation Army plays a big part in Adele House. What is it like having such a wonderful organization behind you? Entering a Service Contract with the 86 COFFS COAST

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Salvation Army has allowed Adele House to benefit from the extensive resources and experience the Army has across its entire Social Mission. It links Adele House with an Australia wide network of ancillary services such as Employment Services, Family and Domestic Violence Programs, Chaplaincy, the Salvation local Corps and Family Army has Stores, Homelessness allowed Adele House Services and Emergency that being aligned with to benefit from the Relief Services. Our the Salvation Army extensive resources clients volunteer at the offers. The Army also and experience the local Salvation Army’s has extensive ‘back of Army has across its Family Store, attend the house’ services such as entire Social local Chapel Services Payroll, HR, Finance, Mission. and volunteered as part Employee Assistance of the Bushfire Relief Program, Work Health & Support offered by the Safety Systems, IT, Fleet Salvation Army in the bushfires of two years Management and Legal resources that have ago. helped streamline our operation. There has also been great benefit for Adele House in the connection with the levels of policy, governance, training and accreditation

Operating since 1984, how has Adele House changed in that time?

abstinence approach was the norm. Adele House has undergone a major change in how our program is delivered, a structured harm-minimization approach, clients have access to computers, mobile phones and Wi-Fi. The implementation of the Adele Training Farm ‘Work Skills Program’ has permitted us to incorporate education, training and paid employment into our Program to better prepare our clients for life beyond rehabilitation. The space and Adele House has seen the outlook of some exciting upgrades the new facility over the past year. allows our clients and What has been done staff to feel valued and how will it assist in Drug and Alcohol and well-resourced to the way you operate? Treatment Centres undertake the Just over a year ago have undergone recovery journey that we moved into our new significant changes Adele House offers. facility set on 900 acres since 1984 and Adele at Bucca where we share has transformed the property with the along with the Adele Training Farm. It was opened by the overall industry. Four clients to a room, often then Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet,, in October in bunkbeds, two phone calls a week, TV 2020. The new facility comprises a commercial viewing restricted, all aspects of the program kitchen, a tech hub, well-appointed group being mandatory, minimal case management rooms and conference areas with smart or structured program delivery, no access boards, a spacious dining room, pool, steam to computers and a ‘one size fits all’ total room, gym, vegetable garden, herb garden,

a games room, three laundries, a barbecue area and four separate lounge rooms in the Accommodation Block. The space and the outlook of the new facility allows our clients and staff to feel valued and well-resourced to undertake the recovery journey that Adele House offers. Our clients take pride in the environment and are actively involved in the day to day running and upkeep of the facility. The new facility is conducive to both the client’s well-being, engagement and an improved retention and completion rate. I should also mention that we have a Development Approval for the construction of a 20 bed Women’s Facility on the former site we were located on at Moonee Beach. We are in the process of seeking funding to facilitate the construction. Where can we find out more about Adele House? By visiting out website https://adelehouse. org/. Our Admissions Team can be contacted on 1300 286693. I should also mention that we have a Development Approval for the construction of a 20 bed Women’s Facility on the former site we were located on at Moonee Beach. We are in the process of seeking funding to facilitate the construction. COFFS COAST

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Kiah BOWEN D O M E S T I C A N D FA M I LY V I O L E N C E C O O R D I N ATO R

Kiah Bowen is the Region Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator for the Northern Region at the NSW Police Force. She is incredibly passionate about her role and is always on a mission to raise awareness on the subject. We spoke to her about some of the initiatives she’s been working on, as well as some advice on dealing with this issue in our community.

i Kiah. Can you tell us about your role with the NSW Police Force? My role is the Region Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator

police, creating community awareness

including the creation of street banners, coffee

campaigns, or representing NSWPF on a variety

cups, stickers, posters, graphics for buses, lip

of meetings and forums. It is rewarding to

balms, Z cards, coasters, T-shirts, umbrellas and

connect with people across the entire North

more! Some notable highlights for me have

Coast with a passion for the domestic and

been my involvement in the Rotary “Say No to

family violence space and hear stories of when

Domestic Violence” campaign, representing

our work has made a positive difference to the

NSW Police on various discussion panels and

lives of others.

working groups, and assisting with awareness

Bulahdelah. My role is different every day – it

What are some of the community projects

events like the 16 Days of Activism. I also

could be working on domestic and family

you’ve been part of in that role?

assisted with the organising of the Lovebites

for Northern Region. I cover the five police districts stretching between Tweed Heads and

violence strategy and policy improvements,

I am lucky to work alongside some incredibly

Ball held at the C.ex Coffs earlier this year

supporting local domestic violence committee

motivated committees across the North Coast

(despite being very nervous to be the MC)!

events and projects, supporting domestic

and have assisted with many domestic violence

You are most known for your work in

violence training and education of frontline

awareness initiatives over the last two years

relation to the Lovebites program, can

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early intervention education with a view of supporting our young people to make the right choices for themselves and have relationships free from violence and abuse. You’re currently working on Ball Against Domestic Violence, can you tell us all about it and how people can get involved? I am really excited to have partnered with Rob Linton from North Coast Basketball and Cass Wilson from Uniting to create this 3x3 Hustle basketball charity event for our community. Not only will it be a well-deserved fun day for our local emergency services entry section, who have worked tirelessly during a tough couple of years, but we have expanded the event to include kids’ sections and open sections. The event will be held at SportzCentral Stadium on Bray Street on Saturday December 18th. We are still looking for more team entries, so please head to the 3x3 Hustle website for more information or come down on the day to support. We will have a community BBQ, emergency services vehicles in attendance and a sports raffle! What will funds raised I want to take from this event go this opportunity towards? to remind the Coffs The proceeds from the Coast community that Ball Against Domestic domestic and family Violence event will be violence is a crime. We donated to the Warrina want people to report Domestic and Family early, and report often. Violence Specialist I urge Coffs Coast Services who provide residents to call police a variety of support if you see, hear, suspect services including a or are experiencing women’s and children’s domestic violence. refuge, housing/outreach you explain what this support, women’s program is about? domestic violence and I am currently the court advocacy service, case management, project lead for the North Coast Lovebites specialist DFV counselling and Men’s Behaviour Expansion Strategy, which aims to have the change programs. Lovebites respectful relationships program Creating awareness and an open dialogue running in all local high schools by the end of around domestic and family violence 2022. I am so passionate about this program is obviously very important, how does as it aims to equip young people with the talking about the topic create positive knowledge of what a respectful relationship change in the community or for those looks like, what red flags in a relationship look affected? like and what the definitions of domestic and We know that domestic and family violence family violence and consent are. It is just so does not discriminate, it can occur across all important that we invest as a community in sectors and groups within our community. We

also know that it remains an under-reported crime, and that it is complex in nature. Some victims do not want to end their relationships, they just want the violence to stop. Others require intervention from police and other agencies to assist them to leave. I truly hope that through our local domestic violence initiatives, like the Ball Against Domestic Violence, that conversations around the topics are both started and continued throughout the community. It should no longer be a topic that “stays behind closed doors”. It is everyone’s business – there is no excuse for abuse in our community! What are some common misconceptions when it comes to domestic violence? Some people do not recognise that they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship as it may not include physical violence. Our domestic violence awareness campaigns aim to educate the community about the non-physical forms of domestic violence as well as the fact that it can occur across more relationship types than the standard intimate partner definition – for example LGBTIQ couples, long term residents in a residential facility, carers, or Aboriginal extended family/kin. Additionally, the term “coercive control” has received a lot of media attention in the last year, which refers to a pattern of abusive behaviours that are used to cause fear and/or control a person or situation. It can include social, financial, psychological, spiritual, reproductive, or technology-facilitated abuse. What advice would you give to someone experiencing or observing signs of domestic violence or wanting access to some help or advice? I want to take this opportunity to remind the Coffs Coast community that domestic and family violence is a crime. We want people to report early, and report often. I urge Coffs Coast residents to call police if you see, hear, suspect or are experiencing domestic violence – 000 for emergencies, or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 for non-urgent information. There is also 1800 RESPECT (1800 737732) a 24-hour confidential counselling support service who can offer support and connect you with local support services if you wish. COFFS COAST

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hat services does your business offer? In my experience, the most effective ways of working

with families and children are through activities and therapeutic approaches that help families and children talk about and work through challenging problems and facilitate change. I am passionate about sharing creative therapeutic interventions that bring families and children hope, self-understanding, 90 COFFS COAST

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Beyond the Surface Counselling provides a creative, professional, empathetic, inclusive, and diverse range of interventions to assist families and children to enhance and empower their lives, fulfill their potential with solutionfocused approaches to change in a safe and healthy environment.

important? Mental health has many influences; biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that interact in complex ways. It affects everything we feel, think about, and act emotionally, psychologically, and socially. Healthy mental wellbeing helps manage emotions, respond to stress, and our general daily outlook on life. Having positive mental health assists with resilience, our relationships with others and guides us to make healthy choices. Mental wellbeing is important at every stage, from prenatal development, infancy, childhood, adolescence, early and middle adulthood, and late adulthood. I predominantly Who do you find work with presents to you? families and children I predominantly struggling with work with families and reduced motivation, children struggling with understanding of others, stress, anxiety, reduced motivation, and ideas about how frustration, dealing stress, anxiety, they want to interact in with tricky social frustration, dealing with the world. situations, trauma, tricky social situations, I have found all and grief and loss. trauma, and grief and families have challenges loss. They may be and problems. Most surviving trauma, family families can solve these problems by seeking violence, separation/divorce, and other losses advice from family, friends or accessing reliable where feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, and relevant information; however, some sadness, and anger become unwelcome families get stuck and are unsure what to do companions. Recently there has been an next. increase in families seeking help for children Why is being mentally healthy so with more worries, fears, and anxiety.

How do people access your services? There are a few ways to access Beyond the Surface Counselling. People have accessed the service from recommendations from family or friends, which means you can self-refer. Another health care provider may recommend counselling for you and provide you with a referral. I envisage a world where all people have access to information and interventions that can assist them in creating a healthy physical and psychological life for themselves and those around them. What are the benefits of therapy? Therapeutic counselling helps you address your problems positively by clarifying the issues, exploring options, developing strategies, and increasing self-awareness. It involves gaining new knowledge and skills about particular challenges you may be having. Counselling can also promote greater selfesteem, assertiveness and I have seen the provide you with the ability mental to redirect unhelpful to set personal boundaries. wellbeing benefits of or inappropriate Therapeutic counselling behaviours. health professionals with children looks very Methods and working together as different. Therapeutic play approaches in a multidisciplinary benefits and supports my therapeutic team in providing families and children practices include comprehensive and in expressing their Family Counselling, integrated care to emotions, improving their Compassion Focused people in need. communication, and Therapy, Cognitive solving problems. From the Behavioural Therapy, first counselling session, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Creative and you will find many take-home strategies and Expressive Art Therapy, and Therapeutic Story activities that capitalise on your children’s Telling. strengths and natural ability to express their We have come a long way in realising how feelings and resolve conflicts. important looking after our mental health What different kinds of therapy do you is. How have you seen these changes? offer? As a society, there have been significant Therapeutic approaches are very individual changes in people’s attitudes to mental health. to each family and children; one therapy does We are becoming more accepting, supportive, not fit all. ‘Talk therapies’ to understand the open, and communicative about our daily problem may be effective with adults, but mental health challenges and struggles. People we need to consider alternative interventions are more aware of mental health disorders when engaging with children. Providing such as depression and anxiety. We are seeing children with opportunities to voice their courageous people confidently speaking out thoughts, feelings, and ideas through play and sharing their difficulties and past traumas. is ideal. Therapeutic play enables children to I have seen the mental wellbeing benefits access and process their own emotions and of health professionals working together articulate their worries, fears, and problems, as a multidisciplinary team in providing assisting them in exploring feelings and comprehensive and integrated care to people dealing with unresolved trauma. Through in need. play, children can learn coping skills and how How do people remove the stigma around

getting mental health treatments? I feel we all have a responsibility to raise our voices against stigmatising mental health treatments. Raising awareness by having open, honest conversations, being conscious of the language we use, encouraging others to think about both physical and psychological health as comparable, being compassionate to ourselves and others, becoming empowered rather than shamed and, if safe to do so, call out stigmatising behaviours. What advice do you have for someone who would like to seek help but feels embarrassed or feels their situations or problems are not significant enough? Making the first counselling appointment may feel embarrassing and well out of your comfort zone. Firstly I would like to congratulate you for taking charge of your wellbeing and being proactive in maintaining your health. Counselling is all about telling your story, being actively listened to, and gaining help to work through your problem. All problems are acknowledged and listened to with patience, empathy, compassion, and non-judgmentally. The process of being vulnerable and speaking our truth is helpful in all situations we may find challenging. How can we get in touch? Contact me at Beyond the Surface Counselling on 0400 001 466. I look forward to hearing from you soon. COFFS COAST

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RTO 90003 | CRICOS 00591E | HEP PRV12049

Learn something new. Share it with the world. Enrol at TAFE NSW. At TAFE NSW, we’re excited about the future. Whether you want to help shape young minds or be a positive influence in your community, TAFE NSW has a course to help you realise your goals. Taught by industry-expert teachers, our nationally recognised courses will give you the hands-on skills you need to launch a successful career. Semester 1, 2022 courses are now open for enrolment but they are filling fast, so don’t miss out.

tafensw.edu.au 131 601focus

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+ + + + +

Beauty Hospitality & Baking Fitness & Massage Therapy Community Services Early Childhood Education & Care + Design Fundamentals + Tertiary Preparation

CO F FS COA S T CO M M U N IT Y CO LLE G E

Summer SK I L L S

Are you: • Aged 16 to 24 • Not at school •Living /working in NSW • Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder

Summer Skills supports young people aged 16-24. Choose from a widerange of FREE. short course from Industries where there are plenty of jobs available such as hospitality, construction, Sport & recreation, business and digital.

Coffs Coast Community College is a notfor-profit Registered Training Organisation delivering Nationally Recognised Training and leisure programmes to residents of the Coffs Harbour region in NSW since 1995.

e pride ourselves on the quality of adult education and training courses which we deliver, and are recognised locally as a quality provider. The College is delighted to be offering fee-free courses for 16-24 year old school leavers. Summer skills is a NSW Government initiative aimed at learning skills for in-demand jobs, building resumes and helping school leavers plan their future. This is the perfect opportunity for young people in this area to gain valuable skills over summer and be a step ahead for employment or further study. To be eligible you must be 16-24 years old and have left school, living or working in NSW, Australian / New Zealand citizen or Humanitarian visa holder. Participants need to be registered by 31st December and courses

must be completed by April 2022. The college is offering short courses in hospitality, disability support work, retail and customer service. The college manager and training team have years of local knowledge and have hand selected courses that will meet industry demand. Learn from industry experts in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. From one day courses to a week of classroom learning. Be one step ahead of others looking to get into further study or jobs. These places would also be beneficial for those having a gap year and moving away to have job skills already in place. To find out more information visit the summer skills website education.nsw.gov.au/skillsnsw/skills-initiatives/summerskills#courses or call the friendly team at the College on 02 6652 5378. COFFS COAST

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T M

Macca's Ma M

Junior

THE MUNRO GROUP

G rants

Each month a number of grant recipients are chosen based on their commitment in the areas of sporting, academic or community service.

Apply Today

Now Open!

maccasjuniorgrant.com.au Chase - Hockey

TAKING ENROLMENTS NOW

If you are considering an extraordinary primary or secondary school, Clarence Valley Anglican School is right at your doorstep. Clarence Valley Anglican School, a sister school to Bishop Druitt College, is just a short trip north of Coffs Harbour. We offer an affordable education for students from Pre-Kinder to Year 12.

Why Clarence Valley Anglican School? Two campuses New state-of-the-art Performance Centre incorporating music rooms, recording studios and drama space Specialised Pre-Kinder program Agricultural farm Walker Learning approach

Sapphire Beach Emerald Beach

Tech shed Yarning Circle Safe bus travel from Coffs Harbour Bishop Druitt College joint learning initiatives and opportunities Book an enrolment interview with Principal Karin Lisle today. Call 66422011 or email enrolments@cvas.nsw.edu.au On-site tours are held each Wednesday.

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Korora

MPI initiative

STEAM classroom

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Coffs city

Moonee Beach

Gymnasium

Jordan - Futsal

CVAS Bus Stops

Project-based learning Duke of Edinburgh

Ella - Sports Aerobics

Students can enjoy a safe, easy journey to school on our dedicated bus from Coffs Harbour through the northern beaches.

Sandy Beach Woolgoolga Safety Beach Mullaway Darlington Park Corindi Halfway Creek

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EDUCATION

UPDATE with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

Taking the next step in sport

022 is looking good for our sportsminded youth as COVID restrictions are being loosened on sporting and recreational activities for the state. Bishop Druitt College, in particular, have been planning for this reopening with a series of key sporting initiatives, and are poised to maximise these opportunities for our youth to encourage a come-back to sport, from recreational through to athlete development and high performance programs. The college has recently penned a new partnership with the Liverpool Football Club International Academy NSW as a host venue to provide students and the broader community with access to highquality coaching, mentoring and academic pathway support into physical education careers. Players aged 6 to 16 years have started signing up already with the programs starting this December. Bishop Druitt College also recently hosted a magnificent fundraising day for the BDC Barracudas Sporting Club with over $11,000 raised. The event was held at the spectacular Bonville Golf Resort and a full field of 120 players participated. A huge thank you to the local businesses who sponsored this annual event: Geoff King Motors, FXBC, Colourworks, Westpac Commercial, Watsons Caravans, SCL Sport and Support, The Dental Centre, Midford Uniforms, Newcombe Coach Lines, XCorp, Coffs Computers, Ray Ellicott Concreting, and Oak Tree Retirement Village. These funds will be used by the BDC Barracudas

Sporting Club to expand their range of for the Bishop’s Cup. sporting offerings to the local community. The College will continue to be an active The BDC Barracudas is in a major growth member of the North Coast Independent phase going from 6 teams across 2 sports to Schools Sporting Association as a 28 teams across 5 sports. In 2022, the BDC pathway to regional and state teams across Barracudas will be running Football from a huge range of sports including swimming, under 6s to under 8s; Rugby Union from athletics, cross country, football, netball, under 8s to under 14s basketball, surfing, and under 15s in girls hockey, rugby union, rugby, Basketball and touch football. This wonderful from under 6s to under These competitions new initiative 19s in boys and girls, 6 build performance is expected to be teams in the junior and opportunities for our used as a platform social Touch Football students at Bishop to showcase some competitions and a Druitt College and amazing sporting Get into Netball type add to our specialist talent in the region taster program. sporting academies In November 2022, in Golf, Netball and and other Anglican Bishop Druitt College Football, the Athlete schools from further will host the inaugural Development Program afield have already Anglican Schools and the individual expressed interest Country Week with support offered through in joining this Anglican school our High Performance carnival in 2023. students coming from Program, partnered by across the North Coast local businesses, North to play in a variety of Coast Football, Coffs sports including Chess, Cricket, Football, Harbour Golf Course, and Hoys Health and Golf, Netball, Rugby, Tennis and Volleyball. Wellness. This wonderful new initiative is expected to For more information: be used as a platform to showcase some Liverpool Football Club International fcacademy.com.au amazing sporting talent in the region and Academy NSW BDC Barracuda Sporting Club other Anglican schools from further afield info@bdcbarracudas.com.au or find ‘BDC have already expressed interest in joining this Barracudas’ on Facebook and Instagram carnival in 2023. This event will also provide Bishop Druitt College High Performance an economic stimulus to the Coffs Coast as and Athlete Development Manager - Natalie families travel with their respective schools ntitcume@bdc.nsw.edu.au Titcume to witness these athletes in action as they vie COFFS COAST

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LEADERS with CASSANDRA WILSON FROM BECOMING U PROJECT

Hi Scout! VERY EXCITED TO BE CHATTING TO YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POSITIVE IMPACT YOU ARE HAVING on the young people in our community!

efore we hear more them and their families. I really enjoy being about that, can you tell part of their life and finding out their interests, us about yourself? what siblings they have, where they like to go I am 24 years old and on holidays. Being at OOSH I get to encourage have been living in Coffs creative play, have fun, let the kids explore Harbour since I was about new and different experiences and create two years old. I went to Kororo primary an environment where kids can be kids. I school and then onto Jetty for my high school love watching them grow into independent, years. I played netball resilient, and connected but quickly moved young people. across to basketball You mentioned Being at OOSH I as I loved the pace, connection – how do get to encourage fierce competition, you help them with creative play, have fun, and intensity of the this important skill? let the kids explore game. You would find I usually start an new and different me at Sportz Central activity or game and use experiences and create most afternoons and this to bring the kids an environment where weekends. together to start forming kids can be kids. I love At 15 I started friendships. I see who watching them grow working at OOSH (Out is playing together and into independent, of School Hours care) then reference this game resilient, and connected and fell in love with the next time they are young people. the job and the kids. I together to create a also went on to study a talking point. I use these Certificate IV in school activities to teach the education and care and worked as a teacher’s kids about involving others, accepting each aide. I am now leading the OOSH team at other as they are and being respectful. I do Coffs Harbour and find it so rewarding as I love how OOSH has kids from all different help play a part in shaping these young people schools coming each afternoon as it helps widen their friendship circles, encourages into great humans. connection with different kinds of kids and You have been at OOSH for nearly 10 forms support groups that will be so beneficial years what makes it so special? when they reach high school. The kids! I love building relationships with

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What is another skill you try to encourage in these young people? Youth Leadership is an important skill that I try to nurture. There are roles that the young people can try at OOSH to help them with this. There are junior group leaders, helpers, and line leaders. This is where they learn about caring for those younger than them, taking on responsibility and understanding what being a positive mentor means. I have seen so many of the kids start with us when they are in kindergarten and they are nervous, anxious, or shy, and through taking on extra responsibilities under my guidance, now have the confidence to put they hand up for captain and peer support mentors at their schools. Leadership is also a skill that you have learnt in your role, how have you found that? It has been a big learning curve as I went from a peer to now a leader of those peers which can be tricky. But I have found that being honest and transparent, and giving feedback in a positive and respectful way helps. I love working with my team and giving them opportunities to grow themselves, whether that is through leading the mat chats in the afternoon, to creating their own activities and building their relationships with the families. Thanks Scout.

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COFFS COAST U15'S

NETBALL

Tea

i girls. Can you introduce yourselves to us and tell us about the team you’re all a part of? Kayla: I’m Kayla Gage and I am a player and the captain of the U15’s Coffs Harbour Representative team. Marene: Hello my name is Marene Greyvenstein, I play GS for the Under 15 Rep Coffs Harbour team. I moved to Coffs Harbour at the beginning of the year. The girls made me feel very welcome – they are 100 COFFS COAST

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Kayla Gage, Marene Greyvenstein and Madison Parkes are three young locals who play Netball together as part of the U15’s Coffs Harbour Representative team. The team has had a very successful year, recently winning the Senior State Titles.

of eight. What I love about netball is the amazing support from my teammates and coaches to help guide me into a better player. I love learning new skills to incorporate into my game and meeting new people which has created so many different friendships outside of netball. Marene: I started playing netball at the age of seven, when I was still living in South Africa. I moved to Australia in 2017, and my passion for netball This year has just grew and grew. I been a love netball, because it’s successful year for a great team sport and a us girls including place where I make new kind, motivators and friends. I love the passion being undefeated 3 support one another that each coach has out of 5 carnivals we after a bad day or towards players and helps have attended, and game. them improve to the best finally proudly Madison: My name of their abilities. Your coming home to is Madison Parkes, I team is like your second winning all State Age am a part of the Coffs family, because you spend Harbour under 15s Games. so much time together. Rep team. Madison: I have been How long have you playing netball since I was all been playing netball for and what do 11 years old, I am a very active person who you love about it? loves all sports, but netball is my favourite Kayla: I started playing netball at the age

because I am always learning new skills, playing within a team, and it’s also lots of fun. How often do you train and play during the season? Kayla: During the netball season I play for two different club teams and a representative team. I train two times a week with my team and do extra training on days I’m not occupied. I play two games each I was so excited, week not including it was a huge 3 the five different days, I was so proud representative carnivals of the girls and our this year and the 3-day State Age Titles. coaches, Maddie and throughout the Marene: The season Tracey, we all put in season, and the starts in January and such hard work and highest achievement ends in September. To it was exciting to see was winning State be a Rep player, you Titles, going through it all pay off. also need to represent undefeated. a club team within your What did it feel like association. Therefore I when you won the play for South Netball Club. Our club teams State Titles? usually train once a week and play a game Kayla: When we had won State Titles I on a Saturday. The Coffs Rep Team trains on was completely proud and excited for the a Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours. We team and myself because each one of us have a practice game against the Under 17’s girls trained so hard leading up to State Age. Rep team on Wednesday nights. Throughout I remember being full of joy when the last the Rep season we have various carnivals to buzzer went and my teammates and I all attend in our region. The season ends with ran to each other. There were many joyful Senior State Titles in Sydney. tears shared on that day and I was extremely Madison: We train a few nights a week, thrilled to win State Titles one night consisting of fitness, the other night Marene: Winning was something that skills and game play. every girl on the team wanted to reach and Your team, the Coffs Harbour U15’s Rep reaching it together was something special. team, has had a successful year, can you With a team that just started playing together tell us about your achievements? this season for the first time, winning the Kayla: This year has been a successful year State Titles was something unreal. All our for us girls including being undefeated three hard work, training and commitment from out of five carnivals we have attended, and each girl paid off. Having coaches and parents finally proudly coming home to winning all believing in us and cheering from the sideline State Age Games. at each game was inspiring. Marene: We competed in various carnivals Madison: I was so excited, it was a huge during the season and were undefeated three days, I was so proud of the girls and for most of them. Cessnock was our our coaches, Maddie and Tracey, we all put in most competitive opponent. Our biggest such hard work and it was exciting to see it achievement was winning the Senior State all pay off. titles for Division 3 as undefeated champions. What will it mean to attend the Netball Madison: Yes we all played amazing

NSW performance session training? Kayla: I was completely overwhelmed to hear I had an opportunity to attend a Netball NSW performance session. It meant so much to me to be able to improve my skills and work with talented netballers across NSW. Marene: Being part of the state performance sessions is the first step to achieving my dream. It will give me more experience and multiple ways to improve with my shooting all the way to my fitness. Madison: It is a massive honour, I get to learn top skills from NSW top coaches, and meet heaps of girls with lots of talent I can learn from. What would be the dream for each of you when it comes to playing netball? Kayla: My dream for me when it comes to playing netball would be to make the Suncorp league for the NSW Swifts. Marene: My dream is to play netball professionally. Playing for a club, like the Giants, would be my ultimate pathway to become a Diamond. I know it will take hard work, patience, and dedication but every dream is within your reach. The cherry on top would be to play in the 2032 Olympics where it will be the first time netball is included as an olympics sport event. Madison: My dream in the near future is to make the Netball NSW emerging talent squad. And my future dream would be to one day play in the SSN (Suncorp Super Netball), and hopefully one day for Australia. COFFS COAST

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

with CATH FOWLER

NIKKI

BURRELL FREEL ANCE FLOWERS

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

an you tell us a little bit about your business? Freelance Flowers Floral Design Studio is a local florist based in Coffs Harbour. We deliver throughout the region, with an emphasis on style, elegance and bespoke floral art. Specialising in seasonal flowers, we house a team of creative and highly inspired floral designers. Our floral team is renowned for exceptional workmanship while using superior quality flowers in both traditional and contemporary floral designs. Each staff member has their own sense of style and creative instincts which provides our valued clients with more choices and inspirational pieces. I’m also excited to say that I am opening a second shop in the New Year on the Northern Beaches of Coffs. What’s your favourite part of the work you do? I love to work with our clients and discuss their vision of what they would like to create and being able to bring that idea to life. Whether it’s for the celebration of someone dear, creating bespoke wedding florals, celebrating anniversaries, showcasing someone’s business or house with corporate designs, bringing joy to new parents or a bouquet of blooms to let someone know

you’re thinking of them or just to brighten their day. I’m constantly in awe of the beauty of nature and we get to share this with anyone who orders through us or comes into our store. Who is your greatest influence in business? Definitely my family. My late father was a local Accountant in Coffs Harbour who had his own business here for more than 30 years. He was the hardest working man I know. He taught me that hard work, vision, determination and a sense of humour will help you succeed in business. His advice was to always stay true to yourself. My partner Mick and our 3 children Liam, Willow and Roxy are also the greatest influence on our little business. They are all involved in the business and you will generally see them in the shop after school or work, unpacking flowers, serving customers, delivering our floral designs or sitting up at the floral bench sharing their day’s events with the wonderful staff. I cherish the fact that I have their unwavering support. Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast? I’ve been fortunate to grow up at Moonee Beach. While I moved away a bit for education and other business opportunities, this piece of paradise with its natural beauty of the

beaches and the hinterland seems to beckon you home. Most of all it’s family, friends and community that makes you feel home. I love that I get to be part of this supportive community and that our customers often come into the shop just to take time to “stop and smell the roses” as they say. What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world? Have a vision and stay true to yourself. Take the time to support other women in business, share in building each other up. Seek out other women who challenge and inspire you, spend time with them and together share ideas, hardships, goals, achievements and challenges. Be aware of what other women on the Coffs Coast are doing in business. Applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes and encourage them in their business. When we all support one another, everyone succeeds. Where can people find out more about your business? We are located at Northside Shopping Centre on Park Beach Road. freelanceflowers.com.au @freelanceflowers Freelance Flowers Floral Studio COFFS COAST

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STAT E O F

PLAY with

COFFS HARBOUR MP GURMESH SINGH

WITH CHRISTMAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, MANY ON THE COFFS COAST ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING THE SEASON.

hristmas usually means presents, barbecues, and the beach. When I was growing up, all of our cousins would sleep over at our grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve. Our parents would sneak the presents under the tree on Christmas morning, and we’d always have to wait until the morning to open them. After the difficult last 12 months, many on the Coffs Coast will say that Christmas can’t come soon enough. Shops are filling again. Restaurants are overflowing again. And the community is returning to normal life again. Business owners have had the additional responsibilities of being on the COVID front lines. It has probably been the most challenging time to be a small business owner for a generation. But with the coming Christmas season comes hope. Sydneysiders and Victorians endured a lengthy COVID lockdown and are ready to make the most of this summer. With the Queensland Government making decision 104 COFFS COAST

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after decision to further maim their tourism Harbour. Combined with the Critters Distillery, industry, the North Coast is in pole position to Emerald Island Distillery, and Two Tails Winery, take advantage. the Coffs Coast has a thriving new set of There are more and attractions. Distilleries, more flights coming on breweries and wineries board with Qantas, Rex, attract a different Now the Coffs and Virgin all returning type of tourist and the Coast has two with increasing breweries especially new breweries to schedules to Coffs have space for families keep up with the Harbour Airport. and kids. demand. The Woopi New restaurants, This Christmas Brewing Co opened breweries and cafes are holiday season will also a few weeks ago and all poised to enhance be a time for reflection. has been a drawcard our existing tourist The last two and a to the town. offering. Like many half years have been locals, I have travelled stressful for many, and to Sanctus Brewery in full of uncertainty. With Townsend (next to Maclean). Now the Coffs vaccination rates over 95%, we can move Coast has two new breweries to keep up with through our community with more confidence the demand. The Woopi Brewing Co opened than at any time during the pandemic. a few weeks ago and has been a drawcard to I’m planning to spend the Christmas period the town. relaxing with my family and friends. I hope Late November, they were joined by the you all will be able to do the same. Merry King Tide Brewery in the centre of Coffs Christmas.

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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with JASON BURLEY FROM BURLEY AGED CARE ADVICE

CHRISTMAS B R I N G S

FAMILIES TOGETHER THE FESTIVE SEASON PROVIDES FAMILIES with the chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones, PARTICULARLY ELDERLY PARENTS.

ften during this time, you might notice your parent’s health and independence declining. This might trigger an imminent need to consider what help is available to manage their everyday needs. Or, this may be a time for parents to take control over their future with advice and family discussions. The signs of ageing can be distressing and worrying for many people, but they are a natural part of life, especially with our increasing longevity. Not having an effective plan for how to grow old safely can be a problem. This plan needs to consider strategies to ensure the home environment and care supports are appropriate, as well as how to fund quality levels of care. It might be time for a family meeting If you have older parents, take the time this year to raise the issue with them and your siblings or other family members and seek advice to start building a family action

plan. If you are that older person, the festive season provides you with an opportunity to bring your adult children together to discuss your care needs. Make yourself heard whilst you are still able to maintain your control and independence and put strategies into place. The value of a family meeting A well-run family meeting can allow parents, children and other family members to discuss issues and preferences, express concerns and make decisions that work for your family as a whole. As an Accredited Aged Care ProfessionalTM, I can assist with running a family meeting to help your family see the big picture more objectively. Together we can consider the options for your parents’ care, security and happiness. The earlier you take this step, the better. Planning ahead ensures that parents are fully involved in the decision-making and removes some of the stress from other family members. With a well organised plan in place, your family

can respond more quickly and effectively when an event requiring a move to aged care occurs. Talk to me today. Financial advice from an Accredited Aged Care ProfessionalTM can help you to decide what you can afford and show you some tricks to make what seems unaffordable more affordable. We have the expertise to help you make an informed decision. As an Accredited Aged Care ProfessionalTM I have helped many clients to make this choice. I help to find a choice that is affordable, as well as 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 an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232). Call me on 0431 414 799 to discuss how I might help yours or a loved one’s own position.

P 0431 414 799 E jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au W www.burleyagedcareadvice.com.au 106 COFFS COAST

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KEVIN HOGAN - THE NATIONALS

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

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

hat another Please note that our office will year it has be closed from 12 pm Thursday been! The 23 December 2021 and reopen pandemic Monday 10 January 2022. continued to throw challenges The festive season is at us with almost a repeat of last traditionally a time to spend year. We have found new ways with family and loved ones. It is to work, and also a time to many businesses reflect on the We would like have changed year that has to wish all our their business gone and focus clients, family and model to adapt on your plans friends a happy and to the new for the New safe Christmas and norm. Year. I find that prosperous New We would like many people Year. Please take to wish all our think about care over the holiday clients, family season and enjoy the their financial and friends a situation over festivities. happy and safe the holiday Christmas and period and how prosperous New Year. Please take they can do things differently care over the holiday season and or improve their situation in the enjoy the festivities. year ahead.

$7.7 MILLION WOOLGOOLGA POOL UPGRADE Exciting times for Woolgoolga and the Northern Beaches. I recently announced a $3.9 million grant to completely upgrade the pool. The Council are matching this funding. This will include a new eight-lane main pool, learn-to-swim pool, multi-function building, splash zone for kids, and new amenities. There will be a new modern building with an undercover space, terrace seating, large

grassed areas, picnic shelter and BBQ, and lighting for night time use. MERRY CHRISTMAS Thank you all for your support this year in ensuring our community remains safe and strong. Together let’s look towards 2022 with hope and optimism in our region’s future. I encourage you to shop local this Christmas. Local businesses are the ones that employ our young people and put money back into our communities.

Kevin HOGAN MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PAGE As a community, 2021 has seen us face many challenges. I am extremely proud of our resilience and our ability to care for each other. Thank you all for your support in ensuring our community remains safe and strong. Together let’s look towards 2022 with hope and optimism in our region’s future.

Merry Christmas Authorised by K Hogan MP, National Party of Australia - NSW, 63 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW 2480

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ON THE

BRYCE CLARK BRYCE CLARK, OF CLARK PIANO SERVICES, HAS GIVEN US THE RUNDOWN ON WHAT A DAY ON THE JOB IS LIKE FOR A PIANO TUNER, HOW HE GOT INTO THE PROFESSION AND WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT IT.

i Bryce. How long have you been tuning pianos? I’ve been tuning and fixing pianos as an Australasian Registered Piano Technician (ARPT) for just over ten years now. After years training and working in Melbourne, my partner and I moved our young family home and I have been working in the Coffs Coast Area since 2018. It’s not a particularly common skill, how did you go about learning the trade? After studying music at university I took a job in a piano store and began to really understand the work that goes into tuning and caring for a piano. From there I studied at the Australasian School of Piano Technology under Brent Ottley, one of the 108 COFFS COAST

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What does a typical day on the job look country’s most respected and in-demand like for you? piano technicians. Since completing my Being a piano tuner has taken me to a course I have developed and maintained a wide range of venues: close relationship with cruise ships, festivals, Yamaha, including up I started playing theatres, cathedrals! A to date training, and I piano when I typical day, however, am the Coffs Harbour was 7 years old and involves home visits area’s only authorised went on to study with my clients. As a Yamaha Service Agent. music performance at piano tuner, I spend I have also completed university. I also a lot of time in other training in California toured in a number of people’s homes and with Piano Disc and bands before settling their hospitality never am one of a handful into full time piano ceases to amaze me. of technicians qualified tuning. If I’m not on the road to install and service servicing pianos, their player systems I’m in my workshop (once installed these doing restorations or rebuilds. I do a lot allow the piano to play itself, not unlike a of inspections for people interested in pianola).

buying second hand pianos and valuations for insurance purposes and maintain close relationships with many major piano companies if a new instrument is needed. Really anything from colour matching old piano keys with reclaimed ivory to installing humidity control systems! What would be the process from start to finish for tuning a piano and how long on average does it take? Really the process of what we offer can be broken up into three stages: Tuning, Voicing and Regulation. Tuning relates to Pitch, Voicing relates to tone and Regulation relates to touch. It usually takes just over an hour to tune all 220+ strings in the piano, but this is just the start of a piano service. We then get to work on improving the touch and tone of the piano by adjusting the action mechanism so the piano feels even across the whole keyboard (regulation) and voicing the hammers for a consistent sound (voicing). Usually around two hours are allocated for a yearly service and the time will be focused where it is most needed after the initial tuning. This is something discussed with the client at the beginning of the process so they can get the most out of their service. If there is time to spare, a service might also involve cabinet repair or minor cleaning. I’m very excited It would be obvious to be able to to say that you’re hear some live music a lover of music. again when things What do you enjoy start to open back up! listening to most? In the meantime I’ve I’m a definitely a had some Mike Nock lover of music! I am & Luke Howard a massive fan of Jazz, I albums on high so any Jazz piano puts do! rotation while I’m a huge smile on my I started face. I’m very excited driving around playing piano to be able to hear between pianos. when I was 7 years old some live music again and went on to study when things start to music performance open back up! In the at university. I also toured in a number of meantime I’ve had some Mike Nock & Luke bands before settling into full time piano Howard albums on high rotation while I’m tuning. driving around between pianos. What would you say is one of the most Do you also play piano yourself? If so, rewarding aspects of your trade? when did you start playing?

I think that by far the most rewarding aspect of my job would be watching people play their freshly tuned piano. Not only do you get to see them enjoy the improvements you’ve made but in some cases you get to return to see students improve their own playing over the years. Where can we find out more? You can visit www.clarkpianoservices. com.au for more info and to book online or you can call us on 0421 456 539 if you have any questions about your piano. Thanks Bryce. COFFS COAST

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Home

bedroom, Village Villa

2 bedroom, East Facin

Come $485,000to

365,000

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PRICES to suit every budget, HOME OPTIONS to suit every taste 2 bedroom, Village Villa

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Departure fee payable, enquire for more information.

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s as PROPERTY GUIDE

PAINT

M A R K & TA M M I E D I E N E R

I N S P I R AT I O N S

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I N S P I R AT I O N S

PAINT COFFS COAST

Inspirations Paint Coffs Coast have moved into a new bigger and better showroom. We caught up with Mark and Tammie Diener to find out how the new showroom has helped them improve their services and products.

ey Mark and Tammie, it’s been a while since our last chat, what have you been up to over the last 12months? We have been crazy busy over the past months. We outgrew our busy previous space and were lucky enough to relocate just down the road at 182 Orlando St. We were then put onto the task of completing our new shop fit out, which has turned out amazing! We are so happy with the new look. Can you tell us why you love what you do? Having worked in the industry close to 20 years, we just love to make our customers’ ideas and passions come to fruition. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the

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smile on a customer’s face when they have completed their project and it is exactly what they were wanting. We also love the hard projects where we need to think beyond the standard rules of painting and come up with solutions. We are continuously learning and love researching to find solutions for whatever project or issues customers throw at us. That is why we are here. Have you remained with the same team or has it changed? Our team has changed since we took over the store three and half years ago. Our team consists of Jacinta (Store Manager), Billie (Sales Assistant) and Brendan who looks after our warehousing. Our team is amazing, we couldn’t be happier with how they have

settled into their roles and how quickly they have picked up all things paint and more. With the opening of your new showroom, how will this help to improve the way people can learn about your services and products? A lot of time and effort has been put into the store layout, taking on board customer feedback from both DIY and trade along the way. It is designed to enable our customers to shop the store on their own along with the awesome advice and assistance from the staff. The information provided around the products is made to help customers We like to ask understand the various about what the products along with customers are doing, when and why you know what they not only so we can would use them. are up to. When recommend the We have a kids zone customers share correct products, but closely located near the their projects, it also because we want colour boards to keep allows us to share to know what they kids busy while Mum with others that are up to. and Dad spend time come into our choosing colours. store. Sometimes What makes customers have unusual projects, in which Inspirations Paint different from other we have to get creative with the products companies in the local area? we recommend, and think outside the box. We have a genuine interest in what our This allows us to learn and share those customers are working on. We like to ask about what the customers are doing, not only so we can recommend the correct products, but also because we want to

experiences. No project is unusual as we are unusually awesome. Continued Over... COFFS COAST

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PAINT COFFS COAST

What is the best advice you can give to a prospective customer? We are Specialists, we don’t sell nuts and bolts, gazebos, barbecues or cow poo. We are Paint and Coatings through and through from the slab to the roof, off the deck and out on the boat. Whether you are a DIYer or tradie, come to the place that loves your project sometimes more than you do. Every bit of who we are is for you and your projects. Do you offer solutions for budgets of different sizes? Absolutely. We can provide products and accessories from small touch ups, to multi storey buildings. No project is too big or small 114 COFFS COAST

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Whether you are a DIYer or tradie, come to the place that loves your project sometimes more than you do. Every bit of who we are is for you and your projects.

for our team. We have selections of products for all budgets. What product range do you carry in your store? When people enter our store they are surprised when they see the product range we carry. In our old store we weren’t necessarily able to display the full range, however the new store allows us to display a lot more. We stock a large range of products that will get any project complete. From your typical

house paint (internal and external including the roof) woodcare products (for your decks, furniture, posts anything timber), concrete (this includes internal and external, coloured sealers, epoxy flooring, flaking etc), metal (primers and paints), marine, and specialty paints (Porters, tiles, bathroom and kitchen etc). Along with all the paint products we are sure to carry the best accessories to give you the finest finish you are after.

We also have the space in our new premises to hold training days/nights. We have recently held a Dulux Avista training day where staff and tradies got hands on with products with the Dulux Avista rep. How have you seen the Coffs Coast change over the time you have had the store? From what we have seen so far, Coffs Coast is growing in masses. We are so excited to be here with so many exciting things happening. From changes at the Jetty Foreshore, to the proposed studios, expansions in housing on the Coffs Coast, upgrades in existing resorts and proposed new resorts. It’s going to be beyond what we see in development. We have also seen changes in our customers. They tell us how much they enjoy coming into

the store and chatting with our staff. We have tradies come in and have their morning tea or lunch, just to hang out and catch up with our staff. From arriving in Coffs going on four years ago we came into a town where we knew no-one and now being embraced like family is an amazing feeling. What services and products do you offer to the tradespeople on the Coffs Coast and how will this new showroom help to improve these? We offer personal delivery from Sawtell to Red Rock, while using locally owned couriers/

freight to service the Greater Coffs Coast and beyond. Our new showroom and premises allows us to keep a wider range of products as well as a larger holding of stock on hand. This includes more than just paint, it includes accessories as well. We are the largest one stop paint specialist shop on the Mid North Coast. We also have the space in our new premises to hold training days/nights. We have recently held a Dulux Avista training day where staff and tradies got hands on with products with the Dulux Avista rep. We hope to hold more product training for both DIY and tradies very soon. What are your plans for the future of Inspirations Paint? There are more big things happening, all will be revealed in time, but what we can share is our immediate goal is to expand our team. How can we get in touch? 02 6652 4952 coffs@sales.insp.com.au 182 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 COFFS COAST

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Dulux Avista’s range of decorative concrete products can add colour, texture and patterns to internal and external concrete surfaces. Dulux Avista products are designed to help protect and enhance concrete surfaces to ensure that they withstand the test of time.

Available from Inspirations Paint Coffs Coast duluxavista.com.au

®Avista is a registered trade mark. ®Dulux is a registered trade mark of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.

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KITCHEN

of themonth

with Marcus Phillips from Designer Living Kitchens

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David and Brian Hopwood - Hopwood Homes

For more info Designer Living Kitchens Coffs Harbour designerlivingkitchens.com.au A 1/3 Lawson Cres, Coffs Harbour P (02) 6652 6186 E marcus@designerlivingkitchens.com.au

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Blue Ribbon Homes

Display Home

DISPLAY

The Belleview

HOME NOW OPEN

The Belleview is a contemporary home that showcases Blue Ribbon Homes’ quality, innovation and individuality. The Belleview is a unique custom designed home with a feature courtyard that embraces the casual lifestyle of beachside living. Take the first step in making your new dream home a reality and take a walk through our beautiful display home today with our friendly team. This is a great opportunity to get to know and see for yourself the Blue Ribbon Homes promise of quality, style and value. 7 Angler Crescent, Bonville Sawtell Commons Estate Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 10am - 3pm

Call 6651 8144 www.blueribbonhomes.com.au 122 COFFS COAST

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GET IN,

GET OUT, AND GET ON

WITH IT!

WE’RE COMMITTED TO THE TRADE :

�UNDERCOVER DRIVE-THRU �OPEN EARLY �DELIVERIES IN FULL AND ON TIME

COFFS HARBOUR

87-189 ORLANDO ST. PH 6651 6247 COFFS COAST

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Meet the Sales Team at G R O V E Marian Grove has been a leader in the retirement sector for over 27 years, growing and evolving over time to meet the changing needs of residents.

ith new offerings of modern apartment living added to the spacious established townhouses and villas in 27 hectares of award-winning gardens and the addition of “The Link” about to expand lifestyle options even further, we asked Karen Martin, Marian Grove Village manager a few questions. Where do you get most of your enquiries, Karen? So many of them come through recommendations from our current residents, confirming our exceptional reputation as an inclusive community of Christian care. They know that as not-forprofit organisation, our focus is on people, not shareholders. This enables us to truly provide the best support for our residents

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So, why should people “Come to and dedicate the highest level of genuine Marian Grove?” care to our community. Retirement is the reward that everyone What can prospective residents expect is working towards, looking forward to when they make an enquiry? quality time when Our administrative you’re free to team are dedicated enjoy your life, and to excellence in The team are fully the best time to customer service. experienced and transition your move All the members are able to assist with any into retirement living passionate about enquiries about the is whilst you’re active providing the best varied budget and living and able to do all community lifestyle options we have available the things you’ve for our residents. and look forward to planned and waited The team are fully showcasing the for. experienced and wonderful opportunities Marian Grove able to assist with our village has to offer. retirement village any enquiries about enables you to the varied budget enjoy that quality and living options lifestyle. Our accommodation options we have available and look forward to are varied, with options to suit every showcasing the wonderful opportunities budget. Our units are refurbished to an our village has to offer.

extremely high standard and are modern and contemporary. Our apartments are beautifully appointed with state-of-theart technology and facilities. And best of all, we have With the housing homes available market soaring, right now! There’s why not take advantage never been a better of this opportunity to Our thriving time to transition obtain premium pricing community offers into retirement for your home, downsize fabulous activities living. With the into a beautifully to become involved housing market in, whether it’s appointed apartment or soaring, why not enjoying a beer in villa and start enjoying take advantage of the afternoon whilst your retirement. this opportunity to playing a game obtain premium of pool, painting pricing for your classes, indoor home, downsize lawn bowls, table tennis, and many more into a beautifully appointed apartment or activities. We have fantastic facilities to villa and start enjoying your retirement. If offer with a well-appointed recreational downsizing proves to be challenging, our hall, workshop encompassing extensive team is here to support you through the tools and equipment, fully equipped gym, process.

delightful rooftop terrace, onsite café and hairdresser, Lady of the Way Chapel and much more. Our community embraces all people – everyone is welcome and included. Thanks Karen, and how do we contact you? The team would love to take your call on 02 6653 1241 or 0490 522 596, or you can email MarianGroveSales@scca.net.au . If you’d like to know what’s happening at Marian Grove, visit our website at scca.net.au and sign up for the monthly e-news delivered to your inbox, with all the latest from our community. COFFS COAST

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REAL

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

ALTHOUGH WE ARE IN A HOT - AND I MEAN HOT - MARKET, THERE ARE STILL SOME GREAT TIPS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

our home may be a great place to raise a family or just live. The problem, of course, is a buyer does not know that and instead forms an immediate opinion on what they see first. Love at first sight is a cliché, but it has an underlying truth to it as do most clichés. The simple fact is we are an emotional species. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we always form a first impression of everything we come in contact with. That impression may be conscious or subconscious. The undisputed fact, however, is our first impression determines any subsequent decisions a majority of the time. If you are selling a property, you must accept and focus on this fact. As a seller, it is vital that you understand a buyer’s first impression of your home is everything. If the first impression is not good, the buyer will move on. It is as simple as that. There are two areas where you are going to make a first impression, so let’s take a closer look at them. Obviously, one area is when a buyer first comes to see the property. The minute they drive up your street, they are evaluating. They are looking at all the homes, not just yours. As a result, it is important that your home 126 COFFS COAST

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looks as good as it can compared to those around you. This means you need to have the landscaping in excellent shape. Remove dead plants, edge the lawn, fertilize everything, rake up leaves and so on. If you have a driveway, you should have it cleaned before showing the property. Keep garage doors closed. The list is endless, so just make sure the first impression is impeccable. When I look through pictures of real estate online, I see so many pictures of messy rooms. People haven’t taken the time to even tidy up a little before they or their agent take the photos that will be any buyer’s first impression. So often in these photos, the TVs are on and there are cans of drink on the coffee table. This looks so ugly! So I think the easiest way to make your home look better than most is to simply clean it up. First off, tidy the surfaces. Clearing away dishes and your daily clutter is the bare minimum you can do to at least let a buyer see the house that sits underneath it all. Then make the beds. If you want to do more, and really you should, take a hard look around. Are your surfaces covered in decorations? If so, are these here because they enhance the room, or because they have sentimental value? If the answer is the latter, get rid of it, at least for the time being. Start packing, even if you don’t know where you are going

to move. You will be glad you did for at least a couple of reasons. First, potential buyers won’t be distracted by your clutter, and second, you’ll be that much further along when it does come time to move. Look around the home again. Is it crowded? If you have more furniture than you absolutely need, or than fits comfortably in the room, consider packing it up also. But all this doesn’t mean emptying your home to achieve that un-lived-in feel. On the contrary, you want your home to be cosy. There is a balance between cluttered and cosy, and you must find it. Once you’ve done a thorough clean-up, which obviously includes making bathrooms and kitchens shine (these are key selling features and should not be overlooked), make the beds and toss the pillows neatly on the couch. Position your remaining decorations in a way that truly accents the room. When it’s time for your home to be shown, play some quiet, mellow music during showings, but by all means, leave the TV off. Consider creating some pleasant smells, as these too impact a buyer’s first impression. By making your home stand out, you increase your chances of a quick sale, at the rate you are asking. So do yourself a favour and put in that extra effort. You’ll be glad you did.

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Built to inspire. Built for you.

Aria 28

Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 different floor plans to choose from, including single and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s sure to be a design to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. If you can dream it, we can build it.

Visit one of our stunning display homes today!

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

Moonee Beach Estate 47 Moonee Creek Drive, Moonee Beach. Open Saturday to Wednesday 10am-4pm Contact : Phillip Hitchins 0428 271 884 phillip.hitchins@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au

Sawtell Commons Estate 4 Angler Court, Bonville. Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm Contact : Tracey Lavelle 0434 499 829 tracey.lavelle@perryhomes.com.au E32933

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Articles inside

Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker

Real Estate - Chris Hines

Education Update - Nick Johnstone

Women in Business - Cath Fowler

Youth Leaders - Cassandra Wilson

Fitness Update - Jen McCulloch