Physio & Health - Aaron Hardaker

Occupational Therapy – Community Care is Growing!

with AARON HARDAKER MICHELLE CARR

While it’s only been two quick months since Mid North Coast Physio launched mobile services on the Coffs Coast, the next exciting announcement is already here. Their Community Care team is growing with the addition of a highly experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) adding a range of new services to what’s available for those in need to access at home and in the community. We caught up with Aaron Hardaker, director of Mid North Coast Physio, to find out more.

What is Community Care?

The MNC Community Care program is our way of taking the caring, friendly, and highquality healthcare the Coffs Coast community knows and loves from our 4 clinic locations and making it more easily available to those who need it. We launched Community Care initially with Ray Chen, our experienced and multi-talented physio, and are now pleased to announce we have Michelle Carr, an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years experience in the industry on board to support even more in our community.

Who will benefit from OT services within the Community Care program?

We understand some of the most vulnerable in our community are the ones who have the least access to the services they need. Our aim is to provide targeted care and support to clients at home including individuals and families suffering with pain, older adults including those with Home Care Packages, people living with a disability including those funded under NDIS, and those in our community living with chronic disease who can’t access our clinics. We can also provide services for post-operative rehab after hospital discharge, rehabilitation following stroke or head injuries, along with workplace visits for injury prevention and injury management services.

Michelle has a good understanding of the health issues facing older clients and the services and supports available to them. For older clients experiencing cognitive decline, she can complete functional and formal assessments with clients and their family to provide comprehensive information to GPs and Specialists to enhance their care, diagnosis, and decision making. She is also able to provide follow up support for clients and their families as required.

What can Michelle help clients with through her Community Care services in homes and workplaces?

As an Occupational Therapist, her practise is very client-centred and focused on helping people achieve things that are important to them, whether it be a simple everyday activity, or a leisure activity. Michelle can provide assessment and rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke or other neurological problems in the areas of upper limb, cognitive, perceptual, and functional difficulties. This can include reports to support NDIS applications for younger people.

Michelle is also able to provide services such as home safety assessments, recommendations for minor home modifications and equipment needs, and pressure injury care. Home assessments can be carried out prior to planned surgery (particularly joint replacements or back surgery) to ensure clients are prepared and in the best position to manage well and confidently when they return home from hospital.

To find out more about the Community Care service or to book a home visit, call the friendly team at MNC Physio on 1300 273747.

DAM LAUREN

Lauren Dam is a Coffs Coast local who has recently signed with the inaugural Gold Coast Titans NRLW team! She is a Medic in the Australian Army, who remains incredibly dedicated to both her work and her sport. She is fierce and strong, and we think she is an incredible role model for other young women in regional areas.

Hi Lauren. When did you first start playing footy?

Hi! Thank you for having me! I grew up playing touch footy, Oz tag and league tag through primary and high school through local Sawtell teams. Actually, I think it was my Sawtell SLSC sprint coach, Kevin Clancy, that gave me my first taste of actually playing footy. He would always instigate a game at the end of our sessions for a bit of fun and he was always attempting to get some of us girls to play in the local Rugby Union competition, which I think may have only just started to develop, but because SLS competition was more a priority at that time for me, I didn’t need any injuries to interfere.

Dad also played Rugby League during his school years and beyond, so perhaps I inherited some of his love of playing the game. He has always been a die-hard West Tigers supporter but don’t hold that against him. He might have changed his mind after their most recent loss against Newcastle Knights. It was in 2019 when I played my first game of Rugby League with the Riverina Bulls for the Country Championship whilst living down in Albury/ Wodonga. I was in work-related training there and needed somewhere outside of work as an outlet to my study. It was a great decision for me, and it has opened so many opportunities for me.

What do you love about the game?

I love the adrenaline that comes with the game, being able to run hard and hit hard and go again for 70minutes. I love the lifelong friendships you gain within each team you play in. I’d like to think it also builds character, confidence, and resilience.

Can you tell us a bit about where you played locally here on the Coffs Coast?

My friend Kassey (Reeves) called one night asking if I wanted to fill in for her Oz tag team. I was super hesitant at first. I had absolutely no idea

I love the what the rules of Oz tag were. I ended up adrenaline that playing, absolutely comes with the game, loved it and ended up being able to run playing the local Tuesday hard and hit hard night Oz tag comps and go again for 70 at Advocate Park for minutes. I love the a couple of seasons. I lifelong friendships ended up playing for you gain within each the Australian Barbarian team you play in. World Cup Oz tag team in 2015. From here Sawtell Panthers were advertising a women’s League Tag team. I jumped at this opportunity to play at the same club as my brother, Angus. I was fortunate enough to captain this talented side for just shy of a season as Minor Premiers before I moved away for work in 2017.

You recently signed with the Gold Coast Titans, can you tell us a bit about the journey that got you to this point in your career?

It was a bumpy and frustrating journey for sure! I moved to Brisbane at the end of the league season – missed that season. Then in 2020 I signed up to play for West Brisbane Panthers – I then had to go down to Melbourne to help with Covid for 3 months smack bang at the start of the season – missed another season. Finally in 2021 after a delayed start (thanks Covid) I played my first season of Rugby League with the West Brisbane Panthers in the BHP Competition. Concurrently with playing with WBP I was also playing (league) for the Australian Defence Force at the NRL National Championship in 2021 where there were NRLW scouts present.

How did it feel to get offered a place with the Titans?

It was a really big pinch me moment. It honestly still doesn’t feel real. As soon as I got off the phone with the coach I called my

The girls are the most supportive, Mum, Dad and Nathan hardworking and straight away. They determined group that were super proud and you’ll come across. We still proud of me. To be all have one goal - to a part of the inaugural bring that trophy Gold Coast Titans NRLW back to the Gold Coast team is something so for our supporters for special to me. the first time. How is it going so far

with the team?

Great! First couple of rounds I think there were a few nerves – we had no trial games to test combinations and we hadn’t played a rugby league game for 8 months (Thanks again, Covid). We’ve finally clicked together – had a historic double header win over the Broncos at our home field at CBUS followed by the NRL Gold Coast Titans win over the Warriors. The girls are the most supportive, hardworking and determined group that you’ll come across. We all have one goal – to bring that trophy back to the Gold Coast for our supporters for the first time.

What sort of training do you do?

A typical week of training is 3 days plus or minus a Captains run (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. Game either Saturday or Sunday). We start our training off with weights in the gym, followed by our field conditioning (running), ball skills/positional skills and then team plays/game like scenarios. Training starts at 4pm and usually finishes about 8pm.

You must be super busy between footy and work, can you tell us a bit about what an average week is like for you?

Extremely busy and exhausting! I am a Medic in the Australian Army, so I have to balance a full-time job. Start work at 7am, straight from work I’m heading down to the Gold Coast – a bit over an hour's worth of driving (if you have any good podcast recommendations I’m all ears) to start training at 4pm. I get back home at around 9pm – try to fit in dinner (thank you, Nathan), get ready to do it all again the next day before I pass out from exhaustion. Depending where games are, travel day on Saturday, play Sunday and return the same day. On the days off I’m spending time with my partner, Nathan, and my two dogs, Billie and Tucker, and catching up on life in general.

What are some of your goals for the future?

I think a goal for every rugby league player would be to represent your state and your country so I would love to don the Blue Jersey at some stage in my playing career and also play for Jillaroos. Although a short-term goal is to play consistently good football, gain more experience and enjoy it first.

Living Doll Premier Stylists is Coffs Harbour’s leading hairdressing salon. The salon has recently changed hands. We had a chat to new owner Rhiannon Hunter to find out more...

RHIANNON H U N T E R

LIVING DOLL PREMIER STYLISTS

Tell us about your

background as a professional hair stylist?

My hair styling career began in Melbourne over 20 years ago. I started working in salons such as Conrad Mace and Semaarn and discovered that I have a flair for creating designer styles. It wasn’t long before I was managing multiple salons and being approached to style for television presenters and some of the countries wealthiest.

What plans do you have to grow the business?

My approach has always been professional and fun. Knowing that my clients are relaxed, enjoying the experience, and getting exactly the style they are after.

My plan is to have an upbeat salon. A salon that’s trendy and up to date with styles from around the world. My staff will be very well trained. With regular up-skill training from my Sydney educators and maybe a sneaky lesson or two from my colleagues who’ve worked within the London and Paris Fashion Weeks.

What services do you offer?

The services we offer are all colours ranging from highlights and lowlights, which add dimension.

Freehand balayage to achieve results quickly.

Demi and Semi ranges that pick up on the light and dark, giving a more natural look rather than a solid colour. Face framing, pastel colours which are soft and subtle but very pretty.

Of course crazy colours! Pinks, purples, reds, greens etc.

A styled cut and blow wave to finish off these amazing colours creates the perfect look for each individual, taking in their face shape, skin colouring, features, personality and how the client can manage at home.

Who makes up your team and what areas do they specialise in?

My plan is to have an upbeat salon. A salon that’s trendy and up to date with styles from around the world. My staff will be very Our team is made up well trained. of myself (Rhiannon) and, over the next few weeks, people will have the opportunity to meet our newest member Saje. Saje is just entering into the industry and we are very grateful that she has chosen us to lead her step by step through her training. She is a breath of fresh air when it comes to her enthusiasm and passion.

What styles and colours are on trend?

Over the past year we have seen a lot of women embracing a more natural look. It can be a process of blending the new growth of salt and pepper with old coloured ends if not willing to take the snip. Bold highlights can be done on all hair colours, not just blonde. The key is getting the tone right. And we suggest keeping it in the gold family. “Soft golden pops are great for everyone, since gold is what reflects the most light creating the utmost shine.”

The New Year has seen a few people itching to go blonder. We suggest easing in with a blonde balayage for a seamless transition.

Tell us about your wedding packages?

If you’re getting married, we create the perfect style to suit you. With trials making sure we have the perfect style, so on the day everything runs smoothly.

We do bridesmaids and also wedding guests so everyone can sit back, relax and enjoy the day.

Do you have any hair tips or advice for our readers?

Best tip for keeping your colours everlasting is the condition of your hair.

Healthy hair holds colour and locks it in so it all comes down to the products you use.

How can we get in touch?

We have multiple ways to get in touch with the salon: rhidesignhair.com.au 0436 110 828 or (02) 6699 2122 RhiDesign Hair

MARIAN G R O V E

WE CARE

For thirty years Sawtell Catholic Care has provided accommodation and services to the community we care for. ‘We care’ is our cherished motto.

Marian Grove has been the flagship of our mission over these years, setting a high standard for retirement living. Twenty years ago, Sawtell Parish saw the need to provide extended care to the frail aged in our community, so we built Mater Christi, our residential care home.

More recently, witnessing the growing need for in-home care and the lack of services to address the local demand for this type of support led us to launch Sawtell Home Care as a new service, which is quickly growing a reputation for unconditional kindness and support.

Our continuum of care has always evolved and adapted to the needs of our residents as they change over time, sustaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.

At Sawtell Catholic Care (SCC) it’s all about the mission. Our mission is to support and grow our community of Christian care.

The environment in which we serve our community is our beautiful 40 acres of land at Toormina/Sawtell, a place of serenity and sanctuary to many over the years.

Within minutes to the airport, shopping, medical facilities, the Sawtell lifestyle with its beach, cafes, dining, tennis courts and local cinema, but away from the bustle of an everbusier world, our residents often comment on the peace and security they feel “coming home to Marian Grove”, once they drive through the gates.

In 2022 we’ll be launching our latest innovation for our community, The Link. Formerly the site of Cockbain’s Nursery on Hogbin Drive, the huge 3.6-acre garden has been absorbed into our expanded Marian Grove village precinct, affording residents a new and exceptional lifestyle opportunity right in their own back yard. In addition to the activities already on offer to our Marian Grove and Mater Christi residents, The Link provides access to the gardens for events, games, walking, picnics and spending time with visiting family and friends in a tranquil, protected environment. They’ll have an easy walk or ride to the Café when it opens and, if they choose, they can get their hands in the soil to make something beautiful grow in the community garden.

We’ll be opening The Link stage by stage, firstly to our residents and later in the year to the general public to ensure that it fulfills its wonderful potential as a lifestyle hub intended to foster the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our residents and ‘link’ everyone as an inclusive community through social connection and engagement.

Does this feel like the stress-free retirement you’ve been dreaming about? Then why not give us a call and arrange for a visit with our friendly sales team. There really never has been a better time to come home to Marian Grove, where your new lifestyle is waiting.

Call us on 02 6653 1241, we’d love to hear from you, or visit our website at scca.net.au/ independent for more information.

Our continuum of care has always evolved and adapted to the needs of our residents as they change over time, sustaining their independence and enhancing their quality of life.