PFLAG - Sam Dawson

with SAM DAWSON

from Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

New Year, new look at Coffs Coast PFLAG Plus as we adopt and update our logo to be a part of the National identity. The motto for PFLAG Plus Australia is “Parents in Pride” and they are all about proactively promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sex or gender diversity to family and loved ones.

Let’s make 2023 our time to

January is a great time to make new starts, new beginnings and take a really good look at our own lives, not only where we are heading but who we are as individuals. It’s a time for a change for the better and to really re-evaluate what excites us and what sustainable changes we can make!

I really believe this also translates into our own attitudes hitting that reset button! It’s often geared around giving up a bad habit or a health change but have you ever thought about what you can do to be more a part of your community and the people around you? I know we are all so busy but I must say it is so satisfying to be able to actually make a difference in someone’s life and be a part of a voluntary cause. This has been my experience with working in PFLAG Plus too. I love those conversations in the street, on the phone or randomly conversing at events or every time our group gathers over a coffee or drink. Connection to each other is so important and I think we sometimes lose sight of how important it is to be kind and tolerant and understanding. The art of listening and being in the moment and genuinely caring are all skills that make our Coffs community special. Unfortunately, the reality is that there are still “phobias” around, but we can make changes, no matter how small and speak up. We are all humans after all, and I believe there is no place at all for these unfounded, often learned and uneducated attitudes. Sometimes just meeting with likeminded people or people in exactly the same situation as yourself is perfect. I am sure that’s the foundation of why these groups work. In 2023, I am revisiting more ways to entice anyone out

I know we are there who would like to explore our group, all so busy but that is growing in numbers too, to not be shy I must say it is so and come along and meet new friends and satisfying to be able share. Being a part of a newly driven national to actually make a group with new updated resources is also difference in exciting. It is a safe group where we meet and chat casually monthly and share our stories. someone’s life and I welcome all ideas whether it is speakers, be a part of a fundraisers etc but lets make it easy and fun voluntary cause. yet meaningful for everyone. So Happy New Year and wishing everyone a great and safe 2023. PFLAGcoffscoast (private, safe closed group) 0417 861 045 pflagcoffscoast@gmail.com

Located in the heart of Woolgoolga, C.ex Woolgoolga is a Bowls Club with a relaxed coastal feel. Enjoy a meal at Buster’s Brasserie, cold beers on the alfresco deck, relax in the air-conditioned lounge, catch up with mates in the TAB or join in the fun of some twilight bowls during the summer season. Buster’s Brasserie offers a wide variety of meals from a classic club roast or chicken schnitzel to their delicious Asian and Indian favourites. Feel like a pizza, they’ve got you covered with a range of pizzas available for lunch. They haven’t forgotten the kids either with a selection of kid’s meals that includes free Grub Lab kids’ activity pack, making it the perfect place for families to unwind. If you’re looking for something to do check out their weekly raffles and bingo sessions plus stay active with the social bowls schedule.

with pizzas, pints and barefoot bowls plus Buster’s Brasserie will be open daily for lunch and dinner with a wide range of meals on offer.

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With amazing views of the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers, C.ex Urunga is the perfect location to enjoy a cold beer with friends. With an all-new bar and more improvements to come, you can enjoy a meal at The Shank Inn, a cold beer in the lounge, catch up with mates in the TAB or take advantage of daylight saving and play a round of twilight golf for just $10, from 3pm daily. The Shank Inn offers a delicious selection of meals from a classic chicken schnitzel or the Kalang Beef Burger to a crispy skinned Atlantic salmon or chicken and cashew stir-fry. Plus, there’s daily lunch specials that change monthly from just $15. They haven’t forgotten the kids either with a selection of kid’s meals that includes a free Grub Lab kids’ activity pack, making it the perfect place for families to unwind. Check out their weekly raffles and stay active with a round of golf.

Play a round of golf and then enjoy a cold beer, at the all new bar, with the best view in Urunga. The Shank Inn is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.

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What’s new at The Coramba Hotel? The venue has had a fresh new look and feel that enhances the relaxed atmosphere and ambience that captures the beautiful surrounds of the Orara Valley and creates a country community rustic feel for patrons and visitors.

forward to throughout January? We have a wide selection of the best local artists the East Coast has to offer playing every Friday and Sunday with acts such as Minnie Marks on Sunday 8th, Marshall Okell on Sunday 22nd along with New Year’s Day celebrations with local favourites Hekyl & Jive, and not to be missed dates include Australia Day celebrations and our Triple J hottest 100 pool party on 28th January – onsite Accommodation is available so get in early to avoid disappointment.

book? Our Head Chef who has worked in some of Australia’s top restaurants has raised the bar in the local Coffs food scene, showcasing the freshest produce and delivering a menu which has transformed Coramba Hotel into a food destination to visit and a rustic Wedding or Special Event Venue. Bookings are always recommended and can be made by calling 02 6654 4216, so as to avoid disappointment.

January? During January we are running our great value $15 Members Meal Deals ($17.5 non-members, so join upon arrival) Monday to Friday and we also now have all day pizza to enjoy as takeaway or dine in. We also have two Happy Hours on offer, 1011am everyday with $7 pints on all taps and $5 schooners and wines Monday to Friday 4-6pm. Coramba offers a relaxed atmosphere with amazing countryside views, great city meets country food, friendly service, and beautiful scenery and definitely worth visiting – It’s no wonder Coramba Hotel is becoming a must visit for tourist and locals and foodies.

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What’s new at The Seaview Tavern? Our kitchen had an update! Not only do we have a new head chef, Kieran, who’s worked at The Seaview for over 7 years, but we have also extended our kitchen and added another pizza oven. It’s not an easy job cooking 400 plus meals a day, but Kieran and the team handle it with ease.

forward to throughout January? We have lots on for you in January with live music every Friday and Saturday from 8:30pm and Sundays from 3:30pm. Highlights of the amazing bands we have lined up include The Groove Robbers, Fella Felafel, and A Blues Guitar Showdown with local legend Nathan Beretta hosting some incredible Australian musicians. Check out our website or socials for the full line up. Thursday night is your chance to entertain us with Karaoke every week from 8pm. If you play an instrument or have an amateur band, come down on Sunday 29th for the ultimate jam session, Jam Packed!

Chef Kieran has a new menu coming out for the holidays. Along with our blackboard specials and daily members deals there will be something there for every taste. To book call us on 02 6654 1206.

January? Monday to Saturday we have a fantastic daily meal deal with discounted members prices, and it’s free to sign up! In the bar we have cocktail specials every week, and Mates Rates happy hour is Monday to Saturday 4pm-6pm for members.

where does it go? Our courtesy bus runs on Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm and goes from Corindi Beach to Emerald Beach. Book by calling 02 6654 1206

What’s new at The Hoey Moey? Here at the Hoey we have been busy renovating our beer garden so it’s ready for summer. We have new furniture throughout the venue, a new Summer Bistro Menu, a fresh Cocktail Menu and of course that friendly smile at the bar! We have just introduced a frozen margarita tasting paddle. They consist of 3 margarita flavours including mango, watermelon and lime. Very tasty!

forward to throughout January? The Hoey has live music 5 nights a week supporting local artists and national touring acts. Some shows to look out for in January are. The Beautiful Girls – January 6th, Lisa Hunt – January 8th, free show. Vox Neon, 80’s show – January 15th, free fhow, INXS show – Live Baby Live January 22nd, free show.

book? The new Summer Menu is here, and we have some great new dishes! The Moroccan Spiced Chicken Supreme is a winner along with our Portobello Mushroom Stack. As always, we have all the pub classics, kids’ meals, our $16 member meal deal and our blackboard specials available daily. Bookings at hoeymoey.com.au

January? Join us for Happy Hour between 4pm and 6pm, $16 member meal deals and free entertainment throughout January. For all information head to www.hoeymoey.com.au What’s on through the week? Monday – Trivia from 6pm, free to play. Tuesday – Musical Bingo from 6pm and our Pinball comp from 7pm – Both free to play. Wednesday – Free live music from 6pm and our members draw from 7pm. Thursday - Free live music from 6pm, Joker Poker from 6.30pm and Pool comp from 7pm. Friday – Free live music from 5pm, meat raffles from 6pm, Crab Racing from 8pm and DJ. Saturday – Free live music from 6pm and DJ from 9pm. Sunday – The best Sunday Session on the coast! Free music from 4pm.

O FFS C O A ST ’ S

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Push Band + DJ Ibex Switch Hoey Moey Hekyl & Jive Coramba Hotel Mitch Burgess Band Seaview Tavern Party Of One Element Bar Hannah Harlen Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Musical Bingo Hoey Moey

Pam Hata The Coast Hotel Mitch Burgess Hoey Moey

Dangerwaves The Coast Hotel Hassall Duo Hoey Moey Karaoke Seaview Tavern Magic Jake C.Ex Coffs

Breno The Coast Hotel Mat McHugh & The Beautiful Girls Hoey Moey Simon & Angus Coramba Hotel Push Band Seaview Tavern Slim Pickens Element Bar The Umbilical Brothers Jetty Theatre Don’t Change – Ultimate Inxs C.Ex Coffs Ryan Parson C.Ex Coffs

Sim-Ohh The Coast Hotel Breno The Coast Hotel Blakey, Mara The Coast Hotel The Funk Thieves + DJ Dangerwaves Hoey Moey The Groove Robbers Seaview Tavern Kailey Pallas Element Bar Party Of One Dark Arts Cafe & Bar The Umbilical Brothers Jetty Theatre Forever Rod C.Ex Coffs Vaine Rabana C.Ex Coffs

Lisa Hunt & Forever Soul Hoey Moey Minnie Marks Coramba Hotel Simon & Angus Seaview Tavern Hannah Harlen Element Bar Josh Matheson Dark Arts Cafe & Bar The Umbilical Brothers Jetty Theatre

The Fuzz The Coast Hotel Sam Buckley Hoey Moey Jimeoin C.Ex Coffs

Sim-Ohh The Coast Hotel Yhan Leal Hoey Moey Karaoke Seaview Tavern

Ibex The Coast Hotel Raku + DJ Dangerwaves Hoey Moey Tlarmon Coramba Hotel Pistol Whip Seaview Tavern Slim Pickens Element Bar SHOWMEN Jetty Theatre The Angels C.Ex Coffs Mitch Dixon C.Ex Coffs

Dicko The Coast Hotel Sim-Ohh The Coast Hotel Charlee P, Mara The Coast Hotel Rowland & Shekinah + DJ Panda Hoey Moey

The Jacks Seaview Tavern Benny Black Element Bar Paul Fogarty Dark Arts Cafe & Bar Showmen Jetty Theatre DJ Ibex C.Ex Coffs

Voxneon + DJ Kyle James Hoey Moey Brody Ireland Coramba Hotel Tlarmon Seaview Tavern Party Of One Element Bar Yhan Leal Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Musical Bingo Hoey Moey

Owen Shannon The Coast Hotel Matty Devitt Hoey Moey

Prozac The Coast Hotel Tim Stokes Hoey Moey Karaoke Seaview Tavern

Jetty Theatre

Breno The Coast Hotel T’larmon + Dj Ibex Switch Hoey Moey Sam Dyball Coramba Hotel Whos Charlie Seaview Tavern Slim Pickens Element Bar

Jetty Theatre Water For The Madman Jetty Theatre Sarah Mckenna- C.Ex Coffs

Ibex The Coast Hotel Bern The Coast Hotel Blakey, Tallis The Coast Hotel Josh Matheson Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Hoey Moey The Blues Showdown! Seaview Tavern Jimmi Crisp Element Bar

Jetty Theatre Dj Joel C.Ex Coffs

Dangerwaves Hoey Moey Marshall Okell Coramba Hotel Steve Bennett Seaview Tavern Paul Fogarty Element Bar Jimmi Crisp Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Musical Bingo Hoey Moey Magical Circus Show C.Ex Coffs

Yhan Leal The Coast Hotel Austyn Jane Hoey Moey Magical Circus Show C.Ex Coffs

Dicko The Coast Hotel Karaoke Hoey Moey Marshall Okell Seaview Tavern

Mara The Coast Hotel Billie-Jo Porter + DJ Panda Hoey Moey Josh Matheson Coramba Hotel Fella Felafel Seaview Tavern Kailey Pallas Element Bar Wild Thyme Jetty Theatre Steve Taylor C.Ex Coffs

Dicko The Coast Hotel Blakey The Coast Hotel Hey Its Liron, Rjay The Coast Hotel Marshall Okell Duo + DJ Ossix Hoey Moey Rnb Night With DJ Panda Seaview Tavern Benny Black Element Bar Slim Pickens Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Greenstone Hoey Moey Austyn Jane Coramba Hotel Jam Packed Seaview Tavern Yhan Leal Element Bar Party Of One Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

What is the Coffs Harbour Liquor Accord? “CHLA”. The CHLA is an incorporated body containing multiple stakeholders. We address local liquor licensing issues in a proactive way based on harm minimisation, through best practice Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) initiatives. We listen to the community and local Police to address issues and implement policies designed to minimise community disruption by consumption of alcohol. Who is involved? We have pubs, clubs, restaurants, resorts, bottle shops, event centres, small bars, and breweries who get together with Police, Council and any other group that may wish to discuss local issues. Check out our website for a full list, but we have approximately 50 registered financial members. What is your current focus? The simple answer is RSA. We have implemented a Multi Venue Barring (MVB) system that allows us to bar individuals from entering any CHLA licensed premise. This is a communication tool which has over 100 people listed as "Not Welcome" for various reasons. Examples are below, however a full list of offences can be found on the website. • Anti-social behaviour – We will not tolerate aggressive or intimidating behaviour including damaging property. You will be MVB for 1 to 3 years. • Illegal substances – If you are caught in or near a licenced premises with illegal substances, you will be MVB for 1 to 3 years. • If you are under 18 and are caught trying to enter a venue, in a venue or in possession of fake ID, you will be MVB until you are 19. You may also have your P Plates extended for an additional 3 months. • If you supply fake ID to an underaged person you will be MVB for 1 year. What is our advice! The Coffs Coast has some great venues. We encourage you to head out and enjoy them all in a safe and respectful manner. If you are under 18 follow the rules. Everyone else just needs to behave themselves and enjoy our venues responsibly. You do not want a MVB notice served on you by the venue management or the local Police.

On Sunday, 4 December, the rivalry was fierce, the games were tough, and purple was everywhere at Sportz Central as Coffs Harbour's basketball community competed in the Ball Against Domestic Violence 3x3 Street Hustle charity event. The tournament raises awareness of domestic violence, including consent and respect, and this year $4,000+ was donated to Wesley Mission to support children, families, and others in need. Over the day, 60 teams played across divisions ranging from 10 & Under, Open Mens and Womens, to Emergency Services Personnel - possibly the most competitive of all! Kevin White, NBL player and Charity Bounce Youth Engagement and Player Liaison, watched from the sidelines, answered questions from players of all ages, and gave out awards. "If one kid takes away one piece of information, walks away a better person, or can make their community better, then we've done our job. To hear some of the kids ask, 'what is domestic violence?' and to see them all wearing purple is so cool." The court is halfsized in fast-paced 3×3 games. Four players are on each team, but only three on the court at any time and they only have 12 seconds to put a shot up. This is the second Ball Against Domestic Violence Tournament with Kiah Bowen, NSW Police Force Region Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator, North Coast Basketball's Rob Linton, and Cass Wilson, the driving forces behind the event. The event was made possible through a partnership with Basketball NSW and a group of amazing local sponsors and supporters, including Sportz Central, CHCC, Hoey Moey, Uniting, Becoming U, Busways, C2C, Efi Evolutions, CEX Group, The Physio Movement, Coffs Coast Hand Therapy, Spectre Real Estate, Black Santa Cattle Company, 3J by DJ, Ace Performance, Food Culture Nutrition, Gallows Brewing Co, Boob Armour, Coffs Harbour Basketball Association and many more.

The Cafe at THE LINK in Toormina is run by local Aboriginal business ‘Nyanggan Gapi,’ and offers an ideal place to stop for a coffee while taking in the vibrant nature backdrop of the community gardens.

Situated on Hogbin Drive, just minutes from the heart of Coffs Harbour, The Link run by Sawtell Catholic Care and the café itself are a great place to spend time with family or friends when you need a break from the busy world outside. You will feel good sitting lakeside, enjoying a bite to eat, and knowing you're directly contributing to the Gumbaynggirr Community. Here you will find your favorite café classics such as burgers, fish and chips, toasted sandwiches as well as new favorite acai bowls, along with many other choices. The café proudly serves Black and White Espresso blend, which is owned by local company Artisti Coffee Roasters. The Link Community Gardens received the coveted National Green Space Regional Award this year at the Australian Institute of Horticulture’s Awards Ceremony, held in Melbourne in October. "Community spaces such as this are so important, providing people a place to be together and connect with each other. We also appreciate the importance of incorporating the environment into our community spaces. Vital for our wellbeing but also important, by providing green spaces within our urban areas that give refuge to our wildlife. Our Gumbaynggirr values and culture, guide how we conduct our businesses. We chose this location with SCC because it is very important to us that The Link reflects these values, with its emphasis on sustainability as well as providing accessibility to Elders and other members of the Community." Nyanggan Gapi Café is a social enterprise of not-for-profit organisation ‘Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation’. This enterprise not only supports the community through the core programs of BMNAC but also provides training and employment to local Aboriginal people. You might recognise the name Nyanggan Gapi Café from the café at the iconic Sealy Lookout which has been serving quality coffee since it’s beginnings in 2017. Established during NAIDOC week 2017 and running stronger than ever today, the enterprise owes much of it’s success to the ongoing support of community and partners. "We have grown a lot since opening, in 2018, the Sealy Lookout Café was upgraded thanks to the efforts of Uncle Barry Hoskins, who donated over $16K which allowed us to

purchase a new container to house our forest café. Then, during 2020 like many others, our business was greatly impacted by COVID. Being located at Sealy Lookout, the majority of our business came from holiday travellers and visiting tourists, who overnight had completely disappeared. We are very fortunate to have survived to still be in operation today where many others did not. We are incredibly grateful for everyone that supported our business and saw us through." Through a fund that aimed to drive economic growth for regional businesses that rely on tourism income and were impacted by COVID, we were able to upgrade the Sealy Lookout Café last year, to what you see today. We are also fortunate to have a beautiful outdoor seating area constructed from timber donated by Coffs Harbour Hardwood and built in partnership with the NSW Forestry Corporation. Now in 2022, we’ve expanded into new territory through a second location and sit down dining. We were able to secure this fantastic location through a partnership with Sawtell Catholic Care, who we have had a relationship with, going back to the days when it was just our coffee van serving their location. You might think that is where Nyanggan Gapi’s story begins, but we actually have to go back 12 years ago to 2012 and the the BMNAC Goori Learning Centre Programs (GLC), where all 8 of the current Café staff began their relationship with BMNAC. "All of our café staff were part of these programs from a young age, attending GLC’s to help them excel in school and be ‘Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan’ - which translates to ‘two paths strong’, and is the corporation's ethos. We have watched them grow, develop and achieve so much since those first days in the GLC, including Tyla Hart, who was one of those first GLC students when it was just known as homework centres and is now a Co-manager at our Café. We pride ourselves in community building through empowering and supporting our youth and are incredibly proud of all our friendly, hardworking staff. We are very grateful to our partners that share our altruistic goals, such as Artisti Coffee Roasters that have been supporting us since 2017 and provided the training for all our baristas at no cost." All proceeds from the café go back to the community through BMNACs core programs including the GLC and towards the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, the first bi-lingual school of it's kind in NSW. "Each dollar spent with Nyanggan Gapi is more than just a coffee, it’s community building, its education for children, it’s a coffee with purpose." "We’ve been finding our groove and steadily growing business at the Toormina Café since our opening in October last year. Customers have been steadily increasing as people learn about us and once they’ve come here, we’re seeing them again and again because it is just such a lovely spot with good food. We’re looking forward to the Summer school holidays starting and we are expectings things to pick up with the beautiful weather and people getting out for the holidays. We’re looking forward to more people finding out about us and meeting some new faces along with seeing our regulars. Our staff are friendly and responsive. We listen carefully to our customers' wants, needs, and concerns; we encourage feedback from them at every opportunity and we make an effort to accommodate their requests whenever possible." The café and surrounding gardens include a playground, covered outdoor areas, wheelchair accessibility and aims to create an inclusive and inviting area for all. Nyanggan Gapi Cafe and The Link Community Gardens are free to visit with access to the public and are open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. (with the café kitchen closing for meals at 2:30 pm) Holiday hours remain the same with some dates closed - check the website www. nyanggangapi.com for holiday closure dates. Visit Nyanggan Gapi Café and The Link Community Gardens at 631 Hogbin Drive, Toormina.

Mat McHugh has had a great love for music his whole life. He started The Beautiful Girls and it took off like a rocket, the music connecting with audiences in Australia and all over the world. He has since released more music under his own name, collaborating with many of the same musicians and friends as The Beautiful Girls. Mat McHugh & The Beautiful Girls will be playing at the Hoey Moey in Coffs on the 6th January. It will be a collection of all of his music and Mat is so excited to be kicking off 2023 with a tour, and the first show is right here in Coffs Harbour!

I never really wanted to pursue this as a career, funny enough. I begged my Dad to join the school band when I was in year one, I was about six years old. I don't know why I was just obsessed. My Dad played guitar and sang, but just kind of for fun around the house, but then I just became really obsessive about learning music. He passed away when I was nine, and I just kept playing and I've always loved it. I've always been pretty introspective and a bit of a social outcast. So when everyone else was out partying and being social I was just always more interested in hanging inside drawing or playing instruments and making music and creating my little world. I just liked it that way. I studied design when I left school and I had no intention of being a musician, but it just kind of happened and took off really fast. Then when opportunities arose, I thought I owe it to myself to take the opportunities I've been given, to do my best with them. I just approach it that way, if I'm able to make another record and do another tour, then I just keep going. So I keep just seeing what happens, but there has certainly been no intentional career aspirations at any point along the way, for good or for bad. When it first blew up we got a song on national radio, and it went from playing open mic nights with a couple of friends to the first tour we did nationally selling out. For about the next 10 years every single show everywhere we played sold out, and many many times during that era I just wanted to give it up. I didn't feel like it suited my constitution, or wasn't too healthy for me mentally, but I'm in a good place with it now. I feel like it's definitely a blessing, an accidental blessing. I guess sometimes, the universe has an idea for you that you might not have for yourself, so I just kind of roll with it.

Well I like to call it, like the title of our Best Of album, Seaside Highlife, which is what I consider our sound to be. I grew up in not the most affluent suburb, it was a Housing Commission ghetto town by the beach in Sydney, mostly single parents and ratbag kids. We didn't really have much to look forward to. There wasn't any future fortune 500 CEOs coming out of where we lived. But we had culture and we had art and music, we had punk rock and hip hop and reggae and just stuff that brought us great joy and brings people great joy all around the world. And I guess my style of music probably encapsulates all that. All the sounds and the sights and the smells that I had growing up, we mashed it all together and tried to make something that represented what it felt like and sounded like growing up where I did.

It's different from time to time, usually when we are working to a deadline I can take the smallest little piece of inspiration and craft something. And if there's no deadline, which has been the last few years, I just tend to meander about and wait for inspiration to strike. So I'll fool around on the guitar and something interesting will pop up and I'll try to craft that into something worthwhile and make some kind of melody over the top with some nonsense

I don’t think syllables, eventually you really ever the lyrics come in perfect it, I’ve been a kind of stream doing it my whole of consciousness. life and I feel like a I try to stay out of complete novice. I the way really, so get bored pretty if there's an initial quickly with a lot of spark of inspiration things and music is I try to chase it definitely one thing without thinking that I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of about it too much, it’s a weird kind of state, you want to because you never be in that moment know everything instead of getting which is the great too mathematical part. or scientific about it. And once you've exhausted that initial inspiration, I think it's where the craft, the maths and science comes in where you craft it into a finished product. It's a bit of a balancing act, and I don't think you really ever perfect it, I've been doing it my whole life and I feel like a complete novice. I get bored pretty quickly with a lot of things and music is definitely one thing that I don't think I'll ever get bored of because you never know everything which is the great part.

I think initially when it started, it was all a bit reactionary in the sense of, if something's really popular and oversaturated I tend to want to do the exact opposite, right? So when we started the most popular thing I guess, was indie rock and the tail end of grunge. It was all pretty distorted and angst driven rock music, and the only gigs you could get around where I came from, was if you turned the fuzz pedal on and pretended that you had some kind of angst. And I grew up in bands playing that kind of stuff too, but I just got sick of it. I went away overseas and I came back and I thought, you know what, I'm gonna do the exact opposite. I'm gonna play the mellowest, softest acoustic songs, I'm going to unplug all the distortion pedals, I'm going to call the project a really gentle kind of name that makes fun of all the tough boy angsty stuff. And that kind of just took on a life of its own and then we became known as this acoustic flagbearer and that didn’t sit very well with me either, so I tried to escape that, and I guess as soon as someone thinks they’ve got it sorted out of what I sound like or what we sound like I try to do the opposite. It's kind of all just become a big melting pot of everything now. I feel like there's been enough water under that bridge where anything goes, as long as it's good, and it's got heart and spirit to it, and it's honest, then I'm cool with all of it. There’d been a time where I pretty much sold all my

acoustic guitars and I didn't want to hear one or look at one, and I was pretty hardlined, I was pretty reactionary against them. And now it's softened, everything's fair game.

Well it’s the first show of the tour. So that's peak excitement, we don't get much more psyched than the first show! We've been rehearsing hard and we will continue rehearsing right up to the start of the tour. Shannon, our keyboard player’s family is from Coffs, so there's a crew of his family and friends that’ll be there so it’s a bit of a hometown show for him. It's been three years since we've toured, we toured Summer 2020 and we finished that right as the Black Plague (COVID) hit, we all went back into our dark caves, peeping out until we saw the coast was clear. Now we feel like it might be the right time and there's a lot of pent up musical energy so Coffs will get the first full brunt of it!

It's a little bit of a convoluted tale, but when I started releasing music, I called it The Beautiful Girls because I wasn't too confident, I didn't really feel like putting it under my name. And then I got to a point where I felt like maybe I should just put some music out in my name. So I did that, but the two of them have been kept separate even though the collective of players I play with is very much the same. But weirdly I have never played a set list where all of the songs have been fair game. It's always like, ‘Okay, we're gonna go on tour and play the Beautiful Girls songs’ or the ‘Mat McHugh’ songs on a separate tour. So it's the very first tour where everything I've ever released, which is quite a bit, it's all in the bucket and we get to pick it out. So that's the most exciting part, looking at all the songs and

So it’s the very first tour where everything I’ve ever trying to put together released, which is a set list. I've been quite a bit, is all in thinking about a set list the bucket and we for a couple of months get to pick it out. now, putting pieces here, putting songs in, pulling them out, and there's only so much time you want to be on stage. So it's exciting trying to put together essentially a Best Of set list of what I consider the best songs I've ever done, giving them fresh energy, and then also trying out some new songs which I've been writing over the last couple of years. Anyone will tell you that if you have an injury or you get sidelined from something you love, you get a new lease of life on it. You want to get back and be reinvigorated and participate and be creative. And so it's all really exciting. It's probably the most excited I've been to be on tour since the very start of the band!

the show or get tickets? Check out thebeautifulgirls.com or matmchugh.com for tickets and info.

THE ULTIMATE MAGIC SPECTACULAR!

Home grown entertainers team up for a brand new magic spectacular following their Las Vegas residency and USA tour. FOCUS caught up with Showmen creators Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne ahead of their exciting 2023 tour.

Mike and I were touring America when the pandemic hit before being rushed home. During the pandemic, when we had the time and took the opportunity to really stop and just dream about what the future might hold for us, well, that’s when “SHOWMEN” was born. We started touring SHOWMEN in April last year, and it has been amazing to give audiences a live spectacle that they can’t witness anywhere else. SHOWMEN comprises a supergroup of conjurers, tricksters, comedians, illusionists, and daredevils in a family-friendly, jaw-dropping spectacle of live magic, illusions and stunts. We have been described by critics as being “The Avengers of Magic”. We are a supergroup. This isn’t just a magic show, it’s a spectacle of magic, circus and stunts – audiences don’t get a moment to exhale. It really is very exciting to see!

The only thing we want our audiences to take away from SHOWMEN is magical memories. As cheesy as that sounds, after the last few years more than ever, there is nothing quite as special as getting together with the people in your life and sharing incredible experiences. We want people to leave a performance feeling refreshed and positive. That’s certainly what we love about live theatre, and that’s what we offer in SHOWMEN. ‘We have no message for you, We have no food for thought, We just want to astound and entertain you.’

We wanted SHOWMEN to be a “buffet of entertainment” for the entire audience to feast on. Every performer in SHOWMEN has their own unique set of skills. Josh Norbido is a magician and Rubik’s Cube genius. He is the only magician on the planet who combines live magic with hip hop and beat boxing at the same time. SHOWMEN comprises a supergroup of Apollo Jackson won Sophie Monk’s (and conjurers, tricksters, Australia’s) heart on comedians, illusionists, “The Bachelorette” with and daredevils in a his magic and his charm. family-friendly, jaw- His job in SHOWMEN is dropping spectacle of to showcase the intimate live magic, illusions side of magic. and stunts. Joel Fenton “The Cirque Stuntman” is one of the best circus performers on the planet. He juggles chainsaws, climbs inside giant weather balloons, and keeps the show alive with the most hilarious and amazing circus stunts you have ever seen. Mike Tyler is the mind reader in the show. He is funny, suave, and knows what you are thinking. That’s a dangerous combination. Christopher Wayne (me, hi). I’m the MC. I come from a background as a comedy magician, and that’s what I bring to this show. Prepare to laugh, a lot!

All of the information (including some really cool videos from the show) can be found at

Kirra Ratcliffe is a local artist who draws much of her inspiration from the stunning colours and shapes of our natural landscapes here on the Coffs Coast. Her canvas can change from small scale to large murals and even vases and other objects.

love of creating art? For as long as I can remember, I have always been creative. My family always encouraged me to express my creativity though making art in any form. I first fell in love with art through fashion, dressing myself from a young age in bright outrageous clothing, always mismatching my rainbow hat and stripey toe socks to anything I wore. I discovered my love for painting when I was 6 years old after creating a painting. My school then entered this work into a competition. My work placed and was displayed in the new building at the University of New England Armidale for a year.

I have always had a strong connection to my creativity, always drawing inspiration from the beautiful Gumbaynggirr land surrounding me. This is where my true love for creating art was born.

What mediums do you like to use? When painting canvases or murals, I mainly use acrylics for my backgrounds and add patterns over the top with posca pens. I really enjoy using acrylic paint and posca pens together. Using acrylic allows me to create a beautiful flow of colours and then adding posca pens over the top brings out the colours to create bright vibrant pieces of work. I occasionally use spray paint when working on bigger surfaces. I find using spray paint a bit harder than acrylic as it’s harder to ‘control’ the placement of the paint.

I occasionally use spray paint when working on bigger surfaces, I find using spray paint a bit harder than acrylic as it’s harder to ‘control’ the placement of paint. I also enjoy ‘fluid art or ‘Acrylic pouring’. I create my own paints when doing acrylic pours. I do this using a small amount of acrylic

paint and adding a pouring medium called ‘floetrol’ (waterborne paint conditioner) to make a liquid consistency. Once I’ve mixed up my paints I add a few drops of silicone oil. By adding the oil it allows the paint to separate, helping create the illusion of layers of different colours showing through the effect of ‘cracks’ and ‘bubbles’.

of art? I would describe my style of art as Abstract, a reflection on the world’s natural beauties. My work is vibrant and inspired by landscapes. I take the colours and landmarks of nature and project them into my creations.

This opportunity My art is often a was thrilling, enabling me to step reflection of the ocean creating a powerful but peaceful vibe. My brush outside my comfort strokes are expressive zone and take steps and elegant creating towards believing soothing arrays of in my abilities and colour contrasted with myself. bold lines to create a glowing effect.

of work? Taking an idea and transferring it onto a larger scale can be challenging, although I find creating murals exciting as it allows me to push myself to be more creative. It provides me with more freedom to truly express myself. I enjoy transforming a plain surface into a piece of art and the feeling of accomplishment once it’s completed.

When I was in year 11 I created my first mural on the side of a van. This opportunity was thrilling, enabling me to step outside my comfort zone and take steps towards believing in my abilities and myself. This experience lead to further opportunities in the community including murals at the Toormina Skate Park.

inspiration from? I draw my inspiration from the beauty of nature. I am lucky enough to live on Gumbaynggirr Country (Sawtell) and I am thankful every day for the amazingly beautiful and mesmerising bright vibrant colours provided to us from the land we walk on and the waterways we swim in.

I BELIEVE THERE ARE NO ‘MISTAKES’ IN CREATING Most people have a favourite colour, mine ART, ONLY ENDLESS is when the sun is rising or setting. The POSSIBILITIES. colours created in the sky and the ocean when the sun is rising or setting is the most beautiful expression of art I have ever seen, all the amazing shades of blues, pinks, reds, oranges and yellows are stunning! I love how no two are ever the same. Every time the sun rises or sets, new patterns and colours are created. When creating art I like to think of myself as the sun, creating bright vibrant colours and the canvas as the world, allowing those colours to be projected onto the canvas creating beauty and joy. No two artworks are ever the same, each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.

piece? I transform my ideas to finished pieces by going with the flow and letting the brush lead me. I take inspiration from real life landmarks using the colours, tones, shapes and patterns I see and convert them into an abstract form. I believe there are no ‘mistakes’

I have chosen the word Resilience because no matter what we experience the sun will continue to rise again. I used acrylic and posca pens on in creating art, only endless possibilities. canvas, framed with Do you have a current favourite piece that Karri Hardwood. you have worked on? Yes, my favourite piece is my latest work titled ‘Resilience’. The title symbolises happiness, overcoming tough times and endless opportunities. I have chosen the word Resilience because no matter what we experience the sun will continue to rise again. I used acrylic and posca pens on canvas, framed with Karri Hardwood. I started by

mixing shades of reds, greens and blues to create the background, the sun, mountains and ocean. Once dried I added in a black outline around the sun and mountains to make the colours stand out. The last step was adding patterns using posca pens, adding white stars on top of the black outline around the sun and green spirals into the mountains. Adding the patterns and stars at the end made the colours pop creating the feelings of calmness and being at piece within yourself. ‘Resilience’ inspired by my favourite headland Southies (Sawtell). Most days I sit up at Southies and look out at the beautiful waterways and the amazing mountains behind it. Whenever I’m struggling and need to bring myself back into a healthy headspace, I sit at Southies and admire the beauty Whenever I’m surrounding me. The struggling and crashing of waves heading need to bring myself into the creek, the flowing back into a healthy of the creek as the tide headspace, I sit at Southies and admire is pushing in or out, the mountain range from Sawtell to South West the beauty Rocks and all the beautiful surrounding me. colours and amazing sounds coming from the wildlife. Allowing myself to give into nature creates complete calmness and allows me to think more clearly, problem solve and make rational decisions. I have channelled these feelings into ‘Resilience’ with hopes that it radiates the same energy within others.

into the future? I started @kirrashea.art on Instagram 2 years ago. The response has been positive and my friends and family have been supportive by sharing my page and re-sharing my posts to help me expand my following and promote my artworks.

The future for KirraShea Art is bright. I plan to expand my business in 2023 by working with local youth services who support young people (12yrs-25yrs) to run mindfulness art sessions. I also have goals around exhibiting my art in galleries, shops and market stalls.