Education Update - Nick Johnstone

with NICK JOHNSTONE

FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

The New Year has come and gone and it is a bit of a cultural habit to set some goals for the next 12 months. This article is designed to help you and your children take that step from wishes to reality. You may have heard of the dinghy metaphor before when it comes to goal setting and getting results. To move that dinghy in the direction and with the speed you want to you need to use both the rudder and the oars. The rudder is your goal setting tool. It focuses on that target but it is nothing without the momentum or the pull of the oars (the system or that set of actions). Some simplified examples are: • If you’re a runner, your goal is to run a PB at the park 5k run at the end of Summer. Your system is your training schedule for the month using interval running techniques daily but also do a 5km run each week until the big day. • If you are a student your goal is to move that “C” in Maths to a “B”. Your system is to get specific feedback from your teacher each lesson and then practice that one skill for 30 minutes that night. In all these cases you are setting a defined goal that you wish to achieve but you are also breaking up into daily actions a system that can make progress towards that goal. Goals are useful for setting the direction. Systems are great for actually making progress. In fact, the primary benefit of having a goal is that it tells you what sort of system you need to put in place. However, the system itself is what actually achieved the results. There are many ways to develop goals and to create a system to focus improvement but I believe the first step is to articulate what those goals are and then to prioritise (be ruthless) your top 3. If you have too many more than 3 you are diluting your actions. From that step a system is required. You need to take time for your research here because that effort of “rowing” needs to yield results. Research has shown that you are up to three times more likely to stick to your goals if you make a specific well researched plan for when, where, and how you will perform your behavioural change. These goals and this system need to be written down (on your phone, or on a piece of paper stuck to the bathroom mirror or in a journal that you read every day). According to a 2009 study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit. That study also concluded that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. With that knowledge, you can create change using your systems and make them habitual within a couple of months. The last part of any goal setting is also to evaluate your progress. It is important to track your success towards that goal. Finally, I will mention the most commonly used acronym SMART. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely) these are a great way to set goals because the expectations are clear, and it is easy to visualise what success looks like. What most goal-setting processes don’t take into account are the potential pitfalls. I will address these with some dot points as they are mostly self evident. • Fear of success and/or failure (what if you actually attain your goal? What if you don’t?) • Lack of understanding about the goal-setting process (is my goal clear, attainable and SMART?) • Lack of commitment to the goal (Is this goal really in my top 3?) • Inactivity (does binging another show on Netflix actually help me?) • Analysis paralysis (action in your system more important than analysis of the measurables) • Lack of a real destination (you need to commit to that goal. This is the first step!) • Failing to plan (you need that system. Do your research and create the plan - it is the oars of the dinghy) • Having too many goals (you will lose focus if you have too many) • Feeling unworthy of the end result (you are worth it - the only person you can change is yourself) • Lack of motivation to change (start your plan today!) I challenge you to take that New Year’s resolution and move it to a goal and a system over the next two months and see where you finish up.

Holly Wedd is a transformative teacher. The Southern Cross University graduate is already internationally acknowledged for the ideas and innovation she brings to her mathematics students, which translate beyond the classroom.

Teaching mathematics adds up for Holly Wedd. It is an equation in which factors of commitment, initiative, inquiry, flexibility and fun come together for a solution that engages her students and continues to propel her career.

That career is still in its fledgling stages, yet Holly's energy for teaching is a lesson in itself. As she says: “My goal as a teacher is to alter the way mathematics is viewed. I want to transform this perception that maths is a boring subject that only some people are good at, into the idea that it can be something students are excited to learn about and truly feel they understand."

A graduate of Southern Cross University's Faculty of Education, Holly taught mathematics from 2018 at South Grafton High School before taking up the post of Head Teacher Mathematics at Orara High School.

At Grafton, she introduced innovative teaching methods through games, team-based learning and interactive techniques. Notable among them was an enrichment tutoring program aimed at students struggling with basic mathematical concepts. What began with two students soon expanded to five teachers and nearly thirty students in just two terms. My goal as a teacher is to alter If that is not the way mathematics impressive enough, Holly is viewed. I want to has just completed her transform this Master of Education – in perception that maths Student Wellbeing and is a boring subject that School Leadership – only some people are again through Southern good at... Cross University. While mathematics is the field in which Holly excels, her calling is teaching. "When I decided on education, it wasn't maths that clicked with me as much as teaching in general," says Holly. "Initially I wanted to become a primary teacher. Then when I started to think more about the best way I might make a real difference as a teacher, I found myself drawn to secondary

education." "Looking back at my high school years in Woolgoolga, I had some wonderful teachers. For maths, I remembered one who went all out to make it fun. He was inspiring and I still use his hands-on trigonometry exercises today. He taught beyond the textbook and that really connected with me. Now I apply that thinking to all of my teaching." "Maths can be experimental and divergent. As much as the aim is to reach the correct solution, getting there can take you on several pathways. It is an exciting journey that is not always, or necessarily, set in stone in a textbook. Maths can take you in different directions and that can be thrilling and also provide important lessons for life."

The many accolades Holly has received offer clear demonstration of the success of her approach to teaching. In 2019, she was named Young Alumnus of the Year at Southern Cross University. The same year brought international attention via a Learning Edge Teaching Practice Award at Google HQ in Sydney. This was a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Education and Teachers Mutual Bank in partnership with YouTube and Google.

In 2020, Holly won the Teachers Guild of NSW Early Career Award (Secondary School) and in 2021 she was named the Rising Star of the Year at the prestigious Australian Education Awards. This year she has been recognised as a 2022 Schools Plus and Commonwealth Bank Early Career Teaching Fellow and was named on the Educator’s 2022 Education Hot List. For one so adept in the classroom, it seems strange to consider that Holly may never have pursued a teaching career. There was a time when the ski slopes occupied most of her attention. Born in the UK, Holly was a baby when her parents migrated to Australia. Her childhood was unconventional to say the least. "We travelled a lot," she says. "Mum and Dad wanted to work in the ski fields and so we followed the Winter and went back and forth to the US for many years. I could ski before I could walk and went on to become US National Standard Junior Skier until the family decided to come back to Australia fulltime."

Clearly, skiing's loss has been education's gain, with Holly at the vanguard of a new generation of teachers applying nextgeneration teaching methods. Technology and the internet are the textbooks of today and they come with – mathematically speaking – plusses and minuses. "At times the current generation has been caught between a rock and a hard place as education grappled with the transition from traditional teaching – the days of chalk and talk – to the teaching and learning opportunities created by these incredible technological resources," says Holly. "However, the next generation will be the first to have grown up using technology wholly and solely. They are learners in the era of Zoom, of SMART projects. Their grasp of technology will be ingrained and education will need to reflect that." Holly's embrace of the online environment, particularly via engaging instructional videos made for students and fellow teachers, has long been a staple of her teaching. It took on

The next extra meaning during the disruption of the generation global pandemic. will be the first to “Whether in the classroom or teaching have grown up online, I implement hands-on activities which using technology, promote critical and creative thinking in wholly and solely. my students," says Holly. "In covering both They are learners in the era of Zoom, of syllabus content and enhancing creative and collaborative practice, the goal is always to create a deep understanding and appreciation SMART projects. of the beauty of mathematics.” And not just mathematics. Teaching in general, when done with heart and generosity, can also be beautiful. Holly embodies that. “From the first time I walked into a classroom on my first prac., I’ve absolutely loved teaching and I fall more and more in love with it every day,” she says. “The best part is when you see a struggling kid finally ‘get it’ and it clicks for them. If that’s what gives you joy, then you should become a teacher.” Learn more about studying Education at Southern Cross University.

Karly Morris is the Relieving Aboriginal Education Officer at Orara High School and a proud Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, and Wiradjuri woman. She brings so much care and enthusiasm to her work, she is passionate about education and giving all her students the encouragement and support they need to achieve their full potential.

High School? Hi, I’ve been working at Orara High School since the start of Term 4 of 2015. I started as what was called a Norta Norta Tutor for junior students, it is now known as a Student Learning Support Officer. In 2018, I took on the position as Relieving Aboriginal Education Officer for 7 months until it was filled. This was a great opportunity for me to take on a higher role and increase my skills and knowledge. Throughout 2020 I started to assist with running the Balmuun Jindas Academy. This was yet another great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge. At the beginning of Term 4 2021 I again stepped up into the role of Relieving Aboriginal Education Officer and am still currently in that position. I work alongside some really inspiring people in my team and I honestly believe it is the strongest team in the Coffs Harbour area, I don’t know what I would do without them.

Officer? As an Aboriginal Education Officer it is my duty to provide assistance to staff, Aboriginal students and their families to support improved learning, welfare and wellbeing outcomes. Not only do I, but all of my colleagues in the Aboriginal Education Team at Orara High School, work tirelessly to ensure that our students are well supported in and out of classes.

I grew up in the same way as the majority of our Aboriginal students. I come from a big family and I was the first in my family to complete their HSC and graduate. Throughout my senior years of high school I had the first-hand experience of the reality that our students face. Shame. I was too ashamed to put my hand up in class and ask for help.

Just like most of our Indigenous students, I am a visual, hands-on learner so I struggled to understand a lot of what the teacher was saying or writing on the board. Instead of putting my hand up to ask for help, I would just pretend to know what I was doing. I was a smart kid so a lot of the time I figured out a way to do the work. So I guess you could say that my high school experience inspired me to take on this role. I wanted to be someone that could encourage and support students while being a role model for them to look up to.

Most of all I hope that they understand that education and what they’ve always had made you want to it in them to achieve follow this career greatness, they just path? I graduated year needed that 12 in 2013 at Orara High encouragement and reminding of just how inspiring they School and never thought that I would ever step foot in a school again. In 2014 and some of 2015 can be. I was doing a bit of work assisting with running an Indigenous Program with Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Service in primary schools and I absolutely loved it. I first started working at Orara High School in Term 4 of 2015 and have been here ever since. Once I started I knew I was in the right career. It was like, right place, right time. From there I kind of just knew that this was a career I wanted to be in forever.

doing at the moment? What I enjoy the most would have to be seeing students reach their full potential. A lot of the time they lack confidence in themselves. They don’t realize how smart they are and how much they could achieve if they put their minds to it. It’s such a heartwarming feeling to see them succeed and to be proud of what they accomplished, whether it be something small or big.

I don’t just work for the Department of

Education, I work for the students and for our old people that fought so hard for us to have the right to get the education they were denied.

of having you around? I hope that the kids I work with see me as a role model and someone to help them with anything they need. I feel like I can get on their level of understanding and hopefully my presence shows them they can overcome the barriers causing them to not fully succeed in their own ways. I hope one day when they’re older they look back on their high school years and say ‘having Karly around pushed me to do better, to be better and to be a better role model for anyone and everyone that needs someone to look up to’. Most of all I hope that they understand that they’ve always had it in them to achieve greatness, they just needed that encouragement and reminding of just how inspiring they can be.

what you do? Just like all jobs, there are challenges that can be very tough. However I work with such a strong team that we tend to overcome just about every obstacle that we are faced with. There are a lot of positives about working in my role and everyday I see students achieve all types of goals, big and small. However, I think the most rewarding aspect of what I do would have to be seeing students succeed.

work for the year ahead? There are definitely some big things planned for the year ahead. Along with my team we are planning on bringing a lot more cultural opportunities into the school.

Kamilaroi man Kobey Potts always wanted to work in healthcare but after learning he was not eligible for an ATAR; he didn’t know how he would get there.

Originally based in Tamworth, Kobey completed a Hunter New England Health Traineeship in years 11 and 12. He completed his HSC but was surprised to learn he would not receive an ATAR. A teacher linked him up with the University of Newcastle and after visiting the Wollotuka Institute, Kobey learned about his options, including the Yapug program. Yapug is a free pathway program designed to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain the knowledge and skills for entry into university while immersing them in Indigenous knowledge, history and culture. Together with the Wollotuka Institute, Yapug provides students with foundational knowledge, embedded support, a range of social activities and guaranteed entry into an undergraduate degree on completion. “I honestly feel if I went straight into an undergraduate degree, I probably would have failed due to the academic standards. Yapug gave me an understanding of what Uni really is”, said Kobey. Located at both the Newcastle Callaghan and Central Coast Ourimbah campuses, the Wollotuka Institute provides an inclusive, culturally safe environment where students can come for support, advice, collaboration, and knowledgesharing. Their space is where students can connect with other students and community – a home away from home while studying at the University of Newcastle. Kobey has now begun his degree in the Joint Medical Program to become a doctor and is enjoying the challenge. He wants to help inspire other Indigenous people to pursue their dreams, letting them know anything is possible. There’s a place for you at the University of Newcastle. To find out more about Wollotuka, Yapug and explore other programs available for 2023 visit

Pictured Kobey Potts, Yapug Pathway Program, Miroma Bunbilla, Currently studying the Joint Medical Program, Ma & Morley Scholar.

Paul Hunt comes from a family dedicated to social justice and supporting others, with both his parents, himself and his brother and sister all having worked in the Disability and Out Of Home Care sector. He has recently undertaken some extra study at TAFE NSW to further his skills and broaden his knowledge which he believes will help prepare him for the rising need for community services workers in our area.

long you’ve been in the industry? I work at Pathfinders in Coffs Harbour where I work across various support areas such as disability and out of home care. I think social justice and supporting others is in my DNA. My parents also worked in this industry as do my sister and brother.

it involve? I’m deskbound at the moment, supporting staff in the migration from casual employment to permanent full time / part time employment. My employer, Pathfinders, believes that supporting and looking after their staff will greatly improve the way in which we provide the best care for our clients.

as well? The primary reason I undertook this study was that the course delivery was tailored for existing workers in the Community Services sector where our existing skills, experience and knowledge would be taken into consideration in the way we would be trained and assessed. I believed, and was correct, that my fellow students worked very well together in sharing their insights and experiences from their past work.

A little nervous at first, but my teachers, Dr

My employer, Anderson and Trish

Pathfinders, Cahill are amazing believes that supporting and looking after their staff will greatly educators who quickly made me feel comfortable and ready improve the way in to study again. Their which we provide industry knowledge and the best care for passion for inspiring our clients. adults to learn is quite outstanding. I was impressed in the variety of the way TAFE conducts assessments; such as role plays, presentations, individual and group reports.

helped you at work? The study gave me extra skills, more confidence and I developed a good network of like-minded people. The course also challenged me to evaluate some of my own values and I also gained self-reflective skills and discernment skills.

Jump in and give it a go. Many people have transferable skills such as communication, project management, advocacy and personal support. They are examples of the skills needed in the Disability and Out of Home Support sectors. There are many rewarding jobs on the Coffs Coast and the demand will only grow.

The course also challenged me work? I work with to evaluate some of my own values and I a great bunch of also gained self- people who are reflective skills and passionate about discernment skills. supporting and assisting the lives of those marginalized, particularly those from broken homes and Indigenous families.

year ahead? Help my local church and SVDP address social housing issues on the Coffs Coast and focus more on the Mental Health side of Community Services.

focus_interview

get into it? I first started Nippers when I was 5 years old. I wanted to get into it to learn about how to be safe in the ocean.

train? I am a member of Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club and I train for Nippers six times per week, as well as swimming squads three times per week. Training for Nippers involves ocean swimming and board skills, endurance, as well as running and gym sessions. What do you love most about Nippers? I love competing for my club both in individual events and also competing as part of a team. I also enjoy racing against my friends from different clubs up and down the coast. Nippers is also teaching me all about beach safety which is really great.

the Club? It is very chill at the club, with a fun vibe and lots of people hanging out. We still train during the school holidays, so it is great to be there after training with friends and family all there at the same time.

familiar? We do lots of different activities at Nippers and at Nipper Carnivals. At Nippers we are learning about how to administer first aid, how to use radios, and perform CPR. We

Saul Easman has been participating in Nippers at Sawtell SLSC since he was 5 years old and his enthusiasm and dedication is only growing as he continues to train and compete. He is absolutely killing it at comps up and down the coast and one day hopes to compete in the Nutri Grain IronMan series.

are also learning about how to spot where rip currents are located, and safe places to enter the ocean. At Nipper Carnivals there are lots of events that we race in, both in the water and on the beach. My favourite events are the water ones, especially the Ironperson. The Ironperson is a race where we do an ocean swim of a minimum of 280m, followed by a board leg of a minimum of 362m. We then have to run up the beach to finish between a set of flags, which can sometimes be the hardest part. I also like the individual swim and board, and board rescue events. The swim is around a stringline of cans out in the ocean, and we try to catch a body surfing wave into the shore from as far out the back as we can. For the board we go around an apex, which is shaped a bit like a triangle. Once we are on our way back in, we are always trying to catch a wave! We then have to run up the beach with our board to finish. Sometimes there will be lots of us all running up the beach together for a sprint finish. The board rescue is a team event where most of the time I do the swim leg out to a floating

My biggest coloured can. I put my achievement to hand up to be rescued and my teammate paddles out date in surf sports on their board to rescue was winning THE me. We have to then ‘TRIPLE CROWN’ AT catch a wave on the board NSW COUNTRY together back to shore. It CHAMPIONSHIPS is really fun and the bigger 2022. THE TRIPLE the wave the better! CROWN IS WHEN There are also swim YOU COME FIRST team and board relay IN all three water events which are great events at a to compete in with my competition, so the teammates. There are swim, board and beach events too, where ironperson. we compete in flags and beach sprints.

clubs? One of my favourite things about going to competitions and competing with other clubs is that you make lots of friends. Not only do you get to know the people in your own club better, but you meet kids from all over the NSW Coast. I now know kids from everywhere from the South Coast to the Far North Coast that I meet regularly over the season at different competitions. Our Branch Carnivals are also great fun because you get to compete with the other Nippers in our area.

have coming up? I have recently competed at Interbranch Championships at Shelly Beach, where I represented North Coast Branch in all the water events. I also have the NSW Country Championship in January, followed by State Age Championships in February and then the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Western Australia in March.

your events? At the last NSW Country Championships I won five medals including four individual events which were the swim, board, ironperson and 1 km beach run. My team also came second in the board rescue. Last season at NSW State Championships I came sixth in the individual swim and twelfth in the Ironperson.

achievement to date in the sport? My biggest achievement to date in surf sports was winning the ‘Triple Crown’ at NSW Country Championships 2022. The Triple Crown is when you come first in all three water events at a competition, so the swim, board and Ironperson.

future? My goals for the future are to compete in the Nutri Grain IronMan series. This is where the top twenty Ironmen in the country compete in six rounds at different beaches. My goal is also to become a volunteer lifesaver so I can put all my training to use for the community.

Meet the Coffs Coast’s most engaging locals and make holiday memories to last a lifetime. We asked Bookings Supervisor, Tayah, what’s new at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park and what visitors can expect to see and do during these summer holidays. And in case you were wondering, A is for Aria, a new Little Blue Penguin and Z is for Zippy, a Bottle-nosed Dolphin whose mother was named Buttons!

Yes! We're ready and have some exciting new things to share with visitors. We're running two sessions, 9-12 and 12.30-3.30, with all the activities on the program repeated so guests can choose to visit in the morning or the afternoon. Other animal experiences run at specific times during the day, and visitors must book these separately.

It's been a big year for babies. Miki, an Australian Sea Lion pup, was born in July. He's five months old and as cute as a button. He makes an appearance in the park most days as he adjusts to visitors, but sometimes he's not up for socialising and wants to sleep! Just like a human baby!

Last September, we welcomed four Little Blue Penguin chicks two boys, Levi and Shrek and two girls, Evy and Aria! They're fully grown now but still super cute and curious. Our colony has 18 penguins now, so visitors can have loads of fun choosing their favourites.

Yes! During the Meet the Penguin experience, at least one guest in the group can feed a penguin. People need to be aware, though, that just like humans, sometimes they won't eat, especially in hot weather, because they prefer to be swimming! In this beach-side interaction, guests learn about Little Blue Penguins' breeding, nesting, and unique personalities while getting close to some of the funniest animals in the park.

Sure is! Coral returns for an exclusive and limited time from Tuesday, 27th December, to Sunday, 15th January. We highly recommend people book early to secure their preferred date. She's been incredibly popular, and seeing the delight on the kids' faces when they first spot her swimming with a dolphin or sea lion is priceless! We're about teaching and inspiring people to learn more about marine conservation and protecting our oceans for all marine wildlife. Coral, the Conservation Mermaid, is a magical addition to our program. We know many parents are bringing their kids these holidays to see Coral.

During the 'Meet the Mermaid' experience, Coral will share vital conservation messages, and kids can share a unique photo with her. Parents are welcome to take pictures as well.

For an even more enchanting experience, it's hard to beat the 'Mermaid Splash', where kids aged three or more can swim with Coral. Children discover what it's like to be a mermaid as they splash about with Coral in shallow water. The children and parents are mesmerised!

A general entry ticket allows visitors to get close to Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, Little Blue Penguins and Freshwater Turtles. They can also tour our marine rescue and rehab facility and see the sick and injured Sea Turtles in our care. Our Marine Conservation Park is the only place in Australia where guests can enjoy such a close encounter with marine animals. There's an educational marine animal talk or activity happening every half hour, and our main Dolphin Dreamtime and Sea Lions live presentation is on twice daily during the holidays.

These are beautiful experiences that most people will only enjoy once in their lifetime. They're all on dry land, and guests can Meet a Penguin, Sea Lion and Dolphin. Some families book all encounters during their visit. Typically, a marine animal carer will chat with the group

about the animal's history, anatomy, habits and diet and explain the threats in the wild and what we can do to protect them.

This experience is perfect for guests who want to get close to a dolphin without getting wet; well, not too wet, sometimes guests do get splashed! Located by the pool or lagoon, guests learn about the Dolphin's unique anatomy and how and why we train them. There's also time to play some interactive enrichment games and take photos. Zippy is one of the delightful dolphins that guests may meet.

Only a few thousand Australian Sea Lions are left in the world, making them endangered. In this unique experience, guests learn about the difference between seals and sea lions, interact with a playful sea lion and become inspired to help protect them.

If anyone reading this has a budding marine scientist in their family, this experience will make their holiday!

It's a brilliant birthday present idea too.

The animal carer experience, "ACE" for short, is ideal for kids aged eight to sixteen interested in marine animals and conservation. For three hours every Wednesday and Sunday during the holidays, participants experience a taste of life as a Marine Animal Carer. It's a hands-on, educational and fun program that includes caring for some of our marine animals and helping to nurture and feed the sick wildlife in our dedicated rehabilitation hospital. Kids get treated as VIPs with special seating at our main marine animal presentation and a private park tour. It's excellent value at $275 per child, including lunch in our Creekside Café. With a maximum of 10 kids, there are plenty of opportunities to get close to our marine animals and actively participate.

I enjoy the Back of House Tours. A marine team member takes visitors behind the scenes to see how and why we train, enrich and care for our animals. It's a one-hour intimate experience and a must-do for anyone interested in learning more about

GUESTS CAN

ASSIST OUR TEAM IN AN marine animal care ANIMAL TRAINING and conservation. This SESSION, PARTICIPATE IN AN hands-on tour is perfect for all ages, but adults must accompany children INTERACTIVE GAME under 10. Guests AND HELP FEED can assist our team SOME ANIMALS. in an animal training session, participate in an interactive game and help feed some animals. I did this tour soon after I started working at the park, and it's still one of my favourite experiences.

We're expecting a busy Summer and highly recommend that people plan and book ahead. Come for breakfast in our Creekside Café and then stay for the morning session and perhaps do an animal experience in the afternoon. Or, enjoy an animal experience in the morning, have lunch in the café and then stay for the afternoon session. We have plenty of covered spaces, and the roofed grandstand for our main presentation provides all-weather protection. And for families on a budget, we offer beautiful garden spaces for a BYO picnic and a park overlooking Coffs Creek next door. Happy holidays we hope to welcome you soon! To book, go to dolphinmarineconservation.com.au or call 02 6659 1900.

Jaime Cowling is the owner of new local business Cryo Recovery Coffs. She has discovered the benefits of Cryotherapy first hand over the past couple of years after dealing with chronic pain and sleeplessness after a car accident, and now she wants to make it available to those on the Coffs Coast!

yourself? My name is Jaime Cowling, the owner of Cryo Recovery Coffs. I’m a mother of 4 (Charlie 14, Maddy 12, Blayke 6, Harvie 4) and a wife to an amazing man, Aaron! We have other business ventures together, and our latest addition is something I truly believe in and I know is so beneficial for both physical and mental health and well-being - Cryotherapy.

It’s something I’ve used myself for treating my own health matters. Cryo is short for Cryotherapy. It’s “cold therapy” (you can find out more by going to our social media pages). In 2014 I was in a major car accident. I was in my car, stationary at road works and when I looked in my rearview mirror I noticed the car behind me going extremely fast, the driver wasn’t watching the road, she was turned to the back giving her baby a bottle. The car hit me at 80 kmh! It was pretty hectic, I was pulled from the car in extreme pain, put into an ambulance and taken to the hospital. On the way to the hospital the ambulance officers told me my shoulder was dislocated and they were going to have put it back in – which they did and it caused so much pain. Over the next 7 years I had multiple operations, my right shoulder is held together with metal rods, screws, and a band; I had to have prolapse surgery as on impact my uterus collapsed; I had back surgery; and multiple hernias repaired which then led into infections that nearly killed me. For years after that I was reliant on pain medication, sleeping medication, and I was always full of anxiety whenever I was in the car.

As I was Fast forward to the end walking away of 2021. I was in the Gold from the shop I felt Coast and I was walking excited, I was past a shop that had a giggling like a Cryotherapy machine and school girl - my advertised these benefits insides were excited. that really seemed to hit That day honestly home with me and what changed my life. I have been looking for. I went in and asked so many questions, it was so interesting. I didn’t go in that day, I had to mentally prepare myself to walk into something so cold (I don’t like the cold. Give me sun, warmth and a tan anyday). Anyway the next day I went back, I got myself

mentally prepared, listened to the safety instructions, signed all the forms and got into the machine. Only I didn’t last long, this Cryotherapy machine was a fully enclosed chamber and I had to jump out after 60 seconds as I couldn’t see anything but white and all fears were taking over my mind. I calmed down and jumped back in, sang along with the music, danced around to keep distracted and then my time was up. I thanked the ladies and left. As I was walking away from the shop I felt excited, I was giggling like a school girl - my insides were excited. That day honestly changed my life.

session of Cryotherapy? Unfortunately I was only able to do Cryotherapy when I travelled because there was no known place closer. But each time I went to Qld that’s what I did - I would tell my husband “alright babe I’m off to go stand in the freezer“ – sounds so strange that something like that would make me feel so incredibly good!

helped you with? Pain relief, mental health and sleep. They’re my 3 biggest things I’ve absolutely seen improve since persisting with Cryotherapy. It is said that Cryotherapy helps build your immune system. I can only be a testament to that in a way where earlier this year we were going on our first family holiday since my youngest was born who is now almost 5 , Harvie being in daycare he brought gastro along

I would tell my for the trip. My husband husband “alright babe I’m off and all 4 kids dropped like flies, I had never seen my husband and to go stand in the 13 year old so sick with freezer“ – sounds so gastro. I dodged it. It strange that took me a few weeks something like that and hours of research to would make me feel realise that potentially I so incredibly good! didn’t get it because on that trip I went and had a Cryotherapy session. I became more and more addicted to researching Cryotherapy. I took more quick trips to Queensland as I wanted to feel more of the benefits. I was off pain medication, sleeping medication and I was happier than I had ever been before.

something that you now provide? A couple of months ago now, Aaron and I were laying down and I turned to him and said “babe can we please buy a Cryotherapy machine”? Aaron had never tried Cryotherapy, he had only listened to me about how amazing it was but he could see that his wife who was on medication all day every day was no longer taking anything for pain or sleep. To him, there was no doubt about the validity of the physical and mental benefits. Aaron agreed and a few months later we had been given the opportunity to buy our own machine, better yet we were able to become a mobile service and have it all put into a functional trailer to work out of. The team who sold it to us were brilliant with their training and ongoing service. This company is worldwide and our latest updates and training came from Finland. The whole process has happened very smoothly and flowed so well like it was just meant to be. I’m so glad we can bring this service to the Coffs Harbour Region.

Cryotherapy business? We are mobile so we go to events and can run sessions from almost anywhere. Look us up on Instagram or Facebook – search for Cryo Recovery Coffs and go from there – I can’t wait for you to try it!

Many people would think of an arborist as someone that simply removes trees, but Michael Sullings is passionate about educating people on the importance of our trees and the wildlife they house. When he does remove a tree he plants a native tree elsewhere to replace it.

where it all began? It all began with my Mum. She’s a passionate bush regenerator and has spent 40 years clearing weeds and planting natives on the rural property where I was raised and she passed that passion onto me. During school I did a bit of gardening for neighbours then got my first proper job at a local flower nursery. From there I did an apprenticeship in Horticulture and decided to specialise in Arboriculture.

came about? After school I moved to Sydney for nearly 20 years and worked in a wide range of jobs including retail nursery, landscape construction and maintenance, arboricultural consultancy and finally as a Tree Management Officer for the City of Sydney. When the country boy in me won out and I moved back to the Mid North Coast, I decided to put all my experience into opening my own business. The name is recognition of the fact that trees are houses for the wildlife we share our environment with. One of my goals is to help people understand that there’s more to trees than just hazards and nuisance.

Australians are blessed with a unique set of flora and fauna, but it’s uniqueness also makes it highly vulnerable to the impacts of human activity. By trying to impose European practices of horticulture and agriculture here we have done immeasurable damage. This damage is what drives my passion to try and influence some attitudes and practices towards more custodial perspectives, like those employed traditionally by First Nations Australians.

from the norm? Many arborists join the industry as unskilled labourers and work up from there, whereas I joined the industry because I love trees. While it can be a bit upsetting when large trees are removed, there’s usually a good reason for it. The industry has come a long way in the last 20 years. Rising temperatures have driven home the importance of shade – especially in urban areas, and the industry is starting to reflect that by prioritising the retention and management of large and mature trees, rather than their removal.

These days I deal with it by keeping my feet on the ground and sending someone younger and nimbler up the tree, or I hire a cherry picker. I never was much of a climber, but I never really wanted to be either. It takes a special kind of person to be a good climber, generally one that sees thrill where others see risk.

what you do? I have excellent mentors

who’ve taught me that to be an arborist is to be an educator, and that is my favourite aspect of the job. If I can help someone to see that their trees aren’t just dangerous or messy, but that they also provide all kinds of amenity for humans and wildlife, then I’m satisfied. As my hero Sir David Attenborough says, “No one will protect what they don't care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” If I can help improve people’s experience and understanding of trees, hopefully they will be more inclined to protect them, and by extension the critters they house.

I recommend locally indigenous plant and tree species for use in landscaping, as these species are better suited to our climate and soils, and because they provide natural food sources for our native wildlife. I also make recommendations that will suit the client’s desires, such as edibility, reduced maintenance, or bushfire resistance and resilience.

If I can help I have lots of experience improve with ‘Environmental people’s experience Arboriculture’, which and understanding of is a newer aspect trees, hopefully they of Arboriculture will be more inclined that focuses on to protect them, and enhancing arboreal by extension the habitat, in particular critters they house. the installation of artificial nest hollows (i.e. hollows that are bored into trunks and branches) that are customised to suit certain species of wildlife including cockatoos, parrots, owls, possums, gliders, and many more. I also make customised nest boxes, carved out of solid hardwood logs, which are then installed into trees. All in all, I try to provide advice from a holistic ecological perspective that recognises humans are part of the environment rather than separate to it.

about? As you mentioned earlier, people generally see Arborists as people that remove trees. I’m trying to buck that trend and give something back. Besides that, I’ve just always loved planting trees and coming past years later to see their progress.

If I had to choose just one it would be to consider ‘connectivity’ – the concept of designing our gardens, and urban environments more broadly, so that wildlife can move around without undue exposure. Connectivity is probably best recognised in the form of ‘wildlife corridors’ or ‘landscape corridors’, but it also has a more localised function in that it enables animals to move between areas of vegetation, and to get off the ground and into the relative safety of tree canopies. Connectivity enables animals to search for food and mates over broader areas without being vulnerable to car strike or attack from domestic pets.

BRINGS

This year, pay more attention to how your older parents are coping and start family conversations to develop a plan for future care and support. You may have been busy through the year and not noticed the small things. But how well parents are coping may become more obvious when you have time to catch up with family over the festive season. You might not want to face that your parents are getting older and may need help. If you are the older person, asking for help does not have to be the start of a slippery slope. Rather, it might be the first step to having greater control over your future independence and reduce some of the daily strain on yourself and other family members. It might be time for a family meeting. Planning is the key, and planning early gives the best outcomes. Retirement plans should consider how to manage the frailty risk that might be experienced in the later stages of retirement. Bringing family into the conversation may help to minimise conflicts within your family and help everyone be comfortable with decisions that need to be made. Families getting together at Christmas, might offer one of the rare opportunities within a busy year to hold a family meeting. For the older parent, this offers the chance to make yourself heard and express your wishes. For the children, it can help to remove uncertainty and share the responsibilities. These discussions are more effective if they are started early, while parents are still able to maintain control and independence. If thought of this discussion fills you with dread, we can offer support and advice. We inject a neutral voice and experience into what can be an emotional discussion.

• Be observant for signs that parents may not be coping • Compare observations with other family members • Talk to your parents about their future plans, concerns and living arrangement options • Start researching aged care options (including home care) and understand the costs

• Check that enduring power of attorney documents and wills are in place and still relevant – seek legal advice to review and update documents • And, if care is needed now, contact myagedcare.gov.au to arrange an assessment. If you would like to arrange a meeting to find out how I might help yours or a loved ones’ own position, call me on 0431 414 799 or email jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au. This advice is general in nature and everyone’s circumstances are different. So it’s important to speak to someone like myself who is a licenced financial adviser (I am an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232). 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.

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