A retirement village may be the perfect solution that you are seeking, regardless of whether you are single or a couple.
Retirement living opens up a world of possibilities for seniors, offering an array of benefits that enhance quality of life. From low-maintenance living and engaging social connections to convenient services and the freedom to explore new adventures; retirement communities provide a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
For nearly twenty years, Oak Tree Retirement Villages have remained committed to their goal of making the possibility of a secure, worryfree retirement a reality for everyone.
We pride ourselves on maintaining a more personalised, boutique approach. The benefits of this are many, but first and foremost, we are able to put our people first and as a result the communities we build are close-knit ones, being surrounded by like-minded people who genuinely love their community and enjoy getting on with life, rather than retiring from it.
Living alongside like-minded individuals creates an environment ripe for companionship and lifelong friendships. Shared interests and social events provide countless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and embark on new adventures together. The supportive network of peers becomes an invaluable asset, warding off loneliness and enriching the daily lives of residents.
In an Oak Tree Retirement Village, you continue to live independently as you always have, however the communal areas of the premises such as gardens, roads, paths, swimming pool and facilities are managed by Oak Tree. With access to these shared spaces, facilities and various services, you gain all the benefits of a ready-made community.
Our villages are also ‘communities within communities’, with strong ties to their local area. Every Oak Tree village has a different look and feel, depending on its location, landscape, building style and the range of facilities that are offered, but every single one is underpinned by this same philosophy and commitment to delivering the ultimate in retirement village living.
Retirement marks a significant transition in life, and for many individuals, it presents an opportunity to explore new avenues and embrace a different lifestyle. Retirement living offers seniors a host of benefits that enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
We encourage you to get in touch, come and visit, chat to some of our residents and see for yourself our Oak Tree Coffs Harbour community.
WHENYO U DRIV E A CERTIFIE D PRE-OWNE D LEXUS yourec ei v e th e sa m e benefits t ha t c omewith abrandne w car. E xp ec t ama zin g customer s ervice , includingac ce sstoLexusEncore^ stifenebrenworuo, program t ha t rewar ds yo u wit h i nvitat ion st o luxury ev ents,aswel l as ev erythingfrom24/7roa ds ideas si st * toservi ce loa n cars Yo u a lso ge t th e pea ce ofmin d k nowingyo ur vehiclehasunder go neacomprehensive 120po int safet y chec k an d c om es wit h af ul l s ervi ce history.
Vi si tLexusLexus o f Por t Macqu ar i e t o seeo ur fu ll r an ge o fCertifiedPre-Ownedvehicles.
Zoe Gould has always loved being fit and active, and fell in love with the sport of boxing by chance. She has a passion for coaching and has recently opened her own gym here in Coffs Harbour.
Dubravka Sabljak is an incredible artist who has only been practising for a few short years after immersing herself in art through the COVID lockdowns and a cancer diagnosis.
Andre Meyer has a background as a well known body piercing artist from Brazil. He came to Australia in 2016 and fell in love and has remained here ever since.
We have so much to celebrate this month as we coast into our fourth year with a new look, new distribution, new size, new feel, format and new (mostly old) team. Our small but passionate team is committed to promoting positive community driven content that will always be in our DNA. The movers and shakers, inspirational and passionate leaders of our community; these are faces you will see in every edition we do. To everyone who has supported us by advertising in the past two years, a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Without the support of the businesses you see in these pages, we would not exist.
On the cover
Mike and Jonny Hibbard have spent their life within the family business, learning from their
father and grandfather the ins and outs of Hibbard Homes. They are now running things themselves and have some very exciting plans for the future of their proud family business.
Inside this edition
Zoe Gould has always loved being fit and active, and fell in love with the sport of boxing by chance. She has a passion for coaching and has recently opened her own gym here in Coffs Harbour, encouraging the next generation of young girls to kick butt!
After moving to the Coffs Coast 5 years ago, Marina Wrobel noticed that there were many singles in the area that were ready to meet their special person but that outside of modern dating websites and apps there were very few options for singles to put themselves out there.
So Marina created Meet The One; an old school dating service that is all about matching singles that are truly compatible, based not just on physical attraction, but on their personalities
and core values as well.
Nikky and Mitch Morris fell in love with the Coffs region whilst road-tripping up the coast. They packed up their family and their life in Sydney and moved to a beautiful 2ha property in Nana Glen with a vision to turn the rundown cottage on the property into a gorgeous little Bed and Breakfast. The reno was challenging but the outcome was definitely worth the trouble!
Here come the men…… As we do each August, we are pleased to be able to present to you our annual Men in Business feature. This feature is an opportunity for champions in business in our local area to tell their stories and share their success. As always, we encourage you to support these businesses. And as always, we have our normal vast array of interviews with local and visiting identities. So sit back, relax and enjoy our latest edition of FOCUS.
EDITION COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING SALES
Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au
ART DIRECTOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au
POSTAL PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour
PHONE 0413 816 010
WEB focusmag.com.au
IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au
SENIOR DESIGNER Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au
COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY / EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR
Gavin Moroney gavin.moroney@austcommunitymedia.com.au
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney Daisyfocusmag@gmail.com
CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR
Bree McNickle wedeliverfocus@gmail.com
Mike and Jonny Hibbard have spent their life within the family business, learning from their father and grandfather the ins and outs of Hibbard Homes. They are now running things themselves and have some very exciting plans for the future of their proud family business.
MIKE AND JONNY
Hey Mike and Jonny. Tell us about the history of Hibbard Homes and where it all began?
Mike Hibbard: In 1966, at 14 years of age our Dad, Bruce Hibbard left school and started in the building industry working with our Grandfather, Malcom Hibbard. With no common conveniences of today such as telephones, computers or even sewage systems, Bruce was thrown in to assisting his Dad, Malcom, on site as a labourer. Beginning at the very bottom, Dad had the determination to keep up with the older (and considerably larger) workers and would do so by working before and after hours, and through his breaks. As he grew up, his skills developed and he became successfully qualified in all aspects of building from digging the footings, laying foundations, erecting frames, mixing cement by hand and painting walls, becoming a licensed builder himself in 1976 and moving over to a little town near Dubbo.
Through sheer determination, persistence and strong work ethic
Dad was handed the business from our grandfather who retired as a builder. Bruce then expanded and developed a successful company with a vision of creating homes for families; owners and investors alike in 13 country regions throughout New South Wales. Jonny and I have been brought up in the family business and both worked within it for over 20 years with a mindset firmly on the company’s goal of being the largest, most secure and successful developer of speculative housing in NSW.
Jonny and I have established a strong structure within the business required to reach that
What made you want to follow in your father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and have careers in the building trade?
Dad took me to his display homes on Sundays and I would watch him speaking to customers. I could see a drive and passion behind Dad, and I knew back then that I wanted to do this.
Jon Hibbard: As a Kid, Dad took me to his display homes on Sundays and I would watch him speaking to customers. I could see a drive and passion behind Dad, and I knew back then that I wanted to do this. Then from the age of 15 when I started, I completed my carpentry apprenticeship; continued building houses on the job site; joined the office to become head estimator; then grew into project management, becoming construction manager. Now I wear two hats by directing the construction team as the production manager and attend all board meetings as the CEO.
Mike Hibbard: After high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do and Dad said
go get your carpentry certificate and see if you want to pursue anything within the family business after that. I did my carpentry apprenticeship, and knew after that that I was made to go into the family business and started in sales. I worked in sales and marketing and then left Coffs and ran part of the operations in Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Dubbo. I came back to Coffs Harbour in 2016 and now I’m the General Manager for Hibbards. I love what I do every day and I wouldn’t change anything about the journey of how I got here.
As a family-owned company, what are the benefits and challenges of working with family members, and how do you navigate those dynamics to ensure an easy going and successful business?
Jon Hibbard: It's easier to be born into a family business that is already successful but it would be challenging if our family weren’t so kind and close to one another. Even though our grandfather and dad didn’t write the book on how to make it successful, we just applied all the past successful actions that made us stay united, which is good communication and understanding.
Continued over...
L:R - David Bowen CFO, Richard Stubbs Acquisitions Manager, Ben Gray Sales Manager, Jonny Hibbard CEO, Mike Hibbard GM .Family plays a huge part in not only your careers but your lives. What does family mean to each of you personally?
Mike Hibbard: My family is the most important thing to me and although my career takes more of my time, it's my work colleagues who help provide me with a great balance of time to spend with my family by taking a lot of the load of responsibilities. My wife and kids are huge supporters of me and the family business and when I do get time with them we make it very worthwhile.
Jon Hibbard: Family comes first in my eyes. It is important in my career that I work hard and travel miles away from my family which in turn means that the time I have with them is valuable and it also creates more opportunities for the betterment of their futures. They support me every day.
Your son Jacson is joining the team, which will see Hibbard Homes go into its fourth generation. What does it mean to you personally to have your son continue with the family business?
Mike Hibbard: Jacko has attended breakfast meetings with Poppy Bruce, Uncle Johnny and his Dad since he was a baby. Through theses catch ups and business meetings he has been baptised into the culture of this family business where he has witnessed the good and the bad on how a family business operates and the passion that comes from each one of us. Jacko already has his own reputation for being a kind considerate individual, so the cultural traits are definitely apparent with him. I always wondered what he wanted to do when he grew up and he has said since the age of 10 he wants to work in the family business. He is
now 19 and is studying in Sydney about life and how one becomes a true humanitarian before he comes into the business. This was his choice and it makes me very proud. What advice would you give to homeowners who are considering building their dream home? What are some key considerations they should keep in mind, and how can Hibbard Homes assist them in their journey?
Jon Hibbard: There are 3 important things to keep in mind and that we cover within our process.
1. Go over your design and your plans in detail especially with the way the house sits on the block. Is the gradient of the driveway too steep and is the site drainage adequate so no water pools up in the back yard after a heavy downpour of rain. 2. Read in detail your tender document, which includes every door handle, appliance, clothesline, nuts and bolts that you will receive in our fixed price.
Number 3 and most important is, ask, are there any hidden costs? Is this a fixed price
tender document or will you be charged on anything that is not specified by the builder or changed by the customer. We cover all these important points for total transparency right at the start.
Hibbards is entering its 60th year as a business. What do you think has led to the success of running a business for so long?
Mike Hibbard: The Hibbard family believes that all Australians should own their own home and helping our customers to achieve that is a dream of theirs and a successful goal of ours. Being taught this at a very young age, I observed my father many times getting emotional when customers received their keys to a home they thought they’d never own.
I’ve experienced this and it is moments like that that makes us successful in keeping that feeling alive and forever wanting to be achieved by the whole family and team at Hibbard Homes.
Where do you see Hibbard Homes entering the next 60 years?
Jon Hibbard: We have gone from builders to builders and land developers, so the next venture we are working on is becoming a one stop shop. Hibbard Homes, land developers, builders, real estate agents, property management and finance. In every region of NSW, the sky's the limit!
Being taught this at a very young age, I observed my father many times getting emotional when customers received their keys to a home they thought they’d never own.L-R Jonny Hibbard, Aeron Gray, Paul Gray, Ben Gray, Mike Hibbard.
The Hibbard family believes that all Australians should own their own home and helping our customers to achieve that is a dream
Four #1 and two #2 ARIA Country Albums delivered 18 #1 singles on the National Chart. With six Golden Guitars under their belt, they are now Australia’s most-awarded country rock duo in history. The brothers from Tasmania have travelled countless road miles in Australia, the USA and Canada and now they are taking their Livin’ The Dream Tour and Album around Australia to spend a night with all their fans livin’ the dream together. When 4th August Where Cex Coffs Tickets cex.com.au
A boutique market by the beach held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm near our beautiful historic Jetty in Coffs Harbour. Support your local business community, you can’t get more local than this! Your favourite food trucks, art, jewellery, clothing, beauty & lifestyle products, plants, vintage and collectables.
When Every Sunday Where Jetty Foreshore Time 8am until 2pm
A blockbuster musical revue conceived and directed by award-winning Broadway producer/director Michael Chapman, written by Motown producer George Solomon, with choreography by Paul Holmquist. OH WHAT
A NIGHT! is a loving concert and tribute, which features all the original hits as well as many Top 10 releases not in the Tony awardwinning hit. This includes Frankie Valli’s biggest solo hit from the movie GREASE! When: 25th August Where Sawtell RSL Time 7:30pm Tickets sawtellrsl.com.au
Moonee Beach Hotel invites you to join them in experiencing the thrill of the races, soaking in the breathtaking atmosphere and indulging in the outstanding hospitality that our team is renowned for. Get ready to mark your calendars for the 2023 Coffs Cup – an event you don’t want to miss! When 4th August Where Coffs Harbour Racing Club
Australia’s beloved musical treasure, with a career spanning five amazing decades, will spend the second half of 2023 touring the regional cities and towns of Australia.
When 18th & 19th August Where Jetty Theatre Tickets jettytheatre.com
Without a doubt, it’s her bright pink hair that first catches your attention, but it will be her infectious energy bouncing around behind the decks, playing songs you know & love (but always with her own special twist) that will keep you glued to the dance floor for her entire set! When 26th August Where Coast Hotel
ZOE GOULD HAS ALWAYS LOVED BEING FIT AND ACTIVE, AND FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SPORT OF BOXING BY CHANCE. SHE HAS A PASSION FOR COACHING AND HAS RECENTLY OPENED HER OWN GYM HERE IN COFFS HARBOUR, ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG GIRLS TO KICK BUTT!
ey Zoe, tell us how you got into the world of boxing?
I have always loved being fit and active since I was young and had tried boxing and kickboxing just for my fitness. When I moved to Sydney a friend signed up to Corporate Fighter; a 12 week programme of intensive training before putting on a big fight night at the Star Casino where everyone jumped into the ring for the first time for their first amateur fights. He invited me to do it with him, so I signed up and never looked back!
What have been some of the highlights of your personal boxing career so far?
Competing in the State Title tournaments is always a personal favourite of mine and in 2019 I made it to the finals before losing in a close split decision match.
As a coach I took one of my young fighters, Jed, to the State Titles at the end of 2022. He was my first athlete to represent me and my club and he won the whole tournament so is the current NSW State Title Holder!
What sort of training goes into being a competitive boxer and what does a typical day look like for you in training?
Training to be a fighter is pretty intense. I usually train twice a day in the lead up to a fight, each day looks a little different but my week will include running, strength and conditioning, boxing and my favourite, sparring.
you have opened a gym here on the Coffs Coast. What has the process been like so far and why did you start training others?
I have always loved coaching sports. From the age of 14 I was a volunteer coach for my local cricket club and then coaching when I was 16. I am a qualified PT so once I fell in love with the sport of boxing, I think it was inevitable that I would start coaching!
challenge is being a female in such a male dominated industry. All my members are so respectful of me and my knowledge of the sport which is amazing, but I can’t tell you how many times other club members or parents
I love being able
began swimming
li le girls that it’s cool to be strong and fit and even have some of them telling they want to be fighters just like me which makes me so
to show the and me happy!
What challenges did you face in establishing your gym, and how did you overcome them?
There have been many different challenges and hurdles to overcome but I have genuinely loved the learning process of it all. I think the biggest
have come into the gym and gone straight to one of the boys assuming they are the owner. People always seem so shocked when I tell them it’s my business!
What does it
mean to you to be a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated world of boxing? It is so empowering honestly, and it makes me feel so strong. One of my favourite parts of running the gym so far has been the amount of young girls and women that have come into the club to try boxing. I love being able to show the little girls that it’s cool to
be strong and fit and even have some of them telling me they want to be fighters just like me which makes me so happy! The world of female boxing and female sports in general is growing massively which is so great to see for
massively which is so great to see for future generations!
What are some of the benefits of using boxing as a training exercise?
Boxing is honestly the best sport I believe for all training goals! It will increase your fitness and strength more than any other sport I have tried and will also leave you looking and feeling amazing! There’s a reason why so many models, such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, swear by boxing as their favourite way
to work out!
What lessons or skills do you emphasise in your training sessions?
It depends on the lessons. My technical sessions focus on lots of fighting techniques which translate directly into the ring, whereas my fitness classes are more about getting a good sweat on whilst having a really fun, enjoyable workout with a great bunch of people!
What are your long-term goals for your gym and your personal boxing career?
I have finally found myself an amazing coach to train me so the long term goal is to go professional and try to put Coffs Harbour on the map for boxing!
One of my favourite parts of running the gym so far has been the amount of young girls and women that have come into the club to try boxing.
After moving to the Coffs Coast 5 years ago, Marina Wrobel noticed that there were many singles in the area that were ready to meet their special person but that outside of modern dating websites and apps there were very few options for singles to put themselves out there. So Marina created Meet The One; an old school dating service that is all about matching singles that are truly compatible, based not just on physical attraction, but on their personalities and core values as well.
What inspired you to start Meet the One?
Having moved here 5 years ago from Melbourne there were two major stand out factors for me. Firstly, how wonderfully warm and friendly the locals are, and secondly the extraordinary amount of single people. When I inquired further, nearly everyone gave me the same response; they didn’t want to go online (or if they had it was a terrible experience) and they didn’t hang out at the pubs. It seemed like everyone was living in
their own single bubble and there needed to be a better way for people to connect. Hence, Meet The One was created.
What makes Meet the One different to other dating sites?
Firstly, I would like to make it clear from the get go that this is NOT a dating site. This is not about hook ups or being bored trying to fill in some time, it’s a matchmaking service. All my clients understand this and have joined with the intention of meeting “ THE ONE’. The three main words I would use to describe my service are discreet, safe and real. What if clients are still using online dating sites?
Well, I guess that’s up to them. There is nothing in my Ts&C's that says they can’t. I won’t deny there has been the odd success story from online sites but more often than not they usually don’t work out. The reason for this is that the focus is mainly on the physical as they flick through, whereas I focus on someone’s fundamental values and beliefs. I do understand that physical attraction is important but if you have no solid foundations to build a relationship on, it will collapse very quickly.
What happens when you make a successful match?
Haha…first I will probably do a little happy
dance then I will suspend both profiles. I do this for 6 months to make sure the wheels don’t fall off and no more matches will be made. After 6 months if they are living happily ever after I delete both profiles.
So what is the process when people join?
When an appointment is booked I tell them they must bring in photo I.D. We go through the terms and conditions, (I will hand them a hard copy) which is signed, payment fee is made, I will take their photo and then get
down to the business of starting to build their profile asking all the nitty gritty questions. The whole process can take up to 2 hours as I need to gather as much information as I can to make sure the match is spot on. Most of the information gathered is for my eyes only, a prospective match will only see a snippet about the other person but also understands the whole process so knows I have made the match for a sound reason.
Can anyone join?
Yes, absolutely! If they are single, separated, divorced, widowed and over 18. I want to also make the point that we are all inclusive for the LGBTIQ+ community and the office is accessible for people with disabilities.
You mentioned the word “safe” earlier, how so?
Being a woman I understand the apprehension that some females may feel. I vet all of my clients. I record photo ID as mentioned. When a client sees a profile it is
only first name, photo, age and a bit about them, I will never share a phone number or surname. When a match is made I then work together with both parties to organise the meeting time and place…..now here’s where it gets very unique….should a client request my company to go on the meet with them, I am happy to do that not only for the first meet but for as long as they need me.
Ok, I have to ask because I’m curious as I am sure the readers will be. What does it cost?
Actually, I am glad you asked because I want to run this service with complete transparency. The initial sign up cost is $250 and there is a monthly active profile fee of $60 BUT as a special introductory offer there will be NO monthly fee until January 2024. This still gives my clients access to me 7 days a week. I aim to hold 6 events a year either age specific or open which I will attend. For events that are held notification will be sent out and those who would like to attend will incur a separate fee for that event.
Yes, to all the single people out there…..BE BRAVE….I have more than likely just signed up “ THE ONE “ for you. Thanks Marina.
IT SEEMED LIKE EVERYONE WAS LIVING IN THEIR OWN SINGLE BUBBLE, THERE NEEDED TO BE A BETTER WAY FOR PEOPLE TO CONNECT. HENCE, "MEET THE ONE" WAS CREATED.
Dubravka Sabljak is an incredible artist who has only been practising for a few short years after immersing herself in art through the COVID lockdowns and a cancer diagnosis. Her work speaks volumes of her strength and ability to find beauty in the world around her and not allowing her challenges to overcome her.
ARTIST of the MONTH
Hi Dubravka. Can you tell us a bit about your style of art and the mediums you use?
I paint with acrylics and water-based oils using pallet knives or brushes. I also experiment with sculptures in ceramics. I love the sense of freedom both modalities allow.
When did you first discover your love for painting?
I first began my painting journey during the COVID lockdowns. I was crashing at a friend's place as I was in between houses. My friend would encourage me to “go paint, go paint, you feel better”. With my friend's encouragement and the universal stillness, this
is really where my love of painting began.
It’s quite incredible that you have only been painting for a couple of years. Your work looks like that of someone with many years of experience!
spaces played a huge part in my learning experience. Continuing my exploration of art, I am currently studying (almost finished) a Diploma in Ceramics at TAFE.
My friend would encourage me to ‘go paint, you feel better” and with my friend’s encouragement and the universal stillness, this is really where my love of painting began.
What sort of training or practice have you had?
I participated in my first community art workshop with Gale Cardow 2 years ago. With the guidance of my support worker and artist Anke, I was encouraged to participate in local ceramic classes in Bellingen with Tamasin Pepper and Jane Northway. These community
Where do you draw a lot of your inspiration from?
Our beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country. I enjoy an afternoon of exploring nature, taking photos and recreating our beautiful country through art.
Can you share an example of a specific painting that holds a special significance for you? What is the story behind it?
Oh yes! Over the last two years, I’ve been working on a number of pieces. Each piece connects with certain phases of my life - I call it the Transformation Series. There are 6 pieces and 6 phases of transformation.
The Hunter, Part 1: Hunting for my inner calling. Continued over...
Solitude, Part 2: The discovery of inner strength through the power of being alone.
All Seeing Eyes, Part 3: Going through personal transformation, I deemed this a self-portrait.
Fearless, Part 4: This is a time of power and perseverance. Painting through the pain of my broken wing and cultivating a practice of deeper knowing.
Freedom, Part 5: A time of shifting perspectives from fear to freedom. Spreading my wings ready to take flight.
Solidarity, Part 6: Sitting alone, in my new home in deep reflection upon my journey through life.
Through my health journey, I was inspired by eagles. I draw on their strength, independence and sharp focus. This series is so much more than just art to me, they mark the visual roadmap through my challenges and transformation.
After experiencing the kind of health issues and hardships that you have, what part has your art practice played in that journey?
Art has been my foundation, a place of power and solitude. When you’re faced with a diagnosis it is like you pack up what you call life, gather your items, thoughts, everything, and you unconsciously set up to live in your
mind. The mind can really take over, “How will treatment affect my body?” “What does the future look like for me?” It’s easy to lose connection with the body, presence and sometimes joy. Art has been like the warm mother that says come on, you’re safe here, express whatever you need here. It is a place where I can quiet the mind and let the heart speak.
What would your message be to anyone reading this that is going through their own hardships?
I can acknowledge that all people’s experiences, needs and environments are different. Hardship looks different to each person. I guess when hardship knocks on your door we can ask:-
“How can I be more loving and compassionate to myself through this challenging time?”
“Who do I trust to let in and share this experience/pain with?”
“Is there a way I turn this pain into something meaningful/powerful/loving?”
Whichever your challenge, find your passion and live it!
You’ve recently had an exhibition of your
work at the Federal Hotel in Bellingen, what has the response to your work been like so far? How did it feel for you to display your artwork in the local community for the first time?
Honestly, my first exhibition felt tainted. Moving into the firstever exhibition my inner dialogue was tested “Am I good enough?” “Will anyone show up?” “Have I got everything organised?” My mind was completely full. Through all the dialogue of what could go wrong, or what the experience will be like, I NEVER thought that someone would break into my car and steal my most beloved artwork, one of my eagles
Art has been like the warm mother that says “come on, you’re safe here, express whatever you need here”. It is a place where I can quiet the mind and let the heart speak.
from my 4 part Healing Series. Ironically this artwork was called All Seeing Eyes - I deemed this a self-portrait. Over the following week, I’d been left feeling such grief, uncertainty and managing police questions/reports. But as I move through the emotions and allow space I begin to shift the inner compass to, “I did a freaking incredible job for my first exhibition with the health issues I’m facing” and “I am BEYOND grateful for the support I received”.
People volunteered their time to sell raffle tickets (we sold more than expected), musicians volunteered to perform, the organiser at the Federal was incredibly supportive, friends who I haven’t seen in 30 years travelled to view my artwork and I SOLD SOME PAINTINGS! My gratitude bucket was, and still is overflowing. Putting your art up for sale is a way for you to raise funds towards your healing and health treatments, what does each sale mean to you personally?
my eagles from my 4 part Healing Series.
I feel challenged and somewhat emotional trying to put this into words. I guess each sale represents someone standing in my corner and
saying “I acknowledge your time, expression and who you are”, “I see your challenges and I support you”, “I value you and your life”, and, “You are worthy”. With someone living with a diagnosis, sometimes that’s all we need, someone in your corner who can acknowledge you and hold loving intentions. Do you have any other exhibitions on the horizon?
YES! I am so excited to announce I will be teaming up with Gale Cardow, for an exhibition at the Nexus Gallery, on August 13th.
Where can people follow your art journey or get in touch?
Please feel welcome to connect through my Instagram + Facebook mud_and_soul_by_dirty_fingers or email mudandsoulbydirtyfingers@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you and share my journey.
Through all the dialogue of what could go wrong, or what the experience will be like, I NEVER thought that someone would break into my car and steal my beloved artwork, one of
WINGHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL FAVOURITES FOR 2023 LINEUP
FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER – SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER 2023
The town of Wingham on the NSW Mid Coast will once again welcome some of the best in Aussie music for the annual three day music festival that takes place from Friday 13th October to Sunday 15th October. Tickets are on sale now via Oztix
Festival organisers are proud to announce the performance schedule for 2023:
Friday 13th October – The 2023 festival will open with performances from Wingsong Choir, Groove Collection, Trapps and Galleri will take to the stage on day one before Frank Sultana and Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight performing the songs from Paul Simons’ Graceland
Saturday 14th October – Tex Perkins and The
Fat Rubber Band will headline Saturday night. Other artists on stage on Saturday include Felicity Urquhardt with Josh Cunningham, Hussy Hicks, Round Mountain Girls, Roshani, Burger Joint, Locomotive, Hudson Rose and Dan Hopkins and the Generous Few.
Sunday 15th October – The Weeping Willows, Mitch King, Lady Lyon, Grace and Hugh, Tracey McNeill + Dan Parsons and Little Quirks will entertain on the final day before Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley followed by Ray Beadle close the 2023 festival.
Festival Coordinator, Donna Ballard says “We are very excited to secure such incredible artists for the 2023 Wingham Music Festival. Visitors from across Australia come to Wingham every year to hear some great music and 2023 will be one of
biggest years yet. Motels and accommodation is booking up fast so we encourage people to book in Taree and further afield where we can arrange shuttle buses for transport.” Since its inception in 2007 the Festival has grown to become a much loved annual event in the community calendar. The festival is this year returning to the Wingham Showground with onsite camping being the optimum choice for those with caravans and motor homes to enjoy the three brilliant days under the big top. Alongside the plethora of live music, the festival also features artisans showcasing their handmade wares and artworks, workshops are held across the weekend and visitors enjoy the best in food and delicacies from local businesses from the Mid Coast NSW region.
OH WHAT A NIGHT is a blockbuster musical revue conceived and directed by award-winning Broadway producer/director Michael Chapman, written by Motown producer George Solomon, with choreography by Paul Holmquist. ‘Sherry,’ ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Walk Like A Man,’ ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,’ ‘My Eyes Adored You,’ ‘Working My Way Back To You,’ ‘Let’s Hang On’ and ‘Who Loves You’ are just some of the many hits you’ll enjoy from the dynamic songbook of those boys from Jersey, FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS.
While the smash hit JERSEY BOYS is a scripted
musical biography of the group, OH WHAT A NIGHT is a loving concert and tribute which features all the original hits as well as many Top 10 releases not in the Tony awardwinning hit. This includes Frankie Valli’s biggest solo hit from the movie GREASE!
Between the score of recognisable tunes, OH
WHAT A NIGHT delivers informative and often hilarious banter between the stellar, highspirited cast. In 1990 FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS were inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. To this day their unique and irresistible music continues to thrill all ages. The personable cast of OH WHAT A NIGHT stay true to the original recordings.
Park Beach Bowls Club is excited ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW CAFÉ - GREEN ONE. We had a chat with the CEO ane Duncan and head chef Blake Wi enberg to find out more.
Tell us about your new Café, Green One?
It is a fully fitted out modern kitchen that will provide modern breakfast and lunch menus from 6am through to 2.30pm. The space will then be utilised as a function area that provide various choices for small groups of 10 to large groups of 100 taking in the renovated area and unique space provided.
The facility itself takes in the morning sun and provides an outdoor space that can be enjoyed in various ways. Initially “Sunday Sessions” will be about a limited menu from 1pm5pm while enjoying acoustic music in the background while taking in the outdoor environment.
The Chef team will be working very hard in providing menus that are meaningful, delicious to eat but reasonably priced.
I am very excited to provide such a facility to the Park Beach area and invite everyone to make the most of such a modern, outdoor space that can be used for various family groups and community organisations for private functions.
What was involved in the renovation process?
It was simply about providing better facilities for the Club’s membership but at the same time providing a destination of choice for the people of Coffs Harbour when considering breakfast/lunch options, but also knowing a private function facility can match one's expectations. From concept to build, it has always been about improving the facilities on offer and ensuring that more choice was made available.
Apart from Breakfast and Lunch, what else can we expect from Green One?
A private function space that can be utilised by any group that will be supported by a Chef team that wants to make a difference. Our goal is the be a destination of choice knowing that you will be provided first class facilities, fresh modern food and service that gives you reason to come back.
Introduce your Green One team to us. My team consists of myself, Adam and Kelly and Café leader Vicki. We are lucky enough to have a great wellrounded team who are all striving towards the same goal - to bring high quality, fresh, and healthy meals using local products and hand selected speciality items.
Tell us what we can expect to see on the menu? And how have you included local suppliers? At Green One expect to see an eclectic mix of modern and classic dishes, a mix of cultural flavours from the classic eggs benedict to the north African shakshuka. At Green One we are working closely with our local suppliers such as Hearthfire Bakery for a great range of sourdough bread and pastry, A&D Veg for local grown products such as Coffs Coast Mushrooms and Bidfood & Providores for our specialty goods such as la bogueria chorizo & Bangalow pork.
Tell us what you're most excited about with Green
One opening. We are excited to be bringing a new space to the Coffs Coast hosting functions, Sunday sessions and alfresco dinning, providing a family friendly space.
Contact us on 6652 3622 or enquiries@pbbc.com.au for more information
Open 7 days a week 6am to 2.30 pm
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
As a young island nation home to the world’s oldest known civilisation, we as Australians have so much rich history, and diversity of both culture and landscape to explore in our storytelling.
Coming up at the Jetty Theatre, we have three performances with three very different approaches, each telling a unique story about what it is to call Australia home.
“Hiccup!”, the latest Windmill Theatre Co-production, is all Muppets-inspired technicoloured silliness but with a distinctive Australian flavour. On a perfect, balmy night, the clear outback sky lit up with thousands of stars, a sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions. They awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case
of the hiccups. The non-stop jokes and engaging easy-to-follow plot will keep kids on the edge of their seats, while important lessons on friendship and the ‘grass-is-greener’ effect are smoothly mixed in. Our likeable protagonist Eddie (played by Adelaide stage fave Nathan O’Keefe) is supported by inventive puppetry, a dreamscape of a set of vivid colours in exaggerated proportions and beautiful lighting design. “Hiccup!” is most suited to kids aged 4-10 and will be playing 2 shows for schools (general public also welcome) on Friday
1st of September at 10am and 12pm, and one for everyone the following Saturday 2 September at 10am.
Humorous, thoughtprovoking and important, “The Sunshine Club” explores a little-known piece of our recent history, set in mixed-race dancing clubs that sprung up around the nation after the Second World War. Returning Aboriginal soldier Frank Doyle comes home to Brisbane hopeful that attitudes and prejudices may have changed, but when Frank is refused entry to a dance, he realises
The non-stop jokes and engaging easy-tofollow plot will keep kids on the edge of their seats.
the freedoms he fought for were only white man’s freedoms. Frank dreams of a place free of discrimination where all are welcome and The Sunshine Club is born.
At the core of “The Sunshine Club” there is a forbidden romance between Frank and Rose, the white Reverend’s daughter, the lovers plot an impossible dream to move to London. It is a skilful marriage of entertainment and truthful historical injustices told with humour and optimism with gloriously energetic musical dance numbers performed by a talented 12-person cast. Coming to the Jetty Theatre on Thursday 7 September for a 7:30pm performance. Don’t miss it!
AVÉ – Australian Vocal Ensemble – a capella quartet focused on celebrating Australian stories is the long-held dream of Katie Noonan, one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile and prolific musicians. Combining four of Australia’s finest world-class vocalists, Katie describes AVÉ’s repertoire, like the Australian culture, as a unique blend of the old and the new.
“The OLD will be represented in the glorious spiritual music of the late Renaissance and the early Baroque – the golden age of vocal polyphonic writing, while the NEW will be the modern music of the 20th and 21st century, with a particular focus on new Australian music,” said Katie.
“We aim to create an unparalleled music experience for audience members – a chance to explore new Australian composers, a chance for audiences to find their own voice
and a chance to hear Indigenous songs of their own country alongside late Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces and brandnew works.”
Featuring commissioned works that celebrate Australian identity and place through song from Richard Tognetti, Iain Grandage, Stephen Leek, David Hirschfelder, Connor D’Netto, Thomas Green, Alice Humphries, Zac Hurren, Anne Cawrse, Jessica Wells and Robert Davidson. Including pieces based on the works of celebrated poet and novelist David Malouf, AVÉ’s “Tumbling Like Stars” will be at the Jetty Theatre on Friday 8 September at 8 pm.
As Katie Noonan puts it “I believe it is vital to use the human voice to tell the stories of our time and place, and to encourage our audiences to use their voice.” We couldn’t agree more, come along to the Jetty Theatre and enjoy some unique and distinctively Australian stories for all ages, from our beautiful home.
Visit wwwjetthytheatre.com for details on our upcoming events, to book tickets or to subscribe to our newsletter. Follow our socials as we announce more exciting entertainment throughout the year.
I believe it is vital to use the human voice to tell the stories of our time and place, and to encourage our audiences to use their voice.
Winter has definitely arrived in Sydney and it already feels like a much colder season this year. Despite the temperature, the harbour city is full of amazing activities for you to beat the chill!
Whale watchingEach year between the months of May and November, more than 40,000 whales make their way along Sydney’s coastline in their annual migration from Antarctica to the Pacific. Luckily for Sydneysiders and tourists alike, this means a first class ticket to spotting these majestic creatures, either from the shore or on the water. For those wanting to get an up close and personal look from the open ocean, Whale Watching Sydney has over 25 years of experience turning whale watching dreams into a reality. If you’re more comfortable on land, check out Cape Solander as a vantage point to see these incredible animals from shore.
Luna Park
The big, toothy grin of Sydney’s heritage-listed Luna Park has been welcoming visitors since 1935 and has evolved to bring new thrills and joyful experiences to its visitors. Rides like the Big Dipper, Hair Raiser and Dodgem City have been attracting punters, both young and old, for decades.
More than just an amusement park, Luna Park is a world-class entertainment precinct that encompasses a 3000-seat auditorium, a premium wine bar with some of the best views of Sydney harbour, and of course – the famous Luna Park Big Top.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Save yourself a flight to Japan and head to the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Auburn Botanic Gardens instead. Held over nine days, the event pays tribute to Japan’s traditions, music, pop culture and food as the cherry blossoms bloom throughout the grounds. From 19 August to 27 August, this festival is a must for anyone who loves the land of the rising sun!
Taronga Zoo
A short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo houses more than 4000 animals within its grounds. The organisation puts a huge emphasis on preserving endangered wildlife, which is evident through its breed and release programs and habitat rehabilitation.
Ever wondered what happens after the sun goes down and the zoo locks its gates?
Taronga gives visitors the chance to see the
animals in a whole new light, moonlight, that is. Walk the grounds in the dark beside nocturnal animals, spend the night in a safari-style tent, then wake up to meet more magnificent creatures big and small – all during Taronga Zoo’s Roar and Snore experience.
Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the leading museum of art in NSW and Sydney, and one of Australia’s foremost cultural institutions. Presenting nearly 40 exhibitions annually, the gallery holds significant art collections ranging from right around the globe.
It’s also home to the country’s most significant art award – the Archibald Prize, which celebrates portrait paintings highlighting figures from all walks of life. The gallery also hosts a variety of other prizes and events, attracting over one million visitors annually.
Getting there
Rex Airlines has daily flights departing Coffs Harbour to Sydney, with fares starting from as low as $169. To book your next flight, head to www.rex.com.au
Words by TrulyAus. Image credit: Destination NSW.
The friendly folk from Visit Noosa reached out to us earlier this year and invited us to spend a weekend exploring the wonderful sights and attractions they have on offer. It was a jam-packed weekend with lots of amazing things to see and do..
Night 1: Thursday We jumped on the 7:50 pm direct flight to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. We arrived at Sunshine Coast Airport to find a hire car waiting for us from the legends at Bespoke Car Rentals. We received the best service from the lovely staff at Bespoke Noosa!
After a 25-minute drive, we arrived at our accommodation which was nicely located in the centre of the hustle and bustle of Noosa. Directly opposite Noosa Main Beach and situated right on Hastings Street, Ocean Breeze Resort offered a spacious, self-contained, air-conditioned apartment. Featuring a heated swimming pool, half-size tennis court, sauna and a barbecue area. The staff were friendly and helpful, and you can walk everywhere.
Day 2: Friday We were greeted in the main lobby of our apartment by Joel from Joel’s Journeys. From the moment we first introduced ourselves, we knew we were in for a day of exciting fun and adventure. We jumped
into Joel’s 12-seater van, our first stop was Belmondo’s fresh food market. Featuring all organic produce available wholesale to the public as well as a Butcher, Baker and Espresso Maker. Coffee and croissant was a delicious kickstart to a busy day! Our second stop was the Noosa Chocolate Factory. We had a 7-year-old in tow so you could imagine his excitement when we arrived at a chocolate factory at 11 am (on his birthday). Chocolate for breakfast, he was living the dream! The staff were super friendly and even offered Cordell some freebies as a birthday gift.
Our third stop was most definitely a highlight of the tour. We headed up to Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout. From the carpark, we followed the track up across the granite boulders to the top, which was a 360-degree view of the Sunshine Coast. It was breathtaking!
Our fourth stop was in a little town just inland of Noosa called Pomona. Pomona is a gorgeous hinterland town with cafes, a country hotel, a distillery, art galleries, and a cute weekly country market. It’s also an ideal launching pad for the
nearby Noosa Trail Network, a haven for bike and horse riding that snakes its way throughout the hinterland. Pomona has a little bit of something for everyone. When asked where we would like to go for lunch, we couldn’t go past the famous Pomona Gin Distillery. We enjoyed a steak and a paddle of gin which included three of their finest, in-house distilled Gin. We were blown away! Not only was it the best steak we had ever tasted, but to match it with a range of different flavoured gins that were distilled in the room next door, our taste buds were dancing.
Our fifth stop was a half an hour drive from Pomona to a beautiful boutique vineyard called Dingo Creek Vineyard. Beautiful wines, the food was fantastic and staff were brilliant.
Joel has some awesome tours to show all those people who have done everything and are looking for something unique and personal, you will love Joel’s Journeys.
Night 2: Friday After enjoying a bottle of Dingo Creek Wine, we headed to a famous awardwinning restaurant, Sum Yung Guys. Sum Yung Guys designed not only the menu, but also the dining room to highlight their spirit and passion for Asian cuisine and culture. The food is an expression of everything they have come to love about the region and the cocktails have been developed to compliment it. They have crafted the menu to promote a share style; this would suggest they strongly encourage dining with friends, family and beyond.
The food here was incredible; we could not fault
it, and the service and atmosphere were also on point! We will be back and will be telling everyone else to come here too!
Day 3: Saturday After a little sleep, we climbed in an Uber and headed down to the Marina at the Noosa River. Here, we jumped on our very own Deluxe 8-seater BBQ pontoon. The pontoon boat had a nice full shaded canopy, comfortable cushioned seating, a barbecue on-board, lounge-style seating and a cd/radio players. The electric start 4-stroke motors with trim and tilt will allow us to see up to 20kms of waterways on a day out on the Noosa River. Massive thanks to the team at O Boat Hire, This was one of the highlights of our trip.
Night 3: Saturday We enjoyed the afternoon poolside at our hotel, which was so nice and relaxing. The pool was as warm as a bath which made it easier for us to tame the winter weather. We made reservations at Season Restaurant, a five-minute walk from the front door of our hotel. Seasons Restaurant offered us casual laid-back dining, great service and a wine list to match. An amazing restaurant, great food and drinks and awesome staff who understand what great customer service is. It was a great experience to end such an adventurous day.
Day 4: Sunday We checked out of our hotel, jumped in our hire car and headed 45 minutes to Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo. It was an awesome experience and had so much fun exploring the zoo, definitely recommend it to anyone! Side note - Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and footwear because it’s lots of walking, but worth it!
We had a couple of hours to spare in the afternoon, so we went for a drive to the beautiful Glass House Mountains lookout which lives up to the reviews. What a view!
At 5:50pm we jumped on our flight home, exhausted but fulfilled. Would totally recommend Noosa as a holiday destination! Thanks to the team at Visit Noosa for your help and advice and for planning the most amazing experience for us. Make sure you visit visitnoosa.com.au so you too can plan your next holiday!
From the car park, we followed the track up across the granite boulders to the top, which was a 360-degree view of the Sunshine Coast. It was breathtaking!
Andre Meyer has a background as a well known body piercing artist from Brazil. He came to Australia in 2016, fell in love and has remained here since. His creative endeavours have now expanded into jewellery design and DJing, creating his own unique style in everything he does!
own and studied for several years under the guidance of Italian Jeweller Paulo Puccinelli. I was so curious to learn more about jewellery and visited the crystal quartz mines of Cristalina in Brazil, a jewellery show in Switzerland, and travelled to Goa in India to experience their rich culture of body adornment. It was in Goa that I also became involved with the party scene and started my journey as a DJ.
Hey Andre, You’re originally from Brazil, tell us how you came to be on the Coffs Coast?
I came to Australia in 2016 as an invited visitor. After working in the body art industry for 30 years, I was asked to travel from my hometown of Sao Paulo to Sydney as a guest artist at Kaleidoscope Studio in Bondi. I loved the Aussie lifestyle, and what was intended to be a one-month residency was extended to a year, and then I met my wife Rache and decided to stay in Australia.
We relocated to Bellingen when COVID hit, because Rache’s family is from here and I love surfing Sawtell, exploring the Coffs Coast and Dorrigo mountains, it’s a special place. We now
live and work at Evermoore Retreat in Glennifer and love this special community and abundant nature, all of which inspire my work as an artist. I like to say destiny brought me here and I’m incredibly grateful to live on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got into the art of jewellery making and learned your skills?
I was first exposed to body art and tribal adornments on an expedition to the Amazon with my family when I was a teenager, this trip changed my life. I moved to London in the early 90’s and it was there that I learned the art of body piercing from Australian artist Grant Dempsey. It’s fair to say I was a pioneer in body piercing in Brazil. I couldn’t find the jewellery I wanted, so I decided to make my
How would you describe your signature style in jewellery design?
Rustic, Organic and Mystical. I really like the concept of Wabi Sabi Japanese philosophy, it’s the view of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature. Wabi refers to the kind of beauty found in asymmetrical, uneven or unbalanced things, for example the asymmetry of quartz patterns. Sabi is the beauty of aged things and speaks to the impermanence of life through the passage of time, for example the lovely patina found in oxidised silver.
What are your favourite metals and mediums to use?
I like to recycle minerals like gold, silver, and copper, and use found treasures like meteorites and crystals because they are powerful conductors of energy. Recycling jewellery is
a sustainable art that honours the earth and creates a beautiful raw and organic aesthetic.
I’m enchanted by the ancient Japanese art of Mokume Gane, which is metalsmithing that forges different metals together to create incredible patterns and pieces. My favourite gemstone is Opal.
How has your style and your skills as a jeweller evolved over the years?
My Diamonds and Bone jewellery brand showcases the spectrum of my styles and designs. Since I began, my style has evolved greatly, from contemporary liquid-filled glass jewellery, to carved crystals, bones and wood, and more recently creating intricate gold and diamond pieces for the piercing industry.
What are some of your favourite kinds of pieces to create?
My current style is inspired by organic shapes and natural forms such as precious beads with amulets, chunky silver men’s cuffs and recycled gold wedding rings. I’ve always loved creating oneof-a-kind talismans, pieces that hold meaning as well as look beautiful - so when clients wear my jewellery they feel empowered. My designs are unique, organic, and infused with intention.
When you’re not designing jewellery
you’re behind the DJ decks. Tell us about what music brings to your life?
Music is an integral element of my life because it conveys my moods, I play Bossanova, reggae and jazz vinyl in the mornings, and listen to electronic and down tempo whilst crafting jewellery, then heavy metal whilst mowing the lawns! Music brings beauty, energy and emotion to my work and life.
You have spent some time travelling, how have your travels influenced both your art forms, jewellery and music?
Travelling expands our perceptions of life because experiencing different cultures opens our mind and brings out our inner nature. It’s a good way to learn about ourselves and this planet.
Every place I’ve travelled has unique cultural processes of creation and techniques that are expressed through their art, such as music and adornments marking the artist’s clan, origins and beliefs. I love that and it inspires me greatly.
As a DJ, my work is to mix different beats and rhythms to unite the people on the dancefloor, so whether it’s a bespoke piece of jewellery or a DJ set, I like to mix styles to showcase the fact that as human beings we all have something in common.
What have been some of your favourite gigs to date and what made them special?
I’m really enjoying my Bom Tempo parties in Bellingen where I get to play a 3 hour DJ set mixing my favourite styles like In Da House, Down Tempo, Folktronica, Organica and Afro Disco and Latin tech house. The crowds are always incredible, so fun, diverse and joyful which fuels me and lifts the roof! I’ve had amazing feedback from the venues I’ve
partnered with, and look forward to bringing the Bom Tempo party to more dancing crowds.
I was fortunate enough to start DJ’ing at the inception of the electronic music scene and have great memories from playing at raves and festivals around the world, like Boom Festival, Lost Paradise, Earth Frequency, Universo Paralelo, Holi One, Skol Beats and many others. Sharing the stage with legendary Dj’s is an honour.
Where would you like to see life take you over the next few years? Both in your creative projects and in life in general?
I’m excited about my Bom Tempo parties and the Castle Rendezvous party-retreat in September. I want to keep practising yoga, surfing, travelling around the world and continue exploring new cultures. Later this year I’m travelling to Portugal to speak at the International Piercing Conference. The best moments of my life have largely been unplanned, we need space for the unexpected to occur, so I’m content to keep investing in my art, playing great music for the people, and enjoying life in this beautiful part of the world. Thanks Andre.
Whether it’s a bespoke piece of jewellery or a DJ set, I like to mix styles to showcase the fact that as human beings we all have something in common.
Mark grew up in Coffs and now lives in Nana Glen. He is a comfortable and energic public speaker who loves nothing more than connecting with people.
Mark is a registered marriage celebrant who is deeply committed to serving other people. He believes that every ceremony should be a unique and special event and he enjoys crafting and delivering ceremonies that are both
meaningful and memorable, and that reflect your relationship and its uniqueness.
His goal for your ceremony is to ensure that you won’t have to worry or think about a single thing. You can just relax and cherish the experiences with those you love.
He provides all of his services to Coffs, Grafton, Yamba, Bellingen Dorrigo, Macksville, Nambucca, and everywhere in between.
As a celebrant Mark Fenton thoroughly loves bringing people together to share deeply in personal and authentic experiences.
KIARA - PLATINUM BEAUTY AND SKIN CLINIC
What is Diabetes?
Our bodies need a hormone called insulin to turn glucose into energy. When a person has Diabetes, their body cannot make enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it does make. Because of this, the level of glucose in their blood rises too high and becomes unhealthy.
There are different types of Diabetes, with the most common being Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence and is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes means a person becomes resistant to insulin and gradually loses the ability to produce it. The onset of Type 2 Diabetes is linked to lifestyle and genetic risk factors. Talk to your doctor if you identify with the following:-
I have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes;
I am overweight, obese or carrying excessive weight around the waist;
I do very little exercise;
My diet isn’t varied or nutritious;
I’m over 55 years old;
I’m Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Pacific Islander or have Southern European or Asian background;
I’ve had Gestational Diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or given birth to a baby weighing over 4.5kg.
When left unchecked, Diabetes is linked to serious health conditions such as poor foot and eye health (which can lead to amputation or blindness if ignored). It’s also associated with heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, depression, anxiety and stress.
Having pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are high, though not high enough to mean Diabetes has begun. First symptoms of Diabetes may include:
Feeling thirsty and/or hungry; Passing more urine; Changes in weight; Lethargy; Itchy skin; Increased infections; Wounds that won’t heal; Blurred vision; Dizziness;
If you have Diabetes, there is a lot on your plate. You are not expected to manage your Diabetes by yourself. Managing Diabetes requires a comprehensive approach. This includes monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medications (such as insulin or oral medications) as prescribed, following a healthy eating plan that focuses on nutrientdense foods and portion control, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving regular check-ups and screenings from healthcare professionals. If you don’t know where to find these members of your Diabetes team, ask your doctor or pharmacist for support. Be supported by one of our pharmacists with a Diabetes medication review.
At TerryWhite Chemmart Coffs Harbour, we have specially trained pharmacists and Diabetes educators to help you better understand your medication, avoid potential side-effects and give you personalised lifestyle advice to suit your needs. This is a one-onone consultation that is personal, targeted private and convenient. Find out more or book in an appointment by contacting us at 02-6652 4188.
When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about ourselves and life in general. Having healthy self-esteem enables us to have resilience and be able to deal with life’s ups and downs. While we all can feel less confident occasionally in our life, people with low self-esteem feel unsatisfied, and unhappy and tend to see themselves in a more negative and critical light. Self-esteem develops and can change as an effect of life challenges, experiences, and interactions with others. With low self-esteem, your inner critic (critical internal voice) is so well-developed that it almost shouts at you when you feel overwhelmed, judged, or distressed. Your inner critic will often cause you to think negative things about yourself, you believe the negative thoughts and think they are true. It always focuses on your mistakes, expects the worst, and does not consider your positives, strengths, and abilities and it doesn’t think you deserve to have fun or pleasure.
Low self-esteem might be from early childhood experiences or traumas. Maybe you didn’t fit in at school; had poor academic performance; didn’t feel good enough; had difficulty with your parent’s expectations; or the lack of a caring primary caregiver. These beliefs we take on become ingrained, often leading into our adulthood.
Other reasons might come later in life such as ongoing stressful life events, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, ongoing medical problems, chronic pain, or physical disability, and mental ill health such as anxiety disorder or depression.
Your self-esteem might affect how you make time and value yourself, believe you matter, and are good enough. Difficulties in recognising your strengths, making decisions and being assertive when needed, taking on new challenges in difficult situations, letting go of past mistakes, taking the blame or judging yourself harshly, and not believing you don’t deserve happiness.
To foster positive self-esteem, practice selfacceptance, accept yourself for who you are, acknowledge that we make mistakes, and it is all a part of our life learning. When your inner critic starts to voice its opinion remind yourself it is the behaviour that needs changing not yourself. Write down the problem and identify ways to solve or change the problem differently than you are currently doing.
Get to know the real you. Self-knowledge is the totality of you as a person, your true self. Not that you are known as someone’s partner, employee, boss, mother, etc. Remember who you really are, embrace those qualities and spend your time getting to know yourself again. Notice situations, experiences, or thoughts that increase or decrease your self-esteem. Make a list and identify your strengths, achievements, character traits, abilities, and values. Think about
what your list means to you and why those points are important to you. Reprogramme your thinking, pay attention to how you speak to yourself, and describe yourself to others. Don’t put yourself down. Speak to yourself as you would to a friend. Learn to say no, it is okay to say no, you can’t do everything for everybody and leave or not be able to give anything for yourself.
Limit time on social media - don’t compare yourself to others, it’s a one-sided picture you get. People choose what they want you to see. Remember no one is perfect and everyone has insecurities.
Do something nice for yourself and celebrate your successes. Learn to accept compliments, it’s okay to say thank you! Write them down to look at when you are feeling down or are doubting yourself as an instant pick me up. Try journalling overwhelming or challenging thoughts. Talk with a trusted friend or a mental health professional. Focus on positive relationships, people you like spending time with that make you feel good. Set yourself small goals, and make them manageable and achievable. Try learning something new, look after yourself, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise, and lastly get outside into nature, research has shown that being outside improves our wellbeing.
Julie Thomas MCouns, BPsychSC, BEd(ECTeach)
Member - Australian Counselling Association Member of WPATH, AUSPATH
Self-esteem is how you see or form your opinion of yourself. People with healthy self-esteem like themselves and value things about themselves.
Platinum Beauty and Skin Clinic offers top-tier skincare and wellness services, making them a premium beauty clinic of choice here on the Coffs Coast. They go beyond conventional skincare treatments and provide a luxurious lifestyle that emphasises wellness and extensive expertise in skincare. We had a chat with the owner, Kiara Lindsay.
Hey Kiara, tell us about your business
What Platinum Beauty offers is something I feel that is very different from your traditional beauty / skin clinic. We are genuinely invested in your journey to confidence and happiness and offer a safe, welcoming space making sure you LOVE your experience with us just as much as you love your treatments!
Who makes up your team and what are their roles?
Laura - specialising in anything anti-aging (with a playful personality and involves a lot of laughs).
Mandy - is learning a lot of new things including lashes and body treatments.
Melissa - The knowledge queen! No question is too hard for her! Specialising in anything body related especially helping women
experiencing menopause struggles
Sara - Is new to the team but has come along packed full of experience and knowledge with over 10 years in the beauty and skin industry. And finally… ME! Kiara! The one that is behind creating this space for women to love the body that they are in! I am the first point of contact in helping women determine what it is that we can help them with and personalising treatment plans to suit specific needs AND also spending most of my free time researching what awesome thing I can bring the women of Coffs Harbour next !
What services and products do you provide?
Non surgical solutions for weight loss, skin tightening, lymphatic draining, cellulite reduction, THE HOLY GRAIL “non-surgical facelift’, anti aging with HIFU, signature package “THE MUMMY TUMMY TIGHTEN & TONE”, EMS body sculpting, cosmetic tattooing, depigmentation, scar removal, pelvic
floor strengthening, RF micro needling, 7D HIFU and acne programs.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
We are not sales driven, we are results driven. We pride ourselves on making long term relationships with clients making sure they feel supported and having an expert on their side to ask anything without feeling like they are going to be sold to.
Overall - YOUR HAPPINESS REALLY MATTERS TO US!
We are everyday people here to help everyday people.
Technology has come a long way in your industry. What have been some of the advances and how is it assisting your customers?
It has definitely been through its trailing stage where mistakes were made and results weren't that consistent. We now offer much more
perfected versions of what we first did making it very safe and effective now compared to 5-10 years ago. We have the knowledge and the equipment now to avoid clients needing surgery for many things!
What motivates you in your role and business?
I get so excited when I can help another woman finally love the body she is in after hating it for so long - this quite literally is what drives me to find the best of the best out there to offer women in my hometown.
Making people happy makes me happy, epecially when it comes to physical appearance. As someone that for years struggled with self confidence and experienced the effects it had on my social life, relationships etc, to say I am finally happy with the way I look is just something I never thought would happen!
So now I get so excited when I can help another woman finally love the body she is in after hating it for so long - this quite literally is what drives me to find the best of the best out there to offer women in my hometown.
What have you learnt over the past 12 months and how has your business changed?
This business has grown me as a person and given me drive that I never had. I have created such wonderful connections with clients over the last few years and have only added to my support circle as time goes on. Don't get me wrong there have been some moments where I nearly gave up, but I came to notice you can't make everyone happy in this world no matter how hard you try. As someone that lives and breathes to make other people happy it was crushing having someone unhappy take it to the public. BUT my clients pulled me back and I'm so grateful that they did! Because I'm stronger than ever now and it has toughened me up to make better decisions to continue to grow this little empire we are creating for women.
Describe for us your definition of 'success' relevant to your industry/role.
My definition of success is having a 'go to' business for the community to love and trust. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I don't as such have an idol that I look up to. I've been inspired by a lot of women in business and incorporated my own experiences (what I did and didn't like) and tried to be unique.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? Being knowledgeable enough to help other people, not just in the clinic but in general. Helping friends shift their mindset and being the best role model for my little kiddies. What’s the best way for other businesses or readers to connect with you?
I offer free consultations to give women a better understanding on how we can help and educate more on the non surgical world.
platinumbeautycoffscoast.com
platinumbeautycoffscoast
platinumbeauty.skinclinic
PS. We have some big and exciting announcements coming later this year! Follow along via our socials to find out.
Rosacea, broken capillaries, cherry angioma, spider nevi and telangiectasia are different conditions that cause our skins to either “flare up’, appear flushed or are present constantly. All of these conditions happen due to genetics, trauma, triggers or injury.
Rosacea is a skin condition that makes your skin look constantly flushed or red. You may also have small bumps with pus inside. Once called acne rosacea or adult acne, it is definitely not acne which is a medical condition caused by the P-Acne virus. Symptoms differ based on the colour of your skin. Flushing and blushing are often more obvious on light skin. Although more common in white skin, also known as “Cure of the Celts” it might make it harder for people with darker skin types to get the right diagnosis.
Classic rosacea is a “butterfly” shape of redness, typically over the nose and cheeks. Usually with small red bumps, pustules, stinging, burning, and sensitivity. To know if you have rosacea, the redness and the lumps tend to last over 3 months and a correct Dream Mirror Diagnosis can determine this.
There are 4 rosacea types and sadly they are incurable but can be easily managed.
Often appearance as diffused redness or individual red vessel, broken capillaries are easily treated with IPL or certain lasers such as a 980nm Diode Laser.
Once known as “Couperose”, broken capillaries although sometimes misdiagnosed as rosacea, is definitely associated with rosacea. Broken capillaries are small blood vessels that have reached the surface of the skin due to age, sun damage or lifestyle such as diet and alcohol consumption. Often appearance as diffused redness or individual red vessel, broken capillaries are easily treated with IPL or certain lasers such as a 980nm Diode Laser.
Telangiectasia is an extreme form of broken capillaries which can be caused by many reasons. These vessels can become purple in extreme cases but again can be easily treated.
Cherry angiomas are small red bumps on your skin that are harmless to your overall health. They are a harmless benign tumour, containing an abnormal proliferation of blood vessels, and have no relationship to cancer. Angiomas commonly appear after age 30 and
can be easily treated with IPL, diathermy or 980nm Diode laser.
Spider Nevi
A spider angioma or spider naevus, is a type of telangiectasis found slightly beneath the skin’s surface, often containing a central red spot and deep reddish extensions which radiate outwards like a spider’s web or a spider’s legs. Usually caused by trauma, these are very easy to be removed the same as a cherry angioma.
We have to remember that our vascular system also helps to regulate our temperature. General flushing from exercise, food, heat and emotions are not conditions that can be treated unless severe. This extreme conditions need to be seen by a medical physician and treatment is available if one wishes to get this corrected.
With all of these conditions always engage with a fully qualified Skin or Dermal Therapist with full qualifications and experience. Using light-based treatments and diathermy, a full consultation should be performed including a skin analysis to give you the best results for your skin. It may all take several sessions to achieve the best results.
Unsure
Or perhaps you are experiencing digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, low energy or sleep problems.
Imagine if someone could analyse your blood chemistry, food preferences, and health goals and create a personalised food list and meal plan just for you. Well, this is precisely what Metabolic Balance® does!
Feel good – inside and out – with a clinically-proven food plan that brings your body back into balance and leaves you feeling fantastic. Metabolic Balance® is not a diet. This is a whole-body approach to weight and well-being based on solid science. No fads, fasting, shakes or pills.
Matching your biochemistry with the right food chemistry, Metabolic Balance® is easy-tofollow and designed for your lifestyle—all with the support of an experienced, qualified and caring naturopathic practitioner. Get started with a free chat. Book online or learn more at www.josiecarin.com.
Josie Carin, Naturopath
BHsc. (Complementary Medicine)
Adv. Dip. Naturopathy
Certified Metabolic Balance® Practitioner
Do you eat well but still feel sluggish or carry extra weight?
what to eat or when?
Can you tell us a little bit about The Shoreline?
The Shoreline is conveniently located in the heart of Coffs Harbour near beaches, clubs, shops, cafes and restaurants. It offers luxury independent living apartments and villas. Our accommodation is architecturally designed with spacious open plan living for the over 65.
As the General Manager at the Shoreline, my aim is to shape the future of senior living by creating a caring and compassionate environment, where aged care and independent living come together as one.
Our modern spacious rooms in aged care offer state of the art equipment in a comfortable secure environment to call home. Residents may wish to take a leisurely walk in the gardens, enjoy a meal with family and friends by the pool or in the café, work out in the gym, watch a movie in the cinema or chill out in the library. Whatever the choice may be, our professional and friendly staff are here to create enjoyable experiences and deliver a high-quality standard of care.
I am very grateful to be a part of the Shoreline community and its vision of ageing excellence.
What’s your favourite part of the work you do?
Engaging with both residents and staff, getting to know them, and creating memorable life experiences. Working towards a community that meets the individual needs of our residents, enabling them to live their best life. I want to be a part of creating a new way we view and deliver aged care.
Who is your greatest influence in business?
My mother (Kate Lane) would probably be my greatest influence in life and business. Although as a teenager I may not have thought this but fortunately maturity gives us more clarity to appreciate those around us. She has had a successful career and business and has taught me the importance of integrity, consequences of choices, determination and believing in yourself.
My Mum was born with one hand, and her determination showed me that being different does not change your ability to succeed. Everyone is on their own journey, and there is more than one way to achieve the things you want in life.
Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast?
I came to Coffs Harbour at the age of 13 and went to Woolgoolga High School. I made some
wonderful friends who join me for a cuppa and a chat at the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
I enjoy the relaxed lifestyle that Coffs Harbour provides and wanted to bring my kids up where they would be surrounded by friends and family away from the city life and where they can experience the things that tend to keep us grounded, such as, going for treks through the beautiful rainforest, mountain bike riding and swimming at the beaches.
What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?
Be true to yourself, kindness is not a weakness in management it is an asset. Take the time to listen to others and when needed, be firm but fair and always consistent in your approach. Where can people find out more about The Shoreline?
theshoreline.com.au
A display shop window in the Park Beach Plaza shopping centre
theshoreline.coffs
theshoreline-coffs
Or you can contact the friendly Concierge on (02) 5656 0200.
What makes Laundry Lady different?
Laundry Lady is Australia’s fastestgrowing mobile laundry service. We’re award-winning and pride ourselves on top customer service and clean & fresh results. We’re all about saving time with our affordable laundry services. Big and small jobs, we do the lot. Save time and book online. Reclaim your ‘me time’ with The Laundry Lady: www.laundrylady.com.au
with
Wear it Purple Day was founded in 2010 in Australia in response to global stories of young LGBTQ+ community members, their struggles and sadly for some, the loss of life following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
It is celebrated throughout thousands of schools, community organisations, universities, and workplaces nationwide.
Wear It Purple Day is a powerful way to show the LGBTQ+ community that they are valued, respected, and loved. It is a reminder that everyone is worthy of love and acceptance, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It is about challenging societal attitudes as well to help shape a better world for us all to live in. In a time where our young ones are exposed to social media and opinions it is important that we show this loving support. Social media can be positive and as we know negative for our LGBTQ+ community.
On the positive side of the equation, one thing that social media can do well is connect people. This can help individuals who may feel vulnerable, alone, or isolated to have a sense of community online. Many social media circles are considered safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people can share their stories and feelings without fear of judgment. This allows social media to be a safe haven for the many people around the world who face discrimination and harassment in their daily lives.
Social media may make it easier for LGBTQ+ teens to come out by providing a place to filter new information.
So, how do we survive in this new world where everyone’s getting a voice, but no one wants to listen, and is there anything you can do?
Maybe we should stop using social media entirely - but that would require us to give up the time spent scrolling and tweeting with celebrities and watching cat videos that make us laugh for hours!
Well, the thing is that we can’t simply avoid using social media. Depending on our job or
profession, we will have to use social media to do our work. It’s also the easiest way for us to communicate with others. But it’s not always a healthy way of communication because there are people out there who are negative in their posts and tweets, which might affect others mental health and even physically affect them. Its important to be mindful of the power of words and to also not post when feeling annoyed, angry and maybe not knowing all the facts. The impact and fallout can be devastating to others - just this month’s thought.
So I hope to see you on Wear it Purple Day looking fab in purple – this means I have to drop wearing pink for the day! And just a reminder that everyone should be treated with respect and be allowed to be who they are!
PFLAG+ is here to give help, support and share information to families and friends to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community right here on the Coffs Coast.
PFLAGcoffscoast (private, safe closed group) 0417 861 045
WHY WE WEAR ITPURPLE!
BELLINGEN BREWING COMPANY AND TRANSITION PROPERTY AND CO
Describe how you got started in your business? The Brewery was a dream I had since I was approximately 20 years old. When I first started drinking beer, I wasn’t the biggest fan. When I was 21 a family friend sent me a Belgian white beer. It was so smooth and delicious and I thought, imagine having beers like this made in Australia. This pipe dream sat on the shelf and it wasnt until 6 years later as I was going around Australia stopping at all the little breweries that the strong desire to open my own brewery came back. As soon as i got home I started building Bellingen Brewing Co. Why now Transition Property and Co? As a born and bred local, I felt a strong desire to keep my finger on the pulse as Bellingen and the surrounding areas were quickly becoming a trendy location to make a tree change to. I had been in property for 10 years and always kept my license. I missed being a part of people falling in love with the area and their new lifestyle.
What is your greatest achievement?
I’m really proud we haven’t compromised on the experience we offer to every visitor that has attended the Brewery on face value.
What are your business’s greatest assets? This beautiful enviroment we are lucky enough to be a part of.
A huge portion of our offering is sourced or made using local ingredients from the area.
How do you measure success in business?
For me it’s if you still respect your business, looking at it subjectly, and you enjoy showing up and feel proud of contributions.
How will you embrace change in 2023? I think small business has been a bumpy road over the last few years and I’m really keen to continue to build great local business relationships.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? I’m very passionate about our environment and doing my bit so our area stays as stunning as it is or more importantly we improve our ways.
Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years? The
next ten years? I’m working on some pretty big plans at the moment but you are going to have to watch this space.
And the most rewarding part of your job? What do you enjoy most about the Coffs Coast? Our area is amazingly diverse in its geology. You can be alone on white sandy beaches and 50 kilometers away is the World Heritage rainforests of Dorrigo. I love camping and adventuring and the Coffs Coast is full of beautiful places to explore.
rain@bellingenbrewingco.com
rain@transitionpropertyandco.com.au
When I was 21 a family friend sent me a Belgian white beer, it was so smooth and delicious and I thoughtimagine having beers like this made in Australia.
Describe how you got started in your business.
I have worked in many jobs that require supporting others and found that I loved being on the front line, engaging with the community. I have developed a passion for helping my community.
How has your business evolved since it began? The service has evolved, particularly in community consultation. Community now has a greater say in how our services should engage with the Aboriginal community, supporting from the grassroots level. Angela Martin, the acting CEO has been amazing in her commitment to making these changes and is already actively connecting with, and making a difference in the community.
What is your greatest achievement? I have achieved many great things in my professional life, hearing people’s stories, and witnessing firsthand the changes that occur. These experiences are the most fulfilling because I can see the impact directly.
What is your business’s greatest asset? I truly believe in the passion and commitment exhibited by the CEO and staff. They genuinely want to create change in the community, starting from the ground up. This level of dedication is refreshing to witness.
How do you measure success in business?
Measuring success in community services can be approached in various ways, but for me, it boils down to one person walking away feeling satisfied, knowing they have the necessary tools to address their concerns. If someone finds our services helpful, that’s the ultimate success indicator. Additionally, hearing positive stories from the community reinforces that we are doing well.
How will you embrace change in 2023? Since being with Lifeline and Gamble Aware, I have noticed their strong embrace of inclusivity in the community. They actively strive to make all groups, regardless of background, feel accepted within our services. What business leaders do you look up to? Ashley Gordon, the Executive Director at NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Services, possesses extensive knowledge and experience in working within Aboriginal communities. I look up to him in this role, as he has made significant contributions towards driving positive changes in communities across the state.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Seeing the changes in the community, evaluating what works and what doesn’t, and helping provide the necessary tools for community members to support their own communities is truly rewarding. What creative things do you do to develop a likeable company culture?
I check in on my colleagues every day to see how they are doing. At the end of the day, I also express gratitude to everyone for their hard work, letting them know that someone is there for them if needed.
Most rewarding part of your job?
Meeting countless people and travelling. However, nothing compares to engaging with the community and implementing positive changes. Being a role model for my community is something special to me. I aim to inspire the youth by showing them that achieving their dreams is within reach with perseverance and hard work.
What do you enjoy most about the Coffs Coast? As someone born and raised here, and as a local Gumbaynggirr man, I believe we reside in the most beautiful part of the world, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I adore the ocean, which is our local Gumbaynggirr totem as well as the rainforest and the fresh water. We have the best of both worlds, and the connection I feel to the land and my home country, immersing myself in nature, is something unique and truly cherished about my Coffs Coast.
Describe how you got started in your business?
After finishing high school at the end of 2001, I pursued my passion for photography which I studied during the later years of high school. Around that time, Florent & Mundey Real Estate was looking for a photographer to assist with capturing images of their properties for sale. It was a perfect opportunity for me to combine my love for photography with the real estate industry.
So, in December 2001, I joined Florent & Mundey Real Estate as their photographer and Sales Coordinator.
It has been quite an incredible journey. What started as a role in real estate photography has grown into so much more and over the past 10 years has evolved to a fully Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent role where I have the opportunity to help people in one of the biggest and life changing experiences of their lives.
What is the most satisfying
aspect of your role? The most satisfying aspect of my role as a real estate professional is the ability to provide a first-class real estate experience for my clients. Building strong relationships and engaging in close communication allows me to understand their unique needs and goals. By tailoring my services to their specific requirements, I can deliver exceptional service that goes beyond their expectations. Whether it’s helping clients find their dream home or assisting them in selling their property for an excellent price, seeing the positive impact I can make is incredibly rewarding. The appreciation I receive from my clients for my friendly, enthusiastic, and caring approach is also deeply gratifying. Knowing that I’ve been able to build that level of trust and make a positive difference in their lives is truly fulfilling. 0418 165 979 luke@fmrealestate.com.au
The greatest asset of our business is the staff that work within it, without them we would not be able to provide the exceptional care we do for our patients. The staff regularly go above and beyond to make each and every patient feel special, and with a level of connection that you don’t see in all workplaces. The genuine care the staff have for the patient drives the patients to work harder, and strive for more during their therapy and ultimately results in outcomes that quite often surprise us all.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the successes of the team in assisting patients through their rehabilitation journey. We often see people at their most vulnerable and to be able to play a role in building the individual back up and getting them back to a position where they can move forward with their life is incredibly inspiring. The satisfaction that it brings knowing that we have played a small positive part in a
patient’s life is unmeasurable. How do you measure success in business?
Whilst success is often underlined by the bottom dollar (and we do have to account for that), a reflection of true success within our business is helping individuals achieve their rehabilitation goals. Ultimately being a place where people feel comfortable to come back to achieve their next set of rehabilitation goals when the next medical episode or injury occurs is what’s important.
How can we get in touch?
You can get in touch (or book an appointment) by giving us a call at Ramsay Health Plus – Coffs Harbour on (02) 6659 4480 or by sending us an email at to rhpcoffs@ramsayhealth.com. au. We have a great team of experienced Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Psychologists, and Social Workers who would be more than happy to help.
(02) 6659 4480
rhpcoffs@ramsayhealth.com.au
By tailoring my services to their specific requirements, I can deliver exceptional service that goes beyond their expectations.ALLIED HEALTH MANAGER RAMSAY HEALTH PLUS COFFS HARBOUR / BARINGA PRIVATE HOSPITAL
Hi Pat. Can you tell us a bit about your earlier career in Law Enforcement, how you got into the field and how you feel it may have shaped certain aspects of your life and who you are?
I grew up in the country town of Kempsey, which in those days was a lot less cosmopolitan than now, and I do believe that country people are more attuned to what is going on around them as opposed to those growing up in more superficial environments. I could see what was going on, I felt that I understood why certain things were occurring and I was motivated to try and help as best I could. In particular, I hated seeing people unjustly persecuted in any way. It really bothered me as a kid, and still does to this day. The Police Force seemed like a natural step.
My 12 years with the police, first as a cop, then an undercover detective and finally a police
prosecutor, after I had obtained my law degree, had a huge effect on how I see the world. I saw humanity at its worst, but also at its best. Being at the coal face of trauma and seeing firsthand the difference that the right supports can make not just to victims or to perpetrators but also to first responders gave me a taste of what good policy making decisions can do for communities right around the country. How did you end up getting involved in politics? What motivated you to pursue a career in public service?
There are many reasons why I originally put my hand up for the gig of Federal MP for Cowper, possibly too many to list here, but if I could
condense them I’d probably say that I was fed up with seeing the behaviour of politicians at the time, and I wanted to continue my father’s legacy of putting community before ego. Prior to being selected as the Nationals candidate for the 2019 election, there had been a run of what I felt to be counterproductive behaviour amongst politicians on all sides of the chamber. There were years of needlessly partisan politics and a lack of unity within the parties themselves, as well as what appeared to be ego-centric decisions based on some kind of ‘celebrity’ status rather than putting the needs of all Australians first. I found myself screaming at the nightly news becoming more and more
My 12 years with the police, first as a cop, then an undercover detective and finally a police prosecutor, after I had obtained my law degree, had a huge effect on how I see the world.
disheartened. My wife Ilona said to me, ‘Well, if you think you can do better, why don’t you?’. And that was that. I offered my name for preselection with the Nationals soon after.
Prior to entering politics, you also had success as a lawyer, establishing your own practice Conaghan Lawyers. How has your experience as a business owner influenced your approach to politics?
Small businesses are quite literally the backbone of the regional economy, so I believe that having a good understanding of the ins and outs of running a small business is more than just an advantage in politics; it’s imperative. It’s also important to appreciate just how hard small business can be.
Many people see an ‘overnight success’ but what they don’t see are the 2am BAS returns, the constant struggle of cash flow, the 24hrs and 7 days a week that got you to a level of security and success.
Being able to understand the pressure points for business owners and the true knock-on effects for the people they employ is something I use every day in Parliament when considering
each piece of economic or workplace related legislation.
How do you balance the demands of your political career with your personal and family life in Port Macquarie?
It’s been just over four years, and to be honest, I’m not entirely sure I’ve got the balance right yet! It’s tough and still a work-in-progress, I’m happy to admit that. If I’m not in Canberra, I’m overnight at my other permanent office in Coffs Harbour, or travelling the other 7000km squared of the electorate or visiting offices around the country as part of my Shadow Ministerial portfolios. Last year I was away from home for over 30 weeks of the year, but when I’m home, I try to be as present as I possibly can. Turn the phone off, get away from screens, tune out of politics and into the three most important people in my life; my wife Ilona and sons Hugh and Hamish. Oh, and our dog Scout, we can’t forget her! In what ways do you like to engage with your constituents in Port Macquarie? How do you ensure that their voices and concerns are heard and addressed in your role as an MP?
It’s important to note that I represent the entire electorate, not just Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour. I fight for the needs of constituents right across the Mid North Coast. I hold regular mobile offices in each of the smaller townships throughout the electorate and appointments can be made at the Port or Coffs office throughout the year. If you want me somewhere, all you need to do is invite me! I do my best to be available and present for community events as much as possible. My job is to listen, to consider and then to fight for our needs in Parliament, in that order. The bulk of my time is spent listening to the needs of the entire electorate and finding synergies across communities to help me prioritise them in Canberra.
At the moment, my goals are very much focused on making sure that my next two years in office are spent fighting tooth and nail for a fair go for every resident of our beautiful region and on setting us up for a better future, whether I remain in office or not. Putting downward pressure on the cost of living, prioritising regional healthcare and aged care by securing the resources we desperately need in both, and working with all sides of politics to find solutions to the housing crisis are at the very top of the list!
Thanks Pat.
Small businesses are quite literally the backbone of the regional economy, so I believe that having a good understanding of the ins and outs of running a small business is more than just an advantage in politics; it’s imperative.
Steve Hill discovered The New Warrior Training Adventure when he was forced to pause much of his life after suffering a badly broken leg, and found it to be truly transformative. He is one of the facilitators who brought the program to the Coffs Coast as part of The ManKind Project, and here he fills us in on what it’s all about and how to get involved.
Hey Steve. Tell us about The ManKind Project and where it began here on the Coffs Coast?
The ManKind Project is a nonprofit organisation that is dedicated to making the world a safer place by helping men reconnect with their authentic selves. We humbly strive to empower men to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, demonstrating the profound power of love. Our ultimate mission is to cultivate emotionally mature, accountable, conscious,
and compassionate men who can serve as the positive role models so desperately needed in our communities and beyond.
We create a space where men learn the vital skills of loving themselves in order to lead with their hearts. We provide men’s workshops and ongoing training to develop emotional literacy and servant leadership. What we share in common is that we each take responsibility for our lives as men, and our impacts in the world.
Our signature program is called ‘The New Warrior Training Adventure’. The Mankind
Project (MKP) first came to the Coffs Coast in 2007. A few of us attended the New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA) from Dec 2000 into 2021 and brought the work home.
With permission and support from 2 prominent Gumbaynggirr Elders, the late Uncle Tom Kelly and Uncle Larry Kelly, who both became an integral part of our community, we nested on a sacred men's place in Gleniffer, which became home to the New Warrior Training Adventure in our region. Uncle Tom and Uncle Larry would attend nearly every NWTA held on that site until they passed, deeply enriching the experience
of men and acting as a gateway for local First Nations men to attend and become part of this growing community of men. It was these men who supported us to understand the importance and value of ceremony and culture.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Gumbaynggirr people, their Elders past, present and those yet to come and thank them for their wisdom, commitment to lore and connection with Mother Earth.
How did you come to be a part of the ManKind Project?
I was a typical 31 year old male, who’d not yet learnt about intentions and impact, emotional literacy or the power of vulnerability and the gift service. I was filling my life with anything in order to avoid feeling my emotions. There was a lot of collateral damage, anything that went wrong I was a victim of, someone else was to blame, authority was simply there to make my life difficult and I was rebelling against it. However, deep inside me there was a void, something missing, I was not on purpose, or mission, being there for my people or community wasn’t registering.
Unbeknown to me all this was taking a toll, the lack of love I had for myself or showing anyone else was creating a massive debt in my heart, however, my ego was too busy grappling with my identity and fighting against anything that challenged it. Something had to stop the unconscious and destructive behaviour, it would take a catastrophe to slow me enough to even begin to listen, and of course it happened, I broke my leg. My father had been inviting me to register for the New Warrior Training Adventure for months but I’d been avoiding his calling. I don’t need that stuff, thanks, I’m too busy, was my response. So there I was, on crutches, vulnerable, everything had come to a halt, the break was bad and it was finally time to surrender, thus I agreed to attend my first NWTA. Soon I’d realise
that it was the best decision of my life. What kind of men attend the 48 hour challenge and why do they attend?
Men from all walks of life attend the NWTA. Individuals just like you. Fathers, sons, brothers, husbands and lovers, educated and uneducated men, professionals, tradies, creatives, soldiers, and the unemployed. Clean skins and those who’ve had their challenges with the law. We are individuals of all ages, races, faiths, nationalities, creeds and sexual orientations, with the responsibility of stepping up to the way we behave and subsequently impact the world, our planet and all the people in it. Whether it’s around exclusivity, unowned privilege, sexism, colonisation, ego, misconduct, not showing up for the women and children or simply not feeling good enough in ourselves as men, we must all raise up our hands and take responsibility.
Men's rites of passage and initiatory ceremonies have been around since the beginning of time. Most of us, especially those in western society have never had the privilege of experiencing them. Something gets seriously missed when the men don’t take the boys to initiation, however it’s never too late, so this weekend aims to give men that experience. This training is challenging, mentally, physically, emotionally and possibly even spiritually. It’s time for men to make a significant difference in the world by listening, understanding and by adopting love as a superpower, creating a safer place where people can be who they are, have equal opportunity, and live in peace.
What are some common challenges that men face today, and how does the ManKind Project address them?
Men face an inordinate number of challenges in this day and age ranging from the pressures of the provider archetype, to very recent challenges like the pressures of society to shift patriarchal behaviours such as the abuse of power and
control, dominance and violence. Recently we’ve been called to stand under the weight of toxic masculinity, masochism and gross sexual misconduct. These issues are frightening issues to face yet they are very real in our society. However, there is something the world has not yet woken up to, and that’s the secret of mens pain, that which lays in the shadows and drives these unhealthy behaviours. Men were taught to be tough, not to show emotions, to ‘grow up’ in a shame culture and to hide, repress, deny and defend our emotional needs and wants, and it is this reason we see men suiciding at an alarming rate, it’s devastating. The New Warrior training creates a strong and safe continuer for us to face these challenges and to express the truth of who we are. The only way to shift the paradigm is through love; men need to be loved, cared for and supported to ‘do their work’. It is this that will create the safety our society is rightly demanding. As men we must find unity between the sacred masculinity and the sacred feminine form within ourselves if we are to truly heal.
What are some of the success stories from some of the previous events?
One of the biggest is the number of men who return to staff these training sessions and pay their own way to give back for what they received. We say the NWTA is the second best training we have - the best is returning to staff. There are countless stories of success, from men who were literally planning their own suicide only days before registering or being invited to register for an NWTA, who are still with us actively living lives of meaning and purpose, to healed ruptures in intimate relationships, a stop to violence or abuse on women and children, or the beauty of a man paying attention to the ones he loves over the addiction of countless hours at the office, at the expense of his family. But one of the greatest success stories I’ve ever heard was a young child at the Home Coming event, who said, “A man left my house and my Daddy came home”.
The date of the next New Warrior Training on the Coffs Coast is 8th - 11th of September 2023. For registrations please go to MKPAU. ORG.
For more information please contact Steve Hill 0400 916 600 stevehillmkp@gmail.com
Our ultimate mission is to cultivate emotionally mature, accountable, conscious, and compassionate men who can serve as the positive role models so desperately needed in our communities and beyond.
Being in a regional area its possible your goods have been handled by 3 different carriers, way before goods are received into our warehouse. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE PUT ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FIRST AND FOREMOST.
From the beginning when you first shop with us in bedding, getting your goods to our warehouse, then delivering direct to your door we want you to have a great experience.
This month in Focus Magazine they
are celebrating men in business, and bedding would like to celebrate the men and women in our business who are mainly behind the scenes making everything come together for our customers.
The crew are here to make life a little easier for our customers, making sure
we receive and deliver your goods in a timely and professional manor.
Below are the Logistic team we depend upon every day to make sure you have a great Harvey Norman Experience. YOU CAN SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HARVEY NORMAN BEDDING COFFS HARBOUR.
FROM BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE with NICK JOHNSTONE
Mathematics plays a fundamental role in shaping a student’s educational journey and future opportunities. As adolescents navigate their way through the complexities of maths, parental support can make a significant difference. By adopting proactive strategies, parents can foster a positive attitude, bolster confidence, and enhance their child’s mathematical abilities. Here are some effective strategies parents can employ to support their adolescent child in their mathematics education.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to adopt a growth mindset—a belief that intelligence and mathematical skills can be developed through effort and perseverance. Emphasise the importance of learning from mistakes and embracing challenges. Remind them that every step forward, regardless of how small, contributes to their growth and understanding.
Establish a Maths-Friendly Environment: Create a maths-friendly atmosphere at home by incorporating maths into daily activities. Encourage your child to solve real-life maths problems, such as calculating grocery expenses or measuring ingredients while cooking. Additionally, provide access to maths resources, such as books, puzzles, and educational websites, to foster a continuous learning
environment.
Communicate with Maths Teachers: Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s maths teacher. Attend parentteacher meetings to discuss your child’s progress, strengths, and areas that need improvement. Collaborate with the teacher to develop personalised learning plans, understand the curriculum, and identify additional resources that can support your child’s learning.
Encourage Active Learning: Promote active learning strategies by engaging your child in hands-on maths activities. Encourage them to work with manipulatives, such as blocks or counters, to visualise and solve problems. Incorporate interactive maths games or educational apps that make learning enjoyable and reinforce key concepts.
Provide Practical Support: Offer practical support by helping your child with their maths homework. Rather than solving the problems for them, guide them through the process, asking leading questions to help them think critically. Encourage them to explain their reasoning, as articulating their thoughts enhances understanding.
Foster a Positive Attitude: Mathematics can be challenging, leading some adolescents to develop negative attitudes towards the subject. Encourage your child to embrace a positive attitude by celebrating their achievements, no
matter how small. Offer praise for their effort and persistence, reinforcing their confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Emphasise Real-World Relevance: Help your child understand the practical applications of mathematics in everyday life. Discuss how mathematical concepts are used in various professions, such as architecture, finance, or engineering. Highlight the relevance of maths skills beyond the classroom, motivating them to see the subject’s value and potential career opportunities.
Seek Additional Support: If your child requires additional support beyond what you can provide, consider seeking outside help. Tutoring services, online resources, or maths clubs can offer specialised assistance tailored to your child’s needs. Such resources can provide targeted instruction, clarify difficult concepts, and offer opportunities for peer collaboration.
As parents, your support and involvement are crucial in nurturing your adolescent’s mathematical abilities. By implementing these strategies, you can empower your child to develop a strong foundation in maths, foster a positive attitude, and excel in their mathematical education. Statements such as “I didn’t like maths when I was at school” simply reinforce that maths education isn’t important. Remember, a little encouragement and guidance can go a long way in shaping their future success in mathematics and beyond.
Meaningful, hands-on learning
Meaningful, hands-on learning
A sister school within the Anglican school community.
A sister school within the Anglican school community.
www.cvas.nsw.edu.au
Cathedral Campus (PreKinder to Year 2) (02) 6642 2011 jsreception@cvas.nsw.edu.au
www.cvas.nsw.edu.au
Clarenza Campus (Years 3 - 12) (02) 6642 8205 ssreception@cvas.nsw.edu.au
Cathedral Campus (PreKinder to Year 2) (02) 6642 2011 jsreception@cvas.nsw.edu.au
Clarenza Campus (Years 3 - 12) (02) 6642 8205 ssreception@cvas.nsw.edu.au
Enrolling Now
PreKinder - Year 12
Targeted & proactive wellbeing programs
Targeted & proactive wellbeing programs
‘We are a community. We are innovative. We are inclusive. We prepare children for an exciting, dynamic life.'
Additional Year 8 class starting in Term 3
Enrolling Now
Specialist teachers
PreKinder - Year 12
Additional Year 8 class starting in Term 3
High Performance Program & Athlete Development
High Performance Program & Athlete Development
Enrolling Now
Enrolling Now
Year 5 2024
Year 5 2024
Years 11 & 12 2024
Years 11 & 12 2024
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
(02) 6651 5644 enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au
111 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 FOLLOW US
(02) 6651 5644 enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au
111 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 FOLLOW US
‘We are a community. We are innovative. We are inclusive. We prepare children for an exciting, dynamic life.'
PAEDIATRIC SPEECH PATHOLOGY CLINIC IS NOW OPEN IN COFFS HARBOUR
Southern Cross University’s Health Clinic is again providing a quality paediatric speech pathology service to the Coffs Harbour community with the next clinic opening mid-July.
The supervised student-led clinic at Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus opens at set times during the year. Limited places are now available for the clinic between July and October. A separate clinic will run from October to December.
Manager Brenda Allan said the clinics were essential for providing students with real life opportunities for clinical education, research and practical experience in the health care industry.
“For anyone receiving treatment at Southern Cross University Health Clinic, their practitioner will be a student who is closely supervised by a fully-qualified and accredited practitioner,” she said.
“Students work closely with their supervisor and together make decisions about each
client’s health care, offer advice and identify appropriate treatment.
“Our clinics are very welcoming and friendly with empathy and compassion front and centre for the people we serve.”
For one local three-year-old, attending the speech clinic at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus became a highlight of his week.
His dad Adam said the student-led clinic exceeded the family’s expectations with its professionalism, easy access and good location.
“My wife found out about the clinic at Southern Cross around the same time she had become a bit concerned about a delay in our son’s speech,” Adam said.
“We’ve been attending the clinic for about four weeks now with third-year Speech Pathology student Sophie Cross, and we’ve already noticed a significant improvement with his speech.
“We met Sophie’s supervisor Melissa Kemp the first week, and since then Sophie hosts the session from start to finish and we receive a report soon after.
“The sessions include intentionally focusing on his words and game-based play and different activities trying to identify objects and speaking things through, which our son really enjoys.
“We’ve had a great experience with Sophie and have received some helpful activities to do at home with him.”
The next Speech Pathology student clinic at Southern Cross University Health Clinic Coffs Harbour will begin mid-July, with limited places now available. For enquiries please phone 02 6626 9131 to complete an intake form.
Employment growth projections by the Australian Department of Jobs and Small Business indicate the occupation group of Audiologists and Speech Pathologists/Therapists will continue experiencing strong growth.
Southern Cross University’s Speech Pathology degree has had a surge in applications since its launch at the Coffs Harbour campus in 2021, with local and national demand for qualified speech pathologists exceeding current supply.
“Our state-of-the-art speech pathology facilities include a Clinical Skills Lab alongside the Health
Clinic, which support our industry-leading student experience and learning,” said Coffs Harbour Speech Pathology lecturer Melissa Kemp.
“This space is in one of the original buildings on campus that was previously used for midwifery teaching.
Midwifery has now moved into Southern Cross University’s $12 million Health Sciences Building, which cleared the way for this half-a-million-dollar refurbishment to be completed.
“The 150m2 Clinical Skills Lab is an educational classroom space as well as a physical and computing laboratory, which includes highdefinition computers with phonetics and linguistics software, high-fidelity audio, acoustic panels for soundproofing, cabinets of assessment and diagnostic equipment, and three dedicated computers which link to the
Health Clinic audio and video capture system.”
She said having the high-tech rooms connected via high-definition video and audio gives students the best hands-on real-time training, as well as the ability to review footage and analyse clients’ communication skills for assessment and intervention purposes.
“Having this Health Clinic available to the public is an important component of our students’ clinical work experience, and offers a much-needed community health service.”
Southern Cross University Speech Pathology student Mia Reynolds originally studied the Diploma of Health before switching into the Speech Pathology degree when it launched at the Coffs Harbour campus.
“Being able to study Speech Pathology locally
here in Coffs Harbour without having to move to the University’s Gold Coast campus has been amazing. I’m thankful I can live locally and be surrounded by family and friends and get a quality degree while also keeping my job as a disability support worker,” Mia said.
“Our Speech Pathology lecturers are professionals who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate and who give us a lot of individual support in our studies. It’s so amazing to study this in Coffs Harbour, to study in a regional area with these kinds of facilities.”
Meanwhile, Speech Pathology student Bronte Wall is embarking on a placement in an external clinic setting, and works part-time as a Speech Pathology assistant, running sessions with clients to implement their personalised plans and help reach their individual goals, under the supervision of a speech pathologist.
“I love seeing first-hand the work Speech Pathologists do, and how immersive the course is at Southern Cross. It’s really confirming for me that this is the career path I’m meant to take.”
Learn more: scu.edu.au/health
My wife found out about the clinic at Southern Cross around the same time she had become a bit concerned about a delay in our son’s speech.
Twenty-three years ago, I was trying to study up for my upcoming HSC – a task made much harder by the upcoming Sydney Olympics. The world watched in awe as the Sydney Olympics of 2000 played out, embodying sporting excellence and international camaraderie.
It was an unrivalled spectacle and it remains the best Olympics in history. The remarkable Olympics infrastructure remains a testament to the state’s commitment to sport.
July’s announcement that the Victorian Government won’t be going ahead with the 2026 Commonwealth Games came as a shock to everyone (especially as Victoria usually tries to style itself as the sporting capital of Australia). The Victorians were going to do the games differently which meant a huge pricetag.
New South Wales could step up as the venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. We have almost all of the sporting infrastructure built for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
We could do it in New South Wales for a fraction of the cost that Victoria was going to pay.
The economic benefits of hosting the Commonwealth Games are huge. As we reflect on the economic aftermath of COVID-19, we can imagine a reinvigorated tourism sector, spurred on by the arrival of the Games.
But governments are also responsible for making sure the economic environment is ready and prepared for businesses to thrive. Tourists would get the opportunity to discover the best that we have to offer. From the iconic Opera House to the stunning scenery across regional NSW – there is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unlocked.
The Wollongong region could host the road cycling.
Coffs Harbour could host the sailing.
The potential financial benefits are far-reaching, from the humblest of small businesses to the largest of enterprises. The expected influx of interstate and international visitors, attracted by the vibrant spectacle of the Games, would lead to an economic surge, providing a muchneeded boost for a sector still licking its wounds from the pandemic and rising interest rates.
But it’s not just the financial benefits. Hosting the Commonwealth Games in NSW would also amplify the cultural exchange and camaraderie synonymous with such global events. Detractors of the event have pointed to other
spending priorities. But governments are also responsible for making sure the economic environment is ready and prepared for businesses to thrive. Tourists would get the opportunity to discover the best that we have to offer. From the iconic Opera House to the stunning scenery across regional NSW – there is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unlocked.
One of the major costs that would need to be overcome is the cost of building an athletes village. But I see an opportunity to create new housing which can later be sold off as affordable housing which would more than pay for the cost of construction.
Despite all the challenges involved, we should instead imagine the flood of interstate and international visitors, all flocking to NSW for the Games. That’s a lot of tourists needing accommodation, eating out, shopping, and taking in the sights.
That’s money flowing into businesses, large and small, all across the state. And it’s not just shortterm gain we’re talking about - the publicity, the global exposure – it’ll put NSW on the map for years to come, fuelling the tourism sector long after the Games have wrapped up.
We need our State Government to have a bold vision for the best New South Wales can be –and we should be looking into the Games more seriously.
Are you buying or selling a business or major asset?
Selling or buying a business or assets can be a significant expense with major repercussions if not done correctly.
Here are some key factors to consider:
You don’t want to buy an important piece of equipment only to find that a lender is still owed money for it and has a secured charge over the asset. Vehicles, large gas bottles and forklifts are almost always in a warehouse and secured with a personal property charge. Similarly, so are kitchens and catering equipment (often leased). You must make sure any money owed on these has been discharged or you are not being sold rental equipment that you can never own.
Equally, you would be disappointed to buy a business and have the former owner set up a new business in competition with you because you did not include a restraint clause. A restraint clause does three things – prevents the former owner/director being involved in the same or a similar business or industry; for a period usually 6 months to 5 years; and within a distance usually of 1km – 250km or even all of NSW/Australia.
Likewise, imagine buying a well-known business only to realise, too late, that you forgot to have the trademark or logo transferred to you.
Often the greatest asset of a business is the staff. When you buy a business, you will want to include the staff that you need. So, check their employment agreements (do they have to give 3 months’ notice before quitting – enough time for you to find a replacement) and if there is not any employment agreement, get some signed before settlement. Within any employment agreements make sure there
are confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses. You do not want ex-staff stealing company secrets and bad mouthing the company on social media.
Likewise, imagine buying a well-known business only to realise, too late, that you forgot to have the trademark or logo transferred to you. Or you cannot use the same trading name because it has not been transferred.
Business take-away: If you are buying or selling a business or asset, make sure you get legal advice to ensure all the relevant assets are included, finances are discharged, that the seller cannot set up a new business in competition and that the staff you need are included. This will give you peace of mind on one of the largest and most important transactions your business may face.
The content in this article should be regarded as general advice only and is not intended as specific legal advice for individual cases.
Blue Sky Community Services has embarked on a great initiative that brings together di erent generations; students from Orara High School and residents from Marian Grove Retirement Village and Mater Christi Aged Care.
e Intergenerational Learning Project is a fun and interactive pilot that has proven to be full of “wins” so far. Focus cha ed to Sam Dawson and Jaid Roden who are spearheading the project.
Tell us about the project. What is it?
The Intergenerational Learning Project (ILP) is about bringing together two completely different age groups that are generations apart to connect and learn from each other. Inspired by ABC’s television series Old People’s Home for Teenagers, we thought why not do something similar in our own community. We are lucky to have our very own dedicated intergenerational space in Coffs Harbour, The Link in Toormina. The Link is a beautiful space to bring all ages together. Walking paths weave around a lovely pond and throughout the gardens, leading to
Walking paths weave around a lovely pond and throughout the gardens, leading to state of the art function rooms, a children’s playground and community veggie garden.
state of the art function rooms, a children’s playground and community veggie garden. And to top it off, Nyanggan Gapi Café keeps everyone well fed and caffeinated! We have been working closely with Orara High School for almost a year and could immediately see how this project would enrich the students’ lives and learning. Then we invited some wonderful residents, carers and volunteers from Mater Christi and Marian Grove to contribute their time and expertise. There has been a great sense of community spirit and mutual respect between all involved from day one. What kinds of activities does the group do together?
In the morning, the older generation have
been teaching the younger ones about gardening. So far, we have planted out two garden beds, Brent has shown us how to build worm towers to keep our soil healthy, Frank has shown us how to build insect hotels to keep the pollinators happy and we all chipped in ideas to build a handsome scarecrow named Tom. And of course, we are also sowing the seeds of new friendships. We then sit down together and hold conversation circles in which we grapple with life’s big questions over a cuppa.
After lunch, we take the young ones over to Grow the Music studio in Toormina to try their hand at songwriting, music production and performance. Grow the Music’s motto is “music makes a community” and we feel so thankful to have this outstanding asset in ours. Under the skilful and dedicated guidance of mentors Liz Rutten, Tory Paasi and Michael Mooney, these amazing young people have penned and recorded four original songs over just five weeks!
What has been the main objective with this program?
The project was an answer to the question of how to give students more meaning and purpose in their education. Each Monday, the students leave school grounds and get out into the community. The conversation circles provide opportunities for the students to ask the older residents questions and learn about their lives and stories, and vice versa.
We always focus on appreciating each other’s strengths and encouraging empathy. The older participants have had rich lives and careers, so being able to impart their insights to young people who are starting their work and life journey has been invaluable. The older residents have learned about the student’s generation and the pressures they face as well.
The aim of the music workshops is to empower these young people to find their voice, face their challenges and express themselves. We have encouraged the young ones to step out of their comfort zones and it has been really inspiring to watch their confidence grow.
After our first session, one of the boys sincerely thanked us for the opportunity to be involved. Another one of the students recently told us that Mondays are the highlight of her week. Spontaneous comments such as these speak volumes about the young ones’ positive experience and engagement with the project. We are also hearing from parents and teachers that the students are talking about the residents as they get to know them more each week. The music workshops have been a real highlight. The pride and sense of achievement at having created their own songs has been palpable.
We will continue working with Orara High School for at least another 12 months. We now have a clearer idea of what is making the biggest impact to the students’ wellbeing and sense of empowerment. Being a pilot, we will evaluate the project to see what needs to be adjusted to achieve even better outcomes in the future. The residents have been so enthusiastic and we are grateful that they have invested their time in this project and shared their wisdom with the young people. We would love to keep working with the older generations in our community.
Thanks Sam and Jaid.
The aim of the music workshops is to empower these young people to find their voice, face their challenges and express themselves.
Daniel Williams has grown up in a family of athletes and has always enjoyed participating in running with his family. His passion has only grown and he is showing extreme talent in track and field, being selected to represent Australia at the youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago this month.
i Daniel, Congratulations on being selected to represent Australia in your International track and field debut! How does it feel to have this opportunity to compete at the Youth Commonwealth
Games? Thank you!
This opportunity is extremely rewarding and still very surreal. I can’t explain how grateful I am for the support network in my life that has got me to the level I am. It’s always been a dream to wear the green and gold and I can’t believe I’ll be living it in less than a
very month’s time.
How did you get your start in this sport? What do you love about it?
My parents introduced me to running. My Dad ran 800 & 1500 metres in high school and my Mum represented Australia at the Triathlon World Championships in 2000. Some of my earliest memories are racing alongside my older sisters and parents in the Mid-North Coast cross-country series in the 2km. The connections I’ve made through this sport are irreplaceable and I love the constant fitness and elation as a result of running. Can you tell us a bit about the event you’ll be participating in? What are your
thoughts and expectations for the 1500m race?
The 1500m has been the most rewarding distance in my career so far; I broke the U16 1500m Australian record last December in a time of 3:49.74, this was a major reassurance of my capability over the distance. My only expectations are to get a PB and enjoy my first international experience.
As an athlete representing the U18 age group, how do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for such a high-profile competition against the best young athletes from Commonwealth nations? What kind of training and preparations have you been undertaking?
The next month of preparation will see a lot of acclimatising in hopes to make the transition into Trinidad’s climate a lot more bearable. In terms of run training, the next month will include race pace simulation to get comfortable and familiar with the speed and intensity. I am both excited and nervous to verse the older age group, it does introduce a strong level of competition but I am both mentally and physically prepared for the challenge.
What are some of the challenges you anticipate facing during the competition? How do you plan to overcome them and
stay focused on your goals?
I think the biggest challenge will be avoiding sickness. I have taken precautions to minimise the risk of contracting common viruses in Trinidad but even the water and uncooked food like salads are known to carry illnesses that could sabotage my race.
What does it mean to you personally to wear the Australian colours and to represent the Coffs Coast and our nation internationally?
It is a very significant accomplishment for myself and others who have helped me. I see it as a result of the constant support and dedication from my coach and family who have all had a unique and notable impact on my life and running career.
Looking beyond the Commonwealth Games, what are your long-term goals as a track and field athlete? How do you envision your future in the sport?
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?
The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme allows people to save money for their first home inside their super fund. It is a “tax effective” way to raise a deposit.
From 1 July 2017, you can make voluntary concessional (before-tax) and voluntary non-concessional (after-tax) contributions into your super fund to save for your first home.
From 1 July 2018, you can then apply to release your voluntary contributions, along with associated earnings, to help you purchase your first home.
You can use this scheme if you are a first home buyer and both of the following apply:-
You will occupy the premises you buy or intend to as soon as practicable; and
You intend to occupy the property for at least 6 months within the first 12 months you own it, after it is practical to move in.
You can apply to have a maximum of $15,000 of your voluntary contributions from any one financial year included in your eligible contributions to be released under the FHSS scheme, up to a total of $50,000 contributions
across all years. You will also receive an amount of earnings that relate to those contributions.
What is the First Home Guarantee?
The First Home Guarantee (FHBG) is an Australian Government initiative to support eligible home buyers (single parents with at least 1 dependant child) to buy a home sooner. It is administered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) under the Home Guarantee Scheme (Scheme) on behalf of the Australian Government. Under the First Home Guarantee, eligible home buyers can purchase a modest home with a deposit of as little as 5 per cent (lenders criteria apply). This is because NHFIC guarantees to a participating lender up to 15 percent of the value of the property purchase.
This year’s federal budget expanded the criteria including; Friends, siblings and other family members will be eligible joint applicants (previously restricted to spouses)
Non first home buyers who have not owned a property in the last 10 years will be eligible.
Congratulations to the latest round of young sports stars who’ve been chosen to represent us at State, National or International level competition.
• Harrison Rayner from Sapphire Beach - Basketball
• Hudson Baker from Sandy Beach - Judo
• Jackson Cheney from Sandy Beach - Football
• Jasper Brooks from Sapphire Beach - Basketball
• Max Miller from Sapphire Beach
- Hockey
• Quinn Evans from Sapphire Beach - Surf Life Saving
• Sara Bergen from Nana GlenSwimming
It was great to meet some of the group recently and their parents. It’s a huge commitment for families in these tough economic times to support sporting commitments, especially when it involves travel. I was pleased to present them with certificates and grants of $550 to help offset some of the costs.
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for competitors aged 12-18.
To apply, visit www.sportaus. gov.au and follow the link to Grants and Funding,
AGED CARE MIGHT NOT NEED A
Aged care room prices are quoted as a lump sum, with prices ranging up to $2 million for a room. On average, you might expect to be quoted around $300,000 - $900,000. This might cause you to panic if you don’t have that much money sitting in a bank account or you don’t want to sell assets (including your home). The good news is that you have choices on how to pay. You might choose to pay a lump sum, but you could also choose to pay a daily fee and effectively “rent” the room instead. The bad news however, is that with interest rates going up, the daily “rental” price –called a daily accommodation payment (DAP) is getting more expensive.
For example, assume Mary is looking at an aged care room with a price of $500,000. If Mary moves in before 30 September 2023, at the current interest rate of 7.90% per annum this converts to $108.21 per day ($39,500 per year).
The Government regularly reviews and adjusts the interest rate every quarter. The most recent increase has brought the rate to its highest level since 2012, and if cash rates continue to rise, it is expected that the interest rate will continue to increase as well. However, once you enter care, the interest rate becomes fixed, providing you with some certainty in your financial planning. It’s worth noting that the rate will only change if you decide to move rooms or switch to a new care provider.
With the increase in room rental costs, it is likely that a growing number of individuals will consider selling their assets and opting for a lump sum payment. However, it’s important to recognize that each family’s circumstances are unique, and making such a decision requires a comprehensive analysis of your cash flow and estate planning objectives.
Careful consideration of your financial situation is crucial before determining whether selling assets and paying a lump
P 0431 414 799
sum is the right choice for you. Conducting a thorough assessment of your cash flow, including income, expenses, and any potential fluctuations, is necessary to understand the long-term implications of such a decision.
By taking a holistic approach and engaging in a comprehensive analysis, you can make an informed decision that is tailored to your specific circumstances, providing you with greater clarity and confidence in your financial planning.
If you would like to arrange a meeting to find out how I might help yours or a loved one’s 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).
E jason@burleyagedcareadvice.com.au
W www.burleyagedcareadvice.com.au
If the prices for a room in residential care have caused you alarm and led to concerns about how to find such large lump sums, you are not alone.
1. STOP… then be right here and now. Identify three times you regularly find yourself "bored" and habitually seek to entertain yourself by "doing" something instead of simply "being"… Now, instead of following your old pattern of entertaining your mind during these times (e.g. - by turning on your phone when riding a bus), commit to trying something new! Here is a simple approach: Close your eyes if you need to reduce brain activity. Be aware of yourself and your location completely and feel your whole body, all at once - allow yourself to become real time conscious of everything happening within you and immediately around you. Be patient with yourself if you have not tried these types of things before. Although your busy mind may instinctively try to sabotage the process, simply keep breathing, feeling and being, and you will quickly improve.
2. Become addicted to self awareness.
So, how do we become more self aware?
A good first step is to start noting the way you behave (e.g. - I just became short tempered) as you move about in day to day
life. It is also particularly beneficial to turn on the part of you able to observe what you are doing, feeling and thinking. We often call this our "inner observer". To begin with, turn on your inner observer. When observing, resist the temptation to judge or change things; instead, simply "be" in the present moment and observe. It is beneficial to reflect on what you observe after you have finished a session, and keeping a journal and making notes of your observations is often useful for this.
3. Choose to be grateful. Since you are now keeping a journal, a great practice is to write down five -10 things you are grateful for each day. Try to make them new things.
4. Always act from "love"
Acting from love is a higher level behavioural trait found in great leaders, and it is also incredibly important for you.
6. Follow joy.
OK, so having more joy in life and undertaking things that bring you true joy is important. Start by identifying some things that lead you to feel joyful or good about yourself. Make a point of identifying "real
joy" here, rather than excitement or short term happiness! Try to identify at least one thing you can do today.
7. Be Authentic
The simple "talk in the first person" activity is useful in helping you identify when you are not and retraining any old habits.
8. Meditate Daily.
Identify when you could meditate briefly each day (three - five minutes is fine, but longer is great if you can find the time). Sit quietly and be present.
9. Seize the day… but don’t be too serious!
Laughing and having fun is important in life too.
ALTHOUGH YOUR BUSY MIND MAY INSTINCTIVELY TRY TO SABOTAGE THE PROCESS, simple keep breathing, feeling and being and you will quickly improve.
HOCKEY
Stress has become a big part of our lives, and I feel that everyone is constantly dealing with di erent stress levels in their lives. Here are some great tips to consider during this time!
Nikky and Mitch Morris fell in love with the Coffs region whilst road-tripping up the coast. They packed up their family and their life in Sydney and moved to a beautiful 2ha property in Nana Glen with a vision to turn the rundown cottage on the property into a gorgeous little Bed and Breakfast. The reno was challenging but the outcome was definitely worth the trouble!
Hey Nikky and Mitch, tell us how you came to be in Nana Glen?
We had travelled up to the Gold Coast for a family holiday in March of 2021 and as many do, stopped in at Coffs to break up our trip with our then, 3-month-old and 5 year old boys. We stayed at Korora and Urunga and quickly realised just how beautiful the Coffs Coast is and were surprised at how much there was to explore! We returned to Sydney, finished renovating our house, popped it on the market and 3 months later were living in a beautiful small town that we
had heard about on the radio! We had been searching for a slower lifestyle but wanted to live somewhere that had a strong sense of community and Nana Glen ticked all of the boxes.
You took on quite a renovation of a small cottage on your land. What made you decide to take on a challenge like that?
Prior to purchasing, we had written a list of things that encompassed the perfect property, and a second dwelling was one of our ‘non-
negotiables’. Nicole had always wanted to run a bed and breakfast and once we had found the property we knew we had to share this special space with others. Many people told us to knock the cottage down and start again as it was so run down but we had a vision and knew we could bring it back to life! We’ve always loved renovating and whilst we knew it was going to be a challenge, we also wanted to retain the history of the property. Continued over...
We’ve always loved renovating and whilst we knew it was going to be a challenge, we also wanted to retain the history of the property.
What's the property like surrounding the cottage?
We are located on a beautiful, flat 2ha block and the cottage is completely separate from our house, offering privacy and sweeping views of our paddocks all the way down to Nana Creek which the property has direct access to. We’ve grown our little country family with lots of gorgeous farm animals – pygmy goats, donkeys, a miniature highlander, guinea fowl and rabbits! We get to experience the absolute best of Mother Nature with amazing sunrises, sunsets and if you haven’t seen the stars shimmering across the Orara Valley at night you truly are missing out! We’ve also added a pedal cart track in one of the paddocks, a fire pit area and a nice big loop driveway perfect for bikes and scooters.
Can you describe the process of renovating the space and how long did it take?
Many renovators listen for the words “it has good bones” – unfortunately, the cottage didn’t even have that! Aside from three existing walls,
everything had to be replaced. We moved the front door to give more space to the kitchen, centred and replaced windows, added windows to provide light, blocked off doors – we did it all! The state of the cottage actually gave us the opportunity to redesign the space whilst maintaining many of its original features but every decision was thought through meticulously to maximise space and ensure the cottage was functional and family-friendly. We engaged the help of a local builder and Mitch took 6 months off work to help which saved us a lot of money in the long run.
the coast to enjoy everything Coffs has to offer.
would make it work. We went through a lot of masking tape on the floor mapping everything out and then going back to the drawing board to try again – we did get there in the end but had to steal some room from the main bedroom to fit the vanity into the bathroom. As with any renovation there were lots of hidden surprises such as rotten timbers and walls not fixed to the slab as they should have been which caused delays and cost extra money.
What did you learn about each other through the process?
What were the challenges you faced while renovating and how did you overcome them?
The quaint space and Nicole’s ideas and non-negotiables were a challenge. We knew that for this space to be luxurious and super practical we needed a bath and a laundry but it took a lot of time to conceptualise how we
We are very different people, a bit ying and yang, but it works - especially when we come together for a project. We really had to draw on one another’s strengths as it did feel very overwhelming at times throughout the build and we’d wonder if we had taken on too much particularly whilst trying to settle a young family into a new town. Looking back now though, we probably didn’t realise how resilient we are
The cottage gives our guests the ability to experience a taste of the country whilst still being close enough to
and how determined we were to bring a little dream to life.
What are some of your personal favourite design elements for the build?
The space, whilst quaint, is incredibly functional and truly encompasses our vision to ‘bring the outside in’. As soon as you open the front door the beauty of the property captivates through the large double glass doors we added, and you can see the donkeys and ‘Gaz’ running through the paddocks. The space is light and airy with modern touches throughout. The beautiful big bath is a personal favourite probably because we knew how much work it took to make it fit! We love that the space is relaxing for adults, yet so much fun for kids.
You have listed 979 as an Airbnb. What has the reception been like so far?
The reception has been amazing, we are getting busier and busier with incredible feedback from guests. The cottage gives our guests the ability to experience a taste of the country whilst still being close enough to the coast to enjoy everything Coffs has to offer. We host a lot of families from Sydney and Brisbane stopping off
as we did when we fell in love with Coffs. The little ones love meeting our animals and feeding the goats and donkeys! We’ve also loved hosting local family members for weddings in the valley, or those enjoying the space for a staycation. It’s always heartwarming when guests send messages to let us know of the memories they have made on our property and we are often left beautiful pictures and letters from little visitors – it makes all of the hard work we put in absolutely worthwhile! Do you have any advice for anyone looking to take on their own DIY renovations?
Definitely know what your vision is and remain true to it – visit it time and time again during the renovation. We found that whenever we got lost in the process, we went back to why we started and the core purpose, which gave us the drive to keep going and direction for what we needed to do next. Practically speaking, have a budget and prioritise your nonnegotiables, plan for the unexpected in terms of time delays and what we term, ‘budget blowouts’. As with any renovation, don’t sweat the small stuff – it's easy to get bogged down in the detail of it all, but it always comes together at the end!
Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes. We have over 150 different floor Perry plans to choose from, including single and two storey, granny flat and dual occupancy… there’s sure to be a design storey, flat to to suit your lifestyle. Whether you have a flat or a sloping block of any size, even knocking down your existing even down your existing house to rebuild a new home, you can be sure we can bring your vision to life. new sure
If you can dream it, we can build it.
Visit one of our stunning display homes today! homes today!
Moonee Beach Estate
47 Moonee Creek Drive, Moonee Beach.
Open Saturday to Wednesday 10am-4pm
Contact : Phillip Hitchins 0428 271 884 : phillip.hitchins@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au
Sawtell Commons Estate 4 Angler Court, Bonville.
Open Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm
Contact : Tracey Lavelle 0434 499 829 829 tracey.lavelle@perryhomes.com.au