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with Kerry Moss
Paradise on
EARTH A N N I E B L A I R
2,000 islands scattered in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with superior beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine year round. Sound like paradise? Maldives (officially the Republic of Maldives) lives up to the dream that has earned it the unofficial title of “Paradise on Earth”
Annie Blair of Coffs Harbour Toyota is back in the driver’s seat of Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network for 2013, taking the reins of President on Monday.
n a country with you won’t be disappointed with over 99% the array of dining choices. Each island was t water and With food and drink shipped en ci once an an s ha ch hi 1% land, it’s to the islands regularly, it’s w coral reef to the in nk su e nc si hard to look pleasantly surprising to have long ing behind an av le n, ea oc past the postcard so many choices. The costs tiful and incredibly beau sand images that greet you are what you would expect of nd la pristine is from your window for a resort in the middle of l.” ra co d an as you fly into the the Indian Ocean but the many International airport of dining packages available help Male. The runway stretches make it more affordable. It’s easy the entire length of the small to get carried away by telling yourself island and the views of crystal clear waters “how many times will I get this opportunity with thousands of tiny islands dotting the in my lifetime” but it’s worth remembering horizon are enough for you to think you really that almost every experience in the Maldives have landed in paradise. is a once-in-a-lifetime one and sometimes the simplest of experiences can be the most Walking out of the airport you’re greeted with memorable. It’s tempting to take the helicopter hundreds of smiling faces, dressed in white to a 5 star dining experience on a private shorts and tropical shirts. Sound too corny island but sitting back watching the sunset for you? As they take your bag and lead you with your feet dangling into the Indian Ocean to your private speedboat to transfer you eating fish and chips wrapped in newspaper to your island retreat, you’d be forgiven for can be just as memorable. surrendering to the rock-star treatment that is
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nnie is supported by 14 other women from the local business and cultural community in the largest Committee since BWN commenced in 2004.
to service a unique need for women in our region,” Annie said.
Our first event is on Thursday 7 February 2013 featuring Lily McDonald at Opal Cove. To subscribe to the events’ emails or for more info, visit www.bwn.org.au “There are some very 2013 Committee experienced business President: Annie Blair, Coffs women in the 2013 Harbour Toyota. Committee. We have Vice President: Jacqui To get to a breakfast all some continuity from Jarratt, Coffs Coast and dressed, made up existing Committee Health Club. a big smiling by 7am is time members staying ge Treasurer: Kristy Lanser, hu a d an t effor I’m on, as well as some WHK. investment, and ve fresh ideas from impressed we ha make Secretary: Prue Whoo, 100 women whot each newcomers,” Annie Musical Educator. this commitmen said. Speaker Coordinator: month. ” Jenny Sewell. “Our Vision for 2013 Events Coordinator: Fran centres around valueStephenson. for-time as well as valueMarketing Coordinator: Ashleigh for-money. To get to a breakfast O’Shannessey. all dressed, made up and smiling by 7am Fran will be assisted by an Events Sub is a big effort and a huge time investment, Committee: April Briscoe and Lorraine and I’m impressed we have 100 women Gordon as MCs for Evening Events as who make this commitment each month. well as the meet and greet people – Vern We want to make sure that continues to be McLean, Lynne Clerke and Bonnie Cappell. rewarded. Fran will also have Kate McLennan assist “Our member survey we’ve just conducted as Database and Web Coordinator and drew a huge response and we have some Deanne Parker, who will look after Charity clear direction from what our 1,200 and Prizes for each event. members want: world-class speakers, Ashleigh will be supported by a Marketing impressive breakfast cuisine and for us, to Sub Committee: photographers Deborah facilitate mix-and-meet between the guests Mauger and Brenda Smith and a very who attend the events each month. We capable and spirited April Briscoe is Sponsor will deliver on these requests to build a Coordinator. bigger, better and more invaluable Network
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56 coffs coast focus.
about to unfold. If relaxing on the deck of your bungalow whilst the Indian Ocean flows heavenly beneath you doesn’t sound like you then don’t despair! The Maldives is home to some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. Each island was once an ancient coral reef which has long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind an incredibly beautiful and pristine island of sand and coral. With marine sanctuaries named “the Aquarium” and “Turtle Island”, it’s like swimming through the set of Finding Nemo. And even though I must confess that coming eye-to-eye with a shark as big as me was not on my bucket list, it’s an experience I feel honoured to have had, not once, but repeatedly during my time in the Maldives. If you tire of the water sports on offer then
The Maldivian people are friendly, welcoming and extremely polite. Most visitors are protected from the chaos of Male, the densely crowded capital city of the Maldives because of it’s remote location in relation to the resorts. Even so, it’s worth a day trip to experience the quirky and alcohol-free home to over 300,000 locals. A visit to the lively fish market and a wander through the many mosques and streets stalls gives visitors a small insight into life for the people of the Maldives. Every year, newly opened resorts from 6 star luxury to ecologically back-to-nature hotels are springing up on the islands of the Maldives and whilst a holiday here won’t be the most economical you’ve ever had, the Maldives demands the attention of anyone looking for an indulgent break with experiences that will remain with you long after your tan has faded.