Coffs Coast Focus - i34 by Focus

Feature Story

COFFS COAST

July 2013// issue 34

2013

c a r n i v a l

Alison Williams

RD RE NORTH SAPP H I

H PACIFIC GAUDRO

NS RD

SPLIT SOLITA RY R

editor's note.

focus C O F F S C OA S T

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editor.

from the

contacts. EDITOR: Melly Dee melly@focusmag.com.au

SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

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GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITORS: Reg Brookhouse / Jo Atkins reg@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Russell Pell russellpell@gmail.com Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2011 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Melly Dee.

Welcome to the July issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

t’s safe to say that I have a true passion for all things publishing. I genuinely love magazines. My mum has been blessed with a long career in magazines and newspapers. I edited my first national fashion magazine at 24 and went on to start my own magazine at 27. I guess you could say that magazines are in my genes. But, in this current climate when glossy magazines and newspapers are closing their doors and editors get ready to move into a new digital era, it is with great pleasure that we bring you the biggest ever edition of FOCUS! A whopping 92 pages of great local content. Local stories. People sharing their stories. What amazes me the most about

being a part of the FOCUS family is the unbelievable connection that people in the community feel for this magazine. People love this product, and it makes us all so very proud. People tell us that they love flipping through our glossy pages and reading about their friends, neighbours, colleagues - businesses sharing and networking using FOCUS as the vehicle. For all who have made this biggest ever edition of Coffs Coast FOCUS possible, including our dedicated readers ... thank you. ON THE COVER Carlton MID Coffs Gold Cup, August 1, with a gazetted half day holiday! Giddy up and get behind this premier event. A wonderful day,

h all facilities. faci cililitties. Dress eight race card, with er in Park Beach to impress and enter he Field event. See Plaza’s Fashion on the our 16 page featuree explaining details of the day. A big thank you to those who were a part of executing our Coffs Cup ny people supported d front cover. So many er possible. The us to make this cover team at Faircloth & Reynolds. Dominic es provided the th he and Sue, Hilliar Roses amazing roses. Hairr and makeup eycliff. Our artist Mickeela Toneycliff. c la Dawson, and co stunning model, Nicola photographer Russell Pell. Nicola is wearing a Zimmerman dress (thanks Britney!) EDITOR’S PHOTO Thanks to Scott Carle for his amazing photo of the Jetty Carnival.

Melly Dee – Editor melly@focusmag.com.au Twitter: @le_mellydee

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focusinterview. Mulit award winning Aboriginal artist Alison Williams ... mother of five from the Gumbaynggirr Nation. Alison works on a variety of works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and public works.

Alison Williams

ou’re a local to the area. Tell us about your family heritage ... My mother is of Gumbaynggirr heritage (Taylor mob) and my father is 4th generation Australian with Welsh origins, hence the name Williams. My mother is the eldest of seven brothers and sisters, and my grandmother was born at 'Girrin' Pipe Clay Lake at Corindi Beach, not far from where I live today. How did you first develop an interest in Indigenous art? I was always an artist, drawing before I could even write. My family saw this and encouraged me to learn and develop my skills at an early age. My tuition involved the old Walter and Foster books and watching my mother, who was an amazing drawer. My interest in Aboriginal art came about when I stopped drawing realism and photo realism and began expressing my identity. I played around with Aboriginal concepts in my art, but it wasn't until I moved back to my mother's country here on the North Coast in 1995 that I started working at Yarrawarra in the art shed at Corindi Beach and had the opportunity to learn more of my heritage, history and connection to country. Would you say you were from an artistic family? Or are you self taught? Yes, my mother was a very skilled drawer. I remember as a child how easily she could just flow a few lines onto a piece of paper, and it would be magically transformed into a face. My father always claims that I inherited my artistic aptitude from him, but I never saw him create art, only designs for locks and inventions, which had their own creative elements. Have you exhibited? Yes, I have exhibited extensively throughout NSW and in QLD, and I have participated in

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joint exhibitions in Canada and New York. The ocean medicine mural in Coffs City Describe your artistic style? Centre, carpet snake mural at Coffs Base Contemporary Aboriginal, sometimes Hospital, Skinner Street blisters, many faces narrative, sometimes a little political and more frieze, along with two other walls on Skinner recently, slightly erotic. It depends on my mood Street in South Grafton and the facade of the and what I am trying to express. Having a Wadjar Regional Gallery at Yarrawarra. strong background in realism and drawing what I am about to paint a mural on a vintage I could see allows me to play in the imagination Leyland bus. I also have artworks reproduced on quite a bit. I am a strong advocate for cultural NPWS and marine parks’ interpretative sign at awareness, so I am often looking at ways to Red Rock. depict Aboriginal identity and story into new You use lots of different techniques. What contemporary genres. is the most experimental piece you've Where can we see your work? painted? I have a website at www. I like to use slip trailing techniques, indigenousinteriors.com.au dribbling and applying running and I exhibit at Yarrawarra paint through nozzles, which Aboriginal Cultural has a certain uncontrolled lved centre at Corindi My tuition invo element to it. I also use d the old Walter an g Beach, Dunghutti a modelling compound d watchin Foster book s an as Ngaku Aboriginal and apply silk dyes into w my mother, who . My Art Gallery at it and carve back into er an amazing draw nal art Kempsey, Mina the surface. I think for gi interest in Abori I stopped Mina Gallery at me, the incorporation n he came about w Brunswick Heads, of eroticism into d an m is drawing real n ga be Grafton Regional Aboriginal style has d an m is al photo re tity.” en id Gallery, and Planet been a bold transition, y m ng si es expr Corroboree in Byron but that’s more of a theme Bay. than a technique. I have a permanent foyer I don't like to limit how I exhibition space at ETC in Coffs approach a piece and generally feel Harbour that I change over every few months free to explore as I choose. I try not to get too and I have several public artworks within the precious about the work, and sometimes I just region, including murals at Coffs City Centre let it tell me what comes next. (Woolies car park), Coffs Base Hospital and In your opinion, how important is art Skinner Street street art in South Grafton. in keeping with tradition in Indigenous Where do you paint? Do you have a special culture? place in your house? Nothing ever stays the same! In a fast I have a studio space in Corindi Beach, just changing world that impacts on everything two blocks from where I live, so I can walk there within it, culture and traditions change and in my pajamas any time of the day ... adapt over time. Many traditional Aboriginal What publics works have you done? practices have ceased, some forcibly and some

“

through lack of necessity, but the spiritual connections and awareness of my people remains. This state of awareness or ‘dreaming’ is communicated in art, dance and story for all to embrace and come to understand. I think this exchange is extremely important for Indigenous and Non-indigenous people to evolve and to sustain our environment and future. What does a day in the life of Alison Williams look like? I am a mother of five children, so there is always a certain amount of insanity after I feed and get my children off to school. I do some quick home chores and then put on my painting clothes, which usually consists of old PJ pants and top. Then I wander around to my studio and create. Sometimes I am called to teach or run cultural workshops at Yarrawarra Cultural Centre or in the local schools. I finish up in my studio when school ends, so I am home for my children, and sometimes sneak back into the studio after dinner or after the young ones go to bed. There is always loud music, singing and dancing to keep the creative juices flowing, and I have a few fellow artists come and share the space and energy. I like to have an afternoon walk on the beach when I can, which gives me a bit of reflective time and grounds me. There is always a certain amount of admin and marketing to do, updating website and Facebook pages and answering emails, and I have to be careful not to get sucked into the vortex of the World Wide Web! I have just graduated from studying a Diploma in Business Governance, which had drawn me away from creating quite a bit this year, so I am looking forward to some good studio time working on a new ceramic line and some larger commissioned works. Thanks Alison.

10.

inside this

Bruce Erskine Bruce Erskine, originally from Melbourne, has migrated with his wife to many corners of the world. Since 1991 he has owned and run Awl Leather making and sells leather goods, located at the Old Butter Factory in Bellingen.

Issue 34 - July 2013

usual suspects.

14.

Phil Jamieson Phil Jamieson is best known as the frontman of iconic Australian band Grinspoon. The band was the first band ever Unearthed by the ABC Youth Radio Network triple j (1995). Grinspoon has been together for over eighteen years, and they recently released their highly acclaimed seventh studio album ‘Black Rabbits’.

44. 48.

the

6. what’s on for July 74. star guide with Terri 24. eat featuring local restaurants 77. tourism with Tourism Coffs 60. social scene with Carole Beros Coast

Codie McPherson We all know that female jockeys are few and far between in the horse racing world. Being a female jockey in a male-dominated sport can be tough, but Codie McPherson has proved us wrong. At the young age of only 21, she has completed her apprenticeship and has already achieved 60 wins!

No matter where you are in the world,, read Focus for free online every month th @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/coffscoast.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

coffs coast focus 5

A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N // J U LY

Rowena Parkes Parenting Course When July 20, 27, Aug 3 & 10. Where Cavanbah Centre 10am – 12pm. Bookings info@rowenaparkes.com.au Call Rowena: Mob 0432 609 162.

Yoga for Men and Women

The venue will be open for refreshments from 6pm. Lic applied for. Show 7.30pm. Full merchandise and programs on sale.

The ancient Indian practice of yoga has been helping people reap both spiritual and physical benefits for thousands of years. Since society has modernised yoga has become much loved form of physical exercise. Benefits of yoga include, weight loss, concentration, stress relief, sleep management, improved fitness, reducing blood pressure, increased libido, balance and managing digestion. For both men and women of all ages, sizes and fitness abilities.

Where SPORTZ CENTRAL COFFS, 74A Bray Street (Opp Orara High School) COFFS HARBOUR NSW Please bring a printout of this ticket to the event Contact JLE 6652 8266.

Where 115 West High Street, Coffs Harbour Where One hour classes each Wednesday, 7pm and Friday, 6pm. Where $6 - requirement yoga mat.

Oz Op Opera's Don Giovanni Mum’s the Word @ the Jetty Theatre MTW will be performed at the Jetty Memorial Theatre, opening on July 10 and closing on July 20. Mum’s the Word has been performed to great acclaim in five continents, and now it’s our turn. Here’s a comment from the Vancouver Sun: “Get ready for the screams, laughter, tears, and gasps of recognition.” Performances 8pm on Wednesday, July 10, Friday 12, Sat 13, Wed 17 (Bargain night - all tickets $20), Fri 19, Sat 20. Matinee 2pm Sun 14 and Sun 21.

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Op Opera Australia presents a sumptuous production of Mozart's Don Giovanni. Performed with a chamber orchestra and sung in English, the show features a full cast & orchestra direct from Melbourne. Be swept up in the stylishly sexy decadence straight out of La Dolce Vita in Oz Opera's new production of Mozart's classic opera.

Getting married? Then don’t miss this FREE event, the North Coast Wedding Showcase. Where Upper Orara Hall. When July 21. More northcoastweddingsmagazine.com.au

focusinterview. Photograph Tom Woods

Goodyear Autocare Local rally ace Nathan Quinn (NQ) acquired Goodyear Autocare in Coffs Harbour eight months ago.

m e d i a From a very young age, Bryn Goode wanted to have his own graphic design company. Since then, GIANT Media has morphed into a cutting-edge graphic design and web design company!

hat is GIANT Media, and how was your business born? Giant Media is a web and graphic design company that came to fruition after a really strong desire to have my own graphic design company. From about the age of ten, I knew that this was what I wanted to do with my career. Growing up, my dad was a signwriter, and I used to enjoying reading his typography sign writing books. I like the idea of making something unique that was then sent out into the world. Now today, Giant Media values itself in staying at the forefront of technology and offering our clients the same service that can be expected from big city agencies, but with the benefit of being local. What services does GIANT offer? We offer a wide range of graphic design services. Our core business is specialising in creating innovative websites that offer social media integration, online stores, blog style posts, self managed CMS (content management system) and responsive grid sites that are fully custom designed to suit your needs. We pride ourselves on the fact that the 220+ websites that we have created (and manage) are not generic templates. How many people make up the GIANT team, and what roles do they play? Giant Media is made up of five highly skilled people that range from graphic designers through to web developers. Each of us have a separate skill set, so we can specialise in assisting clients in offering a range of marketing solutions. THE GIANT PROCESS: From start to finish, what is the process of building a website or redesigning a current website? And what things do I need to consider before taking the plunge? Initially we engage with the client

in finding out as much as we can about their business ... what makes the business tick! Basically, it’s an obligation free chat where we sit back and listen to what the client needs. From here, we go through the process of working out the perfect structure from a user’s point of view. We then send a proposal based on needs. The design phase is where we create website mock-ups. A mock-up is a carefully tailored design brief. This process is done with the client and at the same time, we format a handy and easy to follow web content gathering document. Essentially, this document helps the client get us the content we need to create each individual business story. Once designs are approved, we than make and construct the website, where the client is then given a web address (a www.) to follow our progress and really see what the website looks and feels like before reaching the final stage ... making the site live! What are the risks of not getting professional advice when choosing the type of website that you need? 1. Ending up with a web presence that does not suit your business and will not let the website grow as you do. 2. Ending up with a website that looks horrible ... end of story. 3. Ending up with a website that can’t be found during a Google search. It makes no sense having a website that people can’t find. 4. About 45% of clients that come to us have usually experienced one of the above three. Best solution: do your homework; find out what you need. FAST FACTS: If I was getting a website, would it be smartphone friendly? We are now developing websites with responsive grid

technology (liquid websites) that re-size and present the content to best fit every possible viewing platform, from smartphones through to cinema displays, happily ending the need for those annoying phone versions of websites. Please check out our new website, which fully utilises this technology. My business is ever changing; who’s in charge of my website? What if I want to update my website, update photos/ content etc.? Every website we produce is fully managed by the client, from blog information through to services, content and products – which is carefully explained in our one of two training sessions that’s included in the price. Do you service only local clients? No, we are a true global company now, with clients in eight countries from America, Canada, Beijing, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia and the Czech Republic. We also have clients in all major cities in Australia. You don’t only offer web solutions; you also offer graphic design services such as logos, printing, signage and illustration. Tell us more ... It’s a very clichéd phrase, but ‘one stop shop’ literary sums it up. From when a client comes through the door, we can really offer them a plethora of services. We really like to help our clients in all facets of the media, but really help them establish some marketing goals and from experience, help guide them to make the most out of their advertising spend! In your professional opinion, what is the importance of consistency? It is not just important; it is everything. If you’re sending mixed messages in your marketing spend, you’re really wasting your budget. A consumer needs a consistent brand, so they become familiar with you and your product or the services you offer.

NQ: Buying this business has been great for me and my dad; it’s been the perfect match really, as it was important for us to find a venture that had a good reputation that stood the test of time. Previous owner Paul McKinnon and his wife, Sue, did a great job, and now with this business I have the opportunity to put my experience born on the battlefields of international rallying to good use and put some of the quality, standards, and detail that I have learned through rallying to work for our customers. What changes have you implemented in the business? Our market has changed considerably. People have worked out that my experience with AWD rally cars and the systems that make them work can be applied directly to their SUVs. We have become quite the SUV specialty centre, with tyres and servicing for things like Territories, Outlanders, X Trails , RAVs, CRVs etc. Our direction is fully focused on what I know best: preparation, prevention and detail. We apply that philosophy to every job that comes in the door. Our customers tell us they like that the tyres, the wheel alignments, the servicing and repairs are done by trained mechanics and that they can talk to the mechanics during and after the job. We are much more focused on mechanical repairs and servicing, not just tyres, and the business is really booming. So if you’ve got an SUV in need of service or tyres, give Nathan a call at Goodyear and book in.

coffs coast focus 7

focusinterview. Norm Jordan Function Rooms

Tony and Sharyne: owners of Ufix Fabrication and Hydrographics.

meet a

local.

Coffs' Premier Venue This premier venue is one of the most versatile and adaptable spaces on the Coffs Coast. The rooms can be e hired together, separately, or in conjunction with the boardroom, for an ideal break off area. The rooms are identical in size – both seating more than 200 ha people. The north room features a garden lined patio with western wall, perfect for a stage or presentation area. Thee south nds and room has easy access to the open grass areas of the grounds parking through the southern doors. f-cater, At the Coffs Harbour Showground you can choose to self-cater, ef’s have us provide morning tea, or treat yourself to Sparechef’s d like to onsite catering service – you choose what level you would have. Whether you choose the north or south room, the Norm Jordan Function Rooms are the ideal venue for training seminars, workshops, meetings, conferences, parties, weddings or just about any other type of event you could imagine. The possibilities really are endless! With the recent renovations now complete, the rooms are modern, with new carpets, tiled foyer and bar area and a new colour scheme; it can all be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort. For further information, please visit our website at: www.coffsshowground.com.au or call our friendly staff on 6652 8401 to check availability.

fabrication

ow long have you both been on the Coffs Coast, and where are you from? Tony and I have been around the Coffs Coast now for the past five years. Tony was originally from Sydney, and I’m from Victoria. What is your business, and how long has it been in operation? The business opened its doors in July 2012, with the objective of hiring hoist and tools for the general public to come and work on their own cars; but, due to OH&S requirements, it turned out to be not viable financially. From there, our business took a sharp turn for the better, with the purchase of hydro imaging equipment. What was your earlier career? How did you get into this business? Tony is a licensed mechanic, has had his own transport business and has always been involved in motorsport and has a talent for building anything out of steel. I come from a completely different background ... different, because I owned and operated Slaters Firewood at Emerald Beach for 10 years – and every day I am amazed by what Tony can do with steel! What are the various types of work you do? Here at UFIX, our work varies from repairing tip trucks, rebuilding engines (for both bikes and cars), fibre glassing and fabricating one off items

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big and small and now, hydro imaging. What is hydro imaging? Hydro imaging is carried out in a purpose built I come from a rent high tech tank. completely diffe t en It allows you to er back ground. Diff d d an put a print on delivered to because I owne s Firewood er at virtually any Sl us, we hooked operated h for 10 surface i.e. at Emerald Beac straight in to ay am metal, leather, years and everyd ny can converting all t To plastics, rubber, amazed by wha doors to suicide do with steel!” wood, glass, opening doors and copper – ANY fitting all running SURFACE. There gear from a F350 donor are too many different vehicle to our Lilpete; this prints to mention. Literally included 351 Cleveland engine c4 thousands of some popular prints transmission, running on LPG. Then we have found are carbon fibre, we decided to add our little personal skulls from small to large, flames, touch i.e. we extended the hood four and wood grain has been a seller for inches and also added an extended dashes in cars or trucks and household grille, six inch pipes, side steps and Texas light switches. Water drops is another front bumper bar. The Lilpete name nice print, with a glow in the dark paint comes from it being a half size model underneath. Peterbilt truck. Tell us about the trucks? LILPETE, our We are now in the negotiating stages of brain child, was delivered to us on 24 ordering a Lilkenny, which is a Kenworth December 2012 from the States from – so that means our Lilpete is up for sale. an ex compatriot, who was a designer Ph: 6652 9570. for Ford Australia. Once the crate was

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focusinterview.

meet a

local.

What is your business, and how long have you been in operation? I have been with G.J Gardner since the beginning of the year, after working in the building industry as a cement renderer for over twenty years. My role is new home sales consultant although I prefer to be known as a trusted advisor. What services do you offer? I offer a free, no obligation quote on our designs or clients’ personal plans. Also, I offer to meet with potential clients onsite if they are looking to purchase land or if they own land and need to know the extent of earthworks and site costs. This gives my clients a clearer view of the costs involved prior to purchasing land. All quotes I give are fixed price, with no hidden costs. You've recently opened a new display home in North Sapphire Estate. Tell us about this property. Our display home is the popular Coolum 253 design modified to 300 m² ... a very practical home is the most common comment I hear from the general public. It has 4 spacious bedrooms and a

theatre room; the kitchen dining and living rooms overlook the undercover alfresco. The home has been smartly positioned on the block for the caravan or boat enthusiast. What are your other interests outside of G.J Gardner Homes? My interests outside of work are mostly whatever my two kids want me to do; that includes coaching junior rugby league for the Comets and taking my daughter surfing almost every Also, I offer morning. When I to meet with s onsite do get some time potential client g to in ok lo to myself, I can be if they are if they or nd la se purcha found out on the ed own land and ne of ocean fishing for nt to know the exte Snapper. d site

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How can we contact you?

earthworks an costs.”

I can be contacted on my mobile: 0417 267 293 and email: brad.bye@gjgardner.com.au or from 9 ‘til 5 at the 3 Green Bluff Road Display home on 6653 6335.

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B RU C E E R S K I N E , O R I G I NA L LY F RO M M E L B O U R N E , H A S M I G R AT E D W I T H H I S W I F E TO M A N Y C O R N E R S O F T H E WO R L D. S I N C E 19 9 1 H E H A S OW N E D A N D RU N AW L L E AT H E R M A K I N G A N D S E L L S L E AT H E R G O O D S, L O CAT E D AT T H E O L D B U T T E R FAC TO RY I N B E L L I N G E N.

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F E A T U R E

What is Awl Leather, and when did you open the store at Bellingen's Old Butter Factory? That’s Awl; an awl is the simplest tool in the world, a sharpened piece of metal or bone, to make holes in leather. I moved into the Butter Factory in 1989, attracted by the great work space and Butter Factory ambience, but Awl Leather was really born in uptown Bellingen, where I had previously had a shop for about three years. Over the years it has evolved into a well resourced workshop employing myself and four other leatherworkers with complimentary skills and a shop retailing a wide range of leather goods and footwear. We do some standard ranges and a huge variety of custom work. It is one of a series of workshops starting in early '70s Paddington with a leather work collective called Frank’s Café and graduating to the Argyle Arts Centre. It’s difficult to explain what crafts meant in the '70s to the 2013 world, but for me it was a sort of fundamental truth one could aspire to. The Argyle is an old bond store in the Rocks in Sydney and was a craft mecca for a while, with potters, glass blowers, silver and gold smiths and weavers, woodworkers and leather workers. The Argyle morphed into the Birdwood Mill Museum in the Adelaide Hills, when I was employed to work on the collection of early bikes and horse drawn vehicles. Adelaide was an exciting place to be in the '70s, led by the iconic Don Dunstan. The craft world was happening, and I soon found myself teaching TAFE a couple of nights a week and learning saddlery from an old English master saddler called Ken Howard. In a parallel life I was learning some building skills and renovating an 1860s stone cottage in the Adelaide Hills. We sold it in 1979 and had some money for the first time ever and left Australia exploring Mexico and the Caribbean, where I worked on a beautiful island called Montserrat – first as a volunteer, then with an aid agency running a workshop making footwear and tourist items. Returning to Oz in 1982, I set up a workshop in Leura in the Blue Mountains and renovated another house in Blackheath. We moved from there to Bellingen in 1985, having fallen in love with the old house, Vera Villa, which we still live in. We loved Bellingen, but making a living was another story and when I was offered an aid job as an expert in Vanuatu for a year, we were happy to go. Returning to Bellingen in 1987, I moved into a little shop in the main street, and Awl Leather was born. A privileged upbringing ... a part of the Melbourne establishment. You became a medical student turned leather master – tell us about how your childhood/ upbringing carved your current career? Just '50s and '60s Melbourne. Mum, Dad, 4 kids, one car, one income. Never quite enough money, but endless space to ride your bike from the Bay to the Dandenongs. Lots of creeks and bushy lots to explore; as long as you were home by dinner, nobody worried much about you. I dug clay in the local creek and made things and learnt to fix broken windows and change the washers my father was never around for. Melbourne was orderly and boring – the height of sophistication being Italian bread on Sundays and gelato on the menu at coffee shops ... school all week and the footy at Richmond on Saturdays. My relationship with the establishment was mostly as an observer, when I won a scholarship to Melbourne Grammar and spent the last four years of high school there. It was a well-resourced school and worked hard at getting students into university. The bits I remember most fondly are the rowing and the protracted periods of bush walking in the Gippsland High Plains.

S T O R Y

Med School was a serious mistake. I was a bad fit, but it was a lot harder to get out of than into. Lots of family pressure to achieve, ending in a total meltdown. My career has been an allergic reaction to most of my early life. I had no idea of what I wanted, but a huge list of things I knew I didn’t want. Having a father as a successful businessman, what was it about his career that attracted you to craft? Dad was a product of Sydney and WWII. He had serious and successful aspirations, but not much spare time. He was always at work, but I had little idea of what he actually did. I wanted a different life with hard parameters, and leather work gave me that. The reality was there with all its glitches at the end of every day – there was no possible pretence. You and your young family moved to the Adelaide Hills in 1973. What attracted you to country living? Going up the Country, Got to Get Away was a Canned Heat anthem of the '70s and seemed to make perfect THERE HAS BEEN A sense at the time. I felt a strong connection with the bush from RO L E F O R A RT I SA N S earlier days and had spent some S I N C E CAV E DW E L L I N G like? time living in Kookaburra, an old DAYS, A N D I T H I N K The costume department of Fox sawmilling ghost town in the hills Studios was as close as I ever got to behind Kempsey. The Aquarius T H E R E A LWAYS W I L L Baz, but we all had fun making stuff Festival in Nimbin in 1972 was a BE. for Australia, and I remember they great tribal gathering, but Nimbin was paid promptly. Making convict shoes too far out for me. The Adelaide Hills for My Place was good fun too, with the seemed like a good alternative, real time added poignancy of knowing my great, great warp country ... cheap, and a job to boot. grandfather was a convict shoe maker. There was a time when you were a self The Opera is the best fun to work for ... a sort of dream confessed 'hippie'. Tell us what being a hippie meant to world where designers send you pen and wash character you during this period ... drawings to realise. It’s amazing to be part of such a huge The '70s marked the end of a long period of amorphous undertaking of composers, singers, musicians, costumiers and grey stability, where you felt like cog in the machine. Suddenly set builders all coming together in a perfectly choreographed there was light and colour, music and change. I still think of production. myself as a hippie, but the hair and tie dye and psychedelics The historical re-enactors are great fun too, with groups all have long gone. What’s left, and was important then, was a over the world dressing up to live some imaginary past life. complex mix of conservative and progressive values, a tribal beApart from leather making, what do you do in your spare longing, self sufficiency and a sense of personal integrity; Bob time? Do you have grandchildren? What does a day in Dylan sang, “To live outside the law, you must be honest”, and the life of Bruce Erskine look like? to me the important things are simplicity, environment, looking Spare time is a bit of foreign concept, as it is mostly allocated at people and situations without prejudice, fostering the talents to some project or other. I like to walk in the bush and swim. of others and remembering to enjoy all the bits along the way. I have been building a house on the coast with a friend for a So when did you decide to move Bellingen, and what few years and spend time on that and Sundays with my grandwas the process of making such a move? son fighting the Lantana. I keep up with family and friends. Moving to Bellingen took a few tries and involved being Work days start with cups of tea and books in bed, followed fairly broke for a while, but has been hugely positive. It’s a soby an hour of battling up hills after my much fitter wife and ciety on a scale where people are real and individual and it has walking the fire trails. Shop about 8.30, compiling lists and been very supportive for me and my business and Antonia, my drawing patterns for the workshop and getting into the curwife’s, dance school. I am happy that my children grew up here rent project, usually footwear at the moment. and have a continuing association with the town. The after hours when the workshop is quiet are often the With your craft moving manufacturing offshore, how most productive. Finish, cook, eat, catch up with Antonia and have you seen this industry progress, and how have you the internet enquiries, do a Spanish lesson and drift away. overcome the challenges? When do you plan on retiring? What plans do you have Crafts have been in decline since the Industrial Revolution, for the future, Bruce? and now manufacturing moving off shore is just another step. I haven’t grasped the concept of retirement yet. Making It means materials and components are a lot harder to find, but things is totally necessary for my life and sanity, so I can’t really there is always niche work and I was never very interested or give that up. Leather work has given me lots of friends in other successful at mass production anyway. Less competition means countries, many of whom have a much stronger craft tradition I am approached with all sorts of work for small scale producthan Oz – particularly Spain. I am practicing my Spanish for my tion, which I enjoy much more. There has been a role for artinext trip. sans since cave dwelling days, and I think there always will be. Thanks Bruce. You've had international sucess working on Baz Ph: 6655 2260 Luhrmann's Australia, making boots, amongst other local www.awlleather.com.au television programs. What have these experiences been

“

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coffs coast focus 11

Learn, Play & Sing

State First For Brittany

The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium has now appointed a new General Manager to lead the enthusiastic team who have been providing music education to our community for the past 29 years.

Pictured above are: Paddy Warfield of Youth Directions, Brittany Kashayev, Amanda Bos Dental Receptionist.

David Schama moved to Coffs Harbour in 2009 and brings a lifelong passion for music to the Con and is keen to enhance the profile of the Conservatorium and build upon the extraordinary body of work and successes achieved. Amongst the goals David has set, is the completion of stages two and three of the strategic plans that include a 175 seat performance space and the building of additional studios and workshops on a lower-ground level of the facilities. “The only way we can fulfil our dreams of completing our plans, is by reaching into our community and telling everyone we know that we’re here and want to be here for another 30 years.” “As the primary provider of music education to the Coffs Coast community, we want to enhance everyone’s opportunity to engage with music and have the ability to hear wonderful musical performances. We need your help to do this and turn the Con into what it desperately wants to be, not only ‘Where Music Lives but ‘Think Music – Think Con.’”

make music

COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUM

LEARN TO

play sing record write Bray Street Complex Cnr Bray St & Paciﬁc Hwy, Coffs Harbour Call now to book on 6652

1592 or visit www.coffscon.org.au

12 coffs coast focus.

Brittany Kashayev, a year 11 student from Woolgoolga High, Roger Sharpe Dental Surgery and Youth Directions group training division have worked together to achieve a STATE FIRST. Brittany is the first student in NSW to be undertaking a Cert III in Dental Assisting as part of her HSC. Brittany is working one day per week at Roger Sharpe Dental Surgery learning the ins and outs of the dental industry, administration and chair side skills. Brittany is part of the growing number of school students taking advantage of the School based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SbAT) program. By combining paid work and school work, Brittany is starting a career pathway and giving herself a huge advantage in future job markets. The (SbAT) program is available to all students undertaking the HSC.

Giant Media Giant Media is a local web and graphic design agency that is expanding their reach far beyond the North Coast, enjoying all aspects of design and having a diverse range of clients it is exciting times for the local firm … this is Giant Media in numbers. 8. Giant Media is a true global company now with clients in eight countries from America, Canada, Beijing, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia and the Czech Republic. We also have clients in all major cities in Australia. 200. This year the team set live its 200th website, not bad for its 7th year in business. 5. Giant Media is made up of five highly skilled people that range from graphic designers through to web developers. In having each team member with specialist skill sets it really gives the client the best possible result.

The SbAT program is an opportunity for students to learn how to transfer skills learnt in the classroom into a real working environment. Earning a wage that is connected to a school subject is a big incentive for students to engage with learning.

1,000. Some perceive the local firm to be more expensive than what they are, Bryn Goode the director explains: “Although we have a larger staff base and skill set than other local companies we are still very competitive, starting at $1,000 you can get a great custom website.“

Parents and students who want to know more about the SbAT program should speak to the school Careers Adviser or call Youth Directions Inc. 6653 2900.

2. This is how many ears each team member has, and when you book a FREE consult with Giant Media this is exactly what they use.

THE E

NEXT GENERATION OF MARTIAL ARTS

“ A NEW ERA OF MARTIAL ART H HAS BEGAN AT AUSTRALIAN FIGHTING KARATE WITH JAMES SECCOMBE TAKING OVER THE REINS.”

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FIGHTING KARATE

LITTLE COMMANDOS AND ADULT KARATE

This has come about as 3rd Dan Senior instructor Scott Seccombe has been appointed northern region representative for the World Martial Arts Alliance. Recently Scott travelled to Okinawa with the directors Kip Stavrou and Bill young and nine others to train with 10th Dan Grand Master Iha Kotaro in Ryu Kon Kai Kobudo (Traditional weapon training with Bo, Sai, and Nunchaku). This new appointment will see the ability for clubs right up to the border to apply and join the Alliance with the conﬁdence that they have a representative in this region. As well the WMAA is looking to run a sanctioned tournament in the Coffs Harbour area. The last time this was done was two years ago. There will be more information on the WMAA in coming weeks or just give Scott a call. This has also allowed Scott to move into a more supervisory role within the club and train and work with the black belts of the club more closely.

The syllabus combines 4 elements, the first being the self defence element. This covers basic self defence moves that are effective and work and are based on military unarmed combat techniques. The second element is fitness. All students are encouraged to participate in fitness drills like circuits, calisthenics and pad work. The third element is life skills this is to help students focus on training and assist them in life’s journey as well. The fourth and final element is the traditional side of our training. This includes 7 Shotokan katas. They are also used to practice in self discipline and confidence. These katas are required to be attempted during grading and are usually performed with other students of the same level.

Australian Fighting Karate is a dynamic modern martial art that incorporates Self defence, Boxing, Ground defence, traditional combative’s and Kata. The concept was born 3 years ago by founder and senior instructor Scott Seccombe and his son James. Scott and James began training together five years ago, training with ncluded both local and interstate practitioners of a number of disciplines these included nd Scott’s Military Unarmed Combat experience, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and A for fitness Commando Krav Maga and gaining qualifications as Punchfit and MMA

The whole purpose of AFK is to provide a safe managed training environment that allows people of all ages, skill level and ﬁtness to participate in good, safe training. Because we are also a modern style, we encourage people from other styles to join our training, as we will grade participants accordingly.

instructors. All of these facilitated the modern syllubus that the club trains ins from.

BOXING As well as karate, James is a qualified Punchfit trainer and instructor. These classes are excellent for all levels of fitness and age and are designed to teach h correctt technique in both punching and holding the pads to ensure participant nt safetyy aatt all times. This type of training is great as a cardio /strength session for all that wish wis i h to increase their fitness.

UNARMED COMBAT The other class offered is Unarmed Combat this class is a no nonsensee self defence class and is designed to teach participants simple and effective self defence fence to allow them to get away.

• Full-body workout • Corporate Training • Safe and fun using proven methods • Group Training • Qualiﬁed Trainer

0438afk.hq1@gmail.com 586 488 3/30 Edgar Street Coffs Harbour coffs coast focus 13

Phil Jamieson is best known as the frontman of iconic Australian band Grinspoon. The band was the first band ever Unearthed by the ABC Youth Radio Network triple j (1995). Grinspoon has been together for over eighteen years, and they recently released their highly acclaimed seventh studio album â€˜Black Rabbitsâ€™.

coffs coast focus focus.

P PH HI IL L

J JA AM MI IE ES SO ON N

O OF F

G GR RI IN NS SP PO OO ON N

"I enjoy getting the girls ready for school ... making school lunches. During the day I walk the dog! On the beach. BEAUTIFUL."

rinspoon have been one of the most successful sful bands in Australia’s music history. They have received 13 ARIA nominations and in 2005 won an ARIA 'Best Rock Album' for Thrills Kills or & Sunday Pills. They have been nominated for APRA and ARIA Song of the Year. The band d played live at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the closing ceremony of the Melbourne 2006 XVIII Commonwealth Games. Grinspoon’s Albums Guidee to Better Living, Easy, New Detention, and Thrills Kills & Sunday Pills ack all went platinum in Australia. Phil also won Best Male at the Jack Awards. Among writing for his band, Phil co-wrote the Unwritten Law songs She Says and Because of You with Scott Russo and also made contribution to the song I Heard The Fire Sing for the or Dirty Deeds soundtrack. His songwriting skills have been a major contributor to the success of Grinspoon. ng Phil Jamieson has toured solo in Australia for years - often selling out venues, and also DJs under the name 2ManyPJs. Where did you grow up, and when and why did you move to the Mid North Coast of NSW? I was born in 1977 in Sydney. My family moved to Bourke in '83, then Oakey in 84, finally settling in Byabarra in '85/86. I grew up out there on 100 acres. My family’s property bordered my grandfather's. He had cattle. I remember zooming around on mini bikes out there and later on mustering his cattle on an ag bike. It was an idyllic place to grow up and apart from the bus rides to school (which could be torturous) it was awesome. I think my family moved to the Mid North Coast simply for family reasons, and I moved back here for the same reasons.

North Coast V-Twins offered Harleyme to become a ador for ss ba Davidson am k N’ Ride some other Roc e coming events that wer lly . I ca up since I live lo ” '! ah said, 'Hell ye

“

Where do you derive passion for music? Are you parents musicians? Tell us a little about how your musical career began? Both my parents are musicians; my mum used to teach piano for over a decade, I believe. Music has been around me since a very young age and since I wasn't particularly great at sport (swimming, catching, throwing, etc.) I guess I found it was something I could do and that gave me a huge personal satisfaction. Writing a song is a great feeling. Writing a song that communicates something with others is even better. How was Grinspoon born? What role did you play in the band? How did you meet your band members? Grinspoon was born from the remnants of a Port Macquarie band named Crabapple. Crabapple moved to Lismore in '95. I was studying composition in the music course up there. Our bass player and guitarist left Lismore not long after we arrived, so it was just the drummer and I. Through mutual friends, we ended up finding Pat and Joe (guitar and bass) and formed a band. I was primarily the singer/lyric/melody writer ... after about 5 weeks of being a band, we entered a radio competition called 'unearthed'. We ended up winning! And do you have a family now? Are your children showing an interest in music? I have an amazing family, with a very beautiful, fun and loving wife, Julie, and our two daughters. Our

eldest daughter plays piano, guitar and recorder. Our youngest loves the drums and piano.

What is your connection to North Coast V-Twins? Funny story. I was doing Rock N’ Ride (a motorcycle ride with fellow musicians, artists, and celebrities which Adam Zammit – Big Day Out CEO and I co-founded to raise awareness for youth mental health issues and more specifically, Headspace) from Sydney to Coffs Harbour. I had been loaned a bike from Harley Davidson Sydney, a 2012 wide glide with flames! It was the first Harley-Davidson I had ever ridden. I needed a place to drop off the bike, so I got in contact with Karissa at North Coast V-Twins who was a fan of the band, and we had great time at the gig that night at the Hoey Moey. The next morning (slightly bleary eyed) at 8am, I dropped back the wide glide. First person I meet was some bloke named Ashley ... (friendly guy); he ended up being Karissa’s dad, the dealer/ principal, and it all ended up being a very personal and family orientated dealership. I was given a run down on the various marques the dealership represents and the history. Their passion for motorcycles was identical to my own, and we just kind of 'got on'. North Coast V-Twins offered me to become a Harley-Davidson ambassador for some other Rock N’ Ride events that were coming up since I live locally … I said, "Hell yeah"! Apart from the friendships and camaraderie that can be formed from being a part of the motorcycling community, what type of lifestyle does motorbike riding bring? Motorcycling brings a sense of freedom. Julie, who also has her motorcycle licence, and I quite regularly get out and just go for a blast together. We have some of the best roads in the world for motorcycles in our Mid and North Coast Region. Whether it's blazing a trail in one of the picturesque hinterland areas, finding a twisty bit of bitumen to cruise along, commuting around town

or on a road trip with my mates, motorcycling gives me a sense of inner peace and just an amazing way to feel nature around you. Someone said once: "Driving a car you look at nature; riding a bike you are in it". When you're not being an international music star, what does a day in the life of Phil Jamieson look like now that you live in this epic part of the world? I love the lifestyle here on the Mid North Coast; it’s just a cruise on my Harley or a flight to anywhere to hook up with my numerous commitments. I like to think I am the world’s best dad. I enjoy getting the girls ready for school ... making school lunches. During the day I walk the dog! On the beach. BEAUTIFUL. I go to the gym! I grab a coffee with friends, write songs, enjoy riding my Harley, mow the lawn, and prepare dinner for my family. All the important things in life that give you a sense of self-worth and satisfaction. What projects are you currently working on? Currently working on the next Rock N' Ride event ... which is extremely rewarding, and we feel like we are lifting the lid and spreading the jam about Youth Mental Health via our Rock N’ Ride relationship with Headspace. The next tour with Grinspoon - 2013 Black Rabbits Tour - which will see the band touring through Western Australia before heading back east to Jindabyne, Sydney and Melbourne. I am also writing songs with a new power trio I formed called 'bad COP'. Thanks Phil.

the plug! Grinspoon - www.grinspoon.com.au North Coast V-Twins – www.vtwins.com.au 1 GDT Seccombe Close, Coffs Harbour P: 02 66 504200 Photography Credit : Matt Jourgenson www.matthewjphotography.com.au coffs coast focus 15

Free

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

GUIDED G U IDED WALKS WA ALKS Are you looking for a totally free and healthy activity these school holidays to entertain friends and family – especially the kids? Coffs Harbour City Council’s Coffs Ambassadors Tour Guides have developed special walks for children these July school holidays, so you can spend quality time with your children while getting some exercise at the same time.

drian Paul is a familiar face to many Coffs Harbour locals, as he taught at Orara High and Toormina High Schools for around 30 years. After retiring, Adrian became one of the first Coffs Ambassador Tour Guides and has taken many residents and tourists on his tours of Coffs Creek and the Harbour, which allow him to share his passion for local history. “Parents are always looking for fun things to do with their children during school holiday time. So myself and some of the other Ambassadors, who are parents and grandparents ourselves, decided to hold special walks on weekdays just for the holidays,” said Adrian. Each walk has been tailored for children and includes an educational game for children to enjoy at the end of the walk. “As well as being an enjoyable and relaxing experience, our Tours are an opportunity for adults and children to find out how we can all help to look after our special environment on the Coffs Coast,” added Adrian. These guided walks are not just an enjoyable school holiday activity for children - parents too will discover beautiful scenery and hear fascinating stories about our history and wildlife. Don’t forget to book early though, as each walk has limited places to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time with the opportunity to interact with their tour guide. 16 coffs coast focus.

To ensure many families have an opportunity to enjoy these free school holiday walks, there is a limit of four people per booking. To book your place, go to www. coffsambassadors.com.au or phone the Visitor Information Centre on 6648 4990. Where our Forest Meets the Sea Tuesday 2 July, 10am - 11.30am Magical Mullaway Headland is home to stories that are stranger than fiction. You may find a dragon and you will pass through a forest that has its own secrets, to emerge onto a gorgeous jewel of a beach. Jetty Adventure Walk Thursday 4 July, 9.30am - 11am Monday 8 July, 9.30am - 11am Step back in time on this easy walk from Coffs Creek estuary to Jetty Beach. Hear adventurous tales of our early convict history and escaped circus lions, as well as finding out what Coffs Harbour was like thousands of years ago. The Great Sea Turtle Adventure Wednesday 10 July, 10am - 11.30am On this walk at Look At Me Now Headland, near Emerald Beach, intrepid young explorers will learn all about ancient sea turtles and travel with them on their great migration to far-away nesting grounds. On the way they’ll explore the wonders of the ocean, face terrible dangers and hear how these mysterious animals have survived, and made this incredible journey, since dinosaurs walked the Earth.

School Holiday Fitness and Fun in the CBD This school holidays, Coffs Coast Kids Club will be putting kids through their paces in Coffs Harbour’s City Centre with a series of FREE events. The very popular Yoga and Zumba sessions will be held on every Monday and Friday of the holidays starting 1 July and will run from 10am - noon in City Square. Kids can come down and get involved in these free sessions and then recharge with a tasty apple slinky supplied by Go4Fun.

“The kid’s Yoga and Zumba sessions were so popular during our April Healthy Kids week, that we thought we would hold them again during the school holidays,” said City Centre Marketing’s Jan Rooney. Carla Marchant from Coffs Kids Club said: “As a mum of two myself, I’m passionate about improving the quality of life for kids in our community. I like to create an environment where the kids can express themselves creatively and learn, dance and play.”

focusreview.

focusinterview.

Meet Dominic Hilliar of Hilliar Roses.

local dr p.

Two Tails Wines 2008 Chambourcin

This feature Red is made from Chambourcin grapes grown at Nana Glen in the beautiful Orara Valley. This French Hybrid variety grows well in spite of the humid summer ripening. Its versatility is displayed in this Red, as well as a light semisweet Rose, a mellow Red and the 2009 Vintage Port all made from Chambourcin and available for free tasting at the winery.

meet a

local.

CHARACTERISTICS: A complex, rich coloured Red displaying berry fruit flavours coupled with a subtle oak flavour. GOES WITH: Red meat dishes, savoury casseroles and many pasta dishes. COST: $14 a bottle ($156 per dozen). AVAILABLE: Cellar door at Two Tails Wines, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen 6654 3633 or IGA Liquor at Park Beach Plaza. PHONE: 6654 3633. EMAIL: twotails@optusnet.com.au WEB: www.twotailswines.com

Dominic Hilliar, proud owner of Hilliar Roses, a family ran florist based in Englands Rd, Coffs Harbour - the florist that provided the roses for our front cover!

with Joel McCulla from Zulu’s

PROTEIN

AT ’ S I N

I will apologise up front for the misleading representation of this month's in season column, but I figured it is time to discuss some of the things I have people ask me about all of the time. I suggest if you are squeamish to carry on and see what else this beautiful publication has to offer. After a brief story on several evening current affair programs, the debate and the discussion regarding alternative protein sources has arisen in the Australian populace. The truth regarding the sustainable and viable nature of feeding and housing our growing population while minimising our impact on the environment is that we do need to find sources of protein that mature faster and can be made more readily available. This future food crisis has long been on the minds of novelists, scientists and ecologists alike. And now with chefs being on board, the alternatives to regular protein sources have begun to creep into menus as well as our conversations, in the forms of crickets, grasshoppers, meal worms, blood worms, rats and mice. So whilst this column has been brief, there is an opportunity for you explore how these alternatives can be used and how they taste by registering your interest in an Alternative Foods Masterclass to be held in July and August at Zulu's Restaurant, watch our website for details.

To continue reading about unique ingredients, including a few useful tips and recipes, visit my blog on the Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar website: www.zuluscoffs.com

coffs coast focus.

ow did you start your 'til Mother's Day, excluding Christmas Day business? and Easter Sunday. We find leaving them the Hilliar Roses began from a extra day or cutting every second day creates conversation between my father a lot more work. With humid nights through and the late Jack Ladd, who at the time summer, we are more likely to loose blooms as was growing roses in Middle Boambee. Jack they will open too quickly, hence the cutting convinced Dad to plant a few plants as a bit every day. Then, after Mother's Day, as it starts of a hobby. So my parents, Eda and Maurice, to cool down, we can afford to cut every and myself, planted around 150 plants in second day. three colours, red, pink and white, which were Do you have a favourite rose? grown in the field. Each year we planted a I like a rose called 'Sweet Avalanche'. It's a few more, until we decided to build our first classic rose with a large head, lots of petals, greenhouse. Today we have 11 greenhouses, strong stems with few thorns and a lovely growing around 9,000 plants smell. When it opens up, it has hydroponically, which produces a shades of porcelain pink. It's a far better rose. favourite with most of our ve “ Today we ha Are there different types customers as well. 11 greenhouses, of roses? Is your whole family growing around There are many different involved in the types, shapes, head sizes business? 9,000 plants and stem lengths, some Mum and Dad are hydroponically, a far with thorns, some without. still very much involved which produces Each year we trial different and my wife, Sue, helps better rose. ” varieties and colours, which out between her other are supplied by rose propagators commitments. Our son and who introduce them from all over daughter also lend a hand on the world. weekends and school holidays. Where are you located; how long have Who can buy your roses? Anyone can buy our roses. We send our you been growing roses? roses up and down the coast and inland as far The first plants were planted in 1989 at my as Armidale and Tamworth. If a courier can get parents’ property in Shepherds Lane, Coffs them there on the same day, we can send them. Harbour. As the city has grown, we had to grow, so we relocated to our current Englands the plug! Road farm. Do you cut roses every day? hilliarroses@bigpond.com Yes. We cut every day, from late September 0409 926 438 or 6650 0745.

Bonnville

coffs coast focus 19

hurr y u p a n d

Physical Comedy for the School Holidays How do you plan to pass the time this school holidays? If youâ€™ll be struggling to convince your kids to limit the time they spend playing computer games or watching TV, then maybe a trip to the Jetty theatre for Hurry Up and Wait to see how a couple of physical comics pass the time will be enjoyable ... and a little therapeutic too!

20 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

“Join the fun in the Hurry Up and Wait Workshops Too!”

at the Jetty Theatre July 4 and 5

urry Up and Waitt is a show that reminds us all how to play using the best material of all – our imagination. Featuring exquisite physical comedy, it tells the story of two clowns waiting for the circus parade to arrive. Time feels like it is going slowly … very slowly. They sit, they get bored and they get hungry … until their imaginations take over, and waiting becomes a game! They dine on food that appears out of thin air, use simple items to create amazing new worlds and discover an entire universe inside a hat. Together, they discover that time flies when you are having fun! Suitable for 3-10 year olds but popular with all ages, Hurry Up and Wait is ideal for all the family - younger kids, 3- 5 year olds, enjoy the physical comedy and slapstick, and older children, 6-10, relate to themes of friendship. We caught up with Liz Skitch from Debase Productions, one of the stars and writers of the show, to ask her a few questions: What gave you the idea for the show? We wanted to make a show that children could relate to, so we ran a workshop with a local primary school to explore concepts of time. When kids start school they suddenly have to start living by the clock, and we discovered that it was a rich theme that kids could really relate to in their day to day life. The kids enjoyed exploring notions of time – how time can sometimes go really fast and at other times really slowly ... how some people are good at waiting; some aren’t. The younger kids had some pretty good suggestions for making time pass quicker – just move the hands of the clock! What can people expect from the show? Lots of laughs; the audience gets taken on an exciting journey and at the end of the show, there’s a wonderful surprise. You must have had fun writing the show?

Yes, but the real fun comes when you take a show on the road for the first first time time. We went on a big tour around Queensland schools, sometimes to regional areas where kids don’t get to see shows that often, and the kids would get so excited – almost like a sports crowd. Touring the show in Japan was also very exciting – for the kids to have two westerners turn up to perform at their school was something out of the ordinary, especially when one was 6 ft d tall and the other had The kids enjoye ns tio no g in or pl ex blonde hair. e can of time – how tim ly Tell us what the al re sometimes go workshops are like. I recommend r times fast and at othe The workshops are day dreaming, w ho ... ly ow really sl designed for kids and od at go having a convere ar le op pe e som their parents or adult en’t.” sation with the waiting; some ar carers and they’re lots person you don’t of fun! They are basically know sitting next an extended play session, to you on the bus … where we encourage the walking a different way adults to use their imaginations as home, reading a book you well as the kids and we all go on an adwouldn’t normally read, anything venture together to the land of stupidity and that gets you thinking about somebeyond, with the actors leading the games. thing else or someone else – anything Tell us about a time when you have had that provides you with food for thought and to wait for something. stimulates your imagination. Every day! Waiting to find out about audiWhat are your favourite things about the tions, for my new tap shoes to arrive and waitschool holidays? ing to do the show in Coffs Harbour! I’ve never I often perform children’s theatre in schools, been, and I can’t wait to visit and bring the which is great because kids in the audience show to the Jetty Theatre – I hear it’s a great get to see the show with their friends. But my venue! I also got married last year and the lead favourite thing is to perform for kids watching up to that was pretty exciting … but it felt like the shows with their families. The mums and a long wait. dads can use the show as a point of reference What’s worth waiting for in life? in play sessions or when needing to explain All good things come to those who wait – things in educational sessions. The kids get so the things you have to wait the longest for or much out of the show, and it really lives on work hardest for taste the sweetest … in their memories when they see it with their What advice can you offer to impatient mums and dads – it is magic to see how kids people? relive the show in their imaginative play.

“

What was your favourite game as a kid? Annoying my two older brothers – finding ways to get them to play with me, which is really similar to my character in the show, making it great for kids to enjoy the fun with their older brothers and sisters. What’s the best thing about working with kids? Kids are a very vocal audience, and you can hear when they’re engaged in the show and enjoying it. I love a noisy audience – so come to the Jetty Theatre, join in the fun and make some noise! Hurry Up and Wait - Show Times 10am Thursday 4 July 2pm Thursday 4 July 10am Friday 5 July Hurry Up and Wait - Workshop Times 11am Thursday 4 July 11am Friday 5 July Thanks Liz. For more information and to book your tickets for Hurry Up and Wait, visit www.jettytheatre.com or contact the Jetty Theatre Box Office, open Tuesday – Friday, midday to 4pm, phone (02) 6652 8088. coffs coast focus 21

Music, Mystery and Magical Moves are on show at the Sacred Lotus Bellydance 'Gala Showcase'.

South Solitary Island by Helicopter South Solitary Island is located 18 km offshore north east from Coffs Harbour, NSW. The island contains a lighthouse, Head Keeper’s Quarters and two Assistant Keeper’s Quarters which were built in 1880 and are considered the oldest in the area.

Sacred Lotus Bellydance Winter Hafla Shimmy the night away and free your inner Bellydancer at the 7th Annual Sacred Lotus Gala Showcase and dance party. Featuring international artist Amera Eid and nationally acclaimed performers Shekhinah Morgan, Xaeda of Sacred Lotus Bellydance and showcasing the talents of the coast's local Middle Eastern Dance schools, stunning solo artists and professional Arabic percussion troupe Tarab, then party the night away with African drummers KabilaMoja and Dj Tone. There is something for everyone! Glamour, glitz and shopping fun in the market bizarre with Beautiful Boho, Tribal Belly and Amera’s Palace belly dance boutique stores. Showcase tickets are on sale now through the C.ex Coffs Booking Office on 6652 3888. Tickets are only $20 adult and $15 for children under 12 years. All other information about the Hafla and Gala Showcase can be found on www.thesacredlotus.com.au

22 coffs coast focus.

The Lighthouse was automated in 1975, with all residents leaving and the remote Lightstation was abandoned. Access is only available by helicopter, and public admittance is restricted by National Parks and Wildlife. National Parks and Wildlife opens the island to visitors for guided tours of the buildings for just two weekends each year. This July, join Precision Helicopters for your return helicopter flight along the Coffs Coast and interpretive guided tour on the island by NPWS Discovery Rangers. The Superior Lightstation Tour ($360) is one hour while the Premium Lightstation Tour ($490) is two hours and gives you extra time to discover more of the island with the Rangers. For an unequalled experience, choose the private three hour Ultimate Lightstation Tour ($950). Tours will be held on Saturday 20, Sunday 21 July then Friday 26 (Ultimate Tour only), Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. Bookings through Precision Helicopters on (02)6652 9988 or precisionhelis@bigpond.com also visit www.precisionhelicopters. com.au or www.southsolitaryisland.com.au

P R E S E N T S

Love, Betrayal, Passion, Revenge. ...is opera’s favourite bad boy about to meet is match? A new production from Opera Australia’s Oz Opera – Australia’s national opera companywith full cast, orchestra & crew • Sung in English • Performed with chamber orchestra.

JULY

SPORTZ

CENTRAL

COFFS

HARBOUR

7.30PM

Tickets are now available

Seating / Prices

Bookings

The best seats in all catergories are available now &

A Reserve Seats - $65

Tickets on sale now!

thanks to Mike Blewitt Ford’s sponsorship, tickets are

B Reserve Seats - $55

@ trybooking.com/48332

most affordable & can be purchased.

C Reserve Seats - $39.50

30c booking fee applies

Oz Opera is coming to Coffs Harbour! Oz Opera is proud to announce its new production. It brings a night of quality entertainment to regional audiences who don’t get these opportunities without having to travel to a capital city. For further information or group bookings contact: John Logan Entertainment - Phone. 02 6652 8226 Email. john_jle@tpg.com.au

Coffs Coast Coffs

Prawn and Haloumi Salad from The Plantation Hotel.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat

24 coffs coast focus.

eat. Bluebottles Brasserie

Macauleys Restaurant

Come and celebrate Christmas in July, Saturday 20th from 6.30pm. Live music, cosy atmosphere and children catered for. Enjoy dining in our relaxed alfresco atmosphere, with fresh menus and friendly staff. Head Chef Gerard Geerligs and his team have created modern Australian menus to cater for all tastes. Functions are catered for on any night. Open for breakfast and lunch.

The winter chill has hit and our winter menu is receiving rave reviews ... Amongst all the delicious items on offer, our char grilled Riverina grain fed eye fillet steak on a bed of fondant potatoes, mushroom duxelle and topped with duck pate and shiraz jus is a DEFINITE favorite amongst the Coffs Coast foodie crowd. Did you know that WE ARE the PERFECT venue for weddings, private parties, business events and so much more. We can seat up to 80 people for a private function or wedding and we LOVE putting together a menu that will make your guests remember YOUR event for eternity. ASK US to tailor a package SPECIFIC to your requirements.

Head Chef Gerard Geerligs. Head Chef Craig Clarke.

99 Park Beach Road Coffs Harbour t 6652 5970 w www.macauleys.com.au

Shops 1 & 2, 53 Beach St, Woolgoolga t 6654 1962 open Breakfast and lunch daily.

open: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

Saltwater Restaurant Saltwater Café & Restaurant has been closed for 3 weeks due to kitchen renovations. We re-open on June 26 with our new winter menu. The selection is inspired by local seasonal produce and we have a great choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With the weather getting cooler, we have a warm restaurant environment or outdoor heaters if you are still keen to enjoy the outdoor dining area. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon with a live music sesh. Our 'Sunday Chill-out Sesh' has been very popular, from 3-6pm, with drink and food specials to end your weekend with some cool tunes and great company. See you back at Saltwater soon.

Finz on The Beach Located at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, FINZ on the beach Restaurant has the perfect winter menu and views to warm up any appetite. FINZ on the Beach is open 7 days a week from 3pm for afternoon drinks and an early bird menu. The new winter menu is available from 6pm, with our 2 course special for only $54 per person; you can choose from delicious dishes such as Szechuan Spiced Pork Belly or our popular main course, 'The King of Steaks', the perfect winter dish. You can now make your reservations online at www.breakfreeaanukabeachresort.com.au

REVIEWED BY

Guide

Don’t forget happy hour from 5pm – 6pm, 7 days a week. Head Chef Dan Williams.

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach t 6656 1888 w www.saltwateronthebeach.com open: From 8am. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wed to Sat. Breakfast and lunch Sun.

Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour t 6650 2400 w www.aanuka.com.au open: from 6pm, 7 days a week.

coffs coast focus

eat. Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar

Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill

It's that time of year again ...The Sawtell Chilli Festival has come again. It's one of the few times where we get bombarded with chilli fanatics from all over! So this year we place a challenge ... The Zulu's Chilli Challenge... For the month of July if you dine in ... Order the Chilli Challenge meal ... Consume it all while only consuming the one drink (milk excluded) ... We will give you the meal for free ... What's in the Chilli Challenge meal? ... Check out www.zuluscoffs.com to find out!

The menus are as fresh as the catch of the day at the NEWEST taste sensation on the Coffs Coast - Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill located at the Deep Sea Fishing Club. Head Chef Jason Watterston has a real passion for wholesome, locally sourced produce, with particular emphasis on fresh seafood and variety to tempt diners. Uninterrupted panoramic ocean views make us the perfect choice for a family dinner, catch up with friends, business luncheon or special occasion. For reservations or functions enquiries, please contact 6652 1534. Members receive 5% off on all food and beverage purchases.

Chef Joel McCulla.

27 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour (Pacific Highway) t 6652 1588 w www.zuluscoffs.com open: Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9am. Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 6pm – late.

Our delicious canapes.

Head Chef Jason Watterson.

1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour t 6652 1534 w www.deepseafishingclub.com.au open: 7 days. Lunch and dinner and for breakfast from 7.30am on Sunday and Wednesday.

Seaview Tavern The Seaview Tavern Family Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. In between we have a great little bar snacks menu – so you are always able to get a great feed. During the winter months you’ll be warmed by our open fires inside, or alfresco in our large beer garden, warmed by mushroom heaters. So, it’s a great place to dine all year round. Our $10 meal deals make us the popular choice from Monday through to Friday, plus we have daily blackboard specials sure to please even the fussiest of palates. We also do takeaway meals – please ring through your order on 6654 1206.

Plantation Hotel Carlton Mid 2013 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival Cocktail Party. This year the Plantation Hotel will be hosting a Cocktail Party to welcome the Carlton Mid 2013 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival. With Carlton Mid being the major sponsor of the Coffs Cup, we will be serving a wide variety of Carlton beers, fine wines and tantalising canapés throughout the evening. Our Head Chef, Blake Walton, has designed a uniquely artistic assortment of flavoursome bite size delights, just a sample of what’s on offer at the Plantation Hotel. For more information, call (02)6652 3855 or www.plantationhotel.com.au

88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour. t 6652 3855 w www.plantationhotel.com.au open Lunch: 12pm to 2.30. Dinner: 5.30 to 8.30, 7 days a week. Tapas menu Friday and Saturday night and all day Sunday.

26 coffs coast focus.

Chef Blake Walton.

Head Chef Paul Lynch.

51 River St, Woolgoolga t 6654 1206 w www.seaviewtavern.com.au fb fb.com/seaviewtavernwoolgoolga open: 7 days 12noon – 3pm and 5pm – 8.30pm (extended trading for daylight savings)

eat. Seared scallops, crispy pancetta, beetroot crisps, cabernet reduction and baby parsley.

The Pier Hotel Waves @ The Pier Hotel has recently launched an exciting new menu. We still have plenty of your old favourites like the Chicken Neptune and our mouth watering steaks, as well as some new hearty winter dishes such as the Lamb Shanks and Pork Steaks. We offer a variety of delicious weekly specials and don’t forget our great value lunch menu starting at $10 seven days per week. Our famous Mexican night runs on Thursdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Flooded Gums Restaurant The ‘1 Hat’ Flooded Gums Restaurant at Bonville Golf Resort Winner of 1 ‘Chef’s Hat’ in the 2013 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and 1 Glass in the 2011 and 2012 Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards, the Flooded Gums offers an unmatched combination of setting, atmosphere, food and wine. Our team of talented chefs have created Modern Australian menus for your enjoyment across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bonville Golf Resort is open 7 days a week and is located just 10 km south of Coffs Harbour. Head Chef Dave Newick.

Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour hotel 6652 2110 bistro 6651 8222

North Bonville Road, Bonville t 6653 4002 w www.bonvillegolf.com.au

Open: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner 5:30pm8:30pm 7 days a week

open: 7 days. Bookings essential for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Horizons Restaurant & Bar

Tangellos Juice • Wrap • Coffee Bar

Join us - for Lazy Saturday Afternoons in July. For tapas, wine and live music. 3pm – 6pm. Purchase our 'Wine & Tapas' of the day to go in the draw for a lucky door prize drawn at 5.30pm.

Come in and warm up with Tangellos' new winter menu!

Join us for lunch! THE OC LUNCH DEAL Enjoy a glass of house wine, domestic beer or soft drink, your meal and espresso or tea at Horizons Restaurant & Bar overlooking the pool and taking in the coastal views. Guests are able to dine alfresco on the terrace or in air conditioned comfort. All for $23.50pp. 11.30am - 2.30pm, 7 days. Bookings preferred. Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour t 6651 0510 open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner – 7 days a week. Bookings recommended.

For a breakfast treat, French toast with maple roasted bacon, caramelised banana and maple syrup or our fruit and nut version with warm mixed berries, maple syrup, Greek yogurt and toasted almonds. For lunch, warm Thai chicken salad or winter vegetable tagines join the list, or get your tastebuds popping with our market day tempura mushrooms. Our soups are speaking for themselves, with the spicy lentil and Thai green chicken curry quickly becoming the favourites to take the chill out of the day.

Come say hi to Kate & Sharma.

Kiosk A City Centre Mall, Coffs Harbour t 0431 455 249 open: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm. Sat 8am -2pm

coffs coast focus

focusinterview.

Coffs' best kept little secret

JASON Watterston

Showcasing Coffs Coast seafood is a pleasure for chef Jason at the new Fishos Seafood, Bar & Grill ...

here are you from? The friendly brother land - New Zealand. I grew up in Dunedin on the South Island.

What brought you to the Coffs Coast? After spending six years in Darwin, Northern Territory, I transferred down to Coffs Harbour through Accor Pacific Bay Resort and then went on to run the kitchen at the Federal Hotel in Bellingen before coming to the club in 2013. It’s a great place to live with a great variety of things to do and also some of the best produce I’ve seen. When and where did you begin your chef career? I began my career as a chef when I was 18, having always had a love for food and fishing. I left school just before I was 16 to work on the deep sea fishing vessel, Otago Buccaneer, where I remained for the next two years. Then at 18 I started a hospitality course through the Dunedin academy and then went onto TAFE for my commercial cookery trade certificate in Darwin. And your earlier career? I was a fisherman, and it’s this love for the ocean and the variety of seafood that comes from it that helped further spark my passion for food and to begin my career as a chef. Fishos Seafood, Bar & Grill is a new restaurant to the Coffs Coast. Tell us a little about how the concept came about? Well, the Deep Sea Fishing Club had recently taken over the catering operations and were looking to develop a new concept for the Coffs Coast that was based on serving fresh seafood and produce in an authentic and refreshing way, and so began Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill. I developed new menus based on this concept, 28 coffs coast focus.

and I am really happy that we're showcasing what the Coffs Coast and beyond has to offer. What are your favourite things on the menu? I love the fact that the menu is rustic and wholesome and uses locally sourced seafood and produce where possible. Some of my favourites are the smoked Salmon stack, signature fresh seafood platters and … well, there are just too many to name. What can diners expect to experience at the new restaurant? I think diners will be pleasantly surprised by Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill. It’s got a great new menu, is open for lunch and dinner daily and breakfast now on Wednesday and Sundays – it also won’t burn a hole in your wallet! It’s got a great service team, who share a passion for serving good quality food in a way that makes each diner feel special. And to top it off, the restaurant space will be transformed over the next few months to into a fresh, modern, rustic look and feel. So we’re excited to get the ball rolling and build the Fishos following! At home, what are you mostly likely to cook? I cook mostly Thai curries at home, as I just love the fragrance, aroma and taste that comes from making a fresh curry paste. I also love baked beans and beetroot on toast with chilli, which is a childhood favourite for me – but maybe not for most! What do you cook on special occasions? Depending on the occasion, anything from a classic roast to a Moroccan spiced chicken with cous cous or a salad with marinated jelly fish, jack fruit, chilled beef, cashews and a light citrus vinaigrette. A dish that tastes great and satisfies the person it is made for.

Coffs Harbour's new breakfast and

Molly&ME Café is all about a relaxed breakfast

lunchtime hub

or lunch with fresh, inspired food and a chilled

Molly&ME café patrons lap up Free Wi-Fi.

feel. The Vietnamese sandwich known as 'Banh

If you are a visitor to Coffs and need to stay in

Mi' which is now sweeping across Australia as

touch, or if you’re just like me and like to laze

the 'IT' lunch item is a must try.

about with a coffee in one hand and device in

For breakfast, we have all the usual suspects

the other, Molly&ME Café is now catering for

and a few surprises. Our muffins and banana

everyone; they have FREE Wi-Fi during opening

bread are baked daily too. I personally love

hours.

the Molly’s Big Breakfast. Yum. At lunch you

This corner café, tucked away next to Mother

can take your pick from something light to a

Nature’s Fruit Market on Orlando Street, is

hearty feast. Fancy a health conscious salad? Or

seriously appealing. Our location, combined

our quick and easy daily specials from curries to

with our renowned food and coffee, provides

a roast on Fridays.

a homely space for businesses, groups or just a

Our gluten free MACARONS are regularly voted

bunch of friends to meet up.

by our customers as the best this side of Paris!

Molly&ME Café has changed their breakfast

We also do private parties and catering.

and lunch menu for winter, making the most of

We endeavour to build a relationship with all

the winter season with winter warming menu

our customers, whether you come in every day

items.

or you are just passing by.

Amble Inn Hotel No trip would be complete without

A wander around the hotel will reveal many

taking a drive to Corindi Beach this

other local history pieces and local crafts

winter to visit the beautiful Amble Inn

such as the huge set of bellows mounted

The Rustic Table in Woolgoolga specialise

for dinner and last but not least, even our

Hotel.

over the open fire place, wagon wheels

in Modern Mediterranean style cuisine

coffee the Holy Goat.

With sweeping ocean views and timber

fitted to the ceiling and the impressive

using as much fresh local produce as

cathedral ceilings, The Amble Inn offers a

Joe’s Rustic kitchen team are now also catering

stained glass window.

possible.

To make your visit complete, The Rustic

With winter upon us, Joe has steered toward

influenced bistro cuisine and are happy to say

table offers Fresh Mediterranean style food

the Rustic Italian style on his new winter menu

using as much local produce as possible.

sourced locally to cater to all tastes and

with hearty slow cooked meats like his Dorrigo

warm and inviting place to dine over winter and enjoy the selection of fine wines by the large open fire place. The Amble Inn captures a unique ambience by incorporating local Australian Hardwoods

budgets.

The Rustic Table

goat shoulder lasagne to warm the soul and

at the Amble Inn in Corindi with Mediterranean

“It’s good pub food with that Rustic twist.”

for the not so adventurous, roast pumpkin and

Our trading hours in Woolgoolga are seven

ricotta cannelloni with fresh sage and pine

days from 7am 'til 3pm Monday and Tuesday, 7

nuts.

am 'til late Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday

throughout the massive 1100 square meters

What better way to beat the winter chill,

of building.

then to take a drive to The Amble Inn and

One of the main girders in the dining area is

discover what we have to offer. Set amongst

of particular interest as it was crafted using

landscaped gardens, the hotel has a large

Woolgoolga, you should know that we are

Private functions are also available, with buffet

the a traditional broad axe – which is a lost

beer garden, full TAB facilities and 11 beers

quite fond of our goat with goat sausages for

style menus to suit or more à la carte with a

art today.

on tap.

breaky, goat lasagne for lunch and goat ragout

Rustic twist.

If you haven’t been to the Rustic Table in

7am 'til 1pm. For bookings, call 6654 1645.

coffs coast focus 29

Sarah Blasko Sunday 28 July at 8pm.

Winter settles in Winter settles in and the Jetty Theatre has something for you; film, music, theatre and mime. Hurry Up and Wait brings fun and entertainment for kids and families over the holidays, with daytime shows and workshops on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 July. Loaded with exquisite physical comedy, this show tells the story of two clowns who discover that time flies when you are having fun! CHATS Productions Inc. presents its latest show, Mum’s the Word, from 10 - 21 July. A smash hit on five continents, Mum’s the Word explores the agonies and ecstasies of parenting. The 7th Short Sharp Film Festival 2013 is screening one night only on July 27 at 7pm. Original and fun films from our local area and around the world compete in this celebrated event, with more than $6,000 in cash and prizes. Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium & Arts NSW kick off their annual Sunday Soundscapes Concert Series on Sunday 28 July at 2pm with Feel the Manouche, featuring George Washingmachine. Enjoy the world music feel, strong melodic grooves and international flavours. Sarah Blasko returns to Australia in July after performing throughout Europe. Sarah and her long time band bring their beautiful contemporary musicianship to a lucky audience on the evening of Sunday 28 July. Whatever your preference, enjoy some varied entertainment this month; visit www.jettytheatre.com now for further details.

HURRY UP AND WAIT

Thursday 4th & Friday 5th July

The story of two clowns who discover that time flies when you are having fun! School holidays entertainment for families.

MUM’S THE WORD

Wednesday 10th July - Sunday 21st July A smash hit on five continents, Mum’s the Word explores the agonies and ecstasies of parenting.

JANISON SHORT SHARP FILM FESTIVAL Saturday 27th July 7pm

Films from our local area and around the world in this celebrated event with more than $6000 in cash and prizes.

FEEL THE MANOUCHE Sunday 28th July 2pm

Sunday Soundscapes #1 featuring George Washingmachine. Enjoy the world music feel, Was strong melodic grooves and global flavours. st

SARAH BLASKO Sunday 28th July 8pm

Sarah and her long time band bring their beautiful contemporary musicianship to a lucky audience at JMT. Box office hours Tuesday to Friday 12 noon - 4pm jettytheatre.com | 02 6652 8088 facebook.com/jettymemorialtheatre jetty.theatre@chcc.nsw.gov.au 337 Harbour Drive 30 coffs coast focus.

Proudly supported by

jetty memorial theatre

SEASON 2013

Pig in a Pickle Hi, my name is Ebony, and my husband and I run preserving workshops. We love food and we love showing people how to preserve food. It is such a rewarding hobby that can very quickly become an addiction! Preserving meat goes back centuries to when we did not have the convenience of fridges or freezers that we do today. So why preserve meats today? The answer is, the flavour and the price! You cannot beat the flavour when making it yourself, and the price is always better then shop bought. This is by no means fast food ... this is slow food made with love. We source all our pigs from certified free range farmers, Mayfield Farm Produce, outside of Dorrigo. Using free range and organic pigs for our classes is extremely important to us. Your small goods will only ever be as good as the condition of your pig. Not many people know that 65 to 70% of smallgoods in Australian are made from frozen imported pork. We openly support charities that are fighting to stop factory farming, while also fundraising and educating our own students. Once you have learnt a few techniques, you will in no time be whizzing up treats at your next dinner party. Our past students have gone on to produce wonderful smallgoods in their own homes and businesses; we are like proud parents when we receive photos.

Let’s Love Local Do you love where you live? What is it that creates that feeling? Our region’s character is the sum of us. The small decisions and choices we make every day. Our region is amazing, and it is up to us to keep it that way. Shopping locally is one of the best ways to nurture it. Small business is a big part of how our region gets its sense of self. Why shop local? • Local dollars and local jobs – small businesses are the largest employers by far. Not only that 70% of your money stays here, as opposed to only 40% spent in the big chains.

Love Local at Kombu

Bacio Café We may have changed the name from piña colada to Bacio (pronounced ba chi o) but we are pleased to be able to reintroduce all piña colada’s original juices and smoothies, with thanks to its original owner. We have also brought to Bacio delicious coffee and tea from Forsyth.

• Invest in community – small businesses are owned by people who live here, work here and are invested in the community with much more than just their dollars. They are selling to their friends and neighbours.

In addition to our delightful beverages, we have a great range of ready to go or made to order sandwiches, rolls, rice paper rolls, wraps and melts, including gluten free options. Our winter special is soup with gluten free/sourdough toast for $6.

• Embrace what makes us different – celebrate our individual vibe! Local businesses promote creativity and diversity. Products and services are chosen based on the needs of their community and you as a consumer can have a say!

We have a full sit down menu for breakfast or lunch and a lovely selection of tasty treats, so there is an option of something good for the body or the soul.

• Self supporting and Sustainable – local businesses tend to buy from local suppliers. That keeps our local economy strong, and of course green, with lower transport and storage. Local charities get 350% more support from small business. So let’s get real, people! Give positively to the community you live in, and let’s make some conscious decisions to nurture our community. Love your local, and it will love you back!

Our food is prepared fresh, and we are pleased to be able to support the local Salvation Army with donations of food items at the end of each day. We are new to town and are really enjoying meeting many lovely people and supporting the community, so come in and introduce yourself and like us on Facebook to view our specials and find out what’s happening in store. Hope to see you soon, Lara and Craig.

Thriving Bellingen based health food and organic living store Kombu Wholefoods has gone one innovative step further to support local producers by offering 10% off the price of all 300+ local and regional products in store. Store partners Kevin and Lowanna Doye have already been overwhelmed with the response to the Club, with hundreds of customers signing up to join. Membership is free and as well as offering ongoing discounts in store, it also offers members a regular newsletter, recipes, local food news and more. As Lowanna explained: “There is a real interest and support for local food now, particularly across our region. We wanted to both support local suppliers and our customers, so offering a competitive discount on all local and regional products seemed to be a logical and easy way to do this. It not only supports local food, but also supports customers who want to buy local.” The launch of the scheme comes on the back of their rapidly growing online store. With over 2,500 online products to choose from, the range can be a little daunting, but the competitive pricing and all new site appears to have been a winner across Australia, with the number of orders growing rapidly week on week. The great news is that Kombu has teamed with FOCUS to offer free local delivery for all orders of $100 or more until the end of August - simply add coupon word ‘Focus’ at checkout.

coffs coast focus 31

focusinterview.

Two Tails Winery, situated in Orara Vale Vineyard, is located approximately 25 km northwest of Coffs Harbour at Nana Glen. Jean and Jeff offer cellar door tastings, and the winery also has a bed and breakfast, perfect for a local weekend getaway!

here are you originally from, and when did you move to the Coffs Coast? How many children and grandchildren do you have and are they all living locally? We are originally from Sydney but lived in Brewarrina, Boorowa and Nundle, as Jeff was working with local government. We moved to Coffs Harbour in 1979, just after the birth of our third child, Evan. Our oldest son, Barton, and wife Katherine are living in Brisbane and have two lovely daughters, Zoe (11years) and Lily (six years) and are our partners in the winery. We have a daughter, Julia, who is currently on a grand tour of Europe with her husband, Andrew, with their daughter, Lauren. They will celebrate Lauren's 5th birthday in France and Julia's in Paris in September. Although they all attended Coffs High, they all went away to university and are living and working in the cities. What were your early careers, and what prompted you to buy the winery? I originally trained as a primary school teacher and taught casually at many Coffs schools. Jeff began his working life as a qualified carpenter, then as an assistant engineer with three local government Councils and obtained his building license when he moved to Coffs Harbour.

32 coffs coast focus.

By the time of the winery purchase, he had teacher! been specialising in staircase fabrication and How many harvests do you get a year? installation. However, by June 1998 we owned How much wine does a vine produce? our Jetty house, and the three children were Were is only one harvest each year so either married or at university, so we were free the climate is critical here and if it gets too to purchase the winery - which was only a wet and we lose a crop, that is it until next small hobby farm then. year. Generally a tonne of grapes makes What is the history behind approximately 800 bottles of wine, Two Tails Winery? and most years we crush 8 to Two Tails Wines began 10 tonne of grapes. Wine is in 2000 when we had cellared here at the winery, ur fo ly nt re planted Chambourcin and bottled stock is held ur C grape varieties grapes, chosen the as well. a name and opened What's to do at are grown at Nanore Glen, as many mies are the revamped Two Tails? Is there common variet use of salesroom with a accommodation? not viable beca mer small selection of Do you hold any the humid sum wines. As a hobby functions, weddings, conditions.” farm, John Rotar, the events etc? previous owner, had We have free wine planted a small non viable tastings every day in school vineyard and had built a cellar holidays and try to close on building, which we have greatly Mondays during school terms. We are extended. certainly happy to have group bookings, Currently four grape varieties are and we work through talking and tasting our grown at Nana Glen, as many more wines from the Villard Blanc, a light White to common varieties are not viable because of the Raspberry and Blueberry Fortifieds, our the humid summer conditions. Jeff makes the sweetest wines. Lizard's Blood, our vintage majority of our wines on site and have most Fortified and our blend of Villard Blanc and bottled at a larger winery near Wauchope. Chardonnay, called Charvill Blanc, are proving He has had on the job training, and we listen very popular. to what the customers are saying when we We are available for functions and have make a new wine. Day to day trading is a great a Bed and Breakfast facility in the main

“

residence. There are two cafés at Nana Glen, so meals in conjunction with a wine tasting are popular. Currently we are bottling our 2010 vintage of Chambourcin and preparing our next Rosé for bottling. This is the time for consolidation and bottling this year's wine, which has held up well considering the flood conditions we experienced both in January and February. Pruning is carried out in late July when the vines are dormant, and they begin to grow again in early September. Do you intend on keeping the vineyard in the family? What projects are you currently working on? We are continuing to work towards a graceful retirement, as our family with their own work and interests will not be taking over. As a boutique winery we have a lot of potential and are shielded from a lot of the problems that have beset the wider wine industry. With the Australian dollar losing value, the Australian wine industry will find their exports are more viable and demand should catch up with supply a lot more. Thanks Jean and Jeff. THE PLUG 11am and 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. 11.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday. During school holidays, open on Monday. 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen. www.twotailswines.com.au Ph 6654 3633.

focusinterview.

with Duncan Elliot from Café Treeo

Butchers Bullevard

THE BUTCHERS BULLEVARD IS MASTERING THE ART OF MEAT AND SHARING THEIR KNOWLEDGE.

hat is important to you as a butcher? Knowing where my meat comes from each and every day. We wanted products that were grass fed, free range and with no added hormones, just the way nature intended. Where does your meat come from? Bindaree Beef owns and operates its beef processing plant at Inverell in northern NSW. Bindaree Beef has a Natural Beef program in place, sourcing cattle that are totally free from Hormonal Growth Promotants (HGP), free of antibiotic residues, are not fed animal by-products or GMO feed.

been certified by Humane Choice for quality assurance. New England Lamb is prize winning lamb - it is hand selected free range lamb pasture fed, M SA graded HGP and antibiotic free.

Ingredients

Keep an eye out for? We are currently trying to source organic meat.

1¾ tsp dried yeast

You supply some of our local watering holes, is there anything you don’t do? We are able to supply both restaurants, pubs and even takeaway shops. el fe you to

I want u inspired when yo t ha w t ou ab are thinking er; we to cook for dinn e same th s ve el rs ask ou y. Let us da question every answer, e th help you with asting, from grilling, ro oling er ss ca or g stewin .” lp we're here to he

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Since 2005, Bindaree has been Organic accredited and is The Organic Meat Company's main organic beef processing plant in NSW. Mayfield Farm is situated on the edge of the Dorrigo Plateau, at an elevation of 1150 metres. Our livestock consists of free range pigs, our animals access pasture all day, every day, and roam freely within their paddock boundaries. Our animals are grown without the use of hormone growth supplements. We have

We take great pride in not only supplying quantity but quality, working with our fantastic chefs who turn our meat into a masterpiece. We can do almost anything: portion cuts, meat for spit roasts and even game meat.

Do you help with recipes? We love sharing cooking recipes with our customers, from Wagyu massaman and char sui pork. I want you to feel inspired when you are thinking about what to cook for dinner; we ask ourselves the same question every day. Let us help you with the answer, from grilling, roasting, stewing or casseroling we are here to help. For all our wonderful customers, mention this ad and we will sharpen your knives for free - valid for the month of July.

3 cups plain flour 350 ml milk, slightly warm

350 ml lukewarm water 1 tsp baking powder ¼ cup vegetable oil for brushing Method

1. Whisk flour, milk, yeast and 350 ml lukewarm water in a bowl to form a smooth batter. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place until bubbles form on surface (about 2-4 hours). 2. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Lightly grease 7 cm crumpet rings (see note) with oil. Whisk baking powder and a pinch of fine sea salt into batter. Place a ring in the frying pan and ladle batter into the ring to make a test crumpet (the batter shouldn’t leak out of the ring and bubbles should begin to appear within 2 minutes; if batter leaks out, whisk in a little more flour; if bubbles don’t appear, whisk in a little more water). 3. Once you’ve got the batter perfected, cook the crumpets in batches until bubbles form on the surface (this should take about 5 minutes), then push the crumpets out of their rings (use a knife if needed). If eating immediately, toast the tops under a hot grill until golden, then serve. If you're keeping them, cool on a wire rack, then toast on both sides to reheat. Note: If you don’t have crumpet rings don’t try to use egg rings, as they won’t be tall enough. Try an empty tin can (a stubby can e.g: pineapple rings works best); just take the top and bottom off with a can opener, and make sure it’s nice and clean! Serve with huge daubs of butter and fresh honey. Also try a scraping of Vegemite or generous amounts of homemade jam. coffs coast focus 33

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with Martin Wells Sawtell Chamber of Commerce

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W H O L L Y Cow As the iconic beachside village of Sawtell rapidly approaches its 15th anniversary of the Sawtell Chilli Festival it is timely to reflect on the achievements and growth of what has now undoubtedly become a showcase event on the Coffs Coast tourism calendar. Along with the Woolgoolga Curryfest, and TOAST Urunga, the Sawtell Chilli Festival has gone from strength to strength. On the back of valuable feedback from those who attended the Chilli Festival 2012, this year the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce has responded, developed, and will be implementing an extended festival precinct, now including a road closure up to Thai Tails Restaurant to reduce the 'crush' within the traditional First Avenue closure, and provide additional tables & seating to enjoy the culinary fare & entertainment on offer. This is truly a family festival celebrating, and showcasing all Sawtell businesses, and the beauty of our amazing coastal backyard. Year after year we receive plaudits from all sections of the wider community for the diligence & execution of hosting such an event, however it doesn't occur without the commitment and tireless efforts of a band of a regular few volunteers who have the promotion of Sawtell in its entirety in their hearts. A heart felt thanks, and congratulations to those involved. July also sees the prestigious Jack Newton Junior Golf 'Champion of Champions' competition to be held at the beautiful Sawtell Golf Course. The fact that such a high profile junior golfing event has chosen Sawtell year after year is a testament to the quality location and course on offer at Sawtell. Well done Sawtell Golf Club and all the best for another hugely successful tournament featuring NSW's best Under 18 female & male golfers. If you would like to see these superstars of the future come along to Sawtell Golf Course on Monday July 1st. Recently the Sawtell business community has welcomed the following businesses: • C'Kings Grab & Go • Le Dain Designs • Sawtell's Beach Shack I encourage you to come to Sawtell, check out these and all businesses, and continue to support local, buy local and hope to see everyone at the Sawtell Chilli Festival on Saturday July 6th from 10am for a fun filled family day of food, entertainment, competitions and community spirit. 34 coffs coast focus.

The Wholly Cow philosophy is to create a dining experience that is fresh, tasty and local. An exciting and fun dining option in the heart of First Avenue Sawtell. Wholly Cow is determined to bring back old-fashioned burgers that taste fresh and are even good for you! Everything on the menu is made in-house, everything from the meat patties to all of the specialty sauces, relishes and mayonnaise. They even use fresh pineapple and prepare their own beetroot. There is absolutely nothing served out of a can! Everything is made from scratch and guarantee that everything is fresh and healthy. Open daily from 7am the entire menu is available all day including breakfast! With the kitchen open to everyone until the doors are closed.

Sawtell Framing - Providing the Coffs Coast with a professional custom picture framing service designing and creating beautiful frames to suit everyone’s individual style! Yes, we can frame your: • Football shirts & sporting memorabilia • Artwork & items from your travels • Canvas prints • Wedding photos • University degrees & other certificates • War/Service medals • Needleworks • Baby photos & even their clothing All that and a whole lot more! Beachscapes Gallery - If your home or workplace walls are suffering from being boring, drab & uninspiring, then you had better pay a visit to the Beachscapes Gallery! Beautiful prints framed or on canvas from around the Coffs Coast that are sure to brighten up any wall space and make a beautiful gift. Call in to see our gallery or visit online. Special July discount: 15% off everything for July when you mention this advert!

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A T K I N S O N S Real Estate Since becoming the owner of Atkinsons Real Estate in 2011, I have seen it as my personal responsibility to ensure that we are about providing a service level and results to owners, tenants, buyers and sellers that is second to none.

How have you developed the business since you came on board? Several initiatives to improve service delivery to our clients, and to improve efficiency within the workplace for

D VISIT AN SA

Our team culture is a balanced combination of support, training, self-development, client focus, open doors, and enjoying our work, our team, our families, and our community.

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Sharon Geddes – Sales Support Megan Lee – Administrative Support

How many make up the Atkinsons team? Who are the people in your team, and what type of culture have you created for your staff and clients? With unprecedented growth recently, we have responded in order to maintain outstanding service delivery

Mark Pye – Licensed Real Estate Agent, Residential Sales Specialist

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Sales & Marketing – Residential, Prestige, Englobo, Commercial, plus extensive property audits, presentation advice, and market appraisals.

Barry France – Licensed Real Estate Agent & Auctioneer, Development, Prestige, Residential & Commercial Sales Specialist

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Commercial Management Services – Atkinsons is embarking on a determined push to provide the Coffs Coasts’ commercial and retail property owners with an alternative, highly service and results driven option.

Michelle Murphy – Holiday Services Consultant

Holiday Services – We are an integral part of the Coffs Coast tourism infrastructure, and we take great pride in welcoming on average 20 guests a day through our doors, often as their first point of contact (first impression) of the Coffs Coast.

and have employed new people into specialist positions. Martin Wells – Managing Director & Principal, Residential Sales, Commercial Management Julia Wills – Senior Property Manager (Residential & Commercial), Business Development Courtney Kibble – Residential Services Manager Cherie Jurkewicz – Tenant Services Consultant Lauren Drake – Holiday Services Consultant

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Residential Management Services – We are focused on ensuring a satisfying, stress-free and successful property management experience, whilst implementing ongoing strategies to maintain your property’s capital value.

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our staff. The less time that they are absorbed in routine administrative tasks, the more time that they can be focused on better serving our clients and customers. As of July 2013, our owners and tenants will be able to log on and view all relevant and up-to-date details regarding their property, their accounts, or their tenancy. All of our valued clients receive a monthly newsletter and are afforded VIP access to upcoming listings. As we steadily move toward an environmentally friendly 'paperless' office, our documents are stored electronically and preferably emailed. Property inspections are completed using iPad technology and reports (and photos) emailed directly to owners.

learn something new EVERY day, enjoy what you

What are the core values at Atkinsons? Our core values are my core values. Treat everyone with respect and integrity, deliver on promises, communicate clearly and follow-up, don’t overpromise. Work hard, pay attention to detail,

the ongoing implementation of industry-leading

do. It is also my priority to support our community via numerous sponsorships and support programs. What plans do you have for next twelve months? The next twelve months will bring about a consolidation of new initiatives, technology and personnel to ensure that growth doesn’t compromise service delivery. Growth is a strategic focus; however, I am mindful of achieving this using a measured, and sustainable implementation process. Our primary focus will always be customer service initiatives, and technology, training, and practices. If this results driven culture leads to an organic growth in our client base, then we will be well positioned to appropriately manage that.

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hat is your role at the racing club? I moved here from Victoria in 2006 to take up the role of the Club’s Chief Executive Officer. As we are a diverse business that employs around 300 staff across the year, I work closely with my Events Manager, Simon, and Racecourse Manager, Scott, in operating a facility that provides for both the racing and events/functions industries. Where did your interest in taking up this position arise? What was your early career ... or have you always had an affiliation with horse racing? On our first family holiday in eight years we came to Coffs Harbour and thought, "What a wonderful place". I thought if a position ever came up at the Racing Club here, I should have a serious look at it. My role in Victoria was Group Club Manager within Country Racing Victoria, where I had been running five regional Clubs: Seymour, Echuca, Tatura/Shepparton, Mansfield and Gunbower for the previous three years. Believe it or not, four months later the role came up, I applied, and here I am. I can honestly say I had no previous affiliation with horse racing. At my original interview with Racing Victoria, I was asked if I followed racing and had I been to a race track; my answer was, "No". But my experience in working with people, running major events and in general business management was what they were looking for. Of course, I have certainly learnt a lot about the industry over the past nine years. Previous to racing, I was involved in tourism, economic development and events with local government, I ran The Young Australian of the Year Awards in Victoria and have been heavily involved in the retail industry. What is the best thing about the Carlton Mid Coffs Harbour Gold Cup?

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Definitely the atmosphere and the fashion. It’s great to see people going to the effort of dressing up. It’s also a real buzz in seeing the result of four months of hard work come together.” When did the event begin and how has the event developed? Racing in Coffs Harbour has been on and off now for over 100 years, with the first Cup meeting being held in 1947, and the Cup became a regular feature with the community from 1971. Regional communities have always embraced their Cup meetings and the support has continued to grow over the years. One of the major changes we have seen is the

taxis available at the start of the day – while from 4.00pm there is a Taxi Rank on Howard Street and we also offer a large contingent of courtesy buses to get people to the CBD, Sawtell or around the Jetty precinct. What if the weather is inclement where should people park? Limited car parking will be available accessed from Hogbin Drive – however we also offer security parking at the southern end of BCU stadium with a free shuttle bus service right to the entrance of the course as a very convenient option. Any fashion tips on the day? Ladies – definitely wear your new shoes in before the day and remember it is a winter race day on grass lawns, not a night club. So Russ Atkinson and Simon Chladil, think thicker heels not stilettos and the track is CEO and Events Manager of Coffs never the place for tiny, mini skirts. Fashions on the field is a big part of the Harbour Racing Club … meet two day, what will this years judges be looking men who are part of the team that for? work hard in bringing the premier Hats think felt, wool or leather in darker hues. Cinched waist dresses, mid-calf pencil event Carlton Mid Coffs Harbour arbour skirts with fitted bodices and print shift Gold Cup to our great community munity dresses. Classic monochrome and bright bold each year. prints, beautiful jewel colours such as ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue. The Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field will be very hotly contested this year and with over $20,000 in prizes including some amazing imon: Tell us about the eight increase in prize money for the races and the jewellery from Kennedy Jewellers at the race card? Apart from getting growth in corporate hospitality within the Promenade it will be those entrants that have glamourous what facilities are local business community, who use the day the extra finishing touches that will prove to available? be the winners. Don’t forget gloves, matching as a wonderful networking opportunity. There will be a full variety of handbag, a cardigan or blazer or even a Renowned as Coffs Harbour's 'biggest facilities available for the public cashmere scarf. premier event', how many people do – from centrally located bars, food courts Beside horse races, what other events can you expect to attend, and what do we offering diverse styles of snacks, “Fashion people consider holding? have to look forward to on the day? refreshers” for the ladies to touch up makeup, This time of year everyone’s mind is on The past few years have seen crowds of hair etc, as well as the expected the Carlton MID Coffs Harbour around 8,500 attend the day, so we hope TAB’s, Bookies and toilet Gold Cup – however we are that trend continues. There will be some facilities. To cater for the More Than Racing. We great racing, lots of quality fashions and just large amount of people offer 4 different sized a great atmosphere as people socialise with Hats think we will also have a big venues catering for each other. felt , wool or screen on the Track, 20 guests to over With the recent downpour of rain, what leather in darker st another one in the 1,000 – be it for a ai track are we expecting? hues. Cinched w Carlton Beer Garden conference, trade f Mother Nature certainly likes to dictate dresses, mid-cal and large screen show, wedding, or h things, doesn’t she? Hopefully we will get a pencil skirts wit TV’s throughout the dinner party – we d fitted bodices an ” dry run into the Carnival, and a dead track building can do anything s. print shift dresse would be nice. What packages people need with What is the horse selection process? are available for loads of off street Trainers work on a plan of setting horses individuals, small parking and our only for particular races months in advance, groups and business limitation is your imagination and then work through a fitness process owners/corporate packages? and budget. 2013 will see a whole new Bigger including lead up races etc. to get to that Where can we buy tickets? Corporate Marquee area for the larger day. If the distances and class of race are People can easily buy tickets online via our companies, as well as smaller marquee right and the horses are fit, then Trainers will website for general admission or any of the packages in the Carlton Beer Garden or the allpackages – or alternatively they can come nominate for our meeting. inclusive premium Gold Cup Lunch Marquee & down here at the racing club during business Who will you be backing, Russ? the VIP Lounge all available to buy online. hours any Monday to Friday. Our premium A bit early to tell, but if last year’s winner Drinking responsibly is a big factor on the packages sell out quickly so my advice is book returns, I might have a dollar or two on day, do you offer transportation? early and don’t wait until the last minute. Pepperwood. There will be all the standard bus routes and Thanks Simon Thanks Russ.

Simon CHLADIL + Russ Atkinson

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Seeing this edition features our special Race Day Section, it seemed fitting to interview Cathryn Meredith. She is certainly right in the thick of the horse racing industry and has many years’ experience in the racing world. She is the Managing Editor of the fabulous publication, Ladies in Racing.

ow long has your magazine, Ladies in Racing, been established. Please tell us a bit about your amazing publication. We launched Ladies in Racing in 2008. It was created to be a sister publication to our Ladies in Golf magazine. I love the horse racing industry and recognised the need for somewhere ladies could read about other women involved in the racing world. Amazing stories were out there and not getting told. So, we put our heads together and Ladies in Racing was established. There are so many stories and interviews in your magazines. Who are some of your favourites? My favourites would be Gai Waterhouse, who is our very own monarch of Australia’s Racing Royalty. She is an amazing lady trainer and works so hard and with so much enthusiasm for the industry. There are so many, I can hardly pick the favourites, but here are a few of the women featured in the interesting stories we have provided for our readers. Fabulous ladies such as Jo McKinnon, Carolyn Searcy, Michelle Payne and lady jockey Talia Rodder. Do you ever tire of dressing for the races? Absolutely never! I thrive on it. It is one of the few occasions you can dress up to the nines and wear amazing millinery. I’m sure you have many splendid hats and fascinators; do you have a favourite milliner? I do own a fair amount of millinery ... I love all the milliners. They all have incredible talent. Each piece is a work of love and their unique creativity.

I know Ladies in Racing fully supports our local Coffs Harbour Racing Club; will you be attending this year? Yes, we always support the Coffs Harbour Racing club and I am planning to attend this year. I have an outfit in mind already. I have made a date to try to attend with Carole Beros. The only problem is though, it is always hard to plan ahead when you are involved with running publications. When you visit the Coffs Coast, where are your favourite places to visit? I have visited the Coffs Coast many times. I adore the area and have spent lots of time diving around The Solitary Islands. I can’t wait for my next trip. I actually saw the biggest Wobbegong while diving there on one visit. It was absolutely amazing. Also, I totally enjoy the whale watching ... such a splendid site. I have a vivid memory of listening to those magnificent whales. You stage racing events and cover stories throughout the year. Are they only in the major cities, or do you cover country towns? We cover race days all over. I love the country racing scene. It has an atmosphere completely different to city racing. We welcome submissions from any writer who wishes to submit a story from any area that promotes ladies involved in the racing industry. Where can we purchase your magazine? Is it available locally? You can contact us on 1300 783 112 to purchase or subscribe. It is also available in selected newsagencies. Locally you will be able to obtain it from Carole Beros’s New Flagship store ‘House of Le Dãin’ Designs on First Avenue in Sawtell. She is a writer for this magazine, so it seemed appropriate. View at www.

Cathryn Meredith

ladiesinsportpublications.com.au Do you think that racing is still a male dominated sport? I do think that the racing world is still male dominated, but obviously not as much as before. When you look at powerful women like Dale Kelly, who is e I have visited th the CEO of Westpac, y an Coffs Coast m you realise times ea e ar and times. I adore th time have definitely of have spent lots changed. he Solitary T Millions, The Auckland nd ou diving ar Who do you r my fo t ai w and Wellington Cup ... t n’ ca I Islands. admire most in the w sa ly al the list is endless! tu ac I . next trip the industry? hile w ng go In Australia I was be ob W biggest That is a hard visit.” e on proud to be involved on e er th diving question to answer! with the Official Race I admire all who programme for The Perth are involved, from the Cup, The Golden Slipper, AJC strappers to the jockeys Derby, The Darwin Cup and of and the trainers. They all work course, The Melbourne Cup. extremely hard and for ridiculously long hours Have you ever or do you currently own a to achieve their goals. racehorse? For instance, I think the jockeys have I have owned five racehorses in the past and immense guts and courage. They sacrifice so one of them got a second place at Ipswich. It much to stay at weight to ride those horses. was so exciting! My father has had many and These are things that people wouldn’t even a couple are at present being trained by Tony think about. Like any sport it takes commitment Gollan and Mark Kavanagh. and the love of the sport to make it all work at To sum it all up, what do you love most that high level. about the racing world? Did the industry take you overseas? I totally enjoy the industry; it is always I worked overseas from 1997 – 2000. exciting at the track. The racing scene is forever That time was spent in the United States, evolving. There is such a buzz when you set New Zealand, Singapore and Europe. I was foot on the race course; it is second to none! involved with the Official Race programme for It’s a place where people from all walks of life the Kentucky Derby, The Arlington Millions, are all united for the excitement and the love of Preakness which is an American Thoroughbred racing. horse race held in Baltimore. Belmont which Thanks Cathryn, we would like to wish you is held in New York, Breeder Crown, The all the best. Malaysian Cup, The Japan Cup, The Cartier Happy racing!

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S h e e r a n

Tim Sheeran is one of those people who have retired ... but by looking at the sparkle in their eye, you can just tell that maybe they are not quite done yet.

im is certain that he has stepped away from the racing industry, but then says with a grin, “Not so long ago I was approached by some owners and asked to assist in the training of their horses”. But these days Tim enjoys the simple things in life, like walking instead of catching the bus, “It reminds me of walking the horses”. Tim Sheeran is full of the joie de vivre and apart from having a great story to tell, he is still very much in contact with the horseracing industry and the marvellous friends he made along the way, including the sensational Bart Cummings. When and how were you first introduced to the industry? I had just turned 13, and my parents wanted me to attend boarding school in Campbelltown. I was totally against the idea and to be honest, my parents couldn’t really afford it. I managed to stick it out for about twelve months, but then finally went to my father and told him about my dreams of becoming a jockey. I was about 14 when I started ... Did your family have connections in the industry? Yes, my father grew up with the amazing Tommy J. Smith, who was of course, the father of lady trainer Gai Waterhouse. They met in Wagga; my dad was a boundary rider and used to break horses in. The two were as thick as thieves and had remained friends. I knew it would be easy to go and work with Mr Smith; they had already invited me to join them. However, my father said that wasn’t an option and I had to learn the hard way! We definitely wouldn’t ever ask favours

from friends. Who did you end up starting with? I got accepted as a first year apprentice in Hendra in Queensland. I worked for a trainer by the name of Jim Leighton, and got my licence by the time I was about 15 years old. Tragically, the man got killed. The poor man was actually riding my push bike at the time. I’ll never forget it! There was this gentleman called Russell Maddock, who was one of the number one riders at that time. He requested an apprenticeship with a Mr Morris McCartin down at Randwick in Sydney. Luckily, I got accepted and went down and worked for them. This was much closer to home. Our family was very close knit, and I’m sure my parents were happier with that. I worked with them for quite a few years before Morris decided to slow down a bit. He was getting on in years, and I felt it was the time to move on. Where did you go from there? I went onto Melbourne and did a few years with Jack Godby at Caulfield as a jockey. I loved it immensely. I have many great memories of Melbourne. Did you ever marry and settle down? Yes, I married my school sweetheart and we had one child. I got offered a well paid position at the Carlton United Brewery. I had a family to support and this was a steadier job. Unfortunately, this story had a very sad ending; my lovely wife passed away when she was only 30 and I lost my dear son at just 20 years old. I was over the Brewery and I needed to return to the racing industry. I approached Tony Vasil and past jockey turned trainer, Robert Smerdan. Fortunately, I got a job straight away. So there I was working at the Aqua-Nita Stables back in Caulfield, back in the

Of course there were the greats like Tommy industry I loved. J. Smith and Colin Hayes, but personally for Have you any humorous stories to share me it is Bart Cummings, without a doubt. He with us? is the most prolific trainer of all time! Just like Well actually, one was when I first met Frank Don Bradman. There was never anyone like it, Packer. He had the reputation of a man not to and there never will be. He’s 85 and still going be messed with! I had bit of friendship going strong. The man always stops to talk to me and with his two sons, Kerry and Clyde. I had actually has never changed. He always said been at a Yearling Sales day which I atway back then, “When you walk tended with my boss, Morris. They out onto the turf ... we are all had recognised me and knew equal here ... including the I was an apprentice jockey. t m ea I always dr e ones under it”! rs They had commented that ho a ng of owni gs. in m What is one of the m their father, Frank Packer, Cu rt Ba trained by with g highlights in your on owned some of the horses al I, y, gl in Amaz aged to an life? m that were trained by , rs he ot e thre horse’s I always dreamt of us. We were all the same do just that . The ial’ D en owning a horse trained age, just 17! Tim stops name was ‘Self race at by Bart Cummings. in his tracks for a minute and got to win a .” ng lo Amazingly, I, along with and says quietly, “We were G ee three others, managed to all the same ... except Kerry do just that. The horse’s name went on to being a Billionaire, was ‘Self Denial’ and got to win and I went onto being a Battler! ... a race at Geelong. That was way back I have no regrets!” Anyway, Frank could on 16 July 1992. I shall never forget it, and the be rather harsh and mostly got his own way. But plaque still hangs on my wall at home! one day I got the better of him. I was running When did you retire, and what were your an errand to pick up some newspapers, I was at reasons? the paper stand, when a big black Buick pulled I retired at the age of 70. I suddenly got over up and the windows slide down. Frank yells at the really early mornings in the freezing cold me, thinking I was a paperboy. “Get me some and the long hours. I wasn’t tired of the job; papers, lad”. Well, I panicked and seeing Kerry I just knew that it was time to stop. I rememand Clyde laughing their heads off, hurriedly bered that my dear mother had always stated gave him mine. He threw a pound note at me that the most favourite place that she would and yelled out for the change. I muffled I didn’t love to retire would be the Coffs Coast. So here have any, and he grunted. ”Make sure you’re I am, enjoying the lifestyle and loving every here tomorrow, and I’ll get it then”! That was minute of it! the fastest nine shillings I ever made! Thanks Tim. Who do you most admire in the industry?

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carolE beros

Carole Beros is the Owner and Designer of Le Dãin Designs Jewells and is just about to launch her brand new flagship store, ‘House of Le Dãin’. The store is situated on First Ave under the fig trees in picturesque Sawtell. She is the Social Pages Columnist and an interviewer for FOCUS, as well as a writer for national publication ‘Ladies in Racing’.

arole is also involved with major charity events, along with racing sponsorships and sits on judging panels for Fashions on the Field at a number of racing clubs. Carole’s passion for the racing scene goes hand in hand with both of her roles as a writer and running her design business. Where did the business name originate? The Name Le Dãin (pronounced le da) is my grandfather’s surname. The name originates from Jersey in the Channel Islands, which are situated off the coast of France. What do you love about living in Australia? While I am still very much in touch with my heritage, I have spent over half my life in Australia and adore the lifestyle and the climate. My husband and I moved up from the Northern Beaches in Sydney nearly 20 years ago. We bought a house in Sawtell, started my husband’s business, had our gorgeous son, Christopher, and have never looked back. What do your collections consist of? Collections consist of freshwater pearls, Austrian crystal, semi precious stones and vintage treasures. 90% of our pieces are originals. Our jewellery will complement casual, business or evening wear. We pride ourselves on dressing women of all ages and suiting every budget. You can choose from one of our Collections or have jewells designed and made up to suit. What can we look forward to seeing in your new store? There will be Designer Jewells from Le Dãin, but there will also be a large collection of costume jewellery to select from. Just in time for the races, we have an amazing selection of millinery available. Prices range from the affordable to extravagant designer headpieces. Milliners such as Neil Grigg will be showcasing some of their headpieces. There will be a Fashion Designer in store and beautiful clothes 46 coffs coast focus.

available with, shall I say, ‘‘Pa Pari risiian SSt tyle tyl ty le’. TThe le’ here he re ‘Parisian Style’. There will be many surprises in store w when we open our doors on Sunday 30 June 2013. 2 Have you always yearned to o be in design? I was always sketching designs, and my dream was always to become a fashion designer. I had an offer to go to design school over in London with my cousin, but chose to stay at home with my family in Jersey. I completed various courses and studied fashion through the ages, but reality kicked in and I started in what I was informed was a proper career! I worked for a finance company and eventually got into the catering and hospitality business. About five years ago, I got lured back into design, only this time it was in jewellery. For the past five years we have stocked boutiques and resorts both locally and in Sydney. I still love to sketch fashion and am drawn towards fashion designers like a magnet! Where did the love of writing come from? I got the love of writing from my mother; she was a single parent and worked extremely hard. She had the passion for writing but unfortunately never got the chance to publish a series of children’s books which had been on her wish list for years. I love to interview people and have been told that I have a humorous twist to my writing style. I definitely got that from my mother’s side of the family. Have there been any favourite people you’ve designed jewells for? I enjoy the racing scene so it was a delight to design jewells for the Waterhouse ladies. Kate’s grandmother, Suzie, wears Le Dãin and has a collection that she wore when she used to host events for Gai in the Champagne Bar. We were thrilled to also have designed jewellery for both Gai and Kate. In what other directions does your business take you? I love the involvement with the magazines and the jewellery business; I get the opportunity to promote a charity event and then spon-

sorr it tto so o ra rais isee fu is ffunds und nds ds fo for va for riou ri ious causes. With We are in nvolved with many local annual raise various involved FOCUS I am also the Social Pages columnist, events, suc h as Kirsten Howton’s ‘Biggest such and I can then cover the event itself. This gives Morning Te ea Fashion Parade’and ‘La Bal Tea us the chance to support many charities Masque de Francaise’ at Opal Cove Resort charities, both here in Australia and overseas. with Event Coordinator Tegan Ewart from Have you any favourite interviews? 400 Management. She also stages the Coffs I interviewed Gai Waterhouse, which was Coast Mercedes Benz Fashion Gala. Le Dãin an honour as she is classed as was involved last year and had great pride in the monarch of Racing strutting down that runway as a deRoyalty. I also had signer with two models adorned in the pleasure of my creations. I also opened and interviewing her closed the show with some w ie rv te in to daughter, Kate. spectacular jewells. I love ve ha d an le That was a Who inspires you? peop a ve ha I at joy; she is so I admire anyone who th been told y m to t is tw busy like her has the optimism and humorous ly te ni fi de I e. mother, and enthusiasm to give it their writing styl r’s he ot m y m I had a list all and try their best. On om got that fr .” ily m fa of questions a personal level, my good side of the for her and she friend and multi skilled Intemade time to rior Decorator/Fashion Stylist answer them all. The Kay Ryan, has never ceased to whole racing world, amaze me. Le Dãin Designs is fortuwriting and mix it with fashnate to have Kay join us as our Store ion is what I thrive on! Manageress. Jack Thompson was fun to interview; he What business plans do you have in the has such a story to tell and has had a colourfuture? ful life. His wicked sense of humour made the Of course we are excited about opening our interview so enjoyable. Everyone has a story; brand new store in Sawtell; we will definitely you just have to take the time to listen. be focusing on that. We have plans of setWhich racing clubs are you involved with? ting up stockists in The Channel Islands and We love to promote our local Coffs Harbour Markaska on the Dalmatian Coast, where my Racing Club. Le Dãin Designs was a Major husband’s family are from. I would definitely Sponsor for their Fashions on the Field for love to keep writing for both FOCUS and two years and we have regular tables at all Ladies in Racing. their major race days and charity events. I also I believe that one should socialise and work love to support Port Macquarie Racing Club. with different age groups from all walks of life. FOCUS is a Major Sponsor for their Fashions My business allows me to do just that. I adore on the Field, and I am on the judging panel. designing, immensely enjoy writing, I am pasOur product has been involved with the launch sionate about the racing scene and have jobs of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival and has which enable me to spend lots of time with provided jewells for race day events at Royal my family, which ultimately comes first. I’m a Randwick. lucky lady! What other events are you involved with? Thanks Carole.

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c a r n i v a l

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Codie M c P h e r s o n We all know that female jockeys are few and far between in the horse racing world. Being a female jockey in a male-dominated sport can be tough, but Codie McPherson has proved us wrong. At the young age of only 21, she has completed her apprenticeship and has already achieved 60 wins!

ow old are you, where are you from, and what brought you to Coffs Harbour? I am 21 and grew up on a property at Quorrobolong, near Cessnock. I moved to Coffs Harbour in 2011 to finish my apprenticeship with local trainer Jim Jarvis. What made you want to become a jockey? Does your passion for horse riding come from your family and/or childhood? Yes, my pop was a horse breaker, and Mum grew up working with horses. I lived and breathed horses from a very early age, with success in equestrian. I'm quite short, under 5ft, so a career in horse racing was an obvious choice for me. Lucky, because I always wanted a career with horses. How does one become a jockey? Where did you do your apprenticeship, and who was your Master? To become a jockey, you need to start a traineeship with a licensed trainer. You start off as a Stable Hand/Track Work Rider. When your trainer thinks you are competent to ride in barrier trials, you are assessed by local Stewards, over 20 trials. When the Stewards deem you fit to race, you are given an apprentice racing license. You are indentured to your Master (trainer) for four years as an apprentice jockey. I started my apprenticeship with Kevin Moses at Randwick and completed my time with Jim Jarvis in Coffs Harbour. To be a professional jockey takes dedication, beginning with 3am starts. What does a day in the office look like for you? It is physically demanding. I start riding track work at 3.30am; I could ride up to 15 horses a morning, for 2 km each. All the horses have their own personalities and moods, and it’s not

always smooth sailing. When you’re 47 kg controlling 500 kg of powerful horse, clearly it’s not going to be a battle of strength; you have to be in the right head space and stay focused. I have breakfast around 9am and then prepare to drive to wherever I am racing that day. Depending on the number of rides I have, I may not get home until its dark again. My race gear then needs to be washed and then off to bed for It is physically a 3am wake up. art demanding . I st am, How do you 30 3. at k or w k riding trac continue to be rses ho 15 to up de ri I could . All ch ea motivated? m a morning , for 2k eir own th I think the thrill ve the horses ha d moods of winning keeps personalities an sooth s most jockeys motiand it’s not alway .” when female jockeys ng vated. When you go saili are gaining far more a couple of months equality thanks to jockeys without a win, it gets like Kathy OHara, Michelle hard, and that’s when you Payne and those who went before need the support of your family them. These days, the industry treats us as and friends. I am lucky that my boyfriend, equals, with the same working conditions and Nick, is also a jockey, which makes life a bit earnings for males and females. Opportunieasier. ties and public opinion still have a way to go, Considering your age, you’ve had a lot but with the fast growing numbers of female of great wins. Approximately how many wins have you had? What is the best thing apprentices and their undeniable success, I'm excited that this is changing for the best! about winning? Where do you see your career in three, In total, I have ridden 60 winners, and I five and ten years? still remember every one of them. It’s a huge I would like to concentrate on my career for adrenalin rush to manoeuvre through a herd the next five years and hopefully enjoy success. of horses at high speed and cross the line first! Injury can end your career at any time, so you It makes all the hard work worth it, and the need to get on with the job while you’re young financial rewards are good. When you win, and fit. I see myself having children later in life everybody is happy ... the owners, the trainer and hopefully being in a good financial posiand me. tion to do so. What is the racing culture like for female What jockey inspires you? jockeys; has this changed for the better? I would have to say Kevin Moses; he rode I have been lucky to start my career at a time

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successfully all over the world. My Master really led me by example. When I started my apprenticeship, he rode track work with me every day and taught me many valuable lessons. His passion for horses inspired me and the work ethic I have today; I owe my career to Kevin and his wife, Jenny. Will you be racing in the Coffs Cup, and what is the selection process for owners/ trainers in selecting jockeys? I really hope I get a ride in the Cup. I rode in it two years ago for my Master, Jim Jarvis. It was a great couple of days, as I rode a double on the first day. It will be harder for me to get a ride this year, now that I don't have a claim, but I will be trying. Jockeys are selected based on their form, suitability for the horse and weight a horse is given for the race. Owners also have their preferences, so a lot of factors come into play. Fingers crossed! Thanks Codie.

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Clockwise from left: Jay Suree, Mark O'Connell, Nathen Gosling, Paul Mai, Bronte Greenaway, Pauline Marrapodi, Quyen Nguyen and Lisa Ford

focusinterview.

HAIRSTUDIO

AND CAFé

High end styling and makeup has arrived in Coffs Harbour with Redz Hairstudio & Café ... Melbournians Paul and Quyen have brought big city styling, fashion and appreciation of great coffee to Coffs Coast residents and beyond, with extremely qualified staff to make your visit a real delight! here are you both from, what brought you to theCoffs Coast ... and tell us about your early career? We're Melbournians through and through, so we bring with us a touch of everything Melbou Melbourne. Melbourne styling, fashion, and appreciation grea coffee. And, of course, enjoyment of alfresco of great dining. h How have you both collaborated with your careers brin us REDZ Hairstudio & Café? to bring Quyen has been a qualified beauty therapist and makeup fo well over a decade. I'm from an accounting and artist for back IT background, and we both love a good cup of Joh. So H Redz Hairstudio & Café seemed like the perfect fit for us. Or we for it. What makes your business unique? We're strong advoca advocates of ongoing personal development of all our a have frequent training sessions with the Wella staff, and Profess Professionals trainers. Our emphasis on each individuals' an education means that we have very experienced skills and kn and knowledgeable staff, from the seniors through to our s junior staff. This allows us to help customers make the de right decisions for their hair - because everybody is differ-

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ent. Also, we use premium products - Wella Professional, System Professional (aka SP) and Sebastian to ensure that customers get better results, for longer. What services do you offer at Redz hair studio for brides and race punters? We believe that there is a gap in Coffs Harbour's high-end styling and make-up areas, and that is what we have available to our clients. We have access to a dizzying selection of hair extensions and additions, and have a number of extremely qualified staff to consult clients to help them get the result they're looking for. There are also hair and make-up packages available for race goers, brides and formal attendees alike. Besides all your clients getting a complimentary coffee, tell us what is so special about your coffee? The coffee we serve, 'Eleganza Vietato', is a smooth, aromatic coffee without the bitterness and sour aftertaste of ... other coffees. Supplied from a local roaster, we guarantee freshness from every cup. On top of that, it's served to you by a barista with over 20 years' experience. Can anyone come and enjoy the café and sit outdoors? Redz Café is located on the outside, at the Big W entrance of Park Beach Plaza – so you can enjoy great coffee at any time, not just when you get a hair service.

Cruise in Style Limousines Limousines • Sedans • Buses • SUVs Cruise in Style operates the shuttle bus service In Coffs Harbour we transport people to airports, train station, coach terminal and all general transport to any destinations. We operate 15 vehicles from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. Limousines, weddings, formals, day tours, special occasions, general hire, red carpet service & complimentary drinks. 9 to 12 seater Super Stretch Limousines. Shuttle Bus Service to the Coffs Cup, please book early. Bookings 24/7. Contact Craig 0423 117 231 www.limostyle.com.au

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St Augustine’s Primary School Race Day St Augustine’s Primary School is celebrating its 100th year of Catholic education in Coffs Harbour, and in 2013 we welcome the local community to join us in our celebrations. Past and present staff, students and their families have contributed in many ways to the school since 1913, and we would like to take the opportunity in our 100th year to say thank you. As this is such a milestone, the school is determined to ensure that their rich, 100 year history is celebrated in style and that events can be enjoyed by the whole community. How do you celebrate 100 years of education and invite the entire Coffs Coast community? You hold a family picnic Race Day, where all ages can join in the fun and celebrations. The next special event to add to your calendar is on Sunday, July 21 at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club. The St Augustine’s P&F Centenary Family Fun Race Day will be held in conjunction with NBN Television and will appeal to all ages. Bring your picnic blanket or grab a sausage from the

school P&F BBQ. The kids will be kept busy with free entertainment, including face painting and old time activities, while the adults can sit back and enjoy the races while connecting with past and present members of the St Augustine’s School Community. Children are invited to enter the Park Beach Plaza Kid’s ‘TURN OF THE CENTURY’ Fashions on the Field. To enter, children should be dressed in costumes from the 1900s and will be judged by NBN’s Big Dog. The event is a 7 race TAB program, with the feature race of the day being ‘The Back to C.ex Coffs’ ~ Sawtell Cup. Gates open at 11.30am, and tickets are priced at $10 per adult. Children under 16 years are free of charge. For more information about St Augustine’s Centenary celebrations, please contact the school office on 6652 1204 or visit the website www.cofhplism.catholic.edu.au and click on the centenary button. Events are updated regularly.

St Augustine’s parents & friends association presents

CENTENARY 1913 - 2013

ST AUGUSTINE’S SCHOOL CENTENARY

RACE DAY In conjunction with NBN Television

ENTRY

SUNDAY

$10P

21 July - 2O13 -

- 7 Race TAB program featuring The ‘Back to C.ex Coffs’ Sawtell Cup

KIDS U N 16 FREDER E

- Family fun day with NBN’s Big Dog

7 RACE CARD

--Park Beach PLAZA PRESENTS

KID’S ‘TURN OF THE CENTURY’ fashions on the ﬁeld

--FAMILY PICNIC EVENT

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- Kid’s entertainment including face painting & rides - Park Beach Plaza’s KID’S ‘TURN OF THE CENTURY’ Fashions on the Field DRESS IN YOUR BEST 1900’S COSTUME! - St Augustine’s Primary School P&F Association Sausage Sizzle

GATES OPEN 11.30AM

$10 PER ADULT KIDS UNDER 16 YEARS FREE!

For more information go to www.coffsracingclub.com.au or call (02) 6652 1488

tHAnks go to our Centenary Race Sponsors:

HAVE YOUR FACE GLOWING FOR RACE SEASON Welcome to the exotic world of La Fleur D’Alyse Coffs Coasts premier MediSpa. Let our certified and professional staff invigorate your mind, body and soul with one of our spa packages catering for individuals, couples, and groups of up to 8 people. Using pure essential oils, chocolate, cocoa beans and 24 kt gold, we will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed from head to toe. All our deluxe spa treatments begin with a champagne foot bath, include either a relaxing spa or sauna and conclude with a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolates. All treatment packages over $200 also get complimentary morning or afternoon tea. Our treatments and products cater to both men and women, making a La Fleur D’Alyse experience the perfect addition to any romantic getaway. Our range of indulgent facials utilise the latest in anti-aging ingredients and techniques, including micro-dermabrasion, and the world's leading ZHAV dynamic lift, a non surgical facelift or the Intraceuticals hyperbaric oxygen infusion, to ensure your skin is left feeling firm, plumped and hydrated. Our professional staff will tailor a treatment to suit your specific skin type, to fight the ravages of age. And we can also advise on the best home care products for your skin type from our recommended range of cosmaceuticals. We have a full range of packages for the bride to be, to have you and your wedding party looking stunning on your special day. We also offer a full range of beauty treatments, including waxing, facial treatments, special occasion make up, hand and foot treatments, and body treatments. La Fleur D’Alyse

medispa has individual dedicated treatment rooms for each procedure offered. The beauty therapy and spa treatments are provided in a separate area to the cosmetic and laser treatments, which in turn have their own private rooms with a high standard of cleanliness. From July, an angelic Reiki clinic will be available on Tuesday afternoons from midday until 5pm. The basis and the means of transmission of Angelic Reiki are through the traditional symbols of Reiki. At La Fleur D’Alyse, we offer more than just massage therapy and facials. Our cosmetic centre has been in practice for over 20 years, with the result that Dr John Wenman and cosmetic nurse Barbara Wenman are very experienced in cosmetic medicine and understand the need for individual assessment and treatment. Dr. John Wenman is a member of the Australasian society of cosmetic medicine and has been a Fellow of the Royal Australian college of physicians for over 40 years. Dr John Wenman has just been awarded life membership to the Royal Australian College of Physicians for services to medicine. Cosmetic nurse Barbara Wenman is a registered nurse and an associate member of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic medicine. Like all members, they maintain a commitment to high standards of treatment, patient safety and ongoing staff training. Dr John Wenman specialises in the non surgical promoitalia thread face and neck lift. He has just undergone further training in THE PROMOITALIA REVITALIZING ABSORBABLE THREAD FACE, NECK AND BODY LIFT with DR CIRO ACCARDO, the leading world expert and developer of promoitalia

threads FROM ITALY. The Th cosmetic ti clinic li i now offers ff a more extensive and affordable range of thread lifts for the face, neck, hands, tops of legs and arms. With the introduction of meso cogs threads and the new ineedle and BOCA which is Italian for lips. So yes, in suitable candidates your lips can now be enhanced with absorbable revitalizing threads. This enhancement will not be suitable for some people. Dr Wenman is one of the most experienced practitioners in Australia in thread lifts, with over 10 years' experience, he has been performing this treatment since it was introduced into Australia over 10 years ago and first trained under the guidance of Dr GUSTAVO LEIBERSKOFF from Argentina who is another leading world expert. The clinic also offers a full range of cosmetic medical procedures including Botox, Restylane, sculpture and Radiesse for a dual lifting effect. Radiesse not only corrects the loss of volume and fills wrinkles it also stimulates your own production of collagen and continues to fill and plump the tissue for many months after it is injected, with longer lasting volume replacement ... when combined with P.R.P. platelet rich plasma, which uses the rich plasma from your own red blood cells to rejuvenate the tissue the effect is long term and stunning. Both treatments can be used on the face and are an excellent rejuvenating treatment for the hands. The result is immediate and long lasting. These treatments are approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association, to be administered by a registered nurse who is trained in cosmetics under the supervision of a doctor who is also trained in cosmetics and works in

the same clinic. We offer IPL Laser Treatments for hair removal, scar reduction, and tattoo removal, YAG Laser for broken capillaries and veins. Mesotherapy (fat dissolving injections) to target those problem areas. As well as a range of Peels to leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. In Spa treatments we recommend our rejuvenating anti-puffy anti-dark circle eye treatments. Also, muscle relaxing injections such as BOTOX and DYSPORT remain the gold standard for erasing lines around the eyes and can be cleverly administered to lift the brow and address a drooping lid. Skilled and experienced hands like the staff at La Fleur D’Alyse produce the best results. Filling the tear trough with hylouronic filler or treatment with P.R.P platelet rich plasma can assist in brightening dark circles under the eyes. Have your face glowing or your lips enhanced for the race season with one of our July special packages. Gift vouchers are also available.

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Coffs Coast Nutrition.

Got 30 Minutes?

a healthy Weight.

Let’s get motivated with Renee Atkins, ns owner Beach Bodies Health Club.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT?

any people lose weight when they start a diet, only to re-gain the kilos when they stop. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to make long-term, sustainable changes. Of course, most people realise that saturated fat and sugar should be limited, and that we should reduce our portions, include adequate protein, watch our carbohydrate intake, drink less alcohol, eat more vegetables, be more active etc. But even if we feel we know what to do, it can often be difficult to put this into practice. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you to eat smarter without feeling deprived and show you how to make small changes that lead to big results, while still including the occasional treat such as a glass of wine, some chocolate or your favourite dessert. We can help you find a way to deal with food habits and behaviour patterns that lead to weight gain and we can also implement strategies to deal with ‘emotional’ eating, as well as assist in the management of medical conditions utilising dietary modifications. How do I choose a nutrition expert? DAA is the national association of the dietetics profession, and has credentialing systems for the titles ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian’ (APD) and ‘Accredited Nutritionist’ (AN) which are protected by law. These days it seems like everyone is a nutrition expert; however, some people in private practice who call themselves dietitians may not be adequately qualified. To check whether your dietitian or nutritionist is accredited with DAA go to www.daa.asn.au or phone 1800 812 942. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an APD and a nutritionist? The key difference is that an APD has undertaken additional studies in Medical Nutrition Therapy and is qualified to help treat a range of medical conditions using dietary modifications. APD is also the only credential recognised by the Government, Medicare, Veterans Affairs and most private health funds for nutrition and dietetics services. For advice you can trust, phone the friendly team at Coffs Coast Nutrition on 6652 7529 or check our website: www.coffscoastnutrition.com.au

ave you got 30 minutes to exercise? One of the biggest reasons I hear for people not exercising is, “I don’t have e, time”. How about 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week? Most of us can manage that! Most people don’t realise that you can get a great effective workout in 30 minutes, where results in fitness levels and change in body shape are achievable – it is a high intense “It won’t take workout based around the principles of you long to giving each exercise 100% – it’s hard and see a marked fast. improvement. ” According to a study presented to the American College of Sports Medicine, age and correct your technique as “just 2 weeks of high intensity can improve you work as hard as you can for the your aerobic capacity as much as 6 - 8 weeks 30 minutes. of endurance training”. Due to the intensity of the It is not an easy solution to exercise, in fact workouts, each exercise needs to be carried out carefully the opposite, but for those who are time poor or wantand correctly. If you are not currently exercising, it is ing a challenge, it is definitely the answer to getting recommended to work under the guidance of a trainer. your body moving and reaching your health goals; after It won’t take you long to see a marked improvement. all, it is only 30 minutes – right? Every level of fitness can do it, as you work to your You must keep in mind though, that even though you intensity level. You set the intensity and your maximum will be exercising to your maximum intensity, you still that you can work to. need to monitor your dietary habits, as a good training A great way of trying high intense training is in conregimen is nothing without a healthy and efficient diet. trolled group training like Les Mils GRIT program, in a Beachbodies holds GRIT training 3 times a week; mencrossfit box or with a registered trainer who can encourtion this article to receive a free class!

MEET KWEI FROM AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDS

re you originally a Coffs Harbour woman? No, but I have been living here for over 11 years now. What is your position at African Hair Braids? I am the owner of the store. I have owned salons in Africa and the USA. I started my training in Africa and then finished in Arizona. What do you love about your work? I love making people look beautiful. I have a background in nails and beauty, and I love fashion. I also help out as a translator, as I speak fluently in the Dinka language and I was a translator for the United Nations. What is the number one business goal that you have achieved lately? I would have to say it is setting up my new big store here in town, which also boasts a new party room for children where they can have snacks, get their hair braided and play games. What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers? I would say that you have to really like people. Be a patient and happy person, treat people well, be understanding and always welcome people warmly.

coffs coast focus 55

focushealth.

Eating is a behaviour that is largely controlled by the people with whom we live, work or socialise with, places in which we carry out our daily lives and how we deal with emotions. Being aware of this and making changes to positively affect these behaviours is vitally important in the quest to control our weight. lthough we all love a good quality home cooked meal, the reality is that we cannot always eat at home and consume only food that we prepare ourselves. Our busy modern lives unfortunately dictate that at some point in time, you will be eating out. This may be due to work requirements, special events or simply picking up some takeaway on the way home to avoid cooking.

Eating out can test your resolve as far as healthy eating goes. If you only eat out once a month it’s not so much of an issue, but if you eat out regularly, good choices are critical. Here are some survival tips: • Don’t do it when you’re ravenously hungry – if you know you will be eating out, consume a small, healthy, low kilojoule, protein rich snack before you leave. Then go easy when you’re out. • Do some extra exercise – preferably beforehand and if possible, walk to dinner. If not, park away from the front door and walk a comfortable distance to the restaurant instead of spending that extra 5 minutes driving around looking for the bonus park directly at the front door.

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• Drink water – before you leave home and before you order, drink some water to help fill your stomach. It also contains no kilojoules, as opposed to alcohol. • Bypass the bread – unless it’s of the extraordinary variety that you have never tasted before or it’s only small and low GI. • Order like you cook at home – select the meal with low GI carbs, plenty of vegetables or salad and adequate protein. Alternatively, select the ingredients listed in other dishes and ask them to create the meal for you. • Halve the size – order an entrée for your main or specify just an entrée size of your selected main. • Hold the fries – replace the chips with salad or vegies. Alternatively, just ask for no fries. This simple request may help you save over 1,000 kJ. • Pace yourself – order one course at a time. This will give you time to decide whether you really need to have the next one. • Sauce on the side – ask for sauces separately. Normally high in kilojoules and fat, this allows you to add it as required.

• Take your time – relax, eat slowly and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to do the cooking or cleaning up. • You don’t have to finish everything on your plate – although your mum always taught you differently, it’s OK to leave food on your plate. You don’t have to go home feeling like a stuffed walrus. • Choose your drinks carefully – remember that soda water and mineral water contain no kilojoules, fruit juices and sugary drinks contain moderate amounts and alcohol contains a high level of empty kilojoules. Combining alcohol and mixers together like in a vodka and orange juice

increase the kilojoule content significantly. • Share the dessert – if you really want it, why not let someone experience it with you. • Walk it off – after a restaurant meal, walk home or after some at home takeaway, walk the dog. • Only eat until you are 80% full - ‘hara hachi bu’ is a Confucian teaching that instructs people to eat until they are 80% full. The Okinawans of Japan practise ‘hara hachi bu’ and have the world’s highest proportion of centenarians, at approximately 50 per 100,000 people. Now there’s something to think about … see you next month!

focushealth.

G o Vi t a Coffs Central

Photo – L-R Pia Helfersdorfer, Shellie Bowen, Chloe Mulvihill,Tracey Hayes

his is a store that blends health products like vitamins and supplements, organic foods, wholefoods and bulk foods. Walk into a warm, relaxed and friendly environment and deal with a team of happy and caring professionals who can look after you. They’re just great people, and it’s a wonderfully different environment to your usual health food store. Started in November 2006 by Tracey Hayes and her husband, Clinton, the store has evolved over

the years to become one of the leading health food stores in the country. Why? Because Tracey makes sure the business never stands still – never rests on its laurels. There are many ingredients that go into making a business ‘feel’ right, and one of the most important is the people who work there: the team. Tracey has strived to surround herself with people with similar values and passion for health, and that’s evident the minute you visit the store. The funny thing is that they’re often confused by

Your Vitality, Our Passion All health food stores are the same, right? Well, no, not if you check out the new Go Vita store in the new Coffs Central ... you’re in for a real treat! customers, as they all look just a bit similar! The team has remained the same for years, as they indulge their passion and get real pleasure out of helping people. It also helps that they feel really confident about what they sell, as Tracey and the team are very selective with the products they choose to stock. And you can tell as soon as you talk with any of the team. The really know their stuff (they’re all trained Naturopaths, with the exception of Pia, who is about to commence her studies) and you can often find them in ‘The Cauldron’ (as they like to refer to the dispensary), mixing up a herbal remedy or helpful potion. For those who know Tracey and the team, they’ll also know that the business has continued to change over the years, reflecting the ever increasing awareness of complimentary medicine, healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits. “We were excited at the prospect of a new centre and a chance to build a better store,” says Tracey, commenting on the redevelopment of the old Palms Centre and the transformation into Coffs Central. “We loved our store when we opened in 2006 but over time, I became more and more keen to offer something more – to offer a broader range

of health products.” The chance came up with the redevelopment of Coffs Centra, and the newly opened bigger store near the Post Office has given light to Tracey’s plans. So now Go Vita Coffs Central is a true destination for those who are health conscious. It enables people to support their healthy lifestyle choices and with a comprehensive range of Practitioner products, which can only be dispensed by the qualified team, can provide complementary medicine choices for those who need it. And let’s not forget food – with organic products, wholefoods and bulk foods sourced from the very best suppliers. Ever tried their delicious organic nuts? Voted the best nuts in Coffs (and they don’t mean the team). Or, indulged in some slightly naughty organic dark chocolate coated Goji Berries? Believe me, they’re amazing and a treat you don’t have to feel guilty about. So is Tracey content now? Well, sort of. “I’m always looking at new things and ideas to complement the business. We have a couple of new ideas on the horizon, so stay tuned,” she says with a cheeky grin.

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Giving people with disabilities greater access to Community Fitness has been the goal of fundraising to develop a practical manual. hat is Konnecting Kommunities thru kms? Like a lot of things in life, unless we personally need it or have a use for it, we donâ€™t know what we donâ€™t know. Jo Magill, who is a local advocator for those with disabilities and mental health concerns, would like to introduce more people with disabilities to the world of community fitness. Jo has a plan to develop a practical manual to assist the knowledge growth of fitness industry professionals and community gymnasiums within the footprint of Tweed Heads, Lismore through to Coffs Harbour. The manual is to be a compilation from a variety of local Occupation Therapists and Physiotherapists who have a special interest in this area. This concept will open up opportunities on both sides of the playing field and further demonstrate inclusion within our local community. So there is a plan and now the tricky part: how to pay for it? So, the challenge of Konnecting

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Kommunities thru kms was born. With the fantastic support team of Anthony Wood and Jenny Morrall, a Brits RV and blow up kiddies pool for use as an ice bath, the epic run of 304 km was completed 10 to 15 June, linking OnTrack Community Program offices in Tweed Heads, Lismore and Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Community has been great, with many businesses and individuals getting behind the cause with cash. What will the dollars raised be used for? Compilation and launching of the manual is expected to take place in a fitness conference based around supporting those with physical disabilities and mental illness, including workshops by local experienced Occupational Therapists and Sporting Therapists in the latter half of 2013. There are many fitness professionals and personal trainers in our local community who have already have a wealth of knowledge in relation to the physical body, and by combining their knowledge and skills set with those of therapists who have worked with a variety of physical and mental capabilities,

the community will be the overall winner. A permanent electronic home for the manual is also being sourced, so it can continue to be a living community document with input from its many users. What event do you have coming up at the end of June? Tell us more about that? Local businesses have been gladly supporting the cause with cash sponsorship and the team at AMART Sports not only helping with the much needed footwear, but supporting a big Kommunity Run Challenge on 29 June. The challenge is out there to see which team of runners can cover the most km in a 3 hour period. Can they tick over 304 km in that

period? A big challenge, which is not just about the results but the journey. Set up in the Bailey Centre forecourt, there will be opportunities for all community members to jump on a treadmill or cross trainer and add their efforts to the tally. Teams already committed to the Challenge are Girlfit from across our region and Crossfit Park Beach led by Rachael Smyth. A $10 donation will buy you time on the treadmill, with many specials happening at the Bailey Centre, giveaways and great raffle prizes ... so from 8am to 8pm, it will be the place to be for all, runners or not. Contact Jo Magill: 0401 975 364 for more information regarding booking in your team.

focushealth.

We have an Irlen Dyslexia ht Practitioner rig here in Coffs Harbour.”

“

Indicators of Irlen Syndrome What is Irlen Syndrome? It is a form of visual dyslexia which contributes to problems with reading, spelling, letter/word/number reversals and con concentration. Irlen Syndrome is associated with how the brain pro processes white light and what the eyes see. It is not a problem with the eyes and cannot be diagnosed by an optometrist or eye specialist. How would I know if I had Irlen Syndrome? Sufferers of this condition can have difficulty when reading. They can lose their position, skip words/lines, not recognise familiar words, need to reread for understanding, experience distortions with print, lose concentration, fatigue easily, experience eyestrain, avoid reading, become frustrated. Other indicators may include: sensitivity to light, clumsiness, poor spelling, low self esteem, headaches/migraines. Can anyone be affected? Irlen Syndrome is a genetic condition which affects 10 - 20% of the population. Approximately 50% of people with reading difficulties, ADHD / ADD and Autism suffer with Irlen Syndrome. What can I do to correct Irlen Syndrome? Irlen Syndrome can be assisted by wearing Irlen Spectral Filter Lenses. The Irlen Filters eliminate or reduce significantly the distortions and distractions a sufferer may be experiencing. There are over 1,000 different Irlen Lens colours available. An Irlen assessment will determine the precise combination of colours required.

Trish Plunkett

Psychology and Wellbeing

Trish Plunkett is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of clinical & administrative experience having worked extensively throughout remote and regional NSW.

If you have been driving up Gordon Street recently, you have probably noticed a big giant head with puzzle pieces in it. This is the newly established Australian Psychology and Wellness centre, which has evolved from Stoker and Associates Psychological Services and spearheaded by dynamic Clinical Psychologist Verity Stoker.

Commencing her career in Community Nursing at the Central Coast Health Service, later joining Coffs Harbour Base Hospital as a generalist Community Nurse and Nursing unit Manager (10 years’ service) During this time Trish identified a need for private services in the local community which led to her establishing Coffs Harbour Home Nursing Service, as it was known. Having grown from what was a one person operation, Trish now employs 50 staff with the company providing services across 3 LGA’s. Over the years CCHCC has employed165 staff and countless others indirectly through contract and brokerage arrangements, making a significantcontribution to the economic development of the region. CCHCC currently provides community care services to over 300 clients including a range of Government funded contracts (via the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health & Ageing) and services to private clients. Central to the service is Trish’s philosophy of empowering clients & carers to make informed choices about their care needs and providing them with the option to remain in an environment of their choice.

The Centre boasts a professionally designed space for meetings, conferences and work groups. The conference centre is hired out to professionals with hourly, daily or weekly rates. Practitioners working from the centre are Psychologist Michelle Kent who works in a broad range of issues with children aged 2 to 18 years. She also covers relationships. Eating Disorder Counsellor Kyla Holley, who counsels in all types of eating disorder, weight loss and bariatric issues. Principal Psychologist Verity Stoker has been looking after Coffs Harbour residents for over ten years in her role as a Clinical Psychologist. Verity’s areas of interest are diagnostic and treatment of mood disorders including PND. At present there are still a few rooms available so if you are a Mental Health Professional, this is a great opportunity for you to join a dynamic team offering professional rooms with all the services and none of the hassle. Call us on 6653 7489.

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s o c i a l s c e n e with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Below. FOCUS Editor Melly Dee and front cover model Nicola Dawson

Below. Graham Edwards and the guys

right. First National Coffs Coast Real Estate

above. Dawn Grebert with Sawtell Bowling girls above. Janelle Turner,Sharnee Smith,Rykila Geerligs,Virginia Jolly @ Opal Cove

left. Peaches Booth, Marguerte Barwell, Gaye Ellis and Caroline Campbell

Above. Jack Parker and Mikayla Hannaford

Social/scene. Looking forward to all things fast and exciting! Of course we have the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival on the horizon. I would be an outright fibber to say I don’t enjoy everything about the racing scene.

recently had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Sheeran, who is well known in the racing industry. He has retired here on our beautiful Coffs Coast and absolutely loves the area. Later on in the year we have the Coffs Coast Leg of the World Rally. Talk about exciting! Last time Le Dãin Designs launched a Jewell Collection for this event called ‘All Revved Up’ - what a blast that was ... hijacked local driver Nathan Quinn, a couple of stunning models, a very fast car and did a shoot with ST Images. We also had access to the cars and drivers. ‘The Beros Boys’ definitely loved that! I really think ‘The Son’ pretends that he doesn’t enjoy some of the opportunities I get with FOCUS along with Le Dãin Designs; he acts very casual about other certain perks of the trade. It makes me laugh … he muttered the other day that I definitely don’t get these perks for being fabulous. How rude. By the way, I did get my revenge … Staying on fast, we attended the Coffs Harbour and District Restorers Club inc. Vintage Motorcycle Rally. It was staged on the beautiful reserve at Sawtell Holiday Park. The vintage bikes being showcased dated back to 1928. I had a chat to the President of the Club, Mr Graham Edwards, who had found his motorcycle in what he described as an “unrecognisable heap”. But in front of my eyes stood this spruced up, gleaming 1976 CJ250T Honda, which was obviously his pride and joy. He commented that there was many a tale to tell similar to his. The club has been operating for approximately 30 years and has many enthusi60 coffs coast focus.

asts. The oldest member of the club is 84 and loving every minute of it. I actually hopped on the back of visitor Steven Ryan’s 1975 BMW R75/6. He is from the Tamworth District Antique Motor Club, and their event is at the end of June. He came just for the show but ended up staying longer (of course). Well, I was on ‘The Bike’, but didn’t quite get past stationary! Everyone knows I’m definitely no thrill seeker! Nevertheless, ‘The Son ‘got a great shot of me looking rather brave. He is extremely useful, as he works for Tom Woods from ST Images Photography and comes along to some of the events I cover. He is getting quite nifty with the camera, thanks to Tom! I attended one of the last of the Biggest Morning Teas at the First National Coffs Coast Real Estate. On arriving, guests were being entertained by the talented young singer/songwriter Kane Cahill. I love these talented young locals. For enquires about Cane, call 0412 242 848. Trudy from ‘Art by Trudy Smith’ was there busy doing her sensational body art. Trudy is a fabulous artist and always offers something visually vibrant and colourful for any event she is involved with. For enquires, contact Trudy on 0408 329 009. It didn’t stop there, as there was the most delicious Morning Tea for all the guests to enjoy. I just might add that Jenny Bonfield was one I shall hold guilty for adding another inch to my waistline! To finish the event a silent auction was held, and I have heard recently that a sum of just over $1,300 was made for this

worthy cause. A delightful night of entertainment was recently staged by the Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod society. The Eisteddfod is an essential mechanism for local schools, dance companies and music teachers to profile their students and provide them with valuable experience in public performances. Lots of fun was had by one and all at the Country Fair at Orara Valley recently. There were camel rides and if you felt adventurous, the Mechanical Bucking Bull and the odd helicopter ride were just the ticket! Errol Gray was there to entertain the crowds, along with tunes from the band ‘The Shades of Reason’. If you were feeling hungry, there was the choice of African dishes, Japanese BBQ, European waffles and of course, the good old Aussie BBQ. The ladies of Sawtell Women’s Bowling Club had their Major/Minor 3 Bowls Pairs Carnival just recently. Visitors came from everywhere to enjoy what they do best. The weather was beautiful, and the ladies got to enjoy their competition in true Sunny Sawtell Style. Le Dãin Designs Jewells are their major sponsors and provided the winners with fabulous jewells. Along with the bowls, the ladies have a market day running and there is (of course) delicious cakes and beautiful handmade goods available. They kindly gave me a gift of some gorgeous handcrafted towels for our new store. Must because of me being fabulous. (Joke for ‘The Son’!) Great day for the local ladies and fantastic for the visiting bowlers. It’s never too late to start a sport! Last year

the ladies had a party to celebrate when their GOLDEN GIRLS reached the wonderful age of 90 and 91 and are still enjoying their bowls. Head on down for a meal and enjoy the raffles at the Sawtell Bowling club at the weekend ... you might get lucky! To support two guys travelling to Mt Killimanjara to raise mcolumnoney for ‘Make a Wish Foundation’, there is a three day fundraising weekend. On Friday 19 July there will be a kids’ movie night at Birch Carroll and Coyle, Saturday 20 July is the Killi Kocktail Party at Pacific Bay Resort, with Marques and an African Theme, Sunday is the Golf Day with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Sim Machine for the day, lots of fun on and off the course! For enquires call (XXX)????? Going back to the revenge of the mother ... I just happened to mention that a business associate and friend of mine, Lachlan Brown from Bellbowrie European, was offering me the opportunity to tour around in a brand new car for the long weekend ... I’m sure my teenager thought I was going to arrive in a little ‘LADIES CAR’, as he calls them, and declined the offer to go for a spin. He then went back to being mesmerised by his ‘Bean Can’ (mobile phone) and was totally disinterested. However, later in the day after seeing me make a sharp exit from our driveway, music blaring (without him!) in a big brand new red FLASHY RANGE ROVER EVOKE ... the look on his face was priceless! Here’s to being ... FABULOUS! Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

Danielle JOHNSON When was the last time you reviewed your Mortgage? DFA are excited to announce that Danielle Johnson has joined the team as a full-time Mortgage Broker. With years of experience and a variety of lenders to choose from, Danielle will make the process of home ownership a simple, friendly experience. If you are thinking of buying your first home, an investment property or refinancing your existing loan, Danielle will provide a cost effective solution. Having a Mortgage Broker in house provides our clients with a total financial solution.

S T A W A C C O U N T IN G The team at Woolgoolga Accounting and Taxation Services (WATS) is ready for the tax time challenge. WATS has been an integral part of the Northern Beaches community in excess of 30 years, providing business and accountancy solutions to locals and their families. The firmâ€™s Principal Accountant, Julie Svikis, has 29 years of experience in the profession, both in private practice and government industries. The team at WATS takes pride in providing you with the best possible solution for your accounting and taxation needs, as well as general bookkeeping and payroll to assist your business. WATS can also help with your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) needs, with specialists advisors at hand. For our clients, we are excited to announce the availability of a second office located in Coffs Harbour, which is available by appointment only for your convenience. For more information contact the team on (02) 6654 1690 or info@watsaccounting.com.au

coffs coast focus 61

focusinterview.

a MicHyecel L iff Tone

“

With a true passion for her work, Micheela takes her artistry to the next level - designing stunning looks to suit every individual ...”

hat services does Micheela Toneycliff, makeup artist, supply? I am a freelance makeup artist specialising in bridal, glamour and avante

garde makeup.

What has been the highlight of your career? So far the highlight of my career was being chosen as the Head Makeup Artist for the Mercedes Benz Coffs Coast Fashion Gala, which is now an annual event. This gave me a lot of confidence in my work & challenged me by heading a team of around 20 makeup artists. Where did you gain the experience? I am completely self taught. Since the age of 16, I always knew this was my passion and what I wanted to do as a career. I love painting, so I use that skill and knowledge in a different medium, the face. I find that I have more creative freedom from not doing a course than if I had; I look at each person individually and design a look that will best accentuate their features.

62 coffs coast focus.

What motivated you to take the plunge and start your own business? I received some very good advice from a makeup artist who had been in the industry for 20 years as a self taught freelance. She said that if I have natural talent and can produce beautiful work on every client, then I should go for it. I took her advice and began to build my portfolio, taking every opportunity that came my way. What do you love about your job? Makeup artistry is my passion. It lets me challenge myself creatively and produce work I can be proud of. The best feeling is when a client sees themselves after I have done their makeup, and they are amazed by their appearance. I have been told on many occasions that my brides suddenly feel the confidence they need to walk down that aisle. This keeps me thankful and humble. What plans do you have for future? Later this year I will be heading up the makeup team again for the Fashion Gala, which will be fantastic. I also plan to do a lot more weddings and photoshoots to freshen up my portfolio. Eventually I would like to be involved with Fashion Week here in Australia and then travel overseas to see what opportunities I can find in fashion, film and TV.

the plug! Mickeela Toneycliffe – Makeup Artist 0423 773 430.

focusinterview.

hat is Art by Trudy? y? Art by Trudy is my business name. I am a local artist in Coffs Harbour and have been operating as Art By Trudy since 1996. I started my business from the very beginning with no experience, armed with passion and drive. I’m a self taught artist who has developed skills in canvas painting, face painting, body art, murals, plaster cast belly art, airbrushing, and I have my own card range and also teach art! The art is the easy part, it's running a business that is the challenge. I spend more time on the computer running my business than with a brush in my hand. I would not of had my business without the support of my wonderful husband Alan Smith; he has been my biggest mentor. How did you first start the business? I have always been into my art and my two girls have grown up with Mum running around with a paint brush in her hand. Over the years, I have found myself being challenged by many new and exciting ways to expand my business and with the help of our two beautiful talented daughters, Bonnie and Meeka, we have all grown together in the business. I’ve taught them everything I learnt and I’m blessed to have them by my side. Do you teach art?

C O FFS HIRE

focus on legal.

childre ren, Yes I do - I conduct classes for children, teenagers and adults after school or school holiday workshops. After winning an Art Scholarship at Charles Sturt University at Bathurst I was inspired by the wonderful world of drawing the human body form. I felt there was a need to combine art and fun so I have developed Life Drawing Classes. These lessons are sophisticated, tasteful, and everyone learns a new skill. The models provide the inspiration for a hilarious and creative life drawing experience – "a one-of-a-kind event.”. As I tell all my students, if you can draw a stick figure, you will love this class. I specialise in hen’s nights, girl’s nights out and Xmas parties. What else do you do? I do face painting and removable tattooing and balloon twisting. I do sports events, shopping centre events, outdoor broadcasts, festivals, local hotels and clubs, weddings and fundraisers. I do my body art at corporate events and festivals and I am really excited to be a contestant on Australia's Got Talent. What is coming up for Art by Trudy Smith? Sawtell Chilli Festival: Face painting, kids art. Coffs Central School Holidays: Kids art. Toast Urunga: Face painting, kids art. M. 0408 329 009 E. trudy.smith@westnet.com.au

focuseditorial.

F I S H B U R N WAT S O N O' B R I E N

the law specialists

hat is FWO? Fishburn Watson O'Brien is the biggest singledisciplinary law firm in Coffs Harbour. We have solicitors practicing in almost every area of law, from conveyancing to commercial law to personal injury. Are there any areas of law the firm specialises in? We have accredited specialists in Business Law, Personal Injury, Property Law and Commercial Litigation. We also have dedicated solicitors who focus on wills and estate planning, family law, employment law, leasing and mortgages. Part of the firm's philosophy is that we aim to provide all the services a client could need. Having a familiar face (or even a familiar voice on the other end of the phone) often makes stressful situations easier for our clients. How long has FWO been in Coffs Harbour? The practice was established in August 1984, when directors John Watson and Michael Fishburn purchased a small practice which then consisted of 2 partners and 3 support staff. Chris O’Brien joined the partnership in July 1987, from which time we have continued to expand. In 2003 we opened our Sydney office in recognition of the need to fully support our Sydney-based clients.

the current Sapphire-Woolgoolga project where Coffs Hire supplied and delivered over 100 containers in the first few months. Be sure to pop down to Hi -Tech Industrial Estate where you can even pick your colour of your next container and have it delivered the same day by one of our experienced drivers. Other popular products Coffs Hire supplies are site sheds, VMS message boards, cool rooms, car trailers, portable toilets, wedding & construction needs, our large range of late model forklifts 1.5 to 9 tonne, scissor lifts, even new 19' JLG units on trailers from $110/day, 34' boom lifts along with our 8 tonne tilt tray service to relocate your machinery. All our trucks are fitted with EFTPOS terminals for your convenience. Call Bec today on 6658 6953 for a quick instant quote.

At FWO, we pride ourselves on having solicitors that understand that fact and who work with their clients to achieve common goals. How does the firm fit into the community? We try hard to ensure that FWO contributes to the Coffs community as a whole. We have solicitors who are members of Rotary International (director Jay Clowes will be president of Coffs City Rotary next year) and the Lions Club. We provide free wills and estate planning services to the Cancer Council. We sponsor the Coffs Comets rugby league team and have in the past sponsored the annual Special Children Christmas Party. The owners and staff of FWO all live in Coffs Harbour, and we aim to make Coffs a better place by being here.

Twe Twenty nine years is a long time in bus business. What's the secret to your longevity? It's a combination of having the right people and the right philosophy.

With the end of financial year coming up, how's business? It's not quiet, that's for sure! For some areas, such as personal injury and family law, the end of financial year doesn't really affect work flow. For other areas, such as commercial law and conveyancing, it's a very busy time as people try to get their deals, restructures and sales finalised before 1 July.

Practicing law is a mix of theoretical, personal and very practical work. If you can't navigate

Of course, we're always happy to see new clients (or old clients again)!

The firm now consists of 9 solicitors (4 partners and 5 employees), a practice manager and 16 support staff.

offs Hire has responded to many requests by our customers and can now deliver your 9-14m portable buildings, houseboats, large caravans, even buses etc by using our latest self loading/unloading 52' super tilt truck, so no longer requiring a crane. Our new trucks can deliver to the most remote locations at a fraction of the cost. Our container division has also received a new vehicle to supply larger heavier containers to site. No longer requiring a crane to lift and collect and deliver a 40' loaded container up to 42 tonne, we now use our new Hammer fully remote side lifter and deliver from your site to the Brisbane or Sydney Port for export. Both vehicles will play a important role in the many ongoing projects including the Valla and Urunga bypass which is soon to take off just like

the law and find answers for a client, then you're of no value to them. At the same time, if you can't connect with your client – both in understanding their circumstances and conveying advice to them – you're not providing good service. But above all, we believe a good lawyer is practical. Practicing law is not like doing an exam. You need to find solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.

coffs coast focus 63

focusinterview. with Samantha Wardman of CornerPost Marketing

arren, I think you would be one of the best-known locals; tell us a little about your background? Thanks Sam. I am a third generation Coffs Coast local, raised in sunny Sawtell. When Mum and Dad started a family, they decided to pack up and relocate to Sawtell, where my dad grew up, to raise us kids. We’d spent all of our holidays in the Sawtell Caravan Park as youngsters, so it was already a home away from home. It’s still home to me, even though I don’t live there anymore. My wife, Kristy, and I chose beautiful Emerald Beach to live in and raise our family. As far as my career goes, I left school at 15 to start working with Dad in his Beaurepaires franchise and then moved to Sydney to pursue a rugby league career with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. I spent two years with this team, before moving to the Newcastle Knights with six other Bulldogs players and ended up moving back to the Coast in 1992 - and never left. Kristy and I purchased the Athlete’s Foot Coffs Harbour store in 2000 and then the Port Macquarie store some three years later and operated them both until 2007, when we sold the franchises. During this time we were fortunate to win a number of business awards and enjoyed much success. Around the time of selling, Steve Gooley, General Manager at Park Beach Plaza, offered me a grand opportunity to become the retail and marketing manager for the Plaza, Homebase and Orana Mall, Dubbo. This was a giant leap of faith in me by Steve and a fantastic opportunity. I worked in this role for two years and enjoyed every minute of it. It was during this time that I stumbled across the 6one5 group, which gave me the opportunity to continue my passion for business development and as they say, the rest is history. Your business 6one5 is part of a global consultancy firm specialising in retail and

64 coffs coast focus.

consumer markets. Tell us a little about what services you offer? 6one5 is a business consulting group that specialises in two particular areas: being retail development and sales and marketing development with a focus on small to medium businesses in regional Australia. The 6one5 philosophy was attractive to me largely due to the simple and proven methodology centred on the belief that if you can improve sales by 6%, increase your profit margin by 1%, and decrease costs by 5% - you can double your net profit, of course depending on your existing profit. My role in this process is to facilitate learning, as I believe people are best convinced when they selfconclude. The 6one5 programs are delivered via groupbased face to face sessions, normally one day per month for 3-4 consecutive months, where the participants (usually 12-15 business stakeholders) complete a case study on their own store or business aimed at improving all of the topics learnt during the program, whilst at the same time learning best practice methodology in their chosen program (retail or sales and marketing). The 6one5 programs have also been successfully linked to government funding, which gives businesses the added benefit of offsetting the program costs, so participants can usually take on the program for as little as an admin fee only. We also offer retail mystery shopper audits for a number of shopping centres, which are aimed at giving the shopping centres and the stores an objective and non-biased opinion on the store’s overall standards, particularly in the area of customer service. What drives your passion for small business on the Coffs Coast? My true passion and enjoyment comes from being fortunate enough to work closely with business owners and other key stakeholders to help them to succeed in their chosen business. It’s

a tough market place out there currently, and I lonely old life. understand what they are all going through. I tell What are some of the common mistakes you many of the 6one5 participants that whatever they see being made by businesses? have gone through, or are going through now, I I find too many businesses trying to go it alone have experienced it too, and I feel that this firstwithout the appropriate support and professional hand experience is very important to delivering the network, such as an accountant and business learning goals. mentor and some clearly defined rules in the I am also inspired by a few Coffs Coast local business for all of the team to work to. I also find businessmen who are successful in their own right that often business owners don’t have an accurate through hard work and perseverance (I guess they understanding of finances, stock management, have a bit of ability too!) and I am not staff training and of course, sales and embarrassed to name them. They marketing. What I think owners are mates and my mentors: need to realise is that it’s OK to e th l, al John Farlow, Chris O’Brien, have weaknesses in particular ve Abo on m m co t Brian Betts, Terry O’Rourke operational areas. We aren’t os m l al ss ro ac ke and Peter Neville. meant to be experts in ta mis lack Success does not come everything we do, and industries is the to of commitment llent without its challenges. it’s completely normal ce delivering an ex What have been some to engage assistance in e customer servic of the challenges you areas where your skills are experience.” have faced in your weaker or perhaps need to extensive and varied be supported. career, and how did you Above all, the most common overcome them? mistake across all industries is the lack I find the key challenges come from of commitment to delivering an excellent within. I am very driven and have a strong customer service experience. This is a big issue sense of self belief in what I am doing everywhere I go. Owners and managers need to professionally. Time is an enemy for us all, and my put more resources into ensuring each and every favourite word is balance - it is also my biggest customer interaction with the business is the best challenge. Finding a balance between work, life, it can be. And that means training and coaching family and play is a challenge, and I manage it by staff on the principles of customer service and also keeping perspective of things. understanding what customers want, so you can Another challenge of mine is to get the deliver it! message out to all business owners, whether they What’s the number one tip you would give are just making ends meet or slipping behind, business owners to better their business in to encourage them to seek out assistance and today’s competitive environment? help before it’s too late. There is a large network “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” of business support programs in the market, so I urge business owners to spend a few days don’t be afraid or too proud to seek advice. I gain working on the business to define a plan aimed at strength from having a strong support network, improving your business and in turn, your quality being my wife and four kids, mum and dad, sisters of life both professionally and personally. and friends; without their support, it would be a Thanks Darren.

“

P O RT M AC Q UA R I E I S T H E P E R F E C T P LAC E F O R A C O AS TA L W I N T E R E S CA P E A N D O N LY 2 H O U RS D R I V E F RO M C O F FS H A R B O U R . W I T H I TS D I S T I N C T I V E M I X O F H E R I TAG E B U I L D I N G S , H I P R E F U R B I S H E D H OT E LS , D I V E RS E D I N I N G , E N T E RTA I N M E N T A N D A S M O RG AS B O R D O F T H I N G S TO S E E A N D D O . YO U W I L L F E E L R I G H T AT H O M E I N F L I P F LO P S O R H I G H H E E LS !

EXPLORE

escape AN D

R E A S O N S E X P LO R E O U R L I T T L E T R E AS U R E T RA I L

T O

G E T

P A C K I N G

A N D WATC H T H I S 9 0 S E C V I S UA L LY S T U N N I N G TO U R O F T H E R E G I O N .

• L E AV E Y O U R W I N T E R W O O L L I E S AT H O M E The climate is amongst Australia’s best - sub tropical on the coast and temperate in the hinterland - so you can plan your visit all year-round.

• EVENTS A jam packed calendar of events features farmers markets, world class sporting events, surƂng festivals and your favourite bands

• B E A C H L I F E A N D A W O R L D O F W AT E R Choose from 17 sandy beaches for swimming, surƂng, rock pools, water sports, whale watching or the simple joy of building sandcastles

• FOOD, WINE AND BEER Go wine tasting at six wineries, visit two breweries for a cold ale, and dine on local produce in award winning restaurants and cafes

• TE N MINUTE WA LKING TOWN Everything you need is on the doorstep of your accommodation, from restaurants and river cruises to beaches and shops, and the airport and PaciƂc Highway is just 10 minutes’ drive away

• STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM Meet the producers at the farm gate trail for fresh oysters, vegetables, fruits, olives, macadamia nuts, cheeses, spices, meat, poultry, eggs and other primary produce

• C U LT U R E , H I S T O R Y A N D T H E A R T S See a program of international shows at the Glasshouse, the work of local artists in galleries and learn about Port Macquarie’s 200+ year old penal history at museums and heritage sites

• ADVENTURE AND SPORT From skydiving, paragliding and horse riding to surƂng, rock climbing and camel rides, there is an adventure for everyone. Or get your sport on with golf, putt putt or a friendly hit of tennis.

S T AY

• FREE AND AFFORDABLE FUN It's great value for families with a natural wonderland of free stuff to do including a visit to the world’s only Koala Hospital, and great value tours and attractions

• INDULGENCE Treat your loved one, or yourself, to some boutique shopping, a day spa treatment or degustation dinner. Or simply indulge on ocean breezes and timeout on the renowned 9km Coastal Walk

If becoming one with nature is more your thing camp at a beachside holiday park, at one of the regions great campsites or try hiring a fully equipped campervan. It’s just so easy!

ARE YOU UP FOR IT? There are so many things to see and do in Port Macquarie. Adventures for families include horse and camel riding, whale watching, indoor rock climbing, skirmish, ten pin bowling or surf lessons just to name a few. If you want to rattle your nerves go from mild to wild in a jetƂghter, skydive, water ski, go kart or for an exhilarating experience take a scenic helicopter joy ƃight. Or restore your soul with some of NSW’s best nature experiences. You’ll be spoilt for choice so check our huge range of activities, attractions, nature and wildlife experiences at portmacquarieinfo.com.au

There is a smorgasbord of accommodation throughout the Port Macquarie region. From a cosy hinterland guest house, farm homestead or living it up in a 4.5 star waterfront hotel or luxury apartment - we’ve got it all.

G RA B YO U RS E L F A G R E AT AC C O M M O DAT I O N D E A L

and head to Port Macquarie where you can warm up this winter.

T H E O B S E RVAT O RY, P O RT M A C Q U A R I E

WWW.PORTMACQUARIEINFO.COM.AU coffs coast focus 65

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EMERALD E N E RGY T ROY M AT T E R S O N OWNER/OPERATOR TUFF CRETE

Emerald Energy has a dedicated team of local tradies working to install and service its range of products, including Solahart solar hot water and solar power systems, Solatube skylights and solar roof ventilators, and Heliocol solar pool heating. Under the guidance of Steve Sturch, owner of Emerald Energy, the plumbers and electricians ensure all installations are completed professionally and with attention to detail. For Solahart solar hot water installations, we use Luke Lyle of Lyle Plumbing & Gasfitting. For the electrical commissioning of the systems, we use the team at Reg Latter Electrical. The installation of Solahart solar power systems requires specialised electricians with both the CEC accreditation and to have completed Solahart’s installation training. We use the services of David Skelton of North Coast Power Systems. Not only has David been installing solar power systems in the region for 30 years, he is also an inspector for the QLD government, ensuring installations are compliant with all regulations. The installation of net meters is carried out by the team at Reg Latter Electrical. Installation of our other products is carried out by Steve Sturch himself. These include skylights, solar roof ventilators and solar pool heating. Steve comes from the building industry, previously owning his own building company in Western Australia. He is passionate about helping homeowners reduce their energy costs and living comfortably in their homes. For more information, call 6651 9926, or visit our website www.emeraldenergy.net.au

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Tuffcrete has been operating for 26 years: 20 years in Sydney and 6 years in Coffs Harbour. We offer a full range of services, including paths, driveways, patios, shed slabs, house slabs and industrial slabs. Our company has built up a great rapport with the local concrete distributors, creating effective communication resulting in high quality finishes.

ENCORE P RO P E RT Y S E RV I C E S A well maintained garden provides a great look and enhances the appearance of your property. Encore Property Services specialises in lawn, garden maintenance, green waste removal and pressure cleaning. A subsidiary of ETC (Enterprise & Training Company Limited), Encore can tailor a regular program to suit your garden’s needs or simply provide a one off visit. Whether it is house visits, rental properties, parks or building blocks – no job is too large or small. Servicing Macksville to Grafton, the team have a strong emphasis on reliable service and a commitment to high standards of workmanship. For a no obligation free quote, contact Encore on 1800 032 371, or email encore@etcltd. com.au

Our business stands out because you deal direct with the owner/operator. Communication is easy, and specialised advice is given. No job is too big or too small. The expert team will cater to your needs, provide accurate quotes and offer professional service. Our tradesmen are fully qualified and licensed, producing quality results whilst ensuring site safety. Are you are renovating or building your dream home? We can guide you through the process to create the look you want by complementing any style or design. Our range of decorative concrete products include stamped impression concrete, stencil patterned concrete, coloured concrete, resurfacing products and sealers. We can help you find the perfect solution for your building project. Servicing (but not limited to) Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Grafton, Woolgoolga, Toormina, Sawtell, Korora, Lower Bucca, Bonville, Urunga, Bellingen, Macksville, Dorrigo. Call today: 0418 267 236 or email: tuffcrete@aapt.net.au

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E M E R A L D B E AC H PLUMBING SERVICE Emerald Beach Plumbing has been in business in Coffs Harbour for 18 years now. Its humble beginnings started in the front yard of Peter and Pandora’s home in Surf Street, Emerald Beach. It has been fantastic to enjoy longevity in this industry and still grow through some very tough economic times and the flattening out of the building industry, especially in Coffs Harbour. We can only credit the fact that we are the ‘Emerald Beach Plumbing EXPERIENCE’. It’s not just about plumbing for us, but also helping people out and providing a friendly, helpful and professional service. We like to leave people with that WOW experience. We continue to innovate sustainably, with technology and also with Work Health & Safety requirements. We make sure we continue to train regularly with all our staff, including ourselves as owners of the business. If you don’t grow with your business and are willing to change, then nothing changes. We recently won the State Training award for Small Employer of the Year 2012 North Coast and also became one of the top 3 Finalists in NSW. A great reward and acknowledgement for our amazing team at Emerald Beach Plumbing. We are very proud of the dream team at Emerald Beach Plumbing and consider that we have some of the best people working for us. We are only as good as the amazing people that make up Emerald Beach Plumbing.

R E G L AT T E R ELECTRICAL Reg Latter Electrical expands to incorporate Pacific Powerlines. Pacific Powerlines was recently awarded and completed the contract for the high voltage power supply and substations required for the remote mining accommodation village in Boggabri NSW. The client supplies accommodation facilities for the mining and rail industries in remote locations, providing the site infrastructure and management of the accommodation villages for the employees. The project required 600 metres of 11kv three phase high voltage underground cabling leading into the site, two 1000kva pad mounted transformers and one new high voltage underground to overhead termination and pole in the road reserve. The project was successfully completed on time and to the satisfaction of Essential Energy and the Client. Ongoing work for the Boggabri Project includes the installation and connection of high voltage powerpoles and substations to connect the town water supply, street lighting and sewerage services. Pacific Powerlines provides underground and overhead high voltage supply and connections from concept and design through the approval process and to final completion.

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CONCRETE R E M OVA L

Concrete removal, patching and cleaning has its challenges, but Luke Ford makes the task easy with his experienced and enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude ...

hat is DOOF Concrete Removals? It is my company, which provides services such as removing suspended concrete, jack hammering, saw cutting and drilling, as well as general labouring and pressure cleaning. I am independently owned and operated, and no job is too big or too small. I have my EWP ticket (Elevated Work Platform ticket) so I can remove concrete up to 20 metres high. I am available to hire by businesses as well as the general public. I will give 100% commitment to every client that I will always work with the client to try and suit their budget.

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YES! I cannot stress enough how important it is How did the business start? to get a qualified tradesman in with all the right a great ideas, it was born over a beer at Like all tools and experience and credentials to do the p pub! I had always worked in the industry the job. I have seen this first hand, and it has w and worked with concrete, curbing and cost people twice as much and sometimes labou labouring and maintenance and a complete demolition and restart after working for different big to make their property safe. companies in town, I decided to branch out on my own. Tell us how the name What did you do to get ss DOOF became your re I cannot st w set up? ho gh nickname and business enou ta ge to is it t I have invested in all an rt name? impo man the right equipment qualified trades DOOF is actually FOOD t gh in with all the ririence needed for the various spelt backwards, and pe ex tools and do to ls jobs, like a jack hammers tia for some strange reason en ed cr and and pressure cleaners etc. everyone thought I ate a the job.” and I have all the up to date lot! Like most nicknames certificates and insurances, that do not make sense, this which is really important. got twisted to DOOF and stuck. My I just heard recently on the news that with name is Luke Ford, but I am better known the surge in renovation shows, people think as DOOF! they will ‘have a go’ at their own home with Being a local, what do you like about living renovations, and that 2 in 5 are actually needing in Coffs Harbour? repairs after really destroying their homes. I enjoy the beach, and I am mad on rugby

“

Have you seen any evidence of this?

league. I sponsor Orara and Sawtell teams, and I

quite like a beer at the various pubs too! Where do you see DOOF Concrete Removals in the future; what are your goals? I am aiming high - I look up to the bosses from Farlow Concreting, Coffs Coast Formwork, Coastwide Concrete Pumping and Stocks & Hogan Saw Cutting and their work ethic, as they believe in working hard to achieve their goals. I will always support the local businesses by shopping locally and trying to use them where possible. I would like to be able to give back by offering apprenticeships to young guys here in Coffs within my company. I am aiming to own my own football team too just watch me! Final say ... Part of my business is dumping the waste material, and I would really like to see the tip consider lowering the tonne fee. I am worried that there are so many people out there who cant afford to take rubbish to the tip because tonne rates are just too high, and that’s encouraging people to do illegal dumping.

coffs coast focus 69

ENROL NOW for mid year intake. Choose from over 750 courses, on campus, online or on-the-job.

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Pathway to University with CSU

Leave it to the Experts.

The accessibility of CSU was an influencing factor in the decision of Danae Weaver going to university.

The close-knit community at CSU in Port

Danae worked and started a family before returning to Port Macquarie in 2010 and pursuing a new study path through a Certificate IV in Community Services.

“CSU being relatively small at the moment in

Coffs Document Storage provides the total solution for your business documents and files, including pick up and delivery (when required), short or long term storage and confidential destruction of stored documents when they are no longer required.

Now, she is completing a Diploma as well as the Bachelor of Social Work through CSU’s integrated pathway program at Port Macquarie. Danae also received a scholarship this year, which helps ease the financial commitments of further study.

experience,” she said.

“Having always believed that getting a university degree was my equivalent to the ‘Holy Grail’, CSU coming to town was a sign,” Danae said. “And so here I am, doing the integrated pathway program through TAFE at Port Macquarie.”

Macquarie has helped make Danae’s transition to university easier. comparison to other universities is the perfect place to begin, because of the smaller class sizes and, I’d say, therefore a better learning “It feels very much like a small community and although the work content can feel overwhelming at times, the environment is actually relaxing and it’s very comforting to have so much help, so close and so accessible.” “For anyone considering study at CSU, I would say ’go for it’. Why would you choose to go anywhere else?” For more information, visit: www.csu.edu.au /4me or phone 1300 135 435.

The process is easy, with Coffs Document Storage delivering a supply of heavy duty archive boxes as you need them. You simply place the documents in an archive box, number the box, keep a record in your office of what is in each box and the number and Coffs Document Storage does the rest, confidentiality assured. You are then provided with a list of your boxes and their shelf positions in storage so you can have the boxes delivered to you when required. Costs are very reasonable; a standard archive box can be stored for 33 cents per box per

week – even less if you store 50 boxes or more. You receive 20 of your boxes delivered (and returned to storage) per month at no additional cost. To retrieve your records/boxes, fax or email the request slip to Coffs Document Storage by 4.30pm for delivery the next business day. When you have finished with the records/boxes, Coffs Document Storage will collect them and return to storage. Don't take chances with those precious documents. Lock them away in a clean, dry, secure environment that only approved personnel of Coffs Document Storage have access to, for your security. Ph: 6658 3217 now to book your storage and receive a free heavy duty Archive box. Coffs Document Storage is a division of Coffs Harbour Hi-Tech Self Storage Pty Ltd.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Tarum Images. Copyright Tarum Images

It’s tax time - Make the most of it Individuals need to ensure receipts are held for all tax deductions, including up to date logbooks for motor vehicle claims, work related travel, seminars, union fees, tools and equipment. It’s also a good time to review salary packaging arrangements and personal super contributions for co-contribution entitlements. If you have lost your receipt, then evidence on bank or credit statements is now acceptable. Small businesses can now write off assets costing $6,500 or less and the first $5,000 of a new car costing more than $6,000. If you are looking for new finance arrangements, it is a good idea to have your accounts finalised so that the bank has up to date information to assess your application. Choosing an Accountant – why use one? If you are serious about your business, then you require an accountant to be part of your ‘business management team’ – not just someone that does your tax. At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. We not only specialise in taxation, but we have extensive background skills in finance and banking, and understand what your bank manager needs in assessing finance. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business.

72 coffs coast focus.

Shane Dunlop is the president and referee coordinator of Bellingen Valley Basketball. Shane believes the success of the club is due to hard work and intense training sessions. This year will mark a significant milestone as the club makes their debut in the Men’s State League program. ogram.

hat initially brought you to the area? My family and I were originally from Victoria where I had a long association with basketball. We have previously been in the Tourist Park industry and had travelled through the Mid North Coast on a number of occasions. We saw the potential of the area from a business perspective but also as a fantastic place to raise a young family. The opportunity came up to manage a Tourist Park here and we decided the time was right. What is your role at the club, and how long have you been involved? I am the President of Bellinger Valley Basketball, Head Coach and Referee coordinator. With a dedicated group of like minded individuals, I was a foundation member of the club over ten years ago. We saw the opportunity to expand basketball to previously untapped areas with limited sporting participation. As a group we strongly believed in the creation of a basketball ‘family’ where the emphasis was on nurturing young people to achieve their potential, rather than a ‘win at all costs’ mentality. Why men’s basketball? I am not just involved in Men’s Basketball having coached both men and women during my coaching career. This year however, marks a significant milestone for the club as we make our debut in the Men’s State League program. We considered this an important step to raise our profile in the Basketball community and the broader community in general in preparation for the establishment of a two court community sports centre in Urunga. Whilst we are still working hard to make this a reality, the club’s decision to bring over two American basketball players this season to play in the State League program is already reaping rewards. We have been able to conduct more basketball development programs in schools and build stronger ties with other Associations throughout NSW. This is very

important to our future and the future of basketball in our area. What is your basketball philosophy, what is your secret, how have you led the team to such success? Every coach likes to win and I am no exception! I believe however, in ensuring all the players in the team have opportunity to learn and develop. Over my coaching career I have seen many players who were ‘discarded’ by other clubs; emerge as players of strong talent and even bigger hearts. I believe in hard work and my training sessions are renowned for their intensity. A player who puts in at training will reap the rewards in the game. I believe in my ability to build a strong rapport with our players and getting to know each individual players strengths and weakness. How do you generate interest for basketball in our community Most of the time through sheer hard work! I am supported by a very dedicated committee who work tirelessly to spread the basketball message. Word of mouth is our biggest resource in a small community. Also doing development at our local schools teaching the children fundamental skills What are your top priorities for your team as a president and a person: As a developing club my main priority is for us to continue to evolve and create opportunity for children to play sport in a happy and safe environment, particularly those from a disadvantaged background. I would also like to create opportunity for our more elite players to develop and expand on their talent. The development of a community sports centre at Urunga will be critical. The Bellinger Braves is the only club that do not have their own stadium in northern NSW and we are very proud that we have been able not only to survive but been a force with a number of teams against long established clubs that have a lot more resources than ourselves. In our 10 years with this we look forward to having all the Urunga and Bellingen communities involved in the various stages

of establishment. It will be a community facility and will provide not only sporting opportunities but cultural and social outcomes. This ensuring a community that will be fitter and healthier. So far the support from other sporting, social and cultural groups has been fantastic. What local, community support does the club receive? We have been very fortunate this season in obtaining two major sponsors; the Coffs Hotel and Beach bodies Gym. Both these businesses have come on board to offer us fantastic support particularly in relation to the State League men’s team. We can’t thank them enough! We also have significant support in the Urunga and Bellingen communities with many local businesses helping by offering either sponsorship or assistance in some way. Whenever we hold a fundraiser in Urunga many people come up just to ask ‘how are the kids going’. They are proud that we are part of their community. Any additional support from business or community to help the progress of the Bellinger Valley Community Sports Centre would be greatly appreciated. What has been the highlight over the past ten years? There have been many, such as winning Northern Junior League premierships and teams taking out ‘Runners Up’ at NSW Country Titles. There have been individual success stories with players who started out with the club going onto play in State teams and other elite representative programs. I have also trained referees who have officiated at a very high level. The highlight however would be having the Development application for the sports centre before Bellingen Council. This has taken eight long years and now we are on the cusp of making the dream a reality. If someone wanted to get involved with the club how would they go about it? Contact a member of the committee or email: bellingerbasketball@gmail.com

Future Ambition Send anything anywhere! SMS Strata Management After two decades, SMS Strata Management Group is proud to be a stand-alone strata management company, the only one of its kind in Coffs Harbour. We focus purely on Strata Management. Our rapid response to the emerging needs of property investors and homeowners is what sets us apart. Plus, our size gives us a distinct advantage - improved resources at the front line and better service levels for our clients. We have more than $15 million held in Trust for our 8,000 clients. Just ask Mrs Duffy about our service; she wrote, “We’ve been with SMS for years, and it’s their response times that really make a difference. They have sorted out some tricky situations for our Strata; we feel we can rely on them,”Beryl Duffy, Exec Committee Member, 12 Lot Strata, Coffs Harbour. SMS Strata Management Group now manages more than 1,000 buildings, and our portfolio extends across the Far North Coast, including Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Byron Bay, Yamba and Port Macquarie. Our team of 20 staff members are always willing to outline the services we offer - read more about the energy and expertise of our people on our website: www.smstrata.com.au Make a change this financial year!

Pack & Send is Australia’s leading packaging and shipping company, which can uniquely pack and send anything anywhere! Whether you have a fragile, large, awkward or valuable item, Pack & Send has a ‘No Limits’ policy in place and will send anything anywhere. Pack & Send’s professional parcel delivery service is offered at a very competitive rate to any postal address in the world and is not restricted by weight, length or value. Our specialised domestic services include overnight, same day and road express services. We also have competitive international rates for mail, air freight and sea freight services. Other professional products and services offered by Pack & Send Coffs Harbour include high quality moving boxes and a range of quality packaging supplies such as bubble wrap, packing tape and anything that is needed for sending anything, anywhere.

Future Ambition runs industry specific 'Day in the Life' training courses throughout the Mid North Coast to match job seekers to your workplace at no cost to you, the employer. Your new recruits are then supported by our ongoing mentoring programs to ensure that both yours and their needs are met, to achieve our overriding objective of sustainable employment. Future Ambition is also working in partnership with the Arthur Beetson Foundation to provide Day in the Life programs to support Indigenous employment in the Mid North Coast area. "Future Ambition’s Day in the Life course gave Holiday Coast Credit Union the opportunity to really get to know each candidate and observe them in a group environment before making the decision on who to employ. The course created great efficiencies and insight for us in the selection process, as our managers were able to evaluate each candidate individually over a 4 hour period from a pool of 8 candidates for 4 positions, all of which were filled, a process which would have normally taken at least 2 days." - Holiday Coast Credit Union Community Engagement Manager, Warden Mersey.

We also have our very popular moving kits in various sizes, which are available from as low as $65 and include boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and marking pens.

"Thank you to Future Ambition for running a Day in the Life course for Dudes and Dolls Hair. We found it to be a very professional and helpful way to be introduced to potential employees. We would highly recommend Future Ambition." - Dudes and Dolls Hair salon owner, Brendan Arnold.

If you are just moving locally or doing an international move, come see us at Pack & Send and we can help get you on your way. Contact us on 6651 3027.

From left: Sean Davis, Director Future Ambition; Emma Wilson, Program Manager Future Ambition; Kristian Heffernan, CEO Arthur Beetson Foundation; Katie Davis, Project Officer Future Ambition; Rod Barnaby Director Future Ambition.

Pack & Send Coffs Harbour. We treat every job as a Special Delivery. overseas g anywhere in Australia or We pack and send anythin s item able valu and d e, awkwar Specialising in fragile, larg ia tral Aus oss acr y ver deli Priority door to door courier removals supplies for storage and Do it yourself packaging r store bou Har fs p off at our Cof We pick up or you can dro

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coffs coast focus 73

JULY 2013

WITH TERRI

The Friendly Courier Experts What services do you offer? Fastway Couriers offer a cost effective, reliable, door to door courier service with local and national distribution throughout Australia. We use the latest computer technology, online parcel track and trace facilities, and we include insurance at no extra cost. We offer a same day delivery service between Macksville, Woolgoolga, Bellingen, Dorrigo and Armidale. How long have you been operating in Coffs Harbour? We’ve been operating in Coffs Harbour for 17 years, and Fastway has been established for 30 years. We’re proud to have a long tradition of working with local businesses to help them grow their own business. We’re a franchised organisation, so our 6 Courier Franchisees are local business owners themselves. What makes you different? The fact that we’re locally owned and operated. We live and work in the Coffs Harbour community, which allows us to really know our customers and how to assist them. Our customers can call their courier directly or talk to our local office in Boambee. It’s great to offer customers a national service, with local knowledge. We work on a prepaid service, so customers don’t need to sign a contract. We also welcome ‘one off’ and casual customers.

Fastway Couriers

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

You need to reconnect with your love of life and begin laughing again. You are taking life far too seriously and not using your adventurous self to carry you through life. This has led to a feeling of sadness that needs to be removed. Trust your decisions and enjoy life. Laughter is everywhere; you just may need to look for it sometimes. Flourite helps us find self-discipline and make choices.

PISCES. February 20 - March 20

Your challenge is, believing in your own strength. Your frustration is your lack of direction. Fill your mind with personal compliments, positive thoughts, and new goals then chase your dreams. You may be surprised by where they lead you. Topaz helps us to focus on our intentions.

Some hard earned effort is about to pay off. There is a happy air to romance, and feelings of achieving our purpose or finding your destiny. Set some fresh goals and go for every opportunity that presents itself. Ruby gives us a secure feeling through times of change.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23 Ju

You are currently faced with an opportunity to express yourself effortlessly and truthfully without challenge. Your ability to mediate, and understand other people’s point of view, assures success. Turquoise helps us communicate confidently.

An extension of your business Fastway Couriers offer cost effective, reliable timetabled courier service, backed by the latest technology. It’s the ideal choice for small, medium & large businesses. We offer:

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ARIES. March 21 - April 20

You are about to stumble into an experience that may be a surprise. Have no fear; you're gifted in whatever skill will be required of you. A big boost in your personal confidence will attract further success. Have fun and listen to your 'gut feel'. Turquoise is great for boosting esteem.

LEO. July 24 - August 23

You may be feeling a little suspended at present, because you might be relying on someone else to make change. Understand the position you are putting this person in. If the changes you want are yours, own them. Rose Quartz is great for stimulating the heart chakra.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Love yourself as much as you can, so that you know you deserve the best in life. All you are chasing is a fertile uncomplicated existence, but you don't prioritise yourself enough to make it happen. Set some goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Selenite is a powerful energy booster. Carry some in a pocket for a couple of weeks.

You may need to rebuild your confidence as a result of recent negativity in the workplace. Take time out to rethink where you would like to be and look at the personal strength you have gained. Lapis Lazuli is wonderful for your personal power.

LIBRA. September 24 - October 23

Remember strength and wisdom are such powerful virtues; they will take you on the most amazing journey through life. You were blessed with these qualities and need to remember the difference between your problems and everyone else’s. Lately taking on too much has exhausted your zest. Moldavite will transforms energy and gives flight to new opportunities.

SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22

Time would be well spent in the garden or in nature at present. Grounding yourself and coming back to what matters is needed. You have been too caught up in everybody’s everything, to think about your own needs. Try doing some gardening and weed out your own negative thoughts at the same time. Hematite focuses your energy into the earth plane and aids manifestation.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

You will soon become aware of your own strength. Recent changes in attitude towards home-life have opened new doors, and now you can enjoy your creative energy. Set some work related goals, as new opportunities are lining up and the more prepared you are, the better they will feel. Clear Quartz will give you clarity and amplify your energy.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

You can expect an apology or confession from one very close to you. Justice is being served, and anything unresolved will be forgiven. Spend some quiet time thinking about what you need and how you can muster it within yourself so you are completely independent and not needy of another. Lapis Lazuli helps us understand our needs.

Another happy Spanline customer.

Spanline Home Additions FED up with a baking hot oven in summer or a wet weather washout on their exposed Sapphire Beach balcony, Grant and Loretta Rigby were keen to create a more comfortable outdoor living space. However, the path to construction was not without its challenges, including Loretta’s skiing injury and local bylaws. “It was such a long endurance game, I really felt awful for Peter Pappalardo and Spanline,” Loretta Rigby said.

meeting local bylaws. Now a stylish, tri-level roofline at the maximum allowable height brings in stunning views. “We designed a stainless steel, heavy folded gutter system, fabricated by Faircloth & Reynolds to stand up to the high wind loads,” Peter Pappalardo said. “All beams and posts are construction grade aluminium, and all connections are marine grade stainless steel,” Peter said.

“Peter was great, because he was willing to redesign. Sometimes salesmen only want to make a quick sale, but Peter hung in there for two and a half years,” she said.

“Spanline were so considerate of neighbours during construction. They walked everything up three storeys and attached scaffolding to the inside of our balcony, so the neighbours below wouldn’t see scaffolding,” Loretta said.

Design constraints of the south-east facing headland location meant a cyclone rated construction, following the curvature of the deck from its narrow point to full width, plus

“Before it was so damn hot in summer, you couldn’t stand it,” Grant said. “Now, I put on my Jazz music and read out on the daybed with a glass of crisp, white wine – I love it.”

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focustravel

Kerry Moss(L), Bree von Saldern (middle), Jeanette Lapham(R)

Quadrant Travel & Journeys Why should I use a travel agent … Contrary to popular belief, a travel agent doesn’t need to cost you more. In fact, it's possible you will pay less than booking a holiday yourself. Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel and Journeys, a travel agency in Coffs Harbour, says, “We have relationships and experience with the airlines, hotels and cruise companies. Often it can mean that travel agents have access to package details that might include extras, such as an on-board credits, a free day tour, an upgrade of your hotel room or free breakfast.” The internet has helped make information more accessible than ever before. Some people really enjoy the planning of a trip, while others don’t have the time or any interest in sorting out the finer details. Research for even a simple trip can take hours, and even then the accuracy of the information from an internet

search cannot be guaranteed. The services of a professional travel agent means someone else can do the research from reliable sources (or combine their research with yours) and present you with options. Travel agents love to travel! How valuable would it be if an expert could tell you which hotels to avoid and which ones are unforgettable, or to choose the amazing snorkelling excursion but skip the lame city tour? Offering advice on what to do and which services to choose, based on personal experience or that of colleagues and customers, is where a travel agent really provide the best value. Quadrant Travel and Journeys, a team of local travel consultants with more than 40 years’ experience between them, is located within C.ex Coffs in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour, drop in to see the girls today to discuss your next trip.

F a r m i n g a n d R u g b y T o u r to South Africa. uadrant Australia have been operating special interest tours both in Australia and overseas for more than 30 years. Their experienced team share a range of skills, including airline, tour leading and travel agency experience.

They are delighted to announce their 2013 Farming and Rugby Tour to South Africa. Join Quadrant Australia on this exciting tour, combining the best of South African Agriculture with the best in world rugby.

leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros. There is nothing like a sun-downer after an evening game drive in the open top vehicles. The second Rugby Championship match, South Africa versus New Zealand, will take place in Johannesburg, but only after you have toured the countryside, spent time with the locals getting to know the local traditions and sampling the local food.

Quadrant Australia are also offering travellers the chance to extend their tour and visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls, bordering ZimbaDeparting Australia on 27 September, the team bwe and Zambia and Chobe Game Reserve in at Quadrant Coffs Harbour have put together Botswana. The thunder of the majestic falls is a wonderfully diverse itinerary, including two something that needs to be felt with the heart. Rugby Test Matches – The Springboks versus No trip to Victoria Falls is complete without a the Wallabies and then the Springboks stay at the Grand Old Lady of the Falls, versus the All Blacks. Partnered The Victoria Falls Hotel. Quadrant with an authentic overview of Australia have been able to South African agriculture, secure two nights’ stay for so al “ Travellers will nal luxurious game lodges all travellers ... io at N visit Kruger Game a m pa and all inclusive safari Ka d an Chobe Game Lodge, Park g 13,000 drives with a chance to Reserve, coverinme to situated on the banks of hectares and ho animal spot the Big Five, this the Chobe River in Bot en er ff over 40 di Farming and Rugby Tour the g in tswana, is home to more ud cl in s, ie spec , lion, is a unique and rare opthan 36,000 elephants. Big Five: elephant d an portunity. leopard, buffalo Seeing the elephants and

eros. ”

rhinoc South Africa is a fascinating country with captivating wildlife and thriving agriculture. This tour visits South Africa’s largest agricultural company on one day and will see you sipping wine on the deck of your safari lodge the next.

Enjoy the spectacular sight of Cape Town, where travellers will visit the oldest and most prestigious winery in South Africa, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain before enjoying the first of two world class Rugby matches, Australia versus South Africa. Travellers will also visit Kruger National Park and Kapama Game Reserve, covering 13,000 hectares and home to over 40 different animal species, including the Big Five: elephant, lion, 76 coffs coast focus.

other wildlife such as hippos from a river boat provides people with a unique vantage point to see the animals up close and personal. This tour is offered exclusively to Quadrant travellers, including flights from Sydney, airport taxes, professional tour guide, Reserve seating at both Rugby matches, accommodation and the majority of meals. A full itinerary, including day-to-day activities, is available by either visiting the Quadrant Australia website at www.quadrantaustralia.com or by dropping in to see the girls at Quadrant in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity; call now on 02 6651 1555.

focustourism.

with Dene Zahner, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.

focuseditorial.

MARKETING

IDEAS

How to build credibility with customers? “To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible; to be credible, we must be truthful.”

UPDATE denezahner Opera Australia comes to Coffs this month ... uly will see some culture on our including family and recreational rides, a coastline. Opera Australia will present National Park ride, BMX, downhill, and OZ OPERA’s new production of Mozart’s mountain biking and of course, the road rides. DON GIOVANNI: a story of love, lust, Some participation may include a fee; however, betrayal and passion at Sportz Central. Sung most rides are free. For more information, go in English and with a chamber orchestra, a to: www.coffscoastfestivalofcycling.com full working theatre stage will be constructed The draft for the Jetty4Shores Project is now inside the venue – complete with 7 metre on public exhibition; you can view the plans high flybars. Oz Opera’s performance of on Coffs Harbour City Council’s website by Don Giovanni will be held at Sportz Central going to; http://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/ on July 30 at 7.30pm 2013. This is a major learning-and-prospering/projects/Pages/Jettyevent for Coffs. It brings a night of quality Foreshores-Project.aspx entertainment to regional audiences, who The exhibition period began on 8 May 2013 don’t get these opportunities without having and will close 9 August. We urge you to to travel to a capital city. Performed with a look at the draft concept plans, to see what nine piece chamber orchestra, Mozart’s classic is being proposed. It’s important to make a opera is brought to life by Michael Gow. Opera formal submission with your thoughts on Australia brings a night filled with love, the proposed plans. You can do betrayal, passion, revenge and this by either emailing the great entertainment. Be Project Team: jetty4shores@ prepared to be seduced chcc.nsw.gov.au or by and enchanted by m Coffs is sending your hardcopy ur To Opera’s favourite bad ast launched Co submission to the boy and Casanova, site r members’ web General Manager, ou Don Giovanni. If you g. The at our last meetin tourism Coffs Harbour City es have attended an website promot Council, Locked ovides opera previously or members and pr n to the Bag 155, COFFS io at rm fo if it’s your first show, relevant in ming co up t HARBOUR NSW 2450. ou ab ry Don Giovanni offers indust As an association, it .” ts even a great opportunity for was really good to see a cultural experience. the community get behind Doors open at 7.30pm, the proposed budget cuts, and refreshments are available and this is the opportunity to have from 6pm onwards. Thanks to Mike your say on the future development of our Blewitt Ford, tickets have been kept down to foreshores. the realistic prices as below, and the full floor

Building credibility and reputation in the consumer’s mind plays an important role in the make or break of any business. It’s one of the defining factors that encourages a customer to buy from you or not – whether you are a trustworthy and reliable operator. There are numerous ways you can help to build this with consumers, and I’ve outlined a few of my favourites below: • Act with integrity and respond to bad publicity – be it online, in person or by other means, by responding in a positive and unemotional way, you will build credibility. How you handle bad publicity is crucial to building reputation. • Manage any online profiles like TripAdvisor which have been established for your business. It’s important to respond to what people are saying about you online, as it’s a chance to change a bad experience to a positive or to further enhance a good experience. • Win an industry or business award or achieve accreditation – this will help show that you are the expert in your field and also

samwardman improves your competitive position. • Make sure you have a web and mobile presence – so many businesses are still yet to get a website or online presence and the simple fact is, that if you’re not online you’re losing potential revenue every day, as customers use online search as a key part of their decision making process. • Be true to what your business represents – focus on a particular market; don’t try and be everything to everyone. And make sure that you always act with integrity in everything you do. This means offering quality products and service for its lifecycle. • Finally, make sure you give the best customer service – invest in training your staff to provide customers with the best possible experience with your business. It’s harder to choose a competitor over a business that you love! Happy marketing! Sam Wardman.

“

plan is on sale now via the internet at: www. trybooking.com/48332. Tickets are priced at: A Reserve $65, B Reserve $55 and C Reserve $39.50.

The Coffs Coast Charity Walk was very successful, with more than 600 registered participants. Organisers are eager to see this number double next year.

The 15th Annual Sawtell Chilli Festival is on Saturday 6 July 2013 from 10am. Regardless of whether you like it hot and spicy or more mild, there will be a huge range of stalls, cafés and restaurants to cater to your tastes. A great day out for families, with kids’ rides, entertainment and music, chilli tasting, competitions and giveaways.

Tourism Coffs Coast launched our members’ website at our last meeting. The website promotes tourism members and provides relevant information to the industry about upcoming events. To view the website, go to www.tourismcoffs.com.au Tourism members are invited to showcase their business through the Tourism Coffs Coast Facebook: www. facebook.com/TourismCoffsCoast

Enjoy the best of cycling on the Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge, with rides for everyone from 26 July - 11 Aug ’13. Over a period of two weeks there will be a number of rides,

If you are interested becoming a Tourism Coffs Coast member please call Tracey on 6651 7766 or email info@tourismcoffscoast.com.au coffs coast focus 77

78 coffs coast focus.

focusbusiness. with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce

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with Chris Hines from Unrealestate

clive greenway.

real Greetings to all the FOCUS readers from the businesses and traders in Sawtell . We trust you are enjoying all the good things that come with the cooler months of the year and the beautiful winter days that the Coffs Coast is so well known for.

e are enjoying seeing visitors from the southern areas of the country, who travel miles for the weather we locals get to enjoy each day. Lucky to live here, aren't we! Speaking of good fortune, it is the start of the new financial year and a time when we ponder what our economy will deliver over the next 12 months. The retail environment across Australia has been bleak for several years; however, there were some encouraging signs in 2012 as sales growth picked up, fuelled in part by carbon tax compensation and government hand outs.

customer revolution and are constantly adapting their goods and services to create and maintain meaningful and sincere connections with their clients, those returning and those new to the business. A stroll through the village will reveal a variety of stores and traders and the unique flavour that they impart – a reputation that Sawtell has deservedly earned. An encounter with any number of the retailers and businesses in Sawtell will deliver customer satisfaction at every level.

We pride ourselves on the variety and quality of the goods we sell, the knowledge of our products and our services, Retail conditions for the and we focus our efforts to first half of 2013 have achieve a superior customer improved slightly, with ive tit experience. Small business pe m co ay st To various levels of ving is hard and to survive in this ever evol growth across the sential es is the difficulties associit e, ap sc land states. The mining liver ated with running small that retailers de er boom in WA has om business in a challenga seamless cust tailer re certainly buoyed ing economy, we must experience. The ng vision retail sales in the must have a stro across strive to ensure we tick s west, although retail of customer need .” all the boxes associated ls conditions in NSW a number of leve with keeping our customhave improved as well. ers happily spending and The road ahead will not most importantly, returning to be a smooth one for retailour stores. ers and still a far cry from the pre Whilst on the subject of pleasant and GFC days, but the new year should see rewarding experiences, don't forget the 15th increases in sales if retailers stay in touch annual Sawtell Chilli Festival. From 10am on with consumers' ever changing purchasSaturday, July 6, Sawtell will come alive with all ing behaviours. things chilli and showcase entertainment and Today's consumer is increasingly savvy, being festivities for the whole family. connected to both the physical and digital As well as all the stalls and entertainment world. To stay competitive in this ever evolving throughout the day, the Sawtell cafés and landscape, it is essential that retailers deliver restaurants will present their best and the a seamless customer experience. The retailer boutiques will have a range of Chilli Festival must have a strong vision of customer needs bargains for sale. You will find more informaacross a number of levels. Knowledge, price tion on our website: www.sawtellnsw.com.au point and service are key ingredients for a successful customer experience. A day not to be missed ... look forward to

“

The retailers in Sawtell are fully aware of the

seeing you there!

Hi again, and welcome to my real estate column. Today I want to talk about the profession of real estate agents and also touch on the relationship between agents and their clients.

et’s be totally honest; agents have, for many years, had an unenviable reputation ... and to be totally honest, in some cases well deserved. One can think back to the old Fast Forward comedy show on television, with the ‘Liare and Deshonko’ Real Estate Agency parody to get an idea of what the stereotypical real estate agent was. The fact of the matter is, however, that the industry, in the main, has changed. Changes to the Property Stock and Business Agents Act in NSW and policing by the Department of Fair Trading in NSW have also done a great deal to lift the professionalism in the industry. Changes such as yearly compulsory professional development have been brought about, to ensure that agents are up to date with legislation and best practice. Professional bodies such as the Real Estate Institutes in each state are also there to provide guidance to members. One of the advantages of dealing with member agencies is their adherence to the REI codes of conduct and regulations governing membership. For instance, the REINSW introduced compulsory Professional Indemnity Insurance, even though the industry itself did not demand it. I firmly believe that honesty is absolutely the best policy, and should be the only policy for professional real estate agents. Unfortunately however, many buyers and sellers believe they shouldn’t be honest with agents. Maybe it’s because of the stereotypical public perception of ‘agents’, or maybe it’s just human nature. Real Estate Agents, in the vast majority, are trained professionals who try and do the

best by their clients, acting in an ethical and responsible manner. There will always be some people in any profession who bend and break the rules; however, in all industries it is in the minority. You wouldn’t go to a health professional and give them an incorrect list of symptoms, your accountant and tell them incorrect details for your tax returns, but when dealing with real estate agents, some people feel they should avoid advising the agent of their true circumstances when they are possibly making the largest purchase they will ever make, or selling their biggest asset. In simple terms, let's all be honest with each other - it’s easier to help if you know all the facts. Now my gripe, and it is unfortunately with some agents. In order to act lawfully in the sale of your home, agents must have two things. Firstly, a listing agreement between you and the agent, and secondly, a valid ‘contract of sale’. Sadly, I have been told recently that some agents, when asked to attend homes to provide a market appraisal, are attempting to circumvent the process by bringing buyers straight around and negotiating a deal. The quick sale may sound alluring; however, not only is it illegal, but it may not be getting you the best price for your home. The market sets the price and competition lifts the price; my concern would always be why is the agent ‘not’ putting the home to the market, and what is their relationship with the buyer? Quick tip: if an agent has done this to you, you are NOT obliged to pay them commission and should report them to the Department of Fair Trading. Have a great month. coffs coast focus 79

focusabode.

TOSCAN HOMES

COFFS COFF CO FF FS CO COAST OAS ST

property p roperty g guide uide

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TOSCAN HOMES Toscan Homes are multi-award winning builders and have been building homes in the Coffs Harbour area for over 30 years.

oscan Homes is a ‘Design and Construct’ building company. Toscan Homes do have a large number of plans on hand that they have built over the 30 years in the industry, but do not have set plans i.e. like a project builder; that way, each of their homes is unique and not based on repetitive designs. Leaders in the industry, Toscan Homes pride themselves on quality workmanship and customer service! Into its 31st year since the

doors opened, the team at Toscan Homes is focused on offering its customers the latest in concepts, innovations and contemporary designs. Toscan Homes is one of Coffs Harbour’s most reputable and successful builders; they proudly build every one of their homes to the same standard of excellence that has seen them winners of many HIA (Housing Industry Association) housing awards.

coffs coast focus 81

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TOSC A N H O M ES

Toscan Homes is one of Coffs Harbour’s most reputable and successful builders; they proudly build every one of their homes to the same standard of excellence that has seen them winners of many HIA (Housing Industry Association) housing awards. What is the history behind Toscan Homes? Toscan Homes is a family company that started with Grazz Toscan. Grazz was born in Coffs Harbour, where he began his career as an apprentice carpenter. After attaining his full qualifications, he started G&K Toscan Building Contractors with his wife, Karen. Toscan Homes was formed in 1991 and now has a staff of 8 and proudly uses over 200 suppliers and subcontractors from the local area, all of which employ local people. “We have always been strong believers in using local trades and suppliers as much as we can, as we consider this to be important in the continual growth and development of the building industry on the Mid North Coast.”

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TOS C AN H O ME S

“ Right from the start, when you come into our office looking to build a new home, renovate an existing home, or if you have another project in mind, we are happy to cater to your dreams and wishes.”

When did Rob and Todd join forces? In 2010, two new members, brother in-laws, joined the Toscan Homes team: Todd Mackay and Rob McClennon. On one hand we have Rob, a character whose enthusiasm and passion for customer service is unwavering. His focus is on people, his customers and his staff. Rob has a true passion for supporting local business whilst growing his own. Todd, on the other hand, started his career as an apprentice with Grazz Toscan back in 1995. Todd is looking forward to continuing the high quality of construction and work ethics that Toscan Homes is renowned for. Building is a systematic process that Todd knows very well. What is the process? From the moment you walk through the front doors, what can one expect? Right from the start, when you come into our office looking to build a new home, renovate an existing home, or if you have another project in mind, we are happy to cater to your dreams and wishes. Firstly, we find out exactly what you and your family require. Do you have a block of land? What is your budget? Where would you like to live and do you already have a block of land? We then start getting those ideas down on paper with a rough sketch. We can either source you a block of land, or we visit your site of land to survey the block’s contours and other aspects of construction. Then it’s on to preparing a working drawing with either our draftsman or your own designer/architect. Each one of our houses is individually designed, taking into account the best aspect of the site, the budget and the customer’s individual lifestyle needs, and we work through this with you to create the home of your dreams. We pride ourselves on offering you open, honest communication throughout the building process and are happy to answer any questions that may arise.

WLOHVDUHFRRO

BMD BAD1357

Australia’s favourite place for tiles and bathroomware (Formerly Northern Rivers Ceramics) 17 Isles Drive,Coﬀs Harbour LN5614'57564#.+#9+&'T Ph 02 6652 1408 *'4'510'0'#4;17T coﬀsharbour@tile.com.au coffs coast focus 83

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TOSCAN HOMES

Apart from being multi-award winning, what are you most proud of? Toscan Homes is extremely proud of our workmanship, delivery of our products and focus on customer service. We have developed the ability to generate and maintain relationships with a wide range of people, from customers to suppliers and staff. It is these factors which have contributed to our ongoing success. We use the best practices within our team to ensure superior customer service is achieved. In the past few years, Toscan Homes has worked on a number of homes, as well as the completion of a major extension to Coffs Harbour Christian Community School, a multi-purpose hall consisting of classrooms with a dividing wall, canteen, toilets, art rooms, parking, as well as landscaping to tie in with the rest of the school. Our pride, as well as the customers’ satisfaction, is shown when the name Toscan Homes is mentioned in the re-sale. This is due to our solid reputation for attention to detail, consultation and our great team work within the office. “We believe owning a Toscan Home is an investment in your financial and personal well-being; it is an opportunity to create a special place where you feel safe, secure and selfexpressed.” When you build with Toscan Homes, you enter a relationship that starts with your first planning ideas and develops through the building process and beyond. We include personal assistance with a selection of features and colour schemes, to ensure your home is as individual as you are. This has been displayed by winning the HIA Bunnings Customer Service Award in 2007. Toscan Homes more recent awards include: the prestigious Housing Industry of Australia awards where they were a finalist and winner of Winner of the 2012 HIA Northern NSW Custom Built home of the year $200,000 to $400,000. In 2011 HIA Northern NSW Townhouse

Proud suppliers of Toscan Homes

Cetnaj Coffs Harbour 151 Orlando St Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: (02) 6652 7400

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TOSCAN HOMES

“ When you build with Toscan Homes, you enter a relationship that starts with your first planning ideas and develops through the building process and beyond.”

Development of the Year and finalist in the HIA 2011 Custom Built Home of the year under $1 Million dollars. Toscan Homes' accolades stretch back though over thirty years of construction being recognised for outstanding work being awarded and have included more than 44 winner and finalist awards. What are some of the challenges you face? One of the biggest challenges on the East Coast of Australia that all builders experience is the weather – particularly Coffs Harbour. The inclement weather conditions over the last 12 months has made building difficult and affects the entire process of construction, commencing with scheduling and including trades deliveries, supplies and the final handover of our completed homes.

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Award Winning Toscan Homes over the years has gained a reputation for building homes to an award winning standard. Our numerous HIA Awards commenced in 1991 and continued through to 2007, at which time Grazz Toscan was asked to be part of judging the HIA Housing Awards. “They wanted someone with suitable experience in the industry to join the team as a judge; it is an honour to be part of the process,” Grazz said. The company’s awards include Custom Built Homes at a range of price

86 coffs coast focus.

levels, recognition for Energy Efficiency, Best Home Awards, HIA’s Australian Custom Build Home of the Year, Renovations and Additions projects, as well as Customer Service Awards, to mention a few. House and Land Packages Toscan Homes also works closely with local real estate agencies and developers in producing modern house and land packages in the area. This includes Sandy Beach North, Perfectly located beachfront land currently for sale with Peter Darby of The Edge Coffs Harbour.

“ Our numerous HIA Awards commenced in 1991 and continued through to 2007, at which time Grazz Toscan was asked to be part of judging the HIA Housing Awards.”

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TOSCA N H O M ES

Most of Toscan Homes' subcontractors and suppliers from the Mid North Coast have been working together with Toscan Homes from the outset. Toscan Homes has the benefit of using local trades and suppliers that not only know their products and services, but are backed by their commitment to ensure we maintain our renowned high level of construction and quality of workmanship. Toscan Homes would like to thank the many suppliers and subcontractors we have for their ongoing support of the quality homes that we are renowned for. We look forward to working with all of our customers in 2013. Please feel free to give our office a call, and we will be happy to discuss your building needs.

ABOUT THE SUBCONTRACTORS O'Brien Frames and Trusses - locally owned and operated family frame and truss manufacturer since 1994, who are pioneering the timber industry on the Coffs Coast with their commitment to manufacture exclusively with 100% T2 treated timber, which holds a certified 25 year guarantee from termites, giving Toscan Homes and the owners of our houses peace of mind. Banana Coast Waterproofing - one of the most important factors of construction, and dealing with Clinton Green is great. He is a real character and does a number one job.

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TOSCA N HOMES

ABOUT THE SUBCONTRACTORS

Gosling Electrical Is a family based business that has serviced the Coffs Harbour and Mid North Coast area for over 35 years. Dealing with Trevor and Matt Gosling, Andrew Ross and the rest of the team is a delight for our customers, with innovation and the latest in electrical services. Basso Plumbing Basso has been working with our team at Toscan Homes for about 30 years. Edgigo Basso plumbing has exceptional standards of quality, and this is what we look for in our homes. Gidge looks after every Toscan Home, and his team are great to work with.

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SGA Architectural Window solutions SGA have been manufacturing architectural windows and doors for Toscan Homes for over 30 years and have been involved in the local window industry for over 35 years, providing a quality upmarket product, both residential and commercial. SGA prides itself on being a member of the Australian Windows Association, with full certification to all standards and WERS compliant. Please feel free to call in and see Wayne Scott and Tony Pallin and the SGA team at their award winning showroom in Isles Drive, Coffs Harbour.

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Amber Tiles: James and his team offer a great selection of tiles both indoor and outdoor in there showroom with the latest innovation and trends from Australia and overseas. Amber Coffs Harbour staff will help you with your selection to ensure it meets your lifestyle and budget. Whether it’s a big or a small home renovation Amber Coffs Harbour has the answer!

Beautmont Tiles: Dave Arthur and his team at Beaumont tiles are great to work with. Toscan Homes has a long relationship with Dave and his team offering Toscan Homes tiles from there new showroom in Isles Drive. Beaumont Tiles offer great service and great value with the latest in tiles from all around the world.

“ Watsons have been providing our aluminium needs for years. Again, it is great to be working with local businesses that take such pride and passion in all things they construct.”

TOSCAN HOMES

Jeff Wilson Painter Painting is like the icing on the cake. This is such an important part of construction, and Jeff and his team of highly qualified painters finish off our homes supurbly. This also relates to the type of paint we use within our homes. Toscan Homes only uses the high quality paints on the market today. Two Birds Interior Designs Kylie and Kristie are fantastic to deal with and offer the latest in cutting edge interior design services. Kristie and Kylie work closely with our clients to achieve their desired look and help select all finishes and fixtures. Accent Bathrooms Thanks to Clint and the team in providing Toscan Homes with the latest in bathroom and kitchen accessories. Their showroom is fantastic, and they pride themselves on tailoring the latest ideas into your new homes. Accent have great choices in all areas. Coffs Hardwoods If you want the best quality timbers floors and hardwoods, choose Coffs Harbour Hardwoods. It certainly is fantastic to be able to buy timber that's machined with such high standards. Particularly in our climate, quality timber flooring is such an important factor when laying in our home. Watson Aluminium Watsons have been providing our aluminium needs for years. Again, it is great to be working with local businesses that take such pride and passion in all things they construct. Watsons offer us everything from pool fencing, balustrade both internal and external, gates and also will fabricate aluminium and stainless steel for those custom and complicated jobs.

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TESTIMONIALS

T O S C AN H O MES

Dear Grazz, Thank you for the flowers you sent to us both; it was very much appreciated. We are delighted with the final outcome of our home and acknowledge the contribution that you and your staff have made, in particular, Bob Armstrong for his forethought, professionalism and eye for detail. At times, building remotely has had its complications, but you have assisted us in working through these issues. Our home is proof of your commitment not only to your client, but also to the building industry. Regards, Sue & Robert. I cannot speak highly enough of Todd and Rob and the team at Toscan Homes. I live in Tamworth, three hours away. They renovated my apartment in Sawtell. Because I live three hours away, whenever I would come to town the guys would pick me up and drive me around to choose things I'd sourced in magazines.They helped me source beautiful Italian doors. Rob and Todd are exceptional young men. I'm forever grateful for their service. I would not hesitate recommending them. They even gave me flowers after the job was done! Joy.

90 coffs coast focus.

Dear Grazz, We would like to finally get around to expressing our thanks and gratitude to you and your staff for a very high quality final product. We would like to thank the various tradesmen who contributed to our home. Buying our first home was a big decision and turning point in our lives, but we felt no pressure and all the help we could have hoped for from yourself. The builders were very friendly and helpful and eagerly explained what they were doing when we came to look at various stages of construction. We have and will have no problem in referring your company to our friends whom are contemplating building a home. Yours sincerely, Jamie & Denice.

the plug! For more information on Toscan Homes: Shop 13 Sartos Centre 9 GDT Seccombe Close Coffs Harbour 2450 Ph (02) 6652 2444 Fax (02) 6651 8040 Mob 0418 665 281 www.toscanhomes.com.au

coffs coast focus 91

Imagine your home on the Coffs Coast.

display home now open.

Come and visit our exciting new display home today.

Drop in for a chat today.

Your home should be a haven – somewhere to relax, enjoy life and be inspired.

Display home

See ﬁrsthand the love and care that goes into crafting every home we build.

3 Green Bluff Road

View the quality, innovative and inspiring design at our new display home.

North Sapphire Beach NSW 2450 Open 7 days 10am to 5pm.

Call us on 02 6653 6335 or visit online at gjgardner.com.au Photographs may depict ﬁxtures, ﬁnishes and features not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes. These items include landscaping – including planter boxes, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, screens and decorative landscaping items such as fencing and outdoor kitchens and barbeCues. Fischer Built Pty Ltd. BL: 191313C.

Focus

Published on Jun 26, 2013

Coffs Coast Focus - i34

Issue 34 of the Coffs Coast Focus.

Coffs Coast Focus - i34

Published on Jun 26, 2013

Issue 34 of the Coffs Coast Focus.

focus.mag

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