Feature Story
COFFS COAST
September 2013// issue 36
M E R C E D E S - B E N Z
C O F F S
C O A S T
FASH I ON F E S T I V A L
Sam Jones
editor's note.
focus C O F F S C OA S T
Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL: PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 6650 9343 FAX: 02 6651 3798 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au iPHONE: www.focusmag.com.au/eat TV: www.focustv.com.au
contacts.
editor.
from the
Melly Dee.
Welcome to the September issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.
EDITOR: Melly Dee melly@focusmag.com.au
SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Nicci Seccombe nicci@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Sam Dawson sam@focusmag.com.au
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissyjones1@bigpond.com
ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au
SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan
I
t’s wonderful getting to learn the ins and outs of what’s happening on the Coffs Coast each month ... interviewing genuinely interesting people, all of whom call this pocket of the world home and being exposed to all of the fantastic events the town has on offer – basically getting into the nitty gritty of what makes Coffs Harbour tick. I feel truly blessed that this is my day job.
festival. Nowhere in the world is there a festival that combines both comedy acts and buskers. If you’re wanting to get your giggle-on, read through the guide and see what tickles your fancy. A 9 day festival, with events for the whole family!
With that in mind, this issue has been a blast to put together, and I’m champing at the bit to share yet another huge edition.
Damon Downey, a true blue Bellingen local who has had huge international success with band Sneaky Sound System shares his latest ventures.
As the weather fines up, the days become longer and we’re all looking for things to do. It’s with great enthusiasm that I share with you the official Buskers Magazine – a 16 page who, what, where detailed guide of the
The FOCUS team have found yet another epic and talented artist from Woolgoolga, Brett Curzon, and local lad Nathan Quinn will once again be competing in the rally that is coming to town.
IN THIS ISSUE Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast Fashion Festival is here – a new version dedicated to supporting local fashion.
jeff@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Annalise Montgomery annalise@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.
NEW CONTRIBUTOR torial I am happy to announce a new editorial contributor, Fran Stephenson. Each ntermonth Fran will be bringing us an interview, topic of her own choice. Fran has had great success in her long careerr – boutique home-interior store ownerr and ench the ex-editor of luxury magazine French g Provincial. Fran is sharing her writing onth talents with us each month. This month o inHilary Davies from Jetty Theatre also terviews Sydney based band KEYIM BA. COVER PHOTO This month’s photo was taken by photographer David Moore. Thank you to the talent, product and stylist team who helped put this shoot together. www.moorephotography.com.au FINAL SAY “It’s better to dance than to march through life.” – Yoko Ono.
Melly Dee – Editor melly@focusmag.com.au Twitter: @le_mellydee
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inside this
Issue 36 - September 2013
8.
Damon Downey. Damon Downey is a proud Bellingen local who reminisces about his amazing childhood here. He has gone on to achieve huge success, not only in international band Sneaky Sound System, but he has also diversified his passion for creativity into art and has opened a restaurant in Sydney ...
Fashion Festival.
34.
It’s that most stylish time of year again, and fashion fevers are burning up with the news that the Coast’s major fashion event, the Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast Fashion Festival, is returning with a fresh new look for 2013.
40.
Samuel Johnson. What would you do if your sister was terminally ill? Samuel Johnson’s sister, Connie, is dying of Breast Cancer, so he’s setting out on an epic challenge. He’s riding around Australia on a unicycle ... and he is riding through Coffs Harbour very soon.
6. Sam Jones 12. Spit Syndicate 16. Brett Curzon 19. Nathan Quinn 46. Kelly McLoughlin-Wilden
usual suspects.
the
7. what’s on for September 24. eat featuring local restaurants 36. social scene with Carole Beros
48. star guide with Terri 66. tourism with Tourism Coffs Coast
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
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Kiwi born and bred Sam Jones now calls Coffs Harbour home. Sam has two jobs, one at Pushkar and the other at Pansabella Providores. Sam and d her partner, Sam (male), only intended to stay in town for six months, but ut now they proudly call the Coffs Coast home. Here is Sam’s story ...
here are you from? I am from Nelson, which is the top of the South Island in New Zealand. There is a huge café culture there, and I am so proud to call it my hometown. I am a very patriotic Kiwi but love living in Australia, especially here. Why did you move here? I was working at the beautiful Arajilla Retreat on Lord Howe Island where I met my boyfriend, Sam (we are both named Sam. I have nicknamed him Sam-Boy). He is from Whoopi. After working and travelling for so long, we were thinking about getting back to the 'real world'. Then when the owners of Pushkar were on a holiday (on Lord Howe Island), I met them and they offered me a job should I ever come to Coffs Harbour. The timing was perfect, so here we are. We were only meant to be here six months. It has been over three years. I just love it too much to leave. What do you like about living here? I love the beaches. As a river dwelling Kiwi, I have an irrational fear of sharks but still spend most of my summer at the beach, on a headland or walking in the Dorrigo Rainforest. I love the fact that I can sit on a headland and watch whales and the sunset with kangaroos grazing around me. I also love that we can just go for a short drive and be amongst new beautiful scenery. Where do you work? I have worked at Pushkar for the whole three years I have been here, and now I also work at Pansabella Providores. What do you love about your jobs? 6 coffs coast focus.
Pushkar is such a gre eat plac lacee great place to work, and I just lovee it it. It was like having an instant family at straight away. I love the fact th ad he a on t I feel so lucky I can si s le ha w ch at w to be part of land and ith kanthe Pushkar and the sunset w nd ou ar garoos grazing family and to we can at th ve me. I also lo be surrounded t drive just go for a shor w by my friends t ne and be amongs ” inspired me for years every day. y. er en sc ul tif au be after it came out. We make each Mainly, I am all about other’s lunches funky accessories, and I and bake sweet treats love bright nails. all the time; it’s a great What do you do when not atmosphere. Being around Lucy working? and Mollie (the dogs) also provides Sam-Boy and I spend a lot of time at endless laughs. the beach, him surfing, me reading. We Hospitality is where my passion love to do the local walks. I have a new lies though, so when Kristi (owner bike, so we have had a few fun bike rides of Pansabella) was opening the new with friends, finishing with a delicious Pansabella in Coffs Central, she had asked beverage. We love just chilling with friends me if I wanted to work some nights – I of and eating good food. We try to travel as course said yes. As a customer who loves much as possible and are off to Sumatra Pansabella so much for everything it has to soon. I can't wait for that! offer, it is such a pleasure to work there. What would you do if you won Lotto? I wouldn’t function without Pansabella The usual things: buy houses in New coffee and flowers! Zealand and here, donate to charity, travel My boyfriend, Sam-Boy, has just started for a few years. At Pushkar we talk about as the new chef, so that makes it even buying an island when we win, so that for better for me too! I count myself blessed sure. to be part of two great teams with two If you had only one last meal, what sets of such wonderful bosses. would it be and who would you dine With an obvious interest in fashion, with? who are your fashion influences? My last meal would be cheese and a I love Nicole Richie's style, and I find bottle of Bollinger with my man friend, myself buying way too much of her Sam! jewellery! I have always loved a more What is your ultimate travel bohemian/hippyish style and seem to destination? do most of my shopping in shops like My ultimate destination is the Maldives! Pushkar. Kate Hudson in Almost Famous
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I hope to get there not just for the luxury, but it's so sad that it will potentially be underwater soon. (Fingers crossed, that’s my honeymoon destination.) I love travelling, though and hope to get back to Africa soon; however, Myanmar will probably be our next destination. Where do you hope to be in five years? I really hope to open a business in the food industry with Sam-Boy. We are not sure what or where yet, as we are very specific about the direction we want to take. We are both very passionate about what we do. I have always been really conscious that there are way too many people who live below the poverty line. I hope to be more involved in the charities we already support and make the most of whatever skills we have to offer to try and help people in need. I always grew up knowing that I can do the best I can do now, but when I am a business owner, success will be based not just on myself but also on how much I can do for others. Of course, children and a farm yard filled with dogs, ducks, chickens and my rabbit, Hermione, are high on the list! Thanks Sam.
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Bluebottles
28-29
Bluebottles is a proud sponsor of the Woopi Trifestival, which is on 28 - 29 September. Come along to our carb loading night on Saturday 28 and enjoy entertainment by Michael Carr and a healthy choice of pizza and pastas. Bluebottles is in the perfect position to enjoy breakfast and coffee while watching the main event on Sunday 29. More info 6654 1962.
Out of the Blue All Ages Music Event – drug and alcohol FREE. Saturday 7 Septmber 2013 from midday - 11pm at Bellingen Showgrounds. Market stalls, great local bands, food, jumping castle, waterslide and more. Also looking for stallholders for this event. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! When Saturday 7 September, midday - 11pm. Where Bellingen Showgrounds. More info www.localmade.net or call 0400 453 757.
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Coffs Harbour Running Festival
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Mick Maley, organiser of this great event (now in its third year) has this to say: “Entries are coming in fast for this absolute Coffs Harbour Community event that all members of the family/community can participate and have fun in, and along the way they can raise some much needed funds for our kids within the community. Enter at www.villagesports.com.au - Distances available are: Half Marathon and 10 km run, Beachside Radiology 5 km and 3 km family fun run/walk.” When September 15.
Fia World Rally, Coates Hire Australian Rally And Off-Road Championships Coffs Coast will play host to the Australian Rally Championships, the Australian Off-Road Championships plus the Australian leg (Round 10) of the 2013 World Rally Championships. The three events will all culminate in 3 days of high speed motor action from 12 to 15 September 2013, with the world’s best rally drivers. When 12 - 15 September 2013. Where Rally Hub - Brelsford Park, Coffs Harbour. includes Service Park and Super Special Stage. Forest Stages - Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Bellingen and Clarence Valley. Cost Passes start from $15 - for single adult one-day admission.
coffs coast focus 7
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D A M O N
D O W N E Y .
Damon Downey is a proud Bellingen local who reminisces about his amazing childhood here. He has gone on to achieve huge success, not only in international band Sneaky Sound System, but he has also diversified his passion for creativity into art and has opened a restaurant in Sydney ...
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believe you were born in South Africa, but tell us about growing up in Bellingen. It would have been a bold decision by our parents to take the chance and move to Australia from South Africa in search of a better world, but that is exactly what they did. We spent a little time in Melbourne and then Coffs Harbour, before they found the oasis that is Bellingen. You will find that most Bello folks and visitors would agree that Bellingen is one of the most beautiful small towns in Australia. We were so lucky to have our childhood there, and we grew up having only the fondest of memories and enjoying what I call ‘natural Bellingen’ freedom. With its river through the centre of town, camping under the stars, eel fishing, an island full of bats, market days, school dances, Jacaranda Festival ... no school at flood time, along with Marge Woodbury, Bello skate team, non compulsory school uniforms, Dorrigo National Park, the hot girls of Urunga – it was a young boy’s dream! We lived a pretty damn happy life, and it hasn’t stopped there. My niece
and nephew, Z star and K man, are both living the dream there right now. Nothing has changed, except the trees have gotten taller ... LIVE. LOVE. BELLO ... X Your mother told me that once you decided to do something, you just went ahead and did it! Tell me about seeing Bob Geldof singing for the Live Aid Concert in 1985 and how that inspired you ... It was very early that dad taught us kids the theory of ‘just do it’ (pre Nike) ... because you won’t get anything done sitting on your hands thinking about it. Acting on an idea and making it happen comes pretty easy and at the end of the day if it doesn’t work out, try something else. My theory is, don’t be afraid! I would have been 10 or 11 when the first Live Aid concert played out and even at that age, the message was clear. I saw haunting images of children dying and being telecast in prime time nightly, with this monumental lead up to ‘Live Aid’ promising to be the greatest concert of all time. It delivered its message and its concert so powerfully, that the whole world did listen. Mr Geldof is a lever and doer, and the world is a better place with him
in it; even the Queen agrees! I wish I was a little older at the time so I could have fully understood the epic lineup Geldof rallied, like Bowie, Jagger, Led Zeppelin, Dylan, Elton, Queen, Sting, The Who and many more. Imagine the YouTube hits if it were now! How did Sneaky Sound System change your life? Profoundly! I moved to Sydney when I was 19, studying art with no intention of being involved in music. It was a few years later that I found myself holding a microphone and touring first Australia, then the world. It was really strange, because after the first ever show, Angus and I celebrated as you would – and I forgot to go to my job the next day! I was fired, and that was it. From that moment on, it was all about Sneaky for 14 extraordinary years. I got to meet people, see things and go to places I would never have dreamt of if I had never picked up that mic. It’s also nice to come out the other end a happy man. It’s a strange world when it’s up in lights, and for some it’s hard to stay humble if they let it go to their head.
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Driving through Fernmount and then past the soccer fields and the Yellow Shed, I always get the same wonderful feeling of childhood homecoming, nostalgia and safety.”
2 years old and growing Y Sweet Bellingen chocolate and lolly shop is two, and Yes, a huge thank you to all our wonderful customers who h have helped to make ‘Sweet Bellingen’ such a sweet ssuccess! N Now acclaimed as the sweet centre of town, our store is the ffavourite stop for visitors and locals alike in search of a treat, or jjust a sugar hit! FFrom glorious hand crafted chocolates, extraordinary chocolate b blocks, fabulous fudge to a marvellous selection of goodies for cchildren … and a host of international treats filling the shelves, w we have almost every sweet desire covered. PPlus – sweet hampers custom made, sweet blooms chocolate b bouquets and our luscious lolly buffet service for weddings aand birthdays … and the soon to be launched online shopping sservice! SSo chocolate and lolly lovers, when next in beautiful Bellingen, ccall in and say hi to Bobbi and Nigel, then check out the d delicious choices on offer!
After launching your art in New York, tell us about translating that to your beautiful scarfs. After my first big solo show in Sydney, a lovely, energetic lady by the name of Frith bought a painting. I do miss the stage and some day, some Aft h tti ffor a while hil on After chatting way ... who knows? the pick up day, an What made you decide idea was born to pursue your ... simply other passions, It’s also nice to come out ‘wearable like art? All the other end a happy art’. roads in my man. It’s a strange world when I lifted mind and heart it’s up in lights, and for some it’s from my lead to getting hard to stay humble if they let it paintings off the Sneaky go to their head.” and train. It was a beautifully long ride, but there screen printed was a never-ending on to silk and sold desire for my original plan as limited editions. It’s funny, to sculpt and paint, so that was a because now people buy the scarves natural choice for me to go and and frame them – which is cheeky, sink my teeth into. but cool. You can check them out at It was not without tears and fears bayandfyfe.com plus watch this space for and saying goodbye to people I had more collaboration ... spent every day with for a decade was Now that you have achieved this, I crazy weird, but I needed it to be over can see you are also achieving huge and I needed to stay still for a while. success in the restaurant industry. So far, there have been no regrets! I Tell us about Pelicanos? Throw all have a huge studio at my home in Bondi, the things I love, which are music, art, Sydney, and painting is part of my day. I design, people, emceeing, cocktails, am very lucky. I will never regret myy decision to leave when I did, and for me there’s a whole lot more I want to do and it can’t be done from a hotel room.
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friends, entertaining, food, dining, and put it all into a bar/restaurant and cross thy fingers!
… And with Father’s Day just around the corner, show the lo love with chocolates! (And see our stand at Toast Urunga this FFather’s Day.)
PELICANO has been open for just over a year, and it’s blazing! Dinner into a late night supper club that I love to go to ... perfect! Out of the new bar world we have also had pop up bars in Centennial Park, Martin Place and at the Opera House. I am very blessed with the great people involved and a team on the floor and in the bar who nail it every time. Do you get back to Bellingen much and when you do, do you indulge in a bit of chocolate? Not as much as I would like to ... maybe five times a year and always for Christmas. Driving through Fernmount and then past the soccer fields and the Yellow Shed, I always get the same wonderful feeling of childhood homecoming, nostalgia and safety. It is home, even though I’m not there and as for never-ending chocolate indulge – indeed I do! How do you not, when your parents own a lolly shop? Although, I wish they had it when I was a kid, as I may never have left Bellingen … Sweet Bellingen is heaven! Thanks Damon.
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meet a
focusinterv interview. view ie ew w..
focusreview.
local.
local dr p.
Two Tails Wines 2012 Charvill Blanc
This feature white wine is made from a blend of Villard Blanc and Chardonnay grapes grown at our Vineyard at Nana Glen in the
Meet Sinclair Black from Coastal Media
picturesque Orara Valley. Villard Blanc, a fresh hybrid, is well suited to our humid summer conditions and makes a light, crisp wine. Chardonnay grapes are
When and why did you move to Coffs Harbour? I moved to Coffs with my young family in 2006. I had always stopped at Coffs on the way up or down the coast and just loved it, especially the deserted beaches. We wanted to get out of Sydney and make a sea change, and Coffs seemed like the ideal choice. What do you love most about living on the coast? The lifestyle, no traffic and of course, the beaches and the great harbour. What do you do for a living? I run a small advertising and digital production house. I produce TV commercials and videos for local clients such as BCU and the C.ex Group and also have some national clients, including Spanline Australia and Blackmores. I also run local sporting events through Village Sports Coffs Harbour. When did you first develop an interest in media? I think I was about 14. I was always the guy at school making videos or taking stills,
and it eventually led to producing surf films, TV commercials and corporate work. How often do you surf? Not enough! I try and get out a couple of times a week. I am right into Stand Up Paddle Surfing and just love it. Quite often I'll see dolphins, stingrays and other sea life while I’m out on my board, and it gives you such a buzz. Are your kids showing an interest in surfing just yet? My son, Hunter (10) is right into his surfing, and I do manage to get my daughters, Milla and Tully, on the front of the Stand Up with me catching small waves at the Jetty. Any final words: We feel very lucky to live in Coffs Harbour and have met some fantastic people over the seven years we've been here. Coffs is so unique with its country and coastal lifestyle, yet still has all the facilities of a major city. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Contact Coastal Media: (02) 6651 6666.
harvested in late January to avoid the worst of the humidity and is made as an unbaked fruity, dry white as well as blended for this feature wine. CHARACTERISTICS: A fruity, dry white tending to citrus flavours. GOES WITH: Most foods, but is good with seafood. COST: $15 per bottle ($168 per dozen) AVAILABLE: Cellar door at Two Tails Wines, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen or IGA Liquor at Park Beach Plaza. PHONE: 6654 3633. EMAIL: twotails@optusnet.com.au WEB: www.twotailswines.com
focusinterview.
Meet Ken from the Little Green Truck
meet a
local.
with Joel McCulla from Zulu’s WH
AT ’ S I N
PROTEIN L month Last h I touched h d base on the interesting concept oncept of protein alternatives, getting what nsidered as food, food such s ch as insects, insects rodents and we need to live from sources otherwise not considered other mammalian sources. This month I am going to continue this conversation (ever so briefly) due to some new and interesting developments that have disturbed and intrigued many readers. Several universities worldwide have combined forces over the past decade and created a sustainable future study, and their findings have recently been published, along with some solutions which have scared a few people. It has been proposed that on a global scale if you take population growth and current farming trends into consideration, that something will drastically need to be done by 2050, otherwise our meat industry will be insufficient to feed the planet without destroying it (methane the silent global killer). One solution which has been given a lot of press lately is the lab grown meat solution. As I said, the debate is far too large to even begin here, but I need to assure the readers, you will not see lab grown meat replacing you favourite farmed bovine, but rather, supplementing it. Lab meat cannot grow whole cuts or steaks, but only slabs of solid muscle, so only really ideal for mincing and forming into sausage etc. Instead, I propose the alternative side of the argument to stimulate debate: if there is no kill involved, will ethically driven vegetarians dine occasionally on a burger?
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
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Where are you from, and how long have you been living on the Coffs Coast? I am originally from China. I have been in Coffs Harbour for five years now. What is your business? My business is called Little Green Truck. I am a local home and business delivery service. I pick up and deliver items that wouldn’t usually fit in your car. I can deliver anytime, anywhere within the local area. I love helping people and saving money for people. My rates are as little as $30. I can do small house moves, Ebay/ Gumtree/auction items, garden ornaments, landscape supply, BBQs, lounges, dining and outdoor settings, electrical, white goods, building materials from Bunnings, Mitre10 or Masters, machinery, lawn mowers, party hire equipment, tables and chairs, garden waste, and general garbage. We can move your office or business, move small household items, erect/ take down real estate signs, subcontract work if your truck is not in use, laundry for hotels, and documents. We are not a courier or a furniture removalist, although we offer those services. Our business is about picking up things that won’t fit in your
car. Everyone saves money with our service. How was the business born? Coffs Harbour business man Mal Fittler, the founder of Aanuka Beach Resort, founded the business. We currently cover from Cairns to Victoria and in NZ. Within the next twelve months, we hope to expand nationally. I have acquired the Coffs Harbour arm. What are you business goals? Mal told me if I followed The Little Green Truck business manual and put customers and service before money, I would be able to build the business not only for one truck, but for two. I have been able to do this within 15 months, because of all of the support of my customers in Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas. So my business goals are: 1) To make a success of my first truck. 2) Create enough business for two trucks. My final goal is giving my customers great, friendly service! I also hope to become a part of a couple of more Little Green brands that will be launched within the next few months. How can we contact you? Direct: 0405 057 052 or email ken@littlegreentruck.com.au
V I L L AG E BU I L DI NG R E IG N I T E S
COFFS HARBOUR
elev levat ated ted p pa a ce arce ar cell will involve its connection to an el elevated parcel of land on the north eastern side of the ridge line at the very top of the development. This premium parcel of land has breathtaking ocean and coastline views and represents a seamless integration between the Big Banana land holding and The Summit development. Village Building Company is a joint venture partner in The Big Banana, providing for a more strategic and integrated approach regarding residential development within the north Coffs Harbour area. This integrated approach to development is something that the Village Building Company prides itself on and has been evident across many of the communities it has developed. This month, the Village Building Company celebrates its 25th anniversary in delivering landmark quality, innovative residential communities across Australia. With current operations in the ACT, NSW, QLD and WA, and a development portfolio of close to $1billion, Village
Building is dedicated to producing robust, diverse and vibrant communities and making the home ownership dreams of many Australians a reality. Village Building holds a long-term commitment to creating safe and attractive communities that reflect best practice in sustainability, innovative design, quality workmanship, lifestyle and product choices. You will find Village Building communities in sought after suburbs located in close proximity to key amenities such as public transport, schools, employment and services. Village Building’s master planned communities also include an abundance of parks and recreational space providing active and passive connectivity, thereby enhancing the enjoyment
for residents today and in the years to come. Visit villagebuilding.com.au for more details on the Village Building Company and their array of residential communities. The Summit currently boasts a selection of spacious and contemporary family homes of varying configurations – all displaying the same attention to detailed design and high quality finishes synonymous with a Village Building Company home. Homes at The Summit should prove to be a very sound investment in a project that will increase incrementally in value as the vision for The Summit is revealed. A move to The Summit is a move up to a dress circle lifestyle in Coffs Harbour.
MOVE UP TO THE DRESS CIRCLE
FICE S F O S SALE EEKEND W OPEN T 10-4PM SA 0-3PM 1 SUN There are currently 4 designs of magnificently presented family homes available for immediate sale. No matter what home you choose at The Summit you will be at the epicentre of where the mountains meet the sea. Come and see for yourself.
7 Large Quality Family Homes with Dress Circle Views of Coffs Harbour FROM $385,000 INTERIORS SHOWN ARE OF THE QUEENSCLIFF DISPLAY HOME 3 OUTLOOK PLACE
Newport
Queenscliff
EXIT THE HIGHWAY AT THE HOMEBASE. FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL I sales@thesummitatcoffs.com.au
Phone: 02 6651 1929 I www.thesummitatcoffs.com.au
HIA-VBC 10783fch
P
erfectly positioned and commandmmanding superb views across thee city to the Coffs Coastline, The Summit is a stunning boutique hillside retreat, developed by the award winning Village Building Company. The development is a true testament to sustainable urban form and showcases a range of architecturally designed homes elegantly integrated into the naturally formed escarpment. The Summit is a perfect example of Village Building’s commitment to sustainable urban development and indeed, to the local communities in which the Company operates. The Summit commenced in 2007 and since then it has endured a period of transformation and change reflective of market sentiment. It has more recently undergone a physical rejuvenation in readiness for the exciting vision that lies ahead. The Village Building Company has been busily planning and documenting the next stage in the lifecycle of The Summit development, which
coffs coast focus 11
focusinterview.
Sydney Hip Hop duo Spit Syndicate continue to rack up the numbers; this time it’s in threes. Following an absolutely huge 9 months post the February release of their third LP, Sunday Gentlemen, earlier this year, the band has just announced the release of Amazing, the third single to be lifted from said album.
The Money Over Bullsh*t Tour
F
resh from gracing the airwaves of triple j just last week with their cover of Disclosure’s Latch for Like A Version (as well as a live version of Amazing), they have also just announced that to celebrate the release of Amazing they will be embarking upon their third national tour off the back of Sunday Gentlemen, their biggest to date, the aptly titled Money Over Bullsh*t tour. As with the first two singles from Sunday Gentlemen, Amazing was added straight to full rotation at triple j. Whilst Sunday Gentlemen spoke to the hard yards, Amazing – which lends the lyric ‘money over bullshit, crew on top of anything’ to the upcoming tour’s name – is the postcard from the tour – to the supporters along the way, the random adventures and delirium of screaming crowds, the intense, sometimes surreal connection that takes place between crowd and performer. Beginning at Australia’s preeminent music conference Big Sound, this massive run of shows will see them criss-cross the country, including several regional and all-ages dates. Sunday Gentlemen had already delivered two singles into triple j rotation before debuting at #15 on the ARIA charts in its week of release. First single Beauty In The Bricks spawned a sold
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out national tour of the same name, before second single release Folly heralded the arrival of Sunday Gentlemen proper. An album tour unlike any they’d staged before the Sunday Gentlemen Tour saw the guys [and crucial collaborator DJ Joyride] roll out a second, even bigger, national tour – and again, selling out impressive venues in major cities Australia wide.
and a sh*tload of fun. Supporting on Money over Bullsh*t tour will be Spit Syndicate’s DJ/life coach, Joyride. DJing for Spit Syndicate is but one feather in Joyride’s illustrious (and very big) cap.
An immensely talented singer, songwriter and producer, who has been working on his own solo material in between his show-stealing Amazing recognises guest appearances and the payoff from all g Twitter obsession, Joyride in az m A the hard work and has recently released a recognises the the sacrifice that Spit free EP called Chivalrous. payoff from all sacrifice Syndicate experience Weaving its way through hard work and ate in making their that Spit Syndic ing gut-wrenching heartbreak ak music. It’s the flipside, experience in m to drug-fuelled lust, the gratitude, the their music.” Chivalrous is a unique mirror an artist holds up combination of r’n’b, synth to their supporters and pop and soul and includes collaborators as an exercise lead single Removalist, featuring in humility. regular collaborator Drapht, which And so was sown the seed for is currently enjoying airplay on triple j. the Amazing film clip. Getting up to loose shenanigans with good buddies and tour mates the plug! Joyride and Jackie Onassis, pulling the tour van up at a coastal forest in Western Australia to spit Friday 27 September 2013, 8.45pm raps under the eucalypt canopies, and having a generous fan arrange a lavish yacht trip for the www.hoeymoey.com.au and boys to use on their downtime were all filmed follow the links or during their most recent tour for the brand new www.oztix.com.au Amazing film clip. It was, as it should be, epic ...
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boat range coming soon to Jetty Boating. Yamaha or Mercury outboards complement our boating range perfectly; or if you're just looking for repowers, then pop in and discuss the options available. With two of the most reliable motors on the market, and with Yamaha finance available from Jetty Boating, you could be enjoying your newfound freedom within a week. The service department continues to keep busy servicing not only Mercury and Yamaha motors; all makes and models are welcome at Jetty Boating.
Spring is here... Hooray - spring is here, and with the spring comes increased boating activity on the Coffs Coast's beautiful waterways.
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e are seeing the shift back to family activities, which is great, lazy days on the water – BBQs on the banks – towing the kids on their water toys – a spot of fishing or just experiencing the beautiful Coffs Coast waterways from a completely different angle; that’s the freedom of boating.
We are proud of our achievements over the past 18 months. We have provided local sponsorship to the Easter Classic – The Solitary Islands Game Fishing Club Junior Dee ic velopment Day – The Coffs Harbour rv se e Th Game Fishing Club Hot Current department ep busy ke to s and are proud sponsors of the ue in nt co ly Coffs Coast Tigers U16 girls' socservicing not on aha m Mercury and Ya and cer team for the second year and es motors; all mak have just signed off on a boat me at models are welco and motor package giveaway as a Jetty Bo ating.” fundraiser for the Nambucca Heads Roosters Juniors for the 2014 season. We love getting the kids on the water.
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Jetty Boating Coffs Harbour has reached new milestones in the past 18 months and are continually enjoying getting people on the water. Whether it be in the little tinny or the ocean going vessel, Jetty Boating and Quintrex Boats have the boat for all occasions, and now the Quintrex range can be viewed by logging onto www. jettyboating.com.au or drop into Jetty Boating and pick up the new catalogue.
The thing that we are most supportive and proud of is shopping locally at every opportunity and providing customer referrals to other local businesses if we don’t have what you want. We can’t and don’t want to stock everything and so are more than happy to share it around locally ... the wheel really does not have to be reinvented.
PLUS there's exciting news for boat lovers, with a new
It has to be Jetty Boating Coffs Harbour!
Fishing – Boating – Floating and having Fun.
coffs coast focus 13
Klaustel Phones & Data Can Klaustel supply and install business phone systems for small businesses? Yes! We cater for all businesses of all sizes. Whether you have 1
Jetty Theatre
to 4 lines or 2 to 8 handsets, we have great business phone
Spring brings plenty of talent to the Jetty Memorial Theatre, with some great music to shake your stuff to.
system packages that are created to suit your business needs. Do I need to lock into a long term contract or payment plan? No.
All Shook Up, a high energy musical production by Coffs Harbour Arts Council, with the songs of Elvis Presley, runs until 8 September.
There is no need to get stuck in expensive long term payment
For one night only on Wednesday 11 September, share in the celebration of the best performances of local drama students this year, with Platform 12.
business just like you.
On Sunday 15 September, the Sunday Soundscapes Concert Series from Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium & Arts NSW brings The Sousaphonics to town. Enjoy their infectious, uplifting sound, which draws on Calypso, Balkan Brass, Brazilian Samba, Choro, New Orleans Jazz, Swing and Bebop!
plans. Our prices are very affordable; however, we do offer interest free payment plans. Remember, we are a small Do I need any sort of maintenance contract? No. Our systems have a 1 to 3 year warranty period depending on the make and besides, very little goes wrong with our systems. Can Klaustel bundle my telephone lines using the NBN? YES. We have a free, no pressure consultation and have the
Be inspired to get up and dance on Friday 20 September, as a band of world class West African musicians bring you the rhythm, dance and music of West Africa with Keyim Ba African Caravan.
flexibility to create bundles that suit you and your business
Feel the energy this month; visit www.jettytheatre.com now for further details.
Klaustel the person who sells you the equipment will be the
ALL SHOOK UP
Sat 24th Aug -Sun 8th All Shook Up is a new musical comedy featuring a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley.
PLATFORM 12
We W dn Wednesday 11th Sept 7.30pm A celebration of the best pperformances of HSC drama students of 2013.
THE SOUSAPHONICS
Sunday 15th Sept 2pm
Infectious, uplifting sound which draws on New Orleans Jazz, Swing and Bebop.
KEYIM BA AFRICAN CARAVAN FFriday 20th Sept 8pm
West African musicians bring yo the dance and music of the you Keyim Ba - African Caravan. 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 14
coffs coast focus.
jetty memorial theatre
SEASON 2013
What would Klaustel recommend when considering buying a new phone system? Always get a second opinion and quote, and remember at same person who installs and maintains it.
Giant Media Are you considering a new website? If so, you may have seen that a lot of companies will offer cheap templates that you can customise yourself – this might seem like a costeffective alternative to a custom designed website, but there are a lot of factors you should consider: Functionality: A website template can only do so much. At some point in the future you may come unstuck when you need to add more content or functionality to your website – many templates are designed quickly and do not leave room for extra content, pages or additions. Design: Your template can start off looking good, but without the know-how it can quickly become a mess of images and poorly formatted content and you are left with no support to resolve it. Another thing to bear in mind is that website templates are not unique, and many of your competitors will be able to use the same template that you are using. First impressions count: Your website can often be the first impression of your business, and it is therefore important that it accurately reflects your business. A custom designed website can help reinforce your brand values and make that first impression a profitable one.
Healthy Canteen Awards The Good Guys, the Growers Market and Mid North Coast Local Area Health District (MNCLAHD) are working together to search for the Coffs Coast’s healthiest school canteens for the inaugural Healthy Canteen Awards. “The Healthy Canteen Awards aim to acknowledge the great work that school canteens do in providing healthy and nutritious meals to children across the Coffs Coast,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “The Coffs Coast Growers Market and Council are very pleased to be able to partner with The Good Guys and the Health District to champion the healthy eating message through this award.” There are two main Awards: • The Coffs Coast High School Award: $1,000 to spend at The Good Guys and $500 cash from
the Coffs Coast Growers Market. • The Coffs Coast Primary School Award: $1,000 to spend at The Good Guys and $500 cash from the Coffs Coast Growers Market. One school will win the opportunity to have a local chef and farmer visit their school to help promote the principal of the ‘Fresh Tastes @ School’ Strategy. “The MNCLAHD Health Promotion team provide advice and support for schools to implementing the Fresh Tastes @ School Strategy as part of the Live Life Well @ School programme. We are happy to assist schools with ideas to support their applications and to ensure that they meet the Award’s eligibility criteria,” said MNCLAHD Healthy Promotion Officer Nicki Kerr. Entry forms will be sent to all Coffs Coast Schools in the coming weeks. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Monday, October 7.
coffs coast focus 15
focusinterview.
This month we have turned our attention to an artist who currently lives in Woolgoolga. Brett Curzon is an artist whose work often gives you the feeling of 'Where have I seen that before?' ... and for good reason! Brett enjoys working in many different art genres, with the likes of musicians on their album covers and illustrations for children's books. Jasmine McQuillan decided to find out more ...
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S
o Brett, tell us about yourself and your family and where you are from? Well, to start I arrived at Crown Street Women's Hospital, Sydney, in 1970. From what I can gather, it was a very popular place to have a baby, back in the day. Those early days were spent between Botany, Maroubra and Redfern. After that it’s a bit of a blur, as we moved around a lot. I went to 13 schools and some of them I even visited twice. Throw in a case of dyslexia, and I can comfortably say that those days were HELL. I left school at 16, and by 18 I was surfing up and down the coast of Mexico and California. The early days of moving around set me up for the nomadic ride to follow ... dragging a surfboard and hugging the coast from Indonesia to Peru, then back to Australia from the Gold Coast to the South Coast. I met my best friend 17 years ago, married her and moved to Forster. Then we got busy! We had three children under four years of age. We had not planned it that way, but we never planned anything. When did you first realise that you had a talent in the arts? When I defaced pictures in magazines! I could do very good Dracula fangs and eye patches. One day, after attacking Ita Buttrose in a Women's Weekly, I knew that I had a talent. It was a masterpiece! If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? Anything to do with animals; I would be very happy with that. Tell us about your experience at The Hunter Institute of Technology? Was it positive? Yes, it was ... well, not in the beginning. At first, I felt like I was back at high school in a double period of maths! At 35, I bluffed my way into the graphic design class; however, the very first day the teacher said, “Turn on the computer, and open Photoshop”. I had never turned on a computer! As I searched for the button, I realised I didn’t really think things through very well. The teachers were wonderful, and I was
ready for my second chance. So after two years of is a language all of its own, and I am chuffed if I can study, I proudly finished with a Diploma in Graphic add the visuals to it. Design. When do you find you are most productive? You work in many different art genres; do When I am being distracted! I like listening to you have a favourite? If yes, why is it your audio books when I am working; it keeps me from favourite? wandering the streets. That’s a hard question to answer. I love it all, What are you currently obsessed with? Any although I do lean more towards expressionism in blogs, pod casts, films or artists? the fine arts. But I also love stencil art, I watched a film called 180 Degrees South a on subway walls ... and children’s while back, and it really struck a chord illustration. I can’t decide! with me. It’s a documentary directed Describe your process by Chris Malloy that covers the of creating a piece? journey of Jeff Johnson as a d an et And what kind he travels from Ventura, I use a tabl st fir t A n. pe of materials California to Patagonia, Chile, digital tting do you use for retracing the 1968 trip that it takes a bit of ge g your in your drawings/ Yvon Chouinard and Doug used to, like rubb g your ttin stomach and pa paintings/online Tompkins took in their old ram head! I use a prog r 12, artworks etc.? Ford van. It has an important te called Corel Pain ing.” I am not much of message for us, and we can az which is quite am a planner. In fact, I’m learn a lot from this film. I not one at all! I have a would encourage everyone to idea and then just start watch it. ... you can always paint over Do you have any historical something. I do like to cover influences? the whole page in colour first; I find it I do like the ‘Modernism’ period, also ‘Heroic easier than looking at a white empty space. Then Realism’, but I would say they have influence me I will add in more detail, and hopefully it turns out only a little bit. OK. The digital work on the computer I approach If you could sit down with any artist, past or in much the same way; the tools are just different. present, who would it be? And what would I use a tablet and a digital pen. At first it takes a bit you ask? of getting used to, like rubbing your stomach and Modigliani. Pass the wine. patting your head! I use a program called Corel If you could work anywhere in the world, Painter 12, which is quite amazing. You can achieve where would you choose? the same result as you would with a real brush and Pixar would be a nice place to work; I think they paint. have fruit baskets! You have worked with many interesting people Where can people find out more about your over the years, including musicians. Are there work? any standout moments you could share? I have a portfolio site here: brettcurzon.prosite. I worked with Jim Moginie, the lovely chap from com Midnight Oil. I designed his solo album, which was You can find the Bill the Fish books and apps on fun. He let me do whatever I wanted! I like working itunes: www.billthefishbook.com with musicians. I really admire songwriters ... music Thanks Brett.
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coffs coast focus 17
The history behind the Coffs Coast Community Art Group With this stimulation, the membership increased and the group aspired to have their own premises. In 1962, Jim Turner, a Solicitor, allowed them to rent a small building facing onto a lane at the rear of his offices in Grafton Street. These new premises were christened 'The Studio' and remained the group’s workplace and gallery for the next six years. The lane became known as 'Studio Lane'.
Coffs Coast
C o m m u n it y GROUP
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he force behind the formative years of the Art Group was Cynthia Jeffery, who became its Secretary in 1958. In that year she and Joan Cox, Jack Piper, Hubert Bailey, Nan Newell and Betty Pike launched their art group. For the first few years their workshops were held in the high school premises with instruction by visiting artists and it was at that time, in 1961, that they mounted their first exhibition under the Presidency of Hubert Bailey. This exhibition was displayed in Jeffery Motors Showroom and created a lot of interest, in particular that of Dr R Macdonald, who became its Patron and thereafter awarded a prize of 25 guineas for the annual competition.
The group’s second exhibition was held in October 1962 and was judged by well-known visiting artist, Leonard Hessing, who awarded the Macdonald prize for painting to Cynthia Jeffery. The following year, the judge was Douglas Watson, who complimented the members (who now numbered 34) on the great strides taken in the five years since the group’s formation. He described the district as “a paradise for artists” and urged members to acquire a gallery of their own “perhaps in the fine new Civic Centre now under construction”. A further five years were spent in 'The Studio', after which the group moved to the showground, occupying makeshift premises for two years until their own purposebuilt gallery and workspace was established in
1970. This is where we are today. Today we have a gallery and workshop facility at the Coffs Harbour Showground, where everyone is welcome and there is ample parking. We have over one hundred members and membership is $25 per annum, payable at the start of each year. We have regular classes each term with highly experienced tutors in watercolour, acrylics, drawing, life drawing, fibre art, photography and calligraphy. For those who don’t want structured classes but love the camaraderie of our friendly group, social painting is available in any medium on Fridays and Saturdays (providing there are no workshops on). We have a featured artist each month and have regular exhibitions in our refurbished gallery. Fibre art is available to purchase, and beautiful scarfs, hats, boots, jackets etc. are on display. We also host the Coffs Harbour Show exhibition. People from all walks of life are encouraged to come along and join us – perhaps learn a new skill, discover a talent they didn’t know they had or just make new friends. We are a very laid back, friendly group always willing to encourage newcomers and would love to see you at our venue.
focusinterview.
Well, it may not surprise you to hear that our one and only Nathan Quinn will be competing In the World Rally Championship this month. Equally, it would come as no surprise to his long term supporters that he has been offered a dream opportunity.
nathan
O
ur own Nathan Quinn will be competing against the big boys in one of the big boys toys when he turns up to the start line in a WRC car, the factory backed official Mini Rally Team. We caught up with Nathan the day he signed the contract to accept the offer. Nathan, you must be absolutely stoked. You look like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. I can't believe it myself yet. This is the culmination of years of work and dreaming and planning on behalf of all my supporters and backers over the last seven years. I’m actually going to be competing in a WRC car! I just can't quite comprehend it yet; it hasn’t sunk in. For those of us who don’t understand rally, what’s the difference to us? I mean, you competed in the WRC in 2011 and 2009 in Kyogle ... Yes, I did; it's a good question. Most motor sports have a tiered class structure. Motorbikes have GP2 under MotoGP, V8 Supercars has its feeder category too. Unlike modern circuit racing that has different races for each class, rally runs all its classes at the same time. So in rally, pretty well anyone can have a go at the WRC, which is what makes rally so attractive to people. This rally will have classic cars like my old RX2, it will have 4WD turbo cars like my Evo 9, it will have normally aspirated 4WD cars like Skoda. But the big deal, the formula one of all of them, is the WRC car – turbo-charged 1.6 litre 4WD purpose built machines. The best rally cars in the world! So basically, when I competed in my Evo 9 in 2011, I was in the Production World Rally Car Class for Group N
cars. This time I am in the top class; there is no higher. I can't believe it. How did all this come about? Well, basically Motor Sport Italia asked me to drive the official MINI entry for the Rally. My dad actually took the phone call and thought it was a prank (laughs). But like all things, it wasn’t just that simple. This For more phone call has taken information ney seven years to come on Nathan's jour through. When I and how to show d started rallying, your support, fin om/ .c we had a plan to him at facebook ” do international coffscoastrally other week. I did two rallies very early on, events all up last year, to get ‘near’ the radar and rally is a sport you if you like. So we chose cannot practice. I would like events that gave me the best to think that I can offer a couple exposure and the best experience of good stage times and have a bit more in the shortest possible time. Those choices of a go on the Sunday of the event. I’ve got meant that we didn’t ever get to compete in to learn to drive it and that will have to be at an entire Australian Championship series as the event, as we can't afford the cost of doing such, although we would do certain rounds of a test session. I will be driving this car with the Australian Championship that offered me purpose; I’ve been given an opportunity, and the diversity. The ball bearing slippery roads in I’m grabbing it with both hands ... and there Perth and the super fast shire roads in Adelaide are no prizes for driving around looking at are great examples of that diversity. the flowers. So come Sunday night, I hope to So then we hit hard in the Asia Pacific be well within the top ten; I think that’s a fair rounds and did events in China and Malaysia, goal. again offering completely different conditions This is the second time the rally has come and more importantly different cars. This is to town. What can we expect this time? where I was exposed to my first left hand Well, me in a MINI WRC car (laughs). Really, drive competition. It's been a long, hard road this event on the road is going to be fantastic. and it's certainly not over yet. This is but one opportunity to run one event and see how I go. There are spectator points on every stage, and all the stages are close to towns like Bello So do you think you can win the rally? and Urunga on the Friday, Bowraville on the No, not likely. I just don’t do enough rallies. Saturday and Coffs and Glenreagh on the My competition is rallying pretty well every
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Sunday. I think the biggest thing you will notice and should have by now is the super special stage that was held at the Jetty in 2011 has been moved to the centre of Coffs at Brelsford Park. And even better again, the service park or the Pits is also at Brelsford so when you get in to watch the action, you can go over to the Pits and watch the teams fix the cars and meet the drivers – like me! (Laughs). Nathan, do you have anything you would like to say before we go? Sure. I have been very lucky to have great supporters and believers around me that have culminated in this opportunity. I tell people all the time that if you stay focused and have a plan and can attract good people, anything is possible – even if it seems not so. People said to me that I would have to leave Coffs, I couldn’t have my cake and eat it too. Well, now I’m living proof that you can accomplish anything when you live in such a great and generous city like I do in Coffs. I will be forever thankful. Good luck to Nathan and his team. coffs coast focus 19
SIMON CHLADIL Events Manager at Coffs Harbour Racing Club
Melbourne Cup
Coffs Harbour is warming up, with spring already in the air. Following the wonderful success of the Carlton MID Coffs Harbour Gold Cup, with a great day of racing, fashions, networking and socialising, now the focus is already on the Melbourne Cup – the race that stops the nation!
A
t the only place on the Coffs Coast with live On Course racing, the Coffs Harbour Racing Club has teamed up with NBN Television to offer another great day for the racing and social community alike on Tuesday 5 November. The NBN Television 2013 Melbourne Cup Race Day at Coffs Harbour will be providing funding and awareness for Camp Quality. Founded in 1983, Camp Quality is the children’s cancer charity. Their purpose is to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. The services they provide for children (0 – 13 years) living with cancer and their families help create a better life by building optimism
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and resilience. They support families throughout each stage and style to stand the Packages are of their cancer test of time. now available e th om fr journey. With wondere lin on ebsite , Their programs ful prizes, including Racing Club’s w se ha or you can purc the are devised to gift cards from Park at on rs pe in them meet the identified Beach Plaza, jewellery ness club during busi needs of families vouchers from Kennedy ho urs.” who have a child Jewellers and wonderful living with cancer. They accommodation packages connect children and from Novotel Pacific Bay their families living with canResort Coffs Harbour. It will be cer through interactive education those entrants that have the extra and resources and create opportunities finishing touches that will prove to be the for all families to embrace normalwinners. ity and celebrate life in a supportive Packages are now available online from the environment. Racing Club’s website, or you can purchase Coffs Harbour Racing Club will be donating them in person at the club during business a portion of every ticket sold to Camp Qualhours. Our premium packages sell out quickly, ity – from general gate entry to the luncheon so my advice is book early and don’t wait packages available and asking for gold coin until the last minute. donations from all entrants of the Park Beach Free car parking will be readily available; Plaza’s Fashions on the Field. Whilst offering however, we also offer a free shuttle bus all the excitement of live local racing as well service at the end of the day as a very conas broadcasting all the action from Flemingvenient option back into the CBD and Coffs ton, there will also be plenty on offer for the Harbour Jetty precinct. social and fashion conscious public. Drink responsibly throughout the day, and Park Beach Plaza’s Fashions on the Field is DON’T drive if you’ve had a few. We look foranother big part of the day, and this year’s ward to entertaining you trackside at the NBN judges will be looking for spring to summer Television 2013 Melbourne Cup Race Day. race wear. Elegance: it’s an attitude; a striking The Plug use of colour and material that demonstrates Tuesday 5 November 2013 a strong understanding of design; a keen eye www.coffsracingclub.com.au for detail – accessories are essential, always;
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proceeds on the day go to raising funds & awareness for CAMP QUALITY
NBN TELEVISION 2013 MELBOURNE CUP
TUESDAY 5th NOVEMBER
~ 2013 ~
RACE DAY
BE PART OF THE GLAMOUR, EXCITEMENT AND FUN OF THE RACE THAT STOPS THE NATION at the ONLY place on Coffs Coast with LIVE ON COURSE racing. ~ proudly supporting CAMP QUALITY ~ GATES OPEN: 10.00AM
~ BE ON COURSE TO WIN Park Beach Plaza Fashions On The Field with stunning prizes from Kennedy Jewellers, Novotel Pacific Bay Resort & More
5 RACE CARD
~~~
GATE ENTRY: $10.00 ADULT
~ Packages Still Available – Selling Fast!
priced from as little as $60 per person
PARK BEACH PLAZA’S FASHIONS ON THE FIELD
Get The 2013 Melbourne Cup Package Online or Call the Club to book your part of the Action NOW
Ph: 6652 1488 www.coffsracingclub.com.au
African Caravan
ops you d says it, that ve ever music –
focusinterview.
Ever wish you had more energy? Perhaps what you need is some seriously upbeat and lively music to take you to a place of colour and rhythm. KEYIM BA is a Sydney based band which offers just what you need. Bringing together several of Australia’s best West African musicians, KEYIM BA offers you an exciting musical journey, fusing traditional sounds with modern influences.
W
e’re very lucky that they are heading to Coffs this month for a high energy performance at the Jetty Memorial Theatre.
The show is called 'Keyim Ba, African Caravan’. What does this mean? The word KEYIM BA translates as ‘very beautiful’ – a trait that we believe all music and dance possess. ‘African Caravan’ relates to the simple fact that we are a piece of Africa on the road around Australia! What can people expect from the show? To be inspired to get up and dance! Keyim Ba celebrates the vibrancy of West African music, dance and culture. Expect percussion like you’ve never seen, as world class Djembe players, brothers Mohamed and Sibo Bangoura, take to the stage. Expect traditional sounds of Kora (African Harp) and Talking Drum to bring you the most ancient African music combined with the modern influences of Reggae, Funk and African Rap. Really exciting stuff! How did the band and tour come about? Keyim Ba toured Australia in 2009 to support Sibo’s first solo album. The tour was so successful and we had so much fun, we decided to keep the band going. Now four years later, we’ve released our first album together and are bringing it to audiences on this tour. The tour is supported by Kultour, an organisation which promotes the importance of cultural diversity in the arts, and it’s funded by ‘Playing Australia’ and ‘Arts NSW’. It’s great that venues like the Jetty Theatre also support such cultural vitality. Tell us about the importance of music and dance in African cultures. Music and dance are very important to daily life in West Africa. When people come together to celebrate anything, e.g. birth, marriage, rites of passage, musicians and dancers are always called in. Everyone gets involved! People of all ages jump up to dance with
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Interview by Hilary Davis
joy! Music brings happiness to all – even people who may be very impoverished. Music also keeps ancient traditions alive. Sibo and Mohamed When someone Bangoura come from a better than touring. As a band we are stops you d an ‘musician family line’ in ow very close, like family really, so being sh a r te af they Guinea. Tell us about on the road together is always great says how much e th that tradition … A Griot fun. Seeing new places, new venues, loved it, that it’s e (someone born into a new audiences and meeting new first time they’v d musician's family), plays ever experience at’s people ... we consider ourselves to th a very important role in African music – be very lucky! !” tic fantas society, keeping musical What advice can you offer people traditions alive. Sibo’s father who might be interested in learning was a master instrumentalist and how to play the Djembe or learning his mother a singer. Most of their African dancing? GIVE IT A GO! They are children are now professional musicians. The such inspiring forms of expression and become a very role of a Griot is taken very seriously and extends right important part of people’s lives. I promise once you back to the 13th Century. Keyim Ba has four members start, you will never look back! In the Coffs Harbour who are Griot – Sibo and Mohamed Bangoura (Guinea), region, you’re really lucky to have African drumming and Yacou M’baye (Senegal) and Moussa Diakite (Mali). dancing groups that provide that opportunity.
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What are your favourite things about playing to audiences around Australia? Seeing the joy on people’s faces! When someone stops you after a show and says how much they loved it, that it’s the first time they’ve ever experienced African music – that’s fantastic! By the end of the show most audiences are up dancing. It’s a really great feeling when you see that happen. Have you ever been to Coffs Harbour before? Keyim Ba has never played Coffs Harbour before, but we have visited on several occasions for an annual workshop run by Sibo’s brother, Epizo Bangoura. We are really looking forward to visiting again. What’s the best thing about being in a touring group? Even though it’s hard work, there’s nothing
How did you and Sibo meet each other? We met in Guinea. I went there to study dance with his brother, Mohamed. It was a bit of a last minute decision of mine to go, and everyone thought I had gone a bit crazy. I had done a lot of dance before, but not much African dance and had no idea what to expect. It was an amazing experience on many levels; but yes, meeting Sibo felt like destiny! He was one of the drummers for the dance class. Now, thirteen years later with two children and a successful drum and dance business together, I believe it was already written that we would find each other. Rachel Bangoura interviewed by Hilary Davies – Jetty Memorial Theatre. The Plug: Jetty Memorial Theatre on Friday 20 September.
Pacific flooring Pacific Flooring is a family operated business, specialising in solid timber floors and decks. Rodney Pade has been in the building Industry since he began his apprenticeship 30 years ago. When he completed his building apprenticeship he moved into the area of timber floors and has mastered the trade. Rod, his wife Sharon, their son Blake and their team of Daniel and Mark all contribute to the business success. Big or small, commercial or residential, Rod can give you a beautiful timber floor or verandah. Rod and his team can supply and/ or install and finish a beautiful timber feature for your home.
Pack & Send Coffs Harbour A quality timber floor can be supplied and installed over bearers and joists, concrete or ply floors or existing timber. Rod can offer you a range of samples to choose and if it's something unusual you’re after, he can help you find it. We specialise in many species of solid timber floors, wider boards and parquetry. Stains and whitewash of old and new floors or a fancy border round your room are just some of the specialties we offer. Sound reducing acoustic underlay, sprung floors for sports and dance floors are also a service we can offer. Rod will make a time to meet with you and discuss your needs, give you free advice and a free measure and quote; it's all part of the service.
What’s the difference between Pack & Send and other freight companies? At Pack & Send we see ourselves as a Freight Solution company that differs from other freight companies, because we offer a more personalised solution for your needs. We are able to offer international, domestic, road, sea, air freight and packaging, all under the same roof. Tell us about some of the stand out items you have sent? It always amazes us the different items we see come through our service centre. Recently we were engaged to pack and send an antique tea set to a London man, as it was inherited from his late aunty. We were able to professionally pack the tea set and have it sent to London within 10 days. This shocked the receiver, because it had been sitting in the solicitor’s office for
over 6 months, as they couldn’t find anyone to do the job. This was an extremely special job for not only the client but also us, as the tea set had been in his family since the late 1800s. Wow, that sounds interesting. Are you able to offer cover on losses or damage to items you send? Yes, we do! Unfortunately, sometimes incidents and accidents occur; however, at Pack & Send we take great pride and time in our packaging, to minimise these risks. What recommendation can you offer when someone is looking to freight an item? Make sure you have the destination, dimensions and weight of the items before obtaining quotes, and always make sure it is packaged correctly.
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Citrus pepper crusted Jew fish with barbecued King Prawn salad and avo purĂŠe from Bluebottles.
Coff C ffs Coast C t
eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat
24 coffs coast focus.
eat. Spanner Crab, angel hair pasta, saffron butter and parmigiano reggiano
Sashimi and Sushi Bento Box
Sarong Bar & Restaurant
Flooded Gums Restaurant
Sarong Bar & Restaurant is overjoyed to announce the commencement of our exquisite new Japanese lunch menu. Makiko, Maiko and their team prepare classical Japanese dishes with the kind of care and attention to detail so characteristic of this world famous cuisine. Our menu includes Sukiyaki, Tempura, Udon, Salads and Katsu or do as the regulars do and enjoy one of our traditional Japanese Bento lunch boxes. After dark, Sarong's ever popular Pan-Asian menu kicks in and remember, Thursday nights see 'Smooth' play Coffs' longest running Jazz Residency.
‘1 Hat’ Flooded Gums Restaurant at Bonville Golf Resort. Winner of 1 ‘Chef’s Hat’ in the 2013 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, the Flooded Gums offers an unmatched combination of service, atmosphere, food and wine. Bonville Golf Resort is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week and is located just 10 km south of Coffs Harbour. Bookings essential. 6653 4002 or www.bonvillegolf.com.au Chefs Makiko & Maiko.
1/24 First Avenue Sawtell t 6658 5857
North Bonville Road, Bonville t 6653 4002 w www.bonvillegolf.com.au
open Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm Monday – Friday Dinner From 5pm Monday – Saturday
open: 7 days, bookings essential for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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.
Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar Zulu's at the Zebra has begun exploring the excitement of desserts on a whole new level, with a new dessert menu designed to challenge what you thought of as the perfect end to a perfect meal, so come in and try moroccon tiramisu or some of our Heston inspired tarts!
Chef Joel McCulla.
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)
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.
coffs coast focus 25
eat. Chicken Caesar
Wholly Cow Café
Horizons Restaurant & Bar
Everything! I mean everything is made in-house, including all their meat patties, sauces and relish using only local and organic produce whenever they can.
OPAL COVE IS RALLY HEADQUARTERS Horizons Special Rally opening and closing times from the 13 - 15 September 2013.
Our Burgers are how they should be made, tasty and jam packed full of freshness. The Wholly Cow vision is simple: that is, ‘keep it simple’ by using great ingredients and let the quality of the food speak for itself. These really are how burgers should taste!
Breakfast from 6am, all day menu from 11am and dinner 'til late.
This motto is evident in all aspects on offer, including the great breakfast options, fantastic kids' menu and great selection of sweet treats, which are complemented with your favourite hot or cold beverages, including coffee from the wonderful Amelia Franklin local Organic Fairtrade coffee roaster.
BOOK NOW FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY! Let us help you plan a successful, fun and stress free Christmas party. Contact our functions team today for details. Owner Ricky Lee
2/39 First Avenue, Sawtell t 6658 2682 open: 7am-5pm Monday to Saturday. Public Holidays 7am -3 pm
Enjoy spring 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.
Clinton Hunter Head Chef.
Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily.
Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour t 6651 0510 open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner – 7 days a week. Bookings recommended. Fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5-6pm daily.
Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill Perch yourself on the sunny deck, surrounded by uninterrupted ocean views and watch the whales frolic over a mouth-watering seafood platter, flame-grilled Steak or coffee and cake. It’s the perfect venue for that special occasion, business luncheon, family dinner, wedding or any event. Open daily for lunch from 11.30am, dinner from 5.30pm and breakfast on Wednesday and Sundays from 7.30am there’s no excuse not to come and try the newest taste sensation on the Coast. Plus members receive 5% off all food and beverage purchases.
Finz on The Beach
For reservations or function enquiries please contact 6652 1534.
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. You can choose from delicious dishes such as 'The king of steaks' or the popular dessert, warm chocolate fondant pudding on a bed of strawberry minted salsa and King Island double cream – YUM! You can now make your reservations online at www.breakfreeaanukabeachresort.com.au Don’t forget happy hour from 5pm - 6pm, 7 days a week. Head Chef Jason Watterson.
Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour t 6650 2400 w www.aanuka.com.au open: from 6pm, 7 days a week.
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1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour t 6652 1534 w www.coffsfishos.com.au open: 7 days. Lunch and dinner and for breakfast from 7.30am on Sunday and Wednesday.
eat. Pasfields Restaurant Bar Deck
Bacio CafĂŠ Mmm ... what else is on our breakfast menu? Our all day breakfast or homemade waffles with bananas and homemade caramel sauce or strawberries and melted chocolate.
In a spectacular setting high on the hill at Paradise Palms Resort, the newly renovated Pasfields Restaurant Bar Deck Function Centre (ex Beaches & Rum Runners) is now open and offering a complete dining experience. Fine dining such as Two Tails: crocodile and Balmain Bug tails, casual bar snacks such as nachos and wedges, amazing cocktails and bar or take away pizzas are on offer.
We have expanded our menu with the warmer weather. We still have your favourite fast lunches, rice paper rolls, salads, sandwiches and rolls. However, we now have a variety of salads for you to choose from, or even mix and match and either sit and enjoy or take with you wherever you are headed.
The exquisitely renovated restaurant and/ or deck provide the perfect setting for weddings (with Chapel too), Christmas parties and functions. Try it soon.
Head Chef Graeme Cutts.
Owners Lara and Craig.
675 Pacific Highway, Korora t 6653 7710 w www.pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au
9 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour t 6650 0499 w www.bacio.com.au
open: Dinner 7 nights from 5pm, Weekend Breakfasts. Lunch Thurs-Sun.
open: Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
Bluebottles Brasserie
Macauleys Restaurant
Come and enjoy breakfast and lunch in a sunny relaxed atmosphere. Our friendly staff and award winning chefs offer an extensive menu with popular favourites and daily specials. We look forward to seeing everyone over the Woopi Trifestival weekend and wish all the competitors the best. Keep an eye out for our new spring menu.
Are you serious about food? So are we! We are seriously committed to creating an amazing taste experience that will take you on a dining journey like no other. And our house made pappardelle with roasted capsicum, fresh oregano, locally caught prawns and chorizo sausage finished in a sherry vinaigrette and goat's feta is a showcase of sensational flavor and local produce. Head Chef Gerard Geerligs.
Shops 1 & 2, 53 Beach St, Woolgoolga t 6654 1962
AND if you are looking for a Christmas Party venue with a difference, Macauleys Restaurant ticks all the boxes! Fab food, amazing service, uniquely different, slick and contemporary ... Ask us about our Christmas Party Set menu options – we have limited availability, so we recommend you start planning now.
Head Chef Craig Clarke.
99 Park Beach Road, Coffs Harbour t 6652 5970 w www.macauleys.com.au
open Breakfast and lunch daily. open: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.
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focusinterview.
The Galley As I walked along the Marina break-wall soaking up the sun, surf and spectacular views, I stopped to savour the moment. Suddenly, the irresistible aroma of fresh coffee came upon me; I turn to see a lush vegie garden blooming from beneath the rock wall and a man smiling back with a handful of fresh greens. The thought of fresh picked salad in my lunch enticed me to walk down the steps, and there I saw the full extent of the lush garden. I had found Coffs Harbour's local hidden gem! “We don’t get this in Sydney," I said to the man. He replied, “You’re not in a concrete jungle any more. You’re in our secret garden. Grab the greens you want in your wrap and bring them in.” Sourcing local organic ingredients and freerange eggs, the Galley serves up fresh, honest food with some modern twists. The traditional hamburger is true to its roots, with a pure beef patty, fried onions, lettuce, tomato and beetroot on a fresh damper or wholemeal roll. The real deal! Chicken burger with satay, lamb burger with mint jelly, homemade hommus or tzatziki, an
Craig Clarke
s, 'all day' BIG brekky burger, are menu favourites, along with sandwiches and wraps, homemade cookies and slices. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are available, or a 'low-carb” lettuce wrap. You won’t find any pretense at the Galley; you will, however, find simplicity, down to earth real food, made by hand and prepared right in front of your eyes. Friendly staff with welcoming smiles made me feel like I had escaped back to the good old days, where quality and value were matched with a focus on the customer. As I sat overlooking the ocean enjoying the burst of fresh flavours, I knew it wouldn't be long before my return.
M a c a u l e y s
W
hat makes Macauleys so popular and unique? We have a wonderful atmosphere at Macauleys, with alfresco dining available in our beautiful garden areas. We pride ourselves on exceptional food with a seasonal menu whilst offering warm and genuine service. We make everything by hand, including our dips, pasta, pizzas and desserts and believe we offer great value. We also have a fully licensed bar with some great hand crafted beers, fantastic wines and cocktails available.
category for the Northern/New England region. This award is judged by experts in the restaurant and hospitality industry on everything from answering the phone and taking a dinner reservation, to our menu, presentation of our food, ambience, wine list, customer service, table setting, and the list goes on. We are really proud to have won this award, as we were up against some terrific restaurants in the region.
Do you cater for special events? Yes, we certainly do. We often host weddings, engagement parties, retirement parties, Christmas parties, Tell us about your We won the as well as themed nights ia recent awards. We 'S avour Austral like our famous Tapas Catering have been on a bit Restaurant and Night and 'Tunes & Food' of of a high lately, with Hostplus Award evenings, and more e Excellence' in th tralian the different awards recently we hosted the us A Contemporary that Macauleys Fabulous Ladies Wine ry go te ca Restaurant have received. Our ew Society food and wine N n/ er th or for the N first was taking out .” matching evening. We are on gi re d an Engl the Woolgoolga Curry aiming to do some more food Festival's 'Curry Cook Off and wine matching nights in the Competition', where local chefs future, as they are a wonderful way presented their curry inspired dishes to experience different foods and try to a panel of independent judges. We had two some really exciting wines. entries – our tandoori chicken pizza and our goat What does your menu consist of? Our menu shank massaman curry. I am proud to say that takes inspiration from all corners of the globe. the massaman curry took out first place, and we You will find dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, now showcase it on our current menu. classical French and even Spanish influences. The second Award we have won recently is the We are proud to utilise locally sourced produce, Trip Advisor Award of Excellence. This prestigious including K'Pane breads, fish and prawns fresh award places Macauleys Restaurant in the topfrom the trawler, Nambucca oysters, and goat performing 10% of all businesses worldwide on from Dorrigo. Our lamb and beef is from the Trip Advisor. Riverina areas of NSW, renowned for the quality Thirdly was our apprentice Brad Brown taking of their red meat. out the 'Chef’s Apprentice of the Year' at the Should people book in advance, and how local TAFE. This award was judged by his peers can they contact you? Bookings are always and proves not only his dedication to the trade, recommended, especially in the summer season but also his talent and leadership skills. We and on weekends. You can contact us by phone couldn’t be prouder. on (02) 6652 5970, via email at Macauleys@
“
Lastly, we won the 'Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Hostplus Award of Excellence' in the Contemporary Australian Restaurant 28 coffs coast focus.
y7mail.com or even send us a Facebook message on facebook/macauleysrestaurant Thanks Craig.
What's new this month At the end of June I attended the Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney and worked back of house with Celebrity chefs such as Maggie Beer, Ainsley Harriott, Miguel Maestre and Curtis Stone. I also worked In the Fisher & Paykel Yum Kitchen, where we hosted cooking classes by some of the Celebrities from MasterChef as well as the Sydney Cooking School and Sydney Fish market. So I returned home inspired and with fresh ideas, and we have recently refreshed and updated our menus; they are mouth-watering, to say the least. Our new spit roaster has also been hard at work, and people are very happy with the beautiful flavours of the meat that it produces. This could be a great option for your Christmas function this year. We attended the Sawtell Chilli Festival, which was fabulous and saw record numbers this year. We made some new items such as Chocolate Chilli Sauce and Chocolate Chilli Brownies, both of which sold out in 2 hours. If you missed out, the recipes are on our Facebook page. We will be attending Toast Urunga this year and will be offering a fabulous taste plate with samples from our finger food menu, they are sure to sell out fast with things like Avocado and Cherry Tomato Salsa Wonton Cases, Harissa Mini Fish Cakes with Preserved Lemon, Mini Lamb Burgers served with Tzatziki, Beef and Fig Cigars and Duck and Green Onion Gyoza. Get in quick, so you don’t miss out. We will also be catering at Out of the Blue at Bellingen Showground on 7 September and Beresford Park for the Rally Australia 2013(12-15 September), so come and let us feed you at these events. Bon Appetite - Annette Mavin
Ridgey Didge Pies The iconic local franchise Ridgey Didge Pies has a new store located at the BP Service Centre, South Coffs. Franchisees Wayne and Jody Ward bring a lifelong passion for great tasting pies to a new local business. What makes Ridgey Didge Pies taste so good? Our pies are baked fresh in-store everyday, using only quality ingredients and the famous 'melt in your mouth' golden, flaky pastry. We use exacting standards to ensure a consistently great tasting pie. Tell us about the range of pies you have? We have over 30 varieties of gourmet beef, chicken and vegetable pies. Our range extends from traditional pies through to varieties that are inspired from cultures around the world, such as our Mexican pie. We are also adding a gluten-free option very soon. We’ve heard you have a well-known breakfast pie. What is it? It’s called the 'Ned Kelly', and it’s particularly popular amongst the local tradies. It’s an open top pie with mince that is made into a well and has an egg cracked into it, topped with bacon pieces and melted cheese. It tastes great! Where can we find you? We are at the BP Service Centre, South Coffs (opposite the hospital).
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SPANLINE: TA K I N G B U R G E R S O U T D O O R S .
C
OVERING the outdoor dining tables at Attitude Burgers on Coffs Coast Marina has boosted restaurant bookings.
Regular diners have praised the Spanline construction of an Ultraspan reverse skillion patio with weatherproof blinds which block rain and only tint the view. “We had to incorporate a design that ‘opened up’ to give height and allow light to enter the area at all times,” said Spanline’s Peter Pappalardo.
“Spanline products are also rated up to high wind strengths which was a factor for us, as we get everything the weather throws at us here at the marina.”
“Our stainless steel-engineered box gutter came to the rescue, which meant there is no way water can leak from the attachment to the fascia, which would have been disastrous,” Mr Pappalardo said. Attractive and durable Merbau timber posts and decorative trim were added to give the structure a warm finish to complement the funky Attitude Burger décor. “I went online and started looking at patio designs and found one from Spanline I liked, so I spoke to Peter from Spanline in Coffs Harbour,” said restaurant co-owner, Marcus Blackwell. “It was all very easy. We told Peter we wanted something that looked nice aesthetically and was practical and he gave us a couple of artists’ impressions,” Marcus said. “Spanline products are also rated up to high wind strengths which was a factor for us, as we get everything the weather throws at us here at the marina.” Renovating a restaurant in a state government leased property has challenges. “As leaseholders, everything has to go to the Lands Department and the marina authority. Spanline handled everything – drawings for their approval, planning permission, DA and when all that was included in the price, we couldn’t go past it.” Upgrading the previous shade sails to the permanent Spanline roofed area has created a true all-weather outdoor dining space. “The new weatherproof blind system Spanline has installed means it has to be driving rain to come through and then only ‘speckly’ bits come in, which is great.” A manually-cranked blind system locks off into the frame so the blinds do not blow out of their tracks in windy weather, so the blinds actually work when they are meant to.
"We wouldn’t hesitate to use Spanline again, plus we’ve had a lot of comment from customers who have told us it looks fabulous and want to know who built it.” 30 coffs coast focus.
enjoy
BURGERS
ATTITUDE BURGERS: F O R C H A R G R I L L E D B U R G E R S W I T H AT T I T U D E
While you can continue to enjoy great burgers and watch the busy working harbour, soon Attitude Burger fans will be able to enjoy their gourmet burgers from their new city centre location.
ttitude Burgers has something to appeal to young and old and is somewhere the whole family can eat, as well as have a beer or glass of wine in relaxed surroundings at the marina,” said coowner Marcus Blackwell.
A
“Vegetarians love our Tree Hugger burger of a grilled field mushroom and haloumi cheese, or the more exotic Falafel burger.”
Offering gourmet burgers containing everything from New England Angus rump to venison, crocodile and snapper with the divine handmade fries, Attitude Burgers has a burger for every taste.
Prices compare to most local café menus, but the beverages are more than just coffee and milkshakes and the marina location is hard to beat.
Dining at night or in poor weather is now comfortable in the new covered dining area warmed by the big log fire in the open fireplace from 5pm every evening.
“A lot of work went into the chip seasoning and coating, to make sure they are always crisp and a little spicy and people rave about our chips,” Marcus said.
“Our new outdoor dining area has led people to book a lot more functions for anything up to 100 people – 21st birthdays, engagement parties, work gatherings, all sorts of occasions.”
“Some days our big seller is the Little Bo Peep burger of prime New England lamb in Moroccan spices with chargrilled vegetables, other days it’s the big True Blue burger.”
While you can continue to enjoy great burgers and watch the busy working harbour, soon Attitude Burger fans will be able to enjoy their gourmet burgers from their new city centre location.
coffs coast focus 31
focusinterview. Now in its fourth year, the CoastOut Festival brings a vibrant atmosphere, lots of entertainment, music and fun to the Coffs Coast! With a swag of new activities happening at this year’s festival , including ‘ Drags on Ice’ and ‘Drag ‘n’ Slide’ , Todd Buttery advises us to keep October 25, 26, and 27 free.
c o a s t
Out
hat is CoastOut all about? The CoastOut Festival is an arts, sports, cultural and social festival over 3 days and nights. There are 9 events during that period. CoastOut has in three short years provided the Coffs Coast with another signature event that is marketed nationally and internationally. It has attracted media attention globally due to its unique events, like the CoastOut Surf Competition and ‘Drag Out the Dolphins’. The Surfing Competition is the only gay and lesbian marketed surfing competition in the world to date. These events, alongside our community Fair Day and activities like Barefoot Bowls and a Beach Fun Day plus social events have attracted visitors from around Australia and countries such as Hawaii and France. Park Beach becomes the ‘CoastOut Village’ for the festival period. This year we are giving the Dolphins a ‘rest’, and we’re hitting the Big Banana for ‘CoastOut’s Big Banana Day Out’ – 5 hours of mayhem at our most popular landmark! ‘Drags on Ice’ at the ice skating rink, ‘Drag’n’ Slide’ at the Water Park and wait for it ...’Drag Tag’ at the brand new laser tag centre they
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32 coffs coast focus.
are launching in September! It’s gonna be hilarious! A ‘Gaggle of Gays and a Cher of Drag Queens’! (That’s apparently the correct term for a group of Drag Queens, I recently found out!) What dates do we need to pop in our diaries? The weekend before mark ‘rest’ in your diaries and keep Friday evening, 25 October free for the Cocktail Party and then 26 and 27 October for the other events! Is there something for everybody? That’s the feedback we get every year, especially from locals who have never been before. As long as you like having fun, enjoy great entertainment with a lot of colour and movement, you’ll be fine! Just don’t feed the Drag Queens! Can you reveal the stars who will be attending? We’re stoked to have Scottish legend Mary Kiani join us; Mary is a dancefloor diva who belts out some of the disco’s biggest hits. Also, the fabulous and flaming hot redhead Katie Underwood of Bardot fame. Bob Downe may resurface! And we’ll have the vocal and vivacious Ms Sandy Bottom
perform throughout the weekend. There are a load more great artists, plus the DJ legend Dan Murphy to spin the decks at the Hoey Moey! How can people find out more? Best thing is to go to www.coastout.com. au or check us out on Facebook. Finally, did you think CoastOut would be going for four years? After the second year, it became apparent that people REALLY wanted to see this festival continue. The support that came from local businesses, volunteers and the amazing sponsors who have been so gracious, supportive and understanding that staging a 3 day festival is not an easy feat, regardless of the people who attend – and that the festival beings colour, movement, joy and social interaction with people from all around the country ... not to mention the now millions of dollars injected into the Coffs Coast’s economy. This year, Destination NSW have acknowledged the festival’s tourism exposure to our region by granting it a NSW Flagship event status, which we are so proud of. It goes to show that when a group of people get together, anything fabulous can happen!
SEPTEMBER
AT THE MOVIES
Norm Jordan Function Rooms
FATHER’S DAY
SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER Members $10 (other $14) Every child receives a Turbo activity sheet PLUS prizes to be won
3.30pm
11am
The Conservatorium What’s in a name ... and after nearly 30 years here in Coffs Harbour people still ask what do we do here at the Conservatorium? That’s an easy question to answer – we are simply a music school where people of all ages come to learn how to play an instrument, study music theory or join in others with group activities such as choirs, bands and assorted ensembles of musicians. We start from as young as two years of age, with some of our students in their 70s who always wanted to learn how to play… but never got around to it. We frequently hear people claim that they always wanted to play an instrument, and the Con is the place that makes that wish come true, in a safe, supportive environment, full of passion. One of the most rewarding activities for us is watching the Early Childhood Music classes in action, with little people as young as two jumping around, singing songs, dancing and all of them full of the joy of life. Parents, carers and grandparents join in the fun and after 30- 45 minutes leave with the biggest grins, lots of hugs and a commitment to come back and do it again next week. From Early Childhood Music and starting at ages 5 - 6, we can start teaching percussion and keyboard lessons with our Rhythm Makers and Keyboard Group sessions, that can build the fundamentals of musicianship in a safe, shared space. From there, individual lessons in all varieties of instruments are available for anyone who is keen and interested to learn more music. Some of our students learn two or more instruments, and everyone learns something new all of the time. The Con is a place full of smiling people, who simply love the joy of sharing music.
NBLF NVTJD with
COFFS HARBOUR REGIONAL CONSERVATORIUM
Local businesses support Young Innovators
Did you leave the Father’s Day Present to the last minute (or later)? Give Dad Movie Gift Cards available from the Box Of½ce! Members only $8 including a free morning tea Wednesday 4th 10am Thursday 5th 10am
Youth Directions facilitated a recent project to encourage innovative thinking at Coffs Harbour High School. The school’s Year 10 Mad Money class divided into four student ‘companies’, with each company charged with developing an innovative response to a real task provided by a local business over a period of ten weeks. Lorraine Christopher from the C.ex Group, Peter Williams from Axis Print Solutions, Carrie Skinner from the C.ex Community Crew and Barry Davis from the Economic Development Unit of Coffs Harbour City Council presented tasks to the students in class. ETC Business Consultant Fiona Barden delivered workshops to guide the students during the project. James Parker from Jetty Research offered advice to the students about surveying. Park Beach Plaza offered space for students to conduct surveys. A student ‘support crew’ included Vivien Rink from Toys of Wood, Emily Hedges from Nortec, Mike Symonds from Funergizers, Emma Aspden from Youth Directions. The teacher of the Mad Money class, John Mellalieu, says that the project tested and motivated his students. “It was a good challenge, especially as it was local and real.” Youth Directions would like to thank everyone who supported and guided the project, including Nextgen Leaders and Southern Cross University.
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th 10.30am 3D THE WIZARD OF OZ (PG)
The classic remastered & in 3D on the big screen! All tickets only $10 ($1 for 3D glasses if required)
School Holiday join the fun from Family Films! Thursday 19th
KIDS Early Childhood Music
SING listen
move
for kids 2-5 years grow learn
TM
In cinemas September 12 SmurfsTM & © Peyo 2013 Lafig B. Movie © 2013 SPAI/CPII. All Rights Reserved.
CREATE
THE LEGEND IS NE VER THE WHOLE STORY
Wednesday 25th 6pm
Call 6652 1592 Visit www.coffscon.org.au Bray Street Complex Cnr Bray Street & Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Get the Girls together for a great night! $25 includes the movie, a gift bag, drinks & nibbles upon arrival.
a c a d e m y awa r d ® n o m i n e e
N A O M I WAT T S
DIANA A F I L M BY
OLIVER HIRSCHBIEGEL “ACADEMY AWARD®” is a trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Tickets available at eventcinemas.com.au or at the box of½ce
coffs coast focus 33
focuseditorial.
M E R C E D E S - B E N Z
C O F F S
C O A S T
FASHION F E S T I V A L
IT'S THAT MOST STYLISH TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, AND FASHION FEVERS ARE BURNING UP WITH THE NEWS THAT THE COAST’S MAJOR FASHION EVENT, THE MERCEDES-BENZ COFFS COAST FASHION FESTIVAL, IS RETURNING WITH A FRESH NEW LOOK FOR 2013.
eaturing some of the most desirable labels in Australian fashion alongside the best of local designers and retailers, the Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast Fashion Festival will be working hard to drive fashion retail. Offering a direct connection between the brands and consumers, guests can ‘shop off the runway’ as the collections drop in stores.
F
Major event partner Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast is proud to be back on board, alongside media partner Coffs Coast FOCUS, and the all-class venue sponsor Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Event Director John Logan Entertainment (JLE) is thrilled to bring in new Event Coordinator Jade Kohl, and Social Media Coordinator Angela Lagos-Jay, as well as a stellar host of current and past industry personnel, to present a fresh, chic and seamless night of high-class fashion. Guests will be treated to a scrumptious cocktail hour prior to the show, with K’Pane Artisan Bakery and Red Sparrow Tea Co tantalising guests with light refreshments at intermission. Tickets to the event will secure your entry into the Fashion Wrap Party after the show, plus give you access to the Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast Fashion Festival Discount Card, allowing you to shop the looks at your favourite boutiques at a fraction of RRP for a limited time. The team is excited to present a brand new runway format, and are busy putting the finishing touches on this year's program. With fabulous new event details to reveal, you can keep up to date with the entire lead up on Facebook and Instagram or visit our event website www.mbccff.com.au - Tickets can be purchased via the website for the October 5 event. The highly anticipated MBCCFF Model Casting is set to be staged on Sunday 25 August, 10am - 1pm, at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Further details can be accessed on the event website, or you can email your interest to jadekohl@gmail.com Strap on your stilettos; the countdown to the Coffs Coast's most prestigious fashion event has begun! www.facebook.com/MBCoffsCoastFF @mbcoffscoastff
34 coffs coast focus.
mbccff
Photography by David Moore
Three of the best!
Norm Jordan Function Rooms
BREAKFAST - Thurs 19 Sept Robyn Henderson
Coffs' Premier Venue
Father's Day at the gardens
This premier venue is one of the most versatile and adaptable spaces on the Coffs Coast. The rooms can be hired together, separately, or in conjunction with the boardroom, for an ideal break off area.
This Father’s Day the Friends of the Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour have prepared a treat for the dads and granddads in our community. They have engaged the enormously popular Tallowood Bush Band to entertain our visitors between 11am and 2pm. With music and dancing 'called' in the bush dance tradition, at the most beautiful location in Coffs Harbour, this is definitely a date to put in your calendars.
The rooms are identical in size – both seating more than 200 people. The north room features a garden lined patio with a western wall, perfect for a stage or presentation area. The south room has easy access to the open grass areas of the grounds and parking through the southern doors. At the Coffs Harbour Showground you can choose to self-cater, have us provide morning tea, or treat yourself to Sparechef’s onsite catering service – you choose what level you would like to 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.
Tallowood has won awards at the National Folk Festival at Sydney University, and in 1984 dominated the Australian Bush Music Championships with five awards. Voted Best Bush Band at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, as well as other awards over the years at Tamworth, they are a band much in demand for fundraisers and dances, official functions, including our own Australia Day celebrations this year, weddings and birthday parties. As well as supplying soundtrack music for the film Over the Hill, and appearing in The Winds of Jarrah, they have also found time to record four albums of their music. All band members are multi instrumentalists and incorporate fiddle, keyboards, lagerphone, flute, harmonica, drums, acoustic bass and six string guitars, mandolin, wooden and tin whistles and banjo. Entry by donation. September 1, from 11am to 2pm. Food and afternoon teas available for purchase.
With over 20 years in the speaking industry, sales and telemarke ng management and hospitality, Robyn has fine tuned her networking and prospec ng skills to maximise results and increase produc vity for you! TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
COCKTAIL - Thurs 17 Oct Tracey Spicer Respected news-reader, journalist and mum Tracey Spicer is probably the most versa le media personality in the country. She is in high demand as a speaker and a reless charity worker. Lucky for us she is coming to Coffs. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
BREAKFAST - Thurs 21 Nov Michelle Bowden Michelle is Australia’s presenta on and influence expert. She’ll show you how to present your ideas and influence people using techniques that actually work. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
for information and tickets
www.bwn.org.au
proudly sponsored by
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s o c i a l s c e n e
Below. L-R Warren Skinner,Kieren Hogan, Kay Skinner, Michael and Sally Simmons
with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs Right. Bianca Ling and Aaron Logue Below. L-R John Logan, Melly Dee and Chris Shute
Right. Andrew Williams and Julie Smith
Above. Ray and Judy Brookes Greg and Vella Swaney
Above. Greta Lindsay, Kay Williams, Maria Lindsay
Right. Sky Presenter Christy Johns
Social/scene.
Spring has sprung and everyone is getting geared up for the warmer days. We are out in the garden, making the dreaded spring cleaning list and sprucing up the BBQ. I am sure we are all looking forward to enjoying the big outdoors.
O
ur weather here is so
Boutique rooms at the Pier Hotel. They are
and enjoy. Sensational sounds ranging from
is on 13 September. The event will be staged at
changeable, especially lately
positively bursting with old world charm fused
Country Music, some good old Rock and Roll,
the fabulous Coffs Harbour Surf Club. Tickets
when we had the hottest
with a touch of modern pizzaz! They have
folk, Indian music, red hot Latin Jazz, and even
are only $85, which includes a three course
July on record. On more than
literally knocked away walls, only to discover
a human horn section! One of the thrills of
meal, a silent auction and entertainment from
one occasion, I had pranced
sensational old fireplaces. Guests got to peruse
the festival was the attendance of Australian
the ever popular Ben Francis. A percentage of
out in a touch of the old faux fur around the
the accommodation and enjoy a delicious
Jazz Musician Geoff Bull; he is one of the
the funds raised on the evening go to the NBCF.
neck and had to fling it off, as the temperature
selection of canapés and bubbles. Can’t wait
few Australian musicians to be invited to play
was up to 24 degrees! The Son and his mates
for the chance to check in!
at the Preservation Hall in New Orleans. He
are already out there in the surf enjoying
Just to keep the old grey matter active, book
was accompanied by some of Sydney’s most
themselves without their wetsuits! Brrrrrr – bit
a table for the 14 September for the Sawtell
talented musicians and was keeping traditional
cold for that!
Public School Trivia Night. The theme for the
Jazz at the forefront. Another successful
Staying on gardening, it’s that time of the
evening, which kicks off at 6pm, is Super
festival!
year when our local gardening fanatics get to
Heroes! (That sounds like fun!) Of course,
do what they enjoy best. The Coffs Harbour
there will be a best dressed prize for the most
Sentry, the Hoey Moey in Coffs Harbour was
Spring Garden Competition officially opened
outrageous ‘Super Hero’, with loads of fun and
the place to be just recently. While not quite my
at Total Gardens recently. The launch provided
competitions.
style, this guy is a favourite among the younger
its guests with a BBQ lunch, live music,
For big fans of Australian Hip Hop artist Seth
I am going to give the two Beros boys a rest from my teasing this week. Instead, I am going to announce that I am actually extremely lucky to have such a wonderful husband and son, who are always helpful, talented and useful. Now, if you are starting to think that the ‘worm has turned!’ and I have gone all soft ... well! I am afraid to say, you are all wrong! There is method in my madness – tt's SPRING CLEANING time!
Rain was expected, but Mother Nature was
crowd and extremely well known on the Indie
demonstrations and specials for the day. Club
kind enough to give us nearly perfect weather
scene! Special guests, Grey Ghost and Mantra
President Pat Roser mentioned the competition
for our Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Race Day.
joined his ‘Vacation Tour’ to bring his standout
shall we say – in the garden!
is open to all ages and that it was really difficult
The largest crowd yet attended the Races and
live show to new audiences around the country.
Carole
to judge, as all competitors made such a
as usual, were dressed up to the nines. The
The man is becoming a bit of a legend, and I
Le Dãin Designs.
massive effort. I love to see a colourful garden
Park Beach Plaza’s Fashions on the Field had
hear he was the first Australian Hip Hop artist
For more information on any of the events listed, please contact below:
but everyone will get to choose this year, as
Here is to turning over a new leaf, or leaves
a bevy of well dressed women and handsome
to perform on US late-night talk show, Jimmy
there is a ‘People’s Choice award’ as well.
gentlemen all competing for different
Kimmel Live! The Coffs Coast really does have
The Coffs Harbour Spring Garden Competition
Closing date is September 6.
categories of the day. Bets were placed and a
multiple choices on the entertainment scene!
Phone. 6690 2511
few wins were made amongst our tables. It’s
A fundraiser on 31 August featuring award
For shaking it all up, we recommend you
Jetty Theatre Phone. 6652 8088
rock up to All Shook Up, which is being staged
really all about having a great time with friends
winning band The Bostocks promises to
Sawtell Public School Trivia Night
at our Coffs Harbour Jetty Memorial Theatre.
and if you come out a winner, it is just the icing
be a great evening of entertainment for a
Phone. 0428 107 726
It is being presented by the Coffs Harbour
on the cake! Jockey Glen Colless definitely
good cause. Raising funds for students from
Girlfit Black, Bling and Pink Ball
Arts Council Inc. and Curtain Up Productions.
had something to celebrate; this was his third
Bishop Druitt College to build housing for the
Phone. 0417 045 825
The show runs until Sept 8. This production is
Gold Cup win and his second consecutive Cup
underprivileged in Cambodia, admission is just
Bishop Druitt College Fundraiser Tickets are
directed by Pat Slattery and is a really lively and
win on Pepperwood! Great day out. Bring on
$25 per head. A Gourmet Burger Bar will be at
available at Blush Make Up & Beauty in Harbour
enjoyable show. If you just happen to be an
Melbourne Cup!
the venue and it's BYO drinks, which makes for
Drive, or ring Sue on 6652 1100.
an affordable and enjoyable evening.
If you are having an event that you would like
Elvis fan, it will definitely makes your night! We attended the launch of Warren and Kay Skinner’s beautiful refurbishment of their 36 coffs coast focus.
For all music lovers, The 24th Bellingen Jazz Festival was just the ticket! There was, as usual, a varied selection of music to relish in
Don’t forget to get yourself all snazzed up for the ‘Girlfit Black, Bling and Pink Ball, which
us to attend, please contact: melly@focusmag.com.au
History week at Coffs Library Coffs Harbour City Library and Coffs Harbour Regional Museum are joining forces to share Picture Coffs Harbour with our community and to celebrate History Week 2013. Picture Coffs Harbour is a joint Library-Museum project to digitise our historic photographs to improve access and preservation. Terrie Beckhouse, the Museum Co-ordinator, will be showcasing a range of unique photographic treasures from their collection, sharing the stories and history behind each one. There are over 10,000 images at the museum for Terrie to choose from! Are you interested in finding historical images of Coffs Harbour? Come along and learn not only how to search the Picture Coffs Harbour online catalogue, but also ways that you can contribute your own images to this fantastic local resource. An innovative mobile app will also be demonstrated, showing you how you can 'pin' your own images onto a virtual map of the area, and share your own stories with the rest of the world! An exhibition of selected images from Picture Coffs Harbour will also be on display. This presentation will be on Tuesday 10 September, at 10.30am at Coffs Harbour Library. To make a booking, please contact the library on 6648 4900 or email coffs.library@chcc.nsw.gov.au
Graphic design and printing all under one roof Creative Arts Group The force behind the formative years of the Art Group was Cynthia Jeffery back in 1958. As membership increased, the group aspired to have their own premises and rented a room in what became known as 'Studio Lane' at the rear of Grafton Street. Finally, the group moved to their own purpose built workspace in 1970, and this is where we are today. Today, our gallery and workshop space is at the Showground in Coffs. Classes are held each term in Watercolour, Acrylics, Pastel, Drawing, Calligraphy, Photography and Fibre Art. Regular workshops are held throughout the year and social painting is held on Fridays and Saturdays. Seasonal exhibitions are held 4 times a year and a featured artist displayed bimonthly. People from all walks of life are encouraged to come along and join us, perhaps learn a new skill, discover a talent they didn’t know they had or simply make new friends. Beginners are always welcome and as a laid-back, friendly group, we will always encourage newcomers and would love to see you there. Membership is $25 annually. Ring Sharon on 6653 9240 if you would like to know more or email shaz@ingersole.com
While web and digital has definitely come of age, print graphic design is still the foot-soldier of the marketing world. In a world where people still touch and hold things, print graphic design makes a statement where digital can’t. The bottom line is that great graphic design attracts more leads and converts more sales. Print gives customers a rest from the world of screens, a place to linger and spend time with your message. It’s not just what you say, but how your message is portrayed that makes all the difference ... the difference between closing a sale and losing it. The in-house design team at Pepper Print love function and purpose as much as beauty and creativity, delivering professional design that makes your brand stand out. Our approach to each project is the same: we listen carefully and ask the right questions, always working closely with our clients to deliver outstanding results with a smile. From design work to printed material, brands and beyond, if you have a project that we can help with, or an idea you’d like to discuss, then we’d love to hear from you! Give us a call, send us an email, or if you’re feeling social, get in touch via our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Sp ecia Spec iali lisi sing ng iin n cu cust stom om desi de sign gned ed & p pri rint nted ed
Wedding Stationery Savee tthe Sav he Dat Datee Card C ards/M s/Magn agnets etss Weddin Wed dingg Invi I nvitat tation ionss RSVP RSV P Card C ardss Wishin Wis hingg Well Well Slips Sl ips Hens/B Hen s/Buck uckss Part P artyy Invi I nvites tes Order Ord er of Ser Servic vices es Seatin Sea tingg Arra A rrange ngemen ments ts Table Tab le Num Number berss Menu’s Men u’s Thank Tha nk You Ca Cards rds
coffs coast focus 37
focusinterview.
ALLISTER DONALD Allister Donald is originally from South Africa and moved to Coffs Harbour to be closer to his family. He is the General Manager of Lifeline, a not-forprofit orgnaisation that is in the business of saving lives. His dedicated team of volunteers are committed to reaching out to those people in crisis.
here are you originally from? What brought you to Coffs Harbour? I’m originally from Durban on South Africa’s East Coast. Our two older children had arrived in Australia many years before we decided to settle here. We were familiar with Coffs Harbour and loved the place from a number of visits we had made here, given our daughterin-law is a local Coffs girl and on making the decision to leave South Africa, it was easy to decide to settle in Coffs. What is your role at Lifeline, and how and why did you get involved in this particular charity? Our Lifeline North Coast NSW Centre operates both in Coffs and Grafton as part of the National Lifeline Crisis Call Helpline 13 11 14. I had always intended to involve myself in a community organisation after retiring, but the place to do this changed after we relocated to Australia. I was familiar with Lifeline in South Africa and when the General Manager position at Lifeline in Coffs was advertised, I applied and was lucky enough to get the job and realised how many wonderful people work and volunteer for the organisation, both here and around the country. What is the story or history behind Lifeline? Lifeline’s origins go back to early 1960, when a particularly distressed man contacted Rev. Alan Walker of the Wesley Mission in Sydney and told him that he was preparing to end his life. Rev. Walker realised the seriousness of the need to assist many other people like this. Three years later in March 1963 he had been able to raise sufficient funding to establish a Lifeline Centre, which was housed in a remodelled 100 year old school in Darlinghurst. Lifeline then started to spread across NSW and Australia, followed by 26 other countries. What is Lifeline exactly? 38 coffs coast focus.
Put very simply, Lifeline is an organisation that saves lives and is oriented towards suicide prevention/intervention. It is a registered not for profit organisation which was built on a commitment to reach out to those people in crisis whenever they need it and wherever they are, offering real support when difficulties seem overwhelming and for whom suicide appears the only way out. Lifeline’s vision is An Australia Free of Suicide, whilst our purpose is to support Australians in times of crisis and equip individuals and communities to be resilient and suicide safe. Lifeline is at the forefront of activities to reduce the suicide rate in Australia, which sadly averages six every day across the country. How do you save lives? Through our national 13 11 14 Crisis Call Helpline service manned by well-trained dedicated volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporters, Lifeline takes over 1,500 calls every day, with more than 50 of these calls coming from people at imminent risk of suicide. Suicide is a leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44, almost twice as high as the annual road toll. Our Telephone Crisis Supporters engage with their callers in a completely non-judgemental way, they are treated anonymously, and it costs nothing from a mobile phone or the cost of a local call from a landline. In addition to the Crisis helpline, we provide Face to Face Gambling Help Counselling, Financial and General Counselling at our Gordon Street offices with a well-trained team of Counsellors. You have to remember, it is not just one individual who may be in crisis, but other innocent members of that individual’s family who are desperately aware of the need to provide their family member some help or clarity and contact us as part of the solution process. A lot of people may think that you only offer support for older people. How does Lifeline support not only elderly, but also
younger people? Well, our callers do cover the entire age spectrum, but younger people are so internet oriented these days, many who are experiencing a crisis prefer going online via the Lifeline Online Chat service staffed by Online Crisis Supporters, who connect with hundreds of people each week. Who is behind your major financial support? Over 60% of our income is self-generated by our Lifeline Shops, with the remaining 40% coming from grants via the NSW Government, so our own shops are essential to our continued existence. So how do the charity stores assist in funding? We receive donations of unwanted clothing, furniture, electrical items and bric-a-brac from the public via personal drop-ins to our stores, or in our Donation bins around Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Nambucca, Toormina and Bellingen. We also have a free collection service, especially for good quality furniture and more bulky items. The sale of these items helps us support the 13 11 14 Crisis Call Centre, as well as meeting some of the other costs involved in supporting the community. We have stores in Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and The Links Centre in Toormina, which houses our largest store as well as our distribution Warehouse What are challenges that the stores face? We are always immensely grateful to those members of the community who so willingly provide us with good quality items which they no longer require and which contribute immeasurably towards our continued viability. Regrettably however, there are some inconsiderate folk who just use us as well as other charities as a dumping ground for their unsalvageable or useless possessions to save on their tip fees. Not only is it very unfair on our staff and volunteer supporters, who have to clean up the mess, but it becomes costly as
well and we lose approx. $12,000 a year on certain tip fees – which could instead be going to save someone’s life. These people are, however, far outnumbered by the wonderful people who donate to us and to whom we are incredibly grateful Are your retail staff and telephone crisis support workers all volunteers? All of the Telephone Crisis Supporters at our Coffs Harbour and Grafton Call Centres are volunteers who do a magnificent job. We have Shop Managers running our shops supported by wonderful volunteers. We also have experienced administration volunteers in the office helping with this side of running our Centre. The volunteers we have are basically the lifeblood of our organisation and help to keep us going. If we were wanting to support Lifeline or donate to Lifeline, how do we go about this? We would ask people to please contact us on 6651 4093 and we will assist with information regarding volunteer support or financial donations. And if one was wanting to become a volunteer? What type of volunteers do you need at the moment? We are always looking for volunteers to give us a hand, whether on the Crisis helpline, or in our shops and warehouse. People who volunteer for the phones are trained as Telephone Crisis Supporters. They find it an incredibly rewarding experience. Our shops are always in need of volunteers to assist them, and our warehouse in Toormina is always looking for sorters, truck drivers, and anyone who has the time and is willing to help.
the plug! Donations to Lifeline can be made by calling: 6651 4093.
coffs coast focus 39
focusinterview.
Samuel
J o h n s o n
What would you do if your sister was terminally ill? Samuel Johnson’s sister, Connie, is dying of Breast Cancer, so he’s setting out on an epic challenge. He’s riding around Australia on a unicycle ... and he is riding through Coffs Harbour very soon.
your
sister 40 coffs coast focus.
focus ocusinterview.
on a unicycle. About Samuel: Samuel is one of Australia’s most recognisable personalities in battle This is her third the Australian the with cancer. At entertainment , with the age of 11, Connie industry. d n an
“
W
hat is Love Your Sister? Love Your Sister is a Charity Founded by Samuel and Constance Johnson. The charity was founded with the aim to promote breast awareness and raise funds for the Garvan Institute, which is a world leader in cancer research. 100% of the funds raised go directly to The Garvan Institute for research purposes. It’s all about keeping his promise to Connie: 1. Raise a million dollars for breast cancer research. 2. Raise awareness of the disease that’s killing her. 3. Break the Guinness World Record for the longest journey on a unicycle. It sounds insane, but Samuel’s good to go. He’s been training, he’s ditched the beers, he’s eating ... well, he’s eating, and he’s frozen some of his sperm – under advice of doctors – in case the uncomfortable journey has a lasting effect on his closest mates. Too easy? Connie thought so. That’s why she’s asking Australia to come up with some tough sponsored challenges. It’s all about being breast aware and
educating Australia on the importance of early detection. Their message is simple: ‘Don’t fall into the booby-trap; be breast aware!’
tectio help of early de fought off , py ra chemothe ag gressive a very rare and her leg. At bone tumour in e a tumour m 22, she overca ain with the in her womb, ag tection and help of early de treatment.”
About Connie: Connie is vibrant, loving, compassionate, tough and inspiring. She’s a mother of two beautiful boys. She’s 35 years old. And she’s dying of breast cancer. This is her third battle with cancer. At the age of 11, Connie, with the help of early detection and chemotherapy, fought off a very rare and aggressive bone tumour in her leg. At 22, she overcame a tumour in her womb, again with the help of early detection and treatment. This time, Connie has breast cancer. It has spread to her lungs, liver, pelvis, spine and knee. This time it’s terminal, and she has a life expectancy of 6 - 12 months. Nothing can prepare you for saying goodbye to your kids at such a young age. That’s why Connie is hard at work to raise breast cancer awareness. Early detection is the key to survival, and Connie wants everyone to know it, so she’s sent her brother around Australia
He’s best known for his roles on The Secret Life of Us, Crackerjack, Underbelly II and Network Ten’s Rush. He’s made a number of TV guest appearances ... and he’s the voice of Vodafone, Suzuki and Pedigree.
Plenty of career accolades have come his way. He’s enjoyed multiple Logie nominations, an AFI Award and an Australian Centenary Medal in the 2000 Queen’s Honours list. He’s very proud of all of this, but none of it is as important to him as his sister. That’s why he’s setting out on this gruelling journey around Australia. Nothing will stop him keeping his promise to Connie. About the journey so far ... Samuel started on his epic adventure for Connie on February 15,, 2013 from Melbourne. Since embarking on his journey, Samuel has travelled over 9,691 km of his 15,000 km journey and covered the western side of Australia. Samuel has faced the terrors of riding on the grated Oodnadatta track, rode through soaring temperatures of 50 degrees plus, broken a few unicycles, had his body shut down on him and even swum with
crocodiles, all with a smile because he knows that he is doing this for his sister, Connie. Samuel has also been welcomed and embraced by every community he has visited, from the hustle and bustle of Perth, Darwin and Adelaide, to the warm cultural embrace of the mob at Uluru. Samuel is choosing to see the bright side of Connie’s situation, in that she has been the catalyst for many women across Australia to get themselves checked and be breast aware. Samuel’s heart is warmed daily by the generosity of every town he visits and the support he gets from everyone who has lost someone to cancer or has faced cancer themselves. Often when Samuel is finding it hard to keep peddling, he thinks of Connie and what she is going through, he thinks of how many others are facing the same hideous disease and that keeps him strong and peddling – because there is not one person in the community that hasn’t been affected by cancer in one way or another. Samuel has endured a lot since leaving in February, but with every day he gets closer to his goal of raising $1million. To date, the total funds raised stand at a whopping $682,581, with the East Coast still to be visited. Want to support Samuel on the East Coast leg of his journey? You can donate online at www.loveyoursister.org OR; If you would like to meet Samuel in person, he will be arriving in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 23 November. A fundraiser will be held at C.ex from 6pm to assist Samuel and Connie raise funds for Love Your Sister. And be sure to remember – ‘Don’t fall into the booby-trap; be breast aware!’ coffs coast focus 41
St Augustine's Gala Dinner On Saturday 14 September, the St
including:
Augustine’s School community, both
• Casino Corner– Poker, Black Jack and Roulette
past and present, will be celebrating the much awaited Gala Centenary Dinner. The dinner will be held at the C.ex Club Coffs Harbour and will provide the school with the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of success in education. Tables of ten are available to be booked at the C.ex club for a cost of $100 per ticket. Ticket prices include pre dinner drinks, a 3 course meal, beer and wine (not including spirits) provided by 'The Occasional Parrot' (North Coast Wines). Music on the night will be provided by a 10 piece band: 'The Wellswung Daddies'. Also included in the ticket price will be a night full of fun and entertainment,
42 coffs coast focus.
• Emma Rhodes Photo Booth • Best Dressed Male – $200 Jack Simmons voucher • Best Dressed Female – $200 RSVP Bridal voucher • Lucky door prizes • Live auction – Coffs Family Fun Package St Augustine’s has educated thousands of students over the past hundred years, and we encourage you to attend any of our scheduled centenary events. For further information on any of these events, please visit our school website (www.staugustines.edu.au) or phone the school office on 6652 1204.
Indigenous
SET SAIL
Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre (ABAC) is offering a young Indigenous Australian the chance to embark on an exhilarating journey of a lifetime sailing from Devonport to Sydney aboard the tall ship Young Endeavour, as part of a special leadership scholarship.
“Indigenous Australians from NSW or the ACT aged between 16 and 23 are eligible to apply for the Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre Indigenous Scholarship,” says ABAC General Manager, Andrew Williams. “This is an amazing opportunity for a young Indigenous Australian to develop skills for life on a journey of a lifetime.” Challenges on board the Young Endeavour include climbing aloft and working 30 metres above deck, watch-keeping duties around the clock, shipboard safety drills, and living and working in confined spaces as part of a team.
Youth crew are supervised “ and supported by a
professional Royal Australian Navy team , trained to carry out the program with the highest standards of safety and care .”
However, it won’t all be hard work, with plenty of opportunities to go swimming, play sport, go whale and dolphin spotting and socialising with future young leaders from around Australia. Near the completion of the voyage, each youth crew will elect a command team to take full responsibility for the ship under sail for a 24-hour period. The young crew will also host a group of Australian youth with special needs.
Youth crew are supervised and supported by a professional Royal Australian Navy team, trained to
carry out the program with the highest standards of safety and care. “A panel of professionals will review the applications for the Australian Young Indigenous Scholarship, and shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews in October, with the winner to be announced in November,” Mr Williams says. “Please note the winner must be available to set sail on the Young Endeavour on January 22, 2014 for an epic 11-day adventure.” The scholarship includes airfares from the winner’s home airport to Devonport and return from Sydney, and a Gopro camera, for the purposes of creating a video blog of the voyage. A University of Sydney study found that youth development training conducted on the Young Endeavour builds social capital in the community. Over time, the experiences of participants translated into enduring social skills such as self-control, goal achievement, and a positive outlook. “This scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a young Australian to really test their mettle, make enduring friendships, and learn skills that will last with them forever,” Mr Williams says. “I urge all eligible young people to apply.” Eligible applicants should go to: www.apprenticeshipscentre.com.au/Young-Endeavour to download the application pack.
coffs coast focus
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44 coffs coast focus.
focusinterview.
by John Logan
How was the Buskers Festival born?
In fact, my kids say, "If you want to get Dad’s attention, put
There are so many events on the local calendar, local events The compa company JLE just wanted something different to get involved with whe when they first hit upon the idea in the late '90s. It was 1999 an and, “We sat around kicking around ideas and someone mentione mentioned the old Buttercup Buskers Festival,” said John Logan, FFestival organiser.
the word 'busker' in the sentence”. Anyone I know who goes
This even event had been run previously but had been dropped, like so m many others. They liked it, but knew nothing about busking or buskers festivals. What followed was two years of fact find nding and researching. I literally typed 'busking festivals' into Goo Google and there was one (a buskers festival) in Ferrara in Italy. I thought th that was too far to go, but found one in New Zealand and with a borrowed camera flew to Christchurch in January 1999.
say, "Thank you". You are what makes this festival work.
When I sset foot in that city, the penny dropped. I just could not belie believe the buzz and was hooked. On return, I spoke to Jenny Ol Oloman at Council and unbeknownst to me, Council had been doing surveys which showed conclusively that everyone wanted the same thing: 'bring back the buskers'.
yet to be confirmed. The reason they haven’t been included
From tha that time it has been a wonderful 13 or 14 years. I have met and made many good friends, I have tested my wife Joanne’s patience unbelievably, and to her I owe an enormous thanks. I have asked my business partner Steve Douglass to support tthis enterprise unconditionally, and he has.
arrangements are in place, some last minute ones just don’t
I have tra travelled to places like Singapore, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and been to New Zealand seven times, sometimes to see only one act. I have stood on the street or in dusty markets because someone has said, “Oh, there is a good busker in Byron Ba Bay”. I have even roused Jenny Oloman from her sleep at 2a 2am in the morning to tell her I have found someone new, aand I have driven my friends, children, work mates and family mad with the age old question: “What do you think about this act?”
disarray. Managing all this is a lot of fun.
on holidays overseas is regularly reminded by me to let me know if they see any good buskers in their travels, so dozens of Coffs Harbour people are travelling around the world acting like scouts with my business cards in their wallets. To them and to everyone who has come to a show, I simply BUSKERS – THE LATE MAIL In this issue of FOCUS you will no doubt see the 2013 COFFS HARBOUR INTERNATIONAL BUSKERS & COMEDY FESTIVAL PROGRAM. What it doesn’t tell you is a couple of hot little items that only got confirmed after the official program went to print, or are is the publication works with an advanced deadline of mid August, even though you, the reader, only see this early September. With the festival being held in late September, that is a full six to seven weeks before the event and although most get wrapped up in time. As always, there are also last minute changes, with one act changing their name literally hours after we went to print! Another act wanted to change their arrival and departure dates, throwing the entire program into As we go to print, organisers are negotiating with a group of Tanzanian acrobats and a Hip Hop crew, who if confirmed will feature at opposite ends of the festival. These are surprise acts that haven’t been previously included and will be sprinkled around the festival or just dropped in at odd places to test the public’s attention. 2013 Festival dates, Sept 21 to Sept 29. See you there!
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focusinterview.
Kelly McLoughlin-Wilden
After moving to the Coffs interland with her family 14 years ago, Kelly McLoughlin-Wilden has established her bona fides as a playwright, performer and businesswoman. Her debut play, Two Doors Down, was the first full-length play by a local to be performed at the Jetty Memorial Theatre. The sequel, Two Floors Up, is currently in production and set to wow Coffs audiences in October. When not writing or working in her eLearning business, Canopi, you can catch Kelly weekdays on the EJ and Kel 2CSFM Breakfast Show. We caught up with one of Coffs Harbour’s more colourful characters…
W
hat does a day in the life of Kelly McLoughlinWild k lik Wilden llook like?? Roll call is 4.30am. I won’t moan about that, because I work with people who get up much earlier. I join EJ at the studio by 5.30, where we catch up on the overnight news and make any last minute changes to the show. After we go off air, we’ll review the show with Whitey, then work on the next one. If I haven’t any business in town, it’s back up to the hills, where I spend the rest of the day on Canopi or writing, sometimes both. If I’m in production mode, it’s rehearsals at night. Unsurprisingly, you have to peel me off the lounge on Friday nights. There should be some exercise in there, but there isn’t. I feel OK about that, until I remember that Leonardo da Vinci kept in shape. He was known as the strongest man in Florence. That gives me pause. A high flyer at university, you left behind a career in law. Is this something you regret? I actually get asked this quite a bit, and the answer is: not in the least. The truth is that I didn’t leave anything behind; I just transferred the skills to things that were either more profitable or that I enjoyed more. Having said this, my time as an academic and practising lawyer were invaluable, not only with running and growing Canopi, but also with writing and performing. It’s a bit of a cliché, really, being an ex-lawyer in showbiz. Just ask Gandhi or Peter Garrett.
You seem to have many different ‘G Gol ollllu lum’ m’, si sid ide de o off me me, wh whic hich h ge gets very old very ‘Gollum’, side which roles – writer, radio announcer, an nd quick. Being able to wear a tracksuit to work and businesswoman, too. How do you u manage is a definite plus, but probably something that tto jjuggle l it all? ll? EEasy. I d ’t d lf EJ and d Whit ld d ith t! B don’t do it b by myself. Whitey could do without! By th the way, I’m married to Greg, and a more supportive EJ has two roles in Two Floors Up, and he’s partner in life and business you could not find. fantastic in both of them. Our team at Canopi is made up of exceptional When was your first play, Two Doors people committed to product Down, written, and what was it development and real about? I wrote Two Doors Down in results for our clients. the summer of 2004. It took me CHATS Productions six weeks. I wish I could say Inc continue that about Two Floors Up. As a mother, I to nurture me as a want my sons Two Doors Down hips performer, director to have relations unleashed Kath Rowe t and playwright, with women, no and her family on an en and their role in pictures of wom unsuspecting populace. ing my career is not to and to stop rely e They were going through nc be underestimated. on wilful ignora a diffi cult time: Christmas, When I add the team as an excuse.” first anniversary of Kath’s at 2CSFM, who do younger brother’s suicide, so much for people like mum discovering Kath’s thesis myself trying to get ‘out on sex and religion. It all sounds there’, I feel blessed. very grim and earnest, but believe me Have you a favourite role? Yes, but when I say it’s a comedy. If you’d like to see I need the mix. I love performing and it, Murwillumbah Theatre Company are putting working with a creative partner like EJ. it on in March 2014. We have a lot of fun. Canopi is intellectually What prompted you to write a sequel? stimulating on many levels, but if I had to pick Two things. I’d witnessed firsthand some nasty one thing where ‘it flows’, it’s writing. consequences of raunch culture, and I directed What do you like most about your work Two Doors Down for CHATS last year. I hadn’t at 2CSFM? I love it all. Radio is new for me, any inclination to work on a sequel until then. and I’m surprised at how much I enjoy the It’s a good lesson if you’re stuck: working on instant connect with the audience and the one piece often inspires another. pace of the engine room; if you’re off form, You obviously feel strongly about the everyone knows it! I like meeting clients and issues around raunch culture and the way listeners and finding out what they like to hear. young people are interacting with it. As a That’s a definite plus for the reclusive-artist,
“
what ways does this impact on mother, in what familly? I feel strongly about sexual your own family? rauncch culture. Raunch culture is health, not raunch j t one other th thing thi we have h t deal d l with ith in i just to developing sexual health, albeit an increasingly powerful influence. Put simply, I think we all have a responsibility to manage our sexual health and if our idea of gratification means that we proactively support other people degrading themselves or living miserable lives, then there’s a problem. As a mother, I want my sons to have relationships with women, not pictures of women and to stop relying on wilful ignorance as an excuse. In many ways, the same goes for young women. Feminism and young women’s need to be accepted and sexually appealing is being twisted. It’s time for us to stand up. You’ve recently won an award from Quota International. What was that for? Wow. That was a night, and a humbling one at that. I was nominated by CHATS for my contributions to local theatre over the last ten years. I won’t bang on. There were many women other than myself who were honoured. And what about your business interest? What is Canopi and what does it do? Canopi helps organisations develop and manage eLearning solutions that, put simply, work. We have a strong slant towards sport and training. We do a lot of work with Janison, another local eLearning company – Coffs is deservedly getting a world reputation for eLearning. I’m a lucky girl. Every day I get to make people laugh, get fit, or learn a skill. It really is a blast. Thanks Kelly.
coffs coast focus
47
SEPTEMBER 2013
WITH TERRI
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AQUARIUS.
GEMINI.
January 21 - February 19
May 22 - June 22
Justice is coming into your picture, and any past conflict that yet remains to be fixed, can be. The success of this situation depends on how well you earn to let go and move ahead in lightness. Be aware of your fears, so they no longer have power over you. Citrine is great for cleansing and clearing.
PISCES. February 20 - March 20
Your sense of justice is being tested, as are your arbitration skills. Continue your gift of offering win/win solutions, as this is good preparation for career changes. You would benefit by journalising your dreams at present, as your dreams are increasing in meaning. Aquamarine is very powerful for dream interpretation.
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48 coffs coast focus.
ARIES. March 21 - April 20
Total change to your current circumstances can be expected. It is a perfect time to spend time in reflection to help decide what changes you would like. In setting your goals, it would be of benefit to prioritize love and passion for living, to reconnect you with joy and gratitude. Turquoise and Malachite will bring confidence and new love to your energy.
September 24 - October 23
Until now your focus has predominantly been on pleasing others; now it is time for you to have what you want. The problem is you don’t know where to look or what to look for, because you have never been your priority. Set some goals and be aware of your intention or motive and enjoy your outcome. Turquoise helps us reach our full potential.
Avoid negative thoughts about yourself, as this pattern will lead to sabotage and you could miss out on very nice rewards. Your sense of deserving is being tested and the higher your self-worth is, the more good luck you will attract. Selenite is powerful for shattering negative thoughts and creating abundance.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
June 23 - July 23 Ju
Justice is coming into play for you finally. You can anticipate all kinds of new influences in your reality. Own your life when you live by choice, not chance, and watch how the universe rewards you. You can expect a confession or words that confirm what you previously suspected. Ruby releases fear so we can embrace change happily.
LEO. July 24 - August 23
You will be likely to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the connection of another being. This relationship will have a calming effect on your energy, and much fun and laughter can be anticipated. This friendship will be likely to be a life-long one. Enjoy. Watermelon Tormaline enhances friendship, laughter and playful energy.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
April 21 - May 21
August 24 - September 23 A
Be patient and keep focused on the love of what you are pursuing. Avoid making choices or changes when you are feeling negative, as this could easiy lead to sabotage. Instead try visualising your outcome to reconnect you with your passion, and feel the excitement of what is to come. Ruby is good for patience and passion.
LIBRA.
You have outgrown your old beliefs in life so instead of being comforted by them, you are feeling trapped. Now is a good time to reestablish some new rules or regulations to live by. Try debating your old beliefs to bring new ones into your reality. Citrine shatters negativity and attracts an abundance of good luck.
October 24 - November 22
You are embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the influence of another person. Love yourself enough to heal past hurts, and this will release your fear that love may not last. Soothing energy can be anticipated for weeks. Enjoy. Moonstone helps wash away our fears and brings change to cycles.
SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21
Your restless energy and itchy feet have been for a very good reason. You are having some major shifts to your foundations in life. You are learning to trust in your ability to support yourself adequately. Remain positive, so negative sabotage cannot be a part of your reality. Ruby strengthens our self-love and keeps us feeling safe through change.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20
You are such great teachers, and your ability to share information is growing. Enjoy the opportunities the universe is placing in your path as success breeds success and the more confident you become, the more you will be rewarded. Hear your wise words, as these are also your answers. Turquoise will enhance self-esteem and confidence.
Friday, October 11 Sawtell RSL
FURNITURE
with Soul
Johnny Cash The Concert RING OF FIRE 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR Fresh from their very successful 2012 national tour, Johnny Cash the Concert is back to celebrate all things CASH bringing to life an incredible new concert experience! Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of one of Cash’s biggest hits and best loved songs, Ring of Fire, Australia’s OWN ‘Man In Black’, Daniel Thompson, returns with an award-winning ensemble featuring Golden Guitar Winner (Alternate Country Album of the Year - 2013 Golden Guitar Awards) and Australian Guitar Legend, Stuie French. This two-hour show will feature the tracks that made Johnny Cash’s live show something special. June Carter and The Carter Family, The Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins and Cash’s gospel greats will all be featured in the first half of the show, whilst the second set culminates in Cash’s biggest hits, including his 1963 hit Ring Of Fire. Recorded in Nashville with mariachi-style trumpets and Carter Family on backing vocals, Ring Of Fire (written by June Carter and Merle Kilgore) was Cash’s biggest hit, earning him the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart for seven weeks. With its instantly recognisable and distinctive sound, it went on
This two-hour show will feature the tracks that made Johnny Cash’s live show something special. to become one of Cash’s best known and most loved songs. Joining the tour is multi-award winning singer/ songwriter Tamara Stewart. Tamara took home the Golden Guitar for Vocal Collaboration at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards for her self penned hit, Women in Song, celebrating the long heritage of women in Australian Country Music. And of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without our ‘engine room’, the best rhythm section in the country, The Tennessee Studs. Last year’s ‘80th Birthday’ tour was not to be missed. This show will have music lovers talking for a long time to come. This authentic tribute to a true icon of the 20th Century will leave audience members feeling like they’ve just seen the real live Man in Black!
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coffs coast focus 49
focusinterview.
Interview with Fran Stephenson
Rotary began over 100 yearss ago. Today, it has 1.2 million members in 200 countries engaged in projects all over the world. The Coffs Coast has six Rotary Clubs working to improve and strengthen our community and beyond. Fran Stephenson talks with members of the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City about their past and present projects.
Rotary P
eter, as Club’s historian, tell us about its beginning … Peter Wardman: The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour, being the first Rotary Club in the area, decided to sponsor another Club and the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City was chartered with 26 members in August 1986. Many of those new Rotarians came from the Coffs Harbour Apex Club, where membership automatically ceased at age 40 years. Members then were all male, but since then our Club constitution has changed to overcome such discrimination.
later became the Food & Wine Festival, were h Bunker k and d created d instrumental in preserving the the Rotary Cartoon Awards. Graham, you coordinate the current youth activities. Tell us about these projects? Graham Lockett: We annually sponsor a local Year 11 child to attend a 14-day science forum in Canberra. From the 350 candidates attending, ten are selected to go to an International Science Forum. Over the past 15 years, three of our candidates have been selected to attend. We also participate in the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, sending kids to a week-long leadership training course.
What are some of the Club’s projects? Bernard Dowling: Our Club has participated in many Rotary youth events, such as: Youth Program of Enrichment, Youth Leadership Award, Study Exchange, Summer Science School, National Youth Science Forum and the Primary School Chess Competition, which has run for 25 years. We’ve been involved in health activities like the Rotary Health Research Fund, Polio Plus and Bowel Cancer Screening, to name just a few. What many wouldn’t realise is that we started the Buskers Festival, the Wine & Food Frolic, which
In 1989 we initiated the Primary School Chess Competition, which still runs today with the involvement of the Coffs Harbour Chess Club. This competition has helped many kids to gain self-esteem through chess. When it started, we had mostly boys, now we have 40 – 50% girls competing.
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Graham, tell us how the Buskers Festival started … We were a youthful bunch in those early days, with lots of drive, energy and motivation. We wanted to do non-traditional projects which reflected our youthful enthusiasm.
A busker’s festival seemed a fun thing to do. We started the Buttercup Buskers Festival in 1989, then awards were presented for the favourite busker, etc. We brought in many Australian and some overseas acts. Everyone really embraced the event and it became an annual We were a festival up until 1992, when youthful bunch we lost our major sponsor ys with in those early da (Buttercup Bakeries), and gy and er lots of drive, en anted the main co-ordinator, w e W motivation. al on iti Michael Raby, relocated ad tr nto do no ch hi to Canberra. The event w ts projec uthful folded, but it was reflected our yo sker’s bu A . extremely pleasing for our enthusiasm fun a ed em se Club to see it resurrected in festival thing to do.” the late 1990s by John Logan and Council and to see it grow to what it is today.
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Bernard, in October the Rotary Cartoon Awards will celebrate 25 years with a weekend of cartooning activity in Coffs Harbour. Tell us about the Club’s involvement in this and the Bunker Cartoon Gallery… In 1988, club member Tom HamiltonFoster secured the Rothman’s National Press
focusinterview.
Photo Awards for exhibition at Park Beach Plaza as a Rotary project. Tom and fellow Rotarian, John Champion, were heard to say, “We can do this with cartoons,” and the idea of a national black and white cartoon competition was born. Graham Lockett was then club President, and he successfully gained major sponsorship. The competition commenced in 1989, with entered works being donated to form the Coffs Cartoon Collection. Since then, Australian and international cartoonists have competed annually, and it is the foremost cartoon competition in Australia. As the collection grew, it needed an official home. In early 1993, John Champion floated the idea of using the disused World War II bunker on City Hill, the site of the proposed regional art gallery, as a temporary home for the collection. Major restoration work took place, and the Bunker Cartoon Gallery opened its doors in August 1996 and is still Australia’s first and only dedicated cartoon gallery. John suffered a fatal heart attack at the Bunker in December 1996. It was he and Tom who were the major forces behind the competition and the Bunker restoration. The Bunker would not be there today if not for these men and our club. We continue to support the competition and currently have three members on the Bunker Advisory Board. We are proud to have been instrumental in creating such a unique asset for Coffs Harbour. Graham, many people wouldn’t know that the Coffs Creek walkway from the Yacht Club to Orlando Street was also another Club initiative. Yes, we came up with the idea in 1992 and everyone thought it would be a great thing to do, but it took two years to make it
happen. We had many issues regarding ownership of the land and environmental issues to address with the Department of Soil & Land Conservation. Once we overcame these, we went ahead and built it and it ended up being phase one of the longer combined walkway and cycleway, which now circuits Coffs Creek.
This year we had an increase in participation of more than 50% over last year. There was increased involvement from Coffs Harbour citizens both as competitors and helpers – a fantastic result which reflects the growing community support for the event. I’m also pleased how we improved our online presence. Our website now connects to hundreds of cycling clubs AustralianPeter, you’ve recently held the wide and other cycling events. annual Cycle Challenge. Tell This year the Challenge became ue The tr how this event came about? y an of e part of a two-week Coffs Coast lu va Our Club, principally through e th in is ub cl Festival of Cycling, and we also ry Rota the efforts of member Peter es ak m it e nc re sponsored the International ffe di Jackson, conducted a ROMAC le’s lives, op pe section of the Rotary Cartoon to (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid ther they are he w Awards competition the topic for Children) fundraising bike embers or not.” m being ‘cycling’ and we plan to ride for four years. The ride display the cartoons at our future was 500 km in 24 hours at the cycling events. local velodrome, a format which Jay, you recently became club was restrictive. In December 2009 our President. How did your involvement imagination had been stirred by Graham start, and what do you see for the club in Lockett as he had just ridden in the Rotary Lake the future? Taupo Cycle Challenge, which annually attracts about Jay Clowes: I joined Rotary in June 2010 when my 11,000 entrants, turns over about $1m, making about then-boss, Michael Fishburn, left the club and wanted to $0.4M for charity. introduce someone new to fill his vacancy. I discovered a In March 2010 I presented a proposal to change the welcoming and hardworking club that benefitted both its format of the ROMAC event into a community ride to members and the wider community. support ROMAC and other Rotary charities principally on I want the club to continue in that vein. The true value of the Coffs Coast. Our Board accepted that proposal and any Rotary club is in the difference it makes to people’s appointed me as Director for the new ride format. The lives, whether they are members or not. I’d love to first Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge took place in September introduce Rotary to a new generation of members and let 2010 with around 200 entrants and raised $18,000 for the general Coffs public know about the hard workers in our Rotary charities. their midst. Given the club’s amazing past, I’m confident it Graham, the Cycle Challenge was an even bigger will have a stellar future. event this year. What were some of the highlights? Thank you gentlemen.
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with Renee Atkins, owner Beach Bodies Health Club
Supplements
To Supplement or not to Supplement? One of the most commonly asked questions in the fitness industry is: ”How can I lose weight or gain muscle?” – And generally following these questions is: “What supplements should I take to help me reach my goals faster?” erous There are so many supple“There are num are at th ts en ments out there that claim supplem by ed us ly to help you reach your common n goals – and yes, supplegym goers that ca e sid e tiv contain a large amount of mentation can be of great have nega dy caffeine and stimulants. Acbenefit – but if the wrong effects on the bo ken cording to the Mayo Clinic, advice is given or incorrect and mind if not ta ” . these supplements can cause supplements are used, it can correctly an array of side effects ranging be more harmful than good. from insomnia, addiction and can One of the most widely used sometimes cause heart attacks. But if supplements is protein. Protein is one these supplements are used correctly, they can of the major components in the muscle building have minimal effects on the body depending on process and if taken correctly, will not cause any the medical status of the user, and they do have harmful side effect. However, you do need to be their place in helping people reach their goals – aware that if too much is ingested, the kidneys but should not be solely relied on. can be affected. So when looking at the latest supplement – you There are numerous supplements that are commonly used by gym goers that can have negative need to be aware of what you are taking, why and the possible side effects that incorrect use side effects on the body and mind if not taken may have – make sure that you ask questions correctly, but are still widely used. and remember that there are no magic pills or According to the website livestrong.com one powders that will get you to where you want of the main supplements that can be harmful if used incorrectly are pre-workout and fat burning to go – they are there to supplement your hard work and dedication. supplements. Both of these products can often
JOIN THE FUN ON THE RIVER
D
rag out the picnic rug and kickback under the shade of a tree on the banks of the beautiful Bellinger River, while you enjoy the spectacle of the annual Coffs Coast dragon boat regatta. The Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club will host its 5th annual regatta at Mylestom on Sunday September 15, sponsored by Ryan Earthmoving. The day will be full of fun, colour and action as over 400 competitors speed through the water in the majestic dragon boats, keeping time to the beat of traditional Chinese drums. Although dragon boat paddling is an ancient Chinese sport dating back thousands of years, today it is a modern sport attracting devotees worldwide. It’s an easy-tolearn, enjoyable team sport, which is why it has become one the world’s fastest growing water sports. The regatta starts at 8am and is divided into three categories – sporting, community and junior. A series of short-sprint races will take place for men’s, women’s, mixed and junior teams over a 200 metre section the Bellinger River.
Dragon boat clubs from up and down the coast will travel to Mylestom to compete in the sporting section of the event. But the highlight of the day promises to be the community section, in which a record number of teams will be competing this year. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have so many community teams competing this year. "We have a variety of organisations represented, including business houses, and clubs. Even groups of friends, neighbours and workmates have cobbled together crews to join in the fun. "The community section will be hotly contested and should be very exciting,” said Club President, Steph Frost. Colourful marquees and banners will line the shore, and food, coffee and ice cream stalls will keep all well fed and watered. The activities will wind-up with the presentation of awards by the Mayor of Bellingen, Clr. Mark Troy at around 3pm. For more information about the regatta or becoming a dragon boat paddler, visit www.coffscoastdbc.com.au or phone 0418 953 882.
By Nicola Taylor - Director Girlfit
W HTO O STAY
MOTIVATED
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his month I want to write about motivation to exercise and to take care of you. A lot of people ask me how I stay motivated. A lot of things can come up with all of our lives … family, friends, priorities and work. Sometimes I hear people say they feel guilty taking time away from friends or family to exercise, but really, you have to take care of YOU before you can take care of others. Same goes for LOVE! Start your day with 30 minutes of exercise. Take care of you before you start your day of doing things for others. How do you stay motivated? When I ask women, "What do you want the most?" I usually receive the
same answers … most women respond family, your happiness, knowing you’ll with "flat abs", "no more love handles", feel better after a workout? "slim thighs" or "more energy"… I want you to feel happy and what does all of this mean? accomplished. I truly believe If you need to make a that if you are able to love Take care change and motivate youryourself, you can give more of you self, journal your reasons love to others. Challenge before you start and always ask yourself yourself this month to your day of r fo gs in "Why? If you want more want to exercise and imdoing th others .” energy … why? Is it to prove your journey through perform better at work, be a life. 6am Girlfit is calling ... better mum, be a better wife? 'til next month, smiles Nic. Is it so you can achieve more in your day? If you want flat abs for the summer, the plug! is it because you want to feel more confident? Do you want to feel strong and Nicola Taylor - Director Girlfit in control? Why? What drives you? Your 0417 045 825.
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Recently, we caught up with Dr Guy in Port Macquarie… ‘Success is to Give’ been a struggle, given my partiality to a glass of fine NZ Pinot Noir or local Hastings beer (when I am not on call, that is!)
Dr GUY
HINGSTON.
lease tell us a bit about yourself ...
P
I am a young middle aged surgeon with over 15 years post-Fellowship surgical experience, having served the Mid
North Coast population since arriving in Port Macquarie back in 2003. My wife, Helen, and I have enjoyed bringing up our five sons, although
we have been saddened to see our older two fly the nest. I have particularly enjoyed making a positive contribution to our regional community in many ways, and find that helping others continues to be very important to me (my motto: Success is to Give). I enjoy golf, cycling and snow skiing with friends and family and have lost nearly 20 kg in weight since I first arrived in 2003 – which has
I am currently getting my head around social media and have recently made a beginners entry to Tumblr, Blogger & WordPress, although I prefer speaking to groups face to face, particularly about their own preventive health care needs (www.drguy.com.au). Dr Guy, as well as being a highly respected surgeon you are also an author and have published two books. What are these about, and why did you decide to write them? In 1993, Dr Mandel et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine that bowel cancer screening reduces the death rate from bowel cancer in a community by one third. However, it was not until my mother-in-law developed bowel cancer that I realised that I needed to give more attention to prevention and teach the community what I had learned in my own studies to become a cancer surgeon. More than just cancer screening, there are actually many proven things that we can do to prevent suffering from an early demise, and after thinking about this, I realised that our bodies needed a service manual, just like our cars do. Hence the Gold Book preventive health service manuals came into being. These are now
er people being used successfully to empower to personally systematise their own preventive health needs (see www.gold-book.com.au). Now that I have operated on over 500 women with breast cancer, the need for catching this and other diseases early in the course of the disease process is tantamount to me – especially as I know only too well the problems of presenting late with cancer. You specialise in breast reduction and reconstructive surgery. Why is this particular type of surgery growing among young and older women today? As the finer details of oncoplastic breast surgery becomes more understood and accepted, women are becoming less keen to put up with the back and shoulder discomfort and headaches caused by carrying around a few extra kilos on the front of their chest. Likewise, they are also less likely to bear the long term physical and psychological scars caused by losing a breast to cancer when we now have a number of surgical breast reconstruction options locally available to them in the public and private health sector. Positive lifelong changes are a result of these types of surgical interventions, and more and more women now see that these benefits vastly outweigh the personal risks and costs of surgery.
Tell us about your clinic here on the Mid North Coast? My work revolves around helping over 1,000 new cases each year, offering them advice and surgical assistance as required. Breast reduction, breast reconstruction and breast cancer surgery are my particular subspecialty interests, but I also provide significant assistance with breast and bowel cancer screening and surgery – including colonoscopy. I also enjoy performing laparoscopic hernia repairs (key hole surgery) as well as thyroidectomy to those with thyroid disorders. Being a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) player is very important to me, particularly while working with the theatre operating teams at Wauchope and Kempsey, Port Macquarie Base and Port Macquarie Private Hospitals, as well as helping train the next generation of medical students and surgical registrars who rotate through our region. Over the last few years, I have also enjoyed brief stints in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and East Timor providing surgical cover for the Australian Defence Force troops temporarily based overseas. To find out more or to contact Dr Guy, visit him on Facebook, his website www. breastreduction.com.au or www.gold-book.net
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COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
New Trainers Peter Shaw and Jenny Morall Coffs Coast Health Club is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of two new Personal Trainers.
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oth Jenny Morrall and Peter Shaw of Coffs Harbour qualified as Personal Trainers through the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers Coffs Coast Campus, which is facilitated at Coffs Coast Health Club. A biochemist and most recently in quality assurance consulting helping organisations with their applicable registration, accreditation and certification, Jenny has always been passionate about fitness. When the opportunity came up for her to do the Certificate IV in Fitness at Coffs Coast Health Club, she wasn’t entirely sure where it would take her. She loved it – for Jenny it was like taking the most amazing Personal Training session herself. Today she loves working with the varied members of Coffs Coast Health Club to reach their health and fitness goals. Peter was in a comfortable job and coming up to his 20th year with his employer when he enrolled in the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers Certificate IV in Fitness course at Coffs Coast Health Club. Initially it was more out of his own fitness interest; however, as he progressed through the course theory, practical and face to face sessions with Campus Director, Duncan Marchant and Course Director, Steve Marquette,
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Peter found his true calling and decided a career in the fitness industry was for him. He had almost completed his course when a position came up at Coffs Coast Health Club, so he applied and secured Personal Trainer employment pending graduation of his course. As a qualified Personal Trainer, Peter now mWith over 100 ca tors works with many clients en m 0 25 puses and varying from the very ns tio ca lo le tip across mul fit to first time gym Institute of Personal and ty ci l ta pi ca y in ever e th s, re members. nt Trainers is the leading ce al many region Perof te itu The Certificate IV st In provider of practical n Australia the leading is rs ne in Fitness course from ai Tr l fitness qualifications na so tical fitness the Australian Institute provider of prac in Australia. They are Australia..” qualifications in of Personal Trainers committed to delivering educates students in fitness educational excellence anatomy and physiology, and are a Registered Training designing and delivering gym Organisation. and exercise programs for special The Australian Institute of Personal populations, health assessment and screening, Trainers boasts a student graduation rate of client motivation and quality service, occupational more than 14 times the industry average for health and safety, risk management and business publicly funded education driven by strong essentials including marketing. student support and a hands-on approach, plus With over 100 campuses and 250 mentors an industry leading percentage of students are across multiple locations in every capital city employed in the industry when they graduate, and many regional centres, the Australian with many employed prior to completion of their
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studies. The Australian Institute of Personal Trainers delivers Certificate III and IV in Fitness, Diploma of Fitness, Diploma of Business and Certificate IV Training and Assessment. A variety of short courses such as Aqua and Group Exercise Leader are also available.
the plug! Australian Institute of Personal Trainers course enquiries coffscoast@aipt.com.au or call Steve Marquette: 0431 077 417 www.aipt.edu.au/enquiry
Southern Cross Skin Cancer & Wound Clinic Dr Hilton Beck has provided a medical service to the Coffs Harbour community for 23 years. He has concentrated on his special interest in skin cancer medicine for the past 16 years. The rates of skin cancer and related conditions in The rates of skin ted this part of Australia cancer and rela of rt pa is th in conditions are particularly rticularly pa e ar lia ra st Au high, and early high , and early effective recognition and recognition and ial nt se es is t en effective treatment treatm ce potentially du re to In addition, we are happy to is essential to reduce ations .” serious complic announce that the Wound potentially serious Clinic will once again be servicing complications. the community under the very able Dr Beck and colleagues Dr and caring guidance of Sr. Ann Fowler, Annemarie Winters and Dr Andrew Clinical Nurse Consultant. Croaker are relocating to a new clinic. As Our friendly and fully qualified nursing and of 26 August 2013 (9 Sept for Dr Winters) office staff complete our team. they will no longer be associated with the
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COFFS
PHYSIOTHERAPY & BACKCARE It’s all in the timing. Faye Wiffen has proudly serviced the Coffs Community for 19 years. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for clients to be able to ‘live life painfree’ renders Faye one of the most qualified Physios, in addition to our only private fully registered Hand Therapist on the Mid North Coast.
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hich era? The median Sydney to get that perfect set of abs! house price was $194,000, Recent research has shown that the a litre of petrol 68c, Internet deep core muscles function differently from chat rooms were born, and the superficial muscles [obliques, rectus it was hip to dance the Macarena? It was mid abdominus]. It is the anticipatory timing and 1990 – ’Move it or lose it’ was the catch co-activation of these groups that becomes phrase, group fitness classes boomed, and disrupted with back pain, and it needs to we punched out hundreds of crunches. be correctly retrained to re-establish Interestingly, it was also the era this synergistic action, not by when research from two physios intensive, active exercises. You Im ag in g is in Brisbane regarding the can feel how much easier a po w er fu l role of deep trunk muscles it becomes to raise your bi of ee db ac k in e bl la ai [transversus abdominus and leg when performing to ol av pp ed ui eq n er od m multifidus TA/MF] in spinal the correct activation cl in ic s, ph ys io th er ap y ai n stability and chronic back pattern versus a nontr u yo so vi su al ly e rig ht th on pain was emerging. optimal one. A skilled set h itc sw to rig ht How much things have m us cl es at th e of hands can detect the tim e. ” changed – or have they? correct TA/MF initiation, Most of us these days have at but Real Time Ultrasound least heard about the importance Imaging is a powerful biofeedback of ‘using the core,’ for pain control, safer tool available in modern equipped lifting, or to gain that competitive edge in physiotherapy clinics, so visually you train to sport. Yet gyms and fitness classes still abound switch on the right muscles at the right time. with people pumping out sit-ups or crunches Check it out – it’s powerful!
Coffs Coast Skin Cancer Clinic at the Jetty. Our new clinic will have all past patient records available and is equipped to a high standard to continue to provide up to date treatments and diagnostics.
The new clinic will operate from premises which until now have been home to Coffs Diabetic Centre and the Osteoporosis Clinic; the latter will continue from the current location for the foreseeable future.
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COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
Innergy Fitness and Yoga Innergy is a 'word' I use to describe the energy we all have deep inside us that we hide under stress, poor posture, poor eating and bad habits. This energy shines through when we have movement, breath and focus. Strengthening our weak muscles, stretching our tight muscles, breathing effectively and calming our mind allows us to dig though the layers and release our true potential. Our health improves, our relationships are better, work is easier and we enjoy life more. At Innergy Fitness and Yoga, our programs are designed to improve the natural movement of your body, developing core strength and power. Recovery is also important, and activities such as Yoga, Meditation and deep breathing allow your body to rebuild stronger and better. Yoga and fitness saved my life and my sanity at a time when my life was unravelling. My practice allowed me to build strength, courage and confidence in myself, and it is my mission to help others find that same Innergy. Life is a matter of balance and realising what is important. My health, my body and my mind are really important to me ... make yours important too!
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Georgie Cooke Wellbeing Consultant
Jacaranda Natural Health Centre
If you’re like most busy women – juggling competing demands on your time and energy – you may be feeling frazzled, anxious or even burned out amidst the craziness of life.
Jayne is a trained nurse who used to work for the Head of Surgery at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and then went on to complete further training in Western Herbal Medicine and Natural Fertility Management.
And whether you admit it out loud or keep it all inside – be reassured, you’re not alone! It’s a modern-day phenomenon known as ‘rushing woman’s syndrome’ – and the good news is that there are solutions!
With many years’ experience in a variety of areas of both Orthodox and Complimentary Medicine, she practices with a balanced view of how to achieve good health and happiness.
My name is Georgie Cooke, and I’m a Wellbeing Consultant. I specialise in helping busy women navigate stress skilfully, build resilience, and create a life of vitality and fulfilment. As a qualified Counsellor, Psychotherapist, NLP Coach and Naturopath, I combine this broad scope of training with over a decade’s experience in the fields of health and human potential to offer you real solutions to the patterns of destructive stress. Why do I do what I do? Well, because I genuinely love this work. Because I genuinely care about your quality of life. Because I’ve been in that stuck position myself, and I know there is a way out. So, to each and every amazing rushing woman, I invite you hit the pause button and take the first steps ... Here’s to a life that empowers and inspires you! – Georgie.
Women’s Hormonal Health is her passion, and she has many simple solutions to what often appears to be complex problems. Ever wondered why it is so hard to get out of bed in the morning, why you get cranky at the little things, or why you fall asleep on the lounge at night? What about hot flushes and night sweats, premenstrual mood swings or worse still, difficulties falling pregnant? Often trying to be everything to everyone comes at a price. There may be no need to suffer from unbalanced hormones and the stress and unhappiness they can create. Take charge, re-energise and remember how you used to feel. If what you are doing isn’t working for you anymore, then it’s time to change direction. Take the first step and call Jayne at the Jacaranda Natural Health Centre. “When you think there is nothing left, there is an alternative.”
COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
We have an Irlen Dyslexia in Clinic right here r.” ou rb Ha ffs Co
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what is metaqua METAQUAtm is a water exercise program suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The head remains above water and the pools are heated. Using fins and a kickboard, all areas of the body are able to be targeted at your own pace. It’s not Lap swimming nor Aqua aerobics, but is a low impact way to get fit at whatever level you start from. The non-competitive gentle nature of this type of exercise provides many benefits. Apart from the expected increase in muscle tone and mobililty, many users report sustained weight loss, better eating habits, better sleep, faster rehab times, flatter tummy’s and tighter bum’s! The classes are fun, popular as well as inexpensive, but once learnt METAQUAtm is a life skill to take anywhere .METAQUAtm has also been accredited with Prevent Diabetes “Live Life Well “program.
the essential health clinic I read a great great quote the other day: "Yesterday you said tomorrow". Do you ever say, “I should really see someone about that”, or do you experience niggling symptoms like recurrent hea adaches or itchy eczema for months, or even years? headaches Every person n has the ability to wake feeling refreshed, have optimum energy during the day, face stresses with a level head then have a deep, restful sleep that night. I’ll show you how. I used to think I was a 'tired person' until I was 21. It wasn’t until I made some positive lifestyle and diet changes, that I realised the full potential of my health. You just have to take the first step – which is often the hardest. My role is to guide you along the way.
Since starting here in Coffs one year ago, I have taught over 200 locals, with 15 sessions per week now available at a pool to suit everyone.
Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Write down your health goal. Maybe you have five or six – that’s OK too! You might want to sort out your digestion so you aren’t constantly bloated. Or to improve your immunity so you don’t catch every cold that goes around the office. Call the shop and we’ll arrange a time for you to come in, bring the piece of paper with you, and you’re already on your way!
Come and get fit the fun way! Please visit www.metaqua.com.au Email sal@metaqua.com Facebook.MetAqua Water Fitness Ph. Sally 0418 622 696
Emma Caller is a naturopath and nutritionist. She is the owner of Essential Health, a health food shop which has been in her family for 8 years. Emma has a private practice where she takes bookings for consultations.
My sessions are a great social outlet for many, and as chatting is able to occur, many of the world’s issues can be solved in a I hour swim!
Irlen Dyslexia Clinic People with Dyslexia process visual and auditory information differently. They may have difficulty with: • Tracking when Reading - skip words / lines, lose place, use finger/marker as a guide. • Reading Fluency - slow or hesitant, confuse or change words. • Reading/Writing - may confuse letters e.g. b/d, p/q or small words e.g. was/saw, on/no, for/of/from, reverse numbers, letters inconsistent in shape and size. • Reading Avoidance • Comprehension - need to reread for understanding. • Spelling • Concentration - easily distracted when reading or learning, daydream, inattentive, disruptive, avoidance of work. • Copying - lose place, copy incorrectly. • Sensitive to Light - sunlight or fluorescent light is bright or glary, prefer to work in dull light, find computer screens/white boards bright. • Eye Strain when Reading - eyes may hurt, strain, feel dry, watery or sleepy. Rub eyes, blink, squint, open eyes wider. • Headaches/Migraines • Fatigued after Work/School - no energy, prefer to rest after work/school, homework is a chore, avoidance of homework. • Depth Perception - clumsiness, difficulty judging distance. • Low Self Esteem/Anxiety • Frustration
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COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
Park Beach Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Park Beach Physiotherapy is a purpose built, centrally located practice, established over 16 years ago, which provides an extensive range of physiotherapy services. We treat a wide range of conditions, including sports injuries, back and neck pain and orthopaedic rehabilitation. The focus of our qualified and dedicated staff is to return people to their preinjury sporting or working level as quickly as possible, using hands-on, evidence based practice and assessment. PBP currently has two full-time Physiotherapists. Principal Physiotherapist, Roger Judd took over the business in 2010 and has an extensive background in sports injuries and exercise prescription. Roger holds degrees in both Physiotherapy and Physical and Health Education. Roger has an interest in the treatment and management of running related injuries and has completed further study in TMJ pain and dysfunction. Craig Little joined the team in 2011 and is a
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highly qualified and experienced Physiotherapist who has also completed his Master’s degree and is a titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. Craig has a particular interest in the treatment and management of lumbopelvic injuries. Recently joining the team at PBP is Physiotherapist, Greg Ewart, who has extensive private practice experience both here and overseas. Our fully equipped Pilates studio runs a comprehensive timetable of classes to suit all levels, from beginner to elite level. We provide group, and individual sessions, as well as specialised classes with a specific training focus such as track and field, surfing and golf. Our Pilates instructors, Liz, Olga and Jan, are fully qualified and work in conjunction with our Physiotherapy team to provide safe, effective and fun classes. For more detailed information about our services, visit our website: www.parkbeachphysio.com.au or please contact Annette on 6651 6477.
Open Day at the Surf Life Saving Club As a vital part of the local community, the Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club has something for everyone. On 29 September they are having an Open Day and would welcome all to come along and see how the club, patrols and competition at Junior and Senior level work. Surf Season starts 21st September so now is a great time to join the club. All new members will train for their Bronze Medallion to enable them to patrol and compete. This recognised award includes valuable first aid and rescue techniques. Surfboat crews and rowers have already commenced training at the gym and Sunday mornings in the boats, as the days get longer the boats will be used in the afternoons. Anyone interested in giving this great sport a go should come along on Sundays at 7am, have a look and a go if conditions suit it. For rowers, experienced
or those who simply want to try come along for a look or phone Surfboat Captain, Trevor Clark for more information. Woolgoolga is a very strong and competitive club having competed and won medals at World, Australian, State and country Championships. The 2012-2013 Season saw the club win many medals including 2 Bronze medals at Australian Championships and 2 Silver Medals at the State Championships. Beachside Radiology has recently become a sponsor of the club, enabling the purchase of a new surfboat to make the club even more competitive. The new boat will be decked out with the Beachside Radiology logos. Come along and see it when it arrives. Everyone at Woolgoolga SLSC are proud of this gold standard partnership between a great local company and our medal winning club.
COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
Learn about how to lose weight
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ana tell us a little about what you do ... I show women (and a few smart men), especially over 35 years, how to speed up their metabolism to lose weight with ease with my 12 Week Lean Body System. Why is it so hard to lose weight as we get older? Every year after 35, we lose approximately 1 pound of lean muscle and gain approximately 1 pound of fat. This is why when we look in the mirror, we think, “I have gained 5 kilos BUT my body shape looks like I have gained more”. The average 45 year old will have gained an extra 10 pounds of fat and lost 10 pounds of muscle tone. This makes you look older and your clothes fit tighter. Why does less muscle tone make it more difficult to lose weight? In a nutshell, if you have muscle tone, you will be burning calories while you sleep, seriously! For every 1 pound of muscle that you get back, you will burn an extra 100 calories. In 12 weeks, with regular exercise, you can easily gain an extra 5 pounds of lean muscle mass, that equates to approx 500 EXTRA calories burnt while you sleep. Losing
weight then becomes easy. So exercise is the most important thing in losing weight? No! Interestingly, research tells us that 80% is what you eat and 20% is exercise. Do DIETS work? No! I love sharing this with my clients. If you DIET, instead of losing fat (which is what we want), we lose lean muscle. Ouch! Remember, every 1 pound of muscle you lose, your metabolism will slow down by 100 calories a day. Research suggests that when you diet, you lose 40 – 50% fat and the rest is your lean muscle. Disaster! A slow metabolism makes losing weight impossible! So what is the secret? Speed up your metabolism through food and exercise. Certain foods will create a faster metabolism. It is knowing what foods, how much, how often and how this food works in your body. All exercise is not the same. Some exercises will fasten up your metabolism a lot quicker than others. For instance, doing my 30 minute Rapid Body Toning Program will give you much faster results than a 30 minute power walk every day. Same amount of time but VERY DIFFERENT results. Dana, what is the 12 Week Lean Body
System? Two years ago I created a simple step-bystep system that shows women and men how to create a fast metabolism, increase muscle tone and lose fat. You will discover the secrets to reversing (or at the very least slowing down) the ageing process. The 12WLBS includes my Maximum Fat Loss Eating Plans, Recipes and Shopping list, The Rapid Body Toning and Ultimate Fat Attack Exercise Program and 12 Educational Modules where you discover HOW to get Maximum Results in Minimum Time. Most clients lose between 8 - 12 kilos in 12 weeks. It is an online program which means no matter where you live, you can be a part of this great program. Over 400 women and men in Coffs Harbour and the Northern Beaches have completed my system. My website is www.howtoloseweightsolutions. com You are holding a FREE Seminar soon? Yes, I am speaking at Pacific Bay, Coffs Harbour on 24 September at 6pm. This 2 hour seminar is valued at $97 but those who book early will have this fee waived. You will discover the foods you should eat, the exercise you should do and walk away with a plan to lose weight before summer!
MELT 5 KILOS IN 28 DAYS FAT LOSS SECRETS EXPOSED SEMINAR BEING HELD 24 SEPTEMBER, PACIFIC BAY RESORT AT 6.00pm Dana Eden, creator of the 12 Week Lean Body System makes all the difference.
Pacioc Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, Tuesday 24th September 6.00pm 0407 061 197 coffs coast focus 59
COFFS COAST HEALTH EXPERTS
Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss and the ‘Mummy Makeover’ Gradual weight gain is an insidious process, which over time leads to a massive increase in weight and girth and clothes size. When this is the result of a pregnancy, the change occurs over a relatively short period of time in a young woman, and hence a reversal is often seen.
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assive weight gain, unrelated to pregnancy, in an older individual, does not have a reversal point, such as the delivery of a baby in a pregnancy. The weight gain goes on for a lot longer until something makes the individual take stock of the situation, and then attempt to reverse it. By now it is a major and diffuse problem, affecting all parts of the body, the face and neck, the trunk and especially the abdomen and both upper and lower limbs, with fat accumulation accompanied by significant drooping of tissues. A careful assessment and treatment plan is now required. Prioritisation and a Plan of Management The correction usually starts with the
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abdomen and the trunk. A radical abdominoplasty (‘tummy tuck’) is necessary to improve the front of the abdomen, sometimes in combination with a circumferential belt lipectomy, which takes care of the flanks and waist/ upper gluteal areas. A Mons Pubis (the hair-bearing upper part of the vulva) reduction with liposuction and lipectomy is done at the same time. In addition, liposuction is done to reduce fat accumulation in the upper anterior abdominal wall, the flanks and in the trochanteric (upper side of thigh/ ‘saddlebags’) areas. If liposuction is not required, a radical abdominoplasty can be combined with breast augmentation, using implants for correction of breast ptosis (droop), as well as a brachioplasty (correction of
droopy lower arms or ‘bat wings’) or a medial thigh lift. If the breast tissue droops and stretch is excessive, breast-reduction surgery would be required as a first stage, and to be followed up by breast augmentation as a secondary procedure. Sometimes, due to the number of areas needing correction, surgery may have to be staggered, with two sessions about 3 months apart, with each operation limited to 6 to 8 hours and with postoperative care in a hospital setting. Postoperative management and care is critical, as also is the use of postoperative compression garments and the restriction of activities. These major procedures need a patient to be in good general health and the acceptance that there will always be the need for some revision surgery.
Battery World Coffs Harbour are really proud of their team and service, and this was recently rewarded at the Park Beach and Homebase Awards. They are the 2013 recipient of the Excellence in Customer Custom mer Service Award, along with being a Finalist F in Retailer of the Year Outstanding and Outst tand din ng Sales Performance.
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ho makes up your professional team at Coffs Harbour Battery World? The Battery World team is made up of a small but highly professional team: Mat Dobbs as store manager; Billy Ryan and Jesse Balsom as sales assistants. With over 20 years’ retail experience between us, we offer exceptional service and expert advice. What do you sell? Battery World are the Battery Experts: the right battery first time. With a huge range of batteries and accessories for everything from alarms to watches and hundreds of products in between, you’ll find the battery you’re looking for and great customer service at your local Battery World store. If you don’t have the battery but have the item that the battery goes into, then grab the make and model number and phone a store on
13 17 60, and one of our team will be happy to help. Why should customers come and see you? Every year, thousands of new products are introduced to the market that rely on batteries or portable power. At some stage these batteries will wear out. When they do, our lives literally stop! That’s why at Battery World Coffs Harbour we are always happy to offer great service and expert advice. Being the Winner of the Homebase Excellence in Customer Service Award 2013, you know you are in safe hands. Not only do we offer the right product at the right time, but we also offer fantastic after sales service, letting you carry on with your day to day life and letting Battery World look after your power solutions. Tell us about your unique recycling program? Battery World offers the only national opportunity for the mums, dads and kids of
Australia to recycle, or of their life, they can be a threat Battery World responsibly dispose of ly to the environment. on e th rs fe of ity for dead batteries*, of any un rt po op l Over 8,000 tonnes of batteries na natio and kids ds kind. (*Offer is for da s, um m e go into landfill each year. th cycle, domestic usage and of Australia to re ose Batteries are one of the sp disposal of batteries.) or responsi bly di of most dangerous common , s* In Australia, we have of dead batterie waste discarded by Australian one of the fastest takeany ki nd .” households. Many are made ups of new technology from heavy metals and harmful per capita than many elements such as nickel, cadmium, countries in the world. Mobile lead and mercury, which can pollute soil Muster estimates that there are over and water and harm wildlife and humans. 22 million unwanted mobiles in homes How can people get in touch? around Australia and on average, Australians Battery World Coffs Harbour is open 7 days a replace their handsets every 18-24 months. week: Mon – Fri, 8am – 5.30pm; Sat 8.30am – That makes for a lot of mobile phones and their 3.30pm; and Sun 9am – 3pm. We also offer a full batteries to be laying around in cupboards and drawers not in use. Over 90% of the materials 24 hour roadside service. So if it’s night or day, in mobile phones, batteries and chargers can be then please call us on 13 17 60 and let us take recycled. However, if not handled well at the end the headache out of your power needs.
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Emerald Energy
Good advice for Young Guns
Emerald Energy, your local dealer for Solatube skylights and daylighting systems, proudly brings the new Solatube Smart LED System to Coffs Harbour. Solatube, the global leader in Tubular Daylighting Devices, has just introduced an innovative new product that saves up to 94% on lighting energy use.
professional career, you need to get the right tax advice for your future earnings. Tax laws are constantly changing, so completing tax returns can be confusing. Obtaining the right advice from us will set you straight. We
The Solatube Smart LED System harvests daylight during sunlight hours using the traditional Solatube Daylighting System. As the light levels begin to dim, it automatically activates the LED lighting. This is a most unique home lighting system with breakthrough technology combining radiant and energy efficient LEDs, with bright and limitless daylight to deliver a perfect blend of light, day or night. There is no other product on the market that offers such innovation. All tubular daylighting products are not made equal. Solatube is at the forefront of the daylighting industry and Emerald Energy is proud to be associated with the company and its products.
encourage apprentices, young professionals and new work
When you put ‘free’ daylighting and long lasting LEDs together, it reduces the reliance on electricity. This combination in energy efficiency can deliver up to 94% saving on lighting energy. Solatube Smart LED Systems transform dark rooms into bright spaces, day or night.
room for improvement.
Adding the Smart LED system to Solatube’s range of skylights and daylighting systems means that there is a system to suit any room and any budget. For more information, call 6651 9926 or visit our website: www.emeraldenergy.net.au
Introducing the NEW Solatube Smart LED A Solatube Smart LED System uses: * sunlight to provide no-cost daytime lighting * energy efficient LEDs which use minimal electricity
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merald nergy efficiency in energy 62 coffs coast focus.
CALL NOW
6 6 51 9 9 2 6 www.emeraldenergy.net.au
Goodyear Autocare
If you are new to the workforce or starting out your
entrants to talk to us and help you on the path to success. Remember that timely advice can avoid costly errors. We can take out some of the mystery and myths about taxes at very little cost to you. Knowledge is power, so knowing how the system works will help you to make important financial decisions in the future. Even if you see your accountant once a year, it can be helpful for your situation by keeping you up to date with your taxes. Whether you are employed or self employed, there is always At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business. Come visit us at our new premises soon, which is located at Suite 2, 29-33 Orlando Street (Corner of Mildura and Orlando Street) Coffs Harbour, or ring us on 6651 9655.
FM: IT’S A BIG MONTH FOR Goodyear Autocare in Coffs Harbour, and business owner Nathan Quinn says it’s time to get serious with some sensational deals. NQ: Not only is it WRC time in Coffs; it’s also another great time for everyone to save some serious dollars. The first of September was our 1st birthday, and to celebrate we are offering massive discounts on selected tyres. FM: For the month of September only, Nathan Quinn’s Goodyear Autocare is offering a BUY 4 AND PAY FOR 3 Goodyear tyres*. NQ: It’s a great deal and a real saving. There are no extra or hidden fees; it’s a straight and simple one tyre off the bill. It’s the perfect time, if you haven’t already, to get a set of Goodyear tyres on your car and experience the difference – and believe me, good tyres make all the difference. FM: That sounds great, Nathan. How do we get in and get them on? NQ: Well, you will need to ring the old man. He will be there to take the bookings, as I will be a touch busy for a few weeks in September, won’t I? And don’t forget we do all fixed price and log book servicing and mechanical repairs. We are always busy, so just give the shop a call and get a quote now.
focus on legal.
F I S H B U R N WAT S O N O' B R I E N
PROUD TO UNVEIL OUR NEW LOOK
Mbt Lawyers Welcome to Mbt Lawyers. We are very proud to unveil our brand new look with our new logo, website and digs all having undergone a makeover. We have been around since 1951 but don’t think that we’re all dusty law books and legal jargon. We love our new image as we believe it is an accurate reflection of our modern, thoroughly effective and expert law firm. Who are Mbt Lawyers? We think we have the best people on the whole Coffs Coast (not that we’re biased). We have the legal expertise and social skills to ensure that whatever your legal needs are, they will be met with not only a fount of legal know-how but also with a legal professional who won’t bite (unnecessarily). Our four Mbt Lawyers chiefs, Geoff Smede, Bruce Woolnough, Bill Langler and Simon Caldwell have been leading the charge for a cumulative period of over 83 years (impressive
Retail Leases Selling your business One of the biggest hurdles to be overcome when selling a retail business can be dealing with your landlord. and still maturing). Our other professional people include our lawyers; Paul Grant, John Eaton, Pardeep Grewal and Del Raets, and our Licensed Conveyancer, Stacey Price, and our support team. We treasure our people and we think you will too. Why go with us? Do you like to see results? Do you appreciate skilled help in solving your legal problems? Would you prefer to consult a professional who has up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge of the law? If you answer yes, you’d better see us. You’re in expert hands.
S
elling your business can be a tricky and stressful process. You will need to assign the lease to the purchaser, which requires the consent of your landlord. Assignments can be complicated, and it’s best to employ a solicitor to assist you with the assignment and sale of the business. Can my landlord refuse to consent to the assignment of lease? Under the Retail Leases Act 1994, a landlord can only withhold its consent to assignment of your lease in limited circumstances. If those circumstances don’t apply, the Landlord must consent – even if your lease says otherwise. One of the grounds on which a landlord can refuse consent is that you haven’t complied with the Act’s procedure for getting their consent, so it’s essential that you do so. What is the Act’s procedure for obtaining the consent prescribed by the Act? Generally, the Act’s procedure can be summarised as follows:
for amounts that the purchaser fails to pay? Provided you complied with the Act and gave both the landlord and the purchaser a copy of the Assignor’s Disclosure Statement more than 7 clear days before the lease is transferred to the purchaser, you will not be liable to the landlord for amounts the purchaser fails to pay. Many leases say that the tenant remains liable for the defaults of the new tenant, but the provisions of the Act overrule that requirement. Compliance is key. What should I do if the landlord unreasonably refuses to consent to the assignment? These disputes are often difficult to resolve. Fortunately, the Act requires parties in dispute to mediate their differences before going to court. The advantages of mediation are numerous and include the following: 1. The outcome is not as uncertain and unpredictable as it is in litigation;
1. Prior to making the request to the landlord, give an Assignor’s Disclosure Statement to the purchaser;
2. The issues are resolved more efficiently and effectively without the delays usually associated with litigation;
2. Make the request to the landlord in writing; and
3. It is a less stressful and less formal environment; and
3. Include with that request such information as the landlord may reasonably require concerning the financial standing and business experience of the purchaser.
4. It is significantly cheaper than litigation.
What if my landlord does not respond? If they don’t respond within 4 weeks of receiving the required information, they are deemed to consent. After the lease is transferred to the purchaser, will I remain liable to the landlord
It is obviously preferable to avoid the dispute in the first place and for that reason, it is recommended that you seek legal advice on the sale of your business. Fishburn Watson O’Brien have dedicated and experienced commercial and leasing lawyers to assist you. If you would like to discuss the sale of your business or any retail lease issues, please contact Dawn Smithyman on (02) 6650 7038.
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focusinterview. with Samantha Wardman of CornerPost Marketing
Chris O'BRIEN C o a s t
s t u d i o s
Returning back to his home town, Chris O’Brien is the newest ‘kid on the block’ with website and design hub, Coast Studios. He’s an entrepreneur, creative at heart and knows his stuff! I sat down with him recently to find out a little bit more about the big bad world of web design. ou’re a born and bred local who’s returned to Coffs for the love of life and the great opportunities – tell us a little bit about this move? Yes, it’s true. I was born and bred on the Coffs Coast, and I moved to Sydney once I finished school. I studied and worked as a designer in Sydney for a large, fast paced publishing company and then shifted to Brisbane, where it was a very similar situation, pushed by extremely tight deadlines and a hectic lifestyle pace – which I did enjoy, as it made me better at my craft. However, it took its toll, so after scoping out the potential of working and living in Coffs, my wife, Anna, and I decided to make the move back to this beautiful spot. We bought an old run down beach shack, and I couldn’t dream of working in a better place. Hearing the ocean while I design is just so inspiring. And so began my latest project, Coast Studios. Kick starting your career at ACP magazines, you’ve experienced quite a broad range of design in your career – what has stood out as being the most exciting? I was lucky enough to combine two passions of mine, design and music, when I was contracted by a large music company to design event posters for touring musicians like Slash and KISS. Flowing on from that, I was able to work with triple j designing album covers for artists like Josh Pyke, Kate Miller-Heidke, Eskimo Joe and more. So it wasn’t all that bad, plus a hobby of mine is playing the guitar; it was the perfect blend both loves. Coast Studios is a relatively new player to 64 coffs coast focus.
the Coffs Coast market. Tell us why you of delivering a better customer experience. You chose to start your business here and what are always pushing your ideas and methods of sets you apart from other web design how you work to produce not only great work, studios? but increases awareness for your clients. I love everything about Coffs It’s EXCITING! Harbour: amazing surfing The buzz word of the mobeaches, the lifestyle ment in the website world pace, great food ve ha ld is 'responsive' design ou Who w s ago and friendly people. – can you explain what thought two year considering People say you can’t that we would be this really is? es specifically have your cake and building websit es Responsive design is obile phon optimised for m it’s eat it too, but I feel a technique used for s; and tablet device st how the mix of Coffs ju , ly al websites to ensure an incredible re oves!” m and my work life is gy lo no ch optimal viewing experience te fast absolutely perfect! I on a wide range of devices can have my cake and such as smartphones, tablets eat it too! and desktops. A good responsive
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Coast Studios is definitely different to other design businesses on the coast. We are always pushing the boundaries with our design techniques, ensuring we are setting trends rather than following others, which we feel results in a unique, modern and professional finished job. Also, we are a collaboration of highly skilled designers and developers and are able to produce a higher quality of work a lot quicker than other studios around and at a very affordable rate! What inspires you about the world of website and graphic design? Design done well is super powerful! I love the challenge of taking everyday ordinary ideas and giving them an identity that people can relate to and identify with the artwork. Also, the design industry is constantly changing, so you’re always kept on your toes with new and interesting ways
design would mean minimal scrolling and resizing on your device, accompanied by simplistic navigation and legible text. It really is the only way to design websites moving forward. So many users are using their phones or tablets to search the internet and connect with businesses, so it makes sense to ensure that your business' website is optimised to cater to your customers' needs and expectations. As technology is a driving force of change and, no doubt, innovation in your work, just how much influence does this have on your business? Technology is obviously huge in our industry and as it is continually changing and improving, so do the methods of how we need to work. Without it, we would find it hard to keep up with the demands of today's work environment.
You can’t stay still for a minute, or you will get left behind, and thus we are always on the lookout for the edge that will help us stand out. I mean, who would have thought two years ago that we would be considering building websites specifically optimised for mobile phones and tablet devices; it’s incredible really just how fast technology moves! What’s next for web design? Gone are the days of designing websites at specific widths for computers; technology is moving faster than ever. Our design needs to be applied in new and varying ways to suit the rapid growth of the smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and even Google glasses (soon to be released). We will need to consider how we’re going to be making meaningful, engaging and yet simplistic brand experiences across a multi-platform digital world. Now that’s going to be a fun challenge! Do you have a mentor? Tell us about him/ her and how they have helped you in your career/life? My design career is influenced by Herb Lubalin, an American designer who was huge in the 1950s - 70s. He created arguably the design world's most commonly used fonts, 'Avant Garde'. He understood the importance of typography in design and set trends that are still used today! Herb didn’t care if people liked his work, but did his own thing and through that built a base whereby people approached him to work on projects. So I think that he has probably had the most influence on my career to date. What’s your life motto? “Everything is designed. Few things are designed well!” Thanks Chris.
focusbusiness. with the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce
Coffs Coast Family Law – with Charmaine e Tanner
PROPERTY
SETTLEMENTS
charmaine tanner clive greenway.
Well, hard to believe it is September already. Where has the year gone? As I write to you this month, all Sawtell businesses have continued to see challenging retail conditions, and data released in August confirms that the pain is widespread across the nation. ith retail growth for this quarter showing just 0.2% (seasonally adjusted), it was the catalyst for the latest interest rate cut of 0.25%, taking the cash rate to an all-time low.
would like to extend a massive THANK YOU to Margaret Schumacher, those members of the Chamber, and general business community who donated their time, services, and products, and all of the volunteers who provided invaluable support to the event, both in the lead up, and on the day. Your contributions, cooperation, excitement, and enthusiasm were palpable.
However, the niche market that is Sawtell still sees the village with 100% retail occupancy (i.e. no vacant shopfronts). This is something Other significant drawcards for the local that many places can only dream of at present. community in July were the Jack Newton Junior Locally and on social media we have been Golf Tournament held at Sawtell Golf Club. pushing a 'buy local, support locals' marketing Whilst the Coffs Coast weather wasn’t the campaign, and it is pleasing to see kindest, it certainly brought hundreds many posts on social media, of families to the area. Speaking and the community in of BIG weekends, the first general, getting behind weekend in August was on Reflecting back the campaign. a dead-set 'blockbuster' an action packed tell w Sa for Sawtell with the r s fo Reflecting back on couple of month amber was 2013 Sawtell RSL Ch an action packed businesses, the s es cc su e th Club Seaside Tennis by couple of months for overwhelmed g in az am r Tournament bringing he Sawtell businesses, of yet anot . This al iv st Fe i ill record numbers in all Ch Sawtell the Chamber was s to grow ue in nt co st ju categories, the VW t even overwhelmed by d this year an , lly ia nt ne po Winter Break @ Sawtell ex the success of yet exception ...” no as w 2013 brought to town another amazing some of the most amazing Sawtell Chilli Festival. This VW’s ever seen. 'Punch Buggy' event just continues to grow heaven! There were also hundreds exponentially, and this year was of cyclists taking in the glorious weather, no exception. Responding to feedback and Sawtell sights as participants in the from the 2012 event, the Chamber Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge, winding its way approached local businesses, and Coffs through the fi g-lined main street as part of the Harbour City Council gaining approval for an 100 km and 60 km circuit. expansion of the Chilli Festival precinct primarily
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to improve visitor safety, reduce crowd crush, and provide opportunity to businesses that had previously not shared in the street closure atmosphere, and success of the event. All the feedback received to date applauded the foresight and responsiveness of the Chamber and event organisers to ensure the success, growth and continued focus on ensuring that all businesses share in the economic benefit of this event. On behalf of the Chamber, I
hen parties separate (or before they do) their minds turn to “what will I get from what we own?” The fact is, there is no ‘magic formula’. There is, however, a process that the law applies to property settlements to help parties assess what they are entitled to. So does that mean you have to go court? No, definitely not. If parties agree to divide their property in a certain way, they can formalise their agreement by applying for ‘consent orders.’ There is no court hearing, just filing documents that detail the agreement. Of course, the agreement needs to be reasonable, as a Judge or Magistrate has to approve the agreement. In the process of working out what each party will get from a property settlement, it is important for everyone to focus on what they are entitled to, not what they think they should get; for example, just because they no longer like their spouse or partner is not a sufficient reason according to the law, to get as much as possible out of them. Be realistic. Why put high values on assets if they are simply not worth that much? Vehicles are usually not worth their insurance value. The same goes for goods and chattels inside and around the home. Real estate is only worth what the market will pay for it now, not necessarily what was paid for it, and definitely not what you think it might be worth in ten years’ time. The general principles of determining a property settlement are fairly straight forward. It is coming to an agreement, that is difficult for most people. Firstly, look at what each party brought into the relationship … did someone have a house, money
in the bank, superannuation, shares, or other assets? Don’t forget to add in debts. Next, look at what happened during the relationship … did one or both parties receive a windfall such as an inheritance? The longer the relationship and the time frame in which a windfall occurred are important. The length of the relationship is important too. If you had say, $50,000 at the beginning you should not necessarily expect to get that amount on top of your share at the end. Now look at what you both actually own; how much debt do we have? It doesn’t matter whose name it is owned in. Don’t forget to include superannuation. A lot of people tend to be a bit possessive of their superannuation; it’s like, “ I went to work, I earned it, it’s mine no one else’s.“ Not true. If a property has to be sold, the costs of that need to be considered. Is it practical to take over the house and the mortgage? Will a bank let one party take over the whole mortgage? There’s no point arguing to hang onto the house if there is no way you can afford it. Then it’s a matter of looking at the future requirements of each party. The law takes into account things like your age, health, financial resources, care of children, income earning capacity. There is no magic formula for adjustments for these future factors either. You don’t necessarily get 5 or 10% more for each child, or because you are older or because you don’t earn as much. Be prepared to be sensible, negotiate, and compromise when it makes sense to. Wouldn’t you rather be the people who can agree on Consent Orders and keep control of your settlement? Don’t spend a thousand dollars arguing about the flat screen television that isn’t even worth that anymore.
With the unseasonably warm weather greeting us at the moment, we welcome the sensational Sawtell spring weather that gets us excited pre-summer. It is anticipated that this will have a positive impact on visitor numbers over the September School holidays, with accommodation providers already seeing near capacity booking levels at this stage. All great news for local businesses. Remember, buy local – support locals! coffs coast focus 65
focustourism.
with Dene Zahner, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.
UPDATE
denezahner This September, don’t miss out on what has become one of the stand out food festivals on the coast. oast Urunga will be a day of good food, regional wines and great music in a stunning outdoor setting. Treat Dad on his special day as you taste fresh cuisine from around the world, from bush tucker to sushi. Bring a blanket along and relax to live music while sampling a selection of boutique beers and a variety of Aussie wines.
a bush track along the picturesque Coffs
With over 60 stalls, this year’s Toast is set to be the biggest yet! What: Toast Urunga – Food, Wine & Music Festival. When: Father’s Day, 1 Sept. Where: Morgo Street Reserve, Urunga. As the weather heats up, so too does the excitement for the Rally Championships held once again on the spectacular Coffs Coast this September. The FIA World Rally Championships are the biggest thing in world motorsport after Formula 1 and are certainly the most challenging.
walkway.
T
Australian Childcare Week Finalists CONGRATULATIONS! 3 Bears Cottage We are pleased to announce that 3 Bears Cottage has been selected as a finalist in the Australian Child Care Week 2013 Awards. Last month 3 Bears cottage participated in the Australian Childcare Week Awards and as a result of creativity, involvement of children, parents and the broader community of the Coffs Harbour area, 3 Bears Cottage has been named as a finalist in two categories of the Awards. In addition a certificate of recognition was presented to the service for its entry into the Group Art Category. The service would like to take this opportunity to thank Trudy Smith, a local artist for her contributions and support she gave to our life drawing entry to the Cool Kids Artwork. 3 Bears Cottage’s whole
66 coffs coast focus.
team of Educators have been invited to be present at an exclusive Celebration Dinner in Sydney this month, where all winners will be announced on the night. 3 Bears was referred to by the judges as showing inspiring dedication, a great sense of energy, creativity and sense of community. As an attendee, we will be joined by the finest in the industry. Winning an Award on the night would be an extremely gratifying experience, as well as a testament to the team of present Educators and 18 years of hard work by the Service. 3 Bears is committed to working with the Early Learning Industry to promote the important work our Early Educators and Service does for the community, through dedication and commitment to children parents and families.
With supremely-talented drivers strutting their stuff for mega-dollar teams, the atmosphere will be one of excitement and fun.
Creek walkway, so whether you’re up for a half marathon or a more relaxed family fun run, it’s worth venturing outside to soak up the scenery. To top off what is set to be a fantastic community event, all funds raised will go towards local children’s charities. What: Coffs Running Festival. When: 15 Sept. Where: The picturesque Coffs Creek Capping off what will have been an eventful month will be the Coffs Coast’s liveliest, funniest and most popular annual festival. The International Buskers & Comedy Festival, which runs for 8 whole days, features a variety of acts from around the world, with performing acrobatics, comedy and crazy stunt shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. There are plenty of free shows taking place in Coffs Harbour’s City Square, so get the kids out of the house these holidays for some mind blowing entertainment. What: The International Buskers Festival. When: 22 - 29 Sept.
There are plenty of spectating options, so for more information visit the rally website at www.rallyaustralia.com.au What: World Rally Championships. When: 12 – 15 Sept. Where: The Rally Hub will be at Brelsford Park in Coffs Harbour, while the forest stages venture through Coffs, Nambucca, Bellingen and the Clarence Valley. Shifting from high octane racing to pounding the pavement, the 3rd annual Coffs Running Festival is the perfect excuse to get outside and be active with family and friends.
Where: Daily shows in the City Centre,
With a variety of distances to choose from, you don’t need to be an experienced athlete to participate. The event will be held on
are associated with the industry in any way,
with evening shows across various locations Other Upcoming Events: Fuelarama Superboats 31 Aug - 1 Sept. Toast Urunga 1 Sept. FIA World Rally 12 - 15 Sept. Dragon Boat Regatta 14 - 15 Sept. Coffs Running Festival 15 Sept. Bellingen Music Festival 20 - 22 Sept. Bellingen Arts Week 20 - 28 Sept. International Buskers Festival 22 - 29 Sept. To stay in touch with what’s happening in the world of tourism, head over to www. tourismcoffscoast.com.au or find us on Facebook. If you’re a tourism operator or becoming a member of Tourism Coffs Coast provides you with many benefits.
focustravel
with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel & Journeys
Quadrant Travel Australia is a nation of sports lovers
excitement.
and with Australia becoming a real
As an agent for many international events,
contender on the international circuit for
Quadrant Travel and Journeys can also
world class sporting events, now seems like the perfect time to start planning your attendance at these exhilarating events. Quadrant Travel and Journeys are pleased to provide packages for a range of sporting Melbourne Cup, Australian events including inc
H O L I D A Y I N O U R O W N backyard. Being a travel writer, I’ve been to my fair share of countries. People ask me all the time which one is my favourite. Truth is, I don’t really know so when I sat down and stared at a blank page destined for words about my latest travel experience. My heart leapt to a new place, a place that reminded me that no matter how far I travel, no matter how exotic the trip, I am always glad to be home. And with that, the words began to flow. As Australians, many of us don’t truly appreciate what we have here. Travellers who choose to holiday within our glorious country are spoilt for choice. We’re home to World Heritage listed National Parks (both land and sea).
Open and the Brisbane International.
arrange packages for the French Open, Masters Golf, The Superbowl and the Formula 1 International Series. Why not add one of these exciting events onto your holiday plans. Grab the chance to experience world class events whilst seeing the sights of the world.
During 2014, packages to the Clipsal 500 in
The experienced team at Quadrant Travel
Our beaches rival the best in the world, just ask a local.
Adelaide will also be available
and Journeys located at C.ex Coffs can assist
Australian sporting events are an excellent
you with all your travel needs, customising
On land the experiences are no less diverse. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to walk the trails of Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania and be rewarded with the stunning alpine view of Dove Lake will know what I mean, when I say they’re just aren’t the right words to describe that moment that takes your breath away.
opportunity to see world class athletes in
your arrangements to perfectly suit your
first-rate facilities without the additional
plans. And with sporting events making
expenses of international airfares. Take
excellent gifts for that hard to please person
the opportunity to enjoy the sights of the
in your life why not take care of your
host cities that come alive with a buzz of
Christmas shopping early this year.
In Australia’s biggest National Park, you’ll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 50,000 years old. The World Heritage-Listed, Kakadu National Park, is only 3 hours east of Darwin. Home to ancient gorges and spectacular rock formations.
Our living masterpiece, nce “ It’s an experie ing Kangaroo Island is ar sh e The Great Barrier Reef im et of a lif is th ith w minutes from the is so big it can be seen the ocean mainland and yet large but gentle the from outer space. It is species but with ark feels like a million the largest and most average whale sh er miles away, a true ng lo g extensive coral reef measurin e ag er av e sanctuary for wildlife th an th system in the world, bus... ” ol ho sc and natural rugged stretching more than beauty. Ironically, named 2,300 kilometres along the Kangaroo Island by English Queensland coast. Travellers explorer, Matthew Flinders after get world class experiences above his crew feasted on kangaroo meat and below the water with 5 star resorts, eco on the island. Now Kangaroo Island is one lodges and deserted islands all contributing of Australia’s most diverse and pristine eco to the 600 islands that form part of the systems, home to thousands of species of landscape. plants and animals. Less than 100m off the Western Australian coast is the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s But we aren’t just a land of beauty rich and rare, a land abound in natures gifts as sung largest fringing reefs and stretching for more so proudly in our National Anthem. Australia than 260kms. This is the home of swimming is forging a real reputation for modern cities, with the whale sharks. It’s an experience of a diverse cultures and world class events. lifetime sharing the ocean with this large but gentle species but with the average whale shark measuring longer than the average school bus, it’s no wonder it’s so popular that you need to book well in advance
So next time someone asks you where you might like to go on holidays, don’t be afraid to look closer to home. After all, there is no place like home. coffs coast focus 67
focusabode.
focusabode.
The Edge Coffs Harbour – who are they? The Edge Coffs Harbour is one of the strongest, most dominant real estate service providers on the Coffs Coast and are proud to have been servicing the area for the last decade. The Edge are a knowledge based property service and business sales company who takes great pride in sharing their knowledge and delivering innovative, cost effective solutions for their clients. “We are passionate about servicing the diverse property needs of the Mid North Coast.”
T H E E D G E C O F F S H A R B O U R I S O N E O F T H E S T R O N G E S T, M O S T D O M I N A N T R E A L E S TAT E S E RV I C E P R OV I D E R S O N T H E C O F F S C OA S T A N D I S P R O U D T O H AV E B E E N S E RV I C I N G T H E A R E A F O R T H E L A S T D E C A D E .
The Edge Coffs Harbour commenced operation in 2003 with five staff members including the three directors, Jason Burnett, Tim Bynon and Mark Webb. The Edge Coffs Harbour opened the doors to its first Harbour Drive office with three listings and the will of the staff to change the way real estate was promoted and represented in the area. The plan was to operate a boutique agency specialising in residential and commercial real estate, while setting a new benchmark for the local market in regards to customer service via sales and leasing results.
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nfident is that providing th will e complete servic local value add to the ting economy – attrac r more people to ou ity. ” vibrant commun
“ The Edge is co
ORIGINAL TEAM IN 2003
In n 2004 the office commenced its residential asset management division in response to demand from their already growing client base. With the rapid growth of the property management and sales division, additional staff were employed and The Edge quickly expanded, taking on additional shop space within ‘The Promenade’ to accommodate the growing staff levels. In 2012 an opportunity presented to expand the existing commercial sales,
70 coffs coast focus.
leasing and management division of the company. The Edge purchased and joined forces with one of the largest commercial agencies on the Coffs Coast. Together the teams form a solid and reputable commercial real estate division of experienced, specialist staff with proven results.
The commercial department of the company was further enhanced in 2013 after a merger with Bizsales Australia, which now operates as The Edge Commercial, adding over 25 years’ property sales, auctioneer and business broking experience to the team. Today, The Edge has grown into the largest non-franchised real estate office in
the area, with 30 full-time employees and responsibility for over $500million of local real estate, including properties for sale and under management. As The Edge celebrates its 10th birthday this year, the office is entering an exciting new chapter, with the purchase of a new building and the construction of a state of the art office designed to accommodate the continuously expanding team while providing a solid platform for future growth.
focusabode.
What is The Edge Coffs Harbour core business?
The Edge Coffs Harbour provides five core services: • Residential property management • Residential property sales • Commercial, industrial and retail sales, leasing • Commercial, industrial and retail property management • Business sales and assessment
“We enjoy delivering the best service experience possible to each client we work with.” The Edge Coffs Harbour service a broad range of clients, from first time investors to those wanting to grow or diversify their portfolios, from owners wanting to sell,
and assessment, The Edge Coffs Harbour can better service people looking to relocate to Coffs Harbour. The Edge offer the complete package when moving to the area – from purchasing the business to ensure job security, securing a suitable location for the business to operate (buy
complete service will value add to the local economy – attracting more people to our vibrant community. The dynamic team at The Edge has the diversified skill and experience required to provide their clients and tenants with a superior service.
redevelop or acquire additional land to tenants wishing to relocate, upgrade or sublease. With their expansion in to business sales
or lease) and the purchase of a home (or investment property) to complete the dream! The Edge is confident that providing this
“The Edge can provide you with the best advice for your situation …”
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S
ince the establishment of their ate each year.” first residential rent roll in 2004, Residential property managers: Celina the residential property manLatimer, Crystal Mead, Nicarla Parkinson, agement division has Maree Hooper, Julia Clarke, Laura expanded to an impresBynon and Kathee Flood all sive line up of seven undertake regular, industry full-time property related professional dent nfi co is ge managers, two development training. Ed e “ Th is th g in full-time propThis allows them to id that prov ill w e ic erty officers, two operate their indicomplete serv l ca lo e th to administration vidual portfolio as d ad value g tin ac tr at staff, with one though it were their economy – r ou to le of the principals own business, ensurop pe e mor ” . ity un m m of the company ing our clients’ vested vibrant co directly overseeing interests are in capable, the department. results driven hands. “Our property managers The residential property have a wealth of experience bemanagement division is supported by tween them and share a real passion for the talented and committed administrawhat they do. This shows in the repeat tion and property officer team of Joshua business and new clients they all generMarkham, Kirston Buscombe, Aimee
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Webb and Michael Cox. Sharon Rankin is the dedicated account manager and financial controller who oversees the residential trust accounting compliance for the company. All staff are trained in the latest technology and industry advancements; ensuring your property is managed in the most efficient, accurate manner. In an industry where new property man-
agers came and go, The Edge is blessed to have such a dedicated and long standing team of property managers. The Edge Coffs Harbour training system ensures you are entrusting your assets to be managed by a fully qualified property manager who has served their apprenticeship and trained to the highest standard. Mark Webb, director and principal heading up the residential property manage-
ment department, ent, when asked aske as ked about ked abou ab bou outt the the success of the team said: “It’s simple really; our staff are like our extended family. We are business owners who employ only the best team members for all facets of our business. We make sure we are available for them and that they have everything they need to achieve their goals within our business.
We a set progression and trainWe have h ing format and reward people appropriately. All three directors are hands on within each department of the business. We all take great pride in what we have achieved and are achieving. We will carry this through into the next 10 years and beyond in our new office.”
PROUDLY SUPPORTING JASON, TIM AND THE TEAM AT
COFFS HARBOUR
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T
he Edge residential sales department has the largest single office sales team on the Coffs Coast, boasting 8 full-time agents. The department specialises in the sale of residential and rural properties in a region stretching from Corindi to Urunga and West to Glenreagh. The Edge Coffs Harbour consistently ranks within the top agencies in the area in terms of sales and boasts the highest number of recorded sales over the last twelve months. The office also holds several sales records in most suburbs within the region. The Edge residential sales team includes Jason Burnett, Tim Bynon, Mark Webb, Katherine Faircloth, Carolyn O’Connor, David Baird, Tony Petselas and Peter Darby. The sales team is supported by administration staff Colleen Petersen, Sarah Bowen and Kristy Hamilton, all with unrivalled real estate administration experience, with two executive assistants, Ashlie Excell and Emma Paterson, helping to ensure prompt and professional response times. Like the residential property management department,
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real estate for several e generations of th same family on ” many occasions.
“ We have sold
the sales agents have a long standing commitment with the company, offering on average 5 -10 years service with The Edge. This creates an environment of camaraderie, trust and results ... like any good football team who have been together for a while, the plays are well formed and the results are inevitable. The sales team at The Edge work to-
gether and have the experience that vendors expect when selling their largest asset and buyers deserve when looking to purchase a property. The Edge has developed a notable reputation in the field of project management and sub-division sales, being involved in many
successful projects over the past ten years. The Edge’s first rate reputation in the field of residential sales is built on solid relationships, honesty, great results and professionalism. Referrals and repeat business are a big part of The Edge’s success. People who have
architecture
interior
experienced their service have often used The Edge again or referred them to friends or family requiring real estate services. “We have sold real estate for several generations of the same family on many occasions.” The Edge sales team look forward to continuing to grow and provide the best real estate service on the Coffs Coast.
landscape
graphic
access
design studio 22 Commercial Division proud designers of The Edge new offices Congratulations to The Edge team on their move to Orlando Street design team
Andrew Wilson | Architect
Kate Lane | Interior Designer
100% design HOME+COMMERCIAL coffs harbour | brisbane | kiama t. 02 6651 4104 1/16 edgar street, coffs harbour w. designstudio22.com.au
CUSTOM DESIGN | NEW+RENOVATION | HOMES+COMMERCIAL Nominated Architect ANDREW WILSON|Reg No. 7906
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COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & R E TA I L S A L E S & L E A S I N G 25 years’ experience auctioneering both commercial and residential properties. With Jason Burnett, Cherie Parik, Kel Gibson, Liz Meakins and Taryn O’Brien behind the wheel of The Edge Commercial department supported by Emma Paterson and Colleen Petersen, the commercial division is certainly one of the most experienced, ethical, energetic and results driven team servicing the Coffs Coast commercial property market. Experience – Sales and Leasing Servicing the area of Coffs Harbour, Toormina/Sawtell, Bellingen, Grafton and
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Woolgoolga to Clarence Valley and Nambucca Shire (with the occasional trip to Port Macquarie and Lismore as required), The Edge Commercial Coffs Harbour have the Mid North Coast market covered. A significant factor behind our marketleading results in the team’s extensive experience in a range of markets and economic conditions and comprehensive and dedicated approach to customer service. The Edge Commercial ensure vacant space is leased in the shortest possible time under the best possible lease terms. The dedicated transaction approach in the field
of commercial sales ensures The Edge find the best buyers for properties and the best properties for buyers. The Edge’s clients enjoy benefits of comprehensive market coverage via flexible, cost effective marketing campaigns. “We tailor our marketing efforts to put your needs first and achieve the best price for your asset, utilising a range of effective sale, lease and management methods,” said Jason Burnett, licensee and director of The Edge. With the branding The Edge Commercial operating under The Edge Coffs Harbour,
the commercial department identity is fast becoming one of the strongest in the market due to consistency and quality of our marketing materials and advertising. By partnering with The Edge Commercial, your property will be promoted with high quality, cost effective marketing solutions to ensure your property gains maximum industry exposure. The sales and leasing team at The Edge Commercial are more than happy to discuss the most effective marketing and communication strategies should you be looking to promote your property For Sale or For Lease.
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“ Together, the C O M M E R C I A L I N D U S T R I A L & R E TA I L P R O P E RT Y M A N AG E M E N T Good property management forms an essential part of any commercial property investment. “We understand that optimum financial performance of a property asset requires continued proactive management.” Cherie Parik for the property management department oversees the strategic management of The Edge commercial clients’ investment properties, working with the team to ensure tenants are happy, leases are renewed, rents are paid on time, buildings operate efficiently and maintenance projects are carried out on time and on budget. “Our primary objective is to provide an effective and compliant management approach while achieving the long term goal of maximising return on investment for our clients,” Cherie said. The level of tenant satisfaction clearly in-
dicates the level of service being provided by our management team. If the property and facilities are operating correctly and relationships are appropriately managed, tenant related issues should be minimal. Together, the commercial team bring many years of experience and a broad range of skills to the business. Their qualifications and work experience make them the most qualified property portfolio managers on the Mid North Coast and they look forward to discussing a personalised, cost effective, hassle free property management solution for your commercial, industrial or retail property investment today. Cherie Parik, manager of the department said, “We are lucky to have such a dynamic team of professionals working together to meet our clients’ individual needs.” With a team of friendly experts and their
commercial team s of bring many year broad experience and a e range of skills to th business.”
vast experience managing, leasing and selling properties and business in regional areas, The Edge Commercial Coffs Harbour are well positioned to deliver results for you, and we look forward to achieving an excellent outcome for your property. What does this all mean to you? • From complete portfolio management to tenant advisory services – when you work with The Edge Coffs Harbour you can expect: • Professional skills matched to your unique needs • A strong focus on achieving return on your investment • Open communication, transparent service and a knowledge sharing culture • A dynamic and enthusiastic team with
first class commercial, industrial and retail property experience and knowledge committed to service excellence. • Comprehensive service • Flexibility to meet your individual
needs • Commitment and integrity The Edge work in close partnership with their clients to provide an integrated, personalised service while maximising the return on their investments. The Edge believe their core values of dedication, determination, integrity, honesty and hard work will continue to be the cornerstone of their success and look forward to being able to assist you with your property enquiries and business sales requirements.
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THE EDGE TEAM TODAY
BUSINESS SALES AND ASSESSMENT A successful business sale or purchase is seldom the result of luck. It is achieved with planning and organisation. Kel Gibson’s success speaks for itself – with over 25 years’ experience in all categories of businesses and property transactions, Kel has a solid understanding of his specialist field. A broker since 1986, Kel has degrees in economics and sociology and has been accredited by the Real Estate Institute (NSW) as a Business Sales Specialist since 1995. One of the challenges for small businesses is knowing what their business is truly worth. The Edge Commercial have the tools and experience to assist and guide business owners
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in their forward planning. Providing an objective assessment of the situation, the Edge Commercial can create programs to help you capitalise on the business asset and/or create an exit strategy accordingly. Kel has been nominated for and won many real estate industry awards – judged by his peers to have set the benchmark for professional standards in his specialist fields. Using market evidence to determine what business assets are really worth, Kel is renowned for developing innovative marketing strategies, from larger shopping centres to small coffee shops, to ensure he achieves the best results for his clients.
Kel is a licensed real estate agent, accredited auctioneer, stock and station agent and has completed the Professional Certificate in Business Valuation (API). He is also a Certified Practicing Business Broker AIBB and is a Fellow of The Australian Institute of Business Brokers. All these credentials are great, but add this level of experience with the sincere, caring, proactive personality of Kel Gibson, and you have a winning combination of unrivalled experience in business broking and auctioneer results on the Coffs Coast. The Edge Commercial offers you local knowledge with national coverage!
COMMERCIAL Denise Heycox completes the team of 30. Denise provides front of office reception duties as well as a full range of administrative support to assist with the success of the company. Denise’s organisational skills and commitment to quality control ensures clients and tenants are treated with professionalism and courtesy at all times. “Without our clients, we wouldn’t need our staff. Without our staff, we wouldn’t have our company. We are grateful to both our clients and our staff for making us the become the strong property agency we are today.”
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MARKETING & INTERACTION
“ The Edge is W H AT M A K E S T H E E D G E D I F F E R E N T ? The Edge’s values and principles reflect the essential character and quality of their relationships with their clients, industry colleagues and each other. The Edge’s core values of integrity, expert advice and results allow them to create customised service solutions that suit their clients’ best long term interests. The company’s passion for continuously expanding their knowledge base and skill set enables them to take a fresh and imaginative approach to their service delivery. “We enjoy what we do. We enjoy
committed to e delivering servic ith w e excellenc outstanding results.”
working together, and we enjoy delivering results. That’s the key to our success. “There’s no i in team! The success of our business has been built on a commitment to working together and with affiliated professional organisations on the Mid North Coast to share knowledge and deliver quality solutions for our clients.” The Edge is committed to delivering service excellence with outstanding results. They operate according to the highest professional standards
and abide by all industry codes of conduct. The Edge proactively works with their clients to improve the long term performance of their assets and tenancies. “From vacant land to industrial parks, commercial portfolios to residential units – we work with you to build your wealth through the best solutions to suit your individual needs. “The right advice makes a significant difference in today’s property market.”
The Edge has always implemented the latest real estate technology available, allowing the sales team to benefit from the tools required to perform their tasks to the highest standard. With the use of web based real estate software and mobile computer devices, our team has access to relevant information wherever they are. The edge’s marketing changed the landscape of property promotion for the Coffs Harbour market 10 years ago and today continues to set the benchmark. Owners know when they list their property with The Edge that it will be promoted to the highest possible standard locally and exposed to the world via the best real estate websites available. The Edge has embraced the rise of social media, having developed a strong following on Facebook and Twitter (the largest of any other office in the area). Not only does this enables them to promote their properties and services via yet another forum, they thoroughly enjoy interacting with their growing number of followers and welcome any feedback their followers may have on how they can continue to make their interaction with The Edge engaging.
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C O M M U N I T Y I N VO LV E M E N T
C H A R I T Y G O L F DAY - E V E RYO N E W E L C O M E The Edge Commercial, with the support of The Edge Coffs Harbour, is proud to support the Leukaemia Foundation with our annual charity golf day to be held on Thursday 21 November at Bonville Golf Resort. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go towards the goal of assisting local families living with Leukaemia.
Australia's Largest Flooring Retailer Carpet • Timber • Vinyl Laminate • Bamboo • Tiles 27 Park Beach Rd, Coffs Harbour Ph: 6652 4866 www.carpetcourt.com.au COFFS HARBOUR
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With almost $10,000 raised in 2012, we are looking forward to seeing what we can do for the Leukaemia Foundation in 2013! For more information on how to support this worthwhile event, please contact Liz from our office on (02) 6659 9888 or info@theedgecommercial.com.au
“Our corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is founded on considering the impact that their actions and decisions have on our clients, people, community and environment”. The Edge Coffs Harbour is committed to giving back to the community in which they live and work. Some of the local charities and not-for-profit organisations The Edge have proudly supported include: Leukaemia Foundation, Sanctuary Refugee Foundation, Coffs Harbour Garden Club, Laos Water Cycle – raising money for children and their families in Laos and Cambodia and the Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club – just to name a few. Each year The Edge staff contribute to hampers for the Salvation Army to assist disadvantaged local families at Christmas time and donate pet items to the local RSPCA office. The Edge have regular office collections for different charities such as on Daffodil Day and Jeans for Genes day and in November, their male staff members throw away the razors and participate in raising money for Movember. Red Cross also benefit, with regular blood donations made by the team. In addition to our charitable contributions, The Edge Coffs Harbour participates in work experience programs with local colleges and the TAFE campus.
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WHERE TO FROM HERE? From opening their first leased premises of 140 m² at the Promenade with five staff members in 2003, to today as they celebrate their 10th birthday by opening the doors to their very own, architecturally designed office of 315 m² to accommodate their thirty (and growing) staff, the level of expansion of a non-franchised real estate office in a quieter real estate market is a massive achievement for The Edge Coffs Harbour, and the company is showing no sign of slowing down – with even more growth projected in the coming years. “We are extremely proud that r “ Thank you fo through our company’s growth we are able to proe helping us becom vide more jobs for locals.” ty the strong proper The Edge Coffs Harbour is certainly one of the agency we are most progressive companies on the Coffs Coast – today. ” committed to giving back to the local community in THANK YOU FROM THE EDGE which they operate. The Edge Coffs Harbour is committed to providing you “The continued success of The Edge Coffs Harbour is largely due to the support and encouragement with a personal, proactive and efficient service combining our clients, tenants, contractors, other professional organisations and the Coffs Coast community have extensive local knowledge with the professionalism and provided over the years … practices of a major local agency to maximise return on “Thank you for helping us become the strong property agency we are today. We look forward to continuing to work your investment. with you the future.”
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CSU Excellence Scholarship The transition from school to university has been made easy for CSU Excellence Scholarship recipient Patrick Boyle. As a school leaver, Patrick was delighted to learn that he was eligible to apply for a scholarship for his chosen course, CSU’s Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at the university’s campus in Port Macquarie. Patrick said CSU appealed to him as it is well recognised for its Paramedics course and has a strong focus on student support. “When I received my offers, I chose CSU over the bigger unis, because in the profession which I am going into, smaller class sizes and an environment where you are a name, not a
number is important,” Patrick said. Originally from Tasmania, Patrick said the scholarship would help support his studies and contribute to living expenses and the cost of travel to his new home in Port Macquarie. The close-knit community and support of Patrick’s lecturers has made his transition to university easier. “The uni has a really good set-up for this course. Smaller classes mean closer peers and lecturers and living in Port Macquarie is really nice, so that’s a little bonus too.” For more information, visit: www.csu.edu. au/4me or phone 1300 135 435
with Chris Hines from Unrealestate
real All you have to do is look around your town or city to see WHY you need to have a Real Estate Agent.
roperties are being bought to keep in the background? These are all and sold every day with the questions that real estate agents can assist benefit of market research and with. planning. Often times these Benefit 3: They are on your side two elements are outside the You will never have someone as ferocious on scope of a person who wishes to sell their your side to help you buy or sell a home. Real own home. Sure, you know what kind of Estate Agents are commission based for their equity you put into your own home, but how service fees, but they rely on their network of much did that other house down the street clients to bring in their next client. Without sell for? What kind of pricing is affecting the their network, they wouldn’t have anyone to homes around you currently? Do represent. That being said, they will you know how to reach out to do everything possible to get prospective home buyers? what you want. Without These questions all lend satisfying their clients, they to reasons why there are would have no clients! Sure, you know benefits of having a It is also important to ty ui what kind of eq Real Estate Agent. use an agent because n ow ur you put into yo d di h Benefit 1: Market although they are on uc m home, but how n w do e Research your side, and acting in us ho that other ” r? fo ll Real Estate Agents se your best interest, they et the stre have the benefit of come from a position of and intrinsic knowledge neutrality and can take of the market, but they some of the emotions out of also are privy to any phone the negotiations; once again, calls that come into the office assuring you of a sale at the best that might be from new sellers who are price. wishing to sell as soon as possible and As you can see, real estate agents offer in some cases may be sold directly off of quantified benefits outside of assisting their database of prospective buyers. Agents in purchasing or selling your home. They also have the benefit of researching market understand the nuances, the paperwork, and analyses of different property types in the area most importantly – your needs. Remember that you are looking to buy or sell in. This is though, choose wisely; it is your biggest invaluable information, as it would go towards investment. When able to, choose an agent how much something is definitely worth. who is a member of the Real Estate Institute Benefit 2: Planning and Consultation of NSW. By choosing a member agency, you Real Estate Agents are the people who have know you are dealing with an agent who gone through assisting with 100s of home follows a state wide code of conduct and buying and home selling situations. They are abides by a code of ethics. the ones to consult with in understanding how Remember too, that some of the skills that to sell your home. Do you keep your animals an experienced Agent brings to the table are away when you have a home showing, and marketing and negotiation skills; these are the how much do you clean up? What do you attributes that will put the most money in your want to highlight and what do you want hand at the end of the transaction.
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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. Fischer Built Pty Ltd. BL: 191313C.