Counselling Conversations - Julie Thomas

ATTACHMENT STYLES & ADULT RELATIONSHIPS

FROM BEYOND THE SURFACE COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING

CONVERSATIONS

with JULIE THOMAS Do you struggle with or have challenges in your relationships? To understand why we have challenging relationships, we need to know and recognise our attachment style; recognising our attachment style will help to build healthier relationship connections.

What is Attachment? According to the attachment theory pioneered by British psychiatrist John Bowlby and American psychologist Mary Ainsworth, attachment or attachment bond focuses on the reciprocal tie between two people’s emotional connection formed with our primary caregivers and romantic partners. From an evolutionary point of view, attachments are essential for child development, ensuring a child’s psychological and physical needs are met. Bowlby believed that early attachment formed by children with their caregivers has an enormous impact that continues throughout life, often determining how well you relate to others and respond to intimacy throughout life.

How do these attachment styles play out

in adult relationships? The attachment theory is based on a number of attachment styles; secure, avoidant, ambivalent-anxious, and disorganised-disoriented attachment. Each of the four attachment styles has typical traits and characteristics, yet a person does not necessarily fit into a single attachment style category. Recognising different attachment styles featured in your history of intimate relationships is entirely normal. Attachment styles can change with major life events or even with other partners. The ideal way to look at these traits is to identify unhealthy behaviours and understand what needs to be worked on to improve your relationships. Secure attachment style. Adults who have developed a secure attachment style can form secure and loving relationships with others. They can trust others and be trusted and are comfortable expressing their emotions openly. In relationships, they are not afraid of intimacy and foster emotional closeness. They do not fear being alone when their partner needs space or time away from them and do not depend on the approval or responsiveness of their partner. The following three attachment styles are known as insecure attachment styles. Avoidant attachment style. Avoidant attachment style has a pattern of a deep fear of abandonment, emotionally neediness and insecurity in the relationship. The avoidant attachment style often presents as feeling nervous about a partner’s unresponsiveness, separation from their partner and the perceived threat of losing the relationship. An avoidant attachment style often fears intimacy, getting close to and trusting other people. Adults with avoidant attachment styles have been described as ‘emotionally unavailable’, preferring to be independent and rely on themselves. Ambivalent-Anxious attachment style. Adults with ambivalent-anxious attachment styles seek and resist contact with their partner, often feeling like you are on a roller coaster. These individuals are sensitive and attuned to their partner’s needs; however, they are often anxious and insecure about their self-worth in the relationship. Fear of relationship abandonment and rejection might find them blaming themselves or telling themselves they are not good enough and worthy of love.

Disorganised-disoriented attachment

style. Individuals with disorganised-disoriented attachment styles tend not to have consistent ways of engaging with others. A pattern of contradictory and misdirected behaviours are present, a push and pull dynamic. They want a committed, loving relationship on the one hand but fear and expect abandonment and rejection. They find trust difficult and might project their insecurities onto others, often making a situation stressful and a relationship challenging.

Can you change your attachment style, and

how? Fortunately, your attachment style can change, you cannot change your past, but you can change the present and future. It might be difficult at first to change perceptions and reset new habits and attachment styles. Try recognising your behavioural patterns; self-reflection can assist you in making sense of your interactions with your partner and make issues easier to solve. Find experiences you love to immerse yourself with and spend time with partners and friends who encourage and build you up. Remember, attachment styles are just coping strategies we learned when we were young. The better you understand your attachment style, the more healthy ways of coping and meaningful relationships you will experience.

Julie Thomas MCouns, BPsychSC, BEd(ECTeach) Member Australian Counselling Association Member WPATH Member LGBTIQ+ Health Australia

Kyle James is a competitive paintballer who plays mostly ‘speedball’ here in Coffs. We wanted to ask him all about the game and how it works, and if it really is as painful as some claim!

Hey Kyle, tell us how you got into the world of paintball?

It all started back on my 18th birthday in 2009. A group of my friends and family went out to play some paintball at the old field at Karangi, a bit of a boy’s day to celebrate my birthday. After that I was hooked. I continued to play more games with the local “ballers” as we call them. These were mostly scenario type games in a format called “Bushball”. Army games as a lot of people would call it. Later on I moved to central QLD where paintball was put on the back burner as fields out where I was were very scarce. I’d go to the odd scenario day here and there but nothing too extravagant. Shortly after returning back to Coffs Harbour, an old friend that I grew up with was constantly trying to get me to come back to paintball and try a different format that I had never played before called “Speedball”. This is what I play now and I’ve never looked back.

For those unaware what is the sport of paintball and how is a typical game played?

Fast action games normally played in teams of 3 & 5 players. From the second the game starts, the paint begins to fly as players try to get their first elimination. It’s non-stop gun battles as players try to outsmart and outshoot the opposing team and advance up the field. Players are trying to get maximum points for each game and the team with the most points at the end of the tournament wins.

What are some misconceptions surrounding paintball?

Commonly asked questions are:

Is it legal? Yes absolutely! Is it actually a competitive sport? Yes competitive, technically not classed as an “official sport” yet. Does it hurt? Yes and

Paintball in no. Coffs is slowly growing. It is my goal Does it actually hurt? The pain factor really boils down to as an ambassador to where you get hit the sport to bring and the individual’s new players in to pain threshold. As a experience what it’s competitive player, the all about. overall pain mostly goes unnoticed. That’s not to say we don’t feel it but more so that we’re used to it. Don’t get me wrong, there are still the odd shots I cop every now and then that definitely leave me sore.

People may not know that the sport of paintball is incredibly fast paced. What sort of fitness do you need to keep up?

Naturally a higher level of fitness is advantageous, however, paintball is accommodating to most levels of physical fitness. We have guys in their 50s and up that are veterans in the sport that still play competitively around the country.

At the moment paintball isn’t recognised as an official sport. Why do you think that is and what steps are you taking to change this?

This question is best off answered by a representative of the APA, so I have conversed with a good friend, mentor and fellow player to best answer this.

Emlyn “Elmo” Sheehan, Australian Paintball Association: “There are a few reasons paintball has never been recognised as an official sport, most of which revolve around the fact different states still have different rules and regulations around the use of paintball markers, as well as the fact we don’t have a single nationwide tournament series that uses one standardised set of rules and regulations. The APA (Australian Paintball Association) is working in conjunction with both the International Paintball Association and local players to develop the base set of tournament regulations and the implementation into a state and national level tournament series.”

What is the paintball scene like here on the Coffs Coast and where do you play?

Paintball in Coffs is slowly growing. It is my goal as an ambassador to the sport to bring new players in to experience what it’s all about. We play here locally at Elite 1 Paintball where we have a few scenario style fields (mostly used for punters) and one of if not the

From the second the game starts, the paint begins to fly as players try to get their first elimination. nicest and best maintained natural pro playing It’s non-stop gun battles as players try surfaces in the country. It is my goal in the near future to host a “Beginners Open Day” in conjunction with the park to give new players to outsmart and a chance to experience Speedball first hand. outshoot the opposing Is paintball for anyone specific or can any team and advance up one play? the field. Paintball is inclusive of all players from 12 years and upwards. NSW state law in the last couple of years passed a notion to have paintball legal from the age of 12 years old.

Where can people find out more about paintball here on the Coffs Coast?

For anyone that is interested in trying paintball, or has any questions about the sport, can make contact with Elite 1 Paintball Coffs Harbour.

tamzin REBEL HYBRID Rebel

Whether you’re already consistent or not, maybe the phrase “consistency is key” is not the right strategy for you in your life right now.

What I learnt from my 12-year-old son:

Last year my son was hugely into basketball. Man was he determined! Every single day he played, practised, talked about it, YouTube and Google searched it.

He made it into the division 2 rep team, and I arranged for extra training sessions with the coach because he was so determined to get better and better. And yes, with that consistency, he improved incredibly! But in games, he didn’t play as well as he did when he was practising in the training sessions.

There were two reasons for this:

1 – the real live games wouldn’t go strictly to plan, and there were a lot of variables that a person at this level of experience couldn’t be prepared for. 2 – every time he messed up, or he couldn’t execute the plan, or he missed a basket, he would get down on himself. He would dwell on each moment. You would see him shake his head, keep his head down and shoulders slouched. This then pressured him into performing worse in a downward spiral throughout the game.

After the games, he would remember the times he didn’t do well and forget about the moments when he smashed it. He’d forget that he had great skills that always shone in the training sessions. He would think of himself as being the same kid as when he first started, and he wouldn’t acknowledge how far he’d come. His consistency with training couldn’t pull him through this mental trap.

Here are two great points for him to experience, and they’re so relevant when it comes to life:

1 – you can’t always be prepared for everything that happens in the game (the game of life) no matter how much you plan for it. 2 – you will waste time and energy and miss out on new and better opportunities when you focus on something that happened where you missed out or stuffed up. The worse it gets, the worse it gets. You’ll feel bad, you’ll perform badly, there will never be any satisfaction and you will never enjoy the game.

And just like the above, when you can change your mindset – the better it gets, the better it gets.

Working through hurdles that are presented to you; a good attitude where you brush it off (as much as possible), don’t dwell on it and move forward; knowing that you don’t have time to waste on the things you didn’t/couldn’t do; and finding solutions and not focusing on the problems. This is persistence.

Consistency might get you started but PERSISTENCE is next level.

How you are RIGHT NOW isn’t going to be how you are for the rest of your life. Take just one step in the direction towards your goal and stop focusing on what you missed out on, this is all it takes to start gaining momentum. Persistence will see your goals through to achievement.

Train so that your body moves well. Persistence is key. Rebel and join the movement.

Take just one step in the direction towards your goal and stop focusing on what you missed out on, this is all it takes to start gaining momentum.

PRE WORKOUT SPOTLIGHT!

Pre workouts are the driving force for lots of us fitness enthusiasts. If you're struggling with those early morning workouts or lack the drive in the gym then a pre workout may be the thing missing from your life to give you that much needed boost to hit your fitness goals. Enhancing performance, focus, increasing pump and giving a huge boost in energy. These tasty beverages are easy to mix, and come in a huge range of strengths, flavours and even caffeine free.

MY TOP PRE RIGHT NOW IS BZRK BY BLACK MAGIC. Why is it so good?

I have tried A LOT of pre workouts, some better than others, but none really stand out since the legendary “Jack3d days”.

BZRK is as close to the glory days as I've felt in years!

It comes in 6 different flavours in the White label and a special edition Black label.

Here’s what matters:

• BZRK kicks things off with a 350 mg hit of caffeine to give you razor sharp focus and energy. • 7000 mg of Citrulline Malate. Citrulline is one of the best Nitric oxide boosters known to supplement science for reducing muscle fatigue. It also promotes vascularity and bigger pumps! • 3200 mg of BetaO (Beta-Alanine and Orotic Acid) to reduce muscle fatigue. • 2000 mg of GlycerPump to maximise the water influx to the muscle tissue and give you hard pumps that will keep you motivated and pushing every set. • 1000 mg of L-Tyrosine to help with healthy thyroid function and brain function. The Black label series is very similar with quite the generous increase in Citrulline now sitting at 10,000 mg! Also cutting out the BetaO so you wont feel those tingles while still pushing vascularity to the extreme!

JIM SOUTHGATE

STORE MANAGER NUTRITION WAREHOUSE

Describe how you got started in your business?

The fitness industry has been in my sights for many years, first wanting to be a personal trainer but sidestepping here to supplements. I’ve always been at gyms and using supplements, my natural curiosity pushed me in this direction and I absolutely love it. It’s a beautiful thing to find where you belong.

How has your business evolved since it

began? The supplement industry has changed massively through advances in science and government regulations and will continue to do so. Nutrition Warehouse has been around for 14 years from its first Gold Coast store, now nearing 100 stores. We remain committed to keeping up with the latest advancements and changes to keep you on top of your fitness journey.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

Still very early into my journey at Nutrition Warehouse but I’ve made significant relationships in the community that I am very proud of. The one that really stands out is our sponsorship with the Coffs Harbour Breakers. Being a local myself, it brings me the biggest amount of joy seeing our shakers, shirts and supplements in the community, so being front and centre of Coffs Harbour’s biggest AFL team is massive! A partnership we will be building for years to come.

What is your business’s greatest asset?

Nutrition Warehouse is unlike any other supplement or nutrition retailer. Simply it’s because we are so much more than just “that protein shop”. We are a community,

Being a local a team dedicated myself, it brings me the biggest to help you in your quest to do, feel and be better. We have amount of joy seeing an unbeatable range our shakers, shirts and the knowledge and supplements in to find the perfect the community. product for everyone. Customers are always our focus and helping is the name of the game. I take personal interest in everyone’s journey and love the progress.

How do you measure success in business?

Returning customers re-buying products you educated them on and recommended to them will always be my biggest success. Also seeing our merch in the gyms, cars and at sports events fills me with pride. Nothing better than someone posting on social media wearing our gear.

What is the most satisfying aspect of

your role? Helping people is at the base of all we do. When someone stops me in the street to update me on their progress or to tell me that they loved my recommendation it absolutely makes my day!

What creative things do you do to

develop a likeable company culture? Friendly competitions and community engagement. I love everything I do with Nutrition Warehouse and it shows. Being out in the community at events and representing the business is my favourite part of the job. If I’m having fun it rubs off on others and it’s something I incorporate into my everyday work for the team too.

Where do you see your business in the

future? The supplement industry is ever changing and it’s amazing to be a part of.

Helping people is at the base of all we do. When someone stops me in the street to update me on their progress or to tell me that they loved my recommendation it absolutely makes my day! Nutrition Warehouse is fast becoming a household name here on Coffs Coast. I’d love to see our logo in major sports grounds and on more shirts. I want us to be the first stop for anyone looking to maximise performance and better their health. Taking away the scary stigma attached to the fitness industry and making it a destination for all, no matter what level we are at. Most rewarding part of your job? The smiles on happy customers, the new friends and constant environment to improve myself and others. Taking the time to truly understand what the person needs and what makes them tick. No two customers are the same and figuring out what their goals are and finding the perfect products for them is my driving force. I love your progress as much as I love my own so don’t be shy, come back and tell me how you’re progressing.

What do you enjoy most about the

Coffs Coast? I’ve been in Coffs since I was 7. This is very much home for me. Having lived away from Coffs for a few years makes you realise how amazing this place truly is to raise a family. Home to some of the most spectacular beaches you’ll see in the Mid North Coast. Coffs is now starting to see lots of unique restaurants, venues and retail stores and this is very exciting time to call Coffs home.

Thanks Jim.

IAN

LIFELINE

TONY JUDGE & IAN ENO TAYLOR

Lifeline North Coast relies on volunteers to support our community initiatives that enable Lifeline to support people in crisis, no matter where they are 24 hours a day. If you enjoy giving back and connecting to others, then you can help us save lives.

TONY

At Lifeline North Coast, we are lucky to be supported by some incredible volunteers who make our services possible. We are now recruiting new volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. As well as helping us care for people in our community, you’ll meet new people and learn new skills.

Meet two of our volunteers Tony Judge

Crisis Supporter, Mentor and Lifeline North Coast Ambassador Volunteer Lifeline is an important part of my life. I have been a telephone crisis supporter, and student mentor for 5 years. Since joining Lifeline I have seen the immense difference that it makes to the lives of people who are suffering distress. I would like to do as much as I can to support the work that Lifeline does and to help it grow. It is so important that we continue to work towards the prevention of suicide and provide the support that is so deeply needed by people who are facing a tough time in their life.

Ian ENO Taylor

Event organiser/ Fundraiser, Lifeline North Coast Ambassador Volunteer After losing both a workmate and friend in October 2021, and then hearing about the other truck drivers taking their own lives in the same month, I realised that there is a real problem. I believe that one person with the right resources and backing can make a difference within our community. Being a volunteer for Lifeline means that I do my part to reduce the stigma to ask for help and to raise awareness of the support available. I work with the team at Lifeline North Coast to reach out to the truck driving community, to help reduce the suicide rates and help support the families that are grieving due to the loss of loved ones who have taken their own life. I became a volunteer for Lifeline when I organised a small convoy through Coffs Harbour with intent to say goodbye to my mates who had taken their own life. Lifeline North Coast reached out to me to provide assistance and help me fundraise. Within less than two weeks we had a huge event and raised more money than first planned. I am helping make a difference and can see the impact that my role as a volunteer is making within my community.

What kind of things do volunteers do?

Our policy is to match people to suitable roles rather than the other way around, luckily our organisation is so diverse, there are jobs to suit almost everyone. Telephone Crisis Supporter. Every year Lifeline North Coast trains volunteers in Telephone Crisis Supporter skills. Marketing & Events. People with fundraising and special events skills are all invaluable to us here. Volunteers with events and project management experience play a major role in putting on our events and making them a complete success. Retail. Working in our shops is ideal for those with retail experience (or anyone who is just good with people). And if you have an eye for fashion labels why not become one of our soughtafter curators? We are also after electricians who can help us test and tag our electrical goods for sale. Warehouse & logistics. With all the clothes, furniture, and books we process, transport and warehousing help is much appreciated.

How much time do volunteers need to

give? It’s up to you. We value everyone’s contribution and know that everyone has different commitments they need to work around. Volunteer with us – it’s a rewarding experience. Angela Martin, Communications and Community Engagement Manager angela.martin@lifeline.org.au (02) 6651 4093

HIBBARD

HOMES

JONNY HIBBARD I BRUCE HIBBARD I MIKE HIBBARD Hibbards is a well known and widespread family owned business and they know a thing or two about building, after being in the game since 1968.

Bruce, how did you get started in your business?

I left school at 14 years of age and started in the building industry working with my father, Malcom Hibbard. I was thrown in to assist my dad on site as a labourer. I began at the very bottom doing all the worst jobs and I wasn’t a particularly big kid, so it was only through sheer determination to keep up with the older (and considerably larger) workers that kept me employed. I’d have to work extra hours before and after everyone else, and I’d also work through any breaks just so I could get as much or more work done as the other men. As I became older, I worked to develop my skills so that I was successfully qualified in all aspects of building from digging the footings, laying foundations, erecting frames, mixing cement by hand, painting walls, I made sure I knew every aspect of how to build a house. And then I eventually became a licensed builder myself in 1976 and began building homes in Narromine, a little town near Dubbo.

How has your business evolved since

it began? Well, when I first started right back when I was 14, there were no common conveniences of today such as telephones, computers or even sewage systems. Boy have I seen some changes. I’ve been through all the industry ups and downs, enough to be able to see the possible changes coming and work to be prepared. We only built custom homes for a long long time. To be able to scale the business and consistently build quality product of a high standard throughout all our regions we moved to building Spec homes. Even when purchased as a two-part contract, we build the homes as if they are 100% complete and you just walk in and make it your own, no added extras throughout the building, no unforeseen extra costs. And now that we have that Spec home “machine” working so well, we’ve moved onto building on other people’s land, with our 100% complete home. The more and more we develop our homes, we’re bringing in better and better inclusions and lifting our standards higher and higher. We’d love to invite you to walk through one of our completed homes and have a look at how far we’ve come.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

Staying in business for over 50 years, even

The more and with the incredible challenges that have been more we presented in this time. Having my sons work develop our homes, by my side is something I’m so proud of and is we’re bringing in a blessing for me every day. better and better What is your business’s greatest asset? inclusions and The staff we have working for us are all so lifting our standards good at what they do. Without them we higher and higher. wouldn’t be able to provide these beautiful family homes.

Coffs Harbour Head office

130 West High Street, Coffs Harbour (02) 6650 3300 hibbardhomes.com.au

HENRY

-ELVY-

SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST - THE SHORELINE

The Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living is due to open later this year and in preparation Henry Elvy, Senior Physiotherapist, has recently been appointed. Henry is a longterm local who is excited about building and leading the Allied Health Team in The Shoreline’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Describe why you decided to be a

Physiotherapist? Born and raised in Coffs Harbour, I played a lot of sport when I was younger and have always had an interest in health and fitness. This helped ignite a passion and strong belief in movement and exercise. aged care sector. I’m very excited about the opportunity to build, co-ordinate and lead the Physiotherapy and Allied Health team at The Shoreline.

Physiotherapy provides the opportunity to engage with individuals, promoting the importance of education, movement and exercise as a therapeutic benefit – whether it’s rehabilitation, managing pain or injury, or assisting people to lead a healthy lifestyle. I’m a huge advocate for healthy living/ageing.

What attracted you to working for The Shoreline?

Having family based in Coffs Harbour, with my father being a local doctor for over 30 years and my sister a registered nurse, the opportunity to return home and join the dynamic and innovative team at The Shoreline was too good to resist. The state-of-the-art building and facilities including rehabilitation gyms, outdoor exercise areas and pool will only enhance my experience working in the

What is your greatest achievement so far?

Graduating from ACU North Sydney in 2016 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and over the last 5 years developing a diverse range of professional experience in a variety of clinical settings including private practice, hospital rehabilitation and aged care. It is a pleasure to be joining the team and bring these skills

Since and experiences to commencement The Shoreline. with The Shoreline I What do you see have already witnessed as The Shoreline’s the amazing, close-knit greatest asset? It’s team culture and am exciting to be part of proud to be a part of a new and growing the journey of The Shoreline. organisation and team focused on providing person-centred care and tailored individual and group exercise programs. Plus, to have the opportunity to provide residents with an experience for healthy ageing by delivering a reablement model of care which promotes movement, activity and healthy living. Services offered will include Physiotherapy consultation, strength and conditioning classes, yoga, Tai Chi and even hydrotherapy/ aqua aerobics to residents in residential care as well as the independent living retirement village.

How do you measure success in business?

Positive and happy workplace culture and a collaborative team environment. This is key to increasing job satisfaction, staff rapport and productivity. Since commencement with The Shoreline I have already witnessed the amazing, close-knit team culture and am proud to be a part of the journey of The Shoreline.

What business leaders do you look up to?

My father Dr Elvy. He has established several medical practices and businesses over the years and is the hardest working man I know.

What makes The Shoreline different to

other providers? The Shoreline is a Luxury Retirement Living environment. With the Residential Care Home comprising 120 beds, it has been designed to be the heart of the site allowing for the creation of a healthy ageing precinct – something never seen before in the Coffs and greater Mid North Coast region. The equipment available at The Shoreline supports independence and promotes healthy ageing. We are market leaders with first class fully equipped gyms (indoor and outdoor), walking tracks and space for large group exercise classes. Equipment is only the beginning, with a wide range of health professionals, including personal trainers, being available within The Shoreline.

Thanks Henry.

High-end, Australian loudspeakers.

Made with sustainable materials, designed and built in Bellingen, NSW

MATTHEW DUFF

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT SAWTELL GOLF CLUB

Kingfisher Audio is the passion project of a father and son duo, Myles and Trevor Oliver-King. Born from a love of music and great sound, the brand was a natural progression from Trevor’s 40 years of experience as a furniture designer, creator and educator, and Myles’ obsession with speaker design and audio science. The pair have set out to create no-compromise, sustainable, locally hand-made speakers with beautiful salvaged Australian timbers. Trevor has brought his experience and ethos to Kingfisher. Each speaker features thick hardwood veneers cut from salvaged logs sourced from local arborists and selected by the pair for their colour and interesting character. The process from tree to speaker is meticulous, but Kingfisher’s unique in-house method means each pair is unique and available in interesting timbers, including Buttonwood and White Cedar. Each log produces only a limited number of veneers, so if you come across a pair you love, act quick as all veneers are effectively limited edition!

Demos available at Coffs Coast Audio and by Appointment at Tree-O Furniture and Art Gallery in Raleigh.

www.kingfisheraudio.com.au kingfisheraudio@outlook.com ph. 0488 419 845

Ibegan my career within the turf industry in north west NSW when I completed my Apprenticeship at Gunnedah Golf Club. I have been in the industry for approximately 28 years, the last 22 years of these have been here on the Coffs Coast.

What is your greatest

achievement so far? Being the Course Superintendent at Sawtell Golf Club for the past 5 years has been my most rewarding achievement. Being able to create a great team culture to ensure the quality and presentation of the course continues in an upward direction.

How do you measure success in

business? We measure our success by aiming for repeat customers and growing our membership base. When golfers have a pleasing, positive and enjoyable round of golf, they are more likely to return and bring fellow golfers with them. We are always striving for visitor and member satisfaction.

What is the most satisfying

aspect of your role? “Plan your work and work your plan”. We only have a few full-time employees here at Sawtell Golf Club, but we do have a large volunteer base to assist us with many projects around the course. We have Ladies Gardening, Dad’s Army Maintenance, Cart Path Construction and Rough Mowing Crews. When everyone is working together to achieve a result that has been laid out and planned in detail, it is very satisfying.

Most rewarding part of your

job? Looking back at what we have achieved, and the changes we have made over the past 5 years at Sawtell Golf Club, we are very excited in the direction we are going now. We have many, varied challenges within the Turf Industry, with the weather I’d say being the most challenging. To see how our team pull together during these adverse conditions to get the job done, day after day is a credit to everyone, and a sense of team camaraderie is what I’m most proud of. Looking out over the course on a Friday afternoon, knowing we have done the best we can to present the course for members and visitors to enjoy.

(02) 6653 1006 admin@sawtellgolf.com.au Sawtell Golf Club

COMMUNITY TIMBER

PARTNERSHIPS

Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) and the Wauchope Show Society (WSS) have been working in partnership to upgrade facilities at the Wauchope Showground with donated timber through the Community Timber Partnerships program. We chat with Leah Moncrieff (FCNSW) and Neil Coombes (WSS) about the project.

Leah, where did the timber come from?

The timber was donated through our Community Timber Partnerships program. This program, between Forestry Corporation and Pentarch Forestry, was created to distribute local North Coast timbers water damaged by the 2017 floods. When we heard about the grandstands being built at the Wauchope Showgrounds, we approached the Show Society to see if we could help and provide beautiful hardwood timber for the seating.

Neil, tell us about the grandstands and did the timber donation help?

Our old timber grandstands were about 70 years old and in an extremely poor condition, with wood rot setting in, and were in dire need of replacing. We were given limited funds via Government grants so the donation of all of the timber for the seating by the Forestry Corporation of NSW saved us tens of thousands of dollars allowing the grant monies to stretch much further.

Leah, are there any other timber partnerships in the area?

We’ve donated timber to over 15 local community groups in the area under this program. We’ve donated to local schools, sporting clubs, museums, and local gardens. It has been great to see this timber, that was grown and processed on the North Coast, reused in such a positive way supporting groups that do so much for the community. Timber is such a great building product, the only major building product that helps tackle climate change. Even after water damage, it’s been able to be reused and still looks beautiful. Over the past five years we’ve seen buildings repaired, bridges built for mountain bikes, new walkways, and shelters in gardens and now, these grandstands.

Neil, what do you think about the finished grandstands?

The Wauchope Show Society are thrilled with the completed grandstands, and we constantly receive positive feedback from users of the grounds. The much larger seating capacity will be fantastic for large future events in the community, enabling Wauchope to perhaps host bigger and better events in the Hastings area in the future.

Leah, what was the best part about being involved with this partnership?

We were fortunate that the Show Society made space available for signage in their new grandstands. Our new signs showcase some of the highlights of our local state forests including Swans Crossing camping and

The much larger picnic area in Kerewong seating capacity will be fantastic for State Forest, Wild Bull and The Bluff camping areas in Mt Boss large future events in State Forest, and Old the community, Bottlebutt Walking Track enabling Wauchope to in Burrawan State Forest, perhaps host bigger highlighting a wide girth and better events in tree over 200 years old. the Hastings area in We encourage people to the future. visit our beautiful state forest visitor areas where you can camp for free, take your dog and listen to nature. It’s important to know that besides unique visitor experiences, our native forests are managed for timber production under the most sustainable production system in the world. Forests and timber are renewable resources, and the most greenhouse-friendly production industry! Wood is a fantastic natural product, it’s just lovely to be around, and looks great wherever it’s featured.

Thanks Guys.