Coffs Coast Focus i41

Feature Story

COFFS COAST

February 2014// issue 41

Tim Richardson

THE

NEXT GENERATION OF MARTIAL ARTS

ALL INS INSTRUCTORS HAVE A WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

•FITNESS NCE •REAL TIME SELF DEFE •BOXING

•LITTL E COMM KIDS C ANDOS LASSES AGED 5 •ADULT PLUS S – MEN AND ALL AG ES WEL WOMEN COME

ONMENT R I V N E G AININ TED •SAFE TR ST AID ACCREDI N EI FIR •SENIOR EARS EXPERIENC Y •OVER 30 ARTIAL ARTS M

PROMOTING SELF DISCIPLINE, RESPECT & CONFIDENCE • Full-body workout • Corporate Training • Safe and fun using proven methods • Group Training • Qualified Trainer

DAY O T P U SIGN E E NS FR O S S 2 LE T S R I F

0438afk.hq1@gmail.com 586 488

3/30 Edgar Street Coffs Harbour

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: Melly Dee melly@focusmag.com.au

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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 2014 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

editor.

from the

Melly Dee.

Welcome to the February issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

T

his month you’ll find lots of fabulous stories on people who live in Woolgoolga fabulous people who are doing fabulous things. When I first moved to the Coffs Coast, I quickly learnt that you’re either a Northern Beaches, Coffs Harbour or Sawtell kind of person. Well, I’ve figured out which one I am … I’m all about Northern Beaches, and I’ve morphed into a proud Woopi resident. The old saying, ‘buy the T-shirt’ ... I’ve done that too, and I proudly wear my ‘I love Woolgoolga’ tee most Saturday mornings.

Fashion designer Danielle Wallace (featured on last month’s front cover) has swung open the doors at RIVIERA Top Shoppe, Woopi - our all time favourite coffee haunt wedged perfectly in between the Temple and the Seaview

Tavern on River Street. Or, if you’re in the area, why not call in to The Wild Salt Sea Junk Shop Old Wares … walking inside is like taking a cruise through a big magical gallery of collectables (take cash; they don’t have EFTPOS) - there seriously is something in there for everyone!

IN THIS ISSUE This month we put a call out to our Facebook friends asking you what you’d like to see in this edition. The response was overwhelming!

The February edition is dedicated to you, our supportive readers. This month’s content is stories that our readers have asked for. Local transport tycoon Tom Lindsay’s granddaughter, Jacquie Orr, speaks openly to her Pop about his trucking empire.Thank you to everyone who contacted us with story

ideas - keep them coming!

ON THE COVER Little Brett Caller and his wife, Em (aka ‘Little ow Em’). Em contacted us explaining how awesome her hubby is, suggesting we ree interview him. With a masters degree in sports science, he works full-timee at Baringa Private Hospital. In his sparee at time Brett teaches young surfers that g first surfing isn’t just about ego, coming ies. in comps and getting drunk at parties.

It’s about respecting the ocean and leading a healthy lifestyle. Photo byy ST Images.

EDITOR’S PHOTO ‘Kids, hats and cake’ was taken by photographer Leah Moore, www.leahmoore.com.au FINAL SAY Melly Dee – Editor “The harder I worked, the luckier I melly@focusmag.com.au Twitter: @le_mellydee got.” - Tom Lindsay, Lindsay Bros.

coffs coast focus 3

focusinterview.

Nambucca local artist Tim Richardson is a self-confessed bike riding lycra looney! A student of Tibetan Buddhism, given the chance Tim would paint all day long. After spending years painting from a kitchen table, his new art space is infamously known as ‘The Mancave Art Studio’. ow long have you lived on the Coffs Coast?

I moved to Nambucca Heads from Brisbane in May 2012, but have been a visitor since my late teens.

What are your interests when you're not painting?

I am one of those 'lycra loonies', out riding a bike with friends every chance I get, which provides a nice balance with the intellectual, creative, unsociable aspect of artwork.This is such a beautiful part of the country to be riding in. It also has a thriving arts community, which I need to be proactive in engaging with. And who can resist the beaches here?

How did you first develop an interest in art? Take us back to the beginning ...

I have been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for 30 years, and I have completed a six month silent retreat in New Zealand in 2003, during which, 'ideas' for artworks had developed. I later lived with artist friends whom I attempted to cajole into 'doing a painting for me'. Their response was, “It's your idea; do it yourself” ... which I did.

Ten years later, I have barely scratched the surface of stuff I would like to do.

Every painting becomes the source for 'variations on a theme' and even if I did not have another idea, just using the scribblings and notes I currently have I could paint ten 4 coffs coast focus.

hours a day, six days a week for the next two I also like to paint BIG! The current piece, years - if only I could! which has developed over the last few years, Tell us about your training and what's is 2.5m x 2.5 m, and my objective is to influenced your art ... 'monumentalise' it and see how it turns out I completed a Diploma of Visual Arts at four times the current size. Just how I can Brisbane North TAFE in 2008, which was pull that off? I have no idea, but it would be utterly inspiring and confirmed my addiction brilliant to give it a lash. One day. to expression-through-paint. My Where do you paint? Tell us about favourite artists are people your space ... like Robert Rauschenberg, The Mancave Art Studio Jasper Johns, Colin is my 'happy place' after McCahon, Immants years of painting on I have been a n ta be Tiller, to name my kitchen-table. Lady student of Ti s, ar ye a few. My art Fortune smiled upon 30 Buddhism for ed et pl m teacher is also me, and I now have co and I have nt le si th responsible use of a space big a six mon and al Ze ew N in for getting me t enough to park seven retrea which, ng ri du , 03 into cycling (but or eight cars in! It is 20 in ks had ‘ideas’ for artwor NOT sailing) and also a five minute walk develo pe d.” we continue to from my day job and converse at length surprisingly for Nambucca on both subjects on Heads, it’s not uphill! a regular basis. The best Have you exhibited? inspiration comes from talking I have been part of several group with other artists, which is why my studio exhibitions in Brisbane, at Eagle Farm and is open to anyone who wants to have a chat. Redcliffe and had some pieces shown in the (I'm good at that!) annual Nambucca Arts Show.

Describe your artistic style ...

Where do you sell your art?

Style? Hmm… it's 'very me'. I like to think Out of the Mancave Studio. Prices are some of it is intelligent, even challenging available upon request and vary depending … some of it is just 'fun-with-colours'. not only on size, but also their personal Many of the pieces, being based on 'things significance to me. Several pieces simply Buddhist', require fairly lengthy explanations, are not for sale; my kids will kill me if I sell which I am happy to provide upon request. those!

“

What type of techniques do you use?

My works are acrylics with 'foundobjects', tissue-paper and boards figuring prominently. A lot of my works are textbased; some are still-life-segments. I frequently work in series, producing a few, or many, works on the same topic such as 'The 4 Cardinal Virtues of Cycling' or 'Flowers, Cogs or Wheels'. Almost all have multiple layers, not only of content, but also meaning.

What is your full-time job, and do you hope to further develop your art into a full-time career?

I work four hours a day at the Wild Terra bakery in Nambucca, which keeps the wolf from my door and grants me the liberty to pursue those things that make me happy. I paint for the joy it brings me; if other people like it - that is just bonus joy. I'd love to be moderately successful with my art, that way I could afford to buy more stuff to paint with. And not have to get up at 4.30am.

Sorry Boss, much as I am a morning-person (laughs).

What art work has been the most influential to you and your works?

Have to name three artists’ works: Colin McCahon; Immants Tiller and Piet Mondriaan. If I had to name a specific piece, Picasso's Guernica resonates with me.

Thanks Tim. facebook.com/pages/Mancave-Art

focusinterview.

TOP SHOPPE

RIVIERA TOP SHOPPE, WOOPI IS PERCHED ON THE TOP OF TOWN IN BETWEEN THE TEMPLE AND THE SEAVIEW TAVERN. IT'S A FABULOUS, VERY COOL NEW COFFEE SPOT, SERVING ALL THE VERY BEST ALLPRESS COFFEE, HEARTHFIRE BAKERY BREADS, PASTRIES AND TREATS. FASHION DESIGNER DANIELLE WALLACE HAS RETURNED HOME TO THE AREA AND RIVIERA TOP SHOPPE, WOOPI IS HER NEW MECCA SHOWCASING THE ECLECTIC PIECES SHE HAS SOURCED LOCALLY AND FROM AROUND THE WORLD ALONG THE WAY …

W

here did you come up with the concept to create a coffee shop, and how is it different from a café?

I'm not sure how this project quite started … firstly, I thought the building lent itself to being a café; it was about the light, sunshine and aspect, as well as the bones of the building. We have the mountain views and sea glimpses; it was vacant and a project I thought that was waiting to happen - I could visualise it. When it became available, I thought I'd better put the vision to the test.

Being a designer, I've put my little aesthetic stamp on Riviera … the project was a tad self indulgent, in the sense I wanted a cool coffee hub closer to home with fantastic coffee and to show off some unique products I've found, sourced locally and internationally.

Tell us about the fit out … what did this entail?

What is the history of the space?

Well, I'm quite the collector … the space is an eclectic mix - my counter is an original French pharmacy counter over a hundred years old, combined with a sense of irony, vintage surf scenes and pictures, with polished stone floor, a combination of retro, rustic and modern eclectic. Outside there is casual nautical Riviera feel, and as we are perched above the township in top town, we enjoy lovely sea breezes.

What is Allpress Coffee, and how is that different from normal coffee?

Allpress Coffee … my favourite coffee. Allpress aims to be the best little coffee company in the world.

6 coffs coast focus.

Allpress selects the world's top beans and has led the way pioneering air roasting and in consistency.

Who are your gorgeous baristas?

Where are they from, and what experience do these guys bring to Woopi?

Love my baristas! I knew I had to get the coffee right from day one. I've imported my baristas direct from Bondi ... the space is an y to train in the art of perfect coffee eclectic mix - m al in ig or an is r making - it is an art, and from day counte y French pharmac one the coffee has been fantastic nhu a er ov r counte and quickly recognised. My friend, dred years old .”

Mathew Martin, has come from roasting coffee at Allpress, and with years of coffee experience … we are in the best possible hands and delivering a memorable coffee experience. Doesn't hurt they are a bit handsome as well!

You don't only sell coffee. What else can we find at RIVIERA Top Shoppe, Woopi?

Apart from the memorable coffee, there are Makala Hawaiian T-shirts, Panama hats direct from Ecuador, Sunpocket Sunglasses, Witzig surf prints and fun gifts. I wanted to create a classic, casual, but cool Australian beach store ... a place to turn up before or after a swim or walking the dog, or after a bike ride.

We would love to welcome you.

“

the plug!

RIVIERA Top Shoppe, Woopi 29 River Street, Woolgoolga.

18.

inside this

Tom Lindsay.

Tom Lindsay, an icon in the Australian Road Transport Industry, now retired and enjoying life to the full in Coffs Harbour.

Issue 41 - February 2014

Classic Car Club.

usual suspects.

32.

The C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club is an intra club of the C.ex Coffs and is headed by President Peter Titmus. The objectives of the club are to promote, foster and encourage the understanding, restoration and use of sports, touring and classic cars.

the

8. what’s on for February 22. eat featuring local restaurants 62. social scene with Carole Beros

64. star guide with Terri 67. tourism with Tourism Coffs Coast

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

80.

Wild Salt Sea. The Wild Salt Sea Junk Shop Old Wares, Woolgoolga is the only junk shop on the Coffs Coast. They sell everything from pots and pans, old wares and collectables, vinyl records and musical instruments, furniture and much more!

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

coffs coast focus 7

A ROU N D T H E R E G ION //F E B RUA RY 2014

Tijuana Cartel Fit and Sober at The Hoey Moey. All tickets at the venue, Park Beach Music, Coopers Surf, Palms Shopping and www.offbeatoperations.com.au When Friday 14 Feb. Tickets $20 + booking fee - Doors 8:45pm.

14

Coffs Coast Social Change 101 Program Information Session Where Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

Date/time 5 February from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Cost Free.

Tickets rsvp to katie@sse.org.au or 0411 457 636.

Dragon Boats Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club is forming a new men’s crew for 2014. Men are invited to a come and try day followed by a barbecue on the Bellinger River at Mylestom. Dragon boating will increase strength, endurance, co-ordination and is a great core-specific workout. It also works the upper-body and the legs and stomach while increasing cardiovascular fitness and improving bone density.

The benefits are mental too - people do it for enjoyment, relaxation, and it is the ultimate team sport.

When Sunday February 2 - 9am.

To book a space on the boat, phone Alan 0431 381981 or

coffscoastdbc@gmail.com

8 coffs coast focus.

BCU Coffs TRI

Twilight Food dM Mar Markets ark ar kets ket ke ts

A weekend of fun sporting events for the whole family at Coffs Jetty Foreshores. Entries for the 2nd annual bcu Coffs TRI on 1 - 2 March 2014 are now open online at villagesports.com.au - The inaugural multisport festival was a huge success in 2013, attracting over 600 competitors, and event organisers Village Sports are expecting it to sell out in record time.

Grab your family, kids, your dog and a bottle of wine and kick back on a blanket and enjoy the friendly atmosphere while tasting the food from various food stalls. Lots of entertainment for the whole family.

When 1 and 2 March 2014.

When Every Friday night during Daylight Saving.

Where Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour.

Contact 0418 447 330.

NOW NOWOPEN OPEN COFFS COFFSCENTRAL CENTRAL Byron Byron Bay Bay based based fashion fashion label label Phyllis Phyllis && Mimosa Mimosa is excited is excited toto open open their their newest newest designer designer store store in in Coffs Coffs Central.

Central.

Phyllis Phyllis && Mimosa Mimosa emphasises emphasises the the coastal coastal lifestyle lifestyle with with statement statement prints, prints, resort resort wear wear and and fashion fashion basics basics whch whch encompass encompass the the latest latest in in ready ready toto wear wear designer designer fashion. fashion.

Visit Visit the the store store toto view view their their fullfull range range ofof exclusive exclusive dresses, dresses, kaftans kaftans and and tunics tunics in in luxurious luxurious silks silks and and aa stunning stunning collection collection ofof jewellery, jewellery, bags bags and and shoes. shoes.

Phyllis Phyllis && Mimosa Mimosa look look forward forward toto seeing seeing you! you!

PHYLLIS PHYLLIS && MIMOSA MIMOSA COFFS COFFS HARBOUR HARBOUR Coffs Coffs Central Central Shopping Shopping Centre Centre (Opposite (Opposite CBA CBA Bank) Bank) coffs@mimosa.com.au coffs@mimosa.com.au || www.phyllisandmimosa.com www.phyllisandmimosa.com || facebook.com/phyllisandmimosa facebook.com/phyllisandmimosa

BCU

COFFS TRI 1ST AND 2ND MARCH 2014

A weekend of fun sporting events for the whole family at Coffs Jetty Foreshores

ntries for the 2nd annual bcu Coffs TRI on 1 - 2 March 2014 are now open online at www.villagesports. com.au The inaugural multisport festival was a huge success in 2013, attracting over 600 competitors, and event organisers Village Sports are expecting it to sell out in record time. bcu’s Chief Executive, Lyndon Kingston said, “bcu is again thrilled to be the major sponsor for the 2014 bcu Coffs TRI, which attracted competitors from across Australia to the Coffs Coast in 2013. Feedback from spectators, entrants and locals highlighted what a great success it was, and bcu was happy to play an integral role in bringing this event to the Coffs Coast.”

The bcu Coffs TRI weekend of events includes an ‘Enticer Tri’ (375 m / 10 km /2.5 km) and races for children aged 5 - 14 on the Saturday, with the headline Olympic-distance triathlon (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle and 10 km run)

on the Sunday. It has something for everyone, regardless of age, ability or level of fitness.

The spectacular open I water swim, conThe bcu Coffs TR ts en ev of nd ke ee w sidered one of the icer Tri’ includes an ‘Ent most beautiful in Village Sports aims to 2. 5 km) / (375 m / 10 km the country, is held attract triathletes to ed ag n ildre and races for ch ith w , inside the protected, Coffs Harbour to exay rd 5-14 on the Satu picm ly pristine harbour, with perience the incredible O the headline km .5 (1 n lo th ia tr bcu Coffs TRI course, spectators getting a distance cle and 10 encourage more locals bird's-eye view from swim, 40 km cy Sunday.” km run) on the to take up the great sport the Jetty. The two-lap of triathlon and most imporbike course is fast yet tantly, create a memorable and challenging on a closed road family-friendly event. out to Toormina and back to the harbour; and the run comprises two laps Coffs Harbour is ideally situated on the along the beautiful harbour foreshores, east coast of NSW, approximately halfway incorporating the iconic Coffs Jetty. between Sydney and Brisbane and easily ac-

“

Village Sports is offering a total prize purse of AU$4,500 for open male and female category placegetters.

cessible by air, rail and road. With its beautiful location and world-class course, the bcu Coffs TRI is expected to become one of the must do

FLY THE FOCUS FLAG AND

Focus is giving you the chance to win $1,000 cash just by helping to promote Focus. You can go it alone and win the money for yourself, or you could enter as a school or community group - it’s up to you.

Wear a t-shirt with Focus on it, slap a Focus sticker on your car, fly a Focus banner across the sky, get Focus shaved into your hair, create an artwork ... anything you can think of. As long as it’s fresh and individual and gets the Focus name out there for the community to see, you’re in the running to win the cash! Just take a photo and email your entry to giveaway@focusmag.com.au or by mail to “Fly the Focus Flag” PO BOX 286, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 before the 15th April 2014. Good Luck!

Conditions of the Focus promo comp - 1. Each entry must be completed in accordance with these Conditions of Entry. By entering the Competition, each entrant agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Entry. 2. Your entry must not (a) break any laws (b) infringe copyright (c) deface public property (d) involve trespassing on private property. 3. The competition commences 1st Febrruary 2014. 4. The competition closes 15th April 2014, and entries must be received by 5pm on that date. Focus is not responsible for any entries lost or not received. All entries are non-returnable. 5. Entry to the Competition is free. There is no limit on the number of entries a person may submit. 6. Each entrant warrants that (a) all details provided in their entry are true and correct and (b) the entry is their own original creation and work, and does not infringe the rights (including copyright) of any other person. 7. To enter the competition, the person must provide Focus with a photo of their entry, the entrant’s full name, address and contact details. 8. Entries must be sent either via email to giveaway@focusmag.com.au, or posted to “Fly the Focus Flag”, PO BOX 286, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 before 15th April 2014.

10 coffs coast focus.

events on the national Triathlon calendar.

Entries for the bcu Coffs TRI are now open at www.villagesports.com.au Saturday 1 March: bcu Coffs Kids Tri: Races for ages 5 - 13 'Enticer' event for ages 14+: 375 m swim / 10 km cycle / 2.5 km run.

All competitors receive a finisher's medal and bag of goodies.

Sunday 2 March: Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5 km swim / 40 km cycle / 10 km run).

Individual and team entries available.

To enter and for further information, go to: www.villagesports.com.au

coffs coast focus 11

focusinterview.

B R E T T

C A L L E R

PHOTOGRAPHY ST IMAGES

the beginning ... I began surfing when I was about 10 at Yarumba on the Sunshine Coast. I was pretty heavily involved in nippers, then progressed into local board riders clubs to spend more time in the water than chasing flags around a beach. From the age of 14 through to about 18, I started competing in regional, state and interstate contests.

BRETT CALLER IS NOT ONLY A

I met Sage Joske from Valla Surfboards in my early 20s, and he opened my eyes to surfing history and broadened my horizons as to what else surfing had to offer outside of the modern day thruster. This involved riding ancient Hawaiian surfboards to heavy single fin old mals from the '60s, finless boards, surf mats and hand planes ... basically, anything that floats! Learning how to explore the ocean and ride waves in different ways was like being a grom all over again.

GREAT GUY; HE IS ALSO AN UNBELIEVABLE SURFER WHO LOVES THE OCEAN. WITH A MASTERS IN SPORTS SCIENCE, HE WORKS FULL-TIME AT BARINGA PRIVATE HOSPITAL. IN HIS SPARE TIME BRETT TEACHES YOUNG SURFERS THAT SURFING ISN’T JUST ABOUT EGO, COMING FIRST IN COMPS AND GETTING DRUNK AT PARTIES. IT’S ABOUT RESPECTING THE OCEAN AND LEADING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

here did you grow up? Have you always loved the ocean? I was 12 when my family moved to Urunga to manage the Hungry Head Cabins.

We lived on the headland; it was awesome. It was the best thing ever in winter when my mates and I would surf before school, steal the shower block key from reception to have a hot shower and then be racing to the bus, getting changed into our uniforms as it was taking off.

Having the ocean as a major part of my life was inevitable, as my mum has always loved the surfing. She’s in her 50s now and is still making finals at surfing comps.

How has your surfing progressed? Take us back to

12 coffs coast focus.

You did a Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology. What is your day job? What type of work do you specialise in at Baringa Private Hospital? I work full-time for Baringa as an exercise physiologist prescribing exercise to people dealing with chronic conditions. I’m involved in running a variety of different day programs for outpatients such as pulmonary rehab and pain management, reconditioning programs for people to get them back on track after surgery, as well as gym and hydrotherapy classes.

You do a lot of work with the local groms. What type of ethics do you teach the kids? In the last few months I’ve started a strength and conditioning training program called Surf Elite with about 20 young surfers aged between 12 and 18. I feel really passionate about teaching the groms that surfing isn’t just about ego, coming first in comps and getting drunk at parties. It’s about respecting the ocean and leading a healthy lifestyle. To keep their stoke in surfing alive.

You're up each morning at 5am in the ocean. In your

focusinterview.

“

In the last few months I’ve started a strength and conditioning training program called Surf Elite with about 20 young surfers aged between 12 and 18.”

opinion, where is the best place to surf? It really depends on the wind direction, tide and swell; however, we’re really lucky on the Coffs Coast that we have a load of different nooks and headlands to use as protection, so there seems to always be an option all within a 10 minute drive.

Seeing the sunrise each morning is the best way to start the day. It charges me up. I’m so grateful to experience it every morning before I start work at 8am.

Last year you competed in a marathon. What type of training did you have to undergo to participate in such a huge challenge? I helped to organise a marathon in aid of The Stroke Foundation back in April 2013.

Nothing could prepare me for running 45 km into a howling southerly at high tide along soft sand from Red Rock to Coffs.

Definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

enough to go to uni. After that a world of opportunities opened up, and now I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

What's been your best decision? Going to uni and getting married.

Who inspires you and why? My good mate Nathan Oldfield. He’s a brilliant film maker, loving husband and father, keen shredder and always humble.

What dreams do you still want to fulfil? I’m trying to live in the moment these days, instead of planning my life away, so my sights are on travelling to Hawaii at the end of the month, finishing my Nelson Mandela biography and ly al I feel re t ou more tandem surfs with Little ab te na io pass s om Em. gr e th ng achi

“

te t just that surfing isn’ g first in m about ego, co ing tt ge d an in comps s.” ie rt pa at drunk

Thanks Brett.

With your wife being a naturopath, is health your biggest priority? My health means everything to me. If I’m not healthy, I don’t have the freedom to spend my life doing what I love. Also, working in a hospital really motivates me to practice a healthy lifestyle. I still want to be hanging ten when I’m 80.

Since meeting Emma, she’s taught me to convalesce, take my fish oil capsules and to go to yoga. She definitely practises what she preaches.

Which five words best describe you? Keen, energetic, positive, stoked and hungry.

What's the biggest lesson you've learnt along the way? My wife taught me the saying, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten”. This really resonates with me.

After high school I was living in my comfort zone and bouncing around between jobs (surf shops, the Navy, a plumbing apprenticeship, personal training). Growing up, I always prided myself on being good at sport rather than being academic, but I finally started believing in myself

coffs coast focus 13

focusinterview.

pete murray at the Hoey Moey

Ten years ago, Pete Murray released his definitive album, Feeler, in Australia. It marked the end of his promising sporting career and the dawn of a hugely successful music career. s Feeler’s popularity grew organically through wordof-mouth, live shows and community airplay, it spawned Australian classic Roots/Rock songs Feeler, Lines, Bail Me Out, and Please. Funnily enough, Pete initially didn’t want to include the song So Beautiful on the album but as fate would have it, this song struck a chord with the nation when radio jumped on it, and So Beautiful became the Most Performed Australian Song of the Year in 2004.

The album eventually reached #1 on the national ARIA charts, sold over 7 x platinum, was nominated for a whopping 12 x ARIA Awards and spent over two and half years in the Top 100.

Cracking live shows and sold out national tours ensued with ever-increasing crowds, headlining festival performances and the beginning of an international career with sold out dates in England, Ireland and Continental Europe.

Since the release of Feeler back in 2003, Pete has toured Australia regularly and has played Coffs Harbour many times during the last ten years, so he’s looking forward to heading back to Coffs to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release.

After recording Feeler, Pete hadn’t listened to the album from start to fin14

coffs coast focus.

ish in over 8 years: "I think I went into "I had heard that Sarah Blasko had post album blues and never liked it. used the Bulgarian Orchestra before Then I got a text from Darren Middleton and had great success, so we thought it (Powderfinger) 2 years ago saying, 'I would be a good idea to record them just listened to Feeler; what a great performing all the tracks from Feeler. album' – that’s when I thought All in all, it was a very cool experiI should listen to it again ence, and the orchestra did from start to finish. an amazing job on the To my relief, I really songs,” Pete said. liked it and de“This tour, to After recording cided we should celebrate the 10 Feeler, Pete celebrate the year anniversary to the ’t hadn listened ten year anniof this definit to al bum from star versary of the tive album, Pete years: finish in over 8 release”.

Murray is tourst po to 'I think I went in r The 10 Year ing the country ve ne d al bum blues an anniversary performing Feeler liked it'.” edition of Feeler with members of also features a bohis original band, The nus disc of the songs Stonemasons, and a live recorded by the Bulgarstring section. Pete and his ian Symphony Orchestra. band of muso brothers will be “That album was very close to people's reliving the magic of this classic album hearts when it was released, so making and that special time in our lives at ... it something special was really the only way we could do it. the plug!

"I played a show with the Adelaide Pete Murray playing at the Hoey Orchestra earlier last year and already Moey on Thursday 27 February had the score for about 6 songs from Feeler, so all we needed was to finish the other songs. I got in touch with Rod EnTickets available at the venue nis, who did the score for the orchestra or www.oztix.com.au for the Adelaide show and had him finish Story by Chrissie Vincent. them off.

“

SPANLINE Enjoying the Outdoors

W

hen your backyard hen h has views across a tranquil lagoon and rural valleys, you

want to enjoy it.

Matt and Liz Webb found Spanline advertised in the local paper and were impressed from the start.

“When Erin came out from Spanline and showed us the roofing profiles and the wind-down patio blinds, we liked it. He spent a lot of time with us and seemed really professional,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful house, and the structure they chose has definitely added value and tripled the outdoor entertaining space,” Spanline’s Erin Williams said.

Before

of maintenance, and we kne knew Spanline did good work,” Matt Webb said.

“The guy who came and put the roof and patio structure up had to work around the pool guy, but he was amazing,” Liz Webb said. “He was here from 6am to 6pm and worked the whole time.”

“I think it only took him about 8 days to put it all in,” Matt Webb said.

“It’s really extended the house and opened it up. It’s a great place to sit, have cups of tea and watch the kids in the pool. Even if it’s raining, the kids can still play out there,” she said.

“I recommended a winged gable to let the light and views in, as well as winddown weatherproof blinds to help stop the cold winds in winter and the rain in summer,” Erin said.

Summer Outdoors:

Choosing a builder was easy. “A couple of friends had used Spanline, so we knew the product looked nice,” Liz Webb said.

and Grace, play in the pool

“You don’t have to paint it or do a lot

Coffs Coast’s Matt and Liz Webb are looking forward to watching the kids, William while sitting in the cool comfort of their new Spanline patio.

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EDITOR'S PICKS

Gear up this month with our favourite pieces, all sourced from our local retailers. If you have a piece that you'd like featured, please email melly@focusmag.com.au

Cosmo day-bed in recycled red mahogany $1800 Big Garden Furniture, Woolgoolga

Chevron Vessel 30cm $39.95 Broady Vessel 39.5cm $44.95 Roosevelt Clock $149 Freedom Furniture

Silk Jogger pant $159 Phyllis and Mimosa

Vintage NY Vintage V N jacket j $POA The Wi Wild ld dS Sa Salt a Sea Junk Shop Old Ware Wa re es,, Woolgoolga Woo o Wares,

Doc Martens, E-Degrees $189.95

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BOSE Soundlink Mini $249 Sonos Play:1 $299 Park Beach Music & Hi Fi

Makala Hawaiian Tee $66 Panama Hat $100 RIVIERA Top Shoppe Woopi

Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen leather bracelet with diamond sweet spot hearts, Kennedy Jewellers, collection starts at $235

VENUS occasional chair, $849 KHARBUJA hand painted iron pot, $489 VAST Interior

Eagle necklace $48.99 Two finger ring $13 Baby pink crystal necklace $41.99 Available at Moire in Coffs Central

coffs coast

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Interview by Jacquie Orr Tom and Peter early 70s

LINDSAY Tom Lindsay, an icon in the Australian Road Transport Industry, now retired and enjoying life to the full in Coffs Harbour. ou and your late brother, Peter, were both born and raised in Coffs Harbour. Tell us about your childhood and what it was like growing up here in the 1940s - how is Coffs Harbour different now?

I was born in Coffs Harbour Hospital (Sunnyside Hospital in Elizabeth Street) in May 1931. I grew up in Boambee and attended Boambee Public School, followed by St Augustine’s Catholic School. Peter and I doubled each other, on one pushbike and on a gravel road, to St Augustine’s from Boambee to Coffs Harbour for two years. At the age of 13, I left school to join the workforce to help provide income for the family.

In the early 1940s we used to pick peas and beans, before and after school, on our neighbourhood farms, handing our wages to the family, as things were tough during the war years. We never had a bought toy but we made our own fun, making canoes, kites and billycarts out of scrap materials we found at our friends’ and neighbours’ properties.

The Bellingen Shire Council had a depot near by and used to give us small containers of tar to seal the corners of our canoes. We enjoyed playing around the creek beds; we spent many hours in Boambee Creek swimming and playing with the kids next door. That was where we learnt to swim; we didn’t have a nice big local pool that we could use.

When I was growing up, the population of Coffs Harbour Shire was approximately 5,000, and it's now approximately 75,000.

What was your first job as a young person when you left school, and how did this job influence the businessman you are today?

At 13 I worked on a banana and tomato farm. I did everything from plant to pick. I have always been a farmer at heart. I was share-farming on a tomato farm at the age of 17. I was successful the first year, but the second year I was washed out in the floods. I then went to Sydney and worked for Unilever in the Pear Soap division. I worked 5 x 10 hours shifts and 12 hours on Saturday. At this stage I lived at Kings Cross and, as there were no trams on a Saturday before 7am, I would run from Kings Cross to York Street in the city, catch the bus to Balmain, where I worked from 6am to 6pm, then catch the tram home. I made enough 18 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

50th anniversary fireworks

money to come back to carting for many other Our lifelong Coffs and put my half industries. ambition was to share, 500 pounds, into What other d an ucks own 20 Mack tr ed the deposit to purchase businesses ev hi ac retire at 55. We ry ve the trucks from our have you been ks uc the 20 Mack tr e ad m r father. This was the start involved in over ve early, but ne t!” en of Lindsay Bros Transport the years? em the retir in March 1953.

When I was 37 we Tell us about the contract bought a 200-acre that you signed in 1953; farm at Hydes Creek, is this how Lindsay Brothers north of Bellingen. I took Transport was established?

18 months out of the trucking The contract between our father and business to establish this farm. We Peter and I was for the sale of 3 second hand planted 25 acres of bananas, planted Ford trucks, on which our father used to cart beans, peas and tomatoes and a few acres bananas and produce to the rail. The contract of citrus. We added a dairy, and eventually the was witnessed by the headmaster of the local farm expanded to the stage that we had 5 school and Harley Eckford, who spent his share-farmers working on the property. Then whole working life working with Lindsay Bros I went back to the trucks. During my time at as a self-taught electrician/ mechanic / truck Lindsay Brothers I have also been involved driver. Our first 'Mechanics Workshop' was a in earthmoving, a garden centre, a crane vice attached to a timber log. Peter and I drove company, brick wholesaling, and 4 service trucks every day for the first 10 years. As the stations. business grew, we gradually backed off driving In 1991 I became involved with rebuilding in order to manage our growing business.

Bonville Golf Resort, which I managed for 9 Our lifelong ambition was to own 20 Mack years - a different, but great part of my life. trucks and retire at 55. We achieved the 20 In 1998 my brother, Peter, passed away Mack trucks very early, but never made the aged 68 - when I was 66. When I turned 70, retirement! our families decided to float the company on Originally, our company carted fruit and the Australian Stock Exchange. The company vegetables to Newcastle and Sydney markets. name was then changed to Lindsay Australia.

Over the years we have continued to carry My life has not always been about business. refrigerated produce but also diversified into I have been a member of the Coffs Harbour

“

Rotary Club for 43 years, and my family still supports many charities and sporting bodies throughout the community and nationally.

Tell us when you were inducted into the Australian National Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs and then again in the Queensland Road Transport Legends Hall of Fame for your contribution to the Road Transport industry.

I was very honoured to be inducted into the Alice Springs Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2003 and into the Queensland Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2013, along with my late brother, Peter.

Hit us with some current stats for Lindsay Australia in 2014.

Depots - 30 Number of trucks - 313 Number of trailers - 492 Total tyres on the road each night - 9,000 Kilometres per annum - 52,184,259 Tonnes of Freight carried per annum 1,786,944 Staff total - 923 Annual Turnover - $283,465,000 Lindsay Australia is the largest refrigerated transport company in Australia.

When did you decide to retire? Do you still call in to the office? If so, how often?

I have officially retired - but still have my finger on the pulse! My family and I are still major shareholders in Lindsay Australia. Most days you will find me at Boambee depot for

The original contract signed in 1953 by Peter and Tom Lindsay

an hour or so checking on my grandsons’ management skills - (the family call it "sticking my nose in"!) At 82 I am enjoying life immensely and hope I still have a few more 'grease and oil changes' left in me.

In our constantly changing business environment, what advice would you give to the younger generation to help them to be successful in business?

Success can only be achieved through hard work, common sense, honesty and personalised service in all business dealings.

Unfortunately, the good old fashioned 'hand shake' that we relied on for so many years has now been replaced by legal documents.

Peter and I had reputations as "good, hard workers". I have heard the statement over the years "that we are very lucky", but I have stressed my opinion to all that “the harder I worked, the luckier I got”, and at this stage in my life I haven’t changed this opinion.

Now that you've retired, what fills up your day?

Travelling overseas two or three times a year. Three major fishing trips, 2 to the Gulf of Carpentaria and 1 to Port Phillip Bay, southern Victoria. When I’m home - a coffee here and there with friends, a couple of games of golf and I enjoy looking after my big lawn and garden. I have 9 children, 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Enough said!

Thanks Tom. coffs coast focus

19

ownerrenae.

Cottage News ommunication Technologies

C

In a world of Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and emails as an acceptable and much desired way to communicate and reach out to the community, we at 3 Bears made a decision to invest in technology and to join the world in the use of widespread technology adoption.

more time can be spent one-on-one with our children and engaging our Educators to build responsive and respectful relationships with our families and children.

The sharing and communication of information on our children with our families can now be delivered in the relaxation of their own environments and in their own time. Families now have the choice and e With the introduction of Among th es ur at freedom to access their fe main iPads and a software gy lo no ch child's documented of our te management system, en the learning from our adoption has be the benefits to ficient effective and ef : service, using any our Educators has cumentation of do technology device they been vast. Among and child portfolios may have at hand, d an p the main features journaling, grou , ns io whether it’s a laptop, at rv of our technology individual obse ...” s ie or st tablet, desktop or smart adoption has been the and learning phone.

For those busy effective and efficient mums and dads out there documentation of: child who may not have the time portfolios and journaling, and chance to read things displayed group and individual observations, around the service, they now have the learning stories, photo and image chance at the touch of a logon to view their management and what we believe to be child's portfolio of photos and observations the icing on the cake, a parent portal with a and the classroom, without having to personal secure sign-in. physically be present.

These are just a few benefits, as there are Ultimately, 3 Bears advancements in way too many features to sum up here. communication technologies has enabled But the fact that it enables our Educators families with opportunities to contribute to decrease their administration load, while to their child’s learning in a way that once seamlessly sharing information across all never existed. our rooms/Educators and programs means

“

20 coffs coast focus.

New Year's Resolution Happy New Year to all of our clients, family and friends.

The festive season has gone quickly, and I hope it treated you well. It is now time to reflect on the year that has gone and focus on your plans for the New Year.

I find that many people think about their financial situation over the holiday period and how they can do things differently or improve their situation in the year ahead.

Why not start the new year by conducting a waste audit on your business?

Toyota, for example, uses a seven step process to identify waste in their business. If you put a value on it, then corrective action can be taken.

Whether you are employed or self employed, there is always room for improvement, and even small changes can lead to bigger and better outcomes.

You need to 'plant that seed' if you want to grow.

We have a range of packages of services that can be tailored to suit your needs for both business and personal clients. 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.

Klaustel Phones & Data It appears that there are many sales people out and about each day, stating that many current systems are not compatible with the NBN. This has resulted in a number of businesses being convinced into upgrading their current system to either a Hosted system or an expensive new telephone system unnecessarily.

Q. Do I need to purchase a new phone system to work on the NBN? A. NO, for under $100 you can purchase an ATA box to convert your new digital lines back to analog for your existing phone system. Klaustel can provide this service if required.

Q. Should I get a second opinion before I commit to any contract?

Got your business a New Year's resolution If you have been putting off getting your business a new website or some needed branding ‌ the time is now!

Start this year the right way with getting your business looking and performing great. Whether it be a new website, rebranding or print and signage design, Giant Media can give you a great kick start to the new year.

A. YES, with Klaustel the installers are also the sales team, and we do not work on commissions.

Giant Media offers a great FREE no obligation meeting where we can in depth go through your new project in person. We listen and come up with a unique strategy that will work for your business.

We will not sell you a product or service that does not suit your needs.

So don’t procrastinate any longer ‌ reach out for the phone or jump online NOW!

coffs coast focus 21

Coff C ffs C Coastt

Sushi Sashimi Tempura Bento Set from Sarong Bar & Restaurant..

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

22 coffs coast focus focus.

eat.

The Pier Hotel Waves @ The Pier Hotel has some fantastic dishes on offer this summer. Our new menus have been a massive hit; there’s something for everyone. Head Chef Dave Newick and his team continue to produce quality, delicious food such as the mouth watering filet mignon. We still offer the best value lunches on the coast starting at $10 and a great range of tap beers and quality wines, available 7 days per week.

element bar Located in the middle of the Jetty strip you'll find Element Bar, now open breakfast, lunch and dinner five days, 7am 'til late.

Brand new breakfast menu includes: big brekkies, traditional and global favourites, kids' brekkies, freshly made juices, frappes, smoothies, milk shakes, energiser juices, superb Bottero Coffees and Red Sparrow teas. Lunches for either relaxed lunches or quick work lunches … fresh salads, gourmet sliders, mega burgers, fresh seafood, kids' lunches only $4 with adult meal. Superb dinner menu, with a blend of innovative global cuisines.

CREATIVE COCKTAILS • EXTENSIVE WINE LIST OPEN 'TIL 2AM Friday and Saturday with Hot DJs.

Head Chef Chris Rea.

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

380 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty t 6651 6655

Open: lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm, dinner 5.30pm 8.30pm, 7 days a week.

open: 5 days, 7am 'til late, Tuesday - Saturday.

Seared scallop tacos and strawberry margarita.

Head Chef Dave Newick.

Lime Mexican Lime Mexican Tapas Restaurant and Bar is the newest and most unique restaurant on the Coffs Harbour Jetty Strip.

With our energetic staff, the fun and vibrant atmosphere lends itself to a menu that has been designed to share across multiple courses.

Come and check out Lime today to experience our fresh take on modern and street style Mexican food, which is complemented by a great selection of wine, Mexican cervezas, margaritas, cocktails, tequila and mezcal.

Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar Ah, can you smell it … wafting on the breeze, permeating through everything you do this month … It is the smell of love. As infamously during February, love is in the air! No different at Zulu’s, with our 'Seasoned with Love' Valentine’s Day Degustation Dinner being held at 7pm on Friday 14 February. An all drinks inclusive, six course dinner for only $150 per couple, so bring the one you love and join us as we explore what love tastes like!

Open for dinner 7 nights from 5pm 'til late.

Owners Jessica & Trent.

366 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, Jetty Strip t 0421 573 570 e info@limemexican.com.au open: 7 nights from 5pm 'til late.

Bookings recommended.

Chef Joel McCulla.

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

Dinner: Monday – Saturday, 6pm – late. coffs coast focus 23

eat.

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with celeriac puree and roasted beets.

Macauleys Restaurant There’s nothing more divine than dinner at Macauleys Restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Expect a night filled with promise, anticipation and ... romance.

Chef Craig has created a menu filled with dishes guaranteed to satiate any appetite ... be tempted by dishes such as our Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with celeriac puree and roasted beets and desserts to die for.

Bookings are (of course) essential and we recommend you book early as you may be in the “dog house” with your significant other if you miss out.

Pasfields Restaurant Bar Deck Spoil your valentine this Friday, February 14 with a sumptuous special Valentine’s menu, including our spectacular seafood platter, in beautiful surrounds.

Book now with a $20 deposit to reserve your place.

Have you seen our funky new deck with spectacular views yet?

Whether it be a special occasion with a fine dining à la carte serviced menu, just a casual drink or pizza or bar menu, Pasfields makes everyone welcome.

Head Chef David Ricketts.

Email or come in and let us tailor make special packages for your wedding, reunion or get together, or look at our packages on our website.

675 Pacific Highway, Korora t 6653 7710 w www.pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au

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

open: Lunch Fri – Sun or any other times for bookings of >10 made in advance. Dinner nightly from 5pm, à la carte, bar menu or takeaway.

Caprese Salad with Garlic Infused Mozzarella Balloons

Head Chef Craig Clarke.

open: Monday to Saturday from 6pm.

Saltwater Café Restaurant Book now for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the fantastic food whilst you take in the awesome ocean view at Saltwater Café & Restaurant.

This Valentine’s Day, spoil your loved one with our 5 course degustation dinner. A romantic location with exceptional food. Limited seats available, so please book now to avoid disappointment.

The restaurant is fully licenced, with our local Bellingen Beer on tap. There’s also a great selection of boutique wines, as we support our small Australian vineyards.

Come and chill out Sunday afternoons and relax to our live music from 3pm. Find our full menu on our website: www.saltwateronthebeach.com

Plantation Hotel If a main meal is not what your appetite is yearning, the Plantation Bar and Grill also offers a range of flavoursome bar snacks to tantalise your taste buds. The Mezze Plate for two boasts a variety of hand selected succulent Italian meats of Calabrese salami, pork and fennel sausages, chorizo and the finest prosciutto. The meats are perfectly accompanied with olives, fetta, roasted capsicum and house made dips. The berry fruit characteristics and floral notes of the Rawson Retreat Merlot perfectly complements this Mediterranean inspired dish. This is one of the many Bar Snack options to sample at the Plantation Bar and Grill.

REVIEWED BY

Guide REVIEWED BY

Guide

Head Chef Adam Gallo.

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach t 6656 1888 w www.saltwateronthebeach.com open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wednesday to Saturday. Sunday breakfast, lunch and live music from 3pm.

24 coffs coast focus.

AHA FINALIST “Best Family Friendly Pub”

Head Chef Todd Towler.

88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour. t 6652 3855 w www.plantationhotel.com.au open 7 days, Sun - Thu: lunch noon to 2.30pm.

Dinner: 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Fri & Sat: all day dining.

eat.

Mini Moo Meal

Wholly Cow Café

Pan fried Atlantic Salmon in a Laksa Broth with Asian greens.

Depot Café

Great burgers / organic / fresh / healthy local / Fairtrade coffee / homemade sauces Wholly Cow burgers are more than just a burger – they’re a delicious meal! The burgers and wraps are made to order, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Fresh, tasty and healthy!

The Depot is the latest gourmet food offering with alfresco views across the City Centre.

Having only opened recently, the Depot is already proving popular with its creative fare.

The kids are catered for with a choice of kids’ breakfast options, as well as great Mini Moo meal deals with a choice of four great options of burgers or chicken strips that come with chips and a choice of drinks. Same great homemade and delicious meals as the adults, just a mini version!

Enjoy our Salmon fillet in a laksa broth with charred lime and Asian greens matched with a crisp chardonnay. Then there’s our slow cooked beef cheeks on smashed chats which can be eaten with a spoon.

The heart of the menu lies with its use of local seasonal produce and all ingredients and sauces are handmade where possible.

For coffee aficionados, the Depot uses premium beans locally roasted and aged each week ensuring a quality brew every time.

Open daily for breakfast and lunch, dine in or takeaway and BYO.

Manager: David Cini

Owners Michelle & Ricky Lee

Coffs Central, Upstairs, level 2 , food court – Depot Cafe t 6651 1812

2/39 First Avenue, Sawtell t 6658 2682 w www.whollycow.com.au

open: 7:30am – 5pm Mon – Fri (Thurs 6:30pm), 8:30am – 4pm Saturday, 8:30am – 2pm Sunday

open: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5pm.

Sunday and public holidays, 7am to 3pm.

Pork Gyozas

Bluebottles Brasserie

Sarong Bar & Restaurant

Come and enjoy our new summer menu and great daily specials.

Beautiful food in our friendly relaxed alfresco atmosphere. Have a look at the 100 Dishes Cookbook, featuring us and other great restaurants along the coast.

For people who are serious about Bento.

Exquisite Japanese for lunch, long cool drinks in the afternoon and glorious Pan Asian dishes by night.

Sarong is the ideal place to take those friends from the city. Book for Thursday nights when three of the region’s top jazz musicians provide cool condiments to Sarongs spicy delights.

Relax or party, people watch or tuck into a corner, taste something new or enjoy an old favourite. The choice is yours at Sarong Restaurant and Bar. Check out our full menu on our website. Perfectly located in the heart of Sawtell.

Open for dinner Friday and Saturday nights and catering for all your holiday get togethers.

Head Chef Gerard Geerligs.

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

Dinner Friday and Saturday.

Chefs Makiko & Maiko.

1/24 First Avenue Sawtell t 6658 5857 w www.sarongsawtell.com fb facebook.com/sarongsawtell open Lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm, Monday – Friday. Dinner From 5pm Monday – Saturday.

coffs coast focus 25

eat.

Pan roasted prawns w/ ricotta gnocchi, celery, apple, walnut salad & baby herbs.

Café TREEO Sawtell The seaside village of Sawtell comes alive during summer, and Café TREEO buzzes with activity. It’s a place to be seen, to enjoy and to indulge with superb coffee and mouth watering fresh food. Escape from the heat and relax in air-conditioned comfort, or sit back and unwind with alfresco dining under the massive fig trees.

Enjoy a pot of housemade rhubarb, strawberry and mint lemonade teamed with TREEO’s ever-popular pan roasted parmesan gnocchi, or spoil yourself with fresh blueberry cheesecake waffles from the all-day breakfast menu.

To view the full menu, visit cafetreeo.com or follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

Horizons Restaurant & Bar BOOK NOW FOR VALENTINE'S DAY Enjoy our special 3 course menu and a glass of champagne. Just $50 per person.Why not stay the night - special ocean view room packages available. À la carte bookings also available for Valentine’s Day. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Join us for lunch! THE OC LUNCH DEAL Enjoy a glass of house wine, domestic beer or soft drink, your meal and espresso or tea. All for $23.50pp, 11.30am - 2.30pm, 7 days. Bookings preferred.

Horizons Restaurant and Bar at Opal Cove Resort features modern Australian cuisine with a creative seasonal menu, that takes full advantage of the region’s freshest produce and seafood.

Owner/Chef Duncan Elliot.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily.

18 First Ave, Sawtell t 6653 1099 fb fb.com/ CafeTreeo

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour t 6651 0510

open: 7 days from 7am for breakfast and lunch.

open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner – 7 days a week. Bookings recommended.

Beachstone Café Under new management!

Come and enjoy our great coffee and fantastic food in a new friendly and relaxed environment. We have heaps of great things for the kids on our new menu, crafted by our new chef, Nathan Walker, with creative twists on classic café food, using fresh, locally sourced produce. Take the chance to sit down, relax and treat yourself while you watch the kids play in the park at our doorstep.

We can also organise catering for your function or birthday, and Beachstone is the perfect place for a beach wedding on the beautiful North Sapphire Beach; it's just a short walk to your reception at Beachstone, where we will take care of all your catering needs to make it a night you will never forget.

Finz on The Beach Open for à la carte dining 7 days a week, ‘Finz on the Beach’ located at Breakfree Aanuka Beach resort is the perfect location to enjoy a delicious dinner and stunning view. Summer continues with our delicious dinner menu: our featured dessert, Vanilla Bean Pannacotta, served with macerated strawberries infused with fresh mint and a delicate Almond tulle, is a delectable dish with vibrant flavours. An ideal dessert to finish with and perfect for summer.

Chef Nathan Walker.

2 Beach Way, North Sapphire t 6653 6188 open: Tue - Thur: 9 - 4.

Fri - Sun: 8 - 4.

26 coffs coast focus.

Enjoy a two course dinner for $54 per person including a glass of wine.

Make your booking today by calling (02) 6652 7555 or book online at www.breakfreeaanukabeachresort.com.au

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

Executive Chef Tim McClay-Talivai

CRAIGCLARKE

focusinterview.

Craig Clarke, head chef at award winning restaurant, Macauleys. hen did you first decide that you wanted to cook for a living? I have wanted to be a chef all my life. It is all I have ever wanted to do.

Tell us about your style of cooking. I love using the freshest ingredients available when cooking. My style is influenced by a few different regions, depending on what’s in season (and my mood at the time). At Macauleys you will find dishes inspired by different regions such as France, Spain and Asia.

What ingredients do you enjoy cooking with the most and why? I LOVE cooking with fresh seafood. We are spoilt in Australia, as we truly have the best seafood in the world. We are lucky enough to source our seafood from local suppliers at Macauleys and only serve the best fish and prawns that Coffs Harbour has to offer.

What are your favourite things on the menu? If I was dining at the restaurant with my wife, I would start my meal with the prawn and chorizo hot pot followed by our Angus surf n turf and finished with the mocha crème brûlée served with a glass of Rockbare Shiraz. Or, if I was eating out with the boys, our house made pizzas washed down with a Little Creatures Bright Ale would be a good

choice.

Do you experiment with cooking techniques? If so, which ones? Yes, I am always keen to try new things out. At the moment we have been playing around with smoking our own meats on the new menu and have received a lot of great positive feedback from our 'guinea pigs' (aka the staff).

Macauleys Restaurant has a cult following in Coffs Harbour. What is it that keeps people coming back? I believe an emphasis on good quality food, reasonable prices and friendly service is the key to any successful restaurant. At Macauleys you will find a team of people who are passionate about what we do. It's not just a job; we want our customers to have an exceptional dining experience, and I get a great sense of pride when it all comes together and I see our customers enjoying their time at the restaurant.

When you're at home, what do you cook for loved ones? What's your home speciality? I love camping and fishing, so it's actually out in the bush where I enjoy cooking the most. I love to cook in a camp oven. One of my favourite dishes would be a slow cooked shoulder of lamb or fish that I have caught and cooked on the BBQ. coffs coast focus

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Photography - Toni Fuller, Tone's Photography.

ONE AGENCY JOANNE VINES .

28 coffs coast focus focus.

I

f you take into consideration that women are more Internet, print advertising and Joanne’s extensive client emotional, they look for a 'home' to actually live in, a database combined with good old fashioned service is the place to bring up the kids … when it comes to selling key to her success. Joanne understands the importance of her a house, women are the ones that deal with the final client relationships, “We are nothing without our amazing house preparations - making sure the house is up to clients”; therefore, keeping in contact long after the transaction scratch in preparing for house inspections. Therefore, is paramount. "Each year we invite our clients out for the it makes sense that you consider a woman when buying or selling evening and send them a small gift to let them know that we're a property locally. still thinking of them," says Joanne. Joanne prides herself on Joanne Vines was born in New Zealand and grew up in the understanding this and in an environment where there are many south eastern suburbs of Melbourne, before moving to realtors in our region, Joanne and her team like to North Queensland with her parents, where she maintain a unique approach by providing a very met her husband, Pryde, when she was just clear and well thought out method as to 16. Pryde, a country boy, swept a young how the team at One Agency accomplish Joanne off her feet and soon after she had outstanding results and lifelong satisfied ady If you have alre their daughter, Ngahine. The family then clients. experienced the travelled extensively and had their son, Joanne says, "If you have already ice exceptional serv les Zak, in Tamworth, before moving to experienced the exceptional service sa provided by the Coffs Harbour in 1996. provided by the sales team, you will team , you will be Back in 1998 when Joanne no be absolutely delighted with our ed ht absolutely delig longer needed to be a stay home mum, property management service.

Our ty er with our prop ..” e. ic rv running out of the door to teach dance point of difference is that you deal se t en managem classes as her daughter was arriving home directly with your asset manager. We from school, she thought, "I want to start a offer quarterly routine inspections and career where I can provide for my family, use pride ourselves in a no nonsense approach my skills and be myself …" to rental arrears and endeavour to ensure that For ten years Joanne worked in sales with a local our communication is second to none." She goes real estate agent, where she earned her stripes and gained on to say, "You can also expect maintenance requests extensive knowledge of the local area. It was here that she to be dealt with within 24 hours, tenancy screening within learned the importance of a great team. From that experience 48 hours and prompt lease renewals”. she decided that she wanted to start a business where she With the recent growth of One Agency, Joanne felt that it attracted like-minded people - a business that was more than just was time to move. With the property management side of the selling a house ... an organic experience including exceptional business coming into fruition, the need presented itself for a communication, professionalism and attention to detail, where space where clients could come, sit down and conduct business. her clients feel like they are number ONE. If someone wants to The brand new premises at The Promenade, Harbour Drive is a far speak to Joanne or the Asset Manager, they can simply pick up cry from a traditional real estate office. It is a stylish comfortable the phone and call. space to discuss all your real estate needs overlooking Coffs One Agency Joanne Vines commenced at Joanne’s home, Creek. and Joanne built the business from the ground roots up - a fact When it comes to female agents moving up in the industry, that she is very proud of. Joanne holds the belief that a shop Joanne has one simple message: "Believe in yourself, look after front is not necessary; servicing her clients, learning exactly what yourself physically and mentally and always treat your clients with they want when buying or selling a property isn't about property the utmost respect." cards in the window. In an ever changing environment where One Agency Joanne Vines technology is continuously evolving, the traditional ways of 6651 8111 or 0419 108 888 buying or selling a property are a thing of the past. www.oneagencyjoannevines.com.au

“

coffs coast focus 29

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

Safari in an African Playground Is 2014 your year to tick off your bucket list? Then a visit to the team at Quadrant to discuss your travel plans is a must.

Kerry Moss Since I was a child and my grandparents used to tell me that I must have kissed the Blarney Stone, I had wanted to visit this mythical place. So as an adult, despite having travelled to more than 40 countries, I had never crossed its path. On a recent trip to Ireland, I felt compelled to see if the legend was true.

Many say Africa is a destination that changes you. You come back from a trip in awe of nature and all that she offers, and you get an understanding of a different way of life that helps you fully appreciate your own. The beauty and size of the country has to be seen to be believed, and the first time you get to smell an elephant’s breath will stay with you forever. It’s a continent with diverse cultures, fascinating history and animal encounters like no other. Direct flights from Australia mean it’s easy to get there and with so much competition for airfares, it’s better value than it has been for many years.

Kerry and her team at Quadrant Travel

I

reland is breathtakingly beautiful, with rolling green hills and picturesque farming land, so it’s no surprise that on my recent Quadrant Australia Tour of Ireland and the UK that we didn’t head straight to Blarney in County Cork.

We meandered along dramatic coastlines and through quaint villages; we sampled Guinness Beer at the storehouse in Dublin and we stood in awe of the amazing Book of Kels at Trinity College.

for not wearing more appropriate shoes, the staircase got narrower and steeper. Before long, the dark, damp stairwell spilt out onto the open roof of the castle and there it was: The Blarney Stone. I lined up with the hundreds of other tourists who also wanted to benefit from the gift of the gab, but I fooled myself into thinking that I’d be the only one who had childhood dreams to kiss it.

We explored Ireland, North and South.

We met some wonderful locals, including Eamonn our black cab taxi driver in Belfast, who bravely shared his stories of the conflicts in years gone by and Brendan, a local bus driver who’d grown up on farming land in County Kerry. Despite these characters and the fresh, clean air, I couldn’t help but feel impatient at the chance of ticking another item off my bucket list, so it was off to Blarney we went.

In the line-up, conversation flowed freely and stories were shared. There was the old Scottish man who despite living so near had never been to Ireland and wanted to visit the places he learnt about at school. Tom from the USA had been brought there by his wife; he had no interest in the fantasy of the Blarney Stone but felt compelled to do it now that he’d come this far. Catherine was there with her daughter, teaching her the family history dating back hundreds of years, and I was there living out a childhood memory.

On arrival, I was surprised at just how spectacular the castle and gardens were; for a moment I had forgotten that somewhere within reach was the infamous Blarney Stone. I followed the crowds and the glaringly obvious signs and arrived at the foot of Blarney Castle. For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence, and here I was ready to do the same. As I climbed the steps and secretly cursed myself

There at the top of Blarney Castle overlooking the fields of lavender dotted with ancient ruins whilst I stood with a melting pot of cultures, it struck me. The legend of the Blarney Stone had evolved from the days of medieval knights and witches. The modern legend was unfolding right before my eyes. The Blarney Stone, if only for a moment allowed people from all over the world to stand beside their neighbours and share stories of their lives - creating new memories for the next generation to create their own legend.

30 coffs coast focus.

and Journeys have developed a number of amazing packages travelling to Africa in 2014.

Whether you want a safari on the Savannah, volunteering in Kenya or to experience the luxury of the African playground, Sun City then Quadrant Travel and Journeys is sure to have something to suit your style and budget.

New to Coffs Harbour but in no way new to the travel business, Quadrant Travel and Journeys have over 25 years’ experience. They operate their own tours, both within Australia and overseas and they are a licensed travel agent, with a skilled team qualified to help you with all of your travel needs. For this and many other exciting travel suggestions, drop in and see the girls at Quadrant Travel and Journeys, located within the C.ex building in Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour.

coffs coast focus 31

focusinterview.

C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic

The C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club is an intra club of the C.ex Coffs and is headed by President Peter Titmus. The objectives of the club are to promote, foster and encourage the understanding, restoration and use of sports, touring and classic cars.

hat is the C.ex Coffs Sports, Committee Member: Russel Phemister Touring and Classic Car Committee Member: Bob Fairclough Club?

Committee Member: Albert Johnson We are an Intra Cub of the What are the prerequisites to become a member?

Are all the members locals?

C.ex Coffs, and through this Members must complete a detailed application association, we receive form and forward to the Club Secretary. All support from C.ex Coffs in various areas of applications must be approved by the our club activities.

When and why was the club first Management Committee, and the ily m established, and how has the applicant must also be a financial fa a e We ar club grown in that time? member of C.ex Coffs. We are oriented Club ices. Our The Car Club was formed predominately a local club coverwith no prejud cludes 18 membership in on 5 February 2001 when a ing the Coffs Coast; however, bers, four female full mem Office handful of car enthusiasts had we do have some members ub of whom are Cl depends ub their first meeting. It was defrom the closer southern and cl r Bearers. Ou ort pp su e th on cided to establish a club that northern areas. ily heav ale Is it a 'men's only' club? catered for people with sports, of the many fem families eir partners and th Certainly not. We are a family touring and classic cars. It was our club.” ith w associated oriented club with no prejudices. further agreed that the club Our membership includes 18 female would have a strong social and full members, four of whom are Club community focus, without any bias.

When were you made President, and Office Bearers. Our club depends heavily on who makes up the board? the support of the many female partners and I was appointed President on 3 August 2009 their families associated with our club.

What are the club's objectives? and have been in the position for four and a half The objectives of our club are to promote, foster and years. We have an extensive range of Office Bearer encourage the understanding, restoration and use of positions to ensure we meet our financial audit and other sports, touring and classic cars for the runs, display days, compliance obligations. Our Management Committee is workshops and social functions such as dinners and made up as follows; barbecues. We also associate with other clubs, bodies President: Peter Titmus and organisations which may assist in the advancement Secretary: Pat O’Carroll of these objectives.

Treasurer: Michael Guymer

“

32 coffs coast focus.

Today, how many members are in the car club?

We currently have 114 full members and growing.

How often do you meet? What are some of the activities that the members participate in?

Our club meetings are held at C.ex Coffs the first Monday of every month (except January). Our activities are many and varied and have been broadly covered in your question about club objectives. We have 3 regular runs a month and would average in excess of 50 runs per year, including overnight weekend runs.

Does the club ever get behind charity groups and raise money for non-profit organisations?

We are a sponsor of the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed, both financially and on an interactive basis. We have also donated to Alzheimers Australia, Wires and Cancer Council. Last year one of our female club members ran in the City to Surf event in Sydney and raised over $1,000 for Ovarian Cancer.

the plug!

MEETINGS The Club meets at C.ex Coffs at 7.30pm the first Monday of every month (except January) ADDRESS C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring & Classic Car Club PO Box 2438 Coffs Harbour 2450 President Peter Titmus 0448 456 810 www.cexcoffsstccarclub.info coffscexcarclub@hotmail.com

Homemade bacon is one of the better things in life!

Pig in a pickle

The Jetty in February Feeling in the mood for love and laughter this month? Come along to the Jetty Memorial Theatre for both! February brings some great shows and our cozy bar is the perfect place for a special pre-show drink. If you’re looking for an original Valentine’s gift – how about a Jetty Theatre gift voucher?

From Friday 14 - Sunday 23 February experience the fun of the hit musical ‘Nunsense’. Now over 25 years since it first opened in New York, Curtain Up and Pat Slattery bring you the wacky humour and crazy antics of this laughter-packed show, featuring unforgettable characters who lovingly poke fun at faith and themselves.

On Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 February Jetty Theatre Touring presents another witty and gripping play from Australia's leading playwright David Williamson, ‘When Dad Married Fury’. Some surprises are in store for incongruous brothers Ian and Ben, on their way to Sydney to visit their recently widowed father. One thing is for certain: everything changed when Dad Married Fury …

For fun and frolics this February, visit www.jettytheatre.com now for further details.

Hi, my name is Ebony, and my husband and I run preserving workshops.

We love food, and we love showing people how to preserve food. It is such a rewarding hobby that can very quickly become an addiction! Homemade bacon is one of the better things in life!

Preserving meat goes back centuries to when we did not have the convenience of fridges or freezers that we do today. So why preserve meats today? The answer is, the flavour and the price! You cannot beat the flavour when making it yourself, and the price is always better then shop bought.

This is by no means fast food ... this is slow food made with love.

Once you have learnt a few techniques, you will in no time be whizzing up treats at your next dinner party.

Our past students have gone on to produce wonderful smallgoods in their own homes and businesses; we are like proud parents when we receive photos.

Learn how to make salami, bacon, pancetta, tie like a butcher, stuff sausages and more!

PAT SLATTERY AND CURTAIN UP PRESENT

NUNSENSE

A musical comedy featuring unforgettable characters which lovingly poke fun at faith and themselves.

Opens Fri 14th Feb HIT AND JMT TOURING PRESENT

WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY Another witty and gripping play from Australia’s leading playwright David Williamson.

Tues 25th & Wed 26th Feb 8pm JMT TOURING PRESENTS

FLICKERFEST This year JMT will be presenting two programs from Bondi’s world renouned festival.

Fri 14th & Sat 15th March 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

Proudly supported by

jetty memorial theatre SEASON 2014

coffs coast focus 33

focusinterview.

Janette H E L M Y

Janette Helmy is a vivacious local woman, who at the age of 28 has already lived a fabulous life, with experience that includes working in 70 different cafés, travelling to Hawaii, being held in prison in the US, skydiving with Formula One racing identity Michael Schumacher and appearing on cooking television program, Ready Steady Cook.

ou have achieved so much for a young person. How old are you, and where are you originally from?

I'm 28, and I was brought up in Coffs Harbour, along with my four siblings. Although my parents are both from Egypt, we are about as Australian as they get.

Such a colourful life with many experiences up your sleeve. How on earth did you wind up sky diving with Michael Schumacher?

My brother is a skydiver in Byron Bay and although I had skydived previously in Airlie Beach, this time I wanted to go with my brother. At the time Formula One racing hero Michael Schumacher was there. He and his crew had been jumping all day and by the time I got there, everyone was full of adrenaline!

When it was my turn, naturally I was petrified.

Michael was in the plane asking me if I was nervous ... but I was too scared to even answer. Once I landed, he came up to me and congratulated me. Really nice guy, actually.

When you travelled to Hawaii and you overstayed your VISA, you wound up in prison for a month … why did you overstay, and what was that experience like? How has that shaped who you are today?

Detention centre, you mean - not prison (laughs). I'm not too sure why I overstayed; I guess I didn't think anything drastic would happen. I went to Hawaii with my sister on a three month tourist visa, and on the last day of my visa I flew to the mainland and stayed in L.A for eight days, where I spent my last two hundred dollars on a bus ticket to Georgia - all I wanted to do was go to one of those southern Churches with all the hallelujahs and eat soul food. After two days on a bus, I got stopped 34 coffs coast focus.

through border patrol in Texas. I later found out they only search the Greyhound Buses - shame I was on one!

They escorted me off the bus and into the holding office, where a couple of hours later a prison bus took me to the detention centre, where I stayed for exactly one month to the day. In the beginning I thought it was really cool; I felt like I was in a movie! I just kept thinking I needed to stay positive and that it would be an awesome travel story when I return to OZ. But two weeks into it, I was ready to go home. Captive life can only be described as ... structured life! A day looked like this: wake up, get counted (five times a day), shower (open showers and open toilets), make your bed, dress in blue pants and blue shirt (and huge undies), queue for breakfast in silence, eat quietly, more queuing, back to dorms with 50 other girls. Then do it again for lunch and dinner! A day would include forty minutes in the yard, which consisted of a broken down gym and a cemented basketball court - not even sure why it's called a yard, considering there was no grass!

A lot of the girls in there were from Mexico and Honduras and had never met an Australian before, so I made friends pretty quickly. My nickname was Kangaroo. Every day an officer would come in with a clipboard with a list of names of girls that would be going home. After two weeks I was sick of not hearing my name (being called out), so I got a job in the kitchen.

It was 7am starts and I would finish late, around 6pm, and get paid $4 - which wasn't great, but it took my mind off being there.

They had a vending machine with cookies, which I loved.

Not too sure how the experience has shaped the person I am today ... I guess if anything, I'm proud of myself for not crumbling to bits.

I think from that day on I gave myself a lot of

gth. credit for my strength.

Felt good to know I can handle any situation.

How did your parents react? They must have been terribly concerned about you?

My poor parents! When I first got to the detention centre, they put me into a room with the twenty other girls who were caught on the day to be processed. From here we were all given a uniform, a bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste and moisturiser. On that day I was allowed to make one call home to let them know what happened. I remember calling my dad, and I couldn't stop laughing cause I thought it was so exciting! Dad couldn't believe it! He called Mum, and they were both calling the embassy every hour of the day trying to get me out. They were both extremely worried. To this day we talk about it and have a laugh.

The living conditions were okay, other than the toilets and the showers; I did get three meals a day. There was a bed, hot water, fresh air occasionally and I met some awesome people. So I can't really complain.

You have a passion for the hospitality industry. How many cafés have you worked in? And what is your current day job?

I love hospitality! I love the work, I love having a laugh with customers, I love working with people and I love getting home and thinking, "Man, I worked hard today". The one thing I never liked was being told what to do, which is probably why I've had over 70 different jobs. I now work for myself and by myself, which I am loving every minute of. My business, Cleo's Cup, is located down at the Jetty Foreshores. It’s everything I have always wanted. It a coffee trailer right near the beach, and I get to sell whatever I want and dress however I like, and I love it! There's a true sense of accomplishment for me, because every

day I'm there I feel like I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming, because it really has become my baby. Great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere ... what more could you want really.

And you have also appeared on cooking television program Ready Steady Cook.

How did that opportunity present itself?

Ready Steady Cook came to me while I was living in Coogee, Sydney. A friend of a friend is a food editor for the show and when I met her, she insisted I would be great on the show.

So I auditioned with a friend of mine more for a laugh, and the producer got back to me and said they would love me to be on the show … but not my friend. I had to choose someone else. I asked heaps of my mates, but no one wanted to do it, so my boss at the time said he would - and I'm so glad I did it. Had a ball and got a dinner set and a year subscription to recipes magazine as prizes.

How would you describe yourself?

One of a kind!

What else is on your bucket list? What do you hope to achieve in the next three, five, ten years?

I'm not really one to look at tomorrow.

Every minute of the day I change my mind on something, so I’m sure this will change too. But maybe owning my own café or seeing Cleo's Cup pop up all over Australia? Hopefully with a family of my own and most importantly, to grow but to never change the essence of who I am today. As for the bucket list, I would love to go to Egypt and meet my family, possibly join a circus for a day and this one's a pipe dream for sure, but getting my full licence would be wonderful!

Thanks Janette.

focusinterview.

M E E T

WINKLER 7

y e a r s

o l d

• OF THE MONTH •

A G R O M PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Woods, ST Images ow old are you? What do I like it when Dad is there to push me on the you love about surfing? waves, 'cause it easier and I get better waves.

I am seven. Surfing is fun. I Dad always helps me and takes me surfing love surfing with my friends; even if he is really tired, and he takes me to the being in the water is really skateparks. I get to meet my favourite surfers fun. Surfing makes me really too. When we were on holidays, Dad introhappy. I love it when the waves are pumping duced me to Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, and when I can go for Earlys (early morning which was really cool, and I met Occy a few surfs) and my mates are out there and we surf times and had dinner with him. Also, Dad's together. good mates, Danny Wills and Trent Munro … I Tell us about your dad's surf school? Did get to see those guys a fair bit - they are really he teach you to surf? nice to me.

Dad teaches people how to surf. I always Tell us about your recent awards? get to go with him, before school for an Early, Last year was my first year in the Coffs in the afternoons and in the school holidays.

Harbour Boardriders Club; I got second in my That's my favourite time - the holifirst comp, and after that I won days - then I'm with Dad all the every other comp that year in time. The surf school is cool, Boardriders and I ended up because I get to watch winning my division at the When we were people learn to catch end of year presentation on holidays, waves and I like meetand won a brand new me to Dad introduced Joel ing new friends and surfboard! d Mick Fanning an as surfing with them.

I went in the North w Parkinson, which et Yes, Dad taught me Coast Regional Junior m I really cool, and d an to surf. I started when es Titles last year and won O ccy a few tim .” m hi ith I was five. I really liked w 1st place, and I did my er had dinn it, but it was freezing! very first TV interview. I Dad bought me a really then went in three National good wetsuit, so I didn't catch Wahu Surfer Grom contests a cold. When I got my wetsuit, I in Queensland and NSW, and I surfed heaps more and started getting won 1st Place at the first event of the good at it. Dad is a really good teacher.

National Series in Coffs Harbour, then my He started by pushing me onto the waves; family I travelled to Cronulla in Sydney and finnow I am starting to catch them myself. I ished in 2nd place. We also just returned home always feel safe when I'm with Dad ... even from Queensland and I placed 2nd at the when the waves are big - especially at the boat National Wahu Surfer Grom at Burleigh Heads, ramp. which was the 3rd event I surfed in that series.

Where is your favourite place to surf?

What do you want to be when you are In Coffs it would be Trap doors or Diggers. older; do you think you'll be a pro surfer?

Out of town it would be Lennox Head, SnapI want to work for my dad to teach other per and The Pass at Byron Bay and Kirra and people how to surf and also be a pro surfer, Burleigh Heads! so I can travel around the world and surf sick What do you love about surfing with your waves. dad?

Thanks Hunter.

by Hayden Meyers at element bar

Element SPLICE

Ingredients

Instructions

• 15 ml apple sour pucker

1. Add apple sour pucker and Midori to glass with ice.

2. Add a scoop of ice to blender. Add banana VOK and Bacardi.

• 30 ml Midori • 30 ml banana VOK • 15 ml Bacardi rum

3. Blend this in mixer, add to glass, garnish with orange wheel and lime wheel, and pineapple leaves. Available at Element Bar, 380 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

“

BEACHSTONE CAFÉ AT NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH ntroducing new operator Aileen Chen. Aileen has recently taken over management of the Beachstone Café at North Sapphire Beach, having previously managed Cocos Café in Coffs Harbour. Joining Aileen is a new head chef, who previously worked at Fiasco Ristorante and Bar. Together they have revitalised the menu with new dishes such as Fench toast with sweetened ricotta and poached white peach and garlic and thyme roasted beetroot marinated lamb back strap with fetta and baby spinach and hazelnut dressing. Freshly squeezed juices and a special kids' menu are now also available. Dinner service will be launching late January.

I

Chad Walker, Development Manager of North Sapphire Beach, says he is “excited

to welcome Aileen to our community.

Whilst you are trying the new menu at the Beachstone Café, visit us at the Sales and Information centre to find out how you too could live in the neighbourhood defined by its natural beauty and friendly community.

2014 is an exciting year at North Sapphire Beach, with just a few remaining Beachfront lots left and the new Watergum stage now selling.” For more information on North Sapphire Beach, visit the Sales Centre, corner of North Solitary Drive and Fisher Road, North Sapphire Beach, or call Robyn Goddard on 0428 619 919.

Beachstone Café North Sapphire Beach (off Split Solitary Road), North Sapphire 6653 6188 7 days a week 8am – 4pm. coffs coast focus 35

36 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus 37

20 years in business.

Perry Homes.

Lilly Pilly illy Pilly South Early Learning Centre is celebrating 10 years of providing quality Child Care and Education within a supportive, nurturing, stimulating and engaging environment.

L

early learning centres.

Currently with 5 staff and opened Monday to Friday (7.30am - 6.30pm) 50 weeks of the year, Lilly Pilly South ELC caters for children aged from 2 years, and has a comprehensive school readiness program, Located at 42 Amaroo Crescent, Toormina, while also holding an annual children’s just metres from surrounding schools and art show and many other celebrations the local shopping centre, Lilly Pilly South throughout the year. Lilly Pilly South ELC is ELC strives to deliver excellence in early active in facilitating a kids' fitness program, learning to all our families. Lilly Pilly South providing modified sports and an ELC provides an environment extensive gross motor plan, where parents and while Carla Marchant from teachers work together, At Lilly P illy Coffs Kids Fitness visits assisting each child’s weekly, taking the development to reach South E arly e, tr en C children through a yoga their full potential.

Learning e th at session. th Back in 2004, owner e believe

“ w

the

in At Lilly Pilly South Vicki Burow, who foundations laid rs ea y d o o h Early Learning Centre, also owned and ild ch early s n' re ild ch we believe that the operated Lilly Pilly to al are cruci d an g foundations laid in the n Coffs at the time, gi n being, belo early childhood years are was urged by many becoming. ” crucial to children's being, local families to find a belonging and becoming. We premises in the Sawtell/ have developed educationally Toormina area, to provide appropriate programs that support those south of Coffs Harbour with the Early Years Learning Framework, while the same quality care environment as she provided in town. So with Wendy Northcott, acknowledging the importance of learning through play. who now currently manages Lilly Pilly South ELC, both Vicki and Wendy established a This week, the children have had a fun Lilly Pilly ELC south of Coffs Harbour. Ten filled week of celebrating the 10 years, and years later, and moving from a handful of themselves have taken on the role as party children with just themselves as staff, Vicki, planners. The children decided a big cake Wendy and Kirsty Morton, the centre’s Early was needed for the Friday; the day required Childhood Teacher, have now seen Lilly Pilly all staff and children to dress up in their best South ELC become a benchmark for local party clothes, and all parents to be invited.

38 coffs coast focus.

After establishing his company on the Tweed Coast in 1994, David Perry, Managing Director of Perry Homes, quickly identified Coffs Harbour as an opportunity for significant growth. Upon building their first display home back in 2000, the company has since built hundreds of homes for local families in the Coffs Harbour area.

Now, as one of New South Wales’ largest home builders, Perry Homes have cemented their commitment to this region by building their fifth display home at 183 Rose Avenue, Coffs Harbour. Winning the 2012 HIA Housing Awards for Display Home of the Year and Display Home $250K to $300K, the display impressed the judges with its contemporary features and the outstanding quality and value for money it represented.

“Whilst we are absolutely delighted to have won these awards, it is the significant number of clients who have built three or four homes with us that is the most satisfying,” said David.

There are more than fifty single, split level and two storey designs to suit flat and sloping land in the Perry Homes portfolio, and with the enormous buying power of a large volume, contract builder, significant cost savings are passed on to all clients. Justifiably proud of their strong reputation as a respected quality builder, all homes are endorsed with a written 20 Year Structural Guarantee.

If you are looking for a quality built home at an affordable price to build in Coffs Harbour, why not call into the display home today or phone 6652 9881.

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

25 years in business.

Garry Charnock.

X-Corp Building Services

Specialising in office and shop fit-outs with 30 years' experience in the commercial construction industry.

Based in Coffs Harbour, NSW, X-Corp Building Services Pty Ltd is a family-owned business with more than 30 years' experience in the commercial construction industry, specialising in office and shop fit-outs.

X-Corp commenced 22 May 1998. Being successful means adapting to our clients' needs and requirements, and we do this in a professional and unobtrusive way. Our team consists of fully qualified subcontractors who work with us to produce a quality finish to all our projects undertaken.

We can assist with all areas of your commercial project, including: 'from ground up' constructions, assistance with design concepts, complete office fit-out, complete shop fit-out and signage.

Assistance with Council/Private Certifier Applications, specialising in office and shop fit-outs.

30 years' experience in the commercial construction industry.

35 years in business.

Reg Latter.

Reg Latter Electrical

2014 marks 35 years Reg Latter Electrical has been servicing the Coffs Coast! Back in 1979, Reg commenced operating his business from his property at Bonville. Shortly after he employed an apprentice named Bruce and then gained the services of his brother in law, Brian. Back in the ‘olden days’, Reg and Brian received their jobs through a CB pager system – which only worked from Bonville to Sawtell, so they would have to ‘phone home’ to receive jobs from Reg's wife, Alison.

Reg was excited when mobile phones became available, purchasing two before they were turned on in the area; Reg remembers them being the size of a small suitcase and the phone signal used repeater towers, so sometimes you could be having more than one conversation going at a time!

Since the beginning, Reg Latter Electrical has continued to grow; this is attributed to Reg’s dedication to honesty and hard work, combined with an unrelenting pursuit of service and product excellence and by employing people with the same work ethics and integrity.

Now in 2014, the business continues to evolve with technology, providing touch screen technology to our field staff, which seems a world away from the old CB pager.

coffs coast focus 39

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

THE PAINFUL THUMB

13 years in business.

Airset Air Conditioning.

When did you start the business?

you all the time, and you have to keep your

I started the air-conditioning business, Airset

clients happy.

in 2001. I specialise in air-conditioning

What is the most interesting job you've

installation, maintenance and repair. We

worked on? Paul's Milk in Brisbane - not just

started to make a profit straightaway, once

from the air and refrigeration side, but the

people saw the quality of the work and

process of the milk, yogurt and cheese.

the savings when compared with larger companies.

I started on my own after doing warranty repair work on installations, where nine out of

If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing? A panel beater, or something to do with cars.

10 times it was the installer at fault … I like to

Is Airset a family business? Yes, my children

have every job looking the best it can.

come to work in the school holidays. I moved

What do you wish you knew before you

to the Coffs Coast in 1991 and still think you

started?

cannot find a better place to live.

That having holidays is a lot harder than just

Retirement? I hope so. I'd love to see my kids

booking and going away. Your phone is with

step in and take over whilst I'm in retirement.

COFFS COFFS

SHOULDER & HAND S H O UC LLI NDI CE R & HAND As a member of the Australian CLINIC

Hand Therapy Association, Faye is passionate about not just treating hand injuries, but also Common Hand Injuries educating about prevention.

L

40 coffs coast focus.

ast month I encouraged you to seek early assistance for any finger injury, so as not to miss that crucial time frame for effective treatment. This month my appeal is please, look after those thumbs!

Osteoarthritis of base of the thumb is the most common site for arthritis in the hand, affecting six times more females than males.

This joint normally allows you to pinch, pivot, and swivel your thumb hundreds of times daily. Arthritis can result in decreased strength of your grip, reduced range of motion, pain and swelling, making it difficult to open jars, twist a door handle or turn on a tap.

packages with kitchen scissors, rather than

So avoid ‘abusing’ your thumbs with repetitive or heavy ‘pinch/pulling’ activities - ALWAYS slice open boxes and cut open

joint, give you pain relief but also improved

tearing open. If you already have a painful thumb, then use jar or ring pull openers, not thumbs; use wide handled kitchen tools and cutlery. Think of using pre-cut veggies for cooking, and ask your butcher to cut your meat for stir fries and casseroles. Take note of your pain - it is nature’s warning that joints are being over-loaded. You often may need just to take regular short breaks rather than just pushing on. If pain is inhibiting, then splinting may help. Everyone is an individual and there are many splints on the market, with some excellent new versions now available. Be sure it positions your thumb correctly to unload but stabilise your grip strength. Contact us for any further advice.

coffs coast focus 41

focusinterview.

Self trained body builder, uilder, Colombian born Camilo, amilo, moved to the Coffs Coast oast last year to live in his girlfriend, lfriend, Karlie’s, hometown. Camilo recently placed seventh enth in the National Body Building uilding competition in Sydney. dney.

Photos Phot Ph ottos b byy Ro Ross ss B Bro Brownsdon rown ro wnsd don (www.rossbrownsdon.com) ((ww www ww w.ro w.ro ross ssb ss brow br owns nsdo ns don do n.co com) m) ll the way from Colombia, how did you wind up in Middle Boambee? I came to Australia In 2006 basically to learn English, after finishing university in Colombia. Initially I was planning to stay in the country for six months, but I fell in love with Australia since the moment I arrived. I decided to extend my visa to do a course in commercial cookery. In 2011 I met my wonderful girlfriend and after 12 months together, we decided to live and explore my culture, so we lived in Bogota, Colombia, for nine months, while Karlie (my girlfriend) tried to learn Spanish - not an easy task, as Karlie struggles pronouncing my last name correctly.

We returned to Australia at the end of 2012 and decided to set up our life together in Coffs Harbour, where Karlie is originally from. We love the quality of life of this place, and we appreciate everything about it.

What's your day job, and what do you love about living and working on the Coffs Coast? I'm a chef by trade, and I have worked at Bonville International Golf Course since June last year. I love that I have the opportunity to finish work and take my dog for a walk at the beach or grab a coffee with friends and family and of course, I always take time to train, as it became an important part of my life.

You recently participated in the National Body Building competition in Sydney … how did you place, and what type of preparation did you undergo? I placed 7th. Maybe it doesn't sound very impressive but after competing against the best natural bodybuilders in the country, I was happy with that after doing all the preparation, dieting and training on my own. I will never forget when I got to the venue where the competition took place and I saw all these professional athletes with at least eight more people on their teams 42 coffs coast focus.

looking after their tanning oil up, etc. I got there with just my girlfriend and a $9 tan from the supermarket and some cooking spray to put on. I was very confident, even when I saw these big and ripped guys who have competed several times all around Australia.

trainer Jared Keft at the Power House Gym, who helped me get my posing right and provided me with pointers. After all this, I would then go home, cook my meals for the next day, and do it all over again.

That's impressive! What made you train The atmosphere was amazing; I never expected yourself? I started training when I was 21 such a friendly environment, and to see all years old and after so many years and ways the athletes motivating and encouraging to train, I think now I know my body enough each other was one of the best parts of the to know what works and what doesn't work experience. The whole preparation was for me. I believe everyone responds pretty challenging. When you differently to every type of fitness are a bodybuilder getting training in general. So, when ready for a show, you I decided to compete for don't do anything but the first time, I said, the sleep, train, eat and I love that I have "Why not keep doing finish do it all over again opportunity to what I've been doing y dog for a the next day. It gets work and take m for the past 11 a ab gr h or even harder when, walk at the beac and family years." I knew how s as with me, you coffee with friend ays take to train and how w al I , and of course have a full-time job, e an m ca to diet, but I had no be it as n, ai time to tr but you still find the life. y m of idea how to do the rt pa t an import time to get everything last part of the journey, done. Preparing for a which I believe is the most competition means you delicate stage of the whole don't have a social life. I preparation. still remember so many dinner So, I spent so many hours researching invitations, catching up with friends or online, encyclopaedias, books, magazines going out for a coffee I missed out on, etc. and also asking everyone I know who is but at the end when you see the changes into fi tness what to do and experimenting day by day in your own body, it's all worth and having the mirror as a guide. Some of the it. A normal day for me for eight weeks was: things simply didn't work for me, and I had waking up at 3.50am, doing one hour cardio, to change them along the way. For example, having a shower, going to work for ten hours some bodybuilders cut all carbs about two while making sure that I eat a meal every three weeks out, but that just didn't work for me, so hours (doesn't matter how busy I am at work).

I decided to add 60 grams of complex carbs in I would then go to the gym to train for two my meals before 3pm, something that helped hours, and afterwards do one hour of posing. me so much to get through the preparation This was something new and was pretty fun with more energy and still having ripped and for me. I was lucky enough to meet really tight muscles. good people who helped so much in terms of posing techniques (something that I had no The stereotype is that all body builders idea about). take performance enhancing drugs to I was lucky enough to meet local personal

buff up … what is your opinion on that?

It's no secret that at anabolic steroids are, unfortunately in myy opinion, pa part of the world of bodybuilding. Peop People cannot be that innocent to believe than anyone can get as big as professional bodybuilders only having chicken breast and brown rice. Most of the most famous bodybuilders in history, like Jay Cuttler, Cictor Martinez, Flex Wheeler and of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger, just to name a few, have admitted taking drugs in their bodybuilding careers. Personally, I haven't tried them and I never will - for numerous reasons.

First of all, it has never been my goal to be 'the massive guy'… I always wanted to get ripped and have a aesthetic physique, and that's what I train for. Also, I try to look after my health as much as I can, and I'm conscious of the side effects of performance enhancing drugs.

Body building is my passion and I will continue to do that for the rest of my life; I love the discipline, perseverance, determination and passion that this beautiful sport involves, and I would love people to see these kind of things about the sport and not stereotype everyone who lift weights, saying he is 'on the juice'.

What advice would you offer to anyone who had an interest in body building and would like to take it one step further? My advice to anyone who is thinking to compete as a bodybuilder would be, please do so! It is an amazing experience; nothing makes you feel more alive than to set up a goal and go for it, no matter what. The whole experience will make you feel stronger, not just physically, but mentally as well. In fact, I believe body building is so much more mentally challenging than physically challenging. Also from my personal opinion, I would advise if you decided to compete to not believe just in what one person says; look for more opinions, do some research and experiment with your own body. No human body responds the same to different types of training, dieting etc.

Thanks Camilo.

SILKWOO D

HU

ROAD

D EY TL

MEADOW

S

DRIVE

Autospeed We are located at unit 4&5/9 Wingara Drive, Coffs Harbour. We have been in operation for six months - an exiting new venture for Coffs Harbour.

We will also be offering a service for repair and restoration of antique metal toys, pedal cars and automotive memorabilia ... basically anything made of metal, we can restore it. Our skills and trade background includes a combined 20 years’ knowledge of our chosen field, with Jamie Betts a tradesman vehicle painter and vehicle panel beater with vast knowledge and experience in restoration and the show car scene, having been involved with, built and modified some of Australia’s top rated custom and show cars. Colin Campbell brings to our venture a vast knowledge of the classic rally scene in the UK, having a trade background as a fitter/engineer. His skills enable us to provide a comprehensive service covering all aspects of our chosen field. Currently we have projects under way such as mk1 escorts, 1960s Holdens, 1970s Holden and Ford, from general restorations, race and show cars from Coffs Harbour through to Newcastle. We consider our service to be a one of a kind in Coffs Harbour, as we specialise in, and only in, this area of automotive repair. We are passionate about helping our customers’ dream cars become reality and to bring older cars back to their former glory, so more good times can be shared with cool cars.

FOX VALLEY WAY

IBIS

MON TW

PLA CE

OOD DR IVE

GeoLINK D

Our focus is on providing a one stop custom and restoration service catering for classic, muscle car, concourse restoration, custom and show cars, turnkey builds, historic classic rally preparation, hot rods and anything in between.

At GeoLINK, our objective is to gain and implement approvals in a manner that delivers appropriate urban infrastructure and ecological and environmental benefits to new and existing areas. We promote development of a community which reflects the cultural, economic and social attributes in the residential, commercial and industrial land uses.

From development approval and concept design through to construction certificate documentation, GeoLINK are equipped to provide site supervision and contract administration during construction. GeoLINK can design subdivision layout plans, roads, driveways, and sediment and erosion controls. We have many years local experience in the preparation of tender documentation for construction of the subdivision works, assessment of tenders and contract management of construction.

These services are available at our local Coffs Harbour office located in Gordon Street.

GeoLINK Helping to create a sustainable Mid North Coast for over 20 years

Planning | Engineering | Landscape Architecture Environmental Auditing | Ecology For help with your next project visit us online at www.geolink.net.au PO Box 1446 COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 02 6651 7666

quality solutions sustainable future

coffs coast focus 43

COUTURE STUDIO WEDDINGS

Speedy Lube

Youth Directions

You and your family’s happiness and safety is our first priority.

In 2014, Youth Directions and Joel McCulla of Zulu's Restaurant are expanding the Future Chef Challenge which is offered to local high schools. Over the past seven years, budding chefs have been encouraged to showcase their culinary skills and talents and compete in cook-offs against class mates. This year the individual winners of cook-offs at each participating high school will be invited to take part in a regional cook-off, with fabulous prizes planned for the eventual winners. The regional event will include a new category, the Team Restaurant Challenge. Joel McCulla will challenge teams of students to plan a three course menu using local ingredients.

Students will then set up a 'pop-up restaurant’ and serve their menu to two guests.

Your motor vehicle is the second most expensive item you are likely to purchase. It is important to have it serviced and maintained by professional tradesmen.

Your safety is paramount when using highly skilled, licensed technicians. With the latest equipment, quality oil and parts, you are assured trouble free motoring. Every service comes with a written report and guarantee.

So why use SPEEDY LUBE? We offer a drive through, fixed price, while you wait service with no hidden extra costs, saving you time and money. With every service, you receive 6 months roadside assist absolutely free. At Speedy Lube we have been servicing vehicles just like yours for over 26 years – most makes and models of cars, light trucks, vans, all wheel drive, 4 wheel drive and SUV. All minor services are drive though, fixed price, while you wait.

Major log book services may require more parts and work, therefore a bit more time – best to ring and book in for these.

Ring or drive in now, and our friendly service advisers can give you a very accurate estimate of cost and time required.

RE REAL BRI RIDE DE: JASMINE LANGL GL LEY HAIR+MAK HAIR MAKEUP: TONY MARCHM CHM HMENT NT ARTISTRY TRY R RY

TRASH THE DRESS?!

WHY NOT COUTURE THE DRESS? NOT ONLY DO WE DO PHOTOGRAPHY, BUT OUR STUDIO IS THE COAST’S ONLY PROFESSIONAL, FOR HIRE, STUDIO FOR ANY PHOTOGRAPHER OR HAIR/MAKEUP-ARTIST IN NEED.

SpeedyLube

4X5 CYCLORAMA 3X HAIR & MAKEUP STATIONS LIGHTING

THE MIL STUDIOS LEVEL 1 8/74 CLARENCE STREET, PORT MACQUARIE. F. FACEBOOK.COM/THEMIL WWW.THE-MIL.COM/STUDIO

44 coffs coast focus.

The regional cook-offs and judging for the two categories is planned to take place over two full days during Youth Week in April. All local high schools are invited to participate in this exciting program. Youth Directions and Joel McCulla are committed to inspiring young people to consider careers in the hospitality industry. We are currently seeking business and community support for the Future Chef Challenge through sponsorship or donation of prizes.

Please call Youth Directions on 6653 2900 for details.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX IMAGE MATTERS a monthly feature by ◎

saso.creative

Everything new at the Con We have the pleasure of announcing a new vocal teacher to the team, Kate Ferguson. Kate has led a wonderful career in the performing arts industry and has taught and performed extensively in the UK and Australia.

She regularly tutors artists for recording companies and has a keen interest in singing therapy. Kate is upbeat, enthusiastic and encouraging! She will be at the Con on Mondays and Fridays for private tuition in all vocal styles and will be running a singing therapy group for suffers of COPD and lung disorders on Mondays.

We also have a wonderful new program of ensembles! Two new Jazz ensembles are kicking off in February, as well as a new flagship Primary Choir for ages 7 - 13 on Tuesdays. For the gifted and talented instrumentalists across the region, we are about to launch The Academy, a fantastic specialist chamber music program. Applications for the Academy close on January 31, and auditions will be on February 3.

Our new website and logo has been launched for this wonderful new year of music making. Please visit the site at www.coffscon.org.au for more information, online registration, or call the office on 6652 1592.

One thing that strikes us at saso.creative about Coffs and surrounds is how many people - entrepreneurs - are out there with a great product idea and are willing to back their vision, do the hard yards and make their dream a reality. In many cases, these local products are competing against established national brands, and the battle for customers’ attention and purchase potential is a tough one.

Packaging is the last piece of advertising consumers see before they make a purchasing descision, so it’s vital that your packaging is doing its job, and that’s where we can help. Here are some tips: Stand out: The average supermarket has 30,000+ products. Its customers are governed by routine and lack of time. Your package needs to get your product noticed. This may require bending or breaking the ‘rules’ so your product creates a presence in a hurried shopper’s field of vision. Same-same, safe-safe design blends in (blands in?) and leaves sales on the shelf.

Assume nothing: Many brands assume that a shopper is able to connect the dots to figure out what their product is about. Your packaging is an opportunity to explain how your product works, why it’s better than your competitors’, and why I should spend money on it. Cassava root chips? Tell me what a cassava is.

Express yourself: Many products are bought as much for how they conform to the purchaser’s world-view as they are for their utility or functionality. You need to flex your brand’s personality, and approach your product packaging with a human mindset: charming, opinionated, happy, quirky, transparent. As a small or boutique producer, this is an easy point of differentiation to national brands who cannot move without a focus group which inevitably consigns product packaging to the ho-hum.

Don’t leave sales on the shelf. Get in contact with saso.creative to ensure your product, your packaging - your vision - gets the attention it deserves.

Next month’s Image Matters feature: Focus on Copywriting.

saso.creative

TARGETED DESIGN

FOR YOUR BUSINESS for

ING PACKAG that

ENROL TODAY to play, listen, learn & perform at Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium Bray St Complex, Cnr Bray St and Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 | Phone: 02 6652 1592 Vist the new website at: www.coffscon.org.au

WEB DESIGN PRINT DESIGN PACKAGING

LOGO DESIGN ◎ BRANDING COPYWRITING

www.sasocreative.com.au

6658 7666

coffs coast focus 45

Sick of mould and musty smells?

Ausclimate dehumidifiers Chris and Allan Bryan are Coffs Harbour locals who have experienced firsthand the problems caused by excessive moisture in the family home. They realised the need for a high quality range of dehumidifiers to combat the region’s wet and humid conditions, so they partnered with family members to create Ausclimate.

Ausclimate distribute their NWT brand dehumidifiers Australia wide mainly through their online store: www.ausclimate.com.au They believe in their products and stand by their motto: “Ausclimate’s range of Dehumidifiers is the most effective, economical answer to moisture control in Australian homes”. This is backed up by their 2 year full replacement warranty.

Chris is passionate about these dehumidifiers and recognises many people aren’t aware of the serious problems caused by excess moisture and dampness: “Musty smells, mould on clothing, footwear, furnishings, ceilings and walls. And don’t forget those harmful allergens such as mould spores and dust-mites that can affect the health of our families”. Chris understands the difference a dehumidifier makes. “Everything smells

home

fresher and feels so much drier”.

Meet Chris and Allan at our local shopping centres (see below). Have a chat and enjoy their friendly, expert advice. And if you decide to purchase whilst there, they will have in stock their full range of dehumidifiers at their great discounted prices.

Unsure what to buy? Just ask about their free no obligation home visits in the local area.

Shopping centres and dates for February Toormina Centro: Wed 5 - Sun 9 Feb Coffs Central: Mon 10 - Sat 15 Feb Park Beach Plaza: Mon 17 - Sun 23 Feb.

moisture problems? mould? allergies? musty smells? dampness?...

GHKXPLGLÀHUV Your solution for a dryer, healthier indoor climate

super sale on now! limited time only

get in touch with Chris & Allan today allan@ausclimate.com.au

0427 693 273 46 coffs coast focus.

shop online @

www.ausclimate.com.au

By Nicola Taylor - Director Girlfit

8 week

INNER WARREIROR SUMM BLITZ

Weekend YOGA Workshop Hara Beyond Movement Studio

W

hat experience do you and Lisa bring to the Coffs Coast? We are two women on a mission to empower Australian women with tools that could enhance their lives and longevity through an informative and practical two-day women’s only yoga workshop.

What brings you to the Coffs Coast?

We held a similar workshop in Darwin that was fully booked out and very successful with positive feedback, so we decided to take our workshop on the road. Lisa and I are passionate about delivering vital and profound information with regard to women’s wellbeing to women in rural areas,

women aged 25 and above to experience true wellness and longevity in their bodies.

This workshop contains informative lectures on hormones, osteoporosis and the pelvic floor, gentle supportive and restorative yoga sessions and participation in co-creating an extraordinarily beautiful flower yantra.

Yantras are sacred geometry and are a form of mandala. The action of filling in a yantra with flower petals and then meditating upon it calms and focuses the mind. The workshop’s flower yantra is inspired by Tara, the goddess of healing.

Where are the workshops; how much do they cost? The workshops will be held at Hara Beyond Movement Studio on Saturday,

This workshop contains informative lectures on hormones, osteoporosis and the pelvic floor, gentle supportive and restorative yoga sessions and participation in co-creating an extraordinarily beautiful flower yantra. such as the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The idea to come to Coffs Coast came about because I have family ties in the area through my partner along with some friendship ties and Lisa is not so far away as she is based out of Mullumbimby. It is our hope that the women we work with will be inspired to take this information back to their communities and share this important knowledge.

What will the workshops cover? Breath of Fresh Air has been designed to support

and Sunday, February 15 and 16. The cost to attend both Saturday and Sunday is $275, or to attend either Saturday or Sunday is $213.

Do you have to be a yoga expert to attend, or can beginners attend as well?

This workshop is suitable for experienced yoga practitioners and non-practitioners alike. All are welcome. Bring along your friends, sisters, mothers and daughters!

Please contact Alyssia for more information or to reserve a place for yourself: 0466 546 372.

G

irlfit 8 Week Inner Warrior ... why? Do you overeat? Eat to overcome Summer Blitz is commencing emotions? Binge when no-one is watching? soon!

Feel guilt that you don’t know how to Our focus is deal with? Prioritise everyone on high quality, organic, else over your own needs? super foods! Nutrient Or, put weight back on its Clean eating at dense foods full very quickly? Sound u best to allow yo of flavour, not familiar? u can to be the best yo calories. Aimed Celebrate the New u to sleep be, ensuring yo to make you d an er tt Year and make 2014 be better, think t leaner, fitter and no s It' . er tt your fittest year be perform s it’ n; stronger. Unleash io ct ri st re yet.

The Girlfit Inner about lifestyle y th al the inner warrior he a t ou Warrior program is ab per and be the best change and to su your priority! Kids will warrior you can boost YOU!” be back at school, allow be. Clean eating at yourself the time to focus its best to allow you on your health and fitness. to be the best you can be, Eight weeks to a new you. You ensuring you to sleep better, will meet lots of new ladies and love think better and perform better. It's exercising outdoors. not about restriction; it’s about a Your Inner Warrior Pack will include: healthy lifestyle change and to super Inner Warrior Menu, Inner Warrior Diary, boost YOU! Inner Warrior Fitness Homework.

It's not about what you’re giving up; it's

“

what you're going to gain!

Unleashing your inner warrior is about being able to say no more excuses and making healthy life changing habits. What’s your favourite excuse? Think long and hard; it’s not the first thing you think of … dig deep

the plug!

Register your interest at www.girlfit.com.au Email: memberships@girlfit.com.au Phone: Amanda 0409 525 395 or Nic 0417 045 825. coffs coast focus 47

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

I N S P I R A T I O N A L

F I T N E S S

I N T E R V I E W

NATALIE SYKES 46 year old property manager, wife and mother from Dorrigo

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about the amazing Cherie Parik. This month we are catching up with Natalie Sykes and her Personal Trainer Kylie Calder, to hear her inspiring story.

W

hat is your diet and exercise background, Natalie? I started aerobics classes after my first child 21 years ago - and loved it. I usually went twice a week for about 12 years. I also loved food and could eat whatever I wanted at the time; I guess that was a perk of being young.

So where did it all go wrong? After travelling around Australia for 3 years, we settled in a small country town with no gym and limited facilities.

I was annoyed about it, but thought I could deal with it. We lived on a farm and thought that was enough to keep me fit. Your brain tells yourself what it wants to hear!

And how did that make you feel? I guess I just slowly lost my fitness and put on weight without noticing it. I kept meaning to get my act together, but didn’t really know how.

Unfortunately I didn’t change my eating habits as I got older and I also did less exercise. After having been fit for so long, it’s not a nice feeling to see yourself slowly losing it.

Then what motivated you to find a solution to the problem? I saw a photo of myself on a Christmas Day, and that was all the motivation I needed. We also had an extended family holiday booked for September in Port Douglas, so I used that as my timeframe as well.

How did you go about making that positive change? I decided that I needed to find a gym, even if it was 90 minutes away. I already made the trip at least once a week for shopping and other stuff, so there was my plan. I looked up gyms on the internet and found Coffs Coast Health Club. I called them and made an appointment for an induction, before I changed my mind. I asked for a lady, as I felt a bit selfconscious and would be more relaxed with one instead of a man.

Why did you select Kylie as your personal 48 coffs coast focus.

trainer, and what have you been doing together to achieve your goals? Kylie was great right from the start; I felt comfortable with her and didn’t feel awkward. When I told her of my plan and time frame, she suggested personal training. At first I was reluctant, as I didn’t think I would feel comfortable with someone standing there watching my every move, so I just stuck to classes for a few weeks. Then after I thought about it, I realised that it could be exactly what I needed to get a good start, so I took up an offer to do 3 sessions for $99 and see how I would like it. I was pretty much hooked right from the beginning! I think Kylie could see that I loved to be challenged and didn’t want an easy session.

I was paying to work my butt off and wanted to feel like I had done just that at the end of every session. She gave me exercises that I really didn’t think I could do! She knew I could do them, but I was just a bit apprehensive about it, and now I can do them all! That is one of the things I love best about her training.

What goals have you achieved so far? So far with Kylie's help, I have changed my eating habits and my own determination level. I have lost 13 kilos, lots of centimetres and stayed at my goal weight of 55 kg for the last 4 months.

What are your goals for the future? I plan on being as healthy and fit as I can into middle age and beyond! Sessions with Kylie are no longer an option, but a necessity of life for me.

What is the most useful advice you could share? The best advice I would give to someone is to stop thinking about it … just do it and make it a part of your everyday life, until it becomes a habit. It’s not as hard as you think it’s going to be, and it is simply the best thing you can do for yourself!

Thanks for sharing, Natalie, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see me or Kylie at Coffs Coast Health Club or contact 6658 6222 today.

with Renee Atkins, owner Beach Bodies Health Club

New Year's Resolutions C O F F S C O AS T

NUTRITION

So most of us have set New Year resolutions – now that we are into the year it is a good time to look and see how you are going!

When setting your goals, you need to make sure that they are achievable and realistic: • Have you set a time frame that you can accomplish your goal by? Stating that you want to lose 5 to 10 kg is great, but you are not going to lose it in a week! When setting your time frame, the more specific you are the more likely you will work towards it i.e.

“I will lose 5 kg by 1 March 2014”.

• Is your goal achievable? Setting a goal to run a marathon, for example, and looking at entering the one at the end of the month and you normally don’t run more than 5 km now, is going to be tough and not the most pleasant experience; however, if you plan for a future event and break down the training into little goals – i.e. “This month I will run 5 km every day, and I will increase it by 2 km each week after that” are small time specific goals you can work towards for your success.

• Are you accountable? Have you written your goal down or told somebody close

Did you know that Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD) have additional qualifications over Nutritionists? This enables APDs to decipher nutritional fact from fiction, and provide nutrition advice regarding medical conditions. ll APDs are Nutritionists, but

A

Nutritionists often lack the qualifications and training to call

to you that can encourage you? This is important, so that you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture and can be reminded why you are working so hard. If you can write it down or get a picture of what you want to achieve and look at it each day – your focus will remain strong.

All of these tips will help you make this New Year’s resolution achievable – and remember with any help with your New Year’s fitness resolutions, drop into Beachbodies, where our team is more than happy to help you reach your goals and make this your best year yet!

themselves APDs. Confusing, isn’t it!

To check whether your Dietitian or Nutritionist is appropriately qualified, simply ring 1800 812 942 or go to www.daa.asn.au It’s not only about qualifications and training.

The APDs at Coffs Coast Nutrition take great pride in helping people achieve their nutrition, health and fitness goals, by providing support, encouragement and motivation in a caring and nurturing environment. After all, food is a very important part of life. Clients often comment that they wish they had seen us years ago,

rather than resorting to expensive measures that didn’t produce the desired outcome.

Louise Williams and Sheree Riley at Coffs Coast Nutrition are experts in: Diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coeliac disease/glutenfree, irritable bowel, food intolerances (FODMAP or Elimination Diet), fatigue, sports nutrition, weight management, and much more ...

The only APDs currently working privately in the Coffs area are at Coffs Coast Nutrition, so for advice you can trust, phone the friendly team on 6652 7529 or go to www. coffscoastnutrition.com.au

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Surgical facial Rejuvenation & Correction With constant exposure and the wear and tear of daily living skin “ages” SURGICAL FACIAL REJUVENATION Melanin, a pigment in the epidermis (superficial layer of skin) and collagen, a protein' building block ' in the dermis (deeper layer of skin) protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light and give strength and tone to the skin.

With constant exposure and the wear and tear of daily living, skin “ages”, showing up as thinner skin, loss of a bulk in subcutaneous (beneath the skin) fat and muscle and resulting in drooping skin, affecting both appearance and function.

The eyes are first affected, with stretched and droopy skin (blepharochalasia), prominent pockets of fat, and often drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis), causing difficulty in keeping the eyes open.

The face shows the same changes. With skin drooping, the natural grooves in the face become more prominent and reduction in the volume and “show” of

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the lips which then appear thin.

Due to skin thinning, the skin of the nose slides downwards, making the tip less prominent and showing the shape of the cartilages beneath the skin.

The neck is a major concern to many, with droopy skin, accumulation of fat and the presence of longitudinal bands, due to the midline separation of muscles.

The brow/forehead is also affected, again with drooping of skin and eyebrows.

SURGICAL CORRECTION Modern surgical methods, used in the correction of the above problems, are more about restoration of function and appearance, rather than resection (removal) of skin and fat.

In most of the affected areas, the skin and deeper tissues droop downwards and correction is achieved by restoring deeper tissues to their original positions and draping skin over the restored deeper tissue, with minimal skin

resection. This gives a very natural facial rejuvenation, compared to previous corrections where the emphasis was on skin-tightening alone.

The neck is slightly different in that it has a “corset” made up of the two Platysma muscles, which hold the contents of the neck in position.

When these muscles come apart in the midline, their edges show up as longitudinal bands in the central neck.

In a neck lift, this corset is restored (corset platysmoplasty), in addition to removal of fat and skin.

Corrective and restorative surgery is sometimes done in isolation, eg. eyelid surgery, but often in combination, eg. face and neck lift.

Surgery gives good results which lasts for many years.

For operative details of the above procedures, please visit our website. www.pclscoffsharbour.com.au

focuseditorial.

Beachside Radiology Cone beam computed tomography (or CBCT) is a medical imaging technique that uses X-ray computed tomography.

improved views and manageability of images.

Patients also benefit with decreased scan times and lower radiation exposure.

Cone Beam CT has become increasingly important in treatment planning and diagnosis in implant dentistry, endodontics and orthodontics.

With improved resolution, the machines’ superb image quality allows valuable diagnostic information to be collected for a range of dental and maxillofacial applications, including endodontics, implantology, orthognathics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

During a scan, the scanner rotates around the patient's head, obtaining many distinct images.

The scanning software collects the data and reconstructs it, producing a three dimensional image that can then be manipulated with specialised software to obtain the ideal visual.

CONE BEAM @ BEACHSIDE RADIOLOGY! In late 2013 Beachside Radiology installed Cone Beam at their Park Avenue practice.

The first of its type of technology for the Coffs region the Cone Beam provides huge advantages for ENT & Dental Imaging.

Cone Beam provides practitioners with

All Medicare Services will be bulk billed. This includes Specialist, Dentist and GP referred exams. If you require dental imaging contact Beachside Radiology for an appointment.

Beachside Radiology know you have enough to worry about. When you or your family need medical help, you don't want to wait. Whether it is to ease your worries or to fit into your busy schedule, they aim to get your examinations done when you need them done. Most studies can even be done TODAY.

with Pandora Colledge

A NUTRITIONIST

hat is your number one of course, organic is preferred. Try adding some tip for healthy eating? fresh herbs, lemon and ginger to juice recipes.

Eat clean! This means eat What are the healthiest foods when on a fresh and in season and, if budget? you can, eat organic. Raw You can't go past fresh vegetables, fruits, food is our medicine, and in its natural form it meat and fish. And when produce is in season, is full of amazing enzymes, an abundance of it is usually in abundance and should be cheaper vitamins and nutrients. Fresh fruit and vegetables to buy. Always shop with a menu in mind and in season means you get the freshest produce, stick to the ingredients list. You can always and its vitamins and nutrients are at their best. If freeze meals. And best of all, grow your own. If you can't buy organic, definitely buy local, as this you don’t have a garden area, you can still grow is also fresh and it supports our local growers. vegetables in pots on your deck or verandah.

What is your favourite healthy snack?

What is the best way to get a child to ditch It would have to be raw fresh cucumber, junk foods and embrace healthy eating? snow peas and carrots with hummus. I just love I believe you have to make it fun and it when that three o’clock munchies interesting. I made 'funky' bikkies for craving happens; I make sure my daughter when she was really I always have it ready. A young, and they had so many well made hummus has different colours and fresh es some good essential Different juic ingredients on them. She nt fatty acids, complex suit differe am I still asks for them today, d carbs, some great purposes, an t ou ng yi tr and she is now 15. I also trace minerals like constantly ices believe Jamie Oliver is on potassium and new recipes. Ju om are best made fr is in to a good thing by using magnesium to at fresh produce th se , mention a few, some unappealing ingredients ur season and of co d. ” B vitamins, and it to show kids how bad re organic is prefer satisfies your cravings. some products can be.

I love to make my own Make good food exciting and hummus and add garlic and colourful and fun shapes. Find the fresh herbs. particular healthy foods they do like How important is it to include fresh and add to them. Get kids to help prepare juice to your diet, and what are the food and create designs with it as well. health benefits of juice?

What are the best ways to 'go green' in I am a big juice fan, especially for people your kitchen? on the run. It is a concentrate of vitamins and Get yourself a juicer and a food processor. health in a glass that can be mobile with you.

These are two of my most used items, which You can make juices to benefit a pre workout means that you can produce some amazing or a post work out recovery. It can be a meal recipes with fresh and raw ingredients. I have replacement or snack. It is a great alternative my own home grown vegetable patch which to supplements and a far more enjoyable way I also grow in pots. I use my fresh herbs and to get some concentrated nutrients; it can produce and make juices, dips and sauces. I also also help in supporting the liver and kidneys. invested in a food dehydrator, so any produce Different juices suit different purposes, and I am in abundance can be dried and used for snacks constantly trying out new recipes. Juices are best later on. made from fresh produce that is in season and

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Health & Wellbeing with GenHealth The Health Promotion Girls at GenHealth, Alex, Becky, Cath and Karen love their jobs!

Wouldn’t you too, if you were helping people get fitter, healthier, happier and less stressed!

They work with individuals, groups and families of all ages providing workshops, support groups and courses to help you learn new skills, meet new people and get the most out of every day. Sessions running daytime, evenings and weekends to suit your lifestyle.

Check out the list of things on offer this term:

• Lady’s Lifestyle Support Group (Wed only)

Healthy Eating, Activity & Lifestyle, 18 years & over OR Go4Fun, Families with kids 7 - 13 years – these programs are packed full of healthy lifestyle information, exercise and great resources.

A Youth Mental Health First Aid Course is on 3 -

Fatigue & Pain Support Groups – facilitated group open to men and women feeling challenged by their health.

• Mindfulness Courses • Beginners Tai Chi Classes • One-on-One Health Coaching • Antenatal Pilates • Stories Circles • Stepping On – falls prevention for over 65s

4 March and Mental Health First Aid throughout the year.

They’re starting new programs all the time and

Kombu

Kombu - Community Garden

are interested to hear about services which would be useful to you. So don’t hold back, get in touch, like their Facebook page, Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre, and join the

Combine a bare patch of earth with a passion for local food and a dynamic local community, and what do you get? A community-focused living food edible garden!

mailing list while you’re at it!

Call the girls on 6652 8111, email on kplumbe@ chwhc.com.au or drop in and see them at 74 Victoria Street so you can have a chat about what might suit your needs.

hen Bellingen healthy living and stood and stared as everyone came together organic grocery store Kombu to turn the graffiti covered wall and trampled Wholefoods moved to their flowerbed into a dynamic, colourful and living new location a couple of years garden. ago, they found themselves located in the newly The team came back together several times landscaped area of town but with a flowerbed over the following weeks until the work was out the front of the store that really needed completed. The result is a garden that is now some love. full of children playing, food growing (and Store partners Kevin and Lowanna Doye are getting just as quickly) and a vibrant mural both passionate local food advocates, so inspired highlighting the role that local food plays within by the Edible Streetscapes project in Bellingen, the community. contacted a number of local organisations The result is also one happy store partner. As to float the idea of creating Kevin enthused: “The process was hard another edible food garden work, but great fun and well worth out the front of Kombu. the effort. We were blessed to Following a Explained store partner have a great team of young suggestion from Kevin Doye: “We live people in our town who cal Bellingen EYE, lo arted in a part of Australia gave their own time to st artist Lunci also that offers reliable make this happen. We am te e working with th food rain, an amazing were also blessed to have l ca to develop a lo range of local climates a supportive and creative n ru to al themed mur the within the one shire, local community that we nd hi be l al w e along th and a community that could draw upon to help garden.” is passionate about local make it a reality.” food. Combine that with Kevin also noted the obvious a Council that has recently benefits for the store: “It is so launched a 2030 plan to support much nicer for us and our customers local food and an award winning local Chamber to have a vibrant, living garden out the front of Commerce that has actively encouraged and that highlights everything we stand for. We are mentored the Bellingen Edible Streetscapes already looking to further expand the garden project, and we knew that if it was possible and I would advocate any other businesses who anywhere it was possible here.” have an unloved street flowerbed out the front Within days, local environmental youth to consider doing something similar.” organisation Bellingen EYE and eco-focused The garden can be found outside Kombu local garden designer Charlie Brennan had Wholefoods at the end of Church Street, jumped on board, and there was no stopping the Bellingen. Any businesses looking to create development of the food garden! Following a something similar are welcome to contact Kevin suggestion from Bellingen EYE, local artist Lunci at shop@kombuwholefoods.com.au also started working with the team to develop a Bellingen EYE: www.bellingeneye.com local food themed mural to run along the wall Kombu Wholefoods kombuwholefoods.com.au behind the garden.

Bellingen Shire 2030 Plan: Only a couple of months later, and passers-by www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au

“

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coffs coast focus.

Coffs Coast Nutrition Coffs Coast Nutrition’s 'Weight No More' program delivers amazing results for people who don’t have time to be obsessive with diet and exercise, but who want to improve their health and well-being and lose weight. Whether you want to lose 5 kg or 50 kg, we can help, even if you feel you know what to do. We’ll provide handy tips and simple solutions and guide you towards healthy food choices without turning your lifestyle upside down. Unlike many weight loss diets, our program covers everything you need to know to lose weight, and keep it off.

• Individualised meal plans designed by our Dietitians • Quick, easy meal/snack ideas; delicious recipes • Time-saving weight loss tips • Regular visits, phone and email contact to keep you motivated • Counselling to help with comfort eating • Latest advice re low G.I, satiety, recipe modification, food labelling, mindful eating etc • Free gym sessions and fitness program Coffs Coast Nutrition’s team of health and lifestyle experts consists of Louise Williams (Accredited Practising Dietitian / Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian, Personal Trainer), Sheree Riley (Accredited Practising Dietitian / Nutritionist) and Brooke Henry (Exercise Specialist).

Louise and Sheree have university qualifications in Nutrition, Dietetics, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Physiology and Biochemistry.

This enables us to interpret complex scientific information, decipher nutritional fact from fiction, and provide nutrition advice regarding medical conditions.

Our university-qualified exercise specialist can provide individualised programs and personal training in the privacy of our new studio gym.

Weight No More – meet our friendly team and discover the secret to good health and permanent weight loss, or learn how to effectively manage a medical condition with nutritional therapy.

Hara Beyond Movement Studio

Discover a healthier you Keep your health and wellness resolutions in check by ensuring the right foundations and support systems are in place.

We all start the year with the best intentions, but it can be all too easy to put our goals aside for work, life or family.

“Achieving health success is about taking action and creating a game plan which works for you,” says naturopath and Ginkgo Healing Centre owner Clare Lowther.

Our personal wellness programs are tailored to meet individual needs and set patients up for success.

Clare recently returned to Coffs Harbour having had the opportunity to work in a specialised thyroid clinic on the Gold Coast. Treatment protocols were results driven.

Comprehensive blood screening from the outset (and followup monitoring at three months) achieved results time and time again. Thorough blood analysis allowed Clare to unravel the complexities of thyroid disorders and many other conditions.

Clare has over 15 years of experience with expertise in herbal medicine, nutrition, flower essences, and homeopathy.

Additionally, training in the field of Science (Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology) allows her to bring an integrated approach to treatment, combining scientific discipline with traditional medicine.

Book a consultation today to create a healthier you tomorrow!

Hara is the only studio in Coffs Harbour teaching Classical Pilates, Core Strength Vinyasa YOGA and the GYROKINESIS ® and GYROTONIC® methods. The studio is fully equipped with quality Pilates apparatus and a Gyrotonic® tower, a professional standard sprung floor. We cater for everyBODY. Teachers Suzanne McCarty Pilates, Yoga, Gyrokineisis® and Gyrotonic® and Jo Cunningham Hatha Yoga have both been teaching for over 14 years and share a passion for teaching and a wealth of knowledge and experience. We aim to provide a variety of classes for different moods, goals and needs. We hope there is something for you!

Term 1 2014 includes: Pilates and movement class for Breast Cancer survivors. Pilates for Healthy Bones (osteoporosis and osteopenia specific training) Pilates and Yoga for pre and post natal pregnancy Functional movement class for fall prevention (standing and seated exercises) Hatha YOGA, Restorative YOGA, Core Strength vinyasa YOGA, Classical Pilates MAT, Functional Pilates MAT, GYROKINESIS® exercise class.

Term 1 workshops include: ‘Breath of Fresh Air’, a weekend of Yoga for women 15 and 16 February. Bookings: call Alyssia Newton 0466 546 372.

Studio OPEN DAY Saturday 1 March, 10am - 2pm all welcome Foundations of PILATES (beginners) 7 - 9 March Foundations of YOGA (beginners)14 - 16 March Blissed out - an evening of massage, stretching, relaxation, natural skin care products - ‘One Blossom’ - 15 March, 6 - 8pm.

Nibbles and drinks included.

Hara Autumn 5 day challenge Pilates and Yoga 21 - 25 April.

Bookings for classes and workshops: Suzanne McCarty at HARA on 6652 4462 or email: office@beyondmovementstudio.com.au

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focusinterview.

P L U M B I N G

meet a local

tradie.

SCOTT DAWSON Adult Apprentice - Faircloth and Reynolds ow long have you been a part of the team at Faircloth and Reynolds, and what is your role? I commenced work with F&R on Dec 12, 2012 as a workshop labourer after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper for this position. As I was working away at the time and had a constant eye out for local employment here in Coffs Harbour, I eagerly applied for the role, as I did not like the fact that I was spending the majority of my time away from my beautiful wife and children. From the first day at work in the Duct Shop, I was impressed by the level of professionalism that the F&R team projected and I could not wait to learn all aspects of Sheet Metal Fabrication at once. After three months operating the Plasma Cutter, I soon realised that I was only a very small part of a long process of Air Conditioning Duct Fabrication and I wanted to learn so much more. I spent the rest of that year learning the finer details of interpreting plans and drawings and fixing a lot of mistakes along the way.

My current role at F&R is a 2nd year adult apprentice in certificate three engineer and Light Metal Fabrication.

satisfaction, then you are wasting yourself and

You joined the team as an adult apprentice. What advice would you offer to others who may be considering this type of career move? I would impress on anyone considering an adult apprenticeship to ask yourself why you want to do it and how can you achieve it. There are so many positives for both you and your employer, but I feel that if you do not have a high sense of job

to the company, as well as myself. When I

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54 coffs coast focus.

your employer’s time, resources and money.

Although if you feel that this is the right path for you and you have a yearning to learn a trade, as I do, then an adult apprenticeship offers a whole new world of challenges and benefits.

What area of the business do you work in? I currently work in the Duct Assembly Workshop that produces all shapes and sizes of air conditioning ducts for industrial and domestic applications all over the state and nationally.

What do you like the best about being a part of such a reputable local business?

The best thing about being part of the F&R team is that everyone is local. My previous employment involved working on construction sites where very few local people (including myself) were employed, but here you really do feel like you are part of the community.

Where do you see yourself after you complete your apprenticeship? I feel that being a 45 year old employee of a company that has been growing, and still is, that I have at least 20 years of learning and contributing look back on my 22 years working in the Northern Territory, where you can be a jack of all trades and a master of none, at the end of each day there is nothing that beats the feeling that I have achieved something new.

Thank you F&R for the opportunity to better myself, and I hope we can work together for a long time to come.

ow long has Emerald Beach extraordinary people and our business has Plumbing been in operation, enjoyed its longevity here in Coffs Harbour and are you a family because of the people that work in it. operated business? Emerald What type of work do you do Beach Plumbing has now been in business domestically and commercially? We here in Coffs Harbour for nearly 20 years. specialise in plumbing maintenance for We are a small family business owned by the real estate agents and strata bodies Peter Coulson and Pandora Colledge. It and also lots of private customers. We started in the front yard of our also do commercial maintenance for home in Emerald Beach the supermarket chains, the and we eventually grew NSW police, banks and the out of the house e lis ia council.

We sp ec and moved to ng bi um in pl How important is it r th e re al a commercial m ai nt en an ce fo st ra ta to hire a plumber d premises in es ta te ag en ts an ts of and have you seen lo Hurley Drive. bo di es an d al so s. We some horrible DIY er om st pr iv at e cu We enjoy the al ci er plumbing work? m m co al so do location now as th e r fo ce Our industry is a an en nt m ai it is so central ai ns , th e ch t ke ar licensed one for a rm pe su to our work. nk s an d th e very good reason. It N SW po lic e, ba How has the Co un ci l.” can be a high risk trade company grown, and many accidents and how many staff costly mistakes can happen do you currently if you don’t use a licensed employ? Our amazing tradesperson. We do get called in little business has grown from strength from time to time to fix DIY plumbing to strength due to the best people on but thankfully we haven’t seen too many our team. We acknowledge the expertise horrible jobs. We like to think that when and professionalism and loyalty of our we visit a job the first time, that we have people. We have a mutual respect for created a relationship that makes our each other and focus on their individual customer feel comfortable enough that they talents. Our people find us and not the can call us and we will complete their job other way around and because of this, we with the least amount of disruption and to a believe that they enjoy what they do and professional finish. create a business for us all to be proud of.

27/25 Hurley Dr, Coffs Harbour We are currently a dream team of eight 6650 0544

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N U - E r a

K i t c h e n s

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B a t h r o o m s

kitchens & Bathrooms

56 coffs coast focus.

N U - E r a

K i t c h e n s

&

B a t h r o o m s

nu-era kitchen & bathrooms Nu-Era specialise in developing and creating new and different renovations in and around your home. Nu-Era pride themselves in making your dream kitchen come alive.

ell us a little about your business; how long have you been operating?

I originally started Nu-Era Bath Resurfacing in 1984 when I brought my wife, Linda, and two boys to Coffs Harbour from Sydney. We all loved the area so much that settling in was easy, and we really appreciated the Coffs Harbour lifestyle. Rearing our children in this lovely environment brought comfort to my wife and I. My wife, Linda, is a Registered Nurse and has been employed at a Coffs Harbour Nursing Home for over 30 years. We are both looking forward to our retirement in the near future and endeavour to include a lot of travel, caravanning, fishing and socialising with

our already retired friends.

I decided to start my business when I noticed the demand for kitchens in this area, so I took a plunge and branched out to become Nu-Era Stone Surfaces and Nu-Era Bath Resurfacing. From there, we became a licensed builder, and now our business can carry out any building/renovation work that is required for residential and commercial.

What is your background? What was your earlier career, and how did you morph your early experience in to the successful business you have today?

I started my trade as a painter in Gympie and moved to Sydney, where I had my first painting and decorating

business. Then moving to Coffs From there, we d Harbour, I continued my trade became a license r with bath resurfacing, which ou w builder, and no rry out became very popular and business can ca vation no demanding. I also did some any building/re ed ir qu re is security work at local hotels. at th k wor d an l Whilst I was working in security, I for residentia .� al met and built relationships with a commerci lot of different locals, businessmen and local business owners.

Being a Coffs Harbour Golf Club Member also helped in meeting local business people, people fromwhom I gained lots of local knowledge.

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N U - E r a

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“

We specialise in developing and creating new and different renovations in and around your home.”

kitchens & Bathrooms

What does the business specialise in?

Nu-Era Kitchens brings you the latest in-vogue designer kitchens available today, with our experienced staff and designers on hand to help improve and create your dream renovation.

Nu Era is equipped with not only the machinery to make such statements possible, but also a team with over 20 years’ experience for customer satisfaction. Nu-Era understands that in this day-and-age people are entertaining at home more than ever, so it’s our honour to make sure the kitchen we manufacture is, and must be, up-to-date, stylish, unique and above all, functional.

Tell us about the kitchens?

The kitchens we design are all unique in their own way. The reason we push boundaries to create each kitchen differently works both ways … we want every job to be 'its own', and we build kitchens that stand out from the rest! We also love being creative and adding imagination to the kitchens we build and

design. We make the dream kitchens/renovations come true!

We offer our customers a simple yet efficient way of doing business. Another stand out service we offer is design equipment that delivers a clear view of kitchen styles/colours and designs.

Why Nu-Era? At Nu-Era Kitchens and Bathrooms we equip our customers with their own personal kitchen designer. This member of our team immediately eliminates the stress of design, colour matching and installation. We make each choice an easy one, as we're aware that having a new kitchen installed or having part of your home renovated is already a stressful time.

We pride ourselves on making your dream kitchen come alive in a fast, efficient 'headache free' way. Through our combined experience, we make sure our customers have peace of mind knowing that the right team is installing yet another unique, designer kitchen, to be the most important room of your family’s

Proud supplier of: Nu-Era Kitchens & Bathrooms Come into Cetnaj Coffs Harbour 151 Orlando St Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: (02) 6652 7400

58 coffs coast focus.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7am-5pm Saturday 8.30am-12.00pm

home.

We specialise in developing and creating new and different renovations in and around your home. Other services include kitchen makeovers, bathroom renovations (including tiling or stone), bedroom wardrobes, entertainment units, laundry cabinetry and even custom built dog wash stations, outside surrounding renovations such as outdoor BBQs/entertaining areas, pergolas/concreting and home extensions. We even supply a full range of electrical goods sourced locally.

We are fully dedicated throughout our projects to ensure the high level of professionalism is carried out to the very end.

We have a very close affiliation with all of our sub-contractors, such as plumbers, electricians, tilers and with our licensed builders, allowing us to create a one-stop shop for our customers.

We have a large showroom showcasing two full size kitchens, as well as a range of fittings and accessories on display on Orlando

N U - E r a

K i t c h e n s

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B a t h r o o m s

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We find that once the customer understands the full scale of the renovation process, they are accommodating to our needs to complete their job.”

Street, Coffs Harbour. We can also resource anything to ng welcoming and tend to our customers’ enquiries, offering ns. suit our customers’ needs. valued information and assisting them in their renovations.

We specialise in resurfacing, which is one of From there, our customers can make an appointa kind on the Mid North Coast. We can ment, and I'll personally come to the propertyy bring life back into your old bathroom, to discuss their options in detail. ts kitchen or laundry. Team member After we've discussed ideas, concepts e lis ia ec op, sp Dan is pedantic about his workand different options, we plan, develop, e W nd manship and takes a lot of care design and provide a 3D drawing and in resurfacing, a kind d when resurfacing. He has very quote. Once the client has accepted which is one of th or N high expectations and strives to the quote, we invite them to come on the Mid ing Co ast. We can br old do his very best for our custominto our showroom, where we carryy ur yo to in ck life ba wers, whether it’s resurfacing your out the final selections to their drawn or bathroom, kitche bathtub, bench tops or tiles. ings and job details. laundry.” nDeciding to get a new kitchen We find that once the customer unon or bathroom can be quite an derstands the full scale of the renovation emotional process. Talk us through process, they are accommodating to our the process … from the time that needs to complete their job. someone walks in the front door, what type Our tradesmen and sub-contractors are always on of service and experience can they expect? hand to support our customers, to ensure our service is Whether by phone or when visiting our showbacked up with the most efficient and experienced support room in Orlando Street, our staff are possible.

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www.coffscomputing.com.au

We Make I.T. Easy Proudly assisting business clients on the Coffs Coast

Proudly supporting Nu-Era Kitchens with their cabinet hardware requirements.

Call your nearest branch on 1300 551 919

www.lincolnsentry.com.au

160 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour Authorised Reseller, Authorised Education Reseller Authorised Service Provider, Authorised iPhone Service Agent

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kitchens & Bathrooms

What type of commercial work does NuEra specialise in?

Over the years we have carried out many commercial jobs, including, restaurants, cafés, doctors’ surgeries, amenities blocks and office fit-outs.

We have just recently completed the new modern amenities at Toormina High School, which have become a hit with the students and teachers.

How many people do you employ locally?

We currently have a staff of 12; this includes

10 full-time experienced staff and two casual staff.

Of these staff members, we have two apprentices and two licensed builders. All but one is a local, who moved to Coffs Harbour from the Sunshine Coast.

Last year was a very busy year, and in 2014 we look forward to our upcoming projects and challenges. Our very friendly staff are accommodating in every way. Our whole team enjoy working in this very busy industry. We all work as one team and share the same objective.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us in getting the business to where we are today ...

Nu-Era would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our suppliers for their support and co-operation throughout our journey and ever expanding business - especially our subcontractors; they are forever on hand to service our needs.

Thank you to Two Birds Design, Kylie and Kristy, who have provided our customers with a stress free approach to their new

Ronda Outdoors Kitchen Components

renovations, guiding them through designs and colour matching, as well as window and furniture covering selections.

What type of community events do you support locally?

We have supported Coffs Harbour Basketball Association, the local Relay for Life, Local Cancer Council, Sawtell Meals on Wheels, Sawtell Rugby League Football Club and also Coffs Campus Children’s Ward and The Australian Paralympic Team.

Furnware are also proud distributors of: Quantum Design Handles

Italian designed & made Full stainless steel construction No dust, no bugs and completely waterproof, thanks to the magnetic seal on the drawer front

Ronda Outdoors is an Italian designed & made range of fully self-contained stainless steel drawers and accessories, that can be mounted into any style of BBQ setting, and that allow you to keep food and drink, hot or cold, without the need of electricity. Because these units sit within any type of BBQ area construction, the exterior can be manufactured from any material, giving a wide scope for your choice of colours & materials to be incorporated.

Visit www.furnware.com.au for more information!

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Quantum Design encompasses a wide range of styles from timeless classical to sleek modern and with Quantum there is something to satisfy every taste.

Domusline LED Cabinet Lighting

Feature interview with Fran Stephenson

LIZ JAMISON

All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays. – Johann Sebastian Bach.

L

earning to play the piano is not quite so easy for those of us without the musical greatness of Bach. We need a good teacher to guide us along the path. Piano teacher Liz Jamison does just that. Having nurtured the budding musicians of Coffs Harbour for 36 years and in her role as President of the Coffs Harbour Music Society, she has greatly enriched the cultural life of our city and brought musical pleasure to many.

When classical music lover Liz Jamison left Sydney in 1973 with architect husband, Trevor, and their daughter to settle in Coffs Harbour, they may have suffered somewhat of a culture shock ... or lack of culture shock.

Back then, Coffs Harbour basically had only the small Jetty Memorial Theatre, which put on a lot of travelling theatre but not much music. Respite for classical music lovers was the annual performance by the New England Ensemble from Armidale, who performed at the Anglican Church hall.

Liz, then in her early 30s, was a competent pianist who was trained by her mother as a child. Her passion for fine music meant that she felt the musical void in Coffs Harbour and became increasingly determined to bring more good music to town. She became involved with the Arts Council of N.S.W, which was the main organising body for touring musical groups, but there was still an emphasis on theatre rather than music.

In 1985, Liz and a group of friends formed the Coffs Harbour Music Society, a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation with aims to bring quality musicians to town.

Initially four concerts were held per year, either at the Jetty Theatre or in private homes.

Due to their limited funds, artists were sought who were good but not too expensive and to

ep costs down keep down, the performers were billeted in private homes. An initial attempt to run a subscription series of concerts at the Jetty Theatre failed due to lack of support.

Liz took over as President in 1987 and ties were strengthened with the Arts Council, and a highly beneficial relationship was also formed with Australia's oldest independent professional performing arts organisation, Musica Viva. This relationship opened new doors for the local Music Society, enabling them to engage both national and international artists of high calibre and to do it more economically through the Musica Viva international programme.

Some 27 years on, when the less dedicated would have burnt out, Liz still enjoys the position of President of the Society and devotes endless time to Society business and in finding inspiring musicians for the enjoyment of local audiences.

Under her leadership, The Society has achieved substantial growth. But given her altruistic nature, she is the first to admit that without the invaluable support of her dedicated team of nine committee members, volunteers and supporters, this growth would not have been possible.

Gone are the days when The Society could not get the numbers to support a subscription programme, as subscribers have increased from 90 to around 300 and they enjoy preferred seating and buy tickets at substantial discounts. Due to the generosity of sponsors, ticket prices are often as much as 50 percent less than an equivalent performance in a capital city - one of the joys of living in a regional area which has its own active chamber music society.

Today, concerts are held in a larger, more modern theatre which seats 350 at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus. And since 2004,

the Coffs Harbour Music Society has held six to play a musical instrument. Liz currently outstanding concerts each year, featuring some teaches some 30 students per year, with of the world’s finest classical musicians. ages ranging from 4 to 75 years. She also “Many of these artists are drawn from prepares many students each year for national the renowned Musica Viva international and international music examinations and programme, but not entirely, as The Society has seen many go on to graduate studies in has formed some great connections including conservatoriums and universities. one with the Sydney International Liz was also a voluntary Piano Competition. The member of the Board of competition is held every Coffs Harbour Music four years, and we bring Education Centre, which s he ac Liz currently te r pe ts the winner to Coffs later became the en ud some 30 st from g in ng ra to perform for local Conservatorium and es ag year, with epares pr so al e Sh audiences. They’re . is involved annually 75 4 to each year for many students always outstanding with the Eisteddfods, ternational national and in s performers,” said Liz. through which ha d ions an music examinat te ua ad gr The Society, in line she has developed to seen many go on toriums va er with its not-for-profit connections with ns co studies in s.” ie sit er iv status, gives back to the music teachers un d an community where it can throughout N.S.W. to help further the careers And what can we look of emerging local musicians. In forward to from the Coffs past years it has awarded scholarships Harbour Music Society in 2014? of $1,000 each to three outstanding “We’ve been really fortunate to be local students, supported the Coffs able to negotiate with Musical Viva to get Harbour Regional Youth Orchestra, run three chamber groups from their international master classes for local students with visiting programme to perform in Coffs. performers and makes its grand piano available And we’re thrilled to have lured Konstantin for students of the CHEC on an ongoing basis.

Shramray from Germany to play for us.

However, while Liz and her team have Konstantin began playing piano at six. He greatly enriched the cultural life of Coffs was the 2008 Sydney International Piano Harbour, Liz’s personal musical legacy does not Competition winner, distinguishing himself stop there. Has she taught you the piano, or as the first competitor in the history of the maybe your mother, husband or child? For 36 competition to win First Prize, the People’s years, Liz has nurtured the musical talents of Choice Prize and six other prizes.

Coffs Harbour.

As well as our usual six subscription Teaching piano started in 1977 when a concerts, we will have an extra concert in group of friends asked Liz to teach their September with the phenomenal 21-year old children. Although a competent pianist, she Russian pianist Nikolay Khozyainov, who is had not had formal teaching training, so she hailed as one of the most promising pianists underwent training and further study in the of his generation. We have a truly wonderful Suzuki method of teaching young children programme coming up,” said Liz.

“

coffs coast focus 61

s o c i a l s c e n e

Below. Alan Johnson, Greg White, Warren Skinner, Geoff Johnson & Merv Mercer.

with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Right.

Pink Silks Committee members

Above. Mel Felton, Nicole, Liz Mitchell, Sam Dawson and Tracey Hickson at Pink Silks

Above. Chris Shute and Melly Dee, President’s Day BBQ, C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club

Social/scene.

Above. Aaron Logue and Bianca Ling

Above. Aiste Raquc-Kaite, Jess and Liss Mason

Last of the summer months, and the stars are definitely shining brightly on the Coffs Coast! Our very own local star, Russell Crowe, brought an exciting splash of New York to the Coffs Coast just recently. he musical partnership of Russell, UK actress and songstress Samantha Barks, along with Alan Doyle proved to be nothing short of sensational! Rave reviews were voiced from audience, who were treated to the entertainment provided by the dynamic group at the Indoor Garden Party events. The series of sell-out shows, which have previously been performed in London, were held at The Coffs Harbour Jetty Memorial Theatre.

A bevy of talented performers joined them on stage, for a performance certainly not to be missed. Russell has also been spending time with family and friends at the family property at Nana Glen, with whispers of laying down tracks for a new album. Exciting times for our Coffs Coast!

Staying on sparkling stars ... it’s that time of year when our local talented dancers compete in the ever popular ‘Dancing with the Coffs Coast Stars’. The event is staged at the Coffs C.ex and gets packed to the max every single year. This event is a night of nonstop entertainment and attracts many local identities and dance instructors. This annual fundraiser is for the Cancer Council and is on 1 February.

Nearly fully booked, so grab a ticket while you can!

After the silly season, a massive cleanup was in order at the Beros residence! Teenagers aplenty, along with a few (shall we say) relaxed adults had left the place in a rather a dishevelled state ... I was told to calm down when I bolted around trying to round up my sheep to help me get the joint back in order. I was promised a ‘Magic Cleaning Pixie’ would clean the windows and have a cleaning frenzy - never happened before, so I ignored this and carried on moaning that I hadn’t even obtained my tickets to see our local stars dance. There were certainly stars in store; I 62 coffs coast focus.

shall elaborate later ...

Another successful Sawtell Summer session Night on First Avenue. With a combination of a mass of enthusiastic fun loving tourists and the ever expanding groups of locals, the night was absolutely buzzing. Masses of entertainment and all the stores and eateries blitzing it.

Next event will be on Thursday 13 February, just before Valentine’s Day (hint, hint!) The night will have a fashion street show provided by all the fabulous boutiques on First Avenue ... woohoo! We have had lots of cars and motorbikes and blokey stuff; this section of the night is for the ladies!

Editor Melly Dee and her fiance Chris Shute attended the C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club's annual President's Day BBQ hosted by President Peter Titmus and his wife, Margaret Clare.

After the hectic festivities, one of the best ways to relax is to enjoy a sunday afternoon at the beautiful Gardenmania Nursery at Boambee. This event on the first Sunday of every month is proving to be an extremely popular day. The next one is on Sunday 2 February.

We attended the last one and totally enjoyed ourselves. There is entertainment to soothe the mind and soul, which provided by local artists such as Nathan Hardy, Angus and The Mielcrodo duo. There is nothing to do except enjoy the peace and serenity of the beautiful surrounds alongside the lily pond and under the shade of the ancient fig trees. Just pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy the day.

Gardenmania stages this delightful event free of charge and even provides all the visitors with a 20% discount voucher for the nursery.

Who said enjoying yourself is expensive on the Coffs Coast!

I donned the biggest and pinkest hat I have ever worn, gathered up the girls and set out for the Coffs Harbour Racing Club Pink Silks Day. It was certainly hot, but that didn’t deter

the biggest crowd ever for this charity racing flubber!) Such a beautiful venue for such an event. Funds raised on the day will be donated amazing festival. Don't miss out. to women’s health organisations and cancer Also on Australia Day, our Coffs Harbour research. Tanya Johnson and Vicky Hunter City Council Australia Day Committee have from the Pink Silks organising committee had organised a fabulous day out with Comcommented that this year the response was munity Celebrations and Ceremony at the amazing. Over the last seven years, the event North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. The had raised over $270,000! This is a favourite day commences at 10am with a flag raising Race Day for our group of ladies, and it has ceremony, including Australia Day Awards and to be noted that the club itself puts Citizenship ceremony. Enter the Aussie in such an enormous effort to Hat Competition and enjoy a help make this day such a variety of entertainment huge success. Great team that’s in store. EntertainTanya Johnson effort, great day out! ment ranges from dancr te and Vicky Hun For a guy that has a ing from the Julie Ross s lk from the Pink Si ee talented father who Dance Studios, Debra itt m organising com at th is an amazing Jazz Lee Kidz Biz Concert, d te en had comm se on sp re musician, it was no Aussie games from the e th this year e th r ve O g. in surprise that Mason local Girl Guides and az was am the s, ar ye n Rack would become a face painting. ve se st la over songwriter/ musician.

Going back to event had raised Mason and his band $270,000!” discussing stars … I was performed recently at the not only to be the enterSeaview Tavern and rocked tainment for my family, but the house! Friends of ours had also proved wrong for once. I had seen them perform and had an amaztaken The Son down to Sydney to visit ing time. With his outstanding vocals, the grandparents and had arrived home guitar and Weissenborn lap slide guitar, to be completely awestruck! The Husband he wooed the crowds playing Blues, Alt-rock had literally turned into ‘The Cleaning Pixie’: and Roots originals. There really is no excuse lawns were mowed, garage was … well (semi) to get out and enjoy oneself. There literally is tidied, vacuumed carpets and assorted UPOCs something for everyone! had been fixed! (by the way, that stands for The beautiful Beachside Opal Cove Resort is unidentified pieces of C##P)! I felt really mean; definitely one of the best places to be on the I was an ungrateful nut-bag! But punishment Australia Day Weekend. Cre8 Coffs Coast Arts was in order, as I skipped out onto a sparkling Festival is being staged at the resort. It will fea- porch through what I thought was an opened ture a smorgasbord of local and home-grown sliding door, ’THE MAGIC CLEANING PIXIE’ artists and performers. Such a choice, it will be had even washed the windows, and I just hard to choose - some of the choices on offer about knocked myself out! range from poetry, Afro-Cuban Salsa Dancing, Here is to seeing stars in all the wrong Gumbaynggirr culture and language to Radio places!

Rock Star Basics and hula hooping (sounds Carole, like a fabulous way to get rid of the festive Le Dãin Designs.

“

M E E T

T H E

T E A M

A T

KENNEDY JEWELLERS ho makes up your team. Do you have any new members, and what services do you offer in your new space?

Our team is headed by Don and myself. Don is our Master Jeweller and manages the workshop. I’m the creative director and business manager.

We have a great team of jewellery consultants in the showroom. Gemma is a qualified jeweller; she did her apprenticeship with Don. We have just introduced an international Master Jeweller to the workshop.

Our new space is great. We needed to increase the capacity of our onsite workshop to keep up with the demand of our growing business. We have also added new services, including watch repairs and hand engraving.

What skills does Stephen bring to the Coffs Coast?

Along with being a highly accomplished Master Jeweller, he is a fantastic hand engraver. For the first time we are able to offer this service onsite, without having to send pieces away.

There is a magical theatre going on

behind the big pane of glass - looks like it's from a movie. What are the Master Jewellers working on?

Our onsite workshop has come up amazing, and being able to have it front and centre on show has been received really well; people love it!

We are thrilled with how it’s turned out. We are currently in the middle of creating our latest collection and working on this year’s JAA Australian Jewellery Award pieces, so it is a hive of activity.

Tell us about the JAA Australian Jewellery Awards that you're entering? Have you entered previously?

The awards are designed to showcase Australia's leading jewellery designers and jewellers, encouraging entrants to be creative, push boundaries of what's expected and show superior workmanship. We are so proud to have previously placed in Australia's top three jewellers and designers in every award category entered for six consecutive years.

What's coming up on the horizon in store?

We are planning some great events,

including a launch party for Kailis Pearls, newly entrusted to us by the famous Australian South Sea Pearl jewellery brand, making us the exclusive stockists in the region. You may have seen the photo of Natalie Umbruglia on our shop front sporting the latest pieces.

Along with this, we will of course have the launch of our own upcoming new range and an assortment of interesting events and experiences, definitely worth staying tuned for.

We invite people with a love of beautiful jewels to pop by and put their name down for upcoming events and news; what better way to find out what happens in our in store, private client bar and lounge, dubbed the ‘party room’ by one of We are so proud ly our fabulous clients. to have previous ’s ia al tr us It’s what everyone is placed in A rs and apparently talking top three jewelle award y about! designers in ever r six fo d re Coffs Central category ente s.” ar ye e consecutiv 35 - 61 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour 6650 9940.

“

coffs coast focus 63

FEBRUARY 2014

WITH TERRI

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With seating inside & out and able to seat up to 100 people, Ye Olde Bottle Shop is the perfect venue for any occasion & is available for private functions & party’s for any milestone. Call now on (02) 6652 3817 to reserve your table or arrange your next special event.

Ye Olde Bottle Shop is conveniently located in the centre of Coffs Harbour between The Coffs Hotel & Local Liquor on West High Street. Taxi rank close by and great venues like The Coffs Hotel makes Ye Olde Bottle Shop the perfect place to kick your night off before heading out, or stay & enjoy a tasty drink in good company till late.

This Valentine's Day, bring your loved one in and you’ll both receive a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival before 9pm.

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WEST HIGH STREET BETWEEN THE COFFS HOTEL & LOCAL LIQUOR - 18+

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

LIBRA. September 24 - October 23

You can expect good news regarding family matters. Home influences will bring opportunity to celebrate. A feeling of being on top of things can be anticipated, so make the most of this time and keep gratitude in your heart as strong as possible to receive maximum benefit from all the blessings you will be receiving.

Rose quartz enhances love. Wear some.

New career changes are likely to challenge your comfort zone, but will lead to growth in your confidence. Throw yourself into new opportunities, as this will give you positive reflection time.

You are much more able than you acknowledge.

Don’t judge yourself; just say yes and fake it until you make it.

Amethyst is great for connecting to our higher qualities and life’s purpose.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

February 20 - March 20

June 23 - July 23 Ju

October 24 - November 22

A nice feeling of personal satisfaction can be anticipated this month. The opposite of feeling you need support from others; in fact, you are quite chuffed with yourself and independent.

You are very inspirational to others, as when you are confronted with challenge, you have the ability to rise above it and only allow it to make you more powerful.

Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

Avoid stressing over finances, as this stress is blocking your ability to create wealth because your current belief, which is there isn’t enough money, is being lived out. By tricking your subconscious into believing there is more than enough, you will create that path by which to live. Look at how money always finds you when you need it and know this will always be the case.

Citrine creates an abundance. Carry some in your wallet.

Avoid stressing over finances; everything will be fine for the short term, as well as the future.

Focus instead on how much you enjoy what you do and stay intellectually stimulated. You are good at keeping your word; make a commitment to yourself and stand by it. This will strengthen your will power, and your confidence will grow.

Citrine attracts abundance. Carry some in your wallet.

ARIES.

LEO.

March 21 - April 20

July 24 - August 23

An opportunity to travel will present itself. Not only does it come at an opportune time, but you can also expect a balance of your mind, body, spirit and emotions. However, at the time of hearing this offer, you may be feeling financially vulnerable. You have previously learned how to stretch your money, so make your choice without fear.

Ruby shatters fear. Wear some for a few weeks.

Now is a good time to keep your thoughts productive and positive; find something intellectually challenging and throw yourself into it. A bored mind is a dangerous thing for a fire sign, so have fun learning. An important speech is looming. If you remain silent, conflict is likely to follow; if you stand your ground and communicate lovingly, all will be good.

Turquoise is great for positive communication.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Avoid being caught up in how you will be able to support yourself comfortably in the future; you have always been able to progress from one opportunity to the next with perfect timing, so see this as a gauge in how you manifest and thank yourself for being self sufficient. Avoid placing emphasis on negative possibilities.

Turquoise sustains our confidence.

Avoid being caught up in feelings of abandonment or rejection; you are much loved and appreciated by all who know you. If you experience feelings of being unwanted, connect to your God belief for comfort. This influence will not be long lasting, and good news will follow.

Celebrations will be likely to be on the agenda soon.

Clear quartz will help maintain strong positive thoughts.

You have recently been summing up life and have made conscious choices to move into the future with only positive attitudes and influences. Now you need to stand your ground and break any lingering habits that impede this choice, to ensure your happy outcome. You can have the strongest will when you need it, so don’t be afraid to use it.

Clear quartz enhances our energy making choice easy.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

Your leadership skills are being drawn on for your recognition. Work changes will be requiring these qualities to be practiced more. By seeing what a natural leader you are, so will others, and career advancement will follow. Your ability to offer win/wins when arbitrating will be used more frequently also.

Turquoise assists in recognition of one’s higher qualities.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Adventure is in store for you. You can anticipate finding an opportunity that will benefit you enormously on your return home. To access the best of what this journey will present, it will benefit you to have a chat with your inner child.

Ask what they need and listen telepathically to your answer. Then just think the answer to them.

Herkimer diamonds help record our joyous experiences for future memories.

focus on legal.

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

IN

Those in the market for legal services invariably have problems that need answers; and FWO is well placed to provide them.

F

ishburn Watson O'Brien is the biggest single-disciplinary law firm in Coffs Harbour. The practice was established in August 1984 when principals John Watson and Michael Fishburn purchased a small practice which then consisted of 2 partners and 3 support staff.

Chris O'Brien joined the partnership in July 1987 and since then FWO has continued to expand. The firm now consists of 10 solicitors, a practice manager and 16 support staff.

No business survives for twenty nine years without getting something right. Principal Jay Clowes thinks it's a combination of having the right people and the right philosophy, "Practicing law is a mix of theoretical, personal and very practical work. If you can't navigate the law and find answers for a client then you're of no value to them. At the same time, if you can't connect with your client – both in understanding their circumstances and explaining advice to them – you're not providing good service."

Principal John Watson agrees. "But above all, being a good lawyer means being practical.

Practicing law is not like doing an exam. You need to find solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper. We pride ourselves on having solicitors that understand that fact and who work with their clients to achieve common goals".

Fishburn Watson O'Brien has accredited specialists in Business Law, Personal Injury, Property Law and Commercial Litigation. The practice also has dedicated solicitors who focus on wills and estate planning, family law, employment law, leasing, personal property

DESIGN IT YOUR WAY

securities, mortgages, retirement village work and conveyancing. Principal Chris O'Brien says that breadth of knowledge is not coincidental, "Part of our philosophy is that we aim to provide all the services a client could need.

Having a familiar face (or even a familiar voice on the other end of the phone) often makes stressful situations easier for our clients."

Fishburn Watson O'Brien is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30pm and is located at 134 West High Street Coffs Harbour.

Principal Jay Clowes says it best: "If you have problems, give us a call. We have the answers."

Fishburn Watson O'Brien can be contacted by phone 6650 7000, fax 6651 4853, email info@fwolaw.com or on the web fwolaw.com

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The firm provides free wills and estate planning services to the Cancer Council, sponsors the Coffs Comets rugby league team and has for many years sponsored the Coffs Harbour Festival of Golf. As Principal Michael Fishburn said, "the owners and staff of FWO all live in Coffs Harbour, and we aim to make Coffs a better place by being here".

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coffs coast focus 65

focusinterview with Samantha Wardman of CornerPost Marketing

BILL MABEY WR Mabey & Associates

ill, being one of the Coffs Coasts’ biggest advocates, tell us a little about how you came to call this beautiful spot home? Originally from a Western Australian family farming background, I spent the first 20 years of my working life in agriculture and commerce - mainly mortgage and insurance broking and real estate.

In the early ‘80s, my wife, Lynn, and I moved to the Kimberley region of WA (Kununurra), where we ran our own business. We eventually sold this business in the late ‘80s, and I stumbled by accident into the tourism industry, remaining in the industry ever since.

Pursuing a career in the tourism industry allowed us to live and work in some of the most wonderful and spectacular parts of Australia.

After 12 years in the Kimberley, we made one of the biggest moves possible in this country and took up a position in Strahan on the West Coast of Tasmania. After four years in Tassie, we moved to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains and had extensive involvement with Kosciusko National Park and Australia’s skiing industry over five years.

I was appointed the Northern Regional Manager for Tourism NSW in early 2001, moving to Coffs Harbour. This role involved extensive travel, some 60,000 km annually throughout ‘my patch’ of turf, including: the Hunter, the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and New England/ North West regions.

All this amounts to 25 years’ experience in regional tourism development spanning three states and whilst you ‘never say never’, we hope to spend the rest of our days on the Coffs Coast.

Your experience within the tourism industry is quite significant. Share with us your career highlights to date? There are so many highlights, it makes it hard to pick just a few … one of my favourite sayings is that ‘good management is about growing people’, and all my years in the industry I was afforded the opportunity to shape and contribute to many young professionals careers in the industry something I think of very fondly.

66 coffs coast focus.

I also have been lucky enough to receive many tourism industry awards in WA, Tasmania and NSW, with the most prized of these accolades being the ‘2012 Judith McGilvray Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism’. It is rare for this industry award to be presented by the industry to a government employee, so it is one I am most proud of.

But there are also troubled times where I was able to play a role in minimising the impacts of natural and other disasters, including the Thredbo Landslip, the Port Arthur Massacre, floods and bush fires. These were at times, the most difficult and challenging.

Currently you have started a new venture providing consultancy on all things tourism; what services do you offer clients?

When the NSW State Government chose to close all its regional tourism offices in 2012, I was offered a redundancy and while many may see this as scary, I saw it as a rare opportunity to assess my career objectively. After many months contemplating (usually with a fishing rod in my hand), I decided that the time I was most happy was working with SME tourism businesses, helping them build their business.

Hence WR Mabey and Associates was born.

When you say to people that you’re in tourism, they normally think ‘marketing’; however, my expertise, knowledge and skills are skewed more towards business development and relationship management, ranging from helping businesses to prepare grant and award applications through to business and strategic planning.

Whilst I don’t characterise myself as a marketing expert, I have worked alongside many excellent marketers in the past, and a bit of that knowledge has rubbed off. I have assisted in the management of marketing campaigns, ranging from multi-million dollar national and international campaigns through to the development and implementation of individual small business marketing campaigns.

I also have a passion for projects that bring non-traditional partners such as mining companies and agricultural interests into

partnerships in the tourism industry.

The domestic market remains the bread and The tourism industry has to have been one butter for tourism on the Mid North Coast and of the hardest hit sectors by the economic will remain this way for some time to come. So I downturn over the past few years. What would be encouraging continued consolidation impacts have you seen during this time? and ‘shock proofing’ of our industry, as we Over the 25 years spent in this wonderful gradually recover from the past few years, industry, there is one thing that I’ve learned, and whilst at the same time keeping one eye on the that is that there is no such thing as a ‘normal burgeoning opportunities that the international season’. There’s always something that will market may hold in your business’s future come along and impact in some way, making it planning. different to last year.

For those businesses that are in the Tourism Not only has the industry weathered sector (arguably you could say the global financial crisis, but 9/11 most on the Coast are in terrorism, bird flu, SARS, the this area in some way), e Asian financial meltdown, what tips do you have Not only has th tourism industry floods, bush fires, and the for future success? obal weathered the gl t 9/11 list goes on, yet tourism To answer this bu financial crisis, , is still Australia’s fourth question one only RS SA , flu terrorism, bird largest export industry has to look at other al ci an fin the Asian bush s, od flo and in the majority successful tourism n, ow td mel t goes of North Coast NSW destinations around fires and the lis is still ism ur to t ye , on communities, tourism the world and see t th larges Australia’s four employs more people what the common .” export industry than any other industry denominators are; for (predominantly young people). me there are two that stand Yet many still fail to see it as an out: industry - an industry that needs to be Successful tourism destinations supported and nurtured. It’s incredibly resilient have robust and ongoing industry and continues to evolve and adapt to cope planning regimes. The destination’s with ever changing times. planning regime dovetails with Federal and State With a wealth of tourism experience under level planning, whilst recognising, protecting and your belt – what are the key future growth celebrating the destination’s community values. opportunities for the local industry? It’s Relationships and teamwork are key. no secret that the predicted ‘new markets’ are Successful tourism destinations are made up of India and China. This conceptually is beyond people who work together, even though some the comprehension of most in the industry. may be perceived as competitors to some degree.

For example, we presently see Sydney as a So my tip would be to get out and get involved major market, yet in China there are literally with your local tourism association and your hundreds of cities larger than Sydney that contain regional tourism body and become outwardly populations hungry to travel and with high focused on what is happening relevant to your disposable income. business. Specifically, understanding the bigger While this will create an opportunity to grow picture at a state and national level, rather than the high yield international market, we are just focusing inwardly on the many day-to-day coming off a low base, with international tourism challenges of running your tourism business. representing only 10% of the North Coast’s Thanks Bill. tourism visitation.

“

focustourism.

with Dene Zahner, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.

focusinterview.

ASHLEY

PALMER

Ashley Palmer is the Conference and Events Coordinator and Conference and Events Sales Executive at Aanuka Beach Resort.

UPDATE

I am pleased to report that the summer holiday season has been strong on the Coffs Coast. Thanks to wonderful, warm weather, our many visitors got to enjoy the beach holiday experience they come to Coffs for, as well taking day excursions to nearby attractions and destinations. n previous years we have often seen Theatre, Café and Gift Shop. visitors head home early thanks to What wonderful news! Lastly, I would like to heavy rain in January, but luckily we say well done to all of the businesses in our only experienced a few days of rain region that worked so hard over the holiday just enough to keep the grass green season; it’s because of that hard work and and to recharge the waterfalls up dedication that we continue to on the plateau, which has draw high numbers of visitors been fantastic news for back year after year. tourists getting to see If you are a resident, the many cascades If you are a business owner or ss that Dorrigo has to resident, busine tourist and would like t and offer on full display. owner or touris to share feedback on are would like to sh Pacific Highway ur your experience of the yo on ck feed ba improvements e holiday th of holiday season on the ce en ri pe ex ffs Co ast, have seen more Coffs Coast, we would season on the Co ar he people jumping in love to hear from you. we would love to ” u. yo their car and heading from Please contact info@ for the Coffs Coast, tourismcoffscoast.com.au while passenger numbers … and to stay in touch with all through Coffs Regional the latest news and events on the Airport were up by an incredible Coffs Coast, then why not follow our 11.5% in December; that’s over Facebook page?

You can find us at www.

33,000 passengers in total! fb.com/tourismcoffscoast The Visitors Information Centre staff and About us: volunteers spoke with a large number of Tourism Coffs Coast is a not for profit first time visitors to our region, while the organisation that is committed to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (who saw a developing a vibrant and thriving tourism whopping 10,000 visitors through their industry within the Coffs Coast to maximise doors over the main Christmas/New Year period) noticed a lot of European visitors this the social and economic benefits for our community. year.

If you’d like to join Tourism Coffs Attractions such as the Big Banana Coast, please contact us via: info@ experienced high visitation, about 5% up on tourismcoffscoast.com.au or visit the last year, with more people enjoying all that website www.tourismcoffscoast.com.au the park has to offer, including the Ice Rink, Remember: tourism is everybody’s business!

Water Park, Toboggan Ride, Laser Tag arena,

I

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W

hat is your role at Aanuka Beach Resort, and how long have you been on board? I have been working at Aanuka since 2009. I started as a Conference and Events Coordinator and now I am the Conference and Events Sales Executive for the resort. Working with our team on property and at our Mantra Group head office, this role enables me to meet new and interesting people and talk about how great Aanuka is and the fantastic facilities and service we have to offer.

Along with creating great events at the resort, working with local suppliers and building Aanuka’s relationship with the local community, I am also very fortunate to have a fantastic team of event experts working alongside me.

Do you have packages for events? We can tailor an event to suit any requirement, budget and taste – weddings, engagements parties, corporate retreats, small meetings and conferences, just to name a few.

We have a beautiful wedding kit outlining all the services and facilities we offer for bride and grooms; in addition to this, we are delighted to host couples and their families for site inspections to view the venues.

meet a

local.

recommended suppliers – we are so fortunate to have some very talented suppliers on the Coffs coast. Everything you could want or need is at your fingertips.

What if it rains? Do you have a wet weather option? The resort chapel is a gorgeous location for a wedding ceremony, and we always have it on standby for all our wedding clients as a wet weather option – as the Coffs Coast can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, and as I still haven’t been able to refine my skills of controlling the weather, the resort chapel is the perfect solution.

Located in our courtyard, the chapel can seat 120 guests, is completely air-conditioned and comes completely decorated with aisle carpet, silk pew ties and floral arrangement.

Do you offer a special rate on accommodation? The resort has over 130 accommodation rooms, consisting of studio rooms, 1 bedroom spa suites (also known as Paradise spa bure – well known for a romantic weekend getaway), two bedroom villas, three bedroom villas and a four bedroom villa.

We offer fantastic offers for conference clients booking accommodation with us over their events dates.

Likewise with conferences and corporate events, the resort has a comprehensive kit outlining everything businesses need to run a successful event at the Resort.

Wedding receptions booked for 50+ guests are offered a 20% discount in which all the bride and groom’s family and friends can take advantage of.

What is the maximum capacity at the resort for events? The resort can cater up to 250 guests for a cocktail style event and 160 guests for a seated dinner. In regards to conferences and meetings, we can cater up to 180 delegates in a theatre style set up; breakout venues and dinner venues are available in an array of locations across the resort, including the poolside and beachfront.

What is the best advice that you can offer to anyone looking to book their event at Aanuka? Contact us to arrange an appointment to discuss their plans and complete a site inspection of our venues. Our Coordinators can answer any questions and walk clients through possible floor plans in order to get a true feel for the space and how the event will run.

If a bride has no idea about flowers, celebrants, photographer etc. do you offer these types of recommendations?

Our wedding kit has a list of local, highly

Whether it is a wedding or conference, we are here to create our clients ideal event!

Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort 6650 2547 www.breakfreeaanukabeachresort.com.au coffs coast focus 67

30 years in business tells you Advance Metal Industries Australia must be doing SOMETHING right. Find out how this Orlando Street business, managed by brothers Chris and Rick Hall, is kicking goals on the international stage and becoming the builders’ choice for their own homes and NEW developments.

68 coffs coast focus.

A d v a n c e

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I n d u s t r i e s

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The most standout point for me with Advance Metal Industries is my confidence, which they have earned, so I am certain the product delivered will be the quality I expect.”

VIEWS DEMAND TOP QUALITY FINISH ames Zuvela and his wife Amber wanted to create a beautiful home with enough ‘wow’ to match the incredible Sapphire beachfront views.

handing over the sketch of what I wanted, it was only one week later they came back with a solution that was spoton.”

As one of their Solitary Islands Properties group houses, the Zuvelas knew high quality finishes were important to attract the luxury holiday home market.

Often homeowners ask people they know in the building industry who they recommend and as a director of Zuvela Concrete, James Zuvela knows more than most.

“On this job, the biggest stand-out was the staircase,” Mr Zuvela said. “We searched everywhere for something different, as it’s one of the first things you see when you walk in the house, so it has to be really nice.

“I’ve been in the building industry for 20 years and in that time, I’ve got to know who to use and who not to.”

“I showed Advance Metal Industries my design and they said they’d figure out how to do it, and they were the only ones who came back with what we wanted,” he said.

“It’s a custom-made pattern laser-cut into aluminium, and it had to line up perfectly from every orientation. From me

“The most stand-out point for me with Advance Metal Industries is my confidence, which they have earned, so I am certain the product delivered will be the quality I expect.”

A repeat customer, on this job he asked Advance Metal Industries Australia to supply the staircase, pool fence, front courtyard fence, gates, elliptical louvered boundary fence and balcony balustrading.

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JEWEL FOR THE CROWN

JEWEL FOR THE CROWN WHEN you design a home of beauty, you want all the architectural details to add to the home’s presentation.

When Graham and Jill Taylor of Korora Bay asked an architect to redesign their home, they all felt the magnificent glass atrium entrance called for a special staircase feature.

If the “ atrium is the crown of the house, then this exotic, curved stainless steel staircase is the jewel.”

70 coffs coast focus.

“If the atrium is the crown of the house, then this exotic, curved stainless steel staircase is the jewel,” Mr Taylor said. “Everyone who comes through the door says, ‘wow’.”

said.

The Taylors asked Advance Metal Industries Australia to quote because they were happy with their competitive, on-time and quality finish on another project.

In their new home, all glass and stainless steel balustrading, aluminium balustrading, painted steel spiral stairs, plus a laser-cut stainless steel decorative light panel was supplied by Advance Metal Industries Australia.

However, turning their dreams to reality wasn’t something any balustrading supplier could produce.

“They consulted with me throughout the job about the quality I was looking for. Advance Metal Industries have done such a beautiful job, particularly on this staircase.”

“They were the only suppliers – out of four – who came back with what the architect designed for the stairs and I already knew they were good, so I didn’t get another quote,” he

The glowing, highly polished finish on all the stainless steel fittings and elegant curves are a testament to Advance Metal Industries Australia’s high quality standards.

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You can just flip “ the window inside to clean it,” he said.

“Plus, the timber look powder-coating makes it maintenance-free.”

BUILDER’S CHOICE In any business, long-lasting relationships with other businesses are a sign of quality, well-priced and reliable supplies.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING - SORTED PRODUCT Innovations have been keys to the success of Advance Metal Industries Australia.

Among their best-selling innovations are internally adjustable balustrade Stainless Steel mini posts to support glass panels.

Proven very popular!

“Chris developed these. Often installers use packers under the little balustrade posts to adjust for the height of the glass when fitting them to stair rises, particularly on spiral staircases,” Rick Hall said. “Instead, these allow installers to adjust the position on the inside of the post, concealing any adjustment.”

Other architectural innovations include powder-coated prefabricated aluminium door frames, skirting, architraves and window reveals, which are normally assembled onsite from timber.

“These not only save valuable time in construction by arriving

on site ready to install, there is no painting, ever, reduced labour to produce them compared to timber and paint, they are more durable and more resistant to dents or moisture issues than painted timber,” Mr Hall said.

Window cleaning is dreaded by many home owners, and an Advance Metal Industries Australia innovation takes away the burden of cleaning double hung windows perched outside on a ladder.

Builder Neil Garrard of Yamba has asked Advance Metal Industries Australia to supply products to several of his projects, including his own home.

“I’ve used them mainly for balustrading and curved glass,” Mr Garrard said. “Not many people in Australia can do curved glass, and Advance Metal Industries have got the contacts and expertise to do it.”

“I think they manufacture a great product,” he said. “If you want to get high-end custom-made products, you’d think you have to go to Sydney or Brisbane. It’s great you can get it done locally in Coffs Harbour.”

“You can just flip the window inside to clean it,” he said.

“Plus, the timber look powder-coating makes it maintenancefree.”

Top grade materials matter when you are building close to the ravages of sea spray.

Today the business manufactures and sells most forms of balustrading and handrails in glass, aluminium, stainless steel and powder-coated finishes, as well as windows, doors, metal fabrication and a sand blasting unit which complements the powder coating plant processes.

“They’ve got good ideas in design and they supply good materials, like 15-20 year warranty grade powder-coated aluminium handrails, stainless steel, polished brass and copper fittings. I prefer to use these low maintenance products around the coast, and they can always get something custom-made for me when I need it.”

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You remember the “ quality, as you feel it every time you open a JEWEL FOR THE CROWN

door or slide a window to view the scenery, but the cost is forgotten the day you sign the cheque”

lasting QUALITY is what we strive for There are cheaper windows you can install in sheds, but they look and feel cheap.

“You remember the quality, as you feel it every time you open a door or slide a window to view the scenery, but the cost is forgotten the day you sign the cheque,” Steve Lastavec said.

The Coffs Harbour owner of National Sheds and Shelters, selling throughout Australia’s east coast and New Zealand, Steve Lastavec believes in only supplying quality products. For him, this avoids unnecessary service calls.

“You only get paid once to do a job, so if I have to go back to service doors or windows, inspect, book in rectification work and then inspect the repair, I’m losing focus on the main business of sales and construction,” he said.

“In six years of using Advance Metal Industries, I’ve only called

Small Enough To CARE Large Enough To Make A DIFFERENCE

Distributor Of Aluminium Sections And Associated Products For Commercial, Residential and Industrial Applications.

Architectural Window and Doors Commercial Facade and Framing Systems Home Improvement Products Customised Extrusions On Your Request

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72 coffs coast focus.

them out once – for something minor in a still functioning window – out of 100 jobs a year. That one time was a quick fix for them the next day.”

The cheapest option when building a shed is to install a stan-dard domestic window – with an ugly flashing flap attached, designed to sit on a brick sill.

Instead, Advance Metal Industries Australia developed windows and doors perfect for installing into metal cladded buildings – with all the fittings hidden behind powder-coated window architraves.

“We also purchase our commercial and custom glass requirements from them, as the products always comply with the Code, and my clients appreciate the quality in the finished product.”

Advance Metal Industries Australia is a preferred supplier for several Australian shed companies, including National Sheds and Shelters, Ranbuild, Fair Dinkum Sheds, and the list of national names goes on.

Customers of some shed suppliers may find the need to specify fitting out the internal walls with gyprock? AMIA have all the answers in retro fitting pre finished powder coated reveals and architraves.

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OPERA HOUSE TO BEIJING TRADE CENTRE NOT just local builders love working with Advance Metal Industries Australia, as the company is kicking goals Australia-wide and on the international stage.

After producing beautiful balustrading in the Sydney Opera House and at The Bondi residential apartments, Richard Crookes, owner of leading NSW building company Richard Crookes Construction, asked the Coffs Harbour business to work on his own home.

Other recent contracts have been supplying glass and stainless steel balustrading to projects such as University of Technology Sydney, Trivett Classic Alexandria, Nepean Hospital extensions, three towers of Meriton Apartments, Brisbane Convention Centre, Costco Warehouse, Metcash Head Office and Warehouse and 35 levels of the Merchant Court Hotel atop Sydney City Myers.

administrators know our achievements, highly experienced in what we can do and take us with them from job to job,” Rick Hall, Managing Director of Advance Metal Industries Australia said.

“We’ve exported quality windows to three major factories in China, which is in contrast to what we see happening in our industry; in reality, we usually see cheap imported windows and fencing come in from China,” Mr Hall said.

You will find Coffs Harbour’s best aluminium handrails and balustrading adorning Beijing’s World Trade Centre, at Kowloon’s Star Ferry Terminal and the New Territories Marina in Hong Kong.

“We don’t advertise in Sydney – all our work is from referrals, as project managers and contract

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coffs coast focus 73

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PACIFIC TOWERS TO PLATINUM Glazier and senior active Rotarian Ken Hall started ed selling balustrading in Coffs Harbour in 1984, ass ce Advance Balustrades, expanding to open Advance he Powder Coating and Advance Metal Centre in the years to follow.

Sons Chris and Rick Hall joined the business veryy early, often referred to as the Advance group of companies.

After fitting a mixture of handrails, balustrading and skylights to the booming Coffs Coast developments of Sapphire Pines, Pacific Towers, Pelican Beach and Pacific Bay resorts, the local company was ready to expand.

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stage and changed the trading name to Advance

Their workmanship on Pacific Towers earned them a contract to install handrails throughout the Hyatt Regency at Sanctuary Cove. To capitalise on the opportunities, they opened a Gold Coast branch, led

by Rick Hall, in 1989, which traded for 10 years.

Metal Industries Australia.

Highlights for their 80 strong Gold Coast team were installing glass screens to Southport’s Rivage Royale penthouse pool decks by helicopter and fitting balustrades to the Grand Mariner and Marriott at Surfers Paradise.

brothers Chris and Rick Hall from Orlando Street,

Then they turned their attentions to the national

they fitted to Pacific Towers in the early days.

Ken Hall retired from the business in 2006, Shirley Hall followed in 2009, once a succession plan was implemented. The business continues to be run by Coffs Harbour.

In another turn of life’s wheel, they have just finished fitting balcony balustrading and handrails to the Platinum apartment building, next door to those

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FOLLOWING THE MINING B BOOM OO OM Having secured their reputation in the top end of the market, now Advance Metal Industries Australia is looking at mining camps.

components, it’s easy to assemble and there’s

“We’re focusing in the future on modular housing,” Rick Hall said.

of expert labour.”

“Our belief is with the highest ever retirement population, growing awareness of the environment, growth in mining sector housing and cost pressures, this will be a growth market,” he said.

of metal construction, which is of particular

The business already has several unique products which could have some real cost-savings and other advantages in the modular housing market.

The pre-fabricated powder-coated windows, door frames, architraves and window reveals can easily be delivered flat-packed and ready to assemble.

“This can save time, as everything is pre-cut to size; there’s no need to wait for timber or other

nothing to paint. On remote building sites, speed of construction is really important with the high costs Another attraction is the excellent fire rating importance in remote communities, where fires are more common and fire brigades more distant.

“We’re in talks with both the Queensland and Papua New Guinea governments about providing this sort of housing in remote indigenous and mining communities, due to the fire rating and speed of construction bringing down costs.”

Ongoing maintenance is also reduced with the durable, powder-coated construction, and termites are reluctant to chew on steel or aluminium.

Proud banking partner of Advance Metal Industries.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Coffs Harbour Commonwealth Bank Regional and Agribusiness Banking team is proud to be associated with such a successful business.

To find out how we can help your business, talk to Alison Blanshard, Relationship Executive on 02 6650 1810.

Stay Connected:

commbank.com.au/agribusiness Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

coffs coast focus 75

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EXPERTS WHO ARE a loyal team Behind every great company is a great team, and many key employees have worked in Advance Metal Industries Australia for more than 20 years of the 30 year history.

Managing Director Rick Hall first joined the business in 1985 part-time. After working for 18 months in Switzerland and travelling elsewhere in Europe and Asia, he returned to Coffs Harbour before opening the Gold Coast branch in 1988. This branch helped to raise the business profile and Rick then returned to Coffs Harbour operations in 1995, departed 2003 for a three-year stint managing the Coffs Harbour branch of an aluminium wholesale business for Ernest Ullrich, before returning to lead the family business.

76 coffs coast focus.

today. His designs continue to place Advance Metal Industries Australia at the forefront of their industry.

“I start with a client’s problem or brief and try to develop the most cost-effective solution using the best quality materials,” Chris Hall said.

Overseeing all product installations is Garry Gregory – now in his 25th year of employment – responsible for meeting Australian Building Codes, site measuring systems, estimating and developing shop drawings.

Metal fabrication is the responsibility of another long-term employee – boilermaker Tim Cheers, who joined the company in 1989 as an apprentice. Tim is highly valued and has earned the respect of peers and management.

Longest-serving director Chris Hall first joined the business in 1985, after he completed his glass and glazing apprenticeship concurrently with a business management diploma. A sign of his early ability was being twice awarded NSW Apprentice of the Year in glazing.

Key to Advance Metal Industries Australia gaining Gold powder coating accreditation from the recognised market leader, Akzo Nobel, is powder coating supervisor Patrick Underwood, who first joined the company 17 years ago.

The balustrade extrusions Chris designed in the late 1980s are now part of the product range of most aluminium balustrading companies in the market

Other key managers are windows production supervisor Alan Courtenay, national sales manager Tom Schuf, finance and administration Warwick Wallace.

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THE SERVICE GUARANTEE A lot of building companies try to do the right thing, but Advance Metal Industries Australia guarantee it.

“We are aiming high for our company, and we can only get there if we get it right for our customers,” Rick Hall said.

As well as promising to provide first class service, highest level of workmanship and highest quality materials, they make several guarantees.

These include guarantees to consult customers, be professional, courteous and responsible, as well as

communicating cheerfully and respectfully.

Home owners John and Margaret Williams wrote to thank Advance Metal Industries Australia.

“I must say the professional nature of the work and courtesy of the staff has impressed us both,” they said.

On-site service is one of the hardest aspects of customer service to get right in any business, as customer and the director of Zuvela Concrete, James Zuvela knows well.

“I mainly deal with Chris Hall, but all the guys they send out

on site are really polite and very courteous, which has not ot been a common experience for me in the building industry,” Mr Zuvela said.

When you are doing 100 jobs a year together, you could become relaxed about the relationship, but Steve Lastavec of National Sheds and Shelters disagrees.

“I deal with them, in short, because they are very professional,” Mr Lastavec said. “I know I can buy cheaper windows, but their service is good and the quality is excellent.”

Proudly supporting Advanced Metal Industries with their hardware requirements.

Call your nearest branch on 1300 551 919

www.lincolnsentry.com.au

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THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM While the skills and expertise of our staff have always been important at Advance Metal Industries Australia, lots of suppliers and consultants have also contributed to the business longevity.

Two key alliances of more than 20 years have been with: Robert Bird Engineering Group

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G James Glass and Aluminium Other business partners and suppliers who have been a part of the success are: North Coast Power & Water Fastway Couriers Bellbowrie Motors Commonwealth Bank

Fishburn Watson O’Brien C3 Computers Bananacoast Powertools Transpacific Elgas Ullrich Aluminium Oxley Insurance Brokers Lincoln Sentry

Jackson & Skinner CDA Eastland Darley Akzo Noble Hume Doors Tuffco Crowe Horwath Viridian

the plug!

NEW Showroom: Advance Metal Industries Australia 183 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour Ph: (02) 6652 6955 www.amia.com.au

A f r e k e t e

A f r o - C u b a n

Summer Dance & Music Camp

Afro-Cuban Summer Dance & Music Camp.

Cuban culture is about community! Having fun!

Living in the moment! And letting go all else!

his is why it’s such a euphoric workshops for people with all levels experience to visit the dance, from the absolute novice and country and why Kulturithmik never danced before to the more now shares this through advanced Cuban dance and rhythm teaching Cuban rhythms on the Coffs aficionados.

Coast, as well as taking people on biFriday afternoon opens with some annual dance and culture tours to the drumming and Afro-Cuban chants island of Cuba itself! workshops, as well as a beautiful But if Cuba is too far away welcome ceremony by our for you, Kulturithmik esteemed Gumbaynggirr is bringing a piece elder Aunty Bea of Cuba right to Ballangary, oThe Afrekete Afr er your doorstep accompanied Cuban Summ Camp is ic on the Coffs

by Afro-Cuban us M d an ce Dan of dance nd ke ee Coast, where spiritual ritual to w le ho w a l levels 8 other Cuban the great ocean workshops for al the more to dance and from the novice udes a Goddess mother cl advanced and in rty at music masters Yemaya. pa hot Latin dance come to share Saturday will turday Sa on L Sawtell RS their culture continue with night.” with you through workshops during a historical dance the day and at night and music journey at will host a mega Hot the Sawtell Beach Caravan Havana Nights Latin Dance Park Hall on the weekend of 14 party at Sawtell RSL, with amazing -16 February! performances in the roots of SALSA The Afrekete Afro-Cuban Summer from the talented Cuban-born artists Dance & Music Camp is a whole living in Australia and NZ! All this, weekend of dance and drumming with a live Cuban band made up of

“

master percussionist Gustavo Cereijo from Brisbane and other Afro-Cuban percussionists from around the country so you can feel the rhythm and get your hips moving to the hypnotic Cuban beats!

On Sunday, the journey continues to the more popular rhythms and ends in one big carnival dance, where you can let your hair down and celebrate life – the true meaning of Carnival!

Everyone - the young and not so young - is welcome to come and experience the authentic Cuba through an historical journey from the earthy African Tribal roots to the ever-popular seductive Salsa, as well as the connection of these roots to the culture of our land.

For more information and booking in for the Afrekete Afro-Cuban Dance weekender, please call Christina on 0432 509 519 or email kulturithmik@ gmail.com More information on the website www.kulturithmik.com or Like us on Facebook under Kulturithmik or Afrekete Afro-Cuban Summer Dance and Music Camp. coffs coast focus 79

focuseditorial.

The Wild Salt Sea Junk Shop Old Wares, Woolgoolga is the only junk shop on the Coffs Coast. They sell everything from pots and pans, old wares and collectables, vinyl records and musical instruments, furniture and much more!

ind back to the beginning ... when did your love for old wares and collectables start?

My love for old wares began when I was a child. My father was a re-user/re-purpose kind of guy, and our trips to the dump would often find us poking about to see what others had discarded. Mum would often joke that we brought home more than we took. One of my treasured finds was a Bonanza annual … I remember dad putting it in a low oven to sterilise it, occasionally turning the pages to be sure all the germs were killed. It seemed to take forever, and I still recall waiting on that book to come out of the oven with slightly more anticipation than the wait for mum's bread rolls on Saturday mornings!

This fascination continued into adulthood.

I spent hours scouring op shops for quirky clothes in my teens and twenties and often picking up groovy retro collectibles to jazz up my room and house. I moved to Sydney when I was 20 and the first time I saw a Council bulk waste collection, I couldn't believe my eyes! I was often dragging things home to be painted or fixed, then finding the perfect spot for it.

Back then I was share housing; eventually

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there was just too much that needed rescuing and less and less space to put it! Markets were a natural progression. I had an occasional stall at Glebe markets when things got too ridiculous, and I would sell the things I could.

Luckily my partner, Adrian, loves searching garage sales for vintage clothes and music also, and it was a match made in recycle heaven.

Tell us about the days when you were doing the Sydney and Newcastle market scene?

In early 1999 we were living on the North Shore in Hornsby and there were markets just up the road, so we decided to give it a go. It was a sellout, so we looked further afield and sorted out a little circuit of markets each month, and it went from there. We had stalls at Hornsby, Carlingford, Narabeen and French's Forest, as well as attending various swap meets. Toward the end of 2000, we decided that we were over the rat race and looked for something else. There was a shop residence available in Newcastle for the same rent that we were paying for our house in Sydney, so we packed up our gear and up the highway we went!

Our shop was in Carrington, a vibrant, justabout-ready-to-spring, artsy community. The area has become quite a trendy little suburb now, and I like to think our shop helped push

this into being. Some of our market clients was enjoying being immersed in motherhood, from Sydney used to drive up just to come then late 2008 saw us move to Adrian's old see what we had found, and they spread the stomping ground (Coffs Coast) to help his word as well. At this time we had regular father Jim out around the house. He is 82 now stalls at Adamstown Markets, a well known and while still going strong, he occasionally and long running market that is eclectic and needs a bit of help with the physical side of vibrant both in the people and the produce, things. Our eldest son was two at the time, and Wallsend. and it was nice for him to be able to interact In 2003 we moved to Karuah and with his grandfather. Shortly after moving started Karuah Bazaar. By the here, I fell pregnant with our time the town was bypassed youngest son and until around in 2005, there were May 2012, I was a full-time ey another two antiques/ mum. dn Sy to ed I mov junk shops in town.

How and when 20 as w I n he w I saw e In June 2005 I was The Wild Salt tim st fir e th and aste w lk discovered I was Sea Junk Shop Old bu l ci un Co a dn’t pregnant, with Wares born, and why colle ct io n, I coul was ! I complications that Woolgoolga? believe my eyes ings meant I couldn't Adrian grew the often drag ging th d or te home to be pain the work, so we closed scrap business during ng fixed, then findi the shop up. We this time, beginning in it.” r fo ot sp t perfec had got the best the shed where the Wild out of the highway Salt Sea is now, with the by then anyway, and the scrap in the rear and a jumble bypass was really beginning to of old wares in the narrow front effect business. A sideline business section. Our youngest son was now two recycling scrap metal really came into its own and a half and I was champing at the bit to then and continues to this day. get back into the swing of things. Originally What eventually brought you to the Coffs I was just helping to tidy things up but of Coast? course, I couldn't just be happy with that.

Our son was born in March 2006, and I With the two businesses competing for space

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“

My friend Meagan also comes in once a month to work her magic on the displays. She has a great eye for colour, and her groupings are a rainbow explosion of juxtapositioning. I love walking in and seeing her latest effort for the first time.”

and often clashing, it was apparent the scrap had to go. A shed was found just down the road, and the Wild Salt Sea was born!

For those that are yet to see your incredible space … how would you describe your shop? What types of things do you stock?

A lot of our customers describe the space as an Aladdin's Cave; you really need to see it to believe it. We stock everything from pans for kitchen, camping, vintage clothing, old vinyl records, decorative items for the house and garden, furniture, surfboards and surfing memorabilia - the list goes on. We have a nautical theme, and we religiously search through garage sales for sea themed items but as I'm a bit of a bower bird, anything that catches my eye will show up in the shop … eventually!

Where do you source your stock?

As people have come to hear about the shop, we've received more and more calls over the years to come and look at stuff they no longer want. If I see something out on a pile for collection that looks interesting, I'll stop and have a rummage. I find it quite strange that people put perfectly good items out on the curb to be crushed for landfill. Why not do a ring around the charity organisations first?

There are people that could reuse those items, whether from desperate need or just for love. I

find great pleasure in rescuing no longer loved items and finding a new and appreciative home for them. Having said that though, there are still quite a few people around under the impression that when the trucks come around to collect the bulk waste they pick up the good pieces for recycling but no, it is all crushed for landfill. I remember being quite shocked when I first saw this happen and thinking what a waste! I was very sad when Ecohouse at Raleigh closed down; it was one of my favourite places to visit when we were on a trip up from Sydney to visit Adrian's father.

Who makes up your team on a day to day basis? And what does a day in the office look like for you?

At the moment we have a lovely bunch of ladies on our sales team; sisters Lisa and Sara are the meat of the team and can be found in the afternoons performing their magic around the space. Often Lisa, who loves to sing, can be found bustling around amongst the shelves whilst belting out old Jazz standards, I love it it brings a smile to the customers’ faces. I have had people come to me on return visits and say, "I was in the other day and the singing lady showed me such and such". That's great, because it means the shop has stuck in their head.

Sara is fabulous; she has a quirky eye like

me and has been doing colourful and eclectic displays for a while now. She was a little hesitant and reserved at first, but has really come into her own in the last few months busting out with glorious eye catching stories.

My friend Meagan also comes in once a month to work her magic on the displays. She has a great eye for colour, and her groupings are a rainbow explosion of juxtapositioning. I love walking in and seeing her latest effort for the first time.

A day in the office for me is rarely ever the same. Some days the phone rings off the hook with people teeing up appointments for me to come and see what they have. Others are a long stream of folk with things in trailers and car-boots for me to peruse. Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the big new stock arrival days, so these generally see me madly cleaning, moving and pricing items for sale, though there is a steady stream of new stock arriving every day. Our prices are reasonable, as we would much prefer to move it on and keep the store looking fresh and interesting, not only for ourselves, but for the customer as well. Who wants to look at the same things over and over? I know I don't, and feedback from customers tells me they don't either. I've had people say it's like a folk museum; it's definitely not, and we much prefer our items find loving and appreciative homes rather than

sit around gathering dust. While a change every so often is good, I'd much rather people made a little effort to find new homes for their old stuff and not just send it off to the tip.

What is the best thing about your unique business?

The best thing about this business for me is meeting people who love old wares as much as I do and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the making of the item. The quality of old to new is incomparable. The stuff made nowadays seems to be built to not last; it has a use by date that just encourages people to consume more, without thinking about the impact this has on our environment and resources.

Where are you located?

You can find us in the Mike Kelly/ Woolgoolga Motors complex on the corner of Bosworth and Featherstone Roads between the carwash and King Shade Sails.

A big thank you to Mike and Bev Kelly for being awesome landlords and to Rudi King for putting up with our junk everywhere. Also, a big thank you to our lovely customers; without your support, we wouldn't be here.

Wild Salt Sea 3/5 Bosworth Rd, Woolgoolga.

On the corner, in the corner, Wed - Sun from 10am.

0422 319 294. coffs coast focus 81

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C O F F S

C O A S T

property guide

B r i a n

H o p wo o d

H o m e s

“Winner of the 2013 HIA Custom Home under $600,000 Northern NSW and finalist in the state.”

82 8 2 ccoff offs coast off offs coa oasstt fo ffocus. foc oc o cu c us. us

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Brian HopwooD

Brian is clearly passionate about his company, Brian Hopwood Homes, and I sat down with him to really find out what all the buz was about ... why he has built over 800 homes on the Mid North Coast and why his designs are so sought after.

Brian Hopwood Homes Firstly, I asked Brian who makes up his team and what roles they play.

“I work very closely with all my team, and I have only really employed people who are great to work with. It is important that we do get on and are all striving for the same goals.

“I have worked with Bozza, Mark Bohringer, on and off for fifteen years. His role is mainly as a supervisor, and he organises the contractors and workers.

“His background is as licensed builder, and he is a

born and bred Coffs local.

“Angela Smart is our office/ accountant and has just joined the team.”

Brian laughs as he tells me how he first recruited Natalie Hoy, Hopwood’s Colour Consultant, which is now over 10 years ago.

“I needed a receptionist, someone computer literate, had a licence and had a background in the building industry. When I interviewed Nat, she said she had none of those qualifications and I thought, ‘She’s perfect!’”

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B r i a n

H o p wo o d

H o m es “ ... you need to find subcontractors who take pride in their work and know their trade inside-out. ”

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Natalie is all about making this part fun and exciting. She accompanies clients to all the different suppliers, where they select items such as tiles and blinds which work best with the colour scheme they have chosen.

Brian believes that there is a combination of values that has contributed to his success.

“Building homes of a high standard comes down to three things.

“Firstly, you’ve got to know what you’re doing ... the kinds of challenges you’re likely to face and how to deal with them.

“Secondly, you’ve also got to invest in qualified and experienced staff, who are out there day after day working alongside subcontractors to keep projects moving.

“Thirdly, and equally importantly ... you need to find subcontractors who take pride in their work and know their trade inside-out. If you can attract high-quality subcontractors, then achieving a high quality build is much easier.

“The teams we have recruited over the 25 years on the Coffs Coast are the best in their fields, and everyone knows clearly

focusabode.

Brian Hopwood Homes

“ Brian has

Natalie hoy what we and our clients expect from them.”

By recruiting a team of experts ... whether staff at Brian Hopwood Homes or subcontractors, Brian has maintained the high standards of construction that his company has become known for.

I was then interested in hearing more about Brian Hopwood and his life to now.

Brian told me how he started his carpentry apprenticeship in Albury and two months

after completing it, he began sub-contracting and became a licensed builder two years later.

He worked for a builder called Alan Kit, who had a small but very successful business. Brian remembers learning a lot about not only building, but also how to run a business.

He built his first ‘spec’ home when he was 23 years old and was well on his way to creating his successful building company.

maintained the high standards of his construction that come company has be known for. ”

"Back in those days, we were fair dinkum builders – there were no fancy nail guns around," Brian laughs.

He had built 800 homes in the Orange district before frustration with working outdoors in snowy conditions persuaded him that moving to the Coffs Coast in 1988 was a good plan.

His dad was also the area manager for

the ANZ Bank, so moving to Coffs Harbour made sense.

He started with a few spec homes. He laughs as he remembers those times being such a boom in building. "One day it was raining cats and dogs and all these real estate agents, 26 in all, some in stilettos, were all clambering through my worksites trying to get me to list with them!"

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coffs coast focus 85

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B r i a n

H o p wo o d

H o m es

Brian Hopwood Homes

I then asked Brian a more personal question about cancer touching his life and how this has changed him personally and professionally.

“Cancer hit me about 9 years ago now, and it was by complete fluke that I even went for a checkup and a tumour in my stomach was discovered. I had the legacy of both parents being diagnosed with stomach cancer, with my mum dying at 47, and here I was at 47 looking at

86 coffs coast focus.

“Community involvement is important to Brian and everyone on his team.”

the same prognosis. Lucky for me that I did have a big operation, as I was told I would have only lived another 9 months if left untreated.

“I am grateful for every day, walk along the beach and eat well. The only negative is that I cannot tolerate greasy or unhealthy food or much alcohol, so that’s not much of a price to pay!”

“I love being a husband married to Kim, whom I married 5 years ago, and a

father. We have 5 children between us and 8 grandchildren. Most of the family live nearby too!

“My weekends consist of the grandchildren coming around enjoying my built in waterside - I am known as Poppy Hoppy.

We really enjoy our family, and we are all booked to go on a family holiday to Vanuatu, which we’re excited about.”

Community involvement is important to Brian and everyone on his team. In

past years, he has represented Australia in both touch football and OzTag and today, many local sporting and charitable causes have received the support of Brian Hopwood Homes – including ‘The House that Coffs Built’ home for the McCabe family. (A 2002 rugby accident left Allan McCabe a quadriplegic, and the Coffs Harbour community fundraised to build a home for him, his wife, Julie, and their daughters, Gabriel and Bethany.)

focusabode.

in e all the wishes of th d clients, but try an to e design the hom the block too. ”

“ I not only take

mark boriinger Brian is very active in Relay for Life.

What is the process for me if I wanted to look at building my own home at Hopwood Homes?

“You can come to the office with anything from a vague idea of what you want, to fully-developed architectural plans.

“For building designers, smart design is not telling a client what you have for them; it’s listening to what they want,”

Brian said.

“At the end of the day, you will be living there for 10, 15 or more years and so if there’s even just one thing wrong, you’ll be walking past it every day and seeing it,” he said.

So an important part of the consultation process begins when you first approach Brian Hopwood Homes and you sit down to talk about what you are hoping to achieve and what you want to see in your

dream home.

“Building a house is a huge investment in trust. I’ve got to try and read what each client is feeling, what they’re expecting and work with my team from there.

“I not only take in all the wishes of the clients, but try and design the home to the block too.

It is so important to design a home that

suits how you live and what excites you. There are many aspects to consider, and my job is to advise what spaces will work best. I also design to each person’s budget and offer alternatives. We start each design from scratch. I look at various areas and I like at least 2 living spaces what I call a ‘cup of tea area’ and ‘alfresco space’.

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B r i a n

H o p wo o d

H o m es

Brian Hopwood Homes “The next step is to draw up plans, submit these to Council and once all the building approvals are received, the building process begins ... an exciting time for clients, as they watch their dream home emerge and take shape.

“At all times we aim for each client to feel comfortable with the process. We are into honest and frank quoting too.

“All too often I hear stories of people who

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get surprises along the way with budget blowouts.

“I also believe in treating people the way you would like to be treated.

“It’s not the price you pay at the start of the job - it’s the price you pay at the end.”

Brian also pointed out to me that experience isn’t expensive; it’s priceless.

THE ‘hands-on’ business approach Brian Hopwood Homes has means Brian meets with

each and every client at least once a week, on site, during the construction of their new home.

“This meeting gives my clients the chance to ask questions, and it also means I can keep an eye on progress, ensuring the client gets exactly what they want,” he said.

“I love doing these site visits ... they are always constructive and productive for everyone involved ... the client, the sub-contractors and

for our team too.”

Brian said construction was an industry of variables and experience counted when a project struck one of those variables.

“I don’t tell people that they can’t change something. These visits are our opportunity to get the house right.”

Finally, the big day arrives when the client is given the keys to their new, Brian Hopwood built home.

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e e individual servic throughout. ”

“ Clients receiv

Tell us about your latest project?

“We are offering 9 house and land packages at North Bonville called Sawtell Park Estate at fantastic value.

“These are individually designed for the land. These are really cost effective, as the design and colour schemes are set in place.

“We are delivering the same structural integrity that we are known for, and these are ideal for owner occupiers and investors too.

“They range in price between $350,000 - $460,000. You are 10 mins

to the beach, Bongil Bongil National Park, Shopping Centres, doctors and the hospital and all transport. With all the roadworks heading south, this is a hotspot to live. Clients receive the same individual service throughout, but this is a special project.

“We like the house to be an interesting-face brick and SCYON cladding, which gives each house an individual look and holds its value.

“Building will commence in March and be completed by November. You’ll be well and truly in before Christmas.”

coffs coast focus 89

focusrealestate.

with Chris Hines from Unrealestate

real

Fine Tuning Your Number One Asset

Life is a stage – and so’s your home.

At MJ Accounting we are dedicated to helping our clients grow and thrive. In our search to find resources that benefit our clients, we have discovered that our clients themselves have a lot to teach about business success. In a new series of interviews for Focus, Mel Jenkins finds out the ‘secret sauce’ that drives our clients’ success. small business owner is the company’s most valuable asset. Yet too often that asset gets run into the ground.

This week I spoke to Renee Atkins from Beach Bodies about how to fine tune your number one asset: yourself.

A

ome staging prepares a home

open. This includes emptying out cupboards,

for sale and for the dozens

even if it means putting some things in storage.

of enquiring eyes that will be

Consider renting a few pieces of stylish furniture

scouring the property looking

or pieces of art, or maybe just borrowing off

Mel: As a business owner yourself, have you ever found your own performance suffering?

for flaws. It creates an image of the perfectly

friends for a month or so.

decorated home, in move-in condition. This

Tidy up your bookcases so that they look

Renee: When I first started Beach Bodies, I was a single mother and working 80 hours a week. I didn’t do any exercise for about 18 months. I stopped eating balanced meals and I lost personal focus on living healthy, as I was so busy encouraging everybody else.

should be the next step after de cluttering,

pleasing to the eye. This may mean packing

cleaning and repairing your home. The changes

away many of your books and keeping out the

may be as small as rearranging furniture to

ones that display well.

Mel: How did you manage to get back into exercise when you were working such long hours?

Renee: It was very hard. I focused on getting some good staff around me. And then I just set aside time. I would actually book an appointment for exercise. I started with two hours a week and built on that.

Mel: You are lucky, because you work in a gym. What if I don’t have time to get to the gym?

Renee: There are always things you can do. Try standing calf raises at the water cooler – just rise up and down on your toes. Build core strength while you’re driving - pull your belly button into your spine at every red light and hold until it turns green. Park an extra block away from the office, use the stairs, put the coffee machine out of reach – set things up to force yourself to move.

give the illusion of more space, or repainting If you start with these small steps, you can work up from there.

with more neutral and soothing colours. Home

Mel: What about food?

Renee: Preparation is what’s important here.

Being down at the Jetty, it’s too easy to order food. So I plan ahead. Leftovers are a lifesaver.

But I also do cook ups on Sundays, so I have healthy food ready for the week.

room with accessories and creating a new stylish

Another great idea is to enroll your staff. Get one person to bring in healthy lunch for the whole team one day a week. That way the whole team are eating healthy and you only have to prepare one meal each week. It’s great for team spirit, and it also makes sure your team is operating at their best.

Mel: How do you know what’s a healthy meal?

Renee: My rule of thumb is if my grandmother can’t recognise it, I don’t eat it. Stick with the basics – veggies, fruit, meat or tofu. If you stick to the outside aisles of the supermarket when you do your shopping, you will be on the right track.

stagers will offer great ideas for perking up a look for your home.

Although we are certainly not in a sluggish market, staging is a must. It can give you the edge that may result in a faster sale or a higher sales price.

First impressions can make or break the sale of

90 coffs coast focus.

go with higher wattage light bulbs (just until the home sells). Make sure that the lights are left on before an open house, so the prospective buyers are walking into well-lit rooms and hallways.

Use plug in room fresheners, not only do they to mask pet or smoking odours, but they add a pleasant sensory perception to buyers.

In the kitchen, simple things matter. Clear

the house, and a home that is properly staged

everything off the counters, finding homes for

helps to maximise your chances of a positive first

small appliances - you’ll love the look. Remove

impression. Your home will have an advantage

fridge magnets and small area rugs. Have a table

over other unstaged homes.

set for use, complete with place mats, place

A staged home shows well in website marketing,

setting and napkins, especially for photographs.

photographs and video tours, and since the

Bathrooms are easy to spruce up as well. Have

majority of homes are chosen over the internet,

a set of thick and luxurious towels reserved

at least those ones will make the short list; it is

only for open houses. Fill baskets with scented

an important factor in your potential sale.

soaps and lotions and use a scented plug in air

Tips for staging your home: As you go from room to room, there should be a flow to your home. Avoid overly bright or bold

Thriving and surviving is a complex business these days. That’s why MJ Accountants offers so much more than tax and compliance advice. We work with our clients to sharpen business strategy and we share ideas and learning to keep you up on the latest business thinking.

Lookingforbusinessideas,educationandinspiration?CheckouttheMoneywithMelaniesection of our website. Looking for an accountant to partner in your business success? Give me a call.

Brighten the house up by cleaning windows, and

coloured walls. This may mean repainting some or all of your rooms with more calming, neutral tones. Some people cannot understand that that

freshener. Remove the collection of shampoo bottles from the tub, or toothbrushes lying on the counter.

In the bedroom, clear off the bedside tables, sleek, clean lines are appealing to the eye. Place the nice doona cover or bedspread on.

bright purple wall can be removed with a coat

Outside it’s the simple things, mown lawns and

of paint, and these distractions may result in no

trimmed edges, ditch the dead or dying plants,

sales.

and top up the garden beds with mulch. Borrow

The most common trick used by stagers is to

a pressure washer and clean down paths, once

rearrange furniture to create a more stylish

you’ve completed it all, you’ll wonder why you

look. Only minor things can make a difference;

want to sell.

moving a dining room table into the living room,

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your agent will

will create a living/dining room. This may free up

have lots of ideas, and there are many skilled

space in a crammed kitchen, and voila, a brand

professional stagers available to work with you

new and improved living space.

at reasonable rates.

Rearranging may also mean reducing the

Always remember: you get one chance at a first

amount of furniture so that a room looks more

impression.

coffs coast focus 91

Imagine your home on the &RIIV &RDVW

2014 design range QRZ DYDLODEOH

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171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

Display home

Widebay 230 30 Urban Facade

3 Green Bluff Road North Sapphire Beach NSW 2450 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm Office Hours; Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

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