Coffs Coast Focus i45

Feature Story

COFFS COAST

June 2014// issue 45

The proof is in the pudding

1st Avenue Gallery

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

Melly Dee.

editor.

from the

Welcome to the June issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Sam Dawson sam@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones chrissyjones1@bigpond.com

ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

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

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

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Annalise Montgomery annalise@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITOR Jo Atkins 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.

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hen I started working at FOCUS, I had no idea of the magical connection people have with this publication. My first meetings, as I drove around to visit our key clients, often turned in to hour-long lunches, where we’d share our life story over “another” cafe latte. Within a short period, my clients became my friends, and that philosophy is something that filters through our whole office. Our publication is YOUR publication, and it’s so amazing to sit here every day connecting our readers to the many great people who live in our region. We genuinely have an interest in business owners: the people who keep FOCUS alive and functioning. Our clients are our mates - a fact we are all very proud of. On the editorial side of the fence … it’s no secret that we love to

interview people who are doing good, interesting things. A big shout out to our writers: Hilary Davies, Claire Simmonds, Sam Wardman and Fran Stephenson. These ladies do such a fantastic job each month! IN THIS ISSUE: My favourite chilli loving American: Phill Trip. I was lucky enough to interview the owners of 1st Avenue Gallery; their space in Sawtell is gorgeous - open Monday Saturday. Adhering to our “find it first” policy, I’m very excited about a fantastic new space called Six Degrees - a creative hub where business start-ups can plug in and share ideas. Our “foodies” feature tacked on to the end of the dining guide is jam packed with what’s on in the hospitality industry. COVER Speaking of people who are doing

good, interesting things, cue: Carla Jones. What an excellent career she is having in Sydney. A true blue Sawtellian, Carla flew the coop many years ago to begin her career in hospitality. Carla has been a part of teams in running “hatted” restaurants and has now gone on to open her own Surry Hills restaurant; 4Fourteen. Recently married in the Hunter Valley, Carla also shares some moments from her special day. ED’S PIC Thanks Erin Holliday, who captured kangaroos hopping along the sand one beautiful morning at Shelly Beach, Emerald Beach. FINAL SAY “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sun beams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl.

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

coffs coast focus 3

focusinterview.

1st Avenue

G a l l e r y

A contemporary art gallery/exhibition space located at the northern end of the Sawtell restaurant strip on First Avenue. We are positioned right next door to the newly established and now popular Mothers Milk café and bar. Stepping in to this space is like being on High Street, Armidale. The three owners, Andrew, Nicholas and Jennifer (not pictured) are very cool and cultured. he key directive of the gallery is to display exhibitions of contemporary art, with each exhibition lasting typically three weeks duration. These consist of solo exhibitions by painters, sculptors and photographers based both locally and from around the country. We also curate group exhibitions, usually consisting of 10 different artists. Sometimes these will follow a single theme; sometimes they’re simply a celebration of the individual artist’s gifted art practice. As well, we hold exhibitions of indigenous art from Aboriginal owned art cooperatives from all around Australia. And we’re thrilled to be able to exhibit African art from the West African region. Who are the owners of the gallery? The three Directors of the gallery are Andrew Eckersley, Jennifer England and Nicholas Kachel. Are you all locals? Yes, we are all locals (more than 20 years living in this community). How do you all know one another? All three of us have long standing professional and personal friendships spanning over 20 years. Who plays what role? All aspects of gallery requirements are shared between us. Briefly, what are your career backgrounds? Nicholas is a practicing/exhibiting artist (painter) along with completing conservation framing and was the director of John Gordon Gallery, Coffs Harbour, 2001 – 2008. A favourite of Nicholas’ is interior styling. Jennifer studied Fine Arts – Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE and is now a practicing/exhibiting artist (painter), a published illustrator and cartoonist. Roles: Arts administrator for Ku-Ring-Gai Council in Sydney, Fine Art Department Administrator – Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE and currently Art Group Coordinator – Headspace Coffs Harbour. Andrew: contemporary furniture designer/ 4 coffs coast focus.

maker, conservation picture framing, manager at John Gordon Gallery, graphic designer, gallery consultant and art fair coordinator for Peta Appleyard Gallery in Alice Springs. What artworks are exhibited on any given day? As mentioned, the gallery displays specifically curated exhibitions month to month – so every month is a new and exciting experience for the audience. Each exhibition is accompanied with an “opening night” – over 400 clients on our mailing list receive a formal invitation to announce the new exhibition and attend a 2-hour function providing drinks and canapés. This function is held particularly to celebrate the artist’s achievement in the production of the artwork for the exhibition. It is a great forum for the work to be viewed, admired, and discussed. It’s also an opportunity for patrons of the gallery to talk to the artist/artists in person and to acquire pieces for their art collections. All are welcome, invitation or not – we are specifically encouraging as many new clients as we possibly can to join our mailing list by completing the contact form on our webpage at www.1stavenuegallery.com.au. How have the people of the Coffs Coast responded to a privately owned contemporary exhibition space? Really well, as expected – the art minded community of the local area has an admirable experience of the arts. This audience supports the Coffs Harbour Regional Art Gallery with its excellent yearly program of important exhibitions and art programs directed by Dr Leigh Summers. This audience also makes regular visits to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, along with visits to the privately owned contemporary galleries in Sydney as well. The Coffs Harbour community has two other closely located regional art galleries: the Grafton Regional Gallery; and the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale. So yes, the local community is well versed in the arts, has an informed

There are a number of tists in highly gifted ar re e’ w the region and r the fo g in always look ed er ov sc next undi talent .”

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knowledge, understanding and appreciation. Many in the community support the arts by building their own art collections and investing in contemporary art pieces for their home and workplace. On a day-to-day basis, how does the gallery operate? The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm and on the weekends 10am to 4pm. We welcome all visitors to the gallery to view the current exhibition. Days are spent liaising with gallery artists about future exhibitions, engaging with the audience in the gallery about the specific pieces on exhibition, and the ongoing dialogue of what suitable pieces of art might be a fine addition for gallery clients to add to their homes and collections. The week leading up to a new exhibition opening is spent taking down the previous show, repairing and repainting the walls and then curating the upcoming show. Curating is by far the most exciting task involved in gallery work and although this is a busy week, we remain open to the public throughout. Your next exhibit is Trevor Jamison Watercolours. What can you reveal about the artist, and when are the dates? Trevor Jamison will be exhibiting a selection of watercolour paintings. The exhibition will open on Friday 23rd May 2014 at 5.30pm and continue until 7th June. This is Trevor’s second solo exhibition. His first solo show was at The Watch House in Balmain in 2012. Trevor will show up to 40 paintings in his upcoming exhibition. A VIP guest speaker, the local identity Garth McGilvray, will introduce the exhibition followed by a music recital by the cellist Trish O’Brien and a few words by the artist himself. All are welcome to attend the “opening night”. In your opinion, which artists’ works contin-

ues to inspire you? Nicholas: it is Pablo Picasso and the Australian artists Del Kathryn Barton and Rover Thomas. Bark paintings and sculpture from the Maningrida community (NT) along the art movement that is Papunya Tula Artists (NT) are also very special to me. Jennifer: Henri Matisse and Beryl Cook. Matisse’s still life and use of colour has always been a great influence in my own work. The humour in the work of English painter Beryl Cook never gets old and has inspired me since I was a small child. Andrew: Fiona McMonagle, Andy Warhol, Tracey Moffatt, Makinti Napanangka. What do you think about our local talent? Amazed ... many of the local artists are incredibly talented, and we are fortunate to be able to exhibit their work. There are a number of highly gifted artists in the region, and we’re always looking for the next undiscovered talent. Having the opportunity to offer a space for such a dedicated array of artists is a privilege. Working in a gallery is so special; it’s a dream of mine to be around art all day long … what’s the best thing about your day job? Working with the artists exhibited in the gallery, engaging with the daily audience visiting the gallery, building long-term relationships and friendships with clients and generally being gracious for participating in the arts in Australia – not to mention the privilege of being associated with the Aboriginal Art Movement in Australia. Art is a form of expression that each of us have an incredible respect for and it’s a profession that we’re passionate about, so to be able to work amongst it on a daily basis and to discuss the impact it has with those who observe it is something we’re very grateful for. Thanks guys.

12.

Carla Jones.

inside this

Carla Jones is a born and bred Sawtellian ... not only that, she is an unbelievable chef. The proof is in the pudding, and she now owns and operates hugely successful Sydney restaurant 4fourteen.

Issue 45 - June 2014

Phil Tripp.

14.

Given his hot and spicy life, it is unsurprising Coffs Harbour’s Phil Tripp enjoys more than a little chilli. Well known for giving a serve to multinationals and government flunkies, Phil Tripp is now serving his own hot chilli creations.

24. 80.

usual suspects.

the

6. what’s on for June 28. eat featuring local restaurants 60. social scene with Carole Beros

World Class Dance. There are many astonishing achievements that mankind is capable of: the sheer beauty and athleticism of ballet and dance is certainly one of them. See the Melbourne Ballet Company when they visit Coffs this month ...

62. tourism with Tourism Coffs Coast

76. star guide with Terri

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

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

coffs coast focus 5

AROUND THE REGION //JUNE 2014

BELLINGEN CRAZY DAY

21

Local retailers, eateries and the like will be offering great discounts in the once a year special event sponsored by the Bellingen Courier at the local Chamber of Commerce. Take a drive up for the day or stay the weekend, as the markets are also on that day. When: Saturday 21 June.

29

21 Yoga

Huxley and Ruby Fundraiser. Movies include How to Train Your Dragon 2 plus yummy treats and kids’ entertainment.

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

Where Birch Caroll and Coyle Cinema. When Saturday 21 June. From 3.45pm for a 4.30pm start. Tickets Available from Parrys Jewellers, Sawtell Public School or www.stickytickets.com.au/17255

Where 115 West High Street. What 1 hour classes each Wednesday, Thursday, 11am, 7pm and Friday, 6pm. Cost $6 - yoga mat required.

Best Blue Business & Best blue Supporter COMPETITION Are you the best Blue business or best Blue supporter and want to have dinner with the Blues at an exclusive sponsored event? Win dinner for two with the Blues. Simply upload a picture of the best Blue business or best Blue supporter, and in 25 words or less tell us why you would like to the meet the NSW State of Origin team. Entries close June 29. Head to facebook.com/bluesharbour or bluesharbour@gmail.com

6 coffs coast focus.

Movie for the Oxfam Syrian Crisis

THE Box COFFS COAST COUNCILLOR, NAN COWLING AND HER TEAM HAVE BEEN BUSY WORKING ON LATEST PROJECT “ARTSIDE THE BOX”, WHERE VOLUNTARY LOCAL ARTISTS PRODUCE ARTWORKS ON THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOXES.

Whilst visiting relatives in the UK, six year old Huxley Foulkes was struck by the posters on the London underground prompting people to donate to the children of Syria, who had been caught up in the civil war.

I

wanted to know why the children looked so sad and had no shoes,” said Huxley. When it was explained to him that they had lost everything and were living in refugee camps, Huxley said he wanted to help them. Along with his sister, Ruby, they decided that they wanted to hold a fundraising event to help the children, and the idea of a charity movie night was born. So come along and help Huxley and Ruby raise money for the Syrian Crisis. The movie is How to Train Your Dragon 2 and Smile Productions (the wonderful kids’ party hosts) will be joining in the fun, with “Thor”, the hammer wielding

god, entertaining the children as they arrive. There will also be some delicious treats included, baked by the fabulous K'Pane Artisan Bakery.

the plug! Birch Carroll and Coyle cinema Saturday 21 June. Arrival 3.45pm for a 4.30pm start. $50 for a family of four, $13 for children and $17 for adults. Tickets: Parrys Jewellers and Sawtell Public School. www.stickytickets.com.au/17255 www.oxfam.org.au/my/events/ view/1743

ARTIST JEFFERY BAKER HAS JUST COMPLETED HIS PIECE ON THE CORNER OF GRAFTON AND PARK STREETS.

We all know you as a famous community Councillor at Coffs Harbour City Council; what is your latest project? “Artside The Box” is a project that involves artists from the Coffs Coast volunteering their time and expertise to paint artworks on the traffic signal boxes that you can easily miss (as you drive past). The boxes are usually situated next to traffic lights and inside have the electronics that control the signals. They are usually ugly square boxes that again you’ve probably never even noticed - but not after our artists are done with them!

traffic signal boxes. The majority are on the Pacific Highway, with more in the pipeline over coming months; look out for them!

Who paints the traffic signal boxes? Coffs Coast artists voluntarily paint the boxes. The materials are supplied by Coffs Harbour Community Projects Inc. The artists produce artworks on the

Nan Cowling 6659 3194 0419 932 102 nancowling@gmail.com

How can we get involved? We are encouraging artists to prepare a design, A4 format, and send it to the email address below for consideration. Artist designs can be whatever they choose, including a 300 cm x 30 mm space for promotion (i.e. contact details/web address etc). Artists wanting to participate and paint a box please contact:

coffs coast focus 7

JULIE

FERGUSON OzHarvest has been rescuing excess good food and delivering it to people in need since 2004. OzHarvest is the nation’s leading food rescue operation and has delivered over 26 million meals and rescued almost 6,000 tonnes of food from ending up as landfill.

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zHarvest was founded by Ronni Kahn, an event organiser who was so stunned at the amount of food wasted, she did something about it. Local volunteer Julie drives around collecting food for the needy. Why I got involved. For the past 7 years, I have organised and facilitated the Coffs Harbour Orphans Christmas. Through this event, I realised the sheer numbers of disadvantaged people in the region and these people need food and support all year round, not just at Christmas time. Connecting with OzHarvest and their REAP food rescue programme was a natural progression for me. What is REAP by OzHarvest? REAP is an online toolkit developed by OzHarvest to educate volunteers to reduce food waste in regional areas, where their vans in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Melbourne do not

8 coffs coast focus.

operate. REAP is aimed at regional and rural areas of Australia, connecting local food businesses with local charities through local community members. Every day you drive around collecting food from supermarkets to give to charities? Yes, that is right. Five days a week I drive around in my little car and collect food from the local Woolworths stores and the City Centre Markets and distribute it to 14 different local organisations. The food I collect would normally go into landfill; this way, it feeds disadvantaged people. Where exactly do you distribute the food? I deliver food donations to a wide range of youth, men’s, women’s, migrant and homeless charities, and breakfast programmes at Narranga, Coffs Primary and Jetty High Schools. With such strict health regulations in place, what are the legalities? Food donors who

donate food to charities are generally protected from civil liability. Certain conditions need to be met – such as the food must be safe to eat when it is donated and it must be given away for free. There is a general overview of the relevant law at www.reap.org.au. Where do you get the funds for basic tools like petrol? All running costs were coming out of my Centrelink payments, until a very generous local GP donated some funds which now pay for petrol and petty costs, and I’ve started saving for a van. Where do you store the food? All the fresh food I collect gets delivered straight away. Once I have a refrigerated van, I can start to collect cooked and cold food from local restaurants and other food vendors. The non-perishable food is stored at my place until I raise the funds for a storage shed. What do you need? To grow REAP Coffs I

need: a refrigerated van, printing, IT set up, fuel, marketing, PR, food containers, website, social media setup, vehicle maintenance, accounting, legal/ business services, branded polo shirts, stationary, office setup, tablet for mobile records, storage shed. The community can support me with continuing encouragement – everyone has been wonderful! Donations of money (tax deductable) time or services would also be greatly appreciated. You’re such a super woman; why is this type of job rewarding for you? I am not a super woman; I am just someone who is extremely passionate about providing food to the disadvantaged in our community. The fact that I can rescue surplus food for those who need it is a wonderfully rewarding and sustainable practice. Volunteers and donors for REAP Coffs Harbour can contact www.reap.org.au or Julie Ferguson directly on 0421 430 175.

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JESSE JEANES During the day Miss Jeanes is a Home Ec teacher at Bellingen High School. With a passion for teaching in her spare time, Jesse Jeanes is a hula hoop expert! If she's not making hoops or teaching classes, you'll find Jesse performing her LED and fire hoop shows!

have been teaching for five years and at Bellingen High for one year. My background is hospitality, and we are fortunate to have one of the best hospitality facilities in the area. I also teach textiles and food technology; I love the creative subjects. My teaching and customer service experience definitely helps delivering my hoop classes. I write up a lesson plan for each class. Your totally unique business is made up of three different arms; what are they? #1 – Hoop (Dance) Class on at Boambee East Community Centre, Wednesday evenings 6 - 7.30pm. Mainly targeted at adults; however, teenagers and kids are welcome. Hoops are provided, and no experience is necessary. $15 pp and $12 for students. We start with yoga style warm-ups, so bring a mat or towel. #2 – Custom-made hula hoops, based on your individual choice of tapes and size. All hoops have grip tape to reduce slipping and sparkle tape is covered by clear protective tape, unlike other brands. Premade hoops are available at Ice Graphic T-shirt Shop and Happy Herbs in Coffs CBD. The size of around 1 metre diameter, are designed for beginners …the bigger the easier; you have more time between spins … #3 – Performances/Entertainment with Rainbow LED hoops or fire hoops at night. This could be the WOW factor you are looking for at your next event. I have Public Liability Insurance. The million dollar question; HOW did you get in to hula hooping? Sydney’s most famous hooper, Bunny Hoop Star, came to Coffs to do a workshop almost two years ago. I was hooked from then. Hooping is very addictive; you learn a trick and then want to know an extension to it, or how to do it with the other hand or in reverse. I have no background in dance and don’t like the gym, so this was something different. I have also done 10 coffs coast focus.

I have a years’ d worth of tricks an d an e tic ac technique to pr ing back go re fo be e, ar sh mostly nt ar le next year. I so that g, in op ho off-body ks , ic tr is hand /arm /leg the nd ou rather than ar waist . ”

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workshops with Deanne Love from Melbourne and Hoopalicious from the US. You've recently attended an international event: the World Hoop Dance Retreat in Bali.What a fantastic experience; fill us in on the amazing details … Seven days in Ubud with hoopers from around the world, learning from internationally renowned teachers, who are the leaders in this new form of movement. Emma Kenna, Tiana Zoumer, Shakti Sunfire and Brecken – YouTube them for inspiration – you will be amazed. I have a year's worth of tricks and technique to practice and share, before going back next year. I learnt mostly off-body hooping, so that is hand/arm/leg tricks, rather than around the waist. There are many benefits of participating in hula hooping; what are they? Body – fun fitness to take anywhere, tones abs and arms, improves coordination and rhythm. Mind – internalises your awareness, left and right brain alignment, lifts plaque off the brain. Soul – keeps you grounded, hoop alone or socially, tune into your favourite tunes. We know you teach classes for individuals, but what about if I was having an event? Would you provide entertainment?

Most definitely – interactive entertainment. I have 24 hoops that I use for events, public or private. Try them out at the Harbourside Markets sometime. Suitable for all ages, "bring out your inner child". Can we make group bookings for birthdays or special occasions? For sure; this can be an interactive workshop, or a performance to watch. I can perform individually or I have a group of hoopers to call on, for a different effect. We can dress in your theme as well. How fit (physically) does one need to be to participate? Not a great deal. Hooping will tone your body and boost strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and rhythm. All parts of the body are used. You will be warmed up after 10 minutes in winter, so wear layers. Natural fibres are best. Now is a great time to start working on your summer body. Where can we learn more? I have a Facebook page, "Hulistic Hoops"; check it out and ‘Like’ my page. It has heaps of ideas for custom-made hoops, from previous orders and loads of photos or give me a ring on 0417 586 876. Special promotions: Sign up for 5 weeks of classes for $50, instead of $75. Payment required up front. Three or more people in one car are $10 each instead of $15. Save the environment and get into hooping with some friends.

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born and bred Sawtellian Carla Jones is a born and bred Sawtellian ... not only that, she is an unbelievable chef. The proof is in the pudding, and she now owns and operates hugely successful Sydney restaurant 4fourteen. Carla was recently married at the Hunter Valley, where the food was catered by celebrity chef Matt Moran's restaurant, Aria. Local

The proof is in the pudding

Coffs Harbour wedding photographer David Moore was there to capture this special time in Carla's life.

ou describe your home town, Sawtell, as "the best place in the world". Why is Sawtell so special to you? Sawtell is "home". My family is still there; the cutest nieces anyone could have live there! They are a huge part of my visits home. It’s nice to have a place that is separate to my hectic Sydney life; I love going home and just slowing down, really. Walking down First Ave, Sawtell, getting coffee and breaky at Café Treeo (those corn fritters, OMG), sitting on an almost empty beach planning world domination with my sisters! It just doesn’t get any better. Your days at Toormina High School must seem like a life time ago. You've had huge success in Sydney … how has your career in food tracked to date? Well, I didn’t head straight to Sydney. I started my cooking life in Coffs Harbour at a restaurant called "Tim’s Surf n Turf" back when I was 17 years old. After a couple of years there, I moved to Brisbane and got into the more fine dining industry at a restaurant called Urbane; that’s where I finished my apprenticeship

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and met the right people to help connect me with my next job in later in life. It was Mum who suggested cooking: the idea was Sydney. So after four years in Brisbane, I moved to Sydney with to work in a café on the beach, do breakfast and lunch, and be an interview at Aria lined up. done and at home for dinner. However, the path I went didn’t Taking the job at Aria (Celebrity Chef Matt Moran's restaurant) see me home for dinner; my life was more like 15 hour days not only helped me refine my skills, but that is where I met my living on 4 - 5 hours' sleep a night ... so thank you, Mum! now husband, Richie. I Stayed at Aria for 18 months and no Your restaurant 4Fourteen in Surry Hills, Sydney… in your matter how I felt about Rich, I had always dreamed of going to opinion, what makes your restaurant so special? London to work and travel, so off I went on my own. Once again I love this place! Sometimes I wish it wasn’t mine, because it’s using a contact at Aria, I had a job lined up at somewhere I’d like to go as a guest myself – Claridges, when it was a Gordon Ramsay run going to work on my days off isn’t something kitchen ... tough love! A gruelling six months I tend to do. It’s a relaxed dining place with an was long enough for me there, so after some emphasis on sharing your meal with friends. TAKING THE travelling around Europe, I got a position at When it’s in full swing on a Friday night, it’s JOB AT ARIA a restaurant called Odettes, where I spent loud with music, chatter and laughter and (CELEBRITY CHEF the last year of my time abroad. I loved this people passing food around the table. You MATT MORAN'S place; it taught me to have fun again at work. can sit around the kitchen and watch us work RESTAURANT) NOT You can do the hard work and produce some away at a large marble counter and have the ONLY HELPED ME great menus while having a laugh during the chefs serve you! It’s just a fun place. REFINE MY SKILLS, day. And your old boss come business partner BUT THAT IS WHERE Finally I headed back to Sydney and found is Colin Fassnidge, from television cooking I MET MY NOW my new home at The Four in Hand Dining competition My Kitchen Rules … how did HUSBAND, RICHIE. ” Room in Paddington, which was then a one you transition from employee to business hatted restaurant, and now for the last four partner? years it has maintained two hats. This was a It was just a passing comment I made job I just took quickly due to lack of money, and in my head I one day in the kitchen. Colin had been talking about the next thought I’d take this job to see me through Christmas and save venture he wanted to do, and I said, hypothetically, if I had some money with the intention of moving on in a few months. money to put towards it, what would you say … Not a lot was It’s hard to describe what happened; I guess it all just clicked! said, but a couple of days later he called me to the office to Colin and I just get each other. I loved his philosophy about food, ask if I was serious or not. I was very serious! However, didn’t I love using the whole of the animal … ugly bits and all. I guess actually have any money! Thank God for parents! After some I found my second family … It was a small kitchen with a small serious grovelling, the deal was done, and we went on a search team that just got along (most of the time; however, service is for the right space to set up. service). I spent four years as Colin's Sous Chef. Nowadays I’m We have all heard about you selling the $120 hamburger Head Chef at 4Fourteen, a new restaurant Colin and I opened in the national media; what was that about? two years ago in Surry Hills … It’s mine, and I love it! This crazy burger was a gimmick to help my friends out at Did you always want a career in food, or was it something Pork Star Australia. It was something we came up with to help you fell in to by accident? promote Australian bacon during Bacon Week. They wanted I blame my mother. I remember walking down the beach one something to help bring attention to the amount of bacon sold holiday, I think I was about 13, talking about what I could do in Oz that is actually imported. We wanted to teach Australians

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that the only way to tell the pork is from Australia is by the little "pink square". I hope it helped! Why do your staff call you "Princess"? I blame Colin; I got that nickname within a week of starting at the Four six years ago. I think it’s because I’m a little rough around the edges; I tend to swear a bit. It was a joke that just stuck; now I’ve strangers calling me Princess. And you've recently married a chef; where does your husband cook, and who is the better cook? You or him? Who cooks at home? Rich is great! He’s the head chef at Chiswick Restaurant, one of Matt Moran's best establishments. We try to get a night or two off together each week; we’ll try and eat out one of those and then cook together at home. As to who is the best; well, we are doing a joint dinner in Coffs on the 21st June at Saltwater Café Restaurant in Emerald Beach, so we’ll let you judge! Was your wedding the best day ever? Tell us all the juicy bits? It truly was the best day of our lives to date, from start to finish! I surrounded myself with people I know and love. No one was a stranger: my makeup artist is from Coffs, Belinda McCarthy (amazingly talented). My photographer, David Moore, again from Coffs – what a legend! It was set in an 1800s farmhouse in Mindaribba, Hunter Valley region. The food and booze was supplied through Rich’s connections at Aria Catering, so you can imagine the indulgence. The best bits … if the massive cheese table set out to snack on after dessert wasn’t enough for guests, the supper that came out at 11pm of mini Wagyu burgers and the famous duck pies from Aria certainly finished them off and tried to sober them up! If only we could do it all over again. How often do you return to your home town, and what's your favourite place to dine on the Coffs Coast? These days I’m coming home more frequently; if you met my nieces, you’d understand. I hang out with them down at First Ave at Café Treeo, and I’m looking forward to going to Saltwater Café Restaurant on my next visit to check it out. Thanks Carla. coffs coast focus 13

focusinterview. by Claire Simmonds

ome s t i e v gi

i l l i ch

ipp r T Phil GIVEN HIS HOT AND SPICY LIFE, IT IS UNSURPRISING COFFS HARBOUR’S PHIL TRIPP ENJOYS MORE THAN A LITTLE CHILLI. WELL KNOWN FOR GIVING A SERVE TO MULTINATIONALS AND GOVERNMENT FLUNKIES, PHIL TRIPP IS NOW SERVING HIS OWN HOT CHILLI CREATIONS.

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ripp’s Over The Hill Chilli Oil is just one of four recipes Phil will enter in next month’s Sawtell Chilli Festival, drawing on a wealth of dining experience. Anyone reading his tales of Boudin sausage and eating Nawlins (New Orleans) mudbugs with his "lips tingling, belly fat and head exploding with spice" knows he enjoys his spicy food. A News Limited travel writer, he brings alive the flavours, local music vibe and spectacular beauty of some of the world’s best tourist destinations. His description of Beale Street, Memphis as "where Southern blues legends landed from the boondocks and where white boys with slicked back hair learned to swivel their hips and howl" comes with the authority of a life in the music "biz". Now 63, in a semi-retirement studded with travel journeys and musings, Phil has spent time growing organic chillies and testing recipes on appreciative guests and the occasional unworthy chilli-averse diner like me. Part-time chilli farming may not seem extraordinary to Coffs Coast locals, but Phil’s retirement move shocked music industry gossips familiar with the Southern American’s wild back story. Born "an army brat" in Augusta, Georgia, and with a German mother, Phil always was a little unusual. The family was stationed for three years in Germany, three in France and three in Japan, giving Phil the gift of language. This world experience, plus attending 14 different schools, made settling down in the narrowminded South difficult. “I was in a county that had the largest per capita membership of the Klu Klux Klan at a Baptist College. I was neither religious, nor was I racist. Matter of fact ... I had long hair and they hated hippies, so it was a year of hell”. His passion for music was ignited as a boy by seeing the soon-to-be-famous Elvis Presley gyrating live and he was "baptised into a new church" 14

coffs coast focus.

by the sweat of James Brown as a solo white the ffrontt row. tteenager iin th While only a kid, listening "when the music started", he was a young man on the scene when the serious business of music started. “I’ve been lucky. Sometimes you’re there”. Youthful enterprises including smuggling out-of-state Coors beer and other items across borders introduced him to music industry clientele and developed skills in transport packing. “Packing and unpacking trucks, planes and boats in the dark meant I was really good at loading stuff and making things fit. My introduction to the music industry was, a friend of mine called me and said, ‘I’ve just broken my arm and I’ve got a job at dawn. Would you mind driving the truck and setting up the audio guy we’ll fly in and connect everything up for a concert?” Roadie work in 1972 led to mixing and sound engineer work for such talents as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Muddy Waters. He graduated to stage management for the Allman Brothers, Earth Wind and Fire and staged events such as the New Orleans, New York and Newport Jazz Festivals. He worked on Jimmy Carter’s reelection campaign nationwide concerts starring Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills and Nash, and friends asked what he would do if Carter lost. “Boy, I tell you what, if Reagan wins, I’m not going to stay in America,” Phil declared. “So, when he won, my friends teased, 'So Phil, where are you going?' I did a study of all the countries in the world, which is very easy when you’re not willing to accept polar, equatorial, dictatorial, Communist or primarily third world. Although I speak German, French, and Japanese, it would be good if it was an English speaking country like ... let’s say, Holland, which is more of an English speaking country. Then, when it came down to it – no nukes, personal privacy and freedoms, it came down to Australia

and New Zealand as places that I would move tto”. ” Initially rejected for migration as having nothing to offer Australia, when he appealed the Consulate’s decision, he discovered an official had missed out on tickets to a concert he was managing that night for Stéphane Grappelli, the French jazz violinist. “I said, 'Would you like to come by and see what I do, as a tour manager. If you want, I can introduce you to Stéphane, who would be happy to sit down with you after the show and explain what it is I do for him and how valuable I am to him, as a touring international artist'”. A front row seat with a lap full of vinyl albums for signing and a glowing endorsement by an artist cautioned to keep away from marijuana and 15 year olds until after the interview led to a migration stamp on his passport the following day in 1981. After turning around the fortunes of a chain of Sydney record stores, Palings, Phil took a leap of faith into freelance writing. “The reason I succeeded was instead of trying to do reviews for Rolling Stone, which paid nothing, or write articles for rock mags which paid like $10, I thought, 'What’s a lucrative market I can hit?' When I found out the Los Angeles Times paid $1,750 for a thousand words and they wanted 3,000 for being an American in Australia, I went for that. Then I started writing for overseas ‘trades’ (music press) who didn’t have writers here”. His investigative articles on the business of music earned him a reputation. “I went behind the scenes with lawyers and found out about $3m embezzlement scandals in multinational record companies. I also fought the multinationals on a number of issues. Probably the one I’m most famous for is, if you have albums and you want to put them on compilation tape for your personal use, or if you have recordings you want to put on an iPod, it was illegal for the longest time. I fought to have the copyright laws changed. This infuriated the

multinationals, and they went for my blood and multinational tried i d to shut h down my business.” Changing career path to become a music publicist led to Phil suffering a heart attack from overwork. “When I was in the hospital, I had an epiphany that there was no such thing as a music industry directory in Australia. So I created the Australasian Music Industry Directory”. His co-authorship with lawyer Phil Dwyer of the book When The Writ Hits The Fan is required reading for anyone keen to understand law using the examples such as Men At Work, Renee Geyer and Glenn Wheatley, without reading text books. After publishing the now successful directory for 23 years, his fourth marriage ended and he moved to Coffs Harbour, keeping his role representing the prestigious entertainment industry showcase festival South by Southwest for the Australasia and Hawaii region. A lifetime of world travel has helped locate hard-to-find chilli seed varieties and some valuable recipes. Employing gardening experts such as Jesse McPherson of Dragonfly and Nicole Stautner has given him the skills to grow an enormous range of chillies and as much as 50% of the food he eats, although this was the same percentage of plants he killed in the first year before he had help. “My accountant told me if I was going to write off my agricultural expenses, I’d have to make a product. Now I’m a drug dealer to local cooks of the capsaicin drug (the active component of chilli peppers)”. Thanks to encouragement from Pam at the Happy Frog, Tripp’s Over The Hill Chilli Oil is now available there, as well as at Fresco and Gourmand Ingredient in Coffs Harbour. Phil will enter his chilli oil containing four different chilli varieties and his chilli-chocolate brownies, mango and habanero sauce, and tabasco sauce in the Sawtell Chilli Festival on Saturday 5 July.

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NORTH COAST

ACADEMY

hy study at NCFA? NCFA is an exciting new fashion school on the Coffs Coast designed to give students first hand experience and relevant skills to enter the fast-paced and exciting Australian fashion industry. The opportunity for students of regional areas to get a foot in the fashion industry is geographically limiting, and NCFA aims to fill this void and provide the connections and opportunities necessary for students to start their career in fashion! What courses does NCFA offer? NCFA offers a Certificate in Applied Fashion Design and a Certificate in Fashion Business Fundamentals, as well as specific micro courses throughout the year.

What "exciting extras" does NCFA offer? During the semester, students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of extracurricular activities to give them more exposure to the ins and outs of the fashion industry. These include class excursions, guest speakers, industry brunches, access to the Careers Department and Jobs Board, individual work experience, assistance with job placement, plus the opportunity to work on large-scale fashion shows nationally. End of Course Assessment is by way of a fashion runway show, produced by the Business students, showcasing the collections of the Design students.

How long does each course run? Both courses are 6-month intensive part-time courses run Students of bothss over 2 nights a week. Fashion Busine Can I still work while I n ig Which Course is and Fashion Des plete m co study? Flexibility is key! right for me? NCFA courses will ed ur ct ru st ay NCFA courses have been -d a five courses are for anyone orkplacew p ou gr designed around your busy wanting a fast-paced n to aining excursio rate tr schedule – students can still pa and exciting career in Sydney, at five se work full-time, as they study fashion. The Fashion fashion houses.” for their career in fashion. Design Course guides Being an intensive 6-month students through what it course, it is great for a gap year, or takes to start and run a fashion those wanting to test the waters without label or boutique. The Fashion Business committing to a full move to a major city. Course equips students with the skills required

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by industry to obtain job placement for a successful fashion career. Does NCFA offer workplace training? Workplace training is imperative for those wanting to gain knowledge and skills relevant for job placement. Students of both Fashion Business and Fashion Design courses will complete a five-day structured group workplacetraining excursion to Sydney, at five separate fashion houses. It aims to guide students with career choice, provide "real life" insight into the fashion industry through a hands-on approach, and enables them to build their fashion CV.

What are the prerequisites for enrolment? Students need to be able to read and write to a senior year equivalent, and have a keen interest in fashion. The courses guide students through both the technical and business sides of the fashion industry. Can I apply now? Students can request a detailed Course Information Pack by contacting NCFA: 0431 586 503 or study.ncfa@gmail.com Semester 2 applications are being taken now for July 14 start! APPLY NOW! coffs coast focus 15

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bald archy w i n n e r

Feature interview with Fran Stephenson

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IT’S IRREVERENT, SUPER FUNNY, A BIT NAUGHTY AND ALWAYS ENTERTAINING – THE ONLY SERIOUS THING ABOUT THE BALD ARCHY PRIZE IS WINNING IT, EVEN IF THE JUDGE IS A CANTANKEROUS OLD COCKATOO NAMED MAUDE. FRAN STEPHENSON TALKS WITH THIS YEAR’S WINNER, TALENTED NEWCASTLE ARTIST JUDY NADIN.

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ongratulations, Judy ... winning the 2014 Bald Archy Prize is a wonderful achievement. What does the Bald Archy mean to you? Thanks Fran. Actually, it means many things to me. On an artistic level, I get to paint something for me, even though it’s for the Bald Archy, it’s a personal experience. These days I do the majority of my work digitally, so to get my hands dirty (face and glasses too) is fun. It reminds me how much I love hands-on painting. The Bald Archy concept is great; it’s irreverent and like no other touring exhibition I know. It attracts all kinds of people to the exhibitions and asks them to think about the works, as well as have a big laugh. I can’t thank the founder, Peter Batey, enough for giving humorous artists this platform. I love Peter’s passion for the arts and of course, his own wicked sense of humour. And who can forget that old bird – Maude – what a tough judge she is.

Your entry this year was Aussie cricketer Mitchell Johnson. Why him, and why did you portray him the way you did? In the past I have tended to do actors and singers, the occasional politician, but never a sportsperson. I wanted to do something that was different for me. As Australia is such a serious sporting nation, a sportsperson seemed a good choice. I don’t actually follow cricket; Michael Clarke was one of the only cricketers I knew. As the Ashes progressed, it became obvious that Mitchell Johnson was the star and was really slamming the English batting line. I also couldn’t resist his awesome Dennis Lilleeish “MO”. The Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball song had been a huge hit and there was a lot of talk about the film clip, where she is swinging around on this wrecking ball in various stages of undress. So the idea was fairly obvious to me. I loved painting this big burly sportsman in little underpants and a cropped Australian cricket vest. I

actually used one of my female friends as a model for the legs and torso. At the opening in Canberra, an ABC journo commented that Mitchell looked quite feminine in the painting ... ha ha. And this isn’t your first Bald Archy win? No. My previous win was in 2010 with Bert Newton, titled Patti’s Cake. It was really special, as that was my first BA win, and I love, love, love Bert Newton; he makes me laugh so hard. Bert called me up after the win to tell me how much he and Patti loved the painting and said that I did him proud with his sexy naked form. I was lucky enough to go to a performance of Wicked and to meet Bert backstage. I gave him a mini replica of the painting, and I’m sure my mother attempted to flirt with him. How do you select your subjects, and what’s your process? These days I paint people that I like and view as really interesting. The Bald Archy prize encourages us to satirise or visually comment on what has happened over the last 12 months. I try to always

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come up with amusing ways of capturing or celebrating my subject (or victim). This year as well as Mitchell Johnson, I painted Cate Blanchett and Tina Arena. My process is to draw a few pencil sketches to capture the likeness and work out the composition. I then project the sketch onto a large canvas, where I paint with acrylics using a fairly traditional painting technique. Your caricatures are very realistic and humorous, without being too unkind. Are you ever tempted to be a little more wicked? Ha! Maybe I’m kind because I paint people I like, and my rendering technique is also quite realistic. Years ago I did do a portrait of Kerry Packer for the BA that wasn’t too flattering. I am tempted to be a little more wicked; maybe I’ll produce something really racy for the Rotary Awards this year. I haven’t had any backlash from my subjects so far; I’m just happy when people get enjoyment out of my caricatures. I did a cartoon billboard for a building company in Newcastle recently; it was a little controversial, and some people were very vocal about it. I understood their passion, although I thought it was pretty funny. I do enjoy a bit of a stir. Did you have any formal art training? I started drawing when I was quite young and spent many hours doing it. I was quite obsessed; I think I was probably better back then (relatively

speaking) because I I have been fortunate enough didn’t worry too much ards. I about the outcome. I to win a few aw Collins won the Michael and six did art at school then d ar certain freedom Caricature Aw gained employment as ds ar Aw n oo for me when I do Rotary Cart a graphic artist soon .” ry le al G er nk abstract and I get at the Bu after – I had to learn really messy. on the job. I studied Fine You’re not a stranger Arts painting part-time as to the odd gong. What an adult. I really feel where are some of your other I have learnt the most is from awards? studying the works of great artists Well, my first prizes were winning and practicing. Some of my favourite artists a tricycle in a colouring contest when I are Lucian Freud, Jenny Saville, John Currin, was five and a huge box of Freddo frogs for Sebastian Kruger and the amazing American drawing Freddo on the moon for some morning caricaturist/artist Jason Seiler. I adore portraiture, kids show. but love all kinds of art. I’m continually amazed Seriously though, I have been fortunate and inspired and always want to learn and enough to win a few awards. I won the Michael improve. Collins Caricature Award and six Rotary Cartoon Do you ever paint serious portraits or do Awards at the Bunker Gallery. other forms of art? I always feel really excited and very honoured As a child I was a huge Mad magazine fan when I receive a Rotary Award – all that amazing and obsessed with the legendary Mort Drucker; Australian and international talent in one room. I think that’s where my interest in caricature I come to the Rotary Awards nights in Coffs started. I have painted serious portraits in the whenever I can and enjoy catching up with the past and did some pencil portraits of Beccy Cole other cartoonists. a few years ago for her album, but that’s about I remember when I first checked out the it. Lately I’ve been thinking about doing some Rotary Cartoon Awards, the closing date was serious portraits; I like a challenge and definitely within a few days. I really wanted to enter, so I want to improve as a painter. drew Barry Humphries, painted for an hour or The other forms of art I do are figurative so before work, then came home and finished painting and also some abstract. There is a it that night and sent it off. When I received

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the call from Tom Hamilton-Foster to come to the Bunker, I was really thrilled. I received the runners-up award in the caricature section; David Rowe (one of my fave artists) won with a brilliant caricature of Slim Dusty. We’re looking forward to seeing your works and the Bald Archy exhibition at the Bunker during June … Thanks. I do encourage Coffs Harbour people to come to the Bunker to see this year’s paintings. They’re fantastic – not just mine, but the whole exhibition. At the same time, my past works from the Rotarys will be on exhibition – I feel very honoured – it’s such a great venue. Thanks Judy.

the plug! The Bald Archy Prize Exhibition is at the Bunker Cartoon Gallery, John Champion Way, Coffs Harbour from the opening on Sunday, June 1 at 3pm until June 28. Bunker Cartoon Gallery is open 10am – 2pm, Monday – Saturday. Phone 6651 7343.

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local.

Community Partnerships

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hen your customers are also your owners and members, it makes good business sense that your Strategy ensures that customers’ needs and the needs of their community are the prime focus. Indeed in all that we do we focus on the underlying business driver of “It is about the customer… always”. Our experience, together with recent consumer research, informs us that modern financial services customers seek Leadership, Authenticity, Relevance, and Value from their respected and trusted adviser, as well as relevant, easy to understand information from knowledgeable competent caring staff who are committed to supporting customer’s in making wise financial decisions. At Holiday Coast Credit Union we know that our Competitive Advantage is that we are: • 100% Customer - Owned • Customer Driven - It is about the customer … always • Community Minded • Local As a Customer Driven organisation we aim to develop strong relationships with our customers who are indeed our members built on integrity, warmth, humanity, empathy and sincerity delivering a sense of belonging. It is through building these relationships that we will attract and retain customers that value their relationship with Holiday Coast and become and remain loyal profitable members – “believers”. The focus on the communities in which our customers live, work and play is another differentiator for Holiday Coast Credit Union and is the foundation behind the Community Partnership Grants program that from 2005

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to 2013 has given back to the communities in which Holiday Coast Credit Union operates on the Holiday Coast in excess of $1m and in doing so assisted more than 300 community groups each of whom work to make their community a better place. “We at Holiday Coast remain committed to the growth and well-being of our local communities and the support of the many volunteer groups that enhance those communities”, CEO of Holiday Coast Credit Union Neville Parsons proudly stated. In addition to the Community Grants Program, Holiday Coast continues to support local and national fundraising and awareness programs including the many Cancer Council Relays for Life, Jeans for Genes, “Give me Five for Kids” and the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Knowing that time is as important as money we provide our employees with two additional days paid leave per year to enable them to volunteer within their communities. “The well-being of the community in which we live has an impact on each and every one of us and, as a result, we at Holiday Coast consider it vitally important to assist the many communities within the region we serve and we do so through volunteer works, ongoing savings and budgeting advice and financial contributions through our Community Partnership Grants,” CEO Parsons said The outcome of the 2014 Community Partnership Grants will be announced in June 2014 and will feature in this magazine in July 2014. Photo: The Mosaic was funded through the 2013 Community Partnership Grants and coordinated by Coffs Harbour Employment Support Services (CHESS). Representatives from CHESS, Holiday Coast Credit Union and the Health Campus.

SIMONE ENRIGHT S K IN N E R MO T O RS Simone Enright is the latest member of the team at Coffs Harbour Hyundai. hat is your role at Skinner Motors? New and used vehicle sales consultant. Where are you originally from, and what brought you to town? I am originally from Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. I have spent the last two and a half years in North West WA working in Karratha. When it was time to leave, I looked at all the options around Australia to call home, and I chose Coffs. I love the easygoing lifestyle, great surf, beautiful beaches, mountains and little country towns - the best of both worlds - and the weather is pretty good too. What is it about this type of role that appeals to you? I have always had a very keen interest in cars and have worked in the motor industry most of my life. You get to meet so many different people and all have an interesting story to tell, and I get to help them in one of the biggest purchases of their life. Seeing how happy and excited people are when they come and pick up their new car is always very satisfying. What type of car do you currently drive? In my family we currently have a Toyota FJ Cruiser and a Hyundai Getz. The FJ Cruiser has taken me on many journeys all over Australia in all sorts of terrain and never misses a beat, and as for the little Getz ...

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well, it has nearly travelled around Australia too and did the job very well. For a small car it is very solid on the road and a lot better on fuel than the FJ. What do you think the most important thing is when looking to buy a new car? To buy from a reputable manufacturer and dealer that offer great warranties and aftersales care, and to be able to take advantage of that it is always best to buy from your local dealer, who will always be there to look after you for the life of your car. How do you find working in a predominately men oriented world? I have worked in the car industry for over 20 years, so you could say I am very used to it, but you do have to have thick skin at times. Sometimes you have to prove that a female does actually know as much as a male about cars, but in whole it’s a lot of fun, and you get to learn a lot about fishing! Some car questions: what is the biggest mistake a person does when considering buying a new car? To buy on price alone; as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. How can we come and see you? To ensure the best possible personalised service, it is best to call me on 6652 1933 and make a time for an appointment that suits you, or just call in anytime Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am - 3.30pm.

Custom-designed websites

Klaustel Phones & Data KLAUSTEL PHONES & DATA would like to introduce our new IP MY PBX Phone System by Yeastar and Aristel Networks. From small office to large office from 2 to 300 sip extensions, unlimited sip trunks, voicemail, analogue telephone port, ISDN and 3G gateway. This system is great value, starting from $2,250 with interest free payments. We also offer fantastic deals on your telephone, adsl, NBN and mobile bill, with the flexability to bundle to your business needs. Give us a call: (02) 6651 5288 for a free quote and check out our website www.klaustel.com.au to see our range of telephony products and services we have to offer. Your truly local phones and data team. Klaustel Phones and Data.

If you're considering a website template, consider these factors first: Functionality: A templated website can only do so much; at some point in the future you may come unstuck when you need to add more content or functionality to your website. Design: A template can start off looking good, but without the know-how it can quickly become a mess of images and poorly formatted content, and you are left with no support to resolve it. Search Engine Optimisation: Templated websites are often built quickly and cheaply and do not perform well in Google searches, and leave little room for improvement. Usability: Without proper optimization, your website can be slow to load and frustrating for your clients to use. In addition, without a Content Management System, updating your website can be a slow and tedious process. Extra knowledge required: Template sites may look like a breeze to customise, but once you pay and download a template, you may find you need additional programs to edit the template and you lack the knowledge required to get your website live and linked with your domain. First impressions count: Your website will often be the first impression of your business. A custom designed website can help reinforce your brand values and make that first impression a positive one. We offer a FREE 30 minute website consultation to help ensure you get a great website. Call Giant Media on 6651 5322 or visit www.giantmedia.com.au

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EDITOR'S PICKS

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

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SIR STAG LARGE $29.95 TYPO GLADYS PITCHER 1.7 LITRE IN SEAGREEN $39.95 FREEDOM FURNITURE BOHO SCARF ORGANISER $29.95 PILLOW TALK

BAG BAKERY - VINTAGE INSPIRED PURSES $35 OR $45 WHOLLY ORGANIC, SAWTELL

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DANISH WING CHAIR $749.00 FREEDOM FURNITURE

PARLANE , WREN VASES, SALE PRICE $10.00 PILLOW TALK

MERCATOR DOLCE 40W BRUSHED CHROME 5 LIGHT PENDANT $120 BUNNINGS

CARIBBEAN VINTAGE CANVAS, $739.00 VAST INTERIOR

SCULPTURE IN AQUA $189.95 ZAB

SASS AND BIDE THE RESPONSE JACKET $350 NIC & SHE

THE SAVILLE 3 SEATER $3490 CARGO LANE SCULPTURE IN AQUA $189.95 VAST INTERIOR SELECTED MAURIE & EVE COLLECTION FROM ENCOUNTERS

EIFFEL SCISSORS $14.95 TYPO coffs coast focus 21

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Wait? What? Where are we? New York or Coffs Harbour? A brand new exciting venture that has proven to have unbelievable success in New York is "creative hubs" - shared spaces where p people can come in to work, collaborate and be inspired! Six Degrees is Coffs Harbour's version. Kristina Cooke fills us in om the finer details ...

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he concept behind Six Degrees es Coworking Hub is really quite simple; it is a space for people who want to work and collaborate together. There are so many people in the Coffs Coast that are busy beavering away at home who are looking for a flexible alternative to a fixed office rental – somewhere they can drop in when they need, to get some work done away from the distraction of the fridge, to find some potential collaborators, bounce ideas off other like-minded people, or to be inspired by some of the great local entrepreneurs and professionals we have around town. What is it, exactly, and what is your role? I guess I'm the start up girl. This is the next step in creating the platform for Coffs to thrive. First we established Coffs Harbour as one of the largest NBN rollout sites with fibre to the home. Now we need to connect all these high-speed dots. As the saying goes – no businessperson is an island. We recognise that successful entrepreneurs are not the one person super business people that they are made out to be – I think they call it the e-myth. Personally I want to make this work to show Coffs and the rest of Australia that we aren’t missing out on any of that big city action. I am part of the Enterprise Coffs Team, and one of us will be on hand in the space to help facilitate your business to grow through connecting you to the right people or asking the probing questions. You are famous for your term "accelerated serendipity". What does this term mean to you, and how does this translate to Six Degrees? Accelerated serendipity is what, to me, sums up the best part about co-working. Yes, co-working gives you a space to work from, a collaborative environment, people to bounce ideas off … but most of all, it is the opportunity 22 coffs coast focus.

to increase your chances of success by meeting like-minded people who can help launch your business – launch it into a new market, a new direction, a new platform, a new ... Serendipity describes the human situation of accidental discovery – and at Six Degrees we just want to make that happen faster. We are working on a formula for accelerated serendipity – and we invite anyone with some ideas to Six Degrees to help us crack the code. That is also how the name of it came about. You have heard of the concept of six degrees of separation … well if the Coffs Six Degrees Coworking Hub works, you can pop in to the space one day and in a hop skip and a jump you could be hanging out with Kevin Bacon. No seriously, it’s about tapping into the amazing wealth of knowledge, expertise and business networks we have locally. Shared hubs are all the rage in New York; is this what inspired this project? It all started a couple of years ago now, when I noticed the exponential growth of "co-working" around the globe and was exploring the trend, what that meant for the workplace of the future and especially what it could mean for Coffs Harbour. There are a number of countries where co-working has taken off and Spain is one of those places, so when I was in Barcelona for the Smart City World Congress I made it my mission to visit as many co-working spaces as possible. The interesting thing is that not all co-working spaces are the same – they might have the same name tag, but the vibe and the mission of each is completely different. When I entered the M.O.B. (Makers of Barcelona) space, I knew this was the kind of space that we needed in Coffs. Once I saw how it was working successfully in a range of different city environments, my question to myself was why can’t Coffs have a bit of this action? And that is the challenge – to find

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out the right business model that will work in a regional location – and that is what this new space is all about – prototyping the idea, finding out who is out there and what makes a great co-working space in Coffs. So can you just turn up and plug your computer in? Or do you have to pay and how does all of that work? That’s right; turn up and plug in. For the past month we have been having free weekly pop-up events in the space to introduce Coffs to the concept. Now we are going to invite people to become members and give it a good bash of 3 days per week for at least the next three months. For those who wish to benefit from using the space and being a member, we will have a range of affordable membership options on offer. After the huge success of your pop up, you've found an actual space … where is it? It’s on the corner of Park and Gordon Street with the entry on Gordon St (opposite Dick Smith). It was set up by the Australian Psychology and Wellness Centre as a very flexible space and it is styled so well, we just fell in love with it the first time we saw it – as if it was made for us. What facilities does the space offer? The best analogy is like a gym for you and your business. Apart from the desk space with wi-fi access, we have complimentary tea and coffee and access to a printer. There is a small lounge section where you can collaborate with people. Almost all the walls you can write on – one is a chalk board and the other is a whole wall that is a whiteboard. The other benefits of being a member are the access to our lunchtime learning sessions, where members will share their skills and expertise and the very popular PITCH, where our local entrepreneurs get the oppor-

tunity to give us the spiel on their product or service but more importantly, outline their vision on where they want to be and what they think they need to get there. This is the opportunity for all the local community to find out about the great passionate people we have in town and identify if any of your skills can make it happen. What type of people do you guess will use the space? Judging by who has turned up at our pop-up events, anything goes really! It’s primarily for local entrepreneurs, home-workers or anyone who works solo to tap into the co-working vibe. But we have also seen interest from people working remotely in Coffs for large corporations with head offices in capital cities. We have people from a variety of industries whom we call our members – creative industries, webdevelopers, programmers, coders, accountants, lawyers ... the list goes on. Entrepreneurial pitching … what's that? The PITCH session is an energy filled and passion packed lunchtime session where three local entrepreneurs pitch their passion to a local expert panel which provide feedback, ideas, ask those tricky questions and provide creative solutions to the challenges being faced by these local businesses. It’s an open session, so we invite anyone to come along and be inspired. We will be having them at least once a month – possibly even more by popular demand. If you would like to find out more about coworking or becoming a Six Degrees member, visit the website at http://sixdegreescoworking.com or drop into the space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays or call 0428 265 383. Thanks Kristina.

BusyHeading Times atHere! the Conservatorium Your

June Heading at Jetty Memorial Theatre Your Here!

This month we are proudly hosting two workshops, the first with renowned Australian Pianist Roger Woodward on Wednesday 28th May at the Regional Gallery @ 6:30 pm and the second on Thursday 29th May @ 4:30 pm with The Ironwood Ensemble here at the Conservatorium. Tickets for the Roger Woodward workshop are $25 and the Ironwood Ensemble $5. Contact the Con on 6652 1592.

Are you self-employed? Can you provide adequate proof of income?

The next concert in our 30th anniversary series will be on Sunday 1st June, with Mara! a wonderful quintet providing a fusion of jazz and world music, at CHEC, Theatre D @ 2 pm. All tickets $15 thanks to generous support from Arts NSW. The previous performances were extremely well received, and we expect this will be another brilliant concert. Tickets available online at www.coffscon.org.au/events

At Yellow Brick Road Coffs Harbour, we’re used to dealing with self-employed clients or those customers who may have been in their employment for a limited amount of time.

The Sydney Youth Orchestra will be performing in combination with local students at Sportz Central on Saturday 7th June, with a Toddlers Proms concert here at the Conservatorium on Sunday 8th June. Tickets and further details will be available on our website soon. Our Contemporary Vocal Ensemble “The Decatones” will be making their debut public performance on Saturday 21st June, and the second concert with our Academy Chamber Music Ensemble will be on Wednesday 25th June. Look for their videos on our website homepage www.coffscon.org.au.

Yellow brick road

It’s often the case with self-employed clients that providing suitable proof of income to satisfy the lender is not always easy. Perhaps your business is new, seasonal or just behind on the paperwork, whatever the reason, there is usually something that can be done.

We have access to a variety of lenders who can often help solve an issue, either short or long term and allow you to achieve the results you want, whether it be for personal or business financing. You may want to know if your business is finance structured correctly? Have you got the optimum finance structure in place to take the business forward or manage the ups and downs of your cash flow? We can talk to you about potential solutions for your business including Debtor Finance and working capital or perhaps freeing up security. Give us a call or drop us an email with your query, and we’ll be only too happy to help.

June brings a host of world-class acts and a vast variety of entertainment to The Jetty Memorial Theatre. Eisteddfod – Sunday 15th June The finale of the 42nd Annual Coffs Harbour & District Eisteddfod culminates in two spectacular Gala Concerts. Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow – Tuesday 17th – Wed 18th June The Comedy Festival Roadshow is back! With a mix of local Aussie heroes and international stars as well as the hottest new discoveries of the Festival, all comedy bases will be covered. The Incredible Book Eating Boy – Saturday 21st June The bestselling children’s picture book, The Incredible Book Eating Boy comes to life on stage for children aged 3-9 and their families. Quirky, beautiful and good enough to eat! Josh Pyke – Wednesday 25th June Josh Pyke, one of Australia’s premier singer/songwriters is coming to Coffs as part of his regional solo tour. Warm melodies and breathtaking songs. Melbourne Ballet Company – Saturday 28th June A team of 10 world-class dancers, including highly esteemed artists who have been members of major ballet companies from around the world. Thrilling and compelling! Exclusive workshops also available. Don’t miss out: see www.jettytheatre.com now for further details, visit or call the box office noon – 4pm, Tues to Fri. (02) 6652 8088.

EISTEDDFOD The 42nd Annual Gala Concerts

Sun 15th June 3:30pm and 6pm

Tues 17th and Wed W e 18th June 8pm The joyous children’s story comes to life on stage

Coffs Harbour

Now Open We believe that all Australians deserve access to quality financial advice on

Home Loans • Financial Planning Superannuation Insurance • Savings

Sat 21st June 10am and 12pm

JOSH PYKE Lone Wolf Tour

MELBOURNE BALLET COMPANY

Wed We 25th June 8pm

Sat 28th June 2pm andd 88pm Exclusive Workshops Fri 27th

Call 6653 7407 or visit us today! Yellow Brick Road Coffs Harbour Clinton Hayes - Wealth Manager & Principal The Professional Centre 9 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour T 02 6653 7407 M 0411 337 522 E clinton.hayes@ybr.com.au Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management AFSL 323825, Yellow Brick Road Finance Australian Credit Licence 393195

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 Coffs Harbour

Proudly supported by

jetty memorial theatre SEASON 2014

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focusinterview. by Hilary Davies

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of entertainment for our audiences. We will be doing two d ou pr ry I’m ve ar performances of ul ic rt pa is th of s works er Infinite Space in liv de it ; m ra prog ly sublime, al Coffs: an afternoon ic us m e ar at th ncers who show, which is expressed by da e pinnacle our success is the very great to bring kids have reached th d offers talented core of dancers along to and an of their craft an evening that we’ve had over the evening show at a really special t for our en nm years, consisting of worldof entertai 8pm. audiences.” class dancers who have been What is a typical members of major international “day in the life” of a ballet companies. professional dancer? We have been touring nationally As with any athlete, there’s a for the last four years and have just finished a lot of looking after yourself, sleeping “sold out” season in Melbourne ahead of an well, training early and eating healthily. international tour next year. We are very much A typical day would consist of an hour and looking forward to bringing our Infinite Space a half class from 10 - 11:30am, followed by program to Coffs Harbour in June. an hour rehearsal, a lunch break, another two Tell us about Infinite Space ... hour rehearsal, a gym session, a physio session Infinite Space is made up of four highly and then an evening performance. Repeat acclaimed dance pieces that range between this five to six days a week, and it’s certainly a 9 and 35 minutes long. The program is an demanding schedule. example of classical dance reinterpreted to be We have some great dance schools here relevant and inspiring for both new and loyal in Coffs. What advice would you give to ballet audiences. aspiring young dancers who would like to The pieces are set to wonderful music and go professional? they vary in style and tone – from hugely I think it’s fantastic for kids to learn ballet for uplifting, very physical and contemporary, to at least a couple of years to learn good posture, classical with pointe shoes and tutus. I’m very discipline and self-expression. About the age proud of this particular program; it delivers of 15-16 is the time to decide if you really works that are musically sublime, expressed want dance to be your focus. If you do, then by dancers who have reached the pinnacle of go for it! There’s no time for doubting it. You their craft and offers a really special evening have to be honest with yourself about what

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e are very lucky that in June The Melbourne Ballet Company is coming to Coffs Harbour, giving us the opportunity to enjoy world-class dance right here on our doorstep, which promises to be an unforgettable and breathtaking experience. We caught up with Simon Hoy, Resident Choreographer and Principal Dancer with the Melbourne Ballet Company to find out more … Tell us a bit about yourself and the company … I graduated from the Australian Ballet School in 1998. I then worked as a dancer overseas in Europe and the USA for a number of years. In 2007 I was offered the job of Resident Choreographer at the Melbourne Ballet Company, and I love it – I get to live my passion every day. The company was founded in 2007 and has grown to become one of Australia’s most loved dance companies. The company has defined its own unique style of ballet, which is innovative and exciting while paying respect to classical technique. We have a reputation for being a highly dynamic company, and the basis of

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the future holds: financially for most people, a professional dance career is not incredibly rewarding. However, it is massively rewarding to achieve success in a profession that you feel you’ve been born to do. Like learning an instrument or mastering a craft, it takes years and years of practice to become really good, and ballet isn’t all that fun until you’re really good at it. When you acquire a solid technique and you’re in that flow, then you can escape into it and it becomes like a language that you can speak and use to express yourself. There are no short cuts, but it’s worth it when you get there! Tell us about the workshops you are running in Coffs … As well as presenting two performances of Infinite Space in Coffs Harbour, we will also be offering three exclusive workshops for dance students in the region. We love bringing our show and our workshops to regional areas, and it’s great for students across Australia to get the opportunity to learn repertoire from professional dancers. It is fantastic and exciting to see the interest in dance that is Australia-wide and growing all the time. Infinite Space will be at the Jetty Theatre on Saturday 28th June at 2pm and 8pm. Exclusive Melbourne Ballet Company workshops will be on Friday 27th June. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.jettytheatre.com, call or visit the box office from 12pm – 4pm Tues to Fri 6652 8088. Thanks Simon.

Explore Coffs Here! Coast this Winter Your Heading Discover some of Coffs’ best kept secrets – stunning headlands, beaches and gardens on a FREE Coffs Ambassadors Tour. Thirteen unique tours are on offer this winter with the friendly Coffs Ambassadors tour guides: HARBOUR HISTORY WALK - Saturday 21 June 10am - 12pm COFFS RAINFOREST WALK - Sunday 22 June 10am - 12pm KOALAS IN OUR BACKYARD - Sunday 29 June 10am - 12pm A SENSE OF MOONEE - Saturday 19 July 10am - 12pm BICYCLE TOUR OF THE JETTY - Friday 25 July 12 - 2pm A HISTORY OF COFFS CREEK - Sunday 27 July 10am - 12pm BIRDS OF THE COFFS COAST Sunday 17 August 7am - 9am SEA TURTLES OF THE SOLITARY ISLANDS Saturday 23 August 10am - 12pm MAGICAL MULLAWAY Saturday 30 August 10am - 12pm SCHOOL HOLIDAY WALKS THE GREAT SEA TURTLE ADVENTURE Wednesday 2 July 10am - 11:30am WHERE OUR FOREST MEETS THE SEA Wednesday 9 July 10am - 11:30am GARDEN TOURS GROW YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE FOOD Saturday 14 June 11am - 1pm DISCOVER YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN Sunday 10 August 10am - 12pm

Precision Helicopters Your Heading Here! Your Here! Fun +Heading Food + Etiquette Impress for Success is the School of Etiquette & Image training on the Coffs Coast, run by Gina Szary and her professional team. Impress for Success offers a Program FUN + FOOD + ETIQUETTE, a workshop specially designed for girls and boys from 8-11 years. This workshop helps children to understand the importance of Hygiene, Health and Nutrition and includes food preparation, food service and basic etiquette appropriate to the age group. Through interactive and hands-on activities children will prepare, serve and eat a variety of different meal types. Girls and boys will learn and experience in a fun and active atmosphere the importance of: • Basic food hygiene • Healthy food preparation • Eating a balanced diet • Etiquette appropriate to the age group • What to eat, Why, When and How These unique workshops will be held during the school holidays in July and October 2014. The workshop is a perfect gift for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. Classes of small groups of 6-8 students only. Gift vouchers available. Book in now for the July school holidays.

South Solitary Island is located 18 km offshore north east from Coffs Harbour, NSW. The island contains a Lighthouse, Head Keeper’s Quarters and two Assistant Keepers’ Quarters which were built in 1880 and are considered the oldest in the area. The Lighthouse was automated in 1975, with all residents leaving, and the remote Lightstation was abandoned. Access is only available by helicopter, and public admittance is restricted by National Parks and Wildlife. National Parks and Wildlife open the island to visitors for guided tours of the buildings for just two weekends each year. This July join Precision Helicopters for your return helicopter flight along the Coffs Coast and interpretive guided tour on the island by NPWS Discovery Rangers. The Superior Lightstation Tour ($360.00) is one hour while the Premium Lightstation Tour ($490.00) is two hours and gives you extra time to discover more of the island with the Rangers. For an unequalled experience, choose the private three hour Ultimate Lightstation Tour ($950.00). Tours will be held on Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th of July then Friday 25th (Ultimate Tour only), Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of July. Bookings through Precision Helicopters on (02) 6652 9988 or precisionhelis@bigpond.com also visit www. precisionhelicopters.com.au or www.southsolitaryisland.com.au

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CoffsHeading Event Centre Your Here! We plan something new every month ... This month – the focus is on NEW TABLE DRESSING ITEMS, NEW SASHES AND FABRICS IN THE SOFTEST OF COLOURS. These are items that will interest the bride to be or any hostess planning a decorated dinner or other function. If you are after the WOW Effect for your next function, look no further than WOW Functions to give you the atmosphere that only an event decorator can master. Our committed staff will put 100% into getting the look you want to create. So whether it’s a dream wedding, conference, corporate event, theme party or Christmas party, you can trust our team to come up with the best there is to offer in props, decorations, lighting and sound. AN INVITATION ... We would love to have you visit our showrooms and discuss helping plan your next event. We service your event needs 24/7. Our office and showroom is normally open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and Saturdays by prior arrangement. We suggest you ring first before calling at our showroom. We sometimes work off-site and we deliver, and the showrooms may be closed while we are out on a job. To avoid disappointment, please telephone or email: (02) 6658 0071; email@coffseventcentre.com. Coffs Event Centre– WOW Functions, AV Corporate, and Balloons Plus – delivering everything you need for events, parties, functions, promotions, weddings, conferences. NEXT ISSUE we will bring you another aspect of the Coffs Event Centre.

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Youth Directions Your Heading Here! Do you run a local business? Interested in taking on a young worker short term, perhaps a preapprentice, or would you just like to contribute to training young people? Youth Directions coordinates industry work placement for senior high school students in voluntary working weeks within local businesses. Insurance is provided by their school, and students attend when suitable for your business, where you can expect them to apply their developing skills and contribute to your workplace. Who can take a student on? Anyone in business! Small businesses through to large, including resorts and clubs, trades, IT, auto dealerships and more, all take students throughout the year. From Macksville to Maclean, businesses are involved for many reasons – growing the local economy, finding new young employees, or simply to pass on the knowledge they received when they were young. The benefits for students – in NSW last year, 69% reported work placement helped them get a job, and 82% of teachers agreed it boosts motivation to learn overall or move on with a career path. Work placement works! From engineering to aged care, hospitality to horticulture, and much more, if you’re interested in how work placement can fit into your workplace, Youth Directions would welcome your enquiry on 6653 2900.

Study help atHere! your library Your Heading With free Wi-Fi and public internet access computers, Coffs Harbour City Library is a great place to study. It’s also clear of the distractions of home – one hour without distractions is worth three with them! Library staff can help students find the best resources, whether in print or online. Students can access a range of e-resources for free, including Britannica Online, Points of View, Science and Literary Reference Centres. Our e-resources can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection – all you need is a library card … and membership is free. Some of the best resources aren’t online! The library has a huge range of books and other material to support learning. As well as photocopying information, you can scan it in full colour to your memory stick for free; this is a great way to collect information from reference books for assignments. Yourtutor online homework help is also available at the library or at home, Monday - Friday from 4 - 8pm. Yourtutor is an innovative online service that connects students with real tutors across Australia. Students (and parents) love it … feedback from a recent student after using Yourtutor was: “Best tutor I ever had!“ Login and give it a go! Visit the library or go online for more info: http://libraries.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au

BCU FLIES THE FLAG

IN It’s not often that a visit to the local bank involves sitting down enjoying a delicious "George Clooney coffee" (Nespresso) with a courtesy iPad at hand as your delighted kids play video games nearby. hese are just some of the reasons bcu’s flagship store at Park Beach Plaza continues to set a benchmark as an innovative and state-of-theart destination for the Coffs community. The bcu flagship store is a contemporary and inviting space with different zones available to all bcu customers. Specially trained staff are on hand to guide you through the zones and assist with all your banking requirements. From the dedicated internet area with iPads for web surfing to the Scoot zone with touch screens and craft activities, it’s easy to keep the children entertained while you get down to business. Proving very popular is the central café zone, where customers can interact with staff working from tablets, or use the free Wi-Fi to do their online banking in a relaxed setting

T

with a coffee, listening to the background tunes. It’s certainly a far cry from traditional banking. The flagship store is unique in offering its fantastic facilities to all bcu customers – be it to hold a meeting in one of the meeting rooms or make use of the stylish, open plan venue to host an event such as the recent bcu Bill Ussher Awards or the successful bcu Coffs TRI sponsor’s night. bcu’s Chief Executive Lyndon Kingston deserves much of the credit for the vision of the flagship store. bcu Brand Manager Anna Christy says Lyndon’s aim was to create an opportunity for bcu customers to bank differently and in a less conservative bank setting. “Lyndon’s vision was to create a welcoming space with state-of-the-art facilities and professional, customer-focused

staff.” Anna finds it incredibly rewarding to different people, depending on what they’ve see those creative concepts come to come in to do.” fruition. The Scoot zone is obviously a standout It’s clear that bcu staff members for kids and the internet space is a are proud of what has been drawcard for the tech-savvy, but achieved at the store, with the one thing that seems to Anna’s sentiments echoed draw everyone in is the café From the by Kate Callaghan, area. The open space with et rn te in d te dedica eb w r bcu’s Manager of the central bench was fo s ad iP ith area w oot zone Engagement and designed to emulate surfing to the Scens and Culture. “This store the kitchen table at with touch scre s easy craft activities, it’ ren is special because of home, where families to keep the childle you its spacious design tend to have important hi w entertained ss..” ne and varied zones. It’s conversations and si bu to n w get do banking of the future, decisions are made. and that’s exciting for a Anna says, “We want to community like Coffs Harbour welcome our customers and help … The beauty of the store is that them with their banking decisions, in it has so many great features that appeal to a space that doesn’t feel like a bank.”

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Coff C ffs Coast C t

A Reconstructed Lemon Meringue Pie served with double cream and crushed macadamias from Finz on the Beach at Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort.

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android App Store. www.focusmag.com.au/eat 28 coffs coast focus.

eat. Prawn chimichangas

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. Open for dinner 7 nights from 5:30pm 'til late.

Flooded Gums Restaurant Head Chef of Flooded Gums, Michael Urquhart, has designed a menu that is based on classical techniques combined with current food trends to present dishes keeping in the same theme that saw Michael reach “2 Chef’s Hat”.

Owners Jessica & Trent.

Just 10 mins south of the Coffs CBD, the Flooded Gums is a Winner of 1 "Chef’s Hat" in the 2013 and 2014 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guides & 2 "Goblets" in the 2012 & 2013 Fine Wine Partners Wine List of the Year Awards, offering unmatched combination of setting, atmosphere, food and wine. Out team, led by Michael Urquhart and Darren Ryan, have created modern menus for your enjoyment across breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Head Chef Michael Urquhart.

Come & experience Michael Urquhart’s "Hatted" food at beautiful Bonville.

366 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, Jetty Strip t 0421 573 570 e info@limemexican.com.au open: 7 nights from 5:30pm 'til late. Bookings recommended.

North Bonville Road, Bonville t 6653 4002 w www.bonvillegolf.com.au open: 7 days; bookings essential for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Zulu’s Restaurant & Bar Everything is awesome! We're playing around with our dessert menu again, and some awesome pop, movie and geek references are popping up sugarcoated for your delight!

The Hoey Moey Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey. We are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach access. Come and enjoy our newly renovated hotel with spacious Beer Garden, open plan Bar, Bistro, Drive Thru Bottleshop and TAB facilities. We are turning the clocks back for the months of June, July and August, where our Famous $9.50 Feeds will be dropped back down to $5.50. If you would prefer something a little different, you won’t go past our Daily Blackboard Specials. Come in for our famous Sunday Sessions with Crab Racing, a kids' club to entertain our smallest visitors and LIVE entertainment from 4pm.

84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour t 6652 3833 open: 7 days. Mon - Thurs and Sun: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5:30 8:30pm. Fri and Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5.30 - 8:30pm.

Head Chef David Ricketts.

Head 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.

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eat. Enjoy the best ocean views on the coast in a friendly and fresh dining experience.

Fishos Seafood Bar & Grill BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR JUNE! $7.50 week day lunch, 11:30 - 2:30pm choose from either a steak or seafood special. Kids Eat Free Monday night - simply buy one adult's main meal and receive one kid’s meal absolutely free! Tuesday Schnitzel night - choice of four tasty toppings - parmigiana, Hawaiian, outback or gravy, plus chips and salad for $12.90. Wednesday ‘Who sang that?’ Music Trivia & Rib night - join us for free Music Trivia every Wednesday 6:30pm and enjoy tasty hickory BBQ ribs with chips and salad $14.90. Thursday Surf n’ Turf night - Steak topped with prawns, plus chips and salad $14.90 Planning an event? Enquire with us 6652 1534

Head Chef Scott Patten.

1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour t 6652 1534 w www.coffsfishos.com.au open: 7 days for lunch and dinner from 11.30am and 5.30pm, and breakfast Wednesday and Sunday from 7.30am.

Hungry Bears SUSHI / BENTO / BIBIMBAB Do you want a new experience? How about Korean and Japanese food? You can enjoy awesome tastes and service in a comfortable environment at Hungry Bears. Your new experience with Hungry Bears will be a fantastic memory which will make you love Korean and Japanese food. Every weekend, people who love sushi are able to enjoy a sushi buffet, and you can order the sushi that you love on weekdays as well. Do you want a new awesome option for your next dining out experience? Come and try Hungry Bears, located next to Coffs Cinema! You will love Hungry Bears!

Owners Kevin and Hanna.

3 Bray Street, Coffs Harbour t 0452 506 745 fb facebook.com/hungrybears4u open: Tuesday - Sunday - lunch 11:30am 2:30pm. Dinner from 5pm - last order 8pm.

Pasfields Restaurant Bar Deck Pasfields provides a stunning new venue for all special occasions, with various options for smaller private areas or the fantastic new panoramic covered deck. But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy the setting; pop in for happy hour from 4:30pm - 6pm daily and/or a light bar meal or pizza or of course, a beautiful fine dining experience. If you have a club that meets regularly, send us an email or call and we can tailor make packages for your budget. We are open anytime for bookings of 10 or more with a week's notice. Monday to Thursdays try any 2 courses from our a la carte menu for $40 or any 3 for $50.

Horizons Restaurant & Bar

See the website for great promotions.

CELEBRATE WITH US! June is Birthday Month in Horizons! If you dine in Horizons on your actual birthday, you will receive your main course free! Photo ID must be shown Try Our Winter Dinner Menu. Warm up this winter and get out of the cold at Horizons Restaurant and Bar at Opal Cove Resort, with a creative menu which has just changed for winter, taking full advantage of the region's freshest produce and seafood. Be tempted with the confit duck pancakes with hoi sin dipping sauce OR dukkah crusted lamb loin with roasted apple eggplant, cumin potatoes, larrisa jus and minted labne. Remember to leave room for dessert with the decedent trio of chocolate profiterole filled with bacio ice cream, hazelnut brownie, dark chocolate mousse in a marsala cannolis ... yum! Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5-6pm daily.

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

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FRIDAY OYSTER BAR midday to late. Now with a large selection of fine whiskey and cognac. Bar and à la carte menu all day Fridays.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

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

eat. Slow cooked venison shanks in a rich game glaze with soft white polenta & toasted sourdough.

Warm rhubarb & raspberry praline crumble s/w a pistachio and vodka ice cream.

Macauleys Restaurant The winter chill has hit and our NEW menu is already receiving rave reviews from the foodies in the region. Reflective of the cooler weather, our new menu showcases the abundance of fresh produce available locally. Think winter warmer style food like our Slow Cooked Venison Shanks in a rich game glaze with soft white polenta and toasted sourdough - comfort food with a Macauleys twist! Check out the rest of our NEW menu at www.macauleys.com.au Macauleys Restaurant - seriously great food.

Finz on The Beach Finz on the Beach is open for à la carte dining 7 days a week. The restaurant welcomes a new season with an exciting, colourful and adventurous menu. One of the new dessert dishes that will feature on the menu is warm rhubarb and raspberry praline crumble s/w a pistachio and vodka ice cream. Contact (02) 6652 7555 to make your booking, or book online at www.dimmi.com.au

Head Chef Craig Clarke.

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

Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour t 6650 2400 w www.aanuka.com.au

open: Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.

open: from 6pm, 7 days a week.

Serving our Winter Menu.

Beetroot cured Tasmanian salmon with labnah, poached eggs, pancetta, fennel & mint salad on sourdough.

Café TREEO Sawtell

Saltwater Café Restaurant

One of this month's new additions to TREEO’s extensive menu includes the popular herb crusted chicken wrap stuffed full of quinoa, tabouli, pumpkin hummus, baby spinach and topped off with yogurt dressing. And to help beat the winter blues, they’ve added pan-seared salmon fettucini with local prawns, chilli and chorizo. But for something truly indulgent, don’t miss the brioche French toast on the all-day breakfast menu!

June starts our warm comfort food menu. Nothing better than filling your belly with some tender shanks on a cool winter's night. Our full winter menu is online now.

NEWS JUST IN: In the next few months TREEO will be opening an exciting new venue! Keep your eyes on their Facebook page for details!

Owner/Chef Duncan Elliot.

Our special event for June is super exciting. Saturday 21st June we have a ”GUEST CHEF NIGHT”. Carla Jones from Sydney's 4Fourteen Restaurant is creating a one night only menu for our lucky diners. To add to the excitement, her husband has decided to help on the night. Richie Dolan is the Head Chef of Chiswick in Sydney. You definitely need to Google these two chefs and restaurants to see the exceptional quality of the food they create. Bookings with a deposit are essential, as limited numbers are available. This will be a great event for the Coffs Coast. Don’t forget we would love to see you soon for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Saltwater.

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

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach t 6656 1888 w www.saltwateronthebeach.com

Head Chef Adam Gallo.

REVIEWED BY

Guide

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

open: Breakfast & lunch Wednesday to Sunday, Dinner Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. coffs coast focus 31

eat. Stuffed Lamb Rump and Pumpkin Soup.

The Pier Hotel Waves Bistro offers incredible value for money, with a great variety of mouth watering dishes available. Whether you are after a $10 steak for lunch or some fresh local seafood from our extensive dinner menu, there is something for everyone at the Pier Hotel. We have just launched our updated winter lunch and dinner menu’s. Why not try them today? Come in and talk to Kieran or Dave today about planning your next function.

Plantation Hotel We have sparked up the fireplace and pulled out the outdoor heaters in preparation for the cooler months ahead. Not only is our environment toasty warm, but our chefs are preparing for a new winter menu with delicious winter warmers to tantalise any tastebuds. For more great offerings, check out www.plantationhotel.com.au

REVIEWED BY

Guide

Head Chef Dave Newick.

Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour hotel 6652 2110 bistro 6651 8222 Open: lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner 5:30pm 8:30pm; 7 days a week.

Chef John Marshall.

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.

Beachstone Café

Depot Café

Under new management!

The Depot licensed café is all about serving our customers with a unique and outstanding breakfast or lunch. Our delicious breakfast menu highlights autumn inspired ingredients and we offer locally roasted Penny Farthing coffee which is made by our passionately trained baristas. We are located at Food at the Terrace, Level 1, Coffs Central Shopping Centre and open from 7:30am Mon - Fri and 8:30am Sat - Sun. We’re a great meeting point for mums and bubs to relax and enjoy our fantastic food.

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, Craige Mills, 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.

Owner Aileen Chen.

2 Beach Way, North Sapphire t 6653 6188 open: Tue - Thur: 9 - 4. Fri - Sun: 8 - 4.

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AHA FINALIST “Best Family Friendly Pub”

Head Chef Rhys Graham.

Coffs Central, Upstairs, level 2 , food court – Depot Café t 6651 1812 open: 7;30am – 5pm Mon – Fri (Thurs 6:30pm), 8:30am – 4pm Saturday, 8:30am – 2pm Sunday.

focusinterview.

Product of the eM Month onth

Tripp's Over The Hill

chilli oil Handmade in Coffs Harbour. No chemicals, no preservatives, no additives! Uses: Add chilli oil to a variety of meals for marinating, cooking or as a seasoning. Hot Stuff. Use sparingly at first.

and

HOSPITALITY

HUNGRY

Ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Khe Sanh Red Chillies, Cayenne Chillies, Birds Eye Chillies. Available at Fresco, Happy Frog and Gourmand Ingredients.

with Joel McCulla from Zulu’s

WH

AT ’ S I N

Stew This has got to be my favourite time of year! The chill starts to set in, and we begin our natural desire for more homely and hearty dishes! Without fail, the heartiest of the cold weather dishes is the stew. Oh how that singular syllable can make you feel warm and fuzzy from the inside out. Those tender chunks of the tenderest meat, bobbing alongside some ready to fall apart vegetable, all tucked cosily inside a simmering blanket of flavoursome liquid. The stew is an experience - one that starts from the moment you enter a home, and smell that unique aroma of food that has been lazily simmering together, sharing flavours in an orgy of gastronomic proportions. To be honest, what goes in it to begin with can be so various, and differ from plate to plate, and house to house that it no longer matters; it is just a winter entity unto itself. STEW. Some stewing tips; well, there's really only one. Time. Not thyme, although that is an amazing herb to stew with, it is time that makes any stew great. Whether it's done in a casserole dish in the oven, a slow cooker or over a gentle flame (the earliest record of stew recommends using the flames of bones, for they give slow and gentle heat) give your stew time. The only other tip I can suggest, don't add too much liquid, leave the stew covered, trap as many of those aromatics in the pot as possible; it's easier to add liquid towards the end of the simmering process than it is to add flavour.

What's unique about Hungry Bears, and the meaning of my Korean name “daewoong” how is it different from a regular sushi which means big bear. And she thinks I always place? The Hungry Bears main menu is say to her, "hungry". authentic Japanese sushi. My wife and I have We thought the name Hungry Bears was worked with sushi for many years in Sydney amusing and easy to remember. as a manager and as a sushi train chef, so we In fact, the real hungry bear is me. Ha ha! know what kind of sushi Australians prefer. My wife was a graphic designer in Korea. When we were creating the sushi menu, we She designed logos, signs, menu boards and picked sushies that we knew from experience more. Australians like. So, it was easy for her to express our Also, our sushi menu has a lot of variety. concept and design all the elements. Every morning (for the winter season only, Your location is great; where are you, and Sat - Sun) we make 25 - 30 kinds of sushi and why is this location fantastic? you can choose piece by piece the sushi to suit People are still just discovering us but we find your taste. that we easily complement a trip to the movies, We pride ourselves on how our sushi is as we are located right next door! jam-packed with more ingredients than rice to What is your favourite thing on the menu? make up a very delicious roll. What would you recommend people come In addition, we use a special sauce in our rice in and try? and on the top of the sushi. These facts make Everything's so yummy! Especially our huge our sushi different and of high quality. variety of sushi. Your branding is so fantastic, the Hungry We are Korean. We have some Korean Bears is very recognisable. How did you dishes, so you can try Korean traditional dishes come up with this idea? When I and if you don’t really like sushi, you can came up with the concept for the come and have a bento box. A restaurant, I thought it needed bento box is Japanese style, but to be easy to remember and we provide a combination We pride fun. with Korean food as well. ourselves on My wife made up the We will have more jam how our sushi is restaurant name, “Hungry Korean dishes on our e packed with mor ce Bears”. menu in the future. ri an ingredients th She got the idea from ry ve a ake up

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to m delicious roll.”

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

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focusinterview.

focusinterview.

and

HOSPITALITY

THEDEPOT The Depot is Coffs Central's Centtr tral al' l's 's latest latest t t An à la carte style d dining option in the ff llocated d in the h gourmet food offering, centre off town – what else makes Depot upper food court with great alfresco stand out from the others? views over the city centre. Our à la carte menu is exceptional, and What's your role at Depot? How long we offer house made pizzas with all locally has Depot been in operation? sourced ingredients, on the premises freshly The Depot opened in November made gnocci, and a cake and dessert 2013, and I’m the Manager in menu. Don’t miss our colourful charge of the fluid, seamless rose inspired cupcakes. running of the café. The menu is fantastic. ot The D ep Since then, how is Who created it? What's a is menu rt fo ef Depot tracking along? e the most important tiv collabora f, el ys m The Depot opened thing to you when n ee betw d an f af st r ou , to a fantastic response ys creating a menu? Rh lfil fu e w ng ri su en from the locals and The Depot menu is r the desires of ou tourists alike, and a collaborative effort customers” our customer base is between myself, Rhys, our increasing all the time. staff and ensuring we fulfil For those who haven't had the desires of our customers a chance to come in ... where Are you licensed now? are you located, and what's unique We are licenced offering beer, wine, and about this location? bubbles and also offer non-alcoholic drinks We’re located at Food on the Terrace, on top of our exceptional coffee and red Level 1 of Coffs Central Shopping Centre. sparrow teas. We have a fantastic outlook over the CBD Coffs Central Shopping Centre, through the expansive glass windows, with Food Court, Coffs Harbour. access to the alfresco balcony area. 6651 1812.

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34 coffs coast focus.

pal Cove has been in operation for 25 years now. How has the resort developed in that period? Opal Cove has constantly been improved and modernised with the recent completion of Opal Cove Estate, which features 10 new luxurious 4.5 star self contained beachfront apartments. The resort itself has not been left out, as it has been transformed over the 25 years with upgrades and refurbishment programs to remain on trend with current decor and styling, including new furniture, bathrooms, TVs as well as an overhaul of the pool area. Opal Cove Conference Centre has implemented changing technology throughout, with state of the art built in audio visual equipment, along with high speed internet access, making sure our clients have everything they need. Opal Cove was one of the first resorts to open in Coffs Harbour, having a huge impact on bringing tourists to the region, not to mention generating many jobs. Can you tell me about the current owners and management team? We are a family owned and operated resort, which has been with the same family since 2001. Guy Perotti has been our General Manager since 2007, assisted by a long serving management team, with a staff member recently celebrating 25 years' service and many with over 10 years' service. Not only do we provide jobs to over 100 families in the region, but we support many local sporting groups, schools, charities and fundraising events with sponsorships and donations. We believe in looking after our team as a family, and it shows in the way we treat our guests. Lots of locals have very fond memories of special occasions at Opal Cove. Why do you think the resort is so special to so many people? When speaking to locals about Opal Cove, most people have a story to share ... whether they dined in the restaurant, attended a

wedding or conference, had a night away from the kids or enjoyed the resort's leisure facilities, the common theme is they all had a great time at Opal Cove Resort. What are the resort facilities today? Accommodation facilities include a combination of Resort Rooms and Suites, luxurious 4 bedroom self contained Beachfront Apartments, and self contained Managed Apartments, all with free high speed internet access and FOX Channels. A Dedicated Conference Centre with 8 flexible function rooms offering state of the art presentation and audio visual equipment with high speed internet access. Horizons Restaurant and Bar, with menus from award winning chefs, is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, offering affordable prices and friendly service. The Leisure Club is open to the public; we have Locals Special Memberships for $250 per couple and Golf Membership for $375 per couple. How will the resort celebrate this milestone? We have been celebrating 25 years of operation with events and promotions throughout 2014. We are currently planning for our main celebration in June, with competitions, prizes and events. We will be offering accommodation packages for people to come and create some more fond memories that only Opal Cove can deliver. Keep your eye on our website and Facebook page for great deals for locals and visitors. How can locals get involved? We want to hear your memorable Opal Cove experience. Send your story or photo to Leah Holmes, P.O. Box 6299 Coffs Harbour, or bdm@ opalcove.com 1st prize ~ 2 nights' accommodation, dinner, bed and breakfast. 2nd prize ~ dinner for 2 in Horizons Restaurant. 3rd prize ~ buffet breakfast for a family of 4. Entries close on the 25th July. Winners will be published in the next FOCUS edition.

focusinterview.

and

HOSPITALITY

THAT

HIP

JOINT S a n d r o

here did you grow up? I am originally from a tourist town in Brazil called Salvador. We used to spend holidays with family between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. I grew up in the hospitality industry, promoting the carnival and watching my parents run a hotel and restaurant in Brazil. I always dreamed to open a café or something similar, so I could be around people and share a bit of my passion. Why did you decide to come to Australia? This is pretty interesting, but you have to come for a cup of coffee so I can tell you the whole thing (laugh). I was in Brazil working as a Marketing Manager in my family business when I was invited by my oldest brother, who was living in Brisbane. So, I decided to take this opportunity. I studied a lot about Australia while doing a degree in biology and I thought, "Why not?" The plan was to stay here for 8 months, but I fell in love with Australia and couldn’t leave; now I’ve been here for 5 years. How long have you been in hospitality? It’s hard to say how long, but I would say I was born in a hospitality family. I was five when my family opened a hotel in a place

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called Praia do Forte; I used to go there with about coffee. It is a part of my culture and my brothers to surf and enjoy the weekends lifestyle, but the knowledge and appreciation with family. When I was 15 we opened our for coffee started during my second degree first restaurant; I remember watching my in animal science. I had the opportunity parents managing the restaurant, working to visit coffee farms, learn about different day by day to provide the best service plants, growing methods and of and meeting different people. I course, drink lots of espresso thought it was so exciting, that (traditional after a meal). a year later I started working Where is "That Hip By doing with them. Joint" located? what you y ad re al e Where does your We are located on ar u love, yo In t. passion for food and en 175 Rose Avenue in er being diff e ar e w coffee come from? ts the new Orthopaedic my though e w e us ca I think it came with Centre; heading south different be t.” in Jo my social life. It’s really turn left, heading north ip H at Th e ar common in my country to turn right. For those of go out with friends for dinner you catching the bus, there before a party or BBQ. There is is a stop just a few metres from always a lot of food around with my our front door: no excuses. Italian and Brazilian background, and it’s What's on the menu? really hard to run from good food. But the Our idea is to play and create different passion for food, researching the best places, treats. Breakfast rolls, sweet treats, lunch presentation, and recipes started when we wraps, salads, savoury tarts and specialised opened the restaurant. brews and teas are always on the menu. About coffee, it’s a bit different. I am Tell us about what makes you different? from the biggest coffee supplier [Brazil] in Many things make That Hip Joint different the world, so it is impossible not to know ... starting with the name, and it’s the only

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G i u d i c e

café in town run by a Brazilian (laughs). The key reason that makes us unique is a mix between culture and our style, as the whole place is completely different to other cafés. I believe every single person has a passion and natural instinct for something, such as business, music, art or sport. By doing what you love, you are already being different. In my thoughts we are different because we are That Hip Joint. What coffee do you serve? I am using the Hip Blend, working side by side with my roaster to create the most beautiful coffee. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. What are your plans for 2014? For 2014, the plans are to keep improving, to put all of my ideas in place, to bring back the culture of the coffee house, that I can’t say much about at the moment (laughs) and to keep providing a high standard of service. What are your trading hours? We are open Monday to Friday from 6am to 4pm and Saturdays from 8am to 12pm. We know it’s a long day, but it’s never too late for a cup of coffee. Thank you for your time Sandro.

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focusinterview.

focusinterview.

COFFS EVENT CENTRE

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HOSPITALITY

SURF CLUB RESTAURANT & BAR THE SURF CLUB BAR & RESTAURANT IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF THE SURF CLUB. GREAT FOOD, OCEAN VIEWS AND A GREAT LOCAL TEAM. EAH FITZGERALD I love the food at the Surf Club, because we How long have you worked at use fresh and local produce and everything is the Surf Club Restaurant and made from scratch. We have daily specials that Bar, and what's the best part of keep our customers happy, as they are always being part of such a fast paced new and exciting. business? The staff at Surf Club Restaurant and Bar are I have worked at the Surf Club for 18 months. renowned for their bang on service! How Being a part of a fast paced business there important is great customer service in your is always something going on, something to day to day role? organise and always new and exciting things Customer service is the most important part of happening. The Surf Club has conferences, my job. We pride ourselves on immaculate weddings and functions ... so if we customer focus. Our locals keep us aren't in the restaurant looking busy throughout the year, and it’s after our customers, we are nice to get to know them on a I never get tired working behind the scenes first name basis and knowing of interacting co-ordinating events. what they eat and drink aff, with all of our st ver What's your favourite even before they order. ne but I especially item on the menu? SAM STANFORD ng grow tired of telli e Well, on the breakfast What’s the best part th everyone I have menu my absolute of your working day? d ever best boss I coul favourite meal is the What do you enjoy most ask for.” corn fritters. I try to order about working for a Coffs these for myself when I can, Harbour institution? because they are so delicious! I love the atmosphere and the For the lunch menu I would choose people. I really enjoy interacting with the pumpkin and haloumi salad with Moroccan all of the customers and trying to make every chicken; I just love the flavours in this salad, from interaction worthwhile. I was always told to leave the saltiness of the Haloumi, to the beetroot someone better than when you found them, and relish, which we make in-house. We have such an I love to try this with each customer I encounter! extensive menu, it's always a massive decision on What’s your background? How long have what to eat ... and our two cabinets full of house you been a Coffs Coast local? made cakes are amazing! I was raised in Coffs Harbour since I was about Finish this sentence: if I'm not at the Surf 4 years old! After school I wanted to escape the Club, I am busy... “small town” so I moved around a lot, living When I'm not busy looking after my three in Cairns, Melbourne, Canberra and even the children, I am out running around Coffs Harbour Philippines! But nothing could ever compare with training for marathons! where I grew up; Coffs is way too perfect to ever NATALIE CROSS leave again! How long have you been a part of the team, In your opinion, what’s the best thing about and what attracted you to this role? the Surf Club Restaurant and Bar? I moved to Coffs Harbour one and a half years Definitely the people, whether it’s the staff ago. The Surf Club was the first establishment or our regular customers. I never get tired of I came to, and I fell in love straight away! The interacting with all of our staff, but I especially combination of the stunning view, delicious food never grow tired of telling everyone I have the and super friendly staff made me just want to best boss I could ever ask for. Nicole Donovan work here, and I started the very next day! puts her heart and soul into making the perfect Surf Club Bar and Restaurant is famous for atmosphere for both staff and customers. She pumping out unbelievable food; what do has an uncanny ability to make anyone feel you love about the food? comfortable and enjoy life ...

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36 coffs coast focus.

Well, what set out to be a challenge has been a bit of fun and a rewarding experience for everyone from the boss down.

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hat is the history of Coffs Event Centre? The concept was born out of the need to meet the challengers of the "changing times" - the need for better, faster and more personal customer service, the need for greater efficiency to offset the price squeeze on retail margins, the rapid technology changes and big tech equipment price drops ... and (you might smile at this) - it is the old challenge of a skilled and experienced business owner, wanting to perfect a business structure. This has been a three year project, and the team at the Coffs Event Centre would like to think we have now got things just right:

Corporate was created 15 years ago, to service conferences and events at the various resort and conference centres. WOW functions was created to provide the specialised and refined decorating services needed for weddings, decorated function dinners and business promotions. Balloons Plus was born just on 30 years ago to provide a wide range balloons and balloon decorating services.

Many events require the services of all three the customer benefits, because we can call on the specialist skills, tools and stock of other divisions without incurring any additional overhead charges or t Centre delays. The three The Coffs Even skill-sets work now hosts three divisions, ss ne si bu g together to give in pp overla istrative in m ad on m a very smooth m under a co e sectors ic rv se l al e es overall customer structure. Th ng di ed w n/ tio nc experience. For of the event/fu ese businesses th some events of ch Ea . ry indust to tly en this has a major nd pe de in was born the on ed impact and ne c ifi ec service a sp provides major cost Coffs Co ast.” savings and lower prices.

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• a showroom space where you can view and discuss your event needs; • a host of new websites to better describe what we supply and do (with more to come) • a bigger range of stock and services • new technical equipment • faster same day quotations • new and fresh concepts and ideas • new phone credit card payment facilities • Visa, MasterCard, Amex - with NO surcharges applied. Your events and entertainment business is a one stop shop for any event, function or celebration … tell us about how the business is structured and how that structure benefits your customers?

The Coffs Event Centre now hosts three overlapping business divisions, under a common administrative structure. These all service sectors of the event/function/wedding industry. Each of these businesses was born independently to service a specific need on the Coffs Coast. AV

They say that "as soon as you pop the word 'wedding' on the end of anything brides say, the price hikes up"! Does Coffs Event Centre offer one price for all events? For the same services - yes, we do! However, we doubt that statement applies to the Coffs Event Centre. Most weddings require a detailed service structure and additional, in-depth, detailed discussion and planning. At CEC, brides and other clients who purchase their event services as a package actually get a lower package price than if they had purchased each service independently. We make administrative savings dealing with the package, and we try to share the savings with our customers. A V Corporate/WOW Functions/Balloons Plus. www.coffseventcentre.com 30 Lawson Crescent, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 Telephone: (02) 6658 0071.

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focusinterview.

The Mexican n food riously trend has seriously orld by taken the world tch up storm! We catch d Trent, with Jess and me owners of Lime Mexican, to find n out why they think Aussies love Mexican M food ...

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HOSPITALITY

PLANTATION HOTEL IS ABOUT TO TURN 60!

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appy 60th Birthday importance we continue to offer value in every Plantation Hotel! What an area of the business by giving back to the comamazing achievement in munity. We proudly sponsor five local sporting the community. Over the teams and aim to support a new charity every years you have provided second month. This year alone we have raised such great service and over $5,000 for various charity events. a genuine effort in being great value for In the lead up to our 60 years celebration, we money… and that hasn't changed. Why is have recently added our history wall with phogreat value for money important to your tos of the venue dating back to the late 1950s. customers? Featured are some of the original owners and Yes, 60 years is an amazing achievement for party-goes that still frequent the Plantation any business, and it all started with Len Russell’s Hotel to this very day. All images on display vision back in 1953 when the first in the venue were kindly donated plans were drawn up by Sydney by Ted Russell, the son of Len based company, Paynter & Russell, founder of the Dixon PTY LTD. The first Plantation Hotel. The great drawing had a distinctively In the past 60 years, satisfaction and square design to the final how has the place d an awar honour of such building, but Len insisted developed ... both is th that is due to the fact on the more fashionaesthetically and of l ne pa s is an anonymou ts are able, art deco of the your trading vision? si vi e judges , and th .” time. From looking at our om nd ra y completel The Plantation Hotel history wall images, you opened its doors for busiwill notice the exterior of ness Tuesday 22nd February the building hasn’t changed 1955, with the first day’s trading too much other than the front taking 36 pounds, 1 shilling and 2 of house extension, but the interior pennies and as they say, “the rest is history”. has changed numerous times, generally Over the years the Plantation Hotel has with the change of ownership. The original had its share of ups and downs and has winter garden, once named the Coral Room, changed hands many times. With such an exis now our main stage entertainment area. The tensive history, we are continuing to learn more beer garden, once at the front of the building, and more about this great landmark. is now located at the rear with access from the Last year we were thrilled to add to our 2011 Council car park. As markets and fashion trends Award for “Best Family Friendly Venue” by changed, so have our interiors. In terms of tradbeing voted “Best Value for Money” Sydney ing, our core value is the same as it has always Morning Herald NSW Good Food Pub Guide been: the simple philosophy of offering great 2014. The great satisfaction and honour of value for money, with outstanding customer such an award is due to the fact that this is an service. It’s all about creating the best experianonymous panel of judges, and the visits are ence possible for our customers. completely random. It’s a true testament to our I have to ask, how do you plan on celebratprincipal values and a wonderful acknowledgeing? Are we invited? ment of our passionate and dedicated staff, We are starting to plan our 60 year milestone who maintain delivering outstanding service now, so it’s still in the infancy stage, but I can and value for money on a daily basis. It’s of vital say it will be big and everyone will be invited.

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mall plate dining is definitely leading the way in how we eat food and it promotes an experience, rather than just feeding a hunger craving. Mexican food epitomises this small plate style, and dining out has never been so fun, with vibrant colours, fresh produce, exotic ingredients, and menus designed for sharing – it’s no wonder Aussies have embraced the Mexican food trend, and we are proud to have brought this style of food to Coffs Harbour! Why did you decide to swing open the doors at Lime Mexican down on the Jetty Strip? We had been to many Mexican restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and when the opportunity presented itself to open in Coffs Harbour, we jumped at the idea. We put a lot of hard work in to get the doors open, and we were lucky in a sense that we were surrounded by positive people. Without the help and contribution of many, none of this would have been possible, so we are very grateful for this. The Jetty Strip is a fantastic consortium of restaurants, cafés, bars and businesses that promote what Coffs Harbour is all about, and we wanted to contribute to this. We feel this location is a great base to grow our business locally and get great exposure to tourists and locals alike. You are both so young! You know, the team at FOCUS adore young people who are having a go at life! Lime Mexican is bringing a bit of metro to the coast ... Was this your intention? It’s no secret that we love Coffs Harbour and the great lifestyle that comes with living

in this region. Like many, we have observed a definite increase in young professionals to the area, positive development of the CBD, a more constant influx of tourists and visitors yearround, and therefore we wanted to create a more city-like experience for locals and visitors. We have been overwhelmed with the response from the local community, and Lime Mexican has exceeded all of our expectations. A birdie told me that you're opening a second Lime Mexican? When is this happening? We are very excited to be opening our second Lime Mexican store! After such a great response with the Tapas Restaurant and Bar on the Jetty Strip, we wanted to spread our wings and bring a venue to Sawtell that will allow us to expand and bring a whole new experience to what you know as Lime Mexican. This has been in the pipeline for some time now, and we are working harder than ever to make this happen as soon as possible. How will your Sawtell store be different? Sawtell is the perfect location for our Burrito Bar and Taqueria, and we would like to provide a venue that captures the casual and relaxed vibe Sawtell is famous for. Although the food will be in a slightly different format to a tapas share menu, we want to stay true to our origins, and many of the flavours you know and love will be found in Sawtell. Since we opened our doors in 2013 we have grown our bar into a Mexican fiesta, with an extensive tequila and mezcal list, endless cocktails, and a great range of Mexican cervezas that we will definitely be taking to Sawtell! www.limemexican.com.au 0421 573 570. coffs coast focus 37

The Stafford Brothers are the hottest Australian electric dance music export to hit the USA. The Stafford Brothers are currently rrently ranked Australia's number one DJs. Brothers Matt and Chris Stafford will be playing at The Plantation Hotel … irstly, where are you both from? What's your story? We are from the Gold Coast, but currently live in LA Where did your music life begin? Take us back to the beginning … Our family always played instruments growing up, so we have been surrounded by it our whole life. Christmas is the time in my mind that stands out the most, as our family are all there and there is lots of noise and music. Talk to us about your music. For people who listen to top 20 or '80s what genre does the type of music you play fall in too? We make dance music, but that music now falls into the top 20; when we started, the genre did not. We are now working with pop stars and really trying to cross genres.

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38 coffs coast focus.

When did you realise, "Wow, we must be good …"? We never really think we are good; we are always trying to get better and better. Last night we played the iheartradio awards in LA and shared the stage with people like Pitbull, Pharrell and Gwen Stefani; that was a GREAT moment! You are currently ranked #1 DJ in Australia; this status must come with groupies? My little cousin, Ally, is 21 and is a huge fan … says she took her bra off when you were playing in Melbourne. Do you remember that, and what other crazy stuff do fans do? I don't remember it, but we appreciate it! It's happened a lot, to be honest, and we will never get sick of girls throwing items of clothing at us. Guys can leave their shirts on. What's the best and worst thing you could

THE STAFFORD BROTHERS ever say to a DJ? Great set; worst is requests, especially for country music. It doesn't really happen any more, but starting out I hated requests – especially bad ones. On a serious note, what is your interactive educational website, DJ Mastercourse? We are involved in a lot of different ventures, but they all relate back to music and us. DJ Mastercourse is something that we just love. We taught ourselves to DJ, and something like this wasn't around when we started. The world is online and this course can teach you from your home; we answer any questions and really want to help start other people's careers in the industry. We have recently teamed up with Pioneer, so you can get a controller and a DJ course all at once – perfect way to start!

Have you ever been to Coffs Harbour? What are your plans when you're in town? Want to come to the Big Banana with me for a photo so I can send it to my little cousin? I'm sure she'd really appreciate it … We have been to Coffs Harbour a few times over the years; its been a while since our last show. In regards to the Big Banana ... if we get time, for sure!

the plug! Thursday 5th June $15 Pre sale www.plantationhotel.com.au 88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour.

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focusinterview. with Samantha Wardman ardman

BEFORE EXTENSIONS - WESTERN SIDE

L - R - I A N K E M M I S , D E B K E M M I S , C O L B R AY, K AT H B R AY, A L L A N N O R T O N & R O B Y N N O R T O N

Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club Celebrating 50th anniversary

Fishing has been synonymous with the Coffs Coast since it was as founded way back when. And there’s no other organisation that knows more about this seaside pastime than the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club. ore this rich Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we decided to explore embers of fishing history with a few die-hard fishermen (and women) members the club who love throwing a line in just as much as life itself.

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ell us what’s so good about fishing on the Coffs Coast? Ian & Deb We’ve always loved fishing. We used to travel inland from a farm to fish on the coast for Bream and go deep sea fishing. When we decided to move here, we became a bit more serious about fishing, and now it’s pretty much in our day to day life. We work life around our fishing and work to buy petrol to fish! We just love it – and really think we’re living the dream. The Coffs Coast is considered the best fishing on the East Coast, with the diversity of fish including sub-tropical, tropical and southern species. The intercontinental shelf is also close to the coast, so it really is a fisherman’s delight! Col & Kath Fishing is fun. It’s a real family activity which wives and children are welcome to enjoy. There are many fond memories out on our boat with the family, talking and laughing and enjoying the thrill of the catch. It’s also really social; even though it’s often competitive, everyone always has fun. And the friendships that were shared and still are to this day are a bonus. Allan Fishing in the good ol’ days was just about the most relaxing thing you could do. When I moved over from the inland west in 40 coffs coast focus.

The Coffs Co ast e is considered th st Ea e th on best fishing diversity Co ast, with the g subof fish includin and al ic tropical, trop The s. ie ec sp southern elf is sh l ta en tin intercon t, so as co also close to the ’s an rm he it really is a fis delight! !”

“ 1971, I was asked by one of the ex-club Presidents, Leon, to come fishing on his boat, and I can say from that day on I was hooked – excuse the pun! Fishing is quite a pastime for the Coffs Coast. What interesting stories have you heard? Ian & Deb There are many old fishing yarns that we’ve overheard being told on a Friday night at the club … perhaps they’re not for us to share though! We’ve experienced a few interesting encounters ourselves. One of the most memorable was Deb’s first Marlin catch. Being keen game fishermen, new to the sport we hadn’t experienced the thrill and skill required to land a Marlin yet. On this day, the seas were fairly rough, and Deb had the pull of a sizeable Marlin on her 24 kg line. Only problem was, we really weren’t sure what to do next, so as the Marlin’s ripping line out to sea in a frenzy, we phoned a friend! And luckily, he was able to give us some advice as to how the hell we were going to land it. It took Deb 2 ½ hours to pull it in, but boy, was it an experience. After that, we were hooked! Col There was one time me and my best mate were out on a 24 hour fishing competition and it was in the early hours of the morning, in rough weather, that my mate busted his

line and it somehow ended up around my head, resulting in my prescription glasses landing in the drink. Well, I called Kath (my wife) in the morning on the old two-way to tell her what had happened and to get my spare glasses from the desk in my office for me and thought nothing more of it. Come Monday morning, I called my optometrist to book an appointment and he said, “No worries Col; I’ve already got you booked in. Come on down”. So nothing said on the twoway was sacred! Allan & Robyn: There was also the time when the members took it upon themselves to build a boat ramp in the middle of the night for the club, near the slip at the Yacht club, before it was the now Marina. They had strung up a deal with the railway station masters to open the track gates (which used to close from 6pm in those days) in the night to let the three loads of concrete through that they constructed the ramp with. It was certainly a night-time crusade, if I ever did see one! It was a bloody steep ramp and hard to launch your boat off,

but it beat launching off jetty beach any day, which was the pastime. It wasn’t long after its erection that the Public Works department pressured local Council to build the boat ramp which now exists on the southern end of the Jetty, with many of the club’s members volunteering countless hours to help construct it. How has fishing changed over the past 50 years? Col & Kath Fishing has changed dramatically! In the old days we used to fish by feel, mapping our paths by site of mountain ranges and using our past track record of where we caught fish, which we’d marked up in a book. These days it’s all by sonar and GPS, and the fish can’t hide. The thrill of catching a fish back in the old days was fantastic, because it was all guess work and took some skill. Not discounting the fun fishermen still have today; after all, it’s all very well to know where the fish are, but to get them to bite is another story! The future of fishing is all about “catch and release”, preserving the fishing stocks but still

focusinterview. A U G ' 8 3 T H E L I M E R I C K S B E S T A V G B O AT C AT C H

AUG '89 - YELLOW FIN GREG JAMES - 29.8KG JOHN HUNT - 30KG NICK STRANGE - 30.4KG

enjoying the sport. Fishermen have a brag sheet which measures the catch, and they take a photo with the catch before it’s released. Then these are used in judging the fishing competitions. Quite a turnaround from the old days, I can tell you! Allan & Robyn Fishing has changed enormously ... from what was once an affordable hobby is now really only for the well-off – especially if you’re a keen deep sea or game fisherman, as there are so many more bells and whistles to the boats you need these days to enjoy the water and get the most out of the fishing experience. The fishing regulations have also changed and become stricter, which means boat owners need to abide by these – which can cost money to be compliant. In any event, it’s still an easy and accessible sport and hobby to enjoy, whether its rock and estuary fishing or venturing out in the great Coffs Coast waters via your own vessel, a friend's or fishing charter – throw a line in any time you can. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, tell us a little about the history of the Deep Sea Fishing Club ... Col & Kath When we arrived in Coffs back in 1976, the fishing club was a 6 metre x 6 metre box on the hill. We had fished in Coffs for many years and made the move from Nowra to the coast, joined the club immediately and have

never left. As the past licensee of the club, there was a period of years where the club had a site licence for weekends, and we used to serve beer and make meals in the kitchen ourselves. We were [The Board] the barmen, the security, the servers and each board director was rostered on to run fishing, and the old boys the bar. On Sundays at the club really took us we In the old days , el we’d have a half under their wings and fe by h fis used to te si by s day fishing comp taught us what they th pa r mapping ou and es ng from 6am until ra knew and welcomed us n ai nt of mou k record ac tr st pa noon and when r into the fishing family, ou g usin ht fish, ug ca e w re he all the boats if you like. The club has w of ked up in which we’d mar returned, we’d this amazing fishing ys it’s all a book . These da and the have a fish auction culture and it’s where nar and GPS, so by right in the middle any keen fishermen meet fish can’ t hide.” of the club – half of to chat about the next Coffs used to come, day’s fishing, the catch of the and they were really fun day and the many old fishing days. yarns that are often told. The club We’re life members and the club offers a network of like-minded people has given us some of the best times of our lives, which wouldn’t be available anywhere else. It’s filled with funny stories and lifelong frienda member-driven club, which initially existed ships. Over the past 40 odd years the club has just for fishing, and this is very much still at the grown dramatically, and essentially all through heart of club operations and its culture. volunteer help. Allan & Robyn: One of the best days on the Ian & Deb We’ve been involved in the club water was the Easter fishing classic we ran after for the past five years; as soon as we moved the boat ramp opened in 1978 (from memory). to Coffs, we joined the fishing club. We were It was a day comp then, and there were 130 keenly interested in learning more about game odd boats in that comp. There were so many of

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them, it was a sight to see, as they were lined all way up around the back of the club. We had a great day on the water. And in the days where we couldn’t run this popular comp due to weather or for whatever reason, we held a Phantom Competition at the club, where everyone who entered the comp would put their names into a hat and we would draw the winners of the biggest Snapper, Bream etc. from the hat, rather than waste the prizes or go home disappointed. The fishing comps were always full of fun, stories and excitement.

the plug! The Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club, affectionately known as The Fishos, celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday 19th July, 6pm with a decadent seafood buffet dinner. Tickets are just $60 per head and are available from the club reception. For enquiries, please call Zoie on 6652 1534.

coffs coast focus 41

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Bruce Levy - President of the Bellingen Chamber of Commerce

SETTING

Wholly Organic Your Heading Here! Congratulations on your new store Wholly Organic - has this been a dream of yours to open? I’ve always jokingly said, I’m going to open my own shop one day and stock the full range of beautiful skincare and cosmetics made from natural ingredients that are made in Australia! What do you have in stock? We have lots of beautiful products, from natural, organic plant based skin care and cosmetics, locally made soaps, clothing (for women and men) made from natural fibres, handmade vintage inspired purses, handmade jewellery and greeting cards. Everything has been carefully chosen, and the products are made by businesses who share our values.

AUTUMN in Bello

With the last rays of what’s been a wonderful autumn season now setting, winter looks to be another vibrant season in the eclectic town that Bello is so well known for being up and down the coastline.

Tell us about your organic health range of beauty products? We have the most fabulous skincare and cosmetics, which are all natural based products containing no nasty chemicals or tested on animals. We have skincare and wellness products from Super Sea Minerals, skincare and cosmetics from Perfect Natural Skin and skincare from Botanical Blessings – all these are made locally by three awesome ladies. We are also proud to be the only Sawtell stockist of MooGoo skincare; we have the full range, which has many great products for those with sensitive and problem skin. What is so special about your clothing? We stock: Vigorella, which is made in Australia and is a great label known for its beautiful pieces that you can layer and is great for travelling; Bamboo Body clothing for women and men, which is made from natural eco friendly fibres; and Sinerji clothing for women and men. Sinerji is the home of ethical, sustainable fashion, and the garments are made from handwoven organic cotton and bamboo using eco certified dyes, chemical free processes and are Fairtrade - all the things we love at Wholly Organic - look good naturally!

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ecognising the strength of the local accommodation businesses, a number of new accommodation places have recently opened - check out Cottonwood and Hil’s Place - joining some of the well-known getaways in the area, Aniseed & Promised Land in the Promised Land area, Casabelle in Gleniffer and across to Lily Pily Country House and Afterglow Cottages in Kalang. So with a range of properties (B&B, self contained, farm stays, motels and hotels) as well as a range of prices for all budgets, Bellingen certainly caters for all, regardless of the reason why you were tempted to wander up Waterfall Way to experience what Bello has to offer. For those wishing to participate in the “shop local” feeling that carries through the town, on the retail front there is a great range of opportunities - the Old Butter Factory offering a mix of food, arts and crafts and local wares, whilst further up the road the Emporium and Dervish Gallery are always high on anyone’s list, as is the Gelato Bar, Purple Carrot, Alchemy and Lodge 241, all in short walking distance along Hyde Street.

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Alongside these favourites there are new proprietors and offerings, with the new proprietors of No2 Oak Street opening a beautiful food and wine bar and with the “Old Church” being sold, many are waiting to see the next transformation of this iconic establishment over the next few months.

in the month) now well established on the “must do” list, visitors may not be aware that Bellingen also has a vibrant Growers’ Market (second and fourth Saturday) as well as “Bellopy”, a local organic produce market, (first, third and fifth Friday). A wander through ing Whether its pick any of these your own salad markets, and planter greens from the nd it’s hard to s arou boxes and garden over to not feel the ng ri de an w town or Bank th or N localisation g lin w ra the sp dens, that ar G ity and un m m Co nnectedness sustainability feeling of local co all that ugh permeates thro pulse that is ” r the visitor. Bello has to offe Bello’s drum beat!

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Certainly the markets and edible gardens are an attraction that adds to Bellingen’s uniqueness - whether it’s picking your own salad greens from the planter boxes and gardens around town or wandering over to the sprawling North Bank Community Gardens, that feeling of local connectedness permeates through all that Bello has to offer the visitor. And then there are the markets - with the Bellingen Market (third Saturday

And remember Bello’s now famous winter sale day, CRAZY DAY, is on again this year on Saturday 21 June - all participating shops, eateries and the like will be offering up some great discounts in the once a year special event sponsored by the Bellingen Courier and the local Chamber of Commerce. Come up for the day or stay the weekend, as with the market on also that day the town will be jumping!

Bishop Druitt College Bishop Druitt College commenced operations in 1994 with an enrolment of 57 primary school students. One building and one demountable were the only teaching and administrative spaces back then. wenty years of steady growth sees the school now as a vibrant K-12 campus. Building development has matched the steady growth in enrolment.

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co-curricular opportunities aimed at giving our students the best preparation for their futures beyond school.

In 2013 the school opened the Branson Centre, a multi-purpose centre that hosts basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and futsal. With classrooms and change rooms, it is a tremendous all weather venue on campus in which concerts, assemblies and awards ceremonies are also held. The Roger Oates Centre, the school’s new trade training centre, was opened this month. It was built to offer Certificate 3 level hospitality courses to students.

Our wish for our departing Collegians Bishop Druitt is that they will have College is a a passion for learning vibrant learning community and will value the dynamic and creative. They grounded in the n.” virtues of wisdom Anglican traditio are supported by active and integrity. They professional development will be individuals who programs and demonstrate endeavour to positively high levels of collegiality in transform the communities teaching programming. in which they live and work. We The school has a proud record of excellent desire that in the great and the small things academic results in statewide and nationally they do, they will enliven and enrich our benchmarked tests, including the NSW Higher world. School Certificate. Underpinning the success of the College is Whether completing the HSC or starting a simple belief - we believe in the right of school for the first time, Bishop Druitt College every student to learn and of each teacher aims to provide the best platform for each to teach. Staff are highly qualified and skilled student to gain knowledge and skills to professionals who are encouraged to be

Bishop Druitt College is a vibrant learning community grounded in the Anglican tradition. It is dedicated to the development of dynamic, caring, optimistic and confident young men and women. As a school, our aim is to transform lives through the provision of an excellent education. We provide a comprehensive range of academic and

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DYNAMIC

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CARING

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1994 prepare them to enter a world full of exciting challenges. You are invited to find out more about Bishop Druitt College when we host an Open Day on the 10th June. After enjoying a morning tea, Principal Alan Ball will welcome visitors in the school theatre. Tours of the campus will follow, so that guests can see classrooms and facilities. Free child minding will be available for children under five years and activities will be offered to primary school aged visitors. Visit the school website www.bdc.nsw.edu. au to RSVP.

OPTIMISTIC

BDC BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE

FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

coffs coast focus 43

focusinterview.

MEET THE FILMMAKER

P H I L L I P S O N

IN THE LAST YEAR LEE PHILIPSON HAS GONE FROM MEDIA STUDIES STUDENT AT SCU COFFS HARBOUR TO “AWARD WINNING” FILMMAKER: FROM WORKING PART-TIME AT THE BCC CINEMAS TO ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION COMPANY CALLED ACE VISUALS. THE EMERGING YOUNG FILMMAKER CREDITS COFFS HARBOUR’S OWN SHORT SHARP FILM FESTIVAL WITH HELPING HIM TO HONE HIS SKILLS AND BUILD HIS PROFILE.

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e talked to Lee about his on a 40’ wide screen, you pick up everystarted getting offers for shooting gigs. and that’s how I plan to pay the bills. Evenlove of film, his ambithing. It’s not like looking at tiny pixels on But I was also invited to be the internation- tually the goal is to be a cinematographer. tions for the future and a computer screen. Being able to look at al entrant in The Short Cuts Film Festival I’m going to try to make a feature film for the buzz of winning the my film on a screen that wide, hear how in Portugal. And even in Sydney there are my thesis in a couple of years. People’s Choice at last the sound works, see how the lighting people who have recognised my film. It’s Wow, a feature film. Doesn’t that reyear’s Short Sharp Film Festival. works, the cinematography, the focus of surprising to hear that a small local film quire a huge amount of resources? How did you get involved in film in the lens ... You just can’t get that experifestival could gain you such notoriety. Crowdfunding is a boon, and there are the first place? ence at home, unless you are very wealthy. When you live in Coffs Harbour you think a lot of people I’ve met who can help me. As a child I was obsessed with film as a How did it feel seeing your film, The that Short Sharp Film Festival is just our There are great facilities and support at medium. I saw Jurassic Park and became Projectionist, on a big screen on the local festival. But it really gets the word out UTS. And I’ve got contacts in Coffs Harobsessed with dinosaurs. I saw Liar Liar night? there. And it’s not a small festival. There bour too. Sue at BCC Cinemas always told and I wanted to be a lawyer. It took me Exhilarating! There’s a 3 second gap are a lot of regional festivals that end up me that I’ve got a place to screen my film a few years to recognise the common between when a movie finishes and when being screened in a Council building. But in Coffs Harbour. thread. It finally clicked in Year 8, and I the credits start. You can feel the electricShort Sharp insists on showing in the Jetty You have big ambitions. Do you feel decided I was going to that your connections be a film director. in a small town like I GOT RECOGNISED AROUND TOWN AND STARTED GETTING OFFERS FOR SHOOTING GIGS. BUT I How have you develCoffs Harbour will WAS ALSO INVITED TO BE THE INTERNATIONAL ENTRANT IN THE SHORT CUTS FILM FESTIVAL oped your film makactually give you a IN PORTUGAL. AND EVEN IN SYDNEY THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECOGNISED MY FILM. IT’S ing skills? leg up? SURPRISING TO HEAR THAT A SMALL LOCAL FILM FESTIVAL COULD GAIN YOU SUCH NOTORIETY. I studied film and Yes, I do. Coffs video in Year 8 and Harbour is a community then every year I’d choose to analyse a ity of the audience as they’ve just taken in Theatre. It’s an event, a real night out. It’s that is thirsty for artistic content - it’s such film or make a film for my large scale HSC your work. You can feel whether they like not just going to down to the local RSL an appreciative environment for a filmproject. I was always responsible for makif or if they didn’t. it’s “the theatre”! maker. ing the end of year film for the graduatObviously they did like it, because What are your ambitions for the What would you say to other woulding year. I guess you could call me the AV I understand you won the People’s future? be filmmakers in Coffs Harbour? nerd throughout high school. And then I Choice award. Has that made any difI’m currently doing my Masters at UTS in I’d say start shooting. Camera equipenrolled in Media Studies at SCU and last ference to you as a filmmaker? Sydney, and I’m in the midst of setting up ment is cheap these days, and any idiot year I entered my thesis film in the Short Having a winning credit on your showmy own independent production house, can use the computer. You just need a Sharp Film Festival. reel is something that really++ stands out Ace Visuals. I’ve been shooting music vidstory to tell. And enter your film in the Did participating in the Film Festival on your resume. I started to get recogneos, advertisements, real estate cinematog- Short Sharp Film Festival. Even if you aren’t help you to develop your skills? ised. raphy, things like that. I’m getting together confident in your work - get it out there in Absolutely. Having your work screened I got recognised around town and a professional promotional production reel, front of people. That’s how you learn.

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50 years 50 stories Your Heading Here! Coffs Harbour City Library is celebrating 50 years of service to the Coffs Harbour community this year and, to mark the occasion, the library has launched a new website called "50 Years 50 Stories" to promote the library’s history and its impact on the community. The site includes narratives on the development of the library service, including photographs, online oral history interviews and streaming video. Library staff will be regularly publishing new stories to the site throughout 2014, until all 50 Stories for 50 Years are completed. Stories published so far include - Coffs Harbour Library opens for business (1964), Woolgoolga’s first public library (1965), Harry Bailey Memorial Library (1973), Electronic resources then and now (1985) and Coffs Library inundated with water (1996). The oral history interviews include long-time customer and family history researcher Jan Arnett and ex-staff member Lorraine Gardiner. The site was developed by a local website company and includes a colourful and dynamic interface that is mobile responsive - so it works well on all sorts of screen sizes, including smart phones. As a blog format is used, users can comment on the stories as well and can also subscribe to the site to receive monthly email updates alerting them to new stories. Visit: http://ourstorycoffslibrary.info

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Wendy Matthews is one of Australia’s most recognised female artists. She is about

to kickstart her North Coast tour to promote her latest album, The Welcome Fire. Nicci Seccombe caught up with Wendy and asked about her music, the North Coast and her no. 1 fan – her Border Collie, Bear...

MATTHEWS

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Every once in a while I will that I so hear mething ge hu a t love . I am no really radio listener. It ord w h ug ro th f is stuf ve ha of mouth that I ” grown to like.

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ear the end of 2013 you released your first originals album in 12 years, called The Welcome Fire. Why so long between original albums? It really is that life goes on. I have a pretty weird relationship with time, and it goes a lot quicker than I think it does. I have just been touring and building a little house and a garden. I just made a conscious decision to take some time off and open myself up to all of that stuff again. I see on the album that you co-wrote or wrote every song. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Oh my goodness ... Life and love is plenty, believe me. I have journals and ideas, titles and bits of poetry. I have a little secret agent dictator phone that I sing ideas into. I don’t read or write music, so I am not a disciplined writer, so it was really something for me to have to sit down with some people I didn’t know and some people I did know. I sort of allow myself to be a little bit of an idiot, because I have to sing them chords that I hear and for them to find the chords that I hear in my head. All of the songwriters I worked with were very generous. Each was a completely unique exchange. The Welcome Fire has been critically acclaimed by your peers and music critics alike, saying it is your best work ever - yet it doesn't receive a lot of radio play. Does that annoy you? I really can’t expect that. Regular people and the media see me from a certain time, so I don’t really get airplay and that’s just the way it is. But I have actually learnt a lot about putting out independent records and realising that there is a huge audience of people like me.

Those over 30 and 40 want to go to live gigs and they want to hear music and they would buy the records if someone puts their heart and soul into their music, so all I can hope for is that. You have just announced The Welcome Fire NSW Mid North Coast tour. When was the last time you brought the full band to places like Bellingen, Laurieton, Armidale,Yamba and many of these other Mid North Coast Towns? Forever! It’s been such a long time. God, last time we played Yamba with a band was years and years ago and I really do feel this is my home, so I am really looking forward to it a lot. Most of the guys in my band have been together for 25 years. They are actually some of my best friends, who obviously hung out at my place up here. It will be really nice just to cruise around and play this area with them. What can we expect from the shows? I have a fantastic band which has been a real blast at the moment, especially with this new stuff, but also I have 8 or 9 studio albums to choose from now, so it’s lots of the old stuff that people will know. We have reworked a little bit and freshened up for ourselves. I am feeling a lot more open these days with smaller audiences. I love the intimacy. It will be a great evening for us, as well as hopefully them. What music are you listening to at the moment? Oh goodness ... I have 10 acres to look after. I occasionally blast something like the Blue Nile, which you have probably never heard of. They are a Scottish band from a few years back, but they’re absolutely incredible. I don’t really follow the industry as such. Every once in a while I will hear something that I love. I am not a huge radio listener. It really is stuff through word of

mouth that I have grown to like. What other artists, Australian or international, have you worked with, and what was that like? I learnt a lot in my days as a backing singer and plenty of Australian bands including folks like Jimmy Barnes, Icehouse. I worked a lot with Rob Hirst from Midnight Oil. I was a backing singer before I even put out my first record in 1990. It was a brilliant learning experience and very educational for me. Not only are you touring the NSW Mid North Coast, you actually live here? What town? I live a little north of Coffs Harbour, in the hinterland of the Northern Beaches, between Sapphire and Moonee. It’s my dog and I on 10 acres, and it’s incredible. I have built a little mud brick place over the years, and it’s home. I can’t wait to get home. I can never quite get enough time at home. It’s an exquisite part of the world. I have been to beaches right up to Port Douglas and I thought, “You know what? Moonee just craps all over this”. We have such a beautiful coastline and it’s crazy that it's right next to a highway, but maybe that’s the secret. I bought my property in 2000. I lived in the Orara Valley while I was building my little place up here and moved in by about 2006. Tell us about your beloved Border Collie, Bear. We hear through the grapevine that Bear made her stage debut at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs a few years ago? That was hilarious. It was all her own work. Bear used to come on the road with me quite often, and after she showed me her little job that she wanted on the road, she has continued to do it. I am not sure if you are familiar

with the Jetty Theatre dressing rooms? They are about two levels down from the stage, and she was downstairs in the dressing room while we were all on stage and realised I had forgotten my set list. So just as I mentioned something, by sheer coincidence, Bear has a real thing about carrying bits of paper in her mouth, so she grabbed the set list, broke free and raced up onstage and dropped the set list at my feet. Ask anybody there ... it was hilarious. As everyone applauded, she turned around and looked into the lights and saw 300 potential ball throwers out there, and she just broke into this huge smile and body wiggle. She is retired now. Last but not least … the 4 million dollar question. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why? This is going to sound really obscure, but I have her picture right in front of me. There was an American painter from the ’50s called Georgia O’Keeffe, and I would love to sit down with her and pick her brains. She moved out to the desert by herself and lived there, just painting away. I admire her stamina as a solo woman and her courage. She is very clear headed. Thanks Wendy.

the plug! Playing at Bellingen Memorial Hall on Saturday 21st June. www.offbeatoperations.com.au

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ORAL HEALTH SPENCER PROGRAM It’s a dental surgery on wheels, and it’s coming to an Aged Care Facility near you soon. This state-of-the-art dental van is operated by the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s Oral Health Team, and it travels across the district providing a valuable service. We talk with Oral Health Manager Catherine Osborne about the dental health program that’s bringing treatment right to the doorstep.

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hat triggered the development of the Oral Health Residential Aged Care Facility “Spencer Program”? We had an Oral Health Educator working in the local Port Macquarie Residential Aged Care Facilities, and she brought to our attention the difficulties faced by one family to get care for a resident when they needed it most. The resident’s name was Spencer, and he inspired us to establish the service. We were thrilled that Spencer’s wife was able to attend the launch of the program that bears her late husband’s name. What steps were taken to start this service? We knew of the unmet need in the Residential Aged Care Facilities, so we asked two Bachelor of Oral Health students on placement with us to undertake an evaluation survey of 14 Mid North Coast facilities; the outcome of the survey provided us with the hard evidence we needed to undertake a project of this size. We had a trial run of the dental van model, using a borrowed vehicle from a local Aboriginal Medical Service. It was a great learning experience and proved the value of a mobile service. We established an Advisory Group with managers from the aged care facilities, aged care specialists and community members to help us develop the program. The role of the Advisory Group cannot be overstated; they took us on the journey into the world of Aged Care, where the majority of us had not been before. The generosity with which they shared their knowledge and experience was inspiring.

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How did you get the dental van? We enjoyed a great partnership with the Ministry of Health - Centre for Oral Health Strategy (COHS), who knew of one other van that had been purpose built, so we engaged that company, and COHS shared in the capital set up costs with us. What does the program consist of? The Spencer Program, in essence, has two basic components: the onsite provision of general dental care; and a formal oral health education program for residents, carers and nursing staff. Which facilities will the Spencer Program be providing services to? All of the 34 facilities on the Mid North Coast. We commenced the program in February 2013 in Laurieton and we are working up the coast. The program has just moved to Coffs Harbour. What was your experience when you first started, and how did the residents respond to this new service? The residents were happy to see us providing dental services at their facilities; we have had positive feedback from the residents and the care staff. The residents initially thought that they had to pay us for the services, but were delighted to find out it was a free service. How many residents have you seen so far on this program, and where to from here? We have completed 17 facilities and offered care to 732 clients. Of the residents we have examined so far, 57 per cent required dental treatment. The program will continue on its cycle; once finished in Coffs Harbour, it will return to the first facility in Laurieton again.

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By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

CURVES INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

“I joined Curves in May 2012 because I wanted to look great for my 50th in Oct.

RHONDA Age 51 Weight Loss 11.2kg Body fat % loss 5.7%

My fitness and strength was also something that I wanted to improve, because of my grandkids. Since joining I have lost 94 cm,11.2 kg and 5.7% body fat, and I feel great!" I Love My Curves.

COFFS COAST NUTRition Peoplee som sometimes metimes tthink hink that a Dietitian simply counts co calories or puts people on diets; however, that is not the case at Coffs Coast Nutrition.

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heir Accredited Practising Dietitians are experts in nutrition and have the qualifications and expertise to manage a variety of medical conditions utilising nutritional therapy. If you want realistic nutrition and lifestyle advice in a supportive environment, contact Louise Williams and Sheree Riley at Coffs Coast Nutrition. They can motivate you to make healthy and tasty food choices, and will also take the time to consider emotional factors that often cause people to eat poorly. Unbalanced diets provided by people with quite basic nutrition knowledge may result in shortterm weight loss, but are difficult to stick to on a long-term basis and can leave you feeling frustrated, tired and run down. The Dietitians at Coffs Coast Nutrition, however, can design great tasting meal plans that provide everything you need for health and vitality. In addition, they have access to the latest computer software to help identify possible nutrient deficiencies. This service is not available elsewhere in Coffs 50 coffs coast focus.

Harbour. Coffs Coast Nutrition also employs an exercise specialist. Brooke Henry has a degree in human movement and is registered with Fitness Australia. She can provide one-on-one personal training sessions or small group sessions in the privacy of Coffs Coast Nutrition’s studio gym. Why visit Coffs Coast Nutrition? • Fully accredited Dietitians, Nutritionists, Sports • Dietitian, Personal Trainers • Highly experienced, university qualified staff • Appointments can be in person or via phone or email • Home visits are available • Great value for money • Medicare and health fund rebates • Personal training - fully equipped studio gym Experts in weight management, sports nutrition, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, food intolerances, diabetes, heart health and much more Ph: 6652 7529 w: www.coffscoastnutrition.com.au

KIRRIN MALONEY 50 year old mother of 2 teenage boys and administration office Team Leader at Bananacoast Credit Union (BCU)

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about the pocket rocket Raj Garcha. This month we are catching up with supermum Kirrin Maloney and her Weight Loss Coach, Simone Saunders, to hear her inspiring story.

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hat is your weight management background Kirrin? I used to walk every morning until I had a fall and broke my foot. I was laid up for around 3 months, during which time I put on a bit of weight and generally felt “not good about myself”. Once I was off crutches and could get around a bit, I decided that I needed to do something about my weight and fitness (and as I still couldn’t walk very far), I decided that the gym was my next option. From past experience I knew that I would also need to seek help to reduce my weight, as just exercising alone wouldn’t work for me. I had done the Healthy Inspirations program before and it worked, so I decided to join Coffs Coast Health Club because I could do the gym and Healthy Inspirations, all under the one roof. How has your weight management changed since joining Healthy Inspirations? Well, it took me a while and a lot of perseverance, but I eventually got there. I have changed the way I think about what I am eating and tend to make much better decisions. I have maintained my goal weight for around 6 months now. So how did you go about making that positive change? I just decided what I wanted and was prepared to forego certain foods to reach my goal. But in saying that, I also did not deprive myself entirely if I wanted a certain food or drink. Now it is all just a part of my life, not a diet - more, this is how I want to look and feel and this is what I am prepared to do - whatever it takes to achieve that. Did you find the support from Healthy Inspirations help you achieve your goals? I’m not sure how Simone didn’t give up on me

many times through the past 12 months. I was trying to achieve a goal before my “big 5-0” party, and it just wasn’t happening for me. But Simone was there every week with encouraging words to keep me going. A few times I thought maybe I should just give up, but after my visit with Simone I would go back to the positive thinking that I could achieve what I was after. The professional support is crucial to achieving your goals. What goals have you achieved so far in weight loss? I reached my goal weight, have also managed to lose a few kilos under that and have kept it off for around 6 months so far. What goals have you achieved with your fitness? I feel so much fitter than before. I have more energy, I don’t feel like I need as much sleep as I used to and surprise myself with what I can achieve when I do a Personal Training session. How have your exercise habits changed since joining Coffs Coast Health Club? Previously all I did was walking. Now I do weights and various exercises on a lot of the different equipment. I have found that I really enjoy varying my routines each morning and by being a member of the gym, I can have my program rewritten every couple of months for free so that I don’t get bored How does your new healthy lifestyle change help you with every day to day activities? In general I just feel much better about myself. I feel fantastic! Thanks for sharing, Kirrin, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see me at Coffs Coast Health Club or contact 6658 6222 today.

TOURDECURE

TRIVIANIGHT with Mark Beretta

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER AND FATHER OF THREE SINCLAIR BLACK HAS A SIMPLE GOAL: TO HELP CURE CANCER. HE HAS ORGANISED A SPECIAL TRIVIA NIGHT ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, HOSTED BY CHANNEL 7’S MARK BERETTA TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE CYCLING CHARITY TOUR DE CURE.

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inclair aims to raise upwards of $20,000 for the charity this year, of which he has been part of for the past 5 years and cycled over 4,500 km between Melbourne and Cairns, raising a total of $70,000 to date. “It has been an amazing experience cycling with Tour de Cure and raising money, but it wasn’t until I lost my dad last year to melanoma and saw first hand what a cruel disease cancer can be that the importance of finding a cure really hit home,” said Sinclair.

Mark Beretta, Sunrise sports presenter will be the MC and the night will hold a special significance for him too. He is a Tour de Cure Board Member and has cycled in their annual charity ride every year since 2010, broadcasting live from the road each morning with the Sunrise team. A IS Tour de Cure is a TO UR DE CU RE Y IT CYCL IN G CH AR cycling charity with E M IS SI ON: W IT H A SI M PL E NC a simple mission: SI . ER TO CU RE CA NC ED M OR E IS RA S to cure cancer. 2007 IT HA ON DO LL AR S, TH AN $11 M IL LI Since 2007 it has SE ARCH , FU ND IN G 137 RE EV EN TI ON raised more than PR D AN T SU PP OR M EN, WOM EN $11 million dollars, PROJ EC TS FO R AF FE CT ED AN D CH IL DR EN funding 137 ..” ER BY CA NC Research, Support and Prevention Projects for men, women and children affected by cancer.

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The Tour de Cure Trivia Night will be like no other. Sinclair’s brother, Jeremy Black, a radio producer from Sydney and trivia host extraordinaire will really be mixing things up with video questions, live and silent auctions, raffles, games, lucky door prizes and a few fun surprises! The dress code is Sports, so think '70s tennis player or lycra anything goes, really.

EVENT DETAILS: Tour de Cure Trivia Night with Mark Beretta Friday 5th September, Novotel Pacific Bay Resort Tickets: $50, includes hot buffet dinner, trivia and guaranteed fun www.trybooking.com/Embed. aspx?eid=86630 Dress: SPORT (optional) coffs coast focus 51

Brooke, Louise & Sheree

Coffs Coast Nutrition Do any of the following apply to you? I have tried many diets but always regain the weight I am confused by conflicting nutrition advice I want advice I can trust I am lacking in energy I suffer from diarrhoea, constipation or bloating

Your Here! MeetHeading Jessica Watters

I am worried that my diet may be inadequate I need help managing a medical condition

Jessica is our Clinical Psychology Registrar and has a Masters Degree in Psychology (Clinical) with a treatment focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I want to improve my sporting performance

Jessica has a special interest in working with young people and adolescents. She also works with adults and older people and has an interest in anxiety disorders, depression, issues such as bullying, assertiveness, self esteem problems and self harm.

I simply want to feel good, look better and be healthy

Jessica collaborates with a number of professionals, including Verity Stoker our Clinical Psychologist, Michelle Kent our Organisational/Child & Adolescent Psychologist and Kyla Holley our Eating Disorders Counsellor. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, talk to a doctor, call us on 6653 7489 or check us out at www.apawc.com.au

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coffs coast focus.

I feel that I have a slow metabolism I know what to do, but can’t get motivated I want to get fit, but don’t know where to start

The friendly team at Coffs Coast Nutrition can help. Louise Williams and Sheree Riley are Accredited Practising Dietitians. They have additional university qualifications over people calling themselves nutritionists and are regarded as experts in nutrition. Louise is also an Accredited Sports Dietitian and personal trainer. Brooke Henry is the third member of Coffs Coast Nutrition’s team. She has university qualifications in human movement and is responsible for designing one-on-one or small group exercise sessions that can be carried out in our studio gym. Brooke can also create a home-based program.

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The RADICAL ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION ‘Tummy TUCK’

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he gradual increase in girth in pregnancy and in weight gain causes tissue-expansion and stretching.

When the above situation is reversed, i.e. after delivery of a baby or weight loss, there are different types of reversal in the various tissues affected. Muscles do best and can almost recover completely. The two large columns of muscles in the anterior abdominal wall, the right and left Rectus Abdominus muscles, which give great strength to the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back, are such examples. The fascia covering these muscles, a strong sleeve around the muscles and fused (attached) in the midline, stretch up to a point before further stretch causes irreversible damage.

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When the muscle recovers, the fascia does not, and this results in a weak and stretched midline. Instead of a fused midline keeping the muscles together, the central stretched ellipse of fascia causes the muscles to be separated, weakening the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back. This ‘divarication or diastasis’ of the muscles is equivalent to a midline hernia and causes significant weakening of the anterior abdominal wall, and protrusion of the abdominal contents, especially in the standing position. The correction The radical abdominoplasty procedure described by Dr. Ivor Pitanguy, the doyen of Brazilian plasticsurgery, is an excellent operation which fixes this problem very well. The surgery results in the re-

establishment of the central fascial fusion, with the muscles back together in the midline and with recovery of strength and contour. A bonus of this operation is the removal of a good amount of skin and fat from the anterior abdominal wall. The surgery is major, needing general anaesthesia and hospitalisation as well as time for recovery, but the excellent resolution of the problem makes it all worthwhile. Recurrent abdominal wall hernias. An extension of this technique is the use in the correction of recurrent abdominal wall hernias, resulting from multiple previous operations and attempted hernia repairs. A very significant advantage of this type of repair is the avoidance of the use of synthetic mesh grafts with its many attendant problems.

Having trouble hearing? Men’s Health Week is a chance for blokes to get help. Australian Hearing and Men’s Sheds are joining forces to give local men the opportunity to tackle one of the most commonly unaddressed health issues for men – their hearing. hy do men need to focus more on their hearing?

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“You may be surprised to know that the most neglected health test for men is hearing,” says Karina Morrison, Manager at Australian Hearing. “Yet men are at greater risk of hearing loss than women, as they are often exposed to noise in their workplace and also tend to have louder hobbies than women, including the use of power tools and machinery, music and motorsports,” explains Karina. These activities can cause noise-induced hearing loss – which is permanent. “The risk is often men don’t realise there is a problem. Others usually notice your hearing problem before you do. And unfortunately GPs often don’t routinely test hearing,” adds Karina. What are the consequences of having a hearing problem? “Good hearing is fundamental to good relationships yet hearing difficulties, can lead to breakdowns in communication, straining

relationships,” Karina explains. A new survey by Australian Hearing has revealed that two thirds (64%) of Australians close to someone with hearing difficulties say hearing loss is putting their relationship under stress i. Misunderstanding conversations (39%) is the main cause of this stress, and one in three (33%) agree they don’t confide in the person as often as they used to because having a conversation with them is difficultii. Furthermore three in ten (30%) agree they stay in with the person more because they don’t want to go outiii. “Treating hearing loss should be a priority, as it can have far-reaching affects on not only the man with the hearing problem, but their partner, children and friends can also suffer,” says Karina. “Not to mention the serious safety risk of not hearing some sounds clearly such as traffic, alarms, children in your care, and even doctor’s instructions!” i ii iii Lonergan Research Report

What’s happening at Men’s Sheds in June? In line with the Men’s Shed mission to “give all men the opportunity to improve and maintain their health and well-being”, Men’s Sheds will launch the national “Spanner in the Works?” health campaign during Men’s Health Week, 9th to 15th June. In the Coffs Coast region, Australian Hearing will visit participating Men’s Sheds from Woolgoolga down to Macksville to provide free hearing checks and talk to members about why it’s so important to care for their hearing. Any local men in the community who aren’t shed members, are also encouraged to contact their local Men’s Shed for these events. The final word “There’s no better reason for doing something about your hearing, than having closer

relationships with your loved ones and enjoying more of your life,” added Karina. To arrange a free 15 minute hearing check, call Australian Hearing on 6652 0700.

How good is your hearing? • Do you have trouble hearing the phone ring? • Do others complain that your TV is too loud? • Do you find it hard to hear conversation in noisy places? • Do you have trouble understanding people when they aren’t facing you? • Do you often have to ask people to repeat themselves? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should have your hearing checked.

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YOGA FOR THE SEASONS WITH LISA TELFORD

YOGA F O R

T H E

SEASONS Exhausted? Unable to sleep? I’m hearing this a lot. Stress, rushing around and a busy schedule doesn’t serve us anymore. It’s time to change. Here are some tools to help boost your energy and to help you sleep and feel better.

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nable to sleep? I find people get so stressed about not sleeping, that this creates more “damage” than not actually sleeping! Just let it be; don’t stress or make it an issue. Sleep will come. Leg up the wall! Lay on the floor or bed and place your legs up the wall. Start with 5 minutes, increasing to 15. This will clear your mind, calm your nervous system and help lower back pain.

Are you always doing for others? Compassion and care can sometimes mean stepping back and not helping others out. Set loving boundaries. Move - at the end of a day, try walking around the block, or even doing 20 star jumps before sitting on the lounge. It sounds strange, but this burns tiredness, and give you more energy. Stretch throughout your day: neck, sides, arms and legs - better still, get to a yoga class!

Be kind to yourself! Negative thoughts and harmful self judgments don’t Power nap - a 20 minute nap during serve you. They waste energy the day helps mind clarity, energy, and make you tired and immune system and overall insecure. Observe your health. Are you “leaking mind talk and stop energy”? Hydrate and eat well - build ing what doesn’t support Worrying, stress can’t your reserves with good u yo gs in about th you. ergy en s ak food and drink water to le ge an ch ort. TV free night - try filter out toxins and help and takes huge effyou one night a week If there are thingsso, the body work at its best. can change – do .” without TV or your Breathe! - In bed before otherwise let go phone/tablet and notice sleep, focus on your breath the quality of your sleep ... five counts on the in breath, improve. hold for two and then 10 counts Eat early - at least 3 hours before exhale. Increase to 6, 2, 12 / 7, 2, 14 etc sleep. This helps you sleep better and aids as your lung capacity increases. your digestive system. Eat breakfast! After 10/12 hours of fasting, Are you “leaking energy”? Worrying, you need to fuel your body and hydrate. stressing about things you can’t change leaks Use YouTube for guided meditation tracks, energy and takes huge effort. If there are relaxation music, and breathing techniques things you can change - do so, otherwise let - try a new one each week and repeat your go. That also goes for "energy vampires" favourites! people who deplete you. Surround yourself Walk in Nature - let nature support and feed with, supportive, loving people. you - that’s why it is there. Breathe deep, Laughter is the best medicine! Watch a funny hear the sounds and see the colours. movie, or hang out with people who make Do a yoga class or two! you laugh.

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Physio & Backcare

Expanding the latest evidenced-based treatment for back pain sufferers and opening new rooms have made this a busy month at CP&B.

most recent advances in treatment back pain Commonof Hand Injuries

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ome opportunities in life are just too rare to pass up. Firstly, I have just returned from a fortnight spend with a small group of physios and Prof. Paul Hodges - the most often quoted physiotherapist in research in the world (and he is Australian!) It was certainly a demanding two weeks, but by the end we had been brought right up to speed with the latest evidence based research on low back pain and retraining of the deep trunk core stabilising muscles [which is Paul’s speciality area]. The good news is that our clinic is right on track with using the Real Time Ultrasound Imagining for basic retraining of the deep core muscles [transversus abdominus, pelvic floor and multifidus]. Beyond this we have always trained our clients that it is not just isolation and strengthening of these muscles that is important, but also the

timing of their contraction. Paul confirmed latest research has verified this timing issue, but also stressed the importance of retraining this group in functional, dynamic positions and activities during rehab. Moreover, Paul also confirmed the changes in the brain that occur due to back pain, and how ‘’retraining the brain’’ can correct the poor timing and muscle inhibition that occurs - all of which are currently incorporated into our routine standard of care. My second good fortune was to be given the opportunity to share rooms in Rose Ave with the orthopaedic surgeons our clinic works with. More convenient for patients, who can see their surgeon and continue their post-op physio in the one location, but also for us with a super new gym and a fully equipped specialised hand therapy treatment room. Pop in and check it out when next around!

focusrealestate.

with Chris Hines from Unrealestate

focusbusinessprofile

INTERDATA SOLUTIONS

real SENI OR SOLUTI ONS AR C H IT EC T

I thought this month we may have a little fun. My wife, Kerry, absolutely loves horror movies (which is probably why she married me). What do horror movies and real estate have in common, I hear you ask? Easy! In a lot of horror movies, the home is central to the plot. I recently read an article explaining this reasoning; please read on ... 1. Nosferatu (1922) There's nothing like making the property sale of your life, only to find out that your dream client is a member of the blood-sucking undead. This movie is notable because it was an unauthorised adaptation of the book Dracula by Bram Stoker. Recently, improved copies of the original movie have been made accessible to the public. This film introduced the concept of vampires being severely harmed and/or destroyed by sunlight. 2. The Amityville Horror (1979) Perhaps the most extreme case of buyer's remorse in a film to date, The Amityville Horror is based on Jay Anson's novel of the same name. A family purchases a big house with a big lot in a nice neighborhood for a low, low price ... you know that there has to be something wrong with the picture. And there is. A lot wrong. Fortunately for the viewer, the supernatural events claimed to be true in the book and the movie have not been reported by the family presently living in the house. That folks, we call "non disclosure of material fact". 3. Poltergeist (1982) The Australian Dream: the kids, the car, the house ... wait ... The house has a few problems. Faulty wiring - the living room television turns on by itself. Not level - the coffee urn keeps moving. Weed problems - a tree outside trying to grab the kids and hurl them into a parallel dimension. And having the house implode on you is always another indication that things aren't entirely sound. You may want to pass on trying to sell this one. 4. The Lost Boys (1987) A movie that illustrates what's important about the phrase, "location, location, location". When you're looking for a place to raise your two teenagers, perhaps "the murder capital of the world" shouldn't be your first consideration. That and all those damn vampires. 5. The Haunting (1963) This is the 1963 version and not the unwieldy

1999 remake. Might keep this one in mind if you decide to check out a house with a dark past. A team of paranormal investigators find that an old mansion contains more sinister forces than mould and termites and loss of equity. 6. The Tenant (1976) Roman Polanski plays a man who becomes afraid that his landlord and neighbours are trying to mould him into the previous tenant so that he will commit suicide too. This film isn't a sparkling example of landlord-tenant relations, but it does bring in a good creep factor to rental property investments. 7. The Uninvited (1944) And no, it’s not about the relatives coming to visit; it's another case of a well-appointed house being purchased at a suspiciously low price. Of course, the new owner finds that there are some supernatural squatters who make life ... difficult. As in, make it difficult to stay alive. As with many other older films, watch this one instead of its remakes. 8. Psycho (1960) Traumatising shower lovers for nearly 50 years, Psycho features the brooding Bates' house that overlooks the Bates Motel. It would be a better investment if its owner wasn't channelling his murderous mother, but you can't expect everything. 9. Arachnaphobia (1990) A doctor moves his family away from the big, bad city to end up fighting big, bad spiders. It's what you get when you find a cheap house in a safe neighborhood: something always comes along to threaten your life. Classic tale for those who are unconvinced of the need for a pest inspection before buying - big South American killer spiders could get YOU. 10. Hot Fuzz (2007) Not a horror movie per se, but still an exceptionally violent film illustrating that sleepy, well-to-do, neighbourly towns with picturesque heritage houses ALWAYS have something wrong with them, like secret cults murdering wayward villagers. I suppose although it is a bit of a laugh, it does show us the importance of doing your due diligence when purchasing a home, and as always, try and deal with a member of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, who are bound by a code of conduct.

hat is Interdata Solutions and what type of work do you specialise in? Interdata Solutions (IDS) is a leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) consultancy. Tell us about the big jobs you've worked on? We are currently working with one of our larger real estate customers to replace their aging computing devices with new technology at no upfront cost to them by using our “rental” option. We are visiting their offices and installing new Wireless Hotspots, 3G/4G internet backup for the main Internet links and new Laptops for all sales and admin staff. I believe you work in and out of Coffs Harbour? Yes - we operate up and down the East Coast from Sydney to Brisbane, including Coffs Harbour. I am now personally based in Coffs Harbour to provide dedicated focus and assistance to local customers.

IDS' management is a team of industry and business experts, each experienced in the use, integration and marketing of computer systems. Hendrik van Zyl, Senior Solutions Architect, is a qualified electrical engineer with over 31 years’ experience in the computer industry. He has worked with several leading computer vendors in pre, post and technical support services. Hendrik provides his wealth of technical, product and industry knowledge to the company.

Anton Ohnut, Senior Consultant, has over 40 years’ experience in IT management and support. Anton’s experience ranges from a programming and software development consultant and IT Manager working with PC, UNIX, Mid-range and Mainframe We are currently systems. Anton has also working with setup and managed real one of our larger an ISP operation in s to estate customer Australia. g in e their ag

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replac ces computing devi gy lo no ch te with new to st co t on fr at no up r ou them by using ” “rental” option.

And this is a family business? What role does your son have? Yes - we are a family business with my wife, Joanne, sons Marc and Brendan as well as my daughter, Rachel, all doing their share. Marc heads the Technical Team and manages the Helpdesk system on a day to day basis. What type of clients do you have? Do you work only with the bigger companies, or can the little guy come to you as well? We have customers across multiple vertical markets with special knowledge in Real Estate and Club systems. We look after the little guys' businesses too, from one PC system and up. Even the little guy can benefit from our knowledge and expertise gained in the larger businesses. We believe in building long term relationships and are in IT for the long haul. What resources does the business bring to market?

Marc van Zyl, Director - Technical Services, has over 8 years’ experience in IT Infrastructure design, management, implementation and support. Marc's experience ranges from Virtual Infrastructure design and implementation to Cloud based Voice Systems. Marc is our "guru" for all things VMware and is the go to person for the rest of our team. Interdata has its own IT infrastructure (Computer Systems) in a Tier4 data centre in Sydney providing our customers with our “private cloud” for them to host services from or to use as their disaster recovery and off site backup location. What is your company’s vision? Our vision is to assist our customers in the innovation and application of information technology. Hendrik van Zyl Senior Solutions Architect Interdata Solutions hendrik@interdatasolutions.com.au www.interdatasolutions.com.au 1300 130 931 (Ask for Hendrik) coffs coast focus 57

advertorial

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advertorial

hat is Baringa Rehabilitation? Like other physiotherapy practices we see patients! However we are different because we have an entire team of other allied health workers including, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and speech therapist. Baringa Rehabilitation is the most comprehensive private allied health service in the region. As well as a huge team of professional clinicians we also have a full sized and fully equipped gymnasium and clinical hydrotherapy pool all under one roof. The pool is warmed to 33 degrees centigrade for patient comfort and is specially designed with a wheelchair ramp and equipped with a lifting hoist. What type of services do you offer? Our allied health team also provide specialist care for Baringa’s inpatients and day patients. These specialist medical programmes include rehabilitation, post-surgical support, pulmonary programmes, pain management programmes, neurological recovery and general reconditioning programmes. For outpatients we offer both one-on-one consultation & treatment as well as a whole range of group therapies. Physiotherapy including post orthopaedic surgery, treatment of sports injuries (specialising

in necks and backs), injury management, women’s health, core stability/mobility and hydrotherapy Occupational therapy to assist with work place assessments, wheelchair assessments and home modifications for independence Exercise physiology for education, remedial work , exercise programmes and group therapies Speech therapy for adults and children Massage therapy What’s new? We made a decision last year to expand our business so patients could receive a range of treatments and therapies at one site. This led to the recruitment of new physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a massage therapist and the introduction of new programmes. Introduction of Enhance which is a group exercise program for people with chronic illnesses. Introduction of Beat It which is an education and exercise program aimed at people with Type 2 Diabetes. We have and continue to upgrade our facilities. We have extended our space and are and are building some new group rooms and more private consult facilities. What is your philosophy? Our philosophy is ‘We’ll get you moving’! We aim to promote wellness as well as treating illness and injuries

Describe the facility… It is bright, airy, and full of enthusiastic and dedicated staff. Our pool is warm and our gym and consult rooms are well equipped. We have tread mills, parallel bars, stair apparatus, ultrasound equipment, up to date warming equipment, a full range of strapping, splinting, plastering and mobility aids. We are up to date as any city counterparts. Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist, a speech therapist or an occupational therapist or exercise physiologist? No, we are first line practitioners. We work closely with any referrer. Anyone can contact us and make an appointment for outpatient treatments by one of our professional staff. Can organisations contact us to run special programmes? We treat all sorts of people from all walks of life who have a variety of health issues or clients who just want to get fit or improve their general wellbeing. We also provide businesses with pre employment screenings for new employees and ergonomic work station assessments to enable safe work practices. We are happy to come to speak to you or your organisation and are happy to host site visits to showcase our facilities & equipment

Is there Disabled Access? Yes. Baringa Rehab is on one level. A disabled car park is located at the front entrance of Baringa Rehab. The change room and bathroom facilities are designed for wheelchairs. The hydrotherapy pool boasts a hoist and a ramp for easy access. The corridors are spacious and allow for easy access. Are your services covered by Medicare DVA or health funds? Many of our services are covered by all three. We are happy to check your eligibility for all of the above. We will be able to offer HICAPS by the end of June. Where is Baringa Rehabilitation and How Can We Make An Appointment? We are located on site at Baringa Private Hospital, 31 Mackays Road Coffs Harbour. Mackays Road is at the top of Bray Street in Coffs Harbour. We operate between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 02 6658 0322 or fax number is 02 6651 6363 or pop in and have a look at our facilities. Email baringarehab@ramsayhealth.com.au Website www.baringarehabilitation.com.au

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

Above. The Bondi Rescue boys and the team at Aanuka Beach Resort

Above. Paul Courtney and Peter Faircloth

Above. MIchael Crossland, Kirsten Howton and Brad Daymond

Above. Nathan Quinn and Kerry Hines

Above. The Waratah Gadabouts

Above. Liz Jeremy GM Bellingen Shire Council, Peter Wardman, Luke Harksuyker MP, Denise Knight Mayoress Coffs Harbour,Andrew Fraser MP , Mark Troy Mayor of Bellingen and Michelle McFayden Deputy General Manager Bellingen Shire Council

Above. David Laarhoven, Dene Zahner, Sue Webber and Anne Shearer

Above. David Catchpole and Mark Cooper

(Photo by: Steve Young Photography)

Social/scene.

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he Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery always keep us entertained. Suzanne Archer, who is a nationally recognised artist, recently opened her quirky exhibition The Glass Depository. The talented artist has won a number of awards. Amongst them were the Dobell Prize for Drawing in 2010 and the Wynne Prize in 1994. Dr Leigh Summers, who is the Gallery Director/Curator commented that she had also been the recipient of several fellowships, including residencies at the Greene Street Studio in New York and the Power Studio at Cite International in Paris. Apart from large works on canvas, there were ceramics and collections of artefacts and curios encased in glass containers and individual structures. The exhibition erred on the spooky side and was definitely intriguing and different. Excited guests poured into the Coffs Harbour Memorial Jetty Theatre for the opening of the CHMCC’s production of the fabulous show Annie. Accompanying the local cast were a group of talented children, along with Annie’s trusted mutt Sandy, who was played by local pooch Tippy Williams. Some of the local performers were Emma Goddard, Beckley Vincent, Jenny Touzel, Fiona Styles, David Tune and Peter Hodges. An amazing show jammed packed with nonstop entertainment! I recently attended the Official Launch of the 60 coffs coast focus.

Above. Le Dãin Designs Ladies. Photo by Emma Rhoades photography

It only seems like five minutes ago we were ringing in the New Year! We are nearly half way through the year, and it has certainly been a busy time on the Coffs Coast.

NAB Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge 2014 in the Rainbow Room at the Coffs C.ex. Attendees got to enjoy a delicious morning tea provided by the club, whilst special VIP guests got to fill us in about the event itself. Modelled on the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge NZ, it is in its fifth year and has escalated from 200 riders in 2010 to 1,500 to 2000 expected for this year’s event. It has become the centrepiece of the quickly developing Coffs Coast Festival of Cycling. The event will run from 25th July to 10th August 2014. Coffs City Rotary is the owner/organiser, with the Event director being Mr Peter Wardman. The event raises money for Rotary Charities, mostly on the Coffs Coast. In four years, approximately $80,000 has been raised! I got to accompany our editor Melly Dee to the launch of the Announcement of 2014 Super Special Stage. Talk about being the first to feel the need for speed and experience the adrenaline rush from the dust spray from faster than lightning rally cars! I absolutely missed out and could kick myself now, for not taking up the offer of having a spin in one of those speedsters! Melly (thrillseeker) Dee however, along with our Mayoress Denise Knight, Andrew (speedking) Fraser and a few more weren’t so chicken! We definitely do not proclaim to be the equivalent of the Sydney and Melbourne Runway

events, but we certainly can throw a fashion show! The Waratah Gadabouts staged a Fashion Parade just recently and packed out the house at the Sawtell Uniting Church in Elizabeth Street. Amazing show, with ladies modelling clothes from Lifeline. The Waratah Gadabouts are a community minded group who support the Waratah Respite Centre. An impressive amount of $650 was raised for the Fire Sprinkler fund. Save the date for their Market Day on 31st May at Community Village, Coffs. We attended the fun-tastic Comics on the Run event at Sawtell RSL just recently. This entertainment plus event raises funds for Camp Quality. Full house for the sixth year that it has been running, and as usual there was an amazing lineup of comedians, including Lawrence Mooney, Darren Casey and so many more side splitting acts. Major Sponsors Chris and Kerry Hines from Unreal Estate commented that it was a hugely successful night, and everyone went home with a smile on their face. Staying with Fashion Shows ... the annual Biggest Morning Tea Fashion Parade, which is staged at the Bonville Golf Resort, was once again a total sell out. Ambassador for the Cancer Council and eventess Kirsten Howton and her team threw their all into making this event the huge success it has become. The MCs for the day

were Michael Crossland and Annie Blair. Guests enjoyed a delicious morning tea consisting of sweet and savoury delights. The show consisted of an exquisite array of unique fine jewellery by Swarovski, story by Kranz & Ziegler and Kagi jewellery from Parrys Jewellers. Debra’s Models were all dressed in black and certainly made the beautiful pieces worn an absolute stand out! Second on stage were Seasons Boutiques with their superb display of their latest fashion. House of Le Dãin Designs then hit the catwalk with models showcasing their stunning jewells, along with casual, race day attire and fabulous millinery. Le Dãin Designs then closed the show with models slinking onto the runway with their new range of long evening dresses, and definitely not short of a diamante or two! The ever generous Emma from Emma Rhoades Photography was there to cover this fabulous event, along with Andrew Hickingbottom from Didgital Stategy Lab, who was there to video some special moments. Kirsten Howton commented that it was so inspiring to have so many people working together to raise funds and awareness for the Cancer Council. This event was so much fun and to top it all, raised a mighty $12,000 for the cause. Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

HEATHER ROSE. Heather Rose is a talented local musician who has always loved performing, being creative, writing music and singing. Heather has played at festivals, as a live session player in Sydney, sold CDs around the world, written and recorded for SBS, and had her music used for ABC projects! Her latest project is Music Journal, an organisational tool to help music students track their progress.

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ell us about your music and how it has tracked to date. I have been very fortunate to play in many genres of music, from hard rock, country, rock’n’roll, covers, blues, jazz and eventually boogie woogie piano, performing on piano, synth, sax, flute, bass guitar, and acoustic guitar in many different bands in Sydney, since I was very young. I have a thriving band of people, up and down the North Coast, who have regularly come to see my live gigs and concerts since I moved to this area about 10 years ago. I formed the duo Shiraz, which after 5 years morphed into my band, The HonkyTonk Woman and her Big, Bad Handsome Men. When did you realise that you had a passion for music? I was very young when my parents noticed me playing tunes on my toy grand piano. I would sing and play piano in all of the choirs, talents quests, at school, the town hall where I grew up and at little shows I would put on for my neighbours. When I was 18, I started playing professionally, 6 days per week. Your latest music project is Music Journal. What is this? My Music Journal is an interactive, educational tool. It is a unique way to keep records of all of your studies and performances, exams and results, hopes and dreams in one easy to use, funky little journal. Why did you decide to publish the Music Journal, and who would benefit from using this type of tool? I decided to publish Music Journal, as in

over 25 years of teaching I found that there was a lack of any organisational tool to help music students and their families be totally organised in all aspects of their learning. There was a lack of a way for clear communication between students, parents, HSC teachers and private music teachers; so, I decided to create a clear, concise way to communicate all aspects of studying music. This includes pages for events that students are playing at, goals and achievements, past study history (handy when moving to a new teacher) a 24 month forward planning calendar, books needed and completed, useful phone numbers and websites, a spot for your repertoire, favourite performers, composers, an A4 manuscript for personal compositions, your own personal music, chord and scale dictionary, a place to note live performances in your area, and exam, eisteddfod, HSC and school project requirements. Plus of course, a place for weekly practice needs and amounts. So, everyone involved in your music studies: students, parents, private music teachers, school teachers and new teachers, will benefit from using my Music Journal. It takes the guess work out of what’s going on and takes the pressure and confusion off everyone, as all needs and requirements are communicated in one easy to access area. Where can we get our hands on a copy? A list of local stockists is on facebook.com/ heatherrosemusicjournal or enquiries at Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, where I currently teach. Thanks Heather. coffs coast focus 61

focustourism.

with Dene Zahner, President of Tourism Coffs Coast.

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Lisa Nichols - President of Woolgoolga Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce

lisa nichols. UPDATE

In one of my columns last year I brought up the idea of the “staycation”, which basically describes enjoying a holiday in your own backyard, instead of travelling afar.

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ometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in such an idyllic location, and by “holidaying at home” you not only save yourself money and travel time, but you’re also supporting the local community.

you’ll find experiences including stand up paddleboarding, cooking classes, Zorbing, crab racing and more. This is a great place to start when planning your holiday at home. I challenge every reader to work through the 101 list and tick off all of the experiences as they go!

A 2013 Galaxy poll showed that 94 per cent of Australian consumers recognise If you do some research, you’ll also find the importance of small business there are some great accommodation to their local community. deals over the cooler months, During the cooler and your local Visitor months over autumn Information Centre is ings Within the 101 Th and winter, our local a great place to start u’ll to Do brochure yo tourism industry when planning. including es nc rie pe ex can find business Booking sites such as nd fi arding , bo le dd pa up d tough. Tourist Wotif.com are also a stan ing, rb Zo s, se as cl g numbers drop great planning tool; cookin more. This off and locals just search “Coffs crab racing and start when generally tend Coast”. is a great place to liday at to spend less on Whether you’re planning your ho recreation and looking for an actionhome.” dining. By indulging packed adventure or a in the novel idea of the romantic weekend away, staycation, you’ll not only be we have everything you could rediscovering your own backyard, ever want and need in our very you’ll also be supporting your local own backyard … so don’t delay; put economy. in for some annual leave and enjoy your

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One of the region’s most successful marketing campaigns is “101 Things to Do on the Coffs Coast”, created by Coffs Coast Marketing. You can read all about it on the coffscoast.com.au website and there will soon be an amazing app which you will be able to download for your mobile device. Or better yet, stop into your local Visitor Information Centre and pick up a brochure while taking the time to chat with one of the friendly centre volunteers. Within the 101 Things to Do brochure

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staycation! About us: Tourism Coffs Coast is a not for profit organisation that is committed to developing a vibrant and thriving tourism industry within the Coffs Coast to maximise the social and economic benefits for our community.

WOOPI! ... CAN HAVE SO MANY MEANINGS, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU’RE FROM OR WHERE YOUR MIND LIES. BUT TO THE PEOPLE OF WOOLGOOLGA AND THE NORTHERN BEACHES, IT MEANS HOME (AND WE’RE PRETTY PROUD OF IT)! oolgoolga has been very busy over the last few months, with the sun gods smiling to bless a very successful Curryfest - if you missed it, you definitely missed out, but make sure it doesn’t happen again by liking the Woolgoolga Curryfest Facebook page and keeping up to date on the 2015 event; which incidentally, is the 10 year anniversary!

Commerce has recently seen a few different ones, with the new executive committee for 2014 just elected. The committee plan to continue the great work of previous committees, as well as adapting some principles of the new Woolgoolga Township Marketing Plan in order to maintain our unique space in the Coffs Coast Tourism Market. If you have an interest in Woolgoolga and would like to become involved in the Chamber of The school holidays S SE ES Commerce, whether N SI always bring lots LO CA L BU E TH D YE JO you’re a business, EN of visitors for fun H AV E G IN RN TU RE D N group or individual, and adventure to N EW A RI ST S TO we’d love for you FACE S O F TO U Woolgoolga and S ST D TO U RI TH E A RE A , A N K E H AV E to join us! Your with ANZAC LI A N D LO CA LS A M IN G opinions, ideas Day, Curryfest CO ENJOYE D W EL OF S CE FA LY and Easter, the and feedback D N TH E FR IE N G N EW ZI A M A Y N A last one has are incredibly M TH E PE N IN G been a blinder. BU SI N ES SE S O ER TH E valuable to us, and V IN TH E A RE A O ” Just a heads up, so is your support. S. LA ST 6 M O N TH if you have family The Chamber of who visit over the Commerce have a very holiday periods, book early broad role in contributing if they’d like to experience our to and promoting our town. If piece of paradise; we’re a popular little you have an event or initiative happening place! in or around Woopi, drop us a line to woolgoolgachamber@gmail.com or find us Woopi is now also bypassed by the Pacific on Facebook on our What’s Happening in Highway, adding a new element of peace Woolgoolga page. We’d love to hear from to our hidden gem location. We still love you! our visitors, with higher than average

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If you’d like to join Tourism Coffs Coast, please contact us via: info@ tourismcoffscoast.com.au

visitors dropping by for the past quarter. Our lovely local businesses have enjoyed the new and returning faces of tourists to the area, and tourists and locals alike have enjoyed welcoming the friendly faces of the many amazing new businesses opening in the area over the last 6 months.

And remember, tourism is everybody’s business!

Speaking of friendly faces, the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of

Look out for our monthly column in FOCUS, where you’ll learn a little more each time about what makes Woopi great, why you should come and visit us and all of the wonderful things we have here. Next month we’ll give you the heads up on the great boutique shopping experiences you’ll discover on your next Woolgoolga adventure. See you there!

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with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

Archaeological tour of Jordan Quadrant Australia are delighted to offer readers the opportunity to explore the iconic historic sites and natural beauty of Jordan with University of New England’s Dr Pam Watson on our Archaeological Tour to Jordan. Pam has worked for decades as an archaeologist in the Middle East and will share with you her experience and knowledge gained over many years of living and working in Jordan.

Kerry Moss CHINA ISN’T JUST A COUNTRY

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hina isn’t just a country. It’s a completely different world. It’s the place where you can speed down alleyways on your Beijing bicycle, slurp steaming noodles in the shadows of the skyscrapers in Shanghai, shop until you drop in the bustling street markets of Hong Kong, or try your luck at the Las Vegas of the East in Macau. Travellers dream of visiting the Forbidden City, which is neither forbidden nor a city, but a World Heritage listed collection of 980 palaces, buildings and museums dating back to the early 1400s. Another not-to-missed site in China is the most significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century, the Terracotta Warriors. In the 1970s, local farmers uncovered the breathtaking collection of The Terracotta Army. The life-sized figures dating back as far as 210 BC vary in height, according to the roles that they played in society. Current estimates are that there are over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried deep underground in the pits. No trip to China is complete without a visit to the world heritage listed Great Wall of China. Originally built to protect China, it winds up and down across deserts and mountains and stretches more than 8,800 km from East to West. With a history of more than 2,000 years, it remains one of the most popular attractions in China. Sightseeing is not the only reason to visit this great country. The food in China is unique and worth an article on its own. A

morning spent in the local markets will uncover delicacies such as fish bladder,

Pam is a Middle Eastern archaeologist, who has lived and worked in Jordan. During this time she has been associated with the Pella Project in the North Jordan Valley, but she has also worked for extensive periods of time at the Roman city of Jerash/Gerasa, and at Petra, as well as other sites around Jordan. During the 1990s she was located in Amman as Assistant Director of the British Institute of Archaeology. Pam is currently teaching Archaeology part-time at the University of New

England, Armidale. The tour has some wonderful highlights, including exploring the rose red city of Petra, situated at the junction of the trade route for silks and spices bound for Egypt, Greece and Rome and carved into a sheer rock face more than 2,000 years ago and a visit to Azraq Oasis with its black basalt Roman fort, sometime base for T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). This year Quadrant are delighted to include a 2 night stay around the Dead Sea, where travellers can enjoy the unique experience of weightlessness floating in the ocean. Travellers will visit remote archaeological dig sites and hike into the site of the ancient world’s largest copper mines. Contact the team at Quadrant Australia in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour or by phoning (02) 6651 1555 to find out more about this wonderful opportunity.

scorpions, and jellyfish, but no trip to China is complete without a traditional serving of the national dish, Peking Duck, where the crispy skin duck is carved at the table and served with freshly steamed pancakes, spring onions and a sweet bean sauce. Every meal is accompanied by Chinese Tea. In fact, in Chinese culture tea is consumed for a variety of reasons: for good health, to celebrate, to apologise, as a mark of respect and to connect with family at large family gatherings. It is bad luck and extremely offensive to refuse tea if it is offered to you. With a population of more than 1.3 billion ... yes, billion ... China is a fascinating country, home to more than 56 ethnic groups and hundreds of dialects – but with a history that dates back thousands of years, it remains one of the more popular destinations for travellers from Australia. Interesting facts about China • Ice cream was invented in China around 2,000 BC • In the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by an animal. According to readings, Buddha named these years after the twelve animals that visited him before he left earth. The Chinese believe that you have some of the characteristics of the animal representing the year in which you were born • Red is a lucky colour in Chinese culture. Banners, clothing and lucky money envelopes are all red. A wealthy (and lucky) bride may also choose red for her wedding gown. coffs coast focus 63

FINANCE EXPERTS FEATURE

KERRY ALBERT & CO What is The Meaning of (Your Financial) Life (from an accountant’s perspective)? What 30 years of experience in the finance world has shown the principal, Kerry Albert, is that your financial life is a balance between good business principles, regular tax planning and realistic goals for retirement. We understand that you are looking for security and certainty in a complex world. Whether you want to create wealth, save tax or simply have a comfortable and worry-free retirement, we will provide the best options and financial solutions to suit your needs.

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ow would you describe Kerry Albert & Co? Although celebrating our 10th year in our current location in the business centre of Coffs Harbour, Kerry Albert & Co has been with you since 1985 and operates as a privately owned accounting, auditing and financial planning business. In 1990 we joined Count Wealth Accountants® and our tax and accounting services expanded to include a dynamic financial planning team, finance broker and an audit team, all experienced over the full gamut of the financial services industry. The expansion to our teams has allowed the more senior members to attain the specialist qualifications, authorising us to assist and guide you through an extensive range of financial services. Julie, Peter and Samantha have been added to the teams in the past year or so to complement and drive an already highly motivated group.

What specialist services do you provide? Our clients are provided with personal and professional services by either a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Registered Company Auditor, SPAA Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Accredited Specialist Auditor, Accredited Specialist SMSF Financial Adviser and a MFAA Credit Adviser/Finconnect Lending Manager. Explore our website for more information regarding the qualifications, experience & skills of individual staff members. Accounting & Taxation* The Accounting team with over 75 years' combined experience has extensive knowledge of Personal, Company, Trust, SMSF, Partnership and Sole Trading entities. No structure or situation is too complex for our team. Financial Planning The Financial Planning team are members of the Financial Planning Association, with 42 years'

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Finance f e a t u r e

combined experience, will help you plan for your wealth journey through all life stages. Whether you are young and single, in a relationship, have young children, are planning for your retirement or you're retired - “your future counts”. This involves assessing your current financial position, listening to your goals in life and then guiding you step-by-step with a written plan, taxeffectively tailored to you to create, build and preserve your wealth - without undue risk. As Authorised Representatives of Count Financial Limited, we can offer total financial service solutions. Count support us with the extensive research and technical expertise necessary for all your financial needs. Finance** Our FINANCE EXPERT has been assisting

Kerry Albert&co &ŽĐƵƐŝŶŐ ŽŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ǁĞĂůƚŚ ƐŽ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŚŽŝĐĞƐ ŝŶ ůŝĨĞ͘

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS - MORE CHOICES Accountanting & Ta x GST Management Buying & Selling a Business Trusts Self-Managed Super Funds Auditing Business Start-Up Rental Properties* Investment Loans Leasing & Lending Home Loans** Financial Planning Super annuation Wealth Creation/Protection Retirement Planning *Please note that any taxation and accounting services are not endorsed nor the responsibility of Count Financial limited. **Lending services are authorised by Finconnect (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 45 122 896 477 Australian Credit Licence No. 385888 a wholly owned subsidary of Count Financial Limited.

Do you know how to make the most of your money? You want your hard-earned money to work towards reaching your lifestyle goals, but how do you make that happen? Whether you’re looking to secure your family’s future or planning a happy retirement or even just a holiday, use the experience of a Count Financial Adviser to show you how to make the most of your money. Find out how by contacting your local Count Financial Adviser: Count Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd / Kerry Albert & Co 133 West High Street Coffs Harbour 2450 Ph: 02 6652 1202 www.kerryalbert.com.au / info@kerryalbert.com.au

Looking after your financial life. Count Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd ABN 96 003 523 653. Count advisers are authorised representatives of Count Financial Limited ABN 19 001 974 625, AFSL 227232, a wholly-owned, non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Count is a Professional Partner of the Financial Planning Association of Australia Limited.

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clients for over 15 years in obtaining finance for homes, reverse mortgages, motor vehicles and equipment. Having an accounting background enables us to understand complex business structures and financial statements when preparing your loan application. We have 25 lenders on our panel and act as a broker on your behalf, sourcing the best outcome for you. Where to find us: Our office is located at 133 West High St, Coffs Harbour. Please contact us on 6652 1202 to arrange an obligation-free appointment. Or explore more at www.kerryalbert.com.au Authorised Representative of Count Financial limited, Australian Financial Services Licence Number 227232. *Please note that any taxation and accounting services are not endorsed nor the responsibility of Count Financial Limited. **Lending services are authorised by Finconnect (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 45 122 896 477 Australian Credit Licence No. 385888 a wholly owned subsidiary of Count Financial Limited. Kerry Albert & Co ABN 60 840 305 294.

FINANCE EXPERTS FEATURE

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Finance f e a t u r e

SECURE THAT Here! BUSINESS LOAN Your Heading

QUALITY ACCOUNTING Your Heading Here! COFFS HARBOUR

Top Tips from an Insider

Fiona Jeff and the team at Quality Accounting has the technology, flexibility and expertise to service clients anywhere in Australia. Our current client base includes individual, business clients and Self Managed Super Funds on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales as well as Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. Our goal is to partner with you and be relied upon as a contributing factor to your success. We are highly educated and well-trained accountants, business consultants, and tax specialists. Using state of the art technology, we fuse strategy with results in an effort to help you grow and create long term wealth creation strategies. Our Services Our aim is to provide you with advice when your business needs it - not just when you ask for it. We'll help you manage every aspect of your business, and because we establish a one-to-one relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your business. We've developed our traditional auditing and accounting practices into innovative client-focused services. Our flexibility & adaptability will ensure we can help you get the best results Below we have listed the services we offer to our clients. This list is by no means exhaustive, and our team of friendly staff would be more than happy to talk about any services you do not see listed. For your 2014 tax minimization strategies and upcoming Tax requirements, please feel free to contact us at Quality Accounting on: Phone: (02) 6658 1655. Fax: (02) 6658 3766 EMAIL: admin@qualityaccounting.com.au Website: www.qualityaccounting.com.au

When applying for a business loan, you’ll increase the odds of obtaining the finance you need by understanding the lending process. When assessing applications, lenders look for sources of repayment and examine the creditworthiness of both you and your business. Basically, this involves demonstrating your ability to meet the Five Cs of Credit: 1. Capacity. What’s your ability to meet the financial obligations of the debt, and what’s your track record? Lenders look at cash flow from operations for short-term loans and prospects for continued positive earnings for longer-term borrowings. 2. Collateral. What assets can you pledge to support the primary source of repayment? Collateral may include accounts receivable, inventory or a mortgage on fixed assets. 3. Capital. How much equity is in the business, and how much of your money have you invested in the project? In some cases, lenders may ask you to provide a personal guarantee to show your commitment to the business and its success. 4. Character. How trustworthy are you and your business partners? Regardless of the financial forecast presented, the lender will evaluate your integrity. 5. Conditions. What’s the outlook for your industry and broader economy? Understand the lending process, have your answers ready, and you’ll boost your chances of securing the finance your business needs.

Your Heading Here! FAST TAX TIME IS LOOMING Tax Time is looming fast - make the most of it It is hard to believe how quickly this year is going. We have seen the new Government deliver a so-called “tough budget”, so there are a number of changes to consider that may impact directly upon you. Individuals need to ensure receipts are held for all tax deductions, including up to date logbooks for motor vehicle claims, work related travel, seminars, union fees, tools and equipment. Small businesses should ensure that their financial information is up to date, so that important decisions can be made prior to June 30. If you are looking for new finance arrangements, it is a good idea to have your accounts finalised so that the bank has up to date information. Choosing an Accountant - why use one? At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. We not only specialise in taxation, but we have extensive background skills in finance and banking, and understand what your bank manager needs in assessing finance. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business.

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BRETT MARTIN

BRIDGES Moving to Bricks and Clicks When Jasmine Bailey and her partner Darcy bought the Edwards Vintage Modern clothing shop 12 months ago, their first really big change was to establish an online store. Mel talked to Jasmine about the move from Bricks and Mortar to Bricks and Clicks.

Jasmine: We started a website. So we now sell everything in the shop online. This morning I packed away a pair of jeans to go to Texas. I’ve done Doc Martins to China. Canada. California. It’s just opened up this whole new world. Mel: Why would someone in Texas be buying something from Coffs Harbour? Jasmine: It was a pair of Ksubi jeans. So the customer knows their style ... what they’re looking for. Maybe their local store might be out of their size. Plus, we’re in opposite seasons to them - so sometimes we’ve got stock they want but can’t find at home. Mel: How does someone in Texas even find a small shop in Coffs Harbour in the vast online world?

Mel: Have any of your suppliers been concerned about you selling online?

Jasmine: Darcy is really switched on with online marketing. He’s been working on Google Adwords and Facebook advertising. So we’re pretty high up there on Google search. If you type one of our brands - Ksubi for instance we’re usually one of the first people to come up.

Jasmine: No - everyone’s been really supportive. They send through images and help promote our website. Only one brand has asked us to make sure we don’t undercut on price. At the end of the day, we’re getting their product out to a lot more people.

Mel: Are there downsides to having an online store?

Mel: What are the big risks to setting up an online store?

Jasmine: At the moment, it’s double the workload. You’re running a physical store and a virtual store. So if I receive something into the store, it has to be received into the website as well. And then if I sell something in the store, it has to be taken off the website and vice versa.

Jasmine: The risks are that you overspend on the website and over order on stock. And as I’ve said, it’s a lot of hard work.

Jasmine: Yes. We didn’t realise that the POS system we’d spent so much money on wasn’t compatible with the website. The technology can be a bit tricky. But the web host says it will only be another 12 months and it will run compatibly.

To do this we are all being asked to be pay more for necessities such as petrol and doctors’ visits, with an extension to the age at which you can claim entitlement to the Age Pension thrown in for good measure. As is common these days, a lot of the proposed changes had been leaked to the media to soften the blow on the night. However, it seems that public reaction has been highly critical of this Budget and as always, the "devil is in the detail". During the seminar we will explore some of the Budget changes and how they relate to every day Australians. In particular, we will look at the proposed changes to Social Security, including Age Pension entitlements and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card. A little publicised fact is that from 1 January 2015 there will be changes in

how superannuation pension income streams will be treated for income purposes for the Age Pension (read detrimental changes). So if you are nearing 65, and perhaps have a defined benefit pension, then this seminar is a must for you. Given this Budget does propose many contentious tax increases and spending cuts, its path through the Australian Parliament will not be easy. This becomes even more so when the Coalition has only 34 seats and they need 39 to pass legislation. However, we at Bridges believe it’s important for individuals to understand the proposed changes and how they will potentially impact them. As well on the day, we will provide a brief economic update on the stock market and where Bridges believe current opportunities exist within the market. We will also explore what we believe will be the likely impact of the Budget on certain companies on the stock market - both good and bad. We hope that you can join us at one of the two sessions. Please note that places will be limited, and we ask that you call us on (02) 6651 2000 to reserve your seat.

Mel: Do you think the risks and hard work will pay off? Jasmine: Absolutely. I’m at the post office all day. I’ll sometimes have 30 sales to send off in one day. It’s crazy. I’ve been working in retail in Coffs for 15 years, so I know there are a lot of ups and downs in retail sales here. What we’re hoping is that the online store will help us get past that. We won’t be reliant on the spending trends in Coffs Harbour. We’ll be able to keep moving, keep growing!

In today’s high-tech world business has to be constantly learning. That’s why MJ Accountants offers so much more than tax and compliance advice. We work with our clients to help them keep up with a changing world and keep their business strategies sharp. Looking for business ideas, education and inspiration? Check out the Money with Melanie section of our website www.mjaccountants.com.au/welcome-money-melanie. Looking for an accountant to partner in your business and personal success? Give me a call on 6652 8788!

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The Temporary Work (Skilled) subclass 457 n Tuesday 13 May 2014, Treasurer a three Joe Visa Hockeyis delivered his fiphase rst budget application and asked us all to process “contribute that to the nation” as the Coalition Government is complex, stressful and "attempt" to get the Budget back into surplus. fraught with hurdles.

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Mel: What is the biggest single change you have made to the shop since you bought it 12 months ago?

Mel: Will you be able to make the two systems more efficient in future so you don’t double up on everything?

WILLEM OOSTDYCK

It’s important for individuals to understand the proposed budget changes and how they will potentially impact them.

FREE

Seminar

More Than Just Mel Mel loves being the face of MJ Accountants. She loves being out in the community to answer your questions, providing regular advice on radio and in this magazine. But if you are a client, or thinking about becoming a client, you need to know that there is far more to MJ Accountants than Mel. We have a team of 14 dedicated professionals, working together to support businesses throughout the Mid North Coast. It’s about time you met some of the team.

Jen Holman Our Tax Planning Guru One of our senior accountants, Jen, has a Bachelor of Business and seven years’ accounting experience. In the three years since she joined MJ Accountants, we have come to rely on her expertise in tax planning. But ironically, what she really enjoys is the ability to go beyond compliance work. “At MJ, our focus is on partnering with businesses in an advisory role. It’s refreshing and allows scope for really helping businesses.”

Ebony Zander Our Job Flow Expert Ebony is Mel’s sister, and has been by her sister’s side for almost 7 years. In that time she has also earned her Bachelor of Business and become an associate member of the CPA - so her status as one of our senior managers is more a matter of “what you know” than “who you know”. Ebony manages a team of five accountants and one bookkeeper, driving job flows and auditing work to ensure that your tax matters are handled swiftly and accurately.

Ina Crombach Our Training Specialist Another of our senior accountants, Ina has been with us since 2008. As the team has expanded, Ina has taken a major role in ensuring our staff training is at world’s best practice. One of the challenges in growing your business quickly is ensuring you team keeps pace with growth. We can thank Ina for our own successful growth, and our clients trust her to help secure their business growth.

Steve Oakley Our IT & Cloud Wizard Steve joined us last year with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and experience working in technical support. He has since earned his Cert IV in Accounting, but we still lean heavily on his IT expertise. As accounting software packages increasingly move to cloud solutions, we are fortunate to have a technical accountant who “gets” both sides of the equation. Needless to say, Steve is already a Certified Advisor for Xero cloud accounting software.

The one thing these professionals have in common is they are all here to help your business grow and prosper.

Call us on 6622 8788 www.mjaccountants.com.au

ask mel on facebook

Year-end is fast approaching. If you have questions you need answered in a hurry then post them on our Facebook Page. Mel will answer all questions on June 6 and again on June 13. www.facebook.com/MJAccountants Best question wins a free personal tax return.

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FINANCE EXPERTS FEATURE

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CLINTON HAYWARD ACCOUNTING

Finance f e a t u r e

Clinton Hayward Accounting is a family run accounting firm offering individuals and family run businesses friendly advice and solutions for their taxation and accounting requirements.

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hat services does Clinton Hayward Accounting offer? The services we provide range from the processing of individual tax returns through to all aspects of ATO requirements for sole traders, partnerships, companies and Self-Managed Super Fund’s. We offer our business clients the option of a quoted fixed annual fee with unlimited phone and email support. This gives our clients the peace of mind that they can pick up the phone or email us any queries at any time. What can people expect from Clinton Hayward Accounting? We pride ourselves on giving an efficient, personal, quality service to our clients. We are honest and conduct ourselves with the upmost integrity. I would not recommend anything to my clients that I would not do myself. You’ve recently relocated offices ... how will this move better service your clients? Yes, as you know Melly, we have recently moved to 56 Moonee Street, opposite The Advocate. With four accountants within the

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office, it provides us with a unique networking opportunity that enables us to service our clients more efficiently with an extensive range of taxation expertise at our fingertips. I do miss my old neighbours though (laughs). Editor note: for those unaware, Clint’s office used to be next door to us at FOCUS. I can understand why he misses us. Last time we were together, you spoke about “The Power of One” within a new software program you have. Tell me more about it. This program is very exciting, Melly. It produces an automated financial health check on your business, ensuring everyone looks at your numbers in the same way, whether you are a business owner, manager or banker. The program uses processes such as the Power of One, the 4 Chapters and the Big 3 Cash Flow. It measures your Scorecard, enabling you to understand your financial story and improve the performance of your business. Taking less than 10 minutes to set up,

this unique web based Scorecard will deliver powerful analysis of your numbers in an easy to understand format. The Scorecard will bring your numbers to life and enable you to measure the financial impact of your decisions in advance. The feedback that I have had from clients that have utilised this program has been extremely positive. They have been very inspired by the possibilities and opportunities moving forward. You can find out more at www.chacc.com.au What is the most important thing a person should consider when preparing for tax time?

Keep your receipts! With the ATO again promising to increase their audit activity, you can rest assured that compliance is at the top of their list. If the ATO do come knocking, the first thing they’ll ask for in the case of an audit is, do you have the receipt? Remember also, that if you are audited, bank statements can also be used as proof of purchase. So for all the tradies out there who have a habit of “misplacing” their receipts, use a debit card and not cash for all your purchases. You’ll be thankful you did come audit time. If you want any more hints and tips, you’ll just have to call me: 6652 8000 or visit us at www.chacc.com.au

focusinterview with Samantha Wardman of CornerPost Marketing

Lisa Holley+

David Leckenby Chameleon Software

lling Not only was se ed at tic a sophis m difficult, software progra ince nv but having to co vest in a in to er id ov the pr hadn’t ey th computer that a as w re fo ever had be ten of I y! m m ha w double ing at be as e refer to this tim ", not the ge ed the "bleeding "leading edge".”

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ell us a little bit about yourselves? Lisa: We met at the University of Queensland and married quite young. I was from Coffs Harbour, and David was from northern Queensland. We moved to Coffs after spending 5 years in Western Australia (WA) setting up our business Chameleon Software (and taking advantage of the amazing wind surfing there), because we wanted to be closer to family and raise our two boys, so Coffs was the perfect location. How did your business, Chameleon Software, start? David: Well I had come to a bit of a fork in the road, if you like, in my corporate career as an IT systems analyst and I felt that I could either continue on the current "safe" path or take a risk and start my own business as a consultant - well, you can guess which path I took! At the time, Lisa was working in occupational therapy in the rehabilitation industry and saw a need for a computer system for private rehabilitation providers that would assist them to cut down the hours and hours of paperwork by utilising a computer-based case management system. This would then help therapists to focus more time on helping people get back to work and recover from injury. And this was how our software program, Case Manager, was born. Initially based in WA for the first 5 years of the business, it took a year to write the case manager program, and we won our first client in year one. It was a slow start from there, however, as we were probably a bit before the technology curve. Not only was selling a sophisticated software program difficult, but having to convince the provider to invest in a computer that they hadn’t ever had before was a double whammy! I often refer to this time as being at the "bleeding edge", not the "leading edge". But fast forward 10 years, and there was then a real business case and requirement

for this software in the industry, and it became a far easier sell. How has the business changed over 20 years? David: The first 10 years were difficult and a real struggle, but once we got past this and the technology for the industry caught up with our software offering, it was much easier and we’ve been on a steady increase for the past 10 years. Over the time the software has evolved significantly to meet the complex needs of the rehabilitation industry, legislative changes and technology advances the industry needed to adapt to. In 2005, Lisa undertook a Women in Business program run through the Department of Regional Development. This program and the mentorship she received fundamentally changed our business model, and we’ve experience significant growth since this change. From living off each sale to now having a business based on recurring income from 85% of our customer base through subscriptions rather than licences gave the business more stability and enabled us to plan and deliver a better product and service to customers. By utilising these government’s skills and resources through AusTrade and regional development, we were able to turn the business around from unsustainable to being profitable and sustainable. What are some of the challenges and changes you have faced in business? Lisa: I would say that technology, in particular the internet and now NBN, has been the most significant change for our business. Not only from a programing and software development perspective moving to cloud-based accessibility, but also from our internal workload. What used to take David hours to upload a file to a server, now with the NBN takes minutes, so it’s a major improvement in productivity. The internet allows us to service a large base of Australian and international customers remotely.

Working remotely also has its advantages, as we’ve been able to live in France and Italy for extended periods with our family and still work. David: One of the biggest challenges has been managing customer expectations. Some expect to get Microsoft or MYOB standard software at a reduced rate and forget that you are a small business too and don’t have millions of customers worldwide which allows the economies of scale to reduce the subscription fee. But we find that our service, product updates and industry experience adds value where those big businesses lack. You’ve spent some time overseas volunteering; tell us a little about this experience Lisa: Sometime after graduating and entering the workforce in our respective careers, mine in occupational therapy and David’s in computers and engineering, we quit our "good jobs" to travel overseas to Karachi, Pakistan to work as volunteers. It was an amazing, eye opening experience but at times difficult, especially with the mix of Muslim and Christian beliefs. One of my most cherished experiences to this day was of a young orphaned boy, who was cared for by his aunt and uncle in a small room with about 12 people, so a really poor family. The boy had muscular dystrophy and as a result could not walk, so his friends used to carry him to school each day, and his quality of life was quite low. David and I decided we could help this little boy by designing and making a wheel chair/cart to assist him to get around in. After putting the sketches down on paper, David went to the big recycle market to barter for all the pieces of materials we needed to construct it with. When we were close to finishing it,

we asked the little boy what colour he would like, and he looked up with bright, hopeful eyes and said, “peela”, which was yellow; it still brings tears to my eyes. When we delivered the cart to him, he was so excited, not to mention the talk of the village. Prior to that no one had really showed any interest in him, and he was now almost like a celebrity with a much better quality of life, which was so moving to experience. What’s next for Chameleon Software? The cloud is what’s next. There’s a huge opportunity to utilise the accessibility of the cloud technology to provide customers with inexpensive, safe and easily accessible virtual machines (servers). In the past a business would need to spend $10,000+ to buy a physical server to store data on, nowadays with the cloud you can rent a virtual server at a fraction of the cost to hold all your data safely and act as a virtual machine. And when you run out of storage space, you just rent more, rather than outlaying a huge sum for a new physical server. It also saves a business in IT resources, as the virtual server can be set up in an hour and ready to go. You just need a physical webenabled device to access it though. What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with readers? Read the book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz; it’s what we live by in business and life and has four key statements to guide you: • Don’t make assumptions • Don’t take things personally • Say only kinds words • Always do your best, and that may be different at times. Thanks Lisa & David coffs coast focus 69

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25 ye years in operation! Congratulations ... take back to the beginning. How has the business us ba developed since that time? devel DFA Financial Planners began in 1989 with Rees Duncan Snr providing needed advice in a small regional area, From along with the support of his wife, humble Linda. The practice grew and in beginnings relocated to Coffs Harbour and FA D Grafton, n continued to support the local ow gr ay d has to s n community in achieving their o ti ca lo ve to fi n er financial dreams. h rt o n ss ro ac as h l il With both sons successful in st d NSW an e th at their roles within the company, n ca a Dun Rees Snr saw the opportunity .” m hel to retire and set sail with Linda … the world in their sights! Rees Jnr had been joined by his younger brother, Khane, as well as their cousin, Andrew Garner, and

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together they took Duncan Financial Advisers to the next level. Five years ago Rees Jnr decided to take an extended period of leave and began semi-retirement. From humble beginnings in Grafton, DFA has today grown to five locations across northern NSW and still has a Duncan at the helm. Today, alongside Khane as directors of DFA Financial Planning, stand Andrew Garner and Chris Kirkaldy. What is the ethos at DFA Financial Planners? We’re all different - from our goals and aspirations to our taste in food and music. You may want to kick serious goals financially or ensure you live comfortably now and in the future. We are passionate about providing the best individualised financial solutions for our clients and tailor our advice to your individual needs, wants and aspirations. Our team of experienced advisors is happy to assist

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You can’t change the “ past, but you can plan not to repeat it in the future - therefore you are better off starting today than putting it off until tomorrow.”

both individuals and companies in all aspects of financial planning, and will always go the extra mile to provide you with friendly, personalised, down to earth service. Our aim is to help you achieve and exceed your financial goals, with advice that fits you and your lifestyle. Who is the industry leader that supports DFA, and what type of support do they provide? We are proud to hold our financial planning licence through AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, one of Australia’s largest financial planning networks. Through this partnership, we have access to industry leading training, support, research and development.

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Two companies have pioneered the insurance and superannuation industry in Australia and New Zealand: the Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP) and National Mutual Life Association of Australasia. AMP first opened for business in 1849, and the National Mutual followed in 1869. They joined forces in 2011. DFA Financial Planners lives by very similar principles of sharing a passion for quality financial advice and for the way good advice can help change people's lives for the better. Together we are able to provide even more people with financial security and the opportunity to look forward to a better tomorrow. Who makes up your team? And tell us about

your recent accolades ... Over the past 25 years, DFA has grown to a team of 15 working across five NSW locations: Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Woolgoolga, Lismore and Tweed Heads. We have three directors. Khane is responsible for the strategic development of DFA Financial Planners and alongside his clients' dreams, he focusses on driving the development of the business, ensuring DFA will be there to help our clients achieve their goals in life. Andrew is responsible for the strategic research and development of the business. He oversees market research, modelling of investments and fund manager selection for client portfolios.

Alongside helping his clients, he provides p support and assistance with the overall company development, seeing things from different angles. Chris is responsible for the human assets within DFA. Through mentoring and training of DFA’s financial planners and support staff, he enables us all to further develop our knowledge and skills within the industry, in addition to assisting with business development and strategic business modelling. Our team of financial planners is made up of Khane Duncan, Andrew Garner, Chris Kirkaldy, Neralie Allen, Janice Arnott, Mark Richardson and Rachael Chorazy are Authorised Representatives of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited located across

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drive and noticeable on the roads. Kempsey, Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. We are proud sponsors of ETC Business Leaders and Shane Hayes Authorised Representative of AMP had the privilege of bringing Paul Clitheroe to Coffs in Financial Planning Pty Ltd heads our newest offices in 2013. On May 14th, 2014 we were honoured to bring Tweed Heads and Lismore, with the support of Anne Corporal Mark Donaldson, Victoria Cross Recipient to Duncan. Coffs, where he discussed “the need to make a plan”. The heart of the company is Coffs, with our Mortgage Our traditional and social media campaigns throughout Broker Danielle Johnson and our invaluable support team the year normally coincide with seminars and education made of Toni Relf, Simone Purves and Robyn Wills who sessions we host or when we are out supporting are Authorised Credit Representatives of the local communities we live in. AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited. Being a service-based financial With offices across NSW, our company, our most successful team needs to be mobile and a Think of marketing has always been the flexible. They need to be able al financi clients that we help each and al to adapt to the changing n so planner as a prer every day. demands of our clients and co ach for you bring Why should a person see a the industry. We know money. They ledge, financial planner? Actually your time is valuable, so ow the right kn … what does a financial DFA offers a range of d an expertise fy ti en planner do? meeting options across all id to ce guidan ve ie h ac We seek a professional’s u five locations - telephone, o y p el h and ” s. opinion on almost every aspect workplace visits, video am re d r u o y of our lives; however, we tend to conferencing and home visits. dismiss the need for someone to advise DFA Financial Planners has been us on our money and how it is managed. recognised with an award for the last Think of a financial planner as a personal ten consecutive years from AMP Financial coach for your money. They bring the right Planning. We were thrilled when recently AMP knowledge, expertise and guidance to identify and help Financial Planning awarded Mark Richardson with you achieve your dreams. the New Planner Award 2012/13 for Northern NSW The financial planning process helps you assess your and Queensland, recognising the quality of his advice and financial position and identify your personal and financial his dedication to his clients' financial futures. goals. Through this process with DFA you are provided We all see your Audis driving around town. What with the education and financial products and services other marketing does DFA do? that meet your situation, so you can make an informed We knew the Audis would get a mention ... and to choice about how to best achieve them. Through date they have been one of our best marketing decisions, comparison and analysis of your current ... not only being comfortable and practical for each of our lives and during our hours of travel, they are a dream to

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situation and future modelling, financial planning can provide recommendations on all aspects of your financial life. A financial planner provides you with choices: whether you are planning for retirement, a trip to Europe, your children’s education or for a deposit on your future home, they can help you plan to reach these goals. What questions should a person ask a financial planner? You need to trust anyone who advises you on your personal affairs, and a financial planner is no different. They should be qualified to provide financial planning advice and any association with a product provider should be disclosed; you should ask and it should be clearly explained how they

charge for their services. You need to know what services the business provides: what types of advice do they specialise in; how much contact do they have with their clients; will you be working only with one or with a team; what makes their client experience unique; could you see yourself working closely with them over the coming years? What is in a financial plan? A financial plan is a detailed strategy to achieve your personal and business goals. Whether it’s the elimination of debt, retirement funding, business expansion, insurance protection or investment advice, the cornerstone is always a budget to organise and understand your finances and will include your goals for spending and saving for

the future. It provides you with the right structures, products and ongoing management, allowing you to concentrate on what’s important in your life. In your professional opinion, what steps should a person take to begin to plan wealth? You can’t change the past but you can plan not to repeat it in the future, therefore you are better off starting today than putting it off until tomorrow. Every financial plan is different, as each and every client has a different situation - different goals and different ways they can achieve their

dreams. Everything starts off small in life, and our money is no different, so it is better to start investing earlier to give your money time to grow. Most people already know the principles for compounding and building wealth; yet, few people actually live according to them. To know and not do is to not know at all. This is critical. Most people fail to succeed financially because the rules are easy to understand but surprisingly hard to live by. Living them is the key! Self Managed Super Fund is the new buzz term; what does that actually mean? Like any other superannuation fund, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a way of

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Specialising in Prestige, all types of SUV’s and Used Vehicles. With the largest range of late model, low kilometre vehicles on the coast.

Cnr Pacific Highway & Halls Road, Coffs Harbour

Phone: 02 6656 8700 74 coffs coast focus.

www.facebook.com/bellbowriemotors

www.bellbowriemotors.com.au DLN 15390

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During the second meeting, we further discuss the saving and growing funds for your retirement. The areas where DFA may be able to assist by providing difference between a SMSF and other funds is that, detailed advice based on your current situation and generally, the members of an SMSF are also the your goals. At this time, we provide you with the trustees. This means the members of the SMSF run it education and resources to get there. for their own benefit. Do you allocate one person, family or business SMSFs are regulated by the ATO, and you must one financial planner, or will the whole abide by the same superannuation laws plus company be privy to a person's financial additional requirements. information ... how important is privacy? SMSFs are not for everyone, and you should seek Privacy is of the upmost importance in any advice from your financial planner and accountant personal matter, whether financial, business, before deciding to set one up. It is a major financial personal. DFA maintains all information under decision and you need to have the time and strict privacy guidelines set out by the industry’s skills to do it or get advice to help along the governing bodies. way. More often than not, new clients are What do I bring to my first meeting? referred to DFA by existing clients, At your first meeting, your and therefore introduced to that financial planner will ask you We knew client’s private planner. about you - about where is the Aud You must trust the person you are now, about your a would get and be comfortable with the expectations, and about how mention .. .andave advice they may provide you you would like to live your to date they hur and the way in which they life. It is an opportunity for been one of ong explain it. You also need to be your financial planner to better ti best marke willing to engage in the advicee understand where you are now ” ... s decision process and listen to their advice. and where you would like to be e. With your consent, a planner in the future. may at times introduce you to a It is a good idea to think about fellow planner within the company with an your personal goals before the meeting and n expertise in the areas of advice you require. to bring any financial information that is relevant We don’t “allocate” clients to planners; rather, to your circumstances or that you have questions clients are able to freely choose whom they deal about. with within DFA, as well as seek advice from How do you charge? multiple planners across the complete financial At DFA, the first meeting is free. We use this to spectrum. get to know you and to see if we can do business.

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* 4 years or 60,000 kms (whichever comes first) complimentary scheduled servicing. Warranty and roadside assistance terms and conditions apply.# $4,000 deposit contribution is available as a credit against the driveaway price at the point of sale. ~ $4,000 includes accessory fitment costs and GST and is based on the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. Offer is available on eligible Audi quattro new stock vehicles, is only available on accessories in stock and only while accessories stock lasts. Accessories must be chosen at the time of purchase and fitted prior to delivery. Accessories vary from model to model. *#^~All offers are available on Audi quattro new stock vehicles (excluding R8, SQ5 and Q5 models) ordered and delivered between May 1 2014 and June 30 2014. While stock lasts. Offers are not available to fleet, government or rental buyers and cannot be used in conjunction with each other or with any other offers.

Specialising in Prestige, all types of SUV’s and Used Vehicles. With the largest range of late model, low kilometre vehicles on the coast.

Cnr Pacific Highway & Halls Road, Coffs Harbour

Phone: 02 6656 8700

www.facebook.com/bellbowriemotors

www.bellbowriemotors.com.au DLN 15390

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TARGETED BYDESIGN saso.creative

JUNE 2014

a monthly feature on design, marketing, and communications

Think Big, Think Local Sounds like a contradiction, right? It should read Think Big, Think Global, right? Well, that’s what we’ve been conditioned to think from two decades of management “gurus” and Mac bankers (that’s bankers with a “b”, people). Truth is, though, that for most small businesses, 81% of their customers are from their immediate local area. Only 7% of customers, on average, are international. So why think global? Here, then, are four locally-targeted tactics that are far more likely to get results than all that blue-sky thinking malarky. Flyers and brochures: The humble flyer deserves far more credibility than it currently gets. Cheap to produce and easy to distribute, a flyer - done well, and with the right pitch - will bide its time on a prospect’s fridge ready to jump into action when circumstances demand. A flyer on a fridge short-circuits almost every other marketing activity. If that’s your flyer, you’re almost guaranteed the gig. Vehicle signage: Turn your truck, car or fleet into a mobile advertisement. Part of your marketing challenge, especially on a local level, is making connections with customers and community: you want your business to be that lightbulb moment when someone asks, “Do you know a builder/florist/chimp trainer/web designer?” Mobile media gets your business pitch out and about and into the mind-at-large of the local community. Advertorial: Let’s not mince words: advertorial is marketing or advertising disguised to look like news content. What’s the point? Well, to put it bluntly, people don’t read ads; they do read news content. So if your advertisement looks like news content … In fact, advertorials are up to 500 times more likely to be read than a straight advertisement. Secret weapon: Google+Local. Through millions of dollars of research, Google has come to the conclusion that a gardener in Boston is not much good to a person in Coffs Harbour. Google+Local is their solution. It provides more relevant, local results to searches that require local answers. See: even Google gets the importance of Thinking Local. Thinking local? Think saso.creative.

WITH TERRI

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

January 21 - February 19

May 22 - June 22

September 24 - October 23

Exciting changes are fast approaching, so connecting with your “Gypsy” energy will ensure no opportunity is missed. New friends are approaching with shared interests to enjoy. Travel opportunities are also coming into the picture. Carrying Citrine with you will help release any fear.

Now is a really good time to debate your own rules and regulations for life. Your judgement prohibits you from enjoying life to its fullest, so be kinder to yourself. Plan a holiday for yourself and get out of your current circumstance to try a little new goal setting. Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and attract an abundance of positive ones.

Your emotions have been a little over sensitive lately as you have begun a cycle of self-discovery, where you will be letting go of a lot of past hurt. Try to recognise all of your insecurities, so you can release them and their influence from your sphere of existence. Phenacite is a wonderful stone for initiation. Bringing a new level of awareness.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

February 20 - March 20

June 23 - July 23 Ju

October 24 - November 22

Even though you may not feel like much is happening in your reality just now, there is an abundance of good fortune and luck just waiting for your recognition. Put that brilliant head-strength to work and set some fresh goals. Lemon Quartz is wonderful for attracting happiness.

ARIES.

LEO.

March 21 - April 20

July 24 - August 23

Teaching concepts is one of your many talents, but try and avoid bombarding people with your new-found information. Your enthusiasm is contagious enough and others will formulate their own opinions; practice presenting the concepts, and give them time to assimilate into it. You don’t need everyone to share your views, but it gives you security. Avoid this trap by sitting strong in your own truth. Sodalite connects us to the sweetness in our spirit. Enjoy.

Time to consider a move. Your restless energy has been trying to communicate something of vital importance to you for some time now. However, you have been ignoring it. Journeying may take up some of the slack, but perhaps you would benefit by taking the bigger picture into account and think about where you would like to be in five years. Moldavite assists transformation.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

April 21 - May 21

August 24 - September 23 A

Your feelings of distance from your situation will not last much longer, as your tolerance is returning to you. Be patient and kind to yourself, as you are so often there for everyone else and rarely for yourself. In order to survive, you needed your space to recover from the demands placed on you. Ruby protects us from our own worst enemy (ourselves). Stops fear based thoughts and insecurities playing with us.

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Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.

Relationships and love are to be a major influence this month. Avoid having any expectation of your partner or the relationship itself, as this will allow any discomfort to dissipate and sustain a feeling of bliss. Let your fears where love is concerned be a thing of the past. Rose quartz is a wonderful crystal to carry for new love.

Your inner strength has been challenged lately. Now is the perfect time to set some new goals for a positive future. You will enjoy some newfound talents and friends. By walking fearlessly into your future, you will discover even more personal strength. Azeztulite helps us to connect with alternate realities. Carry it on your being.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

More adventure is on the Horizon this year. A trip overseas is likely to occur soon, bringing further passion into your life. Avoid being anxious about money, because you will manifest the perfect amount needed, as you usually do anyway. Citrine carried in the wallet is said to attract an abundance of wealth.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

New beginnings surround you at the moment. Dreaming of birth often represents new beginnings too, so don’t be worried if you have dreamt these themes. This year is likely to host a myriad of activities for your social calendar. New acquaintances are entering the picture, so enjoy their company. Mangano Calcite is wonderful for removing potential negative thought patterns and eliminating self- sabotage.

WILLEM OOSTDYCK The Temporary Work (Skilled) subclass 457 Visa is a three phase application process that is complex, stressful and fraught with hurdles.

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USVISA MIGRATION understands these complexities and provides seamless advice while preparing your sponsorship, nomination and visa applications. We are the one stop shop between you and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Migration agent Willem Oostdyck of AUSVISA MIGRATION gives advice on eligibility requirements and conditions that must be met related to the employer, the position being offered and the visa applicant. What are the employer’s responsibilities? An employer’s responsibility is to first apply and be approved as a standard business sponsor. Following sponsorship approval the employer nominates a position that is included in the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). They must meet training bench mark requirements and cooperate with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) with monitoring obligations regarding their business. The position an employer wants to offer a prospective applicant must be full-time, meet minimum skills level for the nominated occupation and meet the minimum English Language level which is IELTS 5.0 in all four components (unless exempted). Further, the applicant must be paid the minimum salary level of $53,900 or higher as per current market salary rates.

What are the requirements for the applicant? The prospective applicant must have the skills, qualifications, experience and an employment background which will match that of the nominated position. They must be able to evidence in their application that the employer will pay the minimum salary level that applies to the nominated position. Further, they have to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to an international English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 5.0 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening. Other complex questions business sponsors face: • How do I become a business sponsor? • How do I prepare a workforce plan and labour market analysis for Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)? • What do I need to show DIBP to prove a commitment to training Australians for the business sponsor application process? • How can I turn a temporary visa into a permanent residency application? • Do I have to sponsor a 457 visa holder’s dependents and can those dependents work? AUSVISA MIGRATION have all the answers for you. For a consultation with an expert migration agent call 0400 001 946 or email Willem Oostdyck at info@ausvisamigration.com

0701537

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About us Big Garden Furniture started in 2007. We were doing some building work on the previous owner’s home at Halfway Creek and became interested in the business that has been around since 1996, taking it over in 2008. Lisa and Trevor look after the showroom, and the workshop is manned by Wayne the machinist, Brodie, our new apprentice, and myself.

Our furniture We make both outdoor and indoor furniture from solid local hardwoods (Blackbutt, Tallow Wood, Ironbark, Red Mahogany, Bluegum, Forest Red Gum) in either rustic or modern designs. We specialise in custom designed furniture made to measure for clients that want their furniture made in Australia.

Built to last Timber is sourced locally through a number of businesses that only mill timbers from our region; we have some of, if not the best, hardwood available right here - so why buy elsewhere? Buying local keeps local industry alive and also reduces our carbon footprint. We select the highest quality timber for each job and endeavour to keep it in its most natural state throughout the manufacturing process. Our standard type of outdoor furniture is made to withstand the harshest of elements, as we sell our products all over Australia, complete with half lap joints, double bolting and hot dipped galvanised fixtures as the basic makeup.

Our Designs Lisa and I have designed just about everything, from idea, to concept and finished product; it’s a happy collaboration. If a client wants a specific piece for the home, office, café, pub, holiday park, school etc, “we can accommodate just about any request”. If you see something you like online or in a magazine, show us the image. We offer obligation free quotes. 80% of our business is custom designed furniture.

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Big Garden ucts Furniture prod l are solid natura s ow sh at th r be tim auty be ite fin timeless in pan, es lif its ut througho rbon ca they lock up the to ed cl cy and can be re for se el ng hi et make som its next life.”

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Manufacturing All manufacturing takes place at our factory in Bosworth Industrial Estate, Woolgoolga. The fully functional joinery shop is capable of producing furniture up to 5.4 m long; we also have a separate warehouse for finishing and timber storage.

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Build it once, build it well, and your furniture will last a lifetime�

Our throw away society needs to have a look at our local tip to see the negative effects on landfill. Cheap products usually have very poisonous chemicals in their makeup which never breakdown over time. Big Garden Furniture products are solid natural timber that shows timeless infinite beauty throughout its lifespan; they lock up the carbon and can be recycled to make something else for their next life.

Visit their showroom, 40 Solitary Islands Way, Woolgoolga (old Pacific Hwy). Check out the website www.biggardenfurniture.com.au ture.com.au Email info@biggardenfurniture.com.au Phone Gareth Owen 0417 205 807

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TAFE Student Recognition Award

PAUL COLLINS IS A FINALIST IN THE 2014 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AT NORTH COAST TAFE, AFTER STUDYING HIS ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE COFFS HARBOUR GLENREAGH STREET CAMPUS … WE CHAT TO PAUL ABOUT HIS TAFE JOURNEY AND INFLUENCES THAT HAVE HELPED HIM ACHIEVE HIS DIPLOMA. bout Paul: Paul Collins has been employed as a Correctional Officer for CSNSW for nineteen years a Senior Correctional Officer for fourteen years. Paul enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Management at Coffs Harbour TAFE to further reinforce the compendium of management skills developed throughout his career. Prior to employment as a correctional officer, Paul had spent a period of time long term unemployed and on the streets. Following the birth of his daughter, Stephanie in 2010, Paul and his wife, Kathryn, relocated to the Mid North Coast, and Paul gained employment at the Correctional Centre at Kempsey. In March 2012 Paul was diagnosed with Metastic Melanoma (tumour in right thigh and tumours in cranial cavity) - and was off work for nineteen months. During this period Paul completed the Diploma of Correctional Administration and upon completing rehabilitation in March 2013, enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Management through North Coast TAFE. Paul has travelled extensively to experience other cultures and correctional systems. This has included participating in the Youth Exchange Program to Scandinavia as a teenager, a solo road trip around Australia, a comprehensive seven week tour of Britain and Ireland, during which he had the opportunity to visit several correctional centres and met his future wife. Tell us a little bit about where you’re currently employed and what your role is. I'm employed with the NSW Corrective Services, employed as a Senior Correctional

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d Officer, the fundamental Paul has travelle to y el management of inmates. extensiv r cultures You studied the experience othe l systems. Advanced Diploma and correctiona ed of Management at This has includ e th participating in TAFE this year; why Program ge an Youth Exch did you choose TAFE as a to Scandinavia over other training group of people I was ” ... er ag teen organisations? hanging with. The Advanced Diploma of How has the Management was essentially Advanced Diploma Of the next step up from what I'd Management helped you in achieved from the academy at work, your employment so far? because they only go at the moment as far Well actually, it's been very positive. as a Diploma ... so TAFE, I've done courses My centre management have become with before, and I've always found them aware of it, I was encouraged through the a great resource. They deal with groups of course, and since returning to apply for people from the community; there's no pre promotions, I've had several interviews. I'm judgement that just because I was a this or awaiting a third, and I’ve realised the full a that, I’ve got to be approached a different depth and comprehensive understanding I way. I found especially doing an advanced have of my own business whilst doing the standing and RPL it was a lot more flexible course, which helped me understand the roles than I believe some of the other organisations of people who manage me are where I want would've been. to be. You've got a fairly interesting What would your advice be to other background, you've travelled, you've people who are looking to upskill or add been in the correctional services now for to their work portfolio by undertaking a 20 years. How’s all that life experience course? helped you with your management now Don't wait; start making phone calls in your job? or enquiries. You're never too young and I grew up in a relatively normal household you're never too old to get back into the in the town of Bega; I learnt a lot about workforce. At any time you can learn, and sharing and caring, because I was one of six. with recognition of life skills, you might be My previous occupation and experiences of surprised at just how much you can get out course impact what I do now, because in of a course at any level - in any subject, really. some ways I can see from the other side how Go do it. they've managed to get where they are. I was What about balancing work and study in a position at one point where I may have and life, how do you manage that? ended up exactly where they were, if it wasn’t I married the right woman, so I'm very lucky for a decision 20 odd years ago to be positive that when I focus on a course, Kathy takes instead of just going with the flow within the care of the household arrangements. We have

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a deal that basically I focus on a course for a period, and this allows me the energy to focus on what I’m doing. She is a sounding block and is a very honest referee when it comes to me getting stuck or getting frustrated. We have a three year old as well, so when I'm not studying, and when I'm not at work, I simply focus on being a family man; it’s important to me. Would that be the advice you'd give to other people? To find a supportive network? Find a supportive network and decide if you're going to do something, look at what you've got as support, look at what you've got as resources; you would be amazed how many people around you are there to help you if you just ask. And having completed the course now, you've been selected as a finalist in the North Coast TAFE Student Recognition Awards. What would you like to say in regards to that? When I'm standing up on that podium, I will know I put everything I could into the course. It doesn't just reflect my participation in the course and the results; it also reflects the quality of the instruction and the guidance I received from TAFE to put me there. In fact, I would go so far as to say the input of a particular facilitator was the difference between ordinary student and a student award. Thanks Paul.

X-Corp Building Your Heading Here!Services Specialising in office and shop fitouts with 30 years' experience in the commercial construction industry.

consists of fully qualified subcontractors who work with us to produce a quality finish to all projects undertaken.

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

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.

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

Also, assistance with Council/Private Certifier Applications, specialising in office and shop fit-outs. 30 years' experience in the commercial construction industry.

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BANANA COAST NURSING S U E

B E E H A G

Subee Pty Ltd is a true local business success story. In 1992 the business founder, Sue Beehag, identified a growing demand in the local area for an inclusive, community based health care provider and stepped in to fill the void after working in Sydney in high dependency care in head and spinal injury rehabilitation. Our services are diverse and ing from in responsive, rang aged and e home care for th ith head w s nt ie cl , ed bl disa , wound es ri or spinal inju ort and pp su al ic care , clin ative care , monitoring , palli , domestic rs respite for care t and or pp and social su ices. ” rv se t ac child cont

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he business started in a small office in the heart of Coffs Harbour and now operates out of a purpose built facility in Industrial Drive. At the heart of the business is a dedicated team of administration and clinical support staff who have a genuine passion for ensuring that clients on the Coffs coast get the most appropriate care when and where it is needed. Management recognises the need for a strong, cohesive team, and we currently have approximately 80 years of combined service to Subee in our Coffs Harbour office alone. We can also boast many staff who have remained our employees since the mid 1990s, including Sue’s husband, Mick, who is the companys’ operations manager and oversees all facets of the business, with a speciality focus in industrial relations, Work Health and Safety and Continued Quality Improvement. In 1995 Clarence Valley Home Nursing was established under the business umbrella, and in 1997 a third office was opened in Newcastle to service the needs of the Hunter and Central Coast, where we are now heavily involved in care for those that qualify under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The

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business has grown to employ over 100 qualified, skilled and dedicated staff across these local government areas. The Subee business model continues to evolve and set industry benchmarks. We have recently been awarded certification under ISO 9001, which involves regular and intensive auditing by internationally recognised auditors from Global Mark to ensure very high service delivery standards are met and maintained. Subee Pty Ltd has also been successfully audited under the NSW Disability Service Standards (NSWDSS) and the Attendant Care Management Service Standards (ACIMSS) and conforms to the Community Care Common Standards with a focus on consumer directed care. Our clinical and disability support staff assist the aged, frail and physically and intellectually disabled to remain in their own homes, so they may stay connected to family, friends and their local communities. Our services are diverse and responsive, ranging from in home care for the aged and disabled, clients with head or spinal injuries, wound care, clinical support and monitoring, palliative care, respite for carers, domestic and social support and child contact services. Services can range from an hour to 24

hours live in care, thus ensuring an individual client focus is delivered and maintained. Whatever your support need is, Subee can deliver, anywhere at anytime. We also have an emergency contact service available to meet urgent needs after hours, 365 days a year, with the support and advisement of registered nurses.

We provide clinical support staff to local residential aged care facilities. Subee is also an agent for Air Liquide Healthcare in the Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley regions, whilst providing vital home oxygen, to enable clients to remain in their own home for as long as possible. We also have staff trained in delivering CPAP services for those that have a sleep disorder. Subee has a modern in house training facility to provide educational services to our staff and other organisations, to ensure that the latest in best practice research is shared and staff

are competent within their roles. Subee is also a proud member of the Association for Private Nurses Services, a national organisation that supports nurses in private business, and endorses and promotes those services that maintain a quality frame work for delivery of care within local communities across Australia. Sue has been the national secretary of the association for the last three (3) years, thus ensuring that Subee maintains the ethos of the association and quality of care to all clients. For more information, go to our website www.subee.com.au or phone our office on 6651 3153, 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Rose, Linda, Mick, Angela, Deb, Kerry, Rachal, Gerry and Sue will be happy to discuss your needs. We will be happy to come to your home, or make an appointment to come to our office, which is located on the southern side of Industrial Drive, behind Bunnings. You can also “Like” us on Facebook for regular newsletters, and news about Subee.

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Russell Statham, Steve Drayton, Brandon Statham (sitting) & Andrew Beaton.

Reg Latter Electrical Your Heading Here!

BackHeading Yard to Here! Farm Yard Your

Thirty Five years of Reg Latter Electrical servicing the electrical needs of the Coffs Coast!

Hot water repairs - warranty agents for

Our efficient and dedicated 28 strong team, including 19 service vehicles, are on the road and ready to look after the Coffs Coast with any electrical need, big or small.

models, Tank Replacements, Electric and solar

Reg Latter Electrical proudly offers the following services:

accredited open registered cablers and

Level 1 Service Provider - Accreditation No 3450 - providing all of your network infrastructure requirements within the Essential Energy area. We run a bucket truck, four wheel drive line truck and fifteen ton crane truck. Level 2 Service Provider - Accreditation No 3141 - “A” Grade Level 2 Service Providers in the Essential Energy area.

Rheem, Vulcan, Chromogen, Aquamax, Apricus, and repairs to other makes and hot water systems. TV Antenna installations and repairs. DATA/PHONE/COMMUNICATIONS - Austel installers. THERMAL IMAGING AND REPORTING preventative maintenance. SAFETY WORKPLACE STANDARS RCD Testing and Test and Tag services. We employ highly qualified staff who are committed to maintaining the highest quality of workmanship and site safety, allowing us to complete your project on schedule.

Back Yard to Farm Yard, the Norco Rural Coffs Harbour store has you covered.

on disease and week control, fertilisers,

Norco Rural is a business unit of Norco Cooperative Limited - an Australian, farmer owned dairy co-operative since 1895. Norco has been doing business for over 118 years, and here at Coffs Harbour we are proud of our heritage and passionate about our future.

general rural merchandise.

The Coffs Harbour store retail specialists, headed by the store manager, Russell Statham, can help you make the right purchase decisions for whatever your needs may be; whether it be rural property owners running livestock or growing crops and fruits, as well as hobby farmers, home gardeners and pet owners etc. Our qualified staff can assist farmers and home owners with advice

animal health products, stockfeed and

Norco Rural has forged strong business relationships over the years with leading Australian and international suppliers of animal health and nutrition, agricultural seed, chemicals and fertilisers, garden tools and products, fencing materials and equipment, and pet supplies, including a wide variety of stock feed. Remember, when you shop with Norco Rural Coffs Harbour you are supporting local Aussie farmers and not overseas investors, so come and meet Russell and his team at 5/24 Isles Drive, South Coffs Harbour; they’ll be looking forward to seeing you.

Because There’s A Farmer In All Of Us.

Art Supply BACKYARD TO

FARMYARD

And everything in between.

Coffs Harbour

5/24 Isles Drive

Ph 6658 0393

Norco - an Australian, farmer owned dairy co-operative since 1895

Norco Rural Stores Because there’s a farmer in all of us

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End of Year Sale Your Heading Here! Come in to the store on JUNE 16 TO JUNE 20 to receive a 20% discount on EVERYTHING! FIVE DAYS ONLY! DON’T MISS OUT ON SOME GREAT BARGAINS. We have a large range of Matisse/Atelier and Art Spectrum Acrylic/Oil Paints and associated Mediums. Arches/Stonehenge/AS/Bockingford Watercolour Papers/ Handmade Marbled Paper/Printing & Mixed Media Papers. Large range of Triple Primed Canvasses. Screen/Blockprinting Inks/Fw Inks/Black Indian Ink. Coloured Pencils, Watercolour Pencils, Graphite and Charcoal Pencils. Battery operated Eraser Pens, Erasers for removing Masking Fluid/Kneadable Erasers/Graphite or Charcoal Erasers. Palettes/Palette Knives/Water Pots. Sculpting/Lino Cutting Tools and Tiles. Air Dried Clay/Fimo Light Air Drying Clay. Visual Diaries/Sketch Pads/Pastel Pads. We also have GIFT VOUCHERS for that special family member or friend! Our workshop area is available for HIRE - contact the store for more information. ADDRESS: 2/21 Isles Drive, Coffs Harbour. PHONE: 66517771 or find us on FACEBOOK. DON’T MISS OUT ! Art Supply Emporium wishes to thank all their customers and visitors for their patronage throughout the past year.

Jose Heading & Antonio Urrutia Your Here!

The Copy Centre Your Heading Here!Coffs

Owners Pro-Tech Service Centre For the past year father and son team Jose and Antonio Urrutia have been working side by side in the family owned mechanic workshop “Pro-Tech Service Centre” located in Industrial Drive, Coffs Harbour. We have over 35 years of combined experience in motor mechanics and have a passion for providing quality workmanship.

The Copy Centre Coffs is your local one stop print shop. Providing a wide range of printing services from brochures, business cards, booklets, scanning, laminating, passport photography and much more.

Some of the services we offer include full mechanical repairs, differential overhauls, rego safety inspection and pre purchase inspections, automatic transmission service and electronic tune. We have extensive experience in European vehicles of all makes and models. We take pride in all the work we do at Pro-Tech Service Centre and only use the highest quality products, from oils to globes, to ensure that you are getting the best service. At Pro-Tech you get to speak to the technician who works on your car, and we take the time to go through any repairs and recommendations. We currently have a Facebook page, which we are regularly updating, putting up tips on car maintenance and things to look out for on your vehicle. Call today for an appointment, or send us an enquiry via email. Phone number (02) 6651 7198. Email: pro-techservicecentre@outlook.com

They specialise in everything from labels to large posters, canvas and light box printing and can now even print on coated board from 44” wide and 30 metres long. Susan Douglass is the Manager at the Copy Centre Coffs, with 30 years’ experience in the printing and image production industry. She and her friendly staff are true professionals and are always striving for excellence, ensuring your printing needs are fulfilled. The proof is in the testimonial; read what a happy customer had to say: “Overall, I think that the Copy Centre Coffs in 1/26B Isles Drive Coffs Harbour was more personalised, and they could accommodate colour adjustments if needed. The fact that we would have small print runs was not a problem. Happy with the turnaround time.” So leave a lasting impression from your business or home by using the Copy Centre Coffs. Come and see the ladies at the Copy Centre Coffs, 1/26B Isles drive, Coffs Harbour.

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COFFS COAST

property guide

Blue Ribbon H

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THE DESIGN • Adaptable 3 bedroom + study / 4 bedroom home which can be modified to suit any block • High northern windows to embrace the winter sun and cool summer breezes • Seamless open plan transition from indoor to outdoor living, enhancing our ideal coastal climate, a home suitable for all seasons

THE NEW DISPLAY HOME lue Ribbon Homes invites you to view their new display home, “The Bronte”, at North Sapphire Beach! This contemporary home showcases Blue Ribbon Homes’ quality, innovation and individuality. Come on down and take a walk through with our friendly team today! The Bronte is a custom designed home that embraces the casual lifestyle of beachside living. The blend

of practical features and aesthetically pleasing lines creates a feeling of simple elegance. Simple design articulation combined with tall windows/doors and varying ceiling heights enhances a sense of vast vertical space. Take a seat anywhere in this home and instantly feel at ease. Varying natural lighting conditions create an ambient flow as you make your way through this home.

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THE DISPLAY HOME STORY It all started with an email enquiry from America! We are used to plenty of interstate enquiries, but not very many intercontinental building enquiries come our way. Lynne from New Hollis, near Boston, had a block of land in the North Sapphire estate and would like a price to build her a new home on it. She had read all the design guidelines for the estate and had drawn up a sketch of the floor plan layout she would like, which was attached to the email. Naturally this piqued our curiosity; why was a lady from Boston building in Coffs Harbour? We replied and asked a couple of questions, basically to establish that she was a real person and that this was a genuine enquiry. The internet sure has made the world a small place! So commenced the concept drawing stage, where we took the sketch and drafted it

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up on our 3D computer drawing package. During this stage, the plan was fine tuned to suit our preferred construction detailing, and we started guiding Lynne through all the options available. After sending back the first concept plan for her perusal, Lynne assessed the plan and returned it with a few changes and questions. Then the quoting started, to see where the home sat price wise. This was basically the process that continued for the next three months or so! In the end, I’m not sure who was leading who, but I get the feeling Lynne was leading from behind and she just kept asking questions and throwing up design criteria until we arrived at the design and inclusions that fulfilled the wish list for her. During this time we got to know Lynne a little better, and it turns out she hailed from Grafton, met her

… it was a real pleasure working are her with Lynne, to sh ely at vision and ultim a bring to fruition that we beautiful home d of.” are all very prou

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husband, Tom, in Darwin and moved to the United States. So that’s why the lady from Boston was building in Coffs Harbour. So having solved that little mystery, it was back to fine tuning the design, quoting the changes, and so it went. The really cool thing about dealing with someone over the International Date Line is you can ask a question on Tuesday and get an answer on the Monday before! Having a very good eye for detail and knowing exactly what she wanted to achieve made Lynne a very good client to deal with, but we certainly had to work hard at keeping up! It was certainly a learning curve for us and taught us the true meaning of patience. The result was that

we were able to build a fantastic working relationship with Lynne and Tom, which resulted in a home that matched their vision. So we had a floor plan, a price to build it and a client who was then happy to sign up and pay a deposit to proceed with the completion of a new home. Working drawings were prepared, lodged with the design review board and then Council for DA approval. Everything was approved, and we thought it was time to commence construction ... well, almost! Lynne flew over to meet us and go over some selections for her new home. While she was here, there were just a few more details to be tuned up and some different options to be priced.

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Didn’t Greg, who does our estimating, get a work out then! It got to the stage where he was afraid to come to work and check his emails, our morning greeting turned into, “Morning! Wonder what Lynne is going to change today?” So it was that Cyclone Lynne passed through town, leaving us all jet lagged, and she was the one flying around the world! Seriously though, it was a real pleasure working with Lynne, to share her vision and ultimately bring to fruition a beautiful home that we are all very proud of - the home you will see on display if you come and visit us at 5 White Bluff Road, North Sapphire Beach. Just head towards the Beachstone Café and turn right just before the roundabout at the bottom of the hill. The whole process took a lot longer than usual due to the unique situation and requirements of

this particular client. As with all our clients, we can not only customise the plan, but also the way the contract is executed. Changing our regular protocols and procedures to accommodate these needs was vital to the success of this project. When we started this job it was not going to be a display home; it was a contract job for a client. It was only when the home was nearing completion that the opportunity arose to lease the home from Lynne and Tom for display purposes. Nothing was done differently because we were going to use it as a display home; it was constructed with the same attention to detail and care that all our clients receive. From the smallest homes right through to the grandest mansions, there is no compromise in the way we treat our clients or their homes during the whole building process. If you are taking the

plunge into the housing market, please come in and speak to Jackie and see if we can accommodate your individual needs to achieve a home that you can be proud of on your land. Just keep in mind that this display home is a custom built project and the inclusions are different to our Standard Inclusions list. This differs from our previous display home, which was built to showcase our Standard Inclusions. With that in mind, we can tell you how much it would be to build this home in a Standard format and show you an itemised list with the associated costs that take this home from Standard price to the “as displayed” home you will see when you visit. This floor plan is also very specific to the rear lane access block and building guidelines for the estate; however, it can easily be modified to suit a more

conventional town block with street access from the front. Don’t write us off just because this home won’t fit on your block! We specialise in custom designed housing with a strong emphasis on fitting your lifestyle, your budget and your block of land. The vast majority of our work is won in this way, by aligning these three major factors for our clients. At no time in the quoting process will it cost you anything to get to a full quotation from Blue Ribbon Homes. It is not until you are happy with the design, the inclusions and the price and ready to sign contracts that we ask for a deposit. This ensures our whole sales process is low pressure and low stress, giving you the headspace to assess your options with a clear, relaxed mind and proceed with confidence.

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ABOUT BLUE RIBBON HOMES At first glance you could be forgiven for mistaking Blue Ribbon Homes for just another big franchised project home builder. But nothing could be further from the truth. Upon closer inspection, you will actually discover that Blue Ribbon Homes specialise in custom designed homes. In fact, the vast majority of their work is designed in consultation with the clients, either from a blank drawing sheet and a design brief, a modified plan from their brochure range or built from the clients’ own plans. What you

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get is a unique combination of a boutique builder with the contract management skills of a project home builder and the business ethics of a family run company. Speaking of contracts, not only can Blue Ribbon Homes customise your plans; they can also customise your contract to suit your individual situation. For example, nominated sub-contractors can be included in the contract. The majority of homes though, are completed by an excellent team of tradespeople who have

been working with Blue Ribbon Homes on a consistent basis - and most of them for a long time. In fact, some of the local tradesmen have been heard joking that a tradesman has to retire or die before they are replaced! The company ethic places a very high priority on loyalty to its trades and suppliers. Consistent quality and service can only be achieved when the building company has long term, stable relationships with the people who make it all happen on site. Twenty-six years building homes with some

trades serving 20+ years bears testament that Blue Ribbon Homes is doing it right! Blue Ribbon Homes was born and bred in Coffs Harbour in 1988. Greg Bull, one of the current directors, was there right from the start. Until recently there were three directors in the company, but Steve Webb took to the high seas last year to sail around the world in a boat that is entirely too small to be taking it that far from the edge of the pool! That leaves Philip Grace working with Greg to keep Blue Ribbon Homes

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The majority of homes though , are completed by of an excellent team have ho tradespeople w ith Blue been working w a on es om H Ri bbon - and consistent basis long a r fo most of them time.”

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building outstanding homes on the Coffs Coast. Greg and Phil both work in the daily operations of the company and are always available for clients to speak to regarding the quoting or construction of their homes. It is very reassuring for customers to be able to deal directly with the company owners - especially interstate or overseas customers, who may only visit their home site three or four times during construction. With the increase in building activity late last year, the company was able to expand its office staff with the addition of a new Building Supervisor, Ben Smith, who has brought a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team. Michelle Kearney looks after all of the office administration and is usually the first smiling face you will encounter at the company’s front desk. Michelle is extremely efficient, and her warm, sunny personality make her the ideal person for the role she fills

in the company structure. Blue Ribbon Homes’ sales team has also expanded with the recent addition of Jackie Hensby-Davies, whom you can meet at our newly opened display home. You may also be interested to know that Blue Ribbon Homes has built homes recently for Ben and Michelle. Jackie is about to build her third home with the company! Repeat customers are not unusual for Blue Ribbon Homes, and they have serviced previous clients with new homes and additions to existing homes built by the company on a number of occasions. It is a real confirmation of client satisfaction when 8 to 10 years later the company can service the same clients again for their new home needs. Such is the level of trust built up between builder and client during the first construction process that people know they can rely on Blue Ribbon Homes to deal with them honestly, efficiently and with respect at all times.

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Tell us a little about yourself? I have lived in Coffs Harbour for 33 years. I am married with one daughter. I love our beaches, I enjoy surfing (small stuff these days) and running. What is your history with Blue Ribbon Homes? My husband and I built our first home 25 years ago with Blue Ribbon Homes. We sold up after living there for 20 years. It was such a solid, well-built home, we didn’t have to think twice when deciding who to build with again! We just sold our second Blue Ribbon Home and are in the process of building our third home with them. What role do you play in the Blue Ribbon Home team? My role is as the Home Sales Consultant in the new North Sapphire Beach display home. What do you think of the new Blue Ribbon Homes display home?

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Congratulations to Blue Ribbon Homes Cetnaj Coffs Harbour 151 Orlando St Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Ph: (02) 6652 7400

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The new display home is If you are thinki nd of purchasing la simply elegant. It is a clever e w , nd la n design and very tastefully or already ow no e, fre a se ni can orga decorated. I think if you e to help obligation quot had any pre-conceived ideas plans.” re with your futu of what kind of home Blue Ribbon Homes build, then you need to come and visit this display home you won’t be disappointed! You may never want to leave. you in your new role? What is the next step for someone who is Having lived in Coffs Harbour for 33 years, interested in building a new home? currently living on the Northern Beaches, I am Come and check out the display home familiar with our climate and our surrounding and see for yourself the quality and great landscape. Over the years I have seen Coffs craftsmanship that is built into every Blue grow and evolve. Being a local, I have seen Ribbon home; we can then discuss what stage building companies come and go! I am proud you are at and your building options. If you to be associated with Blue Ribbon Homes, who are thinking of purchasing land or already own are still locally owned and have been operating land, we can organise a free, no obligation for over 26 years! I think the locals are very quote to help with your future plans. proud of their town. Word of mouth is huge What advantages does being a local give in Coffs. The locals will be the first ones to tell

you who to go to and who to steer away from! Do you enjoy your new position at Blue Ribbon Homes? I absolutely love it. I enjoy the whole building process from initially finding a block of land, to completing a build with a new home. I am looking forward to guiding clients through this same enjoyable experience of building their new home. Come on down, say hi and take a look through our new North Sapphire Beach display home at 5 White Bluff Road; we are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 3.

focusabode. Being Coffs Harbour born and bred and having quality and customer satisfaction, making sure the had a father who worked here as a builder for 40 details are right and we are producing the best years, I feel like I have been in the building industry product we can. my whole life. I grew up helping Dad on sites from Unlike other building companies I have worked the moment I could walk, knowing I wanted to be for, Blue Ribbon Homes pride themselves on a carpenter from a very young age. designing homes that work for the owner. With an I moved to Brisbane after finishing my in-house design service, we make sure the owner apprenticeship, working as a self-employed gets exactly what is important to them - and carpenter, renovating large colonial homes, gaining within their budget. an eye for detail and good organisational skills. Our homes are built by tradespeople who have About 15 years ago I started managing building a real sense of being part of a team (some have sites, progressing from large scale industrial been with us for over 20 years) and are willing to construction to mass residential and high rise put in that little extra needed to make a house a construction. home. Five years ago chasing a sea change, my wife Being a well organised person with a good eye and I moved our young family to Coffs for detail, it is great to utilise these attributes Harbour. Due to work commitments and work with a company that puts the and knowing Blue Ribbon quality workmanship and customer Homes’ reputation for quality satisfaction at the top of their list. and friendly service, we I look forward to many years ue engaged them to build of being part of the Blue Working with Bl Ri bbon Homes our new home. I was Ribbon team. k within highly impressed with the allows me to wor , am a like-minded te and Blue Ribbon quality of ity al qu r fo g strivin finishes and high standard ction ...� customer satisfa of workmanship of their tradesmen. B U I L D I N G I have been working as building supervisor for Blue Ribbon Homes since the beginning of the year. As a building supervisor I manage the day to day works on our sites, consulting with tradespeople and suppliers, allowing prompt delivery of materials and the correct sequence of trades, ensuring the projects run smoothly and our clients receive quality products. Liaising with clients is a very important part of my role, allowing them to have an understanding of the building process, which gives them confidence in our construction team. Working with Blue Ribbon Homes allows me to work within a like-minded team, striving for

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BEN SMITH S U P E R V I S O R

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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR TRADES & SUPPLIERS Supporting the local community and economy is very high on the priority list for Blue Ribbon Homes. We live, work and play on the Mid North Coast, and therefore we want to support other people that do the same. To that end we support local events and charities such as the Putt Bennet fishing weekend, Local Surf Life Saving movement, Mid North Coast Team Penning Association and various other charities that approach us throughout the year. But just as important as supporting these organisations is buying local to support our local trades, manufacturers and suppliers. By doing this we can help sustain the families that call this part of the world home. The wider business community then benefits from the spin offs of

having a viable, employed population base. Right from the ground up we use a skilled team of local tradespeople to construct our homes. Steve and Brian from Stocks Earthmoving come along and make all those nice big flat areas we like to build on! Then along comes our concreter, Darren Smith, who is a qualified builder himself. Who better to make sure you get the right slab to put your home on than a guy who knows the whole process of building and not just how to lay concrete? Darren has a skilled and dedicated team of professionals and all the equipment and know how to get the job done right. All we have to do is order one slab please, and Darren liaises with engineers, Council inspectors, plumbers,

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electricians and termite control installers, Brazels Pest Control, to make sure nothing is missed in your slab. Blue Ribbon Homes also build on bearers and joist floors and Darren’s team is just as good at doing strip footings as they are slabs! Our frames and trusses are manufactured locally by O’Brien Built, who have supplied us with high quality structural framework since they started manufacturing in 1994. Since then they have embarked on a program of constant improvement, upgrading their factory with improved machinery, better software, staff train-

ing and constant product improvement. This makes them the leading manufacturer of frames and trusses on the Mid North Coast, ensuring that Blue Ribbon Homes’ customers are getting the most up to date materials, techniques and quality control built into their frames and trusses. Let’s face it, there’s no point spending good money finishing off a home with great quality inclusions if the structural basis for the home is not of the highest quality available. We use 90 mm thick wall frames throughout your whole house, combined with Termite Treated Blue Pine for frames and trusses to give great

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SPECIAL THANKS Two Birds Design – Interior designers Supply, fit and style of display home. Green Thumb Landscapes – Landscaping of display home gardens and yard.

“ performance well into the future. John Brennan and Ronn Pignolet head up our two carpentry teams. Both men are skilled tradesmen, fully qualified builders and excellent contractors. They are organised and efficient with great attention to detail. Each new home is assigned a carpentry team who will look after all of the carpentry aspects from frame and truss stage right through the lock up, fix out and fit off of your new home. The carpenters are the lynch pin on a domestic housing site. Virtually all other trades fix to or apply finishes to work executed by the carpenters; therefore, it is essential to have highly

skilled and conscientious tradesmen in this role. John has been building our homes for 20+ years and Ronn is getting close to a decade with us. We work very closely with these guys in the planning and execution of construction detailing, sequencing and finishing of our homes. Their input is highly valued and forms an integral part of Blue Ribbon Homes’ success in meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations. Following these guys is a string of talented

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local tradesmen: Steve Canute puts up our fascia and gutters; tile roofs by Bristile and metal roofs by Jason Woodger; followed up by Rod Hicks Plumbing; Carl Seiver Electrical; and Austral Insulation. Boris Rodionov, our long time plasterer, is just retiring, and we will miss his services greatly. He has been a 20+ year supporter of Blue Ribbon Homes and has been one of our most efficient tradesmen. Not only that, Boris is a gentleman and a scholar, going above and beyond on all jobs. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him,

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and we wish him well with his future endeavours. Thanks Boris! The new plastering teams have some big shoes to fill. Next in line is Wet Seal Australia and our tiling teams, Michael Bradley and Greg Service, to finish off our wet area rooms. Jim and Dave from Holiday Coast Kabinets manufacture and install our excellent kitchens. Then it’s time to spread a little colour around the new homes, so along come one of our painting crews, Brian Lacey or the Sattler Brothers. Rob Donnelly Excavations cleans up around the outside of the home, and Mark and Wendy from Total Works clean up the interiors of our homes so they are spick and span for our clients to move in! There are many other people involved in this process, and they all excel at their jobs.

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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR TRADES & SUPPLIERS Let’s not forget that great invention that lets you see through your walls! SGA Architectural Window Solutions have been manufacturing high quality windows locally for 35 years, supplying Blue Ribbon Homes for 26 years, and we are proud to include them in our list of local manufacturers. Like O’Brien Built they too have invested a lot of time, effort and resources into improving their product. From design and quoting right through to manufacture and delivery, their service is second to none. Followed up with exemplary after sales service they make an unbeatable addition to the Blue Ribbon Homes suite of trades and suppliers. In line with our company loyalty ethos, we have resisted the trend of out sourcing cheaper window manufacturers from larger centres north and south as many of our competitors have done. Aluminium joinery is such a major part of the building fabric, and our customers can access the SGA showroom less than 2 minutes’ drive from our

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office, where they can speak to the friendly and highly trained sales staff about their window needs. This gives Blue Ribbon Homes’ customers better service, better product and a better home. Another of our stand out local manufacturers is Harbour Glass, who take care of all our shower screen and bathroom mirror needs. Their showroom is located two and half minutes’ drive from our office, making a visit from our customers nice and easy. Located just around the corner from SGA, our customers can move right along from their window selections and check out shower screens, mirrors, glass splashbacks and glass shelves depending on what is required to complete their new home. From front desk right through to the installers, we have found the team at Harbour Glass to be extremely helpful, professional and friendly to deal with. The positive feedback we receive from our customers confirms our faith

in this team is well justified. Their performance as a contractor is first rate, meeting deadlines at the final stages of construction when timing and finish is everything! Complemented by sensational after sales service, these guys and girls do it better than most. Blue Ribbon Homes has been proudly associated with Harbour Glass since they started their business, and we look forward to continuing our business relationship with the company for many years to come. Human resources are our most treasured asset, and here at Blue Ribbon Homes we like to align ourselves with other companies and tradesmen that have similar ethics and a strong commitment to fair, honest and respectful dealings in all aspects of our business relationship. We actively seek a good working relationship with the individuals within the companies and organisations that we deal with, as these people are what makes great companies even greater. The benefits of culturing a healthy

one on one relationship passes on directly to our clients, who can reap the rewards of great products and services by sharing that same great relationship with our trades and suppliers. Blue Ribbon Homes would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our trades, suppliers and manufacturers for their ongoing support and excellence in service over the years. Thank you for your overwhelming support in putting together this magazine feature; your commitment and dedication to our company will long be remembered. We intend to keep designing, selling and building high quality contract homes for many, many years to come, and we can do this with confidence knowing we have the best people in the district working on our building sites! From excavators right through to our fabulous cleaners and everyone in between - thank you, and keep up the great work.

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Blue Ri bbon’s responsiveness, ntion to exceptional atte y, palit bi xi fle il, fine deta y, comnc te is ns co tience, dge of le prehensive know best d an s de building co nding practices , outsta clear and tradesmen and licy is po honest pricing t. ” ar ap u what sets yo

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“We are absolutely thrilled with our new home at North Sapphire Beach and would like to thank you and your team for making the building process so easy and enjoyable. Living in Boston, some 10,000 miles away during construction, it has been remarkable to us that the whole experience has been so seamless. When we came to Blue Ribbon Homes, we handed over a scrap of paper with a concept drawing for a contemporary style beach house to be built on a small envelope of land.

Thanks to the wonderful team at Blue Ribbon Homes, that concept has become a beautiful, spacious, energy efficient home that captures cool summer breezes, is warmed by the winter sun and features elements such as raked ceilings, bi-fold doors, fireplace, ducted air-conditioning, oversized windows and doors and many other lovely features that will be enjoyed by our family and friends for many years to come. While there are some excellent builders in Coffs Harbour, we found that the combination of Blue Ribbon’s responsiveness, exceptional attention to fine detail, flexibility, patience, consistency, comprehensive knowledge of building codes and best practices, outstanding tradesmen and clear and honest pricing policy is what sets you apart. There were no short cuts or unexpected budget blowouts. We were especially delighted to find that you pass along your builders discount to your clients if they wish to upgrade their selections. Many other builders use this opportunity to add a profit. We appreciate your honesty, integrity and not least of all your friendship, throughout the construction of our home and look forward to working with you again on our next project!” Tom and Lynne Dougherty - Boston, America.

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A BEAUTIFUL HOME WE LOVE “We want to thank everyone at Blue Ribbon Homes for the professionalism throughout the building of our new home. After giving our design to a number of builders, only Blue Ribbon Homes were proactive in speaking to the Council, physically coming out to the block and making suggestions as to how we could modify the design so it would fit on our block. We congratulate Blue Ribbon Homes on their choice of tradesmen. The end result is a beautiful home we love.” Bob and Gail Russell - Mylestom

Blue Ribbon A DREAM TO REALITY “Barry and I had been looking for land for 2 - 3 years to build our dream house. We found a block that we really liked, but it had a slope. We were impressed with the personal communication of the owners of Blue Ribbon Homes and their “all inclusive” package. Within days of contacting them about the block, someone was out at the site in Bellingen inspecting it and advising us what we could and couldn’t do. We designed our own plan, which Phil and Greg had drawn up and priced

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within a week. We are still waiting for other builders to quote! There were no catches in the price, and they were up front with all the costs. Greg and Phil were always contactable and willing to discuss any concerns we had. With thanks to Blue Ribbon Homes and their contractors, our dream is now a reality. We love our house and it has been built to a very high standard. Barry and I found it very enjoyable, with minimal stress and a great partnership with Blue Ribbon Homes. We would definitely recommend Blue Ribbon Homes and are happy to talk to anyone about our experience.” Kerrie and Barry Cutler - Bellingen.

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The Display Home 5 White Bluff Road, North Sapphire Beach Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am to 3pm Blue Ribbon Homes Phone 6651 8144 Email build@blueribbonhomes.com.au Web www.blueribbonhomes.com.au Office 380 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour South

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