Coffs Coast Focus i63

COFFS COAST

December 2015 issue 63

COFFS HARBOUR

50 years

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Feature Story Michael Langley

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focus COFFS COAST

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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

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PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTENT: 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 2015 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the December issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

W

e have done it! Our last edition for 2015. What a year it has been ... We have welcomed two new team members and said goodbye to two. Jenni and Hayley have been such a blessing and a breath of fresh air since the first day they started with FOCUS, and our dynamic team just works! I have to give a huge shout out to Russell Pell and Carol Beros. These two have been beside me since the day we launched our first edition, and I couldn’t be more thankful and proud of them both! Without the support of local businesses this year, we wouldn’t have such a fantastic publication - so thank you, have a safe and merry Christmas, and we will see you all in the New Year!

ON THE COVER This month our cover features three of the biggest names in the local surfing world. Billy Kean, Lee Winkler and Madison Willams are three local legends helping the sport of surfing grow in our local community. Originally formed by a small hardcore crew of locals, Coffs Harbour Boardriders continues to go from strength to strength. Celebrating its 50th year, FOCUS paddled out with some of its members to take a look at a colourful and successful history. Congratulations from the team at FOCUS. IN THIS ISSUE Imagine you’re sitting in the back of a plane and as it reaches 12,000 ft, then the pilot tells you to open the door and jump out - sounds crazy! Well, not if you are the pro-

fessional, fun loving legends who are Coffs Skydivers, or one of their clients about to take the plunge. The Coffs FOCUS crew recently did just that, and whilst there we caught up with the company’s chief instructor, Lawerence “Pom” Hill, to find out more about this awesome experience. Dr Kate Amos is a dedicated and talented dentist and was recently named Australian Young Professional of the Year. With strong family ties to the local area and a passion for education, FOCUS jumped into the chair for a routine checkup and a chat to find out more. David and Susie met in the science lab at uni many moons ago. These days they are still working together experimenting with an array of local ingredients to make amazing Vodka, liqueurs and wines. FOCUS made the

journey up the mountain and on to the Dorrigo plateau to find out more. ALIVE AFTER 5 FEATURE The Coffs Coast is buzzing with a huge variety of great eateries and retail outlets. The festive season is officially upon us and with longer days and warmer weather, who wouldn’t want to be out and about enjoying what our local nightlife has to offer? The Coffs Coast is renowned for having some of the greatest home grown musicians and bands take centre stage at our amazing local venues. If you are looking for something to do in December, check out our monthly gig guide and Alive after 5 feature ... FINAL SAY “Peace on earth will come to stay when we live like it’s Christmas every day ...”

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inside this

Coffs Boardriders.

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Originally formed by a small hardcore crew of locals, Coffs Harbour Boardriders continues to go from strength to strength. Celebrating its 50th year, FOCUS paddled out with some of its members to take a look at a colourful and successful history.

Issue 63 - December 2015

Jeremy Sheehan. Artist and teacher Jeremy Sheehan has an affinity with the ocean and the local Coffs Coast. Having inspired a joint project that included local Coffs artists, students and members of various Pacific Islands and also recently featuring in Sculpture By The Sea on the cliffs of Bondi, FOCUS took a stroll up and over Muttonbird Island to find out more about the

40.

26.

usual suspects.

the

8. what’s on for December 28. eat featuring local restaurants

Illy. Hitting the shores of Port Macquarie for FOTSUN this month is one of Australia’s most iconic Hip Hop artists, Illy. FOCUS was able to catch him in between studio sessions in the States for a quick chat …

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

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79. star guide with Terri 84. social scene with Carole Beros

AROUND THE REGION //DECEMBER 2015

28

FREE FAMILY FUN DAY AT NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH

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Sawtell SUMMER SESSIONS

Road closure of First Ave from Second Ave to Boronia St from 4pm. Find Sawtell Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for up-to-date information or visit the website: sawtellnsw.com.au Collect your summer sessions loyalty card to be in the draw to win prizes every month. When Thursday 10th December. What Street closure, local musicians, buskers, entertainers, kids’ activities and rides, evening dining and shopping. How Easy. It’s free to visit and enjoy the entertainment under the fig trees in Sawtell’s Main Street (BYO chairs and rugs).

North Sapphire Beach are hosting a FREE family fun day for all in the area to enjoy in a spectacular beachfront location on Saturday 28th November, from 12pm - 4pm. Not to be missed, the event celebrates the official opening of the new display village, which features six new homes from six award-winning builders, including G.J Gardner, Perry Homes, Adenbrook, Blue Ribbon, McDonald Jones and Pycon Homes.

Christmas at bonville golf resort Bonville is the perfect venue for your Christmas party. Treat your staff or clients to the “Bonville experience”, with a Gourmet BBQ, Buffet or Set Menu in one of our function areas - why not book your group to play 9 or 18 holes first, to make your event even more fun! Christmas Day at Bonville Golf Resort provides a stress free experience, with traditional fare and a visit from Santa! For a Christmas to remember and a full menu listing, please contact Bonville on 6653 4002.

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Carols URUNGA When December 19, 2015 @ 5pm - 9:30pm. Where Morgo Street Reserve, 15 Morgo Street, Urunga NSW 2455 Contact Steve Allan / Greg McPhee 0408 613 967 / 0419 389 429 Cost Free.

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focusinterview.

Michael

LANGLEY P A T T E R N S

O F

L I F E

DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE PATTERNS THAT SURROUND HIM, MICHAEL LANGLEY’S WORK IS UNIQUE AND VIBRANT. FOCUS WAS INVITED OVER FOR A GLASS OF FINE WINE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Early contact with the area was the normal Sydney dweller’s constant surf trips up the North Coast. These surfaris always involved stopping in Coffs Harbour for a few days or weeks, depending on the surf and what else was happening in town. As life became busier in Sydney, those trips became unfortunately less frequent until about 14 years ago. It was at this time that my brother and myself sold up our share in Ozone Glass Design, a business we had established some 15 years before that. Following the sale, I moved to Scotts Head, where I lived for ten years, until moving to Coffs Harbour to live with my now wife, Sharon. Where does the inspiration for your work come from? Inspiration comes from the day-to-day patterns and experiences of life. It may be the shape and colour of a rock that gets into your head and swirls around until it comes out as something quite different. I think it varies for everyone; we all see different things and see things differently. By that, I mean we can be standing looking at the same view, but each of us is seeing different details, patterns and colours. 10 coffs coast focus.

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g been

Havin the computer to print. When and why surrounded by What artists do you did you start ty ri glass and the pu be admire and draw working on n of colour that ca influence from? these projects? e th achieved with I have varied tastes I spent over d te an w I material, to ee in art. Favourite 20 years working gr de a to to try y m in at painters in brief would with glass, much th e at ic repl be Jeffery Smart, of which was “art” new work. ” Hundertwasser, Reg related. I have always Mombassa (his landscapes), drawn. Having been Fred Williams, and I could go surrounded by glass and on and on. At the other end of the purity of colour that can the spectrum, some of the street artists in be achieved with the material, I wanted to Coffs Harbour for the stunning November try to a degree to replicate that in my new Reign event works are amazing. If it is good work. I really only started to concentrate on art, no matter what it is I think I draw some the new work around the time I moved to inspiration from it. Glass artists such as Scotts Head, when I had about 18 months Dante Marioni, Nick Mount, Ben Edols and off after I finished up with Ozone. Time Kathy Elliott - again I could go on and on. is obviously one of the key factors in any We are also surrounded with some artistic endeavour. amazing artists in the local area, some who How would you describe your style? would not be out of place on the world Different comes to mind. For a number stage. I particularly find the work of John of reasons I needed to develop a style Van Der Kolk inspirational on many levels. that allowed me to travel with my work. What projects are you working on at I therefore had to move away from the present? painting that I had been doing and create in At the moment I am working on pieces a different way. My love of glass and its pure for two exhibitions. One is a piece for a colour led me to printing. By printing my group show at the 1st Avenue Gallery in work, I could achieve the perfect flat, solid Sawtell. This opens on the 11th December. colour that reminded me of the qualities of The other body of work is for a solo show colour in glass and was exactly the “look” at Curve Gallery in Newcastle next year. that I wished to attain. Again, the need to If you could live anywhere in the world have a transportable medium led me to use

to experience a specific period of art, which would you choose and why? I would love to have been around Milan, when the whole Memphis Group was in full swing. The sense of colour and design was so fresh and unique; it would have been a really exciting time and place to be. Another would be during the Art Deco period. Everything from that movement really appeals to my aesthetic. I am not sure about living through that time period, however. What advice would you give to someone who is considering taking up art either as a profession or a hobby? I don’t really feel I am qualified to give anybody advice on anything; however, that has probably never stopped me. So the really deep and meaningful advice would be just do it and do it and keep doing it. If it doesn’t feel like something you have to do for your own personal wellbeing and fulfilment, then it is probably not. What are your plans for the future? To keep doing it. Where can people find out more about you and your art? At the moment I have a Facebook page, Michael Langley Art, where there are some images. I can be contacted through that. It also includes a plug for any exhibitions, classes, date, place, time. Thanks Michael.

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• mocktail of the month •

KARMA COFFEE ON THE ROCKS Check out the latest summer refresher from the team at Artisti … Karma cold drip coffee. What is this, you ask? We take Organic Karma Cola and brew it through our cold dripper. This tantalising beverage will surely have your taste buds in heaven - rich with caramel and toffee sweetness accented with a little bite of cold drip coffee, cold drip is sure to please. Enjoy on the rocks or with a dash of milk; enjoy the true iced cold extracted coffee with low caffeine for that smooth afternoon caffeine buzz. Mocktail from Artisti Coffee Roasters.

of The

mocktail of the month

• strawberry moscow mule •

The crew at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip have thrown a spring twist on a classic borne out of the 1940s Vodka craze. With muddled fresh strawberries, lime, Vodka and ginger beer over crushed iced, the Strawberry Moscow Mule sings out “put feet up and kick back” on a sunny spring day!

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ATTENTION HOME OWNERS Amazing New FREE DVD & Book Reveals how to Quickly and Easily Sell Your Home For Top Dollar! – as featured on CH 10

WARNING Don’t think about selling your home until YOU read this…NOW? I’ve got something important to tell you so I wanted to make sure I got your attention… hopefully I have done that. Since I’m writing to you about a no strings attached way for you to get a FREE copy of our new DVD & Book entitled “Sold!!! How To Quickly and Easily Sell Your Home for Top Dollar” total value of $94! If you’re intending to sell your home now or in the future and you’re concerned about whether you will achieve the right price... or how long it will take before you sell at all in the current market place... and you haven’t a clue where to start looking... then there is GOOD NEWS for you! You see this property market seller’s FREE DVD and book reveals exactly how to sell your property quickly and easily for top dollar. To get your very own FREE copy simply call our recorded message. Here’s what you will hear when you call. “Hi, Thank You for calling, to receive your FREE DVD and Book entitled “Sold!!! How To Quickly and Easily Sell Your Home for Top Dollar”, all you have to do is leave your name, your address and email address and we’ll send it out to you immediately. To avoid disappointment be sure to speak clearly and spell any difficult names and your address. Please leave your information after the beep.” After you have done that we will send it out to you the very same day you call. The DVD is FREE and the Book is FREE.

CALL 1300 813 579

focusinterview.

FU RNITURE

Big Garden Furniture has been producing high quality solid timber furniture locally for many years. All items are hand crafted from Australian hardwoods – and built to last a lifetime! Chrissy Jones chatted with Gareth and Lisa about their Woolgoolga based business ...

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Our favourite re piece of furnitu n ca e W . ed is the dayb at we honestly say th best e th of e m so make tralia and us A in s ed yb da item , being a comfort ppy ha ry ve r all of ou e.” customers agre

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ow long have you been involved with Big Garden Furniture? We took over in October 2008 and moved the operations from Halfway Creek to our factory in Woolgoolga, and in 2009 we opened the showroom at 1852 Solitary Islands Way, Woolgoolga (now opposite Woolworths). How has your business evolved over the years? I’d say the business has evolved in a huge way, as BGF was initially just making rustic styled outdoor furniture - something we still do now, only with a lot more finesse. We have now moved all the way in to hi-end joinery and bespoke furniture, creating amazing custom pieces and elegant dining chairs. We just made 10 custom dining chairs for a customer in Switzerland, so we’re now global! We have thought of changing the name of the business, as Big Garden Furniture isn’t synonymous with indoor furniture though our name/logo is so well known in our region and throughout NSW and QLD for building such good furniture, we decided to stay with our roots. We amaze many customers when they come to the showroom, as most think we make the furniture in the shed on site, though it’s a display shed that houses our indoor pieces and chairs. Where do you find inspiration for your creations? We find inspiration from "other" designers via websites and magazines and we’re always telling people, if you see something you like and want it made locally,

we can offer them an obligation free quote using local hardwoods. Is your business environmentally friendly? We can guarantee that we only use Australian products in the manufacture of our furniture: Bremick Fastners, Aussie Clear Oil, Warwick Fabrics, Pylon Coatings, Porta Dowells, Techniglue and Dunlop Foam are all Australian owned and operated companies we purchase from. Our timber is locally sourced and solar kilned, so we can manage a very small carbon footprint. What is your favourite piece of furniture? Our favourite piece of furniture is the daybed. We can honestly say that we make some of the best daybeds in Australia and being a comfort item, all of our very happy customers agree. Because we manufacture everything we sell, we can offer customers a choice of timber species, choice of fabric and choice of timber finishes. Our daybeds come complete with a high quality Dunlop mattress and handmade cushions to suit not many businesses can offer this kind of service. And yes, we can deliver and install. How does the future look for Big Garden Furniture - what's in store in 2016? 2016 is already shaping up to a big year for us, with forward bookings to mid February. We are also looking at expansion of the factory to accommodate bigger and better machinery, which will help streamline the manufacturing process and become more efficient for the long term. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas! Cheers, Gareth and Lisa Owen. Thanks Lisa and Gareth.

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focusinterview.

C O F F S

H A R B O U R

ORIGINALLY FORMED BY A SMALL HARDCORE CREW OF LOCALS, COFFS HARBOUR BOARDRIDERS CONTINUES TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH. CELEBRATING ITS 50TH YEAR, FOCUS PADDLED OUT WITH SOME OF ITS MEMBERS TO TAKE A LOOK AT A COLOURFUL AND SUCCESSFUL HISTORY.

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ow did the club begin? The club essentially was formed through the passion of 18 local surfers who wanted to travel and surf against all the other clubs in team events up and down the coast. Living that lifestyle was what drove this ambition, and they formed a team and club. When it first started, where were most of the competitions held and what clubs did CHBC surf against? In those early years between 1965 - 1968, the club was solely about teams events and would travel north to Lennox Head, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast and south to places like Crescent Head and plenty of other fun events. What was the club called then? The club was originally called the Coffs Harbour Surfriders Club. It has had a few name changes along the way; what were some of these? CHBC has had its fair share of changes, and this is one of the things that make this club so colourful. The original name of Coffs Harbour Surfriders Club was changed in 1969 to the Coffs Area Surfriders Club, which lasted into the early 1970s and was changed to Coffs Harbour Surfriders Association, which lasted until 1984, when the club had its last name change to the Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club - which now still stands. How many Presidents has the club had? Like any community organisation that is built on volunteering, you will see a turnover of quite a few head

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figures, and up to date we have seen 22 Presidents. Who have being some of the club members that have gone on to be successful? CHBC has had loads of successful surfers winning NSW and Australian Titles, although the achievements of Lee Winkler and Shaun Cansdell reaching the elite ASP World Championship Tour is without a doubt at the top. How have the local CHBC surfers gone when they have come up against world champions? s We must confes CHBC individual surfers have at th le ta a and tell come up against ASP World Chamto ce an ch e th Shaun had pions over the years, including y” cc k “O surf against Mar Geoff McSkimmings, who beat CT event W a in po lu O cchi Wayne “Rabbit“ Bartholomew in , only to er re early in his ca es up the early 1970s, and Mark Wiltim at he s muddle hi s liams after winning the Trials came mis the and completely d a true up against 4 x World Champion heat! Classic, an ” Mark Richards in the WCT event at Shauny tale! main events that Cronulla Point in the 1970s also, and CHBC has contribwent to battle with the great MR and uted to in Pro-Amateur, fell just short in the dying seconds. Shaun Amateur and Junior events Cansdell took down 2001 World Champion CJ are the Banana Republic Surf Hobgood in 2006, and Lee Winkler had quite a run Classic, HCF Coffs Classic and now over his career beating Sunny Garcia, Mark Occhiluone of the most prestigious junior events po, CJ Hobgood, Andy Irons, Mick Fanning and Joel in Australia, the Billabong OZ Grom Cup. Parkinson. Does the club have a lot of members at presWe must confess and tell a tale that Shaun had ent? the chance to surf against Mark “Occy“ Occhilupo Over the last three years, the club’s numbers have in a WCT event early in his career, only to muddle continued to increase - it’s around the 200 mark, his heat times up and completely miss the heat! and it’s very family oriented. Classic, and a true Shauny tale! The club had a great run last year in teams CHBC junior surfers have been dominant the events at national level. Tell us a bit about how last couple of seasons in individual events. Are this unfolded ... there a few who have potential to reach the The last 12 months the club has seen CHBC’s World Championship Tour? best success in its history, having received runner-up CHBC is roaring with junior talent and very lucky position in the three largest teams events in Austrato have these juniors coming through the ranks! lia’s history being the Kirra Teams Challenge (Gold Surfers who are competing at NSW and Australian Coast), Australian SurfTag Championships (North level for their specific age group within the club Narrabeen) and the Australian Boardriders Battle are Taj Watson, Ethan Stocks, Finn Askew, Hunter Final (Cronulla), where the club beat Joel Parkinson’s Winkler, Will Martin in the boys and Samahra Bye and Australia’s most successful club, Snapper Rocks and Carly Shanahan in the girls! Plenty of others are Surfriders Club, in the all important teams division! starting to make their mark also. This success is not only down to the surfers, but Has there been anyone who has dominated the the amazing people who currently run the club and CHBC Open Men’s Championship division over provide a professional environment for our surfers to the years? achieve to the best of their ability. The Open Men’s division is and always has been The club has its 50th anniversary on 12th the most prominent division at all Boardriders Clubs December at the club’s major sponsor, the Hoey Australia wide, and CHBC has had only five surfers Moey. What will the night involve? win three or more annual years; the tally has Mark The night will be full of fun, loads of laughs and Williams at five, Andrew Lindsay four, Greg Simpson lots of history from former Presidents! There will be three, Alex Maniatis three and Lee Winkler three. loads of honouring in areas of the club including CHBC has contributed greatly to Australian efforts, achievements and culture, along with amazsurfing development over the years and has ing food, music, videos, slide shows, Classic Single run many successful amateur and pro-amateur Fin (Lucky Door Prize) Giveaway - and to top it off events. Can you fill us in on these? we have the Godfather of Surfing, 1978 ASP World CHBC has contributed greatly, and part of the Champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew as our success also comes down to the location. This area host for the evening. This night will be remarkable. has plenty of variety in beaches and also a host of Thanks guys. amazing accommodation and food outlets. The

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focusinterview.

sky dive

SKYDIVE

WITH COFFS CITY SKYDIVE

Imagine you're sitting in the back of a plane, and as it reaches 12,000 ft, then the pilot tells you to open the door and jump out ... Sounds crazy! Well, not if you are the professional, fun loving legends that are Coffs Skydivers or one of their clients about to take the plunge. The Coffs FOCUS crew recently did just that ... and whilst there, we caught up with the company's chief instructor, Lawrence “Pom” Hill, to find out more about this awesome experience.

F

irstly, tell us where the nickname "Pom" comes from ... My last two years in England I was a gothic punk in the London scene. At 20 years old, I left England and came to Oz to meet my dad and find a new lifestyle! What's your connection with the Coffs Coast? I've lived and worked here for 19 years - 10 years as a Scuba Diving instructor at Divequest, Mullaway; nine years as a professional skydiver at Coffs Skydivers. That’s 19 years' teaching adventure sports. Can you give the readers an indication of how many jumps you have done? Approximately 4,237 jumps. What do you love most about your job? Screaming and shouting and carrying on like a pork chop … and getting paid for it! It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle. I’ve been chasing adrenalin sports all of my life, which culminated in me becoming a skydiving instructor at age 41. High points are the skydive community/ 18 coffs coast focus.

family, sharing something I love with new greet, the jokes start flowing, the energy starts people, jumping with my friends I building, and the fun begins. Half an have known for many years, hour later, after paperwork and and meeting people from training, we are in the plane all over the world. at the end of the runway How did you ready for take-off. Yeeha It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle . I’ve become interested let’s go! As we climb to renalin been chasing ad in the sport? 15,000 ft, there are life, sports all of my I tried every other more jokes and beautiful ed in me which culminat ing adrenalin sport I scenery. Time to skydive. iv becoming a skyd . ” could find. For my Pilot shouts: “DOOR!” e 41 instructor at ag 30th birthday I did a We open it and jump into tandem skydive - and freedom. Have a fabulous loved it. I had found what time with my passenger, and I was looking for. My life took then land on the beach. High 5s, a left hand turn, and I’ve never pose for a few pictures, laugh with been the same since - and that’s a good their family, in the van, and back to the thing. drop zone. Wave goodbye to my new friend. How does a typical day begin for Let’s do it all over again. you? Describe what you are feeling when you Get my four daughters up and ready for jump? high school. I have triplet 13 year olds and a When I leave that aircraft, I am utterly 16-year-old daughter (they have all done a present in the moment. This phenomenon has tandem skydive). Once at work, join the team led my brain and body to a place of focus and preparing the skydiving centre for the day’s possibility I once could never have imagined. activities. First customers arrive, we meet and This sense of overcoming my limitations and

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fears ... Sometimes I look back in shock at where I’ve come from and what I have been able to achieve. You're lucky to be experiencing this on a daily basis. How did you get here? Ten years ago Steve asked whether I would consider becoming a skydiving instructor. I laughed at him, because I did not believe I had the abilities and could never imagine myself in that role. Twelve months later, I completed my first instructor rating. Within four years I became the chief instructor of Coffs Skydivers and also a parachute rigger. Someone believed in me, and I began to learn that my limitations were a story that I had made up in my head, and it was very not true. Through skydiving and the support of the team (my good friends), I started to see the person who was inside. This journey has been nothing short of amazing. Once I was willing to be truthful about what I wanted, and who I wanted to be, my self-doubt turned to selfbelief, and I began to exceed my limitations. And this is something you guys hope to embrace in the relaunching of the brand? Yes, Coffs Skydivers is my community,

focusinterview.

It was like every bit of adrenalin d I had experience ing at od pl since birth ex as w ll fa ee fr e once . Th ant w ’t dn di I e; awesom .” en the chute to op

“ my second home, my sport, my challenge, my peace. After 20 years, Coffs Skydivers has evolved into a skydiving centre with a deep connection to team and personal development. To reflect this, we are rebranding and launching a new website. Does it take long to teach someone how to skydive? Four days. What is involved for someone to be able to undertake solo jumps? We teach people to learn to skydive solo via the Accelerated Freefall programme (AFF). The AFF is designed to allow maximum learning and development in a short space of time, with 30 seconds freefall on your first jump. We start with a full day of ground training, where you are introduced to all aspects of skydiving. Upon completion of this day (including an exam), you are ready to go skydiving. During the nine stages the instructors guide you through freefall, assisting body position and procedures and during canopy flight until you can fly unassisted. How does the local area rate for conditions? The subtropical environment allows us to go skydiving all year around. The views are second to none, comprising the Solitary Islands Marine Reserve with the backdrop of the Great Dividing Range. Do you have a wide range of different people skydiving?

We’ve taken people ranging from 10 years of age up to 92 years of age. Does the thrill ever decrease for you, after so many jumps? After 20 years' skydiving, it still excites me, challenges me, and I feel that the learning curve is still as steep as it ever was. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in taking up skydiving? Go for it! For myself, and everyone that I know, the journey of learning to skydive is incredible. As much as the physical journey of learning to jump out of planes, fly your body and parachutes is incredible, it is the personal journey of learning to believe that I can do this and I am responsible for my own life, is the part that really changes our view on what is possible. On the other side of fear is freedom. Thanks Lawrence. Recently Coffs Skydivers invited the Coffs FOCUS staff to partake in a morning tandem jump. After the mandatory paperwork and safety discussion, there was a chance to have a pre jump chat and a cuppa. Both crews were full of energy and excitement, though some of the FOCUS staff seemed a little nervous. Below are brief descriptions of how the

crew felt post jump, with their feet safely back on Mother Earth. NICCI SECCOMBE This was probably one of the best experiences I have ever had in the thirty years I have been alive. I was very apprehensive in the plane but as soon as I jumped, my Serotonin levels went sky high. With natural adrenalin pumping and the most amazing views anyone could experience, I suddenly realised how people get addicted to the sport of skydiving. The team at Coffs Skydivers were absolute legends, and I definitely recommend it and will go again in a heartbeat! JENNI SAVILLE To me, skydiving is an experience that is hard to describe with words. It’s more like AARRHHHH as you free fall from 12,000 ft from a perfectly good plane. This was my fourth jump, and by far the BEST jump I have ever done. Steve, my tandem jumper, challenged me to exit the plane backwards - an opportunity that I accepted with heightened excitement. Edging out to exit the plane, looking up to the sky instead of looking down to the ground, I checked my heart rate monitor and saw it registering 150 bpm. The next step was unexpected, as we completed two back flips on exit. Oh wow ... The feeling of the unknown! The day was perfect for sight seeing over

the beautiful Coffs Coast, the beach and the hinterland. Then came the landing, as Steve and I came in low over the water dragging our feet and feeling the refreshing cool spray up our feet and landing perfectly on the soft sand. Thank you, Coffs Skydivers, for an amazing experience. RUSSELL PELL I was freaking nervous on the way up in the plane, and Pom kept chatting with me about snowboarding and other sports that we share an interest in, either to distract me or to calm me down - or both. At 12,000 feet when they opened the door, I was thinking, “You have got to be kidding me” - and then we jumped… It was like every bit of adrenalin I had experienced since birth exploding at once. The freefall was awesome; I didn’t want the chute to open. Once it did, the view was inspirational coming in over the water, onto the beach, was a great way to finish. This was an amazing experience and was only possible due to the crew of professional, fun loving legends that are Coffs Skydivers. You need to skydive! When are we getting the flight suits out, Pom? Coffs FOCUS and Coffs Skydivers will be hooking up again in March for another team building exercise. Stay tuned, as the adventure continues ... coffs coast focus.

19

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Tarraray Pet Retreat KlausTel Starting a new business, relocating or expanding ... Call us for an easy solution, great advice and customised service to setting up your telephone systems, telephone lines, NBN and data cabling. Personalised service with cost effective phone systems, no interest payment plans, no long term contracts and three year warranties. Our consultations are free, with no big sales pressure - and remember at Klaustel, the same people that sell you the equipment are the same people who install and maintain it.” The Aristel MYPBX with direct connection to the NBN VoIP lines has unlimited phone lines, up to 100 handsets with voicemail per extension, voicemail to email, auto attendant calls can be automatically transferred directly out to mobiles, phones, other offices, businesses or internally; the ability to link systems together via the internet and external extensions via the internet keeps businesses with multiple offices connected as one. Call 6651 5288 or email info@klaustel.com.au today for great deals on our NBN and phone line pricing Locals looking after locals. Wishing you and your families a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

New owners Bec and Scott would like to invite all pet owners on the Coffs Coast and beyond to come and inspect their great facility that is Tarraray Pet Retreat, located south of Coffs in Bonville. Dog and cat boarding is what we do, but is not the only thing. If you have a pet and you need it looked after, having a party or just out of the way for some renovations, bring them out to Tarraray Pet Retreat. Axolotls to Zebra Finches, we welcome and care for them all. If you haven’t seen Tarraray Pet Retreat, put it on your bucket list. Our facility is not your average boarding kennel. Purposely built with 4 inch concrete exterior, double insulated glass, insulated roof and ceilings and reverse cycle air-con for those balmy hot Coffs days and for that odd cold day we have. Open between 9am - 12pm and 3pm - 5pm weekdays, 9am10am and 3pm - 4pm weekends, we welcome anyone in these hours. If our front door is open, every door is. We really want people to feel comfortable in where they are leaving their beloved pet. There is no need to book to have a look; we have nothing to hide. From backpacking to flashpacking, there is something for everyone. Our rates start at $20 per day for dogs, $15 for cats and from $10 for rabbits, birds etc. with no extra charges for administering meds or catering for individual special needs/ diet. We look forward to meeting you all.

Langlands Property Langlands Property want the process of buying and selling to be the celebration it should be. No excuses; just results. We are excited to have shaped an organisation that excels at every level, continually reinventing ourselves to find better ways to achieve our clients’ goals. We are committed to being recognised as “The Coffs Coast’s most customer-centric real estate company” and will accept nothing less. Langlands Property is known for quality marketing and effective sales strategies that recognise the importance of understanding both online and print marketing. Through the use of technology and good old fashioned customer service, we will maximise your results, while continuing to offer an outstanding experience. Proud to sell a full range of properties, from modest apartments to prestige homes, with every property receiving the same high level attention, as we strive to achieve the very best price. Amanda Langlands, our founder, is a Coffs Coast local who wants to share her love for the region through real estate. In the establishment of Langlands Property, Amanda and her team have the opportunity to showcase properties, look after clients’ investments and also share what Coffs Coast has to offer.

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Simpson Building Group Simpson Building Group has been a successful Australian family owned company in the construction industry since its inception in 2003. As a consequence of our expertise through years of experience, commitment and repetitive engagement, we continue to retain and grow our long list of valued clients in many areas. We have successfully delivered many projects for the private commercial sector, residential and NSW government departments. Simpson Building Group’s capacity to deliver quality projects within programme and on budget comes from the quality of the long serving direct employees, apprentices and our preapproved group of specialised subcontractors and consultants. Simpson Building Group leverages its skills and experience to provide tailored solutions to enhance clients’ businesses. We work with our clients to deliver expenditure, time and rework savings. We start by ensuring we understand our clients’ business objectives, and then match our service delivery to enhance these outcomes, including cost efficiencies. At Simpson Building Group we manage all works with an innovative and committed approach to ensure the client’s environmental, social and economic requirements are met. So why not call us today for a chat to see why we pride ourselves on putting the quality back in to construction.

A lovely look For your home We can supply you with and we can fix almost any timber flooring for you. We offer a one stop shop approach to you, our local client base. We do domestic, insurance and commercial jobs. Our team of professionals will be there with you from the start of your timber flooring experience, all the way ‘til the end, when you will have a lovely new timber floors. When it comes to the sanding and polishing of your timber floors, this is the most important part of your flooring experience; this is what is going to greet you each and every day when you come home from work. We will look after your home like it was our own home. We do a series of sands over the entire floor, as well as the edges close to the walls. All the nails and any imperfections, small holes and end joints will be filled with a timber filler designed for the floors species that you have. The floor will then have another sand with a finer belt to finish off the process. The floors will then be vacuumed, and walls, skirting boards and bench tops will be dusted off and vacuumed again. Four generations and over 25 years’ experience.

HIRE A HUBBY coffs harbour What is your area of expertise? Hire A Hubby Coffs Harbour provides a wide range of services, from general handyman repairs to full home renovations and real estate maintenance. We consider ourselves experts in the regular maintenance of homes, and renovations of kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, but there really is no job too big or too small. We’ve gone from painting a living room, to assembling a cubby house, to high-pressure cleaning a driveway, to fitting a new kitchen, all in the space of a couple of days. What makes your business stand out? As a family run franchising business, Hire A Hubby Coffs Harbour is run with passion and integrity. We put our hearts in everything we do, so insist on providing the highest quality service for our customers and the Coffs Harbour region. With a great brand like Hire A Hubby behind us, we are able to provide an added bonus of a 100% workmanship guarantee. We’re fully licensed, insured, and we carry photo ID for your peace of mind. What is the best thing about your job? The people - definitely! No two days are the same, and we can thank our wonderful and loyal customers for this.

Ben Gray COFFS HARBOUR • CARPENTRY • PLASTERING • FENCING • ROOFING

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• PAINTING • TILING • DOORS & WINDOWS • LOCKS & SCREENS

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Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate medium to target vulnerable people. But it is also a timely reminder that we as parents need to ensure that our kids are actually living in the real world, living their life, laughing with friends, going to the beach and playing sport, all without the need to post their next selfie to prove they have a better life than the next person or to measure their sense of popularity and self-worth. I realise that teens measure their popularity ONLINE SAFETY TIPS by the number of followers or friends they have FOR PARENTS and the number of “likes” they receive on a post, but this is the concern. Somehow in our conversations with our kids we need to highlight that the measurement should actually be the number of people you know in your friends and followers list, plus the number of these you would say hello to in the street or actually hang out with. I think it’s also important to encourage your teens to have a purpose with their social media; don’t post for the sake of posting and live waiting to count the likes to validate your selfAS OUR SOCIETY ADAPTS TO THE INCREDIBLE CHANGES worth for the day. Talk to your kids about posting TECHNOLOGY HAS INTRODUCED, I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT THAT because they have taken a stunning photo that is WE AS PARENTS ENCOURAGE OUR CHILDREN (AND REMIND worthy of sharing - make it about the photo, not OURSELVES) TO FIND A HEALTHY BALANCE BETWEEN LIVING the shares or the like count. LIFE AND LIVING LIFE THROUGH THE SCREEN OF A DEVICE. That said, it’s about balance - and it’s therefore also important to understand that Social Media ecently there have been some completely lost touch with reality and has no idea is not all bad if used well. It allows teens to eye opening confessions from who she is or what she really stands for. (There accomplish many of the tasks that are important social media super stars regarding is, of course, some debate about whether this to them and can offer them deeper benefits that the fake life that they have been was in itself a publicity stunt - but regardless, I extend into their sense of self, including: portraying through their online believe the message to be important.) • staying connected with friends and family personality status. Just last month model Essena This is a tragic testimonial of the impact • making new friends O’Neill spoke out about how through living that the pressures of social media can have on • sharing pictures and exchanging ideas for Instagram and her paid advertisers she has a person and how corporations are using this • sharing with the community and the world,

cyber mum.

Look up

R

including enhanced learning opportunities • accessing health information • the opportunity for community engagement through, say, raising money for charity or volunteering for local events, including political and philanthropic events • developing creativity through sharing of artistic and musical endeavours, growth of ideas from the creating of blogs, podcasts, videos and gaming sites • expansion of online connections through shared interests to include others from more diverse backgrounds (such communication is an important step for all adolescents and affords the opportunity for respect, tolerance and increased discourse about personal and global issues) • development of individual identity and unique social skills. From the words of a very powerful YouTube video Look Up by Gary Turk. “I have 422 friends, yet I am lonely. I speak to all of them every day, yet none of them really know me. The problem I have sits in the spaces between, looking into their eyes, or at a name on a screen. I took a step back, and opened my eyes; I looked around and realised that this media we call social, is anything but. When we open our computer, it’s our doors that we shut …” Thank you for reading my column this year! I wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and encourage you to put away your devices and spend time with the ones you love. Cyber Mum. www.cybermumaus.com cybermum-aus@hotmail.com

coffs coast focus.

23

focusinterview.

EVOLVING with

Kerry Grace Kerry Grace is a dynamo. When you are in the same room as her, you feel the optimism emitting from her like electricity in a summer storm. FOCUS caught up with her in between a webinar and a workshop for a glass of homemade lemonade to find out how she is helping mums take the next step with their business ventures.

W

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? My family is from Bowraville in the Nambucca Valley. After living in Sydney for close to a decade, I moved home in 2003 to raise my family and run my business, Evolve Network. What do you love most about this area? I love living in regional Australia. I love the easygoing nature of the community and the clean and beautiful environment. I also love the opportunity to create and innovate, and I find rural communities lend themselves to this. Can you briefly describe what it is that you do? I am a coach who works with people to ignite their true values (I say what matters most to them), and then provide support via our programmes to move into action. Support can include anything from an action plan to business tutorials, podcasts and online programmes. We are very much about enabling people to determine which pathway will work for them the best, and then supporting that to happen. It’s like a mash up of consultancy, training and coaching. My most recent venture is about coaching mums in business. This is a fairly new enterprise. Tell us a bit about the journey of the last few years ... While Evolve Network has existed for over 12 years, supporting mums in business is relatively new. I have a burning social conscience, and for a long time Evolve 24 coffs coast focus.

Network focused in nurture in all of my three the realm of “fixing” kids. If you have a g disadvantage. What are some the in rn dream or bu ur Through this lens unique challenges yo it passion, make d un so we had a natural working in a regional ht ig reality. It m is ly al re e affiliation with the area? lif t corny bu t on ou s is m to not for profit sector. For a long time I t or too sh atter m at th gs in However, 2010 was an struggled to find “my th e th enormous turning point people”. Even though most to you.” for me personally - and it was probably my own the organisation. I realised perception, I didn’t feel that that if the things that were I fit in with mums’ groups when set to “fix” people were going to my kids were smaller, and yet my work, they would have a long time ago. I parenting responsibilities made fitting also realised that small and micro business into business events (which often happen at have an enormous role to play in creating night) difficult as well. In the end, I bridged this change in community. And so, we stopped gap by building a massive online community. spitting out documents and started our online Now my online community also includes a lot support and coaching programmes. It was of like-minded local people. at that point I knew it was also time to start How can an individual or group benefit supporting other mums in business. I believe from the service that the Evolve Network meaningful employment, or self-employment, offers? makes an enormous change in a person’s life. Simple. If you find yourself in a position How did you become involved in this where you’re stuck, like you’re really wanting sector? to create some sort of change - whether it’s in Working with mums in business is your community, your business, or your life and something that found me. For a long time I’d you aren’t sure where to turn, or how to move get contacted by mums who wanted to get into action - get in touch. The easiest way is more out of their business, with a particular to just pick up the phone and let us help you focus on work-life balance and productivity, determine what will be a good fit for you. so eventually I decided to pursue this area. From your experience and learning what I’m very passionate about the role that would be a few key pieces of advice mums play in inspiring the next generation you could give our readers, in regards through entrepreneurialism. It’s incredible to making more informed balanced how much kids soak up, and I’ve noticed an decisions? entrepreneurial spark which I’m delighted to Remember that you cannot please everyone.

“

Take some time to understand what outcome you hope for and why. Make a long list of options, including ones that may seem out of the realms of possibility. Give each option at least a few minutes of serious thought (sometimes the craziest sounding options are the best ones). Come back to what matters most to you and consider your gut feeling as you make up your mind. Gather together a cheer squad to support you to move into action and move forward. A friend of mine said recently, “There are no right or wrong decisions - just a variety of consequences”. What are your plans for the next 12 months with your work? In 2016 we have a massive amount of opportunities to connect, from Facebook groups and online programmes to retreats, workshops and coaching. Any parting words? If you have a dream or burning passion, make it your reality. It might sound corny, but life really is too short to miss out on the things that matter most to you. What’s coming up for the Evolve Network? We’re offering a free lunchtime webinar for mums in business on Thursday 10 December, which will cover tips to keep your business running while you’re at the beach, juggling your business and school holidays, navigating the naysayers and creating a vision for the year ahead. Contact Kerry Grace on (02) 6568 1162 Visit www.evolvenetwork.com.au for further information. Thanks Kerry.

BOB WALLIS CYCLES

coffsproperty Are you truly serious about selling your business? Ready to take that Mediterranean Cruise or go around Australia in the van - that still has not left the shed? If this is you, we need to talk ! Want to receive the most value that you deserve from the sale of your business, and are you prepared to do the work that will achieve you ultimate result? If you answered yes, let me help you achieve these important goals! With over 30 years of business knowledge, business coaching, creating, preparing and selling successful businesses, I’m sure we can work together to build, prepare and sell your business. Whether you’re for sale now or getting closer to the time, contact me for a strictly confidential discussion. Remember - no sale, no fees!

Congratulations to all our riders who took part in the MS Sydney to Wollongong Charity ride. We managed to raise $10,000 for the event, and I must say a big thank you to our riders for their fundraising efforts and to everyone who donated and to Luke and his staff at Artisiti Café. We had a great weekend away and beautiful weather for the scenic ride through the National Park and along the South Coast. With Christmas fast approaching, we have bikes to suit every style and age of rider, with some great specials still available on 2015 model Treks and Cannondales. You can layby up to Christmas, and our BWC Gift Vouchers make a great present for that hard to buy for person. We have the full range of Oakley cycling and running glasses in store at BWC, and for this month we have a great deal - 10% off the price plus a free Oakley Black Magic Cap with each purchase. With the latest Prizm lense technology and High Definition Optics, Oakley sunglasses really enhance your sporting activities. All the staff at BWC would like to wish our customers and their families a happy and safe Christmas with plenty of great riding.

coffs coast focus.

25

focusinterview.

Jeremy ARTIST OF THE MONTH Artist and teacher Jeremy Sheehan has an affinity with the ocean and the local Coffs Coast. Having inspired a joint

jeremy sheehan project that included local Coffs

artists, students and members of various Pacific Islands and also

recently featuring in Sculpture By The Sea on the cliffs of Bondi, FOCUS took a stroll up and over Muttonbird Island to find out more about the artist ...

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I grew up here, and after travelling to many places years ago with what I guess must've been some kind of subconscious checklist, I found that the Coffs Coast ticks all the boxes - well, more than anywhere else anyway. We really do live in a special place. Could you briefly describe how you became interested in the visual arts? I've always been a bit of a daydreamer, maybe an idealist, but also have a busy mind. A tricky combination, I suppose. For me, visual art is a way of making concepts and thoughts tangible. It's a great way to process things and also explore, perhaps even change, the world around us. Can you briefly describe your current project? Sure, but keeping it brief might be a bit of a challenge. The project has ended up being bigger than Ben Hur, and I'm just a part of it really - perhaps the one who does the most worrying or the person who holds strings to a heap of balloons in the wind and has to stop them going off in different directions. It's a collaborative project that centres around ocean plastics and sea birds. A group of artists and students here in Coffs sent 22 bird

26 coffs coast focus.

sculptures out to islands across the Pacific. We Every bird that made a skeleton for has come back the birds out of ocean ge and involved hu a has plastic and covered ed , back story attach hat it with materials that w ’s at th and really would break down. l about the project is al Along with the uch as - the story as m ” . birds, we sent a kit and anything else things needed to make a similar bird to each island; the idea was that artists and people on each island would in turn make a bird and send it back to us as a kind of swap of artworks. The birds made on the islands also have a skeleton of found ocean plastics, but We had some truly amazing responses, with they are covered with different material people from all walks of life involved, from stuff that is relevant to each island, and over the Australian High Commission on some time this too breaks down to expose the islands, to museums, schools, cultural groups permanent plastic skeleton that will be left and traditional weavers. Every bird that has behind. This is intended to be a metaphor for come back has a huge and involved back story what's happening to real sea birds like our attached, and really that's what the project is Muttonbirds; it's also a kind of metaphor for all about - the story, as much as anything else. what's happening to the islands throughout Where did the inspiration for this work Oceania, with the impact of globalisation and originate? climate change. From a desire to make visible what is With the bird sculptures going out to, and happening to our oceans that grew out of the coming back from, specific islands, the idea TAFE classroom. We made a work along similar was to create a map of the flight path and lines that was installed with the fantastic help migration of the Muttonbirds, overlaid with the of National Parks at Muttonbird Island last year migration of plastic through our ocean. - from there I started to wonder about bigger

“

things, migration of the birds, and what else could happen. Recently the project was part of Sculpture By The Sea in Bondi. Tell us about that experience ... It was an incredible experience. The people at Sculpture by the Sea have great kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for art. It was an awesome thing to be part of. It was quite a mission to get the work set up, though. By the opening weekend of the show we had installed the work five times and dismantled it four times. In the evening of the first day when we had put the work up, there was thunder and lightning almost on top of us, so we took it down again. The day after that we had just

focusinterview.

Jeremy ARTIST OF THE MONTH

finished installing the work, when we heard there was a hail warning, so we had to take it down again - and then on the opening day of the show it was pouring rain, winds were around 40 knots by the afternoon and gusting at 100 km at dinner time. Down the birds came again! T hey had a rest for a day while the storm eased, then we put them up the following dawn. Thankfully, the weather after that was perfect for two days, and the response to the work was overwhelming. More storms followed, and the birds survived these and the attention of thousands of school kids. How do you hope the project will influence those who view it? Thankfully, one of the things I noticed in Sydney when I was installing the work was that people have been responding to the project in a way that is better than we had hoped for. They are participating in the work, worrying about the birds in the weather, looking after them (the Tamarama Surf Club offered to store the birds inside the club during storms) and telling the stories of the work, the birds and the islands to other people. They are adding to the message and passing it on. Making the work was about bringing a community together across thousands of miles of ocean; to see a wider community form

Making the work was about unity bringing a comm together across iles of thousands of m er id w a e se ocean; to rm fo ity un m com k has around the wor .” tic been fantas

“

around the work has been fantastic. As an artist, how would you describe your style and approach to a subject? Time, chance and happenstance are big factors in my work. I like to make things that don't necessarily last and capture a sense of impermanence and loss along the way. Sometimes this captures a unique fragile beauty or transports a message or idea in an effective way; other times the works can end up like a bit of a train crash. Sometimes the subject dictates the materials that are used, and other times it's the materials or everyday objects that inspire the subject they seem to be telling part of a story that I try and tap into. Where do you find inspiration? I used to think it could be found under every leaf, rock or piece of wood, but I've started looking outside the natural world and now think you can find inspiration at every turn. Just about every object or material has a story to tell, and every situation can be a springboard for new ideas. To find inspiration, all you need to do is give yourself a chance to look.

You also work as a teacher of visual arts. Tell us a bit about this ... It's a great job. I love it; my students are inspiring. I work at TAFE with some great artists, teachers and students from all walks of life. It's a fantastic experience. When everybody gets together in the studio, it's as though a kind of synergistic magic takes place - creativity goes through the roof, and amazing things get made. If you could live anywhere in the world to experience a specific period of art, which would you choose and why? I'd go for right now. I think we are at an important place in the history of art, where just about anything or any object can become the medium to be transformed into something else. On top of that, there is a real need for art and creativity - whether it's to show us how to see beauty and the world around us again, to reuse and reclaim the material excesses of the last century, or highlight a particular issue, it's all happening. We need to change in so many ways, and art can be a catalyst for that change

- it's very exciting. What advice would you give to someone who is considering taking up art either as a profession or a hobby? Just about everyone seems to have an opinion about art, and they're pretty keen to share it. They are only opinions after all; choose the ones you listen to wisely. Come along to TAFE, or find someone to learn from and develop ideas with; it’s the best thing you can do. What are your plans for the future of this project? I think it still has quite a way to go, but the direction it heads in isn't wholly up to me or the other collaborators any more. The public response or reaction to the work was always intended to be a major part of the project. So far this response has been fantastic, we have taken it to a point where it has a life of its own, and where it goes from here will be determined by how the community continues to respond. Plans are underway for a new Diploma of Visual Arts group to start at TAFE in February next year. It will be a great course, and it would be good to see you there. Thanks Jeremy. coffs coast focus.

27

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flooded gums restaurant Thespring springmenu menuatatthe theFlooded FloodedGums Gumsisisininfull fullflflow. ow.InInthe thewarmer warmer The months, there there isis no no better better place place to to be, be, as as when when the the sun sun goes goes down, down, the the months, Flooded Gums Gums restaurant restaurant at at Bonville Bonville Golf Golf Resort Resort isis transformed transformed into into an an Flooded intimate fifine ne dining dining experience experience -- the the best best Coffs Coffs Harbour Harbour has has to to offer. offer. intimate Flooded Gums Gums have have received received an an Award Award of of Excellence Excellence (Wine (Wine Spectator Spectator Flooded Magazine Wine Wine List List of of the the Year Year Awards Awards -- only only property property in in regional RegionalNSW NSWto Magazine to be awarded). A wine featuring release current vintages be awarded). A wine list list featuring ageage release andand current vintages from from acclaimed producers the greatest regions; the potential for serious acclaimed producers in theingreatest regions; the potential for serious food foodwine and matching wine matching is limitless. and is limitless.

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84 Ocean Ocean Parade, Parade, Coff Coffss Harbour Harbour 84 6652 3833 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au www.hoeymoey.com.au 6652

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

Shop 6656

days. Mon Mon -- Thurs Thurs & & Sun:12pm Sun:12pm 77 days. 2:30pm; 5:30 5:30 -- 8:30pm. 8:30pm. Fri Fri -- Sat: Sat: -- 2:30pm; 12pm -- 2:30pm; 2:30pm; 5.30 5.30 -- 9pm. 9pm. 12pm

Open 77 nights; nights; bookings bookings essential. essential. Open

Monda and Sund

la hacienda 101 la hacienda 101with la hacienda 101 La Hacienda 101 a funky ol’ building

La Hacienda 101 a funky ol’ building with ambience a quirky vibe. David Lagreat Hacienda 101 aand funky ol’ building with great ambience and a quirky vibe. David and ambience Michael invite intovibe. a little bit of great and ayou quirky David and Michael invite you into littlebit bitofbeers, of their Mexico. With over 25 Mexican a and Michael invite you into a alittle their Mexico. With over 25 Mexican beers, a selection of cocktails and a wine list to suit their Mexico. With over 25 Mexican beers, a selection cocktails and wine listto tosuit suitit plus theofof selection ofand Mexican soft drinks, selection cocktails a awine list plus the selection of Mexican soft drinks, it willthe be selection hard to choose whatsoft to try first. itThen plus of Mexican drinks, will be hard to choose what to try fi rst. Then comes the menu with a blend of authentic will be hard to choose what to try first. Then comes theso; menu withaablend blend authentic and not it iswith again hard toofof choose what to comes the menu authentic and not so; isagain again hard choose whattoto have on this Hence ...toto after thiswhat experience and not so; ititistrip. hard choose have onthis this trip.Hence Hence afterthis thisexperience experience youon will betrip. booking your next visit soon with have ......after you will be booking your next visit soon friends and family. “Day of the Dead” iswith you will be booking your next visit soon with friends andfamily. family. “Day theDead” Dead” is celebrated over the lastofof weekend of isOctober, friends and “Day the celebrated over thelast last weekend October, so be sureover to book. Then for a Christmas party celebrated the weekend ofofOctober, so besure book.Then Thenfor fora aChristmas Christmas party so be totobook. with asure difference, think outside the box.party With with difference, think outside thebox. box. With with aadifference, think outside the With winning the FOCUS 2015 signature dish and winning the FOCUS2015 2015 signature dish and to winning the FOCUS signature and with our popularity, please book indish advance with our popularity,please please book advancetoto with our popularity, book ininadvance avoid disappointment at the door. avoid disappointment at the door. avoid disappointment at the door.

DRIFTWOOD dining and café DRIFTWOOD and café SURF ST CAFÉdining Emerald BeaCH DRIFTWOOD and café Park Beach Bowls is excited todining announce the opening of its new casual

Surf Café is lessisthan 15 minutes’ drivethe from Coffs Harbour oncasual the Park Beach Bowls excited totoannounce opening of ParkSt Beach Bowls isDriftwood. excited announce the opening of its its new new casual dining experience, new highway. dining experience, Driftwood. dining experience, Driftwood. Conveniently located on Ocean Parade, Driftwood offers relaxed dining Conveniently located on Ocean Parade, Driftwood offers relaxed dining Located atwith Emerald Beach with one of the best views on the coast, Conveniently located on Ocean Parade, Driftwood offers relaxed dining facilities delicious modern Australian cuisine for lunch and dinner facilities with delicious modern Australian for and facilities with delicious modern Australian cuisine forlunch lunch and dinner dinner check the surf and watch thealso whales whilecuisine you 9:30am enjoy breakfast or lunch every day. Café options are available from daily. every Café every day. Caféoptions optionsare arealso alsoavailable availablefrom from9:30am 9:30amdaily. daily. on theday. deck. Enjoy our Coffee and Cake of the Day special for only $6.50 or choose $6.50, or choose Enjoy Coffee and ofofthe Day special for only $6.50 choose Enjoyour ourcosy Coffee andCake Cake the Daywe special for onlypricing.) $6.50 or choose from our great $10 selections. (Member Inside it’s atvalue night for lunch dinner, and have heaters if youor wish to from our great value $10 lunch selections. (Member pricing.) from our great value $10 lunch selections. (Member pricing.) be outside. Become a member for only $5 and get discounts on all meals and drinks. Becomea amember memberfor foronly only$5 $5and andget getdiscounts discountson onall allmeals meals and and drinks. drinks. Become So come try and our NEW mouthwatering menu at Club prices. Our food isdown fresh,and local, prepared by award winning chefs. club comedown downand andtry tryour ourNEW NEWmouthwatering mouthwateringmenu menuat at Club Clubprices. prices. SoSocome prices. Kids welcome! Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert Kidswelcome! welcome! Kids $10, and the menu changes every week.

Surf Club Restaurant & Bar Open seven days for breakfast and lunch from 7am.

Our beachside deck has been fully glassed in and newly carpeted, making it entirely weatherproof, so it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Please book to reserve your spot on the deck, so you don’t miss out.

Head Chef Head Chef Head Head GerryChef Spatz. Sam Allinson. Gerry Gerry Spatz.

Head Chef & Co-Owner Matt Donovan. Owners Michael Owners Michael Owners Michael and David. and andDavid. David.

Taking bookings now for your Christmas party!

60 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 60Ocean Ocean Parade, Coff Harbour 60 Coff ssHarbour 6652 3622Parade, www.pbbc.com.au/dining 6656 1888 66523622 3622 www.surfstreet.com.au www.pbbc.com.au/dining 6652 www.pbbc.com.au/dining

Café open daily from 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Open 7 days Wednesday -daily Sunday breakfast & lunch Caféopen opendaily fromfor 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Open days 9:30am. 12 - 2:30pm.Dinner Dinner5.30-8.30pm. 5:30 - 8:30pm. Open 7 days. Café from 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Open 77 days Thursday - Saturday for dinner.

Veal Carpaccio and house made Gnocci VealCarpaccio andand house made Gnocci Veal and house made Gnocci with aCarpaccio blue cheese walnut sauce. withaablue bluecheese cheeseand andwalnut walnutsauce. sauce. with

Pizza Vino Vino Pizza Pizza Vino Matt, Adam and the team welcome you this

Matt,Adam Adam and and the the team team welcome welcome you you this this Matt, spring to Coff’s Harbour’s newest place to eat

Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, 101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach Surf Club Road, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour 101 Fiddaman 101 Fiddaman Rd,Emerald EmeraldBeach Beach 6656 1633 Rd, www.lahacienda101.com 6652 9870 www.surfclubparkbeach.com 6656 66561633 1633 www.lahacienda101.com www.lahacienda101.com

Open 7 days during school holidays Open 77days during school Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days a weekfrom Open days during schoolholidays holidays 5pm ‘til EDST. (Daylight Saving). from for breakfast and lunch. from5pm 5pm‘til ‘tilEDST. EDST.(Daylight (DaylightSaving). Saving).

coffs coast focus.

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60 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3622 www.pbbc.com.au/dining

101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com Open 7 days during school holidays from 5pm ‘til EDST. (Daylight Saving).

Café open daily from 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Open 7 days

PorkCarpaccio Wellington (pork filletglazed rolledGnocci w BBQ, honey andand balsamic pork Veal house made mushroom duxelle, prosciutto & puff ribs with herb salted chips. with a blue cheese and walnut sauce. pastry) served with a seeded mustard jus, trussed cherry tomatoes, baby onions and green beans.

horizons Pizza Vino Matt, Adam and the team welcome you this restaurant & bar

Delicecrusted Barramundi fillet with fChocolate Herb & pinenut steamed brocolini and roast capsicum sauce.

SUMMER ISCoff’s ONHarbour’s THE HORIZON summer Harbour’s newest place spring toto Coff’s newest place to eat Try our newup menu: bewith tempted the grilled to eat and catch friends. Pizza and catch withupfriends. Pizzawith Vino isVino fully chermoula king prawns on a quinoa, is fully licensed, gourmet pizza, tapas licensed, offeringoffering gourmet pizza, pasta, sundried tomato and roasted pasta, tapas andwith share food with a twist. Not and share food a twist. Notpumpkin forgetting of salad orachicken breast filledofwith wild of forgetting of course, a delectable selection course, delectable selection wines. mushroom, baby spinach and feta on wines. As the weather warms up, try our delicate baked polenta with a thyme lemon sauce. As the weather warms up, our delicious gourmet veal carpaccio as atry perfect spring Remember to leave room for dessert, with BBQ, honey and balsamic glazed porkgnocci ribs with entrée, followed by our house made the decedent dark chocolate mousse with crispya herb salted chips. Sit back, relax and with blue cheese and walnut sauce. raspberry jelly and macadamia praline wash NOW it down chilled Birra Moretti. Book forwith yourawork Christmas party and yum! Book forwatering your work Christmas party and try ourNOW mouth spring and summer BOOK NOW FOR YOUR WORK try our mouth watering spring and summer menu. CHRISTMAS PARTY! menu.Vino are now open Tuesday to Sunday Pizza TAKE THE WORK OUT OF CHRISTMAS DAY Pizza 5pm Vino for aredining now open to Sunday from in orTuesday takeaway. JOIN FOR BIGGEST fromUS 5pm forCOFFS diningHARBOUR'S in or takeaway. CHRISTMAS PARTY ,WITH A HUGE FESTIVE BUFFET LUNCH - taking Turmeric latte - cold pressed juice of turmeric root with ginger and aAND dashENTERTAINMENT of now. your honey and some Chai spices. The ideal caffeine free bookings drink to tantalise

café o.p 81

taste buds and also make you feel on top of the world. Turmeric is widely known for its healing and has a compound called Curcumin, that has demonstrated relief for people with all sorts of disease Italian Pizzeria states including Irritable Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and cancer. Also, Curcumin is protective for the heart, the liver, the skin and the brain by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation. Ginger is also known for its powers in settling the stomach and for its anti inflammatory qualities, and Chai spices in milk are just like a warm cuddle from a smiling bear.

Pizza Vino

Owners Matt and Bree. Head Chef Adam Gallo

Open seven dayswe’re for breakfast and lunchis from 7am. The menu at the Flooded Gums inthe fullopening flow. Inofthe At thespring Pier Hotel excited to announce thewarmer new months, there is no better place toglassed be, as when sun carpeted, goes down, the Our beachside deck has been fully in andthe newly making “Cellar Lounge”. itFlooded entirely weatherproof, canand befeast enjoyed any of the year. Gums restaurant atitBonville Golf your Resort istime transformed into an We welcome you to comesodown eyes on Coffs intimate fimost netodining experience - on the best Coffs has offer. Please book reserve your spot the deck so Harbour youabout don’t out. Harbour’s historic hotel. With our winter menu tomiss fito nish Flooded Gums have receivedquickly, an Award of Excellence up and summer approaching we will be kicking(Wine off ourSpectator new Magazine Wine of the Year Awards - isonly in Regional menu shortly. OurList chef, Blake Wittenberg, veryproperty excited with all the NSW to be produce awarded). wine age release andBe current great heAgets to list usefeaturing over the summer period. sure tovintages make from acclaimed producers theatgreatest the potential fortoserious your way down and have a in look the newregions; and upcoming changes food and wine matching is limitless. the Pier Hotel.

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Turm hone taste

Turm Curc state Also, quen its po Chai

Head Executive Chef: HeadChef Chef& Blake Co-Owner Darren Ryan. Wiittenberg. Matt Donovan.

We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you. Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Club Road, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour North Bonville Bonville Cnr Harbour DrRoad, and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour 6652 www.surfclubparkbeach.com 6653 9870 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

So if you want to feel on top of the world, give one of our turmeric lattes a go at O.P 81 café. Opal Resort, Opal Boulevard, 10, 361Cove Harbour drive ( Jetty Village ), 81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour CoffssHarbour Harbour Coff 6652 9011 6651 0510 6650 9112 www.opalcove.com 7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Surf Club Restaurant & Bar flooded gums restaurant the pier hotel

Breakfast, lunch and dinner -5pm 7 days Tuesday - Sunday from5pm lateand and Open Tuesday-Sunday from ‘til‘tillate a week. Bookings recommended. Fri - Satfor fordine dineininand andtakeaway. takeaway. Lunch from Fri-Sat

So if a go

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OpenClub 7 nights; bookings Surf Restaurant and essential. Bar is open 7 days a week lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner for breakfast and lunch. 5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days a week.

7a

coffs coast focus. the hoey moey

31

Hoey . We direct hside

Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey with our newly renovated kitchen. We are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach access. Come and enjoy our beachside hotel with spacious beer garden,

hop w election eat our ck-up. AMOUS

open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bottle shop and TAB facilities. Have you tried our new Gourmet Pizza range? There is a large selection to choose from and you can have these eat in or takeaway. Come in and check out our takeaway specials or phone ahead for pick-up. If a pizza is not what you are after our FAMOUS $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily.

etts.

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mr. good good beans beans mr. pasfields restaurant BAr deck

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

Up to 300 guests. Try the mouth-watering chickencoffee salad this spring, Beefy Burger - as well asMediterranean a bold and refigrilled ned espresso - what you can made fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives expect Mr. Good Beans superbinrestaurant quality food at café prices. Pasfi eldsatlove weddings ...isCome and plan your perfect day in one and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet appointment. We treat our guests like friends and love seeing you smile at the great potato wafer chipsand and happy drizzledhour, withThursdays, Chef’s secret experience. $12 13” dinethin in pizza 5 -zesty 8pm.citrus dressing. Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring Follow us on Instagram and find Facebook page @MrGoodBeans. Christmas function bookings areour now being taken, so book early to get light, yet very satisfying. your chosen date: admin@pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

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Located at at Emerald EmeraldBeach Beachwith withone oneofofthe the best views coast, best views onon thethe coast, check the check thewatch surf and watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast or deck. lunch surf and the whales while you enjoy breakfast or lunch on the on the deck. Our food is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. Inside it’s iscosy at night for dinner, and $10, we have if you wish to and Thursday “Blackboard Night”: entree mainsheaters $20 and dessert $10, be outside. the menu changes every week.

HeadChef Chef Head Kristy Deveson. Kim Robson.

Our is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. Lookfood for our new summer menu mid December! Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, $20Year’s and dessert We are taking bookings now for Christmas Eve mains and New Eve $10, and the menu changes every week. Degustation dinner. Taking bookingsnow nowfor foryour yourChristmas Christmas party! Taking bookings party!

675 Pacifi c Highway, Korora Moonee Shop Moonee Marketplace, MooneeBeach Beach Shop 11Moonee Marketplace, 6653 7710 eldsrestaurant.com.au 66564511 4511 www.pasfi www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 6656 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au

Head Chef Sam Allinson. Head Chef David Ricketts.

84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au

7 days. Mon - Thurs & Sun:12pm Wednesday - Sunday for breakfast & lunch - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri - Sat: and lunch. Thursday - Saturday for dinner. Thursday - Saturday for summer dinner. holidays. 12pm - 2:30pm; 5.30 - 9pm. Hours extended during

Tues - Thurs from 5pm; & Sat and from midday. Monday Saturday, 6amFri 4pm Monday –- Saturday 6am –- 4pm (large functions anytime). Sundays 8am8am - 3pm. and Sundays – 3pm

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mr

Surf St Café Café isis less lessthan than15 15minutes’ minutes’drive drive from Coffs Harbour from Coffs Harbour on on thethe new new highway. highway.

Surf, sun and Moonee is a fantastic destination! We pride ourselves on personalised and product: a finely Enjoy Pasfi eldsthe forsea a fi-bringing ne diningaBeach experience orservice casual meals. tuned espresso coffee just to how the likes it, gourmet caféafood Our first class food speaks for with reviews. Mr. Good Beans is proud be itself partcustomer of theour charm and loves being part of Our andinsetting welcoming stunning. experience to all made from scratch house,isand a friendly,and comfortable yourambience experience. who walk it’s through theengagements café Birthdays, reunions, ... We can tailor Whether a healthy salad,door. or a towering stack of flmake avour to likeyour this budget. Big

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reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you.

361 Harbour Drive (Jetty Strip), Coffs Harbour 6650 9112 Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm ‘til late for dine in and takeaway.

King Prawn salad with mango, avocado, sundried tomatoes, & macadamia nuts

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

horizons restaurant & bar

la hacienda 101 La Hacienda 101 in the truemaking sense brings is quickly a name Mexico Australia. The minute walk for itselftofor its authentic Mexicanyou cuisine in thea door, colours and flags lift an the with mix ofbright Tex-mex favourites. With ambience, so that feel like you’re extensive range of you Mexican beers and in tequila, Mexico ... As begs do the creations of Michael and the question - what to have first? Beer, David, recreate the tastes smells tequila who or margaritas? It is best and to book in of Mexico’s historyheading and specialities advance, vast especially into our from busy the many Mexican regions. There period, as different we already have functions that book is nothe pretentious Aussie influence - just pure out restaurant. So, book your Xmas party cooking the day heart. now! Or from join our of dead celebrations, October 30th It’s not too late- 31st. to book your Christmas function or even New Year’s Eve party. Come try the tastes of Mexico in your own backyard. There are plenty of Americans who would say this is the best place to eat outside of Mexico. Come visit and join the La Hacienda family.

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY Try our menu: featuring exciting new dishes which take full advantage of the region’s freshest produce and seafood. Horizon’s offers sensational food at affordable prices. TAKE THE WORK OUT OF CHRISTMAS DAY JOIN US FOR COFFS HARBOUR’S BIGGEST CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH A HUGE FESTIVE BUFFET LUNCH and ENTERTAINMENT - filling fast; book now. Horizons Restaurant and Bar - overlooking the pool and taking in the coastal views. Guests are able to dine alfresco on the terrace or in air conditioned comfort. Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily. Yeah! Spring is finally here. It’s time for fresh salads, delicious wraps and tasty smoothies made with the fruits of the season.

CAFFEINE CENTRAl café

We have a wide range of fresh wraps, sandwiches and burgers. If you can’t see something you like on the menu, design your own. There is a diverse range of specials available every day, and all the cakes, slices and biscuits are home made. All our meals are available to dine in or takeaway, and don’t forget we have the smoothest coffee in town. Come into the heart of town, sit, relax and have a coffee and a laugh with us.

Owner Steve Calder. Owners Michael and David.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour City Square, Opposite Specsavers, Coffs Harbour 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com 0418 665 620 Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 3pm.

101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com

Breakfast, lunch and dinner - 7 days a week. Bookings recommended.

Open 6 weekschool from 6pm. 7 days aduring holidays from 5pm ‘til EDST. (Daylight Saving).

Artisti Coffee Roasters

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Artisti Coffee Roasters is excited to be now offering a full seasonal breakfast and lunch menus. All the classics with our own Artisti flair, including many unique specialties from our two qualified chefs with over 30 years’ experience. A full range of homemade sweets (including dairy and gluten free) and fast grab and go lunches. Enjoy our Tasmanian Smoked Salmon sweetcorn cakes with fresh watercress, avocado and lemon lime crème fraiche dressing.

pasfields restaurant BAr deck Enjoy Pasfields for a fine dining experience or casual meals. Our first class food speaks for itself with our reviews. Our ambience and setting is welcoming and stunning. Birthdays, reunions, engagements ... We can tailor make to your budget. Up to 300 guests. Pasfields love weddings ... Come in and plan your perfect day in one appointment. $12 13” dine in pizza and happy hour, Thursdays, 5 - 8pm. Head Chef Matt Knight.

37 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour. Wholesale enquires 6691 3334. HQ Espresso Bar 0434 700 910. Monday to Friday, 6:30 - 4:30pm. Saturday 6:30 - 2pm.

Head Chef Kim Robson.

Christmas function bookings are now being taken, so book early to get your chosen date: admin@pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au

675 Pacific Highway, Korora 6653 7710 www.pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au Tues - Thurs from 5pm; Fri & Sat from midday. (large functions anytime). coffs coast focus.

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Samuel Allinson S U R F

P I Z Z A

ome of our favourites for summer What are your favourite things on the include the fresh Risotto Ai Frutti de menu? Mare (Seafood Risotto) and Veal Pizza The pizzas, of course! But I also love the with blue cheese and walnuts, with a tapas and pastas. I love the idea of share food nice bottle of Pino Grigio to wash it and people sharing and enjoying my food. all down with. What's new at Pizza Vino this FOCUS meet Pizza Vino's head summer? chef Adam to find out more A new exiting and more about the man behind the extensive summer menu, om fr ly al in menu and what makes ig and our Tasty Tuesdays, or I am uth Pizza Vino stand out which is all you can eat Nowra on the So spent ily m fa y M from the crowd. t. pizza for $20. as Co ay on the Where are you from, two weeks holid Who is your favourite y year, so Coffs Co ast ever said I and what is your celebrity chef? I e from a young ag re - and connection to the Luke Mangan; he he e wanted to mov Coffs Coast? is the go-to dude for ” d! di ly al in 2013 I fin I am originally from information and thoughts Nowra on the South on food. Coast. My family spent two When you're at home, what weeks holiday on the Coffs Coast do you love to cook? every year, so from a young age I said I Homely food - anything I can pick wanted to move here, and in 2013 I finally from my garden. My wife and I both enjoy did! cooking at home and getting the kids involved When and where did you begin your career and getting their hands dirty in the garden. as a chef? What's your signature dish? I began my career at an Italian restaurant in The venison and truffled mushroom risotto. Nowra, which my family went on to buy and If you could cook dinner for anyone, dead operate for 10 years. or alive, who would it be and why? What was it that inspired you to become Bruce Springsteen! Just because he is "the a chef? boss" and his music is what I love to listen to during a busy service. I was born into it, as my dad had restaurants Thanks Adam. - so I grew up in the industry.

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FOCUS HAVE FALLEN HEAD OVER TACCHI FOR THE TAPAS AT PIZZA VINO; IT WAS DEFINITELY LOVE AT FIRST BITE! A HIDDEN GEM IS THE PERFECT WAY TO DESCRIBE PIZZA VINO. BEING TUCKED AWAY IN THE JETTY VILLAGE MAKES FOR AN INTIMATE, RELAXING ATMOSPHERE TO ENJOY FOOD WITH LOVED ONES ON THE WEEKEND OR AFTER A LONG DAY'S WORK.

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OUR NEW CHEF, SAM, GOES OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE SURE YOUR FISH IS FRESH! SURF ST CAFÉ WELCOMES NEW HEAD CHEF SAM ALLINSON, SHARING HIS PASSION FOR COOKING WITH FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE AND SHOWCASING THE BEST OF THE COFFS COAST'S SEAFOOD FOR YOU TO ENJOY.

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here are you from? I moved to Coffs Harbour from Griffith, NSW in 2009, after growing up there. I came here for a holiday and fell in love with the Coffs Coast, so decided to pack up and relocate here. What is your role at the Surf Street Café? I took the position as Head Chef here at Surf Street around three months ago. When and where did you begin your chef career? After spending years working in restaurants in various positions in Griffith, I decided to do my trade in 2009, working under a good mate and great chef, Kim Robson. I had always enjoyed the industry and cooking in general and have never looked back since; my only regret is not doing my apprenticeship earlier. And your earlier career? Prior to becoming a chef I had worked in various roles, from kitchen hand to waiting tables - even working at a few of Griffith's famous wineries. What was it about cooking that inspired you to become a chef? I always had an interest in cooking and of course love eating food, so to learn more about the "chemistry" of cooking was a very appealing idea. It wasn’t until I started the apprenticeship that my true influences were evident. I find that the most inspiring thing for me is the great crew I work with and the incredible chefs I have learnt from over the years, including the great chefs teaching hospitality at CHEC. What are your favourite things on the menu?

It’s too hard to name a single favourite on our menu at Surf Street, but I love finally getting an opportunity to use what the Coffs Coast is famous for - fresh seafood. We have a wide range of seafood options plus classically inspired burgers for lunch and a fantastic evening menu, which makes me very proud of the local produce and food we are presenting. What is new in the restaurant? Well, owner Carol Walsh has revamped the whole business, and we have a new dinner menu boasting duck ballotine, hand picked red meats, lots of seafood and a dessert menu to die for, combined with the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere Carol has created on the restaurant floor. Do you like MasterChef and MKR - what do you think these shows bring to the industry? No comment ha ha! When you're at home, what do you cook? To be honest, 80 per cent of the time I cook very simple food at home, as I exert so much energy into cooking at work, but nothing beats a BBQ and a beer by the pool. What are your favourite things to cook, and what do you cook on special occasions? I love working with pastries and sweets, but I also try and add a contemporary twist on the food I prepare most of the time, by taking a classic dish and recreating it to suit the times and the produce available. Thanks Sam. Surf Street Café, 104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach. Phone 6656 1888. www.surfstreet.com.au

focusinterview.

Urunga CAROLS URUNGA, WHICH TAKES PLACE ON SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER, PROMISES TO BE A SPECTACULAR AND WONDERFUL MUSICAL EVENT. The Pink Silks Committee: (L-R) Kris Jarvis, Stacy Jessup, Tanya Johnson, Deb Gooley, Lisa Simth, Nic Pymont, Marsha Dodson (absent Naomi McCallum, Simon Chladil

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ituated in the parkland of Morgo music, performed by her gifted musician Street Reserve on the beautiful friends. banks of the twin river estuary at Rehearsals for Carols Urunga 2015 began Urunga, this particular carols night in October and will continue up to the day will feature about 40 talented of the event. The programme includes solos, musicians, all of whom donate their time duets and group ensembles, culminating in the and talent toward this truly amazing music finale, when all performers return to the stage celebration of Christmas. in their evening finery! This is the twenty first year of Carols Of course there is the great tradition Urunga, and organisers Urunga Mylestom of joining in with the singing, and all the Chamber of Commerce are proud of performers and Mei hope that the how the event has grown and whole community will sing along become a much loved part of in fine voice with the five the community calendar. community carols to help Chamber President celebrate Christmas. ty This is the twen Stephen Allan said, The words will be ls ro first year of Ca “Whilst the event available on the song rs se ni Urunga, and orga has grown into a sheets printed for m to Urunga Myles ce er m highly regarded the night. m Co Chamber of e th w ho musical occasion, No Carols of d are prou d an n ow gr it has retained its Urunga would be s ha t even love d h uc m a e community emphasis. complete without m co be munity After all, Christmas a visit from the man part of the com is the best time of the in the big-red-suit, at calendar. ” year to celebrate family least in the children’s and community.” minds, and this year they The music programme is will not be disappointed. Santa organised by Musical Director and is booked in for a quick stop off to well known professional musician, Mei wave hello to all the kids and to check Wei Lim. Mie has spent countless hours at whether they are being “Naughty or Nice”. her computer and at her piano, scheduling And to make sure that empty bellies won’t rehearsals, notating arrangements, organising spoil the occasion, there will be a variety of scores and so on! Mei, as always, is bursting food outlets, including the traditional Aussie with excitement. “This is no run-of-the-mill BBQ, and drink and ice cream vendors on hand Christmas Carols event. This is a musical to keep the whole family happy. All that is concert of the highest quality, in celebration required is a picnic blanket or chairs, and the of Christmas, performed by some of the best scene is set for you to sit back and enjoy the musicians in the region and further afield. This show! year’s programme is going to take people’s “I’m sure everyone will be totally uplifted breath away - it has a traditional focus with by the end of the grand finale of this an international flavour. As well as many wonderful concert, but to make it even more well-loved and well-known favourites, I have special, Carols will conclude with a Fireworks included some really beautiful carols from all Spectacular which will light up the skies and over the world, including England, the U.S., illuminate the rivers, topping off a night to France, Germany, Austria, Poland and the remember!” said Stephen. West Indies!” Mei explains that her joy lies in Carols Urunga starts at 6pm and concludes creating a wonderful music programme which with the Fireworks at 9pm, Saturday 19 touches and inspires all who hear the beautiful December 2015.

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Silks COVERING ALL BASES FOR LOCAL WOMEN’S HEALTH

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hat is the Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Perpetual Trust? CHPSPT is a local registered charity, committed to raising awareness and funds for all local women who are challenged by illness. We are a unique charity in that we provide funding to groups that submit to us for assistance directly and also to other local trusts and registered charities, to enable them to continue their work in our community. What do you mean “covering all bases for local women’s health”? We assist in all aspects of women’s health issues - prevention, research, capital equipment purchases, assisting local support groups, increased awareness of disease and illnesses, education, initiation of new services in our community. Each year we ask different groups to submit for funding from the CHPSPT, and as a committee, we decide which group most needed our support. As a committee we have an obligation to those who generously donate, that the money was used the best way possible, helping as many women as possible, for as many years as possible. Most people think you are mainly fund raising for breast cancer research? Our first year was only breast cancer research, but we realised all our local money went outside our community. We truly need to support our women on the Coffs Coast, not only with cancer, but the numerous illness that can change a woman’s life in an instant. Bi annually we contribute to research, as it is hoped that one day we will find a cure or a preventative measure. Breast cancer has been our main cancer research focus, as that affects 23.4% of women in our area.

Who is on the committee of the CHPSPT? The CHPSPT committee is a group of nine hard-working and very passionate people, who give their time selflessly for the cause. Each committee member has been through their own battle with cancer or been directly involved in the journey of illness affecting a close friend or family member. The commitment to CHPSPT this committee has, is why we have evolved from a single ladies race day in 2007 to organising events throughout the year, that allow different demographics in the community to be aware of our work, and to contribute and make a difference their way. You now have a dedicated web and Facebook page? We have launched both in the past few months, and we have someone dedicated to only social media, so do yourselves a favour and check it out! Our Facebook page is CHPSPT and is informative and fun and lets you know what events are up and coming and also who our generous sponsors and donators are. It’s the 10th Pink Silks Ladies Race Day event this January? Yes, it’s unbelievable and continues to be our largest supported fundraising event. This race day means so much to us on a personal level, as well as a financial one. The message we wish to send on the day, is that we are all here as a community, to support each one of you, through this challenging time. The Coffs community can see first-hand the difference their contribution is making and the extension of help to friends and family. The committee aims to exceed $120,000 at the upcoming 10th Annual Pink Silks Ladies Race Day and are in the planning of a large community project, which can be utilised by many members of our community. coffs coast focus.

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Jeffrey Baker ART Invest in someone you love this Christmas. Give them an original artwork that will bring joy long after the silly season is over. Art can provoke a unique personal response, remind you of a special place, or transport you to a new reality. Imagine being able to experience these emotions as often as you wish, by having your very own hand-painted masterpiece in your home. At the Jeffrey Baker Art Gallery on Marina Drive, you’ll find stunning original works of art and limited edition prints by local artist, Jeffrey Baker. Known for his imaginative landscapes and unparalleled technical ability, Jeffrey is recognised as one of this region’s most popular artists. Approachable and inspiring, Jeffrey is often at the gallery, and takes commissions if you’ve got a particular subject in mind. Open your mind to the possibilities of art, and make an investment in your collection this year. Or just get a card to impress someone overseas. The Gallery is set in the heart of Coffs Harbour’s international marina, open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - 5:30pm. For information, contact Gail on 0403 202 699 or our gallery Studio (02) 6652 8099.

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focusinterview. WHEN IT COMES TO THE FESTIVE SEASON WE CAN

FOR YOU!!

ADD A LITTLE “MAGIC” TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON AND YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS WITH THE HELP FROM THE FRIENDLY STAFF AT DOLPHIN MARINE MAGIC!

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f you are looking for that perfect And it does not stop there … What could gift for your loved one but just be better than being kissed by a seal and a can’t seem to find it, why not try dolphin this Christmas Day! a gift voucher? These make the Join us and add a little marine magic best gifts, and at Dolphin Marine to Christmas Day with a welcome drink, Magic we have them available for traditional Christmas buffet lunch served in our annual passes, in water dolphin and seal the garden marquee, followed by tea, coffee encounters, Trainer for a Day, family passes or and mouth-watering desserts PLUS entry to the Creekside Café. the morning or afternoon Marine Discovery If your kids would like to experience life as Presentation! Bookings and pre-payment are a marine ranger, why not enrol them essential. Adults $79 ea; children in the Junior Marine Ranger $52 ea. Programme, which takes We also specialise in place on selected days private after hours end of ld If your kids wou over the school holidays? year corporate or group ce like to experien They will get to take Christmas functions. , er rang life as a marine part in all the “behind Packages can be in em why not enrol th Ranger the scenes” action, tailored to suit your e in ar the Junior M help out in the rescued group and budget. ch hi w e, m Program ed ct le se animal rehabilitation Contact Dolphin on e ac pl takes hool area and learn Marine Magic days over the sc about environmental on 6659 1900 for holidays?” conservation. They will more information, or then finish their day with an visit our website www. exciting in-water experience with dolphinmarinemagic.com.au one of our beautiful dolphins. This is a 65 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour. MUST DO for your animal loving kids! Testimonial September 2015 Avoid the queues and parking “Thank you so much to Dolphin Marine nightmares of a busy shopping centre Magic and to all of the staff. You were all with our easy access carpark and a gift shop lovely and everyone was so happy and so bursting at the seams with items you won’t friendly; that made our day very special. We find anywhere else in Coffs Harbour. did Trainer for the Day, and it was the best day Whether it is a DVD of the ABC3 TV series of my life. Was a huge tick off my bucket list. Blue Zoo (filmed right here at Dolphin Marine Loved all the dolphins, seals, turtles, penguins, Magic), a colourful marine animal plush toy, fish and loved everything about our special unique dolphin fluke jewellery, children’s day. Thanks again. A day that we will never books and T-shirts, we have got you covered forget.” especially if you love marine life like we do! Love from Gail and Sharon.

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FLAVOURS OF

Adrienne Randall

an you tell us a bit about how you ended up living on the Coffs Coast? I have always loved to travel, and when I decided to visit Australia in 2008, I never thought I would meet the love of my life and end up settling down near the neighbourhood where he grew up in Coffs … But that’s exactly what happened. Almost eight years later, Adam and I have never been happier. We live in beautiful Mullaway and have the incredible joy to share our life with our adorable two year old twin daughters, Sophia and Daphne. We travel over to America to visit my extremely supportive and loving family almost every year. We’re planning a trip to Sicily to visit my beautiful family there in a few years, and I am teaching the twins Italian too! My story is not that simple, though. I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2000 and live every day so differently now. I wasn’t sure if I should mention this, but I think it is important for other people who are struggling with this disease to hear a story of not just survival, but that you can come out of your darkest depths with so much still waiting for you in life. So many of my choices have been because of this life changing experience, and I am grateful for every moment! Is cooking and fine food something you have a long history of involvement with, or is this a new pursuit? Cooking has always felt like coming home to me and with a family like mine, it’s not hard to see why. From a really young age, I can remember standing on a chair next to my 36 coffs coast focus.

Nonna Gina in Sicily, ung From a really yo r watching her as she be em age, I can rem kneaded the dough xt ne r ai standing on a ch in to make the most a in G to my Nonna delicious bread or her as Sicily, watching “pane di casa” you e dough to she kneaded th could imagine. She delicious t make the mos casa’ had a really old wood Hughes and Blake di e an bread or ‘p ” e. in ag fired oven that she Seymour. Their passion im d you coul used every day, and we for fresh local ingredients were the lucky recipients is what drives me to create of her work. She and my my products with nothing less. Nonna Josephine taught me how Do you prepare everything to make pasta and biscotti ... I treasure yourself? those days with them; as time goes by, the I prepare everything from scratch. Workmemories we shared become more and ing in this way with preserving as a method more precious. is a joy, because it means I can use seasonal My mother, Maria, is an incredibly talented produce from summer and bring it out in the cook too. She taught me how to cook focaccia winter and so on, like they did in ye olde times. and pizza and the Caponata my Nonna taught I find that the sauces are really reminiscent her to make. I am now proud to share this to wine, as they can taste even better when Caponata as one of the sauces for my range, they’ve had a chance to develop in the bottle Seaside Sicilian. She is an amazing lady and or jar. my toughest critic, but also a shining source of What are the processes you need to do? inspiration in my life. It is a lot of fun to see a product come to life Our family has had restaurants through the - from the creation of the sauce and bottling, years where I learned a lot more. My Zio Aldo to the labelling and then presentation at the was the Executive Chef for Marriott Hotels markets. My sauces start out with fresh fruit or in New York City for years, and my brother, vegetables, which I then trim, peel and chop. I Joseph, is also a chef, having worked at the will add spices and taste until the desired coninfamous Windows on the World. They have sistency is achieved in small batches for quality both taught me so much about what it means control. They are then bottled and set to the to work with integrity as a cook, no matter side for a time to cool down. I label them and how stressful working in a professional kitchen put them in a box ready to go to the market, can be. expo or your door. More recently I worked at the Byron at Byron Where did the name come from? with some of the best chefs in Australia, Gavin I chose the name Seaside Sicilian because of

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my cultural heritage and the image it brings to mind, which is the streets of Selinunte, the beachside town where we used to have gelato and espresso on summer nights with the sound of the waves from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. So many great memories of family vacations and walks or “passegiate” along these streets. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of launching a business? My advice to anyone who wants to launch their own business is follow your dreams. If you have heart and are willing to work really, really hard to see your dreams through, it is possible to make it happen. I am reminded of a word my mum likes to use … persevere! Persevere and keep focused; a business plan will help with this. You’re going to make mistakes; it’s how you manage your mistakes that will make the difference. I use every mistake as a learning opportunity and try to keep reminding myself the real reason I’m doing this ... because I love what I do, and I want to give my daughters a positive female role model and awesome life! You can find out more about Seaside Sicilian at www.seasidesicilian.com. We are also at the Coffs Growers’ Market on Thursdays. Hope to see you there! Thanks Adrienne.

10th Annual Ladies Race Day

Sunday 10th January 2016

Gates Open 11.30am ~ 7 Race TAB Program Great Dining Packages Available Book NOW PARK BEACH PLAZA’S FASHIONS ON THE FIELD fun for ALL the Family, NBN’s BIG Dog, free rides, Petting Zoo, Face painting, games, Steve McEwan’s Reptile World, Monster Charity Auction, prizes & raffles

Full Bar, Bistro & TAB facilities ~ Monster Charity Auction at 5.15pm after Race 7

02 6652 1488 www.pinksilks.com.au Coffs Harbour Perpetual Trust Womens Health Charity

Covering all bases for local Women’s Health Aided by Carlton & United Breweries, Park Beach Plaza, Le Dain Designs, Yellowglen Wines, TG Jung Quarries, FM Glenn, Coffs Harbour Toyota, The Pier Hotel, Komatsu, Key Employment, Insurance Advisernet Australia, NBN Television, NM & AA Foley Contracting, StarFM & 2CS FM and numerous caring businesses & individuals

PARK BEACH PLAZA’S FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

12.30pm BEST DRESSED KIDS

Judged by NBN’s BIG Dog with over $500 in prizes

from 1.15pm ADULT SECTIONS with over $3,000 in prizes

ALIVE 5 after

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SOLID LINE-UP OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. THE LANE RESTAURANT Firstly, we would like to thank to everyone, loyal clientele, staff, suppliers, for their input and support of The Lane Restaurant. It’s been a great journey for more than a year now. The transition into the family of fine dining restaurants on the Coffs Coast was exciting, and at many times challenging. With a simple, polished décor, warm atmosphere, great food and service, we were able to become a hidden gem in Sapphire Beach. Our menu presents items which are unique, created on site, and represent Japanese and French cuisine in one. We will be continuing our success story with Japanese tapas lunch from 4th December. The menu will contain many hit items, such as Japanese yakitori. Come and join us for a great experience. Thank you, The Lane Restaurant.

C.ex Coffs in the heart of Coffs Harbour’s CBD always has a solid line-up of LIVE entertainment. With FREE live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night in our Vista Lounge and with something to suit all styles, including Rock, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country and top quality tribute shows on a monthly basis. We are pleased to be able to support local and touring bands on a weekly basis. Our Grand Auditorium is the largest room between Newcastle and the Gold Coast and has hosted many top quality international and Australian acts over the years. In December, world renowned Australian comedian Carl Barron brings his Drinking with a Fork show to town and will perform a massive five shows at C.ex Coffs, four of which have already sold out. In January, Justice Crew will perform at an all-ages show as part of their Live and Local tour, and funny man Jimeoin will return to the stage with his new show, Yeehaa. For all upcoming entertainment, both free and touring acts, visit the website: www.cex.com.au or join our Facebook page to get the early scoop on tour announcements: www.facebook.com/cexgroup

BROADAXE BISTRO. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour you will find The Coramba Hotel in the middle of the beautiful Orara Valley, where Mark and Vanessa, Dave and Jess and their families will cater for every need. We are the Function Specialists, whether it be a wedding, anniversary, Xmas party or just a birthday. Just sit back and relax while we pamper you. Sit in the most panoramic beer garden whilst viewing local dairy farms and mountains, while the kids are playing on our jumping castle or playground facilities. Our chefs, Dave and Cee-Jay, source a lot of their produce straight from local farmers, then it’s on to your plate - keeping things fresh and tasty. Coramba Hotel classes itself as “The Family Friendly” hotel, with customer comments like, “Wow, this is the hidden gem of Coffs Harbour”. Join our Sunday afternoon Jam Sessions or Wednesday night Pool Comp, or just come in and sit and relax and see what we have to offer. You will be suprised.

FREE Entertainment IN OUR VISTA LOUNGE EVERY

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT NEW YEAR’S EVE

@ C.ex Coffs with

Vanessa Lea and Road Train

/cexgroup @itsmyclub

Plus check out our website for all the latest info on touring acts

@CexGroup1

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fotsun 2015

focusinterview.

Hitting the shores of Port Macquarie for FOTSUN this month is one of Australia’s most iconic Hip Hop artists, Illy. FOCUS was able to catch him in between studio sessions in the States for a quick chat …

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ey Illy. You’ve had such a successful journey so far; give us some insight into where it all began … I started writing music around 12/13, and it really just went from there. My first show was at 17; it’s been a pretty long trip. Back then at that young age, who were your musical influences - the ones who first inspired you to get into Hip Hop? It was all the gangsta rap stuff coming out of America. I think a lot of kids or young teenagers gravitate towards that, because it’s rebellious and exciting, so my earlier influences were 2Pac, Biggie, NAS all the real legendary dudes from that era. How would you say your style has progressed since you first kicked off? I’ve definitely become a bit more focused on writing songs as opposed to just rapping. I got my schooling in the underground Hip Hop scene in Australia, and where I’m at now is a very long way from that. I write a lot more stuff that’s sung now. A lot of the most successful songs of mine are songs that are almost Pop songs; they have a big chorus that will have a singer on it, and I’m finding that the older I get, the more I’m enjoying writing those kinds of songs, because they’re a lot harder to write than Rap songs. I think, to write a good song like that is

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a lot harder, for me at least; it’s a lot more there for so long - I can’t even remember of a challenge than to just write a verse. exactly when it was last, but it was ages That’s kind of where a lot of my sound is ago. I think I’ve only been there once ... changing, and it’s exciting for me. So yeah, I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve called you up while you’re in the because it’s kind of rare with the amount States; what are you doing over there? of touring we’ve done in the last couple of I’m working on the next album actually; years that there’s been places we haven’t I’ve been basically in the studio visited - and Port Macquarie’s one of flat-out for the last two them. I remember it fondly, so weeks in New York, and it should be cool. I just got to LA around Who are you bringing a I think, to write an hour ago. I have along to accompany at good song like th another week here, your set? r me at is a lot harder, fo of a and then back home. It’s me, my drummer ore least; it’s a lot m What’s the process and my DJ. We have te ri w st to ju challenge than behind writing an a bunch of friends on of nd a verse. That’s ki is d album for you? un the bill, so we might so y m where a lot of g tin ci ex Generally I’ll get try to work something s it’ d an , changing in the studio with cool out while we’re up ” for me. producers and work on there, I think. beats - even if it’s a rough What can we expect skeleton of the beat. I’ll then from your onstage vibe? start working on the melody for Depending where the album’s the hook or a phrase, or even if it’s just at, it might be one of the first times we a single word for the hook, and then play some new material. I don’t have any I’ll build the hook up and then after shows until FOTSUN from now, so it might that once there’s a topic there, I’ll then be one of the first times we play the new write the verses around that. Then it kind songs live, which’ll be pretty exciting. of goes back and forth, refining the beat, Tell us about this little venture, Friday refining the lyrics, until it gets to the final Flips. Will you be performing some of version. these tracks at FOTSUN? You’re one of the headliners for our Yeah probably. At the moment we have coastal festival FOTSUN this year. What one in the set, so I reckon we’ll probably are you looking forward to the most? keep that in there! Just getting back there. I haven’t been What has been the biggest highlight of

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your career to date? There have been quite a few. Playing the one night stand was a pretty huge thing personally for me. Being over here at the moment - I love New York - it’s always a highlight, and I always feel really inspired to work on new music when I’m there. The last two years since Cinematic was released, it’s kind of been one highlight after the next, for which I feel very fortunate. I hope the next album is similar; it’s kind of hard to just pick one or two. I just have some quick fun facts for you ... Your real name? Al. Do you have any pets? No. Favourite Food? Pizza. What are you listening to at the moment? Right now I’m still listening to the Kendrick Lamar album and the Hermitude album. Growing up, what did you really want to be? I really wanted to be a Palaeontologist. Biggest fear? I’m not fond of spiders. What’s on your bucket list? Getting this album done without going crazy. Thanks Illy.

the plug! Catch Illy at FOTSUN 11 - 12 December, Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park: www.fotsun.com

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ALIVE 5 after

JETTY THEATRE UPCOMING SHOWS The last month of the year brings you a comical treat to wrap up a great season of shows … and there is plenty of exciting entertainment just around the corner for 2016. CHAC Presents ‘Allo ‘Allo - Friday 11 Dec - Sunday 20 Dec. Directed by Pat Slattery, ‘Allo ‘Allo is based on the hugely successful British television series that ran for seven seasons. This uproarious comedy relates the adventures of a hapless café owner, Rene, in occupied France. Jetty Theatre Gift Vouchers Give the gift of live performing arts entertainment! Jetty Theatre Gift Vouchers available at www.jettytheatre.com and (02) 6652 8088. Give Us Your Feedback Thank you for a great season in 2015! We would love to hear your feedback! Please visit jettytheatre.com in December to complete our quick end of year survey. Your feedback will help us be the best performing arts venue we can be. 2016 Season - To Be Announced Soon It’s been a fantastic year of entertainment at the Jetty Theatre. With a sell-out season of touring shows, a wonderful variety of community theatre and some iconic Australian performers, from Christine Anu and Rhonda Burchmore to Wayne Rogers. 2016 will see more great talent, and the new season will be announced soon. Keep an eye on the theatre’s website and Facebook/ jettymemorial theatre for the latest updates. See www.jettytheatre.com for further details and ticket bookings, visit or call the box office, noon - 4pm, Tues to Fri (02) 6652 8088. CHAC presents…

‘ALLO ‘ALLO!

An uproarious comedy based on the hugely successful British television series. Produced by the Coffs Harbour Arts Council Inc and Directed by Pat Slattery “Allo Allo” with a team of your favorite Local Performers will be staged at the Jetty Memorial Theatre

Friday 11 December – Sunday 20 December

please tell us how you feel… Give us your end of season feedback and see what exciting shows are coming up in 2016 at www.jettytheatre.com

Proudly supported by

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 02 6652 8088 email: jetty.theatre@chcc.nsw.gov.au facebook.com/jettymemorialtheatre 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour

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LIVING DOLL Anonymous: Trying to score a last-minute appointment with an in-demand stylist is hellish, but upon calling Living Doll and pleading with the receptionist, I weaseled my way into the chair. My stylist thinned out my bushy locks, then metamorphosed my brassy blonde strands into a sunkissed hue by introducing in two shades of honey blonde highlights and lowlights in between. I just hope I’ll get the chance to see the Living Doll team in Coffs Harbour again on our next visit. Love your work. Lauren Vestey opened Living Doll in 2010 and since has been building a strong styling and technical team who strive to create a warm, welcoming salon atmosphere and professional service for all their clientele. Living Doll recognises that clients have a busy lifestyle and is open extended hours this Christmas, including late nights Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and all day Saturday, so that everyone can achieve the look they desire. The salon has always delivered service and results that leave their clients feeling a million dollars, with a style that can be replicated at home. So come visit our talented and dedicated team at Living Doll at the Jetty today, for the gift you can give yourself this Christmas. XO Dolls.

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NICK SKITZ AFTER 20 YEARS, NICK SKITZ HAS FINALLY HIT THE BIG 50 WITH SKITZMIX AND WILL CELEBRATE THE RELEASE IN COFFS HARBOUR AT THE PLANTATION HOTEL NEXT MONTH. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH NICK TO FIND OUT WHAT WE CAN EXPECT ...

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kitzmix 50? That is massive! to have a big social following and also have a What can we expect? certain look. To celebrate this huge CD, Tell us about your style of sound? Where I’ve decided to release a triple do you draw your inspiration from? album with the biggest anthems I’ve always been a big fan of hands in the air from the last 10 years, including music from when I first started to deejay. Big a mixed DVD. I'm stoked the series has gone fat chords is what it’s about, and a nice dirty on for this long, I remember when I released bassline to get you in the mood. I love good Skitzmix 10 back in 2000 which I thought dance music, regardless of the genre. was an achievement at the time. Are you touring at the moment? How long have you actually Where are you playing? been doing this for, and This has to be the biggest d how much of it was tour by far, as I’m pretty an m de e Th independent? much covering every and hunger for e lived Skitzmix is now in its city and regional music was all w t like a os m al 20th year; however, I town, which will for - it was cause have been doing these end in March. We’re treasure hunt , be und ro mix CDs for over 25 it was an underg t pushing the limits, as no movement and years, and from day we sometimes can be as it is as mainstream one I was always and on the road for hours today. ” still am independent. I on end, but I have to say found I have more creative after all these years it’s still control over my music and satisfying ... As long as I can direction being independent. The get a late checkout the following lure of more money and big promises day lol! from major record companies have never The Plantation Hotel has to be one of interested me, knowing too well all you are your favourite places to spin those decks? to them is a commodity and not an artist. What do you love about playing to a Coffs What were the early days like? Harbour crowd? I know its a cliché, but they really were the You are absolutely right, WE LOVE PLAYING good old days, when it was a lot simpler and AT THE PLANTO! To begin with, the staff are original. The demand and hunger for music awesome; they are ALWAYS welcoming. The was all we lived for - it was almost like a stage set up is perfect, as I have MC James treasure hunt, because it was an underground Spy jumping around like a lunatic and falling movement and not as mainstream as it is all over the place, plus we have a massive today. You also had to search long and hard indoor fireworks show with heaps of giveaways for good dance music and clubs that would including CDs, T Shirts, stickers etc. Everything play it. Nowadays we have social media and is closed on Christmas Day, so we’re expecting technology, which has its good and bad points. a big turnout, as everybody will be itching to It really was all about the music back then; get out on Boxing Day. now its become pop culture, where you need Thanks Nick.

No trip would be complete without taking a drive to Corindi Beach to visit the beautiful Amble Inn Hotel. With sweeping ocean views and timber cathedral ceilings, The Amble Inn offers a relaxing place to dine.

the impressive stained glass window. To make your visit complete, the "Flaming Grill" at the Amble Inn offers a variety of delicious restaurant and bistro meals. They are renowned for their Pork Ribs and sizzling steak plate.

Enjoy our selection of wines on the verandah in the summer ocean breeze. The Amble Inn captures a unique ambience by incorporating local Australian hardwoods throughout the massive 1,100 square meters of building. One of the main girders in the dining area is of particular interest, as it was crafted using a traditional broad axe - which is a lost art today. A wander around the hotel will reveal many other local history pieces and local crafts, such as the wagon wheels fitted to the ceiling and

What better way to beat the elements then to take a drive to The Amble Inn and discover what we have to offer. Set amongst landscaped gardens, the hotel has a large beer garden, full TAB facilities, Keno, Foxtel and 14 beers on tap, including Matilda bay "Craft Beers". We also have Live Music every Friday night and Trivia every second Wednesday. So come on out and visit us on your next social visit.

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F I D D L E S ,

M A N D O L I N S

A N D

A C O U S T I C

G U I T A R S

W H AT M O R E C A N Y O U A S K F O R ? B L U E G R A S S B A N D T H E N J O L E N E H AV E TA K E N T H E N O R T H C OA S T B Y S T O R M . W E C A U G H T U P W I T H T H E B A N D T O F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T W H AT M A K E S T H E I R S O U N D S O U N I Q U E A N D W H E R E T H E Y D R AW T H E I R I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M . . .

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ow many band members are there, and what do they each bring to Then Jolene? Then Jolene have eight members in total. Each member brings their own unique perspective to the band, some of us also bring multiple personalities - so this is always fun. It is a unique band in many ways: three members born on the 21st November, two married couples - dramatic and theatrical, to say the least. Some of us bring intelligence, others humour, some common sense and on most nights fine cheese and domestic beer. Tell us how you got together ... Is it pretentious to say serendipity? But, it did kind of fall into place ... We all, for whatever reason or another, ended up either moving to or moving back to Woolgoolga around 10 years ago. We had kids, we played music, the town is small, so you have to be selective … I think we chose each other, in some respects. What type of sound can we expect from you? We kind of drew our inspiration from the old Bluegrass stuff. We use traditional instruments like fiddles, mandolins, acoustic guitars, our bass player has a stand-up bass that was his grandfather’s, that is 130 years

g 2016 will be a bi en Th r year fo rele ase Jolene . We will ; we m bu al t bu our de the ith recorded this w r ga A ul wonderful Pa g in rd co Re at Heaven .” Studios in Yamba

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of age …However, we do tend to bastardise that ol’ timey sound due to the fact most of us have a history in alternative, punk or metal bands. What you can expect is six part harmonies; we have set up the vocals to be the key element of the band. Due to all this, our sound cannot be easily defined - we like to call it HAPPY TIME SWAMP GOSPEL. What makes your vibe and sound so unique? All of the above. We have no clear indicators of what we should sound like; we have four songwriters within the group and six vocalists. We are a custom base and obviously draw our inspiration from the Bluegrass areas, but the sound is unique. As far as the vibe goes, we are bloody theatre the banter and diatribe between songs can be hilarious, cutting, and there is a willingness to take the piss. It truly is dinner and a show. Two married couples, three members born on the same day - to say we are a quiet bunch would be a lie. Rumour has it that most of your shows pack out. What’s it like to play in front of a crowd? Do you prefer intimate gigs or

packed gigs? Yeah, it has been amazing and unexpected. We have seen a real sense of word of mouth follow this band; we have sold out a couple of shows at the same venue, which has been awesome. I think, to use a stage term, we are all a bunch of old hoofers; we thrive on crowd participation and response. Rachel, one of our vocalists, is known to stand on a milk crate as she is very short, and I don’t mind a microphone in front of me - it make my opinions louder, much to my wife’s chagrin. As far as crowd size goes, I don’t think it matters too much; you just have to engage them, make them feel a part of it, and the rest will follow. Where do you draw your inspiration from? The ocean, our kids, our dogs, our partners, beer, cheese, a light north westerly, rain dripping off the wattle and the Daily Telgraph. Tell us about some of your most memorable shows ... I don’t remember any shows ... Oh, OK, we played a venue; it was small but full. We decided to do a cover for a sing-along, and

we played River To Pray. All of a sudden we had 80 people singing with us in unison, no instruments, just accapella. That felt good. Favourite venue to perform? Two venues spring to mind ... The Old Mothers Milk in Sawtell, I think it’s called 63 First Avenue now - what a great little room! Great people, great beer, great food. The other would be The Pelican Playhouse in South Grafton - man, what a room! Old timey theatre, curtain closing, seating and a green room with a wheel chair - tops. What plans have you got for 2016? 2016 will be a big year for Then Jolene. We will release our debut album; we recorded this with the wonderful Paul Agar at Heaven Recording Studios in Yamba. We will also be undertaking a tour of Sydney and will play as many festivals that will allow us. One of our members just had a battle with cancer, and won, so we are stoked to move forward. You’re playing a bunch of local gigs over the next couple of months. Where and when can we find you? We are playing our home town pub, The Seaview Tavern at Woolgoolga, on Boxing Day and then at 63 First Avenue Sawtell later in January. We are also playing up at Billinudgel and Lennox, Byron, towards the end of January. Happy days. Thanks guys. coffs coast focus.

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GIG GUIDE //DECEMBER 2015

TRIPLE J’S

4

Coffs

DOUBLE SHOT

11

6

GIG GUIDE

AGENT 77 LISA HUNT

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T H E F E S T I V E S E A S O N I S O F F I C I A L LY U P O N U S A N D W I T H L O N G E R DAY S A N D WA R M E R W E AT H E R , W H O W O U L D N ’ T WA N T T O B E B E O U T A N D A B O U T E N J O Y I N G W H AT O U R L O C A L N I G H T L I F E H A S T O O F F E R ? I F Y O U A R E L O O K I N G F O R S O M E T H I N G T O D O I N D E C E M B E R , C H E C K O U T O U R M O N T H LY G I G G U I D E . . .

DECEMBER 2ND Access All Areas Film Festival Jetty Theatre Jay Kingdom Element Bar

DECEMBER 3RD Ziggy Sawtell Hotel Thursday Night Live With Raku The Soul Man Hoey Moey Craig Freeman Seaview Tavern Bobby Coulton Element Bar

DECEMBER 4TH Sabotage Sawtell Hotel Matty Devitt Band Hoey Moey Raku The Soul Man 46 coffs coast focus.

Moonee Beach Tavern Double Shot The Coast Hotel Pink Zinc Seaview Tavern Craig Stewart Pier Hotel RNB Night with DJ Stevo Plantation Hotel Jake Davey Element Bar

DJ Marcus Seaview Tavern

DECEMBER 5TH

Sunday Sesh With

Raku The Soul Man Sawtell Hotel Abba Live! Under The Big Top Moonee Beach Tavern Ladies night with DJ Layne Hoey Moey The Funk Thieves, Plus DJ Bisho The Coast Hotel

DJ Kye Gart Plantation Hotel 4 Way Street Pier Hotel

DECEMBER 6TH Sawty Sunday sesh with Jazroll Sawtell Hotel The Triple J’s Hoey Moey JamesY from 2pm Coramba Hotel Toke & Tom Element Bar

DECEMBER 9TH Yhan Leal Element Bar

DECEMBER 10TH

Lazy Sundays Sawtell Hotel The Buggy Brothers Hoey Moey Craig Freeman Seaview Tavern Tired Lion Coffs Hotel Ziggy By Request Pier Hotel

DECEMBER 11TH Agent 77 Sawtell Hotel The Stripes Hoey Moey Aqwa Duo The Coast Hotel Raw Fish Seaview Tavern Hawaiian Pool Party Plantation Hotel CHAC Presents ALLO ALLO Jetty Theatre Double Shot Pier Hotel

Jazrol Element Bar

DECEMBER 12TH Secret Squirrel Sawtell Hotel Ladies night with DJ Brown Sugar Hoey Moey The Hoey Moey’s Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club 50 Year anniversary! Hoey Moey Carols By Candelight Moonee Beach Tavern Agent 77, Plus DJ Helmy The Coast Hotel Annual Local Music Memory Night Seaview Tavern DJ’s Skullclub Plantation Hotel Flick The Bean Pier Hotel

ALIVE 5 after

20

21

CARL BARRON

BULLHORN

ALIVE after

5

24

DJ BROWN SUGAR

26

31

THEN JOLENE

DJ TIM HELMY

Funk Thieves Element Bar

Lazy Sundays Hoey Moey

DECEMBER 13TH

Craig Freeman Seaview Tavern

Sawty Sunday sesh with Josh Matheson Sawtell Hotel Mason Rack Hoey Moey Jesus and the Fatman from 2pm Coramba Hotel Craig Freeman Element Bar

DECEMBER 16TH Gina Balenzano & Ben Francis Element Bar

DECEMBER 17TH Totum Sawtell Hotel Lazy Sundays Hoey Moey Craig Freeman Seaview Tavern J&R Rhythm and Blues Pier Hotel

DECEMBER 18TH Totum Sawtell Hotel

J&R Rhythm and Blues Pier Hotel

DECEMBER 19TH Marshall Okell Band Sawtell Hotel Ladies night with DJ Brown Sugar Lisa Hunt & Her Band! Moonee Beach Tavern The Groove Robbers, Plus DJ Bisho The Coast Hotel Totum Seaview Tavern Carols Urunga Urunga Reserve Ibis Element Bar

DECEMBER 20TH Sawty Sunday sesh with Abraham & Benjamin Sawtell Hotel Bullhorn Hoey Moey Jammin with Jules from 2pm Coramba Hotel

From The Gekko Pier Hotel Josh Matheson Element Bar

DECEMBER 21 - 22ND Carl Barron C.ex

DECEMBER 23RD

Ben Francis, Funk Thieves Element Bar

DECEMBER 27TH The Stripes! Sawtell Hotel The Dawgs Hoey Moey Black Flag from 2pm - Coramba Hotel

Keogh Maybon Element Bar

D’Boyzos Element Bar

XMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH

DECEMBER 30TH

Quick Fix Sawtell Hotel DJ Brown Sugar Seaview Tavern

Dean Sharkey Element Bar

BOXING DAY - DECEMBER 26TH Sawty Sunday sesh with Lazy Sundays Sawtell Hotel Boxing Day Beats! Hoey Moey Geoff Turnbull Band, Plus DJ Brown Sugar The Coast Hotel Then Jolene Seaview Tavern Nick Skitz Plantation Hotel

NYE - DECEMBER 31ST Hekyl & Jive! Sawtell Hotel Phat Tracta Band, followed by DJ Brown Sugar Hoey Moey The Funk Thieves The Coast Hotel The Nudge from 7pm - Coramba Hotel Justin Standley Sawtell RSL Bobby Coulton, Tim Helmy Element Bar coffs coast focus.

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ALIVE 5 after

COAST HOTEL THE COAST HOTEL IS THE PERFECT FUNCTION VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT PRIVATE EVENT. OUR CONTEMPORARY FUNCTION SPACES OFFER A RANGE OF STYLISH AREAS THAT CAN CATER TO ALL TYPES OF PARTIES, LARGE OR SMALL.

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e understand that each and every event or celebration is unique, and our functions team are happy to work with you to create a memorable event tailored to suit your guests and goals. We specialise in birthday and engagement parties, weddings, product launches, corporate events and entertaining, training seminars, sporting events and school reunions. Our kid-friendly party menu is perfect for large family or workplace gatherings,

and we can customise our function menus to provide a wide range of food and meal options. Whatever your occasion, from a small gathering of 30 people to a party for 300, The Coast Hotel is a great place to host your next function. To arrange a tour of our facilities or to discuss your individual event requirements, please contact Sarah on (02) 6652 3007, or email us your enquiry via the function form. And don't forget about our $5 rump steaks for lunch and dinner every Sunday!

James

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WITH HIS UNFAILING COMMITMENT TO TOURING, JAMES REYNE IS SET TO DELIVER THE ULTIMATE SUMMER DOUBLE BILL, HITTING THE ROAD WITH MOVING PICTURES FOR A GUARANTEED MEMORABLE NIGHT OF AUSSIE ROCK!

f you were a music fan in Australia down in 1979, with both arms in plaster (the in the ‘80s and ‘90s, these two result of being hit by a car, crossing Swanston names were impossible to avoid Street in Melbourne). - both acts dominated the charts “Lucky for the Australian music industry that with multi-platinum albums and James Reyne chose to strut through its door sold out tours. in 1979,” Wendy Milson and Helen Thomas This November to March, the two bands will wrote in their 1986 book Pay To Play. “His was wind their way across the country, exactly the profile … an injection giving fans the opportunity to of chutzpah to recharge a relive those fabulous sumlistless business burdened mer memories. James will with hard-to-market punk play his solo smashes, acts”. I just feel that I’m all his Aussie Crawl hits In her 1992 book, getting better. and more, and for the Your Name’s On The d er an I’m a better sing r. ” first time since those Door, Tracee Hutchison te a better songwri halcyon years. Moving noted that Australian Pictures have re-formed Crawl “boldly explored to bring this dynamic an ‘Australian-ness’ that tour de force to a pub or was unique at the time festival near you, ringing and which broke a lot of the bell for those fantastic, lazy, ground in the development of hazy, crazy, ever-lasting, unforgettaan Australian ‘sound’”. ble salad days of summer once again! As Ed St John declared in the liner “I just feel that I’m getting better,” notes for Australian Crawl’s farewell alJames Reyne says. “I’m a better singer and bum, The Final Wave, “They had a distinctively a better songwriter.” Melbourne twang that recalled the sounds of It’s a simple statement, but also remarkable many of that city’s great bands - Skyhooks, - considering that this is an artist who has sold Jo Jo Zep and The Sports - whilst also stating more than two million albums and written a youthful, sexy confidence that was all their some of the most memorable Australian songs own”. of all time. James was a member of Australian Crawl James Reyne’s songs have provided the for seven years, releasing four studio albums soundtrack to endless Australian summers, inin five frenetic years in the ’80s. He’s been a cluding The Boys Light Up, Reckless, Beautiful solo artist for the past 28 years, releasing eight People, Lakeside, Daughters Of The Northern studio albums, plus two acoustic collections, a Coast, Fall Of Rome, Hammerhead, Motor’s covers album and two live albums. Too Fast and Slave. The first dates to be revealed will cover James has been a part of our lives since NSW and Victoria, with further locations to be making an unforgettable debut on Countannounced soon.

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Remember to plan ahead to get home after a night out. The Nightrider bus will be running this New Year’s Eve from Coffs Harbour to the Northern and Southern suburbs from midnight to 3:30am – courtesy of the Coffs Harbour Liquor Accord and Coffs Harbour City Council. For details of pick up points and times go to Facebook - Coffs Nightrider.

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REYNE

LOVE & KISSES Last month Judy was in a tizz that she’d bought too much stock now she’s in a panic that things are running out! Nativity sets and all the Christmas treasures are flying out the door, and everyone’s having a great time ... You’ll find total strangers sharing jokes and helping each other with gift ideas, carriers rushing in and out delivering new stock, and regular customers telling Judy she hasn’t really lost her marbles, it’s just Christmas! People are coming from Grafton, Armidale and all over to start their Christmas shopping at Love & Kisses, and some of their hot favourites are: • The trendy new SlapOn sunglasses - $34.95 • Summer slippers for home and travel - $15.95 • Necklaces and bracelets with changeable “buttons”. • Leather tool kits - $26.95 • Gardening gloves • Earrings - from $9.95 • Christmas collectables by Jim Shore • Patience Brewster reindeers So if you need $5 gifts for your book club friends, a $10 Secret Santa, a teacher gift, or little things for the grandchildren, take your list to Love & Kisses and ask for help - you’ll love some of their suggestions. Or just simply browse and enjoy. You’ll be happy that you did. And may this Christmas bring you much love and plenty of kisses.

Kultcha Collective Nomadic Boho Gypsy Luxe describes the Kultcha Collective woman. She is wild and free, brave and loving of all creatures. Her Boho heart inspires us to create an ever-evolving clothing and accessories label that reflects the spirit and beauty of treasures found in our travels through different cultures. When is Kultcha Collective’s next Pop-Up Shop? Vist our exclusive pop-up store from the 16th - 26th November in the creative hub, upstairs in Coffs Central. We will be using the space to display our full range of clothing and jewellery stock. There are plenty of great gift ideas for Christmas, some one off bespoke pieces, sale items and new summer collection on show. From 10am - 3pm daily. Our products are designed and sampled by myself and made locally through various family run businesses; we are 100% ethical and mostly made locally and in Australia. You wil also find us at various festivals throughout the summer, including Woodford Folk Festival over the Christmas and New Year period. What stockists are there across the Coffs Coast? We have been proudly stocked at Both E-degrees stores for many years now; they carry a limited range. We are also stocked at First Avenue Boutique Sawtell, and Vast Interior Coffs Harbour stock our jewellery range. Find us online www.kultcha.com.au

Flowers On first It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And what better way to get into the Christmas Spirit than to adorn your home with beautiful flowers, decorations and ornaments. At Flowers on First we love Christmas; from traditional glass baubles to quirky mermaid ornaments to adorn your tree, we've got it all covered. Come in and have a look at our trees and decos and order your Christmas flowers early. We always sell out Christmas Eve! As well as our Christmas displays, we have also extended our garden pot range, with many styles and sizes to choose from. We have foliage and flowering plants, kokedama hanging plants, and we also have a range of succulent terrariums. Choose Flowers on First for fresh and fast delivery in and around Sawtell, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Urunga. We are an Interflora Florist able to send flowers within Australia all over the world. Trust our team of florists to provide quality service with designer flair. ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF DELIVERY FEE. Pop in store or order securely from our website at flowersonfirstsawtell.com

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C O F F S

1

C O A S T

F O C U S

G I F T

Christmas Guide

G U I D E

5

Gift

2

6

7

8

3 4

1. Isomac Granmacinino Conical Grinder Price $374.00 From Artisti Coffee Roasters Phone 0434 700 910

5. Scoop Deluxe Beard Balm Price $19.99 From Boomtown Grooming & Apparel Phone 0417 284 359

2. Isomac Tea Due Single Boiler Coffee Machine Price $1820.00 From Artisti Coffee Roasters Phone 0434 700 910

6. Beard Life Beard Comb Price $24.99 From Boomtown Grooming & Apparel Phone 0417 284 359

3. Oakley Cap Price $19.95 From Bob Wallis Cycles Phone (02) 6652 5102 4. Oakley Sunglasses Price $309.95 From Bob Wallis Cycles Phone (02) 6652 5102 50 coffs coast focus.

9. “Deck the Halls Bouquet”. Fresh flowers this Christmas, delivered to your door. Price delivered from $90.00 From Flowers on First Sawtell Phone (02) 6658 9599

7. Bloke Stuff Tin Price $14.95 From Love & Kisses Phone (02) 6651 6776

10. Dolce & Gabbana Rose the One Eau De Parfum Spray 50 ml Price $59.00 From Blooms the Chemist Phone (02) 6653 1444

8. Burberry Brit Rhythm for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 90 ml Price $49.00 From Blooms the Chemist Phone (02) 6653 1444

11. Painted wood necklace Price $29.95 From Love & Kisses Phone (02) 6651 6776

12. Miss Nutrition cap Price $39.99, Miss Nutrition gym bag Price $39.99, Miss Nutrition stainless steel drink bottle Price $29.99, Alpha Venus Price $89.99, Ultra-lean Protein Price $85.99 From Mass Nutrition Phone (02) 6651 9860 13. Kate Finn handmade golliwogs Price $34.95 From Love & Kisses Phone (02) 6651 6776 14. Samson & Bronc Soy Wax candle Price $39.95 From Marina Hair + Beauty Phone 0438 267 293

C O F F S

C O A S T

F O C U S

G I F T

G U I D E

Christmas Guide

Gift

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13

11

9

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focusinterview.

D A V I D

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S U S I E

C

an you tell us a bit about your further with our value added product, and become connection with the Coffs Coast? more specialised. We wanted to produce a product Born and raised in Glen Innes, that would be uniquely Dorrigo, that would affirm the David’s family would holiday on the character of the area, that could not be easily copied, Coffs and Clarence Coast. Susie first that would make Dorrigo a destination in itself, came to the area on holidays 60 and provide the opportunity to visit the only Potato years ago! We have watched Coffs Harbour grow Vodka producer in Australia. from a sleepy seaside town with caravan How long have you being distilling parks behind the dunes and banana Vodka? plantations on all the hills into a We have held our Distiller’s vibrant, multi-faceted area. Manufacturer Licence since 2007 All our potato We have lived in the Bellingen and, after extensive R & D, have based products Shire for the past 25 years, been distilling for production e local are based on th having moved back to NSW of Vodka and other spirits and go renowned D orri after a stint working in our Liqueurs since mid 2008. Sebago potato professions in Tasmania. We Can you briefly describe s ou grown in the fam of have always been passionate t) the process? ir ferrosols (Red D u.” ea foodies and have been Using potatoes as an at the D orrigo pl supportive of and mentored example, the potatoes are others interested in local food washed, chopped, shredded, and production systems. We always cooked. They are then fermented source the raw materials for our to produce potato wine, with high products first from the local area and Coffs alcohol tolerant yeast strains. Potatoes Coast. We have been particularly interested in have starches; these have to be converted to organic systems and sourcing local ingredients, which simple sugars before they can be fermented to produce we know, will produce "food with flavour". alcohol. The wine is cleared and then distilled to What was the inspiration behind opening Red Dirt produce spirit at around 80% vol/vol alcohol. Other Distillery? fruits, e.g. limes have to be fermented with the addition In Bellingen, we operated a winery making wines of sugars to produce a wine, which is then distilled. from fruits other than grapes, value adding local How long did it take for you to master these product that seasonally "glutted" the area. When skills? we moved to Dorrigo, we decided to go one step We have been working with fermentation and

“

DAVID AND SUSIE MET IN THE SCIENCE LAB AT UNI MANY MOONS AGO. THESE

DAYS THEY ARE STILL WORKING TOGETHER, EXPERIMENTING WITH AN ARRAY OF LOCAL INGREDIENTS TO MAKE AMAZING VODKA, LIQUEURS AND WINES. FOCUS MADE THE JOURNEY UP THE MOUNTAIN AND ON TO THE DORRIGO PLATEAU TO FIND OUT MORE.

52 coffs coast focus.

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alcohol production for the past 15 years. David has a Masters in Science and has undertaken all the research and development associated with the development of this business. With dedicated and careful attention to basic scientific research principles, most issues and techniques were sorted out in the first year of having our licence. Susie and David met at UNE, and Susie worked as David’s research assistant. Susie started the winery in Bellingen in 2000 and her extraordinary over developed olfactory senses are invaluable in the whole process. We continue to undertake research in the development of new and exciting products. For example, we are currently working on a range of rhubarb based products using rhubarb from Fernbrook, just outside of Dorrigo. Do you use local ingredients? All the base material is made using local ingredients, whether it is potatoes, limes, oranges, ginger, or rhubarb, to name a few. Some of the spices we use are imported, because they are not produced in Australia. For example, Juniper berries, used in the production of our Gins and liqueurs, are not readily available in Australia in quantities that we require. We only use an "outside" ingredient when we can’t source a local, regional or Australian ingredient. Dorrigo is famous for its potatoes; do you us these, and do they add a unique flavour

re We continue to

“

fine

t to the Vodka? and experimen tract ex to All our potato ls ca with botani a s in based products complex flavour , where ur ue liq are based on the ed nc bala tness and ee local renowned the alcohol, sw produce Dorrigo Sebago flavours meld to oduct pr an easy drinking palate .” potato grown e th on rs ge lin that in the famous ferrosols (Red Dirt) inspired liqueurs. These are of the Dorrigo plateau. infusions of herbs, fruits and Hence our name! We were spices in spirit (usually potato) approached to undertake trials and then sweetened. Nearly all the with potatoes from other regions, herbs are grown by Susie in our garden at and the flavour of the Dorrigo Sebago North Dorrigo, and picked on the day they potato is far superior. The Sebago produces are to be used. a spirit that is warming, rather than burning, What are some of your specialties, and with a delicate "earthish", "potatoish" flavour. how do you use the locally available Is it rare for Vodka to be produced from ingredients to influence the flavours? potatoes these days? Our most popular ones include Lemoncello Yes, only about 3 to 5% of the world’s (from lemon peel), Orange, Ginger, Lime and production of Vodka is made from potato. Green Walnut (Nocino). All these ingredients We are Australia’s first Potato Vodka distillery. are locally grown. The 80 year old walnut The majority of Vodkas worldwide are tree is out the back! The freshness of the produced from grain, e.g wheat or rye, which local ingredients is the key to the flavours we is both cheaper and easier to produce, when create. compared to using potatoes. There are an We continue to refine and experiment increasing number of Vodkas produced from with botanicals to extract complex flavours raw ingredients such as sugar cane and sugar in a balanced liqueur, where the alcohol, beet and even from products such as milk sweetness and flavours meld to produce an whey, a by-product of cheese production. easy drinking product that lingers on the Are there other liqueurs that you produce? palate. We produce a range of sweet, crème, Italian Variation to produce "terrior" in our small

scale batches is exciting. We are exceedingly proud of all our products, but happily remind customers that the liqueur that they purchase one month may be quite different to the liqueur they try two months later. This also applies to our Gins, as we use fresh local botanicals with every batch. Where can people find you, and are you open to the public? We are located in the main street of Dorrigo at 51-53 Hickory Street, next door to the NAB, and are open 9am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday and 10am - 2pm, Saturday and Sunday. We urge people who are travelling to Dorrigo to check our website: www. reddirtdistillery.com.au which has an online calendar or give us a quick call: (02) 6657 1373. Sometimes we get called away for other duties around the village and we also attend Food and Wine festivals and events outside the area, promoting our products and the beautiful Dorrigo Plateau and Mid North Coast. Thanks David. coffs coast focus.

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KAIDEE PEEL

WITH FESTIVAL SEASON ON THE HORIZON, FOCUS CATCH UP WITH COFFS BORN AND BRED FASHION DESIGNER KAIDEE PEEL FROM KULTCHA COLLECTIVE FOR SOME FESTIVAL FASHION TIPS!

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hat do you love most about summer festival fashion? I love festival dressing and people watching at festivals - especially being in the stall. I feel I get to see and meet most people because they stop by the stall, and I love seeing the amazing crazy, fun ideas people come up with and really seeing their true colours shine. What's your best festival fashion and survival tips this year? A good festival means a good load of dancing and trekking from stage to stage, battling the elements, so be comfortable first and foremost; secondly, remember to be adventurous! Just about anything is acceptable at festivals, so go all out - really be yourself, with sparkles and all. Wear that something you love but never get the chance to wear any more.

Capes and kimonos to keep the sun off can double as an extra layer when the sun goes down; take a water bottle carrier sashed across your body for hands free H20 to keep hydrated. What's hot this summer? Mixing prints, added feature trimmings, high waist button up maxi skirts and crop singlets, statement jewellery pieces made from sterling silver, brass and semi precious stones. Light weight jackets and coats; look for jackets made from vintage silk with hand embroidery and beaded Indian dresses. What fabrics are in this season? Natural fibres such as silks and cottons and rayon blends. Not only do natural fibres keep you cool as they breathe and keep the hot summer heat off your skin, they fall so beautifully too. Lashings of velvet and statement trimmings are a must this season and are perfect.

HUMANITY

CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY IS A PARTY GAME FOR HORRIBLE PEOPLE.

We're kidding - the humour is just an acquired taste - you don't need to be horrible to play. Unlike most of the party games you've played before, Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends make it. The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card. It's a little naughty this one, so it's only suitable for ages 17 and above! Price: $59.99. Available at Curious Minds, Park Beach Plaza.

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& WELLBEING healthprofessionals

‘TIS THE SEASON TO

GO FOR

• but at what cost? •

The continuing rise in the demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures has led to an increase in the number of people administering these types of treatments at incredibly low prices.

GORGEOUS

erly qualified practitioner; they will invest time in goes into bringing you a treatment you can trust. consultation and assessment to ensure that you Research Rich red lips paired with sparkly eyes and a smooth sleek do is no receive the correct treatment for your individual Companies that manufacture premium prodlonger your only party-perfect lookuct- step outside yourinvested go-tomillions beauty needs. They will also take time to answer any for cosmetic use have of look with one of these makeup ideas, whether you researching prefer subtle and questions that you may have, in order to provide dollars in developing, and providing soft or sensual and sexy, there is something for you. you with the information you need to make an evidence of its safety and effectiveness. They also informed decision about whether to proceed continue to invest in further research and develsexy, smoldering stare is a must key to making yournew otherwise plain makeup with your treatment. opment, discovering ways their medicines during holiday party season, but look a tad bit more polished. Registration with Regulatory Bodies can be used and developing new products. The make a black smoky eye even “ombre lip” has gone mainAs well as the above mentioned costs, there costThe of this investment is refl ected in its price. more current by making it a more Training stream, so here Living Doll are other expenses involved in setting up, running dramatic graphic shape, like exaggerated Lauren breaksnon-surgical it down; cosmetic practitioners and maintaining a non-surgical cosmetic clinic, Responsible Whilst like good news foryour the wings.this Usemight tapesound as a guide, to ensure Start with your ly, foofr which underpin its safety. Registration will invest heavily in favoutraining and ongoing edu- Lastmany consumer, far from it. rite lip colour all over wings areunfortunately straight and it’s even. rcerevalidation with regulatory bodies such as cation in order to expertly deliver treatments anda fieand Non-surgical procedures, and by apyour lips; next, line Subtly drawcosmetic attention to your gaze , okAustralian The Health Practitioner Regulation having received initial training, will continue buttoflirty lo injectables in particular, are costly for very good almost as in this a little circle. plying a hint of glint to the inner corners of your lips with a darker te ua Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory, body is invest in further education. nt acce reasons. Ideally, this will look like your eyes. The key is to use a metallic shade shade, softly blending ith w ze responsible for regulating medical practitioners A Safe Environment your ga The expense involved in using quality products, the light, or like a really that’s close to your complexion. If your skin (smudging) theensure that they comply stnurses. and Practitionersinto must providing excellent service and meeting the spidery, lu light tone is fair, use champagne. If it’s olive, go centre of your lips with es.”practitioners oftenshimmer Serious choose toand join when prowith health and safety legislation, are ablewtoorthy lash necessary safety requirements is significant, so in blended well, ends up for gold. If you’re dark, bronze is your best soft feather strokes fessional associations which provide peer-to-peer safely supply and store medicines and that they order to meet these costs, quality practitioners being a subtle pretty bet. outside in. Finally, we add support, education and training, andbut keep them can securely store medical records to protect conhave to set their prices accordingly. effect, leaving your lips Need a break from colour? Never underesthe highlight; we like to and fidentiality. They must also implement and uphold updated on industry standards, regulations lookIn order to help educate the public about what ingdevelop. fuller and more kissable. “No timate the power of a no-makeup makeup use an eyeshadow in a softer to minimise risks. policies as they relevant policies and procedures exactly they are getting for their money when more duckthe pose needed here.” look paired with a creamy, understated, matt Assessment iridescent shade - dab a little in the Is “Cheap” Worth Risk? they invest in a quality non-surgical procedure, Lastly, for a fierce but flirty look, acneutral lipstick applied on your pout. It’s the middle of your upper and lip,by a propIn order to offer cheap procedures, practiYou must be consulted facelower to face we’ve put together a brief guide about what

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tioners are unlikely to invest in any of the above, as when offering cheap treatments, the cost of provision has to be minimal in order to make a profit. However, we strongly believe that profit should never come before safety. Practitioners who don’t invest in training, the clinic they work in, care standards and protection are an accident waiting to happen. There are risks involved in cosmetic procedures, and without the necessary safeguards in place, side effects and complications are more likely to occur. Patients receiving treatments have the right to expect a quality service in an appropriate environment. Injections should never lust be admincentuate your gaze with spidery, worthy istered a party, in aup hotel at aways: shop or lashes.atBeef yours oneroom, of two

1) firstsalon. curl them with awhen curler,researching then wriggle beauty All patients, and two coats of lengthening mascara through receiving these treatments, should expect to be: from roots to tips. kept Or 2)fully apply a full band treated with respect; informed; and to ofgiven false time, lashes to and yourattention upper lash line andthe be care throughout individual lashes to your waterline. entire experience. Have fun ladies; their enjoysafety, the silly session In order to ensure patients should looking gorgeous. always select a qualified, established practitioner whoXO hasDolls. built up a good reputation over time.

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make

exercise your best medicine Are you suffering with chronic health problems? Have you got aches and pains all over and don’t know where to start with exercise? Are you scared of exercising because of heart, lung or blood pressure problems?

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f you fit into these categories, then you’re not alone. And the good news is, help is available. Mid North Coast Physio have seen this time and again and are highly

reducing your reliance on medication through regular exercise and working with your doctor and other health professionals, you can reduce the pills you need and be more active, happy and healthy.

experienced in helping you use exercise as the

What should people do to get started?

medicine you need to improve your health.

It’s really common for you to be scared of exercise if you have a chronic health problem - this usually comes from not knowing what to do or what is safe for you. It may be a bad back, high blood pressure, blood sugar problems or lack of energy that keeps you from exercising - but it doesn’t need to. The Exercise Physiologists at Mid North Coast Physio work closely with our Physios, massage therapists, personal trainers and local GPs to help you exercise safely with the right support, advice and motivation to reach your health and lifestyle goals. They are experts in providing safe, effective exercise for chronic health problems and have a passion for helping you enjoy exercise and all the benefits that come with it.

Their team includes a number of accredited Exercise Physiologists - university-trained specialists in prescribing exercise - to help you return to better health and a happier and funfilled lifestyle. Owner and leading Physiotherapist Aaron Hardaker spills the beans on why exercise is the best medicine to improve chronic health issues and why seeing an Exercise Physiologist could change your life. Why are Exercise Physiologists making such a difference to people’s health? Too often these days medication seems to be the first option for managing chronic health problems. However, a lot of the problems we see can be well managed with tailored exercise from an Exercise Physiologist. This includes overcoming persistent pain caused by injury or overuse, improving your heart health, rehabilitation following a heart attack, controlling your Diabetes or preventing the onset of Diabetes for those at risk, maintaining function with neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, or losing weight sustainably. By

To help get you on the right track, Mid North Coast Physio is offering 10 FREE Introductory Health Assessments with our accredited Exercise Physiologists to start the road to better health and less medication. These assessments are available in any of our four locations in Woolgoolga, Moonee, Toormina or Urunga. Call 1300 273 747 NOW, before they’re all snapped up.

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health professionals focus interview.

ROBERT

BLACKMORE Baringa private hospital Nurse Unit Manager of Bindarray Clinic (our Mental Health Unit)

Ramsay Health Care IN COFFS HARBOUR JOURNEY

Left to Right is Peter Parkes, Director of Clinical

Services, Elizabeth Ruthnam CEO and Mike Gray What programmes do you offer for your Tell me about yourself ... Commercial Manager. patients? I am a country kid at heart. I was born in We of offer anRamsay. extensive programme for all Melbourne and at a young moved to hatage is your story, values Paul analyses the business in all its strands and tors in the country! In partnership we offer a inpatients. start with group Lismore, on the Far North Coast of NSW, Elizabeth? What doesEvery yourday jobwe entail? makes it possible as a team for us to make the wide range of services, including most surgical exercise, which involve attending where I completed my schooling. a father I came Itoam Australia Well, I am partmay of an executive team the of best decisions for the growth and direction specialties, at both Baringa and Coffs Harbour gym, or a walk exercise and grandfather of two from beautiful little boys, Scotland with three: myself as with CEO,our Peter Parkesphysiologists. the Direcof the business. This may sound a bit dry, but Day Surgery. We have a large and successful Weofthen encourage to attend and I enjoy nothing moremy than spending time family 29 years tor Clinical Servicespatients and Mike Gray, our Mike makes it all exciting and imbues it with rehabilitation business, which ranges from a group relaxation, where we guideBaringa the with my family. Early morning walks the ago, and weon came Commercial Manager. We manage a sense of endless possibility. Besides that, he inpatient, to day patient and outpatient care. directly to Coffs Harbour. My family contin- and Private Hospital in aMackays Road, Baringa is the office comedian and one never knows Three years ago we established Bindarray, patients through progressive beach with my dog, swimming, gardening ues to grow, and have a wonderful our outpatient allied health what messages may be waiting for you on an inpatient mental health unit at Baringa. muscle relaxation. We have two playing tennis arewe mynow other favourite pastimes. Rehabilitation, extended family great friends here. business also at Mackays Road, Coffs Harbour your door in the morning! We provide day medical services, including group psychological therapy How long haveand you lived in Coffs My fi rst years were spent working at what Day Surgery in Albany Street, and The Baringa We always appreciate that we are part of chemotherapy, and our medical unit offers a programmes that run Harbour? wasI moved then Coffs Harbour District Hospital in Centre at the Specialist Medical Centre, adjaa much larger close knit team. We celebrate range of medical inpatient services, including through the day, which to the Coffs Coast in 1994 from sitive The po Victoria Street, from where I have many happy cent to the base hospital. things together, and it speaks volumes that palliative care. We provide IVF services in partdraw on concepts from Sydney - a move I have never regretted. I am I receive ckwere feedba memories. Fourteen years ago I accepted an My role is to lead and manage the business, they among the top fundraising hosnership with Genea, who bring their scientific Cognitive Behavioural fortunate to live in a small coastal community th s isinboRHC tient pa executive role at Baringa and Coffs Harbour ensure compliance with all the rules and regupitals for the Nepal Appeal. They are team to Coffs Harbour threeavailable times a in year. therapy approach, and will be one of the few a om fr Therapy, Acceptance surrounded by great neighbours and friends. ry caring for people. ve d an g Day Surgery. I am so happy that our private lations entailed in running a health facility and truly people in What is the future of Ramsay Health Care with a focus on rm affi regional area. and Commitment It has been a fantastic area to raise a family health service still works well and happily with to grow and diversify the business. Itpl may not What is the best thing about your job? in Coffs Harbour? ” . ng learning skills to easi Therapy, Dialectical away from the day to day stressors of a city Who helps you? the public health service in Coffs Harbour, sound exciting, but it is, because it involves The founder of the company, Ramsay,of We have grown a lot in the last few years managePaul symptoms Behaviour Therapy, environment. I think I can now consider myself My This and I believe that this enriches all of us as a constant interaction with people. passed away last year after a stellar 50 year and willincredible continueteam to dohelps so tome. meet theincludes needs anxiety and depression and Psychodynamic a “local”. everybody involved in care. From The Psychologists, community. Peter (aka the best dressed man in the career building this company. Paul beof our growing population. an organisain a supportive group approaches. Group What is it like being the Nurse Unit Baringa Private Hospital was the compahospital) has many portfolios and is the go-to queathed his major shareholding in this comtional we wish to work with our Socialperspective, Worker, Exercise Physiologists, environment. therapy topics include Anxiety Manager at Bindarray? ny’s first medical and surgical facility, and it person for the day-to-day operation of the pany to a charitable foundation. This means teams and stay at the cutting edge of emergPhysiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, In February next year we Management, Mindfulness, Distress It is a dynamic and exciting role. I lead a was also the first of Paul Ramsay’s regional clinical facilities and of course, is responsible that we work substantially for a charitable ing pharmaceuticals and technologies. This intend to commence a PTSD administrative staff, Dietician, catering and Tolerance, and of Avoidance Exposure. very motivated, intelligent and now caring team hospitals in Australia. We have been here for the delivery safe andand quality patient institution, one that we will be hearing about brings its own challenges, but we believe our (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Day These groups are run by our Psychologists, of people who are always striving to improve cleaning staff, nursestoand ourtdedicated on this site for more than 35 years. Ramsay care. Peter facilitates work experience and in coming years. community deserves benefi from scientific Programme. Wedoes are very offer this who also provide one-to-one support fordrives what we do.is Bindarray supportivetop ASX Health Care now one is ofaAustralia’s undergraduate student placements and What services yourexcited healthtoservice advances. Psychiatrists and Medical Officers all have service to Veterans and First Responders in the Any tips on running a business? individuals as required. environment for and bothisclients and staff. I truly listed companies the biggest provider the quality and policy framework that keeps offer? their unique role to play. I mustn’t forget to local area. be Thiseasier programme has DVA approval also cohesive run a weekly Anxiety and Mood value the health integrity and shown by a of private care inrespect Australia. It is now theWe service and robust. It would to say what services we Always employ people smarter than yourmention our Executive Team, whose vision and will be run a week a ten Disorders Programme for outpatients, which all those workingbut at it Baringa. global company, still reflThe ects positive the strong Mike is our Commercial Manager and do not offer. Wetwo havedays some of thefor best docself! created this unique local Mental Health Clinic. week period. This programme will be led by is one day a week for eight weeks. This feedback I receive from patients is both programme hasservices a cognitive behavioural run at Baringa affirming and very pleasing. If you want to know more our highly experienced teamthem of Psychologists about the and programmes Rehabilitation, contact on 6658 0322. Thanks Robert.

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BPH Airport Signage 2400x600 0512OL.indd 1

17/05/12 11:25 AM

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Feros Care Feros Care’s health and wellness team keep seniors active, fit and healthy. Feros Care is pleased to introduce its Coffs Harbour Health and Wellness team, who provide a range of programmes and services designed to keep seniors healthy, fit and fabulous. Your local team is Ben Happ, Luisa Eckhardt and Brigid Flannery. This highly qualified wellness team has a passion for working with their clients to help them get the most out of life. Services available include: • physiotherapy • podiatry • exercise physiology • occupational therapy • Forever Young group exercise programs • Strong Foundations falls prevention program The wellness team believes that when it comes to individual health and fitness, “one-sizedoes-not fit-all”. The team do a comprehensive assessment with each client to help determine each person’s goals and how to achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. Ben, Luisa and Brigid understand that everyone has different strengths and capabilities, and they develop a personalised reablement programme to suit each client.

SENIORS WEEK

Ben Happ and Luisa Eckhardt

The wellness team also provides a unique mobile service. This enables Ben, Luisa and Brigid to visit clients in their own homes and in residential and retirement villages, making it even more convenient for people to meet their health goals. Feros Care’s wide range of health and wellness programs and services are affordable and include one-on-one physiotherapy, rehabilitation for people who are recovering from an injury or a fall, home modifications advice, podiatry services, and Forever Young group fitness classes. Rebates are available, depending on each client’s individual circumstances. For more information or to book services, phone: 1300 085 181.

Friendly Professional Service Des Kingdom has been in the dental Des is also qualified in ‘implant retained over denture technology’. Simply profession for more than 50 years and working as a Dental Prosthetist call on 6652 2403 and book in Coffs Harbour for 36 a free consultation with years. Des’s daughter, Des or Elizabeth. Des er ais also qualified in “implant retained Des Des Kingdom has been in the dental We off Kingdom’s Denture Clinic Elizabeth, is also a Dental e et denture technology”. compl profession for more than 50 years and over Simply call on Prosthetist and has at 55 Long Street, Coffs e, ic rv se denture 6652 2403 and book a free consultation working as a Dental Prosthetist in Coffs been working in Des’s Harbour, open Monday uding full Harbour for 36 years. Des’s daughter, incl with Des or Elizabeth. Des Kingdom’s to Friday, 8:30am to practice since 2006. and partial Elizabeth, is also a Dental Prosthetist and hases, re Long Street, Coffs lines, Clinic at 55 5:30pm. dentur Denture We offer a complete Concessions for d an been working in Des’s practice since 2006. ds ar gu Harbour, open Monday to Friday, 8:30am th mou denture service, including Pensioners and recipients irs.” Concessions for Pensioners pa5:30pm. and We a complete denture service, denture reto full offer and partial dentures, of Department of Veteran recipients of Department of Veteran Affairs including full and partial dentures, relines, Affairs benefits. relines, mouthguards and mouthguards and denture repairs. benefi ts. denture repairs.

KINGDOM DENTURE CLINIC

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60 coffs coast focus.

healthprofessionals

Col Williams, Louise Williams and Naomi Scolari

COFFS COAST NUTRITION

SCOOTERS & MOBILITY SCOOTERS & MOBILITY PRIDE OURSELVES ON INFORMING OUR CUSTOMERS OF ALL THE ROAD RULES. Are you suffering pain during or after running, walking, sport or physical activity?

The Australian Road Rules define a scooter driver as a PEDESTRIAN, so the rules for scooters are the same as the rules for pedestrians.

From the way your foot meets the ground at heel strike, to the way it rolls in midstance, or the angle your back makes with your pelvis, a number of factors can influence the force through your body when moving.

If there’s a suitable footpath, you MUST use it. You can only drive on the road if there’s no footpath. You MUST keep as close as practicable to the edge of the road. You must never drive out where the traffic drives.

Does your pelvis drop to one side at heel strike, does your thigh internally rotate too far during stride, or are your core muscles turning on at the right time? Is a short calf muscle causing shock through your leg and back, or is the balance between the different parts of your quadriceps muscles putting strain on your knee cap? Perhaps you are over striding, or not getting enough extension out of your hip.

You must obey the WALK and DON’T WALK signs at the traffic lights. You must never drive on a roundabout like a car. Remember - you are a pedestrian, not a car. Top speed on a scooter is 10 km; by law, they are not allowed to go any faster.

New technology helps the team at Toormina Physio analyse your running or walking style to search for the cause of your problems, not just treat the symptoms. It’s not just for runners either. Maybe you have hip bursitis from the way you walk, shoulder pain from your golf swing, elbow pain from softball, back pain from fast bowling or plantar fasciitis from bush walking. Call us today on (02) 6653 3850 to book a running or movementanalysis.

You will enjoy your scooter if you follow the rules. Don’t expect people to get out of your way; just say, “Excuse me,” as you go past. If you hit anyone with your scooter, you can be charged with assault, so be thoughtful at all times. When you are in shopping centres, you MUST have your speed down as LOW as it will go. Don’t drive too close to doorways of shops in case someone is coming out - you don’t want them to trip over you. Follow these simple rules and enjoy your scooter.

Nutrition and Health Coaching: Our team provides a nutrition, health and fitness service with a difference. Our Nutritionists and Health Coaches offer a choice of 60 or 90 minute initial appointments. This enables the best possible outcome and allows time to fully discuss your goals, medical history and any difficulties you may be experiencing, along with obtaining a full nutritional and lifestyle review. We can also arrange shorter appointments if you prefer, as well as phone and email consultations. Our team avoids taking a “one size fits all” approach to nutrition. We believe that food should be enjoyed, and our aim is to provide solutions that fit with today’s busy lifestyle. Fitness: Coffs Coast Nutrition’s trainers cater to varying abilities and fitness levels. We focus on motivating each person to meet their fitness and/or weight loss goals, without fear of being intimidated or judged. You don’t need to see our Nutritionists to utilise our personal training services, and there are no joining fees or waiting for equipment. Our studio gym is air conditioned, and we can also arrange outdoor sessions, if preferred. Areas of expertise: Our university qualified Nutritionists and Health Coaches have expertise in weight management, sports nutrition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, food intolerances, Coeliac Disease/gluten-free, fatigue, thyroid disorders, cancer, arthritis/inflammatory conditions, Diabetes, insulin resistance, heart health and more. Why trust your health to anyone else!

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Coffs Harbour Nursing Centre’s residents have had a full year out and about in the community. A favourite local spot for a picnic morning tea is Marine Park , along with the Hidden Link café and the C.ex for lunch.

meet the team Coffs Harbour Nursing Centre

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e also have volunteers who work as community visitors and group facilitators, and others who support residents and staff as representatives of NALAG. We have volunteers who are long time locals to Coffs and those who have made Coffs their home in recent years from Eritrea and Fiji. We also engage the retail sector, encouraging “Pop Up” shopping experiences; Lowes Menswear and City Centre Footwear both have come on board in recent times. This year we also worked with Matilda, a Jetty High School student undertaking the Youth Frontiers project as part of the NSW Government ‘s Youth Mentoring Programme in conjunction with one of our long standing volunteers, Bev, and her pup, Scout. The subject was researching the effectiveness of pet therapy in Residential Aged Care Facilities. The presentation will eventually be utilised as an educational tool. 62 coffs coast focus.

Due to the continued unconditional fall and fractures, increase confusion amongst commitment of long standing volunteers, dementia residents and decrease quality of life. residents have access to all religious services Optimal nutrition is important for independence, as they choose, in addition to opportunities to health and quality of life. observe cultural and sacred days. Coffs Understanding of nutrition-related City Council’s Museum to You health problems and timely Resource and the Library intervention is essential in volunteers have also been disease prevention. valuable community Our dietitian can offer This group d offers supporte connections to the individualised dietary communication Centre in 2015. advice for a range in a small group Staff support charity of nutrition-related setting to ease community events, problems, create n atio anxiety and isol d both in house and in nutritional care plans ite surrounding lim ” n. the local community in consultation with the communicatio with fundraising for resident, family and staff events such as Loud Shirt and also review nutritional Day, Jeans for Genes Day and supplements. We are also able Coffs Harbour Running Festival. to assist facilities in nutritional Meet Becky Vaschak, Food Solutions screening for those who are at risk of Diet Consultants. malnutrition or are malnourished and create Malnutrition and unintentional weight plans to improve nutritional status. loss has been shown to impair immune Meet Jan Cartwright, Speech Pathologist. responses, delay wound healing, increase risk of The Speech Pathology Service at CHNC

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is a weekly service offering assessment and management of swallowing difficulties, as well as communication support to residents. There is a regular communication group conducted for residents with dementia. This group offers supported communication in a small group setting to ease anxiety and isolation surrounding limited communication. The Speech Pathologist also provides regular training to care staff to ensure best practice for both swallowing difficulties and communication difficulties. Meet Linda Stitt, Podiatrist. Our feet can be among the most overlooked parts of our bodies, but they often do the most work. Podiatry treatment is extremely important for elderly people due to conditions affecting the lower limb such as reduced circulation, Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy. Proper podiatry care will maintain a healthy foot condition and avoid complications. I love providing the Podiatry Care at CHNC, because I know it makes a difference to my patients. Physiotherapy at Coffs Harbour Nursing

healthprofessionals

Centre. Does everyone who comes to Coffs Harbour Nursing Centre (CHNC) need a Physio? The role of the Physio in Aged Care is very broad. The job includes initial assessments of the resident’s abilities and needs, planning, completing and supervising therapy programmes, and liaising with nursing staff, families, doctors and hospital staff. Every person who resides at CHNC will meet the Physio and have the opportunity to have a therapy programme if they wish. What type of treatments do you offer the residents of CHNC? Unfortunately, with age comes a wide range of health challenges, so the treatments vary greatly. A person who has had a stroke may have muscle strengthening and transfer practice. Someone who has had a fall may need the prescription of a walking aid combined with an assisted walking programme. For a resident who has a chest infection, chest physio may be combined with gentle exercises. Every person has an individual set of needs and hopes for

their therapy, and that is why an individual who benefit from their daily cares. assessment is completed. We also provide Is the saying “no pain, no gain” something massage, heat packs, TENS, and individual and you promote in therapy? group exercises for the treatment of pain. No. Elderly people experience pain for many With so many residents in need, how reasons, and it is important to respect pain. do you provide all the treatments? Pain may be chronic, from conditions like Luckily, we have a great osteoarthritis or nerve pain following team to assist with therapy. a stroke, or it may be acute pain Therapy in Aged Care from gout, an exacerbation Pain may be is never a fast fix, so of arthritis, muscle spasm chronic, from committed teamwork or even a fracture. It is conditions like is needed. In addition also important to respect nerve osteoarthritis or roke , or to the Physios fatigue in the elderly. st pain following a in from and Occupational Generally shorter, more pa it may be acute of n tio ba er Therapists, we have frequent exercise sessions gout , an exac e spasm skilled and experienced work better. arthritis , muscl re .” Physiotherapy Assistants Is it sad that people go or even a fractu who are trained in into a RACF to die? providing specialised Actually, this is not the case. therapy, as well as a team of We often have short stay residents compassionate, caring, dedicated who may need some extra help following nursing staff. They provide transfer practice, a period of illness. Some people come to stay walking practice, massages, strengthening while their broken bones are healing (it is hard exercises and amazing support to the residents to drive, shop, wash and cook with your arm

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or leg in plaster!) Others need a bit of time for acute illnesses to resolve before they are ready to approach an intensive rehabilitation programme. People who provide care to their elderly parents will at times need a break due to their own health needs or family commitments out of town. CHNC can help out during these situations by providing respite care. Some residents who initially come for respite will choose to stay because of the great nursing care provided and stimulating social programmes offered by experienced Diversional Therapy Staff. What is the most rewarding part of your job as a Physio in Aged Care? Being a Physio in Aged Care is very busy and very rewarding. Every day at work you not only get to help make someone’s life a little easier, but you get to share in their life. The elderly are an amazing resource of knowledge and experience, and most are happy to include you in their journey. I learn something new every day from the beautiful Residents and staff at CHNC. coffs coast focus.

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LA MODE HAIR STUDIO We welcome you to experience the luxury that is La Mode Hair Studio. After many years of working in the industry and managing large salons, Bell Martin has teamed up with Kim McIntyre to create an intimate studio with a warm and relaxing atmosphere, where their clients get the full attention they deserve while escaping the daily grind. From the moment you walk in the door, you will be treated exclusively by your own passionate and experienced master senior stylist. While being pampered in our boutique hair studio, you will receive complimentary champagne and platter made especially for you! Every full cut and colour service will also receive a complimentary in salon Vagheggi geo face mask. Experience the difference. Call today; Bell and Kim look forward to spoiling you. • Specialising in Keratin hair smoothing therapy. • Cutting and colouring specialists. • Wedding and Formal specialists. • Gift vouchers available. The perfect gift for Christmas. • By appointment only. Ph: 02 56 158 161 121 Pearce Dr, Coffs Harbour. Like us on facebook.com/lamodehairstudio

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PERFECT NATURAL SKIN Perfect Natural Skin is a brand created by Julie after working at a leading Cancer Institute, with the intention to have a truly natural skincare, natural haircare and mineral makeup range that do not contain any harmful ingredients and are not tested on animals. Aloe Vera is the base for many of our beautiful organic face and body products that, as well as safe for every day use, may also help soothe irritating sensitive skin, dry, flakey skin, sunburn, insect bites and skin that is undergoing treatments for cancer. Perfect Natural Skin products contain certified organic, concentrated active ingredients derived from plants, and our formulations ensure the maximum and effective benefits for your skin’s health. The range consists of Face Cleansers, Toners, Exfoliate, Serums, Face Moisturisers, Body Moisturisers and Natural Haircare, Natural Deodorant and Natural Zinc Cream (sunscreen). There is no compromise on the quality of ingredients, and with daily use they help maintain optimal skin health and hydration. We have a Natural Mineral Makeup range that is probably the best you will ever use, with the softest, silkiest Mineral Foundation Powders, Mineral Foundation Liquid, Mineral Primers, Natural Mascara, stunning Lip Colours and Eye Colour Palettes. OUR PRODUCTS ARE SAFE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Dr Alan Burrow Optometrist

Dip Optom F.B.O.A. (HD) D.C.L.P. D.ORTH. F.B.C.O. MSC.(Med.) G.C.O.T. M.OPTOM. G.C.B.A

Patients’ frame requirements vary considerably. Although it is impossible to generalise, men frequently emphasise functional aspects while women place a higher emphasis on cosmetic appearance. There are of course exceptions to this rule, which illustrates the importance of noting individual patient requirements when assisting with frame selection. It is for this reason that we have a selection of about a 1,000 designs from a broad range of quality manufacturers. Eclipse Titanium frames, made by Modstyle, are known for their stylish design which encompasses a sleek, modern and lightweight look for superior style, comfort and durability. These frames are designed for the discerning man or woman with a range of both classic and contemporary models, a variety of colours and an assortment of styles including full rim and nylon. A high quality titanium material ensures that Eclipse Titanium frames are extremely durable as well as providing extremely good value. To see the full range for Men and Women visit alanburrow.com. au and Click on frames and then Eclipse Range.

healthprofessionals

MASS NUTRITION SPARKY & SHADY Local author, teacher and behaviour management specialist, Kathy Sheehan believes your beautiful kids are here to make a difference that’s good for them, other people and the Earth too. But first they must survive childhood - and the worrying, lack of confidence, disrespectful behaviour, friendship dramas, emotional outbursts and more. “Sparky and Shady” helps kids understand how their body, personality, thoughts and feelings all work, so they are empowered to cope with problems, believe in themselves and follow their dreams, which is ultimately how they make their difference.

Rapidshred is a fat burner from Primal Shock. The label claims the supplement will increase metabolism, help the dieter burn more fat and give the dieter energy that lasts all day without the worry of a crash at the end of that energy. There are also appetite suppressants in the formula, according to Rapidshred. Claims are great, but proof is what the dieter really needs. The ingredients in the formula are listed in a proprietary blend, and the main ingredient is associated with negative side effects on the heart. This is not a supplement the average dieter should try without great caution. The first ingredient in the formula is 1, 3 dimethylamylamine. There have been reports of racing heart rate, hypertension and heart palpitations associated with this ingredient. We suggest dieters with health problems of any kind choose a different fat burner.

‘This programme makes sense for adults and children alike. You really need to do this with your children to develop open, loving communication before you navigate those teenage years. Kids should be taught this stuff at school with parents included; it could heal and prevent so much worry, anger and sadness in all our lives.” Brenda Mulhearn.

Next is 175 mg of caffeine, on top of the 1, 3 dimethylamylamine stimulation. That is quite a bit of caffeine as a standalone supplement, let alone mixed together with multiple stimulants. The ingredient list also shows synephrine and green tea - two additional stimulants. Green tea is our favorite ingredient in the formula. It’s too bad we have no idea how much green tea is in the formula. Green tea is effective at doses in excess of 300 mg. Dandelion and uva ursi are diuretics. These ingredients are added to increase urination and push water out of the body. Some dieters use these ingredients to increase weight loss, but the results they see on the scale are only temporary.

Recently endorsed by clinical Psychologist and author, Andrew Fuller, and highly recommended by dozens of parents BOOK NOW at sparkyandshady.com and do something “life changing” for your kids and your family!

Another interesting ingredient in Rapidshred is geranium oil. This oil used to be considered a source of dimethylamylamine, but new research suggests the oil does not actually contain that stimulant.

Imagine how amazing our world will be when millions of kids are happy, confident and sharing their unique gifts with the rest of us! (Most of the time that is - they are human, after all!)

POWERHOUSE GYM Located at Coffs Harbour Homebase, with plenty of free parking and easy access to gym. Powerhouse Gym is well equipped, with an impressive range of free weights, strength training equipment and BRAND NEW cardio machines. Regular classes include Bodypump, Step, Spin, Kickboxing and Boxing. Kickboxing and Boxing private lessons with Darren available from $30 for half hour - learn the basics of punching to kicks, elbows and knees. Gym staff are friendly and can provide professional fitness advice. Casual visits are welcome, so come in and experience our spacious open air floor plan for yourself! Your fitness dollar will go a lot further, with the best membership prices in town. Gym Hours Monday to Friday - 5:30am to 8pm. Saturday - 8am to 1pm. Sunday - 8am to 12pm. Located underneath Harvey Norman at Homebase, Coffs Harbour. Phone (02) 6651 3254.

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healthprofessionals

these are

pretty c ool

• MEN’S AND LADIES’ •

ASICS GEL KAYANO 22

ELLA BACHÉ Naomi comes to Coffs Harbour as a

body treatments.

graduate of the Ella Baché College,

Ella Baché is a market leader in skincare and Australia’s premier salon network. Ella Baché products are uniquely formulated to perform in the harshest of Australian conditions, with carefully selected ingredients at the forefront of scientific discovery. We are committed to maintaining our position as an industry leader with an emphasis on training to education to ensure every skin receives a perfectly tailored treatment solution. Our product development department is constantly working to improve formulations that align with results driven objectives for skin solutions as individual as you are.

where she secured an excellence award that resulted in her life-long dream of becoming a new business owner. With a fervent industry passion and local family ties, Naomi is wholeheartedly invested in this new venture as a devoted community member set on sharing her knowledge and expertise. Working closely with the brand to support her rapidly growing clientele, we have no doubt of Naomi’s success in securing her position as the superior beauty destination for facial and

NEW LOOK

SUN & TAN Now available in salon ELLA BACHÉ COFFS HARBOUR T. ( 02 ) 6650 0800 | W. coffsharbour.ellabache.com.au Shop 22, City Centre, Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

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Experience Australia’s leading results driven sun care range with advanced ingredient technology for superior defence against harmful UV rays and premature ageing, plus great tanning solutions with natural moisturisers for healthy skin that glows.

MEN’S AND LADIES’ THE GEL-KAYANO 22 IS A SERIOUS RUNNING SHOE FOR THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE MILD TO MODERATE OVER PRONATION THROUGH MIDSTANCE. This “Lite-Show” edition features high levels of reflectivity across the upper of the shoe for fantastic visibility in low light conditions. This shoe continues to offer its trademark comfort and support with the addition of a newly engineered jacquard mesh upper for breathability and a strengthened Guidance Trusstic, enhancing stability.

Price $239 Available from AMART SPORTS

PROTEIN BALLS

Ingredients:

METHOD:

330 g raw whole almonds or walnuts 60 g Pure Native WPI or Organic Pea Protein 20 fresh dates, pitted 3 generous tablespoons of raw cacao 1 teaspoon natural vanilla paste ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch flaked sea salt 1 orange Coconut, Goji berry, Cacao, Nuts for rolling

Throw almonds into the food processor with cinnamon, protein powder, a little orange zest and naked chocolate, then process until the mix looks crumbly. Add dates, vanilla extract then process again until the mix starts to come together. Add the juice of ½ orange if needed, so that mixture is soft and forms a soft ball. Form into 14 decent sized balls. Roll in coconut or any other of the suggested coatings and store in the fridge until you feel like a snack or quick meal on the run. Store in the fridge for up to four weeks - if they last that long.

healthprofessionals

DO YOU SNORE? OR LIVE WITH A SNORER?

You deserve a good night’s rest and a day without fatigue or sleepiness. And your dentist could be the key to help you or someone you know stop snoring!

W

e have dentists who have undergone accreditation in supplying Sleep Dentistry related treatment, including treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea. They are dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of sleep apnoea conditions using oral appliance treatments that are safe, comfortable and effective. They can fit people with a customised mouthguard-like device that is worn while sleeping. It prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position and can be really effective in stopping snoring in its tracks. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a serious and lifelong medical condition that affects 750,000 Australians. It has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, work and driving related accidents and stroke. It can have a significant impact on quality of life, placing unnecessary strain on relationships between bed partners, family and in the

workplace. During sleep, muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of throat can sag, narrowing and constricting the airway. If you or a loved one have OSA or display symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, pauses in breathing or teeth grinding while sleeping, treatment is essential. Ask your physician or dentist about taking an Apnoea Risk Evaluation Screening test, which is a simple questionnaire. If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and are having trouble wearing your CPAP, consider using Continuous Open Airway Therapy. Teeth grinding or bruxism, is a term used to describe the action of grinding and clenching teeth and people may grind their teeth habitually while sleeping, or during the day due to anxiety or stress. Grinding is an extremely common problem that could result in a number of serious problems if left untreated

such as: • Permanent damage of the structure and surface enamel of your teeth • Jaw pain known as TMJ pain • Headaches • Loose teeth • Gum recession With the use of a range of innovative dental devices our dentally-trained specialists will improve your breathing disorder and give you a better sleep for life. Although oral appliance therapy has been around for more than 25 years as a well-researched extension of dentistry, many clinicians are not trained in the various treatment options. Other than offering CPAP or surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea, few medical or dental practitioners have received training or

education in oral appliance therapy. Nevertheless, the use of so-called anti-snoring dental devices has emerged as the first line of treatment for patients presenting with mild to moderate sleep apnoea. For further information on sleep and good health we also recommend the following patient resources from these websites: Continuous Open Airway Therapy: http:// aus.somnomed.com/ The Sleep Health Foundation: www. sleephealthfoundation.org.au Australasian Sleep Association: www.sleep. org.au If you or someone you know may benefit from treatment that can lead to restful nights and refreshing days, make an appointment today.

www.freshdentalcare.com.au Grafton

Cnr Queen & Victoria Streets Grafton, NSW, 2460 Phone: (02) 6643 2225 grafton@freshdentalcare.com.au

Macksville

1 Princess Street Macksville, NSW, 2447 Phone: (02) 6568 1335 infomacksville@freshdentalcare.com.au

Coffs Harbour

Suite 1, 252 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: (02) 6651 1350 infocoffs@freshdentalcare.com.au

Urunga

46 Bonville Street Urunga, NSW, 2455 Phone: (02) 6655 5800 infourunga@freshdentalcare.com.au

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LOCAL DENTIST DR PETER ELFAR RECENTLY RETURNED FROM AN INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL MISSION, PROVIDING DENTAL CARE TO THOSE IN DESPERATE NEED IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

MEDICAL MISSION

Dr Peter elfar

D

r Elfar, tell us about this volunteer mission. Last year I travelled with 30 other dentists from the American Dental Implant Association to Santo Domingo and other areas of need in the Dominican Republic. This was my second trip with the group, and I am the only Aussie to be involved. We provided dental care and surgery services to local residents in desperate need. During the trip we treated more than 300 patients over three 12 hour days, and provided over two million US dollars of implant dentistry. How did you come to be involved with the group? In 2013 I became the first Australian dentist to complete the Advanced Implant Masters Series Course in Miami. I flew back and forth to the United States nine times that year while studying, and I am sure ASIO had me flagged! The Garg Dental Foundation volunteer trips are organised by Dr Arun Garg from Miami Beach, whom I came to know during my studies. There is a great comradery, as we all band together to bring our expertise to people who are in great need. The Dominican Republic is a long way from home. Why is that the chosen destination? The Dominican Republic in the West Indies has a high incidence of poor oral health, and 68 coffs coast focus.

given its proximity to my extractions and implant to It’s so rewarding le op colleagues in Miami, placements. pe e help give th they organised a series To use the surgical to , ck their smiles ba , ce en id nf of volunteer trips. I was and implant skills co r ei increase th and th al he r given the opportunity that I have spent ei th e improv ities in un rt po to join them, and op years developing up open d lives .” an s er re jumped at the chance to to help people in ca r ei th contribute. need achieve healthy Tooth loss in the smiles was a wonderful Dominican Republic is a opportunity. common occurrence due to tooth Where else has your training decay and gum disease. These patients taken you during your career? have no option but to have their teeth After I graduated from the University extracted, and over time they end up with of Sydney in 1997, I joined the Royal no teeth left to chew effectively. Ultimately, Australian Air Force as a dentist, and was they suffer nutritionally because of this. stationed in Richmond and Point Cook. I The people we treat on these trips are not spent some time working in a regional dental able to afford the type of dental work they practice in Armidale before moving to the receive, and it’s a credit to Dr Garg and his United Kingdom to work as a school dentist foundation for putting these expeditions on the Isle of Man and in a number of private together and gathering some of the best practices, while continuing studies at the dental implant surgeons in the USA to give University of Bristol. their time and expertise to the cause. I also travelled to Switzerland to study It’s so rewarding to help give the implant placement with Straumann, and people their smiles back, to increase their regularly attend education courses in the confidence, improve their health and open up UK, United States and Europe. I recently opportunities in their careers and lives. completed my Masters in Advanced What sort of dental services did you Implantology with the Garg Institute. provide? To be able to learn from the best in the We provided surgery services that will world and then bring these technologies and help people regain bone, and we placed skills back to help the people of New South dental implants so these patients can eat Wales is what makes my job so fulfilling and properly and improve their overall health. worthwhile. These included bone grafts, sinus lifts, Are dental implants one of your areas of

“

expertise? Yes, at Sundial Dental we specialise in dental implants and periodontal care, as well as providing preventative dental care for the whole family. We have built up a practice that uses the very latest technology to provide the best dental solutions such as CEREC crowns, implants, teeth whitening, 3D xray, Invisalign, extractions, root canal therapy and LANAP laser gum therapy. You were the first dentist to bring LANAP to Australia. Can you tell us about that? LANAP is “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure” and involves the use of a precision laser to treat periodontitis and gum disease, and regenerate bone, ligaments and gums without the need for traditional gum surgery. It has been used and perfected over 15 years in the US, and I first introduced LANAP to Australia in 2011. Since that time I have had hundreds of happy patients travel far and wide seeking a faster, more effective, less painful treatment that increases their likelihood of holding onto their own teeth. You can read more about our services at www.sundialdental.com.au and laser gum treatments at www.lanapaustralia.com.au Thanks Dr Elfar.

healthprofessionals

MARINA HAIR + BEAUTY Marina Hair + Beauty is a boutique hair and beauty salon located at Shop 5 Marina Drive in the stunning Coffs Harbour Marina. We invite you to come enjoy and experience our relaxed atmosphere. We offer personalised one on one services, and we enjoy doing all aspects of hairstyling and catering to all beauty needs. We also offer free consultations to our clients, to tell them more about us and what we do to make them look and feel amazing. We use DAVINES & PURE products, and you really will experience a fantastic difference using our products. Our sustainable hair care products are made from natural ingredients which are sulphate free pure complex 100% organic extracts and paraffin free. Elke is our Beauty and Wellness expert: I'm excited to announce that I've joined Marina Hair + Beauty. I'm offering a large range of beauty treats to suit everyone's needs. I specialise in putting my clients’ needs first, making every visit an amazing experience. Bear Beauty 100% Natural products are a sure way to give you the healthy skin you've been looking for. Marina Hair + Beauty is open Monday to Saturday, 9am ‘til late by appointment. Rachel or Laura for hair - 0438 267 293. Elke for Beauty, Wednesday to Saturday - 0423 696 721.

LA BEAUTÉ DU MONDE Let Nadira at La Beauté du Monde Beauty Salon get you Christmas party and holiday ready! La Beauté du Monde offers a full complement of beauty services, from facial treatments, body treatments, waxing, tinting, Shellac manicures and pedicures and special occasion makeup in a beautiful, friendly, professional and hygienic environment. Previously trained in Paris, Nadira is a wealth of beauty knowledge and has run this successful salon for numerous years and is established in the Bellingen community. The salon uses luxury French brand Payot to deliver exceptional treatments, tailor-made to suit each skin condition. Payot has recently released four new products to sculpt your figure and maintain a slim body. To celebrate the festive season, a complimentary 30 minute body massage or treatment is offered with the purchase of any two Payot Performance Body products. La Beauté du Monde beauty salon has a wide range of Christmas gifts and vouchers to spoil and pamper your loved ones. Inquire today about our special offers and make sure you secure your pre-Christmas appointments now! Call 0408 611 709 or email nadiraperera6@gmail.com to book appointments. Online booking is also available at labeautedumonde.com and check out facebook.com/ labeautedumondebellingen for exclusive promotions.

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DR.KATE AMOS DENTAL DEDICATION Dr Kate Amos is a dedicated and talented dentist and was recently named Australian Young Professional of the Year. With strong family ties to the local area and a passion for education, FOCUS jumped into the chair for a routine checkup and a chat to find out more.

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Often you get to know your patients and their family “ quite well. It’s important to be able to hold your head high and know you have done a good job, because there is a good chance you will see your patients walking down the street, in the shopping centre, or at the beach. ”

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was born and raised in Coffs Harbour and attended Coffs Harbour Primary School then Coffs Harbour “Jetty” High School. Our family has spread out all over the world, but many eventually return here, and there are still three generations here in town. My great grandfather was the Mayor many years ago when it was a tiny country town, and I still have patients who can remember him riding down the street on his horse, cracking his whip to entertain the kids. It’s stories like this that make me feel very connected to the Coffs Coast. Why did you choose to return to the area after completing your studies? We worked in Townsville for a little while prior to coming back to Coffs, but really couldn’t imagine living somewhere so hot with that many creatures trying to eat and sting you in the water! We (my husband, Sam, and I) both enjoyed living in the city while we were studying, but he is also from regional NSW, and we were both eager to return to live somewhere with a bit more heart. I still love visiting the city for courses and to catch up with friends, but Coffs has the best of both worlds for us - a beach lifestyle close to family, with easy access to the city if we need to go there. There is nowhere we would rather be than right here. You were recently named Australian Young Professional of the Year by Professions Australia for demonstrating excellence and innovation in your field. How did it feel to receive this award? It was a lovely surprise. I didn’t realise that I had been nominated, so it was quite a shock to receive such an accolade out of the blue. Can you tell us about a few of the proj-

ects and initiatives that you have been edge is to increasingly work with colleagues in involved in? other health professions to identify and address A few years after graduation, my husband, these problems in a way that considers broader Sam, and I wrote a book together to help denwellbeing. tists make the transition from university training Is education a passion of yours? to professional life. It started as quite a small Yes, I think it’s probably in my blood. There thing, but just kept gaining traction, and now are a lot of teachers in my family, and I have a every dentist in Australia receives this publicahuge respect for the role that teachers play in tion each year when they graduate. our community. In terms of dental education, Another project has been the Smart Smiles I have seen first hand how quickly kids can initiative, which is a free interactive pick up important messages about their whiteboard programme to help oral health when it is delivered primary school kids engage in in a fun and interactive way. a fun way with important I was surprised to find out oral health and healthy there was not already oral of t There are a lo diet lessons. Working health programmes in teachers in my with a great team of schools in NSW (some ve a family, and I ha colleagues at the Dental other states have these). the role huge respect for Centre and involvement I started visiting a few ay in our that teachers pl with the Australian schools to give lessons, community. ” Dental Association has but there was a limit to also allowed me to help how many classes I could develop continuing educasee, and we wanted to make tion programmes for dentists sure as many kids as possible and provide improved access to educould access knowledge that could cation resources for regional practitioners. potentially keep them healthy, happy and What is an area within dentistry that is pain free throughout their lives. This is why in need of innovation and change? we developed the Smart Smiles programme and The biggest opportunity I see is in interprocontinue to expand this. fessional education. We now know that oral Does working in a regional area make it health is strongly linked with other health probdifficult to stay to connected with the widlems. For instance, gum disease is associated er dentistry community? with cardiac disease and Diabetes, and we are At first it was a bit isolating working in a renow realising how important oral health is for gional area so soon after university, since most expectant mothers. Pain, infections and embarcourses are in metropolitan centres. Initially we rassment associated with the mouth often have would just attend courses in the city, but over broader health impacts, and the science is now the past few years, we have been focusing telling us that we can’t assess general health on creating more opportunities for education without considering oral health. The biggest for regional clinicians. This includes hands on innovation needed in light of this new knowlcourses, bi-annual meetings with colleagues

“

from Grafton to Port Macquarie and improved access to quality online education. We work in a very supportive team environment and have had a lot of encouragement from local colleagues, so it really doesn’t seem a disadvantage at all to be working regionally in terms of collegiality. On the plus side, what do you enjoy about working in a regional area? I think the connection with patients is a little deeper when you are working regionally. Often you get to know your patients and their family quite well. It’s important to be able to hold your head high and know you have done a good job, because there is a good chance you will see your patients walking down the street, in the shopping centre, or at the beach. I think dentists and dentistry have sometimes had a bit of bad press because of historical challenges and associated anxieties, but there is nothing more satisfying than changing this perception. Good dentistry depends a lot on the trust between the patient and dentist, and this is something you have to earn over time. Once you earn this, I find there is a loyalty there. This is something I value and a responsibility I take very seriously. What advice could you give to anyone who is considering a career as a dentist? I really enjoy what I do, but I also see that it wouldn’t be a job everyone would love, and patients often ask how I look in mouths all day. I was lucky that I had some excellent dentists when I was younger (John and Theresa Nevell) and they were very supportive of me coming into their clinic and seeing what dentistry was all about. I would recommend if you are considering dentistry as a career path, ask your own dentist if you can visit and see what they do behind the scenes so you can make an informed decision. Thanks Dr Kate. coffs coast focus.

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Dance for Cancer I N T E RV I E W W I T H P I P PA TA B O N E , C O F F S C O A S T C O M M U N I T Y R E L AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R F O R T H E CANCER COUNCIL NSW

T

he Cancer Council’s Stars of Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer shone on Saturday the 14th November at C.ex Coffs. After months of training, eleven couples hit the dancefloor, and the competition was tough! The standard of the dancing was exceptional this year, which made for a daunting task for our judges, Bec Gaile (previous event winner), Simmone Jade MacKinnon (McLeod’s Daughters) and Moffee (2CS Morning presenter). In my eyes, every one of our Stars was a winner - they all danced so brilliantly, and raised vital funding and awareness for Cancer Council NSW. In total the Stars raised $75,000 between them, with a total of $100,000 being raised from the event. As the Cancer Council is 97% publically funded, this money goes to support world-class research to improve cancer treatments, prevention and advocacy programmes and to support people living with cancer in our community through a range of services, including transport to treatment, accommodation, and access to financial and legal advice. The Cancer Council is the only charity that works across all cancers, and we work closely with other charities to deliver complementary services in our communities. We did have three winners declared at the end of the night, however… Jacqui Jarratt from Coffs Coast Health Club took out the overall Judge’s Choice award with her dance partner Kym MacKinnon from Julie Ross Dance Studio, doing a fabulous rendition of

the 1980s favourite - Flashdance, leg warmers and all! PT Clarke and his dance partner Melissa Thomson from Pacific Dancentre won the People’s Choice award, and Sarah Pryor from C.ex Group claimed the Highest Fundraiser award, raising a whopping $14,000! It was a great night of dancing entertainment from beginning to end. The show was opened with Tulles from Star FM dancing with Dale from Razzle Dazzle Rockers; I am not sure who was more shocked - Dale or the audience - when Tulles hit the floor, literally, doing “the worm” across the stage! The show then mixed through a variety of dance styles, including hip hop, exotic belly dance, ballroom, traditional Cuban salsa, Dominican bachata, musical variety, jazz, zouk and cabaret. We are so fortunate to have so much talent in this town with our dance schools and events like Stars of Coffs Coast to showcase them all under one roof; it truly was a dancing extravaganza! Of course, there are so many wonderful people in this community who support the Stars of Coffs Coast event, including our major sponsor C.ex Group. A BIG THANK YOU to the Coffs Coast community for supporting the Stars of Coffs Coast Cancer Council NSW - together we will beat cancer! I look forward to seeing you all out on the dance floor in 2016! Pippa Tabone, Community Relations Coordinator - Coffs Coast Cancer Council NSW.

nursing agency

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focusbusiness with Melanie from MJ Accountants

focusbusiness with Melanie from MJ Accountants

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Alison Heagney is a very brave woman. Single mum to four-year-old Daniel The team at MJ Accountants knows a thing or two about business with experience in the employment sector, Alison is stepping well outside her excellence. This was recognised in September, when they were awarded comfort zone and into the lions’ den of the big supermarkets when her new the NSW Business Chamber Regional Award forlater Excellence in Small product, Magic Meatballs, hits the shelves in Woolworths this month. Mel Business in Port Macquarie, and again in October when the Chamber of caught up with her to find out what it’s like to be playing with the big boys.

Commerce handed them the Sunnys Professional Services gong.

What experience do you have in the food to produce for hundreds of stores, and a industry? brokerage firm that can make sure my product elanie Zander, founder of MJ you probably know how to do that better than None. I had absolutely no background in food is on the shelf. Accountants, acknowledges we do.” Instead, coaches provide experience, when I started this. What has been your biggest learning so that excellence doesn’t come strategic know-how and access to resources to Wow! What possessed you to create a food far? easily. “There is so much to help you make your own decisions. product? You need deep pockets if you are going to learn, and so many fires to fight “Whether drive The catalyst was my son, Daniel. I just play with the big you boyswant if youto want to change, survive make that it can be hard to see the big picture,” she more money or spend more time couldn’t find good convenient healthy food and scale up. You have to have the rightwith your says. “And sometimes it can be pretty lonely.” family,structure, we’re there to helpaccreditations, you to carve a path that fit his taste and my lifestyle. So I created business insurances, MJ Accountants launched their business toward your goals.” what I then called “emergency meatballs”: business plans and financing. coaching servicesmeal this year to make easier for coaching already a well-rounded that Daniel willitactually I’veBusiness had a devil of a timehas juggling thereaped rewards eat.business I’d keep them in the freezerfor so excellence. there was finances for of thisMJ’s project. I justGeraGera did my first large small owners to strive for four clients. Coffee, something those dayswe when I didn’t havein production runChamp ready toCleaning stock Woolworths, “We want tofor share what have learned fromZION, and Butchers time to prepare something special. which you paywere in advance including packaging developing our own business to help other Bullevard all named as finalists at this year’s It occurred me that other time design and Awards. barcoding. businesses growtoand prosper,” says poor Mel.and Sunnys Jasmin Adams of fromZION took health conscious families vary from week to week, whichof the Business coaching is notneed like aa product businesslike course; Orders out thewill award as Young Entrepreneur this. That’s where the Magic Meatballs idea means I may need more or less money. So I have there is no set curriculum. Every businessYear, and Krystie Boyes of Champ Cleaning got started. to keep revising my estimates all the time. coaching programme is tailored specifically to the gong for Training. With so little background in food, how And I know I’m probably not going to make a the client’s needs. “It is so rewarding to see our clients being have you managed to get yourself into a dime out of this for at least a year. “The first session is a free in-depth interview,” recognised,” says Mel. “Each of these businesses major chain like Woolworths? That’s tough. Do you have any regrets? says Mel. “We look at business performance has come ahead leaps and bounds this year, I studied a Masters of Complex Project There are times when I think, “I’m out of my andManagement talk about areas that need improvement. and we are proud to have But been part of their while Daniel was a baby and depth. I’m risking too much.” it’satoo late After that we create a personalised coaching success.” when I was close to completing that, I joined now. plan. There’sco-working no obligation at that point,and but we you are striving business excellence, 6 Degrees network in town, ButIfI’m excited. I think for of all those people at usually find that people are excited and want to consider business coaching with MJ Accountants. they helped keep me accountable, as well as the contract manufacturer that I’m employing. move forward.” Youabout do not tothat be an accounting connecting me with experts like you. And I I think theneed family doesn’t have to client. adviceshould through Bus Connect, worry about what to feed about Agot coach notETC beSmall confused with a Simply call 6652 8788the to kids. bookI think an obligation who suggested that I explore contract Daniel’s future. interview to get started on a consultant. “We aren’t there to tell you how free in-depth manufacturing. Itpersonalised seems to me coaching that most plan. people who become to run your business,” says Mel. “We figure Over time I’ve been able to build a strong successful entrepreneurs have a sense of team around me. I engaged a consultant desperation. That’s me. This has to work. with expertise in commercialising food If you need help getting a new product products. He’s really helped me to understand or service off the ground, give us a call. We how the business works. We have contract can help with business planning, budgeting manufacturers in Melbourne with the capacity and arranging finance.

M

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GET R ESULTS THAT COUN T Marketing Advice & Planning From marketing plans and projects that you need us to manage for you to general advice on what to do with your marketing – we’re the experts you can trust. Barry Hockey Accountants Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We would like to wish all of our clients, family and friends a happy and safe Christmas and prosperous New Year. The festive season is traditionally a time to spend with family and loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on the year that has gone and focus on your plans for the New Year. I find that many people think about their financial situation over the holiday period and how they can do things differently or improve their situation in the year ahead. Whether you are employed or self employed, there is always room for improvement, and even small changes can lead to bigger and better outcomes. You need to “plant that seed” if you want to grow. At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business. Please note that our office will be closed from lunchtime 23 December 2015 and reopen 11 January 2016.

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74 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

Tyreright has Coffs Covered

200+ Tyreright Locations All Major Brands & Sizes Monthly Deals & Specials Expert Fitters & Advice

beattie’s

FURNITURE & MANCHESTER

BEATTIE’S FURNITURE & MANCHESTER ARE THE LARGEST STOCKIST OF LA-Z-BOY RECLINERS AND LOUNGES ON THE NORTH COAST AND LOVE SELLING THEIR QUALITY PRODUCTS.

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hey offer lifetime warranty on Are you sleeping well? Waking with aches their mechanism and 10 years and pains? Then drop in to Beattie’s to ask their warranty on their frame and professional advice on which mattress is right foam. Drop in and see the for you to offer the perfect support from their latest in recliners and lounges King Koil and Domino range. All their mattressfor superb comfort, whether es are Australian made and supported by Ausyou are average build, short or tall. Browse tralian companies. To complement the mattress the huge range of fabrics and leathers that are they carry a wide range of bedroom suites, available to find the right one for your décor. from colonial to modern, to suit all tastes. They also come rocking, fixed or swivel What about the dining? They have Tasand have the easiest reclining manian Oak or delightful Chestnut mechanism on the market dinings with leather chairs and with their patented system. matching buffets, or sleek Having trouble getting white gloss dining with a e th r Fo out of the chair? Try one modern buffet to make finishing , om ro a to s of Beattie’s 15 different the room. From small he uc to r 150 La-Z-Boy lift chairs to three settings to big 12 place one of thei to help you on your feet rugs on the floor seaters, they have it all. s of tie in the colour e or to recline back for a They also have a th the lounge with nanna nap. large range of outdoor .” rest of the room Beattie’s are also the furniture and umbrellas. largest stockist of Tessa Soak up the sun in a comfy furniture in the area. Tessa lounge chair, or enjoy a meal is an Australian company based outside with friends sitting at a in Melbourne. The company was lovely dining suite. They are proud started by designer Fred Lowan in the late stockists of Shelta outdoor furniture, who sixties and was renamed Tessa in 1970, are known for their quality. when they won the Dunhill design award. Beattie’s Furniture & Manchester put their Come in to Beattie’s and have a seat in their success down to offering superior service, comclassic Monaco lounge, of which each piece is petitive prices and free delivery. Michael, Chris, loving hand crafted in their Melbourne factory Alan and Darren at Beattie’s Furniture all value by Australians. Available in a large range of their customers and the contribution that they leathers and fabrics, Tessa recliners and lounges make to our society. Their friendly staff always make a statement to any home of class and has time for customers and enjoy making new elegance. Beattie’s also stock Moran lounges friends with them and helping them in any way with distinction from Melbourne as well. possible. For the finishing touches to a room, place BEATTIE’S FURNITURE & MANCHESTER one of their 150 rugs on the floor to tie in Pioneer Street, NAMBUCCA HEADS, NSW the colours of the lounge with the rest of 2448 the room. Or see them about their range of ABN 714 189 517 67 curtains, either made to measure or readymade Phone (02) 6568 7484 off the shelf - just the thing to help keep the Fax (02) 6568 6023 summer heat out of the room. Email beattiesfurniture2@bigpond.com

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focusinterview.

ARCHiBALD I N

A R M I D A L E

THE ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2015 REGIONAL TOUR IS COMING TO NERAM THIS NOVEMBER, AND THE GALLERY IS EXPECTING MANY PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE REGION AND FURTHER AFIELD TO COME AND SEE IT. BUT WHAT IS THE ARCHIBALD PRIZE, AND WHY IS IT SO POPULAR - AND EVEN CONTENTIOUS?

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he Archibald Prize is one of the great events in the Australian art world,” said Robert Heather, Director of the New England Regional Art Museum. “Every year there is a huge media circus around the prize announcement, thousands of people flock to see the exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, while artists and critics loudly proclaim how they either love it or loathe it. “This year the regional tour exhibition is coming to Armidale, and our visitors will be able to judge for themselves from a selection of paintings by leading artists of people ‘distinguished in the arts, letters, sciences or politics’. “What this translates into is large paintings of instantly recognisable figures such as musicians Paul Kelly and Daniel Johns, actors

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Michael Caton and John Jarratt, fashion designer Jenny Kee, politicians Bob Katter and Cory Bernardi, as well as a diverse variety of artists, poets, writers, collectors and gallerists. It is a vibrant and eclectic mix of painting styles and subjects that has something for everyone, which is probably why it is so popular.” The Archibald Prize is named after the bequest of Jules Francois Archibald, founding editor of The Bulletin magazine and a passionate supporter of a distinctly Australian style of nationalism, journalism and the arts. The prize is actually the oldest and most prestigious art award in Australia and has been given to an artist almost every year since 1921 (it wasn’t awarded in 1964, 1968 and 1980, as no entries were considered worthy enough). The Archibald Prize has been the subject

Artist (left) Jason Benjamin I sat by a river. I waited by the road - Paul Kelly. Oil on linen, 183 x 183 cm “The great canon of work he’s produced, and the work he continues to make, made this portrait a very daunting prospect to say the least.” Jason Benjamin.

of court cases and challenges, including the famous case in 1943 when William Dobell’s portrait of Joshua Smith was described as a “caricature” not portraiture, and in 2004 when Craig Ruddy’s portrait of the actor David Gulpilil was challenged on the basis of being a charcoal sketch rather than a painting. The Archibald Prize is an open competition, and anyone who has been a resident in Australia or New Zealand in the previous 12 months can enter to win the $100,000 prize money. The prize is awarded by the Trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, and in 2015 there were 832 entries sent to the art gallery for the judging, of which 47 were selected for the final exhibition, almost half of which had never entered the prize before. The 2015 winner was the painting Judo house pt6 (the white bird) by Newcastle artist Nigel Milsom. The portrait of Sydney

Artist (right) Julian Meagher Daniel Johns. Oil on linen 122 x 91 cm “He introduced me to grunge as a teenager, when he was still a teenager himself. Over a 20 year career, he’s divulged his ups and downs honestly. He’s like that in person too.” Julian Meagher.

barrister Charles Waterstreet (the inspiration of the ABC TV series Rake) came about after he represented the artist in court on armed robbery charges. “My portrait is an attempt to depict him as a giant: part-man, part-mythical creature with hands that appear otherworldly, as though the anatomy of his hands has been designed to grasp unnatural disasters, natural,” writes the artist in the exhibition catalogue. Local students will be invited to submit their own portraits through the Young Archie competition sponsored by ANZ bank, to enter visit the NERAM website and download an entry form or visit the exhibition. The Archibald Prize 2015 Regional Tour will be on show at the New England Regional Art Museum from 20 November 2015 until 10 January 2016. For further information, visit neram.com.au

focusinterview.

Business Minds

with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

Joanne One Agency

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ell us a little bit about your background, Joanne? I was born in New Zealand, but grew up in Melbourne. We moved to Coffs as a family in 1996, having selected the region based on the right school for our eldest child. We settled into Sandy Beach and built a home one street back from the beach, creating a lovely lifestyle for our family. From a working standpoint, I was keen to establish a bit of a niche for myself and decided real estate would be a good fit. I did some research into different agencies and took it upon myself to phone a few businesses to ask for an interview. Fortunately, that decision paid off (there were no jobs going) and I began working in real estate in 1999, focusing on sales and building a reputation in my local area. In time, I was able to branch out and build my client base so that it extended well beyond the Northern Beaches, which was great. The One Agency brand seems to pop up everywhere these days. Tell us how you built such a strong presence in the real estate industry on the Coffs Coast? I established One Agency Coffs Harbour in 2009. We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 6th anniversary this week. Whilst it was daunting going out on my own in some regards, I was keen to create my own brand and make my mark. We started off just focusing on the sales side of things and then introduced property management a few years ago, in part to better service our existing clients looking for management of their investment properties. We’ve continued to grow both aspects of the business. As far as building a strong presence on

the Coffs Coast is concerned, it comes back to being hard-working. I was raised with the ethos that those who work hard will be rewarded accordingly. The real estate industry is a very competitive one, and nothing comes to those for wait. You need to get out there, work hard and be prepared to go the extra mile - for example, making yourself available at times that suit your clientele, which can often be after hours. How do you do real estate differently to all the other agencies out there? Everything is about the people in the organisation; my emphasis is on creating and inspiring a dynamic team, The One Team, which in turn attracts amazing clients. We work to provide an exceptional real estate experience to all of our clients. We know our attention to detail is like no other! Personally, I’m also well aware that the success of One Agency Coffs Harbour is very much about my reputation, so I ensure I do the right thing by everyone - acting ethically and with honesty and integrity. As a team, we’re also guided by a certain set of principles that our clients are made aware of. This means we’re more about the action than the talk. We have a twelve-point promise that we adhere to that reflects our dedication to work hard, treat clients respectfully, deliver feedback after inspections, be punctual, wellpresented - and so on. We pride ourselves on one-to-one service hence being drawn to the One Agency brand initially. What changes to the industry are having the biggest impact on selling property? The world of online has had a really positive impact on the real estate industry. Social media has enhanced the way we do business and the

As a team , we’re

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way real estate works. in, procrastinate or also guided of t se Vendors are better over-analyse. Yes, it’s by a certain r ou at th educated and come to important to be clear es principl e ad m e ar us well-informed. As s in what you want, but client eans m is Th . of e ar far as I see it with all also trust your instincts aw t the we’re more abou .” things technological, and follow your dreams. talk action than the it’s really important to People can sometimes move with the times cut off their nose to spite and embrace change their face and therefore miss otherwise you simply get left out on a fantastic opportunity. behind. Facebook is an important Try before you buy. As a bit of a component of our business too - we find trial, email or call a few agencies and clients through Facebook, and they find us see how efficiently you are responded to. It’s that way as well. often a good reflection of the service you’re What’s your secret to keeping clients likely to receive moving forward. happy? Once you find the right agent, put your Good old-fashioned service is vital. We’re trust in them. They should be a wealth of very much about delivering what we promise. information for you. Our clients are incredibly loyal, and I’d like What does work/life balance look like for to think they see it as a two-way street. About you? 90% of our work is referral based, which I I get up at 5am every day and I’m early to believe reflects the fact that existing clients are bed. I have that time just for me every morning happy with the service we provide. when I exercise, meet up with girlfriends and We also do ONE big “thank you” event have a coffee. My working days are pretty long every year and try to show our appreciation in and demanding, and those early hours are lots of other little ways. my special “time out” where I give to myself, We hear there are big plans for the as it were. I have a busy working life, and business in 2016. Can you shed some light “feeding” myself physically and mentally in on this? this way makes it all manageable. I love Yoga We’re on the move! We’re really proud that too and do this once a week for a couple of we’re continuing to grow and with that in hours. Any getaway time is to a yoga retreat. mind, we’ll be moving to a bigger and better I also have a great, supportive husband who space! We’re always looking to grow and helps me maintain that work/life balance. move forward in business and strive to be ONE We’ve been together since I was sixteen. I Step ahead, but never at the cost of forsaking think if you’re lucky enough to find a great the values that we hold in such high regard. partner in life to fall in love with and also do What would be the top three tips you work that you enjoy - everything else will fall would tell a person looking to buy or sell into place. To me, those decisions determine a property? your happiness and your success in life. Go for it! Too often people dig their heels Thanks Joanne. coffs coast focus.

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focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

GORILLA SAFARI UGANDA! Local travel agent Quadrant Australia are offering FOCUS readers the chance of a lifetime to experience a Gorilla Safari in Uganda. Tracking the gorillas is a magical experience, and nothing can prepare you for the impact of encountering a fully grown silverback gorilla. Quadrant Australia have exclusive access to a five day gorilla safari departing in June 2016. Travellers will have the chance to get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas and also visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to rare elephants, 11 kinds of primates and over 350 species of birds and butterflies. A trek through the national park and among Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the vulnerable mountain gorilla, ranks among one of the world’s premier wildlife encounters. Uganda is a relatively small country and is

home to the tallest mountain range in Africa. Half of the dwindling world population of the mountain gorilla can be found in Uganda, as well as the Big Five. Wildlife viewing is unique and breathtaking. The package price of $4,999 per person is excellent value and includes exclusive lodge accommodation, your gorilla permit and a fully qualified and experience tour leader to accompany you. Airfares from Australia are not included, but the team at Quadrant Australia will also be able to assist you with those arrangements. Quadrant Australia pride themselves on offering unique travel services to the community. If you’d like to know more about this offer or to discuss your future travel plans, drop in to see the team at C.ex Coffs in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour.

Kerry Moss what to pack You’ve been planning for months, and the day has finally arrived. You’re heading off to the airport in a few hours for your long awaited overseas holiday. Your bag is packed to the brim and you’ve got everything you need (and plenty of things you don’t).

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ver the past 20 years, I’ve been on hundreds of flights, and I still remember my very first flight and I remember clearly how much I over packed. So here’s my list of things to pack for an international flight (and a few handy tips of what NOT to pack)

small boxes on the forms. For this reason alone, I’d recommend that you also take a pen, a copy of your passport and the address where you’ll be staying when you arrive. These things are fairly standard questions on most immigration forms, and it’ll save you having to rifle through your bag in a confined space.

An aircraft can be a noisy place. If you like Another question that I often get asked is, the idea of catching up on some sleep or if “What am I NOT allowed to take on-board?” you think you’ll enjoy cranking up the music, And whilst the answer to this question is then take your own earphones. The endless, the two less obvious ones that ones supplied by the airlines spring to mind are water (or liquids) are OK, but nothing beats and most food items. your own. If you’re a Security has tightened up D on’t make regular traveller, then over the past 10 years, and the mistake of splash out on some most airlines have now ct icwearing your ar noise-cancelling enforced a ban on any strength Merino headphones. Better e ak m liquid (including water) sweater, but do still, put them on yers that is more than 100 ml. sure you take la your Christmas list. This includes toothpastes, light , breathable

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It might be 35°C clothes. ” outside, but it’s often cool inside the aircraft. Don’t make the mistake of wearing your arctic-strength merino sweater, but do make sure you take layers of light, breathable clothes. Enough to layer-on or take off, depending on the temperature on-board.

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moisturisers and perfumes. There are some exceptions and some guidelines around this but to be safe (and to prevent losing your favourite perfume to the Customs officers), it is best to pack any of these items in your checked through luggage.

Whether you like it or not, technology is firmly entrenched in our lives. Whether you use your technology for reading books, playing games or taking photos, don’t be left short with your battery life. Take a USB charger or a battery pack on board with you.

Australia has some of the strictest laws when it comes to what you can and cannot bring into and out of the country. These laws exist for very good reason and you’d be foolish to think you could (or should) try to beat the system. To be safest, you are better off to declare any food items that you have in your luggage or better still, don’t bring them along at all.

Most countries still require some paperwork to be completed prior to entering. Often this paperwork is handed out on board, and you’re left awkwardly balancing everything on your tray table whilst completing the ridiculously

There are many award winning airlines who provide excellent service, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and comprehensive cabin facilities. If in doubt, check with your travel agent about the options available.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

DECEMBER 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

You will benefit by practicing patience at the moment. The universe has the bigger picture in mind, and it’s easy to be caught up in impatience. Just relax and set some goals and try using some visualisation to see yourself walking the walk. Citrine shatters frustrations.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Your thoughts have lately been focusing on cycles that repeated in your past, although when you reflect on these things they don’t seem to have the same affect on you as before. You have healed or changed your views. Thank yourself for your growth and watch what comes. Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for release.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Prepare for the unexpected. The universe is aligning for you to reach full potential and to connect with the bigger purpose in life. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Then have fun. Ruby shatters fears - great for adventure.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

You have carried a dream from a long time ago or for a long time, and you are aligning for another chance to access it. Be prepared and give yourself permission to try it; the confidence it will offer will heal any esteem issues. Rose Quartz is great for self-love.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

As your beliefs and foundations in life have recently been in question, it is a great time to establish new ones to cater for your future. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to achieve them. Enjoy! Citrine attracts abundance.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

Self worth and self-approval are subjects that may benefit from a little empowering. Life has been a bit challenging for you in these areas of late, and it is likely that these qualities need to be restored. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are aligning with reaching full potential where career is concerned. Expect a promotion or transfer or even a new position. Set some fresh goals, concentrating on how you wish to feel in the workplace. Citrine shatters self doubt.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Listen to your wise words when you are giving advice, as you will hear some wise words also meant for yourself. This is how your divine self talks to you. Avoid any selfdegrading thoughts or what you think other people think of you. Turquoise is great for self-worth.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Justice can be expected to settle any outstanding wrongs. You will benefit by being aware of your fears, so you can become the answer to them - thus avoid facing them - for personal growth or evolution. Amethyst reconnects us to our personal journey.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

You may be feeling a little suspended at present. This won’t last long. You are discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of things is. Take some comfort and free yourself from any undigested emotions from the last 12 months. Citrine is great for clearing.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Your higher awareness is waking, and this aligns you with reaching or striving for your highest potential. Set your sights on a gift or talent and develop it as much as you can. Be kind to yourself in thought and avoid worrying about what people think. Selenite shatters negative thoughts.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Time to set some fresh goals, knowing exactly why you want the things you crave. This will ensure a pure motive for the universe to work with. As self-esteem is low at present, give yourself permission to succeed. Turquoise is great for self-worth.

coffs coast focus.

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President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, Clive Greenway

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tourism UPDATE

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focus_tourism with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

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clive greenway. GREETINGS, AND OF COURSE MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE FOCUS READERS FROM THE BUSINESSES AND TRADERS IN SAWTELL. WELL, HERE WE ARE IN THE LAST AND PROBABLY BUSIEST MONTH OF 2015.

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and often superior to other well known coastal hat a year it has been, with a change of leadership in holiday locations and our metropolitan cousins. our Federal Government, The other essential element to successful new directions as a result trading is for our local consumers to remember and a follow on general to shop local. Australians recognise that small improvement in consumer confidence. business are a vital cog in the nation’s ecoThe lead up to Christmas can be a nervous nomic wheel, but they often forget to support one for many retailers; however, Sawtell retailthem. Recent studies reveal around 94% of ers are cautiously optimistic about the forthAustralian consumers acknowledge that small coming trading period. As mentioned, market business plays a very important part in the local research suggests that consumer confidence is community, but many admit to not helping better than it has been in some time, and Sawthem thrive by failing to spend any money tell businesses have witnessed a change in conat their stores. More than two thirds sumer certainty, particularly during the of small business owners also spring period. Tourist numbers to admitted to feeling forgotten Australia from overseas this by their local communities. ity year have been significantly Economic activ We trust our locals will higher, particularly with continues to remember the unique hout holiday makers from be strong throug ss range of wares and ne Asia. Sawtell has shared the Sawtell busi ty ci competitive pricing on pa houses , with ca in this influx enjoying an ng ri du n offer in Sawtell when accommodatio increase in visitor numit comes to ticking off ol holidays ho sc e th bers, with accommodaease d that Christmas shopresulting in incr tion providers at capacity trade. ” ping list. foot traffic and and businesses reporting Talking all things local, decent trading. We expect don’t forget the Sawtell to see this trend continue, with December Summer Sessions on tourist numbers already up at this Thursday the 10th from 5pm. First Avtime of the year and of course, more visitors enue will be closed from 4pm, and there to arrive later in the month and stay on into will be buskers, musicians and entertainment January. for the kids. The boutiques and shops will be To promote domestic tourism, the Sawtell open for business and you will be able to grab Chamber of Commerce proactively advertises a bite to eat and a drink in any one of Sawtell’s the area as the wonderful holiday destination cafés, restaurants and bars. It is a free event that it is. Campaigns run constantly throughout and a great way to enjoy the summer evenings the year and throughout numerous and vast under our famous fig trees. regions in NSW. These marketing strategies Most importantly, the Sawtell Chamber of have been incredibly successful, with more and Commerce wishes everyone a safe, happy more Australian tourists choosing to holiday and healthy festive season. Merry Christmas and stay and play in the village. This is vital for everyone! our local economy and as such, the businesses Written by Clive Greenway, President, in Sawtell always make every effort to provide goods, services and satisfaction comparable Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.

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80 coffs coast focus.

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HAVE YOU GOT THE COFFS COAST APP?

o, your family and friends are mapping tools to help you trace all the coming to town, visiting you for locations and distances. Curious minds Christmas or planning to stay for will love the App for its “did you know?” the summer season. After three section, which offers quirky and interesting days on the beach and a dip and trivia on each of the featured operators. Or, chip overload, where are you going to take if time is of the essence, filter your search them, and what are you going to do? by location such as “Woolgoolga” or by Look no further than the Coffs Coast experience including “animal encounters”. app. As the go-to FREE mobile application The App inclusions continue as we help for Apple and Android phones, iPads and you celebrate the best of the summer seatablet devices, the Coffs Coast App is your son with seasonal specials. Look out for the entertainment lifesaver. Take the trouble “vouchers” offering a snorkelling trip for out of organising the holiday itinerary a family of four for $250 with Jetty Dive, or trying to find things to keep the kids 7th night free at Urunga Heads Holiday busy. We have done all the hard Park, 25% off an eco-kayak tour with work for you, by capturing the C Change Adventures, half price beauty and diversity of the green fees at the Pacific Bay stunning Coffs Coast, Golf course, free hugs at Bellr ve Disco with over 170 of the ingen markets or a family e th best places to stay, eat, surf lesson for five people g in ur to best drink and play. for $150 with Sawtell Surf routes , the top Discover the best School. attractions , s touring routes, the top The Coffs Coast App is dining hot spot and events .” attractions, dining hot FREE from iTunes or Google spots and events. Play; download it today. Or From “mini olympics” to go to www.coffscoast.com.au It’s where memories are made. Vodka tasting, Sumo Zorbing to camel rides - The Coffs Coast app captures over 101 things to do - all in ranked order as voted by App users. It highlights the ultimate places to stay, including apartments and villas through to holiday parks and cottages. Looking for a new dining spot? There’s cafés, modern Australian, international cuisine, cooking schools, bars and much more, while the “trails and drives” section showcases over 24 cycling, walking, motorcycle and driving routes so you and your loved ones can get out and explore the spectacular landscapes. Keep the kids entertained with voting technology that enables them to rank their top activities, or store their favourites to come back to. For the navigators amongst you, enjoy geo-targeted GPS

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focus_real estate Martin Wells from McGrath Estate Agents

realestate UPDATE

MARTIN WELLS FROM MCGRATH REAL ESTATE LOOKS AT THE PROPERTY MARKET, HOW FAR IT HAS COME IN 2015 AND WHAT LIES AHEAD IN 2016.

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ell, what a difference a couple of months makes. This time just six weeks ago, Sydney and many other capital city markets were riding the crest of what seemed to be an ever increasing wave, with over 20% increases in the Sydney market and 10% in Melbourne

over the past 12 months. However, as Isaac Newton discovered, “what goes up must come down”. Even if just a little. The momentum that the Sydney market in particular was carrying was clearly unsustainable, and inevitably a correction, or “pull-back” of some description was required and according to some economists, was

overdue. The catalyst for this event seemed to be the release of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) report requiring banks to hold higher levels of capital against their lending, and hence the banks (led by Westpac) raising rates independent of the Reserve Bank. The rest, as they say, is history. Auction clearance rates, an indicator used to broadly assess the health of the capital city markets have seen a retraction from just over 90% (effectively 9 in every 10 properties that went to auction selling under the hammer) to record just 59.2% in the first week of November, and personally I believe we haven’t seen the bottom as yet. This level has not been seen for over three years. What does all this have to do with our local market? What impact will this have on our local market? Ask any agent in town, and they will tell you that 2015 got off to a great start, with many recording record quarters. Those agencies with good stock levels, priced to meet the market, and presented perfectly with professional photography, structured marketing campaigns, and effective negotiation skills saw fantastic results for their vendors. However, as we headed into back-end of October and early November, the tide was receding, albeit slowly, and not excessively. This dampened retraction is due to a number of relevant local factors that give cause for optimism going forward. Let me explain. The major regional centres, such as the

Coffs Coast, remain attractive property markets to both home buyers seeking great value, and investors seeking good returns. The Coffs Coast market has the unique buying opportunity that many investors seek. Quality housing stock, well located with impressive regional facilities and services, with potential upside in the medium-term, whilst achieving above average returns (or yield). Most markets can only offer up one or the other of these situations. Hence the demand for property on the Coffs Coast remains relatively buoyant, cushioning the potential “pull-back” that may otherwise be seen locally in response to the event in Sydney. For owner-occupier (particularly first-home buyers) purchasing that special home (that they may otherwise have needed to pay more than double for in Sydney) and not having to negatively impact their quality of life (indeed most would see our lifestyle as an exponential improvement in quality of life) is a very attractive proposition. It seems that whilst our market tended to reflect Sydney up to 12-18 months in arrears historically, due to current events unfolding throughout both the financial/lending spheres, and the property market itself, we may not see the double digit growth that may have been coming our way. But hey, we’re still living in the best address on the planet, and with a long-term hold you can’t go wrong. Yours in Property, Martin Wells.

Fresh thinking in real estate. 2/19 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour 6652 8885

1/57 First Avenue Sawtell 6658 1577

mcgrath.com.au

coffs coast focus.

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focusinterview.

MATT

jimmy dawson

KIDS

TEEPEE

HAVE A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS AND MAKE YOUR VERY OWN DIY TEEPEE PLAY TENT FOR YOUR KIDS OR PETS.

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t’s ideal for indoor or outdoor play during the summer and is a pretty cool, do-able and affordable play tent to keep the kids busy, to brighten up a corner of a room and add some fun to any family

occasion.

repeat the width from the next piece of bamboo on the floor. TIP: make sure to write down these measurements as you go; even better, draw a diagram with all the measurements written on each side. For a toddler-sized tent, 60 inches x 41 inches is recommended. • The two side walls will be the same and the

What you will need to make your Teepee Play Tent:

other side will be the doorway, which is very

• An old cotton sheet will do perfectly, or find a cotton sheet from a local op-shop. You can use traditional white or add a blast of colour or patterns to mix it up a bit. • A tape measure • Some chalk to mark out the triangle shape onto the sheet • A sewing machine (or a needle and thread if you’re feeling ambitious! • Bamboo poles. For a traditional Teepee shape, you use three; however, if you would like a square based Teepee with four sides, you will need four bamboo poles.

down from the top triangle point. TIP: add

Optional:

• Sew all other side walls together.

• Trusty assistants to add to the fun! • Feather trim for the seam above the doorway. • A really cool idea is to cut out 15cm x 15cm squares of coloured or patterned material sheets and sew these onto your sheet for a cute mix-match effect. Instructions: • First place the bamboo in a standing position, so the bamboo sits at equal measurements apart at the base and joins in the centre from the top as pictured; measure out the shape of the base and write it down. • Then measure from where the bamboo meets at the top right down to the floor. Then 82 coffs coast focus.

much the same but has a join about 40 cm around 1 cm for seam allowance each on the bottom of the small triangle and the top of the doors. • Cut a split down the centre of the bottom half of the doorway sides to create the doorway opening. • Sew the small triangle to the top of the doorway. Cool idea: add a dream catcher, tassels, feathers or pom pom trim for an extra dose of cuteness. • Sew on the base to the two closed sides only. The base helps keep the Teepee in shape and prevents the bamboo from moving around while the kids or pets play inside. • Cut some small strips as ties, and sew ties on the inside of the Teepee at the base corners, at the top and one each at the middle along side wall seams; this means the ties can be tied along the bamboo to prevent it from moving. Cool idea: instead of a cotton sheet, invest in cotton canvas fabric to make your Teepee so that you can actually paint the Teepee yourself! If you make your Teepee with cotton canvas, it’s easy to decorate using water or latex based paint.

DAL POZZO AIR CONDITIONING TIPS AND ADVICE WITH HARBOURSIDE AIR CONDITIONING FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND HOME, TO AVOID THE HEAT THIS SUMMER.

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ould you share with us some suggest having it serviced before summer and air conditioning tips? before winter, so that you can be sure your Most people turn their air air conditioning system is in top shape for the conditioning systems on at the season ahead. It is very important not to let your lowest temp possible when they air conditioning system sit dormant for too long; most require cooling in the hotif you don’t need it in winter, give it a run to get test parts of the day, when what we should be the lubricants moving. Air conditioners have a lot doing is turning the system on early and allowing of moving parts, and just like cars they don’t like the unit to maintain a comfortable temperature to sit there not being used. before the room gets too hot. With the use of How often do I need to change filters? inverter technology, an air conditioning sysAir conditioning system filter health tem if is sized correctly will be more is very important. If your filters efficient if turned on early and are broken or falling apart, set to a reasonable temperathen they won’t be doing ture, say 23 degrees. This their job by cleaning the nWith Wi-Fi co r allows the unit to make air you breathe. They nectivity, ou ss ce ac use of its inverter technolwill also allow dust to n customers ca g in on iti ogy and cycle properly. build up inside your nd their air co re he yw an om With Wi-Fi connectivity, air conditioning sysfr system early on em th rn our customers can access tem, which will reduce tu and it will their air conditioning the efficiency of the when they know be a hot day. ” system from anywhere and system and ultimately turn them on early when they cause it to fail. The good know it will be a hot day. news is that the filter is easy What is the difference between to remove, clean and replace if a normal air conditioner and a ductneed be; this is all part of what we ed air conditioner, and which would you do when we service your air conditionrecommend? ing system. The most common air conditioning system How much energy does an air conditioner used in homes is the high wall split type; they are consume? the most cost effective way to air condition one Energy use from your air conditioning system room at a time. However, if you have the need really comes down to how it is used. If you turn to air condition more than two or three rooms at your system on at 2pm when the room is at its a time, then often the ducted system will be the hottest and set the temperature to 16 degrees, best solution. At Harbourside Refrigeration and then the system will run flat out without cycling. Air Conditioning we sit down with our clients This is the most costly way to use your system. If and design a system that is best suited to their you turn it on at 10am at 23 degrees and let the home and more importantly, their needs. We can system cycle properly, it will use less energy to choose from a wide range of systems, from high maintain the temperature in the room. wall split systems and ducted systems, to cassette What is the ideal temperature to set my air style, floor mounted and multi head systems. conditioner to? How frequently does an air conditioner need I would recommend your air conditioning to be serviced? system at home be set around 23 degrees for Most manufacturers recommend having your summer and 25 degrees for winter; you should air conditioning system serviced at least once always avoid setting your system for the lowest a year, but if you are like me and use you air or highest temperature possible. conditioning system year round, then I would Thanks Matt.

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focusinterview.

SCOTT NOLAN

SEA SHELLS LOCATED JUST 150 M FROM THE SPARKLING WATERS OF THE BLUE PACIFIC OCEAN, THE EXCITING NEW "SEASHELLS" COMPLEX IS SET TO REDEFINE LUXURY UNIT LIVING ON THE COFFS COAST. FEATURING 44 APARTMENTS BUILT OVER 12 STOREYS, THIS "STATE OF THE ART" DEVELOPMENT WILL OFFER A COMBINATION OF ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM UPMARKET APARTMENTS, FOUR PENTHOUSES AND TWO AMAZING DOUBLE STOREY SKY HOMES. ell us about some of the new exciting projects you are working on now and in the future ... After quite a few years, the project market on the Coffs Coast has really kicked into gear. Investors and home buyers alike now have a wide variety of options to choose from, with a number of exciting new town house developments on offer throughout Park Beach, The Jetty, Woolgoolga and of course, Sawtell and Boambee areas. In addition to this, we have enjoyed a lot of success in the Park Beach area recently. The Equinox complex, which is located on the corner of Park Beach Road and Ocean Parade, has only one apartment left. The exciting new “Seashells” development has just been launched at 123 Park Beach Road. This high rise development is the most exciting high rise on the Coffs Coast in over 30 years. It is certainly going to redefine luxury living on the Coffs Coast and boasts a variety of one, two and three bedroom apartments plus two levels of penthouses and Sky Homes. So far, 11 of the 44 apartments have had a deposit taken, which is a spectacular start to an “off the plan” project in Coffs Harbour. The complex features 12 storeys of luxury living and an exclusive residents only podium level which features a sparkling in ground pool, steam room, BBQ/Entertaining area and plenty of open space to sunbake or relax and enjoy the views. Tell us a bit about the companies involved in the development ...

boards available to see at the Nolan Partners The developers of Seashell are the Naumburger family, who have had land holdings office at the Jetty. An exciting initiative in this project not before seen on the Coffs Coast is for and investments in the Coffs region for over 50 the penthouse and sky home purchasers. These years. Most people recognise the name as cobuyers will have the ability to custom design owners of the Park Beach Plaza and Homebase their own interior finish. The award winning complexes, but they have also owned a number Natural Habitat's design team will of land holdings across the area for work with the buyers to create many years. individual designs in keeping The Seashells site with the modern trends and being developed was This high rise t the taste of the individual originally known as Rips en developm t os m e buyers' preferences. In Steakhouse and was th is probably se ri gh regards to pricing of then changed to the hi exciting t as Co ffs the apartments, studios Co Seashells restaurant, e on th It s. ar ye 30 er and one bedroom units which was when it ov in g to range from $299,000 is certainly goin ing was acquired by the liv redefine luxury and to $345,000; two Naumburger family. t.” as Co ffs Co e on th bedroom apartments from The family are great $415,000 to $615,000, supporters of the local three bedroom apartments community and have engaged $595,000 to $915,000 and the a local architect, Vil Brickman, penthouses and sky homes $995,000 local engineers and project managers, De to a touch over $1.5 million. Groot and Benson, local interior and exterior What type of plans are available? design experts, Natural Habitat and of Buying new or off the plan enables purchasers course, Nolan Partners have been appointed as to virtually plan everything from the time they the marketing agent. Where possible, the family move through to finances, colour schemes and have also indicated that they will utilise the the way they furnish and finish the property services of local trades and suppliers, which will itself. There are also a number of Government be a significant boost to the local construction schemes and grants to explore; in particular, first industry. home buyers and over 60s can access a wide What are the standout features or the range of Government initiatives to help them benefits of buying a property at Seashells? make their next move. Another advantage is The design of the interior and exterior of the when you buy a new property, you can assume complex is now complete, with individual floor that your maintenance bills will be lower than plans available for viewing. Purchasers have the if buying second hand, as appliances, fittings choice of three different interiors, with colour

“

etc. are all brand new. Likewise, your body corporate fees would be reduced, as modern buildings tend to use a much more up to date energy efficient technology in things like pools, pumps, lifts etc. They also incorporate obviously a number of energy saving water schemes, solar electricity etc. For investors, new property also comes with the benefit of years of depreciation, which will reduce income tax. How do you see the future? With high prices in the capital cities forcing many home buyers and investors to look outside of those areas, regional areas such as the Coffs Coast with our amazing lifestyle, excellent medical services, shopping facilities and our full range of our transport options are becoming very attractive places for these buyers. We are also seeing many retirees looking favourably at apartment style living - obviously enjoying the lifestyle benefits with all the services and facilities at their fingertips and the ability to walk to shops, coffee shops and the beach. The other great benefit is the safety and security of your property. Today’s busy lifestyle makes apartment living an attractive option for many other sections of the market, from busy individuals through to first home buyers and professionals. We are also seeing a number of people looking at this particular development as a holiday invest property for their own benefit. It really is an exciting time for the property market on the Coffs Coast. Thanks Scott. coffs coast focus.

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with Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Tracey & Michael

Bill, Machelle, Judy and Geoff

Paul, Bill, James, Greg and Ian

Adrian, Tanya, Steve and Debbie

Grand opening of the Big Banana Water Slide.

Bob Winnel and Kevin Rubie

Rhy Pickering, Brendan J Smith, Lisa Nichols and Peter Miccalizzi

Deb and Steve Gooley, Tanya and Alan Johnson, Sally and Michael Simmon

W

Social/scene.

e are attempting to be organised this year, but with all the celebrations already in full swing, the Coffs Coast has well and truly “taken off” (as in Santa’s sleigh!) in the event department! Nothing to do with snow, I might add, but we recently attended “The White Party”! It was just one amongst all of the wonderful charity events that were staged to raise funds for the entrants of the mammoth Fundraiser Stars of Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer. It was the chance for a group of Coffs Coast locals to dress in white, have a heap of fun and help raise money for a great cause at The Pier Hotel’s new Cellar Lounge. Surrounded by beautiful white roses kindly donated by Hilliar Roses, guests enjoyed fine wines, bubbles and delicious food. The event was hosted by NBN News Reporter Brendan Smith. With the help of a live auction, some lively and entertaining 84 coffs coast focus.

auctioneering from the effervescent Mr. Smith himself, The White Party raised more than $4,500 for The Stars of the Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer. I hear a whisper that so much fun was had by one and all, that this just might become a regular event! Nicci from FOCUS and I got all poshed up to attend the HQB Accountants Cocktail Party at the fabulous Ocean View Lattitude Restaurant and Bar. Juggling the FOCUS camera in one hand and a delicious canapé in the other, Nicci and I joined over 220 guests ready to celebrate a massive 60 successful years in business on the Coffs Coast. It was great to see many so locals there to support such a great milestone. Laser Plumbing and Electrical Coffs Harbour hosted Steve Richards and the Laser Racing Porsche at the Park Beach Plaza this month. Steve is a multiple Bathurst 1000 winner and paid a visit to Coffs on his way back to Melbourne from the Gold Coast 600. The local Laser team has been raising

Megan, Sharon, Mandy and Renee

Santa is well and truly on his way, and it's countdown time to Christmas. funds for Waratah Respite and the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed through gold coin donations from people wishing to have photos with Steve and the Porsche. We were very starstruck and honoured to be invited to such a great cause. As part of their recent 22nd Birthday Celebrations, members of the Korora VIEW Club engaged The Smith Family’s retail store in Coffs Harbour to host a Fundraising Fashion Parade. Clothing from the store was modelled by the VIEW club members, who enabled The Smith Family to showcase a broad range of clothing and accessories, including a number of designer labels. Great opportunity to raise some funds for a great cause, snap up some bargains and have some fun with the ladies. Still on dressing up, another fine time was had at the Melbourne Cup at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club just recently. We had our usual Sponsors table in the Corporate Lounge, which was shared with my fellow FOCUS team ladies. Even though Mother Nature

had to drizzle on us, it did not deter us and a horde of enthusiastic race goers from enjoying the day. The club had been one step ahead of the temperamental weather swings and had organised an event room to become the stage for the ladies and gents who had entered the Park Beach Fashions on the Field Competition. A flutter or two, a lovely lunch, and great company! What more could you ask for? You can’t say our FOCUS team are not full of fun and ready to take on almost any challenge! Well - nearly all of us ... I didn’t exactly “chicken out”, but as our Mr Michael Marchment from FOCUS Port Macquarie was here working, why not push him ... out of a plane ... instead of moi? Thanks to the team at Coffs city Skydivers; the FOCUS team thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I personally think they were up there looking for ... SANTA! Here is to ... wishing you all a very happy Christmas from the FOCUS team. Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

s o c i a l s c e n e

with Carole Beros from Le Dﾄ（n Designs

Gordon and Julie Smith

Stacy Jessup, Teresa Tindill, Sam Dugard, Maddi Bishop and Tanya Johnson

Rhy Pickering, Robert Case and Jenine Griffiths

Karla Hannaford and Brendan J Smith

Laser Plumbing

Richard and Gail Welch, Tony and Mary Walsh

Darren Smith and Alice Williams

Rosemarie Atkins and Emma Rhoades

Kerrie and Andrew Fraser

Coffs Harbour Melbourne Cup Best Dressed Lady

Emma Rhoades photography Studio Launch

Mel Crossland, Kristen and Aaron Howton at the Emma Rhoades photography Studio Launch

Emma Rhoades photography Studio Launch

Best Dressed Couple Coffs Harbour Melbourne Cup

Focus Ladies

Emma Rhoades photography Studio Launch

Korora View Club Fashion Parade

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MARCIA STREET FOCUS FEATURE

Our friendly office team

RAPIDCLEAN supplies

RAPIDCLEAN supplies RapidClean is located in big, bright green premises at Makes your Job Easy Kennards Hire is one of Australia’s largest hire companies and most successful family businesses. Catering to trades people, large commercial jobs and everything in between, Kennards Hire are experts in their field and pride themselves on unparalleled customer service and equipment that is second to none. A vast range of equipment enables Kennards Hire to service many industries in Australia through a network of specialised branches. These include Kennards Hire Concrete Care, Lift & Shift, Test & Measure, Traffic, Rail and Pump & Power. As well as these niche industries, Kennards Hire is the handyman’s best friend, stocking a range of tools and machinery to make any home improvement job a simple task. Work is safer and more productive with the latest equipment from Kennards Hire. The stable of products available are carefully selected from the most reliable and respected brands from around Australia and the rest of the world. When new and better equipment is developed, Kennards Hire will buy it, so you can hire it. A rigorous cleaning, servicing and testing process ensures that all hires are reliable. For further information on Kennards Hire and their range of equipment, or to find your nearest branch, visit www.kennards.com.au

Bathurst Champion Visits coffs Multiple Bathurst 1000 Champion Steve Richards visited Coffs Harbour on October 27 to help raise money for local charities, the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed and Waratah Respite Centre. Local businesses Laser Plumbing and Laser Electrical Coffs Harbour were excited to bring Steve and the Laser Racing Porsche to the coastal city and enjoyed giving locals the chance to see the Porsche, which Steve races as part of the Porsche Carrera Cup, up close. The team behind the plumbing and electrical businesses decided to utilise their relationship with Steve and Laser Racing to benefit the community, with people able have their photos taken with Steve and the Laser Racing Porsche for the minimum of a gold coin donation. All monies raised went to the Coffs Harbour Men’s Shed and Waratah Respite Centre. Also visiting the event was Member for Cowper and Federal Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Luke Hartsuyker, who also took the opportunity to talk to the team and Laser Plumbing and Electrical about training and apprenticeships. As well as racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup, Steve also races with Craig Lowndes, winning this year’s Bathurst 1000.

50 Marcia Street. It’s thetovery bright greenBrighter, building which RapidClean has moved Bigger, Better, features the big RapidClean Green Frog at the front. Greener premises at 50 Marcia St. Call into ourbright largegreen showroom, displaying our vast It’s the very building which features therange big of cleaning products and equipment. We offer a great range RapidClean Green Frog at the front. of quality products at fair pricing, with personal service from Don and Betty Townsend purchased RapidClean on May 2012 our great staff. We can offer advice for all your cleaning and have found that the business has outgrown the previous needs. Our aim is to provide our customers with a total premises on the Highway. We now have a larger showroom to cleaning solution, from mop and bucket to a street sweeper. display our vast range of cleaning products and equipment. We stock major brands of industrial, commercial, domestic We believe the reason our business is growing is because we and environmentally friendly cleaning products. We supply are offering a great range of quality products at fair pricing, vacuums, gernis, sweepers, scrubbers, repairs, spare parts, with personal service from our great staff. We can offer service, floor care, safety gear, matting, waste bins, bin advice for all of your cleaning needs. Our aim is to provide liners, gloves, insecticides, cleaning cloths, brushware, our customers with a total cleaning solution, from a mop and janitorial and washroom supplies including toilet paper and bucket to a street sweeper. hand towel to name a few. We stock major brands of industrial, commercial, domestic Commercial suppliers for cafés, restaurants, clubs, pubs and environmentally friendly cleaning products. We supply and venues. We are the local approved repair, warranty and vacuums, gernis, sweepers, scrubbers, repairs, spare parts, service agents for Gerni, Aussie Pumps, Nilfisk, Alto, Kerrick, service, floor care, safety gear, matting, waste bins, bin liners, Hako, Tennant, Numatic, PacVac and Polivac and maintain gloves, insecticides, cleaning cloths, brush ware, janitorial and many other brands. washroom supplies, including toilet paper and hand towel, to We would name a few.like to take this opportunity to wish all our loyal customers a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New We are the local approved repair, warranty and service agents Year. for Gerni, Nilfisk, Alto, Kerrick, Hako, Tennant, Numatic, We are and onlyPolivac closedand public holidays. PacVac maintain many other brands.

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COFFS COAST

property guide

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focusabode.

TOSCAN HOMES TOSCAN HOMES ARE MULTI-AWARD WINNING BUILDERS AND HAVE BEEN BUILDING HOMES ON THE COFFS COAST FOR 24 YEARS. TOSCAN HOMES ARE LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY, PRIDING THEMSELVES ON QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

hat is the history behind Toscan Homes? Toscan Homes are multi-award winning builders and have been building homes in the Coffs Harbour area for over 24 years. A leader in the industry, Toscan Homes prides itself on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. The team at Toscan Homes is focused on offering its customers the latest in concepts, innovations and contemporary designs. Toscan Homes is one of Coffs Harbour’s most reputable and successful builders. We proudly build every one of our homes to the same standard of excellence that has seen them winners of many HIA (Housing

Industry Association) housing awards. Toscan Homes is a family company that started with Grazz Toscan. Grazz was born in Coffs Harbour, where he began his career as an apprentice carpenter and after attaining his full qualifications, started G&K Toscan Homes with his wife, Karen. Toscan Homes was formed in 1991 and now has a staff of eight and uses over 200 suppliers and subcontractors from the local area, all of which employ local people. We have always been strong believers in using local trades and suppliers as much as we can, as we consider this to be important in the continual growth and development of the building industry on the Mid North Coast.

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We specialise in d custom built an e us ho , es m ho designed , es and land packag commercial and truction residential cons in the and renovations .” Coffs Co ast area

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In 2010 Todd Mackay and Rob McClennon took over the business. Todd and Rob are brothers-in-law, and both have different strengths that drive the business. Rob is passionate about the building industry, has an eye for detail and design and particularly enjoys working alongside customers to create the unique custom designs that Toscan Homes is renowned for in the industry. Todd, on the other hand, started his career as an apprentice with Grazz Toscan back in 1995. Todd went on to obtain his builder’s licence and has continued Grazz’s high quality of construction and work

TOSCAN HOMES

Proud Supplier to

Toscan Homes

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ethics that Toscan Homes is renowned for. Prior to owning Toscan Homes, Todd had worked in many areas of NSW in the construction industry, commercial and residential, including project managing some prominent high rise constructions in Sydney. Building is a systematic process that Todd knows very well. What services does Toscan Homes provide? We specialise in custom built and designed homes, house and land packages, commercial and residential construction and renovations in the Coffs Coast area. We build not only our plans, but also other

focusabode.

TOSCAN HOMES architects’ and draftsmen’s plans that have far more complex task than building it in the been referred to us. first place. It also involves a lot of different Toscan Homes has done a number of types of work, some of which require commercial jobs locally i.e. ETC. buildings specialised expertise. Whatever the scope in Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Toormina, and nature of your project, Toscan Homes and Port Macquarie, Sawtell Medical centre, has solid experience with all types of work, Christian Community Primary School, and we are able to show you from past Little Rainforest Tree Café Coffs projects that this is the case. We Harbour, just to name a few. also offer an in house colour The team at Toscan and design consultant. Homes work closely Rachael, our Toscan Homes with local developers selections consultant, specialises in uctio n; and real estate agents works closely with steep site constr ngth stre in creating unique our customers this is a crucial s, with and well priced house to ensure their for us as builder on the available land g and land packages, home is individual, bein the Coffs Co ast which takes out all the contemporary and p ee st predominantly hard decision making represents their ideas, ” g. and/or slopin for customers in buying thoughts and themes. a block and designing a Rachael is with clients house that suits the block. every step of the way visiting Toscan Homes specialises in local suppliers, collecting samples, steep site construction; this is a crucial matching colours and finding the best strength for us as builders, with the product from the best supplier that suits available land on the Coffs Coast being their needs. predominantly steep and/or sloping. Toscan Homes also works together with Toscan Homes are able to assist with home our cabinet maker, G&A Cabinets, to design renovations. We understand that renovation a kitchen which reflects clients’ budget and and construction is a “people business”. design ideas; a 3D plan is created to help Good builders are good listeners and customers visualise the finished product. communicators. Renovating a home can be a

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TOSCAN HOMES

The Toscan team believes house that every new ld be built by us shou and gn unique in desi the an th er style, rath s that gn si de us io repetit our in are common with industry. ”

“ Tell us about some the new, exciting projects you are working on now and in the future ... Toscan Homes is not far off completing four townhouses for a developer in First Avenue, Sawtell. We also have another two lots of townhouses we are quoting and almost ready to get underway. We are currently working with the developer from The Elements Estate and have some great house and land packages available. Toscan Homes is about to commence some lovely new homes for customers in the Coffs Harbour area; we are excited to start construction, knowing the design aspect and quality is consistent with our builds. This quality

92 coffs coast focus.

and consistency contributes to winning the HIA awards in a number of categories. What are the standout features or the benefits of building with Toscan Homes? Custom design and flexibility! Every new home we build is individual, and it’s always about you. The Toscan team believes that every new house built by us should be unique in design and style, rather than the repetitious designs that are common within our industry. This in turn enables the customer’s house to be individual in design, creating a sense of identity for the customer or a distinctive selling

point for the future. Toscan Homes are also steep site construction specialists. When it comes to steep sites which Coffs Harbour is renowned for, we work with the client to create their dream home, without sacrificing aesthetics and budget. Being privately owned with the Managing Directors in-house allows us the flexibility to adapt our contractual obligations, financial arrangements and work programme to suit our customers’ needs. Each unique Toscan designed home reflects the best use of your land, your budget, your

lifestyle, the size of home you want and the environmental benefits. Through asking questions and really listening to our customers, we make the most of the information you give us to mould your desires into your perfect home. What is the process when a new client walks through the door? (i.e. assessing land, budget, eco requirements etc.) Our job is to listen to our customers, right from the start. When you come into our office looking to build a new home, renovate an existing home, or if you have another project in mind, we are happy to cater to your dreams and wishes. We start by getting those ideas down on

focusabode.

We pride ourselves on en , offering you op ation ic un m m co honest ilding bu e th ut ho ug thro ppy ha e ar process and tions es qu y an to answer that may arise.”

“ paper with a rough sketch. Then there’s a site visit of your land to survey the block contours and aspect - or, on the other hand, if you don’t have a block of land in mind, we will be happy to help you look for one. Then it’s on to preparing a working drawing with either our draftsman or your own designer. Each one of our houses are individually designed, taking into account the best aspect of the site, the budget and the customer’s individual lifestyle needs, and we work through this with you to create the home of your dreams. Once we begin building, Rachael, our selections consultant works closely with you to ensure your home is individual, contemporary and represents your ideas, thoughts and themes.

We pride ourselves on offering you open, honest communication throughout the building process and are happy to answer any questions that may arise. We are passionate about building; what we love the most is seeing a project grow, from working drawings, to the construction stage, right through to hand over. We gain great personal satisfaction in seeing the excitement in our customers when we hand over the key to their new home. Managing the building process isn’t for everyone; you have to be passionate about the industry and not only that, you have to be passionate about helping people.

TOSCAN HOMES

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We focus on sourcing and st supplying the be ls ia er at m quality at the best price for our clients to in be competitive t.” ke ar the m

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What are the top three things that people should consider when looking to build a new house? Land, budget and design - we work on bringing all of these elements together for our customers. What is also to be considered when building a new home are construction methods, trades and materials. Many of the trades working for Toscan Homes are locals and have worked for Toscan Homes for up to 20 years; they have outstanding work ethics and standards. With materials we focus on sourcing and supplying the best quality materials at the best price for our clients to be competitive in the market. You support local trades; how important is “keeping it local” in the building game? We proudly use over 200 suppliers and

subcontractors from the local area, all of which employ local people. We have always been strong believers in using local trades and suppliers as much as we can, as we consider this to be important in the continual growth and development of the building industry on the Mid North Coast. We believe strongly that it is important to use local trades and suppliers who not only know their products and services, but are backed by their commitment to ensure we maintain our renowned high level of construction and quality of workmanship. It is important to the Coffs Coast Economy that local building companies are using local trades and suppliers, as this in turn creates cash flow back into community and keeps local families and businesses employed. Since conception, what has been the most

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TOSCAN HOMES

important thing to you as a local trade? Being supported by the other local trades and businesses. Toscan Homes is not a franchise, and therefore our relationship with the local community is extremely important - locals supporting locals. What are some challenges that the industry has faced, and how have you overcome these? There are many challenges that face builders and trades on a daily basis, such as weather, which can play an important role in installing construction materials at certain stages of building. Also with local materials, fixtures and fittings, it is important that our ordering and in house processes are extremely organised, as some items may require ordering preconstruction, up to six weeks prior to them being needed. Land availability is a challenge within the industry, in particular good land to build on; the Coffs Harbour area is in desperate need of good quality reasonably flat land for builders to build on and for customers to build on a budget.

What accolades have you won? Toscan Homes is one of Coffs Harbour’s most reputable and successful builders. We proudly build every one of our homes to the same standard of excellence that has seen us winners of many HIA (Housing Industry Association) awards since the commencement of the business. What community events does Toscan Homes support? Toscan Homes enjoys continuing to support local sporting teams and individuals. Over the years Toscan Homes has supported many different clubs and sporting groups, most recently local female athlete Lauren Dam, competing the Coolangatta Gold surf race event. We also sponsor the Coffs Harbour Game Fishing Club and are in the process of confirming sponsorship with Sawtell Boardriders for 2016. As a local business, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to support local groups and organisations.

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TOSCAN HOMES AWARDS 2015 - WINNER

2011 - FINALIST

2015 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards

2011 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards

Northern NSW Custom Built Home $200,000

Northern NSW Custom Built Home under

- $400,000

$1 Million

2015 - FINALIST

2011 - FINALIST

2015 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards Northern NSW Custom Built Kitchen & Bathroom awards 2013 - WINNER 2013 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards Northern NSW Custom Built Home $200,000 - $400,000 2012 - WINNER 2012 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards Northern NSW Custom Built Home $200,000

2011 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards Northern NSW Home of the Year 2007 - WINNER HIA Bunning’s Regional NSW Home Awards Regional NSW Customer Service Award 2007 - WINNER HIA Bunning’s Regional NSW Home Awards North Coast Renovation & Addition Project over $600,000 2007 - WINNER HIA Bunning’s Regional NSW Home Awards

- $400,000

North Coast Renovation & Addition Project of

2011 - WINNER

the Year

2011 HIA Northern NSW Housing Awards

2007 FINALIST

Northern NSW Townhouse/Villa Developments

HIA CSR NSW Housing Awards

of the Year (2 - 10 Dwellings)

Customer Service Award

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2006 JUDGE HIA Bunning’s Regional NSW Home Awards Acknowledges with Appreciation for 2006 Judge - Grazz Toscan

2003 - WINNER

2003 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards Energy Efficient Home of the Year

2003 - FINALIST

2003 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards Energy Efficient Home of the Year 2003 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $700,000 2003 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards - NSW Custom Built Homes under $700,000 2003 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $300,000 2003 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $300,000

NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards - NSW Custom Built Homes under $300,000

HIA North Coast Housing Awards Energy Efficient Home of the Year 2003 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Energy Efficient Home of the Year 2003 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Built Home of the year 2003 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Build Homes over $500,000 2002 - FINALIST HIA Australia Housing Awards HIA Australian Custom Built Home of the Year

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TOSCAN HOMES AWARDS 2001 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards North Coast Most Innovative use of Steel

2001 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards - NSW Custom Built Home of the year

2001 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $160,000

1995 - FINALIST HIA & St. George Bank present Top Home Awards HIA Project Homes under $140,000

2001 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards North Coast Energy Efficient Home of the Year

2001 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards - NSW Best Home North Coast Region

1998 - WINNER HIA NSW Housing Awards Best Home North Coast

1994 - FINALIST HIA & St. George Bank present Top Home Awards House & Land Package over $150,000

2001 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards North Coast Custom Built Homes over $500,00

2001 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards North Coast Spec Home of the Year

1998 - FINALIST HIA NSW Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $270,000

1993 - WINNER HIA Top Home Awards House & Land Package under $150,000

2001 - WINNER HIA North Coast Housing Awards North Coast Custom Built Home of the Year

2001 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $350,000

1998 - FINALIST HIA NSW Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $200,000

1993 - WINNER HIA Top Home Awards Custom Built Homes under $150,000

2001 - WINNER NRMA Insurance HIA Housing Awards - NSW Custom Built Homes under $750,000

2001 - FINALIST HIA North Coast Housing Awards Custom Built Homes under $250,000

1998 - FINALIST HIA NSW Housing Awards Best Home North Coast

1993 - FINALIST HIA & St. George Bank present Top Home Awards Alterations & Additions under $150,000

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g.j. gardner

BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE

W H E N L O C A L C O F F S H A R B O U R B U I L D E R S, R I C K A N D S U S A N F I S C H E R C H I N K T H E I R C H A M PAG N E G L A S S E S AT M I D N I G H T T H I S N E W Y E A R’ S E V E , T H E Y ’ L L L O O K BAC K O N T H E Y E A R W I T H A D E E P S E N S E O F S AT I S FAC T I O N.

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he memory that will engender the biggest smile will be the moment they were told their small G.J. Gardner Homes franchise had taken out the prestigious NSW HIA Project Home of the Year award - trouncing a field of much larger, better-favoured competitors. That surprise win in October capped off a year that saw the Fischers take home nine awards in total across a range of business and housing industry areas. Their increasingly crowded trophy cabinet now includes awards for Townhouse/Villa of the Year (1st Place, Regional HIA Awards), Business Leader of the Year (1st place, Sunnys Business Awards) and Best Medium Density Project Townhouses & Villas (Merit, MBA Excellence in Regional Building Awards). Rick managed to free up some time in his busy schedule to sit down with FOCUS in Coffs Harbour to talk about what the highly respected HIA award means for his business and what he thinks the future holds for the building industry in Coffs Harbour. What was your reaction when you heard you had taken out the top gong for project homes at the HIA awards? The whole team was so excited. It was quite a thrill, but I have to admit it was not something we were expecting at all, because we were up against some major builders from across the state, including Sydney metro. We get a huge amount of satisfaction helping people build their dream home, but we can’t deny it’s very gratifying to be noticed by our peers in the industry for doing a good job. It’s a massive achievement and testament to the whole team - especially our talented local tradespeople. Coffs truly has some of the best tradies in the country, and I’m proud to work with them. 98 coffs coast focus.

Tell us about the home you entered in the so building is in my blood. My father always instilled in me that you need to be ahead of awards and why you think it impressed the game and bring new ideas and materials the judge ... to the market. This build had many challenges, We submitted a home built for a local Coffs but we worked through each of them with the Harbour resident based on The Shoalwater owner to achieve a spectacular result. It is a design, which is one of the most popular truly beautiful home that meets the needs of homes on G.J. Gardner’s books. our client exactly. And I think the judges could I believe the judges were impressed with clearly see that. how we incorporated a lot of customised As a local builder, you must have your modifications to the original Shoalwater design finger on the pulse of economic to better reflect the personality and development in Coffs Harbour. lifestyle of the owner. It was a What’s your assessment of challenging build though, ve how the region will fare si as as the property had It’s a m t en em in the coming decade? ev achi three access points to e th to t en Speaking personally, am st and te accommodate and a ci ally pe es am te we’ve seen our business le who pool. We had to amend lented local ta r grow by 40 per cent ou the design to account truly espeople . Coffs ad tr in the past year and for the variation of best has some of the try, with the northern area un fall on the land due tradies in the co ork of Coffs undergoing a w to d to some differences and I’m prou development boom, I’d in height between with them . ” say the future is looking roads, floor level, the pool bright. site, existing estate rock We’ve had huge interest in our retaining walls and the need to be new display home at North Sapphire compliant with estate guidelines. Beach Display village. We’ve received a This meant some levels needed to be lot of great feedback about the project, and added; however, the client, an older lady, there seems to be a positive vibe around town wanted to accommodate for the years ahead at the moment. Things are definitely looking and so specifically requested steps be kept up. to a minimum. This presented us with many Susan and I are passionate about Coffs, and challenges. We worked through a number we want to see the area prosper. We’re proud of designs, until the client was happy. The of the fact that we provide employment to outcome is a stunning, open planned home local tradies and suppliers. The more homes we that maximises land usage. The client was build, the more employment opportunities are extremely happy with the finished home, and passed down the line - hopefully reaching some that’s the best vote of confidence for us, really. of our young apprentices out there looking to We love to be able to deliver something that is get a start. beyond a client’s expectations. Forty per cent growth and nine awards We’ve always worked with the ethos that in just twelve months is an impressive you have to treat each and every client as if achievement for a regional family-owned they are family. I’m a fifth generation builder,

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business. What’s your secret? We treat our clients like family. I think they also appreciate how we’re straight down the line. We provide a fixed price and build time certainty, with no hidden extras. Everything they need to know is laid out and explained upfront, so there is as much clarity as possible. However, I think the most important thing is that we simply love what we do. Seeing the delighted reactions on people’s faces when we hand them the keys to their dream home - that makes it all worthwhile. What design trends are you seeing gaining popularity in the Coffs region? Something we like to call “coastal style”. When you live in a beautiful place like Coffs, you really want to bring the outside in. The most effective way to do this is by adding natural elements throughout a home, such as timber and stone, and creating outdoor areas that merge seamlessly with the indoors. Creating colour schemes with lots of whites, creams, greys, blues and greens echoes the kinds of colours you’d see on a sandy shoreline. Natural materials such as cane, bamboo, rattan, wood, leather, cotton and linen also create a visual and textural connection with the great outdoors. Also adding height and an abundance of glass will ensure you make the most of whatever views you have, whether you’re overlooking the ocean or not. Lots of glass will also ensure that your home is always filled with sunshine and natural light. What’s next for the Fischers? We’ve now got our fingers crossed for a win at the national HIA awards, which will be judged in May next year on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. Not a bad place to be, whether we win or lose! Thanks Rick.

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2013, 2014 & 2015

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2015 STATE FINALIST 2015 STATE FINALIST

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G.J. G.J.Gardner GardnerHomes HomesCoffs CoffsCoast Coast has has won wonthe theNSW NSWHIA HIAState StateAward Awardfor for Project ProjectHome Homeofofthe theYear! Year! Building Buildingyour yournew newhome homewith withan anaward-winning award-winning local team is surprisingly easy! Get local team is surprisingly easy! Getinintouch touchtoto find findout outmore. more.

Office Office 171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Opening Hours - Monday toto Friday 9am toto 5pm Opening Hours - Monday Friday 9am 5pm Display home Display home 33 Cherry Street, Cherry Street, Sapphire Beach, NSW, 2450 Sapphire Beach, NSW, 2450

Opening Hours - 7- days 9am toto 5pm Opening Hours 7 days 9am 5pm

Call Call(02) (02)6691 66913509 3509 email emailcoffsharbour@gjgardner.com.au coffsharbour@gjgardner.com.au ororvisit visitgjgardner.com.au gjgardner.com.au

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Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Builders Licence: 191313C. Builders Licence: 191313C.

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