Coffs Coast Focus i64 by Focus

COFFS COAST

January 2016//issue 64

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Feature Story Karate Kids

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PHEBE STARR.

Phebe Starr is a gifted performer and singer, drawing inspiration for music from growing up in the mountains and by the sea of the Coffs Coast. FOCUS recently sat down to find out more about this dynamic young talent.

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WHAT’S ON FOR JANUARY 20. EAT FEATURING LOCAL RESTAURANTS 26. PUB CRAWL FOCUS FEATURE 38. BEST KEPT SECRETS ON THE COFFS COAST 72. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 80. SOCIAL SCENE WITH CAROLE BEROS 84. ABODE REAL ESTATE SECTION 90. BUSINESS MINDS WITH SAM WARDMAN 8.

KASEY CHAMBERS. Growing up in a household of talented musicians paved the way for one of Australia’s most loved musicians to get to where she is today ... Travelling around Australia with her family band, before embarking on her own solo career has seen her awarded with a myriad of accolades ...

CM1134

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TAKE 3.

There is nothing worse after a surf or a swim in the pristine waters of the Coffs Coast beaches than seeing plastic and garbage. FOCUS sat down with Tim Silverwood, co-founder of an initiative to help inspire people to grab three pieces of trash each time they visit the beach.

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focus COFFS COAST

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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 January issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

APPY NEW YEAR! Welcome to 2016. It’s time to follow through with all of those New Year’s resolutions you made. January is a great month to reflect and set some personal or business goals to work towards in 2016. One of our goals this year at Coffs Coast FOCUS is to spend more time out of the office experiencing a more hands on approach to find out what’s happening in the local community. What do you want this year? Go out and get it! If it’s really awesome, call us - there might just be a story in it. This is not goodbye; it’s we will see you later! The rumours are true ... Our favourite Geordie Girl is leaving our shores and heading to our neighbouring country - New Zealand. Hayley has been so much fun to work with. Not only are we losing a valuable staff member, we will be missing a great friend (there are tears in my eyes writing this).

Good luck, Hayley Fryer, in all of your adventures. You will be truly missed. The Cover Madonna Bannerman is the new owner of Two Tails Wines out in Nana Glen. She and her husband have some pretty exciting things happening out there ... We can’t wait ... Yum, wine and cheese ... Stefano Mazzina is the head chef/owner of Coffs Harbour’s most authentic Italian Restaurant, Fiasco. Stef has just installed a new grill, which he is firing up over summer. Be sure to drop in and check it out these holidays. Tanya Watts is the Sales Manager of Opal Cove Resort. She is doing some amazing things with the place throughout January. We love Tanya! She is just divine! The Coffs Coast is full of hidden gems, from the lush hinterland and rainforest to our magnificent ocean coastline. We are very lucky to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Dis-

cover the hidden treasures of our towns and meet the friendly locals who live here in our new and annual “Best Kept Secrets” feature. Next Month Coming up in the February edition of FOCUS, we will be presenting our annual “Ultimate Wedding Guide” of the Coffs Coast region. February is the month of love, and eight months out from the traditional commencement of wedding season, which means this is a timely feature for the wedding industry to showcase what they have to offer future brides. This beautifully presented Wedding Guide, as part of the FOCUS publication, will be sought after by local brides as the essential wedding planning tool. Final Say “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending” - Carl Bard.

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focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

January 2016

35TH CLUB MARINE PITTWATER TO COFFS YACHT RACE 2016 Consisting of two separate events, the Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race being the first race starting on 2 January 2016, followed by a pursuit race in Coffs Harbour on the 5 January. When 2nd - 5th January.

SCREENWAVE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SWIFF) This summer, the inaugural Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) launches with over 38 sessions. When Saturday 2 January - Thursday 28 January. More info jettytheatre.com Phone 6652 8088.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Opal Cove Resort with Mudjai and the Wadjaar Ngaarlu cultural group. Cultural Experiences including Dance, Storytelling, Bush Tucker, Language and Music will be celebrated on Wednesday 6th January for visitors to the Coffs Coast and Resort guests. When Wednesday 6th January 2016 at 5pm. Where Opal Cove Resort.

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ART URUNGA “SCULPTURE IN THE PARK”

When January 17, 2016. Time 10am - 3pm. Where Morgo Street Reserve (opposite the Ocean View Hotel), 15 Morgo street, Urunga.

SNOW QUEEN’S AUSSIE FREEZING SHOW

The Snow Queen’s Aussie Freezing Show is a highly interactive show with lots of singing. Drama Workshop 10 - 11am ($10pp), then perform on stage with the cast. For bookings, phone 0401 030 463. Come dressed up and have fun, and don’t forget to bring a toy or book for our Children’s Hospital Toy Appeal. Where Coffs Harbour Jetty Memorial Theatre. When Tues 12th Jan. Shows: 11:30am & 1pm. Tickets $14 and $16 from the Jetty Memorial Theatre. Phone 6652 8088.

SAWTELL SUMMER SESSIONS Street closure, local musicians, buskers, entertainers, kids’ activities and rides, evening dining and shopping. It’s free to visit and enjoy the entertainment under the fig trees in Sawtell’s main street (BYO chairs and rugs). When Thursday 14th January. More info sawtellnsw.com.au

WEDDING EXPO & OPEN DAY 2016

The wedding season is in full swing, and there is no better time to hold the Annual Opal Cove Resort Wedding Expo & Open Day. When 16th January 2016 - 10am - 2pm. Where Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard (off the Pacific Highway), Korora. More Info Opal Cove Functions Department. Phone: (02) 6651 0527.

JEBEDIAH Perth four-piece Jebediah have had a stellar year, celebrating their twentieth anniversary with a double album release and national sell-out tour. When 22nd January 2016. Where Hoey Moey. Tickets $30 + BF.

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS COFFS HARBOUR CITY COUNCIL

Citizenship Awards and Ceremony, food and market stalls and entertainment. When Tuesday, January 26 from 10am. Where Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens. Cost Free entry!

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Niki Whelan, New Homes Sales Consultant, Adenbrook Homes

NIKI WHELAN ADENBROOK HOMES

The new Adenbrook display is now open at Sapphire Beach Estate, and it has received very positive feedback. We sat down with Niki Whelan from Adenbrook Homes to find out more… What is your area of expertise? I think being locally owned and operated enables us to provide a greater level of service. I also have an excellent understanding of the entire building process. What is the best thing about your job? Working with clients to build their dream home. I have developed good working relationships with all our clients, and this sees them coming back to use our services again or recommending us to their family and friends. What makes Adenbrook Homes Coffs Harbour stand out above your competitors? Adenbrook Homes’ honest approach to doing business is at the heart of every home we cre-

ate. Our all-inclusive pricing means that when you build with Adenbrook, you will know exactly what you’re getting and precisely how much it will cost - which is a refreshing change in the industry. This streamlines the building process and means our clients move into their new home sooner. How do you keep your team motivated? Our clients keep us motivated. We are also very fortunate to be supported by a dedicated and highly skilled team of professionals, who make our job easy! From our Site Supervisor to our master tradespeople, everyone involved in building an Adenbrook home is incredibility passionate about ensuring that we hand over a home we are all proud of.

If you are looking for quality, design and reliability, look no further. Harbour Glass will help you transform your home or business with our large range of stylish glass products. Meet some of the team who help make the business so successful. JORDAN MCKENNA

ANGIE HAYWARD

What is your background, and how long have you been in Coffs Harbour? I was born and raised in Coffs Harbour and attended Toormina High School. I finished up and started working at Tuffco. After three years of apprenticeship, I realised I wanted to branch our and expand my glass skills to installation, not just factory work, and found myself a job here at Harbour Glass.

What is your background, and how long have you been in Coffs Harbour? I was living in Casino, going to Casino High School as a School Based Apprentice, and I am now a qualified hair dresser. Finishing the apprenticeship, I moved to Newcastle to manage Flip Out Trampoline Centre. I needed a change and moved to Coffs Harbour to focus on administration. I’ve been living here for only six short weeks.

What do you love most about your job? I love learning new skills and getting out installing glass products. I get along well with the team here, and I’m very happy in the role.

What is the best thing about your job? The best thing about my job is learning new things. There is a lot more to glass production and installation than I ever thought.

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Coastal Designer Kitchens Coastal Designer Kitchens are a proud family owned and operated business based at Nambucca Heads on the Mid North Coast of NSW. We service from Woolgoolga to Kempsey and their surrounding areas. With Coastal Designer Kitchens we’ll give you the designer look you’ve always wanted, without the price to match!

having to compromise on quality. Whether you spend a little or a lot, with CDK, you’ll always get the quality and integrity you’re looking for...

Your free, in-home consultation is just a phone call away ...

Can we interest you in a no-interest payment plan? The qualification process is quick and easy, so give Andrew or Mel a call today to discus your needs; they’re just a phone call away.

Here at CDK, we believe that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look spectacular! At CDK we recognise the need to move forward with the current trends in the industry, and we’re constantly researching and updating our products and designs to be able to offer you top quality products at an affordable price. This enables us to tailor requirements to each individual client’s specific needs but more importantly, their specific budget, without

•OPAL COVE•

WEDDING EXPO

On display in our showroom are a variety of different styles of kitchens which display the exceptionally high quality standards of craftsmanship and modern design we pride ourselves on.

“ ... truly unbelievable; what a magic transformation ...” Jayne Riley, Coffs Harbour. “ ... exactly what I wanted at half the price of other shops.“ Victoria Matthews, Nambucca Heads. Visit our website: www.cdkitchens.com.au

& OPEN DAY 2016

Opal Cove Resort is hosting and coordinating its Wedding Expo and Open Day for 2016, on Saturday 16th January being the first major wedding event for the year.

f you are looking for a Bridal Fair or Wedding Expo to start or finalise your wedding plans, then you can’t afford to miss the comprehensive wedding event of 2016 for the Coffs Coast region. The wedding season is in full swing, and there is no better time to hold the Annual Opal Cove Resort Wedding Expo & Open Day. With a collection of more than 30 of the Coffs Coast’s most prominent wedding specialists, the Wedding Expo is sure to be a must-see for every bride to be. A Wedding Expo is the perfect opportunity for brides to ensure that their wedding day is everything they ever dreamed, and more. Exhibitors are on-trend and full of innovative ideas, and all guests are privy to a plethora of “on the day” specials to place the wedding of your dreams within reach. An opportunity also to view Opal Cove’s

Wedding ceremony and venues, set for your dream day. Join our very popular Opal Cove Resort tours on the day, departing the foyer, as well as an array of wedding specialists all in one location, consisting of: wedding celebrants, wedding photographers, wedding videographers, wedding florists, bridal wear, formal wear, jewellery, beauty, bridal makeup, wedding cakes, wedding invitations and stationery, entertainment, caterers, bomboniere, wedding cars, wedding dresses, wedding planners, wedding decorators, honeymoon destinations and accommodation. This is Coffs Harbour’s FIRST Wedding Expo of the year! Opal Cove Resort will excite and entice you to create that perfect dream day that you will treasure forever. If you would like to find out more about our weddings, visit. www.opalcove.com.au

Crafty • Seventy Seven India Pale Ale •

Just thrown on the taps at Element Bar on the Jetty Strip, in time for the warm summer months, is Riverside Brewing Co’s newest heavyweight, it’s Seventy Seven India Pale Ale. This unfiltered American style IPA utilises four different hops throughout the brewing process, has a big bold start & finishes clean leaving you wanting more!

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6 RENOWNED BUILDERS 1 NEW DISPLAY VILLAGE N E W D I S P L AY V I L L A G E F E AT U R I N G H O M E S B Y:

DISPLAY VILLAGE

NOW O P EN

AY DISPL GE VILLA RY ST

EXPLO RE 6 NE W DIS PL AY H O MES !

FISHER RD

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GREEN BLUFF RD

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NORTH SOLITARY DR

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SPLIT SOLITARY

Our new Display Village is now open and showcases the latest trends in house design and interior styling. Find inspiration for your own dream home from six of the regions most renowned builders.

VISIT THE DISPLAY VILLAG E Located on Cherry Street, North Sapphire Beach

VISIT THE SA LES C E NTRE

Corner of North Solitary Drive & Cherry Street, North Sapphire Beach Opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 3pm or by appointment

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karate KIDS C

KARATE IS A SPORT THAT TAKES DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATION TO MASTER AND YEARS OF TRAINING AND SACRIFICE TO ACHIEVE BELTS AND GRADES. SEVERAL LOCAL COFFS COAST YOUNGSTERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS, AND THEIR EFFORTS NOW SEE THEM HEADED TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

an you briefly tell us about the sport and a bit of background? After more than 25 years, the Kaigan-Kan martial arts school in Coffs Harbour reopened two years ago under the direction of the acclaimed Hanshi, Bill Young. The full-time studio is run in Coffs Harbour by accredited WMAA instructors, Tony Capararo and Ron Abela, and offers a positive and safe environment for learning martial arts. What style of karate do you teach? Students at the Kaigan-Kan school learn a blend of traditional and modern martial arts. Specifically, Kaigan-Kan provides training in traditional Shotokan Karate forms, self-defence and weapons training. But most importantly, Kaigan-Kan focuses on the development of body, mind and spirit and encourages respect, honesty and group learning. What are the benefits to young people who take up the sport? Martial arts are very beneficial to kids, as they help kids foster self-discipline, boost socialisation skills and encourage physical activity. But interestingly, they also help kids develop better listening skills and learn how to set and achieve goals, which in turn increases self-esteem and instills a sense of respect. Despite it being considered a fighting sport, Karate actually encourages a nonviolent conflict resolution and develops teamwork, but most importantly the benefits of martial arts training don’t end in the studio. The boost in confidence, increased fitness level and new cooperation skills will also help your child navigate the academic and social

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aspects of school, plus have a positive effect on his or her behaviour at home and have an allround good influence on them as they develop into an adult. Several Kaigan-Kan students recently enjoyed success at the International Sport Karate Association (I.S.K.A.) Australasian Karate Championships. Tell us a bit about their achievements ... Five Kaigan-Kan students represented Coffs Harbour at the recent event, which hosted over 300 competitors in what in the martial arts world is known as the I.S.K.A. “Best of the Best” competition. Their outstanding results were: C A D E N WA R D • 2015 National Champion 1st (12 - 13 Years Mixed) - Traditional Weapons • 2015 National Champion 1st (12 - 13 Boys Years Advanced/Black Belt) - Traditional Forms • 2nd (12 - 13 Years Boys Advanced/Black Belt) Sword Combat • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Boys) - Sumo SAM BLEECHMORE • 2015 National Champion 1st (10 - 11 Boys Years Advanced/Black Belt) - Traditional Forms • 2nd (10 - 11 Years Advanced/Black Belt) Sword Combat • 3rd (10 - 11 Years) - Traditional Weapons JESSIKA SANDRY • 2015 National Champion 1st (10 - 11 Girls Years Advanced/Black Belt) - Traditional Forms BELINDA MILLER • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Girls Advanced/Black Belt) Traditional Forms • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Girls Advanced/Black Belt) Sword Combat • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Girls Advanced/Black Belt) -

Continuous Sparring Coffs Harbour. This event promises to bring over • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Girls) - Sumo 200 competitors from throughout NSW and ANTHONY ABELA Qld to Coffs Harbour as one of the first official • 3rd (12 - 13 Years Advanced/Black Belt) I.S.K.A. sanctioned tournaments of 2016. Traditional Forms Have they competed at this level before? How long have they been training for Caden, Anthony and Belinda this event? have competed in the I.S.K.A. The Kaigan-Kan tournament tournament season in Australia team have been training with previously, but 2015 was the Martial Arts instructors Tony Capararo, first year for young Sam are very Ron Abela and Katherine and Jessika, and they have , beneficial to kids Emerton for this event all done us and themselves, ds ki lp as they he year and have competed e, lin and of course their ip sc di lfse foster in over 10 I.S.K.A. events n io at is al parents very proud. ci so t boos throughout 2015, from age In addition, both skills and encour .” the Northern District Anthony Abela and Caden physical activity Regionals hosted in Coffs Ward represented Australia Harbour in March to events in the I.S.K.A. US Open held in Bathurst, Windsor, Maitland, in Florida in 2015, bringing home Singleton, Liverpool and the Gold some outstanding results: Coast. Only the top ten in each category Anthony Ablea - 3rd (12 - 13 Years Black Belt were entitled to compete at the Australasian Boys) - Musical Forms. 5th (12 - 13 Years Black Championships, which was held on 29 Belt Boys) - Traditional Forms. November 2015. Caden - 3rd (12 - 13 Black Belt Boys) Where do they go next? Traditional Forms, 5th (12 - 13 Black Belt Boys) The 2016 I.S.K.A.World Championships are - Traditional Weapons. being held in Sindelfingen, Stuttgart, Germany Where can people go to find out more? in May. Kaigan-Kan Karate Do Coffs Harbour is Our Coffs Harbour tournament team located at 2/12 Keona Circuit, Coffs Harbour, members are all eligible to compete on the and 2016 classes commence at the beginning of Australian team, as they placed in the top three the school term; we welcome kids and adults. at the Australasian Championships or are in the For enrolment enquiries, please contact Ron on top 8 of the I.S.K.A. Rankings for the year. But in the meantime, the I.S.K.A. 2016 season 0409 113 900 or email kaigankancoffs@live. com.au or for more information go to www. kicks off all over again, with Kaigan-Kan hosting kaigankancoffs.com one of the early tournaments, the Northern District Regionals, on 6th March 2016 here in Interview with Ron Abela, Owner/Director.

“

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOEBE WONG

P H E B E S TA R R I S A G I F T E D PERFORMER AND SINGER, D R AW I N G I N S P I R AT I O N F O R MUSIC FROM GROWING UP IN T H E M O U N TA I N S A N D B Y T H E S E A O F T H E C O F F S C O A S T. F O C U S R E C E N T LY S AT D OW N T O FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS D Y N A M I C Y O U N G T A L E N T.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I grew up in the area. We lived in Dorrigo until I was 13, then I moved to Valla Beach. I attended school in Coffs Harbour. My parents and sister still live in the area, so I’m always trying to get back. Has growing up on the Mid North Coast influenced your music? Yes. At first I thought I was disadvantaged growing up on a rural property; however, being isolated did something for my creative development. I spent most school holidays dedicated to creating, writing, using unconventional tools to make music. It made me desperate for opportunity. It taught me how to be innovative and resourceful. It showed me that music was for people and the community. There is a spirit in small communities that is different from my experiences in larger cities. It's local, it's inviting, relaxed and inclusive. I was always invited to join in whatever was happening in my local scene, whether that was a jam night or a pub talent quest. The community I grew up in was incredibly encouraging and used music to build people up. The essence of these experiences has defined the person I am and the culture I’ve carried into my career. When did you start singing? I have always sung. My mum says that I was a determined two year old who made her listen to my painful importune performances. Somewhere along the line they must have got better,

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Supporting B en

“

Who do you collaborate with to 'cause she enjoys my music now. Folds Five was a make your music? Where do you find the inspiration for e, m r fo huge highlight is I’ve written with a lot of your songs? h to en as I used to list ager. different artists, producers, and Emotion. I try to capture a feeling and music as a teen I wrote songwriters for various different pen it down. A good song takes you to , When I was 16 on projects over the last year. Howa place, reminds you of a feeling, and n my go als dow of them ever, I wrote most of the music on changes what you think, without asking e paper, and on him . ” my album at home. I’m very specific permission. was to support about what I want to communicate Maya Angelou - "People will forget what through my music, and I find the best you said. People will forget what you did. But songs are written to express myself where people will never forget how you made them I’m best myself … at home. feel". I read, listen and keep my eyes open for anyI have been lucky enough to collaborate on thing that makes me feel and then I ask the question, why? the production with several musicians. Rob Ellmore, a And how? And can I recreate this in a song? good friend of mine, has been instrumental in developing What have being some of the highlights of your career so my new music. Rob has worked with Selena Gomez and Zedd. far? He is a young producer living in L.A who has a huge career ahead Supporting Ben Folds Five was a huge highlight for me, as I of him. We initially got together to write for another project, and used to listen to his music as a teenager. When I was 16, I wrote Rob suggested playing around with one of my songs. It was like my goals down on paper, and one of them was to support him. magic. One thing led to another, and over the last six months we It was one of my first shows I played to support my first single. It have finished most of the album together. was a very bizarre experience to tick that goal off so early in the Can you tell us a bit about your debut single, Alone with game. I have also recently just finished my debut album, that I’ve You? been working on for the last year in L.A. It’s been an amazing I wrote Alone with You visiting my father in Dorrigo one night experience. We spent a day last month working in Frank Sinatra’s before dinner. I had no idea it would connect with so many peostudio recording strings and harp. I can’t wait to release it now. ple. I’m still shocked by the success I’ve had with it. The song was The last two years have really been highlights. I’m just trying to released more then two years ago, and it’s somehow still getting enjoy it while it lasts.

“

airplay around and spots on film and TV. I still enjoy singing it too. The video clip is great; tell us a bit about making that ... This video clip was insanely fun. I had no funds for the project. My good friend, Matt Sharp, and I came together and used whatever we could find and whoever would help us to make the clip. We used sand from a friend’s back yard, we collected recycling to make those huge sculptures, and we borrowed the clothes from a young designer in the area. We wanted to make a video on the moon, and somehow we pulled it off. To Matt’s credit, he’s insanely talented and generous, and I was very lucky to develop with him. He just won an Aria for best video for his work with the Veronicas. It’s pretty funny that two and half years ago we were shooting this clip in an old building with just idealism in our eyes. You have some great reviews on triple j’s unearthed site. Do you find that this is a great way to get your music heard by a larger audience? Yes - totally. triple j is amazing. I’m thankful for their support. I only started using unearthed after I left high school, but I wish I was more aware of it earlier. I think every young person should know about unearthed. It’s an invaluable support network and tool to help artists develop and get involved. It is where I released my first single and have discovered lots of music. When you're not making music, what are some of the things you enjoy? Food, coffee, good cafés. Animals - I have a puppy, "Magneto". I love to exercise and play soccer when I can. Friends. Movies. Art. How does living in the city differ from the Coffs Coast? There is no place like home! I’ve been living in L.A. for the past two years, and the things that I miss the most are the clean air, water and beautiful nature. It’s priceless. It’s hard to explain to people the way I grew up. When I mention it to people, they say, "That sounds like paradise". Who are some of the artists you admire and why? Bjork - she’s a strong woman, whose ideas always challenge me to be more authentic, more courageous and more innovative. Carole King - yes, her songs are amazing; however, she has been a huge role model for me. Song writing is a male dominated industry, and she really carved out a way for women so early on. She is a beast. Sufjan Stevens - he is one of my favourite songwriters; however, he has built an amazing community around his music. He discovers and develops so many other artists. One day I hope my legacy in music is about how much I gave, rather then how much I took. Sufjan has already achieved this culture in his careers. His label is really about the community and the success of the culture, rather then the success of an individual. Jonny Cash - I admire Jonny Cash because of the narrative that developed throughout his life. No-one can make that happen. He wasn’t a perfect man, and he told that story authentically. Seeing that story in retrospective is breathtakingly beautiful and reminds me there is a certain element we can't control; we just have to play our part and let go of the rest. If you could play a gig anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I would really like to play more shows on the east coast of Australia. I haven’t had the privilege of headlining a tour yet, so I’m hoping my new music enables me to have the control to do this. I’m often told by people in the music industry that it's incredibly hard to break even playing rural shows and I should stick to the capital cities. Having grown up in the area, that makes me want to rebel from that mind set. I know how much I appreciated it when artists came to Coffs or the local area. I'm determined to prove this wrong and show that art from these areas has value and needs to be heard. What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about recording and publishing music? Don’t be lazy. There are so many people I grew up with who had more talent than me, but they never applied themselves and they never believed that they could do it. If you want to do it, then do it. Don’t let anyone stop you. Where can people hear your music and find out more about you? The internet is a great place to start. I am on most retail outlets: iTunes, Spotify, Facebook, YouTube, Soundcloud, Instagram. I love hearing from people and music lovers, so please reach out! I will be releasing new music early 2016 and touring soon after. Keep an eye out on my socials for new music and tour dates! www.instagram.com/phebestarr www.facebook.com/phebestarrmusic www.twitter.com/phebestarr www.soundcloud.com/phebestarr Thanks Phebe.

I have also recently just finished my debut album, that I’ve been working on for the last year in L.A. It’s been an amazing experience.

We spent a day last month working in Frank Sinatra’s studio recording strings and harp.”

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GREAT SECURITY PLUS SHED

LARGE 1060m2 BLOCK

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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coffs 27 coffscoast coastfocus. focus. 19

Dark Chocolate mousse with raspberry j e l ly & m aca da m i a p r a l i n e FROM HORIZONS RESTAURANT & BAR

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

la hacienda 101

fHerb & pinenut crusted Barramundi fillet with

La Hacienda 101 a funky ol’ building with great ambience and a quirky vibe. David and Michael invite you into a little bit of their Mexico. With over 25 Mexican beers, a selection of cocktails and a wine list to suit plus the selection of Mexican soft drinks, it will be hard to choose what to try first. Then comes the menu with a blend of authentic and not so; it is again hard to choose what to have on this trip. Hence ... after this experience you will be booking your next visit soon with friends and family. “Day of the Dead” is celebrated over the last weekend of October, so be sure to book. Then for a Christmas party with a difference, think outside the box. With winning the FOCUS 2015 signature dish and with our popularity, please book in advance to avoid disappointment at the door.

steamed brocolini and roast capsicum sauce.

DRIFTWOOD dining and café the pier hotel

Park Bowls is excited toto announce new At theBeach Pier Hotel, we’re excited to announcethe theopening openingof ofits the newcasual Hotel we’re excited announce the opening of the new dining experience, Driftwood. “Cellar Lounge”. Conveniently located on Ocean Parade, offers relaxed dining We welcome you to come down and feastDriftwood your eyes on Coffs facilities with delicious modern Australian cuisine for lunch and dinner Harbour’s most historic hotel. With our winter menu about to finish every day. Café options are also available from 9:30am daily. up and summer approachingisquickly, we will be all kicking off our new Our chef, Blake Wittenberg, very excited with the great produce Enjoy our Coffee and Cake of the Day special for only $6.50 or choose menu Blake Wittenberg, verytoexcited with way all the he getsshortly. to use Our overchef, the summer period. Be issure make your from our great value $10 lunch selections. (Member pricing.) great produce period. Be sure to Pier make down and havehea gets look to at use the over new the and summer upcoming changes to the Become member for only $5 and get discounts on all meals andtodrinks. your way adown and have a look at the new and upcoming changes Hotel. So come down and try our NEW mouthwatering menu at Club prices. the Pier Hotel. We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a Kidsare welcome! We openplease sevencall daysthe a week for lunch and 2110. dinner;We to look makeforward a reservation, Pier Hotel on 6652

café o.p 81 Restaurant & Bar Surf Club

Turmeric latte coldthe pressed juice root with ginger a dash of December 1st-saw launch of of ourturmeric new breakfast and lunchand menus. honey and some Chai spices. The ideal caffeine free drink to tantalise We kept your favourites, including tempura battered reef fish, with your taste buds and also yousalad. feel on top of the world. steakhouse fries andmake house

Head Head Chef Chef Blake Gerry Spatz. Wiittenberg.

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

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

a go at O.P 81 café. Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Club Road, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour. 101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach 81 Ocean Parade, Coff s Harbour 6652 9870 www.surfclubparkbeach.com 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com 9011

60 Ocean Parade, s Harbour St, Coffs Harbour Cnr Harbour Dr andCoff Camperdown 6652 3622 www.pbbc.com.au/dining hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 Café open dailyfrom 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Open 7 days lunch 11:30am 2:30pm; dinner 5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days a week.

Crispy skin duck with beetroot Veal Carpaccio and house madegnocchi, Gnocci goatsacheese and basil with blue cheese andpesto. walnut sauce.

Turmeric is widely known for its healing and has a compound called What’s New! Curcumin, thatjuices has demonstrated relief for people with all sorts of disease Cold pressed - purple, green, yellow, orange. states including Irritable Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and cancer. Acai bowls with house made granola, coconut and fresh fruit Also, Curcumin is protective for the heart, the liver, the skin and the brain by superfood salads. quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation. Ginger is also known for Grilled haloumi burger mushrooms, Kim Chiinfl and paprika qualities, aioli. its powers in settling thewith stomach and for its anti ammatory and It’s our bestinmenu yet!just like a warm cuddle from a smiling bear. Chai spices milk are Book a table So if you wanton tothe feelbeachside on top of deck. the world, give one of our turmeric lattes

Surf Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days a week Open 7 days during school holidays 7am Club - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday. from 5pm ‘til EDST. (Daylight Saving). for breakfast and lunch.

Pizza Vino the hoey moey Matt, Adam andBeachside the teamBistro welcome you this Welcome to the at the Hoey summer Coffs Harbour’s bestkitchen. place eat spring toto Coff’s Harbour’s newest placetoto eat Moey with our newly renovated We andthe catch withinfriends. Pizza Vino fully are onlyup hotel Coffs Harbour withis direct licensed, offering gourmet pizza, tapas beach access. Come and enjoy ourpasta, beachside food to share with agarden, twist. forgetting and share food with a twist. NotNot forgetting of hotel with spacious beer of course, a delectable selection of wines. course, a delectable selection of wines. open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bottle shop Thethe Head Chef,warms Adam, is abuzz with As weather up, try our delicate and TAB facilities. Have you tried our new excitement this summer over fresh produce gourmet veal carpaccio as a isperfect spring Gourmet Pizza range? There a large selection inchoose the restaurant. Come andhave trymade the delicious entrée, followed by our can house gnocci to from and you these eat crispy with beetroot gnocchi, goats a skin blueduck cheese and walnut sauce. inwith or takeaway. Come in and check out our cheese and basilyour pesto. ToChristmas complement thisand takeaway specials or phone ahead for party pick-up. Book NOW for work dish perfectly, a glass of Geoff Merrill Iftry a pizza is not try what you spring are after FAMOUS our mouth watering andour summer Sangiovese. $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily. menu. Pizza Vino are now open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm for dining in or takeaway.

café o.p 81beans Surf Club Restaurant & Bar mr. good Open seven days breakfast from 7am. Summer menu hasfor been servedaand up atlunch o.p 81; we haveand mixed the best of local We pride ourselves on bringing personalised service product: a finely ingredients withcoffee a little love, sofully come on down and try something healthy tuned espresso just how the customer likes it,newly gourmet café food Our beachside deck has been glassed in and carpeted, making and tasty different. If so youand notenjoyed triedcomfortable whole buckwheat, millet, it entirely weatherproof, it have can be any time of the year. made fromand scratch in house, a friendly, experience to all Kombucha, pickled vegetables, pearl soba corn waffles, who walk through the café Please book to reserve yourdoor. spot on couscous, the deck so younoodles, don’t miss out. chia seeds or a matcha latte, come on down and give some of this stuff Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled chicken salad this spring, a go, as wellfresh as the oldlocally favourites like vegetables, the Moroccan chicken, vegokalamata burger, grill 81 made from sourced mixed with feta, olives or eggs on toast. and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet

Pizza Vino Italian Pizzeria

Head Chef Adam Gallo Head Chef David Ricketts.

84 Parade,drive Coffs(Harbour 10,Ocean 361 Harbour Jetty Village ), 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au Coffs Harbour

6650Mon 9112- Thurs & Sun:12pm 7 days. - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri - Sat: Tuesday - Sunday from 5pm‘til‘tillate lateand and Open Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm 12pm - 9pm. lunch- 2:30pm; from -5.30 Satfor for dineininand andtakeaway. takeaway. Lunch from Fri Fri-Sat dine

Pictured above: honey chicken board with milletzesty andcitrus appledressing. slaw, potato wafer thin chipsglazed and drizzled with Chef’s secret pickled onion, macadamia butter, dijon mustard, salad greens from Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to matchmixed the Australian spring - the garden sourdough with extra virgin olive oil, OH and local Gut light, yetand verytoasted satisfying. Instinct Kombucha. Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

Owners Head Chef & Matt and Bree. Co-Owner Kristy Deveson. Matt Donovan.

Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Club Road, Park Beach, Coff s Harbour Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach 81 Ocean Parade, Coff s Harbour 6652 4511 9870 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au www.surfclubparkbeach.com 6656 9011 Monday – Restaurant Saturday –Bar 4pm Surf Club and is open 7 days a week 7am - 2pm, Tuesday6am to Sunday. and Sundays 8am – 3pm for breakfast and lunch. coffs 31 coffscoast coastfocus. focus. 21 33

food and wine matching is limitless. Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com

Breakfast, lunch and dinner - 7 days horizons House mango cheesecake with fHerb & made pinenut crusted Barramundi fillet with a week. Bookings recommended.

North Bonville Road, Bonville 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au Open 7 nights; bookings essential.

restaurant & bar

creamy coconut freshcapsicum mango. sauce. steamed brocolinisago and&roast

Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive north from Coffs Harbour on the new highway.

IT’S BACK FOR JANUARY Horizons Brasserie! 11:30am - 9:30pm every day.

Located at Emerald Beach, with one of the best unrestricted views on the coast. Sit back and check the surf while you enjoy breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or coffee out on the deck.

Dining is easy for families with the new extensive blackboard brasserie menu. Daily specials utilising the region’s freshest produce and seafood.

lds restaurant BAr deck

or a fine dining experience or casual meals. od speaks for itself with our reviews. nd setting is welcoming and stunning.

Relaxing, alfresco dining on the terrace overlooking the pool and lagoon.

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

Horizons Bar available toSurf everyone, a large St Caféwith is less than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour on the selection of craft beers and newcocktails. highway. Happy Hour, 5pm - 6pmLocated every day. at Emerald Beach with one of the best views on the coast, check the surf and watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast or lunch on the deck.

ons, engagements ... We can tailor make to your budget. ts.

the pier hotel

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

café o.p 81

Summer nights are perfect time to gather friends for dinner at Surf St Café; you can choose from a selection of beers, cocktails and extensive wine list. Our food is fresh, local and prepared by award winning chefs. We are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week during the summer holidays. Bookings are advised during this busy period.

Inside it’s cosy at night for dinner, and we have heaters if you wish to Turmeric latte - cold pressed juice of turmeric root with ginger and a dash of be outside. Head Chef Sam to Allinson. honey and some Chai spices. The ideal caffeine free drink tantalise your Our food is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. taste buds and also make you feel on top of the world. Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour on the We you toa come down and your eyes on Coffs Pasfields fortaken, finesodining or casual meals. ion bookingsEnjoy arewelcome now being book experience earlyfeast to get Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert new highway. Harbour’s mostfood historic hotel. winter menu about to finish Turmeric is widely known for its healing and has a compound called Our first class speaks forWith itselfour with our reviews. e: admin@pasfi eldsrestaurant.com.au $10, and the menu changes every week. up and summerand approaching quickly, we will kicking off our new Curcumin, has demonstrated relief for people withon allthe sorts of disease Our ambience setting is welcoming andbe stunning. Located at that Emerald Beach with one of the best views coast, Taking bookings now for your Christmas party! menu shortly. Our chef, Blake Wittenberg, is very excited with all the states including Irritable Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and check the surf and watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast orcancer. lunch Birthdays, reunions, engagements ... We can tailor make to your budget. great he gets to use over the summer period. Be sure to make Owners Also, Curcumin is protective for the heart, the liver, the skin and the brain by Head Chef Blake Highway, Korora on the deck. Up to produce 300 guests. 104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach Matt and Bree. Wiittenberg. way down and have a look at the new and upcoming changes to www.pasfiyour eldsrestaurant.com.au quenching free radicals and reducing infl ammation. Ginger is also known for 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au Inside it’s cosy at night for dinner, and we have heaters if you wish to Pasfields love weddings ... Come in and plan your perfect day in one the Hotel. its in settling the stomach and for its anti inflammatory qualities, and om 5pm; Fri appointment. & SatPier from midday. be powers outside. Head Chef Head Chef Wednesday - Sunday for breakfast & lunch Clinton Hunter anytime). Chai spices in milk are just like a warm cuddle from a smiling bear. We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a Sam Allinson. Kim Thursday -Robson. Saturday Head Chef. for dinner. $12 13” dine in pizza and happy hour, Thursdays, 5 - 8pm. Our food is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward So if you want to feel on top of the world, give one of our turmeric lattes Christmas function bookings are now being taken, so book early to get Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert to seeing you. a go at O.P 81 café. ocus. your chosen date: admin@pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, $10, and the menu changes every week. 104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au Coffs Harbour Taking now for your Christmas party! 6652bookings 9011 hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com

eddings ... Come in and plan your perfect day in one At the Pier Hotel we’re excited to announce the opening ofChef the new Head Kim Robson. “Cellar Lounge”. pizza and happy hour, Thursdays, 5 - 8pm.

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

pasfields restaurant BAr deck

675 c Highway, Korora Breakfast, lunch and dinner - 7 days lunchPacifi 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner a week. Bookings recommended. 6653-7710 www.pasfi eldsrestaurant.com.au 5:30pm 8:30pm; 7 days a week. Tues - Thurs from 5pm; Fri & Sat from midday. (large functions anytime).

32 coffs coast focus.

the hoey moey

7amFiddaman - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday. 104 Road, Emerald Beach 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au

Open from 8am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours extended during Summer holidays

Wednesday - Sunday for breakfast & lunch Thursday - Saturday for dinner.

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, 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.

pasfields restaurant BAr deck

mr. good good beans beans mr.

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.

Wepride believe that eating breakfast like a king is the onlyand wayproduct: to live life it’s a We ourselves on bringing a personalised service a fi-nely meal that sets you up just for the day. tuned espresso coffee howwhole the customer likes it, gourmet café food made fromBeans scratch in house,heand friendly, to allcorn Mr. Good (whoever is!) aalways hascomfortable a little grin experience of pride as the who through the café door. fritterwalk stack is delivered to the table! Big, chunky, tasty fritters bursting with

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 Kim Robson.

Pasfields now offer a six course degustation menu for a minimum of 10 guests: $60 ph food only and $100 ph with wine pairing. Please indicate upon booking. Head Chef Set menus: Tues - Thurs dinner / Fri - Sat lunch. David Ricketts. Two courses $40 ph / three courses $50 ph. Kids eat free school holidays: one per adult / à la carte main (conditions apply). 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 675 Pacific Highway, Korora 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au 6653 7710 www.pasfieldsrestaurant.com.au Tues - Thurs from 5pm; Fri & Sat from midday. (large functions anytime).

22 coffs coast focus.

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

flavour, built in a stack on top of a fresh, crispchicken green salad. between Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled salad In this spring, each fritter a juicy rasher of bacon, and topped off with premium sour cream, a made fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives swizzle of sweet chilli and of course, some slices of creamy avocado! and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet potato wafer chips andBeach, drizzled with it’s Chef’s citrus dressing. Being so closethin to Moonee means just secret a hop zesty skip and a jump to be Mediterranean expertly blended to match thebeach Australian able to eat likeflaavours big king and then lay about on the all dayspring thinking light, very satisfying. how yet delicious breakfast was!

Head Chef Kristy Deveson.

Shop11Moonee MooneeMarketplace, Marketplace,Moonee MooneeBeach Beach. Shop 66564511 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 6656 Monday–- Saturday Saturday,6am 6am–- 4pm 4pm and Monday Sundays 8am8am - 3pm. and Sundays – 3pm coffs coast focus.

So if you want to feel on top of the world, give one of our turmeric lattes a go at O.P 81 café.

to seeing you.

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011

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.

7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

the hoey moey

Welcome to to the the Beachside Beachside Bistro Bistro at at the the Hoey Hoey Welcome Moey with Moey, with our our newly newly renovated renovated kitchen. kitchen. We We are the the only only hotel hotel in in Coffs Coffs Harbour Harbour with with direct direct are beach access. access. Come Come and and enjoy enjoy our our beachside beachside beach hotel with with spacious spacious all beer garden,Beer Garden, hotel weather bottle shopand open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bottleshop and and TAB Keno facilities. Have you triedfor oura new TAB facilities. Looking function Gourmet Pizza range? There iswhat a large selection venue? Call Emma to discuss options are to choosetofrom you can haveone these eat VIP available you and when you book of our in or takeaway. Come in and check out our areas. 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.

la hacienda 101 La Hacienda 101 in the true sense brings Mexico to Australia. The minute you walk in the door, bright colours and flags lift the ambience, so that you feel like you’re in Mexico. As do the creations of Michael and David - who recreate the tastes and smells of Mexico’s vast history and specialities from the many different Mexican regions. There is no pretentious Aussie influence - just pure cooking from the heart. We have a large selection of jarritos and Mexican beers (22 in total), so plenty to taste and develop a love for the real Mexican flavours. Come try the tastes of Mexico in your own back yard. There are plenty of Americans who would say this is the best place to eat outside of Mexico. Come visit andajoin the La Hacienda family. We pride ourselves on bringing a personalised service and product: finely

mr. good beans

tuned espresso coffee just how the customer likes it, gourmet café food made from scratch in house, and a friendly, comfortable experience to all who walk through the café door.

Head Chef Chef Head David Ricketts. Ricketts. David

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

Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled chicken salad this spring, made fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet potato wafer thin chips and drizzled with Chef’s secret zesty citrus dressing. Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring light, yet very satisfying. Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

Head Chef Kristy Deveson. Owners Michael and David.

Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach 101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach. 6656 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm and Sundays 8am – 3pm

Open 6 days a week from 6pm.

Artisti Coffee Roasters

coffs coast focus.

Vietnamese style grilled chicken salad with mixed lettuce, vermicelli and roasted peanuts with nuoc mam dressing. Inspired by a dish that we produced over 20 years ago when I was an apprentice on the Gold Coast; we use chicken thigh, as it is more flavoursome, which is topped in a coriander, lime, lemongrass and fish sauce marinade, which remains on the chicken during cooking. The marinade’s robust flavours complement the salad ingredients to bolster the flavour, without making the salad overly oily.

DRIFTWOOD dining and café DRIFTWOOD dining DRIFTWOOD dining and and café café DRIFTWOOD Park Beach Bowls is excited to announce the opening of its new casual

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.

Located at Park Beach Bowls,to offers relaxedofdining facilities Park Bowls isisDriftwood. excited announce opening its new casual ParkBeach Beach Bowls excited toDriftwood announce the the dining experience, with delicious Australian cuisine for lunch and dinner every day. Café dining experience, Driftwood. dining experience, Driftwood. Conveniently located on Ocean Parade, Driftwood offers relaxed dining options also available 9:30am daily.Driftwood Conveniently on Ocean Parade, offers relaxed dining Conveniently locatedfrom on Ocean Parade, Driftwood facilities with located delicious modern Australian cuisine for lunch and dinner Celebrate New Year’s Eve, January 2nd Beach Party Race Day, and facilities with delicious modern Australian cuisine for lunch facilities with delicious modern Australian cuisine and dinner every day. Café options are also available from 9:30am daily. Australia ourare enticing $15 menu course. every Café options also from 9:30am daily.Non-members everyday. day.Day Caféwith options are also available available from(main Enjoy our Coffee and Cake of the Day special for only $6.50 or choose $17). enjoy our $10 lunch every (non-members $12). Enjoy our Coffee and Cake of Day special for onlypricing.) $6.50 or choose EnjoyOr our Coffee and Cake of the the Dayday special from our great value $10 lunch selections. (Member Become a great member and getlunch discounts on all(Member meals andpricing.) drinks. from $10 selections. fromour our greatvalue value $10 lunch selections. Become a member for only $5 and get discounts on all meals and drinks. So come adown and for try mouthwatering Cluband prices. Become amember member forour onlyNEW $5 and and get discounts discountsmenu drinks. Become only $5 get on all at meals So come down and try our NEW mouthwatering menu at Club prices. Kids welcome! Socome come downand and try try our our NEW NEW mouthwatering mouthwatering menu at Club prices. So down Kids welcome! Kidswelcome! welcome! Kids

Head Chef Head Head Chef GerryChef Spatz. Gerry GerrySpatz. Spatz.

60 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 60Ocean Ocean Parade, CoffssHarbour. Harbour 60 Coffs 60 Ocean Parade, Coff Harbour 6652 3622Parade, www.pbbc.com.au/dining 66523622 3622 www.pbbc.com.au/dining www.pbbc.com.au/dining 6652 6652 3622 www.pbbc.com.au/dining

Café open daily from 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Dinner 5.30-8.30pm. Open 7 days Caféopen opendaily dailyfrom from9:30am. 9.30am.Lunch Lunch12 12-2.30pm. Open 77 days Café - 2:30pm.Dinner Dinner5.30-8.30pm. 5:30 - 8:30pm. Open 7 days. Café open daily from 9.30am. Lunch 12-2.30pm. Open days

Veal Carpaccio and house made Gnocci VealCarpaccio andand house made Gnocci Veal and house made Gnocci with aCarpaccio blue cheese walnut sauce. with a blue cheese and walnut sauce. with a blue cheese and walnut sauce.

Pizza Vino Vino coffs coast focus. 23 Pizza Matt, Adam and the team welcome you this Matt, Adam Adam and the welcome you this Matt, andHarbour’s the team team newest welcome youto this spring to Coff’s place eat spring to Coff’s Harbour’s newest place to eat

focusinterview.

Kristy Deveson

A R T I S T I

Matthew Knight

MR. GOOD BEANS

THEY SAY BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL PERSON IS A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF COFFEE, BUT MR. GOOD BEANS’ CHEF, KRISTY, SHOWS FOCUS THAT THERE’S A LOT MORE BEHIND HER SUCCESS THAN JUST A GOOD BREW!

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was born in Coffs Harbour, then moved away as a teenager. Now I have had lots of incredible adventures, I have re-connected with Coffs Harbour and moved back here with my own family, knowing it’s a fantastic place to raise my kids. When did you first start cooking? I was 16 when I first started cooking. I left school, and got some work. I was drawn to food from an early age - I liked being involved in cooking at home, and enjoyed preparing meals and of course, eating delicious food! What is your first memory of food and cooking? It has to be Christmas with my family - there was always so much food. I had a great time and lots of pleasurable moments helping my mum and nana cooking up big Christmas feasts. Tell us about your career ... I have worked in many different environments and venues - from pubs, to clubs, to hotels, and main events. I’ve managed large, fast-paced kitchens, and done solo work as well. I have opened new venues, and it’s been a great thing to do in my life. I have worked my way around Australia, but probably spent the longest stint - around nine years - working my way up the kitchen ladder in the Dreamworld group. That was lots of fun! Where did you earn your stripes? I completed my apprenticeship on the Gold Coast, throughout a range of venues and restaurants. What is your food philosophy? I like fresh, local produce. If it comes from the grower directly, then everyone is benefitting. Sure, the middle man is missing out, but the producer and the end user are both getting the best value. What do you love the most about cooking? 24 coffs coast focus.

Simply, sharing good food with family and friends, and cooking up something awesome that is just simple yet delicious! These days we can find you cooking at Mr. Good Beans. Tell us about how you've picked the items on the menu? I look at what’s in season, what is easily sourced, what our local farm gates have on offer, and try to create menu items that are different, but still make use of the local produce and the supplies that we already have. This helps reduce storage space, wastage, and prep time. The breakfast is amazing at Mr. Good Beans; what makes it so good? The Mr. Good Beans team is awesome, and everyone there is truly dedicated and passionate about providing a product and a service that really hits the mark - and satisfies. From the welcome at the door, to the “have a safe trip” at the end, everyone is doing their best to work together seamlessly to provide that special experience. I’m an integral part of that team and contribute through my skills and love of food, to create food that has character, taste and life. Made with love! Coffs Harbour is becoming quite cosmopolitan … How do you find the industry in our region? Yes, Coffs certainly is changing. Some parts are accelerating forwards rapidly, and others are not moving so quickly. So I think we need to work with our customers and find the balance between keeping it real, while still being able to steadily introduce new ideas and new ways of thinking, so that our customers are not suddenly and all at once bombarded with intimidating and misunderstood menus. Tastes certainly change, but it’s a matter of taking our customers along on that journey and making them feel comfortable, so that they are prepared to try new things. Then I think progress in food is fun - developing excitement and delight as our customers experience new things at their own pace. Thanks Kristy.

WITH SUMMER IN FULL SWING, THERE’S AN ABUNDANCE OF SPECIALS USING FRESH, QUALITY PRODUCE AT ARTISTI!

here are you from? I am originally from the Tweed Coast, but left in my late teens. I moved to the Coffs Coast eight years ago from overseas and have become quite attached to the region, as it reminds me of the Tweed when I was growing up. What is your role at Artisti? To provide high quality food products to Artisti’s customers, which complement our quality products and make every visit a memorable experience. When and where did you begin your chef career? It really began on Dunk Island, where I met and worked with a group of people who were passionate, driven and despite the partying, very professional. This opened my eyes to what life as a chef could be - not a cook. I was quite fortunate to be exposed to this quite early on. And your earlier career? At high school I took Home Economics as an elective in Year 9, solely because it was free food, but I would have to say it sparked an interest. What was it about cooking that inspired you to become a chef? As a teenager I used to surf, and it was the local surf shop owner who encouraged me to take up a chef’s apprenticeship. I remember her words: “Go for it! As a chef you can work anywhere in the world - everyone has to eat”. So I had moved to North Queensland within the year. What are your favourite things on the menu?

I would like to say all of them, but honestly I would say the Vietnamese chicken salad, the smoked salmon corn cakes from our current lunch menu and the vegan breakfast, as I think they are a little something different. Also, creating specials, as it gives you a chance to get some winners for upcoming menus. What is new in the café? With summer in full swing,there’s an abundance of fresh, quality ingredients which are just asking to be used on our specials board. So, follow us on Instagram @ artistihq to keep up to date on what’s happening at Artisti. Do you like MasterChef and MKR - what do you think these shows bring to the industry? We only have one television, so MKR is a nightly ritual when it is broadcast. I also think that these shows inspire people to eat out and seeing some of the dishes that these amateur cooks produce, you would hope it gets us professional chefs to lift our games. When you're at home, what do you cook? Everything, really. I have three daughters who find fast food and takeout quite underwhelming. In my eyes, the homemade equivalent is a lot better. What are your favourite things to cook, and what do you cook on special occasions? I used to work most nights, so sitting down to a family dinner is a special treat. On special occasions I would have to say a barbecue - I own three of them, so the number of people I have to cook for, dictates which barbecue we use. Thanks Matthew.

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B R E T

K N I G H T

KNIGHTY IS A PASSIONATE BAKER AND PRODUCER OF DELICIOUS BREADS THAT ARE HARD TO TOP. HONESTLY, YOU HAVEN’T TASTED BREAD UNTIL YOU HAVE TRIED HIS SOURDOUGH. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE COFFS COAST LOCAL TO FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO EARN YOUR CRUST AS A BAKER.

hat’s your connection to the Coffs Coast? I grew up in Bellingen. I love the area, so I moved back after travelling and couldn’t find anywhere as good as this to live and bring up my children. How many years have you been a baker? Since I was 19 - so, 22 years. Can you briefly tell us how you got your start in the industry? One of my best friend’s father, John Downes, rebuilt the Newrybar Bakery, and I went to help with the construction. I stayed on and became a baker and realised how much I loved the industry. How does a normal day begin for a baker? With a cup of coffee! It depends on what shift I’m doing; if it’s the pastry shift, it’s very early and if it’s the bread baking shift, it’s in the afternoon. Long days hey? You must need to maintain a certain level of fitness to be able to handle these sorts of hours and

This is how

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What makes the work? bread has been sourdough The job is physically of s nd sa made for thou e th different from demanding, and re fo be l years, wel n tio traditional that alone is exercise lu vo re al ri indust es ri to breads? enough. I also keep ac af eg m d an d up Sourdough myself fit by surfing decided to sp ee g bread is a wild yeast and fishing and eating the process usin and rs culture. It is a healthy food. improvers, suga ast. ” ye d re tu ac uf an m polyculture of I remember hanging many different yeasts out and watching you and bacteria; whereas, guys work a shift. You cotton wool bread is a need to move at a decent manufactured yeast that is pace to get everything done; how a monoculture and is not good important is that? for healthy gut flora. The sourdough Timing is everything in a bakery. The process breaks down the gluten and leaves dough doesn’t wait for you; if you don’t nutrients easily assimilated into the digestive move your butt, it will grow too fast and system. This is how bread has been made for overproof on you, and the bread will be thousands of years, well before the industrial unsatisfactory. revolution and megafactories decided to Timing is obviously important. What speed up the process using bread improvers, other factors can influence the baking sugars and manufactured yeast. process? You have been a baker for a long time. Timing and temperature and quality How do you maintain the passion for ingredients; i.e. we have to use very strong what you do? wheat flours with protein levels above 12.5% I got back into the baking industry after to achieve the result we need. A lesser quality eight years as a pastry chef and chef, because flour would not survive a sourdough process.

I couldn’t find great bread to eat, and it was frustrating me. I have always loved baking bread; it is very satisfying to see your craft at the end of each shift! Racks of beautiful golden loaves of bread and the smell of the bakery as you’ve just unloaded an oven is nostalgic and heartwarming. What advice would you have for anyone considering a career as a baker? If you want to have friends that are only involved in the hospitality industry, it’s a good idea; otherwise, forget it! No, seriously, it’s a great industry and it’s a very stable career choice - everyone needs bread! The industry is going towards the artisan craft, and this style of bread is now part of the mainstream diet. People are becoming more health conscious and want to feed themselves naturally and healthily. Where can people find out more? www.kpane.com is our website. There are descriptions of all our products on there, and feel free to pop in and speak with one of our friendly staff members by visiting one of our bakeries at Coffs Central or the Jetty Village Shopping Centre. Thanks Bret. coffs coast focus. 25

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JIMEOIN

JIMEOIN RETURNS TO C.EX COFFS WITH HIS HILARIOUS NEW SHOW, YEEHAA.

.ex Coffs have had a great line-up of comedians this year, and the inclusion of Jimeoin on Thursday 14 January 2016 will kick off another great year of entertainment. Jimeoin has always been a crowd pleaser with his quick witted humour and genius takes on everyday observations. His live shows are ever evolving and who can mistake the most famous eyebrows in comedy. Tickets are selling fast for his show, so don’t miss out. “It gets no better than this ... Hilarious!” (Time Out). “If laughter is the best medicine, Jimeoin is a course of steroids ... Brilliant wit and razor-

sharp take on the absurdities of life … Series of hilarious, often surrealistic climaxes. This is the comedy of one who truly perceives human behaviour, breaks it up, puts it all together again in all its ridiculousness, to leave you with your eyes streaming.” (Evening News). “Stand-up comedy at its best!” (Scotsman). C.ex Coffs are giving one lucky FOCUS reader a chance to win a double pass to see Jimeoin on Thursday 14 January. All you have to do is join the Jimeoin event on the C.ex Group Facebook page and comment why you would like to win: www.facebook.com/cexgroup Show details: Thursday 14 January; 8pm. $39. 18+

ell us about how you first came the kids. We also always aim to inspire the youth together as a group? by being role models in achieving your dreams We were firstly in different dance and doing what you love. crews and competing in You’re just about to embark on dance competitions, your “Live & Local” tour. but after a while those What kind of vibe can crews didn't exist, and we expect from your we decided to come We get inspired show? by anything from together because This show will be to a a dance movie , our passion for the first where we t emen mechanical mov ’s performance was still incorporate live . It from a machine e see there. musicians, and we w t weird to say, bu As an eclectic bunch are playing songs shapes movements and e of dancers, how did from our album at ic pl re d ul that we co you all learn your that have never been ” e. on stag forms of art? performed. It will We have all learnt from definitely be a different different avenues such as show! other performers in the industry, What has been the biggest old music videos, YouTube, and we teach highlight of Justice Crew’s each other. exciting career so far? When it comes to choreography, where Having Que Sera reach No.1 on the ARIA do you draw inspiration from? Charts for nine consecutive weeks is our biggest We get inspired by anything from a dance achievement, along with breaking into Mexico. movie, to a mechanical movement from Where can our readers follow your journey? a machine. It's weird to say, but we see The best way to keep in touch with what movements and shapes that we could replicate we are up to is to check out our Facebook on stage. (facebook.com/justicedancecrew) and Instagram What are some of the ventures Justice Crew (instagram.com/justicecrewofficial). have been involved with to help support Thanks guys. our youth? You can catch the We are very busy these days, so we can't all-new live show on commit on a daily basis, but whenever we are in January 7 at C.ex. a country town we give our time and hang with

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A TRUE STAR OF LIVE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT, SAM MORAN IS THE ONLY PERFORMER TO HAVE STARRED ON BOTH ABC AND NICKELODEON. KNOWN TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN WORLDWIDE AS THE EX-YELLOW WIGGLE AND NICK JR.'S PLAY ALONG WITH SAM, NO OTHER TALENT CAN GUARANTEE GREATER FAMILY AUDIENCE RESPONSE.

JUSTICE CREW ARE BACK WITH A DYNAMIC NEW SHOW, KICKING OFF THEIR NATIONAL “LIVE & LOCAL” TOUR. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE LADS FOR A QUICK CHAT…

SAM MORAN

ith the Wiggles, Sam toured the world 10 times over, including an unprecedented 18 sold-out shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. With almost one million tickets sold annually to live shows, Sam’s 10 years as the Yellow Wiggle were filled with tours to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East. To this day, Sam continues to appear daily as the Yellow Wiggle on Nick Jr (UK), Sprout! (US), Disney Channel (Latin America, Australia and parts of

JUSTICECREW

Asia), ABC (Australia) and KidsCo (Europe, Asia and Middle East). As the Yellow Wiggle, Sam recorded over 10 albums and DVD releases in addition to two television series, winning five Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIAs) as well as being entered into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2011. He also recorded duets with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Kylie Minogue, Keith Urban and Leo Sayer. In 2009, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Sydney’s Macquarie University in the area of Children’s Education and Psychology. Show date: 20th January; 10:30am. Moonee Beach Tavern.

THE PLUG

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THE AMBLE INN 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.

such as the wagon wheels fitted to the ceiling and 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.

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”.

A wander around the hotel will reveal many other local history pieces and local crafts,

So come on out and visit us on your next social visit.

We also have live music every Friday night and Trivia every second Wednesday.

FRENZALRHOMB AUSSIE PUNK OUTFIT “FRENZAL RHOMB” ARE HITTING THE ROAD WITH FELLOW ROCKERS “CLOWNS” FROM MELBOURNE. EARLIER IN THE MONTH JAY CAUGHT UP WITH FOCUS AND CHATTED MUSIC AND TOURING, WITH A HINT OF NUDITY …

Where does the creative genius behind your here did Frenzal Rhomb begin? lyrics come from? We started at university. The world, normally ... Meeting people. Our original guitarist, Ben, Reading the news can make you pretty angry and I went to uni together. - there’s inspiration all around. Our lyrics really It was in the early ‘90s when we were going out range from the vaguely political to the completely to see a lot of bands around Sydney, bands like stupid. My goal is to try and meld those into the Hardons and the Meanies, and the perfect song, which is really that sort of inspired us to do stupid, but has the perfect deep it. We looked at them and political meaning that will thought, “That looks change people’s lives. It’s Our lyrics really quite easy; we could always a challenge; we range from the to the probably do that”. It play a lot of places vaguely political . My id was something about completely stup eld where people often dm go al is to try an ect the energy of that think very differently rf those into the pe ly sort of music that to us, so it’s good to al song , which is re appealed to us, and try and bring people e th stupid , but has al we’ve been doing it ic in, get people to come lit perfect deep po ge an ch ill ever since. w to the show, have fun, at meaning th ” . es How did you go from a few beers and jump off liv people’s forming in 1992 to the stage and then if we getting a slot on the bill at are saying anything with any the 1993 Big Day Out? inherent value, then they’re much We got a spot on the Big Day Out, more likely to listen to it than if we were which was kind of fluke-ish really; we had just sort of yelling at them. been playing a run of shows around town, You’re bringing along Melbourne outfit pulling a few people, just doing the ring around Clowns as support. Give us a run down on in those days - pre internet. It was always a bit these guys … of a party when we put on a show; we had a Well, the last time we played with those guys, fair few people turning up. One of the bookers the singer was crowd surfing completely in the of the local stage at the Big Day Out came and nude, and he got thrown on to the stage and fell saw us. When we did do the Big Day Out, it was on our guitar tech, and his genitals actually went just a coincidence that there was nothing really in our guitar tech’s ear ... So that pretty much happening on any of the other stages at that wraps up Clowns for me. particular time slot, so for a completely unknown Thanks Jay. band we had around 8,000 people watching us Don’t miss out on catching just because there was nothing else to do. Frenzal Rhomb **18+** I remember being on stage and saying, “Oh, Wednesday 6 January 2016 (opening we’ve got a show next week at the Vulcan 9pm) at the Hoey Moey, Hotel”, which fits about 100 people. It cost five Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour. bucks to get in, and when we did that show, www.hoeymoey.com.au there was a queue around the block!

THE PLUG

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The HOEY MOEY rocks the coast like no other venue around!

The Seaview Tavern The Northern Beaches home of great food and good times!

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FOR BOOKINGS PH: 6654 1206 51 River Street, Woolgoolga NSW www.seaviewtavern.com.au

FOR BOOKINGS PH: 6652 3833 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour www.hoeymoey.com.au coffs coast focus. 29

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ELEMENT BAR

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elementbar.com.au | 6651 6655 | 380 Coffs Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty

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FRENZAL RHOMB

Coffs

JIM JEFFRIES

Friday Night Of Festival Music - Hoey Moey Secret Squirrel + Dj Ning - Hoey Moey DJ Layne - Seaview Tavern Damion Towner - Sawtell RSL Tim Pike - C.ex Rowland Moye - Park Beach Bowling Club Jesus and the Fatman - The Pier Harvey - Element Bar

JANUARY 2ND Ladies Night with DJ Layne - Hoey Moey Abraham & Benjamin - Seaview Tavern 2 Way Street - Sawtell RSL The Beach Boyz - C.ex Dean Weston - Park Beach Bowling Club Phat Traktor - The Pier Owen Shannon - Element Bar

JANUARY 3RD Sunday Sesh With Emily Williams One 32 coffs coast focus.

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KASEY CHAMBERS

JANUARY 1ST

JUSTICE CREW Diva Show - Hoey Moey David Lee - Sawtell RSL Kerry Pike - C.ex Billy T - Coramba Hotel Craig Freeman - Element Bar Jim Jeffries - C.ex

JANUARY 6TH FRENZAL RHOMB + Supports Clowns + locals Matty Effin Morrison - Hoey Moey Jay Kingdom - Element Bar

Hekyl & Jive + DJ Layne – Hoey Moey The Triple Js - Seaview Tavern Tangle Duo - Sawtell RSL Towner & sons - The Pier Bruce Moore - C.ex Craig Stewart - Park Beach Bowling Club Josh Matheson - Element Bar

JANUARY 9TH

Thursday Night Live with Matty Devitt Duo - Hoey Moey Sydney J - Seaview Tavern Justice Crew - C.ex Owen Shannon - The Pier

Ladies night with DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey DJ Ning - Seaview Tavern Quick Fix - Sawtell RSL Buddy Love - C.ex Chris Cook Band - Park Beach Bowling Club Funk thieves - The Pier Jake Davey - Element Bar

JANUARY 8TH

JANUARY 10TH

JANUARY 7TH

Kasey Chambers - Sawtell RSL Friday Night of Festival Music - Hoey Moey

Sunday Sesh with Tasman Jude. Reggae band direct from Canada - Hoey Moey

7 Mike Vee - Sawtell RSL John Curtin - C.ex Ball and Chain/Rock Trivia - Coramba Hotel ZAP – Element Bar

JANUARY 13TH Aqwa - Element Bar

JANUARY 14TH Thursday Night Live with Mick Hart Duo - Hoey Moey Aqwa - Seaview Tavern Jimeoin - C.ex Dave Fahey - The Pier Keogh Maybon - Element Bar

JANUARY 15TH Dom & Jesse - Element Bar Friday Night of Festival Music - Hoey Moey

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JIMEOIN

SAM MORAN

16 KARISE EDEN

JEBEDIAH Agent 77 + DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Tasman Jude - Seaview Tavern Top Shelf - Sawtell RSL Dave James - C.ex Tim Pike - Park Beach Bowling Club Mum Says Rock - The Pier

JANUARY 16TH Karise Eden - Sawtell RSL Ladies night with DJ Ning - Hoey Moey Matty Devitt Duo - Seaview Tavern Rowland & Shekinah Moye - Sawtell RSL Floyd Vincent & The Temple Dogs - C.ex Little Ripper - Park Beach Bowling Club Bucket Hugger - The Pier Ben Francis - Element Bar

JANUARY 17TH Lisa Hunt & band - Hoey Moey Dennis Knight - Sawtell RSL Jesus and the Fatman - Coramba hotel Shanteya & Jo - Element Bar

JANUARY 20TH Sam Moran from The Wiggles

- Moonee Tavern Shannon Elzer - Element Bar

JANUARY 21ST Josue’ & the soul benders - Hoey Moey Shannon Hunter - Seaview Tavern Dave Strauss - The Pier Anna & Jordan - Element Bar

JANUARY 22ND Friday Night of Festival Music - Hoey Moey Jebediah + Special guests - Hoey Moey Hayley Grace Band - Seaview Tavern Mick Bateman - Sawtell RSL John Curtain - Park Beach Bowling Club Daddy Long Legs - The Pier Tim Helmy - Element Bar

JANUARY 23RD Ladies Night with DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Celibate Rifles - Seaview Tavern DJ Bisho - Seaview Tavern David Strauss - Sawtell RSL

Double Shot - C.ex Rob Norsworthy - Park Beach Bowling Club Cruisin the Cosmos - The Pier Fish on Fire - Element Bar

Xpress Duo - Sawtell RSL Bob Howson - C.ex Dave James - Park Beach Bowling Club Magic Mojo - The Pier Owen Shannon - Element Bar

JANUARY 24TH

JANUARY 30TH

Sunday Sesh with Laboum - Hoey Moey Roland Storm - Sawtell RSL JamesY - Coramba Hotel D’Boyzos - Element Bar

Tullara Connors - Element Bar

Ladies Night with DJ Ning - Hoey Moey David James Karaoke - Seaview Tavern John Curtin - Sawtell RSL Empire - C.ex Brock Colley - Park Beach Bowling Club Doubleshot - The Pier Funk Thieves - Element Bar

JANUARY 28TH

JANUARY 31ST

JANUARY 27TH Jazzroll - Hoey Moey Bobby Coulton - Seaview Tavern Jamesy - The Pier

JANUARY 29TH Miss Chief + Dj Bisho - Hoey Moey Agent 77 - Seaview Tavern Hot Havana Nights, Afro Cuban Dance & Music - Sawtell RSL

Marshall OKell Band - Hoey Moey Dave James Karaoke - Seaview Tavern Cathy Drummond - Sawtell RSL Jammin with Jules - Coramba Hotel Shanteya & Jo - Element Bar Coffs

GIG

GUIDE

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KASEY

CHAMBERS GROWING UP IN A HOUSEHOLD OF TALENTED MUSICIANS PAVED THE WAY FOR ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST LOVED MUSICIANS TO GET TO WHERE SHE IS TODAY ... TRAVELLING AROUND AUSTRALIA WITH HER FAMILY BAND, BEFORE EMBARKING ON HER OWN SOLO CAREER HAS SEEN KASEY CHAMBERS AWARDED A MYRIAD OF ACCOLADES. KASEY CAUGHT UP WITH FOCUS TO TALK ABOUT FAMILY LIFE AND MUSIC …

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a few days and catch up on swimming lessons and school and all of those things. At what age did you start writing and playing? I started playing in my Mum and Dad’s band with them when I was about nine; they had a band, and my brother and I wanted to play in the band, so we just started doing gigs with them. Then it just turned into touring and we went travelling all around Australia in the family van. I was about 20 - 21 when I went solo, which was when my parents broke up - so it kind of broke the band up. In saying that, they’re actually still both working with me now. They’re really great friends; my dad plays guitar in my band, and my mum sells the merchandise on the road and my brother is my manager, so it’s still very much a family affair. What an amazing family unit. You must have shared some precious memories over the years? We absolutely have. I just can’t imagine doing this without my family, and obviously that helps so much now that I have my own family,

and they help out with babysitting with my kids. After a four year break, you got back into the studio to record your latest album, Bittersweet. What inspired you to get writing and get this record off the ground after such a substantial time away? I had quite a big life change within that time: divorce, and then all of a sudden I became a single mother. I think whatever is going on in my life reflects a lot of what’s going on in my creative life as well. Even if it’s good emotional times, there are just those things that go on in your life that spark creativity. Certainly a divorce does that a little bit - not to the point where all the songs are about divorce, or anything like that. I think it’s just when you go through something emotional, it makes you kind of want to be creative and pour all of your emotions into something which I did with this album. I also felt like I was a new person; I found this whole new side of myself - a new strength in myself that I never thought that I had before

and a new sort of control that I never knew I had before. I wanted to have the album reflect that; I wanted to try a new producer, new band, new studio, a new approach to song writing ... And even though I feel like the album is still very much me, I do feel like it’s a new side of me. With a huge catalogue of songs under your belt, how do you choose your set list when touring, and will we be seeing a mix of new and old on this tour? Yeah, I go all the way back to The Captain album, Barricades, Rattlin’ Bones, everything. And I still love playing them; I don’t just play them because that’s what people want to hear. My favourite song to play every night is The Captain; I still love that! There’s a certain comfort in that song for me, and with all of them, but particularly that song, I feel like there’s a lot of me in that song - it’s such a huge part of who I am. Thanks Kasey.

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ake us back to your childhood. Growing up in a musical family, was it always a dream of yours to be doing what you’re doing? The main thing I wanted to be when I was growing up was actually to have kids - all I ever wanted to do was be a mum. So, that obviously has happened, but also, juggling this career at the same time. I never really thought that I’d be able to play music for a living; it was not really on my radar. I knew I’d always play music and that it would always be a part of my life, just because it had been ever since I was born. I knew it would always be around, but I didn’t know that I’d be able to make a living off it - so that’s a bonus! How do you find a balance between being a mum and musician? I sort of juggle the two things and look, I don’t always get the balance right - sometimes I’m definitely rocking back and forth in the foetal position in the corner, like every good mum does from time to time. But for the most part, it works really well. The balance between career and kids and just general home life and that sort of thing ... We don’t really tour like we used to either; we don’t go away for three months at a time or anything like that. We go away for a few days and then we’re home for

I think whatever is on in my g in go life reflects a lot of what’s going e on in my creativ life as well. ”

Catch Kasey Chambers Friday 8 January 2016 (opening 7:30 PM)**18+** at Sawtell RSL, First Avenue, Sawtell. www.sawtellrsl.com.au

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TICKET GIVEAWAY

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FLOYD VINCENT AND THE TEMPLE DOGS From the age of 10 when he first picked up the classical guitar through to his first professional band at the age of 14, Floyd Vincent has been totally immersed in the world of music and performance. Over the years he has largely by-passed musical trends and fads, preferring to follow his own muse and lead one of Australia’s most unique and enduring party bands as they record and tour both here and overseas.

SNOW QUEEN’S AUSSIE FREEZING SHOW FOCUS is excited to offer THREE of our lucky readers the exciting opportunity to win a special double pass and autographed photograph! To enter, go to the Coffs Coast FOCUS Facebook page and tell us 25 words or less who your favourite Frozen character is and why (www.facebook.com/coffscoast.focus/).

Bassist Bill Jacobi adds a pumping and distinctive fretless sound to the band, and he is a fine singer/songwriter in his own right. Bill joined the band in 1995 and cites his love for cross-culture high energy uplifting music as one of the many reasons for continuing to be a Temple Dog. New Zealand born Dave Marsalis first came across to Australia in 1980 and joined fellow Kiwis DD Smash. He appreciated the opportunities Australia had for aspiring musicians in the ‘80s and decided to stay. He quickly became an in demand session drummer, working for Jo Camilleri, Dave Faulkner and Kevin Borich. Together, these three talented musicians are Floyd Vincent and the Temple Dogs and can guarantee a great night of entertainment. Show details Saturday 16 January. Free! Vista Lounge; 7:30pm.

KASEY CHAMBERS WIN A DOUBLE PASS All you have to do is upload a selfie wearing a cowboy/cowgirl hat on instagram with the hashtag #selfieforkasey. Competition closes 6th January

FREE Entertainment IN OUR VISTA LOUNGE EVERY

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT SATURDAY 16 JANUARY @ C.ex Coffs with

Floyd Vincent

and the Temple Dogs

JIMEOIN WIN A DOUBLE PASS All you have to do is upload a video of yourself telling us your funniest joke on instagram with the hashtag #jokeforjimoein. Competition closes 10th January

/cexgroup @itsmyclub

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

@CexGroup1

JEBEDIAH WIN A DOUBLE PASS All you have to do is upload a video of yourself singing “Harpoon” on instagram with the hashtag #likeaharpooninmyheart. Competition closes 15th January

36 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

WITH TIM SILVERWOOD • CO-FOUNDER OF TAKE 3

Tom Woods / ST Images

T A K E

hat is the Take 3 message? It’s simple: take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or … anywhere, and you’ve made a difference. We use this simple action to increase the conversation around plastic pollution and help protect our oceans and wildlife. Where did the idea for Take 3 come from? The idea was spawned by Take 3 co-founders Amanda Marechal and Roberta Dixon-Valk. Mandy learnt about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in 2009 and was horrified. She decided she would pick up trash after each surf to prevent more plastic from entering the sea. She had a two-year old daughter and was originally going to make it Take 5 due to the popular kids’ programme, but realised with a surfboard and a young child that three was an easier number. As the great song says, “Three, it’s a magic number, yes it is”. Why are you so passionate about ocean conservation? I‘ve always had a love and appreciation for the natural world and a strong desire to see humans develop a more sustainable relationship with the Earth. I’ve always hated waste and pollution - even as a young surfer I’d pick up plastic bait bags and stuff them up my wetsuit. I studied Science and Sustainability at university and worked in the not-for-profit sector during my 20s. My real calling came during my mid-

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE AFTER A SURF OR A SWIM IN THE PRISTINE WATERS OF THE COFFS COAST BEACHES THAN SEEING PLASTIC AND GARBAGE. FOCUS SAT DOWN WITH TIM SILVERWOOD, CO - FOUNDER OF AN INITIATIVE TO HELP INSPIRE PEOPLE TO GRAB THREE PIECES OF TRASH EACH TIME THEY VISIT THE BEACH. message. We have a Surf Clubs Programme that 20s when travelling through developing nations works with surf life saving clubs to educate and in Asia; I was appalled at the levels of pollution. inspire members and Nippers. We also run an I came home with a commitment to change online and social media marketing campaign the world for the better and quickly realised by working with select Ambassadors from the that plastic pollution was a huge problem in surfing, photography, art and music sectors. We Australia too. I thought that if we wanted to have high profile Ambassadors from fix the global problem, we needed to the Coffs Coast region, including clean up our own backyard first. two x World Longboard Where does the pollution Champion Harley Ingleby come from? I‘ve always (@harleyingleby) and Eighty per cent of the had a love and photographer Tom plastic pollution in our r the appreciation fo a Woods (@stimages). oceans comes from the d natural world an We’re very active land. When you see see strong desire to e on Instagram, so trash on the ground, or m a p humans develo nship encourage everyone you should remember tio la sustainable re to check us out at @ if you don’t pick it up, ” h. rt with the Ea take3forthesea then one day it may end What needs to happen up in the ocean. The ocean if we’re going to solve the is down hill from everywhere plastic pollution problem? so even if you’re hundreds of It’s a really complex problem to miles from the sea, that trash can still solve, so we are just focusing on the become ocean pollution. simple things first. It starts with increasing What does Take 3 do? the conversation around the problem. Ten We run education programmes to inspire years ago, this wasn’t a commonly discussed everyone and anyone to make simple changes issue - but now it is. Australia has an amazing to prevent plastic pollution and reduce waste. opportunity to become a global leader in Our Take 3 Schools Programme encourages acknowledging the problem and embracing students of all ages to adopt simple measures simple solutions. At the government and to stop litter, reduce waste to landfill and to industry level we need strong leadership to share their stories of success. We work with ban single-use plastic bags. They are already governments, businesses and other groups banned in four states/ territories in Australia on our Partnership Programme that aims and in hundreds of jurisdictions around the to increase public awareness of the Take 3

“

world. Where bans have been instituted, people change their behaviour quickly to adopt the alternatives (reusable or paper bags). We need a national 10 cent container deposit scheme to prevent billions of wasted bottles and cans from entering landfills and the environment every year. It works so well in South Australia! We also need to increase research and understanding about microplastic pollution, particularly microbeads and microfibers. Microbeads are the tiny pieces of plastic in many facial scrubs and cosmetics that are a major source of pollution (they get washed down the drain and into the ocean!) Microplastics are particularly dangerous, because they enter organisms at the base of the food chain and can transmit harmful chemicals into the food we eat! Wow, it’s certainly a big problem. Anything else to add? Just that we need your support. We’d love to see you upload a photo online of your #take3forthesea and to hear from you if you have ideas on how to help us. We are committed to this issue and in it for the long haul. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work”. Thanks Tim. For more information on Take 3 www.take3.org Instagram.com/take3forthesea Facebook.com/take3forthesea coffs coast focus. 37

Best Kept Secrets

The Coffs coastline and scenic hinterland is home to an array of charming and eclectic businesses ... Places to eat, drink, play and stay. Whether youâ€™d like to take a leisurely drive, sample gourmet delights, indulge in some shopping, or experience action and adventure, the area has something for everyone!

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Best Kept Secrets

Valla Beach is one of the Coffs Coast’s hidden secrets, with uncrowded beaches and a vibrant community. Dylan Whitmore and mother Carol saw a need for a food and entertainment venue that matched the vibe and feel of this awesome location.

hat is your connection with the Coffs Coast? Carol has been in the area for the best part of 35 years, and Dylan was born and bred here. How long have you being operating the Valla Beach House? It opened in April 2014, so almost two years. When you guys set it up you had a fairly clear idea of what you wanted to build. Can you tell us briefly about that journey? Yeah, we really wanted to open the place up and give it a comfortable “beachy” feel that focused on the local people - customers and producers. Luckily, we were able to start with an empty shell and to create and build the kitchen and everything else from scratch. Having that freedom really allowed us to put our own personality into the design and feel of the café. A bonus is that in a small village like Valla Beach, our staff are local, and we know our customers very well; we know when it’s someone’s birthday or other special occasion. We have even run the occasional celebrity chef event, with hatted indigenous chef Clayton Donovan. We get to meet people who have spontaneously pulled off the highway for a breather and stumbled upon us, vowing to come again for an extended stay. What’s the history behind the building?

It was originally the general store and post regard. office for Valla Beach and has been on the Also, the people - Valla has a pretty awesome headland running like that for over 80 years. crew of people, and it still has that small Apparently it has been moved and re-stumped community feel where everyone knows everyone three times in various locations on the headland. and look out for each other. It has a very colourful history of proprietors It seems like several of Dylan’s generation too, the most popular being Mrs have set up shop on the Coffs Jones, whom everyone has a Coast ... Bit of a coincidence, story about. hey? Valla Beach is such A lot of the people I It was an awesome spot. It grew up with are starting originally ore seems to be becoming to move back to the the general stce for fi of st po d an popular, with more area and start their own d Valla Beach ane people building businesses. It’s like you has been on th ing houses there. How need to move away for nn ru headland er have you seen it uni, work or just to see ov r fo at like th ” change? different things, but then s. ar ye 0 8 There’s been a large you come back and there increase in population over the are not as many opportunities last ten years, but most people as in the cities, so you need to be would still call it sleepy. Thankfully, a bit more creative with what you do we are surrounded by nature reserve, and work-wise. there hasn’t been much impact on the A few of my mates have cafés and bars in environment. The café is opposite a nature the area now and are doing really well, which is reserve and next to beaches, where there has good to see. been no new development. Once the new There is a trend to use local produce and highway opens, I’d expect it to grow even more, seasonal foods in cafés and restaurants. Is as it becomes easier for people to commute to this something you actively pursue? Coffs for work. Absolutely. As far as I’m concerned, that’s just What’s the best part of living in the area? the way it should be. Definitely the beaches - complaining about I really like that we are able to have the local it being crowded when there are only 9 or 10 farmers walk in with baskets of produce they people on the beach. We’re pretty spoilt in that picked earlier that day. We just changed our

“

menu to better suit a new farmer who has started to grow in Valla - we’re on to our eighth or ninth menu due to adapting for what is available locally and in season. Our focus on fresh, healthy food is deliberate. We stock the drinks fridge with amazing healthy choices as well, and we’re always trying new things like cold pressed coffee with our own organic macadamia milk. We also have a range of Beach House condiments like preserved lemons, chilli jam etc. You’re one of the few venues in this area that has live music. What style of music can be heard at the Beach House? We encourage all types of music and support anyone who likes to play or sing. There’s an old piano in the corner that people are free to jump up and play anytime, and Friday nights have turned into an impromptu music night, quite often with people turning up with a guitar to have dinner who then just stand up and start playing music. What are your plans for the future of the café? As Valla grows, the café will too. The place has slowly evolved over many years, from Mrs Jones’ creaky general store to what it is today. As people’s needs change, it will adapt too. Where can people find out more? Best way would be to jump onto our Facebook page - The Beach House Providore. Thanks Dylan and Carol. coffs coast focus. 39

Best Kept Secrets

North Sapphire Beach

hether you are a Coffs Harbour resident looking for your “forever home” or a purchaser looking to buy in the area, why settle for second best when you can have a property that ticks all those important boxes on your property list and more! In particular, for those in search of their “forever home”, you need the space and flexibility to incorporate all those important features you’ve dreamt about. Perhaps a swimming pool, or maybe something as simple as a floorplan that allows for a large open plan living space and sizable garden? For some, the location and lifestyle is the all-important factor. For those fortunate enough to live or aspire to live in Coffs Harbour, the perfect opportunity is on your doorstep! Whatever you desire from your home is there

for the taking. Better still, you can skip the arduous and often disappointing experience of auction day. Where and how, I hear you say? The destination is North Sapphire Beach, the most picturesque and premium community in Coffs Harbour. The how is a once in a lifetime opportunity to design and construct your “forever home” that incorporates all of those important elements on your list. Furthermore, this growing community is situated in the perfect location, hugging the beachline and nestled amongst spectacular natural rainforest with 38 hectares of lush, open space to discover. The lifestyle at the estate is on par with the climate, being the most liveable in Australia. Whether you love the outdoors, lead an active lifestyle, enjoy meeting friends for coffee and brunch, or are simply in search of an area that offers family friendly spaces, North Sapphire

SUGAR MILL THE P ERFECT FA MILY SETTING Introducing Sugar Mill, the pristine new release at North Sapphire Beach. Featuring large, private blocks, sun drenched yards all with no more than a 5 minute walk to stunning Sapphire beach.

VISIT THE SALES CENTRE

OPENING HOURS

Corner of North Solitary Dr & Fisher Rd, North Sapphire Beach

Wed - Sun 9am - 3pm or by appointment

40 coffs coast focus.

Why compromise on your dream home when you can have it all?

Beach incorporates it all. Offering an idyllic lifestyle, the community has a magnificent white sandy beach within minutes’ walk from anywhere in the estate, an onsite café known for its yummy food and top notch coffee, with an impressive community park to keep children entertained. Winding timber boardwalks and cycleways lead through the rainforest connecting homes to the beach. North Sapphire Beach is a true “forever” destination, offering the opportunity to design and build your “forever home”, whichever stage of your life. Regardless of your specifications, there is a plot of land the right size and location for

you. Our display village features a variety of homes from award winning builders, which demonstrate the various and varied options available. Alternatively, you can go off the plan and enlist your own architect and builder. After all, it’s your dream, your vision and your home. North Sapphire Beach offers the opportunity to build your dream home exactly as you envisage it, down to the very last detail. To find out more or arrange a time to visit and explore the community, please contact project sales manager, Robyn Goddard on: 0428 619 919 or visit the project website at northsapphirebeach. com.au

E A S Y T O B U I L D, F L AT L O T S

FROM $252,000

coffs coast focus. 41

Best Kept Secrets

TwoTails WINES

M A D O N N A

A N D

B A R R Y

Moving to the Coffs Coast and purchasing a vineyard sounds like an entry on a bucket list. Madonna and Barry Bannerman can tick it off their list, having recently purchased Two Tails Wines near Nana Glen and making a long overdue tree change. FOCUS took a tour of the vines, and the couple explained their plans to improve and expand this hidden gem.

ecently purchasing this business, is us and is going to be a huge learning curve. Neither of this part of a tree change for you us have a background in wine making. We are looking guys? forward to the challenges and learning as we go. Yes, I (Madonna) had lived in Coffs For those who have never visited the vineyard, can Harbour for many years and you describe where it is located? wanted to come home Two Tails Wines is located approximately 25 km to the Coffs Coast. After spending northwest of Coffs Harbour at Nana Glen in over 15 years in Sydney and then the heart of Orara Valley. The Orara Valley marrying Barry, who works on the is part of the incredibly beautiful Coffs Two Tails Pacific Motorway construction Harbour hinterland. Two Tails Wines is Wines is and moving every few years, it located on the left hand side, just bea totally new was time to return to the area. fore you enter the village of Nana Glen, d an adventure for us Two Tails Wines was the perfect about 10 km past Coramba. ge hu is going to be a opportunity for us to fulfil our Why did you choose this business; ” e. rv learning cu passion for a return to the Coffs what was the aspect that grabbed Coast. As soon as we saw the your interest? property, we fell in love with it and We had been looking to return to the knew that the ideas we had would Coffs Coast for about two years. We wanted work really well. We loved the small village a decent size block, and we looked at a number atmosphere that Nana Glen offered, with the of locations in and around Coffs Harbour. Then this rural lifestyle we craved. came on the market; we discussed it for over a year and Can you briefly tell us a bit about your backfell in love with the property from the day we saw it. We ground, where you come from and what you did love our food and wine and thought, “We can do this!” previous to purchasing the vineyard? with all the potential that was on offer. We just wanted a I had worked in the hospitality industry in and around business that was a bit different. the Coffs Harbour area and then moved into the recruitDo you have plans to change the look and feel of the ment field, running my own business for the past two business? Yes, we have huge plans for the vineyard. We have a years. Barry has worked on the roads as a consultant new logo and website up and running. We can now offer for the past 30 years, and we both felt it was time for a our customers the opportunity to order our selection of change. Two Tails Wines is a totally new adventure for

“

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Best Kept Secrets

stant In the not too di have to an future we pl e th in ic a series of ‘Mus on Sund ay Vines’ functions musical e afternoons . Thes e a ‘light uc od tr in ill w ts even osphere’ m at t entertainmen experience .” to the vineyard

“ wines online. Our cellar door is in the process of getting a makeover, with a full interior fit out, including new bar, shelving for all our wines on display, along with our local produce and a large deck that overlooks the property. Our Bed and Breakfast has also had a makeover and is proving popular with our guests. We are hoping to add additional rooms on the property for a unique vineyard experience, with all our accommodation self-contained. We are also putting in a large entertaining deck with pool off the main house for our B & B guests. Guests will then be able to have a BBQ by the pool in our alfresco area and enjoy the surrounds. In the not too distant future we plan to have a series of “Music in the Vines” functions on Sunday afternoons. These musical events will introduce a “light entertainment atmosphere” to the vineyard experience. The grounds, along with the B&B, are a wonderful venue for “brides to be” to have their big day in a beautiful setting of trees, lawns and vines. What style of wines can people enjoy when they visit? We have a large selection of wines here at Two Tails, from Villard Blanc, Chardonnay, Charvill Blanc, Sparkling White, Traminer Riesling and Moscato in our whites. Our reds are Chambourcin, Black Velvet, Blush and Red Bubbles and our famous Lizards Blood - (vintage port), along with our fortified wine range Forte Blanc (White Port), Ginger Wine, Le Noir Liqueur, Valley Mist, as well as some being quite unique, like our blueberries in wine and raspberry fortified wine with local berries. Will you be featuring any local produce?

We have a number of local products currently available and are looking at even more, with the focus on the “reduced food miles concept”. We believe that the region has a lot to offer and needs to be showcased. Most of the producers we are currently dealing with are small businesses with no retail outlets, and this is one way we can support the local small producers in the region. We currently have on board at the cellar door Seaside Sicilian, with products such as Espresso & Pear, Strawberry & Rose Petal, Caponata, and Smoked Red Onion, just to name a few. Westview Limes have a great range of chilli and lime sauces, zesty lime dressings, lemon preserves and hot chilli sauce. All of these products are available for tastings. Orara Valley Jerky with their full range of products is also available. What are some of the challenges you think you may have to face as you move forward? I guess we really need to gain a full understanding of wine making and the most efficient way to produce our grapes, so we can continue to produce and improve our range of wines, along with the financial investment we have committed to this business to make it profitable for the years to come. We are also looking at the export market to China and as you can imagine, this comes with quite a few challenges in itself, such as marketing, produce quality, the legal side of exporting. What are your plans for the immediate future? We are looking to have the Cellar Door deck and the

area’s interior fit out, with a new bar and shelving for our stock completed by late January/ early February 2016. Customers can then enjoy a day trip to the vineyard along with the ambience of two great cafés within 500 m of the cellar door. The experience will showcase the wonderful products and village lifestyle of the Nana Glen area. The Bed and Breakfast has just completed a makeover, and we are also looking to increase our accommodation by adding another two, one bedroom self-contained rooms overlooking the vineyard. Functions are another huge part of our plans - by bringing a bit of the Hunter Valley winery experience to the Coffs Coast with weddings, birthdays, Christmas parties and many other yearly events. We are putting in place a Two Tails wine membership, where members will receive a seasonal selection of six wines delivered to their door four times a year. Where can people find out more about Two Tails? We have our new website up and running, where you can get updates on what is going on at Two Tails Wines www.twotailswines.com.au You can also purchase our wide range of wines and local produce online. Check us out on Facebook, as we are updating our status on a regular basis about events, accommodation,the renovations and much more. Two Tails Wines: Madonna Bannerman, Barry Bannerman and Luke Kennedy. coffs coast focus. 43

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coffs coast focus. 45

Best Kept Secrets

Jeremy Devitt. Crafty Recyclers It’s a vintage renaissance across the Coffs Coast, thanks to Crafty Recyclers, a desire for the affordable one-off piece with old world craftsmanship, an eco recycle mentality and a good old dose of nostalgia.

under one roof, and Karen, Gary and the Crafty

One of the Coffs Coast’s Best Kept Secrets in vintage and recycling is Crafty Recyclers, recyclers selling antiques and vintage products, nestled in Newcastle Drive in Toormina - which is at your service to meet the growing market for fashion and wares from those rose-tinted times. Some shops specialise in recycling vintage fashion and accessories, others are treasure troves of homewares, knick-knacks and previously loved possessions, while others are a Man Cave of blokes’ stuff, where handymen, tinkerers and inventors can replenish their supplies. Crafty Recyclers combines all of this

being destroyed and let you incorporate them

46 coffs coast focus.

team would be happy to help you explore. Crafty Recyclers search for vintage items in and around the Coffs Coast. They hope to save these unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from into your everyday lives. Crafty Recyclers are happy to accept, by arrangement, recyclable and reusable goods such as: building materials, timber, metal roofing, fencing, machinery, furniture and much more. This is a great, free alternative to throwing away your items and it makes for a great New Year’s Resolution to recycle your pre-loved clothes, furniture or building materials. To discuss a pick up of your recyclables, please phone the Crafty team on 0415 401 304.

Building A Better, Sustainable, Healthy Nation Through Local Culture

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I am a Freshwater Saltwater Fulla, born in Armidale - Nganyaywana Country and moved to Coffs Harbour at the age of eight. When we moved to the Coast and I saw the Ocean, I thought, “WOW, that’s the biggest dam I have ever seen!” My father put us into Nippers upon arrival, so that we would learn the ocean’s waves and currents straight away. Pretty soon, I was fishing off the beach and the rocks, swimming, catching turtles, eels and catfish from the freshwater rivers; Coffs Harbour immediately felt like home. My great grandmother was born in the Nymboida near Grafton; I have ancestry connected to Gumbaynggirr Country. Can you briefly describe where the inspiration for your work comes from? My inspiration is drawn from many areas, including creation, the natural world, spirit, ancestors and culture. What techniques do you use to create your work? I paint with mainly acrylics on canvas or linen, and make sculptures, craft, and jewellery with natural materials including feathers, rock and wood. Every piece has a journey and story in it based on the gathering of those mediums. Have you had any formal training? I have painted with many traditional tribal elders, the most influential being Uncle Joseph Baird-Wallace, whom I had the honour of painting with for five years. Uncle Joe was a Gudiacha man, a life giving force, and we paint in the spirit way of painting; we paint for the dead people. When we say we paint for the dead people, we are painting for the ancestors so that they didn’t die for nothing; we are keeping the culture alive and bringing it back. What advice do you have for other Aboriginal Artists starting out? If they are painting in traditional styles, to listen to their elders carefully and use the powerful tool of painting to regain identity, culture, country. If they are painting in modern styles, don’t let anything hold them back, express themselves. What have been some of the highlights of your career? Being able to sit and paint with traditional ceremonial elders, who have now passed on. I was lucky that I was able to be with the old fullas before they passed over. Having exhibitions

overseas. What artists do you admire and draw influence from? Some of my heroes are: Yirrawalla, David Malangi (Teacher of Uncle Joe), Dr George, Peter Manabaru, Thompson Ullitjirri, Billy Yallawanga, and all cultural artists from around the world. If you could live anywhere in the world to experience a specific period of art, which would you choose and why? This period we are in right now. Indigenous art in Australia is the biggest art movement in the history of humans. Through our art, the world is beginning to realign values and beliefs that are based on connections to the Earth and universe that our ancestors practised from the beginning. What are your plans for the future? To play my part in the culture revitalisation movement, to help build a better nation through my culture. Where can people find out more about you and your art? Find out more about my art by attending the Cultural Experience at Opal Cove Resort on the 6th January, or during summer an Art Exhibition will be held in the Ocean View Foyer at Opal Cove Resort. I can also be reached on 0403 243 242. Opal Cove Resort is the first resort on the East Coast to fully collaborate on all levels with local indigenous people. The Resort, in collaboration with the local community, has created a cultural space for locals to practice, showcase and celebrate the beauty of Gumbaynggirr Culture. A FREE Community event will be held on Wednesday 6th January 2016 at 5pm at Opal Cove Resort with Mudjai and the Wadjaar Ngaarlu cultural group. Cultural Experiences including Dance, Storytelling, Bush Tucker, Language and Music will be celebrated on Wednesday 6th January for locals and visitors to the Coffs Coast. For further information, please contact Tanya Watts at Opal Cove Resort on (02) 6651 0510 or visit the website www.opalcove.com.au Thanks Jeremy. - Quote by Mudjai - “Everyone on earth is aborigine to mother earth, so an aborigine person, an indigenous person, a native person’s job, is to look after the place. Be amongst it, be a part of it, so when we are trying to explain to people about culture, the best way is to bring them in. Make them a part of it of your culture, and perhaps they will look at that, and think for themselves and maybe recreate their own culture.”

Best Kept Secrets

Brooke, Sheree & Louise

Mark & Gail Plants

DISCOVER COFFS’ BEST KEPT SECRETS

At Mark and Gail Plants we stock over 10,000 plants: Australian natives, exotics, succulents, hedging, ground covers and shrubs for your home, acreage or business. With our climate in Coffs Harbour, it is important to have plants that can survive when planted in the ground. For this reason, all our stock is sun hardened and not grown under shade cloth or in hot houses.

Show your summer visitors Coffs’ best kept secrets on a FREE Coffs Ambassadors Tour. With a choice of locations, Show your from headlands and Visitors white beaches to cool rainforests and green bushland and a choice of tour Secrets lengths from 0.5 km to 3.5 km, Coffs’ Best Kept there is something for everyone in the summer tours program. Bring visitors along on a FREE GROWyour YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE FOODCoffs Ambassadors Tour this summer and discover Coffs’ best kept secrets. Wednesday 7 January, 9:30am - 11:30am

There is a common perception with plants that “bigger is better”, but research has shown that small plants suffer less transplant shock and rapidly establish a healthy root system, which encourages rapid growth. Provided the root ball does not dry out before the roots have grown, small transplants result in healthier plants.

THE GREAT SEA ADVENTURE FOR KIDS With a choice ofTURTLE locations, from headlands and white beaches to cool rainforests and 10am green- bushland, Wednesday 7 January, 11:30am and a choice of tour lengths fromRAINFOREST 0.5 km to 3.5 km, there is something for everyone CORAMBA STROLL inSunday the summer tours10am programme. 11 January, - 12pm

Mark and Gail Plants has over 200 varieties of plants to choose from and if we do not have in stock what you want, we will endeavour to source them for you. Our plants are in 75 mm pots and sell for $3 or $4, depending on the variety. EFTPOS facilities are available, and we also have gift vouchers. You can find us every Sunday at the Jetty Harbourside Market beside the Yacht Club in Coffs Harbour, on the first and fourth Saturday of the month at Moonee Market place, the second Saturday of the month at Maclean Market, and on the third Saturday of the month at Grafton Showground. Most markets are from 6:30am to 1:30pm. Monday to Friday we are open by appointment, so call us on (02) 6656 4649 or 0448 994 069. Follow us on our Facebook page, Mark and Gail Plants, to see updates of the latest stock we have available and which markets we will be at.

WHERE OUR FOREST MEETS THE SEA FOR KIDS January TOURS Thursday 15 January, 9:30am - 11am Grow your own Sustainable Food: Sun 10 Jan 9:30am-11:30am MAGICAL MULLAWAY The Great Sea Turtle Adventure: Tues 12 Jan 10am-11:30am Saturday 17 January, 9:30am - 11:30am Where ourINForest meets the Sea: Thurs 14 Jan 9:30am-11am KOALAS OUR BACKYARD Bush Tucker at Woolgoolga Lake: Sat 16 Jan 10am-11:30am Sunday 18 January, 10am - 12pm DISCOVER YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN Koalas in our Backyard: Sun 24 Jan 10am-12pm Sunday 1 February, 9am - 11am A Sense of Moonee: Sat 30 Jan 9am-11am COFFS RAINFOREST WALK Coffs Rainforest Walk: Sun 31 Jan 10am-12pm Sunday 1 February, 10am - 12pm February A HISTORYTOURS OF COFFS CREEK Sunday 8 February, 10am -Islands: 12pm Sat 6 Feb 10am-12pm Sea Turtles of the Solitary BUSH TUCKER AT WOOLGOOLGA Coffs Regional Community GardenLAKE Tour: Sun 7 Feb 9am-11am Saturday 14 February, 10am - 11:30am Birds of the Coffs Coast: Sun 14 Feb 7:30 am-9:30am SEA TURTLES OF THE SOLITARY ISLANDS Coramba 20 Feb 10am-12pm Sunday 15Rainforest February, Stroll: 10am -Sat 12pm AAHistory of Coffs Creek: Sun 21 10am-12pm SENSE OF MOONEE - Sunday 22Feb February, 9am - 11am

Coffs Coast Nutrition • Have you tried lots of diets, only to re-gain the weight? • Do you feel you know how to lose weight, but find yourself lacking motivation? • Are you confused by conflicting nutrition advice? Dorrigo Rainforest Centre • Would you like a choice of face-to-face, email or phone consultations? Situated near the entrance to Dorrigo National Park, the • Are youRainforest lacking in Centre energy?is the gateway to the World Dorrigo • Do you want to be empowered to bedays the ahappiest and Heritage-listed park and is open seven week from healthiest youFrom can the be?Rainforest Centre there is easy access 9am to 4:30pm. • Would you like to break free emotional eating? to the Skywalk, a 70-metre longfrom elevated boardwalk that takes • Could t from nutritional helpover you acrossyou the benefi rainforest canopy and offerstherapy stunningtoviews manage a medical the escarpment edge tocondition? the Bellinger Valley and the coast. From walkers will also bloating, find the start of the tracks • Do the youcentre, suffer from abdominal diarrhoea, leading throughorthe rainforest and to the waterfalls. The circuit constipation wind? takes you past Crystal nutrition Shower falls and Tristania falls and • Would you both like sports advice for peak is just over 6 kilometres long. There are also shorter walks, and performance? travellers will find helpful staff at the information counter willing to helpCoast you plan your itinerary both in of theuniversity park and qualifi in national Coffs Nutrition’s team consists ed parks further and afield. Nutritionists Dietitians with 5+ years study in nutrition, dietetics, biochemistry, physiology and medical therapy. The Rainforest Shop offers a fascinating range ofnutrition quality books, We also have a qualifi ed personal trainer and studiotoys crafts, postcards, souvenirs, DVDs, clothing andprivate educational gym. Our is onand providing holistic nutrition, exercise and relating to focus rainforest the environment. The Canopy Café lifestyle advice inlunch a supportive, caring and non-judgemental serves breakfast, and morning and afternoon teas with great coffee and Other the centre environment. Wedelicious believe treats. that food andfacilities exerciseatshould be include an interpretation and exhibition space, picnic areas and enjoyable, and we pride ourselves on offering personalised barbecues. nutrition and exercise solutions to fit your lifestyle. Start the New Yearcool off in a positive way - give us aa call or check our website The plateau rainforests provide refreshing respite from theto find out what we can doretreat! for you. coast - a perfect summer

Cool!

DORRIGO RAINFOREST CENTRE Our friendly staff can help you plan your Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage experience. Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm

58 coffs coast focus.

P: 02 6657 5913

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Best Kept Secrets

East Coast Cabinets A very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and yours from everyone at East Coast Cabinets. In late 2015 we saw the advertising push towards supporting our locally owned and operated small businesses and thus keeping a lot more of your spending dollar in the area, where it has the most benefit to everyone. Our local infrastructure is dependent on it. Hopefully, this attitude will continue to gain momentum. When purchasing anything, think about whether the item is produced locally, in the region, in the state, in the country or overseas. Are the owners of the business you are supporting with your purchase living locally, in the region, in the state, in the country or overseas? Are the profits from your purchase being reinvested locally, in the region, in the state, in the country or overseas? East Coast Cabinets is a long established business, located in Lawson Crescent, Coffs Harbour since 1984. The long term team of employees and families have been staunch supporters, wherever possible, of local businesses and the community, contributing towards the area’s growth and economy as much as possible. Kitchens, vanities, robes and associated cabinetwork are not their only areas of activity. They are also widely recognised for their commercial fit outs in shops, offices and accommodation both locally and in the northern region of the state.

48 coffs coast focus.

Flat Top Creations We are importers of quality solid handmade Teak indoor/ outdoor furniture and double glazed ceramic pots. The Teak is crafted in central Java supplied direct from the manufacturer, guaranteed for both quality of timber and workmanship. The double glazed pots are handcrafted/hand painted and sourced from Indonesia; the strength and finish is beautiful. We sell handmade furniture, from re-cycled hardwood timber and metal. We create and sell: Daybeds - 2/3 seater swinging suites - Teak umbrella with brass fittings - benches - extension/folding tables - stacking/folding chairs - Miami round back deck chairs with footstools - Teak lanterns/Teak bath tiles - Rattan wigwam lights - book balls ceramic vases. ONE OF A KIND CREATIONS Handmade from re-cycled hardwood timber and metal. Crafted sculpture indoor lighting - lazy sussan - hardwood surfboard coffee table - business card holders solar lighting.

Coramba Hotel Hidden in the beautiful Orara Valley is the iconic Coramba Hotel, whose beer garden boasts a view that is unexpected from the road. Why not make a day of it! Take a scenic drive around the valley, a swim in the beautiful Orara River and then lunch or dinner at Coramba Hotel’s Broadaxe Bistro, where there is plenty to choose from - cheap daily specials, weekly specials board, as well as a varied menu. While you relax over a meal and a couple of cold ones, the kids can run around in the large grounds, playground facilities or jumping castle. This unique family friendly hotel is run by Mark and Vanessa and their three daughters. The Broadaxe Bistro is run by another local couple, Dave and Jess, and employs others from the local area, giving it a relaxed, one big happy family vibe. The motto: “Come party at our place”.

METAL SCULPTURES BY ALFIE Kangaroos, dragonflies, the E Bell with stand, firewood clutch and brazier.

We cater for every need - a casual meal, weddings, work or family functions. Weekly events include Monday Night Pizza Deal, Wednesday Night Pool Comp, Friday Night Meat Raffles and live music every Sunday afternoon.

We make GIFTS WITH A DIFFERENCE, so if you have any ideas we are happy to help to create them.

Make the effort to venture over Red Hill to the Coramba Hotel,the view from the beer garden alone is worth it.

Best Kept Secrets

Fiasco Summertime and barbecues are made for each other. It doesn’t matter whether you’re holidaying in Coffs or Lake Como, the essence of a great gathering is the same. Great friends, fresh food cooked over hot coals, outdoor dining and cool drinks. This summer you’ll find the best of these at Fiasco Ristorante + Bar.

cooking, perfect for roasting meats, grilling seafood and preparing traditional Italian peasant cuisine. For the Fiasco team, it’s all about bringing the best of Italy’s delicious food to life in Australia.

With a new wood-fired grill at the heart of the restaurant, Stefano is now the proud papa of an Italian slate barbecue imported from his birthplace, Lombardy.

Fiasco Bar now also has Peroni and Stone & Wood on tap. Hot weather, cold beer, iced espresso, perhaps? Everyone’s happy. You can’t go wrong with Alessandro’s cocktails, or try something new from the blackboard at happy hour.

Fiasco’s summer menu has been designed to make the most of the new open fire and spit

Fiasco Ristorante + Bar both open Tuesdays to Sundays from 5pm until late.

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Best Kept Secrets

Big Banana E X P E R I E N C E

T H E

Fun Park

The Big Banana Fun Park The Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest and best day out on The Coffs Coast these school holidays! With six huge rides and attractions, there’s a whole “bunch” of fun for everyone. Open daily from 9am, the Big Banana Fun Park is super excited to introduce the Summer Sessions. Extended hours every Friday and Saturday night including 6 - 8pm in the water park, mini golf until 8pm under lights, laser tag until 8:30pm and ice skating from 7 - 9pm. Get in early to enjoy a fresh barista made coffee from the café, tuck into some banana pancakes or a choc coated banana and then gear up for some serious fun this summer. For all times, prices and to check out all the action, visit www.bigbanana.com

It’s no secret that Coffs Harbour is now the proud owner of the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast, and the team at The Big Banana Fun Park want everyone to come and experience first-hand the thrills that this new multi-million dollar development has to offer.

o, what can you expect? Christopher Winn (Marketing Manager at The Big Banana Fun Park) says you can expect the time of

your life as you climb the hill to come rushing downward on one of four HUGE thrill slides. On offer is an open body slide, a black hole Aquatube body slide, a heart-pumping 45 degree Kamikaze speed slide and a one and two person tube slide. The little ones can enjoy an aqua-play area complete with three additional kids’ slides, interactive water jet zone and tipping bucket, as well as two inflatable slides. This summer, you can enjoy extended sessions on both Friday and Saturday nights from 6 - 8pm. The perfect way 50 coffs coast focus.

9pm and enjoy a twilight ride down the to make the most of the fun is with famous Toboggan track - open late a Slippery Summer Super during NSW school holidays. Sessions pass, which gives you 10 entries Parties are a specialty at into these sessions, The Big Banana Fun ct pe valid for use until ex n ca Park, and you can party u yo ... February 27. at all of the fantastic the time of your

“

b the hill

attractions, including life as you clim Coffs Harbour’s shing downru e m co to ice skating, laser tag, very own Fun four ward on one of toboggans, mini golf Park will sizzle .” es HUGE thrill slid and of course, the water all summer long, park. Don’t forget to ask with extended about a party room and the hours and sessions tasty catering options available. every Friday and Saturday night. Check out The Big Banana Fun Park is your Max’s Mini Golf under lights until number one destination for FUN on the 8pm, battle it out with your mates Coffs Coast this summer! Check out all at Laser Tag Area 351 until 8:30pm, the action at catch the crew in the ice rink from 7 www.bigbanana.com

Best Kept Secrets

Weave Bellingen We love to share our colourful and creative journey at Weave. Every 4th Saturday from 1 - 3pm we host a Craft In, just for that reason. If you’re looking for some inspiration and just want to get started on your own creative journey, why not try making a fun and simple Pom Pom garland? It’s a great project to get you going. We have beautiful hand dyed wool and easy to use Pom Pom makers - all you need for this fun activity. So come along with your mum, daughter or bestie, arrive early, and fit yourselves with some super stylish and comfy Saltwater sandals, throw in a gorgeous soft cotton Turkish beach towel each, and you’ve got yourselves set for summer. We have loads of colours, styles and sizes for you and your kids to choose from.

And for that perfect relaxing afternoon after the beach, stock up on some of our stunning creative kits from the clever French label Djeco. Whether it’s colouring in, playing with glitter, painting, collage or origami, with delightfully refreshing and sophisticated designs, we guarantee you’ll be creating and inspired in no time. If it’s unique and creative gifts for the kids or treasures for yourself you’re looking for, come and see us; we love to help you scratch that creative itch and point you in the right direction, with a great range of toys and crafts for many ages and temperaments. Next Craft In at Weave is 23rd January. No bookings required; cost is $5 per person. Chai and cake will be served! 42 Hyde Street, Bellingen. 6655 2020.

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Tarraray Pet Retreat

Coffs Botanic Garden Woolgoolga Art Gallery Just 300 metres off Beach Street, the Woolgoolga Art Gallery is a hidden treasure in the heart of Woolgoolga. You will find a trove of original high quality art and crafts created by our talented local artists. Visit us and be amazed at the fine collection of paintings, drawings, fibre crafts, photography, ceramics, woodwork and jewellery for sale at very reasonable prices. The gallery was formed in 1973 by a few members after being given a 99 year lease for the property by the Council. The gallery now boasts over 100 members. Our artists include painters, potters and fibre craft, with new and exciting exhibitions changed monthly. At present we have our Summer Exhibition, which is an exhibition especially put together for the Christmas period and for the visitors to our area. Entry is free, and the unique gifts that can be purchased are at an affordable price. All works of art are for sale. New members are welcome, and artists can show their own work in a private exhibition at the gallery, which is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, and situated in Turon Parade, Woolgoolga, just around from the RSL’s helicopter. Any enquiries can be made on 6654 1054.

The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is recognised as one of the foremost regional Botanic Gardens in NSW. It is renowned for its natural bushland, as well as exotic species. Plants considered threatened in their natural habitat are featured. Their planting both preserves and provides seed for their continuing survival. Wheelchair assessable paths and board walks lead to garden sections of rare and endangered species, naturally growing mangroves, rainforest, native flora and exotic plantings. There are several non-Australian areas, including South Africa, India, China, Japan and the Americas. Also featured is an Aboriginal plants walk with bush tracks, medicinal plants and hunting materials. The Prime Display Area is regarded as the “window to the Garden” and covers one hectare; this is ideal for a short walk through colourful and exotic plants. The Mangrove Boardwalk is an interpretive walk which continually changes. There is a bird hide to observe estuarine wildlife. Glasshouses contain rare displays of bromeliads, orchids, cacti and tropical species. The Garden Café, which adjoins the Information/Shop, is open from 10 - 2:30 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays - opening hours and menu vary seasonally. There is ample parking directly outside the entrance.

Our little family here at Tarraray Pet Retreat would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. We would also like to thank all of our fantastic customers for making 2015 such a wonderful and enjoyable year. We look forward to doing it all again in 2016. We do thoroughly enjoy what we do and appreciate the time you allow us to spend with your loved ones. Here at Tarraray Pet Retreat we understand that your pet is a very special part of your family and ensure that all animals that enter our premises get looked after and pampered as if they were our own; whether they are backpacking or in our 5 star luxury suite, they all are treated the same. Since becoming the owners of Tarraray Pet Retreat back in March, Scott and myself have introduced the lounge room suite, which complements our backpacker, 3 and 5 star suites. The lounge room suite allows our social guests to spend their time here socialising with other like-minded guests of similar nature. We absolutely love the way the dogs leave here happy and honestly worn out after their holiday. Don’t forget not only do we take care of dogs; we also cater for all pets. If you have to leave your pet for any amount of time, we are here to assist you in caring for your precious loved one. From a day stay, a week, or even a year, we are here to accommodate. We live and stay onsite, hopefully giving you peace of mind that whomever is here will be safe and secure. Once again thank you all for your support throughout the last year, and we are looking forward to catching up with our old and meeting some new customers in 2016.

OPEN 7 DAYS

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Best Kept Secrets

Wedding Open Day

Surf Club Restaurant & Bar Surf Club Restaurant & Bar within the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, on Park Beach, Coffs Harbour.

we never will!

Did you know? • We now have an absolute oceanfront, weatherproof balcony. • We can now cater for private sit down functions of 200 or more. • We have a purpose built conference room with oceanfront views. • We have a brand new menu that includes cold pressed juices, superfood salads, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free selections.

hospitality experience, who are on site to

The only dish we absolutely cannot take off the menu due to popular demand is chicken breast schnitzel with creamy garlic prawns.

is 51, with an average age of 25.

Night time functions and wedding receptions are held in a totally private venue with exclusive use of the balconies and bar.

public holidays out of respect for local tourism.

That no, we don’t have poker machines and no,

staff are, and we are very proud of them.

We have two Owner/Operators (one kitchen, one front of house) with combined 58 years’ guarantee your dining/event experience. We have a staff of 32, full-time and casual. Half are boys, and half are girls! We are dedicated to training hospitality students, to feed our local workforce. Our Restaurant Manager, Leah, is a champion marathon runner. Our youngest staff member is 14 and our oldest We only close two days of the year: Xmas Day and Good Friday. We don’t believe in closing for We love what we do, and it shows. Our customers always comment on how happy our

Saturday 6 February, 2016 9:30am to 1:00pm FREE entry and on-site parking Let us spoil you as soon as you arrive with a free gift bag. Enjoy champagne and canapés whilst you meet our experienced wedding specialists and inspect ceremony and reception locations. Experience the unique ceremony and reception spaces set and themed for you to picture your big day. Our preferred suppliers will be on hand to help you create your perfect day.

Wedding Open Day offer Book and confirm a 2016 or 2017 wedding within 7 days from the open day and secure a 50%* discount on venue and chapel hire plus an additional night accommodation including full buffet breakfast.

*Terms and conditions apply. Discount applies to 2016 and 2017 weddings only. Bookings must be confirmed and deposited before 13 February 2016. Wedding images courtesy of Peter Sechi Photography.

BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour Visit breakfree.com.au

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Best Kept Secrets

Best Secrets Kept

Our

John Ragen M O O N E E

B E A C H

Michael Beattie

U N S P O I L T

B E A U T Y

V - W A L L

N A M B U C C A

H E A D S

My favourite spot at Moonee Beach is at the beach under the large Norfolk Pine trees. These were planted in 1943 by Gertrude Weller and Kitty Porter for shade and beauty. We have many family gatherings and picnics here looking out to the light house and Split Solitary Islands. It is a great spot to bring a deck chair and a blanket and enjoy the beautiful view, watching people and children playing, swimming, fishing, walking and sunbaking and enjoying all that Moonee Beach has to offer.

My favourite place in Nambucca heads is the V-wall, where the river meets the ocean. It is beautiful to watch the all the different colours of the depths of water, seeing the flashes of silver as fish feed and watching ungainly pelicans landing and taking off, defying engineering. Occasionally we see porpoises playing and sea turtles cruising.

Mark Rutledge

Scott Bocking

O R A R A

V A L L E Y

M A G I C

P O O L S

My favourite secret place to hang in Orara Valley would have to be The Magic Pools near Friday Creek. The crystal clear waters running out of the surrounding hills into the Orara Valley are truly magical. Relaxing after a hard day’s work or just a country drive with the kids; if you close your eyes you will feel the magic running through your body. When you’re finished, it’s off to Coramba Pub for a country lunch or dinner. Remember ... don’t tell everyone; this is our magic spot.

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S H E R W O O D

N A T U R E

R E S E R V E

Just west of Woolgoolga lies the Sherwood Nature Reserve. Throughout this beautiful forest there are several spots to cool off during summer, but none better than the Woolgoolga Creek waterfall at the end of the Falls walking track. The track meanders through diverse flora and crosses the creek several times, before arriving at the base of the fall. After rain it can be quite impressive, and the cool, clear water falls with enough force to massage away fatigue you may have from the walk. At the start of the trail is a well maintained picnic area, so you can make a day of it.

Best Kept Secrets

Mindy Bell C O F F S

C R E E K

I’d have to say my favourite place at the Jetty to relax would have to be the Coffs Creek at high tide. There is nothing more relaxing than finishing a busy day/week and taking a walk with my partner, Matty, and our dog, Moe, around the Mangrove walk at Coffs Creek. But when it’s high tide is when it’s at its best. Going paddle boarding with the amazing surroundings of the Gum Trees and Mangroves mixed with the crystal clear blue water with great friends is just the best. We are just so lucky to live here in Coffs Harbour.

Steve Allan T H E

B O A R D W A L K

My favourite place to hang out in Urunga has to be the iconic boardwalk, especially just as the sun is popping up over the horizon. The play of light on the river and ocean waters is ever changing, and I find that a walk out to the beach along the boardwalk is a great way to clear my mind and set me for the day ahead. You are usually not alone, as there are pelicans gliding on the river, a variety of marine life swimming in the river and sometimes kangaroos hopping through the wetlands.

Photos: Coffs Coast Marketing

The Coffs Coast is full of hidden gems. From the lush hinterland and rainforest to our magnificent ocean coastline, we are very lucky to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Discover the hidden treasures of our towns and meet the friendly locals who live here.

Michelle Lee S A W T E L L

B E A C H

My favourite place to relax in Sawtell is the beach! We have the most beautiful beaches on the Mid North Coast, and Sawtell Beach is my favourite. I love being able to go for a walk along the beach after work and even a quick dip - it’s a great way to relax and let go of all those stresses!

Shari Carter T H E

F I R E

T R A I L S

When I’m not at work at Kombu, I like to jump on my push bike and go for a ride along the fire trails in our pristine bush. It helps me to relax and unwind. There are many fire trails in our area, frequently used by bike riders, walkers and horse riders. Many of the fire trails are not marked on tourist maps but can be found on topographical maps and even on many GPS units. They offer some of the best views, scenery and natural beauty around Bellingen. You will likely have the trail to yourself - they really are one of our many hidden gems!

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Best Kept Secrets

Sawtell Cinema Reopens

SAWTELL CINEMA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AND READY TO PROVIDE LOCALS WITH A NEW ENVIRONMENT TO ENJOY BOTH HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS AND ARTHOUSE CLASSICS. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE NEW TEAM, THAT HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO STEER THIS LOCAL ICON BACK INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.

fter such an amazing example of people power and social engagement that has seen the Sawtell Cinema saved and reopened, Majestic Cinemas must be proud to have ben chosen to manage the facility? Majestic Cinemas is very proud to have been entrusted by the community, via the group of owners, with stewardship of what will be a great facility - a combination of heritage art deco with modern seating and digital technology. The commitment of the community has been shown with the crowdfunding results and the large number of locals engaging with the Save Sawtell Cinema website and Facebook page. We would like to acknowledge all these contributors to the resurrection of this local icon. Majestic Cinemas is a proud Mid North Coast company and is committed to bringing the best quality movie experience to our customers. While Sawtell will be our 7th site, ranging now from Nambour on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland down to The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast, each of our sites is uniquely managed according to the needs of the local population. We understand and are involved in each of our local communities. Our size gives us economies of scale and allows us to also keep our prices reasonable. Local Coffs Harbour resident, Brenton Spoehr, is in charge of programming. What skills and experience does he bring to the table? Brenton has over 25 years of experience in cinema and cinema programming. Brenton has been with Majestic since its inception in Nambucca Heads in 2002, having previously part-owned the cinema there. Brenton’s sole focus is to programme Majestic’s cinemas, and he diligently researches the full range of movies and other content to ensure the best programme is provided to each of the communities we operate in. Brenton negotiates with all the movie suppliers on a daily basis to ensure we have the appropriate movies showing at each site and the optimum number of sessions. He is one of the most highly respected programmers in the Australian industry. As a long time resident of Coffs Harbour, Brenton understands intimately the needs of the local population. Judi Quinn is also from the local area and is 56 coffs coast focus.

managing the cinema. national release We plan to runlm fi of r be m Tell us a little about on February 7) as a nu ut ho ug ro th s al iv her background ... well as a season fest our the year, fromional Film Judi has worked of the English rnat te In n ow n with Majestic National Opera ustralia Festival and Ato e Cinemas for almost filmed live on th al iv st Film Fe stival Fe lm 10 years at our stage from late Fi g lin el Trav ydney Nambucca Heads February and (a part of the S d site as one of the through the year. Film Festival) an ch as su ts special even Managers there. Judi is We plan to run Flickerfest.” a long-term resident of a number of film Bellingen, and is very wellfestivals throughout known among the community the year, from our own there. Judi is passionate about International Film Festival movies, particularly quality movies, has a and Australian Film Festival to the passion for marketing, especially within the local Travelling Film Festival (a part of the community, and is one of Majestic’s best and Sydney Film Festival) and special events such most experienced managers of customer service. as Flickerfest. Judi also happens to have a flair for graphic design, Details of upcoming films and events can be and designs a number of flyers, signs and other easily found at our website: majesticcinemas.com. marketing materials across Majestic Cinemas. Judi au will lead the team at Sawtell Cinema and is very Are you taking a different approach to this excited about working with the local community to cinema than some of the others that you deliver the best movie experience. manage? What types of movies is the cinema set to We take a different approach to all of our premiere? cinemas, and Sawtell will be no exception. Given Majestic Cinemas, Sawtell will offer a wide the local appetite for quality movies and events, range of movies and other content to appeal to we will be focusing on this area as a key area of all moviegoers. In holiday time, there will be a differentiation. focus on family movies and major blockbusters, Since reopening, how has the local community with a sprinkling of quality cinema via Majestic’s reacted? Select Series. Out of holiday time, there will be an We have been absolutely stunned with the increased focus on our Select Series. reaction from the local community to the reOver this January holiday period, Sawtell opening. The midnight session of Star Wars, residents and visitors will enjoy movies as diverse as the first public session, sold out in record time Star Wars: The Force Awakens and family friendly (sorry to those who missed out). The feedback fare such as The Good Dinosaur, Peanuts and Alvin on social media and directly to our staff has been and The Chipmunks 4, through to quality cinema overwhelmingly positive and welcoming. in Suffragette, Nowhere Boys, The Dressmaker, What are some of the films that we can look Joy, Carol and The Danish Girl. In addition, there forward to seeing over the next few months? will be some special events, including a Q&A with In addition to the films listed above in January the director of the Australian movie Tanna on Jan and early February, from late February through to 1, and a screening of the debut of the new series Easter we are looking forward to showing movies of Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, on like Risen, Gods of Egypt, Sherpa, The Lady in the January 2. Van (with the incomparable Maggie Smith) and Following the holiday period, local audiences can the action thriller London has Fallen, with Easter expect to enjoy such quality movies as Spotlight, and the April holidays bringing a range of great Looking for Grace and Brooklyn (including a special movies including Disney’s Zootopia, My Big Fat premiere event for the latter on the Sun prior to Greek Wedding 2, Kung Fu Panda 3, Batman vs

“

Superman, The Huntsman and The Jungle Book. And of course, we are looking forward to welcoming David Stratton to Sawtell for a special screening for one of the biggest supporters of the cinema, and its 2nd official opening, on 20 February with the wonderful classic film Singing in the Rain, a movie which has to be seen on the big screen to be believed. Has adding the Sawtell Cinema to your stable allowed you to acquire a wider range of titles to showcase across the other cinemas? We already access a wide range of films across our various sites, especially with our flagship five screen site in Port Macquarie. This will allow us to get access to smaller films in a more timely manner for Sawtell than was the case under its previous incarnation, helped by the fact that we will have a 2nd screen and that we will be fully digital. What are the plans for the cinema’s future? Majestic plans to make the Sawtell Cinema one of the most diverse in programming in northern NSW, with a range of quality films and special events. We aim to make the cinema the centrepiece of this vibrant community, one of which the community will be proud to be associated with, and to work with local community organisations on everything from special interest screenings and events, to school screenings, to charity fundraisers. Where can our readers find out more? The best place is our website - majesticcinemas. com.au - there is information on the website about how to contact us, current and upcoming movies and events and of course all the session times. The website also contains information on ticket prices, including our great Majestic Movie Club offer - for $25 per year you receive a free ticket, 10% off the candy bar and $8 tickets every day of the year. The Movie Club is one of our most popular offers and has thousands of members at all of Majestic’s sites, and Sawtell will be no different. And of course, membership applies not just to Sawtell but for those going to Nambucca Heads as well as any other Majestic Cinema, including Port Macquarie. Just print out the application form from the website or pick one up in the foyer, and bring it in for instant membership and to claim your free movie. Thanks guys.

OnceTime D O R R I G O

N A T I O N A L

P A R K

upon a

Photography by David Young-OEH

Best Kept Secrets

... in the mists of a distant past, primitive rainforests grew in a warmer, wetter world we call Gondwana. The first conifers and flowering plants developed there.

s that ancient land mass drifted Park include many rare and threatened species north and slowly broke apart, found in few other places in the world. These ferns and cycads, ancient vines, include the rarely sighted spotted-tailed quoll, primitive flowering plants the red-legged pademelon, the brush-tailed and ancestors of animals we phascogale and the long-nosed potoroo. The know today were set adrift from each other to most commonly seen mammals are pademelons, complete their evolution on separate continents. wallabies and possums. In Australia, climatic change and declining The rainforest is also a bird watchers’ paradise, soil fertility favoured the spread of eucalypt with the sub-tropical rainforest providing rich forests, woodlands and grasslands, and yet habitat for ground-dwelling birds that feed on some rainforests survived along the Great the abundant animal life within the leaf litter. Escarpment, echoing the vast and ancient forests Fruit-feeding birds occupy the canopy of the of Gondwana. rainforest, often undertaking long-distance or These Gondwana rainforests are our most local migrations to ensure a year-round food visible living link with the ancient, supply. Perhaps one of the most pre-human world - an popular birds in the park is irreplaceable record of life the superb lyrebird, fooling on our planet. They were ts an pl e visitors by mimicking many Th the cradle for evolution and wildlife other birds and offering of most of Australia’s of Dorrigo k a spectacular courtship modern plant and National Par rare display for those lucky y animal species and include man ed enough to encounter this en at re and th therefore provide a in d un treat. fo s ie ec sp window to both the past es The gateway to the park few other plac and the future. ” . ld or w e in th is the Dorrigo Rainforest Protecting a precious Centre, providing easy access area of this Gondwana both to the Skywalk and the start rainforest, Dorrigo National Park of tracks leading to the rainforest is perched on the dramatic eastern and spectacular waterfalls. Travellers will escarpment near the town of Dorrigo. find helpful staff at the information counter, inBy road it is 60 kilometres southwest of depth displays in the exhibition space and a rich Coffs Harbour and 125 kilometres east of source of literature for sale in the shop. Armidale. The park’s Skywalk and boardwalks This year the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre make it one of Australia’s most accessible World celebrates 25 years of rainforest education, Heritage sites. welcoming more than three and a half million Dorrigo National Park is one of the oldest visitors since its opening in 1991. The centre parks in New South Wales and comprises nearly is open seven days a week and closes only on 12,000 hectares of diverse forest and grassy Christmas Day. Staff can also provide information plains, part of the Country of the Gumbaynggirr about other parks in the area. Aboriginal people. Dorrigo National Park protects Whether you’re a long-term local or a visitor the biological diversity and pristine beauty of a to our patch, make sure you take the time to remnant sample of the extensive rainforests that explore this ancient rainforest wonderland. You once covered most of the Dorrigo Plateau. won’t be disappointed. The plants and wildlife of Dorrigo National

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coffs coast focus. 57

Best Kept Secrets

Kombu Whole Foods The Coffs Coast is not only a stunning part of the world to visit, but also provides some of the best growing conditions on the East Coast. Local climate zones vary from frost-free coastal living to steamy hinterland valleys and then up into the frosty (and at times snowy) mountain ranges. Combine that variety with fertile land and some of the most reliable rainfall in Australia, and you have the potential for a local food paradise. With that in mind, the team at thriving Bellingen-based organic grocery and healthy living store Kombu Wholefoods have been working to stock as wide a range of chemical free/organic local produce as possible for close on ten years. With a dedicated local produce coordinator, the range has been growing year on year, and they now offer some of the best local and regional produce available on the Coffs Coast. When produce is not available locally, the team source from regional markets, ensuring an ongoing variety in store. With the aim of being an eco-friendly discount one-stop shop for everything their customers could need, the produce has been complemented by over 2,500 other products, ranging from organic meat through to hundreds of affordable bulk lines, to natural cosmetics and hair care. You can shop in store Monday to Saturday or order much of the range online at www.kombuwholefoods.com.au

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Bellingen Kitchen Shop It is now six months since Jamie and Libby Park took on the Bellingen Kitchen Shop. Formerly known as Bellingen Old Church Kitchenware and Giftware, the shop has moved from its previous premises in Church Street to a new location in the main street. It has been renamed and has had a revamp of its appearance too. The shop has been a Bellingen icon for more than 15 years, building a reputation over that time for stocking a unique range of quality brands such as Staub, Emile Henry, Opinel, Victorinox, Neoflam and Tojiro, to name just a few. Since July when they took over, Jamie and Libby have been working hard to make sure that they continue to build the great business that they have inherited, looking for opportunities to expand into a broader range of homewares and gifts. Their aim is to make the Bellingen Kitchen Shop an even more exciting shopping experience that is appealing to both locals and visitors, by offering a great selection of brands at great prices and with good, old-fashioned service. If you havenâ€™t been in to visit the shop recently, please make sure that you add this to your next trip in to town. You will be made very welcome!

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 â€˜til the end, when you will have 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 yearsâ€™ experience.

Best Kept Secrets

Jetty Theatre Upcoming Shows The start of the new year brings you an electric and exciting offering with the best in world film, live music, circus and kids’ holiday entertainment. Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) - Saturday 2 January - Thursday 28 January This summer, the inaugural Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) launches with over 38 sessions, featuring the latest in world movies, documentaries, new Australian films, festival titles, short films and outrageous genre flicks! Snow Queen’s Aussie Freezing Show - Tuesday 12 January Sydney’s sell-out interactive show with lots of singing, dancing and special characters will enchant children these school holidays, as they help their favourite snow queen recover her lost magic wand so that they can all play in magical falling snow. The Classics - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 January Living legends of Australian circus strut their stuff; proving that the Golden Years are just the beginning of new adventures. Deb Batton and Sue Broadway, fellow artists and special guests will charm you with their wit, fearless presence, and some good old classic circus tricks. The Necks - Friday 5 February The Necks are one of the hottest bands in the world right now. Their sound is pure Australian musical genius, with consistently sold-out shows in London, Melbourne and Europe. Not entirely avant-garde, nor minimalist, nor ambient, nor jazz, the music of The Necks offers a once-in-a-lifetime live performance experience. See www.jettytheatre.com for further details and ticket bookings, visit or call the box office noon - 4pm, Tues to Fri: (02) 6652 8088.

Love and Kisses Ask any switched-on shopper which shop in Coffs Harbour tops the list of “must-look-there-first”, and they’ll tell you it’s Love & Kisses. Owner Judy Sheehan says they had a wonderful Christmas season, thanks to all their lovely happy customers who always choose to shop local. Judy says she’s been frantic trying to keep the shelves full, but it’s a nice problem to have! Lots of deliveries are still arriving, so there will be plenty of fun things for holiday shoppers to find - lots of great rugged leather bags, a new shipment of the “Gorjuss” range, more StressHeads, new Woodwick candles, and more earrings and necklaces than you’d ever believe. It’s a pleasure to browse through this lovely little shop, which has an amazing reputation way outside of Coffs, and a big and growing clientele of tourists and business travellers who make a point of stopping there on every trip through Coffs Harbour. So when you need a little treat for yourself, a welcome-baby gift, a gift book, or something out of the ordinary for a friend, give yourself 10 minutes to check out the quirkiest range of gifts and surprises you’ll ever find under one roof, and enjoy the Love & Kisses experience.

January – February 2016 This summer, the inaugural Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) launches with over 38 sessions featuring the latest in world movies, documentaries, new Australian films, festival titles, short films and outrageous genre flicks! Screenings: Saturday 2 – Thursday 28 January Rainbow Crossing Inc present…

Snow Queen’s Aussie Freezing Show

Sydney’s sell-out interactive show with lots of singing, dancing and special characters and pre-show singalong to your favourite songs from Frozen. Show: Tuesday 12 January CHATS present…

The Classics

Living legends of Australian circus strut their stuff; proving that the Golden Years are just the beginning of new adventures. Deb Batton and Sue Broadway, fellow artists and special guests will charm you with their wit, fearless presence, and some good old classic circus tricks. Shows: Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 January Seth Jordan and JMT touring in association with Top Shelf Productions present…

The Necks

A rare, unique and life-changing experience... Australian musical genius that is selling out shows around the world. ‘A kind of religious experience’ - The Australian Show: Friday 5 February Proudly supported by 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour 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

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Best Kept Secrets

Dreams Vinyl R O O T S

R E C O R D S

Vinyl Records are enjoying resurgence in popularity. Creative cover art and unique sound are helping make them collectible items amongst a younger generation. Finding a local record store though, is getting harder, with strong online competition. One establishment that is keeping the candle burning is Roots Records in Bellingen.

ow long have you operated the business? The business has been open for nearly five years. I purchased it from the previous owners, coming up to two years ago. Bellingen is one of the gems of the Coffs Coast. What do you enjoy most about being part of the community there? Being accepted for who you are has been great. Bellingen is a very diverse town, and people are generally happy and friendly. We are lucky here to live where everyone wants to go for their holidays. Did you have a passion for music and vinyl before taking over the business? There’s nothing like listening to a good track and belting out a tune, even if you can’t sing. Music is everywhere - literally. Do you see more people moving back to buying records? Yes, we have witnessed this happening. A lot of teenagers have discovered the “new” sound of vinyl and are really getting into it. I love it when someone is checking our secondhand range; comments like, “Wow, I remember them”, or, “I used to have this album” are common. We are just about to introduce vinyl playing instore.

60 coffs coast focus.

Why do you think this is? Records are known for the artwork The quality of the sound is much on their covers; is this a trend that better, and hopefully it will stay around continues today? for a long time. I believe so. We have a friend who These days streaming and purchasing designed for Midnight Oil back in the day. digital files is very popular. Is it hard I also had someone come in and ask if we for a local music store to stay had any covers they could have to relevant? use on their walls. I have to say yes What are your plans for to this - not just the future? I love it when for music. eBay, Hopefully to stay someone Gumtree and viable and ahead r ou is checking range; online shopping of the online sales. nd ha second e, have also put the I have said in the lik ts en m m co ber brakes on physical past that I am not ‘Wow I rememed to shopping. Sooner going online for them’, or, ‘I us m’ have this albu. ” or later, people Roots Records, as are common will realise that you there is too much really shouldn’t buy a competition out there guitar online. already, but you never Bellingen has a unique know - things might change. population of locals; do you find We have Ukeshop.com.au already. that this suits your business? We have also just got into ticket sales Yes, we have a fair amount of local for different events around town, so that support, and supporting the local musos is helping to bring people into our shop. is something we’re proud of. Where can people find out more? Do you have a favourite artist and Come in, drop me a line at ann@ record? rootsrecords.com.au, like our Facebook For me personally, you can’t beat Elvis page and send me a message, or just and any album of his; however, there are plain pick up the phone and give me a a lot of great artists out there. Another call on 6655 2159. fav is K D Lang; she is just amazing. Thanks Ann.

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Best Kept Secrets

Never never

Boambee

Creek

B E L L I N G E N

Creek Reserve C O F F S

H A R B O U R

Boambee Creek Reserve is a perfect place for families - a day reserve with safe, shallow swimming, shady grassed areas and plenty of beach for sandcastles and games.

ay tripping in the Coffs • Get together, hire a shelter and have a party Harbour area? Look no further. or host a function. Boambee Creek Reserve is a • Play a game of football, cricket or spin a perfect place for families, a frisbee on the grassed areas. day reserve with safe shallow • Relax on the sand or build a sandcastle. swimming, shady grassed areas and plenty • Bring your chair, set up and relax with a book of beach for sandcastles and games. It's in the tranquil surrounds. beautifully protected from the wind, and there Meet your Park Hosts are shelters for groups to get together. You Steve Madaffari and Liana Rowsell. can have a SUP lesson or hire a kayak. Boambee Creek Reserve is You can even take a moonlight a wonderfully unique eco tour up the river. And and beautiful natural when you're ready to kick environment. As the back and relax, enjoy It’s beautifully resident care takers, coffee and cake at the protected along with our three d an reserve café. from the wind, young children, we see rs te there are shel • Take an eco tour up it as a great privilege to t ge to for groups river in a kayak. n ca be a part of the reserve u Yo . together • Hire a stand up or on ss le and its continued P SU a have paddle board (SUP) and ” k. ya improvement. ka a re hi learn to ride. Together we have travelled • Swim or wade in the safe, extensively throughout shallow swimming areas. Australia and have not to date • Bring your kayak or SUP and come across anything quite like enjoy a day on the water. Boambee Creek. With the ability to park • Launch your boat at the ramp in the within a few steps of the beautiful water’s reserve and explore the waterways. edge, picnic and fishing spots, playground and • Fish the many spots and cook your catch at BBQs, the reserve’s facilities have something the free BBQs. for everyone. It’s the ease of creating your • Bring your dog and enjoy the great places for own special experience that makes this truly him to walk and play. a location like no other. We take great pride • Watch the many birds that live in and around and respect in maintaining this natural piece the reserve. of the Mid North Coast, providing an amazing • Enjoy lunch or coffee at the quaint boutique location for the community and all visitors café. to the area. Boambee Creek Reserve is an • Picnic in a perfect place and enjoy the amazing place to Recharge and Reconnect. tranquil water views. It’s your park; we look forward to seeing you • Bring the kids to play on the safe and shaded soon. playground.

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This series of swimming holes is just off the main road out to Glennifer, about 25 minutes from Bellingen, on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

here: you drive into the hills just South of Coffs to a very left wing/hipster country town called Bellingen. Make sure you stop here and check out some of the local cafés and shops. Getting to the spot: once you arrive in Bellingen, take the road to Glennifer (go over the Bellinger River). If you travel for about 20 mins you’ll reach a place called the Promised Land - home of George Negus and David Helfgott. You’ll come to a rickety old bridge with a small church hall on your right with a sign saying “NEVER NEVER CREEK”. Once you cross the bridge, continue driving for about 60 seconds and take a right, then drive all the way to the end of this road and you will see another bridge (which you cross) and then a bunch of parked cars. That is how you know you are there. Accommodation: anywhere in Glennifer or the Promised Land will have excellent accommodation. Expect to pay about $200 a night though, as these places are seriously boutique. There is cheaper accommodation in Bellingen town, in particular the YHA Backpackers. Facilities: the swimming spot is in a super-quiet place, so there are no toilets or facilities. The closest shops and amenities are in Bellingen. About the area: Bellingen is a small town (population 2,721) on Waterfall Way on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It

is approximately halfway between the major Australian cities of Sydney and Brisbane. It is the seat of Bellingen Shire and has a mixture of valley, plateau and coastal environments. The township lies on the not-quite-spelledthe-same Bellinger River: the different spelling is most likely the result of a misinterpretation of some poor handwriting once upon a time. The name Bellingen was first mentioned by Clement Hodgkinson as the native name for the area, and is believed to come from Baalijin, the Gumbaynggir name for the Quoll (Native Cat). He refers to the river as the “Bellingen River” in his 1845 book, Australia From Port Macquarie to Moreton Bay. Bellingen was one of the filming locations for the 2003 comedy film Danny Deckchair, written and directed by Jeff Balsmeyer. Bellingen was also the notional setting of the book Oscar and Lucinda, written by Booker Prize winning author Peter Carey. The film version of the novel Eucalyptus was set to be filmed in Bellingen as well, before it fell through. Bellingen has a strong affinity with the arts and is home to four festivals: the popular Global Carnival (often known simply as “The Global”), the Jazz and Blues Festival, Stamping Ground Dance Festival, and Camp Creative. The first and original festival, an annual event, was the Azalea Festival, which included a procession of floats, the local brass band and pipe band, and various community organisations marching down Hyde Street to the cheers and applause of the spectators. coffs coast focus. 61

62 coffs coast focus.

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

Style WITH LAUREN VESTEY LIVING DOLL

NEW YEAR HAIR RESOLUTIONS THOU SHALT NOT BREAK!

ommit to regular hair en’t particularly fond of. But nobody is perfect cuts! and if we can learn how to mask those tiny If you are anything like flaws with some little tips and tricks from your me, I have already filled hairdresser, life would be so much easier. This in my 2016 diary with is the first step in finally learning to love and appointments, important manage your hair. dates, meetings, and birthdays etc. for the I won’t chop all of my hair off, just becoming year. I know if I don’t put it in the cause I hit a certain age. diary (and in the phone with alarms set), I will Forget the stereotypes out there that forget. We are endlessly multi-tasking, are telling you because of your never saying no SUPERWOMEN age you have to look like who have everyone else’s this. Rubbish! Work with needs coming first. So, we e er th what you have. If you k: in th Just do need to book and have es ut in m 40 suit long hair with 14 e ar these appointments in t no hy w so y, soft layers, rock it ‘til da in a our schedule, otherwise e for you are 100 (if it still allow some tim and eight weeks will stretch ourselves to feel e looks good). Ask a ak out to three, four, five or look our best? M Living Doll Stylist for lf, se ur even six months, and we the effort for yo advice on what suits se el e on will be wondering why because no ” your face and your peru. yo r fo we can’t do anything with can do it sonal style. our hair. Accept compliments and Allow more time for yourshare the love. self! Gorgeous hair will attract comWe are only talking 5 - 10 minutes pliments, and so will smiling women exhere, ladies. Just think: there are 1,440 minuding confidence and happiness. Let us be utes in a day, so why not allow some time a network of women supporting and encourfor ourselves to feel and look our best? Make aging each other. If you see a woman with a the effort for yourself, because no one else can haircut you LOVE, then give her a compliment do it for you. and maybe even ask where she had it done. I I will stop beating myself up about my know it will make her day. flaws. 2016 is your year, ladies! Let’s face it, ladies; we all are caught up about one or two things about our hair we arXO Dolls

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N E W Y E A R • &NWELLBEING EW YOU

focusinterview.

StudioMove • but at what cost? •

focusinterview.

Kathy Sheehan AUTHOR

ELISE AND ANNA

The continuing rise in the demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures has led to an increase FOCUS UNROLLED OUR YOGA MATS in the number of people administering these types treatments at incredibly low prices. TO CHAT TO ELISE AND of ANNA FROM

FOCUS TOOK A WALK ALONG JETTY goes into bringing you a treatment you can trust. BEACH TO MEET LOCAL TEACHER, Research AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF SPARKY Companies that manufacture premium prodAND SHADY, THE SELF-AWARENESS uct for cosmetic use have invested millions of AND SELF-HELP PROGRAMME FOR dollars in developing, researching and providing KIDS WHO HAS BEEN LIVING ON evidence of its safety and effectiveness. They also THE COFFS COAST FOR 20 YEARS. continue to invest in further research and devel-

opment, discovering new ways their medicines hy are you passionate about a positive difference that is good for them, can be used and developing new products. The empowering kids? good for others and good for our future. cost of this investment is reflected in its price. I’m a “kid” person When our kids understand their Training and it’s pretty loving side cosmetic (Sparky), practitioners their scared Responsible non-surgical Whilst might like good news for the clichéd,this but - kidssound are our side (Shady), and how their will invest heavily in training and ongoing educonsumer, future. unfortunately it’s far from it. In a world that body, deliver personality, thoughts cation in order to expertly treatments and Non-surgical cosmetic “In a world that is in procedures, and is in chaos and feelings all work having initial training, will continue to ly cialreceived injectables in particular, good ically, so chaos politically, sociallyare costly for very polit together, they have lly, education. ta en invest in further nm ro vi en reasons. and and environmentally, an m hu e Safe Environmenteverything they need to w can thA Thecan expense involved in using qualityho products, how the human other must ensure n ai an cope with Practitioners that problems, they comply providing excellent service thece su st race sustain another 100 and meeting ra ” s? ar ye 0 believe in themselves and with health and safety legislation, are able to 10 necessary safety requirements is significant, so in years?” That was Stephen safely supply and store medicines and that they follow their dreams. That’s order to meet these costs, practitioners Hawking’s question back quality in can securely store medical records to protect ultimately how they’ll makeconhave their pricesthe accordingly. 2006.toIfset you look at state fi dentiality. They must also implement and their difference. The bonus foruphold order to help educate public about what of In the world from a Shadythe (fearful) relevant policies procedures minimise exactly areitgetting fordoes their look money when parents isand happier, more to loving and risks. point ofthey view, certainly bleak! Assessment they invest quality non-surgical procedure, more confident kids! That’s pretty important Luckily I’m in ana optimist! I believe that You must be consulted face to face by a propwe’ve put together a brief about what every single child on earthguide is here to make too!

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64 coffs coast focus.

STUDIOMOVE IN WOOLGOOLGA AND

tioners are unlikely to invest in any of the above, erly qualified practitioner; they will invest time in FOUND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR consultation and assessment to ensure that you EXPERTISE AND THE BENEFITS as when offering cheap treatments, the cost of receive theEXERCISE correct treatment for your individual OF PHYSIOLOGY, YOGA, provision has to be minimal in order to make a needs. They will also take time to answer any profit. PILATES AND BARRE. questions that you may have, in order to provide However, we strongly believe that profit should you with the information you need to make an never come before safety. re you bothwhether local totoCoffs class at the ballet barre. You get a cardio, informed decision about proceed Practitioners who don’t invest in training, the Harbour? strength and flexibility workout all in one, and with your treatment. clinic they work in, care standards and protection AnnaRegulatory and I both Bodies moved to the no dance experience is required. Registration with are an accident waiting to happen. There are risks Coffs Coast around eight years What do you love about Yoga, Pilates and As well as the above mentioned costs, there involved in cosmetic procedures, and without the ago. We have young families and living here Xtend Barre? are other expenses involved in setting up, running safeguards in place, side effects and lets us have a great balance between work and necessary Elise: I love that what I teach in Pilates and maintaining a non-surgical cosmetic clinic, complications are more likely to occur. life! and Xtend Barre can then be taken into your many of which underpin its safety. Registration Tell us more about Studiomove ... Patients receiving treatments have the right everyday life. Whether it is engaging your and revalidation with regulatory bodies such as StudioMove is mind/body studio in to expect a quality service in an appropriate core while on your bike, dancing on your The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Woolgoolga. However, it is so much more than environment. Injections should never be adminlongboard, or sitting at the computer, I want Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory, as this body is that. It is the realisation of our two dreams. We istered at a party, in a hotel room, at a shop or my clients to be able to apply what we do in responsible for regulating medical practitioners are proud to offer a beautiful space - dedicated beauty salon. All patients, when researching and and nurses. class into their day. to living well in mind, body and spirit. Our receiving should expect to be:of Serious practitioners often choose to join proAnna: these Yoga treatments, provides such a great balance studio is welcoming and caters for every treated with respect; kept fully informed; and fessional which provide peer-to-peer physical activity and mental relaxation. I loveto “body”. associations We are really excited! be given andtradesmen attention throughout support, and training, andare keepthe them that the time, busy,care strong who attendthe What iseducation Xtend Barre, and what entire experience. updated on industry standards, regulations and my classes can stretch their bodies and release benefits? In order to ensure their patients policies they develop. some stress, and then in safety, the same classshould a busy XtendasBarre is a fun, fast paced 55 minute

Is “Cheap” Worth the Risk? the principles of total body workout. It fuses In order offer into cheap practiPilates andtoBallet anprocedures, intense conditioning

always select a qualifi ed, established practitioner mum can build strength and have some time who has built up a good reputation over time. to relax.

coffs coast focus.

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

fit fix family fitness ALL NEW FIT FIX Family Fitness at Coffs War Memorial Pool Studio Gym. Does the thought of exercise scare you? Do you feel lost and intimidated when you enter a gym? Do you lack motivation or feel silly trying to exercise by yourself? Do you want to get fitter, but you’re not sure where to start? Then come and join us at Fit Fix!

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

Travelling around Australia and the world has become a popular activity for many of all ages, particularly “baby boomers”. Vision, as our dominant sense, plays a vital role in the experience and as such it makes sense to ensure optimum clarity. Because many travellers use digital devices such as iPads and cameras it is important to provide clear, comfortable and efficient distance and near vision. Advanced lens designs for the over 40s provide seamless transition from distance to near vision, enabling the user to view close objects such as brochures and digital devices while surveying the surroundings. Hoyalux iD progressive lenses, which are designed to meet individual lifestyle and visual needs, provide clear, natural and comfortable vision thereby assisting us in our quest to optimise patients’ eyesight and turn “Dreams into Visions”. The optional Diamond Finish Multi-coat reduces annoying reflections and provides greater scratch resistance than standard coatings. Hoyalux iD progressive lenses provide an opportunity to maximise the travel experience by “Living your Vision”. To view the full range of Hoya lenses visit alanburrow.com.au, click on lenses and then on Hoya.

All sessions are run by a qualified Personal Trainer and designed to address individual needs, whilst bringing everyone together to enjoy the fun benefits of small group fitness. Do you need to overhaul your lifestyle? EIGHT WEEK HEALTH BLITZ - NEW YEAR; NEW YOU! Starting Monday 18th January. Get fit, build muscle, burn body fat! Nourish, move, thrive. Early bird booking by 11th January just $200 (regular price $280), including unlimited sessions for eight weeks and regular body composition testing to monitor progress. FREE PT ASSESSMENT SESSION for First 5 Bookings VALUE $40!! BOOK NOW WITH BETH 0408 270 447 Work closely with a Personal Trainer - 24/7 support! NEW YEAR DIRECT DEBIT OFFER UNLIMITED SESSIONS ***ONLY $20 PER WEEK*** Join us in January and pay only $20 per week for unlimited sessions. (Regular Price $25 per week) CHECK OUT TIMETABLE & OTHER AVAILABLE PACKAGES at www.fitfixcoffs.com.au Come and Get your Fit Fix!!

Toormina Physiotherapy Since 1985, Chris Duffy and the team at Toormina Physiotherapy have been dedicated to bringing to the people of Toormina, Sawtell, Coffs Harbour, Bonville, Boambee and the rest of the Coffs Coast an up to date and enthusiastic physiotherapy service. We treat all sorts of problems with your musculo-skeletal system, such as sore backs and necks, knee pain and shoulder pain, ankle sprains, shin splints, sporting injuries, running injuries, work injuries. We rehabilitate after fractures and car accidents. We look to find the cause of your problems and not just treat the symptoms. For example, your knee may be sore because you are rolling in on your foot; or your shoulder may be hurting because the muscles holding it in the socket are not working in the correct way. We make sure you understand what is causing your condition, and we aim to help you to manage the problem correctly. Need help with an injury or long term pain? Call Chris Duffy and the team on (02) 6653 3850.

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focusinterview. NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

focusinterview.

Ramsay

Health Care C O F F S

W T

Health H A R B O Ramsay U R IN COFFS HARBOUR JOURNEY

Gretchen Johnston hat is yourofstory, values of PaulSurgery Ramsay. Nurse Unit Manager Coffs Harbour Day

Elizabeth? I came to Australia from Scotland with ell me about yourself ... my family 29 years I was born in Sydney, my ago, and came parents deciding onwe a sea change directly to Coffs to Harbour. My family continCoffs Harbour when I was ues to grow, andnine we years now old. haveI have a wonderful three young extended family boys, and great friends here.old, so 8, 6 and 2½ years My years working at what life fi isrst busy! Wewere enjoyspent the coastal lifestyle, and was then Coffs Harbour District Hospital in having family support is fantastic. Victoria Street, where have many happy Nursing hasfrom always beenI my passion, memories. Fourteen years ago I accepted deciding at four years old that I would bean a executive role attoBaringa Coffs nurse, unable imagineand myself in Harbour any other Dayoccupation. Surgery. I am so recently happy that our private I have completed a Master health serviceNursing still works well and with of Clinical specialising in happily Anaesthetics, theand public health serviceininnursing Coffs Harbour, believe education is a vital comandponent I believe that this outstanding enriches all of us ascare. a to providing patient community. Outside of work, spending time with husband Baringa Hospital the compaand boysPrivate and getting out was in the salt air are two ny’soffimy rst favourite medical and surgical facility, and it things to do. was also the fi rst of Paul Ramsay’s regional What is it like working for Ramsay Health hospitals Care? in Australia. We have now been here on this site worked for more 35 years. I have forthan Ramsay for 10 Ramsay years, and it Health Caresupportive is now one ofprofessional Australia’s top ASX is a kind, and working listed companieswith andthe is the biggest providerin environment, focus on excellence of patient private care health carepriority in Australia. It isallnow a a clear amongst employglobal but it still the way strong ees. company, People at Ramsay go refl outects of their to

Care

analyses the business in all its strands and What does your job entail? makes it possible as a team for us to make the Well, I am part of an executive team of best decisions for the growth and direction three: myself as CEO, Peter Parkes the Direcof the business. This may sound a bit dry, but of the staff at Ramsay, one of tor of Clinical Services and Mike Gray, our Mike makes it all exciting and imbues it with the first things I noticed once affendless possibility. Besides that, he ing stof e nurs Commercial Manager. We manage Baringa a sense Th I commenced my employa e ar e ag an Private Hospital in Mackays Road, BaringaI m is the office comedian and one never knows ment 10 years ago. ient and namic, effic Rehabilitation, our outpatient allieddy health what messages may be waiting for you on What type of surgery who treat al group, your jovi business also at Mackays Road, Coffs Harbour door in the morning! is performed at the ith the patients wWe ourBaringa Day Surgery in Albany Street, and The always appreciate that we are part of Coffs Harbour Day e kindness and samadjaCentre at the Specialist Medical Centre, a much larger close knit team. We celebrate e w Surgery? professionalism or s ve el centWe to mostly the base hospital. things together, and it speaks volumes that some days at work perform would like ours treated be to My role is to lead and manage the business, fundraising hosour relativesthey were among the top when we have up ophthalmic surgery, that ensure compliance with all the rules and regupitals in RHC for the Nepal Appeal. They are ” . ith w to 45 patients passing is surgery to the eye, with lations entailed in running a health facility and truly people caring for people. through the door, and it is five surgeons working with us toingrow and diversify the surgery business. It may not What is the best about to your job? my thing responsibility ensure we this speciality. Cataract sound exciting, but it is, because it involves The founder of the company, Paul Ramsay, have a safe environment for these enables us to improve vision by insertconstant interaction people. passed away lastand year stellar 50 year patients theafter staff,a and I address ing artificial lenses inwith patients’ eyes. Other Peter (aka the best dressed man in the career building this company. Paul beand manage any problems I encounter ophthalmic procedures include removal of hospital) hasproviding many portfolios the go-to queathed his in this comthroughout themajor courseshareholding of the day. Multitasking eye lesions, patients and withissight savperson for the day-to-day operation of the pany to a charitable foundation. This means and problem solving on your feet is essential! ing injections to the eye for conditions such as clinical facilities and of course, is responsible that we work substantially for a charitable How many staff do you manage? macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. for delivery ofplastic safe and quality patientthe institution, onestaff thatatwe hearing about I manage 11 thewill daybe surgery; howevWethe also perform surgery, including care. Peter experience and in coming years.according to need. Some days er, this fluctuates removal offacilitates a range ofwork skin lesions and cancers, undergraduate student placements andsuch drives Whatsome services your more, less; does I am also thehealth “go to”service person and transformative surgery to the body as the quality and policy framework that keeps offer? for the doctors if they have any requirements liposuction. the service and robust. It would be easier to say what to be addressed. The nursing staff I services manage we What is it cohesive like being the Nurse Unit ManMikeatisthe ourCoffs Commercial Manager and do anot offer. We have and some of the bestwho docare dynamic, efficient jovial group, ager Harbour Day Surgery?

“

Left to Right is Peter Parkes, Director of Clinical Services, Elizabeth Ruthnam CEO and Mike Gray Commercial Manager.

tors in the country! In partnership we offer a wide range of services, including most surgical specialties, at both Baringa and Coffs Harbour Day Surgery. We have a large and successful rehabilitation business, which ranges from inpatient, to day patient and outpatient care. Three years ago we established Bindarray, an inpatient mental health unit at Baringa. We provide day medical services, including chemotherapy, and our medical unit offers a range of medical inpatient services, including palliative Who helps care. you?We provide IVF services in partnership with team Genea, who bring their scientific My fantastic of nurses; my instrument team to Coffs a year. sterilisation team Harbour also makethree sure times the surgeons What is the future of Ramsay Health have everything they need, making our days Care in Coffs Harbour? progress without delays. I am very well supWe have grown a Jenny lot in Malouf the lastand fewalso years ported by my manager and will continue to do so to meet the Colin Parmenter at Baringa. Jenny Binstead,needs our of our Manager growing population. From an organisaBusiness at the day surgery, is also a tionalofperspective, wish encouragement to work with our wealth knowledge,we offering teams andwhen stay at the cutting edge of emergand support I need it. ing pharmaceuticals and technologies. The Hospital Executive team and staff alsoThis brings its own but we support and assistchallenges, me at any time. Thebelieve clerical our community to benefi t from staff at the daydeserves surgery are also vital to itsscientifi daily c advances.as are some of the Clinical Nurse operations, Any tipsand onNurse running a business? Specialists Educators at Baringa. employ peoplerelies smarter than yourCoffsAlways Harbour Day Surgery on our strong self!of team work, which I believe we have sense

ensure staff, patients, doctors and relatives are Being a Nurse Unit Manager at Coffs Hartreat our patients with the same kindness and mastered, creating a wonderful working envitreated with respect, dignity Ifand empathy at all bour about Day Surgery is a challenging and exciting professionalism we would like ourselves our 0322. ronment. you want to know more the services and programmes run at Baringa Rehabilitation, contact them on or 6658 times. A “can do” attitude is also a key quality job, with rarely a dull moment! There are relatives to be treated with. Thanks Gretchen.

BPH Airport Signage 2400x600 0512OL.indd 1

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NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

Positive Outlook Psychological Services Positive Outlook is an evidence-based practice, founded on strong academic and professional training, complemented by the unique and varied life experiences of our practitioners. We apply the principles of positive psychology and treat all clients with empathy, care, and respect. Senior Psychologist, Kathleen Lindsay, explained: “It is essential that clients feel connected and involved in decisions that affect their health. We work closely with them to help identify opportunities for hope, optimism, autonomy and self-regulation.” Peter and Kathleen travelled and worked throughout Australia before settling in Coffs Harbour. Peter says: “While in the Northern Territory, we learnt that dragonflies signify a change in seasons. Our logo is symbolic of a dragonfly. Positive Outlook works with clients to create positive change within people to enhance

their wellbeing. We have lived in Coffs Harbour for 18 years and enjoy being actively involved in the community.” Peter and Kathleen are committed to continuously expanding their professional knowledge and skills. Peter recently completed a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. Kathleen is also completing a Clinical Masters and is currently researching issues that influence the quality of life of carers. “The combination of our training, professional and life experience allows us to connect with people from all walks of life. We are committed to facilitating the best possible outcomes for our clients. We are approved providers of most major programmes as listed below, and we use a range of modalities including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, trauma focused CBT, narrative therapy and mindfulness.”

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healthprofessionals

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

how to

INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

JEAN BEBY

kickstart your

New Year’s resolutions for FREE

HAPPILY RETIRED JEAN BEBY LOVES HER SENIORS CLASSES AT COFFS COAST HEALTH CLUB. JEAN THOUGHT SHE NEEDED SOME GUIDANCE WITH HER DIET, SO SHE JOINED THE HEALTHY INSPIRATIONS PROGRAMME - AND THE REST IS HISTORY ...

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about Sheree and her amazing client, Anne. This month we are catching up with Jean Beby and her weight loss Coach Simone Saunders, to hear her inspiring story.

Are you someone who makes New Year’s resolutions and never keeps them? Do you always talk about getting healthy after the Christmas binge, but don’t really know where to start? Rest assured, you are not the only one – recent studies showed over 50% of people make New Year’s resolutions, but as little as 8% of those actually stick to it.

id North Coast Physio owner and leading local physiotherapist, Aaron Hardaker, explains why he doesn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions and outlines the best method for making 2016 the year of good health and happiness for you. Why don’t you like New Year’s Resolutions? Generally, it’s because they’re made off the cuff with little thought given to creating the goal or the plan to achieve it. I love to see you making goals, especially with a focus on improving your health, but I want you to have a plan to ensure you’re successful. Surrounding yourself with the right people to support you along the road is imperative. What are the common reasons people fail to achieve their health goals? It is usually one or all of the following: 1. Injury - if you don’t manage an underlying issue to start with, you’re much more susceptible to suffering a more significant injury that will stop you exercising. 2. Inappropriate exercise or bad technique - doing exercise that isn’t suitable for you will lead to soreness, injury or lack of progress. 3. Lack of motivation - everyone hits low points when trying to improve fitness, lose weight, build strength or improve flexibility

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- having someone there to support you through the challenges will ensure success. So what’s the best way to overcome these challenges? Surround yourself with the right team to ensure your goal is reached. Having a physio assessment to highlight any underlying risk factors will reduce your risk of injury and manage any problem before it stops you exercising. Seeing an exercise physiologist could ensure you’re doing exercises that are best for you and most suitable for your goal, whether it be improving fitness, reducing weight or general toning and strengthening. When it comes to motivation, having a personal trainer who can keep you focused can be a huge benefit, as is a little regular massage to loosen up your body along the way. To kick start your new healthy lifestyle in 2016, Mid North Coast Physio is offering 20 FREE Assessment consultations with your choice of practitioner - one of our physiotherapists, exercise physiologists or personal trainers in one of our four Coffs Coast locations. Call NOW on 1300 273747 to secure an appointment and start 2016 on the right foot.

efore joining Healthy Inspirations, what was your weight management history? I had no weight management strategy; I just kept hoping I would wake up thinner. I have actually battled with my weight since having children. I have made three attempts in my adult years to lose weight. 1 - with a Dietician, 2 - with Weight Watchers and now with Healthy Inspirations, which is the one I have found the easiest to follow and stick to. How has your weight changed since joining the programme? My weight has changed significantly since joining Healthy Inspirations. In just six months, I have lost a total of 16 kg. So how did you go about making that positive change? My health was starting become an issue, and I knew l needed to lose weight. I had joined Coffs Health Club at Toormina during Seniors Week and really liked their exercise programmes. I knew I would not lose the weight on my own, so I decided to try the weight loss programme, and I am very glad I did. How did you find the support from Healthy Inspirations? The support from Healthy Inspirations is great. Simone would go through my weekly menus, offer recipe suggestions and meal planning. She also gave me an exercise programme to work on and guided me through it to make sure I knew exactly how to do the exercises. Each month, she measured me so I could see the progress I was making. Simone was always contactable if I had any problems during the week too. What goals have you achieved so far? I had a lot of weight to lose, so we made short term goals and when we achieved that, we then made another goal. So from 100 kg I wanted to get to 90 kg and then I wanted 85

kg. I now weigh 83kg, and I’m aiming for 80 kg. I hope my final weight will be around the 75 to 79 kg mark. Did you find the lifestyle plan easy to follow? Yes, I did. The one great thing is that I did not have to count calories, but just measure portion sizes. I removed all the non-edible foods from my fridge and cupboards and just bought the food items from the programme. In fact, the first week I thought I was eating far too much to have any sort of weight loss, but was amazed when I lost 2 kg. How has your exercise changed since joining Coffs Coast Health Club and doing Personal Training with Simone? Being an older person, I have found the gym excellent. They teach you how to do the exercises properly and why you are doing them. I go to two different classes each week. Simone and I work out after our weigh in, and she advises me on how to work with the machines at my level, as it is very easy to overdo things - especially as we get older. So with my three types of exercise routines, my body is feeling quite strong and active. How does your lifestyle change help you with everyday activities? Being overweight puts so much strain on my body, so losing weight enables me to function so much better. Walking, shopping, gardening, even exercising feels so much easier. Energy levels have improved and when you are eating well, you feel better too. No heartburn, indigestion or feeling sluggish. I don’t need nanna naps anymore, although I might sneak one in every now and then after a busy week. Thanks for sharing, Jean, and if you’re looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see me at Coffs Coast Health Club, Toormina or our NEW CLUB in MOONEE! You can also contact Simone directly on 0402 202 864 to get started today.

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

COFFS COAST HEALTH CLUB Achieve your New Year’s resolution with the region’s most awarded health club! Coffs Coast Health Club was created in 2009 by a group of local health care professionals to resolve the negative perception of gyms being full of rich, lycra clad superheroes. Centrally located on Hogbin Drive, Toormina and now also at Moonee Marketplace; they are only a short drive from the towns of Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Nambucca Heads and all the villages in between. They provide us with the latest fitness and strength equipment, as well as a huge range of cutting edge group exercise classes. They offer affordably priced 24/7 memberships starting as low as $14 per week, personal training, weight loss programmes, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, massage therapy, natural health supplements, and even a kids’ club. You will feel safe in the knowledge that they are locally owned, not part of a franchise, foster a judgement free atmosphere and don’t employ slick, scary sales people. The culture you will experience is that of a friendly, supportive and truly community based health and fitness facility. Open seven days a week, they can’t wait to meet you and see how they can help you achieve your 2016 goals. Simply call them at Toormina on 6658 6222, Moonee on 6653 6122, click www.coffscoasthc.com.au, connect via Facebook or drop in to take your first step towards a happier and healthier life.

cass rock “CASS Rock” trio team members, Claudia Baff, Brooklyn Leonard and Paris Warncken with coach Cassie Scully show off the silver medals they won at the 2015 FISAF World Aerobic Championships on the Caribbean Island of Martinique. Winning a medal at their first World Championships has been a three year dream come true for these talented local athletes. After winning the Australian Championships for the last four successive years, this trio were now ready to take their place on the world stage and challenge for a world title. They did not disappoint, and were narrowly beaten by the Czech Republic in an epic final battle in excessive temperatures of 35 degrees. In the Senior Fitness Category, “Team Police” consisting of team members Stacey Robotham, Britt Warncken, Alexis Warncken, Grace Crawley and Nicole Courtie, in only their first year together training as a team, qualified for the Australian Team after they placed 2nd at the National Titles. The team placed 4th in the World Championship Senior Final, after performing a sensational routine in what was a highly contested category.

coffs coast focus. 69

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

ANZ INVESTS ANZ INVESTS IN LOCAL WORKING CAPITAL AND TRANSACTION BANKING PRODUCT PARTNERS. ALL THE MAJOR BANKS HAVE BEEN OFFERING RELATIONSHIP BANKING FOR SO MANY YEARS NOW, IT IS A VALID EXPECTATION BY BUSINESS CUSTOMERS TO SIMPLY EXPECT THIS. The foundation for this comes from truly getting to know where a client’s business is at today and where it is heading tomorrow, while helping management to navigate the changes that the dynamic economy demands. When business clients are asked to think about whether it is their lending bank or their transactional bank that is regarded as the primary financial relationship, the answer is invariably centred on the systems, cash flow management tools and transactional services that the business uses every day. In recognising this, ANZ have invested strongly in embedding locally based Transaction Banking Product Partners here on the North Coast of NSW. The roles are designed to connect directly with business clients at their premises to understand the business in situ while working to assist both the management team and the back office “engine room” to structure tailored services across payables, receivables and

reconciliation. Discussion with clients often focuses on what sets apart the major banks from one another, which will always be the individuals that work in the team; however, it is increasingly also the technology and innovation that is becoming a major consideration forming a critical part of appointing a strategic banking partner, particularly when making changes within the business translates to increased productivity, reduced cost and automation of previously manual processes. One of the overarching strengths that ANZ offers to commercial business clients is that our relationship managers, working closely with the transactional product partners, have the time and a very clear mandate to support a diverse range of objectives in a challenging market. In the current business climate, what we see here on the North Coast is that business is in growth mode and looking for genuine assistance from a bank that is truly

supporting the vision of business owners. The ANZ team works in partnership with clients to review opportunities and look to support the key people manage the operational aspects to drive growth. The expanded ANZ team and investment in the Coffs Harbour region has proven to be very successful, with feedback from both existing and new clients who benefit from local decision making and expert technical knowledge across all aspects of banking. ANZ is a formidable financial partner with a global offering, robust technology and a coordinated service delivery model that matches business needs with the right ANZ professional. Now is a great time to engage with the ANZ team to discuss your goals for 2016, and what better place to start than with a discussion on working capital and transactional banking. Call Joshua Allen from ANZ on 0466 451 257 or (02) 5612 2333 to set up a meeting to discuss your business needs.

BUILD YOUR

BUSINESS YOUR WAY Every business has its own unique opportunities. ANZ is the only Australian bank that has pledged $2 billion in lending for new small businesses, and $3 billion in trade lending for doing business overseas. So you can do it – your way. Talk to Joshua Allen your local ANZ Working Capital Services Manager today. Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

joshua.allen@anz.com

ANZ Business Banking

All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s normal credit approval criteria. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. K15889 (12.15)

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0466 451 257

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an you tell us how you came to live in Coffs Harbour? I first came to Coffs as crew on a yacht from Sydney, on a proposed voyage around the world. She was a 36' ketch named Sarabande, with four of us on board; Coffs was our first port after leaving Sydney, with its new marina, in 1982! The trip from Sydney exposed some problems in the boat, and combined with weather and repairs, we stayed in Coffs for a month. That's when I first fell in love with Coffs! I came back on trips to Queensland in 2007, and in 2008, moved here permanently. Still, madly in love! You have lived an interesting and full life, serving in Vietnam, working as a paramedic. Tell us about your life ... I was born and grew up in Sydney's "St. George and Sutherland Shire". My grandfather was ex-Royal Navy, and I had a cousin in HMAS Melbourne. I didn't like school much and wanted a life of adventure and travel, so applied for the RAN's "Junior Recruit Training Scheme". At 15 years and 8 months old, I was in the Navy! As a Medic in the Navy, I wasn't "fighting in Vietnam", as such. So after three trips to Vietnam, becoming an Aviation Medicine specialist, doing helicopter Medivacs, returning to Australia, I was based at HMAS Albatross at Nowra. With the Vietnam War over, sea-time for Medics was quite limited, so, still needing the adrenaline rush, I left the Navy and joined

Peter Black is a clinical hypnotist who has helped many people conquer fear and addiction. FOCUS sat on his couch to find out more about how the treatment works. the NSW Ambulance Service as an Ambulance The three interact, complementing and Officer, based at Bondi. From there I went to supporting each other. Simply, the "conscious" Accident and Emergency at St. Vincent's in is where we are, in the present, right now; Sydney, on and off, for eight years, eventually the "sub-conscious" is where all our learnt ending up in the Operating Theatres of St. behaviour, our memories, our manners, our Vincent's Private Hospital in 1984. I then started protocols, our habits, are stored, for instant a Psychology Course at Sydney recall; the "unconscious", is the part University. of the mind which controls the You have worked as a things we don't have to Clinical Hypnotherapist "consciously", think about, I hypnotised for many years. How our organs' functions, him , and he obia did you begin that blood pressure, kidney dealt with his ph journey? function, temperature, of the D entist - so is th I hadn't done wound healing, blinking, much so, that to ist nt day, his same de op any "formal" and the primal responses, st has to tell him to hypnotherapy since like the "fight or flight" n ca talking so that he d my Navy days. A friend reaction if we feel we are ke get his teeth wor visited me, and he was in a strange, or scary state. on! â€? stressing about having to Hypnotherapy does most go to the dentist the next day. of its work in the sub-conscious, I hypnotised him, and he dealt changing habits, from those we with his phobia of the dentist - so much no longer want, to those we desire. As so, that to this day, his same dentist has a stage illusionist directs you to watch his to tell him to stop talking so that he can left hand, his right hand is preparing for the get his teeth worked on! He enjoys going to delivery of the trick. While your conscious mind the dentist! That "simple" empowerment of my is "distracted" in hypnosis, by different stimuli, friend, Tony, brought back the "buzz" I used to the sub-conscious is accessed and the old habit get years ago, from empowering people over is replaced with a new, positive one. I often use their fears, and empowered me to get back to the analogy of "de-fragging" your computer; my passion. removing redundant programmes, and installing How does hypnotism work? a new, better version. Hypnotism works in the three levels of the Every word the hypnotist uses, is designed mind: the "conscious"; the "sub-conscious", to illicit the desired response for the client. and the "unconscious". These scripts are essential to the success of the

â€œ

hypnosis. Does it work on all people? Hypnosis will work on anyone who wants to be hypnotised. There are people who should not be deeply hypnotised: people with a history of seizures or epilepsy, or people taking psychotropic anti depressants like Prozac or Zoloft, or the anti smoking drug, Champix, should be assessed by their GP, before ceasing or changing their dosages of the medication, as these drugs have effects on the sub-conscious mind. It is recommended not to be hypnotised while these medications are in your system. Again, consult your doctor before seeing a hypnotherapist if you are taking these types of medications. You have an impressive record when it comes to helping people quit smoking; why do you think that is? Simply; because they really want to. If a person comes to a hypnotherapist because the want to stop smoking, they have a strong motivation to stop, they are sick of it, they know it is affecting their health, they have tried before, and been unsuccessful, but this time they are determined to stop - they will probably succeed. Do you still practice, or are you retired? I am retired; but, I still see clients by word of mouth referral. I am an "Emeritus Member" of the ASCH, and my passion for hypnotherapy is still alive and well! I keep up to date with new developments and techniques through the Society and its newsletter and internet bulletins. Thanks Peter. coffs coast focus. 71

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JANUARY 2016

with Terri

AQUARIUS.

January 21 - February 19

Avoid concerning yourself with morbid thoughts of what you believe others are thinking of you. You are very capable of being extremely charismatic; you just need to occupy your thoughts with self-esteem and compliments. Who cares what other people think? Rose Quartz is a powerful self loving crystal.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 You may be feeling unsupported at present. Identify any emotion you wish to feel externally and wake it up on the inside by breathing into it and igniting it. By becoming the answers to your fears, you will avoid facing them and having to challenge or grow through them. Ruby is powerful for inner strength.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Now is a great time to plan for completing a dream that you’ve carried for a long time. Write a list of all the things needed to achieve your dream and take action; go and get something on your list so that when the opportunity arrives, you are prepared for it. Have fun! Clear Quartz is a wonderful motivator.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

It’s a great time to set some fresh goals. Be aware of your motive, as this ensures no insecurities or fears will motivate your intention. Cater to the needs of your mind, body and spirit to guarantee a feeling of complete contentment. Selenite shatters fears and encourages positive energy.

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GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Justice will finally be served to you. Anything that was unfair toward you in the last twelve months should be balanced. Become the answers to your fears, so you won’t need to challenge or face them. A nice feeling of ownership of your reality will be enjoyed soon. Ruby protects us from our fears.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You may have outgrown some of your old beliefs at present. Instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, it is likely that you are feeling trapped in them. Do some debating with your beliefs and enjoy the change in every aspect of your life. Citrine helps us to be objective and grow.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

Anything you put your nurturing into will grow and expand very quickly at present. Play with your talents and watch your confidence grow. Relationships offer you the chance to mirror yourself and see how loving you are; acknowledge your kindness and enjoy the rewards. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

Restless energies can be your motivational force at this time. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to achieve them. Practice some self-love techniques, such as kindness to yourself in thought, and enjoy the change. Malachite brings past hurts to our awareness for releasing.

June 23 - July 23

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Love yourself as much as possible to release insecurities that might be playing with you at present. Give yourself permission to love and be loved fearlessly and feel that “Leo” passion revive your senses. This will bring peaceful, uncomplicated emotions back in to play. Rose Quartz restores self-worth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Avoid criticism as this is washing back on your-self. You are very clever and have a natural charisma. Your energy is the first thing people experience when they are in your space, so be aware of what thoughts you are entertaining about yourself in company. Turquoise is great for self-esteem.

October 24 - November 22

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

Relationships will provide ample opportunity for self-awareness and growth at present. Enjoy a mutual project with a loved one and experience a newfound level of love. See your own divinity in your relationships for self-approval. Rose Quartz is a beautiful loving crystal, helping us to feel our unconditional love.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Total change is likely to take effect. Your need to achieve your life’s purpose is on your agenda. Set some new goals and be realistic, then thank yourself for achieving. Selfappreciation is most beneficial for attracting new success. Rose Quartz is the crystal for self-love.

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

coffs coast focus. 73

BACK TO SCHOOL

SPI

RATIONA

EDUCATI N Renae Knight

hat is your connection with the local area? My dad moved the family to Coffs Harbour when I was only a few months old. Moving to a new town is a huge decision and at the time, Dad had a couple of different work possibilities on offer. However, when breaking these down into work/life opportunities, Coffs Harbour came up as the number one family friendly destination to relocate. In the years to come it was plain to see that Dad had made the right choice, becoming a successful small business owner spanning more than 30 years, as Peter Booth’s TV & Electronic Services. Keen to follow my Dad’s success and provide a wonderful childhood for my children, as he did for me and my brother, Coffs Harbour was always going to be my number one spot to establish my own business once returning from University in Sydney with a Teaching Degree in Early Childhood. Having raised nine children in the local area, my partner, Matt, and I have worn many different hats within many community groups, from little athletics, soccer, football, board riders, basketball, physical culture and the Coffs Harbour Surf Club. How long have you been involved in Early Childhood Education? I have been teaching in the Industry for 22 years, with 20 of them being the owner/Director of 3 Bears Cottage. My eldest child of six was only 12 months old

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Renae Knight has being involved in the teaching industry for two decades. FOCUS caught up with the inspirational teacher to find out more. ment that communicates a child’s worth, instead when I opened my own Child Care Centre back of performance will help children enjoy their in 1995 and in fact, my centre just celebrated 20 interest and develop new ones in a setting where years of service to the Coffs Harbour Community, with a 20 year birthday carnival seeing many they feel comfortable. past, present and future families attending. I truly believe that if you foster a child’s interI was always going to naturally gravitate into est in whatever they love and show involvement a role which involved caring for children. I was in, then the child will cultivate it and grow up the one my parents’ friends and fambelieving that dreams are possible. ily would routinely leave their What do you love most about children with when we got your Job? together; they obviously The energy and enthusiasm During the early saw something in me of young children is what years, children that I too grew aware drew me to the industry, and gain knowledge of more strongly as I and the knowledge that e skills that provid r fo got older. I can contribute to their n the foundatio g un Yo . What are some of growth and make a ng later learni of y an m n ar le the most importdifference in their lives children ugh the ant aspects of and their families is what these skills thro have ey th ns io ct ra teaching a child at a keeps me here. te in ators. ” with their Educ young age? Working to empower During the early years, families in their roles as children gain knowledge parents is the greatest gift I have and skills that provide the founbeen given, as they will always have dation for later learning. Young chilthe greatest impact on the lives of their dren learn many of these skills through the own children. interactions they have with their Educators. Over the years, my job in Early Education as As an Educator, I see my role to provide taught me to become flexible and to bring a Educator- child interactions that promote young sense of humour each day to the workplace. children’s development and focus on helping Oh, the funny stories that have been shared and offering emotionally supportive interactions by the children during the days will definitely go to the children in my care. down has a job highlight, and a special shout Are there ways to inspire interest in chilout to all families; we are aware of more than dren? you think. As the expression goes: “kids say the A child’s interests and talents are as unique as darndest things”! their fingerprint. A focus on fun and encourageDo you have any advice for people who are

“

thinking about early education as a career? “Our greatest natural resource is in the minds of our children”- Walt Disney. Working in this industry, you will play a major part in developing children’s minds and preparing them for their future. If you are passionate about educating and shaping young minds, you can become a great role model to children, as the early years of a child’s life are the most formative. Here’s what you can look forward to: there will be challenges, as children can be draining, throwing tantrums, being hyperactive and generally challenge you both physically and mentally. However, if you love being around children, this can be the perfect career for you, with the range of options available within the industry you could see yourself working as a child care Educator, work in management or an Early Childhood Teacher, just to name a few - you could even end up as an entrepreneur, operating your own centre! What are your plans for the future? I can’t see myself in any other industry. I often even joke to people that I will be at 3 Bears until the day I die! On a serious note, however, 3 Bears over the years has been an extension of my home. I have seen all six of my children go through from six weeks of age, where many closes at the service saw my children being bathed and fed before driving home. Twenty years of service has just been celebrated, and I hope to see another 20 years at 3 Bears. Thanks Renae.

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the education centre

t goes without saying that one of our prime duties as parents is to give our kids the best all-round education we can,” Liz says. “And one of the best ways to do that is to allow them to access private tuition.” The range of subjects the centre covers is extensive, as is the age of its students. Apart from the standard subjects of Maths, English and the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), the centre also has tutors who specialise in History (Modern and Ancient), Geography, Business Studies, Commerce, Legal Studies, Studies of Religion, Art, Music and even Drama. Students can start from Year 1 and go all the way through to Year 12, although we have some special needs learners, too. “Another course that has proved really popular is our Year 6 ‘Preparing for High

The Education Centre is gearing up for yet another successful year in 2016. It has been over eleven years since the centre was founded with just two tutors and a handful of students. Now, owner/proprietor Liz Stevens says she is proud to list over 25 tutors and 120+ students – and not just in Coffs Harbour. The Education Centre also has offices in Woolgoolga, and has students in Bellingen, Urunga and Grafton. School,’” says Liz. “As adults, we are aware of the transition our children will face, but this course helps students to really understand what is going to happen; it takes away any fears they might have, improves their self-esteem and gives them confidence.” In 2016, the Education Centre is branching out, offering courses and workshops in Acting Skills (offered both for Primary and Secondary students), Singing, Uncovering Shakespeare, Perfecting your Drama Monologue and Preparing for HSC. Education in the 21st Century is undergoing something of a revolution. Whilst the “three Rs” are still important - and always will be - the Education Centre recognises that the techniques of delivering learning skills encourages both teachers and students to expand their thinking. The Internet has brought

a focus on using new technology and research methods, but these need to sit alongside the traditional pedagogies of learning - guidance, instruction and acquiring knowledge. One of the centre’s longest-serving tutors, Penny Dennis, is particularly keen to introduce students to the world beyond the curriculum. She puts it like this: “Our job as tutors is not just to help students understand and explain the world they will inherit, but to become wellinformed, well-rounded human beings. Having a greater, more developed understanding of how the world works - from the basics like getting a job through to a knowledge of geopolitics - sets them up for life, builds resilience and gives them practical skills that will last a lifetime.” All the Education Centre’s tutors are experienced, qualified teachers with a passion

for their subjects. They take great pleasure in every student’s success, whether it be learning to read out loud with confidence or gaining a Band 6 in the HSC. “Our students come from all sorts of backgrounds and families,” says Liz. “We have students who need extra help in particular subjects like numeracy and literacy, as well as the more advanced students who need extension learning activities. Everyone can benefit - and at a cost they can afford.” Liz invites you to call the Education Centre to find out more on 6652 2222 or visit them at their website http://www.theeducationcentre. com.au/ With the HSC results just released, once again The Education Centre holds its head up high and congratulates the successes of its Year 12 students.

coffs coast focus. 75

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focus_technology

with Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate

cyber mum. ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

Caroline Bleechmore

FOMO

THE ANNUAL FOOT CHECK It’s back to school time and according to local Coffs Harbour podiatrist Karin Sutton, it’s a good time for parents to give their kids an annual foot check - this will find out if their current shoes fit correctly and if they are experiencing foot pain or any other issues.

his is a good time of year for stage of growth development, so choosing parents to do an annual check of the correct shoe for the individual is what is their children’s feet to see if they important. And if foot problems run in the are developing properly and check family or if you have any concerns, it is advised what shoes they are wearing,” she said. “Every to have your child’s growth process checked school term throughout the year there will be periodically by a podiatrist. some kind of change in growing feet; however, “Handing down shoes to other children after the long summer break it’s good to should also be avoided where possible. An old remeasure feet and purchase correct shoe belonging to someone else will take fitting school and sports shoes, on their shape and be deformed for the new year ahead. according to the way they “This is also a good walk, which will not be the time to ask your kids same for each child,” she e re There are th about their feet concluded. of s main type d an t and how they feel, Tips for purchasing fla , feet : normal on rs pe A to see if there are school shoes: d. he high-arc et fe al rm any underlying • Choose a store that no with oe sh le ab st a s ed problems,” she said. measures your feet ne e control at er od m ith w Parents should also properly to ensure the features .” consider the activities best fit. their kids will doing in • Buy shoes in the the new year and seek afternoon, as the feet can out the right footwear. There swell and will be larger at this are different style of sports shoes time. for the different sports. • Always walk around in the shoes There are three main types of feet: before purchasing, checking for comfort and normal, flat, and high-arched. A person tight spots. with normal feet needs a stable shoe with • When standing, you should be able to moderate control features. A flat footed wriggle your toes. person should have motion control shoes • High heels should be avoided. or high stability shoes with a firm midsole • Ensure the midsole of the shoe is firm and and control features that reduce the degree only bends across the ball of the foot. of pronation. The high-arched foot needs • The material breathes well and is flexible cushioned or neutral shoes with plenty of leather is the best for this. flexibility to encourage foot motion. However, If you have any concerns regarding your no child’s foot is exactly the same, so there child’s feet, please contact Karin Sutton from is no single best shoe that will be ideal for Sure Step Podiatry at Coffs Coast Sports everyone. The fit can be affected by their Physiotherapy on (02) 6651 9622. height, weight, foot shape, biomechanics and www.suresteppodiatry.com.au.

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FOLLOWING ON FROM LAST MONTH’S COLUMN, “LOOK UP”, I THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE WE LOOK A LITTLE DEEPER INTO THE IMPACT THE OBSESSION OF STAYING CONNECTED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA IS HAVING.

ith new technology and online social habits becoming the norm for our kids, there’s a new phenomenon taking strangle hold of our children’s mental health - the fear of missing out, or “FoMo”. “FoMo” is a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences without you. This social angst is characterised by a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing. “FoMo” is also defined as a fear or regret that can lead to a compulsive concern that you might miss an opportunity for social interaction. This can generate high levels of social media use and may lead to depression and anxiety, especially in kids. With the development of technology, people’s social and communicative experiences have been expanded from face-to-face to online. On one hand, modern technologies e.g. mobile phones, smartphones and social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter provide a unique opportunity for people to be socially engaged at a reduced cost. On the other hand, this new online communication perpetuates an increased reliance on the internet and psychological dependence on being online. This can result in anxiety when you feel disconnected, thereby leading to a fear of missing out or even pathological internet use and worse, phantom vibration syndrome, where FoMo suffers are reported to believe their phone is vibrating as they wait for social connection. The fifth annual National Stress and Wellbeing in Australia Survey has revealed some frightening statistics, which I feel parents should be noting. There is a very strong correlation between the hours spent on digital technology and higher stress and depression. It would appear teenagers are getting confused between the cyber world and the real world. • 53% of Australian teens reported that they used social networking sites for 15 minutes before bed every night. • 66% of teenagers want to share details online when they were having a good time. • 60% said they felt worried when they found

out their friends were having fun without them. • 51% said they felt anxious if they did not know what their friends were doing. • 78% said it was important that they understood their friends’ “in jokes”. Interestingly, the survey also found that a fear of missing out does not stop once people enter adulthood, with the survey noting that those aged 18 - 35 reported the highest feelings of being left out amongst adults. The fear of missing out typically starts with something small. For instance, your child sees a photo come through their newsfeed of a group of friends out at a party or at the beach, and a thought of: “I wish I were doing that” sneaks into their head. Not really a big deal, right? Just wait. Then, they see an online photo album from an acquaintance’s holiday or girlfriend’s sleepover weekend, and they are convinced that they need to do that (whatever “that” is) at some point. Soon, their thoughts turn into questions in their head as to why was I not invited, they look like they are having more fun than me, I have no friends, nobody likes me ... and so on. With FoMo, your child wants to be everywhere doing everything. The issue is that they are actually everywhere and nowhere at the same time. They are too busy wishing they were someplace else to really enjoy whatever it is that they are doing at the moment. It’s a larger problem than just missing out on a day at the beach with friends or a trip to the movies. Many people are wishing their lives away by always trying to be two places at once: where they actually are and where their friends are via social media (and the reality is friends on social media are probably not having as good a time as your child anyway, but they are posting pictures depicting that they are). So while you and your family are enjoying your summer holidays and special times with family and friends, encourage your kids and remind yourself to stop checking your phones and take the time to create your own memories! Make 2016 the year to live in the moment, as you are not missing out … you are living!

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PLC Armidale

Boarders Academics, Musicians & Artists Girls

Lucy McDonald and Freya Bartlett originate from the Mid North Coast, and both are boarders at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) Armidale. Lucy, from Yamba, commences her Year 11 studies this year and has been a member of the PLC Armidale community since 2012. Freya, from Bellingen, joined the College in 2014 and is in Year 12. Each girl exemplifies how and why girls flourish at this small independent regional school for girls. We chat with Lucy and Freya, along with Lucy’s parents about their experiences and their decision to enrol in Northern NSW’s top independent and only all girls’ school.

hy did you choose Armidale, girls? And specifically, why PLC

Armidale? Lucy: We chose PLC Armidale because it was a smaller school and coming from a small town and attending not a very large primary school, I was not sure I wanted to be at a bigger school. I have always enjoyed the environment in a small school. Freya: I have always wanted to go to a boarding school! When Mum could finally bear to part with me, she suggested PLC Armidale or NEGS. I did some research to work out what was best for me. As soon as I was on the PLC website, I knew that I wouldn’t need to look anywhere else. I knew it was the school I wanted to go to. And after a few boarding experience days, I was hooked! What activities are you involved with at PLC Armidale? Freya: I enjoy playing basketball and soccer, and sing in the choir. Last year, I was a Peer Support Leader and this year was selected as Deputy Captain of the Boarding House as well as Gregory Guild Captain. I also enjoy participating in the social and community service projects offered. What’s the best thing about living and studying at PLC Armidale?

Freya: Boarding is honestly the most Once we approached the school and unique thing about PLC Armidale. You are Lucy was invited for an experience day never far from a friend. I love the nurturing and night, our minds were made up. atmosphere that the staff and the students The environment was warm, friendly bring to the school - it’s such a rewarding and welcoming, and Lucy had a feeling when every staff member very positive first-time knows your name and you experience. The past are not just a number! I four years have have noticed the HUGE provided her with I have noticed improvement in my so many positive the HUGE grades. The teachers experiences. my improvement in rs encourage you to She has he grades . The teac be the very best you independently be to encourage you can be, and every embraced n ca u yo the very best t student is just as the whole en ud st y er be , and ev !” te passionate! boarding na io ss pa as is just What would you school recommend to experience and young girls considering is a better person the Boarding School because of this. We experience? are so comfortable with Lucy: I would definitely recommend her being there, as we know boarding school life. Sometimes you miss she is so well cared for by the lovely home, but home will always be there and boarding house staff - they are like we get plenty of holidays. I would also family. The girls are gorgeous, and Lucy recommend being prepared to share your has made friends for life. We would have wardrobe. Boarding school is a once in no hesitation in recommending PLC to a lifetime opportunity, and it makes you any parent who was considering boarding more independent. school for their daughter. It is possibly the What has the experience been like for best decision we have made in regard to you and your families? Lucy’s education and growth. We chose Armidale because we have Deborah and Angus McDonald. good friends who live there who had Thank you Lucy, Freya and families sent their daughter to PLC, so they for your time and sharing your were able to answer any questions. experiences.

2017 SChoLarShiPS Applications close 12 February 2016 Exam date 22 February 2016

2017 All Rounder & Boarding Scholarships aPPLy now

Bursaries also available

“

Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian environment join us on facebook

02 6770 1700 www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au In alliance with PLC Sydney

coffs coast focus. 77

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Banksia Preschool Banksia Preschool & Long Daycare Centre is a family owned and operated centre that operates 50 weeks of the year.

Giant Media

troy club & restaurant supplies

Come to Troy It’s that time of year again, when chefs, school and TAFE students need to be fitted out for their chef uniforms It’s that time of year again when Chef School and TAFE and chef need tool kits. students to be fitted out for their chef uniforms Troy chef Club tool and Restaurant Supplies’ experienced team have and kits. beenClub providing budding chefs with experienced their uniforms andhave tool kits Troy and Restaurant Supplies’ team been providing budding chefs with their uniforms and tool kits for many years. for many years. • Chef Uniforms can be provided to suit your school’s or • Chef Uniforms can be provided to suit your school’s or TAFE’s preferences. TAFE’s preferences. • You can come in and be fitted personally. • You can come in and be fitted personally, or Outlying schools schools can can have have sample sample chef chef uniforms uniforms in in each each •• Outlying size,sosofitting fittingcan canbebeundertaken undertakenbybyyour yourteachers teachersatatschool. school. size, • Tool kits can be fitted fitted out to each school’s needs or TAFE course requirements. or TAFE course requirements. •• Bring Bring in in your your list, list, so so we we can can assist assist you you to to only only get get the the items items you require and therefore not paying for items that are not you require; therefore ensuring you’re not paying for items needed. that are not needed. STUDENT STUDENT OR OR TAFE TAFE DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS APPLY APPLY TO TO UNIFORM UNIFORM AND AND TOOL KITS. TOOL KITS.

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We are open from 7:45am to 6pm. We cater for children In the market for a new website? Here’s some advice from the aged from two years to five years of age. experts at Giant Media. Before committing, ask yourself: We have a dedicated, passionate and nurturing team of 1: Ease of use? It’s essential that you can easily update and educators who work together with parents and carers for control your own website and that visitors feel it’s easy to their child’s early learning. We have an inside and outside navigate, to find the info they seek and get in contact. learning environment for the children to play in. We have 2: Template based? web companies use cheap out-ofstrong community linksMany with local schools, which includes the-box templates that might look OK initially, but don’t regular visits to their library and school happenings. This offer muchthe room for growth. Also,with templates don’t provide unique helps children to connect their community andaget design to fi t your branding. Don’t take the risk of looking a better understanding of the outside world. We also offer just like everyone yoga and tenniselse. - these being conducted and designed by 3: Mobile friendly? Everyone’s going mobile these days. So, qualified instructors. it’sbelieve important that yourawebsite looks and feels fantastic We in providing home like environment where on mobile devices like iPhones, Android phones and tablets. children are nurtured whilst learning through play and are 4: Social in Media? It’s a powerfulNot way to connect to your at supported their development. every child develops customers. Website content must interact with your chosen the same rate. Learning is delivered in an environment that media issocial inclusive andplatforms. accepting.Whilst you may have a link, does any newSandra content to ayour Call to added schedule visitsite andpublish discussautomatically your child’s to social media outlets? education during these very important years. With over 900page hundred happy and more than 300 Our Facebook or web pageclients, www.banksiapreschool. hundred websites developed, Giant Media fantastic team com.au is designed to share our programmehas andathe of market leaders. Get your project on the go today. memories we have made.

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Organization

Youth Directions Youth Directions and Directions Plus share a mission for â€œcreating opportunities for young peopleâ€?. Through our Apprentice and Traineeship services we have created opportunities for Elijah Gray, Dylan Crumpton, Jake Window, Takisha Bale and Kyle Banks to commence paid career pathways while still at school. At the beginning of 2014, these Year 11 students were recruited for School-based Traineeships. Over the past two years they have all successfully completed their HSC and additional training specific to their traineeship, as well as working, on average, one day per week in paid employment.

vation and Land Management through the Aboriginal Lands Council in Coffs Harbour. Working as part of a team, Takisha has gained valuable knowledge and skills in environmental protection and the uses of native vegetation. Kyle has completed a Traineeship in Hospitality through Bellorana Aged Care in Bellingen. Experience in a busy commercial kitchen allowed Kyle to learn about the realities of working in the hospitality industry while earning a wage. These School-based Trainees have worked extremely hard in managing the competing demands of the workplace, training and school. They now have the opportunity to build on this initial training with further study, or use the credentials they have earned to secure employment.

reer Pathways can start at School Working with a range of host employers, Directions Plus has managed the Traineeship opportunities for these local students.

Elijah, Dylan and Jake have all completed Traineeships in Civil Construction through Lend Lease. They have been working on the Pacific Highway upgrade near Urunga under the supervision of qualified tradesmen.

Youth Directions and Directions Plus strives to inspire, empower and connect young people. We would like to recognise the efforts and successes of Elijah, Dylan, Jake, Takisha and Kyle and wish them well for the next steps on their career paths.

class of

2015

ool-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are our speciality. Takisha has completed a Traineeship in Conser-

Organization Organization Organization Organization Organization Organization

ain Nationally Recognised Qualifications

eal Life Experience in the Workplace Career Pathways can start at School Career Pathways can start at School Career CareerPathways Pathwayscan canstart startatatSchool School Career Pathways can start at School School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are our speciality. School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are our speciality. School-basedare Apprenticeships and Traineeships our speciality. are our speciality. are our speciality.

arn Money while still at School > Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications > Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications >> Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications > Gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications > Real Life Experience in the Workplace > Real Life Experience in the Workplace >> Real Life Experience in in the Workplace Real Life Experience the Workplace > Experience Workplace > Real Earn Life Money while stillinatthe School > Earn Money while still at School 82 Mildura Street >> Earn Money while still atat School Earn Money while still School > Earn Money while still at School Coffs us Harbour 2450 Contact to find out more Contact us to find out more Contact us82 to find out more Contact us to find out more Mildura Street Contact usMildura to find out more Ph : (02) 6653 2900 Coffs Harbour 2450 82 Street

lass of 2015, congratulations and best wishes as you embark next year on another stage of your learning journey.

As a result of your participation in just the everyday life of 3 Bears, we as Educators have been witness to an amazing year. We have observed you being and becoming Architects, Painters, Doctors, Horticulturists, Scientists, Teachers, Chefs, Hairdressers, Community Service Workers and the list goes on.

Preparing you at 3 Bears to have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, along with confidence and the ability to connect and contribute to your world, as effective communicators and confident and involved learners has helped to lay the foundations for a positive and successful transition to school and with learning for the rest of your lives. We are grateful and feel very blessed that your families chose 3 Bears to share your lives with us for the last five years, and from all the Educators and Management at 3 Bears, good luck and farewell.

Harbour 2450 82Coffs 82 Mildura Mildura Street Street 82 Street Ph : Mildura (02) 6653 2900 Fax:Coffs (02) 6658 9566 Coffs Harbour 2450 2450 Coffs Harbour 2450 82Harbour Mildura Street Fax: (02) 6658 9566 Ph : (02) 6653 2900 Coffs Harbour 2450 Email Ph : admin@youthdirections.com.au Email : admin@youthdirections.com.au Fax: (02) 6658 9566 Ph : (02) :: (02) 6653 6653 2900 2900 Ph (02) 6653 2900 EmailFax: : admin@youthdirections.com.au Fax: (02) 6658 6658 9566 9566 Fax: (02) 6658 9566 Ph(02) : (02) 6653 2900 Email : admin@youthdirections.com.au Email :: admin@youthdirections.com.au Email admin@youthdirections.com.au Fax: (02) 6658 9566 Email : admin@youthdirections.com.au

coffs coast focus. 79

CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Melanie Wilkinson and Gerd Velwer

Murray and Annette Campbell, Brett and Nydean Kelly

Programmed Skilled Christmas Party

Irene and Brian Tolhurst

Sarah and Abdrew Altschwager

Reunion for Margot Jacobs

Georgia and Brent Gerdes

Trevor and Vivienne Crisell, Andrew Hickinbotham

SOCIAL/SCENE

e are “living the dream” here on the Coffs Coast ... Let’s not take it for granted! The Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery always has something on to keep us entertained. I attended the launch of their new sponsors; De Bortoli Wines will be supporting the Gallery for 2016. The evening was also showcasing artwork from several well known local artists. Guests were invited to bid on some of the artwork at their Silent Auction, with the proceeds supporting the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. Whilst perusing the fabulous artwork, guests had the pleasure of enjoying samples of the fine wines and bubbles. This, with the delicious cocktail food provided made for a fine summer’s night out! The Sawtell Summer Sessions were once again a crowd puller for the locals and tourists alike. Who doesn’t love to enjoy an evening out under the glorious fig trees on First Avenue? Throw in some entertainment and some fun for the youngsters; it’s a great way to spend a

80 coffs coast focus.

Warren and Monkia Chan

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HOPE YOU ALL HAD FUN CELEBRATING. I’M NOT A GREAT BELIEVER IN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS; WE JUST NEED TO TRY OUR HARDEST TO GET HEALTHIER, BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND MAKE THE EFFORT TO ENJOY LIFE INSTEAD OF RACING THROUGH IT AND MISSING ALL THE FUN.

summer’s evening. All the stores and eateries were open, and the grassy median strip was packed with happy picnic goers. There wouldn’t be many places you could just block off the street, just with the excuse of wanting to relax and have some fun! So many parties and celebrations around the town at this time of the year. One of the group dinner parties was held up at The Beachfront Opal Cove Resort. Nicci from FOCUS joined us for the post Le Dãin Designs Summer Photo Shoot Celebration, with a spot of fine dining! The shoot was luxed up by the presence of something more than FLASH. Coffs Coast Mercedes Benz had loaned us the use of a sleek, gleaming black Mercedes-Benz SL 500 for the photo shoot. “The Husband” had the luxury of driving it ... This has definitely put me in the “Good Books” for a while! Problem being is - it’s now on his wish list! Not only did he gain this perk, he is also getting treated to a sensational new suit and standout shirt from Jack Simmons Mensland, who suited up the male model for the photo shoot. Make-

up artistry was provided by La Fleur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser & Medispa. Hair styling was provided by Mischa and Amy from Eminay Hair Studio, who are based at Dreamtime Day Spa at Opal Cove Resort. Along with super talented photographers Emma Rhoades and Michael Marchment from FOCUS and The Mil Studios, we joined Tanya from Opal Cove Resort for cocktails, entertainment and a delicious dinner. Staged at the Cellar Bar at the Skinner’s Pier Hotel was a very sparkly festive event. The Pink Silks Ladies’ Christmas Cocktail Party was in full swing when I arrived. Twinkling candles filled the room, with the windows opening out onto the street and the trees filled with glittering fairy lights. All the ladies were dressed up to the nines and ready to party. The committee certainly deserved to do just that, after spending the last year putting every effort into raising funds to cover all bases for local women’s health. Gourmet finger food, delicious cocktails and dress up time makes for way too much fun! I attended the celebration of the Sawtell

Cinema Grand Opening. This has been a long time coming, and the exciement was intense! It certainly deserved the red carpet entrance, as this was well worth the wait! After indulging in a few bubbles and canapés, guests got to enjoy an advanced screening of the movie Suffragette to celebrate the momentous occasion. Talk about excitement plus! The fun I get up to with FOCUS! Made “The Husband” stay awake to pop down to cover the very first movie open to the public at the poshed up and reopened Sawtell Cinema ... The house was absolutely SOLD OUT, and the movie screened has been called the “biggest movie of the year”. It was of course, Star Wars: The Force Awakens ... Fabulous as it sounds, it was being screened at 1am! He quizzed me on how he was going to stay awake? To which the answer was, of course ... MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU ... Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Alex Townsend and Laurie Mossuto

Harry McCarthy, Leigh Summers and Raymond Mather

John Boker and Isobel Ricketts

Tony McIver, Gordon Amman and Phil Greed

Chris Kirkman, Steve Campbell and Harry McCarthy

Ita Ogburn and Kim Anderson

Sally Simmon and Kay Skinner

Melissa Boys, Kate Glover and Vanessa Kovac

Vicky Hunter, Glenda Halliwell and Jacqui Boyns

Deb Gooley, Naomi McCallum, Marsha Dodson, Lisa Smith, Tanya Johnson and Stacy Jessup

Lyn Clarke, Sue Croxton, Julie Smith, Elizabeth Worracker

Sami Oâ€™Halloran, Lisa Smith and Caroline Bleechmore

Deete Borsato and Rebecca Poulden

3 Bears Cottage 20th Birthday Party

Linda Marshall, Sam Howland, Carol Cowling, Danielle Johnson

Nicoll Moore, Mell Johnston, Mel Jane and Erin Neagney

Angela Gam, Kyanne Kachel and Donna Voglinger

3 Bears Cottage 20th Birthday Party

coffs coast focus. 81

focusinterview.

REG

LATTER E L E C T R I C A L For more than 35 years, Reg Latter Electrical has been working with Coffs Harbour domestic, commercial, industrial and rural clients. FOCUS sat down with Coffs Coast born and bred Reg Latter to find out more about the man behind the business.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Well, my mother grew up in Coffs Harbour and Pop had the bread run with a horse and cart, so from a very young age we came to Coffs to see Nana and Pop and the rest of Mum’s family. Coming to live in Coffs was great; I attended Coffs Primary School for some time and also attended school in Port Macquarie. I met my future wife, Alison, at a New Year dance at the Civic Centre when I was 18. We married in 1970. Alison is a local, born in Dorrigo Hospital; the Ure twins from Coramba Road lived in a house that her father and mother built. Alison and Evelyn, with their sister, Audrey, and brother, George, were well known in the area, so it was inevitable that we came to live here in this great place. Where is your favourite spot in the local area? We live in Bonville and have done for about 35 years. We love Bonville and the whole Coffs area, and we would not want to live anywhere else. Our son, Adam, and daughter, Renae, with four fantastic grandchildren also live in the area. Has Coffs changed much since you have lived here? Yes, it has. In the early days after we were married, Alison worked at the phone exchange, and I worked for Grahams Retravision doing repairs for their customers. When we went shopping, Alison knew 99% of the town - and the other 1% were visitors. How long have you been in the electrical trade? I started as an Electrical Apprentice at 16; after Year 10 in the old days was when we started within the trades. With apprentice training now, there is so much more to the trade. Apprentices are encouraged to go on further with their schooling to finish Year 12, which helps them to achieve a better future

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e Knowledge is th t an rt po im most install thing required to al ic tr ec or repair el use equipment, beca d ul co u without it yo e us ca lly ia potent more damage to and the equipment property. ”

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in the ever evolving electrical industry. Where did you get your start? I started my trade training in Brisbane, where we were living, with a large company - E.L. Burley & Co. I was one of 12 applicants and they take three every year, so I was one of three first year apprentices. After completing my apprenticeship, I moved to work for Hover Appliance Repairs, as I had a mate working there. It was a challenging job, providing service to the south side of Brisbane, and Trevor - my mate - did the north side. Do you have any apprentices employed from the local area? We have many apprentices working for RLE, from their first year in the trade to young men finishing their fourth year. At this time we have ten indentured apprentices. Some will finish their trade apprenticeship this year, and there will be three new apprentices starting their first year in 2016. Has technology and innovation within the industry made the job easier and safer? Yes, new innovations in the equipment we use makes it easier to install and repair. When I started we had steel conduit to bend and fit to equipment; whereas now, we have PVC. The workers are made well aware of the dangers working in the trade and how to make it safer; they are asked to stop and think (do a Risk Assessment) before rushing into the job. What’s the most important skill an electrician requires? Knowledge of the trade and how to do the work with minimal risk. Knowledge is the most important thing required to install or repair electrical equipment, because without it you could potentially cause more damage to the equipment and property. What is it that you enjoy most about the

trade? The people I work with every day. I am now 67 and still love the trade. My son and daughter work alongside Alison and I in the business, with a great team of ladies in the office and tradies out in the field.The trade is very diverse. We do installations and repairs on domestic, commercial and industrial properties. We also operate Pacific Powerlines, installing substations, power poles and sub divisions. One of our most experienced tradesmen is retiring at the end of the year; Brian Towill has been with us for 28 years, providing great service, and we wish him all the best for his retirement and travels. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a career as an electrician? To get a start in the electrical industry you need to be focused on where you are going. The TAFE component can be challenging; we do encourage our applicants to concentrate their studies in the direction best suited to the trade. It’s also important to find an opportunity to do work experience in the trade and by performing at a very high standard, it allows the applicant a chance to stand out to a prospective employer. Plans for the future ... I would like to stay involved within the industry on a smaller scale, do some more caravan trips and play some more golf. Renae and Adam have been with us for many years and have all the skills to keep the business going forward; perhaps one day my grandchildren may decide to become part of the business also. I have stayed with the trade for 51 years, enjoying its diversity, challenges and all the people I have worked with and customers I have met and helped over the years. Thanks Reg.

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Christine RENGGER

Christine Rengger has worked in the real estate industry since 1993, starting out as

a receptionist at an agency in Sydney before securing a job as a Property Officer at a real estate office in southwestern Sydney. She was then promoted from this position and to date, has worked in offices that manage less than 100 properties to those that oversee in excess of 1,000 properties.

ho makes up the team at TMP Rentals? Kirsten Howton and I make up the TMP Rentals team. We’re very proud to have over 50 years of real estate industry experience between us - specifically in property management. Kirsten is also a local, so that is an advantage to TMP as well. What makes you stand out from your competitors? We are specialists in property management and choose to concentrate on this area, knowing this is where our strengths lie. While we are both real estate agents, property management is where we excel. From time to time we do sell properties and are proud to have achieved fabulous results for the vendors concerned. It’s great that we diversify, but ultimately we pursue our passion in the field of property management. Also, our communication is clear, and we are focused on the job at hand. We are both handling the day-to-day running of our properties and are constantly aware of what’s going on. When selling homes, vendors choose the very best agent for the job and when home owners are considering renting out their most valued investment, it’s essential to choose the best property manager to do so. Home owners need to find someone to guide them through what to do and when to do it. It’s important they can reach their property manager easily, speak directly with them and receive direct email communication back from them too. It’s best to deal with one person, all of the time, as it more efficient and effective. At TMP Rentals, 84 coffs coast focus.

we take pride in delivering in these different areas. ith Being honest w What is the best thing about es ak m s ie rt all pa your job? sociation. for a smooth as en’t No day is ever the same! Even if things ar way e th We might have to manage all working out l to ta vi s it’ t, sorts of different scenarios in you wan nest ho be to ue a day. It makes for interesting contin the til and upfront un times. The role is particularly ed .” lv so re situation is satisfying when we’re able to help a client or tenant reach an important milestone in their life - it’s Find the right property rewarding for them and for us. with the return to make it Tell us about some of the new projwork. Set the property so it’s ects you are working on now and have a great rental ready to go. Smart planned for the future. investments should be “set and forget” We are focusing on a number of different investments. elements at the moment that will lead to an What plans do you have for 2015/2016? enhanced profile and hopefully a few surprises TMP Rentals is growing at a rapid pace, so too! We are continually looking for ways to we’re forging ahead and planning for a greater improve and enhance our client focus to enpresence across the Coffs Coast. sure that we are meeting, and ideally exceedHow do you keep your team motivated? ing, our clients’ needs. I believe you motivate your team in leading What are the most important considerby example. Work-wise, I don’t expect them ations for landlords, tenants and agents to to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. I’m very be aware of? appreciative of my team and try to show them Ensure you cover yourself. If everyone is this regularly - be it with drinks after work, clear and transparent from the beginning, lunch, dinner, flowers or chocolates. We band there is no room for any misunderstandings together to get the job done, but when it’s down the track. Being honest with all parties play time - it’s play time! makes for a smooth association. Even if things What's been the best business advice aren’t working out the way you want, it’s vital you've received? to continue to be honest and upfront until the You can’t make everyone happy all of the situation is resolved. This philosophy applies to time, so it’s best not to try. This is particularlandlords, tenants and agents. ly true in Property Management, as you’re What advice would you give potential constantly being pulled in different directions investors considering purchasing an inwith landlords and tenants often having different objectives or views. It’s about managing vestment property?

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the various scenarios so that everyone’s needs are met and ensuring that all parties are happy with the outcome. Often in Property Management, one of the parties isn’t completely satisfied with the end result, so we need to create an outcome that people can live with, even though it may not be the exact result they had hoped for. What do you most enjoy about working on the Coffs Coast? The people and the sun. There are so many kind, honest people on the Coffs Coast. And what amazing weather we have here - just divine! What community events do you support? I’m a rugby girl and so, first and foremost, Rugby Union is a great passion. We’ve been involved with the Rugby Club for many years and will continue to support Coffs Rugby wherever possible. The Cancer Council is another organisation we support. Kirsten has been involved with the Cancer Council for many years and is a great supporter in actively raising funds to assist with their continued research. Thanks Christine.

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Martin Wells from McGrath Estate Agents

martin wells

real estate update As most wind down for a well-earned break during the festive/ holiday season, so too traditionally does the property market in terms of sales and rentals.

his doesn’t mean that hard working estate agents and property managers necessarily get to shut down completely. For those with properties for sale, or lease, or managing holiday accommodation properties, there are still clients that deserve updates and a level of service. There are a number of relevant considerations during this period that result in this ebb. • The majority of purchasers looking to move into the region in early January would have either exchanged on property, or entered leases to allow the transition for jobs/schools to occur seamlessly in the New Year. • The majority of solicitors/conveyancers and financial lenders close down for a break. • The level of open home activity given the other events, travel for holidays etc. tends to be minimal. On reflection, 2015 had some interesting developments across the Coffs Coast: • 2015 started with a flurry of activity, with numerous agencies reporting their best months for results. • Interest rates were cut twice (in February and May) taking them to record lows of 2.0%. • Some banks raised interest rates independent of the RBA in response to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) requirement for particularly the big banks to carry more capital against mortgages. • Auction clearance rates (considered by most to be an indicator on the health of the property market) went from historic highs

around 90% to end the year struggling to maintain above 50%. • At the end of November, Coffs Harbour average house price was $401,501 with an annual capital growth rate of 2.66%. • At the end of November, Coffs Harbour average unit price was $263,000 with an annual capital growth rate of 1.98%. • At the end of November, Sawtell average house price was $557,000 with an annual capital growth rate of 4.56%. • At the end of November, Sawtell average unit price was $317,325 with an annual capital growth rate of 3.88%. • At the end of November, Woolgoolga average house price was $415,000 with an annual capital growth rate of 2.91%. • At the end of November, Woolgoolga average unit price was $380,000 with an annual capital growth rate of 5.27%. • At the end of November, Bellingen average house price was $437,500 with an annual capital growth rate of 4.23%. • At the end of November, Sapphire Beach average house price was $615,000 with an annual capital growth rate of 2.19%. (Source: Core Logic 9/12/15) I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy, safe and funfilled festive season, and may 2016 bring you all the joy and happiness you desire. 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

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tourism

VISIT S AW ND

A VISIT S AW

VISIT G

UPDATE

SAWTELL E

with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

Vice President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, Martin Wells

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stephen saunders

A PIECE OF PARADISE

martin wells

SAWTELL SUMMER SEASON WELL, IT HAS BEEN AN ACTION PACKED MONTH THROUGHOUT SAWTELL, WITH INCREASING VISITOR NUMBERS, BUSINESSES OPENING, REVAMPING, CHANGING BRANDS, AND THE SAWTELL SUMMER SESSIONS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

t was an action packed November edition of coaching, training and support for our team is Sawtell Summer Sessions that saw the street second to none. It was with a tinge of nostalgia packed to capacity. So wonderful to see so that we said goodbye to the previous branding; many local families and visitors alike setting however, be assured we are the same team, up for picnics, dining in the many venue options owned, operated and led by myself, seeking to available and enjoying the entertainment and improve the level of service and results across activities the Chamber of Commerce is proud to the Coffs Coast. hold on a monthly basis. As we speak, our local accommodation As you read this edition of FOCUS, the Sawproviders Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Sawtell tell Cinema will have had the first of many sesMotor Inn, Century 21, McGrath Estate Agents, sions in the beautifully renovated and restored Coasters, and numerous private operators are complex. Many local businesses, trades and feverishly preparing for a capacity occupation people have contributed to making the re-openover the next 4 - 6 weeks. The Chamber encourages all to become ambassadors ing a reality, and it will be a welcome for our special piece of paradise. addition to the tourist opportuniMany of these guests return ty within the village. year after year as they call A new business opened vel, On a personal le Sawtell home (even if for its doors this month, we opened the just a little while) so they with “The Spare Room” th Estate doors at McGra taking up occupation in can re-charge, replenish, after Agents Sawtell the “Barrel’s” building. and relax with family or aj m what has been a Owned and operated and friends. How lucky of sy te ur renovation co by a well-known local are we to enjoy it year s hi d an g in Mick Cann family that know a thing round! .” Ballyness Team or two about entertainOn behalf of the Sawtell ing, they have overhauled Chamber of Commerce, I the menu, the vibe, and the would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone on the entertainment to create what will Coffs Coast, but particularly all business be yet another sensational Sawtell venue owners, a joyous, safe and fun-filled holiday to dine in. season whatever you are doing, and as we On a personal level, we opened the doors roll into January, may 2016 bring exciting new at McGrath Estate Agents Sawtell after what opportunities and success. Many will be working has been a major renovation courtesy of Mick hard in the service of others; hopefully, just Canning and his Ballyness Team. The office provides an ultra-modern work environment for our as many get some time to spend with family. team and a great place for clients and visitors to Enjoy! catch up with us. The McGrath franchise offers Yours in Business. fresh thinking in real estate, and the level of Martin Wells.

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WE LIVE IN A BEAUTIFUL SECRET GARDEN. MY WEEKEND STARTED WITH FETCHING MY VISITOR AT THE AIRPORT. SHE WAS AMAZED BY THE LACK OF BUSTLE AND NOISE POLLUTION AFTER THE PUSH AND SHOVE OF SYDNEY. “WHY, PEOPLE EVEN SMILED AND GREETED ME – PERFECT STRANGERS,” SHE MARVELLED. “WELCOME TO COFFS COAST,” I SAID, AS WE LEFT THE NEAR EMPTY CAR PARK.

e took the turn off the Pacific Highway, and headed towards Bellingen. Rolling pasture, and sedentary cows with big, dewy eyes returned our stares as we approached the town. We stopped for the compulsory coffee at a café set amongst picturesque buildings from a bygone era. Big city coffee brands were available as reassurance to the discerning city palate. As a late morning treat, we indulged in some delicious award-winning gelato. We pushed on in the now persistent drizzle - not exactly the blue skies promised by the tourist brochures - and started to climb up the Waterfall Way. Soon we were enveloped in lush, sumptuous rain forest and a velvety mist. Moisture seemed to ooze from every rock we passed, and true to promise, we saw numerous rushing waterfalls. It was a simply exhilarating drive up into the mist, up to Dorrigo. We arrived to find the entire town was at the Show. Unfazed, we discovered a delightful rustic café, where we scoffed a wonderful eclectic mix of spuds, cream, and fresh garden salad to the background sounds of rain pattering on the tin roof. Next, we stumbled across one of Dorrigo’s hidden gems. The local gin and vodka distillery was located a few shops down and around the corner. Our friendly host, David, took us through the provenance of his labour of love. The rhubarb-infused gin was a special treat I reserved for later in the day. Yes, we drove past the showground, and saw the biggest ever range of 4x4 vehicles in the parking lot. Despite the light rain, the locals seemed to be having fun. Ponies were being ushered into horse floats, as we pushed on, purchases in hand, and drove the short distance to the impressive Dangar Falls. Beauty

and serenity abound in this magical paradise, as each corner and turn reveals something more voluptuous and surprising. Be warned: sensory overload is a real risk. We took the return trip down the range, and explored some secret streams, complete with quaint wooden bridges, like something out of a Danish fairy tale. With the mist covered ranges as backdrop, it was almost a disappointment we didn’t see some new previously hidden species emerge from the swirling, dappled light, damp roads and rustling, heavy leaves. Late afternoon approached as we headed for the Jetty in Coffs, a mere fifteen minutes away. We moseyed into the marina, and soon the delicious aroma of fish and chips wafted across the car park. Grabbing some delicious grub, we tempted fate by sitting at the quayside table and bench in time to see a fishing boat arrive. We wondered if the ever-opportunistic and optimistic seagulls and other locals still noticed just how moody and beautiful Muttonbird Island is in the soft light of dusk. As we quaffed the remnants of our bubbly, I reflected how, even on a grey sort of day, we do live in a piece of paradise. Did you know all these hidden gems are listed in the FREE Coffs Coast App, downloadable from iTunes and Google Play? If you are hosting friends and family, there is literally an easy to use list of 101 Things to Do on Coffs Coast at http://www.coffscoast.com. au/coffs-coast/visitor-guides/. If you are a business that caters to visitors, get your listing on the App by emailing tourism@coffscoast.com.au. Let’s spread the word about our little piece of paradise - just not too widely.

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with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK Local tour company Quadrant Australia are offering FOCUS readers the chance to experience the Australian Outback on their Top End and Kimberley Cattle Tour.

Kerry Moss

HOLIDAYS WITH KIDS WE ASKED OUR LOCAL TRAVEL GURU, KERRY MOSS, WHAT THE PERFECT HOLIDAY DESTINATION WAS FOR FAMILIES. IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT A GET-AWAY, THEN CHECK OUT HER LIST BELOW. Activities Galore If you like the idea of a set budget with the option to prepay everything from your accommodation, to your meals and sightseeing, then it’s hard to go past cruising as a good family option. There are activities on-board the ships ranging from waterslides through to ice-skating and everything in between. That packaged with an upfront price that covers your accommodation and meals allow families on a budget the chance to sail the seas with a little of something for everyone. Cultural Capital If your family likes to meet the locals and experience the culture, then it’s hard to go past South-East Asia; destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia are all accessible and affordable choices. Destinations such as these provide the perfect combination of cultural experiences and fabulous food, with spacious accommodation options including villas and apartments. Flop and Drop If living on one of the most beautiful coasts in the world is not enough and the idea of spending a week on a sandy white beach whilst snorkelling in turquoise waters appeals to you, then the Pacific Islands are an excellent choice for your family. Fiji and Vanuatu offer excellent packages and you’re not wasting time getting there, as the flight is only 3½ hours from Brisbane. The locals love family and children, and there are options to have a nanny help you during your stay with the younger children. The kids’ clubs for the older ones are varied and interesting. Spoil yourself If your family want to create a once-in-alifetime opportunity, a chance to create lasting memories or celebrate a special occasion,

the options are endless. They depend very much on your family’s interests and budget. Some inspiration for ideas are visiting Santa’s workshop in Lapland, including being transported around by reindeer and sleigh or dog-sledding with the polar bears in Alaska. If luxurious tropical holidays are more your style, then why not consider the Disney Resort in Hawaii, where guests can hurtle down water slides, float along a lazy river or snorkel in a private lagoon while surrounded by everything Disney.

The Australian outback continues to fascinate people, with its vast, vibrant and extreme landscapes, rich ecosystems and biodiversity, traditional cattle stations larger than most people can comprehend, and culture and lifestyles rich in history.

Wave Hill and Melaleuca. Travellers will have exclusive access to areas off the beaten track, including a visit to the historic Durack Homestead, Lake Argyle and the Ord River Irrigation Project. If travellers think they’ll only experience dry and dusty Australia, then they are in for a treat, with a boat cruise down the Ord River to Kununurra and cruise through Geike Gorge on the Fitzroy River.

This tour provides the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the early drovers and explorers and stay on some of Australia’s famous cattle stations, along with exploring the Top End’s cultural and natural wonders, including the World Heritage sites of Kakadu and Katherine Gorge. Travellers can experience Australia’s ancient landscapes and become immersed in traditional culture on this fascinating tour.

After visiting the “pearling capital” of Broome and enjoying Katherine Gorge on a spectacular cruise and a campfire dinner at Manbulloo Homestead, travellers will experience the rich biodiversity at Kakadu National Park and see ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Some of the tour highlights include visits to some of Australia’s iconic cattle stations: Alexandria, Brunette Downs, Hayfield, Victoria River Downs, Larrawa Station, GoGo Station,

If this tour sounds like you or you would like to know more, then drop in to see the team at Quadrant Australia in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour or visit www.quadrantaustralia.com

The tour concludes in Darwin, with a chance to relax and sightsee before heading home and enjoying the memories.

Travel with a Conscience There has been an increase in families wanting to give back to the communities in which they visit. And now there are lots of opportunities to do this. It can be a simple as using local tour guides so the money stays locally, or committing to help build a local school and volunteering in the communities. Other ethical choices include travelling with tour companies that support ethical practices, including safe and sustainable animal protection or a commitment to reducing child-sex tourism. Closer to Home Let’s not forget how lucky we are to have some of the most beautiful options right on our doorstep. Some of the fondest memories you’ll make will be on the most simplest of holidays available to you. Holidays Parks provide an excellent value option, with loads of free activities available for children and a range of accommodation options. With some of the best available in the Coffs Coast region, a holiday might be easier than you think. With more than 25 years’ experience in holiday travel, Kerry and the team at Quadrant Australia are sure to be able to match the perfect family holiday with your interests and budget. Drop in to see them in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour for further information. coffs coast focus. 87

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Award-winning forests On your doorstep State Forests of the Coffs Coast and Sealy Lookout were recently awarded medals at the NSW Tourism Awards 2015. These awards recognise tourism excellence and follow gold award wins at the recent North Coast Tourism Awards in 2015. Sealy Lookout is home to the now worldfamous Forest Sky Pier, a 22 metre cantilevered “pier” above the forest canopy. Designed by local Bellingen resident Steve Gorrell, the pier showcases hardwood timber in a majestic structure that frames the view. And what a view: panoramic vistas from the hinterland to the ocean are on offer. With plans in place to rejuvenate the adjacent picnic area, ample parking, toilets and the view from the pier, it’s an unmissable stop on your Pacific Coast travels. State Forests of the Coffs Coast are home to a myriad of experiences and destinations that allow you to explore, unwind or play. Mountain biking, four wheel driving and trail biking are popular pursuits. Walking tracks through cool, subtropical rainforest are for those wanting a quieter forest experience, whilst the “church pew” seating at Korora Lookout is a must-stop for anyone wanting to commune with nature.

Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest is 10 minutes north of Coffs Harbour via a turn-off just north of the Big Banana. State Forests of the Coffs Coast can be accessed the same way. These forest destinations are open 7 days a week including public holidays and entry is free. Find out more: www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit www.facebook.com/forestplayground Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests YouTube: Visit NSW State Forests

FREEDOM

AGED CARE

Freedom Aged Care are not traditional nursing homes, nor can we be compared with any other aged care community ... But, as our name implies, we are unique aged care communities dedicated to delivering unmatched levels of freedom, lifestyle and care.

Each community is a vibrant social centre very aspect of life in a Freedom Aged Care community is based built on passionate pillars of personal around access to 24 hours a day freedom, friendship and fun. At Freedom care and support, throughout the couples can live together. Even if one day and night. Caring partner’s health deteriorates, we for you through your ageing simply increase the level of journey is our passion and nursing care to the partner our promise. If and when requiring more care. your health needs Every Freedom And at Freedom you change, we will simply its community has can also continue to increase the level Nurse , own Registered live with your pets in rson al of nursing care you with a team of Pe ut your own Freedom require in the privacy onsite througho

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of your own Freedom home. You should never have to leave.

Carers t. ” the day and nigh

Every Freedom community has its own Registered Nurse, with a team of Personal Carers onsite throughout the day and night. On a day-to-day basis, every Freedom resident has their own Personal Care Manager and a care plan specific to their individual needs. Freedom also has its own team of Diversional Therapists who are onsite seven days a week to coordinate and implement activities to contribute to your wellbeing. 88 coffs coast focus.

home. Every Freedom

resident is recognised and respected as part of the Freedom Family. For family, it means peace of mind knowing you are with the

best aged care service, enjoying all the freedom, fun, friendship and personal care you could ever want. Freedom Aged Care has a community right here in the heart of Coffs Harbour and many more across Australia; call us today on 1800 984 840. What’s life without freedom?

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Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

Emma Louise Flowers

sam wardman

mma Louise, tell us a little about yourself and your business ... I grew up in Coffs Harbour and have always had a love for the area. I moved to Sydney to study floristry and to work in the industry, but in creating my own business, I knew I wanted to be Coffs based. Emma Louise Flowers is an extension of my passion for nature and our environment. I work with local growers, as well as local artists. These artists create my giftware. In your mind, what makes a great florist? First and foremost, I believe a great florist must have a love and passion for what they do. You also have to love early mornings and very late nights during the wedding season! A great florist should also know what’s in season in order to provide their customers with the best quality products. A good eye for design is really important too, as it results in the ability to bring colours and textures together for a beautiful floral design. I assume your industry is a competitive one, with customers having numerous options to choose from locally. What do you do to set yourself apart? I think my main point of difference is that my floral design style is quite non-traditional and organic. I work with a lot of different foliage and accents and work hard to create arrangements that are really unique. What do you find are the most effective ways to promote your business? I think it’s important to stay across a few different forms of advertising, so I try to keep a balance of print and social media, as well as face-to-face advertising. I get the best response from social media with my advertising, but

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I FI N D SO CI A L M ED IA TO BE TH E M O ST EF FE CT IV E L PRO M OTI O NA R FO M R FO PL AT ” S. ES N SI BU Y M

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I also find that wordof-mouth is hugely powerful in Coffs Harbour too. How important is social media to your business? I find social media to be the most effective promotional platform for my business. It allows me to update my customers constantly with specials and notices. As a seller of fresh, seasonal products, it’s important for me to be able to let the customers know as quickly as possible what’s available each week, and social media is the best way to do this. Being a small business, have you faced any particular challenges you’d care to share with us? As a new business, the last two years have been a huge learning curve in relation to managing and running a small business. The main challenges came initially, when I was setting up the business, but much of that stemmed from inexperience in establishing my own business. All in all, I’ve been very fortunate. Some may consider you fairly young to have your own business - you set it up at the age of 27. Was that daunting? It was daunting opening up the shop, but I felt it was the right time. I’d like to think that I prepared myself as much as possible by starting the business a year earlier online. The online presence helped me create a bit of a profile, so I was confident in the support I would have in establishing the shop. Do you run the business single-handedly? I run the face of the business on my own, but I actually have a lot of help from my partner in all of the “behind the scenes”

aspects of running the business. It’s definitely a team effort when it comes to bookkeeping and tax! What’s something people may be surprised to learn about your business? There are health hazards! Spiders like to hang around. I’ve only had a couple of harmless bites, but they love to pop up when you’re not expecting them! I assume referrals and repeat business play an important part in your industry. How do you achieve and maintain customer loyalty? In my view, consistency is hugely important in creating customer loyalty. I work hard to maintain high quality products each and every day and will only send out arrangements I’d be happy for my own family and friends to receive. I also offer daily specials for my customers and share these on my social media platforms. I’m often having giveaways too. You must witness some emotional responses in dealing with customers for occasions such as weddings or funerals … Flowers often create an emotional connection for people. I always try to be sensitive to the occasion and the intent behind the flowers. It’s very important to really listen to the customer. I also like to get a bit of an idea of the person behind the flowers when I’m creating something for them. Is there anyone in business who has inspired you? My previous employer in Sydney was a great inspiration and mentor for me. She shaped

the way I work now and influenced my design style. I learnt a great deal about running a flower shop from her too. She started her own business at a much younger age than I was and has been successful for many years. She has a fantastic reputation in Sydney. Many of the small businesses in Coffs Harbour also continue to inspire me every day. Do you get much downtime and if so, how do you spend it? I’m lucky enough to live in Emerald Beach, so I can take my dog to the beach each day which ensures I get my little bit of downtime even over the busy periods. Having your own business sometimes makes it really hard to switch off, but I try to make sure I give myself time each week where I detach from it and clear my head if I can. I’ve just come out the other side of a busy wedding season, so I now look forward to more time on weekends to enjoy the beach, my loved ones and maybe even have a sneaky trip away … What’s in store for Emma Louise Flowers in 2016? To kick off the New Year, we’ll be opening our exciting new shopfront across from Shearwater at The Promenade. The calendar is also quickly filling up with lots of weddings and functions, so it looks like I’m in for another busy year! Can you leave us with a good quote that comes to mind in relation to your business? Sure. “Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that”. Thanks so much Emma Louise, and the best of wishes at your new location too...

92 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 93