Issuu

COFFS COAST

July 2016//issue 70

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Feature Story Dancing Stars

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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 July issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

t’s fun getting to learn the ins and outs on the Coffs Coast each month ... Interviewing interesting people, all of whom call this pocket of the world home and being exposed to all of the fantastic events the town has to offer. With that in mind, this issue has been a blast to put together, and we are chomping at the bit to share yet another huge edition. ON THE COVER It’s that time of year again when the ladies frock up and the men suit up for yet another exciting week of horse racing. The Coffs Harbour Gold Cup kicks off in the first week of August, and FOCUS has dedicated a special feature to inform you on fashion, beauty and event proceedings. Local beauty Emma Heap is our stunning fashion model this month, showcasing the amazing range there is on offer at Le Dãin Designs. Carole

Beros is by far one of the most experienced fashion stylists on the North Coast, and we were lucky enough to have her style our front cover this month. A massive thank you to Leah and Lauren from Living Doll Premier Stylists for the beautiful hair and flawless makeup and also to Russ, and Simon from the Race Club - always going over and above to help FOCUS when we need a shoot location. IN THIS ISSUE Amazingly talented artists are hard to find. When we heard about Arno Thoener and his impressive career and body of work, we had to find out more. We caught up with the artist on the eve of an exhibition of his work that will be held at the Regional Gallery. Reap Food Rescue is an amazing local programme that helps feed 400 people a day. FOCUS recently sat down with organiser Julie

Ferguson to find out more. The 24th Volkswagen Spectacular will be held this year from 24th July - 1st Aug at Valla Beach Tourist Park. We caught up with event organiser Donna Pell to find out more about this year’s event. EDUCATION & TRAINING FEATURE We present to you our annual Education & Training Feature, which will be sought after by locals as an essential teaching and learning tool. We will be combining this feature from ALL FOUR FOCUS publication regions to create a unique handbook of the entire Mid North Coast and New England regions’ participants to be delivered as a free e-book via social media. FINAL SAY “A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character” - Federico Tesio.

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coffs coast focus. 3

ARNO THOENER.

Amazingly talented artists are hard to find. When we heard about Arno Thoener and his impressive career and body of work, we had to find out more. FOCUS caught up with the artist on the eve of an exhibition of his work that will be held at the Regional Gallery.

E DEGREES VINYL. Vinyl Records seemed doomed with the invention of the CD, and the advent of iTunes delivered another decisive blow. A resurgence in publishing music on the medium and an opportunity too good to pass up inspired local proprietors of E Degrees to give selling vinyl a spin.

issue I S S U E

7 0

J U L Y

6. WHATâ€™S ON FOR JULY 20. EAT FEATURING LOCAL RESTAURANTS

52. 65. 70.

Education

2 0 1 6

STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI BUSINESS MINDS WITH SAM WARDMAN SOCIAL SCENE WITH CAROLE BEROS

& TRAINING

RAYMOND SPOKES.

Raymond Spokes had been around horses all his life, and legendary trainer Mal Gerrard could see it the day they met. Working together, Raymond became a formidable jockey, who continues to dominate the local scene today. FOCUS got up very early and went along to a morning training run to find out more.

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No matter where you are in the world, read FOCUS for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au

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BLUE RIBBON HOMES AT NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH

BLUE RIBBON HO

Take the first step in making your dream home a reality. Come down and take a walk through Blue Ribbon’s display home ‘The Pandanus’ at North Sapphire Beach. This custom designed home features a central courtyard that embraces the casual lifestyle of elegant beachside living. A contemporary and sophisticated design for your family to enjoy relaxing and entertaining at home.

AT NORTH SAPPHIRE B

ABOUT BLUE RIBBON HOMES

Blue Ribbon is a locally owned business that has been building homes on the Mid-North Coast for 27 years. They are renowned for a strong commitment to exceptional quality, modern innovation and individuality. Blue Ribbon offers a unique custom designed home service to achieve a balanced, functional design for a home that suits your individual lifestyle and budget.

VISIT THE BLUE RIBBON HOMES DISPLAY HOME

Take the first step in making your dream reality. Come down and take a walk thro Ribbon’s display home ‘The Pandanus’ a VISIT THE LAND SALES CENTRE Sapphire Beach. Call into the Blue Ribbon Homes Display Home and chat to their friendly team today. 5 Cherry St, North Sapphire Beach Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am -5pm Call Jackie 0422 092 554 / 6651 8144 blueribbonhomes.com.au

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

This custom designed home features a c courtyard that embraces the casual lifes elegant beachside living. A contemporar

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

July 2016

02 THE CRAFT BEER BREWING WORKSHOP The Craft Beer Brewing Workshop offers an opportunity to learn alongside a brewer who knows beer! You might be new to brewing or you’ve “had a crack”, but recognise that there is more to achieving a perfect beer than first thought. This weekend is perfectly designed for you. When 2 - 3 July. Phone 6654 3554. Email learn@synchronicityfarm.com Website //givingtree.net.au/event/craft-beer-brewing-workshop/

BOW WOW

Performing for the first time ever in Coffs Harbour. When Saturday, August 8th. Where Coffs Hotel. Tickets VIP Meet and Greet $80; presale $25, early bird $20. Available at the Coffs Hotel or online at oztix.com.au

8 17 COFFS COAST BWN LAUNCH EVENT This is Coffs Coast BWN's most highly anticipated event of the BWN event calendar. Comedy legends Bev Killick and Mandy Nolan join us for an excruciatingly hilarious night of stand-up, and local eight piece band Then Jolene will shine on stage, guaranteeing a packed dance floor. When Friday, July 8 at 6:30pm. Where Opal Cove Resort. Tickets $40, available at www.stickytickets.com.au 6 coffs coast focus.

VOLKSWAGEN SPECTACULAR The 24th Volkswagen Spectacular will be held this year 24th July - 1st Aug at Valla Beach Tourist Park. It will be a great event this year, so be sure to grab the family and come along to one of the Nambucca Valley’s premier events. Many thanks to everyone who has supported us in any way. If you are a local who owns a VW or is just a VW lover, please come and join us. Plenty to see! You can download a booking form from our website www.volkswagenspectacular.com

HIGH FASHION HATS & HIGH TEA

THE 28TH ROTARY CARTOON AWARDS

Le Dãin Designs presents a prelude of millinery and fashion for the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup - an event for ladies and gents. When Sunday 17th July. Time 2pm. Where Coffs Harbour Race Club. Tickets Le Dãin Designs, Sawtell; Coffs Harbour Racing Club; and Hair on the Promenade.

See the 2016 entries in Australia’s most important cartoon competition - the annual Rotary Cartoon Awards. Topics include: politics, sport, social media, comic strip, caricatures and general. When July 15 - August 28. Phone Bunker Cartoon Gallery for more info - 6651 7343 or www.bunkercartoongallery.com.au

O M E D Y C • •

TIME STOPS FOR NO ONE, AND THIS YEAR IS CERTAINLY RACING AHEAD AT FULL SPEED! WE HAVE BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY BEHIND THE SCENES AND ARE ALMOST SET FOR OUR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED JULY LAUNCH EVENT AND COMEDY EVENING AND WHAT A NIGHT IT WILL BE!

wo mavens of comedy join us for an excruciatingly hilarious night of stand-up, as we launch the exciting new enhancements to BWN for 2016/17. Enjoy champagne on arrival and delectable canapés as you mingle and socialise to the backdrop of one of the most incredible venues on the Coffs Coast, Opal Cove Resort. This is Coffs Coast BWN's most highly anticipated event of the BWN event calendar - trust us when we say that you do not want to miss out on ALL that this event has to offer! Each guest will receive a gift bag filled with local goodness to take home as a thank you from BWN, as we welcome in an exciting new-look organisation. The evening will officially welcome in our wonderful Platinum and Premium Partners, as

well as the new committee for 2016/17 and give enormous thanks to the outgoing committee members, who have worked hard within the organisation over the years to ensure business women on the Coffs Coast have a solid support network behind them in fuelling business growth. The entertainment - Bev Killick is from the bold and brassy school of stand-up, delivering a non-stop energetic set each and every time. From the moment she blasts her way on stage, you know you’re in for a treat! Likeable, bawdy and real, Bev will have you clutching at your sides ‘til the very end. Couple that with Mandy Nolan who, as a stand-up, is known and loved for her rapid fire philosophical philandering and esoteric observations that emerge from what she

describes as "a woman whose dilemma it is to navigate the new frontiers in the suburban badlands of human relationships". Her humour is sharp and honest, sometimes self-depreciating, somewhat outrageous - but never cruel or pretentious. Mandy Nolan is truly talented professional and a class act. Oh, and she’s excruciatingly funny! Local band Then Jolene, hailing from Woolgoolga, are an eight piece swamp gospel group with talent flowing through their veins. BWN are thrilled to welcome and support this emerging local band to entertain on the evening. Our July event charitable cause is the Coffs Harbour Acute Mental Health Unit, and we look forward to raising funds to donate to the Unit from the proceeds of the incredible raffle

prizes that are on offer on the evening. We look forward to seeing you there and showcasing the insatiable benefits available for both you and your business moving forward into 2016/17. As this is an evening event, child minding will not be available. The details - Friday, July 8, Opal Cove Resort; 6:30pm ‘til late. Tickets via Coffs Coast BWN Facebook Page or www.stickytickets.com. au/39313

the plug! Friday, July 8. Opal Cove Resort; 6:30pm ‘til late. Tickets via Coffs Coast BWN Facebook Page or www.stickytickets.com. au/39313

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focus_tourism

with Tegan Ewart, Vice President Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce

WOOPI tourismupdate

1,001 THINGS THERE ARE 1001 THINGS YOU CAN DO ON A VISIT TO WOOLGOOLGA, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOUR INTERESTS LIE.

n fact, having a lie down is one of the many things you can do when you stop by! It’s still warm enough to recline and catch some sun (safely, of course) on our beautiful, quiet beaches, perhaps while reading a book or even better, the latest edition of Coffs Coast FOCUS! You can also head up to Whale Watch Headland and gaze out to sea or up at the passing clouds, a gorgeous way to while away an afternoon relaxing on the soft grass. If pampered lying around is more your style, there are a number of indulgent day and beauty spas where you can horizontally bliss out to your heart’s content. Now, while Woolgoolga can offer you many slow paced heaven moments, this month we’d like to tell you about some other ways to enjoy our beautiful seaside village and for many, this type of relaxation is their number one go to way to let go … We’re talking about retail therapy! Woolgoolga isn’t just the hidden gem of coastal beauty; it’s the hidden gem of gorgeous boutique shopping opportunities as well. From clothes to shoes, homewares to outdoor adventure equipment, Woolgoolga retailers have you covered. You’re bound to find something to fall in love with, the latest winter fashions relaxed through to glamorous or (and don’t tell too many people, it’s a secret) some of the best racing attire and millinery on the Coffs Coast. There are books, lots of books, in a hidey-hole haven you can get lost in for

hours - perhaps on your way to the beach for your lie down ... As well as fabulous and unique treasures to make your house a home. You just won’t find things like this anywhere else. The retail heaven doesn’t stop there; Woolgoolga’s Punjabi farming heritage means the fresh fruit and vegetables are not only ridiculously fresh and smell divine, you also have the opportunity to finally get hold of that hard to find exotic spice or fresh produce you’ve been searching for to put in your favourite curry dish. If the exotic is something you fancy, Woolgoolga’s spice shops and Indian grocers will not disappoint. All of these wonderful boutique shopping experiences are sure to make you hungry; using all of that energy, strolling leisurely around the beautiful sun dappled streets, so you may want to stay for lunch … Or start your day off the right way before your shopping adventure with a gourmet breakfast, OR you may spend a whole day getting lost in what’s on offer and decide to stay for dinner. Whichever you choose, you’re spoilt for choice (but we’ll tell you about that another day) and if all of this relaxing and shopping is the total opposite of your day in paradise, then check back in next month and we’ll tell you all about how to get your adventure on Woopi style! coffs coast focus. 9

Ohana Early Learning What’s all the buzz about Ohana Early Learning? This month we showcase their Turtle Cove (Toddler) Room Lead Educator, Mandy Briggenshaw.

hat are some of your favourite aspects of working at Ohana? It is such a lovely environment, but more importantly the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, thanks to a great team. I love being part of something new, with each staff member contributing unique ideas that come together to create a great place for children. What makes Ohana stand out? It has a wonderful blend of natural environment, family atmosphere and modern technology. Going back to the roots of a natural environment really is the best way to stimulate and prepare a young child’s mind. Having a connection with nature is such an important aspect of life that we all too often overlook, so it is a breath of fresh air to have such luxuries. Plus, our technology means we can constantly involve our families too! And you have a family too; how do you juggle it all? Lucky for me, my husband and daughter are very supportive. They help out at home and tolerate my constant shopping, sewing etc. to provide new resources for the children. If you see some of our lovely outdoor pillows here

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at Ohana, be sure to think of my family too, because without them I’m sure they would not be anywhere near as pretty! What is the best thing about your job? Every day is fun and interesting. After years of caring for children, they still have the ability to surprise and amaze me. There is nothing more astounding than young children, who all think in different ways. I love being able to nurture this creative and unique way of thinking in each individual child. I am truly privileged to spend every day doing what I love. What are you looking forward to in 2016? Work wise I look forward to watching Ohana grow. Being a founding staff member of the organisation has really motivated me to help Ohana grow through my interactions with the families that we make up. I would love to see a child start in my room, watching them grow through to the other rooms and being able to wave them off to big school. On a personal level, I plan to enjoy life, get fit, go for long walks on our beautiful coast and watch my garden grow. How do you keep your team motivated? I am a strong believer of respecting everyone’s ideas and input. Having come from a diverse

range of services, everyone here at the centre has had different experiences. Therefore, by encouraging everyone to volunteer their thoughts, we end up with a unique and specifically tailored response. By listening to each other and incorporating a range of ideas from all staff, everyone has a sense of involvement and autonomy, plus our programme is much more meaningful than if one person alone provided the ideas. What are your favourite things to do with the children? I enjoy everything, especially conversation with small groups of children that enable me to get to know them individually. My passion is connecting to nature, through gardening, looking for insects,

watching birds, picking flowers, watering plants, enjoying a rainy day ... Appreciating the beauty all around us. We grow a small veggie garden with the children that teaches them about the responsibilities of caring for something. I also like the nurturing side of my job - lots of cuddles! Is there anything else you’d like to add before we finish up? Working with children is a privilege. To be entrusted with your children and allowed to share their formative years with you is such an honour. I believe children are competent and clever, and they have a right to simply enjoy being a child. Children need positive relationships, and an open ended stimulating environment that provokes exploration and discovery.

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focusinterview. T H E S TA R S A R E S E T T O S H I N E O N S AT U R D AY 2 4 S E P T E M B E R , A S W E H A I L T H E R E T U R N O F T H E S TA R S O F COF FS COA ST DA NC E FOR CA NC E R GA L A F U N DR A I S E R , G E N E R O U S L Y S P O N S O R E D B Y T H E C . E X G R O U P.

e have a fantastic line up of eight locals in training with some of the best professional dancing talent in the region, preparing to hit the dance floor - all in the name of beating cancer! Stars of Coffs Coast has raised an incredible $500,000 to date! These funds assist Cancer Council NSW to reduce cancer incidences on the Coffs Coast through our prevention programmes, advocacy campaigns, and supporting people living with cancer and their families through information and practical support services. To access our Stars blog, view fundraising events or donate, visit: http:// www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ starsofcoffscoast2016 Also follow, like, and share our Facebook page, Stars of Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer. Please get behind and support our Stars together we will beat cancer! Without further ado, here are the 2016 Stars of Coffs Coast … Tulles O’Connor About me: I’m part of the Jay and Tulles brekkie show for Star FM. I love having a laugh, mucking around and throwing myself out of my comfort zone. I’m a Gemini soul,

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constantly trying to keep up with my multiple personalities. My motivation: I love to dance (and it’s a great way to get fit!) I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’m so unco; now I have the opportunity to actually get a routine from a professional for an event. Most importantly, I want to be able to give back and raise money for a much needed cause. Dance partner: Cass Scully, Cass Energy. David Bourke About me: Sometimes known as the “King of Kids”, I’ve had an extensive and varied career in the world of children. A primary school teacher with over 30 years’ experience, I’ve owned and run both long day care and before and after school care services and am a published children’s author. I moved to the Coffs region in the late nineties and am currently Co-Director of the Community OOSH services for the Mid-North Coast - “it keeps me young!” My motivation: Unfortunately, the presence of the threat of cancer is never away from all our lives. I’ve always wanted to do something to strike a blow back. I presently have two immediate family members and friends fighting their own personal battles, which touches close to home. Dance partner - Carol Myers, Pacific Dancentre.

I have personal

“

ith Sam Dawson in-law to cancer, so I have been affected w at ho w About me: I have , plenty of motivation to my birth mum ith w d se no been very happily support wholeheartedly ag 49 was di ent w d an er nc married to Scott for the Cancer Council, ca breast ctomy te as m a h the last 25 years, the work they do and ug ro th and we have three the Stars of Coffs Coast and treatment.” awesome adult children. fundraiser. I grew up in Sydney, Dance partner: Jackson nursed, fell in love and ran Potter, Coffs Latin Rhythms. off with Scotty, the patient, to Brendan Graetz the NT, where I worked in hospitality About me: I am passionate about and television as a TV producer in Alice energy and water efficiency, as well as Springs. Family and a lifestyle change sport and music. My dancing experience is brought us back to Coffs Harbour nine years not often on display - but generally shows up ago. I am a fully registered Marriage Celebrant at events such as weddings and Christmas and can be seen zipping around in my pink parties! I was born in Darwin, NT, but moved VW, “Married By Sam”. I currently work fullto the Coffs Coast in 2000 when my family time at Rally Australia! purchased North Coast Power & Water, where My motivation: I believe we need the dollars I worked before taking on a national sales and to get behind the research to find cures marketing role with Apricus Solar Hot Water. and early stage detection and also support My family and I have recently returned to Coffs people currently going through treatment as Harbour to re-enter the family business. well as prevention education programmes. I My motivation: It’s very rare you come have personally been affected with my birth across a friend or family member who has not mum, who at 49 was diagnosed with breast been touched by cancer in some way, shape cancer and went through a mastectomy and or form. I personally lost my grandmother to treatment. This life changing event actually cancer recently, and both my stepmother and caused her to seek me out, as I was part of grandfather have also battled cancer in the a forced adoption era, and we have now past two years. enjoyed a loving relationship for 20 years. I I have seen what cancer can do to people have also lost very close friends and my fatherboth physically and mentally, and my

It’s very rare you come or across a friend r be em m family en who has not be er nc ca by d touche in some way, shape or form .”

“

motivation is to help contribute as much as possible, with the hope that one day cancer becomes a rarity - rather than a common occurrence. Dance partner: Sam Ross, Social Concepts. Karen Hacking About me: I am married with an amazing 16 year old son, of whom I am so very proud! I am employed by C.ex Group and have been for 25 years, in various working roles. I currently work as a Duty Manager and have done so for the past six years. I love my job, the people I work with and the patrons who frequent the establishment. C.ex Group is the major sponsor of the event, so I am proud to be representing them in the Stars line up! Hobbies I am most passionate about are: surfing, paddle boarding, dragon boating (currently training with the “Titivators” group, most of whom have survived cancer and others who support those who are suffering or have suffered). Motivation: When asked if I would like to take part in Dance for Cancer, I was unsure at first, thinking that I could not perform a full-on dance routine to save my life. I then remembered the reason for this amazing event ... I thought back to those whom I have witnessed experiencing this horrific disease: family, acquaintances, friends and even workmates. So now I have stepped way out of my comfort zone and will be taking on the challenge to raise awareness of cancer in our community and help raise the vital funds necessary to develop better and more effective treatments.

Dance partner: Chris Pemberton-Lewis, Coffs Latin Rhythms. Tegan Ewart About me: I am the owner of 400 Management, a local business specialising in promoting the best people, projects, businesses and events in regional NSW. I have been a Coffs Coast local for the majority of my life and live on the Northern Beaches. Woolgoolga (Woopi as it’s known to the locals) is my home town. I am also the President of the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce and am an avid promoter of my local area and an active community member. My motivation: Stars of Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer is an epic event! Cancer Council does so much locally for families and individuals battling, and surviving, cancer. I wanted to do what I could to help this amazing cause. Everyone knows someone who’s been touched by cancer; my paternal grandfather died of prostate cancer, my other grandfather died from complications after a long battle with cancer in his skull, and my mother-in-law has kicked both breast cancer and lung cancers butts! The opportunity to raise money for and promote the great work this national organisation does is an honour, and I am incredibly excited to be involved. Dance partner: Kym Farrington, Studio Move - Woolgoolga. Troy McKenna About Me: I have lived on the Coffs Coast my whole life; what an amazing slice of paradise we have! I have a career in the health care industry, and for the past seven years I’ve

worked at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. I’m currently acting as a Health Service Manager and loving the opportunity. I have a wonderfully supportive partner, and my family is the centre of my life (anyone who knows me will know this). I would say because of my family, this is the reason I am participating in this year’s Stars of Coffs Coast Dance for Cancer - to help other families through the cancer journey that my family knows only too well. My motivation: As we’re all aware, cancer is an insidious disease that infiltrates people’s lives, affecting not only the cancer sufferer’s life, but also many family members and friends. My own family was rocked by cancer in 2005, when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 46. At the time, local cancer services were limited, but over the last 11 years these services have grown diversely and immensely. It is my vision to watch and support this growth over the next 11 years and into the future. Dance partner: Carol Myers, Pacific Dancentre. Jen Heslop About me: I am the Manager of HIV and Related Programmes for Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts. Prior to the North Coast, I was involved in the early days of the NSW HIV response, the development and establishment of Needle Syringe Programmes in NSW and the development of the Aboriginal Sexual Health Worker Network at state policy and local levels. Over the past 29 years I have witnessed

enormous developments and changes to these areas; however, there is still a need for greater focus and attention on testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and viral hepatitis among various key populations. My motivation: As with most people, cancer has affected various aspects of life. In the early years of the HIV epidemic, I lost many friends and work colleagues from cancer, which was then considered an AIDS defining illness. Still today, I am constantly reminded of its presence, working in the viral hepatitis arena. Many patients who have waited for many years for an effective hepatitis treatment have not been so lucky, and their disease has progressed to liver cancer. Closer to home, I have a number of very close friends and family struggling daily to meet the ongoing clinical and treatment demands as a result of cancer. If I can contribute in any way to make life easier for these wonderful people or contribute to advances in treatment and technology, then that is a very worthy cause. Even if that means I have to wear a frock and heels, so be it ... At least it will make people smile! Dance partner: Dale Smith, Razzle Dazzle Rockers.

the plug! Tickets for this dancing extravaganza go on sale Monday 18 July - available at C.ex. Coffs or online at cex.com.au.

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focusinterview.

THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TOURIST AND A TRAVELLER! BECAUSE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BHUTAN, THANKFULLY THIS PLACES YOU AS A TRAVELLER … NOT THE “TICK OFF THE LIST” OR “IT’S ONLY A BED FOR THE NIGHT” EXPERIENCE … BUT A LOVER OF AUTHENTIC TRAVEL EXPERIENCES!

BHUTAN WITH JULIE LARKEY

true Bhutanese travel experience awaits you, with a mixture of many elements - visiting iconic and historical sites, witnessing centuries of traditions and culture, and staying in charming three star locally run hotels; or why not try the totally amazing, mind blowing six star AMAN properties? Who would have thought this tiny nation would have such extraordinary lodges nestled in valleys that are designed to blend into their natural surrounds! Opened for tourism in 1974, after the coronation of the fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan is perhaps the world’s most exclusive tourist destination. Each moment is special, as one discovers a country which its people have chosen to preserve in all its magical purity. This country Isn’t Just Carbon Neutral ... It’s Carbon Negative, along with being the land of happiness. It’s a stunning country nested in the eastern Himalayas which Julie has fallen in love with. Julie has formed a strong bond with this magical country, supporting the tiny village of Gasa on the Bhutanese-Tibetan boarder with a population of only 3,000 people. Along with supporting the Gasa Dzong, she is trying to assist with building toilets for the local farmers’ homes. Any donations would be kindly accepted. One toilet costs US$350 to build. Julie is hoping to build 10 toilets this year, so the local farmers can rent out 14 coffs coast focus.

rooms to foreign tourists that attempt the Gasa to Laya trek and to subsidise their very small incomes. The average yearly income in Bhutan stands at only US$450 per year. Most Bhutanese (85%) are subsistence farmers, and still live in villages in an extended family system. Join the likes of William and Kate to embrace this tiny nation. Kate tried her hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan, and they both reached the summit of Taktsang Monastery known throughout the country as “Tiger Nest Temple”, located on the Cliffside of the upper Paro valley. It normally takes six hours to trek, but apparently William and Kate took only four! Meditating with monks, mountain biking, walking on the foothills of the Himalayas and photographing locals going about their day are just some of the daily rituals for Julie when she is holidaying in Bhutan. These are the experiences that Julie Larkey at CFS Travel can provide when you choose one of her specially designed journeys individually developed to specialise in what Julie believes are the most captivating regions of Bhutan. Join Julie Larkey on her latest tour, called Beautiful Bhutan, personally escorted by her, departing Sydney on 3rd November 2016 nine glorious nights from $6,450 per person. Email: julie@cfstravel.com.au or call to make an appointment on (02) 6652 6555.

Senior Consultant - Jillian de Carle Having the confidence of knowing your travel plans are well organised, allows you to build the excitement and anticipation of your upcoming trip. With over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, Jillian de Carle has developed a strong reputation for excellent customer service, and ensuring attention to the detail’s that allow her client’s to concentrate on their “travelling” experience. “Travelling” conjures up different images, thoughts and dreams for different people ... Exploring the Temples of Cambodia, relaxing on the Glacier Express as you climb through the snow-capped Swiss Alps, climbing the Great Wall of China, enjoying the excitement of the street markets of Hong Kong or taking the ultimate family vacation to Euro Disney in Paris! Jillian can offer you privately-escorted individual or small group tours, luxury coach, rail or cruise packages with like-minded travellers, or the flexibility and excitement of a self-guided adventure. Tailored itineraries and packages are also available for school or sporting groups. Jillian can assist you with the holiday that you want, at the pace that suits, and within the budget you have! Contact Jillian de Carle on (02) 6652 6555, or jillian@cfstravel.com.au to make that travel dream happen.

Senior Cruise Consultant - Michelle Harvey Everyone knows someone that has done a cruise and if you’re contemplating your first or 51st, allow Michelle to help! Michelle Harvey has done multiple cruises and achieved the highest achievement of Expertise with P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival, Royal Caribbean International and Viking Cruises. Whether you’re in the whirlpool watching a movie under the stars, driving your dodgem car around, sliding down a waterslide or laying on a deckchair enjoying the entertainment while drinking a cocktail and people watching - there is something to cater for everyone. Gone are the days where cruises are “boring”. Unpack once, see multiple destinations, be adventurous, or do nothing - cruising is what you make it! You aren’t “stuck” on a ship! With at least 11+ decks and 245 m from bow to stern, you may not even see the same person twice! With cruising being cheaper than ever and specials coming out daily, contact Michelle on (02) 6652 6555 or michelle@cfstravel.com.au to get sailing! *Join our Royal Caribbean, SOLD OUT, New Year’s Group Cruise on the Brand New Ovation of the Seas - the largest, game changing, ship to sail Australian waters! Limited cabins available! Starting from $2,186pp twin share for 10 nights departing Sydney 30 December 2016. Group allocations also from Honolulu to Sydney in 2017 and South Pacific Cruises!

Tips on getting your dog groomed. Just like people, dogs need regular bathing. But unlike people, dogs don’t need frequent bathing. Your dog’s breed and the environment in which it lives and plays will largely determine the optimum frequency of bathing. Once a month is a good time frame for regular grooming. Most dogs love a good brush. Brushing also helps to prevent skin irritation by removing dead hair from your dog’s coat before it mats. And it gives you control over where hair is shed - in the brush, instead of all over your house! Keeping your dog looking good and smelling good will also help to keep it healthy. You’ll feel better, too, knowing that you’re giving your dog the best of care. You will also end up really enjoying owning a dog. After all, having a sweet-smelling, prettified pooch leap into your lap sure beats having a shaggy, smelly beast in your face! A Dog’s Life is a professionally trained and operated Dog Grooming Business. We are conveniently located just minutes from Park Beach Plaza in Coffs Harbour; drop your dog off and have him/her professionally groomed while you shop. We specialise in small dogs and look forward to meeting you and your four legged friends. Contact Lynne today to get your dog nicely groomed on 0477 161 686.

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focusinterview.

Volkswagen

valla beach Bridal Expo Come be inspired by our local and surrounding areas’ most fabulous wedding providers. Our creative exhibitors will be showcasing their work and showing off their wedding services. This down to earth event is filled with genuine, helpful businesses that will assist with all your wedding questions, big or small. Exhibitors include an array of local wedding services; wedding gowns, honeymoon ideas, bridal makeup, photographers, celebrants, planners, receptions, car hire, photo booth, cakes, and much, much more. This year’s expo sees the introduction of our Bride of the Year Competition. It is open to all brides married in the last three years. Brides must be available on the day to show off their dresses and walk the catwalk. Some of these preloved wedding dresses will be available for sale on the day. This is a brilliant opportunity for brides to be to come along and see what’s on offer. It will be a day full of colour, inspiration, fun and live entertainment, an event not to be missed. Entry will be by gold coin donation, which will be donated to a local charity. If you would like more information about our Valla Beach Bridal Expo, please phone Heidi on (02) 6569 5555 or emailinfo@vallabeachtouristpark.com.au

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SPECTACUL AR

THE 24TH VOLKSWAGEN SPECTACULAR WILL BE HELD ON THE 24TH JULY - 1ST AUG 2016, AT VALLA BEACH TOURIST PARK. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH EVENT ORGANISER DONNA PELL TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S EVENT.

an you tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was born and grew up in Coffs Harbour and when I got married, moved to the beautiful Nambucca Valley. I have always lived in the area. How long has the event been running for? The Volkswagen Spectacular has run over 32 years and included 21 shows, starting in 1984, initially running every year and eventually changing to every second year due to the amount of time it takes to organise the event. The 2014 event was massive; what are your hopes for this year’s show? 2014 was our 20th anniversary, and over 750 cars attended. For the first time the event was held over seven days. As it was such a success and due to popular demand, the Volkswagen spectacular is back on for an entire week, 24th July - 1st August 2016. We would be very happy if we get over 500 cars this year, but you never know until Saturday morning, when we line up at Valla Beach Tourist Park to go in a convoy to Nambucca Heads, Bowra St, for a Show and Shine. When you see the lineup, you think, “Wow, it is all worth the hard work!” (Saturday 30th July.) How does the event benefit the local community? It brings a lot of tourists to the Coffs Coast during the quietest time of the year! We find that a lot of VW owners that come to the show come back for a holiday, and some buy houses and move to our area. We try to purchase everything for the show, food, printing of the welcome magazine etc. in our local area. This way, we keep our tourist money in our area. What will be some of the highlights

that participants can look forward to? This year we have lots of activities organised to take place around the Nambucca Valley and the Coffs Coast, including a visit to the Lemon Myrtle Farm, Valley of the Mist, Bowraville Winery, Bowraville township, a drive through beautiful Nambucca, followed by a Show and Shine (Saturday 30th July) and observation run around Nambucca Heads, ending up at the Nambucca RSL Club for morning tea. We will also be travelling to Coffs Harbour, visiting the Honey Place and Big Banana on 25th July. We will be doing photo shoots at the Honey Place, BP South Service Station, and Big Banana, followed by cruise over to Bellingen and Dorrigo on Thursday 28th July. The Nambucca RSL Club has sponsored one of our charity days. This includes high tea and entertainment and also an afternoon of luxury pampering for several lucky women. Local businesses have donated their time to make this afternoon one to remember, topped off with the wonderful view from the RSL. The high tea is open to the public, so come and join us on the Wednesday from 10am onwards at the RSL, 27th July 2016; all money raised will be donated to the local Cancer Assoc. The event also raises money for local charities; can you tell us a bit about it? The charity night is on Saturday, supported by Nambucca Real Estate and the Roberts family. A charity auction of VW Parts and memorabilia will be held. All charity money raised over the week will be donated to Nambucca Rotary, Nambucca Lions, VRA in thanks for their support in 2016. Are any local organisations

supporting the event? We have the support of Youth Directions - which organise the students from local schools, who will be doing their work placement hours over the full week. Once again we have the support of Nambucca Lions Club, Nambucca Rotary, local VRA; this year we also have NSW Fire and Rescue on board. We have fantastic support from our local council and many businesses in Nambucca, Macksville and Coffs Harbour. This complements the support we receive from VW businesses in Australia, New Zealand and also Geoff King VW at Coffs Harbour. Our car racing, Lap Dash at Raleigh Raceway, will be held on Thursday and Friday 28th and 29th July 2016 at Raleigh Raceway. All are welcome to come and watch the cars run against the clock. Lunch is available at the track from the Lions and Rotary Clubs. The support of local businesses and Nambucca Shire Council and local Police is greatly appreciated. Any final words? It will be a great event this year, so be sure to grab the family and come along to one of the Nambucca Valley’s premier events. Many thanks for all the support from everyone who has supported us in any way. If you are a local who owns a VW or is just a VW lover, please come and join us. Plenty to see! You can download a booking form (the itinerary is on the booking form) from our website: www.volkswagenspectacular.com Keep an eye out for the poster with our new logo for 2016. 24th July - 1st Aug 2016, Valla VW Spectacular. volkswagenspectacular.com Thanks Donna.

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T H O E N E R

A R T I S T

AMAZINGLY TALENTED ARTISTS ARE HARD TO FIND. WHEN WE

HEARD ABOUT ARNO THOENER AND HIS IMPRESSIVE CAREER AND BODY OF WORK, WE HAD TO FIND OUT MORE.

FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE ARTIST ON THE EVE OF AN EXHIBITION OF HIS WORK THAT WILL BE HELD AT THE REGIONAL GALLERY. escribe the journeys Did you study or receive training? which led you to this part I studied at the Academy of Modern Art in of the world? Munich under Professor Ernst Geitlinger. I was We migrated to Australia accepted there even though I was under 18, in 1981. which was the usual entry age… Because the We had friends living in classes included nude drawing lessons! Coffs Harbour and decided to make that our As an artist, how would you describe your base, so that our children style and approach to a subject? could grow up in a I’ve worked in so many mediums smaller town. - painting, textiles, furniture Where did you design, photography, glass - but begin your modernism is what defines my I WA S BY career in the ED work. I would have an idea, AT FA SC IN F O ES N arts? sketch that idea free hand, and LI N TH E CL EA N, IG ES D I’ve been IC over time, transform it into R ET G EO M CA M E BE EN TH painting fullH reality. IC WH time since I You have created fabric TH E M O D ER N was 15. I was STA N DA R D.” design that is unique and inspired by - of fascinating. How did you course - Picasso, become involved in that but also by other medium? modern abstract artists, The designs of my early 20s including Modigliani, Mondrian, were mostly geometric and often threeKandinsky. Later, the pop artists dimensional. They leant themselves well to like Warhol and Lichtenstein. I also production in fabric, so it was almost a natural admired the surrealists, particularly Dalí and progression. Miró. At an exhibition of my geometric abstract In addition to painting, I started designing paintings, the owner of a textile company and constructing moveable geometric bought a couple, and that’s where the fabric sculptures. When I was 19, the House of Art design phase of my career commenced. I sold in Munich exhibited my Mobile 1, 2 and 3 my textile designs to companies in Germany, sculptures, which were considered very avantAustria, England, Holland, Denmark and garde. I still think they are my most significant Sweden. To this day, I come across many of work. my designs - from wallpaper to cushion covers.

“

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T H O E N E R

U PL E I CR EATE D A CO R FO S N IG O F D ES BU T TH EN, TH E CO M PA N Y, TH EY ’D EY, TO SAV E M O N M O D EL TO E M ED A SK ME SO N M Y WO R K O ES SF U L CC SU Y SL PR EV IO U H ET IN G I D ES IG N S - SO M .” R EF U SE TO D O

“

Described by some as “ahead of your time” in your approach and designs, would you agree - and why do you feel this is? Of course, at the time, there were others creating amazing textile designs. But I was fascinated by the clean lines of geometric design, which then became the modern standard. It’s interesting that such design is making a big come back. During your career you worked in many different areas. Can you tell us something about the journey? In addition to my textile designs, I designed high-end furniture for the family business, as well as the artwork for the furniture catalogues, which were glossy, quality productions. This was all in the day before computers did much of the work for you. When we migrated, I had been offered a design job in Sydney. I created a couple of designs for the company, but then, to save money, they’d asked me to model my work on some previously successful designs - something I refuse to do. I had to think of something new. I’d always been fascinated by glass as a medium. So I bought a book on stained glass - for about $4.50 I think! I loved the challenge of transforming my ideas into works of glass. In addition to my own designs, I was commissioned to create works for private homes, as well as businesses and public spaces. For example, I made the lamps in the Jetty Memorial Theatre, and created some stained glass for Russell Crowe and the Chapel at Keith Logue’s. Later, my wife and I opened Renata’s Gifts of Distinction, which combined my works with original giftware, including exclusive hand-

made jewellery. I also maintained a stained glass studio at our home in Orlando Street. What have been some of the favourite works you have

created? It’s difficult to name favourites in a career that has spanned some 60 years! I would consider Mobile 1, 2, 3 my most inspirational. Some of my early paintings and sketches are also favourites. What is it that you love most about the creative process? The opportunity to bring an idea to life. I love working with all different mediums and art forms, whether that be design, photography, painting or sculpture. If you could live anywhere in the world to experience a specific period of art, which would you choose and why? I would have loved to have had a coffee with Picasso and the other modernists in Paris! I think the Cubism, Surrealism and Bauhaus movements were the most transformational eras in the art world. Where can people find out more about your art? A lot of my designs are still in circulation today and may well be in people’s homes, because they were used in commercial textiles. Quite a number are for sale through auction houses, and some works are in galleries. One of my designs, for example, hangs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A small selection of my work is currently on display in the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. Exhibition: Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery; 1 July until 20 August. Thanks Arno. coffs coast focus. 19

Sweet potato, pine nut & haloumi salad with a honey balsamic dressing from The Big Banana.

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

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ice

mont & Sea Mont & Sea is not just a seafood restaurant. Although our focus is on fresh local seafood filleted and prepared on site, we have a diverse range of meat options from Japanese curry rubbed roast chicken, sousvide pastrami crusted eye fillet with traditionally prepared veal jus, salt cured genuine duck with Asian mushroom stir fry and flavour packed sauces.

d gums restaurant

Sticky date banana pudding with kahlua caramel & deep fried coconut ice cream

Try Our Winter Dinner Menu Warm up this winter and get out of the cold. Be tempted with something different, like the salt and pepper crocodile with lemon myrtle mayonnaise OR roast pork cutlet filled with sage, pine nuts and prosciutto drizzled with a caramelised apple jus. Remember to leave room for dessert, with the decadent sticky date banana pudding with kahlua caramel and deep fried coconut ice cream, yum!

We also have vegetarian options on request - spontaneous creations using our lovely vegetables and creativity.

Join us for lunch! THE OC LUNCH DEAL Enjoy a glass house wine, domestic beer or soft drink, your meal and espresso or tea. All for $25.50pp 11:30am - 2:30pm seven days.

Kids’ meals are also available on request using u at the Flooded Gums is in full flow. In the warmer our fresh ingredients. no better place to be, as when the sun goes down, the staurant at Bonville Golf Resort is transformed into an We are currently BYO. ng experience - the best Coffs Harbour has to offer. ave received an Award of Excellence (Wine Spectator List of the Year Awards - only property in Regional NSW A wine list featuring age release and current vintages Executive Chef: producers in the greatest regions; the potential for serious Darren Ryan. matching is limitless.

le Road, Bonville www.bonvillegolf.com.au

horizons restaurant & bar

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

Owner/Head Chef Ko Murakami

bookings essential.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

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

78/746 Pacific Hwy, Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa, Coffs Harbour 0419 380 417

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

Dinner Tue - Sat, 6pm - 9pm. Breakfast Fri - Sat, 8:30am - 11am.

Seared scallops with roasted cauliflower puree, black vinegar caramel crispy pork crackling.

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH New winter menu coming soon! Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive north from Coffs Harbour on the new highway. Located at Emerald Beach, with one of the best ocean views from our deck. Watch the surf roll in while you enjoy breakfast, a leisurely lunch or dinner.

CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

ss than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour on the

ald Beach with one of the best views on the coast, d watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast or lunch

night for dinner, and we have heaters if you wish to

, local, and prepared by award winning chefs.

Drop in for a glass of wine, cocktail or beer late afternoons, when we have our delicious snack menu available right through ‘til dinner time. Our food is fresh, we source local seafood and produce, and it is prepared by award winning chefs for you. Book early for Thurs Blackboard night: entrees $10, mains $20 and desserts $10.

La Hacienda 101 is a restaurant with a difference. Walking through the front door is like walking into a cantina in Mexico; the colours, flags, aromas, as well as the drink selection, invite you in to feast and fiesta with family and friends. With dishes featured from various regions in Mexico plus a Texmex infusion, it’s hard to decide what to order. An ever changing specials menu makes those choices even harder. Boasting one of the most extensive Mexican beer and Tequila range, it’s not only the food that makes this cantina a must on any bucket list. Come and join us at Emerald Beach and enjoy the experience like no other in Australia.

Head Chef Sam Allinson.

kboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert nu changes every week.

s now for your Christmas party!

n Road, Emerald Beach www.surfstreet.com.au

unday for breakfast & lunch ay for dinner.

la hacienda 101

Owners Michael and David.

Head Chef Sam Allinson.

104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Thursday to Saturday for dinner.

101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com Open six days from 6pm - closed Tuesdays. coffs coast focus. 21

up and summer approaching quickly, we will be kicking off our new menu shortly. Our chef, Blake Wittenberg, is very excited with all the great produce he gets to use over the summer period. Be sure to make your way down and have a look at the new and upcoming changes to the Pier Hotel.

Head Chef Blake Wiittenberg.

We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you.

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

Ow Ma

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

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 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. Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey, with our newly If a pizza is not what you are after our isFAMOUS C.ex Coffs excited to offer their twist on an American BBQ style renovated kitchen. We are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily. steakhouse, Ribeye on Vernon. The team of chefs has created a access. Come and enjoy our beachside hotel with spacious all weather Beer delicious menu using premium cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken and Garden, open plan bar, Bistro, new Kids’ Room, Drive Thru Bottleshop and accompanied them with delicious dry rubs, sauces and sides for your dining TAB and Keno facilities. pleasure. The popular Shared Platter includes pork and beef ribs, spicy chicken wings, sirloin steak and thick pork sausages plus your choice of two Feeling extra hungry? Then try our NEW SUPERSIZE deal on our FAMOUS sides. Bookings recommended; contact the club to reserve your table. service andHead $7.50 Feeds. We pride ourselves on bringing a personalised product: Chefa finely Head Chef

the hoey moey

ribeye on vernon

mr. good beans

Why not try one of our house made desserts, like apple and rhubarb crumble (pictured) or strawberry liqueur cream filled chocolate sponge with chocolate ganache (pictured) made by our fantastic chefs.

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

David Ricketts.

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 1 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour potato wafer thin chips and drizzled with Chef’s secret zesty citrus dressing. 6652 3888 www.cex.com.au Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring FridayChef and Saturday light, yet very satisfying. Head

The HOEY MOEY! There’s really no other place to be!

84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au 7 days. Mon - Thurs & Sun:12pm - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm; 5.30 - 9pm.

from 6pm. David Ricketts.

He Kri

plantation hotel

Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au With winter’s chillBeach upon us, warm and cosy Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee comes to mind. With our fire roaring nightly 6656 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 7 days. Mon - Thurs & Sun:12pm and so many delicious options to choose - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri - Sat: Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm from, any day you visit we will always offer 12pm - 2:30pm; 5.30 - 9pm. and Sundays 8am – 3pm great value. Our Atlantic Salmon favourite is available on the two for one menu, Monday & Wednesday. Thursday, take your chance at winning a mega meat tray while you enjoy our famous Steak night. Friday is Rib & Wing night, $15 including a beer and you can’t go past our Saturday $5 lunch burger.

Spinifex Restaurant The Coast Hotel menu has something for everyone. Our new $10.00 lunch menu Monday to Friday offers great value meals with a choice of Chicken Schnitzel, Salt and Pepper Calamari, Rump Steak and Fish of the Day all served with chips and salad AND a middy of Little Creatures Pale Ale! Sunday lunch is a real bonus with $5.00 Prime 200gm steak. Sunday lunch is a real bonus, with $5 prime 200 g steak. Our delicious menu is full of great choices, ranging from seafood, steaks and pasta meals, as well as all your favourite pub fare - and a fun kids’ menu is also available. Don’t forget our $8.00 coffee and cake deal and $15.00 roast dinners every Sunday!

Coast Hotel, 2 Moonee St, Coffs Harbour 6652 3007 www.coasthotel.com.au Lunch: 12pm - 2:30pm. Dinner: 6pm - 9pm.

22 coffs coast focus.

Head Chef Brendan Crawford. Head Chef David Newick.

88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour. 6652 3855 www.plantationhotel.com.au Mon - Sun - lunch: 12pm to 2:30pm. Mon - Sun - dinner: 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

coffs

café o.p 81

THE BIG BANANA CAFÉ

There is a chill in the morning air, a bite in the wind and a little rain just to top it off. However, we have the blinds down, heaters on, lap blankets and a new winter menu for breakfast and lunch, as well as a delicious cup of coffee.

Located at the iconic Big Banana, The Big Banana Café offers a relaxed dining atmosphere and is open for breakfast & lunch and can cater for parties and private functions. Our tasty banana inspired menu features a range of unique creations using bananas grown right here on our plantation.

We have designed the winter menus to be both warming and fresh; this balancing act has created dishes that are satisfying, warming and healthylike the grilled Barramundi fillet on chilli greens with beetroot hummus and ginger cream. If this doesn’t sound like your thing, how about the two beef patties, cheese, house pickled cucumber, jalapeños, aioli, house made relish, Dijon mustard and lettuce on a brioche bun served with smoked paprika chilli shaker fries (pictured)! To complement our meals, we also have the full range of Organic Australian made StrangeLove elixirs, ranging from blood orange and chilli to smoked cola, with a lemonade, bitter grapefruit and ginger beer in between.

Owners Matt and Bree.

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011

Enjoy our signature “Big Banana Burger” or a delicious banana split using only the freshest bananas. A barista made Grinders coffee or our “Ultimate Banana Smoothie” is the perfect accompaniment.

Chef Jane Cartwright.

If you are after a hearty breakfast or lunch or just coffee & cake, the Big Banana Café has something for everyone!

351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour 6652 4355 www.bigbanana.com Café open 7 days from 9am every day except Christmas Day.

7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

charlie’s restaurant Charlie’s Restaurant, located at the beautiful Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, serving a wide selection of international dishes using fresh local ingredients, with views overlooking the golf course and the lagoon. Charlie’s has become a firm favourite with the “Coffs Coast locals”. Join us in Charlie’s Bar for our daily happy hour from 5pm - 6pm. Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort the ideal location for dining, conferences, weddings and leisure.

Crafty • brooklyn lager •

Cnr Pacific Highway and Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour 6659 7000 www.pacificbayresort.com.au Daily from 7 am. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Just tapped at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this punchy American amber-gold lager from one of New York’s most notable craft breweries, Brooklyn Brewery. Brooklyn Lager is a Vienna style lager with a beautiful malt centre, refreshing bitterness, floral hop aromas and a tasty caramel malt finish. A real winter cracker!

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John Gray C A F E

O . P

8 1

MURAKAMI

KO MURAKAMI WAS BORN IN JAPAN IN AN EAST COAST BEACH TOWN. KO WAS JUST FIVE YEARS OLD WHEN HE MOVED TO COFFS HARBOUR, WHICH HAS SINCE THEN BEEN HIS HOME. KO IS THE OWNER/HEAD CHEF AT THE ALL NEW MONT & SEA RESTAURANT AT NAUTILUS RESORT.

JOHN GRAY IS A COFFS LOCAL WHO GREW UP ON THE COAST AND HAS ESTABLISHED HIS CAREER AS A CHEF HERE. JOHN IS ONE OF THE AMAZING CHEFS AT O.P 81 ...

hen and where did you start your career? When I finished school at Bishop Druitt, I started working casually at Molly Malones. After six years there, I knew it was time to get my apprenticeship, so I applied at Foreshores Café (at the time one of the busiest cafés on the coast), so I was more than happy to join the team there with Matt as Head Chef.

service; it’s a really nice, relaxed atmosphere

What brought you to be a chef at O.P 81 café? When Matt and Bree were planning on opening O.P 81, they approached me to join them, and having worked with both of them at Foreshores, I had no hesitation about joining them in their new venture.

ever take it off. For breakfast we also have many

What do you like most about working at O.P 81 café? I like the high quality of the food and service that we provide here at O.P 81 and that we use as much local produce as possible when creating dishes that are a little different to the standard breakfast and lunch stuff. The family atmosphere after six and a half years here and a few before ... We still get on really well. I also like the hours, being breakfast and lunch - although over summer the hours can be long, they are still quite civilised for the hospitality industry.

on sourdough with poached pasture raised eggs.

Do you cater for end of year functions? We do a cocktail styled menu for functions. I enjoy the change from day to day breakfast and lunch 24 coffs coast focus.

that we offer our guests. For further info, please contact Matt or Bree. What does your winter menu consist of? The winter menus are a mix of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options through to the indulgence of the beef burger or Barramundi fillet for lunch, as well as the Moroccan chicken, which has been on the menu from day one; I don’t think we could vegetarian and gluten free options, as well as winter warmers like the breakfast risotto with the tartness of raspberries delicately balanced with the caramelised lime, or the black sausage served with kimchi and a cabbage and fennel seed salad What’s your favourite dish on the winter menu? My favourite dish on this menu has to be the Barramundi, served with house made beetroot hummus chilli greens and ginger cream. The Barramundi pairs really well with the earthiness of the hummus and is uplifted by the chilli greens, and the ginger cream completes the dish, being the medium to bring it all together. This is what I think food should be about - and that’s good local produce treated gently to surprise and delight your palate. Thanks John.

hen and where did you Is there such thing as a “trend” in dining? begin your chef career? Before we ask such a question, what is dining I have been in and out out? Is it an entertainment, pleasure, perhaps of a chef career - four indulgence; are we simply too busy to cook at years as an apprentice at home, or do we just want something to go down Greenhouse Tavern, a Head Chef position at St with our jug of beer? There is an quote from George Sailing Club in Sydney, Head Chef at a François de la Rochefoucauld which I love: “To catering company in sydney, and Sous eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently Chef at Water Surf Art Café at is an art”. So to me, rather than the jetty. After that I moved following trends, you have the back to Japan to become choice to experience and find an art commissioner On my days s what moves your heart. rm whilst I learned to off I visit fa en ng lli What’s your favourite cook modern French around the Be ea to thing on the menu? and Coramba ar cuisine. I came back ion look for inspirat uce. Everything. to Australia in 2013 od and seasonal pr and worked at a Do you cater for end of This is a dream surfboard factory. r a chef; year parties or Christmas

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situation fo

is in What do you like the parties? you cannot do th .” most about working ty ci the Nautilus is currently renovating at Mont & Sea? What I a function centre with a top floor love about Mont & Sea is its deck which overlooks Sapphire Beach. representation of Coffs Harbour and We will be their catering provider, and we its diversity of amazing produce. are currently putting together packages for My day consists of visiting the seafood functions, staff parties, exhibitions, weddings and supplier; Gordon lets me pick the fresh degustation events. catch straight off the boat, then I pop over to Do you like television shows like MasterChef my next door neighbour, who grows and roasts and MKR; what do you think these shows amazing coffee in his back yard, hand picked bring to the industry? by himself. On my days off I visit farms around MasterChef has actually helped bring some light the Bellingen and Coramba area to look for inspiration and seasonal produce. This is a dream into all type of cuisines, from downright home situation for a chef; you cannot do this in the city. cooking to Michelin chefs’ guest appearances, which showcased some amazing dishes using What’s your philosophy for food? high level technique. I hope that people see and Let’s eat creative, let’s eat passionately, let’s all understand that there are no boundaries in food, eat together a meal we remember. To eat is a and you can cook however you want. necessity, and different types of food and dining styles all have a part in our lives.

Thanks Ko.

focusinterview.

Reap Food Rescue is an amazing local programme that helps feed 400 people a day. FOCUS recently sat down with organiser Julie Ferguson to find out more ...

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I moved to the Coffs Coast 24 years ago from Sydney, as it has always been one of my favourite places growing up. I came here for the first time when I was 10 and many times after that; I loved it then, and I love it even more now. What is Reap, and what service does it provide? Reap is the Regional Food Rescue Programme by OzHarvest. OzHarvest has been rescuing excess food and delivering it to people in need since 2004 and is the nation’s leading food rescue operation and was founded by Ronni Kahn. Reap Coffs Harbour collects surplus food from 25 different donors; these include supermarkets, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, farms, clubs, Council, fruit shops, markets and individuals in the community. The food is then re-directed to 35 charities, community services, organisations and educational facilities. When did Reap Coffs Harbour begin, and how has it evolved since then? I started Reap Coffs Harbour back in February 2014 after becoming aware of the sheer amount of disadvantaged families and individuals in the area while I was organising the annual “Orphans’ Christmas” for many years. I have always wanted to build a bridge between all the food we throw away and people who are hungry pretty much all my life. I started out with an esky and my

little car, and I started to approach Cakes, Brumby’s, Muffin Break stores, potential donors and possible Faircloth & Reynolds, Star FM radio, and recipients. I slowly built it to what it many more - too many to name here … is today. I now have 30 volunteers, Do you have many volunteers who and we have rescued over 70 tonnes help out? of food that would have ended up in I currently have 30. However, a few landfill. of my most cherished volunteers are What have been some of the moving on for various life reasons; benefits for the community therefore, I have some vacant that have come from food runs if any of your the service? readers are interested ... Reap Food Rescue What are your currently feed hopes for the We have 400 people a future of Reap? just recently gh day. The people We have fundraised enou we help are just recently money for a due the homeless, fundraised refrigerated van ty to the generosi clients of enough money e of members of th migrant services, for a refrigerated .” ity commun Aboriginal van due to the services, domestic generosity of violence services, members of the men’s services, youth community. This will soon services, educational and join the small van I purchased job services, children’s services, myself, which I am sure the housing services and charities such readers might have seen around town. as the Salvation Army and the soup The next project in the evolution kitchen. I have also created a school of Reap is finding a small factory unit programme, as one in four children in or space where we can store Reap the Coffs area still go to school without equipment and non-perishable food breakfast - or lunch, for that matter… and install a cool room and office. I Who are some of the local always tell people “if my house was businesses that support Reap? made of rubber, the walls would be There are so many! I will do my best bulging out”! In order for this next in naming them! Woolworths are our step, we will again need the support of biggest supporters, as they supply us the Coffs community. with 80% of all the surplus food and Where can people find out more assist us with our school programme. about the service? They are also now official partners of Our website is www.ozharvest/reap OzHarvest. Our Facebook page is www. The rest are as follows - The Happy facebook.com/REAPbyOzHarvest Frog, Cocoa’s Café, Hibbard’s Homes, Our Mobile is 0421 430 175. Office Choice, Mother Nature’s, Gibbo’s Thanks Julie.

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coffs coast focus. 25

THE GIG GUIDE

BOW WOW

BEN FRANCIS

Coffs

DJ Ob1 – Hoey Moey Gunshy – Seaview Tavern Hekyl & Jive – Sawtell Hotel Hurricane Fall – Plantation Hotel John Curtin – C.ex Ben Francis – Element Bar The Angels, Oils and Divinyls Show – Sawtell RSL

JULY 2ND

DJ Ob1 – Hoey Moey DJ Ning – Seaview Tavern Matty Devitt Band – Sawtell Hotel Ben Francis – Sawtell Hotel DJ “I Am Sam” – Plantation Hotel Floyd Vincent & The Temple Dogs – C.ex Owen Shannon – Element Bar 2016 Peace Train – A Tribute to Cat Stevens – Jetty Theatre

JULY 3RD

Marshall Okell Band – Hoey Moey Raku The Soul Man – Deep Sea Fishing Club Aqwa – Element Bar Ball & Chain – Coffs Hotel

JULY 6TH

Hit That Hit Musical Bingo – Sawtell Hotel Siobhan Corcoran, Imogen Pemberton, Jaeva Shelley – Element Bar DJ Bisho – Hoey Moey Ben Francis Band – Seaview Tavern Double Shot – Sawtell Hotel 26 coffs coast focus.

THE FRAPP

JULY 1ST

JULY 8TH

GIG GUIDE

THE ANGELS

Mason Rack Band – Moonee Tavern Wyldetimes – C.ex Dean Sharkey – Element Bar

JULY 9TH

DJ Ning – Hoey Moey The Riverside Brothers Djs – Seaview Tavern Rnb Party Launch Night With Dj Ob1 – Sawtell Hotel False Idols – C.ex Daniel Hopkins – Element Bar The Adventures of Alvin Sputnick: Deep Sea Explorer – Jetty Theatre

JULY 10TH

Sublime Tribute Show – Hoey Moey Who’s Charlie – Deep Sea Fishing Club DJ’s Bonka – Plantation Hotel Josh Matheson – Element Bar Blue Triangle – Coffs Hotel

JULY 13TH

Vena Klymo – Element Bar

JULY 15TH

DJ Bisho – Hoey Moey Marshall Okell Band – Seaview Tavern The Frapp – Sawtell Hotel Lah Lah Kids Show – C.ex Conspiracy – C.ex Velvet Bow – Element Bar

JULY 16TH

DJ Ning – Hoey Moey Matty Devitt – Seaview Tavern ‘90S Party With DJ Freddy Lee – Sawtell

Hotel DJ Luke La Beat – Plantation Hotel Magic Mojo – C.ex Owen Shannon – Element Bar An Afternoon with Keith Potger – Jetty Theatre

JULY 17TH

Hot Dog – Hoey Moey Bucko & Roo – Deep Sea Fishing Club David Fahey – Element Bar Tony Harvey – Coffs Hotel

JULY 20TH

Hit That Hit Musical Bingo – Sawtell Hotel Ben Francis – Element Bar

JULY 22ND

DJ Ob1– Hoey Moey Misschief – Seaview Tavern Gunshy – Sawtell Hotel Mark Vincent With The Serenade Orchestra – C.ex Push – C.ex Tullara Connors – Element Bar

JULY 23RD

DJ Ob1– Hoey Moey Dave James Karaoke – Seaview Tavern DJ Brown Sugar – Sawtell Hotel Rockin Bodgies – C.ex Jake Davey – Element Bar

JULY 24TH

The Bondi Cigars – Hoey Moey Jake Davey – Deep Sea Fishing Club

Yhan Leal – Element Bar Young Anthony – Coffs Hotel

JULY 26TH

Charmaine Wilson – C.ex

JULY 27TH

Hit That Hit Musical Bingo – Sawtell Hotel Jazrol – Element Bar

JULY 28TH

Ben Francis – Hoey Moey Dream On Dreamer – Plantation Hotel

JULY 29TH

Matty Devitt Band, Followed By DJ Ning – Hoey Moey The Funk Thieves – Seaview Tavern Rawfish – Sawtell Hotel Allan Sinclair – C.ex Tim Helmy – Element Bar Double Shot – Coffs Hotel

JULY 30TH

DJ Brown Sugar – Hoey Moey Spy Vs Spy – Seaview Tavern Funk/Soul/Reggae Night With Dj Helmy – Sawtell Hotel Emily Scott – Plantation Hotel Thora Zoo – C.ex Boewood – Element Bar

JULY 31ST

Push – Hoey Moey Matty Devitt – Deep Sea Fishing Club Abraham & Benjamin – Element Bar

coffs coast focus. 27

focusinterview. s n e a k e r s / c l o t h e s / v i n y l

VINYL RECORDS SEEMED DOOMED WITH THE INVENTION OF THE CD, AND THE ADVENT OF ITUNES DELIVERED ANOTHER DECISIVE BLOW. A RESURGENCE IN PUBLISHING MUSIC ON THE MEDIUM AND AN OPPORTUNITY TOO GOOD TO PASS UP INSPIRED LOCAL PROPRIETORS OF E DEGREES TO GIVE SELLING VINYL A SPIN.

an you tell us a bit about your connection to the Coffs Coast? We’ve both lived here most of our lives, went to school here, got married, had kids here. There’s a lot of memories and history here for us. We have spent the last 11 years growing our business into what it is today, two proudly independent street wear stores specialising in sneakers, clothing and of course, records. You have recently acquired a large amount of vinyl records; how did this come about? Well, we actually started stocking vinyl a few years ago. We wanted to diversify and build on the culture of our stores. We felt having a record section fit perfectly with the sneaker and clothing brands we had already established. Is vinyl something that you are personally passionate about? Yes! We are very passionate about music in general. It plays a key role in our everyday lives, Graeme plays in local heavy band The Outcome, and our kids are learning instruments too. When it comes to records in particular, it’s the sound and collectability. If you’re lucky enough to own a good system, you’ll hear sounds on vinyl that you didn’t know existed on CD or a download. 28 coffs coast focus.

It’s warmer and it’s fuller. Not to forget the cover art - displaying your favourite records around the house like the works of art that they were intended to be. Do you remember the first record you owned? Tough question! I’ve been pinching my dad’s LPs for years ha ha! But I think one of the first records Graeme purchased might have been Guns n’ Roses, Appetite for Destruction - a true classic! What is the favourite album you’ve owned on vinyl? Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody! Buy it and listen to it, and you’ll “hear” exactly why! The instruments, the harmonies, the magic of Freddy Mercury! There seems to be resurgence in popularity for the medium; why do you think this is? I think the vintage rebirth a few years back had a little to do with it. Like they say, everything old becomes new again; it was just a matter of time before kids uncovered the record collections hiding out in their parents’ garages! Vinyl never fully died, though; it was just very hard to get your hands on. The demand has been growing for a while, but just recently has gone nuts! The youth of today have now discovered it and have made it their own. Album cover art was always a

“

think one

I highlight in the past; albums now are of the first is this something that committing to records Graeme continues today? vinyl, as it’s purchased Yes, I think the new become such might have been generation of Record a collectable s, Guns n’ Rose r collectors who don’t medium. To ‘Appetite fo a n’ actually have a record tio my knowledge D estruc player yet are feeling though, there true classic!” the love for the cover art are only a limited and are displaying it around number of vinyl their homes. You can now buy pressing plants in the purpose built frames to display your world, and the output isn’t albums like artworks, while also keeping keeping up with the demand. them accessible to play when desired (insert There are definitely records that are shameless plug here - we stock the frames! much harder to get than others, so grab Ha ha!) them when you see them because once Can you recall a favourite album cover? they’re sold out, there’s no saying how long Are you kidding me? You want just one? it can take to get them back in again. That’s like having to choose your favourite Do you feel that vinyl has a future in child! We really couldn’t choose just one! the digital age? What types of people are interested in Most definitely. Digital doesn’t necessarily records? mean better. Some record companies have We have such a broad base of customers paired the technologies together so when buying records from us, but I think it’s you buy a record, it may also come with a those who have a deep seated love and CD or a code for a digital download. Best appreciation for music. It’s an addiction, and of both worlds! I don’t know if anyone ever they don’t need an excuse to buy an album noticed, but vinyl never really stopped being a week! produced; it was just very hard to get. There Is stock hard to source, or do most will always be a demand for it. Cassettes companies press a vinyl copy of albums and CDs may come and go, but records are these days? here to stay! I think most artists releasing new Thanks guys.

focusinterview.

MARK V I N C E N T

L O V E

W I L L

L E A D

T H E

W A Y

HAILED AS HAVING ONE OF THE FINEST TENOR VOICES IN THE WORLD, AUSTRALIA’S 22 YEAR OLD STAR MARK VINCENT BRINGS HIS NEW SHOW, LOVE WILL LEAD THE WAY, TO C.EX COFFS. SUPPORTED BY THE SERENADE ORCHESTRA AND VOCALIST JENNIFER GRAY, THIS PRODUCTION IS NOT ONE TO BE MISSED!

hom do you look up to? I would have to say I look up to Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti. They have both had amazing careers and when they sing, you know it’s them. That’s what I call true artists. Who are your biggest musical influences? My biggest musical influence would be Anthony Warlow. He is such an amazing performer and has a voice that soars through the room. I’ve admired his work since I was 11. How old were you when you decided that you wanted music to be your career? I’ve been singing since I was a baby, but I knew I had a voice when I was nine years of age. I first started singing in my grandfather’s restaurant when I was nine. I knew from then I wanted singing as a career. What would you tell someone wanting to start a career in the music industry? I would say to work very hard, know where you want to head to, be an individual and always stay humble, no matter how successful you are. Where do you want to be in five years? I want to be overseas touring the world, sharing my voice with everybody. I want to be the next Andrea Bocelli and follow in his footsteps. Where do you want to be in 20 years? In 20 years, I’ll be 42. I think this will be the peak of my career, and hopefully I’ll be well established. I want keep touring and pass on to my family what I’ve achieved in my life. How do you prepare for a big show? I make sure I don’t eat too much before I sing, I warm my voice up, I make sure I’m staying

focused at all times and have fun at the same time. Preparation is everything ... What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? Never take great opportunities for granted. Seize every moment and make it count for the future that lies ahead. What is the best experience of your career so far? The best experience of my career so far was touring with (Dirty Dancing) the musical. I lived in each state for 12 months. It was a lot of fun, and I learnt so much from being in the show. What’s your favourite song to perform and why? My favourite song would have to be Nessun Dorma. This song kick started my career when I was 15 on Australia’s Got Talent. If it wasn’t for that auditioning song, I wouldn’t be where I am today. How do you connect with your audience on stage? I always want to treat my audience like my friends. Keeping the audience involved at all times is very important. It makes them feel like they are part of the show. I want people to walk away from my show saying they had fun and enjoyed every minute of it. That’s what’s most important to me ... Thanks Mark.

the plug! See Mark at C.ex Coffs on July 22nd, 7:30pm. Tickets: $49. Visit: www.cex.com.au

For Courtesy Bus bookings please call 6653 1213 51-55 First Ave Sawtell Sawtell Hotel & Fishtales Restaurant sawtellhotel.com

coffs coast focus. 29

Arts, culture & JETTY MEMORIAL THEATRE JMT is re-establishing itself as a bastion for those seeking arts and culture in Coffs. Bold new programming, including The Adventures of Alvin Sputnick: Deep Sea Explorer (July 9), are coming direct from big festival such as Adelaide Fringe. Performed by Tim Watts, the show has made waves internationally at Dublin, Edinburgh, and Perth fringe festivals, pushing the limits with a unique and captivating blend of multi-media, projection, songs, film, puppetry, and animation. On July 16, audiences have a chance to see Australian music icon Keith Potger – one of the founding members of The Seekers. Famous for a string of international top 10 hits in the 1960s such as Georgy Girl, I’ll Never Find Another You, and A World Of Our Own. In July, CHATS presents COSI (Jul 20 - 31) shining a spotlight on our local Coffs Harbour talent. Directed by Judi Williams, this theatre show follows recent university graduate, Lewis, as he finds himself directing a play with a group of patients in a mental institution, a challenge increased by the fact that no one can sing or speak Italian!

Incredible live performance art not to be missed.

Show: Sat 9 Jul | 2pm & 7:30pm

An Afternoon with Keith Potger

Founder of The Seekers performs for one show only

TOURING SHOW

The Adventures of Alvin Sputnick: Deep Sea Explorer

TOURING SHOW

Upcoming Shows

Cosi

Louis Nowra’s Australian classic. Show: Wed 20 Jul – Sun 31 Jul

Melbourne Ballet Company

Performing their new national touring program, Arche

Show: Sun 14 Aug | 2pm & 7:30pm jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

Proudly supported by

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 6652 8088 | 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour

30 coffs coast focus.

TOURING SHOW

CHATS presents …

COMMUNITY SHOW

Show: Sat 16 Jul | 2pm

Good Games Coffs harbour Sawtell Books & Comics has now joined Australia’s largest group of dedicated gaming environments with all the latest game products, Good Games. We host all the latest tournaments and events and have the room to suit whatever game you want to play. Our extended opening hours and central location of 224B Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour means that we’ll be around, day or night. We play Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dragon Ball Z, Cardfight Vanguard and Pokemon, as well as stock all anime card games. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign, or use our tables for X-Wing or Warhammer battles. We still have a broad range of table top games, comics, graphic novels, T-shirts and collectibles. Our newest addition are three monitors with Wii U, Xbox One and PS4 available for play at zero cost. Come on down and enjoy the fun and community spirit at Good Games Coffs Harbour, 224B Harbour Drive - 6690 0377, or contact us on Facebook!

Stay healthy THIS WINTER Stay healthy this winter with free Coffs Ambassadors Tours. With our sunny days and sub-tropical climate, there is no need to hibernate during winter on the Coffs Coast. Walking is a great way to get some vitamin D and stay fit and healthy, and Coffs Ambassadors Tours can help! Council is running another series of free tours throughout winter, with eleven different guided walks on offer - two specifically designed for children during the school holidays. The walks range in length from 1 km to 4 km and will be held in Toormina, Coffs Harbour, Korora, Moonee, Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga and Mullaway. With the whale migration upon us, you will most probably spot a whale or two on the coastal tours! Book your tour now at www.coffsambassadors.com.au or phone the Visitor Information Centre on 6648 4990.

South Solitary island

Mid North Coast BabySitting

South Solitary Island is located 18 km offshore north east from Coffs Harbour, NSW. The island contains a Lighthouse, Head Keeper’s Quarters and two Assistant Keepers’ Quarters, which were built in 1880 and are considered the oldest in the area.

All our sitters have current first aid certificates, have had a police check and working with children check.

The Lighthouse was automated in 1975, with all residents leaving, and the remote Lightstation was abandoned. Access is only capable by helicopter, and public admittance is restricted by National Parks and Wildlife. The island is open to visitors for walking guided tours of the buildings for just a few weekends each year. Be one of the lucky few visitors to ascend the ancient spiral staircase of the lighthouse, be thrilled to finally step out onto the narrow balcony, suspended some 50 m above the raging ocean below. Join Precision Helicopters for your return helicopter flight along the Coffs Coast and interpretive guided tour on the island by Discovery Rangers. The Superior Tour ($360) is one hour, while the Premium Tour ($490) is two hours and gives extra time to discover more of the island with the Rangers. This tour was highly commended in the 2016 National Trust Heritage Awards. Tours are held in August from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th. Bookings through Precision Helicopters on (02) 6652 9988 or precisionhelis@bigpond.com also www.precisionhelicopters. com.au or www.southsolitaryisland.com.au

They will provide quality care in your home, holiday accommodation or at any wedding or party venues. All of our sitters have a Cert 3 / Diploma in Children’s Services, are nurses or teachers and are still all working hands on with children. We aim to please and keep your children entertained. We will bring craft, games, toys, books or a movie to keep your child/ren active. We all have experience and confidence caring for all children of all ages. MNCBS is available for all types of respite care, including elderly or children with special needs. We can invoice any services to claim care if you have a package or funding. You can relax and enjoy your time away from your children, knowing they are in the best possible hands. We aim to cover all areas on the Coffs Coast, including Macksville, Nambucca, Woolgoolga and all surrounding areas. Mid North Coast Babysitting Service is available for group bookings at weddings or parties for children of all ages. Please call to discuss your needs and to get a quote. Please note that bookings in advance are greatly appreciated. If you require our child minding service, please call Kirsty on 6658 8589 / 0417 406 822.

REE F A N O E M CO COFFS AMBASSADORs TOUR

STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER With our sunny days and sub-tropical climate, there is no need to hibernate during winter on the Coffs Coast. r tour at e t n i B o o k y o u r F R E E W dors.com.au www.coffsambassa on Centre on 6648 4990 o a ti r phone the Visitor Inform

COFFS HARBOUR

2030

coffs coast focus. 31

focuseditorial.

Set to return to Coffs Harbour

THE 7TH ANNUAL COFFS COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE, SPONSORED BY NAB AND ORGANISED BY THE COFFS CITY ROTARY CLUB, WILL BE HELD SATURDAY 13TH AND SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST.

7TH ANNUAL COFFS COAST

THE WAVE RICH COFFS HARBOUR REGION WILL AGAIN PLAY HOST TO THE BIGGEST GATHERING OF SURFERS IN THE COUNTRY WHEN THE 2016 AUSTRALIAN SURF FESTIVAL IS HELD FROMJULY 29 - AUGUST 15.

The main prizes ed lu include a bike va cle cy l ca lo om fr at $4 ,000 Cycles shop Bob Wallis ay lid and a cycling ho ed at lu va le for two peop d by te na do d $4 ,500 an urs.” To e cl Cy ds oa SpiceR

“

ore than 800 riders participated in 2014 and 2015, and organisers are hoping to get 1,000 riders this year. And with distances ranging from 100 km right down to 10 km, there is a ride to suit every age and ability. Ride Director Graham Lockett said, “While this is a community event for local riders, it now attracts many riders from far afield. Last year there were riders from 119 postcodes across four states. We start the weekend festival with the HQB Hill Climb at Coramba on Saturday afternoon, which is a 13 km time trial up Eastern Dorrigo Way. Riders will be competing for King and Queen of the Mountain jerseys and age category best times. This is a great event, and we hope to see up to 100 riders on the mountain this year.” However, the main rides are held on Sunday, where cyclists can enjoy rides of 100 km, 60 km, 40 km, 20 km and 10 km. The stronger and more competitive cyclists usually fill the 100 and 60 km rides, while the lesser distance rides cater for recreational riders, families, riders with a disability and elderly riders using their electric bikes. Coffs City Rotary are particularly proud to include a category for riders with a disability again this year, with these riders now able to enter the 10 km and 20 km rides. And to motivate riders this year there will be over $12,000 in prizes, with winners drawn from the barrel at a presentation following the Sunday rides. The main prizes include a bike valued at 32 coffs coast focus.

$4,000 from local cycle shop Bob Wallis Cycles and a cycling holiday for two people valued at $4,500 and donated by SpiceRoads Cycle Tours. An initiative for this year’s Challenge is the inclusion of a schools’ team event, with organisers offering a $250 cash prize to the school with the greatest number of riders per school population. Bishop Druitt College is already recruiting teachers, parents and students to join their school team. All routes this year start at Geoff King Motors oval on Hogbin Drive and move south through Sawtell, then onto Bonville, to Raleigh via Pine Creek Way and for the 100 km riders to Bellingen and back. The family/10 km ride will be along the cycle path on Hogbin Drive and Christmas Bells Road. Volunteer organisations from across the Coffs Coast will be assisting with the huge range of tasks needed to keep riders safe over the weekend. Local Lions and Rotary Clubs, Scout groups and school P & Cs are some of the groups to help this year’s Challenge. A fabulous event jersey has been designed by local sports manufacturers Wear It, and it has already proven a hit with early bird entrants. To read more, or to enter, the 2016 Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge, please go to www.coffscoastcyclechallenge.com or contact Event Manager Judy Smith on manager@ coffscoastcyclechallenge.com

ational titles will be decided in Open Surf Masters, Longboard, Logger and Bodyboard divisions. Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, said the event promises to provide a boost to the local visitor economy. “The Australian Surf Festival is one of the highlights on the Coffs Harbour events calendar, and is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, attracting thousands of visitors to the region and providing a boost to local hotels, restaurants, businesses and attractions. We’ve got the best beaches in Australia right here in Coffs Harbour, and I encourage surfers and surfing fans to come along and get involved.” Many of Australia’s best surfers are expected to compete alongside reigning Australian Open Longboard Champion and Coffs Harbour local Paul Scholten, who is looking forward to defending his Australian title in his own backyard. “Winning an Open Australian Title on home turf is one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” says Scholten. “I can’t wait for the event to return to the Coffs region and see some of the best surfers from all around Australia try and claim themselves a title.” Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Denise Knight said the region was the ideal location to host the festival. “Hosting a prestigious surf event in the region really highlights the natural beauty of the area and its beaches,” said Knight. “The Coffs region is all about surfing and having fun in the ocean, which is why I’m really looking forward to seeing the event return in August.” Coffs Harbour is home to a number of great beach break options that work in a variety of

wind and swell conditions. The event is fully mobile in the Coffs Harbour region with numerous beach break options which include Park Beach, Macauley’s Beach, Diggers Beach, Jetty Beach, Gallows, Arrawarra Beach, Mulloway Beach, Woolgoolga Beach, Emerald Beach and Sapphire Beach. The official opening ceremony will be held on July 29 at the Hoey Moey, 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour. The Hoey Moey will serve as the social hub for the 2016 Australian Surf Festival and will host a large range of presentations and opening ceremonies. In more great news for the festival, NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park has come on board as the official accommodation venue. NRMA Holiday Parks will be a support partner to the festival and have also taken naming rights to the Australian Longboard Titles. Australian Surf Festival - Coffs Harbour, NSW - July 29 - 15 August 2016. - Opening Ceremony - July 29. - Australian Surfmasters Titles - July 30 August 3. - Australian Longboard Titles - August 3 11. - Australian Logger Titles - August 8 - 11. - Australian Bodyboard Titles - August 11 15. The 2016 Australian Surf Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is also proudly supported by Coffs Harbour City Council, Coffs Coast Tourism, NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park, The Hoey Moey, Nikon, Toyota, Pacific Longboarder, NBN, Surfing Australia and Surfing NSW. For more information, please visit: www.australiansurffestival.com

ANNUAL BENDIGO BANK

RunningFestival COFFS HARBOUR’S ANNUAL BENDIGO BANK RUNNING FESTIVAL IS FAST APPROACHING. THE UNIQUE “OFF-ROAD” RUNNING EVENT ON SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER IS NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR AND IS ONE OF THE COFFS COAST’S LARGEST HOMEGROWN SPORTING EVENTS.

ast year’s festival attracted over 1,500 participants, taking part in the half marathon, 10 km fun run, 5 km run/ walk and the 3 km family run/walk, and organisers are expecting record numbers again this year. The event attracts all ages and abilities, from grandparents pushing babies in prams, to elite athletes and everyone in between. Organisers emphasise that it’s all about participation and having fun. Held on a bush trail on the picturesque Coffs Creek Walkway, all events start and finish at the Coffs Harbour Showground and meander along the banks of the Coffs Creek through forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark to the ocean and back. Runners pass some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Dolphin Marine Magic, Park Beach and the scenic Botanic Gardens. The success of Coffs Harbour’s Bendigo Bank Running Festival has been recognised by Destination NSW, naming it as a Regional Flagship Event for the third consecutive year. Organisers

were thrilled to receive the Flagship funding again and are aiming to attract participants from all over the state to experience the unique course and all that is on offer on the Coffs Coast. After missing last year’s event, Steve Moneghetti is returning as the 2016 event ambassador. Race Director Mick Maley said, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to the Coffs Coast. He loves the course and is such an enthusiastic competitor and always up for a chat with the other runners.” The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is excited to announce a new incentive for the 2016 event, the Doctor on Duty Schools Challenge, with cash prizes for the schools with the highest number of participants to spend on sporting equipment. The aim of the Doctor on Duty Schools Challenge is to encourage participation across the region from local school children. “We want to get the kids off the couch and outdoors doing something healthy in their local community,” said Mick. “The more students who participate, the more chance their school has of winning.” The Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running

Festival is on Father’s Day, and organisers encourage participants to come and enjoy a run or walk with their families. “It’s a great way to work up an appetite for a Father’s Day lunch, and we also have special prizes for the dads who take part with their kids,” said Mick. The event raises money for local children’s charities and has donated over $130,000 back to the local community since the inaugural event in 2011. Life Education, Coffs Coast Autism, Camp Quality and Early Connections are among the charities that will benefit again this year. The 2016 Bendigo Bank Coffs Harbour Running Festival is on Sunday, 4th September starting from the Coffs Harbour Showground. For more information or to enter, go to www.villagesports. com.au

COASTAL WORKS

INVESTED IN INFRASTRUCTURE

THE ROTARY CLUB OF COFFS HARBOUR

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focusinterview.

Sutherland

CARTOON CHARACTERS DON’T GET MUCH MORE ORIGINAL THAN GONAD MAN.

MARK SUTHERLAND’S CREATION IS AN ANTI ESTABLISHMENT BIG WAVE CHARGER WHO HAS SURVIVED THE LAST DECADE IN THE JUNGLE ONLY TO RECENTLY REAPPEAR IN A NEW PUBLICATION.

an you tell us a bit about how you ended up living on the Mid North Coast? We moved up here about fifteen years ago, from the South Coast. The house we had down there was already too small and my wife, Rose, was expecting another child, so we looked around for somewhere we could have more room but still be near the beach. The price for real estate down there had gone crazy, but the North Coast was still pretty affordable. And the warmer weather is pretty good, too. Where did the inspiration for Gonad Man come from? I was working for Tracks magazine, writing and doing illustrations, and Andrew Kidman, the editor of Waves magazine, had the idea of starting a comic strip. Waves and Tracks were published by the same company. Andrew already had the title worked out, and conceived him as a sort of super hero. I decided he should be more human; that he should have flaws and be a normal person, basically - just one who could surf really well. The main inspiration came from watching Gilligan's Island as a kid; it provided me with a context that was already established, but which wasn't real. This allowed me to invent scenarios and play around with it as much as I wanted. What is it about? It's really about the difference between the fantasies that surfers like to entertain about themselves and the reality of being a human being in the modern world. Waves’ readership

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was mostly teenage boys. would have made me rich. Teenage boys are frustrated In a world of digital That’s what in almost every way production, you still I wanted to they're not kids, but hand draw your at show, I guess; th they're not men, so they cartoons. Can you g in there’s no gett dream a lot about being tell us a bit about lf, se ur yo away from the sort of man they that and your w ho r no matte ed nt le imagine they'd like to be: background and ta or ss fearle .” be fearless, uncompromising, training? ht ig m u yo sexually prolific and wildly Well, I trained as an talented. Gonad Man is all animator, back in the those things, but he still has early '80s. I'd always loved all sorts of problems stemming drawing and was always torn from those behavioural traits. That's what between comics and fine art. I loved I wanted to show, I guess; that there's no comics as a kid and drew them constantly. getting away from yourself, no matter how Then, as I got older, I became really interested fearless or talented you might be. It's heavily in oil painting. When I left school, I started out autobiographical, of course (insert canned wanting to be a painter but, after a couple of laughter). years, I realised I couldn't draw well enough to When and where did he first appear in be able to paint the things I wanted to paint. print? My dad worked in advertising and got me a He first appeared in print in 1993, in Waves, job in an animation studio, where we made TV and ran for about six years. commercials, mostly. I started out as an assistant Gonad Man has been published across animator, drawing fifty drawings a day; if they several mediums; can you talk about that weren't right, the boss would just toss them in journey and how it has helped him has the bin and tell me to do them again, which survive? was probably the best lesson I ever learnt. Well, he's really only appeared in the After a couple of years, I'd become a lot better magazine, and in a couple of books of Collected at drawing, so I quit to have another crack at Adventures that we've put out over the years. I painting. have copies of that, too. There was a brief foray I moved to Queensland with my girlfriend and into animation, at one stage. I was working with won a few art competitions, and made a bit of a TV company in the late '90s to try to develop money. But cartoons sort of called me back. I the comic into a cartoon, but it never quite decided to make an animated short film; it was came off. That's the one that got away; that about surfing and the drug culture that I grew

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up in and was pretty well-received when it came out. It got shown at the Sydney Film Festival, but it didn't make any money. I was back in Sydney, driving cabs for a living, and that's when I started doing the odd illustration for Tracks. Recently you released another instalment of his adventures; how long did this take to produce? When I stopped doing the comic in the magazine, in the late '90s, I was drinking pretty heavily and not in a very good place. The comic just sort of fizzled out, and it became a cause for regret that I had let it come to that point. So a few years later, after I'd sobered up, I had an idea for a storyline. I wrote it out and it was really funny, so I decided to draw it up. I guess you could say it was an attempt at redemption, for myself as well as for the character. It took me seven years, in the finish. It would probably be quicker to do it all on a computer, but I wouldn't know where to start, even if I wanted to. It wouldn't look the same. I like drawing, so using technology to sidestep the drawing process doesn't make any sense to me. I would much rather sit at my desk with a pen in my hand than sit at a computer. Where can people find out more? They can go to my website and order the books. I also have a few books at the Comic Book store in Sawtell, Coastal Curves surf shop in Nambucca and the Nambucca newsagents. Also Yamba Revival, in Yamba. www.gonadman.com Thanks Mark.

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Carlton Mid 2016 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

FA S H I O N WITH CAROLE BEROS

THE COFFS COAST WINTER RACING CARNIVAL ARRIVES LATER IN THE YEAR, BUT ALL THE DRESS CODES DEFINITELY STILL APPLY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU PLAN ON ENTERING INTO ANY OF THE “FASHIONS ON THE FIELD” COMPETITIONS!

ith our store, House of Le Dãin down from the judging panel in this area and Designs, being one of the sit back and enjoy the guests at our table in the Major Sponsors for our local Corporate Gold Cup Marquee. Fashions on the Field and as I Touching on the latest trends, we are seeing sit on judging panels both locally and at other a nod towards the ‘70s, with a twist of modern Racing Clubs, I am constantly asked, Bohemian. Bell and batwing sleeves are “What is the appropriate attire back in fashion, with a sprinkling to wear for each racing of the swinging ‘60s! Capes season”. and even trouser suits have test A basic rule for now been accepted and if Following the la dressing for the races worn with style, can win trends may not r a style is to remember that a competing lady that necessarily offe e best . this is where you special sash! that suits you th and do not dress as if If you have the desire The latest trends not are designer labels you are attending to make a splash, wear looking a necessity, but styled a cocktail event or that sensational piece of ell polished and w night club! Please millinery! As just recently .” rs is all that matte save your flimsy dresses, showcased at Royal Ascot minis and sequined … bigger was better, on specials for another day! the day. We went with this Skirts and dresses should range on our Racing Carnival FOCUS from just above the knee to calf length, front cover this month. I am fortunate and sandals should be replaced with a enough to be the Fashion Stylist for this pump heel. If you are entering into the amazing publication, and Nicci and I selected Fashions on the Field competition, please this amazing piece of millinery from Meredith cover those shoulders, and do not forget those McMaster which, along with the ladies’ clothes, stockings. When it comes to winter millinery, was supplied by Le Dãin Designs at Sawtell for especially if you’re entering Fashions on the the shoot. Lauren and her team from Living Doll Field, make sure it consists of felt, fur, wool, Premier Stylists completed the look with fabulous velvet or leather, to which you can always hair and makeup. include feathers. Team the outfit with a neat pair There are so many looks to choose from to of gloves and a smart clutch to complete the dress up to attend the races. Following the look. Think elegance every time! latest trends may not necessarily offer a style Going back to sitting on judging panels locally, that suits you the best. The latest trends and it has been a tricky situation in the past, as designer labels are not a necessity, but looking we dress so many of the fabulous entrants for polished and well styled is all that matters. If this the Fashions on the Field. It restricted me, as I is something that is beyond your capabilities, continually had to step down as so many of the treat yourself to being dressed by an experienced lovely ladies were dressed by our amazing stylists stylist to help you look sensational. Then step at our store or wearing our exquisite millinery! out and go and have some serious race day fun! So with this in mind, I have decided to step Carole Beros, Le Dãin Designs.

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SAWTELL CUP RACE DAY

7 race program with the Aylward Auctioneers & Valuers Sawtell Cup Fun family day ~ NBN’s Big Dog, Splash the Dolphin, free kids rides, Park Beach Plaza’s Fashions on the Field & KIDS sections. Gates open 11.30am.

NORTH COAST HOTEL GROUP SPORTSMANS BREAKFAST

Hosted by Shawn Cosgrove with horse racing legend Jim Cassidy, former Rugby Union Wallabies player Matt Burke, former Rugby League players Peter & Graham Wynn and other sporting greats with all the tips for the Carlton MID Coffs Harbour Gold Cup. TIME 7am – 10am (breakfast 7.30am) TICKETS $55 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

SPORTSMANS RACE DAY

7 Races featuring the Merv Mercer Mile AND The Blinkan Missit (800m), GREAT packages available. Gates Open 11.30am

CARLTON MID 2016 COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP CALCUTTA Wednesday evening at The Pier Hotel

CARLTON MID 2016 COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP

8 Race program, Gates open 11am. Packages and general Gate Entry available. LIMITED PARKING: access from Hogbin Drive *NO public vehicle access Howard Street Secure parking at C.ex Stadium with FREE shuttle bus until 6.30pm ALCOHOL FREE ZONE in Howard Street. ENTRY $20 Online, at Park Beach Plaza information kiosk & Jack Simmons Menswear.

PARK BEACH PLAZA’S GOLD CUP FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

Register at the Marquee near the Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field Stage. Registrations CLOSE at 12.30pm (Best Dressed Male) ALL others close 1.00pm JUDGING STARTS AT 12.30pm

Book Online at www.coffsracingclub.com.au Tel: 02 6652 1488

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Carlton Mid 2016 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

WOOT, WOOT! THE BIGGEST DAY ON THE RACING CALENDAR IS NEARLY HERE, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THIS COFFS CUP IS YOUR BEST YET. WE’RE PUMPED AT LIVING DOLL ABOUT THE BIG DAY, SO GET YOUR BOOKINGS IN QUICK TO BE SLEEK AND STYLISH FOR THIS FUN FILLED DAY.

f you’re hitting Coffs Cup or having a few bubbles at work and having last-minute makeup meltdowns, chillax. Everything you need is right here at your fingertips. We've got you covered! Have a beautyfull day, peeps, and stay dry! TIP #1 The most successful makeup looks for race days are those that are simple and refined. Wear makeup that complements your dress and hat, be it glamorous or spring-fresh. TIP #2 One of my favourite looks for an elegant but simple makeup look is a light tinted moisturiser as a base, some natural coloured cream blush on the cheeks, a little mascara on a curled lash with some white or cream coloured eyeliner applied in the waterline, groomed brows and a flash of either a bright coral or fuchsia pink creamtextured lipstick. TIP #3 If you’ve chosen a wide-brimmed hat, it’s pointless highlighting the eyes - a quick slick of mascara will do - instead, emphasise the lower half of your face: sculpt your cheekbones and opt for defined matt lips with one of this season’s burgundy shades. A side-swept ‘do is always a winner with this style of hat. TIP #4 Always take sunscreen, tissues, a drinking straw (especially if you are wearing a bright or strong lip colour), hand sanitiser (for the port-a-loos), lip colour and touch-

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up powder or blotting sheets. TIP #5 Eye brightener pens are also handy for touching up under the eye area. A disposable vial of some eye drops are great, especially if the weather is windy or sun glaring. And if you can fit it in your bag, mosquito repellent is also a winner. TIP #6 Decant some rose-water spray into a small travel spray bottle or use a small can of mineral water mist to refresh your skin and makeup throughout the day. TIP #7 Applying a lip pencil all over the lips before you apply your lip colour will help your lipstick last all day. TIP #8 If you do like to wear eyeshadow, opt for creamy textured, long-wearing shadow, as this will look fresh all day long. TIP #9 Fascinators are every vintage vixen’s favourite, so a classic red lip will be your best accessory. There’s a 1940s red for every skin tone. Team with Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser for the perfect combo of flawlessness and radiance. TIP #10 Pillboxes are the cool cats of hats ... A funky bright eyeshadow and a matte lip - I love Matte Lipstick in Nude - will team nicely, especially if you add a braided bun. Now it’s time to enter Fashion on the Fields. XO DOLLS.

Carlton Mid 2016 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

COFFS HARBOUR RACING CLUB. THE 2016 CARNIVAL STARTS WITH SAWTELL CUP RACE DAY, SUNDAY 24TH JULY, WITH SEVEN RACES AND PARK BEACH PLAZA’S FASHIONS ON THE FIELD. THERE ARE FREE RIDES, DANE THE MAGICIAN, PETTING ZOO, NBN’S BIG DOG AND DOLPHIN MARINE MAGIC’S SPLASH THE DOLPHIN.

ext is the Sportsman’s Breakfast and Race Day, Wednesday 3rd August. The popular breakfast is hosted by Shawn Cosgrove, with Racing’s Jim Cassidy, former Wallaby player Matt Burke, former Rugby League brothers Peter and Graham Wynn and other sporting greats, along with the tips for the Carlton MID Coffs Harbour Gold Cup. The race day has seven races, featuring the Merv Mercer Mile and The Blinkan Missit 800 m. The Carlton MID Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Day is on Thursday 4th August. Gates open at 11am, with eight races. The club has created a place for under 30s with background music and opened up the main entry area to make it easier on arrival. This year the fashions stage will be alongside the main track, with the registration marquee and makeup pop-up tent alongside the Carlton MID Beer Garden. There is standard public transport available at the start of the day - from 4pm there are taxis

on Howard St and courtesy buses to get people to the Park Beach CBD, Sawtell or the Jetty. Plaza’s Fashions Drink responsibly and on the Field is a DON’T drive if you’ve y! big part of the da e had a few. Car parking th es ak m r Headwea is accessed from Hogbin t, en em at st overall Drive, and there is yet still should e security parking at C.ex complement th International Stadium, of year. outfit.” with a bus service right to Park Beach the entrance of the club. Plaza’s Fashions on the Field is “What is 2016’s fashion a big part of the day! Headwear advice?” Ladies, wear your new makes the overall statement, yet still shoes in before the day and remember it should complement the outfit. Hat or is a winter race day on grass lawns, not a headwear with a winter influence is essential night club! Think thicker heels, not stilettos, e.g. fur, felt, wool. Focus on an overall, welland the track is never the place for tiny, mini groomed look with attention to detail and skirts. An overall elegant statement, style and wearability. Black and white is always in fashion, however retro and Bohemian styles reminiscent originality, elegance from top to toe including of the ‘70s are popular this year. Puffy sleeves dress length; remember, dress for the conditions are making a comeback, as are ‘60s Mod looks. - it can get very cool early in the day at this time

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The Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field will be hotly contested, with over $20,000 in prizes, including extremely generous gift cards from Park Beach Plaza, stunning prizes from Le Dãin Designs, Novotel Accommodation packages and lots more! Those that have the finishing touches will prove to be the winners. Don’t forget gloves, matching handbag, a cardigan or blazer, or even a cashmere scarf or cape. People can buy tickets online at our website, or they can come down to the racing club during office hours any Monday to Friday (8am to 4pm). Book early, and don’t wait until the last minute.

CARLTON MID 2016 COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP

8 Race program, Gates open 11am. Packages and general Gate Entry available. LIMITED PARKING: access from Hogbin Drive. *NO public vehicle access Howard St. Secure parking at C.ex Stadium with FREE shuttle bus until 6.30pm ALCOHOL FREE ZONE in Howard Street. ENTRY $20 Online, at Park Beach Plaza information kiosk & Jack Simmons Menswear.

PARK BEACH PLAZA’S GOLD CUP FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

Register at the Marquee near the Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field Stage. Registrations CLOSE at 12.30pm (Best Dressed Male) ALL others close 1.00pm JUDGING STARTS AT 12.30pm Best Dressed Male, Best Millinery/Headpiece, Most Stylish Couple, Contemporary Lady and Classical Lady

Tel: 02 6652 1488 Book Online at www.coffsracingclub.com.au coffs coast focus. 39

Carlton Mid 2016 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

R AY M O N D S P O K E S

JOCKEY

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RAYMOND SPOKES HAD BEEN AROUND HORSES ALL HIS LIFE, AND LEGENDARY TRAINER MAL GERRARD COULD SEE IT THE DAY THEY MET. WORKING TOGETHER, RAYMOND BECAME A FORMIDABLE JOCKEY, WHO CONTINUES TO DOMINATE THE LOCAL SCENE TODAY. FOCUS GOT UP VERY EARLY AND WENT ALONG TO A MORNING TRAINING RUN TO FIND OUT MORE.

hat’s your connection with the Coffs Coast? I grew up in Bowraville on a beef cattle farm near the racecourse. When the Coffs Harbour track closed down to be refurbished, Mal Gerrard used the track to train his horses, and I connected with him. When Coffs opened back up, I moved back to work with him. Mal was the leading trainer in Coffs at that time, so it worked well for me. How long did you work with him? Let me think ... that was a long time ago! I did my apprenticeship with him, so three to four years. Did you have to start from scratch, or did you know your way around a horse already? I had being doing track work and breaking horses in for five or six years before I started my apprenticeship. Down around that area, you're basically riding horses your whole life. When I met Mal, I was already an established rider; I just had to learn the jockey side of things. Growing up on a farm, you’re always on a horse. How often do you train now? Six days a week you train - start around 5am and finish around 8:30am. Then if you're 40 coffs coast focus.

racing, it is straight home to prepare. Maybe Plenty of injuries - a shoulder reconstruction; have to hit the sauna for an hour or so, which I dislocated my shoulder four times and had to helps get the weight down, and then have it fixed. A ute was left on the track in you’re on the road, travelling to a Armidale, and the horse I was riding race meeting. basically catapulted me into the What about physical back of it. It was a ridiculous training for yourself? situation, and that accident Yeah, bike riding, dislocated my collarbone A ute was left more with the kids and I had to have that on the track in e rs these days and a bit operated on and put ho e Armidale, and th lly of swimming. Boxing back in. I have a lot of ca si I was riding ba e th to in e training - I try to mix niggling little injuries; it m catapulted it up, so it doesn’t get can be brutal. ” back of it. too boring. What is the average Recently you had a age a jockey can be good run at Grafton; competitive to? can you tell us a bit about Depends on the individual; that? a lot of people ride until they’re Yeah, I rode a treble there not long 50, these days. I still enjoy it, but like ago. Any win is a good thrill, as it equals everything it becomes more like a job as you more money in the bank. do it a lot. It can be tough keeping your weight What do you look for in a “good” horse? down ... saunas, diet etc. There is nothing you really look for; it either You must need to keep an eye on what you can gallop, or it can’t gallop. eat, I would expect? Do you get nervous before you race? You learn to eat healthy; you can’t be eating Not anymore; it’s a job these days - like meat pies all the time. Mostly veggies, a bit of anyone going to work, I guess. fruit, bit of steak every now and then. Every How long have you being riding time you’re eating something, you question it professionally? before putting it in your mouth; it’s all about Sixteen years. keeping your weight down. Have you had many injuries? It must be exciting when you’re side by

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side, going into the home straight? Any sort of racing is exciting, and it is fun still, for sure ... Gets the adrenaline going, and it is very competitive. Do jockeys get along? Yeah, all our lives are in each other’s hands out there, so we get along - you gotta get along. Very easy for it to all go wrong out there. Favourite track? I like riding at home in Coffs Harbour - no travelling, and you know the track better than anyone else. When I race there, I usually get a better pick of what I am riding. Do you work with certain trainers or owners? I freelance, but in saying that, there are your basic stables that you ride for, when you can, but you ride for everyone. What advice would you have for anyone young, who is thinking of a career as a jockey? Think about it very seriously; make sure you’re a natural weight that a jockey needs to be. If you're heavy, it is a lot of work to keep that weight down to where it has to be at. What’s the future hold - a few more years riding? Yeah, I have a few more mortgage repayments left, so I will be doing it for a few more years yet. Thanks Raymond.

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Gretel Chiswell PILATES WITH GRETEL

Pilates with Gretel is the new, exciting and addictive business opened in May 2016.

retel grew up in Coffs Harbour and attended Bishop Druitt College and Coffs Harbour Senior College. After a period of time in Sydney, she returned to Coffs Harbour, and has spent time managing a yoga business and working for local solicitors and accountants, before studying and achieving her Financial Planning Diploma. She is married to Nathan, and they have four young children. Gretel is also a fully qualified fitness instructor and Pilates instructor. She was leading group fitness and Pilates classes at local gyms for over five years, up until her first baby was born in 2010. Gretel has taught Pilates and group fitness part-time in-between her children, with her youngest child only born in December 2015. Her passion for health, fitness and strength has led her to start up her own business teaching Pilates. Pilates concentrates on core

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strength and flexibility. After just 10 sessions you will feel a difference in your flexibility and core strength. After 20 sessions, you will see a difference! Pilates with Gretel will aid in helping back and neck issues as well as general strength and flexibility. Her passion Pilates is the creation for health , at 6pm. All classes are ngth of Josef Pilates. His goal held at the Cavanbah fitness and stre art has led her to st ss for Pilates was to create Hall on Harbour Drive ne up her own busi a stretching and exercise in Coffs Harbour, teaching Pilates.â€? regime that would benefit adjacent to Coles. Pilates all people regardless of age, with Gretel is held in sex or ability. Gretel ensures the back room, which is she follows this vision in her extremely peaceful, overlooking classes, with both men and women the gorgeous tranquil gardens and a wide range of ages and abilities behind the hall. currently attending. You can be assured that at every Currently, Gretel is teaching three classes class, Gretel will teach, will challenge and every week. Monday evening at 6pm, Tuesday extend you. morning at 6am and Wednesday evening Pricing is $15 per hour class, or purchase a

â€œ

10 class pass for $120, valid for six months. Wear comfortable and loose clothing and bring a yoga mat with you. There is no requirement to book; just come and join in. For any enquiries, please contact Gretel on 0400 377 364 or visit her Facebook site for all up to date information: https://www.facebook.com/ Pilates-with-Gretel-223332228024098/ Come along and give Pilates with Gretel a try ... Anyone can participate, as you are able to work at your own level, and Gretel is constantly helping and assisting so you get the most from your class every time.

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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

Living Doll at Hair Expo 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 don’t 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.

They say that change is as good as holiday, and somehow Hair Expo achieved both, packing its bags, stands and stages and heading to Melbourne for the very first time. Living Doll Premier Stylists Kimberley and Lauren were part of packed out education classes, dynamic evening events and a floor more frenetic than ever. Forgive us for never wanting to leave. Hosted alongside Comic Con at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre (which meant, yes, we passed our fair share of super heroes in the hallway, and got a sneaky pic with Thor) made for an entertaining weekend. With stars like Guy Tang having the audience in awe with his rainbow hair-based class on his Olaplex World Tour, insights into fashion week, as well as inspirations on cut, colour, and styling, the latest 2016 trends and world-class techniques were in no short supply. The team is so excited to share with you some new tips and tricks they learnt to try a new season look or style that really can give you the WOW factor. Come in and try something new this winter; we will be waiting for you. XO Dolls.

Orthokeratology (Ortho K) offers an alternative treatment to laser surgery. The procedure, which is effective in correcting myopia, involves wearing specially designed lenses overnight while sleeping. This gently reshapes the eye, restoring clear vision without spectacles or contact lenses during waking hours. The results can be spectacular, with significantly improved vision after one night’s wear and sight frequently restored to normal during waking hours after approximately one week. Many unsuccessful attempts have been made to curtail or arrest myopia development. Ortho K is the first practical technique which has been proven by extensive research and clinical use to successfully limit the development of myopia in adolescents, with a consequent reduction in the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular damage associated with higher levels of shortsightedness. This procedure cannot correct all forms of errors. Its usefulness can only be determined following a comprehensive examination by an optometrist with an in depth knowledge of Ortho K. However, for suitable candidates it is a major breakthrough in restoring clear vision independent of spectacles or contact lenses for all daily activities. For more information on Ortho K, visit alanburrow.com.au and click on Ortho K under Vision Correction.

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SOUTH SOUTH WEST WEST ROCKS ROCKS AND AND COFFS COFFS HARBOUR HARBOUR JOIN JOIN JAPARA JAPARA HEALTHCARE HEALTHCARE

2016 2016 IS ISAN AN EXCITING EXCITING YEAR FOR AGED CARE IN REGIONALNEW NEW NEWSOUTH SOUTH SOUTHWALES, WALES, WALES, 2016 IS AN EXCITINGYEAR YEARFOR FORAGED AGEDCARE CAREIN INREGIONAL REGIONAL WITH WITH PROFKE PROFKE COFFS COFFS HARBOUR HARBOUR NURSING NURSING CENTRE CENTRE AND AND SOUTH SOUTH WEST WEST ROCKS ROCKS WITH PROFKE COFFS HARBOUR NURSING CENTRE AND SOUTH WEST ROCKS NURSING NURSING CENTRE CENTRE JOINING JOINING THE JAPARAHEALTHCARE HEALTHCAREFAMILY. FAMILY. FAMILY. NURSING CENTRE JOININGTHE THEJAPARA JAPARA HEALTHCARE

43 facilities WestCare Rocks ResidentialState Care unique offering sites underscores everything Harbour. Now theideal idealtime timeto tomeet meet StateareForest, Forest, offering amazing amazing views viewsat Coffs Coffs Coffsith Harbour Harbour Residential Residential Care ith ith43 43facilities facilitiesacross across Now isisthe across Australia, that are now ideally positioned to direction. deliver a At each location, staff facility workand thestaff staff andsee seethe thefacilities facilitiesfor for in inevery every direction. With With friendly friendly staff managers Australia, Australia,Japara Japara the and andSouth South West WestRocks RocksResidential Residential Japara Healthcare high standard of affordable and accessible with families to tailor care lifestyle options yourself. Healthcare Healthcarehas hasgrown grown and and24 24hour hourregistered registerednurses, nurses,care care yourself. Care Careare areunique uniquesites sitesthat thatare arenow now has grown consiscare. and fees, to ensure that the fit is perfect. consistently consistentlyover overthe the underscores underscores everything everything at at Coffs Coffs ideally ideally positioned positioned to to deliver deliver a a tently over the past South West Rocks Residential Care has Both locations offer single and companion Each facilityconducts conductsregular regulartours; tours; Each facility Harbour. high highstandard standard of ofaffordable affordable and and past past25 25years, years,owing owingto toaacareful careful 25 years, owing sweeping scenic views,Harbour. great social spaces accommodation, allied health services, call todayto tobook. book. call today accessible accessible care. to a careful consideration of thecare. unique and bright airy rooms in a modern residelicious meals prepared fresh daily, a consideration considerationof ofthe theunique unique At Ateach eachlocation, location,Facility Facility managers managers South WestRocks Rocks––call call02 026566 65665872 5872 West demands facility and the individual dence. With 24 hour registered nurses on vibrant lifestyle programme South and specialised demands demandsof ofeach eachfacility facilityand and the the of each South work work with with families families to to tailor tailor care, care, South West West Rocks Rocks Residential Residential Care Care needs of all residents. site, care is a way of life at South West dementia care. individual individualneeds needsof ofall allresidents. residents. CoffsHarbour Harbour––call call02 026652 66521494 1494 Coffs lifestyle lifestyleoptions optionsand and fees fees to toideal ensure ensure has has sweeping sweeping scenic views, great Japara Healthcare’s arrival in northernscenic New views, Rocks. great Now is the time to meet the staff and that that the the fit fitisisperfect. perfect. Both locations locations social spaces spaces and andbright bright airy airy rooms rooms significant community Coffs Harbour Residential Care is nestled be- seeBoth the facilities for yourself. Japara JaparaHealthcare’s Healthcare’sarrival arrivalSouth in in Wales bringssocial support to the area, through a dedication to tween the Pacific Ocean and the mountains Each facility conducts regular tours; call offer offer single single and and companion companion in in a a modern modern residence. residence. With With 24 24 hour hour northern northernNew NewSouth SouthWales Walesbrings brings understanding theregistered local way of life and the of the Boambee offering amaz- allied today health to book. accommodation, accommodation, allied health registered nurses nurses on onsite, site, care care isisaa State Forest, significant significantcommunity communitysupport support care needs of local residents. ing views in every direction. With friendly South West Rocks - call (02) 6566 5872 services, services,delicious deliciousmeals mealsprepared prepared way wayof oflife lifeat atSouth SouthWest West Rocks. Rocks. to tothe thearea, area,through throughaadedication dedication Coffs Harbour Residential Care and South staff and 24 hour registered nurses, care Coffs Harbour - call (02) 6652 1494 fresh freshdaily, daily,aavibrant vibrantlifestyle lifestyleprogram program to tounderstanding understandingthe thelocal localway way Coffs CoffsHarbour HarbourResidential ResidentialCare Careisis and and specialised specialised dementia dementia care. care. of oflife life andcoast the thecare careneeds needsof oflocal local nestled nestledbetween betweenthe thePacific PacificOcean Ocean 44 and coffs focus. and andthe themountains mountainsof ofthe theBoambee Boambee residents. residents.

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Ekam Yoga Festival Port Macquarie Ekam Yoga Festival Port Macquarie is back at the Glasshouse on Sunday 18th September, filling its rooms with a relaxed and festive vibe, soothing sounds and an eclectic yoga crowd. Ekam will offer an even more extensive programme of yoga classes, music and talks in 2016. Many people think of yoga as exercise only. At Ekam Yoga Festival Port Macquarie, participants get to explore other aspects of yoga as well, such as meditation, chanting, yoga philosophy, and pranayama (breathing exercises). There are, of course, a variety of physical yoga classes, including Acro-Yoga (acrobatics and yoga), Iyengar Yoga (emphasis on alignment, working with props) and Yin Yoga. Nicky Knoff joins the event as a key teacher this year. Nicky has been teaching Australia-wide and internationally for many decades and has much to share about yoga and her personal path.

Ekam is accessible to anyone interested in yoga, with gentle yoga classes, meditation sessions, yoga philosophy, breathing classes and sound experiences as alternatives to the more strenuous classes. There are additional classes, workshops and events on offer on Saturday 17th October as part of Ekam Out & About, including surfing and yoga, a mindfulness mini-retreat and more. Ekam will once again open its doors to the community with the Natural Health & Living Expo, a free community event with market stalls and talks to be held on Sunday 18th September from 9am to 4pm at the upstairs foyer of the Glasshouse. For more information: Visit www.ekamyogafestival.org.au. Tickets are $98 and available online now. Connect to the Ekam community via Facebook; facebook/ekamyogafestival

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SandySplashes Gallery SandySplashes Gallery is a new small business located in Sandy Beach, just 20 kms north of Coffs Harbour and 4 kms south of Woolgoolga. Attached to The Sunken Ship (the revamped and excellent general store and eatery), SandySplashes Gallery is a must see gallery and gift shop stocking a wonderful variety of beautiful wares. Kath Derrin, owner and artisan, has produced and/or procured various artworks, sculptures, handworked gifts, photographic prints, small collectibles and antiques for the pleasure of the most discerning of customers. Beautiful textures, scents and colours abound, providing a sense of joy and wonder for all who enter. Almost 100% of handcrafted items are sourced from local artists and artisans, including pottery and ceramics, hand knitted childrenâ€™s clothing, painted silk, dolls and teddybears, sterling silver jewellery, decorative hangings, rugs, cushions, hemp oils products, soaps and cards. Kath, a

keen nature photographer, has a number of stunning photo books available for purchase. Any photograph within the books may be ordered as a photographic, canvas or acrylic print of any size. Kath is a crazy collector of charming small collectibles and antiques. She has a keen eye for appealing trinkets and treasures, and despite asking more than reasonable prices, is often open to negotiation on these items. SandySplashes Gallery is a therapeutic and soul-singing space, filled with natural fibres, vibrant colours, aromas of essential oils, sensuous fabrics and artworks to make you smile. And hiding around the gallery in unexpected places? Sandy Beach mermaids, of course! 42 Sandy Beach Drive, Sandy Beach.

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By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

JOSHWARD

26 YEAR OLD SPORTS NUT, EXERCISE SCIENTIST AND PERSONAL TRAINER.

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about the Super Sarah. This month we are catching up with and profiling a local sports nut turned exercise scientist and personal trainer, to hear his inspiring story.

ell us a bit about your background, Josh ... I have played sport my entire life, both socially and competitive in a range of different sports such as: soccer, AFL, cricket, basketball and many more. Along with this, I have always had a strong passion for helping people. Through these two passions, it has led me to studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science majoring in Sports Practise. In this degree I have had great opportunities to work in many fields and get experience in areas I never thought possible. I was given the chance to work for Richmond Football club’s Senior AFL team as a senior team Performance Analyst; I worked with the Melbourne Vixens ANZ Championship netball team and the u19s Victorian girl’s netball team. I was also heavily exposed to clinical work and biomechanics on both a sport and clinical level. Please explain what an Exercise Scientist and Personal Trainer does ... An exercise scientist specialises in evaluation and implementation of exercise programmes; these programmes can be for chronic disease prevention, enhanced sport performance and improving the health of the general population. Through the extended knowledge that an exercise scientist has through their degree, they are able to accurately and effectively utilise tools available to them to help any client reach their goal in a safe and healthy manner. Exercise scientists are also heavily involved in research projects, with even myself being involved in a PhD study that was “The Efficacy of Gymnastics to Improve Movement Skill Competence in Children”. What types of clients do you specialise in? I specialise in general population clients and

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also athletes from an amateur level to an elite level. Having a good clinical background has enabled me to work with everyday people through movement assessments, such as the overhead squat assessment, to assess overall muscle imbalances, to working on effective sprint biomechanics with my athletes to help them become faster and more agile. Do you only work one on one with clients, or do you work with small groups too? I can work with both small groups and one on one with clients as well. I leave the option open to my clients, as I want them to be in the most comfortable environment they can imagine. This helps both the client and myself achieve goals and reach benchmarks faster with the psychological comfort that can come from these sessions. How can we all benefit from your passion for performance? I can help you become a more functionally fit person or athlete through many different types of strength and conditioning programmes, no matter your age, sex or ability level. I have even started a weekly High Performance Programme for young sportspeople specialising on their strength, speed, power and agility development. Participants are talented youngsters from a range of individual and team sports looking to get the most out of their performance. I love it, as ensuring our local emerging talent have access to specialised training is one of my passions. Thanks for sharing Josh, and if you are 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 Josh directly on 0413 036 604 to get started today.

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diets & nutrition E X P L O D I N G

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For many of us, between what you hear on television and the nutrition “advice” flooding social media, deciding what is healthy can be really confusing.

he best way to filter fact from fiction is to hear it from an expert in the field. Leading local physiotherapist Aaron Hardaker catches up with Katie Drury, an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has recently joined the Mid North Coast Physio team. Exactly who needs help from a Dietitian? There are many reasons you can benefit from seeing a Dietician - here are just some of the most common conditions we can help: • Diabetics: if you are newly diagnosed, have irregular blood glucose levels or if you have recently had your medication changed. • People with heart problems: if you have high cholesterol, high triglycerides and/or high blood pressure. • People with allergies: if you suspect food allergies or intolerances i.e. suffering chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea. • If you have difficulty preparing or eating food, or you require a texture modified diet e.g. swallowing difficulties, poor dexterity. • If you’ve lost weight unintentionally and/or have a poor appetite. • If you are trying to lose weight • Athletes: if you’re seeking to increase your athletic performance. Remember, performance is reliant on nutrition (almost as much as training). Why can’t I just look after my nutrition myself? The common approach to weight loss, diabetes and allergies and intolerances is to cut out whole food groups, for example, gluten, dairy, wheat, carbohydrates, fat etc. Unfortunately, nutrition is a complex science, and while this approach may achieve the desired results in the short-term, there are risks associated. Eliminating whole food groups can

lead to nutrition deficiencies, which can cause health problems. It may also lead to a plateau in weight loss, which is often hard to address on your own. I’ll make sure that your diet is nutritionally adequate, which will be a key point to achieving your health goals. The road to living a healthy lifestyle is not always an easy path, but with the right professional support you will be able to overcome barriers or challenges and develop effective strategies to feel great. Why choose you as my Dietician? Firstly, because I enjoy all things food - eating food, talking about food, cooking (especially baking) and experimenting with new foods. It was my love of food, along with my desire to work in the health profession, that led me to make the move from my small, country town on the Lower Mid North Coast to Newcastle to study Nutrition and Dietetics. I am also an advocate of all foods in moderation (you can’t have a birthday with no cake!) and am passionate about providing realistic advice that will lead to a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable in the long-term. Thanks to my background in competitive sport, I have developed a strong interest in the area of sports nutrition to improve performance and give athletes the edge. You can also receive education on how to shop, cooking techniques, meal ideas and delicious recipes. You will be provided with credible sources of nutrition information and bust through any myths around health, lifestyle and diet. Thanks Katie. Mid North Coast Physio are offering five FREE assessments with Katie to help you reach your health goals and discover a happier, healthier version of you. Call 1300 273 747 NOW to secure your FREE assessment before they are gone. Isn’t it time you started feeling great again?

Donate Blood in Coffs Harbour The Blood Service is looking for Coffs Harbour locals who are fit and well to give blood right now. We need over 50 blood donation appointments every week to meet the needs of patients. You can help out by donating blood, and encouraging your mates to join you too. One in three people will need blood, yet only one in 30 donates, and your blood donation helps thousands of Australians who rely on regular blood donations all year round for life saving treatments. One of our recipients who received your life saving donation was William. William was diagnosed with Leukaemia when

he was only six. He received both red cell and platelet transfusions throughout chemotherapy and is now a happy boy in remission. William is just one of the many Australians who need your help. With the coming winter months, our regular donors may be unable to donate due to cold and flu. It’s crucial we meet our donation appointments to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and help others like William. So, what are you waiting for? You can help out by donating blood, and encouraging your mates to join you too. Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au today and give blood.

MAPALO NEEDS YOU TO EAT MORE BISCUITS THIS WINTER.

During winter, many blood donors get sick and aren’t able to give blood. Right now, more donors are needed to help people like Mapalo, who needs regular blood transfusions for her sickle-cell anaemia. Please give blood, get a biscuit and save three lives. Visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 today.

Coffs Harbour Blood Donor Centre Park Beach Homebase, 252 Pacific Hwy

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focusinterview. focusinterview.

Ramsay Health Care

IN COFFS HARBOUR JOURNEY

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

BARINGA

hat is your story, values of Paul Ramsay. analyses the business in all its strands and tors in the country! In partnership we offer a Elizabeth? What does your job entail? makes it possible as a team for us to make the wide range of services, including most surgical I came to Australia Well, I am part of an executive team of best decisions for the growth and direction specialties, at both Baringa and Coffs Harbour from Scotland with three: myself as CEO, Peter Parkes the Direcof the business. This may sound a bit dry, but Day Surgery. We have a large and successful my family 29 years tor of Clinical Services and Mike Gray, our Mike makes it all exciting and imbues it with rehabilitation business, which ranges from ago, and we came Commercial Manager. We manage Baringa a sense of endless possibility. Besides that, he inpatient, to day patient and outpatient care. directly to Coffs Harbour. My family continPrivate Hospital in Mackays Road, Baringa is the office comedian and one never knows Three years ago we established Bindarray, ues to grow, and we now have a wonderful Rehabilitation, our outpatient allied health what messages may be waiting for you on an inpatient mental health unit at Baringa. extended family and great friends here. business also at Mackays Road, Coffs Harbour your door in the morning! We provide day MEDICAL medical services, including BARINGA PRIVATE HOSPITAL INTRODUCES LEANNE CUMMING, NURSE UNIT MANAGER - DAY UNIT. My first years were spent working at what Day Surgery in Albany Street, and The Baringa We always appreciate that we are part of chemotherapy, and our medical unit offers a was then Coffs Harbour Centre at and the feel Specialist Medical Centre, adjaasurgical much larger range of medical in the day medicalinpatient unit? services, including ward. close knit team. We celebrate ou don’tDistrict have toHospital leave in nursing like I have found my niche in Victoria Street, from where I have manyyour happy cent the base hospital. together, and speaks volumes palliative care. We provide IVFmedical services in partCoffs Harbour to have Would I want to doitanything different that now? theto day medical unit, purely because I enjoy the things My philosophy is for the day unit memories. Fourteen years ago I accepted an My role is of topeople lead and the business, they were among the top hosnership with Genea, who bring their scientific treatment... The answer is “no”; I stillfundraising love nursing. What continuity andmanage seeing their faces to be a place where patients can easily access executive role at Baringa and Coffs Harbour ensure compliance all thelike rules and regupitals inI RHC the Nepal Appeal. They are team to Coffs Harbour three times a year. Tell me about yourself. feel isfor very important for patients, is on a regular basis.with It’s almost treatment and feel comfortable and safe. Day Surgery. I am soI always happy wanted that ourtoprivate entailed inand running truly people to caring people. What is the future of Ramsay Health Care be a nurse, lations have for timely treatment close coming to work seeinga health facility and If a patient arrives feeling a little flat, I will health service still works and may happily with toanother grow and diversify the business. It may not What is the best thingwhere about your job? in Coffs Harbour? since I was three years well old. You ask how to home possible. At group of friends. endeavour to make sure when they leave, they the Ipublic health Coffs Harbour, in sound but itUnit is, because it involves The founder ofthe thesame company, Ramsay, We have grown a lot in the last few years knew ... Well,service I visitedinmy grandmother time, IPaul understand Theexciting, Day Medical d are empowered and I have ha andhospital I believeand that this enriches all of as a to constant interaction with people. passed away last year afterstill a stellar 50 year andfeeling will continue to do sofantastic. to meet Some the needs decided that’s what I’musgoing patients want to was opened to provide ho w s nt tie staff comment I have the best From unit toan work in, community. Peter (aka the best dressed man in the pa career building thismaintain company. Paul be-life, be, and I never changed my mind. of our growing population. organisaa normal patients requiring

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d to queathed his majorincluding ishe because everyone is always laughing, after I left school I completed HSC at 17 hospital) Baringa Privateafter Hospital was themy compahas many portfolios and is w the go-to shareholding thisfamily comtravelinand transfusions or tional perspective, we wish to workand with our seas , and er ov old and commenced theitRoyal person time; this is very important all laughter is the best medicine. intravenous infusions. ny’syears first medical and surgicaltraining facility,at and for the day-to-day operation of the pany toou a charitable foundation. This means teams and stay at the cutting edge of emergs required intraven lar Hospital and remainedregional there for for a balanced lifestyle. GPs and specialists wasMelbourne also the first of Paul Ramsay’s gu clinical facilities and can of course, is responsible that we work substantially for a charitable ing pharmaceuticals technologies. This re I have been in chargeand of the unit for seven a on s on infusi four years. I have had patients who an admission hospitals in Australia. We have now been here foraccelerate the delivery of safe and quality patient institution, one that we will be hearing about brings its own challenges, but we believe our years and still enjoy what I do every day, and I ” s. basi childhood and we care. by being to havework experience and on thisI married site for my more than 35sweetheart, years. Ramsay Peter able facilitates in coming years. wished to travel overseas, and would community deserves to benefi t from scientifi like to think I help make a difference in c livedCare in Melbourne until decided top to move intravenous infusions their patients admitted Health is now one of we Australia’s ASX undergraduate student placements and drives What services required does your health service advances. the health care industry. I believe “it’s nice to be to companies Coffs Harbour as we had family on a regular basis. Through our asquality day patients for these listed andinis2002, the biggest provider the and policy framework that keeps offer? Any tips on running a business? important, but more important to be nice” - a and friends living We have three beautiful Ramsay treatments. of private health carehere. in Australia. It is now a the service cohesive and robust. It wouldaffiliations be easier with to say what Healthcare services we Always employ people smarter than yourmotto I live by. children who love life. hospitals overseas, After operating of and global company, but their it stillregional reflectscountry the strong Mike is the oursuccessful Commercial Manager do notday offer. We have somewe of ensured the bestthe docself! For any information regarding services and I commenced nursing at Baringa Private patients received the same continuity of care the unit, we expanded the service to access to the Day Medical Unit, please contact whilst holidaying. Hospital in 2002, and to this day still love incorporate Chemotherapy. At Baringa, If you want to know more about the services and programmes run at Baringa Rehabilitation, contact them on 6658 0322. What inspires you to care for your patients the Day Medical Unit is located within the nursing. I have worked in many areas of Leanne on 6659 4433.

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RetroPrep™ Colonoscopy Preparation AN OPTION FOR COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION THAT IS LIKELY TO BE SAFER, BETTER TOLERATED & MORE EFFECTIVE THAN ORAL BOWEL PREPARATION IS NOW AVAILABLE IN COFFS HARBOUR. BOWEL CANCER is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, a fter lung cancer. Colonoscopy is by far the best currently available tool for screening, prevention, early detection & surveillance of Bowel Cancer. Research shows that less than 50% of people 50 years of age or older are adequately screened for bowel cancer. Surveys of patients & clinicians show that Oral Bowel Preparation is by far the most objectionable aspect of a colonoscopy.

RetroPrep™ Colonoscopy Preparation

Oral Bowel Preparation (OBP) has the potential to cause significant adverse reactions in up to two thirds of

patients & can include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, anal pain & irritation, sleep disturbances, dizziness & failure to complete the preparation. Failure to complete the preparation frequently causes inadequate visualization of the colon, an increase inprocedure risks, the likelihood of missing polyps or cancer & the need to repeat the preparation & the colonoscopy. OBP can also be unsafe. The most common serious complication is dehydration (fluid depletion) or water retention (water intoxication) with significant electrolyte imbalance especially in patients with any kidney, heart, liver or other diseases; keeping in mind that over 25% of adults 70 years of age or older have at least a moderately decreased kidney functions. Other reported potentially serious complications of OBP include arrhythmias (e.g. atrial fibrillation), falls & injuries, renal failure, seizures, several drug interactions, hypothermia, ischaemic & toxic colitis, oesophageal tear or perforation, pill malabsorption, aspiration pneumonia & acute pancreatitis. In the US, one to two individuals die from OBP each year.

The Alternative is Retrograde Bowel Preparation. RetroPrep™ Colonoscopy Preparation is based on a TGA approved s afe & effective outpatient procedure currently used at a number of centres in Sydney, Melbourne & elsewhere. It involves one day of a clear fluid diet, 3 doses of gentle laxatives & 1 Hour enema preparation at the medical facility using double filtered purified warm water through a Canadian system & administered by one of our practice nurses or trained practitioners. RetroPrep™ is best performed as close as possible to the time of the colonoscopy. Special considerations include active inflammatory bowel disease, severe haemorrhoids, anal fissure or fistula, a large hernia & severe cardiac, renal or liver disease. RetroPrep™ is not safe in suspected bowel obstruction or perforation, pregnancy & recent bowel resection. There has been a small number of reports of electrolyte imbalance mainly low serum potassium which can be avoided. RetroPrep™ is an effective form of bowel preparation for colonoscopy that is safer and better tolerated than standard oral bowel preparation. For further information, doctors or patients can contact Southern Cross Medical Specialists. T: 6658 4000 F: 6651 5250 W: scms.net.au Suite G2 Specialist Medical Centre 343 Pacific Highway (PO Box 2244) Coffs Harbour NSW Australia 2450

Flushed with Health Kate Cooke Dip Nut DRM is Nutritionist with over fifteen years of experience in treating clients with various ailments beyond the scope of main stream medicine. Kate founded “Flushed with Health” in Bellingen before recently moving to the Coffs Harbour area. With her supportive and committed attitude, Kate’s clients find ways to take control and ownership of their own health issues. Over fifteen years of experience as a health professional has seen Kate experience a wealth of diverse practices in the pursuit of True Health. With a special interest in nutrition and digestive function as the foundation of true wellbeing, coupled with a focus on mental and emotional health and stability, Kate offers a truly holistic approach to living your life to its max. Carolyn Fleming B Sc (Nursing) is a Registered Nurse with 17 years of experience. She is a great believer in Integrative Medicine with an interest in the digestive system and nutrition. She has worked in the areas of Trauma and Healing and Drug and Alcohol Abuse. She has a Diploma in Community Recovery which has enabled her to work in collaboration with various organisations in developing opportunities for people to come together in a culturally safe manner to facilitate emotional and physical healing. Coupled with extensive experience in Mental Health, Carolyn’s interest in all “gut” matters, allows her to utilize various modalities to generate real health changes with a deeper understanding of the “big picture”. Her practice directly enhances self awareness and the making of appropriate lifestyle choices.

Colonic Hydrotherapy

The colon is about 6 feet long. It’s the “garbage bin” or sewage. It recycles water and minerals and hosts a range of bacteria which are responsible for probably 80% of the function of the immune system and the making of vitamins B and K. The bowel wall also absorbs the byproducts of whatever is sitting in it; leftover food kept in a warm moist environment for a length of time; not a pretty picture! The average adult on a western diet carries between 212kg of impacted faecal matter in their colon. This is one of the reasons many of us struggle with excess weight, lack of energy, weak immune system, skin blemishes, headaches, bloating, abdominal discomfort, sinus problems and body odour to name a few! Colonic hydrotherapy removes faecal matter, tones the bowel walls and enhances overall bowel function. It is a safe, simple and intelligent approach to supporting the function of the colon.

Other Services

For an update on available services please visit flushedwithhealth.com.au

Far Infrared Sauna

A session in the medical grade Far Infrared (FIR) Sauna will leave you feeling incredibly relaxed and deeply warm. Used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with massage, colonic irrigation and/or detoxification support kits, FIR is an easy and pleasant way to recharge. Sweat is a medium for removing body toxins such as herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, and metabolic waste. About 20% of sweat from FIR sauna is made up of such toxins as opposed to about 3% of sweat from steam saunas and exercise. FIR sauna triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “happy hormones”. It heats the body directly resulting in a comfortable ambient temperature where you can still breathe easily. It is one of the most effective detoxification methods to eliminate hardtoshift ‘nasties’ like mercury, cadmium, aluminium, lead, arsenic, agricultural chemicals, plastic derivatives, organochlorides and food additives.

Nutritional Supplements

The industry of nutritional supplementation is only partially regulated and misinformation is rife. At Flushed with Health, we only stock potency guaranteed, pharmaceutical grade multivitamins and minerals with high bioavailability (your body can absorb them) in the correct ratios to work synergistically (by boosting each other’s function).

Remedial Massage

Nothing compares to the sheer indulgent bliss of lying comfortably in a warm, lightly scented, peaceful room, and having a great remedial massage kneading tight shoulders, releasing tension, relaxing your body and nurturing your soul.

Flushed with Health Suite G12 Specialist Medical Centre 343 Pacific Highway Coffs Harbour NSW Australia 2450 Tel: 6658 4000 | Kate: 0448 554 096 | Carloyn: 0478 717 068 flushedwithhealth.com.au

We’re all on this ageing journey together. What’s most important is that we don’t lose the one thing that really matters, just to get the care we all eventually need. I mean, what’s life without freedom – the everyday freedom to come and go and be and do as you please in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Why live alone when you can surround yourself with wonderful new friends in a vibrant, caring community that celebrates every day to the full and treats you with all the kindness, decency, love and respect you deserve. That’s what I call freedom. If you would like to know how this can be a wonderful time of life, visit 92 Taloumbi Rd Coffs Harbour or call 1800 984 840 today. 50 coffs coast focus.

BH OE DA YL T, HMP IR NODF E+ S SS I OO UNL A L S

focus_technology

with Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate

cyber mum. ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS C O F F S H A R B O U R P O D I AT RY

Coffs Harbour Podiatry

Not all foot orthotics are created equally! Do you sufferare from footc,or foot devices related Foot orthotics specifi simple

pain? into the shoe, under the foot, to correct placed Do you have foot, of ankle, knee, Orthotics hip or lower back the misalignment the foot. pain?aThen youeffectiveness need to see ainPodiatrist, this is have proven reducing as pain, often a symptom of faulty foot mechanics treating and preventing injuries, improving the alignment of yourThere feet. are Painthree and discomfort is patient comfort. types of foot your body’seach wayoffering of tellingdifferent you thatsupport something orthotics, and is not right and that it needs attention to avoid relief: riskingSupport: further injury. Arch These devices are off the shelf, and on the just as the toes hit Yourwork pain may be mid-arch reduced or eliminated when the ground have little on the rear Podiatristand prescribes andeffect manufactures a of the foot. Can help, but not always. custom-made foot orthotic. Foot orthotics are specific, simpleAre devices placed into the shoe Customised: off the shelf, usually or sandal underThe thecomputer foot to correct miscomputerised. picksthe a premade alignment of the foot. Orthotics a proven device to help support the foot, have without taking effectiveness in into reducing pain, treating and prethe foot shape its selection. They work similar arch supports, but cost more. They’re ventingtoinjuries and improving patient comfort. not custom, and you fi t the shape or not. Podiatrists are the orthotic specialists; after all,

58 coffs coast focus.

Custom Made: Made from a Podiatrists invented orthotics! Podiatrists are the mould of the foot and using foot shape along with a prescription ofright a orthotic best educated to select and fit the Podiatrist to accurately giverelated full foot to solve your foot and foot problem. correction to support the foot and However, a good treatment plan is not just the rest of the skeletal system. Only about orthotics. Your Podiatrist may suggest Podiatrists prescribe and fit these. essential strengthening and stretching exercises, Podiatrists are the best educated a change in shoes that you wear, and possibly a to select and fit the right orthotic to solve change in lifestyle habits or whether you need your foot and foot related problem and are orthotics in the first place. the orthotic specialists. After all, Podiatrists So if you orthotics! feel pain in the areas indicated in the invented diagram, we recommend you visit an expeSo if you have foot or foot related pain and rienced Podiatrist tothe assess the best possible need orthotics, call expert Podiatrists at treatment for yourself. the expert podiatrists Coffs Harbour Podiatry,Call where Orthotics are at Coffs Harbour Podiatry, where Orthotics are Our Specialty! Our the Specialty! End pain today. Call (02) 6651 3824 End the pain today. Call (02) to book an appointment, or 6651 go to 3824 to book www.coffspodiatry.com an appointment or visit: www.coffspodiatry.com

TINDER WARNING TINDER WARNING, AS 13 – 17 YEAR OLDS BECOME ONE OF THE BIGGEST USERS. THE CONCEPT OF “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER” SEEMS SOMEWHAT OLD FASHIONED THESE DAYS.

s a married woman with two children, I have to confess I’m a little out of touch with the modern world of dating. However, in case, like me, you have minimal knowledge of the latest dating app “Tinder”, I thought I’d open your eyes to the world of app dating and how it is putting our kids in danger. Don’t get me wrong - I know numerous adults who have met their soul mate via Tinder and are now happily married, and I am genuinely happy for them, but I do have several reservations about the dangers Tinder presents to our kids. For the uninitiated, it works like this: anyone can download the app from the App Store or Google Play, then Tinder pulls your photos and basic information from Facebook (age, location, mutual friends, and interests) to create a profile that the app’s other users can scroll through. You can even set location parameters to specifically meet people close by. You swipe left to dismiss someone and right if you’re interested; if two users both swipe right on each other’s profiles, it’s a match, and Tinder opens a chat feature between the two strangers to develop the connection and ultimately arrange to meet. However, despite the app being rated 17+ for the following reasons as quoted: Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity, Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humour, Frequent/Intense Mature/Suggestive Themes - there is a specific section for 13 - 17 year olds. Children are therefore being encouraged by their friends to use the controversial site to enhance their “street cred” by seeing how many match-ups they can score, in what I can only assume is their quest to improve their their sense of selfworth and social standing. What’s worse - is surveys show the Tinder app is being used by more school kids in Australia than singles

over 35! So what’s the harm in that, you might think? Well, the reality is that children have no way of knowing the real age of the person they are matching up with on Tinder, because it is based on voluntary personal details given to the user’s Facebook account. In other words, there is no robust age identification screening; anyone can easily change their Facebook age or even set up a fake Facebook account. This is a geolocation app, which make it a sexual predator’s playground; it gives plenty of potential for dodgy people to prey on thousands of young teens. I also hold serious concerns about the emphasis the app is placing on the concept of dating at such a young age and the superficial attitudes it is teaching our children. Unfortunately, the concept of “don’t judge a book by its cover” seems somewhat old fashioned these days ... Let alone the culture of kids feeling the need to promote the number of hook ups or matches, as though it’s a competition. If you Google the topic, you will find many articles and warnings on the subject, and many of them list how to teach your children to use the app responsibly if meeting up with people they have met on Tinder. However, I think these articles are missing the point and strongly recommend that parents should be having open discussions with children about the dangers and the psychological issues surrounding this type of impersonal way of making friends, the promotion of teen promiscuity and the superficial and judgemental values in is engendering. My recommendation to parents is we should be banning the use of Tinder for school aged teens altogether! It takes a village to raise child, and if we parents stand united on this issue, we stand a chance of guiding our teens through this frightening time of their and our lives. coffs coast focus. 51

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JULY 2016

with Terri

Results PT STUDIO The diet industry is worth $$$ billions, Amazon have 20,000 books on diets, you can buy 4 - 12 week challenges, buy food with points, wraps, pills, creams, and even pressure chambers to help shift the fat. So why is it that the majority of people struggle with food? Why does the weight come back? Research shows us that 90% of diets fail, but we just keep trying another then another ... What gives? Are we stupid? The majority of people know what healthy food is; if I asked you to fill a shopping basket with healthy food, you would make a pretty good job of it, and yet most people struggle with their weight. So why do so many diets fail? I will be hosting a FREE seminar on Why Diets Fail at the Coffs Harbour studio, 1/21 Industrial Dr on Monday 11th July at 7pm. No tricks, no gimmicks, just real information to help you lose the weight and keep it off for life. So if you are interested in learning the secrets to success, we would love to help. Bookings are essential.

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

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.

May 22 - June 22

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

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 Time to set some new goals, but be aware of your motive to ensure attracting the best of the best. If you are at a loss when it comes to knowing what to look for, don’t despair. Make a list of emotions that you would like to experience and pray for those feelings to be fulfilled. Selenite shatters fears and encourages positive energy.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Your mind is vulnerable at becoming bored at present. Also, there is a growing need to pursue your life’s purpose or destiny. If you set some goals centering on accessing a gift or talent that provides learning opportunities, you should be content with the next year’s cycle and elevation in self-esteem. Rose Quartz restores self-worth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Your loving, nuturing and compassionate qualities are about to be drawn on from those around you. When the going gets tough, look inward at your attributes that you chose to incarnate with, especially the things you are approving of. Rose Quartz is the crystal of love and initiates self-love.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

You have come to a place where instead of being comforted by your beliefs, you are feeling trapped in them. There is no better exercise than to debate with your beliefs. Begin with the rules you are adamant about and try picking them to pieces. Aquamarine is great for clearing and cleansing.

52 coffs coast focus.

GEMINI.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Honouring yourself should be an important focus at present. You have always been there for everyone else, but have rarely prioritised your own needs. Love yourself as much as you can and be ready to receive beautiful rewards. Rose Quartz is a powerful self loving crystal.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Justice can be expected to settle any outstanding wrongs. You will benefit by being aware of your fears so you can become the answer to them, thus avoid facing them for personal growth or evolution. Amethyst reconnects us to our personal journey.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 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. Self-appreciation is most beneficial for attracting new success. Rose Quartz is the crystal for self-love.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 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.

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

Time for setting some fresh goals. Think about what you want and make sure your motive is pure. This will eliminate fears predicting your future. After setting new goals, give yourself permission to receive. Enjoy! Clear Quartz is a wonderful amplifier for us.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

If you have been feeling unsupported lately, try identifying the emotion you’re needing, and wake it up internally by visualising every breath activating it and making it stronger. When you are completely independent emotionally, you sparkle. Ruby is a powerful self motivating crystal.

Education &

TRAINING

n o i t a c Edu G N I N I A R T &

coffs coast focus. 53

Education &

TRAINING

Education & TRAINING

MUNCH&MOVE. THE MUNCH & MOVE INITIATIVE IS EXACTLY AS IT SOUNDS. IT’S ALL ABOUT ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO MUNCH ON HEALTHY FOODS AND SNACKS AND GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE. TELLING US MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING PROGRAMME IS NICKI KERR, WHO IS A HEALTH PROMOTION OFFICER WITH THE MID NORTH COAST LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT.

hat is Munch & Move? Munch & Move is NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children from birth to five years, with a focus on physical activity, healthy eating and reducing small screen time. It is a free health promotion programme that is offered to early childhood settings including preschools, long day care services and family day care services across NSW. Participating services are offered Munch & Move training for staff, free programme resources and ongoing program assistance to help them with implementing a “whole-ofservice” approach to supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits in young children. Why is there a need for this initiative? Unfortunately over the past 30 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of children in NSW who are above a “healthy” weight. This is due to a wide variety of complex factors; however, one thing that is clear is that early childhood is the ideal time for children to develop and practice healthy eating and physical activity habits. As a large number of children in this age group attend early childhood settings, this is an ideal environment for children to build their knowledge and skills about good health behaviours. Educators from the service have a wonderful opportunity to engage children in positive learning experiences about healthy foods, role modeling positive behaviours, engage children in conversations about 54 coffs coast focus.

programme. how to make their own healthy choices and MNCLHD staff have also developed many also actively develop and practice children’s additional support strategies and resources to movement skills. support services such as: Early Childhood Services also have great • A Cooks Network and a grant scheme to relationships with their families and can work support staff who prepare meals to ensure with them to provide credible information and their menus meet the nutritional guidelines for support for ideas on how to reinforce and children whilst in care; support healthy behaviours at home. • Educator workshops to Establishing sound eating build the capacity of staff and activity habits from an in nutrition and/or early age gives children physical activity or more the best chance of All Early ices specifically how to leading a healthy life Childhood Serv the teach the fundamental and maintaining a participating in initiat ive movement skills that healthy weight so, Munch & Move d will help children Munch & Move also have been offere source free training , re of take part in and supports the NSW kit manuals and a enjoy physical activity Government’s priority urces so re g tin or supp throughout their lives. of preventing childhood .” lth from NSW Hea What are the key overweight and obesity messages that are being issues. How is this programme delivered? being implemented? Sometimes it can be hard for All Early Childhood Services busy families to make the healthier participating in the Munch & Move initiative choice, yet these decisions can impact on have been offered free training, resource our health and our children’s health - both now manuals and a kit of supporting resources and in the long-term. from NSW Health. In addition to this, services To simplify and assist families, Munch & Move then receive ongoing support from their Local has six key health messages for encouraging Health District Munch & Move Support Officer. children’s healthy eating and physical activity On the Coffs Coast, our Mid North Coast habits. • Choose water as a drink Local Health District (MNCLHD) Health • Eat more fruit and vegetables Promotion Team provide individual support to • Get active each day each Early Children’s service, meeting regularly • Select healthier snacks with service directors and educators to provide • Turn off the screen and get active advice, training and tailored resources to • Encourage and support breast feeding help services to implement and maintain the

“

Apart from promoting being active and healthy eating habits in early childhood services, will this programme help to improve things like school canteen menus? Although the Munch & Move programme is targeted specifically at the 0 - 5 year age group, there is a flow on effect into primary schools through the Live Life Well @ School (LLW@S) programme, which is a partnership with NSW Health and the Department of Education. Similar to Munch & Move, LLW@S is designed to support primary schools and teachers with implementing a “whole-of-school” approach to physical activity and healthy eating. This programme provides training, support and resources for teaching and learning in the PDHPE curriculum area, but Health Promotion Staff also work with the schools, and their communities to encourage and support healthy school canteens, health food environments and student cooking programmes. What are the goals of Munch & Move? The primary goal of the Munch & Move programme is to improve the health of our future generations by supporting Education and Care Service Providers to encourage children in their care to develop the healthy habits that will give them the best opportunity possible to have a healthy start to life. Where can our readers find out more? For more information on the programme and available resources, go to the Healthy Kids NSW website and follow the links to the Munch & Move campaign, or ask your Education and Care Service about the programme in their service. Thanks Nicki.

focuseditorial.

IS YOUR CHILD SNEEZING, COUGHING, AND COMPLAINING ABOUT A SORE THROAT? THERE'S NOT A PARENT ON THE PLANET WHO HASN'T BEEN THERE. FIND OUT HOW TO KEEP THOSE COLD SYMPTOMS IN CHECK AND PREVENT YOUR KID FROM GETTING SICK THE NEXT TIME.

hat is a cold? More than 200 different viruses can cause this infection, but the rhinovirus is the most common culprit. Antibiotics, which fight bacteria, won't treat your child's cold. Except in newborns, colds in healthy children aren't dangerous. They usually go away in ffour to 10 days without treatment. What to expect: When your child gets a cold, it starts when he has a general feeling of not being well, often followed by a sore throat. At the beginning, the sore throat is due to a build up of mucus. As your child's cold gets worse, he may wake up with symptoms like these: watery mucus in the nose, sneezing, feeling

of tiredness, fever (sometimes), sore throat and cough. A cold virus can affect your child's sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes, and ears. They may also have diarrhoea and vomiting. At first your child may be irritable and complain of a headache and feeling stuffed up. After a while, the mucus coming out of his nose may turn darker and thicker. How can I prevent my kid from catching one? Door handles, stair railings, books, pens, video game remotes, and a computer keyboard are some common "carriers" of cold viruses. They can live on one of those objects for several hours. Washing hands is the best defence. Teach your child to do it after every bathroom trip, before every meal, and after playing at school or at home.

focuseditorial. Our menus have been developed on a four week menu cycle and assessed and approved against the Caring for Children guidelines and the Munch & Move Assessment Criteria of the Munch Menu Project. Our nutritionally balanced and cooked meals come prepared by the qualified chefs from the Surf Club Restaurant and Bar and are delivered daily to the service. The service provides morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Lunch consists of a main meal with fresh fruit/vegetable or a dairy dessert to follow (menus and nutrition guidelines are available at the centre).

THE AWARD WINNING CAST FROM THE ABC KIDS TV SERIES, LAH-LAH’S ADVENTURES, ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO COFFS HARBOUR, ON THEIR BIGGEST MUSICAL TOUR YET. THE SHOW IS PLAYING AT C.EX ON FRIDAY 15TH JULY.

ah-Lah will bring their unique brand of engaging performance and live music to families across the country - they will also introduce children to the wonderful world of music. Sing It Loud! is a spectacular, fun live show that will delight audiences and will have the whole family up singing and dancing. For complete tour and ticket information, visit www.lah-lah.com The show promises to be a brand new live musical extravaganza from Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band, and these shows will feature some new, never before performed Lah-Lah tunes, as well as some very stripy favourites.

A FAMILY PASS TO LAH-LAH SING IT LOUD. Simply jump on our Coffs Coast FOCUS Facebook page and tell us where Lah-Lah lives! Entry closes 3pm Friday 8th July. Winner will be drawn Monday 11th July. coffs coast focus. 55

Education &

TRAINING

Community training AUSTRALIA Our lovely Training Centre is right in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Campus Manager Julie Hession commenced training at Coffs Harbour back in 2013 and with her husband and Business Manager, John Hession, decided late in 2015 to establish their own Training Centre in Coffs Harbour, which opened on 1 February, 2016. Enrolments are now open for our upcoming courses. Drop in to our office Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to see Shannon or phone Lauren, our Course Advisor, on (02) 6624 3804. CHC51015 DIPLOMA OF COUNSELLING Starts in August. It provides students with specialised skills in learning to support people, by listening to their needs in such areas as Cross-Cultural Counselling, Managing your own Counselling practice, Counselling with addictive behaviours, teens and families, Grief and Loss, Suicide and learning how to build resilience within yourself and your community. CHC52015 DIPLOMA OF COMMUNITY SERVICES starts in October. It provides opportunities in understanding a wide range of welfare sectors, including Womenâ€™s Centres, Community Services, Indigenous Services, Youth Services, Aged Care and Disability Services. A 100 hour Work Placement is part of this course. Our DUAL DIPLOMA in Child

UPCOMING COURSES

Care starts SEPTEMBER CHC50113 DUAL DIPLOMA OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION and CHC50213 SCHOOL AGE EDUCATION AND CARE. Childhood Educators need to be able to create a safe and nurturing environment for young children to learn and grow. These Diplomas provide our graduates with many opportunities for employment as Early Childhood or outside school hours Educators, Home Based Carers, Vacation Care Educators, Nannies or Childhood Educator Assistants.

DUAL DIPLOMA IN CHILD CARE CHC50113 DIPLOMA OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE AND CHC50213 DIPLOMA OF SCHOOL AGE EDUCATION AND CARE

STARTS SEPTEMBER

CHC510

PHONE: 6650 9939

FIND US AT SUITE 1, 1444148 WEST HIGH STREET COFFS HARBOUR

5 DIPLOMA1O COUNSELLINF STARTS AUG G UST! ENROLMEN TS NOW OP EN CHC52015 DIPLOMA O F COMMUN ITY SERVICE S STARTS OCTOBER!

RTO #31905 56 coffs coast focus.

Education &

TRAINING

Inspire

Banksia PRESCHOOL & LONG DAYCARE

leadership MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA

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

Marilyn Brien from Leadership Management Australia (LMA), tell us about your team in 2016 ...

We are open from 7:45am to 6pm. We cater for children aged from 18 months+ to five years of age. We have a dedicated, passionate and nurturing team of educators who work together with parents and carers for their child’s early learning. We have inside and outside learning environments for the children to play in. We have strong community links with local schools, which includes regular visits to their library and school happenings. This helps the children to connect with their community and get a better understanding of the outside world. We also offer yoga and tennis, these being conducted by qualified instructors. We believe in providing a home like environment, where children are nurtured whilst learning through play and are supported in their development. Not every child develops at the same rate. Learning is delivered in an environment that is inclusive and accepting. Call Sandra to schedule a visit and discuss your child’s education during these very important years. Our Facebook page or web page www.banksiapreschool. com.au is designed to share our programme and the memories we have made.

We are a friendly professional development team covering the Mid North Coast. Our Coffs Harbour and Grafton sales, facilitation and client support team consists of Tania Beckett, Rod Macpherson, Barbara Haigh and myself. We are proud to have been working with in excess of 200 organisations and 1,400 participants since 1998.

Explore

Discover

Innovative Early Childhood & Preparation for School 3 to 5 year olds

What does LMA do? We are a Registered Training Organisation and deliver a variety of Leadership and Management courses, as well as a Sales Course. The most exciting part of our job is helping individuals to realise more of their potential in both their personal and professional lives through behaviour and attitude change - these changes deliver measurable results for the client. What makes your LMA business stand out? Our unique development process - one aspect being our “communication triangle.” Talk to us to find out more. People development opportunity: As we commence the second half of 2016, take a moment to evaluate your business - investing in your people is a proven and effective way of achieving better results - people are your greatest asset. Visit www.lma.biz and do a free team or management analysis.

Have you prepared your people for the new financial year?

Leadership Management Australia has a range of development opportunities to benefit you and your team members. If you would like to see how our unique, proven and guaranteed process can dramatically improve productivity and performance of your people contact us today. Marilyn Brien 0418 693 914 mbrien@lma.biz

Tutoring 1:1 Years K-12

Enrichment Programs for high achievers Years K-6

Art Lessons Years K-6

Yoga Classes for children

Science Discovery Club Years 3-7

For more information please contact:

M: 0413 763 143

Email: admin@serendipitylearning.com.au Address: 15A North Street, Coﬀs Harbour NSW Website: www.serendipitylearning.com.au

“Inspire children to explore and they will discover” coffs coast focus. 57

focusinterview.

Education &

TRAINING

GONSKI I T ’ S M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E R I G H T H E R E

THROUGH THE PROVISION OF EQUITABLE FUNDING, AUSTRALIA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAN BECOME EVEN BETTER AT ADDRESSING DISADVANTAGE THROUGH EDUCATION AND BUILD A STRONGER SOCIETY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

From left to right: Helen Trist, Michael Hepi, Deanne Ian, Kate Harland, Trish Isles, Patti Kearns Sitting down: Paul Holding, Paul Convington

hat is Gonski Funding? It’s based on a review of schools funding chaired by businessman David

Gonski. The review panel received more than 7,000 submissions, visited 39 schools, and consulted 71 education groups across Australia. The finding of the review, known as the Gonski Report, said funding needs to be increased by about $5 billion per year across all schooling sectors. Two-thirds of that funding should come from the Commonwealth. The model identified a minimum resources standard that all schools will reach when the model is fully implemented - this minimum level is the amount required to allow all schools to support all students. Additional funding is also provided in the form of equity loadings to support regional and remote schools and students from Indigenous backgrounds, non English speaking families, low socio-economic households and with special needs. At a state level there is bi-partisan support for the Full Gonski from Labor, the Greens and the Liberal-National Coalition. At a Federal level, Labor and the Greens support implementation of the Full Gonski, while the Liberal-National Coalition’s plan will end Gonski funding next year. Green Gonski signs adorning school fences have become a familiar sight across over the 58 coffs coast focus.

Principals Association continued: last few years, but what is Gonski all about “We’ve already had some Gonski funding, and why is it so important in this Federal and that’s allowed an increase in programmes election? FOCUS has taken the time to speak in schools around the region targeting with representatives from an alliance of public engagement and increasing student outcomes. education peak bodies and organisations that Importantly, Gonski has given us the funding to have come together in an unprecedented invest in the right resources to target students joint call to sustain equitable funding for local that we’ve identified as requiring additional schools. support. This includes providing more individual Patti Kearns, Principal of Coffs Harbour HS support for students who were struggling with and the local Secondary Principals Council reading and maths. Schools have also used President explains what Gonski is all the equity loadings to establish new about and why this alliance has programmes to support and come together. cater for the learning needs en “I’ve been teaching be I’ve of Aboriginal students and for 35 years and when teaching for 35 onski G n he w d an s students from refugee Gonski came in, year as just w it , in e m ca backgrounds. it was just such a tal such a fundamen “Schools would love to fundamental change a change and just ors, be able to expand these and just a relief for all at uc relief for all ed t programmes, because educators, because it ou ok because it to n ee tw be it really does make a took out that division on si that divi difference but unless we s.” between sectors. It was sector can get the final two years of about funding students in Gonski through at this election, whatever school they were in, this will mean schools in Cowper for their needs. alone will be $31 million worse off. This “It is no secret that in the electorates means kids will continue to miss out, and we of Cowper, Page and the New England, don’t want that to happen.” there is significant disadvantage - this “We” is not only Principals and teachers, creates a huge disparity in the performance of but also parents and the P&C, who are getting students, and Gonski was about bringing every behind Gonski at this election. Helen Trist, student up through guaranteeing schools are P&C President from Bellingen HS, outlines the funded at a minimum resource standard and reason the P&Cs support Gonski. individual needs were address through equity “As parents, we want what is best for our loadings.” children, and equitable funding for Australian Michael Hepi, Principal of Bonville Public schools is the only way we can guarantee School and a representative from the Primary

“

students have the resources they need. Gonski is already having an impact, but it’s not only for students now, but for students in the future. “If our students are to excel and contribute to our future society, they need access to individual and group support from well trained and resourced teachers and other support staff, both in school and the community. Gonski is our guarantee that schools have the funding necessary to make that happen.” Deanne Ion, local teacher and President of the NSW Teacher Federation Local Association, summed up what this alliance is trying to achieve: “The alliance we have formed at a local level is mirrored at a state level and in regions all around NSW, including the New England and in Port Macquarie. What we are trying to do is simple; we want to educate people about why Gonski is important, so that voters can make an informed choice in this election. When voters walk in to their local schools on July 2, they need to understand that they are voting for the future of that very school and public education. “Through equitable funding, we know that Australia’s public schools can become even better at addressing disadvantage through education and build a stronger society for future generations. After only two years of needs-based funding in NSW schools, we are already seeing significant improvements in learning and life outcomes for students, which is only a small foreshadowing of what would be possible under a national equity-based funding model.”

Education &

NAIDOCWEEK. AS WELL AS CELEBRATING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURES, NAIDOC WEEK IN COFFS HARBOUR ALSO HONOURS LOCALS WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN ARTS, SPORT AND EDUCATION THROUGH THE NAIDOC WEEK AWARDS. “Council’s NAIDOC Week Awards aim to recognise the contribution that local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contribute to our community as a whole,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “Each nominee and winner is special, because they’ve been recognised for their accomplishments by the community, their peers, their friends and their families. These Awards are an ideal way of highlighting just some of the achievements and excellent work being carried out by members of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.” The winners are chosen each year by the members of Coffs Harbour’s Yandaarra Aboriginal Consultative Committee - and nominations are now open. Details of how to make a nomination can be found at: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/ NAIDOC Nominations close on June 27. A series of fun events are also being held throughout NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 3 - 10. This year’s theme is “Songlines - the living narrative of our nation” - which highlights the importance of Songlines to the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

TRAINING

Bishop druitt COLLEGE Bishop Druitt College is an independent school in the Anglican tradition in Coffs Harbour. The College aims to develop graduates who are dynamic, caring and optimistic. These are the qualities that will enable them to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work. We value every individual in our care, and it is our aim to provide the best possible environment in which children can succeed. Scholarship opportunities are now open for entry to the college in 2017 for Years 5, 7 and 11. The college awards these to applicants who can demonstrate all-round ability, including strong academic performance and / or high achievement in at least one co-curricular endeavour. Scholarship opportunities for 2017 include: • NEW ENTRANT SCHOLARSHIPS (YEARS 5, 7 & 11) • DRAMA AND VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS (YEAR 11) • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) SCHOLARSHIPS (YEAR 11) To find out more about 2017 Scholarships and joining the Bishop Druitt College community, email us at enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au or phone (02) 6651 5644.

Wednesday 6 July “Who You Gunna Call” Forum. Hosted by Aboriginal Health Mid North Coast Local Health District. An opportunity for people to engage with health service providers in an informal fun day. Coffs Harbour Showground; 10am - 3pm. Thursday 7 July “Caring for Country Planting the Seed”. Hosted by Ngurrala Aboriginal Corporation and Primary Health Network North Coast - Close the Gap. This is a chance to learn more about bush native species and help out with important regeneration. Diggers Beach; 10am. Friday 8 July Family Golf Day. Hosted by CHASE Committee, sponsored by Miiyinda La Goori Men’s Group. Novotel Pacific Bay Resort.

Coffs Harbour Education Campus 363 Hogbin Drive

Scholarships: Opportunities in 2017

Find your passion and experience our vibrant campus atmosphere in a fun day of interactive demonstrations, workshops, activities and more…

Monday 4 July Official flag raising, morning tea and NAIDOC Week Awards. Council Chambers; 10am start. Tuesday 5 July CHASE and Deadly Factor presents “The Songlines NAIDOC Concert” . Singing, dancing, lip syncing performances showcasing local talent. Jetty Memorial Theatre; 5pm.

Saturday 9 July 10am-2pm

A KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 12 SCHOOL IN THE ANGLICAN TRADITION

Optimism, tradition, inclusiveness, service, compassion, tolerance, hope and faithfulness are the underpinnings of a Bishop Druitt College education.

turn your passion into your career Phone 1300 NCTAFE or visit northcoasttafe.edu.au

Firm Foundations Bright Futures

www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au

coffs coast focus. 59

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Education &

TRAINING

FELICITY COOK.

S P E C I A L

T E A C H E R

FELICITY COOK IS A DEDICATED SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER WHO WORKS AT COFFS HARBOUR PUBLIC SCHOOL. HER PASSION FOR THE ROLE AND PATIENCE WITH HER STUDENTS IS HELPING GIVE THEM A BETTER START TO THEIR SCHOOL LIFE.

i Felicity. Tell us a bit about your connection to the Coffs Coast ... I grew up in Coffs Harbour, attending both primary and high school here before moving to Newcastle to do my teaching degree. I lived there for 12 years, but have frequently visited Coffs every year to see my family and catch up with friends. The Coffs Coast is such a beautiful part of the country. I always felt like Newcastle was just a “bigger” Coffs, as the lifestyle was very similar. When I was successful at the end of last year in getting a permanent teaching position, it was exciting to think I would be moving back home, this time with my own family in tow. Can you briefly explain what it is that you do? I teach students with disability in a primary school setting. We support students with disability by helping them to reach their goals. Each student has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) that has been created by a team consisting of the class teacher, SLSO (School Learning Support Officer), the parent/carers and other professionals including physiotherapists, speech therapists, vision and hearing itinerant teachers and other outside agencies. Where do you work? I work at Coffs Harbour Public School. We have five Special Education classes at the school and 16 mainstream classes. For a teacher, moving schools is always a big transition. However, Coffs Harbour Public is a wonderful place to work, and I feel very much a part of the school community. All the staff are fun and very supportive, and I love the students in my class! I also enjoy the opportunities to participate with all students in 60 coffs coast focus.

E D U C A T I O N

whole school activities and have been training school are diverse and offer a variety of levels of both boys and girls for basketball during lunch support. times. We regularly integrate students with In the afternoon we might do some art and disability into a number of mainstream classes to craft or sport, and we also take some students to meet their individual academic and social needs. the local TAFE in our school bus. We have a great How does a typical day in your partnership with the TAFE, where training position begin? SLSOs have practical activities organised We welcome students for our students. They enjoy the to school and start our facilities, resources and meeting morning circle routine, new people. The students love All the staff are fun and where we sing a it, as they get to explore and variety of songs and create new things. very supportive, and I love the talk about what’s The bus is a great resource students in my happening for the for our students - as we get to class!” day. We use visuals go out into the community - to displayed around the the park, to other schools’ events room and technology etc. based aides to assist students Actually, we have a fundraiser to follow their daily schedule. Our coming up to help with the maintenance students are really enjoying taking part in of the bus. We are having a golf day on the school “Crunch & Sip” Programme, Sunday 16th October at 12pm. Teams of four where they are developing healthy for $200 includes 18 holes of golf, post-game eating habits. We often have speech therapists, platter. Sponsorship Package for $400 includes vision and hearing itinerant teachers and team entry inclusions, plus two carts and a physiotherapists visiting students on a daily basis, banner on a hole. Contact Coffs Harbour Public so they are timetabled into our school routine. School for more information. It’s sure to be a Students participate in small IEP groups for fabulous day! literacy and mathematics, and we try to stick What are some of the highlights of your job? to those routines as much as possible. Other There are lots of highlights when you are a needs of our students include developing teacher. When you work on identified goals for their skills with their communication devices, each student and see their progress - it is such a engaging in sensory and fine motor activities, thrill. Even the smallest of steps can be a huge participating in toileting programmes, and achievement for a student. Whether it be writing promoting independent living skills. Social skills their name, making a new friend, performing are constantly being taught to our students and on stage at the end of year school concert or in particular developing positive playground social participating in school cross country and athletics skills. carnivals, I always feel such a sense of pride! Can you explain your teaching approach to a We are able to accommodate the needs student who requires extra attention? of all our students, as our playgrounds in the

“

Each student learns differently and in their own unique way. It is always important to know your students well and how they learn, so that you can use the appropriate strategies to provide them with the opportunity to succeed. Having a variety of teaching methods is useful, such as using hands on materials, technology, one-to-one and small group work. When a student may require extra attention, we always use a team approach - involving parents/carers, other teachers, SLSOs, outside agencies (physiotherapists, speech therapist, etc.) to work in conjunction to develop an appropriate plan and then strategies to meet the needs of each child. We currently use Class Dojo as a positive behaviour rewards system in class. What makes a great teacher? Everyone will probably have different ideas about what makes a great teacher. Both my parents were teachers, and a number of family members, and I think a lot of great teachers possess different attributes. I’ll mention a couple that I think are pretty important! Having the passion and enthusiasm for the job is certainly an important aspect. There is a lot of preparation and programming done outside of class time; it doesn’t just happen! Creating a sense of community and belonging in the classroom and showing respect for all students is essential to building a good rapport with your students. I remember some teachers from my own schooling, and they were the ones who were caring, warm, and accessible and showed an interest in their students. Great teachers also have high expectations, a willingness to collaborate with other staff, maintain professionalism at all times and have their own love of learning. Thanks Felicity.

Education &

TRAINING

FROLICINFABRIC. SEWING BRINGS SO MUCH JOY AND SATISFACTION TO PEOPLE. FOR SOME, IT’S THE PRACTICAL SIDE - FOR OTHERS, THE CREATIVITY. I LOVE TO WITNESS THIS; I CAN HONESTLY SAY I HAVE THE BEST PROFESSION.

hat is the history behind your business? Frolic in Fabric was established back in 2010. It all began when we renovated our garage into a studio to create a space where I could sew garments for the local markets. The space was too nice just for me, so I opened the studio doors to school students, offering beginner sewing classes and holiday workshops. Before I knew it, I was running adult sewing classes, selling fabrics and had become a sub-agent for Bernina Sewing machines. Tell us about what makes your business unique? My workshops are small and personable, allowing for individual focus. Students (mostly) choose their own garments, and we tailor them to their individual needs. I also offer private lessons for those working on special projects. How do you continue to increase your skills? In April last year I was delighted to study

with Chanel and Couture Sewing expert Claire Shaeffer. Claire Shaeffer is an internationally respected designer, teacher, and author of more than 20 books. Courses included Haute Couture Techniques and how to sew a Chanel jacket. It was fascinating to learn the inside tips and techniques, as well as looking inside Chanel garments from her personal Chanel Collection! I enjoy sharing these skills with my students and using them in bespoke garments. Where do you source your fabrics from? I personally source fabrics from around the globe. I have begun to stock quality designer knit fabrics used by fashion houses from Paris to New York, from Ponte knit fabric for pants and dresses, to soft Viscose and Tencil blends. These quality fabrics are exclusive to Frolic in Fabric. Also available is bamboo jersey, superfine Merino wool and a limited range of quilting fabrics, Japanese lawns and other dress fabrics. Fabrics can be purchased from the studio. What is the best thing about your job? I’m passionate about teaching others the skills of sewing. Sewing is such a practical yet creative outlet for many people. Some people

come to make garments because they can’t find store bought garments to fit them, others come to make that unique garment that no one else has, while others come purely for the social connection with like-minded people. For me, I love to witness how learning to sew can bring so much joy and satisfaction to others. I have the best job in the world! What products and services do you offer? Frolic in Fabric offers a range of services, including: • Sewing classes - from beginners to advanced • Short term courses and specialty courses • School holiday workshops • Fabric colouring workshops • Bernina Club (quarterly) Frolic in Fabric has a range of products for sale, including: • Bernina sewing machines and accessories • Quality fabrics • Liquid Radiance and Lumi Inkodye For more information about our classes or products, contact Elizabeth 0418 500 469 or visit us on Facebook or www.frolicinfabric.com.au

Education & TRAINING

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TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CHOSEN SPORT, IT OFTEN PAYS TO START EARLY. ALANNA HARRISON IS GIVING IT HER BEST SHOT IN TENNIS, WITH HOPES TO EMULATE THE LIKES OF SERENA WILLIAMS. FOCUS RECENTLY SPOKE WITH HER ABOUT HER HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? We moved here in June 2010 because my Dad is from here and it’s for family purposes. My parents decided to move back here because there are a lot of opportunities for us kids, academically and outside school. Where did you live before moving to Coffs? Samoa. I was born there. We moved to Coffs Harbor when I was 6 years old When did you start playing tennis? October 2010 when I was 6 years old Are there enough competitions locally or do you need to travel? I travel a fair bit for competitions because there aren’t that many here. What do you see as your biggest strength as a player? I have learnt to stand up for myself if I face players who are not honest with their calls on the court. I used to cry and let my opponents get away with it, but I have learnt to be strong and deal with it. My forehand is my secret weapon. Are you an offensive or defensive player? I think I am both. Do you have any rivals you would like to beat? Yes. I have a few and they live in big cities. Also the girls who are above me in the Australian 62 coffs coast focus.

Rankings. Tasmania, Adelaide and Sydney and I think the What advice would you give to other young best out of all of them is the Rod Lavers courts people who are thinking about taking up in Melbourne. Big courts and excellent facilities tennis as a sport? including play room for us when we aren’t on Well I am a young player myself and at the the court. How often do you train? moment, I’m enjoying playing the sport and I have 1 hour of private lessons a week (1/2 sometimes my Mum tells me that I should have hour on Monday and ½ on Tuesday) and a 2 fun and enjoy the game. Don’t get down if I hours squad a week. Overall, 3 hours play bad, which is true sometimes. a week. It’s not much compare to So when I think about it, when my friends in big cities. I’m happy on the court, I How often do your play so good. My advice ... I beat the friends train who live in to younger people who number five girl n in the city? are thinking of taking up in NSW and seve e at St Australia in the All of them tell me they tennis is to make sure in Championships train 6 or 7 days a week. you are well prepared il this Cessnock in Apr od Who coaches you? mentally and physically, go year. That was a Tony Polack. I’ve had him have fun and make as match .” since I started playing 6 years many friends as you can. It ago. does help you when you go What has being your best to tournaments when you know result in competition? many people. I’m having the best When I beat the number 5 girl in NSW time of my life with tennis. I get to travel, and 7 in Australia in the State Championships see my friends and most of all, play the best in Cessnock in April this year. That was a good sport in the world. match What do you love most about the game? Recently you had a chance to play against I love the challenge I get from playing different a few older established players, can you tell girls. Also I make a lot of friends throughout the us a bit about that experience? years from playing tennis. Most of my friends are I’ve noticed my confidence has built up from from tennis. the experience, it has have given me a great way Where is your favorite place to play? to improve my game. The older girls have similar Big cities. I’ve played in Melbourne, Brisbane,

“

ways of playing, similar to the girls I play in the Gold or Platinum tournaments, because they hit hard and know how to place the ball on the court. It makes me think and play harder. And of course I get nervous before I step on the court that’s why I never look into the draw when I have tournaments, my mother does it for me. I only find out whom I play on the day. I don’t even watch how they play. I work out how when we warm up before the match. Who is your favorite tennis player and why? Serena Williams, she serves well and has a good way of coming back to win a match. I seem to do that a fair bit during my previous matches. I hope one day I can serve as fast and hard like her and maybe have her muscley arms. If you could play a game of tennis with anyone in the world who would it be and why? I would choose, Tony Polack, my coach, because he’s the best and I would love to play in a tournament with him and he could tell me what to do on the court. What are your hopes for the future? I aim to be a sports teacher or even a coach. If my tennis takes me any further then I would keep on pursuing it to become a professional player. Thanks Alanna and good luck for the future.

Education &

TRAINING

Education &

TRAINING

INTERACTIVE Library Learning “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn” - Benjamin Franklin. The online environment is an exciting interactive playground of learning - and Coffs Harbour’s libraries offer free access to a fantastic array of online learning tools, as well as - of course - plenty of great books, magazines, music and movies. Whatever your age, background or interest, everyone can make the most of the libraries’ free range of e-resources, which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. All you need is a library card - and membership is free. There is an e-resource to suit any level or enquiry. The littlies love “TumbleBooks”, an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in an interactive format. The collection includes puzzles, games and non-fiction books. Teens make the most of the “Yourtutor” online homework help - a free and innovative online

service that connects students with tutors across Australia in real time. Students (and parents) love it. An example of typical feedback is: “I found this extremely helpful; I learnt so much tonight! [The tutor] was great and really patient when I [didn’t understand] things, which encouraged me to keep going. So happy with this session!” For those learning a new language, including English as a second language, the experience is made fun and interactive with “Mango Languages”, another free resource that literally offers a world of languages to choose from - including Pirate! With many more study options available, the ever-helpful library teams can help you find the best resources, whether in print or online. Free WIFI and public internet access computers also make your local library a great place for a study session. Visit a library branch at Coffs Harbour City Centre, Toormina or Woolgoolga or see more info at libraries.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au

DOLPHIN MARINE Magic “In the end, we will only conserve what we love; we will only love what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught” - Baba Dioum. This quote, made by a Senegalese forestry engineer, sums up the role that zoos and aquariums play in society today. Conservation is key, and the way to get there is through public engagement and education. Dolphin Marine Magic started its “Marine Ed-Venture” programme in 2012, with lessons designed around the Australian Curriculum. The focus of the programme was to present lessons that would engage and excite students and spark a desire to learn more about the ocean, the animals that inhabit it, the threats facing it and most importantly, what we can do to help it. Since this time, over 8,000 students have been through the programme, and numbers continue to grow each year.

In 2013 this focus on education expanded into “Scientists in Schools”, a partnership with Coffs Harbour High School. This programme links the school students with industry scientists on real projects, where students are able to contribute to real conservation outcomes. The “SiS” partnership has so far seen students sift through poo looking for parasites, dissect turtles that did not survive rehabilitation and release the ones that did. Travis Mackay, Head Teacher of Science at Coffs Harbour High School, describes the programme as a “game changer” for his science students and thinks it may be one of the reasons that the student uptake of science at Coffs Harbour High School is bucking the national trend by increasing each year. For more information about educational opportunities available with Dolphin Marine Magic, please contact our Educational Officer at p.diaz@dolphinmarinemagic.com.au.

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TRAINING

focus_tourism

with Stephen Saunders of Tourism s Coast with Caroline Bleechmore, CyberCoff Safety Advocate focus_technology

cyber mum. ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

tourism

early connections connections COFFS Coffs COAST coast early Exciting news about Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP)Coffs Harbour. Programme (ECIP) - Coffs Harbour. ECIP - Coffs Harbour has just changed their name and will now be known as Early Connections -– Coffs Coast. Early Connections is part of a new collaborative alliance network. The network consists of five not for profit community based organisations on the MidNorth Coast. All five organisations have been committed to delivering quality Early Childhood Intervention Programmes Programs in each local area forfor over in each local area 25 years. over 25 years. Collaboration is nothing new for Collaboration is nothing new for Early Early Connections. All Programmes have been Connections. All Programs been working working on joint projects andhave supporting each on joint each the other for other forprojects the last and twosupporting decades. Given new the last two decades. Given the new approach approach to supporting people with disabilities to supporting people withgood disabilities under under the NDIS, it makes sense to formalise the alliance. NDIS, it makes good sense to formalise the alliance. Early Connections provides education and Early Connections education and therapy to support provides families with children therapy to support families with children from birth to eight years with a diagnosis from birth to eight yearssignifi with acant diagnosis disability or disability and/or delays or in their

and/or significant delays the in their development. To ensure best development. outcomes for To ensure the best outcomes for familiesadopts and families and children, each Programme children each Program adopts a family centered a family centered approach. This means staff approach. Thisthe means staff acknowledge acknowledge importance of families inthe importance of families in children’s lives and children’s lives and commit to partnering with all commit to partnering with all families support families support each child to learn,to grow and each child to learn, grow and thrive. thrive. Early Connections is NDIS ready. Early Connections -–Coffs CoffsCoast Coastisisaaregistered registeredprovider provider with NDIS. with NDIS. Early Connections have highly qualified and dedicated teams, teams including including -- Early Early Childhood Childhood Special Education Teachers and Educators, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Family Support Workers. For more information about the supports and programs offered through Early Connections programmes offered through Early Connections, please visit our website. Contact: Early Connections -–Coffs CoffsCoast Coast Phone: (02) 6652 8080 Website: earlyconnections-coffscoast.org.au

UPDATE

WHAT ABOUT THE BABYSITTER? LIKE MOST PARENTS WITH YOUNG FAMILIES, YOU MIGHT BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO MANAGE A NIGHT OUT ON THE RARE OCCASION AND ORGANISE A BABYSITTER TO COME OVER AND LOOK AFTER YOUR KIDS.

trusted daughter or son of a friend, they want happening with their kids, but the a babysitter recommended by a below list is some of my ideas on what you might friend, a qualified professional need to consider when working out the ground through an agency perhaps ... rules with your babysitter. Whilst this should be harmless • Do I want my babysitter Texting, Facebooking, enough, have you considered that these days Tweeting or Instagramming while babysitting, or there is aCOFFS need to set some guidelines with yourULTIMATE COAST OFFERS THE EXPERIENCE do I wantNATURE their attention on my child? (Unless of babysitter and your family about theLOCATION use of online OF WITHIN OUR UNIQUE A SUB MARINE UNDERWATER course, there is an emergency.) media while you are awaySUB from ALPINE the house? MOUNTAIN ESCARPMENTS AND SUB SANCTUARY, • Do I want the babysitter to take photos of my Once upon a time parents were worried about TROPICAL RAINFORESTS, ALL LOCATED IN THE ONE PLACE. kids? their teen babysitter inviting their boyfriend over. • Do I want the babysitter to be using social means that you go whale Look At Me Now Headland on the Moonee Today there are his new distractions forcan babysitters, media and including my kids? watching in the morning and Beach Nature Reserve. The short walk to the and these dangers are in the form of online • I strongly recommend that there is no talking afternoon headland offers not only whale watching, but activity, texting,spend posts, your privacy and lackdiscovering of respect aboutnature babysitting gigs onwith social pages our hinterland have other experiences themedia eastern grey for your house rules for online bushwalking, use. no one needs to know when or where youra a picnic lunch story in onefrom of our kangaroos and plenty of bird watching. Just I recently heard a terrifying a many babysitter beisalone with your Nature child orReserve, children. nature reserves or submerge in one a short drive will north the Sherwood colleague who left her six andyourself eight year oldsofwith “Social media alerts can behabitat, just as waterfall bad as letting waterfalls. a friend of the family. While the with subtropical rainforest and a adozen new babysitter, stranger into your Whale of a Time swimming hole. Anhome”. easy 20 minute walk along parents were out, the kids talked the babysitter • Dopath, you and wantafterwards the babysitter educating your kids The whalethem watching season isand already upon the you can visit Woolgoolinto setting up Facebook Instagram onfor social media setting up accounts that us, with experts it’sdid. going to be a ga some tastyorfood options. Just west of they Coffs accounts, which predicting she willingly bumper seasonwhere with an 17,000 Harbour is anot waterfall rocktoslide at Friday Creek, are clearly permitted have? Or another, theestimated babysitterover posted that whales north. Thehouse annual migration with rainforests, smooth low waterfallelse’s • Dopristine you want your children to be someone she wasmigrating babysitting at XYZ tonight, and season runs from June to November, with local and Magic Pools. The front of the waterfall the parents came home to find a house full of content? activities including watchup cruises in the reserve area is the ideal spotname for a mentioned picnic lunch, teenagers who hadwhale just turned uninvited. • Do you want your child’s in Solitary Islands Marine Park. The region has some but there are no facilities, so make sure you leave Better still, imagine seeing photos of your kids posts? greatthe coastal vantage to see plastered these majestic nothing butit’sfootprints and photos take nothing butof with babysitter andpoints her friends all • Perhaps okay to take or videos ocean giants, including Boambee Headland in photos. over social media, tagging your home location your kids, but only to send to you as an update, the south, Island in Coffs Harbour, Waterfall Wayshould be deleted. and letting Muttonbird everyone know that they are home and then they and Woolgoolga in the north, which has one of The Waterfall Way was recently voted as one alone! • Or perhaps you are more comfortable with the best viewing locations in Australia. If you’re really of the best scenic drives in NSW, winding through Before your teen babysitter’s online activity babysitter being allowed to take photos or videos lucky, you may spot a mother teaching her calf fi ve National Parks starting from Coffs Harbour innocently puts your child in danger, I strongly of your kids and share them on social media, but how to perform breaching tricks. This year the through Bellingen, with diverse landscapes from recommend that you have a conversation about they are not to use your kids’ names or your last Coffs Coast has joined National Parks and Wildlush, green farm paddocks, through to world hersocial media safety. Discussing the rules with a name and are not to tag people or locations. life Service’s “Wild about Whales” programme, itage rainforests on top of the escarpment. The sitter can be awkward, as teens don’t generally Most parents do want their sitter and children which is designed to register sightings and celeDorrigo National Park features Newell and Sherhave the same concerns about privacy as parents to beFalls ablealong to communicate with them while brate whale migration along the NSW coastline. rard the roadside, and the spectacular of today. they are out, so I’m not recommending thatIf you To The kickkey off is our season, make Dangar Falls just 2 kilometres out of town. towhale outlinewatching some simple, clear completely cutfor offaaccess to electronic devices. But sure you download the “Wild About Whales” you’re looking bush walking challenge, then rules, then discuss them with your children and I am suggesting that you need to keep in mind app, register your sightings, and also make sure try the Dorrigo National Park walk to Casurina, babysitter to make sure everyone has input, online activity third party your home is not you use our local #coffs4whales on your Callicoma and by Reda Cedar Falls.inThe panoramic understands and ishashtag on board. I would even only a privacy issue, it’s a safety issue that parents images and social media posts. view from the 50 m Skywalk at the Dorrigo Rainsuggest typing up some guidelines and posting of today need to be aware of. Secret Nature Reserves forest Centre is breathtaking, and the bushwalkthem on the fridge or message board in your Other secret destination ingAtrail to Crystal Shower Falls should be on your good babysitter will respect your wishes and home if you regularly have experiences a babysitter that in your should be on your “must-see” list when your “must-do” list. if they don’t, then perhaps it’s time to fi nd one home. friends relatives come to visit, views include www.coffscoast.com.au who will! Everyand parent will have different onthe what

FROM WHALES TO WATERFALLS

T EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION PROGRAM - COFFS HARBOUR HAS A NEW NAME. WE WILL NOW BE KNOWN AS

Early CONNECTIONS COFFS COAST Our Programs

✔ Early Childhood Intervention ✔ Better Start ✔ Helping Children with Autism ✔ My Time – supporting parents of children with disabilities ✔ Education and Therapy supports MORE INFORMATION: Phone: (02) 6652 8080 Email: admin@earlyconnections-coffscoast.org.au Web: www.earlyconnections-coffscoast.org.au 60 coffs coffscoast coastfocus. focus. 64

focus_interview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

CARYN MAHE R EARLY CONNECTIONS

i Caryn. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be at Early Connections? I grew up in Sydney, and I’m one of five children. Our family holidayed in Nambucca Heads every year and when I completed my teaching studies in 1991, my sister and I moved here to live. Prior to teaching, I was a Registered Nurse. My first teaching position was at Nambucca Heads Community Preschool. It was here that I met the previous director of this programme, Joy Leach. Joy was such an inspiration and great mentor. She encouraged and supported me to do further studies in Special Education. I am an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and gained my master’s degree through Macquarie University. For those unaware, what is the organisation all about? Early Connections - Coffs Coast (previously known as Early Childhood Intervention Programme) is a programme that supports children with disabilities and/or significant delays in their development. The programme’s focus is to assist families to support their children’s development and ensure their inclusion in the community. What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your work? The joy of seeing children develop and meet significant milestones that many families take for granted is very rewarding. I consider it a real honour and privilege to be part of every family’s journey in supporting their child’s development. I also feel very lucky to have such an amazing team of people around me, all of whom are as passionate about Early Connections as I am. Tell us about the work culture at Early Connections? We have a wonderful team of dedicated and highly qualified professionals. The team is like a family, and we all support each other in the great work we do with families. Nothing is ever

things to happen. too challenging for If a manager or A work environment the team, and we all is business owner that can be flexible to the assist one another recruit a lucky enough to ion for individual helps each team in discovering ss team with real pa mes member feel valued too. innovative and co be is th k, or their w gy This in turn helps staff to creative ways er en e th infectious , and gs in th feel secure and as a result, to ensure we’re t ea gr s created allow they tend to want to give meeting the goals .” to happen back to the organisation. I find for the children of that encouraging and supporting each individual family. people to share their ideas of how to Everything we do is guided implement services also motivates them. by our values of empathy, When people feel ownership of what they are adaptability, respect, acceptance and doing, they have more of a commitment to the integrity. whole process. What do you think accounts for the Here, we’re encouraged and supported passion and dedication of those working to implement new and innovative ways of in not-for-profit organisations that is not supporting children and their families. This always evident in for-profit businesses? programme has never been static in its approach Our focus is on the people we are supporting. to encouraging children’s development and We are dedicated to ensuring that all families inclusion in society. Our team is supportive feel listened to - this keeps us on track with and adaptable, and everyone brings different our values. Sometimes with businesses where knowledge and experience. Everybody’s opinion the dollar is the bottom line, it may be hard to is respected and considered. The team has keep these values in sight. Employees may place a dynamic approach which makes each day importance on these values; however, if profit interesting and rewarding. becomes the motivating force it can be hard to How have changes such as NDIS (National continue working towards them. The people Disability Insurance Scheme) impacted the we support can be lost in the system. Not-fororganisation? profit organisations have the flexibility to adapt NDIS will mean every child eligible for support programme delivery to meet the unique needs of from Early Connections will receive an individual each family. package. They will have access to reasonable and Like many of the team, you’ve been at necessary supports that help the family assist Early Connections for over a decade. As a their child to reach their goals to live a happy manager, what do you think is the key to and fulfilled life. Currently, Early Connections staff dedication and loyalty in a business? receives funding from the government to provide Mutual respect is the starting point for me these supports. Understandably, this funding is respect for all team members and being in a work a set amount each year. This programme feels environment where everyone’s opinion is valued. strongly about ensuring all children and families Having a team who are passionate about the have access to some level of support, and this work they do is important too. If a manager or has meant we often stretch our resources to business owner is lucky enough to recruit a team provide supports to more and more children and with real passion for their work, this becomes families each year. NDIS will mean that we will be infectious, and the energy created allows great

“

in a position to provide supports to children and families to the level they deserve, as the packages will be individualised and reflect their individual needs. In essence, we will continue to provide the great quality of support to children and families. NDIS will just mean we can do it even better! What do you find the most effective ways to promote your business? Word of mouth is very effective for us, in people knowing who we are and what we do. We have a good reputation in the community, and past families and people who have had contact with us frequently share their experiences. We also have great relationships with other community partners who support and help promote us. With the release of NDIS, we’ve really had to reflect on ensuring that we have wider recognition in the community. To do this we have formed an Alliance with other Early Childhood Intervention Programmes along the Mid North Coast (from Taree to Coffs Harbour), hence the new name. Work must be rewarding but also emotional at times. How do you switch off from work? I have a beautiful family that includes a supportive partner, two adult children and two grandchildren. They are my inspiration and joy, and I love spending time with them. My sister is also living locally, and we have fun spending time together. She has just returned from 12 months exploring South America and I was lucky enough to have an amazing adventure with her in Bolivia and Peru earlier this year. I also find it very relaxing to potter around in the garden. The other great stress release for me is exercise. Our dynamic team inspire me on many levels, and one of these has been to motivate and encourage me to take up running and bike riding. I find myself running nearly every week and often ride my bike into work from Bellingen with other team members. Thanks Caryn. coffs coast focus. 65

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Forestry Corporation of NSW is proud to have maintained close links to community clubs over many years, through agreements to use areas of State Forests for different recreation purposes.

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From archery to mountain bike riding, pony clubs to scouting activities, Forestry Corp has partnered with many dedicated community members, who work tirelessly to maintain their State Forest club sites as a safe and fun place to be. The regular events at local and state levels often draw visitors from other parts of the region and as far as interstate, contributing significant amounts to the local visitor economy.

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One such group is the Kempsey Sporting Car Club, this year celebrating their 60th anniversary. This passionate and committed car club manage a hill climb course at Mt. Cooperabung in Ballengarra State Forest, south of Kempsey, and have done so for 20 years. The passion and commitment of the club members has seen this site grow into

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one which has provided enjoyment for many. The club has shown utmost professionalism in terms of safety and the standards in managing their State Forest area. Their site has been the playground for motor sport racing enthusiasts from around the state and the country, timing themselves on the CAMS [confederation of Australian motorsport] sanctioned track in vintage and modern day vehicles. Forestry Corporation is also celebrating a special anniversary in 2016. It is 100 years since the Forestry Commission was formed under the Forestry Act in 1916; a year to celebrate and look forward to many more years of partnerships in our community.

focusinterview.

Stacey

Price

HQB FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS HQB Financial Solutions welcomes Craig Jackson to our team. Craig comes with over 16 years’ experience in the Financial Planning industry and joins HQB Financial Solutions team with customer service and strategy confidence as the number one priority.

STACEY PRICE, LICENSED CONVEYANCER, IS NOW ONE OF THE LAWYERS AT M bt LAWYERS. FOCUS SAT WITH STACEY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY AND HER GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.

hat made you decide to What do you like best about practising law study law? and, in particular, conveyancing, leasing As a child, I didn't think and commercial law? to myself: "When I grow up, My usual working day involves a mixture of I want to be a lawyer!" Perhaps if I'd been liaising with clients, real estate agents, lawyers exposed to slick lawyer TV shows (like my and conveyancers, and finding the "loop holes" current addiction to Suits) it may have been my in their legal contracts. My favourite part of early career goal. Growing up, I was exposed my work is definitely interacting with clients! to the "other side" of the law through I love that I help them achieve their my dad's role as the local Police goals, whether a first home, Sergeant of my home town. dream home, or the next By chance, my first full-time step in reaching a long The partners term objective. Have job after high school was and team I mentioned I adore with a local law firm ays of M bt have alw challenges? As a in Queensland. Whilst e ortiv been very supp ly lawyer, this has I have worked in a al on of me, both pers , ly translated to taking number of different al and profession y (unholy) enjoyment legal areas since that m of especially y m g in in in having carriage time, I have continued to ta ob go al of s.” pe ri st of the more complex work in a law firm for my r lawye commercial and leasing entire career. I really enjoy matters which are usually helping people, and that's more fraught with the what ultimately made my decision "unexpected" occurring. to study law and become a lawyer. You've been with Mbt Lawyers for Tell us about your journey to becoming over 14 years. What is it about Mbt that a lawyer. has attracted your loyalty for so long? I do like a challenge, and I definitely did it the hard way! I started studying for my I started with Mbt when I first moved to Associate Degree in Law in 2004. It took me Coffs Harbour from Queensland as a freshfaced 20 year old party animal. Being away seven years, but in 2011 I had my conveyancing from my family, I formed a close bond with licence, one husband and two young children whilst working full-time at Mbt Lawyers. Much my co-workers at Mbt, and this has only been to my surprise (and horror), after obtaining reinforced over the years. The partners and team of Mbt have always been very supportive my Associate Degree in Law, I didn’t feel of me, both personally and professionally, "finished". With some encouragement from our former Partner at Mbt Lawyers, Bruce especially of my goal of obtaining my lawyer Woolnough, I decided to go the extra distance stripes. I have made some long-term friends and keep studying to become a lawyer. It took with my bosses and my co-workers while at Mbt. The best part? I get to work with them me another three and a half years to finish every day! What more could you ask for! my studies, and I was admitted to the NSW What do you see in your future? Supreme Court as a Lawyer on 22 April 2016. Geoff Smede, Partner of Mbt, travelled to Mbt Lawyers. I want to continue giving my Sydney so he could move my admission to the clients at Mbt the best legal service available, Court. I cannot describe the feeling of being with the added benefit of providing them with admitted to the Supreme Court; some relief, a qualified Lawyer to assist them! elation and, "So, this is it, huh?" Thanks Stacey.

Craig is a long term local to the Coffs Coast, servicing clients across the Mid North Coast for the past decade. Craig enjoys the relaxed lifestyle and the relationships he has formed with his clients, working with them to build their nest and ensure their risk is adequately managed. In general, financial planners can add value through strategic advice, and this may be able to be achieved through a proactive trusted relationship. Craig welcomes people who may just want a second opinion.

• Superannuation legislation and strategy • Investment portfolio construction • Centrelink and Veteran affairs Craig welcomes FOFA (future of financial advice) reforms which will enhance transparency in the industry, especially around cost and product disclosure.

Craig has a unique plain English style of unravelling complexity, which allows individuals to make confident, informed decisions.

Give Craig at HQB financial solutions a call today and begin your journey towards financial freedom.

Expertise offered by HQB Financial Solutions include:

Tel: (02) 6652 2333, Mob: 0401 489 134 or email: craig.jackson@hqb.com.au

• Personal insurance

www.hqbfs.com.au

“

coffs coast focus. 67

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

Farmers tour to vietnam Local Tour Company Quadrant Australia are offering FOCUS readers the chance to travel on their Farmers Tour of Vietnam, departing in November. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to visit Vietnam to experience the country’s vibrant culture, its food, history and its people. Travellers will enjoy the contrast of tranquil villages with the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Visit small scale farms growing tropical fruits, sugar cane, rice, sweet potatoes, corn and vegetables and learn about the local people, whilst observing rural life in picturesque villages. With highlights such as a cruise through the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, absorb history in World Heritage listed Hoi An and the participation in a cooking school using produce sourced from the colourful local markets, this tour is unique and good value.

68 coffs coast focus.

Tour Manager, Kerry Moss says, “Vietnam is a country of natural beauty and unique heritage. Getting off the beaten track and experiencing the traditional Vietnam is both interesting and educational. It teaches you to be humble, grateful and to enjoy the little things.” Quadrant Australia’s Tours are an enticing blend of special interest and sightseeing. The tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, combining agriculture, history, culture, fabulous scenery and the chance to meet the locals. Quadrant Australia has been operating special interest tours for more than 30 years. They are a specialist travel company with a team of experienced travel consultants. Their team can help you with any of your travel arrangements or to find out more about the Famers Tour to Vietnam, drop in to see the team in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour.

The MINDFUL TRAVELLER. IT’S GETTING HARDER TO FIND A UNIQUE TRAVELLING EXPERIENCE THESE DAYS. TRAVELLING TO REMOTE LOCATIONS WAS ONCE DIFFICULT, EXPENSIVE AND SOMETIMES DANGEROUS.

s people are becoming more aware of the impact that they are having on the world, they are looking for experiences that satisfy their travel urges, but don’t leave a massive footprint behind. Now that the world travel stage is open to a new audience, Kerry Moss of Quadrant Australia tells us a few things to watch out for, to ensure we are all still travelling with a conscious. A good travel agent will help you arrange services where you can use local transport, dine in local restaurants and use the services of local tour guides. This doesn’t mean that you need to wait until you get there to organise everything. There are many companies who specialise in this type of service, some of whom even contribute to local charities. From the travellers’ point of view, not only are your funds supporting the destination you are visiting, but you are also getting a more authentic experience. Many countries around the world do not have the sustainability standards that we have in Australia or in the Western World. You might be able to buy a bracelet made from ivory or herbal medicine made from rhino horn, but supporting these practices does no one any favours. It creates demand for a product that is both illegally and immorally obtained. If you are interested in volunteering in a local community, make sure that your services are actually helping. There is no joy for children in an orphanage in Cambodia having tourists trudge through their home every day, unless your visit helps improve their situation. Contact the community first and see what they need.

Taking lollies for children to a community who has no dental care is a recipe for a disaster. When you travel you are often given the chance to interact with local animals. There are many good examples where this is done really well. The animal’s welfare is balanced well with the need for tourists to have a unique experience. Be sure that if you are attending an elephant camp in the Hills of Burma or if you are cuddling a baby orangutan in the jungles of Borneo, that the experience is worth the sacrifice. Be sure to research where the money goes and how the company is reinvesting the money into the local economy. In some destinations, it is common practice to haggle on prices for local services. Certainly the first price you receive may not be the best value for the service. But don’t be a hypocrite. There is no joy in celebrating that you bargained a driver down to his cheapest price whilst you eat your highly inflated priced room service by the pool of your fancy hotel. Find the balance between good value and disrespecting the locals. You might earn 100 times what they earn, be sure not to cross the line for the sake of a few dollars. If you can afford the time, try to spend less time moving around and more time in one location. This saves unnecessary costs for you, but it also means you get time to know the real community; you might get the chance to meet the farmer who grows the vegetables that you can buy at the farmers’ markets. If in doubt, think about what type of world we want to pass onto our children and travel the world accordingly, only go where you are invited, and respect the local customs.

focus_tourism

with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

focus_business

President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, Clive Greenway

tourism UPDATE

OME A LO • C

VISIT S AW ND

A VISIT S AW

SAWTELL E

VISIT

OME A LO • C

WILD ABOUT NATURE THE DESTINATION COFFS COAST COMMITTEE (DCCC) IS MADE UP OF TOURISM INDUSTRY OPERATORS FROM COFFS HARBOUR AND BELLINGEN, AS WELL AS COUNCILLORS AND STAFF FROM BOTH LOCAL COUNCILS.

he DCCC recently announced the final adoption of the Coffs Coast Tourism Strategic Plan 2020, by both the Coffs Harbour City Council and the Bellingen Shire Council. The strategic plan was derived after months of engagement with local businesses, community representatives and interested parties through a series of consultation workshops and online surveys. The plan includes key management directions around marketing activities to increase visitor numbers, target repeat visitors and encourage longer stays through the promotion of quality nature based experiences. The DCCC has now initiated the implementation of the strategy, with the first steps being the creation of a number of functional Working Groups. The working group participants will contribute their tourism industry expertise and skills in the promotion of tourism and nature based experiences. The working group participants will be asked to engage businesses in various initiatives to promote our region. The current strategies include, but are not limited to: • The Coffs Coast Tourism Marketing Plan, including a digital and social media strategy. • Destination Coffs Coast Brand Review Group to review and evaluate the stakeholder perceptions, brand identity, key messages and brand communication. • To position the Coffs Coast as the leading regional destination for sports, tourism and innovative events and festivals. The provision for future planning will also include supporting the development of infrastructure so that Coffs Coast remains an attractive place to visit, to live and to do business. The strategy was developed with the provision to support tourism product develop-

ment and upgrades that will provide visitors with quality experiences in the region. Into the Wilderness Coffs Coast is the perfect nature based destination, with nature reserves, great whale watching spots and crystal clear water holes and waterfalls. The Look At Me Now Headland in the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve offers the ultimate wilderness destination experience. The short walk to the headland leads past a large mob of sunbathing Eastern Grey Kangaroos eager to have their photo taken, and there’s plenty of bird watching. The headland is a great place for spotting playful Humpback Whales during the winter months, breaching or teaching their newborn calves on their annual migration. The region’s vantage points for viewing these majestic animals include Boambee Headland in the South, Muttonbird Island in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga in the north, which has one of best viewing locations in Australia. Woolgoolga is going wild about whales, with the new Whale Trail extension of the Solitary Islands Coast Path. It has been designed in the shape of a Whales tail, offering new seating and viewing platforms. Our beautiful region has over 12 waterfalls, the Dorrigo National Park featuring the panoramic view from the 50 m Skywalk at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, and the rainforest bushwalking trail to Crystal Shower Falls. North of Coffs Harbour is Scout’s Falls swimming holes in Sherwood Nature Reserve, just minutes from Woolgoolga with a 10 metre waterfall cascade. The local favourite is Friday Creek’s Magic Pools and smooth rock slide, with a 2 metre drop providing hours of “slip ‘n’ slide” nature fun. www.coffscoast.com.au

THE ENDLESS SUMMER GREETINGS TO ALL THE FOCUS READERS FROM THE RETAILERS AND BUSINESSES IN SAWTELL. WELL, HERE WE ARE AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER, WITH FIRES A-BLAZING, SCARVES ADORNING AND THE YEARNING FOR WARM WINTER FOODS EVER PRESENT.

e love July in Sawtell, as it is the month to celebrate all things festive and flavoursome with our iconic Chilli Festival, this year falling on July 2 from 10am to 4pm. With the support of past sponsors, the Chilli Festival has been an annual event in Sawtell for the past 17 years and now attracts over 12,000 people to the village on the first Saturday in July each year.

“

This year we thank Beaches and McGrath Estate Agents for being our major sponsors and NBN, Star FM and 2CSFM as our media sponsors. We also sincerely thank the small and committed group of volunteers who have spent countless hours organising the festival. Without the efforts and generosity of our sponsors and volunteers, the festival would cease to of t or continue. pp su e ith th

W e past sponsors , th an en be s Chilli Festival ha wtell Sa annual event in ars and for the past 17 ye 12,000 er ov ts ac now attr llage on people to the vi in July ay the first Saturd each year.”

This year the festival will feature over 90 stalls, with most offering a variety of chilli inspired foods and flavours from some of Australia’s leading chilli product manufacturers, as well as our local restaurants and cafés showcasing their own acclaimed cuisine. Sawtell’s many beautiful boutiques will have specials and treats galore to add to the mix.

The festival will be opened by our lovely Mayor Denise Knight, and we are most excited to have Gavin Morris from NBN as Master of Ceremonies throughout the day. There will be music at both the northern and southern stages in First Avenue, lots of entertainment, a visit by NBN’s Big Dog, the prize winners for the McGrath Estate Agent’s colouring competition will be announced, a jumping castle, face painting and competitions and giveaways guarantee a great day out for the whole family. Entry will be by gold coin donation.

The Chilli Festival is organised and run each year by the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce, a not for profit organisation, and our goal is to promote our village and celebrate and connect with our community. There are always many jobs to be done as we get closer to the day, and we very grateful for any additional volunteers that may be able to help us out. For more information, please contact Sarah Jones, our Events Co-ordinator, on 0419 574 469. The Sawtell Chilli Festival is now an iconic local event and has grown from strength to strength, particularly in terms of visitor numbers each year. Revellers from the Coffs Coast and indeed across the country, are ensuring that the Sawtell Chilli Festival is a date not to be missed. We look forward to an even bigger event in 2016 and look forward to seeing you in Sunny Sawtell for the annual Sawtell Chilli Festival. Turn up the heat! coffs coast focus. 69

CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Shawn Cosgrove and Simon Chadlil (Photo by Miraki images)

Dave and Mandy Brown, Kevin Zecchinati, Jenine Glenn, Craig and Maree Spencer and Doug Faircloth (Photo by Miraki images)

Pink Silks committee (Photo by Miraki images)

Kyanne Kachel, Naomi Loader, Kerry-anne McLoughlin, Donna Voglsinger, Michelle Clarke (Photo by Miraki images)

Nicole Cardow, Cal Bailey, Anthony Haslam, Alicia Vines (Photo by Miraki images)

Leanna & Rhys Straw, Kate & Carney Peters, Jacqui & Jayce Nixon, Sophie & Ross McKay, Vicky Hunter (Photo by Miraki images)

Rodney Naumberger, Lee Winkler, Tullia Conner, Christine McGregor, Zac Smith

Greg Benson, Shane Hessenberger, Rodney Naumberger, Steve Gooley, Melissa Nolan, Scott Nolan, Nicolle Foster

Craig Gardiner, Joel Street, Zac Smith, Peter Cramer, Adam Clarke, Rebecca Poulden, Emma Howarth, Tullia Conner

SOCIAL/SCENE

WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR AND GEARING UP TOWARDS THE RACING SEASON. WE START OUR RACING CARNIVAL LATER THAN MOST, BUT IT DEFINITELY DOESN’T LESSEN THE EXCITEMENT!

Emma Heap and I rocked up to the Coffs Harbour

es made and old friendships renewed. With 27

Racing Club ready to create a fabulous Race

of the 44 apartments already sold “off the plan”

ever witnessed (weather wise)! So much so, that

Day front cover. Being the fashion stylist for this

families. The Coffs Coast community is made up

before the building works have even been started,

we couldn’t attend! But it didn’t stop the Coffs

publication is an amazing privilege, and I love

of so many generous and selfless people, and it is

it just emphasises the level of anticipation in the

Harbour Perpetual Trust hosting a glamorous event

every minute of it! I have to say Nicci has an eye

marketplace for this landmark development. Fea-

to celebrate the year’s amazing 10 year milestone

amazing to live in such a society.

for millinery, as she fell in love with the fascinator

turing 12 levels of luxury living, a resort style pool,

and raising $530,000 for countless women in our

featured as soon as she set eyes on it. Milliner

steam room and residents only entertainment

local area and also for cancer research. Over 200

Meredith McMaster is super talented and definitely

room, “Seashells” is set to redefine luxury living on

guests braved the torrential weather to attend

deserves to be showcased. Whilst our FOCUS pho-

the Coffs Coast. This also showcases the fact that

the PINK TIE anniversary gala event. They were

tographer Russell Pell was working his magic, we

we are extremely lucky living here which is such a

rewarded with a spectacular welcome on the pink

decided a horse would definitely be the go, and

desirable and beautiful place to live!

carpet at the fabulous Coffs Habour Racing Club.

t is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Gold Cup Carnival is most certainly one of the Coffs Coast’s largest events. Shooting the front cover is a mini event in itself! Nicci, Russell, our beautiful model

lucky for us ... just at that point, an unsuspecting

celebrating the excitement of the impending start

our local area. CHART’s vision is to build and oper-

Johnson’s speech, she commented that it was

of the new luxury highrise. Apartment buyers

ate a native animal triage veterinary hospital in the

such a wonderful way to spend a night, with the

and guests mingled with the architect, interior

Coffs Harbour area. If you are interested, please

supporters of the work that this local charity does.

designer, marketing agents, project manager and

contact CHART: chart@dolpinmarinemagic.com.au

It was a night to enjoy and acknowledge the hard

developer. There were plenty of new acquaintanc-

or call 6659 1910.

work donated by all the community. This charity

The FOCUS team once again attended another

It happened to be one of wildest nights I have

On entering, they were photographed by Meraki

changes the lives of so many women and their

Farewell drinks were held for a popular young lady just recently on the terrace at Horizons Restaurant at the Beachfront Opal Cove Resort. It was to bid farewell to Sammi from Southern Cross Austereo Branch. Guests at the resort enjoyed wonderful late afternoon drinks whilst whale watching and enjoying the gorgeous sunset. Sammi is moving to the Gold Coast to work in the

trainer was strolling along with a beautiful horse.

of the ever popular BWN breakfasts which was

Images and led into a nothing short of fabulous-

This was definitely what then proceeded to create

staged at the Coffs Harbour Surf Club. There is al-

ly decorated event room. On both sides of the

a sensational image for our front cover. Thank you,

ways a charity supported at these events; this time

stage, large screens showcased gratitude to all the

Paul Matts, for your patience and the use of that

the Charity of choice was CHART. CHART is the

supporters, beneficiaries and committee over the

exciting for all the motoring enthusiasts! There will

magnificent horse!

Coffs Harbour Animal Rescue Trust. Volunteers put

past 10 years, as well as some of the photos of the

be dinner and drinks on Saturday 25th June for

There was such a variety of events this month,

in time, love and effort to keep these much need-

many events the charity now hosts. The MC for

the Advanced Motoring Club - Inaugural Meeting

I’m unsure of where to start! I attended the launch

ed charities afloat. Chart is a not for profit organ-

the night was the hilarious Shawn Cosgrove from

and Display Cars. There will be Vintage Classics

party of the exciting new “Seashells” develop-

isation founded in 2012 by Dolphin Marine Magic

Melbourne, who called a Phantom Race and Auc-

including Monaro, Torana, Jensen, Porsche and

ment, which was held at the fabulous O.P 81 café

with the support of NPWS and other organisations

tion. Guests relaxed and feasted on the delicious

many more on display on the grounds of Opal

and restaurant, which is just around the corner

in the community who are passionate about the

dishes prepared by Fiasco’s Catering.

Cove Resort. Enquiries: 0407 706 299.

from the site of the project. Over 60 guests and

rescue, rehabiliation, research and education of

VIPs enjoyed delicious dishes and bubbles whilst

native animals, particularly marine and koalas, in

70 coffs coast focus.

The generosity was limitless, with the charity raising over $12,000! In Chairperson Tanya

Southern Cross Austereo office. Good luck! Staying with Opal Cove, here is something

Carole, Le Dãin Design.

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Colleen and Russell Block

Scott Nolan, Christine McGregor, Ray Smith, Lisa Smith, Zac Smith

Chris Morrison, Burt Hoogstyens, Cindy Domjahn, Shaun Bergquist, Tanya Najdovski

Isabella Brandli, Fran Stephenson

Michael Fishburn, Jim Henman, Colin Denis, Chris Oâ€™Brien, Linda White, Gordon Prewett, Yvette Prewett, Mark Foster

Gordon and Yvette Prewett

Lynn and Danny Whalen, Chris Biggs, Chanelle Beszant, Jarred Hunter

Colin and Vicki Dennis, Gordon Prewett

Ivan Beros, Christopher Beros, Ben Keighran, David Keighran

Tegan Ewart, Kym Ferrington

John Loga, Kyria

Joanne Vines, Prue Whoo, Mel Crossland

Sam Dawson, Graeme Kady

Davina Hill, Nichole Wilson, Mayor Denise Knight

Jennifer Dowd, Nathan Quinn

Neta Willis, Shirl Dodds

Kirraleigh McGregor, Michelle James

Maureen McDonald, Helen Amos

coffs coast focus. 71

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

S A E D I

72 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

property guide

IDEAS

Richard Eastman atelier aura

WITH HIS SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE ATELIER AURA, RICHARD COMBINES HIS DOWN TO EARTH AUSTRALIAN LARRIKIN STYLE WITH MANY YEARS OF STUDY AND EXPERIENCE FROM EUROPE. HE OFFERS AN UNPRETENTIOUS, NO NONSENSE APPROACH TO DESIGNING BUILDINGS IN THE COFFS REGION.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? The Coffs Coast abounds with many opportunities for an architect. People need anything from a bathroom or kitchen designed, to a dwelling or commercial space; the Coffs Coast is expanding, and I am part of this. Did I mention the real reason my family and I am are here? Lifestyle ... “the great aussie mobiliser”... for the work life balance - it is here in abundance, coupled with the countryside, pristine coastline and magical hinterland. All this, combined with a community created from an eclectic mix of people from different nationalities and backgrounds that live here - I feel lucky. You had an interesting journey before your first arrived in the area; can you tell us a bit about that? As a family we arrived 10 years ago now … in style in a vintage French campervan, having travelled for a year overland from Holland. We dusted ourselves off, found schools for the children, and set up Atelier Aura. I brought my experience from the past: a degree from Melbourne RMIT, further studies at Leuven University in Belgium. In Holland I restored a 200 year old heritage farm (it was like an episode of Grand Designs), raised three children with Dutch partner, Anke, and worked for many years with one of the top architects in Maastricht (Arno Meijs and Jo Coenen) on large commercial projects in heritage settings

- a wonderful education, that I now bring to Coffs. Can you tell us a bit about what you do? I head up Atelier Aura: Atelier for Urban & Regional Architecture - a small diverse design practice, specialising in residential, urban, rural and coastal, but also heritage conservation and restoration, alterations and additions ... locally and some internationally ... such as freelance public works in PNG like the Kaviang Local Government Assembly building, to a luxury family home in Curacao in the Caribbean, to a large shipping container extension. Basically, I love designing different buildings and the challenges this brings. Why did you choose architecture? As a kid, I was always building tree houses. I had about six at one stage, all interconnected. I even made drawings and site plans. Contact my parents for advice about what I did to their swimming pool! How would you describe your approach to a project? I try to listen and understand what my clients would like first and foremost, and combine this with my skills I have developed over the years of designing many different buildings. It’s a very collaborative process. In essence, for me the best design lies in simplicity, combined with appropriate, pragmatic and simple solutions, while being mindful of the budget and costs. What makes a great architect? Much of the architectural language in modern and post modern architecture has, to varying degrees, been reduced to planes,

volumes and materials fixtures, recycling water etc. devoid of texture, and more importantly, the e In essence, for m patinas, division and strategic placement of the best design subdivision of scale ... materials in solar passive , ity ic pl lies in sim think a glass box - a design can eliminate ith w d ne combi atic m language without ag pr e, active heating and at ri op appr tions embellishment. A cooling systems. It’s and simple solu ul of df great architect not become an imperative. while being min costs.” only masters the the budget and Every architect, designer process, but also creates and consumer is obliged to a unique language defined weigh in here. and expressed in a physical What advice would you form and a form that survives give someone who is thinking of generations. getting into your field? Most buildings in a sense become a Study! Go travelling! You need to do both. “public good”, as successive owners Look at the architecture in different cities. occupy and reoccupy. Buildings are volumes, but start thinking in The aim then for an architect is to create a terms of the space they create. building that has a “timeless” quality. What are your plans for the future? What are some of the environmental We are in the process of finishing a hill top factors that must be considered when pavilion style family home in Gleniffer, which designing a building in 2016? has been a great experiment in applying my My designs are always site specific, where design ideas. I love the bridges, the outdoor “the elements” of nature and landform need bedroom and the timber triangulated alcove to be carefully considered. There is, however, a bookshelves … and in keeping with a tradition vast new layer of complexity to the equation. of all architects and builders, it will soon be With escalating climate change, population up for sale! I am also looking to study more growth and depletion of natural resources, and have also recently developed an app it’s absolutely critical at this juncture to be for building inspections. This is a great tool resourceful and prudent in specification and to assess any property you are thinking of application and use of material, as there are purchasing or developing. huge differentials in “embodied energy”. For an introduction, call Richard on Likewise, minimising energy or “giving 0433 690 073 or visit www.atelieraura.com.au back” can be resolved through appropriate use Thanks Richard. of technology such as solar PV, energy efficient

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focus_real estate

Scott Nolan from Nolan Partners

real estate update LET’S TALK PRESENTATION, NEGOTIATION AND MARKETING.

www.seashellsparkbeach.com.au

ow important is property presentation? First impressions are lasting impressions! Having a professional stylist or designer, like we have on hand, to advise you on how to get the most out of your property can add thousands of dollars to your results. Street appeal is critical, and even minor repairs should be undertaken, as buyers might see these as being major repairs. Even the basics play a part, so de-cluttering inside and out can significantly contribute to those first impressions. Similarly, your property needs to be appropriately showcased, and this is where having a focused multi-media marketing strategy comes into force. In order to get a premium price, all of our resources, technology and database network should be integrated and utilised to firstly engage buyers and then maximise interest. How does an agent actually negotiate? The real essence of negotiation is understanding the people with whom you are dealing. For us, negotiation doesn’t start when an offer is received. It starts at the first point of contact with the potential buyer and continues through until a sale. We foster relationships in order to have buyers in the right frame of mind. Promoting interest and ultimately offers, requires a strategic approach where buyers have the confidence and determination to act. If an agent doesn’t have a strong buyer engagement strategy, there’s no way they can successfully place a buyer in an environment where the desire is created to compete for the property. What do you do when you have multiple buyer

interest? Competition between buyers is the ultimate goal of an agent, and it’s their primary task to find the hidden premium in every property. We believe that transparency is critical. Having a structured set of rules around the negotiation process with multiple buyers, along with an appropriate accountability trail, ensures confidence and trust from buyers, which then leads to the best outcome. Everyone talks about marketing - what is the best way to market a property? One size does not fit all, so locality, price point, competition and the potential reach all play an important part, and all can vary. The online approach casts the broadest possible net for buyers, generating the greater impact and enquiry. The print strategy, on the other hand, is a more emotional and passive approach. Using welldesigned, professionally produced print materials will create the best perception of the property. Utilising the local publications such as FOCUS lifestyle magazine, Coffs Coast Advocate Property Guide and other quality print materials such as brochures and signage, combined with an effective online presence, will provide full coverage of the market. At Nolans we design a specific strategy for each and every client, ranging from an off-market database campaign to a fully comprehensive, international online and print strategy for some of our exclusive luxury homes. As the old saying goes, “You can’t sell a secret”, so make sure you give your property the best chance to be seen by as many buyers as possible!

Redefining luxury apartment living on the Coffs Coast

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02 6650 0655 321 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

74 coffs coast focus.

tiles & carpet

LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Best Kept Secrets

Wayward The Farmstay at

JERSEYS

D E B O ’ B R I E N & F A M I LY

Deb O’Brien and her family simply wanted to share with others what they considered to be fortunate to have. At Wayward Jerseys, they believe in the philosophies of free range kids, natural produce and being surrounded by lots of animals, and they wanted to give people the opportunity to experience this too.

Coffs harbour tile & Carpet court Coffs Harbour Tile & Carpet Court is helping bring your new, or rediscovered, design ideas to life with a range of foolproof products and expert style advice from Carpet Court ambassador and Australian TV personality, Shelley Craft.

it’s important to pick the right window furnishings. The fastest and easiest way to update your windows, Carpet Court’s Aria Blinds Collection, is available in roller and Venetian styles. The best part? You can browse online at www.carpetcourt.com.au.

Whether you’re undertaking a major renovation or looking to update a room with a seasonal trend, Shelley has four simple steps to help with your DIY projects.

The issue people commonly have is they have a bunch of elements they like, but the room doesn’t work as a collective look. This is where decoration comes in, and a popular unifying piece for redecorating is a rug. The right rug is the one that fits your style, your budget and is the right size for your room.

Always work from the bottom up, and it’s never been easier to revamp your floors with Carpet Court’s exclusive Laneway Collection of vinyl planks and tiles. You can lay it down yourself, and it is easy to clean. To create an open and light filled space,

Come and visit us in store today! 1/22 Keona Circuit, Coffs Harbour. Tel: (02) 6652 4866.

others what we consider to be fortunate to Pop as well. I ﬁnd our guests often come from have. At Wayward Jerseys we believe in the either Sydney or Brisbane, or both in a lot of philosophies of free range kids, natural produce cases, as it is a good place to meet in between and being surrounded by lots of animals, and (we are exactly half way between Sydney and we wanted to give people the opportunity to Brisbane). We also get a lot of overseas guests experience this too. who are interested in getting off the beaten What can visitors experience at track and seeing what Australia Wayward Jerseys? is like outside the cities. Basically, a visit to Wayward As to what “type” of Jerseys is like a visit to people we get, a One of my favourite things is being a petting zoo … On pleasant surprise child at steroids! We are extremely introduced to a stay has been how nice a the beginning of interactive, so expect to all our visitors down who has their head get up close and personal have been - kids their and focused on and to the animals. We are and adults alike. game, favourite video stay famous for our “morning I have thought a by the end of their tell you even routine”, which includes lot about why this couldn’t they device learning how to milk one is, and this is what where their gaming of our Jersey cows, feeding I have come up with. is. ” our baby animals and collecting The types of people eggs. For our day tour people, who visit a Farmstay are added to this is a country style, home the types of people that are cooked morning tea and marshmallows to engaged with their children and toast on the ﬁre. Our overnighters get all of this family, interested in how others live, complimentary to their stay, as well as other love animals and they’re prepared to try inclusions such as an optional ghost tour at something new. All in all, this makes for pretty night. amazing people, on the whole. What type of demographic visit the farm? Tell us about some of the reactions you get I must say the majority of our visitors are from visitors? families with children. We accommodate up to “Milk comes from where?” Unfortunately, seven people at a time, so often it is Nan and it is true that many children do think that milk

comes from a supermarket, and a wonderful part of my job is educating them otherwise. Our guests are a pretty open minded lot and even if incredulous at the beginning, it is not long before they get into the spirit of things and are milking cows like a professional. Actually, one of my favourite things is being introduced to a child at the beginning of a stay who has their head down and focused on their favourite video game, and by the end of their stay they couldn’t even tell you where their gaming device is. Do you think locals like us take for granted what’s in our own back yard in regards to primary produce? Yes and no. Yes, because I think we are truly spoilt here in regards to our primary produce. But just because we are spoilt, doesn’t mean that most people don’t know they are on a good thing by living here. It’s like this area is a wonderful secret, and all us locals are in on it. There is a lot of buzz around local food and produce at the moment - justiﬁably so - and there are also a lot of amazing and dynamic people starting to really do some incredible things. I would have to say that it is pretty exciting times here in New England. Plans for the future? Yes, yes and yes. At the moment my lips are sealed, but think tourism and think local produce, and watch this space! Thanks Deb.

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG

Photo credit John Nalder Photography

ell us about yourself and your family ... My name is Deb O’Brien, and I grew up in the local area. After ten years of travelling Australia, my husband and I realised that “home” was a pretty awesome place and made the decision to move back. I would describe myself as a unique blend of quirky and earthy, and I believe Wayward Jerseys Farmstay reﬂects that. Wayward Jerseys would not be, without the love and support of my husband, Lauri Pulkkinen. Lauri is the type of man who not only supports his wife to follow her crazy dreams, but also says, “Fine, you want to buy a milking cow … Well, let me build you a dairy”. We also have three beautiful little girls, ranging in ages from six to eleven, who love their way of life and love sharing it with other people. I have always loved animals and am passionate about the New England area. I truly believe I have the best job in the world! What prompted the beginning of Wayward Jerseys? The name “The Home for Wayward Jerseys” (shortened to Wayward Jerseys for convenience) was initially a term that my husband jokingly used to describe my penchant for Jersey cows. It also alludes to what we see as their unique personalities. Simply, we wanted to share with

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ONLINE FLIP BOOK

The mini-mags are a compilation of our best features from the print edition of each region, united in one flip book and delivered online for you to download...

NOW ONLINE + FREE

Looking to renovate? Come visit us today! VIEW THE MINIMAGS ONLINE AT FOCUSMAG.COM.AU/MINIMAGCOFFS 1/22 Keona Circuit, Pacific Hwy (South) Ph: 6652 4866 www.carpetcourt.com.au

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

coffs coast focus. 75

alise utions. e inject

your nd ut the oncept

al gn xtures signers’ soft

p Coffs

Aluminium

Recycled goods

Electrical

WAtsons aluminium. At Watsons Aluminium we design, fabricate and install Aluminium, Glass and Stainless Steel products including Balustrade, Pool and Landscape Fencing, Manual and Automatic Gates, Privacy Screens as well as special project fabrication. As well as servicing the Coffs Coast for everything balustrade, fencing, gates, screens and special project fabrication, did you know we also have the largest range of cut to size sections on the coast.Aluminium All to suit your individual needs. Watson’s is a family owned and operated local business with over 35 years’ experience. We stock a large range of extrusions including angle, flat bar, Experts in the fabrication, supply installation of thick, as tube, box, sheet, machine bar andand plate up to 25mm balustrade, pool and garden fencing, manual and electronic well as offcut sizes. With phone orders welcome, we also have gates, privacy screens and general fabrication, there is no job specialised tradesmen in-house for all your fabrication and too big or too small. welding needs. We pride ourselves on custom making high quality products, We are as a family owned andrange operated business with over 35 as well stocking a wide of aluminium extrusions, years’ experience that is committed to superior workmanship. sheet and plate cut to size. Working supporting them as their they We work with with the our community customers toand design what best suits supportWhether us is all it part being a local needs. be of balustrade, poolbusiness. and landscape fencing, Seeing the nal product that privacy our team has created andorthe manual andfiautomatic gates, screens, grabrails satisfi ed faces of our clients keeps us motivated. It’s fantastic special project fabrication in Aluminium, Stainless Steel or to see a pool, deck or internal area look amazing surrounded Glass, contact our in-house design team for your individual by a stunning frameless glass fence, customised needs and see howpool we will addaluminium value and or stainless steel balustrade. personality to your home or project through our commitment Wea are to fiwork with the best builders on the Coffs to highproud quality nish every time. Coast and service both residential and commercial clients. Offering obligation free measure and quotes in the Coffs If you are in need of custom made high quality balustrade, Harbour area come and see the experts in Aluminium. pool and garden fencing, manual and electronic gates, Contact us today 02 6652 6566 or come andsee visit privacy screens oron general fabrication, call ininand usour in our showroom seeOrlando the wideStreet, range Coffs available at 165orOrlando showroom and at 165 Harbour, give us a Street, call (02)Coffs 6652Harbour. 6566.

Watsons aluminium

Check out our new website www.watsonsaluminium.com.au

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coffs coast focus 63

Reg latter electrical

crafty recyclers Looking for that special piece to tie in and complete your room renovation? Crafty Recyclers sells 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 under one roof, and Karen, Gary and the Crafty 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-akind pieces from being destroyed and let you incorporate them 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. To discuss a pick up of your recyclables, please phone the Crafty team on 0415 401 304 or recycle@tpg.com.au.

Looking at renovating your home? Reg Latter Electrical, provide all of your electrical requirements throughout Coffs Harbour and the surrounding areas. As residential, industrial and commercial electricians, we can assist with all types of small and large projects. Our range of residential electrical services include: electrical installations, electrical repairs, installation or replacement of power points & lights, ceiling fans & exhaust fans installations, repairs and rewiring of power & lighting circuits, security lighting, smoke alarm replacements and installations, fault finding, safety meter box upgrades, hot water system repairs and replacements and solar hot water servicing and repairs, also stove and oven repairs and replacements. The team at RLE also operates Pacific Powerlines which is an accredited Level 1 Service Provider, authorized for installations and modifications to the Essential Energy electrical distribution network. With many years of experience establishing overhead and underground mains cabling, as well as sub transmission network assets. Providing a variety of services, including power poles, high voltage extensions, transformers, sub divisions, network infrastructure and street lighting. Pacific Powerlines, committed to maintaining site safety and requirements meeting construction & servicing deadlines with highly qualified staff from concept to completion. Call the team today on 6651 8499.

kitchens

flooring

Coastal designer kitchens Coastal Designer Kitchens is a locally owned

design. Mel is qualified in kitchen, bathroom

approach to their work.

assist you with the entire design process of your

business that prides itself on a personalised and interior spaces design and is available to OASTAL designer kitchens

project.Mel is qualified in kitchen, bathroomC h o i c e s f l o o r i n g tal Designer is a locally owned design. AndrewKitchens and Mel manage a small team of specialised experienced tradespeople, offer fispaces nance to design their customers, so they ess that pridesand itself on a personalised andCDK interior and is available to You’ll find the floor you’ve been enabling CDK to provide a more personalised, are able to get their kitchen now and pay it off oach to their work. assist you with the entire design process of your searching for at Choices Flooring Coffs service which ensures that their exceptionally over time with a take home lay-by payment plan project. Harbour. For over 19 years, Choices w and Mel manage a small team of high standards are always met. CDK’s

with no interest. This is a fantastic option for

impeccable reputation across the Coffs Coast renovators, as you can appliances, glass alised and experienced tradespeople, CDK offer finance to include their customers, so theyFlooring Coffs Harbour has been helping local families, businesses and builders testimony to their professionalism and vanity andnow your built-in ng CDKis to provide a more personalised aresplash able backs, to getlaundry, their kitchen and pay it off find the floor they’ve been searching for. commitment to their work, customer deadlines, robes as part of the package and pay it off with e which ensures that their exceptionally over time with a take home lay-by payment plan With the local community at the heart of their and treating their customers’ needs as the one easy fortnightly repayment. They can also business, Choices Flooring Coffs Harbour tandards are of always met. CDK’s with no interest. a fantastic option utmost importance. co-ordinate other This tradesissuch as plumber and for showcases the latest trends in carpet, timber, electrician and manage entire appliances, project for cable reputation across the Coffs as you canyour include glass CDK are on top of current trends Coast in the industry renovators, bamboo, laminate, luxury vinyl, tiles and rugs, you. Drop in to the showroom askyour aboutbuilt-in andtheir are constantly researchingand and updating the splash imony to professionalism backs, laundry, vanityand and in addition to those of a more traditional how you can apply for the Ezi-Pay Payment Plan. products andcustomer designs. They understand mitment latest to their work, deadlines robes as part of the package and pay it off with nature, to ensure they have the perfect CDK would love the opportunity to provide you that this is essential to offer their clients modern flooring solution for every space and budget. eating their customers’ needs as the one easy fortnightly repayment. They can also with a quote on any project you may have in the designs, as well as superior craftsmanship. Mel st of importance. other trades such as plumber andChoices Flooring Coffs Harbour’s Owner and future. has a particular eye for colour and a passion for co-ordinate electrician and manage your entire project for are on top of current trends in the industry you. Drop in to the showroom and ask about re constantly researching and updating the how you can apply for the Ezi-Pay Payment Plan. products and designs. They understand

his is essential to offer their clients modern ns, as well as superior craftsmanship. Mel particular eye for colour and a passion for

Manager, Mr James Robinson, said having the right product selection and providing exceptional service has always been the key to maintaining a successful business. “Like paint, flooring creates the base for any space. As such, it’s important for us to ensure we get it right for our customers - both visually and practically,” Mr Robinson said. So no matter how big or small your project may be, Choices Flooring Coffs Harbour will help you find the perfect flooring solution for your space. Visit their showroom today at 48 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour.

CDK would love the opportunity to provide you with a quote on any project you may have in the future.

coffs coast focus. 77

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

SOLAR PANELS property guide

IDEAS CARESOLAR SOLUTIONS WITH LESS THAN SIX MONTHS UNTIL THE SOLAR BONUS SCHEME ENDS, NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT THE POWER BACK INTO YOUR OWN HANDS WITH BATTERY SOLAR STORAGE

n 31 December 2016, solar customers who are accustomed to receiving 60 or 20 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for surplus energy fed into the public grid will no longer receive these premium feed-in tariffs. Care Solar Solutions’ advice to householders with an existing solar PV system is don’t wait until New Year’s Day to learn how to continue reaping the rewards of your solar investment. Now is the perfect time to investigate your metering and other product options. Introducing the BYD Mini ES - the complete battery storage system for your home. Manufactured by the world’s largest supplier of rechargeable batteries, the BYD system has

78 coffs coast focus.

been designed to work with solar PV systems. Features include: • Safe and stable lithium-ion phosphate batteries • Support smartphone app monitoring • Remote control function • 10-year product warranty • Various options: 3 kWh, 6 kWh, 12 kWh • Compact free-standing design for easy installation It’s a complete integrated battery energy storage solution for the home. How it works: • The battery bank stores the energy captured by your solar panels during daylight hours. • The battery bank can be used to power your home during peak periods.

• It also ensures an uninterrupted power supply to your home in the event of a power outage. Care Solar Solutions (CSS) is based here on the NSW Mid North Coast, helping people reduce their power bill and live a smarter, cleaner lifestyle. CSS supplies and installs energy storage products and offers the full suite of renewable energy products: • Solar Panels • Battery Storage • Monitoring Systems • LED Lighting For your free quote on a BYD energy storage solution for your home, contact Care Solar Solutions today on 1300 925 429.

BYD leading the new energy revolution BYD is a top high-tech company specialising in IT, automotive and new energy, and is the world’s largest supplier of rechargeable batteries. BYD has also developed green products such as solar farms and battery energy storage stations, as well as pure electric cars and buses, and aims to continue to lead the world’s new energy revolution. The BYD Mini ES delivers this technology on a household scale, enabling you to store your solar power onsite. Care Solar Solutions partners with BYD to supply and install energy storage products to reduce your dependency on the grid and even take you off grid, protecting you from future energy price rises.

coffs coast focus. 79

Seacrest 291.

Allow yourself to imagine the lifestyle youâ€™ve always wanted, in the home you deserve! The Seacrest Design range, exclusive to G.J. Gardner Homes, features a superb blend of modern architectural interiors, quality fittings and inclusions and stylish outdoor entertaining.

Seacrest 291 - Beach Facade

MEDIA / LOUNGE

ACTIVITY

BED 2

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Display Home 3 Cherry Street, Sapphire Beach NSW

BRM MEALS FOYER

7 days 10am to 5pm

LINEN

PWDR.

LINEN

3 x HORZ NICHE'S

PORCH

14 650

STUDY

DINE

ROBE

BED 3

KITCHEN

email coffsharbour@gjgardner.com.au

ROBE

BATH

BUTLERS PANTRY

Call us on (02) 6691 3509 or

Office 171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW

FAMILY

ALFRESCO

Give us a call or drop in and ask about our Seacrest design range.

ROBE

DOUBLE GARAGE

BED 1

ENSUITE

WIR

BED 4

21 480

LDR'Y

Photographs may depict fixtures, finishes and features not supplied by G.J. Gardner Homes. Excluded items include but are not limited to landscaping items such as planter boxes, retaining walls, water features, pergolas, screens, driveways and decorative items such as fencing and outdoor kitchens or barbeques. Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Builders Licence 191313C.