Coffs Coast Focus i74

COFFS COAST

November 2016//issue 74

RALLY AUSTRALIA

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Feature Story Sam Langler

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Photo credit Tim Helmy Photography.

from the

Welcome to the November issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

D

aylight Saving is finally here! Days are getting longer and warmer. Yay for spring!

Can you believe this edition is our second last edition for 2016? What a year it has been.

We love this time of year. There is so much happening in the community, especially in the lead up to the festive season.

THIS MONTH’S FRONT COVER This cover is dedicated to the Kennards Hire Rally Australia. This is the biggest event to hit the Coffs Coast, and we love getting behind it. Nathan Quinn is a local rally legend, and we couldn't think of a better ambassador to showcase on the cover to promote the event.

Rally kicks off on the 17th and continues until the 20th November. Get your tickets today!

INSIDE THIS EDITION To be successful at bodybuilding, a person needs to have discipline, mental toughness and a controlled diet. Local girl Carmelle Lipman sat down with FOCUS to tell us a bit about her approach to the sport and her recent success.

After beating cancer and getting a second chance, Brian Hopwood has never looked back. As one of the Coffs Coast's most successful builders, he continues to go from strength to strength, both in life and business.

FOCUS caught up with him to find out what

contacts.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS: 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL: PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 6650 9343 FAX: 02 6651 3798 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au iPHONE: www.focusmag.com.au/eat TV: www.focustv.com.au 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.

fuels the fire that keeps him moving.

Two childhood friends are spearheading efforts to remove rubbish from the Upper Orara. We spoke to Leah Simpson and Ashley Stephenson to find out what motivates them, and to see how they hope to help maintain the pristine area for future generations.

BUY, SELL & BUILD FEATURE Find out about the latest trends and get industry knowledge from our local builders, trades and property and real estate experts.

This month we'll be combining the Buy, Sell, Build feature from ALL FOUR FOCUS publication regions to create a unique handbook of the entire Mid North Coast and New England regions, to be delivered as a free e-book via social media.

NEXT MONTH’S EDITION It’s our annual Christmas edition! Be a part of this month’s “Christmas Shop Local” feature and promote spending locally for all your Christmas gifts and celebratory food and drinks. Let’s boost our local retail economy in time for the festive season!

FINAL SAY “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace” - Jimi Hendrix.

SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Nicci Seccombe nicole@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Natalie Hunt natalie@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Lace Browning lace@focusmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER: Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR Jo Robinson jo@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTENT: Russell Pell russellpell@gmail.com

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N O RTH SA PPHIRE B EACH DISPLAY VILLAGE 6 RE NOW NE D B U ILD ER S NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH D I S P L AY V I L L A G E F E AT U R I N G H O M E S B Y:

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The North Sapphire Beach Display Village showcases the latest trends in house design and interior styling. Find inspiration for your own dream home from six of the regions most renowned builders.

V I S I T THE DI S P L AY V I L L AG E Located on Cherry Street North Sapphire Beach

V I S I T THE SAL ES C E N TR E

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

SAM LANGLER.

LOCAL ART.

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Baseball is the sport of choice for Sam Langler and from what we hear, he is very good at it! FOCUS interrupted Sam’s HSC preparations to find out more and to see if rumours of offers to move to the USA to play the game are true.

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N O V E M B E R

16. WHAT’S ON

FOR NOVEMBER 28. EAT

FEATURING

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

An upcoming exhibition, entitled Emergence, by local art graduates will showcase an array of amazing and inspired works. FOCUS was invited to the Coffs Harbour TAFE for a guided tour of the works and a chat with the artists.

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

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MARCIA HINES.

Marcia Hines is an inspiring performer who has enjoyed a successful career that has spanned decades. FOCUS sat down with the illustrious singer for a chat about her life and upcoming tour.

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facebook.com/coffscoast.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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

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Homes Ensuring the elderly can stay in their

and communities for as long as possible,

...whilst keeping their independence and sense of self, is one of the priorities of the Living Care philosophy.

A ministry of Fresh Hope (Churches of Christ), the group have been providing aged care services in New South Wales since 1938.

Caring for the elderly is helped by experience and Living Care certainly has that.

Living Care Home Care Coffs Harbour can assist with personal care and shopping, house work, hairdressing, chaplaincy, meal preparation or supply, clinical care and telehealth.

“Living Care has a unique approach that can give fresh hope for the future, helping you keep a zest for life,” said Area Manager Jodeane Anderson. “Our respect of different interests, customs, beliefs and backgrounds for all people, means everybody is welcome. We do this with joy in our hearts, so you feel the joy of life.

When did you start in the business?

Living Care has been providing aged care services in NSW since 1938. In 1999, Living Care was allocated home care packages and started providing home care services to people living in the Coffs Harbour region soon after. Home care services not only help people to continue living in their own home, but support people to stay connected with family, friends and their local community.

What services do you offer?

Services that may be available: • Home modification • Lifestyle assistance ( personal care and shopping) • Housekeeping • Gardens and lawn maintenance • Chaplaincy (spiritual care) • Hairdressing at home • Technology (supply and teach how to use technology,

IPAD , Facebook, Skype etc.)

• Staying Connected (social groups, transport and participation in community events) • Nutrition and dietary information (meal preparation or supply) • Clinical care (nursing, allied health) • Telehealth options

What is your approach to your business and your clients?

Within a person’s own home we aim to support consumers who are empowered to make their own choices and decisions about their care. All care services are delivered with re-ablement philosophy and an approach that keeps the person as independent as possible.

What do you think makes your business unique?

Living Care has a unique approach that can give fresh hope for the future, helping you keep a zest for life. Our respect of different interests, customs, beliefs and backgrounds for all people, means everybody is welcome. We do this with joy in our hearts, so you feel the joy of life.

Living Care focuses on providing care that promotes physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and supports individuals to stay connected with the community, friends and family.

Are there any products, services or specials you’d like to mention?

We offer complimentary in-home meetings to discuss your aged care requirements and inform you of what is available for private and Government subsidised care.

What do you love most about doing business in the coffs region?

We love working with the active older community that is part of the Coffs Harbour region. We count as a privilege to be able to support older Australians in this area and deliver our services with joy.

“

Within a person’s own home we aim to support consumers who are empowered to make their own choices and decisions about their care. All care services are delivered with re-ablement philosophy and an approach that keeps the person as independent as possible.

”

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Living Care Home Care Services Coffs Harbour Home Care Office 18 Sand Street, North Boambee Valley NSW 2450 www.livingcare.org.au | Phone (02) 6650 1107

impress for success - etiquette & image training Learn to be the best you can be.

The School of Etiquette and Image training encourages and assists people of all ages to learn and develop skills to easily and comfortably live in today’s world.

Gina Szary is a certified Etiquette and Image consultant and trainer for children, teens and young adults sharing her knowledge with many participants. Now, Impress for Success is releasing three new workshops: Essential Etiquette workshop is a fun & interactive 4-day workshop that teaches girls and boys 8-11 years the basic skills of etiquette through interactive hands-on activities and role plays.

Children will learn basic skills of etiquette such as table manners at home and in public, skilful conversations, dealing with different situations, looking after themselves and others, what to do when things don`t go their way and respect and responsibility.

Intermediate Etiquette workshop is a joyful

and engaging 4 -day workshop and introduces life time skills to teenagers from 12 -15 years.

Topics covered include health, hygiene, beauty and confidence, complete table manners, developing a unique and powerful personality, creating positive image and self-belief, conversation in person and on the phone, on-line safety, dealing with teasing and bullying, respect and responsibility.

The Advanced Etiquette workshop “Discover your true Potential” for 16 years +, is a 3-day workshop designed to give students the tools to succeed in everyday life.

Topics included are Image & Style, Communication Skills, Job Interview skills, Customer Service, Netiquette, Body Image, Body Language, Dining Etiquette, Entertaining, Beauty & Modelling.

The Advanced etiquette workshop allows students to tailor the content of the broad range of structured accredited programs to meet individual needs.

In all workshops students can expect small, intimate classes that focus on individual learning.

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BASEBALL IS THE SPORT OF CHOICE FOR SAM LANGLER AND FROM WHAT WE HEAR, HE IS VERY GOOD AT IT! FOCUS INTERRUPTED SAM’S HSC PREPARATIONS TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO SEE IF RUMOURS OF OFFERS TO MOVE TO THE USA TO PLAY THE GAME ARE TRUE.

C

an you tell us about your connection to the local area?

I was born here in Coffs Harbour and have lived here my whole life. I live here with my mum, Dad and younger brother. I also have family connections here around the Coffs Coast. I have recently graduated from St John Paul College, and I am currently preparing for the HSC. Over my 18 years here in Coffs Harbour I have made many lifelong friendships, and I also love the beaches and natural beauty Coffs has to offer.

When did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball back in 2012. It took some convincing, but thanks to Chris Cook and my dad, who are both still playing today, they got me into the sport. After playing almost every other sport, baseball has been the sport I’ve stuck with.

What position do you play?

I started at shortstop in my first two years but after going away to carnivals, I soon moved to third base.

This is my main position; on occasion I also play the outfield and back at shortstop as well.

How often do you train?

My baseball training requires both training at the field and in the gym. I train at the fields 2 - 3 times per week, working on different parts of the game, whether it be fielding, hitting or improving arm strength. Over the past few months I have also been doing 2 - 4 sessions at the gym per week.

Which representative teams have you been involved in?

I toured the U.S. with the Aussie Expos Baseball team in 2014 and 2015, where we played travel ball against American teams. Being a member of the NSW Country U16 and U18 teams from 2014 to 2106 have been by far the best teams I have been involved with,

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and also the 2016 NSW Allhave been a number of great lds fie e th at n schools team. baseball players come out ai tr I eek, Were you involved in 2 - 3 times per w rts of Coffs Harbour to make rent pa a team that won the national sides and go on to working on diffe er th of the game, whe g or National Championship? college and other places. ttin it be fielding, hi I have been involved with Even now, the juniors we strength .” improving arm two teams that have won have are starting to develop National Championships. In and are catching attention 2014 and 2016 I was a member from coaches at a state level. of the NSW Country U16 and Cooper Bake-Smith and Ben U18 teams that competed in the Langler competed in the Australian Australian National Youth Championships.

Little League Championships earlier Both teams involved a great group of guys that I this year; they were thought to be part of an am still in contact with and see on and off the baseball underdog side, but ended the tournament earning field. I thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside each and a silver medal. Cooper, alongside Ben Martin and every one of them, and to take out the national title Nicholas Dollin, have recently been selected in the twice with them was something spectacular. Also to NSW Country U16 Squad. The development of all the make this year’s win even better, my dad was one of juniors has been incredible over the past few years, the assistant coaches of the team and my brother was which is showing strength in the association and the bat boy, so to share that moment with them was hopefully will improve its growth in the future. incredible.

What advice would you give to someone who is We heard rumours that you have had a few thinking about taking up the sport? offers from colleges in the States. Can you tell us I encourage anyone to give it a go. Here in Coffs about that experience? it is a great atmosphere; the game is played in a Yes, this is true. I have had offers from five different competitive yet fun way. For juniors, it is a great colleges so far in the United States to come and way to learn new motor skills, such as throwing, play baseball for them, as well as study. This is really hitting and catching. Also for the seniors, it is a way exciting for me, as this is something I want to pursue of meeting new people and the opportunity to play next year. It has all gone really quick - how the coaches a great sport that not many of us here in Australia find you and then start talking, then offering places understand and appreciate. for me. Although it was quite overwhelming at first, What are your hopes for your future in the sport?

I am now excited and looking forward to what lies For my future in the sport, I am hoping to continue ahead. playing at the college level next year over in the United Is the sport popular in the local area?

States. It has been a dream of mine for the past few Comparing baseball to the bigger sports such years now to move over there and play the sport I as basketball and soccer, it is nowhere near as love. competitive in terms of numbers. However, there Thanks Sam.

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chess E M P L O Y M E N T

Celebrating their 21st birthday this year, CHESS Employment has long been assisting local businesses and job seekers with dedicated, professional and personable employment services and support. We sat down with the CHESS team to discover their approach to helping small business owners find the “right fit” employees, so they can focus on the bigger picture.

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ell us a little about CHESS ...

Community and collaboration have long been at the heart of CHESS Employment’s services. With a dedicated employment support team, they are able to assist businesses in our region by finding the “best fit” staff and offering long-term support to both employees and employers, to ensure that everyone is happy. This support and commitment enables business owners to turn their focus back to the business and brings them peace of mind with regards to their employees.

With a focus on disability employment services, CHESS now have a presence across nine office locations, with 65 passionate and dedicated staff members qualified in the fields of allied health, recruitment, human resources and business development.

What services does CHESS provide small business owners? CHESS is able to assist a business in identifying their staffing needs and

offer a small business owner and jobseeker alike, dedicated support in recruitment, training and post placement. Additionally, they can provide work experience opportunities.

CHESS consultants assist in training and mentoring new employees, monitoring their progress and ensuring that the standards of the business are being maintained in the best possible way. Without having to be on hand at all times to oversee a staff in their development, business owners can turn their focus and energy back to other priorities. CHESS ensures that the “right fit” candidate is matched with the “best fit” employer and will assist them in settling into their role through their dedicated “Place, Train and Support” model.

Why should local business owners contact CHESS? The CHESS point of difference is their ongoing support, particularly with their employment placement programmes. This long-term, relationship-based approach is often

lacking in the field of employment services.

They strive to create a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with both local employers and job seekers. For the CHESS team, presenting employers with job seekers who display loyalty, commitment and resilience towards employment opportunities is a top priority. They come to know a business - its culture, personality and attitude and then find the person who is the right fit.

As a local business owner, there are also many advantages in engaging in the services on offer from CHESS. How can my business benefit from connecting with CHESS Employment? Your business can benefit from having the costs involved with bringing on a new staff member

offset through government wage subsidies and CHESS incentives. Your business will have the full support of a well-established and loyal team, always willing to go the extra mile to support you and your employees. CHESS will provide dedicated staff training and placement support services to support the needs and goals of your business.

CHESS can also provide access to additional employees as they become available - without you, the employer, having to engage in the often time consuming recruitment process.

To establish a strong, loyal and meaningful relationship with an employment service provider offering personable, loyal and flexible staff, call CHESS on (02) 6691 9333 or visit www.chessemployment.com.au

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? NEED TO FIND STAFF WHO REALLY FIT YOUR BUSINESS’S CULTURE AND ETHOS?

We’re all about finding the right fit to complement your business opportunities At CHESS our focus is to: ✔ Prepare our job seekers for each and every role ✔ Provide dedicated support and training, before and after placement ✔ Match job seekers to the business’s needs and culture, for the best outcome ✔ Ensure both the business and job seeker are happy!

Our job seekers have a “can do” attitude and really value the role they are afforded. We have job seekers with a great range of skills and experience, to suit many small business roles. Most of all, the CHESS team provide ongoing support and assistance throughout placement and beyond. Helping to ensure that both business owners and job seekers are happy.

Our Team include both Employment Consultants and Support Coordinators to ensure that the best service model is delivered before, during and after job placement.

Give CHESS Employment a call 6691 9333 WE’RE ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND THE JOB SEEKER

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K E N N A R D S

H I R E

SOME OF THE FASTEST DRIVERS ON THE PLANET RETURN TO THE COFFS COAST FOR KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA ON 17 - 20 NOVEMBER. THE 25TH RALLY AUSTRALIA WILL BE THE FINAL ROUND OF THE 2016 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP,

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BRINGING A BIG CONTINGENT OF DRIVERS, TEAMS, MEDIA, SUPPORTERS AND SPECTATORS FROM AROUND WORLD.

he rally demands extreme skill, endurance, bravery and teamwork and gives spectators a thrilling up-close experience.

The WRC is regarded as the most challenging series in international motorsport, as it traverses 14 countries and extreme differences in terrain, road surface and weather conditions.

Millions of daily television viewers in more than 140 countries will track stars such as triple World Champion Sebastien Ogier of France, New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon, Mads Ostberg of Norway, Jari Matti Latvala of Finland and Stefan Lefebvre of France, as they tackle more than 300 km over 23 competition stages to the north and south of the Coffs Harbour event headquarters.

Top Australian drivers also take part in Rally Australia in either the WRC or Australian Rally Championship sections.

The Coffs Coast rally stages are some of the most beautiful and exciting on the WRC circuit, a bonus for fans combining a holiday with their favourite sport.

Spectators can see the stars and cars up-close from

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dedicated Special Stage daily viewing points, at the SerRally spectating is an exciting and easy experience for vice Park and at the official start and finish ceremonies everyone, and you don’t need to be a knowledgeable in Coffs Harbour’s main street. enthusiast to have fun. Most all, it’s thrilling and upThis year’s new highlights include the close, so take your camera! fan-friendly Destination NSW Super THINK of the FIA World Rally Championship Special Stage on Friday and Saturday as motorsport’s equivalent of Test cricket. afternoon at the Jetty leisure preIt’s an elite contest run over several cinct beside the Coffs Harbour days, and winning requires supreme A ST TH E CO FF S CO waterfront. Extra entertainindividual skill, teamwork, strategy, R A LLY STAG ES ment here will include the endurance, courage, determinaTH E A R E SO M E O F Matt Mingay Hot Wheels tion and, inevitably, luck.

FU L A N D M O ST BE AU TI E W RC Stunt Team, Red Bull WRC6 But unlike a Test match, the EXCI TI N G O N TH S FO R video game challenge, rally pace is flat-out from start to NU CI RC U IT, A BO children’s rides and possibly fi nish, the “pitch” changes conA IN G FA N S CO M BI N R EI a drift display. stantly under the driver’s wheels, TH H H O LI DAY W IT .”

RT O Also promising spectacuand play continues no matter what FAVO U R IT E SP lar entertainment will be the the weather.

Super Special Stage at Raleigh, Followers aptly describe the WRC Saturday’s epic 51 km Nambucas “grand prix on gravel”. It has many ca Special Stage and the final day’s attributes of the FIA’s (Federation InternaWedding Bells stage, where thousands of tionale de l’Automobile) other world championspectators will watch the rally go down to the wire. ship, Formula 1, including drama, glamour, big-brand

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THE COFFS COAST SHIRE AND FORESTRY ROADS WILL TEST DRIVERS WITH FAST-FLOWING STAGES AND TIGHTER, MORE TECHNICAL ONES AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF OUR UNIQUE SCENERY.

backers and a massive following, but also much more. The landscape, architecture and culture of the host country are part of every WRC event.

Kennards Hire Rally Australia on 17 - 20 November will be the culmination of a 13-round, 14-country series billed as the most challenging in motorsport. The Coffs Coast shire and forestry roads will test drivers with fast-flowing stages and tighter, more technical ones against the backdrop of our unique scenery.

To reach the final round, teams have grappled with ice in Monte-Carlo, snow in Sweden, high altitude in Mexico, rough roads in Argentina and fearsome speeds in Finland, plus many other challenges of terrain and climate.

PLENTY of FREE entertainment will be in store off the track for Kennards Hire Rally Australia visitors RALLY SHOW & CERMONIAL START, Thursday, 4pm, CBD, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

World Rally crews will be on deck for the Rally Show and Ceremonial Start. Check out the cars on display, meet the drivers, get selfies and autographs and win prizes before the stars and cars drive over the ramp to officially start their weekend journey. Buy rally tickets and souvenirs.

SERVICE PARK Open all day and evening Thursday - Sunday, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Thursday Meet-the-Crews 12pm (midday).

Friday Service: approx. 11:30am, Meet-the-Crews 8pm approx.

Saturday Service: approx. 11:30am, Meet-the-Crews 8pm approx.

Sunday Service: approx. 11:15am.

Crews and cars return to repair and replenish cars and drivers before each day’s second loop of stages. Drivers and co-drivers may come out to the front of the service bay to

meet fans. Rally Australia, WRC and team souvenirs on sale; take the Red Bull WRC6 simulator challenge and see the C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club display on Friday and Saturday.

CITY PRESENTATION STAGE Thursday - Sunday, CBD, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

The giant video screen stays in action to play footage from the forests, announcements, updates and news to keep you informed throughout the weekend.

FINISH PODIUM CEREMONY Sunday, 3:15pm, CBD, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Head back to the stage and giant screen in front of Coffs Central shopping centre to see the winners crowned and all the finishers. This spectacular event includes interviews with the top crews and the new World Champion. Winner of the Red Bull WRC6 Challenge to be announced.

NOT QUITE FREE You’ll need a ticket to enter the Destination NSW Super Special Stage at The Jetty on Friday and Saturday or Sunday’s Flooded Gum spectator park in the Bucca Forest, but once inside, there are more great attractions.

The entertainment zone at The Jetty will include a WRC6 simulator challenge with Red Bull, kids’ rides, food and

drinks, souvenir stands and entertainment, all free within the precinct. At Flooded Gum, there’s more food, displays and, for the first time, a licensed public bar.

WHILE Kennards Hire Rally Australia hosts the world’s best rally drivers, it is also involving a home-town hero with the appointment of three-time Olympian Emma Moffatt as Event Ambassador. Moffat, 32, was raised in Woolgoolga, although these days home for the professional athlete is the Gold Coast and Boulder, Colorado.

Considered among her sport’s Olympic distance greats, Moffatt won a gold medal in Beijing in 2008, the triathlon world championships in 2009 and 2010, bronze in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games relay and contested the London and Rio Olympics.

Following in the footsteps of 2015 ambassador, ironwoman Courtney Hancock, Moffatt’s role will be to help showcase her home region to the world through media and public appearances during the rally. www.rallyaustralia.com.au www.wrc.com Facebook.com/rallyaustralia Twitter.com/rallyaustralia Instagram.com/rallyaustralia Tickets: www.ticketek.com coffs coast focus. 11

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SET TO EMERGE IN COFFS A N U P C O M I N G E X H I B I T I O N, E N T I T L E D E M E RG E N C E , B Y L O C A L A RT G R A D UAT E S W I L L S H OWC A S E A N A R R AY O F A M A Z I N G A N D I N S P I R E D WO R K S .

F O C U S WA S I N V I T E D T O T H E C O F F S H A R B O U R TA F E F O R A G U I D E D T O U R O F T H E WO R K S A N D A C H AT W I T H T H E A RT I S T S .

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troduce us to your group and what you’re aiming to achieve ...

We are an eclectic bunch of local artists who come from all walks of life.

Many of us have had careers far removed from the visual arts, including science, environmental management, youth work, natural therapy, hospitality and management, to name a few.

We are each currently working on organising, creating and executing a body of work that investigates the theme of the human condition - the essentials of what it means to be human and the impact of our existence.

The exhibition has both 2D and 3D works that explore this theme through 19 unique lenses.

This has been interpreted by the group in many different ways, using mediums such as print making, wood carving, ceramics, 12 coffs coast focus.

painting, drawing and mixed media.

We have come together because we all share a love of learning and creativity in a visual medium. We are incredibly supportive of each other. It takes a lot of courage to open up and express your creativity. There’s vulnerability in making art that’s both scary and incredibly beautiful.

The title of the exhibition is Emergence; what does that mean?

Emergence means different things to each of us. It can mean rebirth or a coming out of. It can also be seen as a new beginning. It is also a metaphor for the new future which we are embarking on as artists in the local community and beyond. Some see this exhibition as a starting point for a career; others see it as a way to engage with and be a part of the local arts community, whilst most of us see this

exhibition as an opportunity to understand the fundamentals of exhibiting artwork professionally. From a personal viewpoint, Emergence is about pushing past an edge, about putting ourselves out there; about sharing our artwork with strangers.

What is an emerging artist?

That’s a tricky one; an emerging artist is usually someone who is starting out in the visual arts - someone in the first five years of making art on their own after they have finished their studies.

Some of us have entered this course without a distinct stylistic approach to producing artwork. Part of building a body of work has come about through exploration, making mistakes and taking risks, without expectations and outcomes. Some of our best work has come out of happy accidents and by using

materials previously unexplored.

How do you hope the exhibition will influence those who view it?

Emergence is a celebration and exploration of the creative journey we have been on. We want people to engage with our works and be a part of the legacy of the TAFE 2016 Diploma of Visual Arts class. We hope that our works will promote discussions, evoke emotions, inspire fresh perspectives and create an opportunity for pennies to drop in new places.

Art is a way to transform people’s views and show them different ways of looking at things, and this is what we hope to achieve.

Have you exhibited before?

We have not exhibited together before as a group. Some of us have been involved in both solo and group exhibitions. For many of us, this will be our first experience of exhibiting our artwork in a public space. Last year we were very fortunate to have been involved in a much bigger collaborative project titled Transmigration, which made it into Sydney’s Sculpture By The Sea. It was an amazing experience.

What is your group’s connection to the Coffs Coast?

We all live within an hour of Coffs Harbour itself, and we are all enrolled and attend the Diploma of Visual Arts at Coffs Harbour TAFE. As students and artists, we are looking forward to making our own contribution to the arts and the community in general in and around the Coffs Harbour region.

What inspires you to want to contribute to the visual arts in this region?

Art transforms, informs and inspires the world around us. The Mid North Coast has an incredibly vibrant arts scene, and that’s exciting, but it can also be incredibly

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“ intimidating. Yet, there’s a real sense of community among visual arts practitioners, who are always willing to share and help fellow artists. As a dynamic group of emerging artists, we feel confident enough to feed our work and creativity into this community. Our contribution will hopefully inspire change, bring awareness to the issues of our time and celebrate the beauty of the world around us.

It’s powerful stuff.

How’s the study going?

Each of us has overcome different obstacles to be able to commit to this creative endeavour. Some of us travel over an hour to attend class. Other more personal challenges include young children and family commitments, part and full-time work, and physical and mental challenges. We have all prevailed in our creative endeavour because of our love of learning visual mediums and being

Emergence means different things to each of us. It can mean rebirth or a coming out of. It can also be seen as a new beginning.”

share with us their personal experiences and amongst each other and our teachers. processes. We’re also incredibly fortunate that What is the hardest thing to overcome? all our teachers are practicing and exhibiting An ongoing battle within many of us is our artists - they’re truly inspiring. relationship with the inner critic. However, Our inspiration can be found in artists from the work culture that we have created is both the past and present, including abstract fundamentally encouraging and supportive, and realistic artists and artists who work in which allows for risk taking that good artwork sculpture, mixed media and painting. calls for. We have cultivated certain levels of When do you come up with your best trust, which allows for honest feedback vital to ideas? a healthy arts practice and valuable friendship Ideas and inspiration comes at all times and bonds. not always in the studio. Some of us Where do you find inspiration? have thought of our best works We find our inspiration in the shower, at 3am in the from the world around us morning, whilst surfing or and from each other playing sport, through our biggest strength is Part of building meditation and by taking our difference. We’re a body of work t a walk through the lucky to have various has come abou ion, forest or on the beach. local artists visit through explorat d s an making mistake What research do you the classroom and out taking risk s, with do? d expectations an As little as we can .” es om outc get away with. For a lot of us, research is through exploring and experimentation with concepts and materials.

Although, some of us do a lot of research. There is heaps of inspiration out there and lots of people to learn from.

We are encouraged to keep a visual diary which documents our ideas, inspiration, process, mistakes and successes. With the advent of digital technology, tablets have become a very useful and efficient tool in documenting our process and capturing our ideas.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering taking up art either as a profession or a hobby?

Everyone is inherently creative in different

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ways. The Diploma of Visual Arts is a commitment of time and money, but the rewards in terms of enhancing your particular skills or building new ones is invaluable. It can also be a great way to engage with other artists and make life long connections. In addition, research shows that one in three artists will bring their creative thinking to other industries, by providing innovative and problem solving skills. Making art is a great way to forge new neural pathways within the brain. It can be scary to try something new, yet you may be pleasantly surprised to find how supportive the arts community can be.

What are your plans for the future?

No doubt we will all take very different pathways through our future creative endeavours. After this year, some of us will take what we have learnt and feed it into our current arts practice. Others will take our creative learning into other industries. Some will engage in further study. The Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts is being offered in 2017 and even more exciting, the possibility of a Degree in Creative Practice in 2018.

What are the details of the exhibition?

Our exhibition, Emergence, opens on Saturday 5th November from 6pm at the Arts factory at 2/151 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour.

The opening will be a night of great food, local music, lively conversation and magical artwork.

The exhibition will be open for two weeks.

Opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9 until noon on Saturday.

Come along; it will be great to see you there.

People can find out more about our work through our facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/Emergence19/ Thanks everyone. coffs coast focus. 13

focusinterview.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT BODYBUILDING, A PERSON NEEDS TO HAVE DISCIPLINE, MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND A CONTROLLED DIET. CARMELLE LIPMAN SAT DOWN WITH FOCUS TO TELL US A BIT ABOUT HER APPROACH TO THE SPORT AND HER RECENT SUCCESS.

B O D Y B U I L D E R

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an you tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I moved to Coffs Harbour from South Africa when I was a teenager and have lived here for the majority of my time in Australia.

When did you become interested in bodybuilding?

I've always been into fitness, but not so much the weight training side of things - more running. I started training seriously around two and a half years ago with my partner, Tristan, and really enjoyed the feeling of lifting heavy weights and getting stronger.

When we found out there was a natural bodybuilding comp in Coffs Harbour, we thought, “What a great opportunity”.

Recently you were successful in an event held in the local area; can you tell us a bit about that and where you finished?

It was my first ever show, and I competed in the INBA Coffs Classic in the MS Fitness Division. I entered the novice class and the open class, winning both divisions and the overall titles too. I didn't expect that in my wildest dreams, and I am still on cloud nine. Tristan, my partner, won the overall title too, which was amazing. It really was such an incredible day.

What other successes have you enjoyed over the last year?

We competed at the INBA Qld titles, where I placed third in my novice division against 32 girls, and third in my open class too. Tristan won both his classes in the men's bodybuilding.

How many events do you plan on attending this

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Not many

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year? each other. They are the most people l We will have done three events important things. have the menta t this year, after the Australian Titles Does it require a high level toughness to ge to a competitive this coming weekend. of discipline and dedication level and to Which event is your favourite? to maintain your body at stand on stage to The Coffs Classic, for sure, as these levels? compete .” this was my very first competition, in It sure does, and we have my home town - plus my family came been prepping now for around and supported me as well. nine months. We still get a great How often do you train? variety of food; everything is calculated, Currently I train five - six days a week with measured and tracked, to ensure maximum weight training. results.

Do you need to follow a strict diet?

What advice would you give to someone who is Yes, I follow a structured food plan, that has heaps starting out in the sport? of variety and doesn't see me under eating; rather, Get a coach. Someone who has been there and done eating food to increase my metabolism and increase my it before and has a proven track record in the sport. day to day energy.

Also, make sure you’re competing for the right reasons, What is it that you love about the sport? not just doing it because everyone else is.

The discipline and work that is required to change What are your plans for the future? the human body. Not many people have the mental We are attending the Australian Titles, and then we toughness to get to a competitive level and to stand on will have a few years off. Our focus will be on building stage to compete. I have loved the journey of getting my more muscle and strength and having more flexibility. body into the best condition of my life, along with my I am currently building my house, and we move in this partner by my side doing it with me. weekend too! I have just started studying my Cert 3 and You’ve mentioned you and your partner, Tristan, Cert 4 in fitness and plan on working with my partner are both involved in the sport. How do you support next year and coaching couples to stage, or just in each other and help when preparing for an event? general life. We want to show it can be done and will There has to mutual respect for one another, and strengthen your relationship. not putting yourself first. We both pick each other up Where can people find out more? if one’s down, share the cooking, cleaning duties etc.

You can contact myself of Tristan on our Facebook and just make it work. We don't put each other down; pages. we motivate one another, and both want the best for Thanks Carmelle.

bcu helps students to build their future APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2017 BCU BILL USSHER SCHOLARSHIP HAVE NOW OPENED.

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stablished to continue the legacy of bcu’s founding Chairman, Mr. Bill Ussher, who dedicated much of his life to helping local communities prosper, the scholarship has been running now for five years.

The scholarship encourages growth in the local region by offering financial assistance to support students in their career development, while also helping businesses to create local employment opportunities. These are both areas bcu is extremely passionate about. bcu’s 2017 Bill Ussher scholarship will help 20 driven students, trainees and apprentices to create their future. Applicants have the

An empowering and highly rience . It beneficial expe ity that was an opportun new y an has opened m ntial doors into pote s.” ay w th career pa

“

chance to receive a bcu student scholarship of up to $1,000.

The scholarship can be used to pay for goods or services required in a student’s chosen field of study or career. This could be a laptop for study, tools for an apprenticeship, a musical instrument, or simply a contribution towards course fees.

There have been some outstanding recipients in previous years, such as Blaise Borrer, a skilled musician who aims to one day

play with a Symphony Orchestra. Blaise said, “I was able to take trombone lessons and workshops with this scholarship. It’s a great opportunity for young people. I wouldn’t have been able to attend Griffith for lessons without it."

Alena Hardinge, a 2016 bcu Bill Ussher winner, was able to attend the GRIP Leadership Camp, which she describes as “an empowering and highly beneficial experience. It was an opportunity that has opened many new

doors into potential career pathways”. bcu is pleased to announce that this year, they are also giving schools the opportunity to win, with $2,500 being offered to the school with the highest number of student applications and an additional $1,000 to the runner-up.

John Burton, a previous bcu Bill Ussher scholarship winner, said, “I'd highly recommend all students to apply for the Bill Ussher scholarship. The scholarship is a big help and was a big motivation for me to keep my head down and try harder in class.”

Applications are now open and will close on November 18, 2016. To find out more information and apply, visit www.bcu.com.au

Create your future

WIN a share in $20,000* with the 2017 bcu Bill Ussher scholarship.

Apply at bcu.com.au/studentplus-scholarships Applications close 18 November, 2016.

*Terms & conditions apply. See website for details.

coffs coast focus. 15

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

7

2016

November

TWILIGHT FOOD MARKET

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Come on down to Park Beach Reserve.

Don't forget your blanket, chairs, wine, or beer! When every Friday from October 21st.

Time 5pm until 9pm. Where Park Beach Reserve, Park Beach.

MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON AT COFFS RACING CLUB Be part of the glamour, excitement and fun. There are a great range of hospitality packages to choose from, so everyone can celebrate Spring Racing in style. Plus, Fashions on the Fields by Park Beach Plaza - dress to impress for a fantastic afternoon out, for the race that stops the nation. The live action from Flemington will be on the big screens throughout the day.

Hospitality tickets are priced from $77 - $99 per person.

When 1st November. Where Coffs harbour Racing Club.

Tickets www.coffsracingclub.com.au

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MID NORTH COAST FOOD FORUM The annual Mid North Coast Food Forum will be hosted in Coffs Harbour at Bonville Golf Resort. Featuring the region’s and Australia's most successful food entrepreneurs, this year’s food forum will offer something for anyone with an interest in food and agriculture. When 17th November. Where Bonville Golf Resort. Time 8:30am ‘til 4:30pm. Cost $70pp. Tickets available from: http://www.2016.midnorthcoastfoodforum.com.au

Commonwealth Bank Women’s International Cricket Series.

When Sunday 27 and Tuesday 29 November 2016.

Where C.ex Coffs International Stadium. Time Match commences at 2:30pm daily. Cost FREE ENTRY.

17

BLACK GULLY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016

KENNARDS HIRE RALLY AUSTRALIA

Armidale plays host to the Black Gully Music Festival, with live music, eco art, tree planting, workshops, food stalls, makers market, activities and bar facilities. When Sat 12th November; 10am - 10pm @ Black gully (Behind NERAM).

More info www.fb.combloackgullymusicfestival

The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is one of the world’s most diverse, exciting and gruelling motorsport competitions.

It is energetic, exciting, uncompromising and action-packed.

When 17th - 20th November. Tickets www.rallyaustralia.com. au/ticketing-2016/ More info visit www.rallyaustralia.com.au/

16 coffs coast focus.

27

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

BANANA FIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL Date 29th October. Where Coffs Harbour Race Club.

Cost $95.90 general admission; VIP tickets $126.50.

Tickets www.bananafieldmusicfestival.com.au/tickets

SAWTELL HOTEL

I also have a background in administration, resort management and hospitality.

lace browning

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re you originally from Coffs Harbour? Yes, I am. I was born and raised in the Coffs Harbour area; however, I did move to outback Queensland for four years to help run our family owned hotel.

What is your professional background? Prior to FOCUS I was working as a residential real estate sales agent; I’ve completed my real estate licence and have a Diploma in Property Services.

What do you love about FOCUS? I love that it’s filled with local content and is all about the Coffs Harbour community and our local residents. FOCUS has and always will be a great read, which makes it the perfect place to showcase your business.

What has been the best piece of advice you have received? Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

What do you love about living on the Coffs Coast? I love that you can be sitting on the beach soaking up the sun one minute then enjoying the beautiful national parks, waterfalls and crystal clear rivers the next.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Brian Deegan, because I think he’d be a really interesting person to meet. I actually named my youngest son after him.

osted by Ziggy and his judges, this year is set to be an even more exciting experience than the previous years.

Ask yourself if you have a talent. It doesn’t have to be musical; it could be a circus act or magic, for example. If so, then this is your opportunity to get up on stage and perform, with the chance of winning $2,000 cash!

maybe you need to encourage a talented friend or family member (acts must be at least 16 years old). This is also a

“

great opportunity to see

$2

Sunday from the 9th

This is your opportunity to and get up on stage e th perform , with ing n in chance of w ” ! sh ,000 ca

If you yourself are not so talented, then

some fresh, up and coming local talents!

Heats are every October ‘til November 6th, with the final on November 13th! So come and show your support! Starts

from 2pm, and runs until 6pm Sundays. See you at the Sawty!

coffs coast focus. 17

WHEN the overseas stars of the FIA World Rally Championship arrive for Kennards Hire Rally Australia with their million-dollar cars and mega-teams, they’ll find a few locals waiting to show who’s boss of the Coffs Coast roads.

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he 23 competition stages are the backyards for home-town aces Nathan Quinn, Mark Beard and Mal Keough, who have contested countless local events over the years.

Their mounts for Rally Australia will be modest compared to the high-tech gravel monsters of the WRC regulars, and give them no chance of winning.

But, that’s not the point for these enthusiasts, who will revel in the opportunity to be part of a genuine world championship event and enjoy the support of local followers.

Each has past experience with Rally Australia and will be hoping to finish higher this year.

Quinn’s ambitions will be highest. Even now he’s motivated by the memory of an outstanding run in 2013, when he finished eighth outright in an Italian team’s Mini World Rally Car.

Now he’s motivated by an the memory of in n ru g in nd ta outs ished fin 2013, when he an in ht ig tr eighth ou i in M ’s am te Italian r.”

Ca lly Ra ld Wor

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Quinn has had plenty of international experience, and this result showed he had learnt self-control, as well as speed. He impressed the rally world with not only his performance, but also his larrikin comments quite unlike those of the more serious European contenders - to the TV cameras from the wheel of what became known as Quinny’s Mini.

After a break in 2014, Quinn returned in 2015 with his own Coffs Coast Rally Team Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, finishing 14th and first Australian - an impressive drive against a field of countrymen that included two national champions.

Plans this year to step back up to a proper

WRC car failed to come off, so Quinn will be back in the faithful Lancer, hoping for another giant-slaying result.

Woolgoolga’s Mark Beard has the least potent machine in his Subaru Impreza RS, but it’s tough and reliable and if the driver’s enthusiasm counts for anything, he’ll be celebrating at the end.

A businessman, Mark is a staunch supporter of Rally Australia and will be a proud ambassador for the region.

But when Mal Keough goes out to play in his Audi Quattro S1 replica, even the WRC

regulars will stop to watch.

His car, remarkably built at home with the help of friends, is a close copy of one of the fastest, most powerful and infamous rally cars of the 1980s. Recently described as the most popular rally car in Australia, Keough estimates it’s valued at around $150,000 - although it’s definitely not for sale.

This spectacular entry will be a highlight of the Classic section of the Kumho Tyre Australian Rally Championship.

Be sure to cheer the locals at 2016 Kennards Hire Rally Australia!

NSW COFFS COAST, 17-20 NOV 2016

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

LIA.CO RALLYAUSTRA

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M.AU

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM

Sneakers Clothing Records love & KISSES Will Santa’s special Elf appear on a shelf in your house this December 1? Love & Kisses is Coffs Harbour’s home of the original Elf, gift boxed with the hardcover storybook, direct from the USA - $49.95 for the package, and such a lovely family tradition and keepsake.

You’ll also find at Love & Kisses: • Lang calendars • Moleskine diaries • PadPods to hold your iPad or eReader • Kris Kringle gifts in every price range • Cute $11.95 shoulder bags • Good ideas for teacher gifts • Beautiful Christmas decorations • Judy drowning in new stock deliveries • Patience Brewster reindeers • The best leather bags in town • Bee hotels - locally made - BIG story - you’ll have to come in and ask about these - a must for every garden, and important for our future.

Hear the full bee house story, Saturdays 11 ‘til 1. Short version on other days!

Join the people “in the know” - take your Christmas list and make time to browse in this lovely little shop. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find, and how easy it is on your budget.

coffs coast focus. 19

Ohana Early Learning What’s all the buzz about Ohana Early Learning? This month we catch up with Ellen, the new lead educator and leader of the Pre-School Eagle Rays Room.

W

hat are some of your favourite aspects about Ohana?

The outdoor environment!

There is an overwhelming amount of research that highlights the importance of “being” in nature for children’s emotional and cognitive development. So one of my favourite things about Ohana is definitely the natural play space.

What do you love about working in the early years?

I love the child directed, holistic approach to learning. This is where children are viewed as competent and capable individuals. I cherish these early years. It’s a sacred time for learning and development; we learn the most in the first five years of our life. These are the foundation years that shape a child’s future health, happiness, growth and life in general.

This sets a precedent for early childhood education to be valued, but also highlights the responsibility I feel in being an early childhood educator.

What do you think is the most important part of your role as educator?

My role is to facilitate learning. It is my belief by taking a holistic approach, where children are viewed as competent and

20 coffs coast focus.

capable, our role is to create an environment where risks in learning and play lead to new discoveries. Time is also an important part of my role; this might seem odd, but children need uninterrupted time to learn. This is where they can create, socialise, self-regulate and explore.

What is the difference between preschools and long day care? What should parents base their decision on?

Having worked in both settings, I can say that if it’s high quality, then there’s almost none. Traditionally one was seen more as simply “care” for working families. The other historically was focused to prepare children for school. With the Government’s national standards governing all early childhood services, the only difference I can see are the operational hours, with long daycare accepting all ages of children, and importantly the quality assessment of the centres. We are all working to the same national standard, and it is the assessment of how a centre is meeting its standards that is the factor. School readiness doesn’t start and end at a particular age. It’s embedded in the daily routine and the dispositions we foster.

What are you looking forward to over the next year?

I’m looking forward to settling into my role as a lead educator at Ohana and the implementation of a project-based curriculum within the preschool area, where we (the children and educators) can question, hypothesis and create together. Building strong dispositions to learning, where pre-literacy and numeracy skills are explored in a contextual and meaningful way. The project approach can be summed up pretty nicely by Lloyd Alexander: “We learn more by looking for the answers to a question and not finding it, than we do from learning the answers itself”.

How do you keep your team motivated?

I think creating a culture of selective practice intrinsically motivates educators to continue learning and to strive for the best practices for the children. Sharing ideas, challenging and encouraging each other is part and parcel of working in a team and necessary in providing high quality education and care!

Is there anything else you’d like to add before we finish up?

I’m extremely passionate and if you give me a platform to express my personal beliefs, I’ll take it with both hands! This is just the tip of the iceberg!

Thanks Ellen.

H AR D HITTING E V I T A E CR WE love christmas At Flowers on First Sawtell, we love Christmas. We are preparing for pur biggest Christmas yet, with Wreath Making, Kokedama and Flower Arranging Workshops locked in for October, November and December. Pop in store to grab a flyer, or check out our Facebook page for workshop dates.

Workshops tickets make a wonderful gift, and are a way to explore your own creativity. Our hot tip is that Wreathmaking will be awesome!

Over the years we have built up our Christmas range of gift and homewares, and we love decorating our Christmas window. We are planning a spectacular window this Christmas, with loads of new Chrissy ornaments, pots, plants and garden lines. Come along to Flowers on First Sawtell to find treasures you won't find anywhere else on the Coffs Coast this Christmas.

sasocreative.com.au

N IG S E D D N A G IN T E K M AR ESS IN S U B R U O Y E IV G TO

!

H P M O O 666 SIGN, WEB E D R U O Y S S U C IS D CALL US TO EDS AND MARKETING NE

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WINNER 2015

coffs coast focus. 21

focusinterview.

Ostara/Nexus Employment Specialists Tailored, Quality, Solutions. Ostara/Nexus has been providing fee-free professional employment services to employers and individuals on the Mid North Coast since 2009. Located in Macksville, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Grafton and Tweed Heads, we provide a range of services to assist clients with a physical or mental health disability to find ongoing employment.

Alison Paul was recently selected to become part of a campaign to

help more people have their say and improve the local area. FOCUS met with Alison to find out more about her background and her role in the initiative.

C

Do you think there are enough opportuan you briefly tell us a bit about yourself and your background? nities for the youth of the area, once they Firstly, I’m a mum to two boys aged finish high school?

11 and seven years old. I also manage Unfortunately not. I left Coffs Harbour when local business, Red Sparrow Tea Company.

I finished my HSC to attend uni. There is also I founded and run www.coffsforkids.com a definite lack of jobs locally but by attracting and I’m the organiser of the local handmade more people to the area, this will grow the market, the Made with Love Markets. economy, bring more infrastructure I also help local business on and jobs and hopefully help their social media marketCoffs thrive a little more. ing strategies. I’m always What do you love most There is also a jobs super busy! definite lack of about living in this tracting My parents moved to locally but by at part of the world? the Coffs in the ‘70s and more people to I’ve done a lot of e th ow I went to primary and area , this will gr ore travelling around m g economy, brin high school here, so I bs jo d the world and to be an re infrastructu know the area very well. ffs Co lp he lly honest, I didn’t really fu and hope What is your role in e.” or m tle lit a appreciate this area when e thriv the campaign?

I was growing up. It wasn’t I see myself as a bit of a until I left and visited some “go-between” between Council of the most famous beaches and and locals. I hope to help get people tourist attractions in the world I came more involved in having their say on what to realise what a special place we live in. I they’d like to see happen in Coffs in the LOVE all the little communities here, from Red future. I am very active on social media, so I Rock to Urunga to Dorrigo; there are lots of see this as a major tool in connecting MyCoffs amazing day trips and places to explore with to locals. your family and friends.

What do you think needs to change or Where can people find out more? improve in Coffs?

Come along to the MyCoffs Big Picture Being the organiser of a local market, I have event, Sunday 13 Nov, 10:45am - 2pm, Norm been through many struggles on finding a Jordan Exhibition Hall, Coffs Harbour Showsuitable location to hold the market. We have ground. Light lunch included. currently held the market in four different locaTo reserve your free place, see www.mycoffs. tions. Coffs Harbour sorely needs a community org centre. We used to have a Civic Centre in the Like and follow us: MyCoffs on Facebook middle of town, where I remember as a kid and Instagram - post pics to #mycoffs attending ballet performances, school events, meetings and even my deb ball.

Thanks Alison.

“

22 coffs coast focus.

Our team have more than 15 years’ experience in Disability Employment Services and are passionate about our culture of collaboration, which ensures our job seekers have the skills, ability and up to date training to add value to any employer they join. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for our clients and managing their employment journey at every stage.

Our purpose is to support both the individual and the organisation in the process of implementing a specific employment solution that will achieve a positive long term outcome for everyone involved. Over the past nine years we have assisted more than 3,000 clients into employment and have partnered more than 200 employer organisations across the region in delivering specialist employment services fee free.

At Ostara/Nexus our focus is on ability rather than disability; we believe our clients’ skills and experience can add value to any employer prepared to embrace a diverse workforce, and we work closely with them to achieve the best result for all. Contact us on (02) 5632 4814 or call into our office at 47 Moonee Street, Coffs Harbour to discuss your employment needs.

focusinterview.

S&H motors S&H Motor repairs has been a leading independent dealer alternative for the last thirty years, offering customers quality repairs and servicing on all makes of vehicles.

S&H Motor repairs is owned and operated by Eamonn Mulhall. Eamonn’s background of 40 years in the motor trade includes preparing BMWs for race and rally applications, and maintaining performance cars.

Since taking over the business, Eamonn grew the workshop, with a shift in focus to European models like VW, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Porsche, utilising the tools and techniques from a vast experience in automotive technology.

“We saw a newer breed of car lover who realise the economy of maintaining their vehicle’s technical performance through the computers that drive the car, as well as making sure all the fluids and parts are synced correctly,” Eamonn explains.

bmw audi volkswagen porsche peugeot

He assembled a team with equally impressive talents - professionals, rather than practitioners.

They have extensive experience in dealerships and independent facilities, but have also performed a wealth of other precision work, including building touring cars, racing prep, luxury car performance road handling tweaks, and even some 4 x 4 improvements.

S&H is continually investing in the latest equipment and diagnostic tools and has recently added engine optimisation through software upgrades by fine-tuning the vehicle beyond manufacturer specs.

Eamonn imports critical software advances from Europe from manufacturers and top trade developers and even distributes it Australiawide. “I spent part of last year in Italy learning how to write programs for modified software, but smart diagnostic machines and state-ofthe art tools are nothing without brilliant and dedicated operators,” he concludes.

renault saab mercedes-benz land rover mini

shmotors.com.au

Collins Lane Coffs Harbour Jetty

6652 4625

MCDONALD’S COFFS HARBOUR & NAMBUCCA MCDONALD’S COFFS HARBOUR AND NAMBUCCA ARE PLEDGING TO DONATE $25,000 TOWARDS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR JUNIOR GRANTS PROGRAMME 2016 - 17.

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rant Recipient Coffs Harbour Girl Guides Association recently had to close their facility, the Lodge, as it didn’t meet safety regulations and contacted McDonald’s for assistance in funding repairs. The Guides tell us how the McDonald’s Grant is helping keep the doors at the Lodge open.

What are the Girl Guides’ values?

We reinforce values such as honesty, integrity and community service, whilst encouraging friendship and most of all - fun!

How many children are in the Association?

50+.

Who are members of the Girl Guides?

Our membership is not restricted by ability, age, social or cultural background. Coffs Harbour girls and women have the opportunity to participate in Jnr Guides (8 - 10 yrs), Guides (10 - 14 yrs), Senior Guides (14 - 18 yrs), Olave Guides (18 - 30 yrs), Leaders and Trefoil Guild (senior women). Unfortunately, our pre-junior guides is currently in recess due to a shortfall in volunteer leaders and limited enrolments.

What does Girl Guides teach young women?

Girl Guides is a volunteer organisation that empowers girls and young women to grow into confident, self respecting, responsible community members. It provides leadership and personal skills development to its members.

What life skills do the Guides learn?

Girl Guides provides a safe environment to educate and support members on critical issues facing young women in today’s society, such as equality, domestic violence, body image and self-worth.

How is Girl Guides run?

Our amazing leaders donate their time to support local girls achieve personal goals and

reach their full potential. We keep our fees low and rely heavily on fundraising and donations.

Our hall and Lodge are available for use by other community groups and organisations.

What made you contact McDonald’s initially for the Grant?

The old electrical meter box for our Lodge does not meet current Australian standards.

For safety reasons, restrictions have been placed on the use of the Lodge until these urgent repairs are carried out. With limited resources, we reached out to McDonald’s for financial assistance.

How will the McDonald’s Junior Grants Programme help the Girl Guides?

Not only will repairs to our Lodge directly benefit Girl Guide members, but also a number of other Coffs Harbour youth who participate in activities provided by other organisations who use our facilities.

The McDonald’s Grant will go towards keeping our doors open for both Girl Guide members and the community alike.

McDonald’s Coffs Harbour and Nambucca are proud to support local children and groups through their Junior Grants Programme.

If you are a local child or group who needs assistance with your sporting, academic, cultural or community project, we want to hear from you. Jump on the Grants website and apply today: www.maccasjuniorgrant.com.au Interested in getting involved in Girl Guides?

For more information on Girl Guide membership or volunteer opportunities in Coffs Harbour, please contact Susan Gibson on 6651 1926 or 0424 430 161. For Hall bookings, please contact Pam Mclauchlin on 0418 425 329 or 6650 0252. coffs coast focus. 23

focusinterview.

CLEANING UP

Two childhood friends are spearheading efforts to remove rubbish from the Orara region. FOCUS caught up with Leah Simpson and Ashley Stephenson to find out what motivates them and how they hope to help maintain the pristine area for future generations.

C

an you briefly tell us a bit about each of you and your connection to the local area?

Hey, to all the Coffs Coast region! We’re Leah and Ashley, just two girls, along with many other locals of the area, who are absolutely in love with our home, the Orara Valley, the environment and our pristine rivers that surround us. Both of us have been so blessed, to have been raised in this amazing part of the world since we were born.

As children, we both attended a beautiful little school, Upper Orara Primary, and remember constantly frolicking together with our families and friends down by our local fresh waterholes. Nature and being outside was truly our whole childhood, and not much has changed since. Being out in nature’s beautiful rivers and waterfalls is where we feel most relaxed, rejuvenated and “alive”, spending almost every free moment that we possibly can down by the river.

Living on the Coffs Coast, we are all so lucky to have these amazing places to enjoy. But sadly over the years, as more people have been finding and exploring these magical areas, some people have been disrespectful to the land, with littering becoming an increasing problem - leaving behind plastic bags, cigarette butts, aluminum cans, glass bottles and many other forms of non-biodegradable rubbish.

Not just the Orara Valley is suffering; our local surrounding shires’ rivers and beaches are suffering too.

What motivated you to start the clean up?

As early as we can remember, both of us have had passion and love for nature and its animals. From a very young age, each of us, along with our families, would pick up rubbish from our local swimming hole. Over time this littering has become progressively worse; this is why we’re taking action to help prevent further harm to our environment, our home.

24 coffs coast focus.

What is it that you are doing of our beautiful native species. To name just Over time this to help clean up the local a few, the native animals that are seen regring has te lit area? ularly around the Orara Rivers are echidively become progress we’re We are concentrating our nas, snakes turtles, fish and platypus. hy w worse; this is efforts in removing rubbish Littering also diminishes soil and water lp he to n tio taking ac rm ha from the Upper Orara and quality, due to the carcinogenic chemicals r he rt fu t preven ent, nm Dairyville rivers and are in the that plastics and other non-biodegradable ro vi en r ou to process of placing colourful products leach into the environment, each our home.” signs that will grab the attenhaving drastic knock-on effects throughout tion of visitors to these areas, the ecosystem. Please also keep in mind that as a reminder to: “help keep our the Orara River not only supplies some houserivers beautiful; please take home your holds in the Valley with fresh water, but also feeds rubbish”. We shall then progress into our other into the Karangi dam to supply our beautiful city of Coffs local rivers and beaches of Coffs Harbour and Harbour, so poor water quality could potentially put our further afield into neighbouring shires. health at risk.

How often are you doing this?

Are there certain days or times of the year that the Removal of rubbish between two and three times a problem is worse? week.

Coming into the warmer weather, school holidays and over weekends, the waterholes of the Orara seem to be If people want to help out, what would you suggest at their peak with visitors, and unfortunately during these they do? times it is noticeable that littering increases dramatically If you are out enjoying these beautiful places, please take too. home any rubbish you may have accumulated and also To each and every one of you, thank you for taking the please take the time to pick up any rubbish that may have time to read what we are sharing with you today; it shows been left behind by others. Help keep the beautiful rivers that you care too, and perhaps you’re one of the people untouched; everyone wants to enjoy them just as much as who have also been wanting to see some changes. We are you. Together as a community we can nurture and protect so lucky to be able to be in the presence of such amazing habitats and sustain population numbers of our beautiful places. Please do your part; every bit counts; take home native species of the area, thus helping to ensure future your rubbish. Help protect our Earth, help protect our generations a pristine environment for years to come. animals, help protect our pristine rivers and beaches. Thank Threats to the native animals and the environment? you from the bottom of our hearts; Mother Earth shall be Please keep in mind leaving rubbish behind isn’t just thanking you too. affecting the environmental aesthetics of the river; it also Love sending to you from the two best of friends since affects the native wildlife that surrounds these areas and the age of four, Ashley and Leah. who also call this place their home. Either entanglement or Thanks Leah and Ash. ingestion can extremely jeopardise the survival rate of many

“

MIDWASTE RE GIONA L WASTE FORUM HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT TO DO WITH ITEMS SUCH AS USED PAINT, BATTERIES AND LIGHT BULBS? THESE ITEMS, KNOWN AS “PROBLEM WASTES”, CAN’T GO INTO ANY OF YOUR THREE KERBSIDE BINS. IF DISPOSED OF CORRECTLY, SOME OF THEM CAN BE RECYCLED, SAVING VALUABLE RESOURCES.

T

he Coffs Coast community now has two Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) where these items can be dropped off by residents for FREE. The CRCs are located at:

Drop off FREE at your CRC: Water-based and oil-based paints Used motor and cooking oils Lead-acid and hand-held batteries Gas cylinders and fire extinguishers

Coffs Coast Resource Recovery Park, England’s Road.

Nambucca Heads Waste Management Facility, Old Coast Road.

Conventional tube and compact fluorescent lamps

A third centre will be opening soon at:

Smoke detectors

Raleigh Waste Management Centre, Shortcut Road, Raleigh.

This is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the Waste Levy.

Since opening, 78,292 kilograms of problem waste has been dropped off by residents for free and disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Opening days and hours are outlined in t the advertisemen ” . w belo

“

Businesses are not eligible to use Community Recycling Centres and should contact a waste disposal service directly or visit http://businessrecycling.com.au/

Waste matters Drop off your household problem waste for recycling

Your local Community Recycling Centre (CRC) is NOW OPEN. You can drop off:

Gas bottles and

Paint

Fluoro globes and tubes

Coffs Harbour CRC: 31a Englands Road, Coffs Harbour Hours: Mon to Fri: 7.30am–5pm; Sat and Sun: 8am–4pm Car batteries

Raleigh CRC: Short Cut Road, Raleigh Summer Hours: M, W, Th, F: 7am–5pm; Sat and Sun: 8am–5pm Winter Hours: M, W, Th, F: 8am– 4pm; Sat and Sun: 8am–4pm Nambucca CRC: 711 Old Coast Road, Nambucca Heads Hours: 8am –4pm every day (closed public holidays)

Household batteries

Motor oils

Other oils

This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy. Visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au *Only household quantities 20kg or 20L for free, other amounts will incur a charge.

Smoke detectors

For more information visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/recyclingcentres

coffs coast focus. 25

focusinterview.

celebrating 100 years of BMW

Solar power and battery storage are hot topics, and adoption rates are increasing as the cost of entry continues to fall. North Coast Energy Forum will be held in Coffs soon, and FOCUS caught up with the organisers to find out more.

H

ow long has the North Coast Energy Forum (NCEF) been running for?

We started in Bellingen in 2010, and since then have roamed around the Northern Rivers before coming back to the MNC this year.

Where did it all begin, and what was the motivation behind the organising the original event?

We started in Bellingen in 2010 as part of Our Living Coast.

What does the NCEF aim to achieve?

We want to encourage the shift to a sustainable energy system on the North Coast.

Who are some of the key people who will be attending this year’s event?

A mix of government, industry and the community, starting with the Parliamentary Secretary for Renewables, Adam Marshall. The other main speakers are energy journalist Giles Parkinson, academic Dr Mark Diesendorf and community energy guru Nicky Ison. Then there are lots more speakers in the breakout sessions on batteries for business, low carbon communities, local energy systems and low carbon councils.

Where does support for the event come from?

We are very fortunate to have three major sponsors - Coffs Council, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, and Bellingen Solar Depot - and several smaller ones. That helps us to keep ticket prices low, so we usually break even.

The theme is “The local energy revolution: solar plus batteries plus us”. Can you elaborate on this and why it is of importance at present?

Solar energy has brought cheap renewable energy to many people. Now the same thing is happening with batteries, as prices plummet with more sales. Together, they mean that 26 coffs coast focus.

people can affordably take control of their own energy supply and consumption, reducing the need for expensive networks to bring coal and gas fired electricity from the Hunter Valley. Local energy will soon also be able to

Rock Motorcycles and BMW Motorrad are celebrating 100 years of BMW, with special run out pricing on 2016 models.

Accessory prices are better than ever, with BMW Motorrad package prices on kits of popular luggage and protection items, along with BMW Rider Wear that is the best in the business. All of these can be included in your finance repayment, to make upgrading easy and convenient.

Finance and insurance can all be taken care of in house here at Rock Motorcycles at competitive fixed rates.

Ride away prices - demos available to test ride.

ADVENTURE RANGE • F 700 GS from $12,990 (3 left) • F 800 GS from $15,990 • F 800 GS ADVENTURE $18,990 (2 left)

• R 1200 GS from $26,990 • R 120 GS ADVENTURE $29,990 ROADSTER • F 800 R $12,990 (ex demo) • S 1000 R $19,990 • R 1200 R $23,990 • K 1300 R $20,990 (one left) SPORTS & SPORTS TOURING: • S 1000 RR $23,990 • R 1200 RS $24,990 • K 1300 S Motorsport $28,590 (one left) • S 1000 XR $25,990 HERITAGE: • R Nine T $21,990 Come and see Rory and the team at Rock Motorcycles for a great deal on BMW Motorrad bikes and accessories at 175 Gordon St, Port Macquarie.

be traded locally as well, and moved around in microgrids. As well as helping the fight against climate change, this helps to grow local investment and jobs. And it helps to grow a sense of community empowerment, as people come together to take control of their energy system.

How will the energy revolution play out on the Coffs Coast?

Like the Northern Rivers, for a variety of reasons the Coffs Coast isn’t really suitable for large scale wind or solar farms. That means we have to try harder. There is lots more scope for solar in businesses and in rental properties.

Other opportunities are in bioenergy, using agricultural and food processing wastes to generate electricity, and also in microhydro power, using the abundant runoff from the Great Dividing Range, especially around Dorrigo.

Batteries are a boon for renewable energy, because they help to even out the intermittent nature of most renewables. They also help to reduce peak demand on the grid, reducing the need for more spending on poles and wires.

At Rock Motorcycles, we’re celebrating 100 years of BMW - why don’t you join us?

There’s great ride away offers across the range, so book a test ride today!

Where can people find out more about the event?

Go to our website, www.ncef.net.au or our Facebook page. You can register for the forum or find out more about the outdoors (but under cover - it’s Coffs after all) battery expo.

They are both on at the Coffs Showground on Friday 25 November.

Rock Motorcycles 175 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie Tel 02 6583 6655 1800 00ROCK sales@rockmotorcycles.com.au rockmotorcycles.com.au

Meet Kerstin Thode of Michelle Harding Lawyer Tell us a bit about yourself ...

I grew up in Germany and practised as a German lawyer before I moved to Coffs Harbour 14 years ago. Currently I work as a solicitor for Michelle Harding Lawyer in Urunga. I am experienced in the areas of family law, wills and estate planning and administration. Before I practised as a lawyer in Australia, I worked as a mediator for several years. I am still a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

What do you like about your job?

I really enjoy helping people. This includes helping my clients through sometimes painful experiences and understanding their loss. Even though it can sometimes be challenging for everyone, it is always rewarding when our clients

are pleased with their end results. At Michelle Harding Lawyer we aim to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that our clients do not end up with enormous legal costs.

I enjoy working with Michelle, as she has always been very supportive of me.

What was your biggest challenge?

Moving to Australia. When I met my husband, who grew up on the Coffs Coast, I decided to move here. I had to leave my family and friends behind in Germany. Like many other professionals I had to study again and resit my exams. I guess one law degree was just not enough!

What do you like about the Coffs Coast?

I love the lifestyle. I believe this is a great place to live and raise my children.

coffs coast focus. 27

Confit Duck Leg, beetroot puree, steamed greens, cranberry glaze, kumera crisps from surf st cafè.

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

28 coffs coast focus.

ice

d gums restaurant

at the Flooded Gums is in full flow. In the warmer no better place to be, as when the sun goes down, the staurant at Bonville Golf Resort is transformed into an ng experience - the best Coffs Harbour has to offer.

SUMMER IS ON HORIZON ave received an Award of THE Excellence (Wine Spectator Try Our New Dinner Menu: be tempted with NSW the Confit duck spring rolls with chilli ist of the Year Awards - only property in Regional lime dipping sauce, or Smoked paprika rubbed A wine list featuring age release and current vintages lamb cutlets with saffron infused Executive Chef: pilaf,greatest snowpeas, kasundi, andfor harrisa yoghurt.Darren Remember roducersrice in the regions; thedukkah potential serious Ryan.to leave room for dessert, with the decedent Double chocolate mocha tart with raspberry atching is limitless. and vanilla bean mascarpone, yum!

horizons restaurant & bar

TAKE THE WORK OUT OF CHRISTMAS DAY JOIN US FOR COFFS HARBOUR’S BIGGEST CHRISTMAS PARTY, WITH A HUGE FESTIVE BUFFET LUNCH and ENTERTAINMENT - taking bookings now.

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.

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

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

Owner/Head Chef Ko Murakami

Kids’ meals are also available on request using our fresh ingredients.

We are currently BYO.

e Road,Horizons BonvilleBar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily. www.bonvillegolf.com.au

bookings essential.

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, 5:30pm - Close.

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH Book now for your Christmas party! We have menus to suit any size group, and we can cater to suit your taste.

CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

s than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour on the

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

Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour on the new highway. We’re located at Emerald Beach, with one of the best views on the Coffs Coast. You can watch the surf, while you enjoy a great coffee prepared by our Toby’s Estate trained baristas. The freshest local seafood is a feature of our menu, with daily specials of the local catch. Call in late afternoon for a glass of wine, cocktail or beer, when the snack menu is available right through ‘til dinner time. Book early for Thursday Blackboard night: entrees 10, mains 20, dessert 10. We are proud to announce we have been awarded 5 star Scores on Doors by the NSW Food Authority.

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.

night for dinner, and we have heaters if you wish to local, and prepared by award winning chefs.

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 y for dinner.

Head Chef Sam Allinson.

Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Thursday to Saturday for dinner.

Cnr Pacific Highway and Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour 6659 7000 www.pacificbayresort.com.au Daily from 7am. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. coffs coast focus. 29

to seeing you.

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 the hoey moey Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey

Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey with our newly renovated kitchen. We Moey, with our newly renovated kitchen. are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct We are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour with beach access. Come and enjoy our beachside direct beach access. Come and enjoy our hotel with spacious beer garden, beachside hotel with spacious all weather open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bottle shop Beer Garden, open plan bar, Bistro, new Kids’ and TAB facilities. Have you tried our new Room, Drive Thru Bottleshop and TAB and Gourmet Pizza range? There is a large selection Keno facilities. to choose from and you can have these eat Feeling extra hungry? Then try our NEW in or takeaway. Come in and check out our SUPERSIZE deal on our FAMOUS $7.50 Feeds. takeaway specials or phone ahead for pick-up.

Pictured traditional Chicken and Chorizo If a pizzaisisanot what you are after our FAMOUS Paella perfectly accompanied by a glass $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily. of our New Zealand Secret Stone Sauvignon Blanc.

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

Head Head Chef Chef David Ricketts.

Gus Prezioso.

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

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

Fri - Sat: 12pm-2:30pm; 12pm - 2:30pm; 5:30-8:30pm.

5.30 - 9pm.

Fri-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm; 5.30-9pm.

mr.hacienda good beans la 101 We pride ourselves on bringing a personalised service and product: a finely

La Hacienda 101 is quickly making a name for itself as a destination for tuned espresso coffee just how the customer likes it, gourmet café food Mexican travellers wanting some home cooked meals with traditional made from scratch in house, and a friendly, comfortable experience to all flavours while travelling in Oz. This reputation is also amongst locals and who walk thehere cafékind door.of place to sample the flavours, aromas visitors as athrough must eat Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled chicken salad this and of course, tequila. Boasting one wide range of tequila, it’s spring, hard to made where fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed feta, kalamata olives know to start.

Featuring oyster shooters in with a peppery tomato and chilli sauce, to elotes (grilled corn)with topped with chipotle andand of sweet course, and semi dried tomatoes, topped grilled chicken breast Arroz Pollo in chips this month’s photo shoot.

Wesecret caterzesty for all parties, big or potatocon wafer thin and drizzled with Chef’s citrus dressing. small, family gatherings, or just a get together for friends.

Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring Book Christmas Party NOW. light, your yet very satisfying.

Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach 101 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach 6656 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 6656 1633 www.lahacienda101.com

Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm six days 6pm - closed andOpen Sundays 8amfrom – 3pm Tuesdays.

300g prime porterhouse steak, eggs and chips

café o.p 81

Spinifex Restaurant

Gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, burgers, fish, doughnut Friday, chicken, vegetables, eggs, bacon, tasty, double patty burger, local, satisfying, lightly fizzy, freshly cold pressed, fair trade, organic, better than free range, sweet and spicy, fun, comforting and homely.

The Coast Hotel menu has something for everyone. Our new $10 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!

If any of this appeals to you, come and join us Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 2pm and keep an eye on our Facebook (O.P 81) for the new summer menu coming soon.

Picture: grilled Barramundi on chilli greens with beetroot humus and ginger cream.

Owners Matt and Bree.

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 $8.50 coffee and cake deal and $15 roast dinners are all day Sunday, with a choice of lamb or pork served with steamed veg!

Live solo artists in the bistro every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm 9pm.

November special - 300 g prime porterhouse steak, eggs and chips finished with gravy and includes a middy of XXXX gold.

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011 7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

30 coffs coast focus.

Head Chef Owners Michael Kristy Deveson. and David.

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

Dinner: 6pm - 9pm.

coffs coast focus.

Head Chef Brendan Crawford.

33

With Hugh Crowley from Bello Food Box

WH

AT ’ S I N

PRODUCE AT O.P 81

BLUEBERRIES

Our local superfood. A true standout in the Coffs region, blueberries pack a real flavour punch. Packed full of phytonutrients, blueberries supply the body with a huge dose of essential antioxidants required for improved brain function, better eyesight, reduced ageing and an overall boost to your heart’s health. Sprinkled fresh on your morning granola with yogurt, baked into savoury tarts and muffins, or simply tossed into a cool drink, blueberries continue to amaze with their adaptability. When selecting your blueberries, look for a firm berry with a smooth texture that “pops” in your mouth, leaving a sweet yet slightly tart and fresh finish. Due to the thin-skinned nature of blueberries, be sure to source organic berries, free from toxic pesticide containments which many commercially grown berries contain. These nasty sprays actually penetrate into the flesh of the fruit, making it impossible to just “wash away the spray.” You’ll be guaranteed to notice the intense flavour difference when you taste fresh organic berries, oh so berry, berry good!

WHERE

Find out more about Bello Food Box at www.bellofoodbox.com.au

A LIGHT AND CRISP WHITE WINE, VILLARD BLANC 2016 IS ENJOYABLE FOR ANY OCCASION. GROWN AND SOLD AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED TWO TAILS WINERY AT NANA GLEN; THIS WINE EXHIBITS FINESSE.

Villard Blanc is an exceptional variety. A French born Villard Seyval hybrid known as Villard Blanc, it is a variety well suited to the humid coastal climate at the Nana Glen vineyard. Displaying a delicate and lightly fruity style; it is easy drinking, crisp and refreshing.

CHARACTERISTICS This wine presents a pale straw colour with soft citrus and melon aromas with an elegant bouquet.

Crisp and light on the palate with a hint of green apple, citrus and a touch of cut grass. Finishing with a lingering and fresh aftertaste.

GOES WITH: White meats: chicken, pork and turkey. Seafood: grilled prawns, snapper, mussels, crab and lobster. Fresh and soft cheeses love crisp whites, so enjoy with Chèvre, feta, halloumi, brie or camembert.

COST $20.

AVAILABLE Two Tails Winery cellar door, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen.

FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH MATT FROM O.P 81 TO CHAT ABOUT ALL THE AMAZING LOCAL PRODUCE THE BUSINESS IS USING. We have been working to create menus and specials to show off our local produce, as well as coming up with a few signature house made products for you to take home: salted caramel sauce, tomato relish, and last but not least, our own coffee body scrub.

Tom, Peter, Felipe, Brett and Troy - these guys are the local producers/suppliers we have built great relationships with over the last year or more. They supply us with the best quality products, and all from our own back yard.

Tom owns Gut Instinct Kombucha, packed with probiotics and made in Woolgoolga.

Peter runs Big River Milk; this milk comes to us via his factory from Daisy the cow in

Grafton. Felipe owns AD Veg Wholesalers; he is passionate about great local produce and we liaise with him to use as much local fruit and vegetables as possible. Brett comes from K’Pane Bakery and supplies us with handmade traditional sourdough based artisan breads - crisp crust, soft, and delicious flavour. Troy manages Waterfall Agriculture; he provides us with the most amazing pasture raised eggs and delicious beef for our specials from Upper Orara.

Eat local at O.P 81 café and support some of our best local producers, or just spoil yourself with simply some of the best ingredients we can get - and all from the Coffs Harbour area.

with Madonna Bannerman from Two Tails Winery

VILLARD BLANC 2016

LoCal

PHONE 6654 3633.

OPEN Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Call in at the winery and experience our friendly customer service and taste our unique varieties of white and red, sparkling and fortified wines. Stay awhile and enjoy our delicious cheese platters and relax overlooking the vineyard. You’ll be back for more!

EMAIL admin@twotailswines.com.au WEB www.twotailswines.com.au

of The

• The Kraken Mojito •

The crew at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip have thrown up a modern edgy twist on a timeless classic. The perfect blend of fresh lime and mint, The Kraken Dark Spiced Rum, house syrup, soda, plenty of crushed ice and a sprinkle of aromatic bitters … the perfect refresher to put your feet up to on a sunny spring day!

coffs coast focus. 31

focusinterview.

Food Forum

LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

de to t grin and attitu perm anen out more. cter, with a one to find enga ging chara playe d some one on and energetic and Yusu f is an the Nike Airs S duste d off match. FOCU

Playing with Melbourne Tigers was amazing. I learned a lot from guys like Dmack, Anstey, Rashad Tucker, Corey Williams and Julius Hodge, Matt Burston and my favourite, coach Al Westover.

What is the training regime like?

I go to the gym about three times a week and also workout on the basketball court about four times a week, to stay sharp.

Weekends usually include a beach session with sprints and parachute workout. I try to do something every day. No days off!

You are also the captain of the Somali National Team. Do you travel back to Somalia often, and how is the level of playing there?

No, we don't actually go back to Somalia; we meet about four days before tournaments at the location of the tournament and train.

We don't have the funds to travel back, and I help pay my way with some support from the Somali community in Melbourne.

Is it an honour to be the captain of your nation’s team?

The position of captain, for my country is a great responsibility and a great honour, one that I take very seriously.

What makes a good captain?

The role of captain has its challenges, because you’re dealing with a lot of egos and personalities, and it requires a lot of patience and listening. You must be able to solve conflict on the fly and keep everyone on the same page.

On top of all that, you can’t take things people say personally and need to try not to be too sensitive.

Lead by example: that’s what Nathan Buckley told me at my time with Collingwood F.C, right before I played for my national team in 2014.

Where around the world do the rest of

the Somali team come from?

Most of my teammates live in Canada and America. They play for colleges and teams over there.

One must stretch What is your a lot to remain favourite memory to flexible and loose from playing There prevent injuries. basketball? is also the ice bath, a My first NBL which I hate with one game, the very first passion, but it’s possession I crossed of the best recovery up and scored on a guy methods. ” who later became like a brother to me. The crowd went crazy every time I touched the ball after that; it’s an amazing memory.

What are some of the skills you need to have to play the position of guard?

To be a really good guard, one must have: Vision - to be able to see everything on the composed at all times. court, teammate cuts to basket, shooter is As a guard, are you still attacking and open, big man stealing. shooting?

Creative - to be able to make plays for not Attacking the basket and creating is my only yourself, but also all of your teammates. bread and butter. I can shoot fairly well, but I Ball handling - must be able to take care don’t live and die by my jump shot. of the ball and with little flair, because that’s Have you had any injuries throughout the beginning of all skills. If you can’t dribble, your career? then you can’t play.

I have been fortunate enough to never Shooting - must be able to shoot the ball having a serious injury up until last year after from layups to 3s at a good percentage. the first three games. It’s mentally challenging Layups, floaters, jump shots, step backs and to overcome, not so much the injury, but many more. the doubts about how you are playing.

Defence - must be able to lock down his Confidence gets really low and it’s really hard defender and also be able to help teammates. to overcome, but I just stayed positive - and Pick and Rolls - must be able to use screens coaching the kids helped me get my mind at a high conversion rate. right again.

I.Q - must be very smart player and thinking How important is flexibility and the game. stretching?

Heart - must be brave and never have fear.

Mistakes are inevitable, so a guard must stay One must stretch a lot to remain flexible and

“

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG

C

an you tell us about where you’re from originally?

From Somalia, which is in East Africa.

What is Somalia like as a place?

Somalia is an amazing country with great buildings and scenery (Google it) that is full of wealth, with natural resources as well as oil.

Unfortunately, Civil War destroyed everything.

Right now, the country is growing and recovering at a rapid pace and is much safer.

How did you come to live in Coffs?

I moved from Melbourne in February last year to play basketball for the Brisbane Spartans in The South East Australian Basketball League, which is Australia's Premier

After school and weekends we played until

“

Winter Basketball develop ball handling, sunset. It was very League. Then I shooting, plus all the tough, and we had stayed in Brisbane ‘til other skills, and this a ‘no blood no foul’ rule. ” September last year helps with mental and moved to Coffs toughness. It's open to Harbour. all kids, and I train them I began working with pretty hard so they can better the Coffs Harbour Basketball themselves.

Association to try to help develop When did you start playing the hard working country kids and also basketball? run my own academy, called "Hard I started playing ball at 12 and learned Knockz Academy”, for the kids who pretty quickly - always asking questions and want to be beasts. training about eight hours a day, before What is your current role, and how are school at 5:30am, during school, after school, you helping kids learn more about the and then with my team. sport?

When did you realise that you had talent I run the Hard Knockz Academy to help and skills?

When I made my first rep team and I noticed I had speed and then skills that I learned playing on the streets of Heidelberg Heights against older people.

In Melbourne?

The streets of Heidelberg are in Melbourne, Victoria, where I learned to play ball, playing outdoors at the local primary school. After school and weekends we played until sunset.

It was very tough, and we had a “no blood no foul” rule.

What do you love most about the game?

I love the competition, the hard work which is fun to me and also crossing people up.

You spent time playing for Melbourne Tigers and Brisbane Spartans; can you tell us about those experiences?

loose to prevent injuries. There is also the ice bath, which I hate with a passion, but it’s one of the best recovery methods.

How important is teamwork?

I think teamwork is very important, but you still have to have an individual’s work ethic.

That way everyone improves individually, hence makes the team better collectively.

You need to be selfless and pass on a good shot for a better shot - also to be in sync offensively and defensively.

What advice would you give to young players who want to make it to the top?

I'd tell any individual who wants to be a professional athlete to work harder than the hard working, sacrifice going out with friends but instead work out, be persistent every day, have faith in yourself and in a higher power, and you will be successful.

Thanks Yusuf.

12 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 13

ONLINE FLIP BOOK

2016 MID NORTH COAST FOOD FORUM IS SET TO BE AN AMAZING EVENT AND AN INFORMATIVE SOURCE FOR ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE ORGANISERS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S SCHEDULE.

W

ho organises the event? mastermind behind Eagle Boys Pizza. He Coffs Harbour City will inspire us with his journey from regional Council launched this pizza store to the franchising success story event three years ago to of over 200 stores in Australia and New provide an opportunity for those in the Zealand. He will also highlight upcoming agricultural and food industries to grow their food market trends, branding and new businesses, learn and network with inspiring market opportunities which our local entrepreneurs and some of our best local businesses can take advantage of. producers and hospitality gurus from the Mid The range and quality of produce from North Coast. the region will be the star attraction at the Who attends the Food Forum, Local Produce Showcase, while and what can they hope to the region’s best chefs will experience? delight delegates with The Forum is an a three-course meal Featuring the ideal opportunity featuring some of that region’s and t for growers, finest produce at the Australia’s mos restaurateurs, food Harvest Table Lunch. successful food this year ’s entrepreneurs, wholesalers, food Other guest offer Food Forum will yone retailers and business speakers include er something for ev food start-ups to learn, Lyndall Dykes of in with an interest share experiences and Cheese Making re ltu and the agricu build contacts.

Workshop fame, Tom industry.”

Where is the event Lane from The Farm held, and how long has at Byron Bay, Kamaldeep it been running?

Singh the CEO of blueberry The third annual Mid North Coast giants Oz Group, and Troy Food Forum returns to Bonville Golf Blackman of Waterfall Farm - and will Resort on Monday, November 14 with cover a wide range of food industry topics, a packed programme of speakers, panel including sustainability, marketing and discussions, a local food showcase and the business start-up initiatives. famous Harvest Table Lunch.

Where can people find out more?

What are some of the highlights To see the full programme and purchase expected for this year? tickets, go to: Featuring the region’s and Australia’s www.2016.midnorthcoastfoodforum.com.au most successful food entrepreneurs, this Tickets are $70 per person, which includes year’s Food Forum will offer something for the Forum, Produce Showcase and the everyone with an interest in food and the amazing Harvest Table Lunch. agriculture industry.

You can also follow us on Facebook for all The keynote speaker is Tom Potter, the the latest news at /mncfoodforum

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

“

32 coffs coast focus.

VIEW THE MINIMAGS ONLINE AT FOCUSMAG.COM.AU/MINIMAGCOFFS GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

focusinterview.

$10 Lamb Cutlets

r e s t a u r a n t

Lunch Mon-Fri

Mondays

$15 Steak or Schnitzel + FREE Schooner

Beau Patten and Michael Foster are the Head Chef and Sous Chef at the very popular Fishtales Restaurant, Sawtell Hotel.

F

OCUS grabbed a plate and sat down with both chefs to find out more about their love of being in the kitchen.

B E A U

P A T T E N

Time spent in industry? 19 years.

When did you first become interested in hospitality as a career? When I was 13, both my parents leased the kitchen at the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club for 12 years, so I naturally grew up in their kitchen and took a liking to hospitality.

What training did you undertake, and where was your first job?

The Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club; I started as a dishy.

What is your favourite dish on the menu currently?

Pork belly with chilli caramel sauce on a citrus infused rice.

How often do you change the menu?

Twice a year, taking into consideration the climate and seasons.

Do you have a favourite ingredient to work with?

Not really; I couldn't pinpoint just one. I find I'm constantly changing when I work with a new ingredient; it becomes a favourite, then I try something new and it becomes the new favourite.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

Simple, good tasting food.

Who else works in the kitchen on your team?

Michael Foster (Sous Chef) Steven Carr, Dave Maclannon, Hayden Smith, Jamie Underwood and Aaron Toms, plus my dishys.

What local producers do you utilise?

So many, because we are constantly looking for the freshest local seafood: Coffs Fishermen’s Coop, Great Ocean, Lindsay's oysters in Urunga, A & D veggies, Bidvest, EWH, PFD and a lot more.

What do you cook when at home?

I love a good roast with my family.

Most proud moment of your career?

Finishing my apprenticeship, or working with my parents again.

M I C H A E L

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

$15 Burger Deal

$18.50 Ribs & Shank + FREE Schooner

Saturdays

LIVE MUSIC

Chicken Schnitzel or The Works

F O S T E R

Time spent in the industry? Seven years.

When did you first become interested in hospitality as a career?

I first became interested in the industry during high school hospitality lessons. I enjoyed the fast pace and “rush” of cooking. I also liked that whilst gaining a trade, I was also learning life skills.

What training did you undertake, and where was your first job?

I undertook a three year TAFE course and apprenticeship to achieve a Certificate in Commercial Cookery. I began and completed my training in Coffs Harbour, but have also worked in Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney restaurants.

How would you describe your style of cooking?

I am more of a savoury chef than a dessert chef. I enjoy experimenting with different and new flavours and often conduct these experiments at home on my family.

What do you cook when at home?

Despite what a lot of people think, I don't cook very much at home. I usually only cook at home on my days off. I don't feel like getting in the kitchen at 10pm when I get home.

Thanks guys.

$12 Roast Lunch Specials

THURSDAYS FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

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

coffs coast focus. 33

focusinterview.

•JUNIOR•

ROLLER DERBY LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN! WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE - FLYING AROUND A BASKETBALL COURT, ON SKATES, CHALLENGING RIVALS, CRASHING AND GETTING BACK UP, AND DOING IT ALL AGAIN! FOCUS WENT ALONG TO WATCH THE JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY TO FIND OUT WHY THIS SPORT IS SO ADDICTIVE ... hen did the Junior Roller Derby begin?

Our juniors programme started in August 2015. They had their first bout in March this year, and we’ve slowly increased our memberships ever since.

How many people are involved?

We have four coaches: Donna, Kira, Joann and Harley, who all work together with the different skill levels of the skaters. Currently we have 21 juniors, and approx.

10 of them are at competition level.

What is the age range of members?

We take skaters from ages five years through to 17 years. Our competitive skaters start from eight years and over.

Where are training sessions held?

Sportz Central, Bray Street, Coffs Harbour.

How often does everyone train?

Our juniors train on Sunday afternoons from 2:45pm - 4pm. Roller derby isn’t like Saturday morning sports, where competition is frequent. There is a lot of travel involved around the coast in order to play, and while juniors train weekly, they occasionally travel to get bouts in.

It looks like a very physical sport; do you need to be tough to play it?

You don’t need to be tough, but you do need to work hard. Derby is incredibly physical, and our skaters learn the basics of skating before they take part in contact/ game drills. They also learn the importance of team34 coffs coast focus.

work, sportsmanship, and respect. skaters safe. Full safety equipment, a lot of rules about Are there injuries, or is it fairly tame? where you can/can’t be contacted during the game and As it stands, our juniors have not yet had any insurance cover. major injuries.

What do you think people love most It must be great for your fitness? about Roller Derby?

Absolutely! It’s great for I hope people who come to watch everyone. Roller derby is the roller derby will appreciate the skills ly ib D erby is incred only sport I’ve played where involved in the game. While there r ou d physical , an literally ALL body types are are a lot of rules (which can be cs si ba e th skaters learn welcome and accepted. We confusing the first time you watch ey th re fo be of skating ame t/g pride ourselves on promoting a game) there is so much skill, ac nt co in rt take pa learn the positive body image with all teamwork, and general love of drills. They also amwork, te of our skaters. If you are looking the sport. The best part is all the ce an rt po im , and for a way to get fit - no matter skaters who are rivals on track, are sportsmanship your current fitness level - come automatically friends after the game. respect.” along to one of our info days or What are your hopes for the future events and have a chat about what of the sport? we can offer.

I would love to see roller derby World Cup We have skate programmes that are and International Playoffs on more mainstream non-contact for those who would like to skate for sports outlets (International Championships are currently streamed on ESPN 3 in America). fitness, but don’t want to derby.

At a local level, I would love to see Coffs Coast Derby It’s also good for mental health - you can’t be develop into a club where we have not only our comunhappy on roller skates! petitive teams (men, women and juniors) but also a solid What sort of equipment is used? fan base of people who support us and spread the good Quad skates (no roller blades), helmet, mouth guard, word of derby! wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads. We do not Where can people find out more? allow anyone to train without every piece of safety Please visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ equipment. coffscoastderbydolls or email info@coffscoastderby.com Do the juniors wear a lot of protective gear? and we can get you up and rolling in no time!

Yes, the same as the adults. While this is a contact Thanks everyone. sport, there are plenty of measures in place to keep

“

coffs coast focus. 35

Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery EMSLA Exhibition and Festival Andre Rieu Christmas With Andre Andre Rieu has wowed audiences at BCC Cinemas Coffs Harbour with the Cinematic presentation of his Maastricht Concerts over the past few years. This year, we celebrate Christmas with Andre!

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November at 2pm.

The Christmas concert was announced by Andre himself during the satellite transmission of this year’s Maastricht event in July. The festive celebration features Christmas favourites including Hallelujah, Jingle Bells, White Christmas and many more.

Andre will also take us on a tour of his hometown of Maastricht and its magical Christmas highlights and participate in a recorded Q&A. It is the perfect way to raise the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas with Andre runs for two hours, 10 minutes and tickets are $40* each, on sale now at eventcinemas.com.au or the cinema box office!

Upcoming Movie Releases: Marvel’s Dr Strange (CTC) starring Benedict Cumberpatch and Rachel McAdams - Oct 27.

The Accountant (CTC) starring Ben Affleck and Brian Cranston - Nov 03.

The Harry Potter universe expands with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (CTC) - Nov 17.

Trolls (CTC) will help you find your happy place Dec 01.

Join the rebels to obtain the plans for the Death Star in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (CTC) - Dec 15.

Red Dog: True Blue (CTC) - Dec 26. *Excludes $1.20 online booking fee.

CHRIST CHRIS TM MA AS WITH A AN NDR RÉ É E U T IC K M E MOR I A L S T I L L L I F E AWA R D

Coffs Harbour’s very own national art prize and exhibition is celebrating its tenth year this year. Every year, the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA) receives hundreds of national entries that reveal a dynamic variety of engaging, fresh and exciting works within the still life genre.

This year is no exception, with works from 67 finalists, Madeline Preston, Samuel Condon and Julia Davis (depicted), and Leo Coyte, Monika Behrens, Robyn Sweaney, Laura Jones, Ted Hilyer and Chris Hundt.

It is Australia’s only still life art award and has collective prize money of $20,000, as well as an exhibition for the winner at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

Join the judges - Nat Thomas, artist and arts writer; Michael Fitzgerald, editor of Art Monthly Australasia; and Dr Julie Fragar, artist and Associate Lecturer, Fine Art, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University - and other

special guests for the Opening Night on Friday 11 November at the Gallery. The Opening Night will feature the announcement of the EMSLA Art Award winners, the People’s Choice award winner and a special performance by soprano Michelle Der Kinderen.

Following the opening, the weekend-long EMSLA Festival begins with artists and judges panel discussions, as well as classical music performances in the setting of the Gallery.

EMSLA Festival favourite - composer and performer Elena Katz-Chernin - will once again be part of this special weekend.

The EMSLA exhibition runs until Saturday 7 January 2017.

Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery: Cnr Coff & Duke Streets, Tues - Sat 10am 4pm, free entry. www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/chrg (02) 6648 4863.

10 E M SL A 2 016

Eutick Memorial Still Life Award – Celebrating 10 Years Australia’s award for ‘still life’ painting

Exhibition: 11 November 2016 – 7 January 2017 Festival: 11 – 13 November 2016

Festival: Art & fine music | discussions about art and performances Elena Katz-Chernin | Tamara-Anna Cislowska Michelle Der Kinderen | Daniel Rojas | Carlos Villanueva & more Information and bookings www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/chrg

ch rg coffs

harbour

regional gallery

Th e n ever befo re s een 9 0 m in u te co n ce r t wa s re cord e d du ri ng An dr é R i e u’s 2015 U K tou r

36 coffs coast focus.

02 6648 4863

coffs coast focus. 37

THE GIG GUIDE

Coffs

GIG GUIDE

TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

16

Melbourne Cup Day: DJ Bisho SAWTELL HOTEL

THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER

Gavin Doniger SEAVIEW TAVERN

FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER

Sabotage SEAVIEW TAVERN Ben Francis Band + DJ Ob1 HOEY MOEY Aleyce Simmonds & Tori Forsyth NO. 5 CHURCH STREET Magneto COAST HOTEL Push Band SAWTELL HOTEL

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER

3 BAND ORIGINAL SHOWCASE SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Henry Wagons NO. 5 CHURCH STREET The Bounty Hunters COAST HOTEL Misschief SAWTELL HOTEL

SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

The Black Sorrows HOEY MOEY 38 coffs coast focus.

6

THURSDAY 10TH NOVEMBER

Mick Bateman SEAVIEW TAVERN Ben Francis SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

Matty Devitt Band SEAVIEW TAVERN Double Shot + DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Fish on Fire NO. 5 CHURCH STREET Frogmouth COAST HOTEL Agent 77 SAWTELL HOTEL

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

DJ Ning SEAVIEW TAVERN YeShe NO. 5 CHURCH STREET DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY Marcia Hines SAWTELL RSL Cruisin the Cosmos COAST HOTEL 3 band night: Featuring The Flames + Son of Jaguar+ The Mighty Ocean SAWTELL HOTEL

SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

The Feremones HOEY MOEY

WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER Boy & Bear C.EX COFFS

THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER

Who’s Charlie SEAVIEW TAVERN John Williamson C.EX COFFS Peter Barry SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

Gunshy SEAVIEW TAVERN Push + DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY Chisel Revived SAWTELL RSL Nick Murray NO. 5 CHURCH STREET Phat Tracta COAST HOTEL Hekyl & Jive SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

Quick Fix SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Car Ram Rod COAST HOTEL The Funk Thieves SAWTELL HOTEL

SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER Marshall O’kell HOEY MOEY Ben Francis SAWTELL HOTEL

THURSDAY 24TH NOVEMBER

Bobby Lea Coulton SEAVIEW TAVERN Josh Matheson SAWTELL HOTEL

26

FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER

Richie Williams Band SEAVIEW TAVERN Ziggy Alberts NO. 5 CHURCH STREET The Frapp + DJ Layne HOEY MOEY Secret Squirrel COAST HOTEL Gunshy SAWTELL HOTEL

SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER

Dami Im C.EX COFFS Dave James Karaoke SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Layne HOEY MOEY Double Shot COAST HOTEL Richie Williams Band SAWTELL HOTEL

SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

Electrik Lemonade HOEY MOEY Jazroll SAWTELL HOTEL

focusinterview.

Marcia Hines is an inspiring performer who has enjoyed

a successful career that has spanned decades. FOCUS sat down with the illustrious singer for a chat about her life and upcoming tour.

hen did you They say music is the gift that keeps on start performgiving, and it’s true. I’m inspired by listening ing? to so many different artists and genres of Like most kids music. in America, I What songs can people expect to see started singing in you perform during this current tour? church when very young and then entered Well, You, of course! With a disco themed talent shows around Boston from around show, I tell people to “expect the unexpectthe age of seven. I heard about the audition ed” and to come ready to enjoy a great for Hair as a teenager when in Boston and time. nine days after the audition, I got the call What do you love about the East Coast saying I had the gig. The rest, as they say, is of Australia? history!

Australia itself is incredible, and I’m taken What was it like performing in Hair, at aback by its beauty whenever I travel. With such a young age? stunning beaches and a great lifestyle, it’s It was terribly exciting to be across the hard to go past the East Coast though. world in a place called “Australia”, and the What is the best piece of advice or wiscast were ever kind and loving. dom you have been given?

What do you love most about being on One that I’ve always found easy to live by: stage? “do unto others as you would have them do It’s just a wonderful experience to see unto you”. people happy.

Where can people find out more about What is the achievement you are most your current tour? proud of?

Check out my website: Bringing-up my daughter, Deni, though as www.marciahines.com.au any mother knows it can be a challenge Thanks Marcia. (and especially the teenage years …!)

You have had an amazing career. Can you tell us Equally, winning about a couple of the my first ‘Queen 1976 memorable highof Pop’ award in ecial sp ly lights? ib was incred that I’ve been blessed, – to me, it meant ted op and there have been Australia had ad own.” r he so many, but getting on me as one of a plane to come all the way to Australia was pretty memorable.

Equally, winning my first “Queen of Pop” award in 1976 was the plug! incredibly special - to me, it meant that Australia had adopted me as one of her See Marcia Hines at the Sawtell RSL on own. To win the award two further consecuSaturday, November 12. tive years was amazing. oztix.com.au Where do you find your inspiration?

marcia hines

“

coffs coast focus. 39

COFFS HARBOUR CONTINUES TO BUILD ITS REPUTATION AS THE PREMIER REGIONAL CITY FOR ELITE SPORTS. THE C.EX COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM IS PLAYING HOST TO A RANGE OF EVENTS THIS COMING SUMMER SEASON, AND IT IS SET TO BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST WE’VE SEEN!

he Stadium has been heavily used over recent months, with large scale competitions such as the Junior and Senior National OzTag Championships, and the FFA National Youth Championships. All these events bring thousands of people to the beautiful Coffs Coast, which is of course great for our economy, but it is now time for sport fans on the Coffs Coast to enjoy the excitement at the Stadium!

The Kennards Hire Rally Australia Service Park, kick starts the action in November (Thursday 17th - Sunday 20th). The Service Park is a world class setup where drivers return to repair and replenish their cars before each day’s second loop of the stages.

Drivers and co-drivers may come out to the service bay to meet fans, you can witness crews repair cars in record speed, take the Red Bull WRC6 simulator challenge, and wander through the C.ex Coffs Sports, Touring and Classic Car Club display on Friday and Saturday. Entry to the Service Park is FREE!

40 coffs coast focus.

Then, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will take on South Africa for the final two One-Day International matches of the 2016 Women’s International Cricket Series on November 27 and 29 in day/night matches.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are the world’s number one team, and they are top role models for young female players throughout Australia. Women’s cricket is also one of the country’s fastest growing sports, so we can expect to see a lot of interest from cricket fans for this event. Entry is FREE! Staying with Cricket, the Sydney Sixers are heading north for this summer’s BBL warm up, playing a trial match on Friday 16 December. The game will see many of the Sixers stars have their final hit out before the start of the KFC T20 Big Bash League. The Sixers will take on Hong Kong, who have just come off a series win against Ireland in their recent tour of the UK. Along with the match, the Sixers will

host a cricket clinic, with the players passing on their cricket knowledge to the local community between 4pm and 5pm. The match itself will start at 6pm and is FREE! To round off the action, football fans on the North Coast will be treated to a massive day of entertainment on January 27, with the Westfield W-League/ Hyundai A-League double header.

The Newcastle Jets are taking on Melbourne City in the first ever competition fixture to be played in Coffs Harbour. Elite football of this level is usually only played in major and capital cities, and with both teams playing their marquee players, it is an amazing event for our region. Plus, it will be a great way to celebrate the end of summer and the Australia Day long weekend. Tickets are on sale now, and are selling fast - don’t miss out.

For specific information on these events (and more!) visit www.coffscoast.com.au/events We look forward to seeing you at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium!

coffs harbour showground Pioneer Cottage The Pioneer Cottage is located 50 m from the Showground entrance, with plenty of shaded car parking and nearby facilities.

The Cottage is a single storey building and is an ideal venue for training groups and meetings of up to 15 people.

Stage & Screen Light Up The Jetty Theatre

Running at the Jetty Memorial Theatre November 4 - 27, tickets are on sale now at jettytheatre.com/mary-poppins-the-broadway-musical

The Arena Room is a second storey room and has a great view over the main arena. The room is very popular with training groups, meetings and after school classes. The Arena Room accommodates 20 to 25 people, with ample parking.

Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company presents one of the most beloved Disney classics.

Mary Poppins the Musical brings the sets, the costumes, and all the unforgettable crowd favourites to the Jetty Memorial Theatre for your spoonful of musical medicine!

The room features air conditioning, carpeted floors, kitchen sink, bar fridge, kettle, microwave, whiteboard and data projector screen. The room can be set up classroom, boardroom or theatre style or however you like.

Orara High School presents Gunganbu, an original show created by young local artists involving origin stories, music, dance, and projection. All are welcome at the living gardens of beginning!

The Village Green is located directly behind the Norm Jordan Pavilion and is close to amenities. With a length of over 100 m, this pristine grassed area is a much sought after outdoor venue.

Cinematinee fortnightly programme of daytime films screen on alternate Thursdays, presented by Screenwave.

For tickets and information visit www.jettytheatre.com or call the Box Office on (02) 6652 8088.

Village Green

Enchanted Garden The Enchanted Garden is set at the back of the grounds with surrounding trees and bushland. It is a perfect spot for your special occasion, with its own rustic outdoor charm and natural wooded surrounds.

Upcoming Shows Cinematinee

Fortnightly Thursday film screenings presented by Screenwave Show: Thurs 3 & 17 Nov www.jettytheatre.com

Mary Poppins The Musical

CHMCC presents the classic Disney musical live on stage!

Show: Fri 4 – Sun 27 Nov

National Theatre Live: War Horse

A screening of the live stage show direct from London

CINEMA SESSIONS

Lincoln is a seasoned performer who studied drama at school and won the NSW State Shakespeare Festival with a scene from Love’s Labour’s Lost. He seems to have perfected the art of the quirky character, playing the fey and magical Dickon in The Secret Garden and the delightfully eccentric inventor and devoted dad Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Nor is Bert the simple chimney sweep he seems to be, and Lincoln captures him perfectly.

Arena Room

COMMUNITY THEATRE

Fiona is well-known to Coffs Harbour audiences and is a true “triple-threat”, acting, singing and dancing her way through leading roles in Oliver (Bet); Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalen); The King and I (Princess Tuptim); Beauty and the Beast (Belle); The Secret Garden (Martha) and Annie (Lily St Regis) to name a few. Her ability to touch the heart of each character she plays brings a special touch to the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins.

National Theatre Live returns to the Jetty Theatre with a screening of the incredible production War Horse, the powerful story of a young boy and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I - performed with incredible life-sized puppets from the Handspring Puppet Company and filmed from the live theatre performance in London’s West End. Presented by Screenwave and the Jetty Theatre.

The room features air conditioning, carpeted floors, kitchen sink, bar fridge, kettle, microwave, whiteboard, data projector screen, plenty of parking, undercover patio and has views of the main arena. The room can be set up classroom, boardroom or theatre style, or however you like.

CINEMA

Rehearsals are well underway for the CHMCC production of Mary Poppins, so it’s time to meet the stars - Fiona Stiles as Mary and Lincoln Elliott as Bert.

In November, the Jetty Theatre hosts live theatre productions, film screenings, and something in between!

Show: Wed 7 Dec

Orara High School presents

Gunganbu

An original production about the Gardens of Origin Show: Fri 16 - Sat 17 Dec jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

COMMUNITY THEATRE

Mary Poppins

Proudly supported by

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 6652 8088 | 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour coffs coast focus. 41

Spring &Summer G I D DY U P F O R

RACING

COFFS HARBOUR RACING CLUB WARMLY WELCOMES EVERYONE FROM THE COFFS COAST AND BEYOND TO CELEBRATE TWO EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS: THE MELBOURNE CUP RACE DAY ON TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER AND THE RESCHEDULED COFFS CUP, ON FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER.

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he race that stops the nation: Melbourne Cup It’s not long now until we’ll have our eyes glued to the screen to see one talented jockey charge along the home straight and claim victory in the 2016 Melbourne Cup! At the Coffs Harbour Racing Club on the first Tuesday in November, you can enjoy Australia’s most prestigious race on the big screen, having witnessed all the excitement trackside with live on-course throughout the day, with a five-race non TAB meet.

Gates open at 10am. Entry is $10 per adult (under 16 years is free).

Luncheon and race day packages The Melbourne Cup Luncheon, at $99 per person, is from 12pm - 5pm in the Jerry Zuvela Lounge. This luncheon offers beverages, gourmet lunch, dessert, entry and reserved seating. Additionally, guests can choose from two hospitality packages, $77 or $99 per person, with many inclusions and the options of the Merv Mercer Auditorium or a table with

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market umbrella on the grandstand lawns.

Buy tickets online: coffsracingclub.com.au Fashions on the Field No race day is complete without Fashions on the Field, and our beauties will surely give those in attendance at Flemington a run for their money!

The Melbourne Cup Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field will have three categories for the most stylishly dressed: Best Millinery/ Headpiece, Best Dressed Couple and Best Dressed Lady, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Summer racing at the Coffs Cup Soon you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate the beauty of summer on the coast at the rescheduled Coffs Harbour Gold Cup on Friday 9th December.

Take in the thrill of several race events and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Coffs Harbour Racing Club, by indulging in one of their delicious dining packages or alternatively, consider booking a marquee. A number of hospitality packages are available, priced from

$110 per person. These packages represent terrific value with many great inclusions, such as entry, beverages and delicious food throughout the day.

Guests can celebrate in style at the Gold Cup Luncheon, VIP Lounge, Christmas Marquee, Carlton Beer Garden or in a private corporate marquee. These options allow guests to enjoy the glamour and excitement at the Coffs Coast’s premier event whilst overlooking the winning straight.

Host a private marquee Corporate marquees are the very best way to take in the action and entertainment of the day with valued clients or staff. A range of packages are available, catering from 40 to 120 guests. Perfect for a staff Christmas party!

Introducing the Christmas Marquee With the Carlton Mid Coffs Harbour Gold Cup taking place just a couple of weeks before Christmas, the event provides a wonderful opportunity to book a marquee and celebrate the festive season with your staff, colleagues and friends.

The Christmas Marquee is ideal for social groups and small businesses (up to 20 guests).

The Christmas Marquee has a devoted bar area in a prime position and will include a gourmet barbecue luncheon and access to TAB facilities for all guests.

Alternatively, soak up the gorgeous sunshine with a cold beer or glass of bubbly in The Carlton Beer Garden.

Save the date for all the racing action over the Summer Racing Carnival - Christmas Race Day on Tuesday 20th December, the Le Dãin Designs Race Day on Friday 30th December and Pink Silks on Sunday 8th January 2017.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go online: coffsracingclub.com.au

Carole Beros from Le Dāin Designs Photo by Fab Photos

SPRING RACING COFFS HARBOUR & PORT MACQUARIE

The buzz of the Spring Racing Carnivals has hit the cities, whilst up here on the Coffs Coast and in neighbouring Port Macquarie, we are breezing along with a succession of local race day events.

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Dãin Designs Fashions on the Field competition. he Port Maquarie Cup has just been staged, and the comments coming Sponsors for the Fashions on the Field have away from this race day were all confirmed there will be over $5,000 in the prize positive! As a writer and stylist for pool to win in the competition.

FOCUS, a writer and photographer for national This day is also for the family and all the magazine Ladies in Racing and our business Le tourists alike. There will be entertainment Dãin Designs being one of the major sponsors for the children and as well as being able to for the Coffs Harbour Racing Club, I am lucky purchase any of the packages available and enough to sit on judging panels and attend dress up to the max, it is also a day where you fabulous race days both locally and nationally. can arrive dressed casually and bring the family.

I can definitely confirm that we are raising the A great way to celebrate the New Year, as this bar up here in the regional areas. Greater is staged on Friday 30th December.

Port Macquarie FOCUS is one of Following a week later is the the major sponsors of the Port fabulous Pink Silks race day.

Cup Fashions on the Field We are spoilt for choice! and is heavily involved every LE T’ S FACE IT; Dressing for the races E IT ’S ON E OF TH year. The entrants looked is always fun, but be U YO AT ON LY TI M ES TH SE LF UR careful that you dress YO absolutely stunning!

AM CA N GL appropriately. After all, as Our next race day is the UP AN D ENJOY OU T AB EV ERYT HI NG soon as Jean Shrimpton Coffs Harbour Melbourne DR ES SI NG UP !” put her mark on racing Cup. Whilst many are fashion, attending a day at visiting our Le Dãin Designs the races has historically been Store at Sawtell to purchase about dressing up to the max and millinery and dresses to attend the putting your best foot forward! Let’s Cup in Melbourne, many are choosing to face it; it’s one of the only times that you stay and enjoy the day locally. Following the can glam yourself up and enjoy everything Melbourne Cup we have the excitement of about dressing up! If you are entering Fashions having our very own Summer Racing Carnival. on the Field, make sure you follow all the This includes THREE separate race day events guidelines; after all, it is a celebration of to not only attend and enjoy a flutter and a dressing up for the occasion. fabulous lunch, but all THREE of these days Treat yourself to a style up and makeup. At give you the chance to enter Fashions on the Le Dãin Designs Sawtell we can organise it all Field! We have been hearing in the store for for you. We have trained stylists and now have so long, that we need a few more race days a red carpet, bubbles and late night shopping to play “dress ups”... Well! Ladies and gents, on Fridays at the store from 5pm - 7pm. This is here is your chance. Make sure you diarise ALL happening all the way through to March 2017. the dates. After the restaging of the Gold Cup There is always an extra something special on on Friday 9th December, there is a brand new these evenings. We are looking forward to race day to enjoy! The Le Dãin Designs Summer welcoming the ladies from La Fleur D’Alyse to Cup … The racing was already there on this date, but Le Dãin Designs has purchased the pamper you and book in your makeup for that day, and there are eight new race sponsorship next special race day. Whatever you do, just owners for the day, along with a fabulous Le make sure you have fun.

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101 THINGS TO DO BUNKER CARTOON GALLERY

TWO TAILS WINES

Come and visit this great exhibition – a cartoon celebration of November race month - The Emirates Melbourne Cup and the Kennards Hire World Rally Championships.

Opening Night: 21 October 6.30pm Runs from: 21 October to 27 November Open: 7 days – 10.00am to 4.00pm Cost: Adult $3.00 Child $2.00 (members & under 5yrs free) 1st November - Join us for Melbourne Cup day Long Lunch in the Gallery 1.00pm to 4.00pm Fashion on the field, prizes, sweeps and more Bookings essential - $55.00 (includes food and drinks)

Come out and relax at the Winery. Enjoy some wine, local produce and nibbles inside the newly renovated bar. Orara Vale Vineyard is located approximately 25km northwest of Coffs Harbour at Nana Glen in the heart of Orara Valley. Why would you want to be anywhere else?

TRADING Tues to Sun 10:30am - 4:30pm Open Monday during school Holidays ADDRESS 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen EMAIL admin@twotailswines.com.au PHONE (02) 66 543 633 WEB twotailswines.com.au

ADDRESS John Champion Way (off City Hill Drive) Coffs Harbour PHONE 02 6651 7343 bunkercartoongallery.com.au bookings@bunkercartoongallery.com.au

CLUB 300

DORRIGO RAINFOREST CENTRE

Whether you’re a social bowler wanting a fun night out with friends to enjoy our licensed bar, bistro and pool tables or looking to join a Competition League Team, or a family fun night.

TRADING See our website for details ADDRESS 74/76 Grafton St (via Cox Lane) Coffs Harbour PHONE 02 6652 5666 WEB club300bowling.com.au

The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is the best place for Dorrigo National Park visitors to begin to explore the Gondwana Rainforests.

Take the Skywalk for stunning views over the rainforest, relax in the Canopy Cafe or walk to the magnificent waterfalls.

TRADING 9am-4.30pm Monday to Sunday (closed Christmas Day) ADDRESS Dorrigo Rainforest Centre Dome Road, Dorrigo NSW PHONE (02) 6657 5913 WEB nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

TEN PIN BOWLING, BAR & PIZZA CAFE

2 GAMES FOR $20

(CONDITIONS APPLY)

COFFS JETTY

CAROBANA CONFECTIONERY

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD HIRE All you need to get started is a little balance and a appetite for fun.

TRADING We are available 7 days Mid week by Bookings only SET UP AT TWO LOCATIONS - Coffs Harbour Jetty and Boambee Creek Reserve. Every weekend, School and Public Holidays.

PHONE 0422 391 951 or 0407 386 338 EMAIL info@coffsjettysup.com.au WEB coffsjettysup.com.au www.facebook.com/coffsjettystanduppaddle

www.coffscoast.com.au 16 46 coffs coffscoast coast focus. focus.

OFFER

Purchases $25 or over will receive 1 retail packet confectionery free

We manufacture a range of fine quality Carob Chocolate confectionery, Honeycomb, Rocky Road, Nut Brittles and also Dark & Milk Chocolate confectionery. We offer (at no cost) factory tours, product samples, tea and coffee.

Our spacious grounds are there for you to enjoy (as well as your pets on a lead).

TRADING Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm ADDRESS 125 James Small Drive Korora, Coffs Harbour PHONE 02 66 536 051 or 1800 700 118 EMAIL info@carobana.com.au WEB carobana.com.au

101THINGS TO DO ON THE COFFS COAST

COFFS COAST BEST BEACHES

MOONEE BEACH

PARK BEACH

Moonee Beach is not patrolled though is very popular with fishing and beach enthusiasts. Moonee Beach Reserve, where Moonee Creek meets Moonee Beach, is a popular area with locals and visitors for kayaking and SUP boarding.

The reserve offers coastal rainforests and pandanus trees that shade the shallow water which is perfect for the younger children and little ones. The reserve boasts many facilities such as a playground, picnic shelters, a takeaway shop and a holiday park. You can also take a stroll to the headland via the boardwalk bridge, across the creek and along the bush paths.

Coffs Harbour’s main surf beach, Park Beach is patrolled daily throughout the year and is home for the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club. Park Beach is a popular area for water sports, fishermen, and surfers. Swimmers should be aware Park Beach can be prone to strong rips particularly at the creek mouth. Park Beach is within walking distance to local cafes, restaurants and accommodation including a holiday park, motels and hotels. The Park Beach Reserve, on the banks of Coffs Creek is a popular family area and is home to the Twilight Food Market held every Friday during daylight saving. The reserve is popular with families and has many facilities such as barbecues, picnic tables and children’s play areas.

SAWTELL BEACH

WOOLGOOGLA BEACH

Sawtell is a beachside community boasting a variety of visitor attractions including the main surf beach which is home to the Sawtell Surf Club. The beach is patrolled daily during most of the summer, and is a popular surf, swimming and fishing beach.

The headlands are popular for watching the migrating whales and taking in the incredible coastline views. At the southern end of Sawtell Beach you will find Sailors Bay, an area sheltered by a small island which can be reached at low tide. Here you will find a boat launching ramp, nearby parking, and tidal rock pools. Sawtell boasts an abundance of cafes, boutique clothes shops, children’s playgrounds and a variety of accommodation facilities all within close walking distance to the main beach.

Popular for surfing, fishing, diving and snorkeling, Woolgoolga Beach is home to the Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club and is patrolled daily during most of the summer.

Woolgoolga Beach boasts tidal rock platforms which are popular with the children, a boat ramp, beach showers, toilets, and change rooms. The beach is within close proximity to cafes, boutique clothes shops, accommodation, children’s playground facilities, electric barbecue areas, and sheltered picnic areas. The Woolgoolga Headland offers the best ocean lookout and a spectacular 360 degree from the Solitary Islands in the east to the hinterland in the west.

DISCOVER THE BEST PLACES TO STAY, EAT, DRINK AND PLAY! Download the FREE Coffs Coast travel APP for apple iPhones, iPads, android devices and tablets.

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Martin Wells, President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.

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MICHAELA ATKINS IS A MEMBER OF THE 2016 WOMEN’S FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP SOCCER TEAM, THE BOAMBEE EAGLES. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH MICHAELA TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER LOVE FOR THE SPORT AND THE SUCCESSFUL 2016 SEASON THE TEAM PRODUCED.

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ell us about your connection to the highlights of the game?

Coffs Coast?

We played the Maclean Bobcats; they're I grew up in Dorrigo, moved to a strong side with quite a few good players.

Queensland after finishing school. I We knew it'd be tough. We started the game then moved home to go to uni and pretty much strongly and managed to score the opening re-fell in love with the Coffs Coast and haven't goal; however, Maclean struck back pretty much left again. straight away. We had to regroup and settle into When did you first get into women’s soccer? our game. Within the first 15 mins there were I started playing soccer at 12 for Dorrigo; by four goals scored, seeing us lead 3 - 1. After Under 15s I was playing both my game and half time we scored another three goals through then sitting on the bench for the women. After our golden boot striker and super sub getting a Under 16s it was straight to the women's comp, double to cap off the 6 - 1 win. All of our goals where I've played for Dorrigo, Coffs United and came through holding possession and our strong now Boambee. I also had a season with the passing game.

Dorrigo men.

What makes a strong team both Why play for the Boambee mentally and physically?

Eagles?

We're dedicated to This is my first year with training twice a week.

I'V E HA D PROB T AB LY TH E M OS Boambee. I chose to During each session we BL E SE AS ON OF YA JO EN join the Eagles, as I had S focus on both fitness RL GI E SO CC ER YE T; TH BE EN moved to Sawtell and and skills; I think that VE HA UB AN D CL G TO M E. I needed to meet some helps physically. Our SO W EL CO M IN ES AN D PL AY ED RE SE RV R M OST people in the area. A coach changes drills to FO FI RST GR AD E friend from work had keep our minds on the ” .

ON AS OF TH E SE joined, and I thought - why job regularly. Mentally, we not give it a go? know that each of us brings Briefly tell us about your something to the team and season. a lot of the first grade girls have I've had probably the most enjoyable played a few seasons with each other, season of soccer yet; the girls and club have so that helps knowing each other's game; been so welcoming to me. I played reserves plus, we all have friendships off the park, which and first grade for most of the season, playing all also helps. over the park in both grades, but mainly finding Do you think women’s soccer is growing, my place in the backs. and why?

Reserve grade made the semis, but missed It is growing slowly; however, I think there out in our second leg. First grade became minor needs to be more support for women in our premiers five games out from the competition, game. We play just as hard, pay just as much finishing leading the competition 20 points clear and have as much passion for the game, but of second. At our presentation I received the unfortunately there seems to be only recognition most valuable player award for reserve grade, for the men, especially in this region. which was a fantastic honour.

I think if we start at a grassroots level getting Tell us about your 2016 Grand Final win. girls into the game, then they'll continue playing.

Who did you play, and what were the Thanks Michaela.

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THE ENDLESS SUMMER WHY IS IT THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR PEOPLE GET A SPRING IN THEIR STEP, A SMILE ON THEIR FACE AND A POSITIVITY THAT IS PALPABLE?

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ecause with Daylight Saving back, it is time for the Sawtell Summer Sessions to commence. The Chamber and organising committee have taken on board feedback from last year, and the evenings will be filled with fun, laughter and late night shopping and dining in Sawtell, as the main street is closed to accommodate bands, entertainment, displays and people. By the time we go to print, the first of the summer sessions will have been held.

The dates for the Summer Sessions are: • Thursday 10th November • Thursday 8th December • Thursday 12th January • Thursday 9th February • Thursday 9th March Along with the increasing temperatures and extended sunlight, the outstanding work of the volunteer Surf Life Savers from Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club have also commenced patrolling the beach weekends and Public Holidays. The level of dedication and commitment to ensuring the safety of locals and visitors alike on Sawtell Beach deserves our support and thanks. We remind everyone to swim between the flags, where you can be seen. The decision to swim outside the flags or at unpatrolled beaches is not a wise one.

Levels of visitor numbers continues to

climb, with a large influx of Touch Football players having just held their annual event in Coffs Harbour. Accommodation and hospitality providers report high occupancy and patronage across Sawtell. There is already nearly fully booked providers for the Christmas break.

World Rally returns to the Coffs Coast November 17 - 20 and has also been confirmed by the FIA for 2017 in a recent decision. Sawtell businesses do receive an economic benefit from this and every event that comes to the Coffs Coast, as many of the teams and support people stay in our perfect part of the world. So much is their passion for Sawtell, they book 12 months in advance to ensure they don’t miss out.

Welcome to Sawtell for new businesses Abicus Restaurant and Real Estate of Distinction, and we look forward to welcoming them into the Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy the lead up to the festive season and above all, come down and support all the local Sawtell businesses and exciting events coming up. Say g’day to people you may not know, welcome people to your business with a smile and enthusiasm that leads them wanting to return with friends and family in tow. We are so fortunate to have it all available to us every day. Enjoy.

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with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

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THE COFFS COAST “BIG FIVE” COFFS COAST HAS SOME BREATHTAKING VANTAGE SPOTS THAT SHOWCASE OUR DESTINATION, WITH DIVERSE COASTLINE AND LANDSCAPE EXPERIENCES.

he headland nature reserves are a great place to take visitors. The region’s top five vantage points include Sawtell Headland in the South, Muttonbird Island in Coffs Harbour, and heading north the famous Look at Me Now, Woolgoolga, and Arrawarra Headlands.

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - the wonderful Giidany Miirlarl, also known as Muttonbird Island, is high on visitors’ and locals’ ”must do” list, offering plenty of nature to explore, heritage significance and uninterrupted scenic views. The island was named after the migratory Wedgetailed Shearwaters that breed on the island each year. National Parks and Wildlife Service run award-winning Aboriginal Discovery tours and Muttonbird by Moonlight to witness the seabirds in action. There are interpretive signage boards along the path, with information on flora and fauna and the island’s heritage significance. Muttonbird Island is a significant site for the local Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people, with dreamtime stories and cultural learning.

Sawtell Headland - Bonville Headland, also known as Sawtell Headland, offers great nature experiences, including surfing, walking tracks and a heritage listed ocean pool. The headland has incredible coastline views and a large grassy area for family picnics and watching the sunset. At the southern end of Sawtell Beach you will find Sailors Bay, an area sheltered by a small island, with rock pools that can be reached at low tide.

The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk traverses 60 km of beaches, rainforests and headlands, starting

at Red Rock and finishing at Sawtell near Bongil Bongil National Park.

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve - the Look At Me Now Headland at Emerald Beach is an important local Aboriginal site and offers the ultimate wilderness experience. 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 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.

Northern Headlands - Woolgoolga Headland has a spectacular 360 degree vista and is regarded as the best spot to view dolphins and whales on the Coffs Coast. There are scenic walking tracks and amazing coastal views that stretch to Yuraygir National Park and the rolling hills of the Coffs Coast hinterland. Woolgoolga Headland has recently been upgraded, with a new viewing platform designed in the shape of a whale’s tail, offering new seating and viewing platforms.

The beautiful Arrawarra Headland offers incredible views over the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which is popular for fishing, swimming and surfing, as it’s renowned for its fantastic surf point break. The walking tracks take you on a rockpool ramble, discovering ancient Aboriginal fish traps along the way to Mullawarra Beach.

After your adventure, you can relax in the treelined park and shaded picnic area. www.coffscoast.com.au #CreateYourParadise

Forestry Corporation of NSW is a proud finalist and sponsor of the NSW Tourism Awards.

Sealy Lookout

Gumgali Track & Korora Lookout

The award-winning Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout is an unmissable stop in your coastal travels. This amazing structure extends out over the forest canopy and offers views from mountains to the sea. Enjoy a picnic under shady trees or take in the comforts of the sheltered picnic area. Walking tracks such as the Rainforest Loop Track at The Gap provide an authentic and beautiful North Coast forest experience.

Korora Lookout is a special place. Gumgali Track, developed in collaboration with Gumbaynggirr Elders, tells the story of Gumgali the black goanna who burrowed through the escarpment beneath the lookout to emerge in the sea. A series of sculptures and mural art guides you to the lookout where you can listen to the Gumgali story in Gumbaynggirr language at the sound bar. The viewing deck offers panoramic views over ocean and north up the coastline whilst church pew seating under a towering eucalyptus offers peace and tranquillity.

#VisitNSWForests #VisitNSWForests

#VisitNSWForests #VisitNSWForests

www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit

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CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

George and Bella Jessett, Val Swan

Suey Rasit, Shane Ewart, Brad Vines, Tammy Lock

Andy and Julie Svkis

Fay Smith, Alicia Vines, Nicole Cardow, Alyssa Simpson

Michael and Jayne Featherstone

Callan Bailey, Nicole Cardow

Aaron Hardaker, Nicci Seccombe, Duncan Marchant

Nicci Seccombe, Leanne Zietsch, Adelaide Zietsch

Troy Johnson, Dane O’Conner, Carl Mower, Tegan Ewart, Saniel Meyer, Cara Sevil, Sherry Lee, Bill Miller, Julian Bryant

SOCIAL/SCENE

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e can already boast that the Coffs Coast is super popular with the tourists. They come back year after year, so with the added excitement of the Rally to add to the mix, it’s full speed ahead!

The FOCUS team attended the ever popular Stars of the Coffs Coast Cancer event. The venue was the Coffs C.ex, and the house was certainly full! FOCUS was a sponsor, and the team was all snazzed up in long frocks and ready for a night of fun and entertainment. The night was glittering with stars, the dancing was nothing short of fabulous, and money was raised for the cause.

Amazing night out!

The FOCUS team attended a BWN evening event called “Business after Dark” just recently. I rather like the evening events, as I have to admit that I am not exactly a morning person. By the time I am actually awake at the early morning events ... it’s all over red rover! So, this was more enjoyable for the night birds. This event was held at the Supply Specialty Coffee and Bar in Coffs Harbour. This place is different; it offers a refreshing alternative space with an alfresco area to relax, unwind and on that night, plenty of space to mingle and network if you wished. Guests enjoyed a welcome drink accompanied by delicious fresh, seasonal and unique produce for which this 50 coffs coast focus.

WE DON’T USUALLY HAVE THE PLEASURE OF HAVING A SPRING/SUMMER RACING CARNIVAL, BUT THIS YEAR WE DO! STARTING WITH THE COFFS HARBOUR MELBOURNE CUP THIS MONTH, THEN RIGHT THE WAY THROUGH TO THE FABULOUS PINK SILKS RACE DAY IN JANUARY.

exciting venue is renown. Local businesswoman My Holland was the guest speaker, who is an emotional intelligence and positive psychology expert. She is now a published author and launched her new book, Happiness is the Way. My has worked across the globe creating positive change and happiness among managers and employees.

Another guest speaker for the evening was Tanya Johnson, from the Pink Silks Perpetual Trust.

This organisation makes an incredible impact on women’s health across the Coffs Coast. It was definitely an enjoyable and uplifting evening out.

We attended the inaugural Regional Australia Bank Business and Community and Dinner, which was launched with great success at the Rustic Mezedes in Woolgoolga just recently. Aside from enjoying a fabulous meal, this event brought together leaders and contributors across the business and community sectors to network, reconnect and learn about how our Regional Australia Bank are contributing to our local community and how much they are about to achieve.

The Coffs Harbour Daybreak Rotary and North Coast Botanic Gardens recently hosted The Japanese Lantern Festival. This festival is something different and attracts both tourists and locals alike. It is a wonderful event for families to enjoy together, as it is suitable for all ages. There was a delicious selection of traditional Japanese cuisine

to sample and enjoy, and as usual there was a magical lantern launching ceremony. Guests had the opportunity to sample sake whilst dining in the Japanese Waterside Pavilion and got to watch a flotilla of lanterns sparkling under the stars.

Kimono clad wait staff served up an exquisite degustation-style Japanese banquet. The Festival Coordinator, Ann Gee, organised a special bonsai exhibition for the guests, along with a traditional Guzheng performance of the Japanese harp. I mentioned that it was suitable for families; well on the Sunday, a “Children’s Night” was staged.

It consisted of a picnic night in the grounds of the Japanese Waterside Pavilion. Each guest enjoyed a traditional Bento Box to enjoy, along with a Lucky Wish floating lantern to launch on the lake. This year’s event was such a delightful event, that it was extended to satisfy demand.

The Coffs Harbour Memorial Theatre never fails to offer a wide selection of shows to enjoy.

Along with visiting friends of ours, we recently attended one the sensational shows staged at our local theatre. The community theatre is thriving here in Coffs Harbour. Arts and culture is going from strength to strength, with the Jetty Memorial Theatre as the hub for performing arts. After dining at the jetty, we enjoyed a drink at the theatre bar and then went on in to view the Grease the Musical which was staged by the Coffs Harbour

Arts Council. The local cast was a talented mix of T. birds and Pink Ladies. This show is non-stop entertainment and was totally enjoyed. Staying with The Coffs Harbour Memorial Theatre, round up your friends or family and make a date to enjoy the next show, Mary Poppins The Musical. Dates for this show are Friday 4th - 27th November ...

Don’t miss out.

For the music lovers, another show to look forward to will be the Banana Field Music and Arts Festival. This event will be run at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club on Saturday 29th October.

It will feature three stages with a bill of over 30 national and local artists. For more information, visit www.bananafieldmusicfestival.com.au Here on the Coffs Coast we would love to think that our surrounding towns all get to cross promote each other. This way we can all share and promote each other’s events and beauty spots.

So to run with that, we would like to suggest you take a trip to Grafton from Saturday 29th October through to Thursday 3rd November. This is when the Annual Grafton Jacaranda Festival is held. The colour and vibrancy of this festival is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Mother Nature at one of her finest moments …

Here is to appreciating the simple things in life!

Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Margie Foord, Val Sawn

Stars of the Coffs Coast Cancer evening

Chris Grieve, Alyssa, Sam Williams, Jake Williams

Vickey Hunter, Dympna Keough

Steven and Denise Ryan, Gordon and Julie Smith

Katie Rademaker, Glen Barnett, Kriten Howton, Russ Holland, Emma and Danny Rhoades

Michael Moffet, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Lace Browning, Natalie Hunt, Nicci Seccombe, Carole Beros, Joanne Vines

Michelle Clarke, Anne Blari

Phillipa Tabone, Natalie Bassingthwaighte

Emily and Cindy McCarthy

Todd, Emily, Shane and Cindy McCarthy; Supply Speciality Coffee & Bar

Alice Williams, Danielle Johnson

Anne Hughes, Trudy Thompson, Simon Chladil

Trisha Herraman, Gael Drum

Pink Silks Perpetual Trust Commitee

Emma Hingston, Marion Atcheson, Eileen Dalrymple, Jemma Frame, Louise Frame

Pink Silks Perpetual Trust Commitee, Troy McKenna, Kyle Withers

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NOVEMBER 2016

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Avoid entertaining thoughts of what you believe others are thinking about you. Your judgement has attracted these thoughts. Be a little more self nurturing and avoid worrying about how people conceive you. Other people’s thoughts are none of your business.

Amethyst keeps our thoughts clear.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 New beginnings, adventure and exploring the unknown are likely to be strong influences, so embrace change fearlessly and connect to your love of the unknown. Life, after all, is a great adventure in itself. Bring out your silly self and lighten up that seriousness.

Jade connects us to our heart energy.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Try not to entertain thoughts about what you believe others think of you, as these thought processes are self destructive and disempowering. Instead, be aware of your thoughts and be disciplined to terminate negative ones, replacing them with self praise.

Rose Quartz initiates self love.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

If you were to acknowledge how clever you are at manifesting, your ability will open up to new heights. Set some goals and when they materialise, thank yourself for creating them.

Acknowledgement always amplifies our gifts and talents.

Clear Quartz is great for amplifying

52 coffs coast focus.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

If you have been feeling unsupported lately, you may be hoping to feel an emotion from someone to make you feel complete. Depending on an external influence to fulfil an internal need is unhealthy. Identify the emotion you wish to experience, and wake it up internally by breathing it through your entire body.

Amethyst connects us to our soul’s strength.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Relationships will be a major focus for you.

Filter everything through love to achieve new heights. Reflecting yourself through those closest to you will show you your strengths and weaknesses that need your attention.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Listen to the wise words you speak when helping others, as this is how you are presently being guided. Your example can inspire people, and your charisma can be captivating. If you are feeling challenged emotionally, focus on your loving qualities to fill your energy with self approval.

Turquoise is great for confidence.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 The need to fulfil your destiny will be a strong influence, so set some fresh goals to gain the most out of this next six months. If you doubt yourself, you will be probably sabotaging your success. Give yourself permission to fearlessly step forward and enjoy your journey.

Ruby shatters fear.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are much stronger than you believe. Set your sights on your desired outcome and give yourself permission to fearlessly embrace the outcome. Disconnect from what others think, as these thoughts are really no concern of yours and are inhibiting.

Citrine shatters negative thoughts and energy.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You have been challenged lately by old beliefs you have outgrown, so instead of feeling comforted by your beliefs, you are likely to be feeling trapped. Try debating with these old beliefs; it isn’t easy, but initiates very powerful change.

Kyanite opens our mind.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

You are in a purging cycle, as it is time to release anything from your reality that stops you achieving your highest potential. Give intention to everything you take into your body and release from it. See it as a flushing out of negativity, replenishing your cells with positivity.

Selenite shatters negative energy.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Surprises are likely to be on your agenda.

Embrace change, as you have attracted these things into your reality. Now is a wonderful time to discover new gifts and talents with passionate learning opportunities.

Moldavite is great for fulfilling destiny.

W I T H M A R K M O WAT F R O M C O F F S D E N T I S T.C O M

W I T H L A U R E N H A R P E R F R O M C OA S TA L P I L AT E S & F I T N E S S

Falling asleep

WITHOUT BRUSHING

Get your

BODY in shape for

If you’ve been hibernating over winter and are finding it hard to get moving again, then it’s really important to pick activities that you enjoy!

As you get ready for bed this week, put a priority on making sure you brush and floss.

I

f you’re someone who often gets tired quickly, and then you end up accidentally falling asleep before brushing your teeth, change your habits so that you brush your teeth closer to finishing dinner. Your future, healthy mouth will thank you!

As little as three minutes can keep your teeth and gums healthy for the

long run. It can help reduce future pain that could be associated with sensitive gum lines or cavities, and it can keep your smiling looking great. Help fight bad breath and help combat other diseases by taking time out to brush your teeth and floss before heading off to bed tonight.

D

ecide whether you want to do indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both.

Sit down and schedule in the time to exercise and stick to it, so plan the week before if you have a changing work schedule.

Don’t leave it until the last minute, as it won’t happen. Try and start with at least 30 minute sessions.

The biggest drop out rate is the first 8 - 12 weeks of a training programme. So acknowledge it’s going to be hard, and you will succeed!

To make sure your training programme is

a balanced one, you will need to be doing cardiovascular exercise, strength training and stretching. Often incorporated into these will be elements of balance, power, speed and agility. Two to three sessions of each per week is ideal.

Finally, if you are trying to lose body fat, you will need to look at what you are eating first, so no matter how many hours you are exercising, things won’t change if you have not reviewed your eating habits. It’s 80% diet and 20% exercise to reduce body fat levels.

Prostate

CANCER What is your number? Is it rising? Do you know why? Your health is your responsibility; see your doctor.

T

he Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia reports that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. There are 120,000 men and their families living with prostate cancer, 20,000 men will be diagnosed this year, and 3,000 men will die from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is an age-dependent disease, which means the chance of developing it increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age of 75 is

one in seven. By the age of 85, this increases to one in five.

A prostate cancer diagnosis is least common in men under 50 years old (less than 3%). However, compared with other cancers, prostate cancer has one of the highest five-year survival rates after diagnosis (92%). Men over age 50, or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer as part of their annual health check-up. coffs coast focus. 53

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24 hr nurse services – immediate response nurse-call technology Low, High and Palliative Care Dementia Care Government funding available Full domestic support Your own self-contained home with kitchen, bathroom, laundry & courtyard/garden Couples stay together Family and friends can stay whenever they want Pets are welcome Encouraged to live independently, while you are capable Move-in without ACAT assessment No means-testing or asset-testing required for move-in Choosing aged care for yourself or a loved one is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. At Freedom Aged Care, ticking all the important boxes is just the beginning.

We save our biggest ticks for freedom, fun and friendship.

And lovingly caring for you, every step of the ageing journey.

Feel free to call us on 1800

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Coffs Cup 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.

I

f you’re hitting the 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 beauty-full 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 cream-textured 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 sideswept ‘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-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.

coffs coast focus. 55

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

DUNCAN MARCHANT 1 5 E AT I N G O U T SURVIVAL TIPS!

After our annual week of playing golf in Melbourne with the Goats, I thought I should share the 15 Eating Out Survival Tips that helped us stay in tip top shape while being immersed in temptation …

E

ating is a behaviour that is largely controlled by the people with whom we live, work or socialise with, places in which we carry out our daily lives and how we deal with emotions. Being aware of this and making changes to positively affect these behaviours is vitally important in the quest to control our weight.

Although we all love a good quality home cooked meal, the reality is that we cannot always eat at home and consume only food that we prepare ourselves. Our busy modern lives unfortunately dictate that at some point in time, you will be eating out. This may be due to work requirements, special events or simply picking up some take away on the way home to avoid cooking.

Eating out can test your resolve as far as healthy eating goes. If you only eat out once a month, it’s not so much of an issue, but if you eat out regularly, good choices are critical.

Follow these tips to survive the temptations: • Don’t do it when you’re ravenously hungry - if you know you will be eating out, consume a small, healthy, low kilojoule, protein rich snack before you leave. Then go easy when you’re out.

• Do some extra exercise - preferably beforehand and if possible, walk to dinner. If not, park away from the front door and walk a comfortable distance to the restaurant instead of spending that extra five minutes driving around looking for the bonus park directly at the front door • Drink water - before you leave home and before you order, drink some water to help fill your stomach. It also contains no kilojoules, as opposed to alcohol.

• Bypass the bread - unless it’s of the extraordinary variety that you have never tasted before or it’s only small and low GI. • Order like you cook at home - select the meal with low GI carbs, plenty of vegetables or salad and adequate protein. Alternatively, select the ingredients listed in other dishes and ask them to create the meal for you.

• Halve the size - order an entrée for your main

56 coffs coast focus.

or specify just an entrée size of your selected main.

• Hold the fries - replace the chips with salad or vegies. Alternatively, just ask for no fries. This simple request may help you save over 1,000 kJ. • Pace yourself - order one course at a time.

This will give you time to decide whether you really need to have the next one.

• Sauce on the side - ask for sauces separately.

Normally high in kilojoules and fat, this allows you to add it as required.

• Take your time - relax, eat slowly and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to do the cooking or cleaning up.

• You don’t have to finish everything on your plate - although your mum always taught you differently, it’s OK to leave food on your plate.

You don’t have to go home feeling like a stuffed walrus.

• Choose your drinks carefully - remember that soda water and mineral water contain no kilojoules, fruit juices and sugary drinks contain moderate amounts, and alcohol contains a high level of empty kilojoules. Combining alcohol and mixers together like in a vodka and orange juice increase the kilojoule content significantly.

• Share the dessert - if you really want it, why not let someone experience it with you?

• Walk it off - after a restaurant meal, walk home or after some at home take away, walk the dog.

• Only eat until you are 80% full - “hara hachi bu” is a Confucian teaching that instructs people to eat until they are 80% full. The Okinawans of Japan practise “hara hachi bu” and have the world’s highest proportion of centenarians, at approximately 50 per 100,000 people. Now there’s something to think about … See you next month!

Thanks for sharing, Duncan, and if you are looking to kickstart your own fitter future, you can drop in to see him at either Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina or Moonee! You can also contact him directly on 0411 103 867 or Facebook to get started today.

How falls are

killing our

older adults AND HOW TO STOP IT!

Do you know someone over the age of 65 who is at risk of having a fall?

Recent research has outlined the major health impacts falls are having on our older community members, ranging from broken bones and lost independence to life threatening injuries and untimely death.

A

t Mid North Coast Physio, the team and understanding how to initiate a medication are passionate about helping you review. reduce and prevent falls before they Stepping On is a community-based workshop occur. To do this, they are making offered once a week for seven weeks that builds the Stepping On Programme available to the your confidence in your own ability to reduce Coffs Coast community, with a programme falls through education and gentle balance starting soon in Coffs Harbour. We caught up and strengthening exercises. In a small group with Aaron Hardaker, Director of Mid North setting, you will learn specific knowledge and Coast Physio, to find out how they are saving skills to prevent falls, all run by our Occupational older people from suffering from the potentially Therapist Natalie Webster. We use expert guest life changing injuries caused by falls. presenters such as Physiotherapists, Exercise What is Stepping On? Physiologists, Pharmacists, Council Safety The Stepping On programme offers older Officers and Vision Experts to share knowledge people a way of reducing falls and on a range of topics, including at the same time increasing vision, home hazards, medicines self confidence in situations and practical exercises to where they are at risk improve strength and of falling. Falls are a balance.

D on’t suffer serious problem, but Who can benefit from alone with a can be prevented at any participating? e fear of falling - liv age. This programme, Stepping On is u the lifestyle yo which was developed designed for people deserve.” in Australia and has who are over 65, living been implemented in the at home and who have USA and internationally, is fallen or are fearful of considered to be one of the falling. Participants must be most effective falls prevention able to walk by themselves or programmes available, giving you with a walking stick. Don’t suffer the confidence to undertake everyday alone with a fear of falling; this can activities safely. Participation in a programme often lead to social isolation, as you don’t like Stepping On will help you maintain want to get out in unfamiliar or busy places independence and give you confidence in your live the lifestyle you deserve. mobility to empower you to undertake everyday And the best news is - Stepping On is FREE. activities safely and without the risk of falling.

It’s a government funded programme with How does Stepping On work? no cost to participants. If you or someone The Stepping On programme incorporates a you love could benefit from being a part group setting, plus individualised follow-up. It of an upcoming programme in either Coffs, covers a range of issues, including falls and risk, Toormina or Woolgoolga, please call our strength and balance exercises, home hazards, admin team on 1300 273 747 to register safe footwear, vision and falls, safety in public your interest. Places are filling quickly, so places, community mobility, coping after a fall, call now.

“

coffs coast !"#$%. 57

focusinterview.

HOPWOOD AFTER BEATING CANCER AND GETTING A SECOND CHANCE, BRIAN HOPWOOD HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK. AS ONE OF THE COFFS COAST’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BUILDERS, HE CONTINUES TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, BOTH IN LIFE AND BUSINESS. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO FIND OUT WHAT FUELS THE FIRE THAT KEEPS HIM MOVING. LO N G ST O RY SH O RT, TH R EE I WA S W EE K S LATE R TR AV EL LI N G TO TH E SE E BR IS BA N E TO UT BO A ST SP EC IA LI N MY O N IO AT R A N O PE OV E EM R ST O M ACH TO .”

A TU M O U R

“

C

an you tell us a bit about your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I moved here when I was 31, after hearing that this was a great part of the country from my father, and at that time there was a fair bit of building work going on. I played football with the Coffs Comets until I was 37, which was great fun.

What do you love about your life and living in this part of the world?

So lucky to work within an industry that I have a passion for and love, a loving and truly incredible family, and all this in the greatest place in the world - Sawtell and the Coffs Coast.

A few years ago you had a bit of a scare with your health; can you briefly tell us about that?

In 2004 I was walking on the beach with a good friend, Barb. I blacked out and started walking backwards. Barb booked me into the doctor.

Long story short, three weeks later I was travelling to Brisbane to see the specialist about an operation on my stomach to remove a tumour.

After the operation, the specialist advised me that he had removed my entire stomach.

The roots of the cancer were all through my stomach. I may have lived another nine months if I was lucky. Lucky I was; I did not need chemo or radiation.

Interesting - as a Clairvoyant, Mark had told me two days before my initial consultation with the doctor that I had something wrong with my stomach and would spend three weeks in Brisbane doing nothing; strange, he said, as he could see that I was a bit of a workaholic.

58 coffs coast focus.

My operation was performed in Brisbane. I was in hospital for three weeks laying around doing nothing, as the Clairvoyant Mark predicted.

I was 47; my mum died of stomach cancer at 47.

That’s all behind you now?

These days I am very fit and healthy. My wife, Kim Connolly (KC Health Coaching) and I enjoy life.

It disappoints me that I have had people say to me that they have been told by certain builders that my cancer has returned. I don’t have cancer! Only the good die young! I have a long way to go!

And you are as active as ever?

I still enjoy lots of sport, playing Oztag with my mates.

These days I’m not as fast as I used to be, but I never give up ... bit like life, I guess.

Water skiing, snow skiing and bush walking are also a great joy to me.

What do you love about building and what you do?

Meeting new people, designing homes and building excites me.

I am very lucky; as you have seen that I get so much joy out of what I do.

I once was asked what would I do if I retired? I would build. So why retire?

It is so exciting meeting people and discussing their ideas, budget and lifestyle.

Designing a home or working from their plans; it is incredible to see their dreams become reality.

I enjoy mixing with people and finding out about them,

their stories and background; it is very interesting.

In your opinion, what sets you apart from other builders?

I am very straightforward and honest. It so disappoints me to hear how certain builders get people in with a cheap price from them, get the deposit, then stick them with extras and variations.

Probably one of my biggest thrills in a business sense is meeting my clients every week, walking through the house and chatting and discussing all the aspects of their home.

I can’t believe that this is not standard practice!

It’s so much fun, and I get to talk to my clients on a regular basis.

There seems to be a lot of building going on in Coffs at the moment; is there a bit of an upturn in the industry at present?

There is; you can tell by the amount of builders that are in town at the moment. Trades are getting scarce and everyone is busy. There is a lot of building happening at present - which is good for everyone. The building industry employs a lot of people, and it has a nice flow on effect.

Away from work, what are some of the things you enjoy?

Outside of work, my greatest joy is spending time with my wife, Kim, our five children, their partners, and 10 wonderful grandchildren.

We love taking the grandchildren on holidays in our van, absolutely incredible, albeit very tiring - for them, that is!

The children say, “Mimi and Poppy, don’t you ever stop”.

Thanks Brian.

COASTAL pilates & Fitness

HOLLY’S “FEATHER TOUCH” BROWS Holly Readett has over 15 years’ experience in the beauty industry as a beauty therapist, makeup artist and cosmetic tattooist. Holly has a Diploma in Cosmetic Tattooing, is qualified in all of the latest techniques and also part of the Association of Cosmetic Tattoo.

Holly specialises in amazing eyebrows. Her clients love the way their eyebrows frame their face, giving them a newfound confidence in their appearance. Holly considers stylish eyebrows an important part in the overall look of a woman’s face and says that in measuring and lifting the eyebrows, a symmetry is created, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

One of Holly’s techniques is “feathering”. Feather Touch Brow Tattoo Eyebrow is a semi-permanent treatment which involves applying pigment to each hair stroke individually. This creates a very natural look, as the hair strokes are designed to blend with the real eyebrow hair. The procedure takes approximately two hours, with a follow up appointment required after six weeks.

Feather touch brows last 12 - 18 months.

For beautiful, natural looking eyebrows, call for an appointment. Holly is located at The Salon by Nikki Williams at 88 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

living doll 2016 is almost over, and is this year going to be an extra special one for you? Is your wedding date booked in, and are you starting to do the many checklists that this involves, so you can keep bridezilla away?

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Whether you need the whole salon style tribe to come and work their magic, or would like that special time just for yourself, Living Doll has something for you.

Packages include: makeup by a professional makeup artist, hair styled by a premier stylist, complimentary glass of bubbly, chocolate strawberries and cheese platter to start the celebrations. Our dedicated Wedding Coordinator, Lauren, will be able to help you with your every need. Ring the salon today to book a wedding consultation for package prices.

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Let Living Doll make your Perfect Look for your Perfect Day. XO Dolls

A fantastic way to work both your mind and your body!

A Pilates mat class involves working your whole body in an hour, to achieve a balanced workout by stretching tight muscles and strengthening weaker ones.

Both traditional Pilates mat based exercises created by Joseph Pilates, as well as contemporary exercises, are incorporated into a Pilates mat class at the studio.

You will learn about good posture, how to breathe correctly, how to switch on the deeper muscles of your body, to strengthen your core and re-align your body.

Learning Pilates mat exercises means you can continue exercising at home or whilst travelling.

You do still need to listen to your body and make sure you are in control of all exercises without pain, but still be challenged.

If you do happen to be working through an injury, illness or health condition, a Pilates mat class may not be the best way for you to experience Pilates initially. You would generally be better off starting with Pilates private and semi-private sessions, until things get sorted.

We are starting a new beginner/basic level class on Tuesday evenings at 7:15pm. Call now to reserve your place, as class sizes are limited to eight.

coffs coast focus. 59

focusinterview.

MID NORTH COAST

ell Scott, it's been seven months since we last caught up. How is the Veterans Centre going?

The Veterans Centre Mid North Coast has come along in leaps and bounds. We have established a network of people and other organisations that allows us to do a lot of small things well. In the first couple of months this year the committee came together to work on a number of things, from strategic planning, to operational day to day tasks that we needed to implement. These planning meetings also allowed for a better understanding of our client base and the services we were actually able to provide.

What are these, and how have they benefited our community?

These planning discussions allowed us to better understand our client base, and this is not just limited to ex-service men and women, but also their mums and dads, through to partners and children. Identifying these different market places has allowed us to better define what services we need to either partner with, or establish our own. At the front of house, we have three dedicated volunteers who man the Centre from 11am - 3pm on Mon, Wed and Fri and by appointment on other days. These three have numerous qualifications in welfare, pensions and domestic violence, to name a few. We 60 coffs coast focus.

also have our own Level 4 Advocate to deal with more complex pension matters.

So, who are some of the partners?

The first partnership that was forged early on during the inception of the Centre has been with Legacy in Coffs Harbour. They have been a major part of where the Centre is now in both a physical sense and support sense.

Other organisations such as VVCS have been instrumental in being a part of our client services that we are able to tap into or refer to when needed. We have also established links with Lifeline, Centerlink DVA representatives and RSLs in the area, with referrals coming in from a number of these organisations. We also have great links to RSL NSW through RSL Active and have had local representatives assist and participate in a number of events run by RSL Active.

What other things have unfolded in the last months?

The last couple of months have been extremely busy, with the increase of approximately 5 - 10 new clients engaging with us at the Centre. We have assisted people get their Australian Defence Medal, which we spoke about in our first article, right through to assisting clients with engaging with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The best thing we are witnessing is the broad group of people from Vietnam Veterans through to modern day veterans and families. We also successfully ran the Thank You for your Service campaign to raise the awareness of veterans'

We have assisted people get their ce Australian D efen oke sp e w ch hi w , al Med article , st fir about in our sisting as to h ug right thro ging clients with enga ent of with the D epartm s.� ir Veterans' Affa

“

issues in the local community.

Are you encroaching on other established Ex Service organisations in the area?

This is a top question and one I mention always when I give presentations to groups. The Veterans Centre Mid North Coast is here to provide independent information and to support local organisations like the RSL Sub Branch and to support our clients and connect them with the organisations or groups that best suit their needs.

So tell me more about these presentations?

I have been fortunate enough to be able to present to several Rotary clubs about the Centre and also groups like the View clubs, Over 50 club at Park Beach Plaza and CWA about some of my adventures, like the Invictus Games and the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli. I have also been fortunate to represent the Centre as guest speaker at the Out of the Shadows suicide awareness day. I also regularly speak about my involvement in adaptive sports.

Adaptive sports - that sounds exciting.

After participating in the Invictus Games in 2014 and seeing first-hand the benefits of sport for rehabilitation - the Invictus Games

use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women - as a result, we are now in talks with a couple of sporting organisations in the area to facilitate both training for Invictus Games and the promotion of these sports for the local veteran and families to participate on a regular basis.

One of our committee is even heading to an event in the last weeks of October for archery, in partnership with RSL Active.

Remembrance Day is coming up; what message would you like to leave with our readers?

The Veterans Centre would encourage every Ex-service man and woman and their families to put the medals on and support their local RSL Sub Branch services. As we say to all our veteran community, you have served the Commonwealth of Australia in the highest order, the defence of this great nation, so be proud.

For more information, please do not hesitate to call the VCMNC on (02) 6651 4129 and 0459 759 922, or drop into our office at 4 Scarba Street, Coffs Harbour.

Thanks Scott.

coffs coast focus. 61

little ones’ ADVENTURES Little Ones’ Adventures is an online store providing a range of quality, eco friendly wooden toys, free from chemicals and toxins. Our products are inspired by a great love for all things vintage, nostalgic, ecologically sustainable, and enduring.

We offer a range of beautiful, eco friendly wooden toys - using only the finest in organic, sustainable, and recyclable materials.

Not only are they are a safe and sustainable alternative to plastic, they’ll also last forever - becoming treasured mementos for your children to keep long into adulthood.

What sets us apart? At a time when children are increasingly reliant on electronic devices for entertainment, we believe that providing children with quality, age-appropriate toys is key to fostering their creativity and imagination, and building confidence in their own abilities. We offer you a real alternative to the mainstream, toxic plastic products available at your local shopping centre. We’re passionate about preserving the environment, so all our packaging is plastic-free and made from recyclable materials. Most importantly, we run every toy past our toughest critics - our kids! - to ensure your children will love them as much as we do. Browse our website at www.littleonesadventures.com.au

62 coffs coast focus.

cow & KOALA At Cow & Koala we educate and nurture the children in our care aged from six weeks to five years, to assist them in reaching their potential and to be respectful of themselves, others and their environment.

We work closely with your family with open, honest relationships to meet the needs of your child in a small, friendly local family run service. Invariably, at C&K, the Edu-carer you dropped your child to will be whom you collect from, providing consistent care with intimate knowledge of your child’s day.

At C&K we have been providing experienced childcare to Coffs families for over eleven years, with Edu-carers who have been with us on average five years. They are passionate and enthusiastic about the learning experiences they share with your child.

We engage in play-based learning using the Early Years Leaning Framework to support and enhance your child’s learning and as an Approved Service, we are able to apply government fee relief to your placement.

We provide NSW Health approved Munch & Move menu, nappies, wipes and sunscreen, as well as lots of fun and learning adventures!

WELCOME EVERYONE TO

LILLY PILLY SOUTH ELC IS A BOUTIQUE 30 PLACE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE BASED IN TOORMINA, AND IS A PIONEER IN A NUMBER OF FREE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT OUR FAMILIES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO RECEIVING, AS WE COMMIT TO DELIVERING THE COAST’S MOST DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL AND GROSS-MOTOR PROGRAMMES. But firstly, I would like to introduce myself.

My name is Moira Pratt, originally from Warren NSW, and I am married with two adult daughters and grandchildren.

My passion for children began in my mid teen years, when I discovered how comfortable I felt working and caring for them. Our home was known as a place where everyone was welcome - which is very like our OPEN DOOR policy here at Lilly Pilly South ELC. I have over 30 years’ experience working with children, from babies through to adolescents. I began my career working with youth as a volunteer youth worker, then progressing to relief youth work and counselling youth. During this time I began working in OOSH as an assistant, then holding the role of Co-ordinator.

After eight years in OOSH, I began my studies in Early Childhood. It was then that I realised that this was what I had been looking for and felt was missing in my life.

I have seen the industry grow from just being seen as a “babysitter” to now being

acknowledged as professional educators.

I have worked with and supported children with many different disabilities and from many cultures, with the Queensland Department of Education and numerous Long Day Care services (large and small) before finally joining the Lilly Pilly South ELC family.

In my many years in Early Childhood, I have found the smaller services like Lilly Pilly South are much more family oriented, and the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is what we strive for. This is what we endeavour every day at Lilly Pilly South ELC. Since joining the Lilly Pilly South ELC family, I have been welcomed by each and every family and Educator at the service.

In March this year I was offered the role of Centre Manager and Nominated Supervisor, which I was quite overwhelmed by, as this was a role that I had been pursuing for a very long time.

We are here not only to educate and provide high quality care for the children

through play based learning opportunities, but to support the families’ needs as required.

The children’s rights are always respected and valued, giving us the ability to create a programme based around their interests and knowledge, with outcomes that develop well balanced children, and this allows us to develop great relationships with the children. We work with families as a team to establish and maintain respectful relationships with their children.

Being able to acknowledge parents/ grandparents by their first names upon arrival and departure gives our families a sense of belonging.

Our extensive programme of extracurricular activities, such as Japanese language, art and craft lessons, yoga, fast feet gross motor programme - and one of our educators teaches the children basic gymnastic skills - sets us apart from other services in the area.

Call to set up a time to visit us! Thank you, Moira.

coffs coast focus. 63

focus_technology

with Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate

cyber mum.

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS • 3 BEARS COTTAGE •

WHAT ARE YOUR TEENAGERS UP TO AFTER LIGHTS OUT?

IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING. SETTLING BABIES INTO FORMAL CARE IS PROBABLY GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE WHILE TO BECOME COMFORTABLE.

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owever, some careful forward thinking and preparing is going to make things a lot less stressful.

• Settling your baby into the service a couple of weeks before your important return to work day, is without doubt our number one first rule of advice. Knowing you have the time and convenience to return back to the service at any time in the first few weeks, to perhaps settle a not so happy baby (or parent!) definitely relieves a lot of pressure.

Distress at separation can be unpleasant for everyone involved.

• Daily routine. Getting to know the service’s routine and adjusting a few things at home to align with this schedule, will allow your baby to make slow adjustments to change.

• Introductions. Short visits made together at the service in the weeks before will allow your baby to get to know who their main Educators will be. Gentle introductions to the room, extra children and a much nosier environment than home will build a stronger resilience to separation.

Positive relationship building is at the core of 3 Bears Cottage’s settling processes.

AS END OF YEAR EXAMS HIT, THIS MONTH I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO TAKE THE TIME TO TALK WITH THEIR TEENAGERS AND DO A REALITY CHECK ABOUT WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON AFTER LIGHTS OUT.

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get that it can be hard to police device use phone and 12 million owning a tablet device, this 24/7, unless you are using cyber safety is not an issue that we as parents can ignore. solution to assist technology management So what do we do about it? Firstly, I strongly in your home. encourage that you take the time to check in However, these statistics from a recent survey with your kids and have an open and frank carried out by Digital Awareness UK and the conversation about these statistics and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, dangers these habits present. might convince you to at least give the topic an In addition, the tips from the experts airing you your home. recommend that the most important rules or A survey of 2,750 11 to 18 year habits to form and encourage in your olds found (45%) of young home with your teenager include: people are checking their • Refraining from using screens mobile phones after they The scary part is 90 minutes before bedtime the kids actually have gone to bed.

• Turning off notifications t time know their nigh In addition, one in • Activating “do not a habits are having ten teens admitted disturb”, “aeroplane on negative impact of to checking their mode” or mute settings % their life, with 68 ying mobile phones for or turn the phone off sa s nt all responde notifications at least 10 altogether if you can ile ob m r using thei cts fe times a night.

• Reduce blue light af t gh ni at s device ” k.

Of the 45% of survey or exposure, which can disrupt w ol ho sc r thei respondents who check sleep. For example, most their phones when they Apple devices have the “night should be sleeping, almost all shift mode”, which changes the (94%) are on social media - with a tenth colour temperature of your device to saying they would feel stressed about reduce exposure missing out if they did not check their • Try to break the habit of unprompted device device before going to sleep. checking Of this group, 75% are listening to music and • Ensure your kids keep their phone in a location over half (57%) are watching films. that prevents you from seeing, hearing or even A third (32%) of these youngsters say their reaching for it parents are not aware that they check their • Encourage a “Digital Detox” - take a break mobile device after going to bed. from devices altogether or set times that you and The scary part is the kids actually know their your kids will turn your phones off night time habits are having a negative impact • Switch the habit - in the 90 minutes running up on their life, with 68% of all respondents saying to bedtime, encourage the good old fashioned using their mobile devices at night affects their concept of reading a good book, practice school work. meditation, or have a relaxing bubble bath.

A quarter say they feel tired during the day Sometimes we just need to get our kids to because of how often they use their mobile think about the reason why they are using device at night, and almost half (42%) keep their mobile devices at night time, because when they phone next to their bed at night actually stop and think about it, they too realise With mobile phone and device usage in that these habits often don’t make sense.

Australia reaching unprecedented highs of in Cyber Mum excess of 15.3 million Australians owning a smart www.cybermum.aus

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amanda Howarth

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hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was born in Coffs Harbour and lived here the majority of my life, apart from a year that I spent in Melbourne.

What is your typical day? At the moment my typical day involves looking after my toddler, Leo. He’s full of life, with an urgency to explore all that he can. There are lots of trips to our local parks and beaches to burn some of his endless supply of energy. I’m also constantly connected to and working on my online store, fulfilling orders, managing our social media sites and doing lots of research.

What does the future hold for you? We have big plans for Little Ones’ Adventures.

Hopefully in the next year we will begin production of our own range of wooden toys and products. We’re looking to bring some original ideas to the area of children’s play.

We really want to encourage the notion of outdoor play, where children are exploring the environment around them.

64 coffs coast focus.

When and why did you start your business? It all started while I was pregnant with my son. My husband and I were looking for some natural alternatives to the highly saturated plastic market. We really struggled to find quality products that were free from chemicals and toxins and we were happy with our baby playing with.

What do you enjoy most about working on the Coffs Coast? I love that you can drive to the beaches within minutes, and also be close to the mountains.

focusinterview.

LOWER COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL Quoting our families ... “The team is terrific and quite special”. As educators, we are committed to growing in understanding with each passing year and will never take our knowledge or experience for granted. We respect that in our everchanging world, we need to be open to change in ourselves and our methods. This commitment allows us to be creative and innovative in the ways we teach our children to love, grow, learn and appreciate that life is a gift. ell us about the team at Lower Bucca Community Preschool?

Each one of us brings something special and different to the team, which adds to the diversity of learning we can offer your child.

We work well together, as we share the same philosophy that children learn best through fun play, being challenged and taking risks. We all show commitment and dedication to ensure children are valued and respected and that families feel welcomed and supported as part of our preschool community.

But an important part of our team is the committee. The committee is a vital part of the preschool, because it is our community’s voice.

Committee members volunteer their time and efforts to ensure we meet the needs of our families to the best of our ability.

Tell us more about your educators ...

Nicky Misios - Director and Nominated Supervisor Nicky has a Bachelor in Teaching, Early Childhood, and has had the opportunity to educate children from 0 - 12 years. This experience has taken her from the nurseries of long day care to the classrooms of the Dept. of Ed. It is imperative to her that each child leaves Bucca for the “big” world with an inner confidence and resilience that can take them forward in their journey through life and to be able to reach their full potential.

Giselle Pitt – Educational Leader i Giselle is diploma trained and has been in the early childhood field since 1997. She is committed to her role, which involves ongoing professional learning. Giselle’s personal philosophy changes with time due to her own personal

growth and experiencing many changing situations, which she applies to her everyday practices with children.

Ken McGregor - Environmental Educator Ken started to work in childcare in 1994 at numerous services in the Coffs Harbour region.

Ken gained his Certificate 3 whilst working at Lower Bucca Preschool, where he has worked for the past 12 years. Ken has an interest in wildlife, plants and nature and loves to use his knowledge and skills to share real experiences with the children who attend our service.

Naomi Hood - Educator Naomi has her diploma and is passionate about supporting the necessary links to our relationship with our Indigenous connections and our wider community. Naomi particularly loves to instil in all children the gift of understanding people’s differences and similarities.

Katie Reid - Supporting Educator Katie has three certificates through TAFE, Children’s Services, Education Support and Visual Arts, all of which she employs day to day at Lower Bucca Community Preschool, which allows her to have loving, fun and rich experiences with the children.

Claire Badke - Educator Claire has a Certificate 3 and has recently joined our team in 2017. Claire will be working towards completing a diploma. Claire’s transition is from being a parent to becoming an educator/ parent who supports the flow of our day to day routine.

When Did Lower Bucca Community Preschool open?

Lower Bucca Preschool has played a significant role in the Bucca community’s history in educating children for over 120 years. The preschool

building has served the community as a school to balance risk with challenge, further develop since it first opened its doors in 1886; their innate confidence and discover their full however, due to dropping enrolpotential. Through outdoor exploration ments, the school closed in and tending our organic food and 1978 and reopened as a flower gardens, we also aim to As well as a preschool in November foster a deep connection with preschool, we 1989. We currently nature, enabling children to oup provide a playgr have a fourth generlearn about, understand, ay service on a Fr id s ... ation enrolled! This is respect and care for the or with two educat a s very special, as it gives environment and explore the ed ne Everybody !” ce en us a strong connecprinciples of ecological susri pe Bucca ex tion to the community. tainability in their daily lives.

We have been able to These opportunities provide the provide a unique service to children with the knowledge to many families for generations, take an increasing responsibility for providing links between children their own health and wellbeing. and their great grandparents.

We were also fortunate enough to support What service do you offer?

Kathy Sheenan in the piloting of the 3 - 7 years At Lower Bucca Community Preschool, Sparky and Shady Programme. This has provided we are open four days a week (Monday - Thursall participants with some amazing tools to emday, school term), providing a preschool propower them and carry through life. gramme in a unique environment that is exciting, What is the best thing about your job? yet safe and nurturing, where each child can exBesides waking up and wanting to go to work plore, discover and appreciate the world around within a natural outdoor environment, we get them through play. As a service we believe that to be a positive influence in the critical years of play provides opportunities to relax, have fun, exa child’s development. We are also fortunate to perience and express joy. Through play, children work within a team with broad, eclectic, knowlare able to explore social relationships, contribute edge, training and experiences that allow us to ideas and take on the ideas of others. support the individual needs of children and their As well as a preschool, we provide a playgroup families. service on a Friday with two educators; this alWhat is the best piece of advice you give lows us as a service to continue to support famiyour families? lies within the wider community of Coffs Harbour A child is like a butterfly in the wind; some can … Everybody needs a Bucca experience! fly higher than others, but each one can fly the What makes your business stand out? best it can. Why compare one against the other?

Lower Bucca’s natural bush setting provides Each one is different. Each one is special. Each unique opportunities for play, where children one is beautifully unique! can interact with the outdoor world, learning Thanks everyone.

“

coffs coast focus. 65

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with Jacqui Bradley from Quadrant Travel

Quadrant’s team is growing The team at Quadrant Australia, your local travel experts, is growing, and they are delighted to welcome Jacqui Bradley to the team.

Travelling TO japan JAPAN IS BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH NATURAL BEAUTY, ENCHANTING CULTURE AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES. IT’S THE CONTRASTS IN JAPAN THAT MAKE IT SO EXCEPTIONAL.

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andering the busy streets of Tokyo provide glimpses of an uncharted future. Surrounded by neon lights and pop culture, people watching in Tokyo takes on a whole new meaning.

over 25,000 naturally occurring mineral hot springs. They form part of the daily ritual, with locals bathing in the traditional Japanese Onsen.

Japan has wonderful diverse cuisine. For much of the last decade, Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has held the record for the most Michelin starred Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of restaurants within a city throughout the entire shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to world, beating even Paris. The Japanese are its visitors. The city is also home to fascinating passionate about their food and its presentation. history and many excellent museums Each plate is presented as an art form, with and historic temples. Contrary local and seasonal ingredients. Rice to popular belief, Tokyo and fish form staple ingredients, also offers a number of and yet Australian Wagyu stunning gardens and Beef is still highly acclaimed. attractive green spaces The Japanese Japan is rightly famed for are passionate within easy reach of its cuisine and gracious and the city centre. about their food ch hospitality.

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presentation.

its Less than an hour d as an To experience the real plate is presente l and by bullet train is the ca lo Japan and for something ith w art form , s.” nt ie ed tranquil location of gr in a little different, why not al season Hakone, where visitors join local tour operator can take a relaxing cruise Quadrant Australia on their on Lake Ashi-no in the foot Farmers Tour to Japan in May hills of Mt Fuji. Get up closer 2017? Visit the office in Vernon St, with a trip on the Hakone Ropeway Coffs Harbour to find out more. They’ve and aerial cable car, with spectacular views been designing and operating special interest of Mt Fuji and Owakudani, where steam tours for more than 30 years and have a highly can be seen spurting from the volcanic experienced team. activity.

A visit to Japan is possible in any season. The A few hours further down is the cultural centre delicate cherry blossoms occur for a limited of Japan, Kyoto, filled with World Heritage sites, season; in spring and in autumn, Japan is ablaze shrines and temples, teahouses and gardens. It with colour. Winter, however, is spectacular for is true that you can lose yourself in the streets all the right reasons. The days are clear and cool, as you wander and explore the city’s gardens with snow falling regularly across the country. and monuments. Catch a glimpse of a beautiful Japan has a credible reputation on the world ski Geisha on dusk in the Geisha quarter of Gion, slope stage, where travellers come from across made famous in Memoirs of a Geisha. the globe to experience world class skiing; so, if you’re looking for a winter getaway in the If military history piques your interest, then a middle of our Australian summer, then Japan is visit to Hiroshima is a must. Well known as the atomic bomb site, Hiroshima has reinvented itself both fascinating and intriguing. to become a thriving seaside city with stylish There is something for everyone in Japan atmosphere. A visit to the Peace Memorial Park and with easy and direct flights available and Museum is both sobering and educational. from Australia, a visit is both achievable and Japan is a hotbed of geothermal activity, with 66 coffs coast focus.

affordable.

A well known face around the Coffs coast, Jacqui brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Joining Jeanette and Kerry, the Quadrant team is now more experienced than ever before.

Quadrant Australia have three offices, located in Coffs Harbour, Brisbane and Armidale.

Their Coffs office specialises in travel services including flights, packages, cruises and tours.

They have also been designing and operating their own special interest tours for more than 30 years, and it is this unique combination that makes them a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

Jacqui was born and bred in Wagga Wagga, and her first travel experience was to the inaugural Country Music Festival on Norfolk

Island. This experience introduced her to the world of travel, and she hasn’t looked back since. Jacqui tells us that heading off to the UK for a working holiday for 12 months opened her eyes to cultures and sights all across UK and Europe. On returning to Wagga Wagga and eventually relocating to Coffs Harbour, it was this passion for travel that led to a 14 year career with Flight Centre. With visits to more than 30 countries, Jacqui adds a breadth of experience to the Quadrant team.

Jacqui tells us that her favourite destinations are Egypt and the USA, but we know that it’s her knowledge and experience, combined with her desire to help, that makes Jacqui the perfect person to assist you plan your next trip.

Drop in to see the friendly team at Quadrant Australia, located within C.ex Coffs in Vernon St Coffs Harbour or search for more information through their website: www.quadrantaustralia.com

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focusinterview.

ZAIGA DEIST

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P A S S I O N

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P E T S

KIM PASTERFIELD IS A HUGE ANIMAL LOVER AND IS THE PERFECT PERSON TO PETSIT FOR YOU WHEN NEEDED. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH KIM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HER PASSION FOR PETS ...

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ell us about your connection to as doggie day care, walking, flexible opening the Coffs Coast ... hours, covering areas outside Coffs Harbour, Very fond childhood memories caring for pets in my home when possible holidaying once, sometimes twice a or house sitting in yours if required, a local year, from Sydney with my beautiful aunty, who transport service, pet photo shoots, grooming, has since passed. ongoing attention, love, and loads of Tell us about your love for cuddles. animals ...

Do you look after other Childhood was quite animals besides dogs? challenging at times, Yes, most definitely. I The service I so I always remember recently looked after a farm offer enables feeling less alone and with goats, sheep, chooks, r ei pets to stay in th d like I had purpose an guineafowl, peacocks, regular routine, to ve being around animals horses, cows, five cats ha they do not vi en w ne ... They tend to know and cockatoos.

There have a adapt to t.” when you are feeling been rats, guinea pigs, en ronm sad and just have a way rabbits, exotic birds and of cheering you up. I had ponies too. Starting to think I guinea pigs, mice, goldfish, need to build an ark! a duck, a cockatoo, a cat and Tell us about a day in the life of always a dog or two ...

Kim ...

I truly believe a dog is a person’s best My day is mostly busy, travelling between friend. They cannot yell at you, insult Urunga and Woolgoolga. It starts off on a you, judge you, or tell you how to live good note, waking to anywhere between one your life. There is no ulterior motive - just or five little faces staring at me, tails wagging, pure, unconditional love. They make you feel lots of jumping all over me and sloppy kisses. important and for them, you are all they have.

Then throughout the day it's the daily walking, Animals can be very healing and a great antifeeding, cuddles, cleaning, transporting, depressant for many people ... They just have watering, collecting mail, taking new bookings, this way of lifting your spirit and give never organising meet and greets, sending feedback ending joy. We need to respect them, support and photos to my clients of their pets, them and look after them a lot more than we bookkeeping and networking with local small do ... businesses. My day never fails to have lots of How long have you been servicing the area, love, lots of smiles and loads of laughter. It is and what services do you offer? very demanding 24/7, but I never tire and love I have provided a quality service that is far less every single day. Think my clients will back me stressful and a less costly alternative to a dog on this ... boarding kennel or cattery for approximately What do you enjoy most about living on one year now. The service I offer enables pets the Coffs Coast? to stay in their regular routine, and they do not Fresh air, it’s less populated, and the beauty of have to adapt to a new environment. There living between the mountains and the sea. are a number of service options available, such Thanks Kim.

“

ZAIGA DEIST HAS THE MAGIC TOUCH WHEN IT COMES TO RESCUING INJURED KOALAS AND SPENDING THE LAST DECADE WORKING FOR WIRES, SHE HAS LEARNT A LOT ABOUT THEM. SHE RECENTLY SPOKE WITH FOCUS, TO SHARE A BIT ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE ...

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ow long have you been involved with WIRES? I have been a member of WIRES for over 10 years. Initially I was rescuing and caring for birds, which I loved, and then about five years ago I joined the Koala team and later moved on to become the Koala species coordinator for the Mid North Coast area.

What was your motivation to join?

I trained as a veterinary nurse in the UK and loved caring for wildlife there, so I really wanted to continue that when we emigrated here.

And, I was fascinated by the variety of native wildlife.

For those who don’t know, what is it that WIRES does?

Wires is an organisation in NSW that rescues and cares for native wildlife through a network of trained volunteers that will respond to a call, assess the animal and seek veterinary treatment if required, before they are placed with a carer.

The Mid North Coast branch covers a large area, from Halfway Creek in the north to Stuarts Point in the south and west to Ebor.

If someone finds an animal in distress, what is the best course of action?

Call the WIRES hotline, or if it is a bird or small mammal that you have contained, it can be taken to your local vet.

An injured wild animal is going to be distressed and scared, so keep dogs, people and noise away from the area and ideally wait with it until a rescuer arrives; the person on the phones will be able to give you advice.

Do not touch snakes or bats.

You rescue koalas; are there many that need rescuing in the local area?

We have a few significant areas of koala population, and many of their home ranges include residential areas and main roads. In areas like Boambee east and Toormina we see quite a few dog attacks and road accidents.

There are also populations in Bongil Bongil NP

and Bellingen and Dorrigo and in Coffs Harbour in various pockets like the Botanical Gardens.

This year we have had 28 call outs so far.

Sadly, they are definitely in decline; this is due to many factors, like loss of habitat, dog attacks, road deaths, and disease made worse by stress.

What are the causes of most of the accidents they are involved in?

Most of the koalas that come in have Chlamydia, a disease that causes conjunctivitis (sore, weeping eyes) and urinary/reproductive tract infections (wet bottom).

Also, road accidents and dog attacks are common.

When someone does find a koala that needs assistance, what is the best course of action?

Call WIRES for a rescue, keep dogs away and if it’s on the ground, cover it with a towel to help keep it calm and secure; be careful of the claws and teeth.

What are the most common animals that are rescued in the local area?

Birds are always the largest number of calls, and we also get quite a few bats, possums and reptile calls.

How can people contact WIRES if they need assistance?

Either by phone on (02) 6652 7119 or (02) 6564 8661 for the Nambucca area.

Or, log a call online at wires.org.au or download the rescue app, which has lots of helpful advice as well.

How can people get involved in WIRES to help make a difference?

We welcome new members, and you can find all the training info online at wires.org.au Donations to assist with the cost of paying expenses like food, veterinary medication and equipment and fuel for rescues can be made online to our branch at wires.org.au/branch/ midnorthcoast.

Thanks Zaiga. coffs coast focus. 67

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

68 coffs coast focus.

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

luxury living luxury sleeping Forty winks Coffs Harbour

At one time or another, everyone dreams of owning the best of the best ... That shiny new luxury car, or maybe that beach house retreat. It’s only normal for us to look for the best things in life. So why is it when it comes to bedding, we hear all too often “it’s just a mattress”?

hy are we so quick to dismiss the single most used item of furniture in our homes? We spend more time in bed than we do undertaking any other single task at home.

On average, we are in bed for a third of our life, so by the time you’re 60 years old, you’ve spent 20 years in bed.

So, why shouldn’t we strive for pure luxury while we sleep? Why do we tolerate second best when it comes to the something that can have such an influence over our daily lives?

At Forty Winks Coffs Harbour, we have made some changes. Changes that you will need to see and feel to believe. Changes that will have you viewing bedding with more want and desire than you would have previously imagined. With the help and support from our major Australian manufacturers, we are proud to launch our new Prestige range.

What makes a mattress worthy of being labelled as “prestigious”?

Simply put, they must be uncompromising in quality, support, technology and comfort.

The mattress itself needs to have that presence about it; it needs to scream top quality, it should make you consider if getting up for work is really what you want to do today, because staying in bed for the day has never been more appealing.

Serta Avant Garde San Remo Feel the luxurious comfort the moment you lie down. High quality Damask fabric encases the silk and wool Advanced Comfort Quilt® to deliver a soft, breathable sleep surface. A combination of premium Dunlop Foams memory foam comfort layers deliver the ultimate pressure relief, to help reduce tossing and turning for a deeper and more restful sleep.

Undisturbed sleep, even when your partner moves, means you get a deeper, more restful sleep. Each spring is contained in its own individual zone, allowing each spring to move

independently as your body turns, while the premium memory foam and Dreamfoam® core absorb motion. This virtually eliminates partner disturbance.

Sealy Exquisite Washington The most indulgent model of the Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite Collection is the Washington, with a luxurious silk wool fibre quilt and layers of premium foams all working in harmony with Sealy’s exclusive new ReSTII™ support system. Sealy’s unique gel-infused visco elastic ComfortCore® Plus ensures extra conformance and deep-down support for undisturbed sleep.

A.H.Beard Platinum Luxury Oxford The King Koil Platinum Luxury Oxford range provides a superior comfort and airflow for a healthier sleep environment that will make you feel like you’re sleeping on a perfectly balanced cloud. Our King Koil bedding products are proudly Australian made and designed in conjunction with and endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association.

Engineered to intuitively respond to your

body weight and shape and designed to provide optimal body support, King Koil puts your comfort first, featuring technologically advanced spring systems. A combination of Aero comfort technology and premium comfort components provide superior pressure relief, comfort performance and breath-ability when you sleep.

Tempur Finesse Tempur Mattresses are “changing the way the world sleeps”. Tempur’s quality range of pressure-relieving mattresses, pillows and beds offer you therapeutic support where you need it and comfort where you want it, resulting in a feeling of weightlessness as you sleep. Using state-of-the-art technology and orthopaedically-sound support, a Tempur Mattress provides you with a previously unattainable, rejuvenated next-day feeling.

If all that sounds too technical or maybe a bit of a lark, do yourself a favour and visit our new look show room today, speak to our friendly team, and experience what true bedding luxury is. coffs coast focus. 69

F O R T Y

W I N K S

Meet Our Team CO M E I N A N D M E E T O U R TE A M AT FO R T Y WI N K S CO FFS H A R B O U R With such an extensive retail history, our team are experienced and trained in helping every person find the right mattress. Our range of brands and unrivalled range of mattresses mean that we are able to find the perfect mattress for you.

Whilst we don’t use a fancy computerised bed that prints out a number for you, we have something better. Real people with real experience in bedding. Our dedicated team will always take the time to go through every spring and stitch with you to ensure that we find you the right mattress.

That’s the difference when visiting a true bedding Specialist. Not someone that also sells kettles, toasters and wide screen TVs. You wouldn’t visit a mechanic to do your gardens, so why visit anyone other than a bedding specialist for your new bed?

Furniture for Every Style They say change is as good as a holiday. Why not make a change in the most

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Samuel

Jenny

Josh

16 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Sealy Entice Firm

16 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Serta Aston Plush

6 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Platinum Luxury Oxford

Megan

Brie

Di

17 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Serta Icontour Plush

5 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Tempur Finesse Plush

20 years in Retail FAVOURITE MATTRESS Tempur Finesse Plush

used room in the house? With over 90 stores nationwide, Forty Winks have the buying power and supplier chains to cater for every taste and style.

WA N T TO B E S P O I L E D F O R C H O I C E ?

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for the modern clean lines of the Geo suite, or the timeless classic curves and intricate details of the Monet, or maybe the unique robust dark timber of the Cocobu suite. With our extensive range of both local and imported bedroom furniture on display, we are sure to have something to suit even the most fastidious would be interior designer.

If timber isn’t your thing or perhaps you are looking to make a bold statement, our range of custom made designer fabric beds are hard to beat. With over 30 bed head styles to choose from and over 150 fabric colours and textures, each can be tailored to your exacting requirements.

N E E D A N E W B E D W H E N S PAC E I S AT A P R E M I U M ?

A bed is a large piece of furniture that can leave a lot of space unused. Why not take advantage of this with a new storage bed? A large number of beds are available these days with simple storage solutions such as drawers built in under the bed, or maybe go all out with a gas lift storage bed that sees all the space under the bed utilised as hideaway storage.

D O N ’ T WO R RY, W E H AV E N ’ T F O R G OT T E N A B O U T T H E LITTLE ONES .

At Forty Winks we have a considerable range of furniture for the young ones as well, from simple single frames to space saving loft beds with built in desks and storage. When considering longevity and durability, all our furniture is built with children in mind. Solid pine frames and solid timber slats ensure that our children’s furniture stands up to kids being kids.

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F O R T Y

W I N K S

Largest range of Australian made mattresses on the Mid North Coast W H E N WA S T H E L A S T T I M E YO U H A D A G O O D N I G H T ’ S S L E E P ?

H AV E YO U CO N S I D E R E D T H AT YO U M AY B E O N T H E W R O N G M AT T R E S S ?

At Forty Winks Coffs Harbour we pride ourselves on having the right mattress for every body. With almost 70 different mattresses on display in our showroom for you to come in and try we are confident that you will be able to find your next mattress within our extensive range. Whether you are looking for a budget conscious mattress for the spare room, a custom size mattress for the caravan or the most luxurious plush super king sized mattress that will have you never wanting to leave your bed. We have you covered Thanks to our long standing relationships with the bedding manufactures in Australia we are able to offer the widest range of both brands and models with each and every one on display for you to come in and enjoy. With exclusive products from leading Australian made Brands such as Sealy Posturpedic, King Koil by A.H.Beard, Sleepmaker Miracoil, Advanced Comfort and Serta Perfect Sleeper. Shopping local for Australian made products has never been easier or more rewarding.

6 Step guide to help find the right bed for you: 1. A bed is a long term investment in your

happiness, health and wellbeing. So take the appropriate time and effort and buy from a quality well known bed specialist to ensure you are getting quality information, good service and a great product for your money.

Buy the best value/quality mattress you can afford - A great sleep sets you up for the day. A cheap mattress is not a bargain if you do not sleep well.

2. Take your partner if buying a bed that will sleep two people, both of you should make the decision.

•

Wear comfortable clothes

•

Shoes you can easily remove for lying down

•

The bed should be the right size so you have freedom of movement (remember this for both of you if buying a bed with a partner)

•

Measure the space required for the bed to fit in (also handy to measure the doorways the bed needs to come through to ensure you can get the bed into the room)

3. What Size bed will best suit your needs?

4. Health needs or special bed features

Today you have a choice of beds that can be made with a number of different technologies and components that are designed to:

=

•

Help back pain sufferers

•

Minimise partner disturbance

•

Help allergy sufferers

•

Help alleviate the build-up of heat in the bed

•

Help alleviate muscle and joint pains

•

Extra edge support

5. Lie on the bed for at least 10 minutes - Don’t

be shy. You can’t judge if the bed has the correct amount of comfort and support by sitting on the edge.

•

Try the bed with your partner at the same time.

•

Lie in your usual sleeping position - Ensure your hips and shoulders are comfortable.

Comfort and Support: The correct amount of comfort and support that is best for you is...up to you! A good mattress will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture no matter if your preferred sleeping position is on your back, side or stomach.

6.

Ensure the bed or mattress is durable.

Durability will determine how long the mattress will keep giving you the comfort and support you are after.

Ask about a guarantee on your choice of bed - Good bed manufactures will back up their product with a 10 year guarantee

Prestige ranges available exclusively at Forty Winks Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour Shop 8 Home Base 252 Pacific Highway Ph: 02 6651 8777 fortywinks.com.au coffs coast focus. 71

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

better by design EkokidSpaced In

Ever spent Saturday afternoon trying to put together an over complicated piece of badly designed furniture? Cristina Pell

has tackled this problem head on and has created a line of furniture that draws inspiration from Viking construction methods. FOCUS chatted with the designer to find out more. hat is “EkokidSpaced In” about?

Outspoken Kids Furniture With A Dose Of Quirkiness.

EkokidSpaced In is fun, edgy, no screws kids furniture.

STEP ASIDE hubby, Mum can do this!

Made to be easily assembled in five steps, with a solid, durable structure and attractive design for kids.

Each model has a story behind it, so they double as an interactive, multipurpose and educational product. More than furniture, it boosts a child’s imagination through play and promotes interaction.

The Creature Desk is a secret hide out for the super hero kid, a cubby house, or even a small bed for a toddler with a nappy changer on the top.

Oskar the bear is very hungry but friendly; he ate a Salmon! He loves bear hugs and let’s you ride on his back and play with his whiskers.

These desks tell a story and their design casts a cool shadow, but are also awesome for homework and crafts. They are so versatile!

Life’s made easier.

Designed and Made in Australia.

How was EkokidSpaced In born?

I felt very frustrated with time consuming furniture that took ages to assemble and made with short lifetime quality materials. This inspired me to create quirky furniture for my daughters, by streamlining the process in an 72 coffs coast focus.

imaginative way, inspired

by Viking joinery and D esign is a construction methods beautiful of using wooden pegs thing; it adds instead of screws. auty brain. There’s a lot of benefits and be A furniture line was a in e lif room to create when ur to yo born, easy to maintain, ay.” w le bt su t, designing for children. ar sm with endurance to handle I like to brew the kids’ active lifestyles and ideas for a while and interactive playtime. With my then draw … a lot! It really background in Industrial Design helps me transfer the idea and a love for creating, small and work out options. I’ve found it to medium size products that inspire works far better, in development stage, imagination, stimulate fun play time with to have loud music either on my earplugs or a good dose of functionality, resulted in a on the speakers. Sometimes, if there’s no one bold product with minimal steps for assembly home, I dance. It helps me to put me in high ... Providing fun for our children and peace of spirits. True story. mind for parents.

What do you love about design?

How has the feedback been so far?

The challenge, the journey of problem Great! Children absolutely love it. It is a lot solving, and the creation. I love it. I really can of fun seeing their faces and how they interact feel the brain working and it can be a (healthy) with the tables. Mums love it too! They find addiction. Design is a beautiful thing; it adds it very easy to assemble; frustration free. It benefits and beauty to your life in a smart, comes with the added benefit that the kids subtle way. Also, design can be expressed in so think Mum’s so cool, because she discovered an many ways; it is not contained and provides a awesome, edgy, fun piece of furniture for them. lot of freedom for creation in the most different Do you have more designs that we can areas. look forward to?

Plans for 2017?

Sure do! I have four at the moment and two Creating and designing. At this point I’m more coming out very soon; fingers crossed, for thinking of doing a collection for each product one before Christmas. and then going with the flow. Keep tuned!

Where do find your inspiration?

More products coming!

I observe and try to fill a blank. Designing for If you’re interested in doing a “collab”, children allows you to see the world through send me an email, and let’s see what a bit of their eyes and make it work through your adult

“

brainstorming can do!

Any advice for aspiring designers?

Observe, observe, observe and then research, draw and be willing to evolve. Be curious. Find your unique gift. Learn the mediums you need to work with. Knowledge doesn’t take up room in the brain. Solve a problem - a pain point.

Simplify. Doesn’t have to be over complicated, but if it is, make it simpler. And of course, test it. It is so much fun!

Where can we find you?

You can find me online on http:// ekokidspaced.in, Facebook www.facebook/ ekokidspacedin and on Instagram @ ekokidspacedin.

Subscribe to the website to be up to date on new arrivals and sales.

Pick up is available if you live in the area. (This will save you freight costs.)

If you’d like to see more of the products, jump over to the website.

Lay-by is also available for the tables; click on the lay-by tab on the website to check the flexible T&Cs. Anything you’d like to add?

A little gift for you - for FOCUS readers - a 10% discount valid ‘til November 30th.

Apply at checkout: FOCUSNOV Thanks Cristina.

focus_real estate

Scott Nolan from Nolan Partners

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

Auctions vs Private Treaty THIS MONTH I EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUCTIONS AND PRIVATE TREATIES, TERMS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

T

real estate update

he two most utilised methods of sale for property are public auctions or private treaty.

If you are selling, the method which is the most suitable for your property and situation is dependent upon a number of factors.

AUCTION ADVANTAGES Exact sales date - an auction allows you to set an exact date for the sale of your property, leaving you free to make plans for the future and forcing buyers to act within a specific timeframe, or risk losing the property.

Pre-auction offers - with proactive marketing, most properties receive offers within the four-week period prior to, or on the auction day. If these offers are acceptable to you, the owner, you have the option to sell prior to auction.

Competition - the absence of a set price attracts buyers from all price ranges, and each will value your property differently. Placing these buyers into a competitive situation will usually achieve the best results.

Minimal disruption - organised open house programmes minimise household disruptions. What’s more, greater care can be taken to show your home in its best light, with consideration to time of day etc.

No cooling off period - an auction is legally binding - once your property has been sold, the conditions are set in concrete.

Security and peace of mind - you are protected

at all times by the confidential reserve set with the professional help of the agent, which only you, the owners, can set and change. Auction is a more proven method of sale, as the property is sold under your contract terms and is the same for all buyers.

In summary - sale by public auction makes use of competitive forces to deliver a price above what might otherwise be achieved. When preceded by a wellplanned marketing campaign, auctions can create a sense of urgency amongst buyers, build competition, and ultimately maximise your selling price. With an auction you are in control of the sale terms, you have the security of your confidential reserve price, and the sale is legally binding once the hammer falls.

PRIVATE TREATY ADVANTAGES A private treaty allows vendors plenty of flexibility.

You can advertise with a fixed price or use a “price range” strategy.

You have no limitations concerning time. You have time to consider all offers by potential buyers.

With regular, honest feedback, you are able to gauge the success of the campaign, as well as the market’s acceptance of the asking price.

All negotiations are private.

There are numerous other factors for both sellers and buyers to consider; however, a professional agent should be able to guide you through the best method for you.

coffs coast focus. 73

focus_interview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

BUSINESS minds

S

arah, tell us a little about yourself …

I have been a registered architect on the Coffs Coast for almost a decade and launched my own business, Armstrong Architects, in 2010. I work with both residential and commercial clients and pride myself on providing exceptional and unique design solutions. I am also passionate about delivering innovative designs, while also meeting my clients’ budget and functional requirements.

I have worked in large offices in Sydney, Edinburgh and London, but love the variety that working on the Coffs Coast brings. Whilst enjoying the challenge of designing larger commercial buildings, I am still very passionate about designing beautiful homes that really contribute to the quality of people’s lives.

I juggle all of this with three children with a side ambition to be a triathlete, but trust me, I’m a much better architect!

What initially drew you to architecture?

Building a home is such a significant part of a person’s life, and having the chance to be a part of that is definitely a reason I chose architecture. I also love that it brings a real mix of art and science. During school and university, I loved being creative with arts subjects, but I also really enjoyed the processes behind maths and science, so architecture means I can do both. I really like challenging both sides of my brain.

What prompted your move back to the region?

Having grown up on the North Coast, I always knew I wanted to come back here to settle down with my family. Coffs Harbour has a great combination of a country and beach lifestyle, which is something I really love. Whilst I have worked in major cities across the country 74 coffs coast focus.

Social media is also a vital your to way promote ally ci business , espe iums ed m en iv image- dr like Instagram .”

“ and overseas, I prefer to work in a place like Coffs Harbour, as there is more scope with the type of projects I can work on. In a city, you tend to get pigeon-holed with projects, but the sky’s the limit here!

What motivated you to go out on your own in establishing Armstrong Architects?

One of the main motivations behind my decision to start Armstrong Architects was the ability to build a close relationship with my clients through the process of creating their dream home or commercial space. This isn’t always the case when working in larger offices, so it’s definitely something I like about working independently. I also really like the flexibility of being your own boss.

I teamed up to share an office space with Interior Designers, Two Birds Design, a few years ago, and the “one stop shop” we’ve created has been an enormous success.

What key lessons have you learnt about running your own business?

This is a tricky one. I think the main lesson I have learnt is to listen to the client - even though they may not always be correct or may not know what it is they are trying to convey, you can usually piece it all together if you listen very carefully from the start.

I have also learnt to back myself. Although it sounds like a contradiction to my previous statement, it’s important to back yourself during the design process. Some clients are convinced they know exactly what they want; however, you need to remember they are paying for your expertise and nine times out of 10, they love what you suggest.

What have you found to be the most effective methods in generating new business and promoting Armstrong Architects?

In the architecture business, there’s no better

way to generate new business than through word of mouth, especially in a tight-knit community like the Coffs Coast. I would say that the majority of projects I’ve worked on - both commercial and residential - have come about through a positive experience a past client has had. It’s very rewarding to know that my clients are not only satisfied, but willing to share their experience and recommend me to others. Working alongside local interior designers, Two Birds Design, has also been really valuable to my business. I have worked very closely with Kristie and Kylie on a number of projects, and both businesses have experienced the benefits of cross-promoting.

If other small businesses out there are in a position to team up with a like-minded organisation in a similar field and you can work cohesively to help a client achieve their vision, I’d strongly recommend it.

Social media is also a vital area to promote your business, especially image-driven mediums like Instagram.

In your view, what makes a beautiful building?

For me, creating a beautiful building is about more than just the finishes and filling it with expensive furniture. It is about the connection between the spaces and the connection between the inside and outside. The spaces within a building can provide an almost sculptural effect, by using vertical height as well as light and careful placement of windows.

The functionality of the space and the feelings it evokes also contribute to its beauty.

Of course, materials play a part as well. Using

natural materials such as stone and timber help a building to settle into the landscape, rather than fight against it.

Do you have a standout project, and what sets it apart?

My most significant project to date would probably be the Beach Street Family Practice in Woolgoolga, which has just been completed. I think what sets it apart is that it is the first multi-storey building in Woolgoolga since council changed the zoning of the area, so it’s quite a landmark building.

With the design, it was challenging in that I needed to find the right balance between something contemporary, while also being in sync with the beachside village and its community feel. The finished product is really clean and fresh - a contemporary building by the ocean.

Tell us about your signature style?

My style is modern, unique and contemporary, but it always has a piece of the client themselves within it. I am all about creating practical and calm spaces that also have that “wow” factor.

Juggling a small business and a young family must have its challenges …

I would be lying if I said it didn’t have its challenges, but owning your own business does offer the flexibility you need to run your business and family life effectively and efficiently - most of the time!

As well as my shared office in Coffs, I also have a home office set up which I work from.

I think the key is just being flexible and being able to work around clients’ needs. It also helps to have a very supportive husband!

Thanks Sarah.

B U Y • S E L L • B U I L D - A S P E C I A L F O C U S F E AT U R E

east coast cabinets East Coast Cabinets has been a Coffs Harbour identity for over 40 years, and the current regime has been in place for 32 years. The name is synonymous with custom built kitchens, vanities, robes, as well as shop and office fitouts throughout the NSW North Coast. The receipt of several NSW Housing Industry Awards is testament to the respect that is held by them within the industry.

Design assistance is readily available, either in our showroom or on site. However, we are also able to construct from plans provided from other sources. We are able to assist with clarifying the types of materials and hardware available, as well as colour selections if required.

Only quality European drawers and hinges are used and, where available, all board products are “O” emissions in all of our cabinetwork. Everything complies with Australian Standards, and production takes place in our Coffs Harbour factory.

For friendly personal assistance and/or for a quotation, please phone for an appointment at a mutually agreeable time.

The Showroom is open from 7:30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 7:30am to 3pm on Fridays, plus at other times if required.

coffs coast focus. 75

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

blue ribbon homes Take the first step in making your dream home a reality; come on down and take a walk through our current display home, “The Pandanus”, with our friendly team today. The Pandanus is a custom designed home with a feature courtyard that embraces the casual lifestyle of beachside living. The blend of practical features and aesthetically pleasing lines creates a feeling of simple elegance. A contemporary and sophisticated design for today’s modern family to enjoy relaxing and entertaining at home.

About Blue Ribbon Homes Choosing the right builder can be tricky, but at Blue Ribbon Homes we make it easy and enjoyable, as it should be! Experience the Blue Ribbon Homes difference, with a locally owned builder that has been building homes on the Mid North Coast for the last 27 years. With

76 coffs coast focus.

a strong commitment to exceptional quality, modern innovation, individuality and most importantly, a commitment to you and your new home.

At Blue Ribbon Homes we pride ourselves on offering our clients unique custom designed homes, with an in-house custom design service, guaranteed to come up with a balanced, functional design for a home that will suit your lifestyle and budget.

Visit the Blue Ribbon Homes Display Home Call into our display home and see our friendly team today.

5 Cherry Street, North Sapphire Beach.

Open Wednesday to Sunday - 10am to 4pm.

Call: Blue Ribbon Homes office 6651 8144 or Jackie 0422 092 554. www.blueribbonhomes.com.au

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

luxury vinyl flooring LUXURY VINYL FLOORING VERSUS TILES IS A WELL DELIBERATED CHOICE WHEN RENOVATING OR BUILDING A HOME. AND ONCE YOU THROW CARPET INTO THE MIX, IT’S EASY TO GET CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT TO PUT WHERE, AND WHAT TYPE OF FLOORING WILL BE MOST PRACTICAL FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH OWNER OF CHOICES FLOORING COFFS HARBOUR, JAMES ROBINSON, TO TALK ABOUT YOUR FLOORING CHOICES.

uxury Vinyl Flooring - is the latest trend, with the design and look being improved, and the new lines coming through look amazing.

What are the advantages of luxury vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring has a softer surface than timber and tile floors. It is resilient and long-lasting, easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl flooring can be installed directly over just about any sub-floor. Last, but certainly not least, luxury vinyl plank floors are cost-friendly when compared to real wood or real tile floors.

Tiles - tiles can bring a touch of elegance to your home renovation and offer endless style options to choose from: gloss to matt finishes, an abundance of colourings and various size options too.

What are the advantages of tiles? Tiles are hard-wearing, sturdy and hard to scuff or mark. They offer endless colour/size/style options, so you’re bound to find a tile you love and that helps create the look you’re after. Gloss and light colours offer a high-end modern look, whereas light tiles can make spaces appear bigger, and various sizes and darker colours can create a dramatic impact in certain rooms or living/entrance areas too.

Carpet - carpet is soft underfoot and the preferred bedroom flooring. Carpet offers plenty of colour and style and texture choices to suit your needs.

What are the advantages of choosing carpet?

Carpet generally equals less noise compared with tiles or floorboards. The soft cushioning creates a quiet atmosphere, meaning you will hear less footsteps, and less items being dropped and dragged along the floor. Carpet is soft, comfortable and warm underfoot, making it great in winter. There are many style options, from colour to fibre types and various textures.

Choosing the right flooring - the verdict Choosing the right flooring for you is a personal choice and as well as reflecting on the advantages and disadvantages of each option, it’s a good idea to look at how you use your home and what’s the most practical floor covering for your family. But remember, you definitely don’t have to stick with one floor covering throughout your whole home. Sticking to the one floor covering type in large main areas will, however, create continuity and make the space appear larger, but mixing it up throughout the house might be what’s right for you.

So, if you are building or renovating your home? Choices Flooring Coffs Harbour have got all the flooring choices you have been searching for. Call into our showroom to talk to our sales team about all your options. Our new catalogue is out now in our showroom. The catalogue has the hottest deals in carpet, timber, bamboo, laminate, luxury vinyl, tiles, rugs.

Thanks James.

Visit the showroom to pick up your catalogue and talk to our friendly Choices Flooring Team or view the catalogue online today at www.choicesflooring.com.au

coffs coast focus. 77

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

herron todd white Herron Todd White Coffs Harbour is a locally owned and operated specialised real estate property valuation business.

The current operation was borne out of North Coast Valuation Service, which was Coffs Harbour’s longest serving valuation consulting business, in operation since 1985. Herron Todd White and North Coast Valuation Service amalgamated in 2010. Local directors are Grant Oxenford, who has extensive experience in all forms of residential real estate and Ken Potter, who specialises in commercial real estate, going concern business and rural valuations.

Our professional staff have extensive experience within the local property market, undertaking a variety of valuations and property advisory roles, including specialist rural, tax depreciation, building insurance, mortgage security, asset management,

accountancy reports (stamp duty, capital gains tax), family law and Land Acquisition Just Terms Compensation consultancy work. The firm has been active in compensation claims on behalf of landholders affected by the RMS Pacific Highway relocation throughout the North Coast.

Herron Todd White Coffs Harbour has six qualified local valuers and an experienced support team.

Whilst our office has the benefits of being part of the National Herron Todd White network, the primary focus is the provision of top quality service to our local clients. Our leading service delivery capability is based on our robust project management skills, enabling us to deliver reliable management and valuation services.

For all property valuation matters, feel free to contact the Herron Todd White local team.

Buying, Selling or Investing?

Australia’s largest independent property advisory group can provide you with the information and advice needed to make informed property decisions.

We have the specialist knowledge and experience you need for all property valuation and consulting requirements.

• • • • • • • •

Residential property Commercial property Rural and Agribusiness property Litigation & compensatioin Independent Property Valuations Property Research Reports Building Insurance Valuation Tax Depreciation Schedules

Our rural and agribusiness team deals with almost every commodity produced on the land.

• • • • •

Broadacre Farming Livestock Intensive Livestock Operations Grazing Irrigation

Contact us today Ken Potter or Grant Oxenford p 02 6651 1849 e coffs@htw.com.au 47 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW htw.com.au

78 coffs coast focus.

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

All homes are built to the highest situated at 183 Rose Avenue, Coffs Harbour.

The Palazzo 278 design featured here, has Australian standards, using only A-grade won the Housing Industry Association (HIA) materials from leading manufacturers and Award for Display Home of the Year. are endorsed with a 20 year Structural “One thing that really sets us apart from Guarantee. other project home builders is that “It has always been our policy we are happy to work with to offer a comprehensive our clients, to ensure they inclusions package. We get exactly what they are very specific in what want,” said Mitch Perry Homes is is included in the base Ferrett, the local sales very happy to price for a home, ients consultant. work with our cl which exceeds many sign a “Perry Homes is to ensure we de of our competitors. it su to y home entirel very happy to work le ty es lif "However, we know d an their family with our clients to .” ts en that many people m require ensure we design a like to upgrade their home entirely to suit home, so we ensure we their family and lifestyle offer a number of upgrade requirements.” packages to complement our There are more than fifty single, designs.” split level and two storey floor plans in Perry Homes also has a number of their portfolio, and most offer a number

“

quality built homes With more than one hundred and thirty years’ combined experience in the construction industry, Perry Homes has built a strong and stable company, with a solid reputation for delivering quality built homes which offer outstanding value for money.

B

eing in the top 15 of New South Wales’ largest home builders, Perry Homes build quality homes for clients from Newcastle to Bundaberg. They have cemented this position by establishing twenty

contemporary designed display homes, spanning the East Coast of Queensland and New South Wales, as well as in Tamworth, and a new display home in Armidale.

Here in Coffs Harbour, Perry Homes is justifiably proud of their display home

Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier when you build with Perry Homes.

of variations to cater for individual needs. These plans have been designed to suit flat and sloping land, with a variety of frontage sizes up to acreage blocks.

“Whilst we have received many awards over the years, it is the number of clients who have built three or four homes with us that is the most satisfying,” said Mitch.

turn-key house and land packages available in the Coffs Harbour area, ranging from $415,000.

If you would like to know more, call into the display at 183 Rose Avenue, Coffs Harbour, open from Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm, or contact Mitch Ferrett on (02) 6652 9880 or 0405 174 608.

Quality homes. Exceptional value.

With 25 years of building experience and multiple awards, we know what it takes to create beautiful living spaces. You can choose from our portfolio of over 50 home designs and 150 floorplans, or we can custom design your perfect home.

Whether it’s a flat or sloping block, traditional or acreage, even knock down rebuilds, we can bring your vision to life.

AWARD WINNING DESIGN

.........................................................................

COFFS HARBOUR Open Saturday to Wednesday 10am - 5pm 183 Rose Avenue, Coffs Harbour

QBCC Act Lic. No. 718748. NSW Lic. No. 110970C

MULTI AWARD WINNER

20 YEAR STRUCTURAL GUARANTEE

25

CELEBRATING 25+ YEARS

Display home of the year Northern NSW

Call Mitch Ferrett on 0405 174 608 or (02) 6652 9880 mitch.ferrett@perryhomes.com.au perryhomes.com.au

24977

Visit our display home today

HIA Winner Display home $250k to $300k

coffs coast focus. 79

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

hand-crafted furniture

set to be snapped up Students from the Furniture Design and Technology courses at North Coast TAFE are behind the funky pop-up shop that is being showcased early this month at Coffs Central … We spoke with the teachers and students behind the “Branching Out” exhibition and some of the amazing pieces for sale. ho are you, and what are you aiming to achieve?

We are a combined group of Certificate IV and Diploma level Furniture Design and Technology students studying at North Coast TAFE - Coffs Harbour Education Campus. We are a diverse group of individuals, who are all at different stages in our lives. This includes people who are just out of school, to the semi-retired looking for a new challenge … business administration, health care, agriculture, the arts, and IT are a few of the industries many of us have previously been involved in. Throughout the course, we conceptualise, design, prototype

80 coffs coast focus.

and eventually come out with a finished product of hand-crafted material.

The name of the exhibition is Branching Out. Can you tell us why?

Along with the connotations to timber (that we obviously use a fair bit), we felt that it best reflected us as a group and where we are in certain stages of our lives … we’re branching out into something “new”. It also reflects the idea of some of us being at the end of our own journey and branching out into new pathways … not only in our careers, but in our lives.

Tell us about the course and why the pop-up shop is such a great opportunity?

The course has taught us not only the skills of furniture design, but skills that will benefit us in our own personal lives. Take

making a table, for example - just looking at how this is constructed, the legs that need to be a certain height, what timber we need to use, the best place to get this, the idea of budgeting and so on. The pop-up shop is a huge opportunity for us to showcase our designs … from the less time consuming pieces (hand tools and kitchen utensils) right through to the more time intensive pieces (like coffee tables, chairs and chopping boards). To be seen in such a busy area such as Coffs Central will hopefully promote our work and inform the public of the time and effort that goes into creating such pieces of material.

How long have you been working on these pieces of furniture?

It varies … some of the smaller projects

can take only a month; whereas, the bigger pieces can take up to three, six, twelve and sometimes even eighteen months.

Furniture design isn’t your typical job; can you tell us some careers you may “branch out” into?

This course allows us not only to become a furniture designer, but also to become a furniture maker or industrial designer. We see it as being a stepping stone to something else in our career and are excited it gives us opportunities such as travelling and the ability to work with other cooperatives.

When and where is the exhibition?

Branching Out is on Level 1 and Food at the Terrace, Coffs Central Shopping Centre, from the 1st November - 11th November.

Thanks guys.

coffs coast focus. 89

BUY • SELL • BUILD - A SPECIAL FOCUS FEATURE

CONVEYANCING SERVICES In early 2014, Therese Ryan took a leap of faith,

establishing her own business, Cornerstone Conveyancing Services..With the recent introduction of

Lyn Rovere to the practice, Cornerstone now offers clients close to six decades of experience and expertise in property law and conveyancing. herese is delighted to have recently welcomed Coffs local, Lyn Rovere, as her business partner. Together, Therese and Lyn bring close to 60 years of legal experience to the partnership and have a remarkable combined skill set. Both women are Licensed and Certified Practising Conveyancers,

as well as Justices of the Peace. Therese attained her Associate Degree in Law (SCU) whilst Lyn holds a Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice (Macquarie University). Therese has also served as a Councillor on the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (NSW Division) for the past two years.

Rounding out the Cornerstone team is Cassie Valentino. Cassie is the conveyancing paralegal and is currently studying a Bachelor of Law through SCU. Therese, Lyn and Cassie are proud to deliver an exceptional and personalised service for those looking at buying or selling property on the Coffs Coast or anywhere in NSW. They recognise that buying and selling is so often a huge step, emotionally and financially, and walk clients through the process with confidence and reassurance. Their conveyancing services extend beyond residential properties to strata title, off the plan, rural and commercial real estate and to those buying and selling small business.

At Cornerstone Conveyancing, developing and maintaining strong client relationships is key to their success. This is achieved through trust and integrity, both of which are held in very high regard. Straightforward and transparent advice is also paramount to Cornerstone Conveyancing.

Here, Therese and Lyn offer a little insight; how did the partnership come about?

We saw the need in the marketplace to provide a boutique, personalised service, where the client and their needs come first. In addition to our experience, the partnership made good sense, as we are both at similar stages in our lives. Our children are now young adults, so we have the time, focus and commitment to build a solid business partnership. We have very similar ethics, experience and understanding of the law.

We also share a common sense approach and

appreciate the commercial reality of buying and selling real estate.

What do clients often find the most challenging aspect of the conveyancing process?

Clients often find all the terminology confusing - for example, the difference between “exchange” and “completion”. Absorbing the Contract terms and understanding their contractual rights and timeframes can be complicated too. We simplify it and translate the legal jargon into plain English.

You pride yourselves on experience, trust and integrity. What other values set your business apart?

High quality, personal service. Being a Councillor on the AIC has afforded us the opportunity to be a step ahead of others in our industry, as we have up to the minute knowledge of the changes and digital transitions currently taking place.

Any exciting industry news you’d like to share?

Yes, we’re moving from the manual world of settlements to E-Conveyancing. We love being at the forefront digitally and we’ve embraced PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). PEXA enables us to conduct electronic settlements. We were the first office on the Coffs Coast to do so. The whole process from exchange to settlement can now be done electronically, thereby enabling a more streamlined and efficient process, beneficial to everyone.

Lic No: 0500621

EXPERIENCE, TRUST AND INTEGRITY IS OUR FOUNDATION Phone: (02) 6699 3522

For exceptional, personalised service, Cornerstone Conveyancing are with you at every step.

www.cornerstoneconveyancing.com 82 coffs coast focus.

In Store Now

You’ll find 40 new shades of luxurious carpet in the Redbook Green collection at Carpet Court.

1/22 Keona Circuit, Pacific Hwy (South) Ph: 6652 4866

COFFS HARBOUR

www.carpetcourt.com.au coffs coast focus. 87

Proud supporters of Movember!

This November, G.J. Gardner Homes are committed to raising funds for the Movember Foundation in its quest to create awareness for prostate cancer, This November, G.J.and Gardner Homes are committed testicular cancer men’s mental health and to raising funds for the Movember Foundation in suicide prevention. its quest to create awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health and Call 132prevention.

789 or visit gjgardner.com.au suicide Call 132 789 or visit gjgardner.com.au

Donate to the cause: moteam.co/g-j-coffs-harbour Donate to the cause: moteam.co/g-j-coffs-harbour

Susan & Rick Fischer Owners - G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Harbour