Coffs Coast Focus i75

COFFS COAST

December 2016//issue 75

1 coffs coast focus.

Feature Story

Madonna and Barry Bannerman

2 coffs coast focus.

focus

Photo credit Tim Helmy Photography.

COFFS COAST

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Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2015 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the December issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

T

his is our last edition for the year - our 75th edition. It’s a nice time to reflect on the year that has been. We truly love FOCUS. Our 74 back copies tell the story of a contemporary Coffs Harbour.

ON THE COVER: It’s the festive season, and we are surely getting into the festive spirit. This month we thought we would showcase some of our biggest supporters from over the last six years. Carole Beros happens to fly the FOCUS flag higher than anyone in the community… What an amazing woman she is; we absolutely adore her! Aaron Hardaker is one is the nicest guys to work with and has been a loyal FOCUS supporter for many years. Sam Wardman has that pretty face that we all recognise and has also been a loyal supporter to us since day one.

Matt Donovan is a local cooking legend … Check out his Christmas ham recipe in our Christmas

feature. We are drooling over it! The lovely Heidi Brett was too busy on holidays horse riding for the shoot, so she sent in her sidekick and daughter Charmaine Brett, and last but not least, Madonna Bannerman … We just love her to bits and her wine too he he! A big thanks to Vast Interior for the location, Matt Donovan for the delicious food and Carole Beros for her shoot and fashion styling.

INSIDE THIS EDITION: Tim Helmy is a man of many talents, sharing his time between making music, imagery and delicious cuisine. FOCUS caught up with him to find out more about his inspirations.

Chris Jhureea is a gifted artist and performer who recently returned to the Coffs Coast after spending several years in the USA. FOCUS caught up with him to find out about some the highlights of his sojourn, that included working with Cirque du Soleil.

Freya Hall finds inspiration from her family, friends and the amazing coast we all live on. FOCUS chatted with the young designer, to find out what it takes to create and flourish in her chosen field.

DIGITAL ONLINE FLIPBOOK Our online flipbook is a genuine way for readers to digest our publication. For our advertisers, this means more unique readers being exposed to your business. People that are away from their letterbox can read our online versions from the smartphone or tablet. To access our monthly online flipbook, simply click on our website: www.focusmag.com.au or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/coffscoast.focus/ From all of us here at FOCUS ...

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

See you in 2017!

coffs coast focus. 3

NEW LAND RELEASE AT NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH FROM $245,000

Introducing the latest land release within the exclusive Sugar Mill precinct at North Sapphire Beach. Private blocks with sun drenched yards are connected to the pristine Sapphire Beach via a network of timber boardwalks.

This is the second last land release ever in our award winning community that features more than 39h of parkland, a large neighbourhood park and the Beachstone Café.

Secure your lot today.

VISIT THE LAND SALES CENTRE CORNER OF NORTH SOLITARY DRIVE & CHERRY STREET, NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH

OPEN

WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 9AM - 3PM OR

BY APPOINTMENT

FREYA HALL.

CJ THE KID.

10

Freya Hall finds inspiration from her family, friends and the amazing coast we all live on. FOCUS chatted with the young designer, to find out what it takes to create and flourish in her chosen field.

issue I S S U E

14.

38.

Chris Jhureea is a gifted artist and performer who recently returned to the Coffs Coast after spending several years in the USA. FOCUS caught up with him to find out about some the highlights of his sojourn, that included working with Cirque du Soleil.

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WHAT’S ON FOR DECEMBER EAT FEATURING LOCAL RESTAURANTS

D E C E M B E R

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54.

55.

2 0 1 6

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

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DARK ARTS COFFEE ACADEMY.

Coffs Harbour’s café culture is reaching new heights, with the opening of Dark Arts Coffee Academy on Cox Lane. It’s being referred to by locals as a small piece of Melbourne here in Coffs.

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

coffs coast focus. 5

focusinterview.

MOVING TO THE COFFS COAST AND PURCHASING A VINEYARD SOUNDS LIKE AN ENTRY ON A BUCKET LIST. MADONNA AND BARRY BANNERMAN CAN TICK IT OFF THEIR LIST, HAVING RECENTLY PURCHASED TWO TAILS WINERY IN NANA GLEN AND MAKING A LONG OVERDUE TREE CHANGE. FOCUS TOOK A TOUR OF THE VINES AND THE HAD A CHAT ABOUT THEIR UP AND COMING MUSIC IN THE VINES FESTIVAL. hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I had lived in Coffs Harbour for many years and wanted to come home to the Coffs Coast. After spending over 15 years in Sydney and then marrying Barry, who works on the Pacific Motorway construction, and moving every few years, it was time to return to the area. Two Tails Wines was the perfect opportunity for us to fulfil our passion for a return to the Coffs Coast. As soon as we saw the property, we fell in love with it and knew that the ideas we had would work really well. We loved the small village atmosphere that Nana Glen offered, with the rural lifestyle we craved.

Tell us about some of the new and exciting renovations happening at Two Tails Wines.

We currently have our deck off the cellar door under construction, with plenty more projects to come. We are also in the process with Council on getting DA approval for a restaurant (Tapas) to go in early in the New Year. Mid next year will see the completion of our two B & B rooms added, along with a huge outdoor entertaining area including a pool and spa for our guests to use. So, it all very exciting out here at present and is starting to look like how I had pictured it all.

Are the suppliers and materials you’re using for the renovations local?

All suppliers and materials used in our renovations are local businesses, as we are big believers in supporting the locals and keeping our dollars in the area. We have had great 6 coffs coast focus.

Food and Beverages: No food or drinks will support from them all, sourcing products on a be permitted - Two Tales Wines has a large short deadline. variety of food and beverage offerings for You have some exciting events and purchase on the day. No food or beverages projects planned in the near future. Tell us are to be brought into the venue. Small soft a bit about them. cooler bags/small eskies may be brought into We have our Music in the Vines coming up the venue. Larger eskies with wheels are not on 21st January 2017. We will also be looking permitted. Catering on site on the day by Kafe at doing Paddock to Plate, Long lunch in the Kookaburra and Idle in Café, both local cafés Vines, as well as a number of music events in the area. We will also have cheese platters throughout the year. We are also starting to available to purchase. do weddings at the winery, with Transport: We have four already booked in for Newcombe buses arranged 2017. to transport people to and Music in the Vines is We are going to from the venue, with coming up early next ic be holding Mus y pick up points in Coffs year. Can you tell us Januar in the Vines on Harbour and Moonee. who is playing and en th d an 17 21st 20 usic m Closer to the date we what we can expect a do to g in look e will release a timetable at the event? event every thre local her for the bus service.

We are going to be months with ot artists .”

Seating: The general holding Music in the and Australian admission areas of the Vines on January 21st venue are fully unreserved.

2017 and then looking You are welcome to bring a to do a music event every folding camp chair or picnic rug three months with other local and with you.

Australian artists.

Disabled Patrons: Disabled parking is For our event on the 21st Jan 2017 we available at the entry to the venue; please have Lisa Hunt, Then Jolene, Minnie Marks see parking staff for assistance. Once inside and D’Boyzos, which is really exciting. This the venue you may take advantage of the event is an open air concert venue located in dedicated viewing area or alternatively, sit the magnificent Nana Glen NSW. Being an anywhere in the general admission area. open air venue, it is important to note that the Accessible toilets are located inside the venue. event will proceed rain, hail or shine, so please Items Prohibited from Entry: umbrellas, come prepared if wet weather is forecast. tents, sunshades, glass, aluminum and metal Umbrellas and shade structures are strictly containers, alcoholic beverages, drinks or drink prohibited; we will have shade structures at the bottles of any kind, picnic baskets. Large eskies, venue for guests to use. This is an 18 + event.

“

and pets.

What parking is available?

Parking is available for limited numbers on site on the day of the event, as well as the provided bus service from Coffs Harbour bus stop, located near the Coast Hotel, and also a pick up from the car park at Moonee Tavern.

Tell us about the VIP section.

For our upcoming event we have added a deck to our cellar door and have created a VIP section. Tickets are now available for sale from Two Tails Wines cellar door only. Your ticket includes bus to and from event, sparkling white on arrival, food is supplied, all day table service for all your drinks by our great team, and a view of the main stage. Full seating undercover.

It’s a great way to attend Music in the Vines.

Who are some of the local businesses supporting the event?

We have had great support for this event from the local business in the area: FOCUS Offbeat Operations Kafe Kookaburra Idle in Café Cootes Hire Newcombe Coach Lines Where can we purchase tickets?

Tickets are available online from Offbeat Operations for general admission, with or without bus ticket, and VIP tickets are available from the Two Tails Wine cellar door only. Tickets are selling fast; get in quick, as you won’t want to miss out. We have limited numbers.

Thanks Madonna.

coffs coast focus. 7

focusinterview.

Surfers along the Coffs Coast are blessed with great waves, uncrowded conditions and plenty of choice. Taj Watson and his mates are

making every session count and pushing each other to get better. FOCUS paddled out to find out more about his recent success and hopefully catch a wave of our own ...

hat do you love about surfing in the local area?

I love the beaches and surfing with my mates.

When did you start surfing?

I started when I was five and then played soccer with all my mates. I got back into it when I was 11 years old. I am 15 now and turn 16 in February.

How often do you surf?

Depending on the surf conditions, as much as I can. I really enjoy surfing with my friends a lot. We get together and compete against each other. Having mates whom you can thrive with and get energy from helps make you surf better and want to progress.

Where is your favourite spot?

Snapper, on the Gold Coast.

What about spots in the local area?

I live at Moonee and surf there a bit. Mainly though, I surf the town beaches, like Diggers and Macauleys, because that is where my mates surf. Emerald is a good spot to surf as well ... I kinda cruise between the three of them.

Word is you have been ripping. What are some of the results you have had this year?

I have being doing some of the “Grom Series Comps” and I have done all right in a couple.

2nd at Ripcurl Nationals - Maroubra; 8 coffs coast focus.

1st at Billabong Oz Grom - Coffs; 1st at High Regionals - Forster; 1st at North Coast Regionals Coffs; 1st at Junior All Stars State Sometimes you d Titles - Port Macquarie; and now think it is crowde to go u heading to the Aussie Titles at in Coffs , then yo alise re a surf comp and the end of the month at Philip many at th t not that many no there are Island, VIC. er at w e th people in the in people You recently did a surf trip .” od go so is It water here. . here and photo shoot with Surfing It is so good.

World. Can you tell us a bit Do you have any about that? sponsors?

I went to Yamba on a trip with the Sharpeye Surfboards, magazine in December. They are publishing a Rip Curl, Shapers, Coopers, 14 page feature on four other surfers and me.

BCU, Fu Wax and Suncure.

There will also be a movie on their website and What kind of support do they give Coastalwatch. I was selected for that because you?

I won the Billabong Oz Grom contest in Coffs, All my sponsors are awesome to work with, and they judged me to have the outstanding and I have a terrific partnership with each of performance of the comp. them. They offer me products and financial The trip was fun, with small waves when we support and are full of encouragement. I'm very got there, but it picked up over the few days lucky and honoured to be on their teams. we were there.

What kind of boards do you ride?

When you go to other places, you realise Sharpeye - Holy Toledo has been one of my how uncrowded it is here; would you favourites. agree?

Do you train outside of surfing, or just Oh my gosh, yeah! Going somewhere out of surf? the area, it is so crazy and coming back, when Yes! My surf coach is John Shindig from Emyou compare it, you realise how good we have erald Beach and fitness coach is Brett Caller. it. Sometimes you think it is crowded in Coffs, If you could surf anywhere in the world, then you go to a surf comp and realise there are where would it be?

“

Hawaii.

Who is your favourite surfer and why?

Andy Irons; he had a sick style. Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina. I love watching Medina surf; his approach is awesome.

These days you need a big bag of tricks to be compeititve. How would you describe your approach?

I use my rail a lot, but have being getting into airs more lately.

Any older local surfer you have gotten advice from?

Lee Winkler, Jake Sharpe and Harley Ingleby.

Were you named after Taj Burrows?

Sure was!

With all the shark attacks along the coast, does it freak you out when you go surfing?

No, not really!

Do you hope to be a professional surfer when you finish school?

Yes, it is a dream and I can see it will be hard to achieve, but I am giving it everything I have to see if I can get there.

Thanks Taj.

focusinterview.

THE GREENHOUSE TAVERN IS BRINGING AN EXCITING NEW EVENT TO THE COFFS COAST ... PRESENTING, EXTREME BULLS AUSTRALIA. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH GREENHOUSE TAVERN’S LICENSEE, TONY CHADD, TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS NEW EVENT. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DAILY ADVERTISER

hat is the Extreme Bulls Australia event?

It will be the toughest, hardest and most extreme bull ride circuit. It features real bulls, real cowboys, real action and of course, extreme bulls! It will showcase Australia's best bull riders battling it out on Australia's toughest bulls.

When is the event taking place?

The Extreme Bulls event is on the Saturday 21st January 2017, at the Coffs Harbour Showground. Gates will open at 4pm, as we will have food stalls, carnival rides, jumping castle and entertainment, all before the Extreme Bulls enter the lit up arena at 6:30pm. It also has a licensed area, with premium arena side seating available.

What bulls will be there?

We have a star bull, “Eye Candy”, who has never had a qualified ride - meaning no one has ridden him for longer than eight seconds. “Eye Candy” is a must see bull! “Cool Bananas” will also be at the event. He was the champion bull of 2015.

What star riders are at the event?

Extreme Bulls is the last main event on the rodeo calendar before the national finals rodeo in Tamworth on the 26th 28th January 2017, so there will be a lot of amazing riders getting their last event in. Cowboy Brad Pierce is a three time Australian Pro Tour Champion, Pro Tour All Round Champion and 2007

PRCA Rookie Bull Riding and All Around World Champion. So, Brad Pierce will be one not to be missed. Josh Burke will also be riding at the event; he is a Calgary Stampede Champion. Last of the star riders, Jason O'Hearn. He is a Cessnock cowboy who is a multi-world champion, and he is the second best rider Australia has ever produced. The line up is outstanding!

Is the event family friendly?

The event is an outing for the whole family, with entertainment and activites to keep everyone happy.

Are you providing a courtesy bus to the event, and is there parking available?

The Greenhouse Tavern will be running courtesy buses from The Greenhouse Tavern to the showground. There will also be ample parking at the showground.

FOCUS is happy to be involved in the inaugural event. Who are the event’s other major sponsors?

Extreme Bulls is presented by us, the Greenhouse Tavern. The major sponsors are Jim Beam and Red Bull.

Where can we purchase tickets?

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids, or $70 for a family pass.

Tickets can be purchased from The Greenhouse Tavern or from Moshtix: www.moshtix.com.au Booking fee may apply via Moshtix.

Thanks Tony.

coffs coast focus. 9

focusinterview.

C

an you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m originally from Tasmania, from a little town called Sisters Beach. Funnily enough, it’s a lot like Emerald Beach, which is where we moved to 10 years ago. I love it here; the entire coastline is where I like to spend my time.

Can you briefly describe what it is you make?

I create Native American inspired dream catchers; ninety percent of them are made with a leather material, which I love working with. I incorporate feathers, leathers, beaches, a range of crystals and any other natural charms I can get my hands on. When I have completed a dream catcher, my main desire is when someone catches a glimpse of it, they feel a connection towards it, as if it was designed specifically for them.

The shirts that I design are ninety percent unisex; I really wanted to depict an early seventies California style. These ratty crew necks are made to be worn with rugged slim cut jeans, dusty bandanas and sun bleached locks.

What have been some of your favourite pieces to make?

I remember the first dream catcher I sold on Etsy was to a lady in New York. I thought it was incredible that someone half way across the globe now had something I had hand made in my little lounge room hanging up in their home. We’re very lucky to have this type of technology where we able to connect with people across the world and share all the wonderful products we create.

Another one of my favourite pieces was a series of

10 coffs coast focus.

first I remember the ld so I r dream catche in dy la on Etsy was to a t it was gh ou New York . I th someone incredible that the globe half way across ng I had hi now had somet little y m hand made in nging up in lounge room ha their home.”

“

dream catchers that I designed for a lovely elderly lady, who gave me the privilege of transforming all of her mother’s handmade doilies that she had held on to.

She gifted her children and grand children with the dream catchers I had made, and now they all can be treasured forever.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in a lot of places. Both my parents are creators and encourage my business. A lot of my creativity comes from my mum; seeing her originality in the pieces she makes and how to add individuality to your art really makes me want to strive to do the same. I also know a few local artists; seeing their passion and drive in what they do inspires me to exert myself and give it my all.

If you could live anywhere in the world that would help influence your work, where would you choose and why?

America. I've always wanted to travel and explore America, and I feel I would be able to draw a lot of inspiration for both my very different products ... specifically my shirts; I think I could find a lot of inspiration over there. There would be amazing places I’d love to visit, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach and hear from people who actually got to live through that laid back seventies beach lifestyle and get a feel on what it was like growing up when skate culture kicked off and became the influential industry that it did. Skateboarding was all about

innovation and style, two things that still influences both the sport and fashion culture today.

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

Just to be authentic and create things that reflect who you are and what you love.

Because creating should be about having fun.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm working towards building up my products for an online store and creating a larger range of shirts with new designs. Down the track my dream is to own my own store; until then, I’m going to start doing a few pop up shops. I also would love to start supplying more businesses with my products not just in Coffs Harbour, but hopefully other states. I will be working hard to accomplish my goals.

Where can people purchase or order your products?

I'm lucky enough to have some great shops that stock my product. You can find my dream catchers in an amazing florist in town, Emma Louis Flowers. Also, another awesome shop that stocks my dream catchers as well as my shirts is Wrecked Vintage, which has a great range of unique one off pieces.

My Instagram and Facebook can both be found under the name “the peach and the bear” and all custom orders and enquires can be sent to freya.hall3@hotmail.com Thanks Freya.

focusinterview.

A view from the Coffs Harbour Yacht club Summer Sunday sessions. Showcasing the buzz at the Jetty as Summer kicks in.

JAMES R O B I N S O N

Photo by: Aliy Young

Image of the month.

Camera: Iphone

Title: Just your standard morning traffic at Emerald Beach.

Pictured - Drew Pratley, Emerald Beach local.

Photo by: www.stsurfimages.com Camera: Canon 7D mk2 Lens: 400m Canon.

Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email nicole@focusmag.com.au

CHOICES FLOORING COFFS HARBOUR

H

ow many years in decisions. As a Choices Flooring member, business?

I benefit from their integrated marketing I was employed as the communication initiatives and campaigns storeman of Max Finlay that are run on both a national and local Carpets at 17 years of age. At level. These incorporate a mixture of media 22, I ventured to Sydney and was the manager channels, including TV, Home Magazines, of three different outlets for Carpet Fashion Radio, Press and Online. stores over the following 3 years.

Business/personal goals for this financial Returned to Coffs in 1999 and resumed year? with Max Finlay Carpet Choice as a partner Business goal is to have set growth targets in the business. I took on the sole met and to provide even better service. responsibility of the store in Personal is to take more overseas 2002. holidays and get my children to The business was do their homework! And to do y Hard work pa established in the late more surfing! er offs . Und 1960s and has always How do you encourage liv de er promise ov t. been in Park Avenue. a positive working gu ur yo ith er. G o w r The business has had a environment? be em m re Lastly s ay w few name changes over al Acknowledge all staff s er om st cu the years – originally members efforts, encourage come first .”

Max Finlay Carpets, then further training so the team Max Finlay Carpet Choice are more than confident in their and now CHOICES FLOORING. daily roles. Show your appreciation, You’ve obviously been in and Listen to everyone’s ideas. business for many years now. What Best advice for someone starting out in is the key to successful business? your industry?

The key to a successful business is Hard work pay offs. Under promise over having the right staff and happy staff. There deliver. Go with your gut. Lastly remember is nothing better than being served by a customers always come first. confident, cheerful person who projects What keeps you motivated? enthusiasm and support to each customer, The continued support from our buying assisting in achieving their goal or outcome. group and suppliers supporting the growth of What is the most satisfying aspect of your the floor covering industry. role?

We live in the best place, where my family The most satisfying aspect is to help a and I all contribute to the local community and customer find the right product for the right enjoy what the Coffs Coast has to offer. area, there is nothing better than seeing the What do you wish you knew before you enthusiasm on their face and the gratitude you started? It took me a little while to work out get when they say ‘Wow it looks great’. Also to work smarter and not harder , there is more being a great leader for the team and teaching to life then work, its all about balance them from my vast experience in the industry.

Whats the most interesting project you’ve How do you effectively market your worked on?..It was great to be involved in business to new customers? the Sawtell Cinema and to bring this historical The key to any successful business is building back to life ensuring customers are at the heart of all Thanks James.

“

This is

cool CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY IS A PARTY GAME FOR HORRIBLE PEOPLE.

W

e're kidding - the humour is just an acquired taste - you don't need to be horrible to play. Unlike most of the party games you've played before, Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends make it.

The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card. It's a little naughty this one, so it's only suitable for ages 17 and above!

Available at Curious Minds, Park Beach Plaza.

coffs coast focus. 11

focusinterview.

DENISE KNIGHT WAS RECENTLY RE- ELECTED AS COFFS HARBOUR CITY COUNCIL MAYOR FOR THE THIRD TIME. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH HER TO FIND OUT A BIT ABOUT HER BACKGROUND AND HER HOPES FOR THIS TERM IN THE ROLE.

C

denise knight

ould you briefly tell us about how Well, like any other job, the more you do it you came to reside on the Coffs the more you learn; the more you learn, the betCoast? ter you become at making the hard decisions.

My husband and I were living in the What have been some of your achieveUK at the time and he had done a couple of ments as Mayor that you’re most proud of? locums on the North Coast, so when we arrived Apart from the hard structures, for example back in OZ we did a road trip with an eye on the Skate Park, the Foreshores, Coastal Walk, Urunga. However, Sawtell and Coffs stole our CBD etc. I am proud of the way I have reprehearts. sented Coffs Harbour and the region and been What area is your favourite and why? an active part of the community.

I guess for peace and tranquillity I have There are new faces in council to say the Sawtell Headland; howafter the election. What do ever, the Jetty Memorial Theatre you hope that this will holds a special place for me. change or influence?

How has the area I couldn’t be I couldn’t be happier ith w r ie changed since you have happ e th with the new team; the ; am te lived here? the new well. e os ch ity community chose well. un m For a start, there is com nder ge in e rs ve It’s diverse in gender di ’s It better mobile phone fresh ith w e, ag d an and age, with fresh coverage than in 1983. h opinions , es fr , es ey eyes, fresh opinions, The area is more alive fresh attitudes .” with festivals, theatre, fresh attitudes. music, sporting events and In your opinion, what of course, people. People make does the Coffs Coast need a place vibrant. the most to help improve and Does it feel like the area is going attract more investment? through a mini boom at present?

We need employment, we need to keep Absolutely! It is as though we are coming our young people here, we need to utilise what out of hibernation and seeing for the first time we have here by shopping local, attending our our potential and strength as a region. university and standing proud of living in this What career did you have before becoming beautiful region. We are the advertisement for Mayor? our city.

I am a Registered Nurse; however, I have What are your plans and hopes for the next given up nursing in order to take on my new four years? role as Mayor.

To finish the projects that have already been What is the hardest thing about your started and continue to promote the region and position? the city as the most beautiful place in NSW. I guess trying to please everyone.

Can people contact you directly?

What do you love most about it?

Of course.

I meet with people every day in my I guess what I love most is the community offi ce, and I am contactable by email, phone or contact I have.

How has your previous term given you conalways happy to chat to people in the street. fidence for taking up the reins again?

Thanks Denise.

“

12 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

Dave brighton Floor sanding Dave Brighton Floor Sanding is a fully licensed and insured floor sanding business that can supply and install timber flooring. This includes a range of engineered prefinished flooring, including raw flooring that can be installed over any surface - and we can also sand and coat your new and existing timber floors with a wide range of top of the range floor coatings.

When looking at your next flooring project, give Dave a call. He will come to your home, listen to your ideas, and give you expert advice on how to get the best result in your home, while keeping in mind your budget.

Dave Brighton Floor Sanding has been operating on the Coffs Coast for over 45 years, as Dave’s grandfather and farther started a

timber flooring business back in the 1960s.

We operate on the Coffs Coast, in Bellingen, Nambucca and Macleay Valleys, as well as out of the area on request.

We can come to your home to give you an obligation free quote and our expert advice.

We can sand and polish your existing timber floors, or if you have a floor covering in your house we can remove (such as carpet), then we can sand and polish your existing timber floor, which has probably has been covered for many years and give your house a new look making it a home that you will want to come home to.

For all enquires, please call David on 0447 683 388.

coffs coast focus. 13

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

17 COFFS COAST CAROLS The Carols will be a spectacular evening of song, entertainment, food, fireworks and lots of fun for all. There will be a variety of yummy food and drink options available, including sausage sizzles, plus children’s activities and rides to keep them entertained until the much anticipated arrival of Santa. When 17th December. Where Brelsford Park, Coffs Harbour. Open 6pm - 9:30pm. Entry FREE.

MILES AHEAD Don Cheadle pays tribute to the imagined life and times of Miles Davis. Where Jetty Theatre. Showing Thursday 1 Dec. Times: 10:30am; 1:30pm. Ticket Prices: $12.50; $10 Groups 10+.

CARLTON MID COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP 2016 With only a few weeks until the rescheduled Coffs Cup occurs, it’s time to grab a gorgeous dress, find that stylish suit and round up friends or colleagues for the event that always tops the region’s social calendar. When 9th December. Where Coffs Harbour Racing Club. To purchase tickets online or for race day info, please visit www.coffsracingclub.com.au

18

UNCLE JED – XMAS HOMECOMING

When Sunday 18th. Where Hoey Moey. Entry fee: $10.

Doors open at 3pm.

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LE DÃIN DESIGNS SUMMER RACE DAY CAROLS URUNGA 2016 ADAM ECKERSLEY & BROOKE MCCLYMONT Where Sawtell RSL Club, Norm Rowland Lounge.

When Sunday 4th December. Free show. Starts 4:30pm.

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Carols Urunga now hosts an audience of some 5,000 and is staged in the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Urunga’s Morgo Street Reserve, with a stunning twin-river-view backdrop! When December 17th. Time 5pm - 9:30pm.

Where Morgo Street Reserve, Urunga.

The Le Dãin Designs Summer Race Day will be a wonderful blend of fashion and family fun and a great prelude to New Year’s Eve festivities. It’s a great day out for young and old, locals and visitors alike to enjoy! When 30th December.

Where Coffs Harbour Racing Club. Time 11:30am. To purchase tickets online or for race day info, please visit www.coffsracingclub.com.au

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UNCLE JED O N E

A N D

O N L Y

G I G

2 0 1 6

ARE HEADING NORTH FOR THIS SUMMER’S BBL WARM UP.

syd six

THE SYDNEY SIXERS ARE HEADING NORTH FOR THIS SUMMER’S BBL WARM UP, PLAYING A TRIAL MATCH AT C.EX COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM IN COFFS HARBOUR ON FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER.

T

he game will see many of the Sixers stars have their final hit out before the start of the KFC T20 Big Bash League on 20 December.

This will be the second trip to the region for the Sixers this coming season, with the newly created Sixers Beach Blast launching in Coffs Harbour for the school holidays.

The Sixers will take on Hong Kong in the match, 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 on the Friday afternoon with the players passing on some of their cricket knowledge to the local community between 4pm and 5pm.

The match itself will start at 6pm and will be the last chance for players to stake their claim ahead of the Club’s BBL opener on Tuesday 20 December at Spotless Stadium.

The match will be free of charge for everyone wishing to attend, and registration details for the clinic will be released closer to the date.

TO CELEBRATE THEIR RETURN, UNCLE JED WILL BE PUTTING ON A ONE OFF HOMECOMING CHRISTMAS SHOW AT THE HOEY MOEY ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18.

T

he band have decided that there’s more music to write and release under their success as Uncle Jed and the opportunity to put on a show in their hometown of Coffs Harbour is too good to pass up.

While Luna Grand will continue as a completely different project, the band have decided to make a few new releases under Uncle Jed in

2017 after an enormous amount of encouragement and a few unreleased Uncle Jed songs lying dormant over the last couple of years.

The Hoey crowd can expect to hear some of Uncle Jed’s old originals, favourite covers and maybe even a few new ones that never left the studio.

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TIM HELMY IS A MAN OF MANY TALENTS, “ SHARING HIS TIME BETWEEN MAKING MUSIC, IMAGERY AND DELICIOUS CUISINE. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH HIM, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS CREATIVE INSPIRATION.”

“

C

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

Coffs is my hometown, really. Moving here with the family for my high school years, a lot of my core connections, lifestyle, beliefs etc. were all formed here, so it’s quite an important part of me, I guess.

How did you find your way to this part of the world?

Mum and Dad moved us five kids here for our development from Temora, NSW, a small country town near Wagga Wagga, where we had “Helmy’s Country Barn” - a kind of allin-one shop selling everything a supermarket, take-away shop and video game parlour would. Us kids would stand on milk crates and operate cash registers, selling cigarettes and deep frying chips between playing video games, pinball machines and feeding the jukebox ha ha ... ahhh, the memories!

What is it that you do?

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DJing is the ability to match rhythms ...

Be it scratching or mixing; it’s rhythm related, so I got quite good at it quite quickly.

How would you describe your style and the music that you play?

In a word, I would describe it as “soul” music, quite frankly.

There’s a certain heartfelt, soulful groove that happens within the first 30 seconds of hearing any track and the greats before us have set it up for others to follow, so everything I play has that feeling; whether the writer is black or white, young or old, male or female is not important - just that feeling that the legends brought to us.

I feel a strong connection with the sounds of Stevie, Bob, Chuck, James, Nina, Marvin, Otis etc., you get the picture, and with the plethora of music available these days, it’s that heartfelt sound that I’m searching for. Hip hop, Funk, Reggae, Blues, Rock etc. No soul? Not interested! So much has come from them, and I honour that sound

I never thought ey of making mon . ng Ji D or a career from h, uc m so it I just loved ing’, as it was my ‘th and , e’ in ic ed my ‘m ick qu got good real ve .” lo at th because of

Primarily I caravan the coast DJing, between Port Macquarie, NSW up to the Sunshine Coast, QLD at regular venues along the way.

Secondly, I’ve started my journey into photography, which is quite exciting.

I also have “Tum Tum’s”, which is an open food bar for private events, although I don’t see that going anywhere as my chefing years are over! Sorry, not sorry!

You spend a fair bit of time behind the decks working as a DJ; what do you love about it?

The DJing came from a percussion background, as I was a drummer in high school. I can’t sing, play guitar or anything melodic at all, but rhythm is something that comes quite easy to me. Mum said that I could tap along to a song before walking or talking, so I feel I’m just blessed enough to have something like that in my life.

and stick to that soulful sound and steer well clear of the “doof doof” sh#* getting around by most DJs these days. It’s repetitive, computer made, robot sounding garbage; in my opinion, it’s music for the head, not heart.

Where is your favourite place to play?

Rumpus Room, West End (Brisbane) QLD is my favourite, because of the people there.

I find city people are more interested in hearing something new that they like or a classic that most people don’t even know is a classic; where coastal people generally like what they know, being triple j music or anything from Video Hits in the last 20 years. Not everyone mind you, but an overall generalisation, really. So playing a bunch of new finds and those underground gamechanging tracks goes down really well at Rumpus, where those same tracks aren’t appreciated as much in the coastal towns.

What type of events do you play at?

Mainly I have my venues up and down the coast, but here and there I have private events etc. I’m looking into incorporating live percussion into my sets, so I’ll hit the festival rounds when that’s ready to go too.

Is this a full-time gig, or do you have a day job?

This is my main income now, yeah ... I was a chef for about 15 years before DJing, and boy am I glad that’s over!

You are also currently studying photography; where are you doing that?

Online with OnlineCameraEd.com What inspired you to learn more about the art?

While caravanning up and down the coast, I would love spending two or three days between weekends in the silent bush (on my own) somewhere new, where I could get some perspective and learn more about myself and just be in nature. I would find myself in beautiful surroundings using my phone to snap up pics for memories. I got quite good at it, but was limited to what the phone’s capability was. (Have you ever tried to take a picture of the moon with your phone? Ha ha!) So I purchased a second hand DSLR and needed to learn about how to use it, and now I’m hooked.

Is photography something that you would like to make a career out of?

I don’t think that’s something to set as a goal. I believe that money comes from what you put into it. For example, I never thought

I would find myself in ndings beautiful surrou snap to e on ph using my ies. or em m r fo up pics it, at I got quite good what to d ite but was lim bility the phone’s capa was .”

“

of making money or a career from DJing. I just loved it so much, as it was my “thing”, my “medicine”, and got good real quick because of that love. If I had set the goal of getting paid to DJ, then I wouldn’t be here now. I’d be playing crap music to unappreciative ears; I’d be hating it but getting paid, like chefing.

Who are some of the photographers that you admire?

I’m way too fresh to have one yet ha ha.

Do you have a favourite genre of photography?

I haven’t even gotten my own style developed yet, but I do love street photography. It’s kind of ballsy taking pics of strangers and quite hard to get an image that is felt by the viewer, so I like the challenge of it.

If you could travel to any time and place in the world, where and when would it be?

I would love to have been around at the

time of Atlantis 13,000 years ago.

I would love to learn how their civilisation fell. As my understanding goes, they reached a much higher level of technology than we have today but “internal technology”, if you will. I’m a huge fan of using intuition to make decisions, and Atlantis was the last time on the planet that we did to a much higher level than what we use today. I’m interested in how the civilisation fell while using such a powerful medium. We today make our decisions from our mind, which is designed to separate us and filter out what it doesn’t understand, but intuition is different; it includes and is connected to the unseen “whole”. Maybe it’s my Egyptian blood, but it’s quite fascinating to me.

Best advice anyone has offered to you?

On a South Park episode some years

back, “The future is now” was written on a building in the background of a scene, which I really resonated with. I read that as “what I do now creates my future”. Whenever I’m thinking of the future, it’s usually a fear. An attempt to control something that might happen to somehow enlarge the false sense of self that the ego is. It’s quite an absurd way to live like we do in this way, but each time I catch myself doing it, I quickly put my attention into my chest and listen to what my heart says, not my forever chattering, insecure, fearful mind … Too deep?

What are your plans for the future?

Ha ha ... None.

Where can people find out more about you and what you do?

I have a website (www.timhelmy.com) that pretty much shows what I’m up to, but if anyone Googles “Tim Helmy” they’ll find me ... I’m the only one in the world!

Thanks Tim. coffs coast focus. 17

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P E F O R M E R C H R I S

A R T I S T J H U R E E A

CHRIS JHUREEA IS A GIFTED ARTIST AND PERFORMER WHO RECENTLY RETURNED TO THE COFFS COAST AFTER SPENDING SEVERAL YEARS IN THE USA. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO FIND OUT ABOUT SOME THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS SOJOURN, THAT INCLUDED WORKING WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL.

C

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

I moved to the Coffs Coast when I was seven with my family. I went to Sandy Beach Primary School and then Woolgoolga High School, where I graduated in 2006; I actually have my 10 year reunion this December. I love this coastline; it's pure paradise.

How did you get involved in dancing and performing?

I first got involved with dancing when I was 15, quite late for a "dancer", but I loved it ... a creative outlet for me to express myself and get to know myself on another level. It was pure fun for me, and I believe that's why I've done well with it - loving what you do is the key. My first teacher was Travers Ross; we together explored movement for a few years, performing locally and all up the coast, also getting involved with Woolgoolga dance studio during that time to sharpen

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my skills. I couldn't get enough! After I graduated show on the Las Vegas strip. The audition was packed from Woolgoolga High School, I auditioned and was and went over three days, until it was just me left, then accepted into D.L.D.C, a performing arts school in I had to wait for them to look at other artists from Brisbane that covers dancing, singing and acting. I was other countries, including England, France, America offered a scholarship; this was the cherry on and more. It came down to me and a top, as I didn't have a lot of money at the guy from Montreal, Canada. Not time. only was it an audition for one We heard a rumour that you of the best shows over there, open I came across an r worked with Cirque du Soleil? it was for one of the main n fo invite to auditio What an experience this was! characters, "The Walrus". s le at Be e th Cirque du Soleil, s ga After I graduated from D.L.D.C Long story short, the young Ve s La e th Love show on as w n performing arts, I moved to 22 year old Aussie kid from tio di au e strip. Th t over three en w Sydney - this was for more d Woolgoolga got the role an ed ck pa ju st me opportunities in the field I was a dream come true at the days , until it was to wait for left. Then I had in. I taught dancing, auditioned time, to say the least. ts tis other ar them to look at and worked all types of gigs Were you involved with …” es tri from other coun while I was there. In 2010 I came them for long? across an open invite to audition I was with the production for for Cirque du Soleil, the Beatles Love three years. I moved over to Las

“

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E IN THE B , E H T A E “BR W H AT YO U O D , T N E MOM YO U D O T A H W E V L OV E , L O L L F L O W. ” A H S L L A AND

Vegas for the show in August 2010 and left the show at the end of 2013.

The schedule consisted of 10 shows a week, an almost insane amount of shows, but an incredible experience that took me on an adventure to the other side of the world, meeting so many people from all over the world in the one show - culture packed. I felt it gave me a peek into many other ways of life and my perspective on life become much grander. At the time I was the youngest artist in the show, so I felt like the little brother to a lot of my fellow artists; it was motivating in a way.

Where did you go after that gig?

After I left the show in 2013, I decided to stay, explored my art more, I started painting, and creating every day in many ways. I put my work out there, and it started to get some recognition.

At the time I didn't really have a job; I was coasting of what I made with Cirque. I was put forward to display at a music and art festival in Las Vegas called "Life is Beautiful". It was its first year; I ended up showing and having a really successful turnout.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by so much ... old movies,

mentors, music, but mostly I find inspiration in people and everyday life. Being in Las Vegas, I drew so much inspiration form the struggle I saw, and it blew my mind that there could be so much suffering in such an abundant city - a city that can keep the lights on 24/7 but couldn't manage the homeless rate.

Best advice that you have been given?

Breathe, be in the moment, do what you love, love what you do, and all shall flow.

Now that you're back, what are you up to?

I am currently working on a series of paintings for a gallery show I'm having at Ground Earth in Woolgoolga on the 7th December. There will be food, art and music; it's one of my favorite café/restaurants.

It's a really interesting time to be back; I feel culture is building, and I'm excited to be a part of it. Art is making a come back, and I'll be encouraging any artist to come out of the woodwork and be proud to do what your heart beats for. I see good things to come for the creative thinkers and doers out there.

Where can people find out more?

Keep an eye on my instagram account for updates on the exhibition @cjthekid Thanks Chris.

coffs coast focus. 19

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

G

rant Recipient Coffs Colts U14s Girls Cricket Team are the only girls’ team in the U14s cricket competition this season, which means they play in the competition with the local boys’ teams. The team talks to us about how the McDonald’s Grant is supporting their goal to be number one team in the competition this season.

What’s your team motto? Go out, have fun and never give up.

What does good sportsmanship mean to the team? Working together and always trying your best while supporting the team.

How did the girls team come together?

Friendships and through the club.

How many girls’ cricket teams in competition? Only one - us! We are the first girls’ team in the competition and proud of it.

What experience have the team members got in cricket? We have players who have never played, all the way through to representative players.

What training do the team members do?

Training once a week, with practice prior to every game. The team coach, Mick, is tough but fun!

What role have the team’s parents played

in the team’s success so far? Our parents fill the roles of coach, umpire, scorer, taxi driver, cheer squad and marketing.

What do you say to girls looking to join the sport? Give it a go; girls can play just as good as boys.

How will the McDonald’s Junior Grants Program help the team? It would mean so much to us to be able to buy new equipment, especially a new kit bag and gloves that fit.

The current gloves we use are massive and keep falling off, not to mention not being able to hold on to the ball! The grant will be used for new equipment, as the current equipment is quite old and tattered, especially the wicket keeping gloves.

What plans have the team got for the future? Be number one in the competition and smash the boys!

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

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

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G N I T H G I R

G N I T I R W S G N O R W GOING THE MO TO SHOW IT’S OKAY TO TALK FACIAL HAIR IS SPROUTING ALL OVER THE COAST, WITH LOCAL BUILDER RICK FISCHER AND HIS TEAM FROM G.J. GARDNER COFFS HARBOUR JOINING MORE THAN 85 G.J. FRANCHISES ACROSS AUSTRALIA TO RAISE $100,000 FOR MOVEMBER.

R

ick said their contribution would support men’s health projects funded by the Movember Foundation, which focus on suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer.

“This is a cause extremely close to our hearts, as we have seen some of our construction contractors and staff from our office struggle with the pressures of modern day living,” he said.

“The construction industry is an extremely fast-paced and demanding environment these days and if these pressures are compounded by other personal issues like relationship breakdowns or financial hardship, this can have a devastating effect on workers.

“Our industry is male-dominated and traditionally has a macho culture, where talking about issues isn’t the done thing.”

In fact, research undertaken by Deakin University for organisation MATES in Construction shows construction workers are more than twice as likely to suicide as other people in Australia, representing an average of 182 deaths per year, or one suicide every second day.

“The Movember Foundation does an amazing job of encouraging men to talk about mental and physical health issues with their mates and colleagues and to seek help if they need it.

G IN IT R W Y P O C D E K C POWER-PA POWERED PITCHES FOR SUPER-

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“Movember creates awareness among men that it’s okay to talk about things that might be affecting them, and we hope it also makes people stop and take the time to have a conversation, delve a little deeper with our colleagues and friends and check if they are really okay.”

Locals can join the MOvement and donate to the cause at http://moteam.co/g-j-coffs-harbour.

For more information, please contact Trina McColl at Ignite PR on (07) 3368 1650.

WINNER 2015

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Olissa ONLEY Local athlete Olissa Onley’s

talent and dedication are helping her achieve amazing results in an array of sports. FOCUS met with the

youngster, to find out what it takes to make it to the top.

an you give us a brief introduction and describe your connection to the local area?

My name is Olissa Onley, and I was born in Coffs Harbour. I went to Korora Primary School, and I am now in Year 7 at Coffs Harbour High School.

From what we hear, you are involved in a lot of different sporting codes. Can you give us an idea of what they are?

I love doing a variety of sports. I started in surf life saving as a six year old and love competing in the surf. I also love soccer in winter and have played for about six years.

I enjoy cross country running and athletics, particularly middle distance events.

Which one do you like the most?

I really enjoy all the sports I participate in, so I couldn’t pick a favourite. I think it is good to have different interests, and the fitness I get from one sport definitely helps in the other sports. I also get to meet a lot of different people who love sport as much as I do.

You had a successful year; tell us a bit about it?

It has been my best year for results, as I managed to win medals at State Championships in surf life saving, swimming, athletics and cross country. I also played 22 coffs coast focus.

in the North Coast team at gold convincingly. the Girls State Football Sharing a win with I have been Championships, where we friends was very rd ha working placed fourth. special, as we r fo al go is towards th e m co You also had some worked hard d an s ar ye several I so , es great results in a few all season to tim w fe a close finally to y running events; where achieve this. pp ha so as w .” did you place?

Do you enjoy achieve my go al In July I competed at the competing in Eastern Creek cross country the ocean? course in Sydney, and I came I love the ocean and second in Combined High Schools the unpredictable waves, and third in All Schools. I then trained because they add excitement specifically for middle distance track events, to every race. I am also interested and at the Combined High School State in the creatures that live in and around Carnival in September I came second in the the ocean and just love being in the water.

800 m. I then went to All Schools in October You also had success in the pool? and came fourth in the 800 m, but won I was fortunate to make the Coffs Harbour the 1500 m. This year I was able to train for High School freestyle relay team, who also the track events on a temporary grass track, won gold at the Combined High Schools which helped a lot, as I was able to learn State Swimming Championships in April. about pacing and race tactics.

Did you do well with soccer this year?

And you also had success in the ocean in We had a great season in club soccer surf life saving? playing for Northern Storm, and we made At the NSW Surf Life Saving State the top four. I also joined the North Coast Championships in March at Umina, I won Football U14 girls representative side to play the board race. I have been working hard at the State Championships in September. towards this goal for several years and come All the girls are incredibly skilled, and as a close a few times, so I was so happy to team we played really well. finally achieve my goal. I also placed fourth Do you spend a lot of time training? in the ironwoman event, and I was part of In summer I swim at the Coffs Harbour an awesome board relay team, who won Olympic Pool most mornings and board

“

train in the afternoons, with ironperson training on a Saturday. In winter I run a few mornings a week with the Coffs Coast Flyers and have soccer training in the afternoon. It all fits really well. For athletics this year I had a former American track athlete coach me and top female 800 m runner as a training partner. The training is not easy, but I like the feeling after training, knowing that I’ve worked hard.

Who is your favourite athlete and why?

I have a few favourite athletes. For my surf life saving I look up to Liz Pluimers, who has been dominant in the sport for many years. I also watch the Women’s Football League and admire Lisa De Vanna’s skill and team work. This year’s athletics season I was really inspired by James Turner, who competed in the 800 m track event at the Rio Paralympics. James had a great race and smashed the previous world record.

Would you like to compete in the Olympics when you grow up?

I would like to represent Australia in any of my sports. To go to the Olympics would be a huge achievement.

What are your dreams for the future?

Do the sports I love to the best of my ability and if that leads to a career, I will be happy.

Thanks Olissa.

B C U

T A L K S

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ith the changes in government pensions and the cost of living on the rise, a lot of retirees are living on a shoe string rather than the comfortable retirement they expected. As a result of this, a number of people are choosing to take control of their financial future by establishing a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF).

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The most recent of these was held The most recent at the bcu Port Macquarie store and of these was Port provided a wealth of knowledge and held at the bc u and e or st ie ar insights for those looking at managqu Mac lth of provided a wea sights ing their own superannuation fund. in d an e dg le know Due to the workshops’ popuat r those looking n fo larity, these will continue to run at ow r ei th g in ag man fund .” various bcu stores in the future; go to superannuation www.bcu.com.au/smsf to register your interest to attend.

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Sneakers Clothing Records Love & Kisses It’s that time again - Love & Kisses customers from far and wide are making their annual trip to Coffs Harbour to do their Christmas shopping at this great little shop and for some it’s their 10th Christmas with Love & Kisses.

Top 10 sellers so far this season are: • Pad Pods - for young and old, holds your iPad or eReader on your lap, on the table, in bed, or for youngsters on the floor made in Australia, $29.95. Boxed. Great new gift idea.

• Sterling silver earrings - $12.95 • Australian TwoUp sets, handmade - $10.95 • Christmas tree fairies and elves • Stainless steel tiny jewellery from France • Machine washable slippers, always on the top list, $18.95 • Unicorns • Beautiful hand creams and soaps • Woodwick candles $19.95 - $34.95 • Bee houses - BIG response - very exciting that so many people care about the future of our native bees.

So if you need $5 gifts for your book club friends, a $10 Secret Santa, a teacher gift, or little fun things for the stockings, take your list to Love & Kisses - you’ll love some of their ideas.

Or just simply browse and enjoy. You’ll be happy that you did.

And may this Christmas bring you much love and plenty of kisses.

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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

coffs coast focus. 27

CaroleBeros

MADONNABANNERMAN Christmas this year will be a quiet one, as we are usually netting our vines at this time of year - so the hard work has started for this year’s crop. Our cellar door is closed Christmas Day but reopens Boxing Day, so we do make the most of the day off by getting other jobs at the vineyard done.

We are looking at doing a seafood lunch at the vineyard with a few bubbles, wine and beer, and a relaxing afternoon in the spa is a definite. A few games with the nieces and nephews at the property is also on the cards, I’m sure.

SAMWARDMAN Christmas for me this year looks like it does every year surrounded by family and good cheer! We are lovers of seafood, so we’ll have a spread of lobster, prawns, oysters and sweets at Mum and Dad’s house. We usually have close family/friends around too, who are also foodies (and wine lovers too!) So it will be a relaxed day by the pool filled with loads of yummy foods, bubbles, laughs and jugs of Pimms to finish. Merry Christmas to all!

When it comes to Christmas with the Beros family, it's all about celebrating with family and friends. We do start early!

The tree and balcony lights go up on 12th November, which is our son Christopher's birthday. We have turned it into a tradition. The English in me wishes it was more festive in Australia, and I must admit we will never have a beach style Christmas! We go the whole hog and have a hot Christmas dinner, with turkey, roast potoates, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings. This is followed by trifles, mince pies, plum pudding ... you name it, we have it! The more, the merrier, and our house is full! Absolutely love Christmas!

MATTDONOVAN

Aaron Hardaker CharmaineBrett

I’ll be enjoying a relaxing Christmas Day on my deck surrounded by lots of loved ones. No doubt the morning will kick off nice and early, with my two little girls bursting with excitement to see if Santa’s visited and what is waiting inside their sacks to be discovered. We’ll have family visiting from both Canberra and New Zealand this year, as well as the local contingent, so it’s sure to be a day full of fun. I still get excited by the fun and excitement that comes with Christmas.

I am a sucker for some Christmas carols too - preferably the Michael Bublé or Mariah Carey Christmas albums, although The Wiggles seem to take over these days in my house!

28 coffs coast focus.

Up early with the kids opening presents, then off to the beach for a quick surf or swim. My partner, Renae, will knock up her cinnamon scrolls and set the extra long table around the pool for a delicious brunch. Lunch this year will be out at my brother’s family property, where the Donovan clan and extended family will enjoy some family time together with plenty of laughs, craft beer and good food.

Like every year at home, Mum loves Christmas and is always thinking up something new for the Christmas table; it's a big deal for her. We always have lots of family over, from ten to thirty - really it's just whoever can make it, and we always fit everyone in. We sit around the table all done up with the good silver and dinnerware for a traditional baked turkey, pickled pork, ham, baked veges and all the trimmings, finished of with pudding for lunch. Thankfully we have a pool, so while Mum’s cooking I’m in the pool with everyone - it's a great day. I so hope you all have a great day, however you like to spend it. I will be laughing, eating and sleeping.

coffs coast focus. 29

E DEGREES NEW ERA caps $39.95

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I D E A S $119.95

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all gifts available at e degrees Coffs Harbour - Phone (02) 6651 4135 30 coffs coast focus.

AND WIN A VOLKSWAGEN POLO THIS CHRISTMAS AT PARK BEACH PLAZA. Simply spend $25 or more at any store and request an entry form or download the Park Beach Plaza Advantage+ App to win bonus entry forms.

Fill out your details and drop your entry form to the entry barrel located at the Christmas Tree Car Display outside Ritchies Supa IGA. For your chance win a spot to attend the Major Prize Draw and share in over $23,000 in prizes including the Volkswagen Polo, a weekly draw will take place at 7.00pm each Thursday night until Christmas.

Geoff King Motors

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The promotion runs from 9am Saturday 12 November to 6.30pm Thursday 22 December 2016.

The total prize pool equals $23,134.00 consists of 1 x Volkswagen Polo 66TSI Trendline 5 Speed Manual ‘Pure White’ valued at $18,984.99 including on road costs and 9 x Park Beach Plaza Gift Cards valued at $4,150.

See www.parkbeachplaza.com.au for full terms and conditions. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPS/16/08871.

coffs coast focus. 31

Stylish Camping Company If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift idea, keep it simple with one very special gift that the whole family can enjoy, with a beautiful bell tent from Bellingen business, The Stylish Camping Company.

Bell tents are back and taking the camping world by storm!

Recognised for their versatility, durability and style, they are made from 100% cotton canvas, fully weatherproof, mozzie-proof, and built to withstand the harsh Australian climate. Available in three sizes, and with ample headroom and space for couples, families, and groups, they take only 10 - 15 minutes to pitch!

Bell tents are also perfect for creating other weatherproof indoor spaces outdoors. Chillout lounges, healing spaces, kiddies areas … or what better way to accommodate guests over the festive season!

Dress up your bell tent to create a stylish home away from home, wherever the location! Once you’ve stayed in a bell tent, you will never want to camp any other way ever again!

FR EE

TH D E ELI C V O ER FF Y S O C N O A ST

If you’d like to see a bell tent in action before you buy, we’ll be at Bellingen Markets on Saturday, December 17th. FREE DELIVERY across the Coffs Coast (use discount code FOCUS for online orders), or mention this ad over the phone.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

SPECIALISTS IN CANVAS BELL TENTS, FESTIVAL TENTS & STYLISH CAMPING ACCESSORIES

PHONE 02 9188 1578 EMAIL info@stylishcampingcompany.com.au www.stylishcampingcompany.com.au

32 coffs coast focus.

Christmas Party Season Begins Why not pop into Jan Young’s Beauty Gallerie to enjoy a ASAP or Environ fitness facial! 30 minutes of cleansing, exfoliation and serum treatment, leaving your skin feeling bright and refreshed. Just $50, including an eyebrow wax!

Or enjoy a shellac manicure and mini pedi with vinylux polish for $50.

Fantastic product - Christmas packs have arrived. ASAP, vitamin packs, travel packs and platinum packs with serums plus moisturisers - $ savings for you.

New environ facial treatments using sonophoresis to enable deeper penetration of serums, plus Vitamin C treatment mask.

Flowers on First At Flowers on First we CAN’T WAIT for our Wreath Making Workshop, Sunday 27th November, 10am - 1pm.

Includes tea and cake and a demonstration by a local artisan, followed by a workshop session where you will make and decorate your own natural wreath. See our Facebook page for all of the details, pics and list of things to bring along. Bookings essential.

With Christmas looming, our flower shop is overflowing with Christmas decorations, wreaths, pots and plants. Pop in for some decorations, flowers or to book a workshop.

Lots of fantastic gift ideas and voucher specials available in salon.

We are currently taking orders for Christmas table centerpieces, Christmas bush and flowers for home. Christmas Eve is usually a sellout, so order early to avoid disappointment.

Look forward to seeing you.

We love Christmas!

Holly’s ‘Feather Touch’ Brows Holly Readett has over 15 years’ experience as a Beauty Therapist, Makeup Artist and Cosmetic Tattooist. She recently returned to the Coffs Coast and is delighted to have established her own business.

Holly is fully certified and trained in cosmetic tattooing and specialises in amazing eyebrows. She says that in measuring and lifting the eyebrows, a facial symmetry is created - resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Holly’s clients love her work. One client says, “For years I wanted to have my eyebrows tattooed but couldn’t find someone I trusted to do them well. A friend recommended Holly and I found her to be an extremely talented artist. Holly’s standard is exceptional and she truly perfected my eyebrows.

They look beautiful and I’m so glad I waited for Holly to do them.”

One of Holly’s techniques is ‘feathering’. The Feather Touch Brow Tattoo Eyebrow is a semi-permanent treatment which involves applying pigment to each hair stroke individually. This results in a very natural look and lasts 12 - 18 months.

For beautiful eyebrows and professional makeup services for special occasions, formals, weddings or even one on one or group tutorials, call Holly for an appointment.

coffs coast focus. 33

$10 Lamb Cutlets

Lunch Mon-Fri

Mondays

$15 Steak or Schnitzel + FREE Schooner

Coffs Coast Tuesdays

$15 Burger Deal Chicken Schnitzel or The Works

Saturdays

two different $12 Lunch Specials

Wednesdays

$18.50 Ribs & Shank + FREE Schooner

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS FRIDAYS SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Carols

THE COFFS COAST CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT IS FAST APPROACHING AND WILL BRING TOGETHER THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AT BRELSFORD PARK IN THE HEART OF THE CITY. Commencing at 6pm on Saturday 17th December, the Carols will be a spectacular evening of song, entertainment, food, fireworks and lots of fun for all. There will be a variety of yummy food and drink options available, including sausage sizzles, plus children’s activities and rides to keep them entertained until the much anticipated arrival of Santa.

LifeHouse Church, in partnership with Coffs

Harbour City Council and CBD Master Plan Committee, are proud to present this wonderful event for all ages to come along and enjoy! Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a spectacular show!

When: 17th December.

Time: 6pm - 9pm.

Where: Brelsford Park, Coffs Harbour.

For more information contact 6648 4958 or email rebecca.ramsay@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Carols Urunga

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

CAROLS URUNGA NOW HOSTS AN AUDIENCE OF SOME 5,000 AND IS STAGED IN THE BEAUTIFUL NATURAL AMPHITHEATRE OF URUNGA’S MORGO STREET RESERVE, WITH A STUNNING TWINRIVER-VIEW BACKDROP! Building on the traditions of family celebration at this auspicious time of year, the event has now also evolved into a concert of excellent music.

The sub-committee have begun planning the evening’s program already! The musicians will again include some of the best in the area as well as further afield, and the program will feature many traditional carols as well as Christmas songs and other special musical items.

To help everyone relax, there will be plenty to eat and drink (non-alcoholic) on sale. A barbecue and sausage sizzle is planned, plus a variety of other food and drink stalls from which to purchase a tasty treat for your family to enjoy on the night. But, feel free to bring your own picnic - and a rug/chair to sit on.

34 coffs coast focus.

The arrival of Santa, all the way from the North Pole, always brings much excitement, and of course there’s the Grand Finale Fireworks Display, a spectacular pyrotechnics display that illuminates the sky and reflects across the water where the rivers meet the sea. The firework display is certainly a fantastic way to conclude this much loved community event and to herald the festive season at 9pm over the river; it completes a wonderful evening.

Program Times (tentative): 5pm - Start 5:30pm - Preschool Singers Arrival of Santa 6pm - Seasoned Singers and Performers 9pm - Fireworks Grand Finale

focus_local recipe

Ham Glazed

Honey, Orange, Ginger and Star Anise glazed ham INGREDIENTS 1x nice large bone in ham from your favourite local butcher 2 cups orange juice,½ cup brown sugar ½ cup honey 2 teaspoons ginger powder 6 star anise

Chef Matt Donovan Head Chef at Park Beach Surf Club

method Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to boil at medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until glaze consistency.

Remove the thick fat from the ham; score the remaining fat on ham in a diamond pattern.

Wrap the ham shank in foil, so as not to spoil

it in the baking process. Decorate with cloves, star anise and maybe some candied orange.

Brush ham with half the glaze, reserving the other half. Bake in the oven at 175 degrees for 45 minutes. Once baked, pour the remaining glaze over the ham to serve.

focus_local recipe

Cocoa Balls Christmas

SUPER EASY, SUPER DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS COCOA BALLS INGREDIENTS

method

1 X 250 g packet of plain biscuits (like Marie) 1 X 395 g tin of condensed milk 1 cup of desiccated coconut ¼ cup of cocoa Extra coconut for rolling

• Place the biscuits into a food processor and process until they resemble fine crumbs (you could also use a rolling pin instead).

• Place the biscuit crumbs into a large bowl.

• Sift over the cocoa powder.

• Add the coconut and condensed milk.

• Thoroughly mix together all of the ingredients.

• Roll heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls.

• Roll in the extra coconut to coat.

• Store in an airtight container for up to a week. coffs coast focus. 35

CLARK RUBBER Inflatable Giant Gold Swan $69.95

ASAP SERUM BOXES Jan Young’s Beauty Gallerie $99.00

ISOMAC COFFEE MACHINE $1999.00

WEBER’S BARBECUE BIBLE Morrison’s Betta Home Living $34.95 VARIOUS HANDMADE PRODUCTS O.P 81 $50 gift pack

DOUBLE TOPPING GEOMETRIC HIGH HEELS Zab Designs $150.00 TJM RECOVERY KIT LARGE - TJM

36 coffs coast focus.

AUSSIE CARAVAN TREE DECO WITH LIGHT Flowers on First $15.00

The Stylish Camping Company $949.00

BEE HOUSE Love & Kisses $14.95

GOOGLE PIXEL Telstra Park Beach Plaza

RUBBER BAND PLANES Love & Kisses $14.95

LADIES BIKE Kmart - Toormina Gardens $129

BOHO BASKET Vast Interior $84.95

COW SKULL Vast Interior $299.95

ZIG ZAG BASKET Lily & Sapphire -Park Beach Plaza Sml $32.95 Lge $42.95

BOHO CUSHION Vast Interior $119.95

coffs coast focus. 37

Pan seared Duck breast with a hokkien noodle, wild mushroom & Asian green stirfry from horizons restaurant and bar.

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

a week. Bookings recommended.

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.

ds restaurant BAr deck

SURF ST CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH

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

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

horizons restaurant & bar

s, engagements ... We can tailor make to your budget.

Located at Emerald Beach with one of the best views on the coast, check the surf and watch the whales while you enjoy breakfast or lunch on the deck.

SUMMER IS ON THE HORIZON Inside it’s cosy at night for dinner, and we have heaters if you wish to ddings ... Come in and plan your perfect day in one Try Our New Dinner Menu: be tempted with the Seafood Linguini with King be outside.

Head Chef Prawns, scallops, mussels and Snapper tossed with Kim heirloom tomatoes, Robson. izza and happy hour, Thursdays, 5 - 8pm. onion, salsa verde and wild rocket. Remember to leave room for dessert, withOur food is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. n bookings now being Cointreau taken, so book to get Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert the are always popular crèmeearly brulee with citrus salad, yum! admin@pasfi eldsrestaurant.com.au $10, and the menu changes every week.

TAKE THE WORK OUT OF CHRISTMAS DAY JOIN US FOR COFFS HARBOUR’S BIGGEST CHRISTMAS PARTY, WITH A HUGE FESTIVE BUFFET LUNCH AND ENTERTAINMENT - filling up fast.

ghway, Korora Horizons Bar has fabulous cocktails and happy hour 5 - 6pm daily. www.pasfi eldsrestaurant.com.au

m 5pm; Fri & Sat from midday. ytime).

cus.

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.

Head Chef Sam Allinson.

Taking bookings Clinton Hunternow for your Christmas party!

Head Chef.

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

Head Chef Sam Allinson.

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

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

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

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

Hours extended during summer.

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

Spinifex Restaurant

Palate & Ply

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!

Artisti is proud to launch its “Palate & Ply” espresso bar. This exciting new offering features a chilled out lounge corner, larger format tables and 12 seat private boardroom table for special lunch meetings.

Our fantastic new menu features our “P&P Sliders Plate” a lunch specialty.

Served on toasted brioche, which may include: pulled pork, with baby cos and aioli, mini quinoa, feta and sundried tomato burger with roasted pumpkin. Also, BBQ chicken with vine tomato and avocado salsa, to name a few.

With our renowned fast friendly service and FREE NBN Wi-Fi, we have your next outing covered, fast or relaxed.

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!

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

Dinner: 6pm - 9pm.

Head Chef Brendan Crawford.

Head Chef Matt Knight.

37 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour.

Wholesale HQ enquiries 0476 131 311.

Palate & Ply Espresso Bar 0434 700 910 Monday to Friday, 6:30 - 4:30pm.

Saturday 6:30 - 2pm. coffs coast focus. 39

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.

focusinterview.

the hoey moey the moey Welcomehoey to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Welcome thenewly Beachside Bistrokitchen. at the Hoey Moey withtoour renovated We Moey, newly renovated kitchen.

We are thewith onlyour hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct are theaccess. only hotel in Coffs Harbour with direct beach Come and enjoy our beachside beach access.

Comebeer and garden, enjoy our beachside hotel with spacious hotel spacious alldrive weather open with plan bar, bistro, thru Beer bottleGarden, shop open planfacilities. bar, Bistro, Drive and TAB Havenew youKids’ triedRoom, our new Thru Bottleshop and TAB andisKeno facilities.

Gourmet Pizza range?

There a large selection Feeling extra hungry?

Then ourthese NEWeat to choose from and you cantry have SUPERSIZE deal Come on ourinFAMOUS $7.50 in or takeaway. and check out Feeds. our takeaway specials or phone ahead for pick-up.

Pictured is our 400 g Rib Eye Fillet topped If a pizza is not whatand youcalamari are afterserved our FAMOUS with grilled prawns with $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily. rosemary sea salt chips, salad and creamy garlic sauce. This is perfectly complemented with a cold schooner of James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale. 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. Mon-Thurs & Sun: - 2:30pm; 5:30 - 8:30pm. Fri - Sat: 12pm-2:30pm; 5:30-8:30pm.

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

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

with Madonna Bannerman from Two Tails Winery

BUBBLY, VIBRANT AND SWEET WITH DELICATE LINGERING BERRY FLAVOURS, RED BUBBLES IS PERFECT FOR CELEBRATIONS AND SUMMERTIME FUN. GROWN AND SOLD AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED TWO TAILS WINERY AT NANA GLEN, THIS WINE DEPICTS THE DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION OF THE VINEYARD. Made from hand-picked parcels of Chambourcin grapes, delicately carbonated, creating a wine with balanced acidity and sweet notes of strawberries and red berries. This is a bright and delicately sweet refreshing sparkling wine; serve chilled.

CHARACTERISTICS: Bright ruby red in colour, showing defined notes of strawberry and berry aromas with a hint of vanillin oak. Light and bubbly on the palate, with flavours of crushed ripe strawberries, and summer cherry notes which is well balanced with a refreshing citrus, sweet finish.

GOES WITH: This demi-sec sparkling red can partner well with sweeter dishes, spicy foods and flavoursome Asian and Indian foods. Light desserts such as strawberry

40 coffs coast focus.

mousse, and sweet fresh fruits with soft cheese. Served chilled as an aperitif for any occasion.

COST: $17.00 AVAILABLE: Two Tails Winery cellar door, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen.

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

Horizons

mr. good beans

We pride ourselves on bringing a personalised O P A L C O V Eservice R E S Oand R T product: a finely tuned espresso coffee just how the customer likes it, gourmet café food made from scratch in house, and a friendly, comfortable experience to all who walk through the café door.

Try the mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled chicken salad this spring, made fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet Head Chef Kristy Deveson. potato wafer thin chips and drizzled with Chef’s secret zesty citrus dressing.

CLINTON HUNTER IS THE EXECUTIVE CHEF OF HORIZONS Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring RESTAURANT AT OPAL COVE RESORT. FOCUS GRABBED A light, yet very satisfying.

PLATE AND SAT DOWN WITH HIM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR THE KITCHEN.

Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

W

here are you from? worth trying.

Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach What brought you to 6656 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au Do you like MasterChef and MKR - what chef at Horizons? do you think these shows bring to the Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm I’m originally from industry? and Sundays 8am – 3pm Newcastle, but moved to Well honestly, I don’t get much time to the North Coast when I was 15 and stayed watch these shows - I’m usually But 33 coffsworking. coast focus. for the next five years. I then travelled for as for what I have seen, I believe they bring the next 10 years, working around Australia huge product knowledge to our customers and have found my way to Coffs Harbour, and also show some of the pressures chefs are where I have started my family and settled under these days. Overall, I think it’s a good down. I am excited to work for thing, as it’s pushing chefs harder Horizons Restaurant at Opal to improve all aspects of our Cove Resort, as we do food, service and restaurant have a great reputation business. and excellent kitchen What can we look Christmas is fast brigade, which I have approaching, so forward to at sy been leading now Horizons? we are getting bu rties pa for five years. with Christmas Christmas is fast ry How important is as well as our ve stapproaching, so we ri your kitchen team popular large Ch are getting busy with d in producing the mas Day Seafoo Christmas parties Buffet Lunch.” food you do? as well as our very Effective teamwork popular large Christmas within a commercial Day Seafood Buffet Lunch. kitchen is crucial to its Over the Christmas holidays success; without teamwork we offer a family friendly brasserie, - the team is unable to provide which is popular with in-house guests effective service, quality food and/or as well as locals who want to relax on the provide meals within an appropriate time. terrace and watch the sun go down over the This is very important here at Opal Cove, ocean. from me to the Sous Chef Scott Kenny to the Can anyone book, even if they are not rest of the close knit team, who all contribute staying at Opal Cove Resort? their ideas and skills to producing great food.

We have a lot of regular locals who dine, Teamwork = Success. but would love to see more; anyone can dine What are your favourites on the menu? at Horizons.

Bookings are recommended, and On our current menu there are so many we would love to see you at the resort! things, I can’t pick just one. But for those with How can people book? a sweet tooth, Amanda’s double chocolate For the restaurant - book by calling Horizons mocha tart with raspberry compote and vanilla Restaurant & Bar on 6651 0550. bean mascarpone is extraordinary good. But For functions and Christmas bookings - call the new spring/summer menu caters to all tastes, with some exciting dishes definitely our functions team 6651 0553.

“

ORGANIC GARLIC

With Hugh Crowley from Bello Food Box

WH

AT ’ S I N

Organic garlic is one of the primary crops grown in our region, and now is the time when local growers begin to harvest their crops. There are two main varieties of garlic grown in the area - Russian garlic (which is actually an onion) and Purple Italian garlic, which is our favourite hands down and contains all the potent medicinal properties this plant is famous for. Allicin is the active compound found in garlic, which gives it the pungent smell we all love and also the associated health benefits of lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, detoxifying the body and acting as an anti-inflammatory. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (often called the father of Western medicine) used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions, so in honour of ancient wisdom, let’s finish on a quote from the man himself - “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Good advice!

WHERE

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

presents

COFFS HARBouR - W E D D I N G

F A I R -

OPAL COVE RESORT IS HOSTING AND COORDINATING THE COFFS HARBOUR WEDDING FAIR FOR 2017, ON SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY. THIS IS THE FIRST MAJOR WEDDING EVENT FOR THE YEAR. f you are looking for a Bridal Fair or that you might want to know, but didn’t know Wedding Expo to start or finalise your who to ask. wedding plans, then you can't afford It’s an opportunity also to view Opal Cove’s to miss the comprehensive Wedding wedding ceremony and venues, set for your Event of 2017 for the Coffs Coast dream day. Join our very popular Opal Cove region. With a collection of more than 40 of Resort tours on the day, departing the foyer, the Coffs Coast’s most prominent wedding speas well as an array of wedding specialists all in cialists, the Wedding Fair is sure to one location, consisting of: wedding be a must-see for every Bride celebrants, wedding photograto Be. phers, wedding videographers, The Coffs Harbour wedding florists, bridal wear, Wedding Fair is the formal wear, jewellery, ur The Coffs Harbo e perfect opportunity beauty, bridal makeup, th Wedding Fair is for brides to ensure wedding cakes, wedding ity for perfect opportun at their that their wedding invitations and statioth brides to ensure day is everything nery, entertainment, ng hi yt ever wedding day is d they ever dreamed, an , caterers, bomboniere, of ed they ever dream and more. Exhibwedding cars, wedding more.” itors are on-trend dresses, wedding planand full of innovative ners, wedding decorators, ideas, and all guests are honeymoon destinations and privy to a plethora of “on accommodation. This is the Coffs the day” specials to place the Harbour’s FIRST Wedding Fair of the wedding of your dreams within reach. year!

So, why not make a day of it? The WedOpal Cove Resort will excite and entice ding Fair isn’t for brides alone, so bring you to create that perfect dream day you will along mothers, sisters, bridesmaids or even treasure forever. If you would like to find out the groom! Have a wander and gather advice more about our weddings, visit: www.opalcove. from the Coffs Coast region’s most outstanding com.au wedding specialists, as they demonstrate the Date: Sunday 15th January 2016. abundance of products and services available to Address: Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard (off you for your wedding day. the pacific highway) Korora.

This year the Wedding Fair will have a free Time: 10am - 1:30pm (then at 1:30pm join us wedding planning workshop with industry exfor the free wedding planning workshop). perts on how to plan the perfect day. They will Cost: Gold coin donation for Cancer Council. help with everything, from what and when to More Info: email: coffsweddingfair@opalcove. organise, to how and even if you need to. This com will be a perfect time to find out all the things Or the website: www.opalcove.com.au

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of The

• Strawberry Daiquiri •

With the sun out & warm weather upon us, the crew at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip have adopted a timeless classic, the Strawberry Daiquiri, to help you cool down & chill out! A perfect summer blend of white rum, triple sec, fresh lime juice, strawberry puree, house syrup, crushed ice & fresh strawberries. Best served with a cool sea breeze & your feet up!

coffs coast focus. 41

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DARK COFFEE COFFS HARBOUR’S CAFE CULTURE IS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, WITH THE OPENING OF DARK ARTS COFFEE ACADEMY ON COX LANE. IT’S BEING REFERRED TO BY LOCALS AS A SMALL PIECE OF MELBOURNE HERE IN COFFS.

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alking into this space is surprising, and it’s certainly not what you expect to find in the back streets.

The decor is an eclectic blend of gothic, industrial and victorian ages mixed with street art, antiques and quirky sci-fi posters. It’s both grungy and classy, tasteful and non-conforming, contradictions that work a certain kind of magic. Dark Arts is a café, coffee roastery and coffee industry training facility under the one roof.

The café is open for breakfast and lunch weekdays and is opening for breakfast on Saturdays from December 3rd. A full commercial kitchen is in place, with a great selection of freshly prepared cooked meals by chefs Tony and Rachael, with special attention given to vegetarian and vegan cuisines. The menu presents an infusion of Mediterranean and Asian inspired offerings. From a delicately spiced Tadka Dahl through to a rustic burger or gourmet pizza, there’s something for everyone.

It’s the sort of place you’ll want to relax in and soak up the surroundings; however, if you’ve got to get back to the office, there’s a great selection of take-away foods available to grab on the fly, as well as take away coffee.

The espresso bar opens at 6:30am weekdays

42 coffs coast focus.

and 7:30am Saturday. With parking right outside the door, it’s a great option for an early take-away coffee on the way to work.

The kitchen offers cooked breakfasts from 7:30am Monday to Saturday. The veggie fry-up comes highly recommended, with mushrooms, tomato, avocado, asparagus, potato rosti, home made baked beans, dukkah, home made humus and toasted turkish bread. Add free range organic eggs, and you’ve got a breakfast fit for a king.

The coffee is roasted in-house and like the decor, is definitely Melbourne inspired. Deep, rich and chocolaty, describes Black Magic, Dark Arts’ signature blend. There are other coffees to choose from, including single estate and single origins, as well as alternative coffee making methods such as pour-over and syphon coffees. You can choose from a classic dark roast through to lighter roasts, depending on your preference. The darker roasts are sweeter and chocolaty, while the lighter roasts are light and fruity.

Dark Arts uses high-altitude coffee beans exclusively from premium growing regions around the globe, referred to in the industry as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). High altitudes are ideal for coffee growth and development, as coffee trees grow slower in the cooler temperature and produce a harder and denser bean with

more complex sugars, yielding more flavour. equipment at wholesale pricing. The proprietor The soil is often volcanic at these altitudes, has won several industry awards, including the which is also ideal nourishment for coffee trees, Chamber of Commerce and Industry award for assisting in fruit complexity and overall quality. best food and beverage, as well as excellence Premium high-altitude coffees are grown in customer service. Awards have also been between 4,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. won for coffee roasting at the acclaimed Dark Arts Coffee Academy offers Golden Bean coffee roasting café industry training and competition. mentoring. A full day barista If you’re looking for course teaches participants freshly roasted coffee e ar High altitudes the skills required to make for the home or office e ffe ideal for co t, en a great cup, as well as along with barista tools pm lo ve growth and de er ow sl offering insight and ow and coffee making gr s ee as coffee tr ture ra pe m understanding of the te equipment, Dark Arts er ol in the co er and rd ha a e industry as a whole, uc offers a great variety od and pr more ith w an be from the farm to the er of retail coffees and ns de , yielding cup. Classes are run products, as well as complex sugars more flavour.” regularly and are kept offering sound advice on small, so participants get how to get the best results plenty of hands-on time on from your coffee equipment. the coffee machine. Dark Arts also Dark Arts Coffee Academy is on works with employment agencies and Cox Lane, behind Dan Murphy’s under other training organisations, offering great Club 300 Bowling Alley. incentives.

You’re welcome to call ahead with coffee If you’re in the coffee industry, you may orders on 0401 942 143. All other enquiries, wish to consider Dark Arts as a coffee supplier. including wholesale enquiries, can be directed Free indepth barista training and mentoring to glenn@darkartscoffee.com.au is offered to all wholesale partners, as an onFunction enquiries are also welcome, as going arrangement. Dark Arts also supplies the venue is the perfect location for your next coffee machines and a wide range of café event or office Christmas party!

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Barista Academy NOW OPEN in Coffs Dark Arts Coffee Academy is now taking Barista class enrolments.

Classes are open to the public and are suitable for beginners to intermediate baristas, along with the home barista. Employment agencies can take advantage of a great discounted rate for clients.

Training is done in a real café environment and explores the arts of coffee extraction and milk texturing in detail, as well as offering a great overview of the coffee industry. Courses are delivered in a fun manner and information is delivered at a comfortable pace. If you’ve already got a few skills under the belt, advanced one-on-one training is a great option to assist you to take things to the next level.

Dark Arts Coffee Academy is also a coffee roaster and wholesaler, supplying coffee to quality focused cafés and restaurants. Free ongoing barista training is offered to all wholesale customers.

Dark Arts works exclusively with high-altitude coffee from global regions that are renowned for consistent premium coffee beans, offering great hand-crafted blends, single origin and single estate coffees.

For information on barista classes or wholesale coffee supply, contact Glenn at glenn@darkartscoffee.com.au

coffs coast focus. 43

ootoya japanese sushi bar New to Coffs Harbour’s iconic Restaurant Row is Ootoya, an exciting Japanese restaurant in the heart of Coffs Harbour, serving quality sushi/sashimi, rolls, hot dishes and noodle soups.

• Lunch, dinner and drinks • Good for groups or parties • Family friendly • Outdoor seating • Table service • Walk-ins welcome • Takeaway available seven days a week and six nights a week for dinner Follow us on Facebook - Ootoya Coffs Harbour.

Phone: 6651 7770 Restaurant Row, Coffs Central Shopping Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.

Opening Hours Lunch Time: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: 5:30pm - late

44 coffs coast focus.

Summer adventure awaits ...

Summer program Jetty theatre The Jetty Theatre plays host to a diverse range of art forms across December.

Don Cheadle’s directorial debut Miles Ahead launches Cinematinee’s summer program leading into Screenwave International Film Festival in early January. Presented by Screenwave and the Jetty Theatre, Cinematinee presents world cinema screenings each Thursday fortnight.

Returning after a packed show with Hamlet earlier in 2016, National Theatre Live returns to the Jetty Theatre with a screening of London’s West End hit show WarHorse, providing local access to the world’s most incredible stage shows.

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!

In mid-January local choreographer duo Belinda Lemair and Mason Peronchik present their original dance performance, Epoch. Through multimedia, contemporary dance and music composed specifically for the production, audiences will be confronted by an emotional, raw and honest performance.

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

Holidays are fast approaching, and friends and family are starting to arrive from out of town - so what better time is there to remind us all how lucky we are to call this beautiful paradise “home”.

This summer, treat yourself, your family and friends to a shared adventure on a free guided tour back into the heart of the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Explore the stunning headlands, beaches, estuaries, rivers, gardens and rainforests.

Share in the stories, history, wildlife and adventure with a passionate local as your friendly tour guide.

Discover shipwrecks and tasty bush tucker, or breathe in the pristine air of an ancient rainforest.

Enjoy our resident koalas, kangaroos, turtles, native birds, perhaps even a pod of dolphins or a flock of majestic black cockatoos.

Whether you have travelled from afar or just down the road, everyone is welcome on a Coffs Ambassadors Tour.

With expert commentary from knowledgeable locals, this award-winning programme offers free two-hour guided walks throughout our local natural wonderland, where there is always something new to discover and no two days are ever the same.

Grab your friends, family and travelling guests and book your next weekend adventure now.

All ages, all welcome, and all free! Book your tour now at www.coffsambassadors.com.au Or phone the Visitor Information Centre on 6648 4990.

Upcoming Shows

Show: Thurs 1 Dec

National Theatre Live: War Horse

A screening of the live stage show direct from London

CINEMA

Screening “Miles Ahead”, the new Miles Davis biopic

CINEMA

Cinematinee

Gunganbu

An original production with music & dance by young local artists Show: Fri 16 - Sat 17 Dec

Epoch

Emotional, raw contemporary dance performance by Belinda Lemair and Mason Peronchik Show: Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jan jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

DANCE PERFORMANCE

Orara High School presents

COMMUNITY THEATRE

Show: Wed 7 Dec

Come out and play..

The Coffs Coast positively sparkles in summer!

Come and explore our natural hidden wonders in a whole different light, with a passionate local as your friendly tour guide.

mer Sum

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. 45

Coffs

GIG GUIDE

THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER Scott Day-vee Duo SEAVIEW TAVERN Raku The Soul Man HOEY MOEY

FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER The Frapp SEAVIEW TAVERN Richie Williams Band + DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY Double Shot SAWTELL HOTEL Dean Sharkey ELEMENT BAR

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER Raku the Soul Man SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Powerhouse COAST HOTEL Ziggy SAWTELL HOTEL Ben Francis ELEMENT BAR

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER Mason Rack HOEY MOEY Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont SAWTELL RSL Raku The Soul Man SAWTELL HOTEL Josh Matheson ELEMENT BAR

WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER Yhan Leal ELEMENT BAR

THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER Shannon Hunter SEAVIEW TAVERN Who’s Charlie SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER Lisa Hunt & Forever Soul MOONEE BEACH TAVERN 46 coffs coast focus.

Misschief + DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Agent 77 SEAVIEW TAVERN Fuzzy Muppets COAST HOTEL Sabotage SAWTELL HOTEL Jeremiah Johnson ELEMENT BAR

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER Carols with Coffs City Choir MOONEE BEACH TAVERN The Frapp SAWTELL HOTEL Craig Freeman’s Raging Oceans ELEMENT BAR Annual Muso Night SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY At The Bar COAST HOTEL Tullara Conners 63 FIRST AVE

SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER Charlie HOEY MOEY Shannon Hunter SAWTELL HOTEL Aqwa ELEMENT BAR

WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER Angus & Simon ELEMENT BAR

THURSDAY 15TH DECEMBER Darren Jack SEAVIEW TAVERN Craig Freeman SAWTELL HOTEL Michael Kopp ELEMENT BAR

FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER The Roys SAWTELL HOTEL Hekyl & Jive SEAVIEW TAVERN The Funk Thieves + DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY 1st Avenue COAST HOTEL Scott Day-Vee ELEMENT BAR

SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER

MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER

The Australian Eagles Show MOONEE BEACH TAVERN The Celibate Rifles plus Special Guests Son of Jaguar & The Flames SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Charlie Band SAWTELL HOTEL Red Light Special COAST HOTEL Little King ELEMENT BAR

DJ Helmy, Misschief + DJ Ning HOEY MOEY Who’s Charlie SAWTELL HOTEL

SUNDAY 18TH DECEMBER Uncle Jed HOEY MOEY D Boyzos SAWTELL HOTEL Shanteya & Jo ELEMENT BAR

WEDNESDAY 21ST DECEMBER Aqwa ELEMENT BAR

THURSDAY 22ND DECEMBER Tullara Connors ELEMENT BAR Craig Freeman SEAVIEW TAVERN Aqwa SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER Matty Devitt Band SAWTELL HOTEL The Funk Thieves SEAVIEW TAVERN Empire + DJ Layne HOEY MOEY Money Shot COAST HOTEL Tim Helmy ELEMENT BAR

SATURDAY 24TH DECEMBER DJ Bisho SEAVIEW TAVERN DJ Layne HOEY MOEY Empire SAWTELL HOTEL Jake Davey ELEMENT BAR

WEDNESDAY 28TH DECEMBER Yhan Leal ELEMENT BAR

THURSDAY 29TH DECEMBER Who’s Charlie SEAVIEW TAVERN Ben Francis SAWTELL HOTEL

FRIDAY 30TH DECEMBER Bill Roberts ELEMENT BAR The Stripes SEAVIEW TAVERN Hekyl & Jive + DJ Bisho HOEY MOEY Occarock COAST HOTEL The Funk Thieves SAWTELL HOTEL

SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER NYE Dave James Karaoke SEAVIEW TAVERN The Stripes + DJ Ning HOEY MOEY NYE with Double Shot & DJs upstairs COAST HOTEL Push SAWTELL HOTEL Craig Freeman & Dean Sharkey ELEMENT BAR

coffs coast focus. 47

CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Alison Bartlett, Bonnie McGowan, Lauren Fraser

Nadira Perera (Photo by Karina Davila)

(Photo by Karina Davila)

Paul Harper, Hugh Crowley (Photo by Karina Davila)

Chelsea Howard, Christopher Beros, Adelaide Zietsch, Troy Thomas, Liana Curzon

Carole Beros, Kerrie Fraser

Therese Barker, Karen Jackson

Jenny Bonfield, Gavin Smithers

Barb Ellis, Stacy Ellis

SOCIAL/SCENE

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don’t think it’s a bad thing, as there is so much of a build up to the arrival of good old Santa and of Christmas itself, that it seems a shame to have it only last for one day! So let’s rejoice and be merry and indulge ourselves and stretch those festivities out!

The race that stops the nation was celebrated everywhere, and Coffs Harbour Racing Club was all over it. A bright summer’s day brought a flood of excited race goers to the club, all dressed in up and ready to enjoy a day of fun, a flutter or two and a touch of fashion. It was a really hot and humid day, so we definitely enjoyed being in the air-conditioned comfort of the Corporate Lounge. “The Husband” is turning into a bit of a socialite; he suited up to attend the day and came with us to have some fun. The women always definitely outnumber the men on our tables, but he didn’t seem to mind one bit ... ha ha!

Staying with Melbourne Cup, guests were in high spirits at the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Cedar Bar and Kitchen on the day. To begin the day they relaxed and enjoyed a scrumptious four course luncheon feast in beautiful Bellingen. With over 50 attendees all dressed to impress, the Fashions on the Field Competition was hotly contested, with local lady Nadira 48 coffs coast focus.

CHRISTMAS IS ON ITS WAY, AND FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING! LET’S FACE IT - SOME START CELEBRATING REALLY EARLY, AND WE HAVE BECOME ONE OF THAT “MERRY BAND”!

Perara taking out the Best Dressed and Tanya McManus winning Best Millinery. Lots of fun ... great day out!

Sawtell Cinema is a hive of activity since it was restored and reopened. The quaintness and ambience of the cinema lures movie goers in, and it is a great venue for many charity events and fundraisers - one of those events being the premier screening of the fabulous movie The Light Between Ocean. The film was based on the book written by author M. L. Stedman, which sold over two million copies! The night was presented by The Friends of South Solitary Island, Cando Cancer Trust and Majestic Cinemas. Guests enjoyed a drink or two at the bar, before enjoying the movie, and there were raffles on the night to support the cause. All profits went to CANDO Cancer Trust.

The Beros family are big motor and rally fans, so having the rally so very close is ridiculously exciting! “The Husband” has been a Rally Australia Official since the start, and this is his fouth year. We joined Andrew Fraser on his table to join in one of the exciting events that leads up to the Rally . The FOCUS team had a table as well , so there was no way I was going to miss out ! The event was the Rally championship Drivers BReakfast and was staged at the beautiful ocean Front Aanuka

Beach Resort. Exciting times .

I attended another sensational art exhibition opening at the Sawtell Art Group Inc. Gallery and school just recently. There have been more renovations going on at the gallery, and the space is looking wonderful. The Coffs Coast has it all and I say it time and time again, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the art show opportunities we have in this area! This was an exciting new show by regional artist Geoff Mould. The exhibition was called The Ancient Mariner and was nothing short of amazing.

Guests enjoyed a bubbles or two, along with some delicious canapés, whilst enjoying the artwork showcased on the night. The exhibition runs until 20th November 2016.

I had the pleasure of providing some beautiful clothes from Le Dãin Designs for two shoots just recently, one being for a shoot at Opal Cove Resort. It was lights, camera and action, as models and media relaxed poolside for a new commercial. Cocktails and kaftans were the flavour of the day, as everyone enjoyed lunch over the gorgeous beachfront resort. The second was staged at the fabulous Vast Interior’s furniture shop. The Coffs Coast FOCUS Front Cover Team was all ready to style and shoot the fab front cover you see for this edition. I love this part of my job with FOCUS,

and I adore Christmas, so this was just fun … fun ... fun!

The Pink Silks Trust held their first Ladies and Tradies Night at the Hoey Moey just recently.

The night was an amazing success, raising over $25,000 to be used for the Palliative Care Unit at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus. There was a fabulous party atmosphere, with over 150 guests, live music, raffles and live auctions.

There were more than 40 businesses supporting the night. On arrival, every lady received a lovely pink gift bag. The night started with four Coffs Comet players to be auctioned off, which revved up the fun atmosphere. After enjoying delicious dishes, there was a whole lot of dancing going on to The Funk Thieves. There was also a unique Tradie Auction of labour and products to raise money for the charity.

Chairperson Tanya Johnson mentioned that there was terrific support from the Hoey Moey and all the night’s supporters and guests. I hear this will be part of the annual events calendar.

The festive season is all about spending time with loved ones, sending love to those who can’t be close and having fun.

Here is wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

Carole, Le Dãin Designs

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Barry and Svetlana Burrows

Adelaide Zietsch, Emma Binns, Bridget Sheridan

Emma Binns, Max Wood

LDRU, Matt Waise, Sam Phillips

Kim and Craig Jackson

Karen Jackson, Bridget Sheridan

Ray Smith, Michael Adendorff, Neil Cole, Mayoress Denise Knight, Paul Amos

Madonna Day, Helen Walsh, Charmaine Taylor

Cherie Parik, Mr and Mrs Wardman

Brittany Raven, Tanya Watts

Jennifer Dowd, Harry Barry, Sam Wardman

Jasmine, Katrina, Ashleigh, Jessica

Jasmine Kean, Shawn Berquist

Focus Table; Back: Marcus Phillips, Jake Crosmi, Dave Brighton Front: Brittany Raven, Nicci Seccombe, Tanya Watts, Natalie Hunt, Lace Browning, Nic Derrin

Gary Innes, Mel Crossland

Andrew Fraser, Ben Rainsford

coffs coast focus. 49

PINK

SILKS

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TRUST

LADIES RACE DAY

11 : 3 0 a m S u n d a y, 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6 S E V E N R A C E TA B P R O G R A M G R E AT D I N I N G PA C K A G E S Book Now: 02 6652 1488 www.pinksilks.com.au

A DIVERSE GROUP OF LOCAL BUSINESSWOMEN HAVE FORMED A GROUP TO HELP BETTER THEIR GOLFING SKILLS AND CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER. FOCUS WENT ALONG TO THE PUTTING GREEN WITH JO VINES TO FIND OUT MORE.

F U N F O R AL L T H E FAM I LY FREE rides, petting zoo, face painting, Steve McEwan’s Reptile World

M O N S T E R C H AR I T Y AU C T I O N 5.15pm after Race 7

PAR K B E AC H P L AZ A ’ S FAS H I O N S O N T H E F I E L D

From 12:30pm - Kids & Adults - over $3,500 in prizes

Sponsored by Carlton & United Breweries, Park Beach Plaza, Le Dain Designs, Yellowglen Wines, TG Jung Quarries, FM Glenn, Coffs Harbour Toyota, The Pier Hotel, Komatsu, Key Employment, Insurance Advisernet Australia, NM & AA Foley Contracting, and many businesses & individuals.

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hat was the inspiration that started “Ladies Golf Friday”?

G = Golf O = On L = Ladies F = Friday What started the ball rolling was that local businesswomen are regularly invited to charity golf days and are unable to play due to lack of golf skills and lack of knowledge of golf etiquette! Therefore, Golf On Ladies Friday was born!

Who is involved, and what do you hope to achieve?

The driving force has been Samantha Williams, General Manager, Southern Cross Austereo, who began lessons early in 2015 with Carol Cowling from Cowling’s R & R Carpets. Sadly, Sam is moving to a new position on The Sunshine Coast, and in future she will catch up on the course when she comes back to visit. The majority who participate are local businesswomen ranging in age from thirty to sixty. Our main aim is to connect with our peers and to laugh, relax and recharge on a Friday afternoon. Golf really makes players take the time to think; you think about every shot, and relaxation ensues! We are a diverse group of women and include Joanne Vines, One Agency Coffs Harbour; Jodie Cutler, Cutler’s Tyres; Lisa Smith from Jung’s Quarry and Total Gardens and Landscaping; Emma Rhoades from Meraki Images; Barbara McCormack, Wellness Mentor; Tulles O’Connor, Star FM; and Nikki Blewitt, Mike Blewitt Ford, to name but a few.

How long has the day being running?

Sam and Carol started lessons in early 2015 and after six months they decided it was time to get out on the course, put their skills into use and spread the word to their friends and associates!

Where do you meet?

At Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Friday afternoons. We meet late in the afternoon and have a social catch up (to get rid of the chatter!) followed by a one-hour lesson with Golf Professional, Matt Allen. We then play three holes before catching up for a mandatory champagne at The Nineteenth Hole!

Are you guys any good at golf, or is it more about the social aspect?

Realistically it is absolutely about the social aspect; however, the more lessons we have and the more practice we get, the better we become!

But for me (and probably for all of us!) some days are better than others! We range in ability from absolute beginner through to more experienced golfers, but the emphasis is equally shared between social and competitive skills and there is no pressure; it’s just a great a chance to wind down prior to the weekend.

Is this something that could grow into a larger event?

There is definitely potential! We have recently been involved in The Red Frogs Charity Golf Day, individually entering our own company teams to raise money for a great cause. This of course meets the original goal - to enable businesswomen to participate in golf events.

What are your hopes for the future of the day and what it can achieve?

The main aim is if you can attend - great! If not, there is no pressure; we understand the demands placed on women in business today and we need to be a flexible group, even providing support for each other when needed. Twenty women are currently registered for Golf On Ladies Friday, and seven to ten play every week.

Personally, I have connected with women with whom I would have never crossed paths, and I’m really grateful that I have and I now get to call them my friends. We are all benefitting from each other’s skills and assets. The big news is that we have our first sponsor - Carlton United Brewery who were looking for a fun ladies social group to match with their new Pacific Radler product.

At the end of the day, we’re all busy women, and the original goal was to achieve some time out and meet with like-minded women in a social environment, taking time out for ourselves, socialising, networking, learning a new skill and participating in some light physical activity in the great outdoors at the same time.

Where can people find out more?

We welcome new members! Feel free to Contact Matt Allen at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, or feel free to contact me, Joanne Vines, at One Agency Coffs Harbour, 0419 108 888.

CELEBRATE SUMMER AND NEW YEAR EARLY ...

Coffs Harbour Racing Club - 30th December FUN FAMILY & FASHION DAY 8 RACE TAB PROGRAMME GENERAL GATE ENTRY $10.00 - KIDS FREE GATES OPEN 11:30 ATTIRE — CASUAL OR RACE DAY FASHION FAMILY FRIENDLY — FREE KIDS ENTERTAINMENT JUMPING CASTLE - FACE PAINTING - BISTRO PACKAGES PRICES $33-$99 ENQUIRIES 6652 1488

LE DÃIN DESIGNS FASHIONS ON THE FIELD. THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PRIZES!

Le Dãin Designs Fashions On The Field

PHOTO BY FAB PHOTOS

coffs coast focus. 51

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e d i s k c a r t

CARLTON MID COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP 2016 - 9TH DECEMBER C E L E B R AT E T H E A R R I VA L O F S U M M E R W I T H A C H A M PA G N E I N H A N D A S Y O U TA K E I N A L L T H E A C T I O N T R A C K S I D E AT F O U R FA N TA S T I C S U M M E R R A C E E V E N T S AT T H E C O F F S H A R B O U R R A C I N G C L U B .

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ith only a few weeks until the rescheduled Coffs Cup occurs, it’s time to grab a gorgeous dress, find that stylish suit and round up friends or colleagues for the event that always tops the region’s social calendar.

The Coffs Cup will showcase an 8-race TAB program, and the Gold Cup Race alone has a coveted $85,000 prize pool. The Club offers a great range of hospitality packages for guests to enjoy, plus Fashions on the Field. Gates open from 11:30am.

Cup Hospitality Packages Take in the all the festivities 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 to host your own guests privately. A number of hospitality packages are available from just $80 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 Private Corporate Marquees. These options allow guests to enjoy the glamour and excitement at the Coffs Coast’s premier event, whilst overlooking the winning straight.

The Christmas Marquee is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with staff, 52 coffs coast focus.

colleagues or friends. Best for social groups many women take their influence from and small businesses (up to 20 guests), the Derby Day and dress in black and white.

Christmas Marquee will have a devoted bar Monochrome is feminine, understated and area in a prime position and will include a glamorous. Classic black rarely goes out of gourmet barbecue luncheon and access to style, but the past few racing seasons have TAB facilities for all guests. seen a move toward bold colours. Florals and Fashions on the Field lace have also been prominent in The Park Beach Plaza Fashions 2016, and pastels are making on the Field is also part of a comeback too, with the line-up, with fantastic standout racegoers prizes up for grabs for of Flemington and ill w p Cu ffs The Co ce ra Best Dressed Male, Randwick in 1950s 8an se ca show e th d Most Stylish Couple, silhouette dresses. an m ra og TAB pr one has a al Best Millinery, For the men, ce Ra p Cu d G ol prize pool .

Contemporary Lady a smart, wellcoveted $85,000 eat range a gr and Classical Lady fitted suit always The Club offers ckages pa y lit ita of the Day - Dress works best. Men of hosp joy, plus to Impress! Judging can also mix it for guests to en eld. Gates Fi Fashions on the kicks off from up in a different m .”

0a :3 11 open from 12:30pm. Check out coloured jacket such the fashion tips below! as navy or one with Summer Racing Fashion a simple print. Don’t Tips forget the hats, men - it’s a With the Coffs Cup rescheduled stylish addition to a suave suit. from winter, it’s worth keeping in mind Old school touches such as pocket that your fashion should reflect the squares and bow ties also get noticed. season. Some rules never change - race Christmas Race Day - Tuesday 20th wear is all about elegance, modesty and December sophistication, and all dresses should fall This is a relaxed race day with an 8-race below the knee. It’s best to save your party TAB program. As with all race days at the wear for another day …

Coffs Harbour Racing Club, hospitality Race days also present the opportunity to packages are available to book, with the highlight millinery and so often, the most Bookies Brunch always a popular choice. beautiful looks include an impressive hat or Gates open at noon, and entry is free! fascinator.

Le Dãin Designs Summer Race Day When it comes to choosing an outfit, Friday, 30th December

“

On Friday 30th December, the Le Dãin Designs Summer Race Day will be a wonderful blend of fashion and family fun and a great prelude to New Year’s Eve festivities. It’s a great day out for young and old, locals and visitors alike to enjoy!

Dress in your best summer inspired fashions, dress up or keep it casual; it's up to you! With Fashions on the Field presented

by Le Dãin Designs, opting for something striking and elegant might just land you on the podium collecting some wonderful prizes in the $5,000 prize pool up for grabs!

Le Dãin Designs Summer Race Day will be an 8-race TAB program event, with a variety of hospitality packages priced between $33 and $99.

Gates open at 11:30am, and all those under the age of 16 attend for free. Plus, there's something for the kids to enjoy too, with a jumping castle, kids’ rides and face painting.

Save the Date - Pinks Silks Race Day 2017 The 11th Pink Silks Ladies Race Day is on Sunday 8th January 2017. This special pink event highlights women’s health issues and raises much needed funds for local breast cancer charities and other organisations focusing on the wellbeing on women on the Coffs Coast.

Wishing one and all a fantastic summer of racing on the Coffs Coast!

To purchase tickets online or for race day info, please visit www.coffsracingclub.com.au

Summer Racing Carnival COFFS HARBOUR

CARLTON MID 2016

Coffs Harbour Gold Cup

Join us on Friday, 9th December for the much anticipated rescheduled Coffs Harbour Gold Cup!

For an afternoon of racing fun, Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field and race day festivities.

There are a great range of hospitality tickets available for the day priced from $80 per person.

Bring a group of friends or host your Christmas work party at the Cup Day! GATES OPEN: 11.30AM GATE ENTRY: $20.00 FREE Under 16yrs

Christmas Race Day

TUESDAY, 20TH DECEMBER

Come along to a relaxed pre-Christmas race day with an 8-race TAB program. Hospitality tickets are available or why not host a Bookies Brunch?

Gates open 12 noon FREE ENTRY

Le Dain Designs Summer Race Day FRIDAY, 30TH DECEMBER

Celebrate the festive season with an 8-race TAB program and Fashions on the Field. Hospitality tickets are available. Bring the kids along too there’s a jumping castle, kids rides and face painting.

GATES OPEN: 11.30AM GATE ENTRY: $10.00 FREE Under 16yrs

To buy tickets or for race day information

please visit coffsracingclub.com.au coffs coast focus. 53

focus_interview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

BUSINESS minds

DARRYN

QUIGLEY SOLITARY ISLANDS SURF SCHOOL

D

arryn, tell us about Solitary Islands Surf School?

Solitary Islands Surf School is a Surfing Australia endorsed community-based surf school located on the Coffs Coast. We started the business in October 2011.

Starting the surf school in the area I grew up in was something I had long been considering. I had been working for Surfing Western Australia and spent my last year there on an advisory committee with Surfing Australia, setting up the national junior development program, SurfGroms.

The timing was perfect, not only to start a surf school, but to move home as well. I took the idea to one of my best mates, Harley Ingleby, to see if he wanted to jump on board and so, Solitary Islands Surf School (SISS) began!

Harley and I were on the same page from the start as far as the direction we wanted to take the surf school. We didn’t want the operation to be about one individual or one component of surfing; we wanted a very inclusive operation that provided a quality service to the community and its visitors.

SurfGroms had just launched nationally, and the program really helped us to hit the ground running. It has also enabled us to branch out into the operation we run today. In 2013, Sawtell Surf School also became part of the SISS family when I partnered with Caspian O’Donnell to re-launch the operation under the existing Solitary Islands Surf School brand. The addition of Sawtell Surf School has seen our surf school services spread along all of the Coffs Coast.

You mentioned your strong association with SurfGroms. What is the program all about?

Weet-Bix SurfGroms is Surfing Australia’s National Junior Development Program and can be delivered by any Surfing Australia Affiliated Surf School. For the first three years, the program was Vegemite SurfGroms, and last season it changed to Weet-Bix. 54 coffs coast focus.

For us to use SurfGroms to get up and running was a no brainer. I had a really good understanding of the program and felt it was a perfect fit for our local community.

The program is for five to 12 year olds and is surfing’s equivalent to Nippers, AFL’s Auskick and Tennis’s Hot Shots. Being a new development program, Surfing Australia engaged a lot of people from the wider surf community and professionals who have been actively involved in kids’ sports for a long time to help develop it.

Being involved in its development meant I had a very clear picture of how best to deliver the program here.

That passion also resulted in me developing a SurfGroms operation in the wave pool up in Darwin. While setting it up had its hurdles, the Darwin wave pool program became a hit with locals, and programs filled up fast. The most satisfying part of the Darwin operation was my involvement with local Indigenous communities.

We were able to get the kids along to go surfing in the wave pool, which was such a thrill for all involved.

At the start of 2015, I also took up the role of SurfGroms Manager to oversee its re-branding and to introduce the program to schools.

However, with the arrival of our twins just a few months later, I realised it would be a challenge for all of the family for me to be away from home so much, and it made sense to step down. Now I’m back enjoying family life and staying home on the Coffs Coast.

You co-own the business. What do you think makes a good business partnership?

I think everyone will tell you that business partnerships have ups and downs, like any relationship. I think a good business partnership is identifying your individual strengths and combining them for the better of the business.

Harley is probably one of the most recognisable surfers on the Coffs Coast and has some great achievements in surfing, which helps the

The single most I important lesson ss ne si bu in d have learne ur yo eye is to always keep if you k on the ball. I thin are u focus on what yo rong st a ve ha doing and arketing m od go d an vision llow.” fo ill plan , success w

“

reputation of the surf school.

From a business perspective, he is very driven and has a great feel for presentation and marketing. He came up with our business name and his input on how we present the business, be it in digital or print media, is vital to our success. My role is more operational and making sure everything moves along smoothly and that we offer a quality service. Over the past few years, Harley has been working on other ventures within the surf industry and has managed to combine these well with our business.

My business partnership with Caspian at Sawtell Surf School is a little different but just as effective, as he focuses on running the day-today operations of the schools and I do all the business development. Once again, we focus on our individual strengths.

I imagine it’s a pretty competitive market.

What advertising and marketing do you find effective to set your business apart?

Surf schools and all activities focusing on leisure make for a competitive market. Firstly, I think it’s important to have a really good understanding of the product and services you offer. Once you have this, you can start to build strong and effective partnerships. Our main form of advertising and marketing is via our partners or through digital platforms.

We have found that by using strong visual imagery and changing it regularly, we avoid the brand looking tired or old. Most importantly, we work really hard to maintain a quality service, as our most of our business comes from repeat customers and word of mouth.

What important lessons have you learnt about running your own business over the past five years?

The single most important lesson I have

learned in business is to always keep your eye on the ball.

I think if you focus on what you are doing and have a strong vision and good marketing plan, success will follow.

Things have only become difficult when my focus has drifted and I’ve tried to force things to move along too quickly. The other big lesson I have learnt and am still learning is when to stop working and have a good work life balance. I think most people running their own business struggle with this.

Any challenges in starting and running your business and if so, how did you overcome them?

I think everyone starting out in business faces some strong challenges. When Solitary Islands Surf School started, the biggest challenge we had was knowing whether the area had enough people to support a surf school. Both Harley and I have always had other forms of income besides the surf school, which has taken the pressure off. At the start though, it was stressful for both us with the amount of work and time being put in without any financial reward. Otherwise, we haven’t had any major hurdles and touch wood; we’re hoping it stays that way.

Is there really ever a bad day at your office (lol)?

Yes, even at the beach you have bad days.

99% of the time I can’t complain and when I do, I have to kick myself. The windy days get to me the most, especially spending hours in the wind with large groups. Like most jobs in the sun, it can be taxing. But all up, I wouldn’t swap it for any other job. I find what I do very rewarding.

I’m able to spend time in the ocean each day and make a living from it too, which is amazing!

Thanks Darryn; when shall I book in a surf lesson?

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

DDECEMBER 2016

with Terri

Photo credit: Will Eades Photography

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

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.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 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.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Save some time for yourself.You are always beautifully generous in giving of your time to help others, and now it is time for you to enjoy being nurtured. Use your wisdom to know when to speak or when to be silent; communication needs to be love based for your best outcome.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

Stand your ground and speak your truth; you are an amazing leader in the workplace, and it is a good time for you to shine. Replace negative self thoughts with positive ones and become the answer to your fears.

Clear quartz is great for amplifying.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Set some fresh goals with clear intention and agenda. Then simply give yourself permission to succeed. You are needing to feel validated or appreciated at the moment, so give yourself some pampering.

Amethyst connects us to our soul’s strength.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

Spend some time outdoors; the earth offers many healing properties. Soothing and calming effects will be most beneficial to you at present.

Lighten up and be cheeky to avoid becoming too serious.

Turquoise connects us to our playful self.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

The need to fulfil your destiny will be a strong influence, so set smne 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.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 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.

Clear Quartz amplifies our strengths.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 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 is, after all, a great adventure in itself. Bring out your silly self and lighten up that seriousness.

Jade connects us to our heart energy.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 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.

Aquamarine cleanses negativity

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

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.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

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.

coffs coast focus. 55

Illustrations by James Kemsley and Jason Chatfield

101 THINGS TO DO ginger meggs: CELEBRATING 95 YEARS An amazing exhibition of memorabilia and cartoons spanning 95 years, from Australia’s favourite ginger-haired larrikin.

2 DEC -- 29 JAN

BUNKER CARTOON GALLERY

TWO TAILS WINES

Come and visit the ginger-haired larrikin over the Christmas Holidays. Something for everyone, young and old! Haven’t organised your Christmas Party venue yet? Call us and book the Gallery to party surrounded by cartoons from your favourite cartoon character!

OPENING NIGHT: Friday 2nd December Runs from: 2nd December 2016 to 29th January 2017 OPEN: 7 days – 10.00am – 4.00pm (closed Christmas Day) COST: Adult $3.00 Child $2.00 (Friends of the Bunker and children under 5 – free entry)

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

CLUB 300

GREENHOUSE TAVERN

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

We have the kids all looked after at the Greenhouse with every Sunday from 11.30am being Sunday Funday. We have a jumping castle, face painting and special activities.

The Smiley’s will be here every second Sunday from 12 – 3pm. Bistro opens at 11.30am.

Kid’s meals $9.90 including a free kids drink!

We have your Family Sunday sorted!

ADDRESS Cnr Pacific Highway & Bray St Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 PHONE 02 6651 5488 WEB www.greenhousetavern.com.au FACEBOOK @greenhousetav

Open 7 days 10am--4pm (excluding Christmas Day), John Champion Way (off City Hill Drive at racecourse roundabout), Coffs Harbour P: 02 6651 7343 E: info@bunkercartoongallery.com.au W: bunkercartoongallery.com.au General admission: $3 adults; $2 child u16; u5 & Friendship members FREE

TEN PIN BOWLING, BAR & PIZZA CAFE

2 GAMES FOR $20

(CONDITIONS APPLY)

RALEIGH WINERY

THE HONEY PLACE

Located just 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour the award winning Raleigh Winery is a great spot to visit. Whether you are holidaying here or a local the Raleigh Winery is a destination with the lot; a scenic drive, great views and free wine tasting on arrival! Sample the range of unique Boutique Wines, Red and White Fortified Wines and their famous handmade Brandy Cremes. Relax with a tasty cheese platter on the riverside deck and soak up the breathtaking views across the Bellinger River to the mountains.

TRADING: Open Wed to Sun 10am-5pm.

7 days during NSW school holidays.

ADDRESS: 36 Queen Street, Raleigh NSW 2454 PHONE: 02 6655 4388 WEB: raleighwines.com.au EMAIL: info@raleighwines.com.au

The Honey Place is a unique and fascinating place to stop and have a break. It offers a fun experience that will both delight and educate the whole family. View the working colony of Honeybees from behind glass, and taste their succulent honey.

Get up close and personal with the Stingless Australian Native Bee, Browse the great range of Honey products.

Enjoy a fresh coffee, tea and scones, Honey Ice Cream.

PHONE: 02 6655 6160 EMAIL: info@thehoneyplace.com.au ADDRESS: 8147 Pacific Highway, Urunga TRADING: Monday to Friday 6.00 to 5.00 Saturday 8.30 to 4.00 Sunday / Public Holidays 10.00 to 4.00

Tel. 02 66556160

4049 Giinagay Way (Old Pacific Highway)

Urunga, NSW

Ur

www.coffscoast.com.au 16 56 coffs coffs coast coast focus. focus.

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.

CoffsCoast

CoffsCoast

CoffsCoast

CoffsCoastNSW coffs coffs coast coast focus. focus. 57 17

focusinterview.

I N 2016, T R A DI T IONA L OW N E R S OF T H E L A N D NOW K NOW N A S OR A R A E A ST STAT E FOR E ST, T H E GU M BAY NG G I R R NAT ION E L DE R S, G R A N T E D FOR E ST RY COR P OR AT ION PE R M I S S ION TO T E L L T H E STORY OF GU MGA L I T H E B L AC K G OA N NA.

G

umbaynggirr people are the as “postcards” due to its perfectly positioned garlugun-gi girrwaa, or “first viewing frames in the timber; a great opportunity mob” of the Coffs Harbour for Instagram users to instantly frame and share area. The partnership has their experience with the world. Further along resulted in a 400 metre the 400 metre walking track, a Tallowwood seat walking track that tells the provides a picturesque rest stop on the way to story of Gumgali through sculpture, mural art, the lookout, whilst a life-like goanna sculpture signage and sound - in Gumbaynggirr rests in the bush along the track. language, a language still strong Local artists Snarly and Yowa today. Gumgali Track was have been collaborating on developed in collaboration walls and cross pollinating NSW forests with Gumbaynggirr graffiti culture with contain a rich Elders, local artists and Gumbaynggirr culture, ginal history of Abori designers. a mix of the old and the cultural heritage s of At the Korora new, for some time. ie following centur t Lookout carpark, Their stunning murals en skilful managem visitors are greeted along the track tell the by traditional with interpretive .”

Gumgali story, combining landowners signage telling the Story contemporary patterns of Gumgali, and the forest with graffiti-style in sharing environment provides the the Gumbaynggirr culture. context for the visitor experience Upon arrival at Korora Lookout, along the walk. visitors can take in the breathtaking A series of public art sculptures lead north coast ocean views from tree-shaded visitors along the track to the lookout. seating or a sunny viewing deck. The ocean, The sculptures have been crafted from locally or gaagal, is very important to the Gumbaynggirr grown Brushbox, Tallowwood and Ironbark people. It is here at the lookout that the story of timbers, both tactile and beautiful. The first Gumgali can be listened to at the “sound bar” sculpture reflects the landscape in a 3 metre in Gumbaynggirr language, sharing a local story high timber monolith with carved relief. Visitors that has been passed down through generations are encouraged to interact with the second of people using these forests, in a language that sculpture along the track, known colloquially is still strong today.

“

58 coffs coast focus.

NSW forests contain a rich history of Aboriginal cultural heritage following centuries of skilful management by traditional landowners.

Today, Forestry Corporation works closely with local Aboriginal land councils and traditional owners to protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant sites and create sustainable partnerships with the Aboriginal community.

GETTING THERE Korora Lookout featuring The Story of Gumgali can be found in Orara East State Forest, on the Scenic Drive up to Sealy Lookout, just north of Coffs Harbour.

Travel north on the Pacific Highway and take the “Sealy Lookout” turn off just past the Big Banana. Follow the winding road up through banana plantations and scenic views until you reach the Orara East State Forest. Turn left at The Gap and follow the road up to Korora Lookout carpark.

When you’ve finished enjoying Korora Lookout, don’t forget to drive 500 metres up the road to Sealy Lookout and the famous Forest Sky Pier.

Cost: Your visit to NSW State Forests is absolutely free.

Share your experience on social media - search #VisitNSWForests Download our free VisitForests app www.forestrycorproation.com.au/visit

THE STORY OF

Jalumbaw yarrang Gumgaliyu nyaawang niigarrin biguurr-garri waruungga juluumba.

Long ago that Gumgali saw men with spears high in the mountains.

“Galang, Yaam ngaya wambi.

Ngaya yaarri yarraang giili,” yirraang Gumgaliyu.

“Oh gosh, I’m scared. I’m outta here now,” said Gumgali.

“Ngaaja yaanggu jaliija wajaada gaagalgu waalgaw yarrang muniim barrway manggarla.”

“I’ll go underground to the ocean and push that big rock ahead of me.”

Yaarrigay yarrang Gumgali burraabading gaagala. Wanaawang niigarrin wajaada.

And then Gumgali arrived at the ocean, leaving the men behind on the land.

GIVE MOVIES THIS CHRISTMAS BCC Cinemas have the perfect Christmas Gift solutions and are also taking donations for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Bring a new, unwrapped gift and place it under the tree. You can also purchase a Gift Card for the Salvation Army to distribute to families in need. Imagine their smiles when they receive a special day at the movies from you!

A great present for the hard to buy for family or friend, Movie Gift Cards are available in any amount from $25 for use at over 50* cinemas for movies, popcorn, choc tops and the full range of treats from our candy bar. With 12 months to use our Gift Cards, there are lots of

great films releasing to choose from, including Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Wonder Woman plus plenty more. Various Christmas Movie Gifts are on sale at the cinema seven days a week until 9:30pm. Businesses can preorder larger quantities for staff/customers by giving the friendly staff a call.

Add a little magic to your christmas season Add a little magic to your Christmas season ...

• General admission passes

With the help from the friendly staff at

Avoid the queues and parking nightmares of

Dolphin Marine Magic.

a busy shopping centre with our easy access

If you’re looking for that perfect gift for your

carpark and a gift shop bursting at the seams

loved one but just can’t seem to find it, why

with items you won’t find anywhere else in

Cinebuzz members, be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming Christmas specials for Gift Card purchases. Not a member? Join in cinema today or at cinebuzz.com.au

not try a gift voucher!

Coffs Harbour.

• Annual passes

• ABC3 TV series Blue Zoo filmed right here!

• In water dolphin and seal encounters

• Colourful marine animal plush toys

• Junior marine ranger program

• Unique dolphin jewellery

*Movie Gifts valid at BCC Cinemas/Greater Union/Event Cinemas only.

• Trainer for a day

• Children’s books

• Meet the stars

• T-shirts

coffs coast focus. 59

with Martin Wells, President Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.

with Tegan Ewart, Vice President Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce

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SEASON’S GREETINGS SEASON’S GREETINGS TO THE FOCUS READERS FROM THE BUSINESSES AND TRADERS IN SAWTELL.

W

ell, another year has almost passed, as we head towards a busy Christmas and holiday period. We once again look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to our beautiful village.

As we busy ourselves with Christmas shopping and entertaining, as a local business community we would like to remind everyone again about the importance of shopping locally. Many studies have shown that when you buy from a locally owned independent business rather than a national corporate, a lot more of your money is returned to other local businesses, service providers and farms, thus continuing to strengthen the local economy.

Where we shop, eat and have fun makes our community a home and keeps it unique.

One of a kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Sawtell. Did you also know that not for profit organisations receive on average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses?

Locally owned businesses also contribute to reducing environmental impact by making more local purchases requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in town centres, making for less sprawl and habitat loss. Small local businesses are also the largest employer nationally and in our community provide the most jobs to residents.

Local retailers allow the consumer to buy what they want and not what someone else thinks they should buy. A market place of many small businesses is the best way to 60 coffs coast focus.

ensure innovation and low prices over the long term. Small business select products based on their own interests and needs of their local customers, rather than products based on a national sales plan. Small businesses can deliver a much broader range of product choices.

Local businesses are owned by people who live in the local area, who are less likely to leave and more likely to invest in the community’s future.

Sawtell definitely delivers on all these fronts, so it really does pay to shop locally. We are never more alive than in summer, so come and visit and support us this month. You will not be disappointed, but you will be surprised and you will be delighted.

Don’t forget also the December Summer Session on Thursday the 8th from 5pm. First Avenue will be closed to traffic, and you can enjoy local musicians, buskers, entertainers, kids’ activities, shopping and dining. Another community event, proudly brought to you by the Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.

Find SAWTELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE on Facebook for up to date information about activities happening in Sawtell, or visit the website: sawtellnsw.com.au.

The Sawtell Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit organisation run by a committed group of volunteers and meets on a monthly basis. We are always grateful for any support or assistance that is offered and welcome any enquiries.

We wish you a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA ... WHAT COULD BE NICER? HOW ABOUT CAROLS BY THE SEA! HEAD OUT TO WOOLGOOLGA ON FRIDAY THE 16TH DECEMBER, AND YOU CAN HAVE BOTH!

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he Woolgoolga and Northern To light up the night sky, Glowies will be Beaches Chamber of Commerce in available from the Chamber of Commerce conjunction with LifeHouse Church marquee and there will be printed programs of Woolgoolga will proudly present available free of charge, so we can all sing the Woolgoolga Mitre 10 Carols by the Sea along.

2016.

The 2016 Woolgoolga Mitre 10 Carols The event will take place from 6pm until 9pm on the Woolgoolga Beach Reserve. by the Sea will certainly be a night to Come along early to grab a bite remember, and it wouldn’t be to eat from one of the local possible without the amazingly establishments, the food generous support of vans on the reserve or ite ur vo fa ’s ne Everyo our local businesses. the Marine Rescue , guest of honour ed Woolgoolga Mitre 10 sausage sizzle, roll liver Santa, will be de ‘bells of ts lo out your picnic rug, have thrown major safety with the and whistles’ by less and secure yourself a support behind the friendly and fe arlgoolga great spot. event. The Seaview crew of the Woo w ill be The effervescent Fire Brigade (who in de er Tavern, CHCC, Coffs re entertainer Andrew Santa’s stand in evening) .” e th r Coast Holiday Parks, Fuji fo “Smiley” Smith will Xerox, The Advertiser, Life be your MC for the

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evening and will lead you on a magical Christmas journey through all of your favourite carols, as well as performances by The Toads, local schools, dance studios and the Church Choir.

Everyone’s favourite guest of honour, Santa, will be delivered safety with lots of “bells and whistles” by the friendly and fearless crew of the Woolgoolga Fire Brigade (who will be Santa’s stand in reindeer for the evening). Santa will have lots of assistance thanks to Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club, who will be “Santa’s Helpers” for the night.

House Care and Handybin Waste Management are also big supporters. The spirit of Christmas and community is also being shown by GL Abbott Solicitors, Woolgoolga Real Estate, Woolgoolga Diggers Club, Mid North Coast Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, Beach Street Family Practice and Rosebourne Gardens Motel.

Definitely a true community event! Ah … the spirit of Xmas! See you there!

focus_tourism

with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

tourism UPDATE

STEVE MCKEWAN IS COFFS HARBOUR’S VERY OWN REPTILE MAN. WITH SNAKE SEASON LOOMING, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO CATCH UP WITH STEVE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SNAKES WE CAN EXPECT TO COME ACROSS ON THE NORTH COAST.

THE REPTILE MAN

STEVE MCKEWAN

WATERFALL WAY WONDERS THE WATERFALL WAY IS CONSIDERED THE BEST ROAD TRIP IN THE REGION AND IS FAST BECOMING KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC DRIVES IN AUSTRALIA. LIKE ALL GOOD HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES, YOU NEED A LITTLE TIME TO DISCOVER ALL THAT’S ON OFFER, SO WHY NOT START WITH THE SPECTACULAR LOCAL HINTERLAND, WITH OVER A DOZEN WATERFALLS, PLENTY OF LOCAL HISTORY AND SOME OF THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE COUNTRY.

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he journey takes you on a sensory overload, winding through the Bellingen village, which is famous for family picnics on the Bellinger River and colourful Markets. The touring route leads west past farmland up to the Dorrigo plateau, with historical buildings and the world heritage Gondwana rainforest, before continuing through gorge country and tablelands to Armidale.

Waterfalls and Lookouts There are 12 magnificent waterfalls to see throughout the 220 kilometre drive, starting with Newell and Sherrard waterfalls along the escarpment, on the way to Dorrigo. The Dorrigo National Park World Heritage area has panoramic views from the 50 m skywalk and walking tracks, including the two hour loop to Crystal Falls, and just north of the town centre is the popular Dangar Falls. Further along the touring route is Ebor Falls, which has an impressive two tiered, 100 metre drop and amazing views of the gorge country in Guy Fawkes National Park. East of Armidale is the Wollomombi Falls, which has one of the highest waterfalls in NSW, where the water plunges into the ravine and after rain creates a mesmerising soaking mist.

Spectacular lookouts along the route include Griffiths Lookout in Dorrigo, with views of Bellingen Valley and New England Park ranges. If rock hopping is your thing, then add Cathedral Rocks and Woolpack Rocks to your stop off list. The kids will love the giant rock boulder

formations with vantage spots and amazing photo opportunities from the top of the summit. Bush walking trips are perfect at this time of year, with spring wild flowers still in bloom and forest trails through diverse woodlands and dry rainforests.

Nature and Adventure The countryside is constantly changing, with opportunities to stop and enjoy the wilderness along the way. There are plenty of close up animal encounters, especially in the gorge country, with platypus living in the rivers and numerous eastern grey kangaroos. Birdwatchers are in for a treat, with honeyeaters and lorikeets, and you might also be lucky enough to spot wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons soaring over the steep cliffs into the deep ravine.

The Waterfall Way is a local favourite for bushwalking day trippers and there are many trail options, including easy access trails to the hard core challenging (Grade 4) Eagles Nest Track and Cathedral Rocks with chain assists to the summit. Other bush walking options include all day tracks, where you might need to leave your vehicle at one end and camp the night at the other.

Now is the time to experience the best road trip in NSW, with its diverse landscape from rainforests, gorges, rivers, waterfalls and abundant bird life. So hit the road, put on some tunes, and enjoy the ride. www.coffscoast.com.au

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pproximately top and yellow underneath. ed lli be three thouGenerally they’re only dRe The is e ak Sn sand people seen when moving about k ac Bl ar ne d un are bitten in the open. fo tly mos nts by snakes Marsh Snakes are often water, where it hu es , every year in Australia, incorrectly called Copfor frog s, tadpol and ds ar liz , ls fish, ee with most bites occurring perheads, because they other snakes .” in rural areas. The majority frequently have a lighter get bitten because the snake head colour than the body. has felt threatened, either by Copperheads are found on someone trying to catch or kill the the Northern Tablelands, not the snake, or accidentally treading too close Mid North Coast. or on it. Therefore, the best way to avoid a Marsh Snakes eat frogs and lizards and bite would be to avoid the snake by leaving it are mildly venomous, not unlike a wasp or bee alone and looking where we walk. sting.

Most venomous snakes are nomadic feeders, The Red-bellied Black Snake is mostly found constantly on the move in search of food, water near water, where it hunts for frogs, tadpoles, and shelter. That is all a snake needs to survive, fish, eels, lizards and other snakes. But, it will also so if we can reduce or eliminate one or more of move into drier areas in times of drought looking these factors, we are well on the way to reducing for food and a drink. the numbers of snakes that will reside around our Because of its shy nature, most people bitten homes and property. by this species have usually tormented the snake, The snakes most often seen in the Coffs Hartried to kill it, picked it up, or trod on it. bour area are the Carpet Python, Common Tree The Eastern Brown Snake does not necessarSnake, Marsh Snake, Red-bellied Black and in the ily have to be brown. They can be light or dark drier areas, the Eastern Brown Snake. brown, even black, and sometimes they are The Carpet Python is a friend to people living banded, mainly when they are young. on the Mid North Coast as it is non venomous They are a very nervous, alert and shy snake and because of its size, consumes large numbers and if cornered or approached, feeling that they of rodents (rodents of course, being the main are vulnerable, will face the enemy, stand up in food source of many venomous species). So if we an S shape, quite often with mouth open, and encourage the pythons to stay in our roofs, sheds defend themselves. But as with all snakes, give and around our properties, they reduce the food them right of way, and they will retreat. The for venomous snakes and therefore reduce the Brown snake when feeding will cover a lot of chance of a potentially fatal encounter. ground searching for its favourite food - mice.

Pythons may, on the odd occasion, eat a chook Brown snakes are one of the most common speor two, but believe me - it’s certainly worth cies and because of their fondness for mice, this having a harmless snake taking a fowl every now brings them in contact with humans, resulting in and then, than a venomous one biting your kids, them as the leader of snake bite, and snake bite you, or domestic pets. death, in Australia.

The Common Tree Snake is non venomous and If you come into contact with a snake bite, feeds on frogs and small lizards. please call 000 and follow the first aid procedure It is a slender snake, often an olive green on for snake bites.

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focusinterview.

Veterinary Physician

PAWS and cLAWS

VICKY McCLURE

I have been a devoted animal lover since childhood. As a child, I had just about one of everything and sometimes multiples.

Dogs, pigs, donkeys, sheep, horses, goats, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, cockatoos, kangaroo and a magpie ... This was all before I was seven!

While my career has offered me the opportunity to work in a variety of interesting areas - retail management, hospitality, legal, real estate and massage therapy, my dream has always been to have a successful pet care business. I am delighted that this dream is slowly coming to fruition.

With more than thirty-five years' experience, I’ve thrown countless balls in dog parks, walked thousands of kilometres, looked after hundreds of people’s precious pets from as large as horses to as small as guppies. I’m trustworthy, reliable, friendly and committed to providing excellent care for your feathered, scaled, furry, 0-8 legged members of your family.

I offer all animal care, dog walking, mail collection and can put out your bins and bring them in. I can care for your pet in your home (sorry no sleep overs) and visit as many times a day as you require.

I’m devoted to animals. And will be to yours, too.

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Vicky McClure decided to pursue a career as a vet at an early age and hasn’t looked back since then. FOCUS caught up with her in between delivering a calf and

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assessing a blood test to find out more about the job.

ow long have you worked as a vet?

Almost 28 years, most of it in beautiful Coffs Harbour.

Previously I was in Western NSW and also overseas for a stint in England.

Is it something you've always wanted to do?

I think I decided about age 15, since it combined my love of science and animals/ nature.

Can you describe a day in the life of a vet?

There is really no typical day, as each day can be very different. Most mornings I start work at 9am after getting the kids off to school. Sometimes I get called earlier to attend a very sick animal in hospital, or possibly a cow giving birth.

The vet nurses start at 7:30 each morning to look after the hospital patients and get the clinic ready for the day. After hospital rounds with the nurses and Blair (my associate vet) where we discuss in-patients' ongoing care, I usually start consulting or large animal calls or surgery.

A typical day's surgery cases might include desexing a cat, dental treatment and extractions on a dog, x-rays on an injured dog's leg and an ultrasound examination of a cat with bladder problems. After grabbing a bite of lunch on the run, I'll then begin afternoon consulting and might see an itchy dog, a cat with an eye injury, a dog with tick paralysis to admit to hospital for care, a recheck blood test on an ongoing case, and maybe an old dog that has reached the end of his life. I might need to check and treat injured wildlife, such as a kookaburra hit by a car or lizard attacked by a dog. I'll then check all the inpatients

are comfortable and call their owners for an update and make some other calls to report lab results and give phone advice.

Sometime amongst all of this I research the latest treatments for another ongoing case, read some current veterinary journals and do some management tasks.

I never get my to-do list anywhere near completed! Home about 6:30pm, though I may need to be on-call for after-hours emergencies if it's our clinic's rostered night/weekend on duty (which we share with the other vets in town) or to come back in and care for inpatients overnight if they need it.

What sort of training required?

Currently five or six years at university qualifies you to be a vet, but you will need to constantly learn forever!

What are some of the characteristics of a good vet?

A strong stomach! Compassion (for people and animals), patience, people skills, confidence, a questioning mind, persistence and the ability to think on your feet.

What do you love most about being a vet?

I guess I really enjoy seeing the wonderful and varied relationships between people and their pets. Also, making a difference in the lives of people and animals - solving the puzzles of the sick pet. I love that my job is so varied and never boring.

Your least favourite part of the job?

After-hours work - since it usually involves urgent decisions/treatments and less than full staff to assist, especially difficult when I've already had a busy, tiring day and another coming up tomorrow. But since we now share this

responsibility between clinics, this is much easier to cope with!

Favourite animal?

Cats and dogs equally. Dogs, because of their interactiveness. Cats, because they choose to interact or not.

Do you have any stories?

Hard to choose, since so many interesting things happen here every day, and you kind of need an insider's humour to appreciate them. A memorable case was a Labrador presented for a second opinion on a bladder infection that wasn't improving. When we ultrasounded her bladder, we found a strange linear shadow. At surgery it turned out to be a kebab stick that had travelled through the wall of the stomach free in the abdomen and then travelled through the wall of the bladder, likely over several months! And the dog had been perfectly well until the past couple of weeks. Don't let your pet eat or chew kebab sticks!

Any advice to someone thinking about a career as vet?

Great. Spend some time in a veterinary hospital (preferably working as a nurse or kennel hand) before making that decision, to get an understanding of the workings of the industry and talk to as many people in the profession as possible. Bondi Vet and other TV shows don't always give an accurate picture.

Being a vet is not for everyone. You need more than a "love for animals" to be a successful and fulfilled vet.

Where can people find out more?

Australian Veterinary Association website has some information on becoming a vet, but you are best to talk to your local vet.

Thanks Vicky.

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

Quadrant travel & Journeys Quadrant Australia have been tempting travellers with special interest tours for more than 30 years across five continents. As a travel specialist, the experienced team can assist you with all of your travel needs, including flights, packages, cruises and coach touring.

FIJI THE HEART OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC FIJI IS BLESSED WITH 333 TROPICAL ISLANDS AND WITH A FLIGHT TIME OF 3 ½ HOURS FROM BRISBANE, IT’S NO WONDER IT’S ONE THE MOST POPULAR PACIFIC ISLAND HOLIDAYS FOR AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES AND COUPLES LOOKING FOR A TROPICAL PARADISE.

As well as being a travel agent, they are delighted to bring a unique product to the Coffs Coast region. Quadrant Australia share their knowledge and contacts to allow the traveller experiences that they can’t get on their own. It might be dinner at a local farmhouse in Ireland or preferred seating at the World’s Greatest Rodeo, The Calgary Stampede, but on average with over 20 special interest tours departing each year, Quadrant Australia are sure to have an option for you.

Kerry Moss from Quadrant Australia tells us that the 2017 tours are filling fast.

One of the popular tours has been the Ireland and UK Farm Tour departing in August 2017, where travellers enjoy a leisurely tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland, visiting farming

enterprises and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the UK. Travellers tour in beautiful Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, visiting major historic and cultural sites. The tour highlights include the elegant cities of Bath and Cambridge, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Mohr and Stonehenge, before travellers conclude their journey in the cosmopolitan city of London.

Coach touring takes all the worry out of travelling. It’s an opportunity to travel in comfort and style at an all-inclusive price, including airfares from Australia, accommodation, transport, entrance fees and the majority of the meals. Travellers enjoy the freedom to make their own choices, with the support of qualified and knowledgeable tour leaders.

Quadrant Australia also operate special interest tours to Canada, USA, Europe, South America and Africa. If you’d like to find out more, visit their website www.quadrantaustralia.com or drop in to see the team in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour.

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hoose from a diverse range of culture and history. accommodation, from exclusive If you need extra incentive to visit, then 5 star resorts through to hostels ask someone about the Fijian hospitality. The or if budget is not an issue, then Fijian people are welcoming, affectionate and book an entire island just for yourself. Fiji has sincere. They don’t operate on the same time somewhere to suit everyone. schedule that the city dwellers do and as a Fiji offers a versatile holiday for both result, travellers find themselves slipping into families and/or an adult getaway with ”Fijian time” quickly upon arrival. After all, it family friendly resorts on the is the Fijian way!

Coral Coast, action packed If you’re worried about the adventures available in language or the food, you the Mamanuca Island needn’t be. It’s an easy Further off the and exclusive coupletransition. Most Fijians track en at be only resorts with speak English. Children e there is still som to luxurious overwater begin learning English re traditional cultu e Bures that are in the first grade, along ar ly re ra t be found, bu ji Fi healthy competition to with the traditional g lin el those trav ” it. r for the more Fiji language, the fo g in search expensive options of child’s local dialect and Tahiti and the Maldives. sometimes Chinese or Further off the beaten Hindi. Traditional Fiji cooking track there is still some is called lovo, a feast of food traditional culture to be found, wrapped in banana leaves or palm but rarely are those travelling to Fiji fronds and cooked in an earthen pit. Pork, searching for it. Travellers are hypnotised fish and chicken is placed at the bottom of by the white sandy beaches, swaying a lovo pit that has been lined with very hot coconut trees, pristine oceans and coral reefs stones. Root crop food such as taro, cassava waiting to be explored. It really is a water and wild yam covers the meat, before the pit activity mecca; snorkel, dive, surf or kayak is filled with dirt and left to cook for about the pristine oceans, white-water raft the clear three hours. and clean waterways, cruise the ocean around Fiji is an ideal winter holiday, with warm, the mainland and outer Fiji Islands or if you dry sunny days throughout May to September. need a break from the water, trek through the Drop in to see the team at Quadrant Australia rainforests or visit the welcoming villages and in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour to find out about experience sustainable living with a unique the latest deals.

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L AU R A L I T T L E F RO M A M C A L

L AU R E N V E S T E Y F RO M L I V I N G D O L L

FOR CHRISTMAS

CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR A SUMMER CHRISTMAS EVENT IS ONLY HALF THE BATTLE - THE HAIR AND MAKEUP SITUATION IS ITS OWN STRUGGLE. AS WE ENTER PRIME PARTY SEASON, WE’VE TAKEN SOME OF THE GUESSWORK OUT OF THE PREPARATION BY ROUNDING UP SOME OF THE BEST RED CARPET HAIRSTYLES TO WEAR TO ANY EVENT, WHERE YOU CAN DIY.

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O YOU LOVE A GOOD PONYTAIL? HERE ARE THREE TIPS TO PERFECT YOUR PONY.

TEST KIT

JETTY VILLAGE AMCAL PHARMACY IS DEDICATED TO OFFERING SERVICES WHICH IMPROVE COMMUNITY WELLBEING.

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s such, they are excited to announce that they are now offering a new genetic test that greatly reduces the risk of medication side effects.

Available over the counter, the myDNA Medication test provides you and your healthcare professional with information about your DNA that can help them tailor medication to suit you - personal information that has not been available before now.

A myDNA test is and quick, painless on ed et pl m can be co Village the spot at Jett y y Amcal Pharmac o and includes tw ith your w ns tio consulta t, Laura local pharmacis Little.”

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According to myDNA Director Dr Lior Rauchberger, around 70% of Australians are unable to process common prescription medications properly - leaving them exposed to dangerous side effects or treatment failure - which he says is a matter of genetics.

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“Genetic differences mean everyone processes medications differently, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next, even if it’s a treatment for the same condition,” Dr Rauchberger said.

“It’s the same science behind why we like different tastes, scents and colours - no one is the same as the next person, and that also applies to medications.

“A precise prescription reduces the risk of harmful side effects, and it’ll save the patients wasting time and money on medications that don’t work.

“It’s a new era of personalised medical treatment.”

A myDNA test is quick, painless and can be completed on the spot at Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy and includes two consultations with your local pharmacist, Laura Little.

1. Tease your hair slightly at the crown. Don’t worry about making it look perfect - controlled messiness is what makes this look so appealing.

2. Gather your hair into a ponytail at the nape. While you’re pulling it back, make sure your hair covers your ears, and leave a few pieces out in the front - it’ll give the ‘60s inspired shape a cool, modern feel. You want more pieces on one side of your face than the other, so your face isn’t perfectly framed. An easy way to achieve the effect is by pulling small section of the front pieces back one by one, until you like the way it looks.

3. After you’ve secured the ponytail, use your fingertips to gently push the hair at the crown forward, adding a touch more volume and messiness. Its imperfect finish keeps the look cool - not too girly.

SECOND SUPER-EASY STYLE … IT’S EVEN EASIER, BECAUSE IT’S PRETTY IMPERFECT TOO. KNOT BUN!

front of your face. Finish with hairspray.

FINALLY, LOVE THAT SUPER RELAXED LOOK OF HAIR “SWOOPED” UP AND OFF YOUR FACE. Here’s how to: 1. Starting with damp hair, make a rectangular section at the front of your head. “It should extend from the end of one eyebrow to the end of the other and four inches back from the hairline,” Lauren explains.

2. Spray a volumiser to your roots and blowdry hair straight up using a round brush; this will provide the necessary traction for holding the hair up.

3. Once it’s dry, make a pin curl by wrapping the section around three fingers and securing it with a bobby pin. While that section cools, spritz salt spray on the rest of your hair and rough-dry, tousling it with your fingers.

4. Take out the pin curl and spray dry shampoo at the roots of the middle section.

2. Twist hair back in inch sections to create small knots at the nape of the neck, and secure with bobby pins in an X formation.

5. Now, for the swoop: flip the majority of the front section to one side and make a side part that starts at the arch of your eyebrow and angles back toward the crown. You should have a big swoop on one side and a mini swoop on the other. (If you have a cowlick, use that natural lift by flipping the swoop to the opposite side - this look was made for cowlicks!)

3. Continue pinning sections until all your hair is pinned back, and let wisps fall at the

Have fun creating you new season festive look. XO Dolls.

1. To get the messy knots, start by adding a root-lifting spray to damp hair, and blow-dry with a round brush.

Plastic Cosmetic & Laser surgery Cryolipolysis - Non Surgical Fat Removal Cryolipolysis is the most innovative, safe, non-surgical body contouring treatment available.

Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy your local health destination

It is used to target annoying bumps and bulges of stubborn fat. Clinical studies have shown that this revolutionary technology is an effective means of targeting and freezing away unwanted isolated areas of fat within your body, such as love handles, tummy, back rolls, arms and knees.

What is Cryolipolysis?

Cryolipolysis is the non-invasive controlled cooling of adipose tissue (Fat Cells) to induce lipolysis (breaking down) without causing damage to other surrounding tissues.

The result over time is a noticeable, natural-looking reduction in fat.

How does Cryolipolysis work?

Cryolipolysis is based on the principle that fat cells are more vulnerable to energy extraction (cooling) than surrounding tissues.

A non-invasive applicator is attached to the targeted procedure area to extract energy from the underlying fat tissue, while protecting the skin, nerves, muscles and other tissue.

The cooled fat cells undergo apoptosis (controlled cell death) and are gradually eliminated, reducing the thickness of the fat layer.

Permanent results after the slimming treatment.

Noticeable changes are often seen as soon as three weeks after treatment.

Results will continue to improve over the following four months. Contact us for more information.

New exciting change at the end of November - Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy is now locally owned and operated.

Laura Little has spent the last five years working as a consultant clinical pharmacist in general practice and Indigenous health. She now brings her wealth of clinical expertise back to community pharmacy.

Crazy christmas Season Not ready for the crazy Christmas season?

The party season is only a few weeks away, so it is time to start thinking about your Christmas party hairstyles. It is always fun to experiment with your hair, and what better time than the party season for trying a fabulous new look! Christmas and New Year parties call for glamorous styles, so if you have read our DIY column in this issue and think it all still sounds too hard, Living Doll is here help.

Whether it is going for a casual lunch or a glamorous dinner party, Living Doll’s Premier Stylists, Lauren, Leah, Candice and Kate, can make you feel and look great - just what you need to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Don’t delay though; book today. We get extremely busy at this time of the year, so in order to avoid disappointment, contact us on (02) 6699 2122 and book your Christmas party hair appointment today! XO Dolls.

A New Style is a New You. Gift yourself today!

Laura is passionate about providing real-life, practical and evidence-based medicine information, knowing that every person has unique and dynamic health care needs. Her experience has shown her the benefits of also working together with a patient’s doctor, allied health, home-care services and family.

Professional services at Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy now include home and clinic medication reviews, respiratory and wound care services and myDNA pharmacogenomic testing to personalise medication treatment.

I was not surprised to find out that women make up less than 10% of pharmacy owners in Australia - this makes me excited to be a role-model for my daughter, as I embark on this challenge.

Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy is where you will find nonjudgmental, prompt and professional health care advice, and I am looking forward to bringing a new experience of pharmacy to the Coffs Coast.

Jetty Village Amcal Pharmacy is open seven days per week, 8am - 6pm weekdays, Sat 8am - 1pm and Sunday 8:30am 1pm.

coffs coast focus. 65

the Key to See Y Yao D.C.

Ipar The key to optimal health is to acknowledge the unique and complex interplay between one’s genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors, and those influences on one’s current state of health. A personalised health program is the means to restore optimal function to the mind and body! hy do we need a new way of thinking about disease and health? We are conditioned to think of disease as an isolated set of symptoms that can be “fixed” by pills, and to think of ourselves as healthy in the absence of symptoms. In the face of the increasing numbers of chronic health challenges such as Autoimmune Disorders, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, and Autism, we need to realise that these conditions are often preceded by a period of declining function in the body’s system, before the manifestation of symptoms. Western medicine has saved many lives by successfully treating emergency and end-stage pathology; however, the quick fix approach does not promote health.

To restore and maintain health, we need to consider the physical and emotional well-being of the whole person, including the interaction between all the bodily systems. The future of medicine requires openness and collaboration among clients and health professionals with different specialties.

What are the core principles of Seek Holistic Health? I integrate and apply the core principles of Functional Medicine, Chiropractic, and Kinesiology in my practice. The body can heal, as long as we maintain a dynamic balance between the environment and the body, mind, and spirit.

To achieve this balance, we have to understand the biochemical individuality of each client, and to identify the current internal and external influences on their life expression. For me, it is most important to be respectful and responsive to my clients’ preferences, needs, and values, and I encourage every client to take control of their health while supported by the therapeutic partnership we build together. The treatment

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focuses on root cause resolution, rather than management of symptoms.

How do you tailor a personalised health plan? I provide a personalised health plan by gathering information about a client’s family history, prenatal to current health journey, and lifestyle factors, including diet, nutritional status, toxic exposure, exercise, stress levels, relationships, and sleep. In addition, it is useful to explore genetic predispositions, and use targeted diagnostic tests to see what is happening inside the body (i.e. hormonal status, detoxification pathway, or brain chemistry balance).

What are the most common issues you face at your clinic? The most common health concerns I face at the clinic are Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Menopausal and Andropausal related concerns, as well as muscle and joint pain, Autism, ADHD, learning and behavioral challenges. Although one may think of these as totally separate conditions, clinical observations and experiences indicate that they indeed share common contributing factors, such as food sensitivities/intolerances, high toxic burden, chronic inflammation, poor oral and gut health, and hormonal imbalance. My role is to identify the relationship between major contributing factors and each client’s unique make up, determine appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment approach, support the healing process, and be an integral part of a client’s health team.

How can we learn more about your services?

To find out more about my services and health topic updates, visit my website and Facebook page. Feel free to contact me. I will also be providing free group talks on a range of health topics in the coming year.

The obligations on employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace and the impact of both work and nonwork related injuries and illness can be significant. We can help you navigate this through our proven injury prevention, OHS, workplace rehabilitation and return to work services.

We work with employers of all sizes, from the smallest sole trader to some of Australia’s largest employers. We understand that the most effective way to reduce workers compensation costs and red tape is by implementing best practice injury prevention and safety systems, and where an injury occurs to achieve Return to Work in the most

timely and sustainable manner.

If you are a small employer, we will not only help you with your return to work requirements, but we will provide you with education as to what you need to do in order to meet your obligations.

We have an experienced local multidisciplinary team consisting of Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Exercise Physiologists and Employment Consultants working to achieve the best outcome for all involved.

For assistance with safety systems, injury prevention and injury management, call the Coffs Harbour IPAR office directly on 6651 5111 or rehab@ipar.com.au for further information.

LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

attitude to ent grin and er, with a perman one to find out more. engagin g charactplayed some one on and energet ic and Yusuf is an the Nike Airs dusted off match. FOCUS

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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?

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

12 coffs coast focus.

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Due to our vast network of Bulk Billing clinics and our advance systems, our patients have the luxury and convenience of being able to visit any one of the Tristar clinics across Australia and have their medical records available.

We offer traditional family medicine and give you the ability to make an appointment with a choice of doctor, with some of our clinics offering female doctors. Our patient and family centred approach to health care treats each person respectfully as individuals, and we aim to provide continuity of care.

Tristar Medical’s teams of doctors share an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience and remain committed to providing their services to their local community.

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

Kiah, Brooke, Louise & Col Missing from photo: Sheree & Sandy

“

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. coffs coast focus. 13

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG ONLINE FLIP BOOK

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

NOW ONLINE + FREE

coffs coast nutrition There is an abundance of nutrition information (and misinformation) - on the internet, TV and radio, and in books and magazines, so is it any wonder the average person is confused!

If you’re looking for someone who can translate scientific information into personalised, easy-to-understand advice, why not contact the experienced nutritionists and health coaches at Coffs Coast Nutrition? They have extensive university studies in nutrition and science and have no association with any company or government department, so you know you’re receiving trustworthy, independent advice.

What can we do for you: Louise Williams specialises in helping people who have irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances and coeliac disease, with many of her clients experiencing life changing results. If you have diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, wind, reflux or nausea, then Louise can help. She has an interest in the relationship between the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, weight management and various medical conditions. Louise is also the only Accredited Sports Dietitian in the Coffs Harbour area, and she has additional personal training qualifications. Kiah Peterie provides individually tailored medical nutrition therapy to assist with diabetes, heart health, liver and renal disease, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, IBS, food intolerances and much more. Sheree Riley enjoys working with both children and adults. She provides assistance regarding weight management, fussy eating, nutritional deficiencies, behavioural problems and gastrointestinal issues.

Sheree is also experienced in medical nutrition therapy.

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

coffs coast focus. 67

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

KATEDOUGLASS 26 YEAR OLD, MARRIED, FUN LOVING CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about 15 Eating Out Survival Tips. This month we are catching up with and profiling Kate Douglass and her personal trainer Dan Tempest, to hear her inspiring story.

W

hy did you want use a Personal Trainer at the start?

I’d been going to the gym for a long time, and I knew I just wasn’t reaching the full potential that my body is capable of. I figured having someone to be accountable to would help me find my motivation and steer me in the right direction.

So why did you choose Dan as your Personal Trainer?

I’ve known Dan for a little while, but didn’t know a lot about what he was doing with PT. I did know he had a background in sport and sports coaching though, so I thought he’d be able to help me find the motivation I was looking for. I haven’t looked back since!

What was your major fitness goal when you started your PT sessions with Dan? Initially it was probably the same as most people: to lose weight and tone up. I started seeing results in just four weeks, which was great! I had to buy new work pants, down a size in six weeks then again in nine weeks. I realised I’d lost about 9 kg without really knowing; I was just focusing on performance in the gym.

Great! Have you set new goals now?

I love the fact that I can now just focus on performance and not worry about my weight.

A few weeks ago I got a personal best squat of 60 kg for one repetition which was 4 kg heavier

68 coffs coast focus.

than my body weight, which was very exciting.

I’d love to push 100 kg for one rep, which would be amazing. Running isn’t a strong point for me, so I’d love to be able to smash out a half marathon (21 km) one day. I feel like possibilities are endless, really.

How does training with Dan help you in your day to day life?

This is the huge change for me. We train in the morning, and I’ve found that it makes my day so much easier. It’s actually made my whole life easier in general. It makes me happier; it’s really lifted my mood, and that helps my personal relationships with family and friends. It has made a massive difference for me.

What is the best thing about training with him?

It’s surprisingly a lot of fun. I used to dread exercise, but now I get excited about our sessions. They are not always easy, but that’s what I love about training with Dan. He makes us (training buddy Natasha Turner) feel like we could do ANYTHING! He challenges us to be better every day, and I feel like I do get fitter, stronger and healthier every time I walk out of the gym.

Thanks for sharing, Kate, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see me at either Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina or Moonee! You can also contact Dan directly on 0432 579 221 to get started today.

Revealed:

Top Tips TO BEAT THE CHRISTMAS BULGE.

With Christmas just around the corner and the many eating (and drinking) occasions that accompany it, you have probably started to think about the few extra kilograms that generally come with this period. On average, Australians gain 0.8 - 1.5 kg over Christmas time; and it’s not often easy to shift the excess weight once the New Year rolls around. So, what can you do to beat the Christmas bulge?

Mid North Coast Physio’s Accredited Dietitian Katie Drury reveals her top tips to eat healthy, while still enjoying the Christmas festivities. hy is it important to remember 5. Drinking alcohol can add to the merriment of nutrition over the festive the festive season, but you don’t need to drink season? in excess to be the life of the party. Aim to have Research has shown that weight at least two alcohol free days per week, and gain over the holidays usually occurs around the try not to have more than two alcoholic drinks mid-section; and while a few kilograms may seem per day. quite harmless and easily reversible, unfortunately 6. Keep up your exercise over the holidays! the reality is this weight is not often lost. Carrying Ask for a gym membership for Christmas - many weight around your mid-section is associated local health clubs, like our friends at Coffs Coast with an increased risk of developing diabetes Health Club, have 24-hour access even if they and cardiovascular disease, as well as increasing aren’t staffed over the festive period. Also, get the load on your lower back, which can cause or outside on Christmas Day with the family for worsen existing back pain. Through implementing a game of backyard cricket or touch football a few key strategies, you can decrease your between courses. risk of developing chronic lifestyle diseases and Who can benefit from seeking help from a still enjoy the yummy foods that are Dietitian before and after the festive available at this time of year. season?

What are some strategies If you are someone who finds that that can be used to make Keep you do so well with your weight up your Christmas eating healthier? loss goal throughout the year, e 1. Don’t skip breakfast: exercise over th a r then by the time it gets to the fo holidays! Ask Instead, opt for a filling and p hi rs New Year you must start all gym membe healthy breakfast to start the stmas ...” over again as you’ve regained ri Ch r fo day off on the right food, and all or most of the weight you had avoid over-eating when it gets lost. In this sort of case you often to lunch and dinner time. For require more support and motivation example, eggs on wholegrain toast, to get you through the festive season, as a wholegrain cereal, such as Weetbix with well as education about healthier choices to low-fat milk or fruit and yoghurt. make.

In addition, through developing the skill of 2. Stick to healthy plate portions: aim mindful eating and portion control, you will often to have half your plate filled with non-starchy find it much easier to continue your weight loss vegetables or salad vegetables (i.e. everything but throughout the year. potato, sweet potato and corn).

If you would like to find out more 3. Avoid Boxing Day over-eating by freezing about how a Dietitian can help you, leftovers on Christmas Day in individual portions call 1300 273 747 to request a FREE prethat can be defrosted when required. assessment appointment with Katie. These 4. Take time to appreciate the foods you are appointments are strictly limited, so call eating; put your fork down between bites and now to ensure you avoid the extra kilos this take notice of the flavour and texture of foods when you are eating.

Christmas.

BE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE AGED CARE IS CHANGING.

Now you have a choice who provides care in your home.

WE CAN HELP YOU. CALL US TODAY.

“

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exceptional care in your home

coffs coast focus. 69

“We looked everywhere for the best place for Nan. Only one ticked all the boxes.”

Clarice’s granddaughter, Rebecca.

Freedom family

After a lifetime of caring for her own three children, seven grandchildren and her 103 year old mum, 81 year old Clarice finally needed care herself. In her search for a place that provided 24 hour care plus the independence, companionship and lifestyle her Nan so richly deserved, her granddaughter Rebecca visited every nursing home in her region. The only place she found that “ticked all the boxes” was Freedom Aged Care.

Freedom Nursing Aged Care Home

COMPARATIVE ITEMS

24 hr nurse services – immediate response nurse-call technology Low, High, Palliative and Dementia Care Government funding available Full domestic support Your own self-contained home with kitchen, bathroom, laundry and 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 Visit 92 Taloumbi Rd Coffs Harbour or call us on 1800 984 840 today.

What’s life without freedom?

Freedom Aged Care Click freedomagedcare.com.au 74 coffs coast focus.

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

be in your element during the festive season Is your Festive Season looking more like a Frenetic Season? You’re not alone. An important first step in truly enjoying the Christmas holidays is finding mental harmony and calm and maybe some relief from the physical stresses built up during the year.

In Your Element offers massage, Ayurvedic therapies and Uspa body rituals that balance, rejuvenate and heal. All our treatments are uniquely tailored to your needs, using quality herbalised oils and pure botanical products to deliver optimal results. Discover how the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda can help restore your health while experiencing an authentic Ayurvedic abhyanga massage.

This grounding treatment restores balance and enhances the flow of vital energy by treating specific points in the body called marmas.

Allow yourself to truly drift away with our shirodhara treatment, where a steady stream of lukewarm, herb-infused oil or milk gently flows back and forth across your forehead.

You will emerge feeling refreshed, blissfully calm and ready to take on the Festive Season.

Body wraps, scrubs and facial rituals are also offered using Uspa, a range of pure, natural, botanical skincare products made in Australia.

Alexandra Delien is a qualified therapist, ATMS accredited, and has been practicing massage for over 12 years. Two years ago, she relocated to Coffs Harbour, where she offers her services at Sunny Hill Retreat and from a newly built cottage on her property, both located in Bonville.

coffs coast focus. 71

focusinterview.

LISA TAFFE MEET LISA TAFFE, HEAD TEACHER, HEALTH, AGED CARE, NURSING AND FIRST AID (MACKSVILLE TO MACLEAN) AT NORTH COAST TAFE

J

uggling two professions; how do you do that?

Well, it’s hard work, but I make it work. You have to be really organised and flexible - all good skills to have and essentials to be a nurse. I used to nurse on night shifts and then teach through the day. Now I mix it up, because my kids are older now and it’s easier with the shift work.

What made you become a teacher?

To tell you the truth, I never pictured myself as a teacher as such, but knew I wanted to make a difference in our nursing profession. I had worked as a clinical educator in nursing, but Vocational Education and Training is very different and has taught me many skills.

Through North Coast TAFE, I learn something new every day. I love that I see I can make a difference in someone’s life and that what I do can assist in employment, especially for someone who may have not worked for many years.

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

We have four girls ranging in ages from 11 - 19 and a son aged 23 … we love what Coffs and its surrounds offer for them growing up the country lifestyle of horses and other animals as well as the beaches, cafés and parks close by. It’s great having events like the buskers, the football and various musicians and artists to experience also. Coffs has all the sports on offer for our kids, such as gymnastics, athletics, swimming, karate, tennis, horse riding.

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

Yes, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to undergo some treatment. It was all a bit daunting and overwhelming, simply because I had young children and I wanted to be here no matter what. Around the same time I had a few 72 coffs coast focus.

say

work colleagues also kids make me feel good I would have to g the one big thin diagnosed with about myself and job is varying cancers. my teaching when I I love about my cially pe the teaching - es . I am We were like an see them succeed, ds the 15 -18 ye ar ol at elite little group and there’s nothing y inspired every da le of nurses now better than walking gg ju how many kids having to have into an Emergency FE TA , ol two jobs , scho g tin people care for Department as a or sp d an and social us for a change casual nurse to find .” ts en commitm … It was very hard one of your old students when one of these form 10 years ago (was a close colleagues passed, teenager when she started but we celebrate her life each with me at TAFE) in charge of the day, hoping that soon there will be a shift and leading an emergency team cure for all cancers. at the age of 25. I love nursing people and That’s all behind you now? contributing to their wellbeing, but particularly Well almost - it’s a long standing like emergency work for the adrenaline rush treatment and monitoring process, but and satisfaction felt in helping someone hopefully I will be termed cancer free next year through a crisis. after ten years of seeing specialists each year What does your section offer? and undergoing radioisotope therapy and all Our section at TAFE is the Health, Aged the medications in between.

Care, Nursing and First Aid section. Our section And you are as active as ever? has teachers who are all nurses first and all Yes, I believe I am, although some mornings still working in the industry in some way. This I have more creaks and cracks than I care to unique quality allows us to deliver quality mention. I’m getting older and wear out more training with currency and experience in our easily now. I was determined not to let the specialised areas. The qualifications we offer cancer make me any less energetic or stop me range from skill sets to Diploma Level. Our from doing things that I was so used to doing. I Diploma course is Enrolled Nursing and is often do a lot of community work and work full-time the end point of a students’ pathway into in a head teacher role at North Coast TAFE, nursing. A lot of students do a Certificate III in covering from Maclean to Macksville. I also either aged care or health services first and then nurse casually to keep my currency and keep a pathway into the Diploma course then head my skills up. I like to play tennis and horse ride off to university to study Registered Nursing. to relax.

The teenage students we have for two years What do you like about nursing, teaching either in a school based traineeship or T-VET and doing what you do? program, where they study a Certificate III I would have to say the one big thing I love while still attending school and studying for the about my job is the teaching - especially the HSC. These are the students I enjoy the most, 15 - 18 year olds. I am inspired every day at because I really get to know them and mentor how many kids juggle two jobs, school, TAFE them through a really valuable pathway into and social and sporting commitments. These nursing and then sometimes I end up working

“

with them on a shift at the hospital or in an aged care facility.

In your opinion, what sets you apart from other nurses and teachers?

I wouldn’t say I’m that different from other nurses, except that maybe because I now have been a patient I understand more about patient needs in all areas - we all love what we do in our own areas; that’s why we are nurses. As a teacher I would say I am different, because I am still motivated to share the knowledge and skills I have after 17 years of teaching. I try to be really innovative and engaging in the classroom, and I’m one of those people who wants every student to do well, especially nursing students, because they will probably be looking after me soon. It’s exciting to help people gain qualifications and to have an email pop up or a student visit to let us know what they are now doing even 17 years later. It’s a very satisfying role to play in someone’s life.

Away from work, what are some of the things you like to do?

I do a lot of community work, and I am always busy taking my kids to various sporting events. In the last month I have been everywhere with their sports: Sydney for state gymnastics, state athletics and Newcastle for country gymnastics and even Grafton for an equestrian event. I like to meet new people and casually socialise. I’m a real people person and take people as I find them. Of course, my greatest pleasure is my family and the time we spend together, no matter what it is that we are doing.

Where can people go to get more information about your section at TAFE? People interested in our courses can visit www.northcoasttafe.edu.au, call 1300 628 233 or come into Student Central at the Coffs Harbour Education campus to find out more.

Thanks Lisa.

coffs coast focus. 79

focusinterview.

EARLY LEARNING

a family owned Coffs Harbour childcare and long day care operator. Its founder, Stuart “ Malouf, traded in a national based management role where he felt he spent more time in an aeroplane and interstate offices than with his young family Ohana Early Learning is

appreciating the Coffs lifestyle.”

hana’s North Boambee Valley centre was our first site in Coffs, and we opened in April this year. The centre was a refurbishment by the Watson Family of the old Seventh Day Adventist church and school houses that were completely modernised and incorporated our outdoor design and playground. The facility is based around large open areas for the children to explore and learn in a natural environment, with large spaces including an open classroom and large wooden decks to protect the children from the weather and environment.

Our latest centre is a purpose built long day care and preschool located in Scarba Street, just west of the Coffs Harbour CBD. The centre focuses on our belief of a nature based playground and modern children’s resources.

The playground is something we are particularly proud of, having engaged with a number of local contractors in creating a versatile and fun environment for children to explore and learn. Part of the design scope was to provide an artistic licence to the contractors in conjunction with an award winning landscape designer, that has created something we are all extremely proud of using local stone and resources, recycled timber and hard wood. The playground central focus is a sandstone sandpit and built in water course 74 coffs coast focus.

for water play. This is something we have incorporated at all our centres and have found provides hours of engagement and fun for the children.

Ohana started in 2013, with its first centre opening at South West Rocks; this start-up was an opportunity to service a small local community and build our service and beliefs in the childcare sector. The centre was well supported by the local families and provided an opportunity for Stuart to work with his daughter Emily who was having a gap year before heading to university to commence her studies in Occupational Therapy with a focus on children. It was a rewarding time for us as a family and as a business as we grew the service with the local community.

2016 has seen Stuart working with his son, Jack, in the business with Jack also taking a gap year, with his focus being on many of our systems and capabilities but importantly focusing on the marketing of the centres.

Jack has been responsible for many of the FOCUS articles over the last few months.

Stuart’s belief is that by simplifying and automating much of the administration side of the business, it allows our educators more quality time with the children in guiding and educating them.

What’s next for Ohana?

We are working with the Watson Family to provide an 80 place centre at South Grafton,

with an expected opening date in late 2017, household in those mad moments we as and there are currently plans before council a family call mornings. All our meals are for a 60 place centre within the new Cougle provided by Jamaica Blue at the Plaza here in Projects land development at Emerald Beach; Coffs, using the NSW Department of Health we expect to have this centre opened Munch and Move program and nutritional by mid 2017. Stuart has been guidelines. We also provide all busy with the partners of nappies and wipes. these sites in the design As parents, one of our and implementation of biggest dislikes was paying Stuart’s belief is ing the sites, using their for childcare in advance that by simplify h uc m natural attributes and paying for public and automating ation and local resources. holidays. At Ohana we of the administr ss it side of the busine s With the natural only charge for the care ator allows our educ with growth within the that you have received, e more quality tim ing childcare sector and so your statements are id gu the children in five centres spread always a week after you .” em th g in and educat across the Coffs Coast have received your care employing an estimated and as always after your 70 staff, Ohana will be eligible government subsidies and able to offer consistent quality rebates. As for those public holidays education and care to a wide range of where we are closed, we allow families to families in supporting the Coffs Coast. have a day in lieu; whilst you still have to pay Ohana offers long day care facilities for the public holiday under the government from six weeks to school age to all families rules, we provide a day for you to use at your at all its centres. We focus on engaging with leisure - a me day! families and providing a learning environment The Ohana name was derived from the for children in their early years. Ohana offers a Hawaiian word meaning family - it is core to preschool curriculum across all our centres. our beliefs and service offering. Come in and Key to our service offering is that we see for yourself at our new centres either at provide all meals and snacks for the children; North Boambee Valley or at Scarba Street. we believe this allows a family a much Your children will thank you! smoother transition for the busy working Thanks, Stuart.

“

Advanced mechanical Services

Red dog Mobile blast and Paint We operate on the Mid North Coast, servicing areas from Ballina to Port Macquarie and inland. We provide mobile dustless blasting and painting services.

Our aim is to provide a reliable and efficient service to all types of industries, including construction and renovation projects, auto and marine industries, farmers and residential home owners.

Dustless blasting is perfect for all substrates, and is ideal for working with fibreglass, aluminium and the removal of old coatings on weatherboard without damage.

Advanced Mechanical Services Coffs Harbour are your one stop shop for all your mechanical and automotive needs.

We cater for all makes and models of cars, light commercial, trailers and caravans. The team of fully qualified automotive technicians are focused on providing high quality customer service, with an emphasis on systematic and organised checks conducted in a diligent and professional manner.

We do car servicing including grease and oil change plus diagnostic tune-up and safety inspection, including a report on your car’s overall mechanical condition.

We are a rego inspection specialist. We do pink slips, blue slips and historic rego for cars over 30 years old.

Our process has no impact on the environment, using the latest technology.

We also offer log book servicing, so if your car is new or still under its warranty, it’s your choice where to have it serviced. We can service it without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.

We have over 30 years’ experience and offer free onsite quotes.

We have an unrivalled understanding of anything mechanical and just what locals need to keep them motoring!

Give Jerry a call on 0401 278 229 or email info@reddogblastandpaint.com.au

No more “it’ll be all right, mate ... give it go” - get it fixed right first time and at the right price!

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

Coaching Helps Coffs Business Owners Take Control Having a business coach is “on trend” at the moment. It’s obviously nice to have someone to talk to, but what’s the return on investment?

We talked to four Coffs Coast business owners about their coaching experience and discovered that the payback comes in many ways.

> Craig made better decisions with the help of a sounding board.

“I sit down with Steve for an hour and we just get to talk about running the business. To have Steve to bounce the ideas off makes me focus back on what it is I want to do…Just thrashing out the pros and cons of “why should we”, “what if we don’t”, “what if we do”, “what’s the worst that can happen” definitely helps.

It helped me bite the bullet in my decision to take on another broker – which turned out perfectly.

BUSINESS OWNER: Craig Budden – Aussie Home Loans COACH: Steven Oakley – MJA Business Solutions

To have Steve to bounce the me ideas off makes h at focus back on w …” it is I want to do

“

< Mindy got her business systems under control.

I was really lost. I didn’t know what I was doing behind the scenes and I couldn’t keep on top of things. Now I actually have a system. So I know exactly what I’m doing and where I’m up to, which is great because it allows me more time on the floor with my clients. I absolutely love what I do now. Over the next month we’ll be expanding and I definitely wouldn’t have done that without the business coaching.

BUSINESS OWNER: Mindy Bell - @Mindy’s Hair Salon COACH: Steven Oakley – MJA Business Solutions

^ Krystie and Justin found a path forward Because I was running in circles trying to do everything all by myself I just wasn’t moving forward. I am very bad for getting really good ideas and bouncing all over the shop. Steve reigned it all in and said, “What are the priorities?” We set them down into a structure and then worked through the processes, short term goals, medium term and long term goals and even an exit strategy. Now it’s not so overwhelming. We know where we are going.

BUSINESS OWNER: Krystie Boyes – Champ Cleaning COACH: Steven Oakley – MJA Business Solutions

^ Kyla and Allison’s partnership benefited from a fresh pair of eyes.

What’s surprised us is the value of a fresh pair of eyes. Our coach has acted as an impartial third person when it comes to making joint decisions. That fresh perspective has helped us to consider every angle when making big decisions and also to compromise when we don’t exactly agree.

BUSINESS OWNERS: Kyla Holley & Allison Davidson - The Australian Centre for Eating Disorders (ACFED) COACH: Mel Zander – MJA Business Solutions

There are many ways that your business can benefit from a business coach.

To find out more contact MJA Business Solutions today.

Your first appointment is absolutely free. www.mjabusiness.com.au 02 6652 8188 Helping businesses to grow and thrive.

fli

focus_real estate

Scott Nolan from Nolan Partners

what is gazumping?

IN A STRONG SELLING MARKET LIKE THE ONE WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING ON THE COFFS COAST, WE OCCASIONALLY HEAR BUYERS TALKING ABOUT BEING GAZUMPED ON A PROPERTY THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD SECURED.

G real estate update

78 coffs coast focus.

azumping in its simplest form is a term used when a purchaser has had an offer on a property accepted by the seller/ owner, and a second purchaser then makes a better offer before contracts are signed/exchanged. If the seller/owner then accepts the second offer and pulls out of the first deal, the first buyer has been “gazumped” by the second buyer.

The reality is any purchaser can avoid being “gazumped” by taking advantage of the “5 day cooling-off period” in a standard contract for sale once their offer has been accepted.

The signing of a contract and payment of a deposit with the “5 day cooling-off period” is a great way to purchase if you need time to do some due diligence.

This method provides protection for the purchaser against: • The owner/seller pulling out of the sale • Another purchaser paying more for the property Once the contract is exchanged, the purchaser has the “cooling-off” period to arrange pest inspections, building inspections, valuations etc. If the purchaser decides to withdraw for any reason during this time they will forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price ($250 in

every $100,000) to the seller as compensation.

Alternatively, if a purchaser elects not to sign a contract with a cooling off period, the real estate agent will prepare a “sales advice” and send it to both buyers’ and sellers’ solicitors. The sellers’ solicitor will then forward a copy of the contract to the purchasers’ solicitor, and inspections, reports and approvals etc. will be arranged in due course. It may then take a few days or even a couple of weeks for the purchaser and their solicitor to complete their searches, gain approvals etc.

It is important to note that whilst this is taking place, the property is legally still on the market and the owner has a legal right to continue to offer the property for sale, and anybody wishing to inspect or make another offer can legally do so.

If you are currently looking to purchase a property, then make sure you have everything possible prepared in advance. If you then find the ideal property you can elect to sign a contract with a “cooling-off period” and avoid the disappointment of being gazumped.

For more information on the property market or for any real estate advice, please feel free to contact one of the friendly team at Nolans.

Barry Hockey Accountants Merry Christmas and Happy New Year We would like to wish all of our clients, family and friends a happy and safe Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Did you know here at Klaustel we personally organise your NBN, telephone and internet accounts, as well as supply, install and maintain phone systems, small or large? At Klaustel, we are your one stop shop.

We give expert advice and offer an efficient, personalised and prompt service with ongoing support, and remember: at Klaustel, the people who sell you the equipment are the same people who install and maintain it. Locals looking after locals.

Supplying excellent quality at great prices, our Hybrex or MYPBX IP phone systems means there is no need to get stuck in expensive long term payment plans. Our prices are very affordable; however, we do offer interest free payment plans if you prefer.

We have found the NBN speeds are a great benefit to all businesses and remember, there are a lot of savings to be made utilising the NBN. Our plans our customised for each customer and their needs. The key to Klaustel's competitiveness has always been the personal approach, with direct access to a personal service being the key.

Please note that our office will be closed from 12pm 23 December 2016 and reopen 9th January 2017.

The festive season is traditionally a time to spend with family and loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on the year that has gone and focus on your plans for the New Year. I find that many people think about their financial situation over the holiday period and how they can do things differently or improve their situation in the year ahead. The tax office is presently undertaking a trial to produce software tools to assist business cash flow projections.

Whether you are employed or self employed, there is always room for improvement, and even small changes can lead to bigger and better outcomes. You need to â&#x20AC;&#x153;plant that seedâ&#x20AC;? if you want to grow. Cash flow is the lifeblood of small businesses and should be an area of focus going forward.

At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business.

coffs coast focus. 79

the vault

80 coffs coast focus.

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

THE VAULT IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE BUILDING RECENTLY REFURBISHED ALONG A PRIME RETAIL TRADING STRIP IN THE COFFS HARBOUR CBD. he building was previously tightly held by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia as their regional headquarters, until modern technology initiated the reason for the sale.

The building has now been secured by local families and has been refurbished to an extraordinary high standard, to last the next generation.

The new upgraded The Vault is in the best position in Harbour Drive's prime CBD retail strip and is on the sunny side of the street!

The Vault features high ceilings, floor to ceiling glazed shop fronts from the footpath and will range in size from individual shops

of around 147 m² to a total retail area of approximately 244 m ².

The new tenants were quick to seize upon the opportunity to secure a foothold in this landmark building.

A big thank you goes to the foresight of the purchasers and the input of LJ Hooker Commercial, local contractors and consultants. This project has been a stunning success.

There are still opportunities for retail and office space to secure a sensational deal before the centre has reached fully leased status. SO BE QUICK!

coffs coast focus. 81

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

Tells us a little about The years, after a fire in what Vault’s previous life? was previously Rivers.

The Vault was previously LJ Hooker The building was left vacant the ex-Commonwealth Commercial were ars, for a couple of ye was Bank Australia retail bank, appointed by t ha w in after a fire which was built during the Commonwealth rs .” previously Rive 1970s.

Building Australia as Whilst the building was consultants and selling very solidly built of brick agents. and concrete, it was a bit of a The building sold to dinosaur, with no lift access, no local family interests following internal fit out, no onsite parking and a packed onsite auction, with with steps up from the street level for access. vacant possession.

The building was left vacant for a couple of The Vault is the result of an amazing

“

82 coffs coast focus.

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

refurbishment with input from local provide undercover car parking, creating a contractors and consultants. beautiful, light filled feature recessed A Sydney based architect entrance lobby with two storey prepared the design plans. height and lift access and What immediate providing a modern, state LJ Hooker changes were of the art interior for the provided expert required? occupants to enjoy the t ha w consultancy on in d LJ Hooker provided latest commercial building ire the market re qu tail re expert consultancy ity features. al terms of qu ” e. ac sp e on what the market Meet the LJ Hooker and offic required in terms of Commercial team involved quality retail and office with The Vault space.

Troy Mitchell and Deb Grimley.

Immediate changes included Troy joined LJ Hooker Commercial raising the footpath height to enable in 1993, after spending a decade as street level access to the shops, opening up a valuer and consultant with international the building’s rear wall from the rear lane to agents Knight Frank in Sydney. He has developed

“

coffs coast focus. 83

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

an intimate knowledge of the industrial, Hooker Commercial Asset Management Team commercial and retail markets are managing the asset for the owners. on the Mid North Coast.

The Vault has completely Troy specialises in revitalised the old sales, leasing and oy Commonwealth bank Tr d D eb an e lu va consultancy. ed building. How will this id ov pr y to nc ta ul ns co Deb has a strong help to improve the city ng addi and the , rs se ha rc pu background in Retail, centre? e th merci al LJ Hooker Com t Asset Management, The building had been agemen an M et ss A Leasing and Sales. vacant, with hoardings ing the Team are manag rs .”

Clients include LJ at its Harbour Drive street ne ow asset for the Hooker Residential, frontage for over two years.

Mirvac and Gowings.

The building occupies an For The Vault, Troy was absolute prime retail location and the selling agent, and Deb was unfortunately an eye sore for too consulted and negotiated the leases. long.

Deb and Troy provided value adding This transformation is incredibly impressive consultancy to the purchasers, and the LJ and of a CBD standard that would not look out

“

84 coffs coast focus.

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

of place in Pitt Street. Sydney. to roof glazed façade which The transformation has signifies it as a standout is Th transformation created opportunities for retail landmark building. ly ib ed cr in is retailers and business Visitors to the our of impressive and people to operate from lovely CBD will certainly a CBD standard high quality commercial be impressed, and look that would not premises in the heart ongoing refurbishment tt Pi out of place in .” of Coffs Harbour’s of other buildings will ey dn Street , Sy burgeoning CBD. take place as investors are We generally find that encouraged to maximise after every property we sell retail opportunities within the is purchased, the owners take on CBD. board our consultancy on how to add value Are there any vacancies in The to the property’s worth, and The Vault is a Vault? stunning example of local enterprise.

Anchor tenants include Coffs Harbour What makes The Vault stand out?

Newsagency, Anytime Fitness and Westlawn The Vault features a magnificent and rare floor Finance.

“

coffs coast focus. 85

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

92 – 98 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR

The ground is fully

Visitors to the our lovely CBD ce will rtainly be going on impressed, and other of t en refurbishm ke buildings will ta are s or st ve in as e plac aximise m to encouraged es iti un rt retail oppo .”

D CB e th within

“

leased except for a shop of 180 m² with a very wide shop front of some 9 metres and an area at the rear of the entrance lobby. There are also two office suites available on the first floor.

Do you offer solutions for budgets of different sizes?

LJ Hooker Commercial was able to

customise the premises to suit the tenants’ particular requirements in terms of size, shape and position of the premises with a leasing package to reflect the quality fit out and location

86 coffs coast focus.

of the property.

What are your plans for the future of The Vault?

The replacement cost of The Vault and its attractive rental return will represent a “trophy” investment for the owners, who intend to retain the property.

COAST CLASSICS Coast Classics is a brand new men's designer store in Coffs Harbour. The store sells a range of clothing from coastal/sailing attire to business dress. The owner, Jamie Cassells,

in both Sydney and Melbourne, it is an English man who enjoys became a priority to return to the handpicking the stock coast so that our kids could himself, showcasing items experience the lifestyle of that he would love to t The replacemen a coastal community. We wear himself. Coast t ul cost of The Va al nt acquired Coffs Harbour Classic has now taken re e and its attractiv a t en es Newsagency in 2009 and in a new consignment pr re return will r fo t en m st ve took on The Plaza News of shoes which are in ‘trophy’ nd te in ho w , rs ne in 2014. The business has fantastic for the the ow erty.” op pr e th in ta re grown amazingly over the to environment. past few years and with new The store also stocks brands and products including Mosmann underwear, an ABC Centre, NSW Lotteries, various bags and accessories.

Hallmark Cards, and a great range of Coast Classics is located in wedding and occasional giftware, Coffs prime position next to Coffs News at The News has an exciting future.

Vault on Harbour Drive.

The move to The Vault provides a COFFS NEWS sophisticated offering to our customers and Owners Darren and Susanne Girard have been provides a relaxed environment for them to in Coffs Harbour for seven years. Growing up browse gifts, cards and magazines. on the North Coast and then pursuing careers

“

coffs coast focus. 87

Hamilton 266.

Allow yourself to imagine the lifestyle youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted, in the home you deserve!

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

Cleverly created to suit a narrow block, yet still give a sense of space, space and more space the sensational Hamilton,

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Call us on (02) 6691 3509 or

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email coffsharbour@gjgardner.com.au

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Office 171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW

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Display Home 3 Cherry Street, Sapphire Beach NSW 7 days 10am to 5pm

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

Builders Licence 191313C.