Coffs Coast Focus i76

COFFS COAST

January 2017//issue 76

1 coffs coast focus.

Feature Story Wood by Whale

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Welcome to the January issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

W

elcome to 2017.

It’s the start of a brand new year. Time to set some goals and ask yourself a couple of questions. What do I want this year, and how am I going to get it?

There are a few things that the FOCUS team would like to work towards in 2017… It’s a surprise and too awesome to share just yet!

What do you want this year? Go out and get it! And if it’s really epic, call us - there just might be a story in it. Happy New Year!

ON THE COVER It doesn’t get any more local than photographing five of Coffs Coast’s favourite faces. Each face represents a different region, which ties in perfectly with our main feature this year - Best Kept Secrets!

Duncan Marchant is the face of Coffs, Jaimee Seccombe is the face of the Orara Valley, Tegan Ewart is the face of Woopi,

Hugh Crowley is the face of Bello and Jake Cosmai is the face of Sawtell. Each of these representatives has a strong connection with their towns. Check out our Best Kept Secrets feature from page 43.

IN THIS ISSUE: Gabrielle Pool spent her formative years skipping class so she could paint and learn what art is really about. FOCUS caught up with the intrepid artist to gain an insight into where she finds inspiration for her works.

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is an amazing underwater wonderland, and we are lucky enough to have it right in our backyard.

We spoke with Nicola Johnstone to find out more about the park and the 25th anniversary of its conception.

Tanya Johnson is a true Coffs Coast local who has spent her life helping people both in her career and as a member of Pink Silks.

We found out more about her background and the organisation.

OUR NEXT EDITION Coming in the February edition of FOCUS, we will be presenting our annual Ultimate Wedding Guide of the Coffs Coast region.

February, the month of love and eight months out from the traditional commencement of wedding season, means this is a timely feature for the wedding industry to showcase what they have to offer future brides.

This beautifully presented Wedding Guide, as part of the FOCUS publication, will be sought after by local brides to be as the essential wedding planning tool. We will be combining the Ultimate Wedding feature from ALL FOUR FOCUS publication regions to create a unique handbook of the entire Mid North Coast and New England regions’ wedding participants to be delivered as a free e-book via social media.

FINAL SAY “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one” - Brad Paisley.

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GABRIELLE POOL.

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Gabrielle Pool spent her formative years skipping class, so she could paint and learn what art is really about.

FOCUS caught up with the intrepid artist, to gain an insight into where she finds inspiration for her works.

issue I S S U E

SOLITARY ISLANDS.

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is an amazing underwater wonderland, and we are lucky enough to have it right in our backyard. Focus chatted with Nicola Johnstone, to find out more about the park and the 25th anniversary of its conception.

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7 6

J A N U A R Y

2 0 1 7

12. WHAT’S ON

FOR JANUARY 22. EAT

FEATURING

LOCAL RESTAURANTS 38. SOCIAL SCENE

WITH CAROLE BEROS 81. STAR GUIDE

WITH TERRI 82. BUSINESS MINDS

WITH SAM WARDMAN

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JAYKE SHARP.

Jayke Sharp is a gifted surfer who honed his skills at the breaks around Coffs Harbour as a grom. Recently returning to the area and reconnecting with this amazing piece of coast that we all call home, FOCUS paddled out to find out more.

-

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

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

coffs coast focus. 5

focusinterview.

LISA HUNT MUSIC IN THE VINES

Lisa Hunt has performed, recorded and toured with some of the most legendary people in show business, including Aussie icons such as Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Tina Arena, Darren Percival, Jon Stevens and Midnight Oil. She is headlining

the sold out “Music in the Vines” festival this month at Two Tails Wines. FOCUS caught up with Lisa to find out why she loves playing for the crowd on the Coffs Coast ...

T

ell us about your background?

I was born and raised in New York City. I started singing from a very early age, in school, the community choir and sometimes spontaneously in class, which did not impress my teachers.

You’ve performed all around the world, so what makes the Coffs Coast so special to perform at? Coffs was one of the first places to embrace me when I decided to do a Soul show; I'm going back to 1999, so I'll always have an extra special place in my heart for this area. I’ve had the craziest after parties ever as well. Let's just say the natives are friendly. Ha ha!

What can we expect from your show at Music in the Vines? Sweet Soul music.

Motown, Soul, Funk and Disco.

Songs that have stood the test of time and have never grown old. Everywhere I go in the world, I will hear something from my set, which reminds me how special this period in music was. I'm talking about the '60s, '70s and some '80s.

What's not to love? It's o not too big or to te na io ss pa small e ar ho w le peop rth still down to Ea us . tio en et and unpr re!” su ea pl a s Alway

“

What is your all time favourite song? And why? My lifetime favourite would have to be Natural Woman by Aretha, but my current favourite is Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. It's just an amazing song and over time as I sing it, someone comes and tells me a life story

associated with that song. It's moving.

What does 2017 have in store for you? Music, music and more music. I will pick a destination I’ve never been to before for my winter break, but the tour has me happily locked down until late June.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Oh goodness gracious, I don't really want to think about it! I mean, I'm not 21 anymore (even if my brain thinks I am), so I

only hope that I will still be loving touring and that i'll be strong enough to perform as much as I want.

What do you love about the Coffs Coast?

What's not to love? It's not too big or too small - passionate people who are still down to Earth and unpretentious. Always a pleasure!

Thanks Lisa.

the plug!

Catch Lisa Hunt and Forever Soul on the 21st January at Music in the Vines, Two Tails Winery, Nana Glen.

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focusinterview.

Drawing inspiration from our amazing beaches and found objects, Dale “Whale” Graham makes unique and inspired works. FOCUS took a stroll along the shore to find out more about his creative process and love of the Coffs Coast.

C

an you tell us about your How did the name "Whale" come connection to the Coffs about?

Coast?

I have never been very overI grew up in weight, nor do I have a Sydney, but my blow-hole. I was given the grandfather nickname of “Dale the I have never lived at Lake Cathie near Whale” in my first year been very Port Macquarie. All of of playing Rugby, do overweight, nor my childhood family when I was 19. And e.

I have a blow-hol holidays were spent for the last 20 years, e I was given th there. It was one those it has just stuck. It e al 'D of nickname st fir y “be home when the can be disappointing m in ' le ha the W gby, Ru g in street lights come on” for people when they ay pl of year type of upbringings that first meet me and see when I was 19.” cemented my love for the that I have a chest like a Mid North Coast. Years later, Garfish!

I thought how great it would be Could you briefly describe to live in a place where people go for what it is that you make? holidays. So I quit my job, left the rat race I make driftwood and eco resin behind and headed north to Coffs to fuel jewellery and reclaimed timber wall art. my fishing and surfing addictions. Thirteen The jewellery is small, delicate and subtle. years later, I am still here.

The wall art (some pieces are over 2 metres

8 coffs coast focus.

“

long) commands your attention. I tend to operate at opposite ends of the spectrum … literally!

Where did the idea initially come from?

The idea for my driftwood and eco resin jewellery came from seeing a woman’s work (boldb.com) in Melbourne, who was doing something similar with hardwood offcuts. I had been experimenting with trying to make pieces from driftwood only. When I saw how amazing adding the resin looked, I knew that was the way forward.

I am happy to say that driftwood idea was completely mine. To my knowledge, I was the first to use it for the timber component of this style of jewellery. I also tracked down an eco resin that is designed for surfboard making. This product fits in nicely with the vibe of my jewellery.

The idea for the reclaimed timber wall art is blatant plagiarism … but it sure is fun, especially when I deliver one of these monster pieces and see them in a client's home or work space!

How long have you been creating these pieces, and how has your work changed over time?

For five years I made cutting boards!

About two years ago, after a huge amount of trial and error, I figured out how to make the jewellery. That’s when the business took a bit of a dog-leg! The style, shapes and colours of my pieces are constantly changing as I try new things. I am always hoping to make an even more eye-catching piece. The wall art has been happening for about a year now. Creating new patterns and colour combinations is always a wonderful challenge.

What raw materials do you use, and where do you find these?

The jewellery making process starts with a walk along my beach (Whale Beach!) up near Red Rock, looking for interesting pieces that have washed up. Eventually after

spending some time in the WoodbyWhale shedquaters, it becomes a wearable piece of art. The reclaimed timber for the wall art is salvaged from many locations, mainly industrial areas, in Coffs itself.

Is each piece that you create unique?

Absolutely yes! It’s the one thing I pride myself on the most. All pieces are truly oneof-a-kinds that I make one-at-a-time. Even if I wanted to replicate them, I simply couldn't, due to the nature of the timbers I use.

Do you draw influence from other artists?

“Good artists borrow, great artists steal”… With the wall art I try not to look too much at what others are doing. Although, I can’t help peeking at times! It’s too easy to be subconsciously influenced. I just keep trying to refine my style and trying to capture the joy of the beach in each one.

With the jewellery it’s a lot easier to be original, as it is the shape and nature of driftwood that determines the eventual shape. My job is to recognise how to best let the timber do the talking.

Best piece of advice anyone has given you?

Merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream!

What are your plans for the future of your work?

I wish to become a transnational corporation. World domination. Get my pieces on Keeping up with the Kardashians … Or, continue to make small amounts of pieces one-at-a-time. I'm privileged to have the home and lead the life that I do. Whatever comes first!

Where can people find out more about you and your creations?

If people would like to see my creations or get in contact, www.woodbywhale.com is the way to do it.

Thanks Dale. coffs coast focus. 9

focusinterview.

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

Film Festival TH E LA RG ES T FI LM EV EN T O N TH E M ID SC RE EN WAV E IS H

A N D SC RE EN CU LT N O RT H COA ST,

A PP EN IN G IN JA N UA

FO CU S CH AT TE D W

an you tell us a bit about Screenwave International Film Festival?

Screenwave International Film Festival is the Coffs Coast’s biggest film and screen culture event of the year. In its second year now, SWIFF is already the largest film festival between Sydney and Byron Bay, and it’s locally curated and produced by our team in Coffs Harbour.

The festival will screen just over 70 film sessions from 15 countries, regional NSW premieres, a host of world cinema titles, compelling documentaries, arthouse and indie flicks; over a dozen festival guest actors, directors, and producers will fly into Coffs; there will be a short film program, gala screening, Opening Night and Closing Night events, plus a number of special events all lined up for January.

Where did the idea for the event originate?

We started SWIFF because we love all things film. Kate was working for the Brisbane International Film Festival for many years, as well as the Australian Cinematheque at GoMA, and had the opportunity to be part of an established film and screen culture scene. Being a part of a major film festival, you get to witness some of the best new films in the world, plus meet the creative minds behind them.

Each year we also go to the Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival.

10 coffs coast focus.

RY.

VE IT H O RG A N IS ER S DA

D OUT M A N D KATE , TO FI N

C

U RE

O RE . me We want that sa ce en ri type of expe s nd ie fr locally for our ces. and local audien ia al tr us A Regional t.” ou s is m t n’ ld shou

“ It’s a great atmosphere being able to walk the red carpet with filmmakers, to see their films with them in the audience, to pick their brains about how they made it afterwards. We want that same type of experience locally for our friends and local audiences. Regional Australia shouldn’t miss out.

How long did it take to go from an idea to conception?

To get Screenwave International Film Festival off the ground took a lot of work, but it all happened quite quickly. We keep our ear to the ground about what new films are floating around for the year, so the hardest part of the program is choosing what titles don’t make the cut. It took about four months to develop the first SWIFF, and it’s a real pleasure to see people attend screening after screening and really get into the festival spirit.

What have been some of the hurdles that you have had to overcome?

We like to think we punch above our weight, but the truth is we’re only a small, self-funded start-up. The biggest hurdle we have is in getting the word out that this festival is on to people in the community. We’re fortunate to have the support of some incredible festival partners who share our vision for the growth of the festival and want to see it thrive.

When and where will SWIFF be held?

SWIFF 2017 runs from January 4th to January 28th.

The Jetty Memorial Theatre in Coffs and Bell-

ingen Memorial Hall will be our main screening venues. We’re excited to add a third venue to the festival this year for two select gala screenings - Birch Carroll & Coyle Coffs Harbour.

What are some of the films people can see?

The Screenwave International Film Festival has some exciting additions to the 2017 festival coming up this January. SWIFF is broken down into a number of program strands, for festivalgoers to discover over 70 film sessions and a number of shorts in this year’s program.

The World Cinema program features new acclaimed and award-winning films from Iran, Spain, Italy, Denmark, USA, France, Russia, Afghanistan, Australia, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, and Mexico.

Screenwave is reprising the Call of the Surf Film Festival as a sidebar to the 2017 program, including four big screen surf films, including local film You & Me about Barney and Kate Miller, the new John John Florence film View From A Blue Moon, new Kai Neville feature Cluster, and the 50th anniversary of Australian surf classic Hot Generation, featuring many of Australia’s first surfing legends, with director Paul Witzig as guest.

One of the must-watch titles from this year’s Documentary program is Tickled, which has

created an uproar in the festival circuit this year. What starts out as an innocent light news story, about the peculiar sport of Competitive Endurance Tickling, quickly heads down the rabbit hole towards a dark and sinister underbelly - that turns out to be not so ticklish after all. Tickled’s director, David Farrier, will be in attendance.

SWIFF includes We Made This: Women on Film for the 2017 line-up, celebrating female-driven stories, by award-winning directors, including both of this year’s AWGIE-award winning films (Baxter & Me, The Silences) along with their directors.

The festival also includes Opening Night and Closing Night events, after parties, the free Access All Areas Film Festival program, and Industry Connect - an event bringing together filmmakers from across the Coffs Coast.

Where can people find out more?

For the full 2017 program and tickets, people can visit www.swiff.com.au They can also download the SWIFF 2017 mobile apps on Android and iPhone to browse the program, make a wishlist, purchase festival passes, redeem tickets from their device, and vote on films they have seen during the festival (to decide the 2017 Audience Award).

Thanks Dave and Kate.

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coffs coast focus. 11

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

8

January

26 SALTWATER FRESHWATER FESTIVAL

COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS Cookin’ On 3 Burners are Australia’s hardest hitting Hammond Organ Trio - joining the dots between Deep Funk, Raw Soul, Organ Jazz and Boogaloo. Where Hoey Moey. When Sunday 8th January. Tickets www.offbeatoperations.com.au

Saltwater Freshwater Festival is back, featuring acclaimed Aboriginal singer-songwriter Archie Roach and some of our best national Aboriginal artists. Enjoy dance, story, language, ceremony, art, children and youth areas, workshops, yarn space and food from the heart of our saltwater freshwater communities. When 26th January. Where Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens. Cost Free.

More info www.saltwaterfreshwaterfestival.com.au

14

18

STADIUMX

14

StadiumX showcases some of the the best Motocross riders in Australia, as well as offering juniors the chance to compete on a world class track with some of the big names in the sport.

There will be NSW, QLD and Aussie title holders racing in the junior classes, as well as the senior classes. The event is a family friendly, alcohol free, 12 hours of racing event, and spectators can come and go throughout the day. It will attract over 4,000 riders, crew and spectators for the one day event.

When 14th January. Gates open at 9am. Where Coffs Harbour Showground. Cost: Tickets are $60 family, $25 adults and $10 kids. More info Donna Craig on 0418 242 358.

AANUKA BEACH RESORT WEDDING OPEN DAY

FREE ART EXHIBITION + WORKSHOPS Where Opal Cove Resort. When Wednesday 18th to Friday 27th January 2017. Who Sharon Lamb and Kerrie Swan.

More info www.opalcove.com.au or www.facebook.com/ opalcoveresort/

You’re invited to experience the ultimate Coffs Coast wedding venue. When Saturday 14th January 2017. Time 9am - 2pm.

FREE entry and on-site parking.

9

CAMP CREATIVE In addition to the Camp Creative courses, special events are held across the week in various Camp Creative locations and venues. All events are FREE, except for the Opening Night function. When 9th until the 13th January. Where Bellingen.

Contact www.campcreative.com.au

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COFFS HARBOUR WEDDING FAIR

Where Opal Cove Resort. When Sunday 15th January.

Time 10am - 1:30pm. More info www.opalcove.com.au or www.facebook.com/opalcoveresort/events

SCREENWAVE 2016

27

Screenwave is all about film. We develop original film festivals, run regular film screenings around the region, and have indoor and outdoor pop-up cinema services available for hire. To make a booking, call us on 0430 511 644. When December 27th January 28th. Where Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.

focuseditorial.

focuseditorial.

EMMA

C H A R I T Y

D O N O V A N

FUNDRAISER

A NEW EVENT FOR KEEN GOLFERS IN THE COFFS HARBOUR REGION HAS JUST BEEN LAUNCHED BY NORTHCOTT, A LOCAL DISABILITY SERVICE PROVIDER. OVER FIFTY GOLFERS RECENTLY TOOK PART IN NORTHCOTT’S CORPORATE GOLF DAY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY IN THE AREA.

O

ver $3,500 was raised, to go towards the purchase of a new, wheelchair accessible bus which will be used by a range of people with disability taking part in Northcott’s Day program.

Community Development Officer and organiser Paul Israel said, “We were delighted with the level of support we received from the local business community. There was a great atmosphere on the day, and a number of important

connections between the business and general community were made.”

After such a successful first year, the Northcott Golf Day is planned to become an annual event.

Northcott would like to extend its warm thanks to Coffs Harbour Golf Club and everyone who participated in the event. Northcott would also like to make a special mention of Angourie Rainforest Resort and Pyzel Surfboards for their generous donations on the day.

EMMA DONOVAN IS HEADLINING THIS YEAR’S SALTWATER FRESHWATER FESTIVAL AND IS A PASSIONATE SINGER, SONGWRITER AND COLLABORATIVE VOCAL ARTIST WHOSE MUSICAL EXPRESSION IS A FUSION OF ROOTS, REGGAE AND SOUL.

H

er melodic style is widely known for her distinctive husky voice. Her lyrical content speaks of significant stories and personal accounts that she sings with confidence and pride. Emma’s connection to her people is a result of her contribution to community initiatives, which is an important commitment to her work.

Emma grew up singing church songs with her maternal grandparents on the North Coast of New South Wales. Her first secular gigs were singing in The Donovans, a band comprising her mother and five uncles. With her mother, Emma sang Country for years and in her youth was a fixture at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, but she always yearned for the bluesier tones of

her father’s record collection, full of American artists like Laverne Baker and Etta James and Indigenous Australian artists like No Fixed Address and Archie Roach.

Years later, after touring and recording with many of the mainstays of Indigenous music and developing as a solo artist in her own right, Emma met members of The PutBacks, and finally she found a band with the gritty Blues soaked tones she had been looking for. She also found in PutBacks’ bassist Mick Meagher, a co-writer and collaborator for the Soul songs she had been waiting a lifetime to write and sing. The results are well worth the wait and hopefully, only mark the beginning of this oh-so-right collaboration.

coffs coast focus. 13

focus interview. focus interview.

GABRIELLE POOL SPENT HER FORMATIVE YEARS SKIPPING CLASS SO SHE COULD PAINT AND LEARN WHAT ART IS REALLY ABOUT. FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH THE INTREPID ARTIST TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO WHERE SHE FINDS INSPIRATION FOR HER WORKS.

W

here are you based at present?

I’m lucky enough to be split between two places at the moment. I share a studio next to the ocean in Byron Bay with my sister, Libby Pool, who designs jewellery. However I’ve spent most of 2016 in Nana Glen, inland of Coffs Harbour.

As someone who has travelled the globe, is there a reason you have chosen to paint in this region?

Coffs Harbour is geographically stunning. I’m captivated by the dramatic coastlines, hauntingly beautiful mountain ranges, misty forests and the lily ponds around Nana Glen. I especially love the winters here. The dreamy morning fog that swirls around the trees, often taking hours to lift, is truly moving.

What inspired you to start painting?

I had an early start as a painter. I spent twelve months living in a remote, rural Japanese fishing village on a Rotary Exchange scholarship when I was sixteen. My Japanese was limited and no-one spoke English, so even basic communication was challenging.

I spent most of my time in the art room, often skipping other classes to paint with my art 14 coffs coast focus.

P O O L teacher. He was a pivotal person in my journey. certainly cemented my resolve to pursue art.

He would watch me paint while quietly chainDid you study, or are you self taught? smoking cigarettes in the corner. Sometimes I I was told by the old Japanese artist, “Promise would throw away sketches and he would pick me that you will never go to art school and ruin them out the dustbin, smoothing them your gift”. I have kept that promise. out and silently signalling it was That said, I’ve been blessed to good work. Other times have been guided by some when I was overworking fantastic artists in some ld to a piece - he would walk extraordinary places. One as Iw by the old over and gently unpeg of my most influential t, tis ar se ne pa the paper from the mentors in Australia Ja that e m e is m ro ‘P easel. It was then I had Bill Undery is a to you will never go a profound realisation brillant fine artist and a in art school and ru that art transcended master in all mediums. ve your gift’. I ha language. I knew, in this He is also one of the ” e. is om kept that pr moment, I would be an best scenic artists in the artist. film industry. I have learnt My experience in Japan amazing techniques of scale and taught me introspection and selfspeed from working in film which reliance. I also discovered an evocative transcend anything taught at art school. chronicle of Japanese art as historical The raw chaos of their techniques give you the poetry. My teacher would write me haiku confidence to paint as big as your vision. poems, which I would absorb and then paint I recently spent time working under Bill my interpretation. This led to my first solo public on a film and it taught me, once again, how exhibition in Mobara-shi. The show caught the healthy it is to break up the painting process attention of a renowned 80 year old artist in with diverse, interesting experiences. By helping Yokohama, who offered me an apprenticeship. to build another’s creative vision, it gives one’s While I didn’t take the apprenticeship, the event own creativity the space to expand, grow and

“

percolate. It’s like a reset button.

I’ve also found great teachers in the most unlikely, unplanned places. In 2007, after finishing an exhibition in Hong Kong, I desperately needed respite from the relentless concrete jungle of China. I took myself to the Chinas Guilin Mountains, where I found an elderly one-armed, one-legged man who was taught by monks. He was able to paint by strapping a paint brush to his arm stump. He taught me how to paint bamboo shoots. He told me, “If you can paint bamboo shoots with a long shodo brush, you can master anything!” My bamboo shoots still are not as good as his, and this gives me great satisfaction.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Nature is probably the foundation of the majority of my work. I’m also fascinated by cultures - particularly tribal cultures.

I think my fascination with tribes was heavily influenced initially by photographic imagery. As a child I was obsessed with National Geographic and would spend hours poring over the images in those magazines. I was also influenced by the photographer, Leni Riefenstahl, who captured amazing images of the Nuba tribe in central Sudan in the mid-70s.

focusinterview.

GABRIELLE POOL

You sometimes have to distract urself yourself from yo ith - and connect w rs of de on w y an m e th r to de or in our world you ng hi et m so e produc .” of are truly proud

“ As a result, I headed to Africa in 2004 to meet a National Geographic field producer who introduced me to the remote Hamer tribe in Ethiopia. He left me there for two months, where I immersed myself in their life and daily rituals. I lived as they lived, ate as they ate, and painted with the pigments they used for self-adornment.

The experience was extraordinary and produced a defining collection of my work. It is a snapshot of a tribe on the cusp of cultural extinction, as nature, society and technology threatened to consume them.

You sometimes have to distract yourself from yourself - and connect with the many wonders of our world - in order to produce something you are truly proud of.

What are you working on currently?

I am working on a small collection with a local focus. It is inspired by the trees and the morning mists of Nana Glen. It will be a series of oils and inks, exhibited at Two Tails Winery from the 5th January 2017.

What artists have do you admire and draw influence from?

Sydney Long, who is credited with bringing Art Nouveau, nymphs and Pan into the Australian landscape. I find his work is both mythical and

haunting. I also like Mucha, Turner and Basquait.

Can you briefly tell us about a few of the highlights of your career?

Collaborating with Nelson Mandela on his unity series. Creating artworks for the album covers for friends, musicians Jon Stevens and Deni Hines. The fact I’ve done over 30 group shows and 30 solo exhibitions since I was 16.

Being hung in the NSW Art Gallery for the 2011 Sulman Prize. Being honoured to paint the legendary Aboriginal musician and actor Jimmy Little for the 2011 Archibald Prize. I cherish that painting, as it was the last oil portrait of the Australian icon before his passed away in April 2012.

However, the most rewarding part of my career was as ambassador for Oasis Africa Australia (OAA). It’s a charity that provides education to poverty-stricken children in the Kibera Slum of Kenya. I’ve been able to raise funds through proceeds from the auction of my work and give back to the people and country that continues to inspire me. Helping those

children has been more valuable than any accolade, exhibition or renumeration.

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

Always paint where you are free to make a glorious mess. Whether it’s as a profession or as a hobby, paint for you and no-one else. Let go of results and let go of any concern for external validation. Always keep it personal and remember you are painting for you, even with the pressure of producing work for a gallery showing.

As a profession, art is a tumultuous love affair.

It’s a rocky, passionate relationship. You have arguments, you throw things at each other and you make up and forgive. If you aren't prepared to love each other - forever - you should save yourself the heartache.

What have been some the favourite works you have created?

My favourite works are the ones I wasn’t expecting. There are a few that happened when I wasn’t aware I was painting. They just swam

around on the floor and the next morning coalesced into a random shape, and I realised that it was finished. Art is always a collaboration, between you, the paint, and often something else.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to do a series on the Northern and Southern Lights. That beauty is intriguing and a departure from my usual inspiration. I’ve painted dry wildebeest and African plains for over 10 years, and and I’m ready to paint sparkling reindeer and stars.

I am also continuing my series of humanity's changing relationship with nature by heading into the jungles of Borneo to study Iban head hunters, the Penan and the Kelabit tribes. They all have different relationships with the jungle - the jungle is part of them - but the jungle is disappearing from them. Some fight the destruction; some advance it. It's a microcosm of human nature played out like a Shakespearean tragedy in one of the most amazing jungles on the planet.

You can find me on Facebook (Gabrielle Pool) and Instagram (instagram.com/gabriellepoolart). www.gabriellepool.com Anyone in the Coffs Harbour region will be able to see a showing of my latest work inspired by the Nana Glen region at Two Tails Winery from 5th January 2017.

Thanks Gabrielle. coffs coast focus. 15

16 coffs coast focus.

Sneakers Clothing Records

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because we owe them Though they may now be old and frail, let us not forget that it was they who built our nation with hands of hope.

And fought for our freedom with hearts of courage.

And though they may now need our care, it’s not care that defines them but love, togetherness, freedom and choice. Happiness.

And this is why we created Freedom Aged Care.

Because we owe them.

Dedicated to our Freedom family – the beautiful residents we have the privilege and honour to care for at Freedom Aged Care.

Freedom Aged Care Call 1800 984 840 or visit freedomagedcare.com.au 18 coffs coast focus.

Advanced mechanical Services

R U O Y E V GI S S E N I S BU SUPER S R E W O P

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 lube services 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.

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

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

We are an accredited supplier of RDA/EBC brakes for the area.

Book in for a free brake inspection.

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Dave Brighton Floorsanding Dave Brighton Floor Sanding is expanding.

We now have eight staff members. We have four flooring specialists, Dave Brighton, Mark Hiller, Damian Kearny and Daniel Johnson; two apprentices, Tom Revelly and Daniel Brighton; and our two office ladies, Sue Stride and Javena Veale. Thanks to our amazing team, our wait time is kept to a minimum.

Dave Brighton Floor Sanding has also expanded their fleet of cars, so you may see more of our vehicles travelling along the highway.

We have commenced installing floating floors.

We can supply and install, or you can purchase the floorboards and we can install them for you. We are still supplying and installing our

20 coffs coast focus.

solid and engineered timber floors, as well as sanding and polishing new and existing floors.

We operate on the Coffs Coast, in Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, South West Rocks, Macleay Valley, out to Dorrigo and anything in between.

When looking at your next flooring project, give Dave and the team 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.

Contact Dave Brighton Floor Sanding for an obligation free quote and expert advice on 0447 683 388.

focusinterview.

MEET THE TEAM FROM COFFS

NOVASKILL

PETAH RUSSELL Position: Regional Coordinator for the Coffs Coast; I cover the Grafton to Kempsey region.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: I’ve been around now for eight years.

How long have you been in Coffs: I moved to the beautiful Coffs Coast three years ago previously from South West Rocks.

What are your long term goals: To have a successful career and enjoy every day!

a little piece of paradise.

What are your long term goals: I love watching Coffs Harbour grow and develop.

I am passionate about supporting local businesses and community organisations to reach their full potential. I work within my local community to showcase the rich environmental and cultural diversity and want Australia to see Coffs as the go to place for tourism and investment!

ANDREW RICHARDSON Position: Senior Officer.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: Since September 2015.

How long have you been in Coffs: 12 years.

What are your long term goals: To work with community groups and not for profit organisations to identify, develop and implement a range of community infrastructure improvements and be proud of our achievements in helping others improve their skills and career potential.

HAYLEY LOTHIAN Position: Business Admin Trainee.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: Five months.

How long have you been in Coffs: Six years.

What are your long term goals: To be successful!

DAVID WATSON Position: Business Development Officer.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: 18 months.

How long have you been in Coffs: Ten years in Coffs, after growing up in Edinburgh.

What are your long term goals: To make the most of all opportunities that come my way in a work and family environment.

TAMARA BUCKLER Position: Business Development Officer.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: Six months.

How long have you been in Coffs: I have lived in the Orara Valley for six years; it really is

KLOE SKINNER Position: Business Admin Trainee.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: I have worked for Novaskill for about a month now.

How long have you been in Coffs: I have lived in Coffs Harbour my whole life.

What are your long term goals: My long term goals are to one day hopefully run my own business.

KIMBERLEE MCINTYRE Position: Receptionist.

How long have you worked for Novaskill: Six months.

How long have you been in Coffs: I was born in Coffs Harbour and have relocated back to Coffs in the last two years with my family, after working away for five years.

What are your long term goals: To grow my career and family on the beautiful Coffs Coast.

class of

2016

T

his year has seen our children your families chose 3 Bears to share your grow and develop exceptionally. lives with us for the last five years, and from They have remained all the educators and management at 3 eager, enthusiastic Bears, good luck and farewell. and have Oh, the places you’ll go! learned so much, “Congratulations and played hard, made We are grateful d se Today is your day. friends and tried to feel very bles chose es ili m fa ur yo be good friends You’re off to great that your e ar sh to s ar Be 3 in return. 3 Bears places the last lives with us for has always been You’re off and away! om five years, and fr d more about being an s or at uc ed e You have brains in th all the age you are 3 Bears, management at well.” your head, re right now with good luck and fa You have feet in your all your heart and shoes, soul, than being one

“

or four, and less worry about preparing to be six. At 3 Bears we have equipped our children with lifelong skills to prepare them for adulthood and to be leaders of tomorrow.

We are grateful and feel very blessed that

You can steer yourself Any direction you choose.”

Dr Seuss.

Class of 2016, congratulations and best wishes as you embark next year on another stage of your learning journey and discover dreams waiting to be achieved.

coffs coast focus. 21

White chocolate panna cotta with pistacio praline, raspberry sorbet, fresh berries and citrus glaze from Surf St CafÉ.

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

22 coffs coast focus.

fHerb & pinenut crusted Barramundi fillet with Pork Wellington (pork fillet rolled w steamed brocolini and roast capsicum sauce. mushroom duxelle, prosciutto & puff pastry) served with a seeded mustard SUMMER IS ON THE HORIZON jus, trussed cherry tomatoes, baby Try our new menu: be tempted with the grilled onions and green beans. chermoula king prawns on a quinoa,

horizons restaurant & bar

Chocolate Delice

sundried tomato and roasted pumpkin salad or chicken breast filled with wild mushroom, baby spinach and feta on baked polenta with a thyme lemon sauce.

Remember to leave room for dessert, with the decedent dark chocolate mousse with raspberry jelly and macadamia praline yum!

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY! TAKE THE WORK OUT OF CHRISTMAS DAY

the pier hotel JOIN US FOR COFFS HARBOUR'S BIGGEST Palate & Ply CHRISTMAS At the Pier Hotel we’re excited to announce the opening of thePARTY new ,WITH A HUGE FESTIVE

BUFFET our LUNCH AND “Cellar Lounge”.

To celebrate this summer, Palate & Ply are now offering “grab andENTERTAINMENT - taking bookings now. go” food menu to our dine in customers.

We welcome you to come down and feast your eyes on Coffs Available 6:30hotel. and 7:30am, include, breakfast Harbour’s between most historic With our options winter menu about to finishand vegetarian wraps, thick slice sourdough ham, cheese, tomato toasties and up and summer approaching quickly, we will be kicking off our new our famous bacon and egg and BLTs on damper rolls. menu shortly. Our chef, Blake Wittenberg, is very excited with all the As a lighter option, wetohave our cacao granola with local banana and great produce he gets use over the summer period.

Be sure to make Head Chef Blake natural yoghurt and walnuts.

Wiittenberg. your way down and have a look at the new and upcoming changes to Head Chef Priced at $7.50 and granola $10, along with our fast, friendly service, the Pier Hotel.

Matt Knight. large tables and FREE NBN Wi-Fi, we have you or your group covered for We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a your quick or relaxed breakfast outing. reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward Clinton Hunter to seeing you.

Head Chef.

CnrVernon Harbour Dr and Camperdown 37 Street, Coffs Harbour. St, Coffs Harbour Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 Wholesale HQ enquiries 0476 131 311.

Coffs Harbour Palate & Ply Espresso Bar 0434 700 910 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner

5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days Monday to Friday, 6:30 a- week.

4:30pm.

Saturday 6:30 - 2pm.

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

café o.p 81 flooded horizons restaurant &ginger bar Turmeric latte - coldgums pressed juicerestaurant of turmeric root with and a dash of

The spring atChai the spices.

Flooded Gums in full flfree ow. drink In thetowarmer honey andmenu someJANUARY The idealiscaffeine tantalise your IT’S BACK FOR months, there is no better place to be, as when the sun taste buds and also make you feel on top of the world.goes down, the HORIZONS BRASSERIE! Flooded Gums restaurant at Bonville Golf and Resort into an Turmeric is- 9:00pm widely known its healing hasisatransformed compound called 11:30am everyfor day. intimate fi ne dining experience the best Coffs Harbour has to offer.

Curcumin, thatforhas demonstrated for peopleblackboard with all sorts of disease Dining is easy families with the relief new extensive brasserie Flooded Gums have received an Award ofRheumatoid Excellence (Wine Spectator states including Irritable Bowel Disease, Arthritis, and cancer. menu.

Magazine Wine List of the YearforAwards - only property inskin Regional NSW Owners Also, Curcumin is protective the heart, the liver, the and the brain by Daily specials utilising the region’s freshest produce and seafood. to quenching be awarded). wine list featuring and Ginger currentisvintages Matt andChef: Bree. freeAradicals and reducingage inflrelease ammation. also known for Executive Clinton Hunter Relaxing, alfresco dining on thegreatest terrace overlooking the pool and lagoon. from acclaimed producers in the regions; the potential for serious HeadRyan.

Chef. its powers in settling the stomach and for its anti inflammatory qualities, and Darren Horizons Bar available tois everyone, with a large selection of craft beers and food and wine limitless.

Chai spices inmatching milk are just like a warm cuddle from a smiling bear. cocktails.

So if you want to -feel onevery top of the world, give one of our turmeric lattes Happy Hour 5pm 6pm day. a go at O.P 81 café.

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011 Resort, North Bonville Road,Opal Bonville Opal Cove Boulevard, Coffs Harbour 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com 7am - 2pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Open 7 nights; bookings essential.

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

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 Pictured the Crispy Skinned Salmon to chooseis from and you can have thesewith eat grilled fennel salad andinlemon vinaigrette. in or takeaway.

Come and check out our takeaway specials or phone ahead pick-up.

Feeling extra hungry?

Then try our for NEW If a pizza is not what you are after our SUPERSIZE deal on our FAMOUS $7.50FAMOUS Feeds. $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily.

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

mr. good beans SURF STCAFÉ CAFÉ Emerald BeaCH SURF ST Emerald BeaCH We pride ourselves on bringing a personalised service and product: a finely

pasfields restaurant BAr deck

Surf Stespresso Café has newjust owners!

Surf St Café is less than 15 minutes’ drive fromlikes Coffs Harbour café on the tuned coffee how the customer it, gourmet food new highway.

Chefs Kim and Samininvite youand to acome and comfortable meet the team and enjoy made from scratch house, friendly, experience to our all

Enjoy Pasfields for a fine dining experience or casual meals.

Our first class food speaks for itself with our reviews.

Our ambience and setting is welcoming and stunning.

Birthdays, reunions, engagements ... We can tailor make to your budget.

Up to 300 guests.

Pasfields love weddings ... Come in and plan your perfect day in one appointment. $12 13” dine in pizza and happy hour, Thursdays, 5 - 8pm.

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

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

Head Chef Kim Robson.

Head Head Chef Chef David Ricketts.

Gus Prezioso.

84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey.com.au 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 3833- Thurs www.hoeymoey.com.au 7 days. Mon & Sun:12pm

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

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

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

pristine and Beach locally sourced We views are less minutes’ who walk through the café door.

Located atviews Emerald with oneproduce. of the best onthan the 15 coast, drive from Coffs Harbour on the new highway.

You can watch the surf roll in check themouth-watering surf and watch Mediterranean the whales while youchicken enjoy breakfast lunch Try the grilled salad thisor spring, while you enjoy some fresh seafood or even a relaxing Tobys Estate coffee, onmade the deck. fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives prepared by our baristas. and it’s semi dried toppedand withwe grilled sweet Inside cosy at tomatoes, night for dinner, havechicken heatersbreast if youand wish to We are wafer open from 7am and for coffee and 7:30am brekkie, now thin chips drizzled with Chef’sfor secret zestywhich citrus isdressing. bepotato outside. available all day,flavours as well expertly as our sensational from 12pm.

Mediterranean blended tolunch matchmenu the Australian spring Our food is fresh, local, and prepared by award winning chefs. light, yet verymenu satisfying.

Our evening boasts a range of fresh, local seafood as well as a range Thursday is “Blackboard Night”: entree $10, mains $20 and dessert of otherusculinary treats. and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans Follow on Instagram $10, and the menu changes every week.

We are also cater to a range of functions, so give us a call and we can Taking bookings now for your Christmas party! organise the perfect party or corporate event.

Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach 6656 4511 Road, www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 104 Fiddaman Emerald Beach 104 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au 6656 1888 www.surfstreet.com.au Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm

Head Chef Kristy Deveson.

Head Chef Head Chef SamAllinson.

Allinson.

Sam

and Sundays-8am – 3pm Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Thursday to Saturday for Wednesday Sunday for breakfast & lunch dinner. -Hours extended during summer.

Thursday Saturday for dinner.

coffs coast focus.

32 coffs coast focus.

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coffs coast focus. 23

with Madonna Bannerman owner of Two Tails Wines, Nana Glen

WHITE VELVET

“WHITE VELVET” IS TWO TAILS WINES’ MODERN CONTRAST ON THE FAMILIAR AND PROGRESSIVELY POPULAR WHITE PORT. AN EXCITING FORTIFIED WINE, WHITE VELVET FEATURES WHITE VARIETAL GRAPES.

I

Spinifex Restaurant 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! 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!

Head Chef Brendan Crawford.

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

Dinner: 6pm - 9pm.

ts impressive individuality is from the hand-picked Chardonnay and Villard Blanc grapes joining together in harmony, to produce a lusciously smooth and fruity fortified wine. An aromatic sweet-smelling wine, displaying notes of ripe orange, raisin fruits with a hint of honey. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with soft oak tones lending to a long and lingering finish.

Enjoy chilled as a sweet treat at your summer party, with desserts, or sipping by the fireplace.

orange tart. Goes well

Characteristics: Light golden straw colour.

The nose is sweet-smelling with lots of ripe grapey, toffee aromas. Soft and lush on the palate with orange, and raisin flavours with notes of honey. Finishing with a lingering and fresh aftertaste.

experience our friendly customer service and

Goes with: White Velvet is a light and refreshing style, an elegant change from the traditional heavier tawny ports. Why not try a splash over a citrus sorbet or sip slightly chilled alongside foie gras or a marmalade fig and

By: Madonna Bannerman owner of Two Tails

with a blue cheese, figs and dates.

Cost: $25.

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

Phone: 6654 3633.

Open: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Call in at our newly renovated winery 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!

Wines, Nana Glen Email: admin@twotailswines.com.au Web: www.twotailswines.com.au

With Hugh Crowley from Bello Food Box

WH

AT ’ S I N

MANGO Mangoes mean summer fun is here, and by the look of things we are in for an abundant summer fruit season.

Outstanding early fruit quality, combined with a dry spring season has enabled a lot of fruit to set really well, with all signs pointing towards one of the best seasons of quality affordable mangoes we’ve seen in a years! Delicious, healthy and a true Aussie favourite, mangoes are high in fibre, energy and packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Mangoes, despite being sweet and notoriously yummy, have a very low GI, ensuring that all the good carbohydrates are slowly absorbed into the body, which maintains healthy blood sugar levels and ultimately keeps you nourished longer throughout the upcoming hotter days.

An early season go-to variety, the Kensington Pride or KP, has an amazingly strong aroma, golden flesh and sweet tangy almost citric flavour - a real classic that’s hard to beat on a summer morning after a swim. An astounding variety of different mangoes thrive throughout the summer months, all with subtle differences, so mix it up and find your favourites.

Crafty • Stone and Wood Pacific Ale •

On the chilled taps at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip sits this North Coast local ... Stone and Wood Pacific Ale. Inspired by its Byron Bay home, Pacific Ale is cloudy, golden and sits in an absolute class of its own. Its big fruity aroma and crisp, refreshing finish have seen it grow rapidly to one of the most popular crafties in Australia.

24 coffs coast focus.

WHERE

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

focus_local recipe

LAMB RIBS with spice rub and glaze

Seasalt fish & Chips Seasalt fish and chips, where some say you can “fine dine from a cardboard box “.

We pride ourselves on “good old fashioned fish and chips“ with a healthy twist.

Lamb ribs aren’t normally displayed in the butcher shop but they are one of the best cuts of lamb you can get, in my opinion. The key to good lamb ribs is to get nice thick ones with plenty of meat above the rib bones. The simple spice rub and glaze in this recipe lets the lamb ribs really shine

Fresh fish, salads, seafood, burgers and wraps all with a fresh attitude to today’s tastes.

We source only the best seafood from our local seafood supplier “ hux seafood “ . Straight from the trawlers to our door , then cooked to your liking - either grilled with Seasalt & cracked pepper , fried in a light crisp beer batter or tossed in K’pane organic sourdough

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) 3 slabs of lamb ribs (may need to order ahead from butcher) Spice Rub 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon fresh ground black peppercorns 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary Glaze ½ cup light honey ½ cup mint jelly ¼ cup apple cider vinegar Wood to use: 2 parts Applewood: 1 Yellow Box

breadcrumbs .

We prepare our salads, dressings and sauces in house. The calamari is hand cut, marinated and crumbed daily and if you haven’t tried the prawn and whiting spring rolls, sweet potato scollops or Thai fish cakes, then what are you waiting for!

Our family owned businesses are located at the Jetty Village, Coffs Harbour and a stone’s throw from the beach in sunny Sawtell.

A big shout out to our locals, who not only continue to support quality food, but take the time to recommend us to others. We thank you.

Shop 14 Jetty Village, Harbour Drive, 6696 3223 OR 29 1st Avenue, Sawtell, 6658 9199.

Ricki Brideoake - The Bully BBQ Legend

method 1. Get your BBQ or smoker ready for indirect grilling at 120°C (250°F). If you are using a gas BBQ, light one side, and place your meat on the other side.

2. You can leave the skin on the lamb ribs for a richer, fattier cut, or you can trim the skin off. I recommend one each way and see which one you like better.

3. Put the herbs into a small bowl and mix well. Note: leave out the sugar in the rub if you leave the skin on.

4. Score the top layer in a diamond pattern, and also score the back of the ribs on top of the bones as well, to help release the membrane.

5. Pour a little bit of apple cider vinegar on the ribs and cover with a nice layer of the rub.

6. Place the wood chips/chunks in your smoker or use a smoker box for a gas BBQ.

7. Put lamb ribs on BBQ away from direct heat and cook the ribs until they are dark and tender. This will take around 3.5 hours; if you have a thermometer, aim for around an internal temperature of 91 - 95°C (195 - 203°F). It’s ready when the meat is pulling away from the bones 8. If you have left the skin on, direct grill the skin for 4 minutes to crisp up the outside; otherwise, continue to the next step.

9. Mix all the glaze ingredients together over a low heat to combine the flavours.

10. Take the ribs and coat them with glaze.

11. Return the ribs to the BBQ to caramelise the glaze; this will be around 10 - 15 minutes.

12. Take the ribs out and rest for 5 minutes.

Put your best rib eating bib on, slice and serve. coffs coast focus. 25

focusinterview.

For the past nine years I my have dedicated t ou ng di fin life to e th how to create best BBQ food …”

“

L E G E N D

Ricki Brideoake has a love for BBQ like few others you are ever likely to meet. FOCUS chatted with Ricki on his recent return from the USA, where he journeyed to learn more about the art form, collect a little award, and even found time to get married! Read on ...

C

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

My wife and I originally moved here four years ago for my work, and we fell in love with the area. I’m originally from a smaller inland country town, and I think the thing I like most about this area is that I get the same small country town vibe mixed in with the relaxed beachside feeling. We love it here.

For those who may not be aware, briefly describe what it is that you do?

If I had to describe what I do in one word, it would be BBQ; it’s what my whole business revolves around. I set out to create a business around my passion, and that was BBQing. For the past nine years I have dedicated my life to finding out how to create the best BBQ food, and I have condensed this down into an easy to follow system that enables anyone at home to create killer BBQ food.

We do BBQ competitions in Australia and around the world to keep our skills honed. I also travel around and teach classes to people about how to create simple and delicious BBQ at home.

When we last spoke with you, it was at 26 coffs coast focus.

the beginning of launching this enterprise. How is it going for you?

It’s definitely been a tough but rewarding journey - the start was probably the hardest, as any small business owner will probably tell you. We have been steadily growing over the past year. I’ve learned the key to that is surrounding yourself with a good team and good business coaches. I am even helping out some local people in their businesses now, to help give back all the lessons I have learnt along my journey. I love helping those who are keen to create successful businesses around their passion as well.

You recently travelled to an event in the US;, can you tell us about that experience?

We went over to the USA to compete in the World Championships of BBQ the American Royal. It was an absolute blast, and it was really eye opening to see just how big BBQ is over in America.

It must have been an amazing experience.

Describe the size of the event ...

The event had over 550 teams competing and over 1,000 individual stalls of all things BBQ. I heard they had more than 30,000 people through the gates over the whole

weekend. It was some sort of crazy cross between a huge Country music festival and a BBQ competition. Basically, it was how I would describe heaven.

What are some of the things you saw that you hadn’t seen here in Australia?

The thing that stood out the most were the awesome set ups that the BBQ teams had - extremely nice Winnebagos, huge BBQ smokers. It was like they had all been given one hour with an unlimited budget in a huge camping store. BBQ is more than a hobby in America; it’s a way of life to them.

And to top it off, you had a bit of success as well. Tell us about that ...

Yeah, we managed to snag a Grand Champion win in the Celebrity Cook Off over there, which was great. There were eight celebrities, who were each paired with a pitmaster, and we were lucky enough to be invited as one of the Pitmasters. We were pitted against some previous world champion pit masters and were asked to cook steak and pork loin.

We came first in steak and second in pork, which won us Grand Champion overall, so we were very excited about that.

Apart from attending the event, what

were the other reasons for travelling to the USA? Besides the BBQ event, I also had the small matter of attending my wedding with an American girl I met nine years ago. She turned up, the DJ played Daryl Braithwaite, and we had BBQ served the day after at the recovery.

So all in all, it went great!

Now you’re back in OZ, what are your plans for summer?

Now we are back, I have a bunch of BBQ Bootcamps planned on the weekends, so I will be very busy cooking and teaching BBQ for anyone who wants to come along and become a BBQ legend.

Where can people find out more?

The best way is to like me on Facebook, Bully BBQs, and Instagram to keep up to date with everything we are up to.

Be sure to pay a visit to my website too; it’s still under construction, but will contain loads of recipes and other BBQ goodies in the next few weeks.

Also, come along to a class for some good food and fun! Information on classes can be found on my Facebook page.

Thanks Ricki.

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COOKIN ON 3 BURNERS AUSSIE LADS COOKIN ON 3 BURNERS HAVE TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM, LITERALLY - WITH THEIR HOT TRACK, THIS GIRL, SMASHING THE EUROPEAN CHARTS AND ALSO HERE AT HOME. FOCUS SPOKE WITH ORGAN PLAYER JAKE ABOUT THE JOURNEY SO FAR AND WHAT’S STILL TO COME …

CORAMBA HOTEL

This unique family friendly hotel is run by Mark and Vanessa and their three daughters. The Broadaxe Bistro is run by another local couple, Steve and Marsha and employs others from the local area, giving it a relaxed, one big happy family vibe. The motto: “Come party at our place”.

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

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

28 coffs coast focus.

H

i Jake. When and how was Cookin on 3 Burners born?

We were all uni buddies.

We all went to the same music school back in the late ‘90s, and it pretty much just started from us jamming together and the need for us to get out and play some gigs to pay our rent. Like most bands ... that’s how things mostly start off! I am the organ player in the band, on drums we have Ivan Khatchoyan and on guitar, Dan West. We managed to keep the band going. We’ve had quite a few different journeys along the way; we’ve had different members and done all sorts of different things, and over that time we’ve had a lot of different special guests we’ve worked with. We’ve toured the world, and we’ve recently collaborated with DJs as part of our collaborative motto.

Tell us about some of the ventures you’ve been involved with …

Cookin on 3 Burners is all about collaborations, as we are a trio - and an instrumental trio at that. The vocals are special guests who come in and work with us, collaborate, and add the extra vocal magic. We’ve been working with some MCs as well, but we never really thought about this DJ concept or someone remixing our tracks …

So late last year, a DJ from France, Valentin Brunel aka Kungs, gave us a call and said, “Hey, we want to do a rework of your track; what do you think about that?” We thought, “Sure, no problem” … He sent us a bit of a mock up of what he was thinking, and we loved it. We didn’t think a whole lot more of it after

that, until it starting racing up the charts Stella Angelico, who is an awesome in France, and from then on it’s just sweet Soul vocalist - we lock in to what caught on and has had great success. she does best. The beauty of bringing And your latest track, Mind Made her along is we get to do a couple of her Up… songs as well; it comes back to that collab We did it with a great artist from thing we love doing. We get to put a twist Finland called “Lenno”. It has recently on her originals - just ‘cause we can! been released here by Warner If you could collaborate Australia, and it’s a track with any artist past from our catalogue, or present, who our 2014 album would that be?

Cookin on 3 Burners is all Blind Bet …

Prince is a huge tions , After This Girl influence of about collabora - and as we are a trio catching us by ours, and we l trio an instrumenta surprise and the would have ls are at that . The voca come response we’ve loved the ho special guests w received, we opportunity , us in and work with d the thought we’d or in a dream ad d collaborate , an .” better have a to collaborate ic ag m l extra voca look and see what with him, but else can be reworked unfortunately that’s in the same kind of way. never going to happen!

So, is this the direction We are so keen on just Cookin on 3 Burners is moving getting the influence and the in now? vibe from someone different who We are definitely staying in our brings a new freshness to us. It doesn’t classic Soul home - that’s our thing, have to be the most famous person - just and we’re not going to abandon that. someone who has a great vibe and can But obviously, this is an opportunity that bring something to the band. we definitely want to jump on. We’ve What’s your fave track at the got half a dozen of our back catalogue moment? songs that we feel fit really well and have How Long Do I Have To Wait For You paired them with a bunch of different

by Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings! RIP DJs and producers from all over the Sharon Jones. world, to produce an album which will be Thanks Jake. coming out January 20th. While it is still Don’t miss Cookin on Cookin on 3 Burners, it’s one of our many 3 Burners feat. Stella collaborations.

Angelico at the Hoey Moey.

You’ve kicked off a national tour.

Sunday 8th Jan 2017 - 4PM; Tell us about then songstress you’ve FREE SHOW. www.hoeymoey.com.au brought along for the ride?

“

THE PLUG

Hidden in the beautiful Orara Valley is the iconic Coramba Hotel, whose beer garden boasts a view that is unexpected from the road. Why not make a day of it! Take a scenic drive around the valley, a swim in the beautiful Orara River and then have lunch or dinner at Coramba Hotel’s Broadaxe Bistro, where there is plenty to choose from. Cheap daily specials, a weekly special board, as well as a varied menu. While you relax over a meal and a couple of cold ones, the kids can run around in the large grounds, playground facilities or jumping castle.

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THE COAST HOTEL

LIVE MUSIC in January...

THE COAST HOTEL IS THE PLACE TO BE THESE HOLIDAYS. WE HAD A CHAT TO THE TEAM TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING THROUGHOUT JANUARY.

W

hat’s happening at the Have you got any big plans for Australia Coast in January?

Day? We have two major Australia Day is big day down at the Coast, events coming up in and we shall be keeping our ideas for that as a January. surprise! But you can mark our words that an One is a Captain Morgan promo party; amazing band, cheap drinks and plenty of fun everyone can dress up as pirates and make their in the sun is on the cards for our Australia Day, way down to the coast. We’ll have a bunch of as always. drink specials on, plus free Captain Morgan Tell us about Thursdays ... promo gear to give away. Drinks in cannon balls Well, it’s not just your typical Thursday night … who wouldn’t want that! at the pub. We have a mixture of Dance, House Our other big event will be a weekly ongoing and commercial music, with the DJs playing Sunday pool party throughout summer out downstairs in the main bar to cater for in the beer garden! everyone’s liking. Plus, with $5 There will be a bar set up house sprits and Coronas near the pools, more drink from 8 ‘til 11 and throwing specials on the way, and in $15 steak, eggs and You can always a BBQ on our upper chips for dinner, it is count on the deck. Plus, you can definitely the place to ic us m best of local live wear your boardies or be on a Thursday in e th being played at bikinis!

Coffs Harbour. ay id Fr y Co ast ever t PLUS, every Friday Do you have gh ni ay rd and Satu ng ri ve and Saturday nights any specials co s, ir ta ns dow ck Ro ite live bands downstairs, and promotions ur vo fa ur yo .” with $5 drinks on the throughout January? song s for all ages Friday night from 7pm ‘til We always have some 9pm and DJs firing upstairs tricks up our sleeves, but a in the liquid bar, with ladies’ good magician doesn’t tell all night on the Friday night - also with his secrets. $3 champagnes and $5 Coronas.

You can always count on the best of Tells us about what’s on the summer local live music being played at the Coast menu in the restaurant ... every Friday and Saturday night downstairs, Our summer menu is about to start in the covering your favourite Rock songs for all ages. new few weeks.

Upstairs in our liquid bar/night spot we have We will be keeping a few of the classic pub DJs spinning the best mixes to keep the party feeds, but also adding some new fresh summer going until midnight. meals to keep everyone’s belly’s happy. Don’t Also, be on the lookout on our Facebook forget to check out our blackboard chef’s page for all upcoming events; we think it will specials, changing daily. be the Sunday 12pm Pool Party that will be the We will still have our $10 lunch specials biggest attraction - nowhere in Coffs has done running through summer, and $12.50 nightly anything like it, so it WILL be massive Sundays specials. here at the Coast!

“

Minnie Marks

Sunday 15th from 4pm

Jazroll

Sunday 22 from 4pm

DJ Ning

Saturday 28th from 9pm

Sunday 1st – Lazy Sundays Thursday 5th – Jake Davey Friday 6th – Gunshy Saturday 7th – DJ Layne Sunday 9th – Quick Fix Thursday 12th – Ziggy Friday 13th – Hekyl & Jive Saturday 14th – Pink Zinc Sunday 15th – Minnie Marks Thursday 19th – Bobby Lea Coulton Friday 20th – 3 Band line-up!

Wheels & The Wavemen, The Downhill Bombers, Jess Swilks

Saturday 21st – DJ OB1 Sunday 22nd – Jazroll Thursday 26th – Who’s Charlie Friday 27th – First Avenue Saturday 28th – DJ Ning Sunday 29th – Ziggy For Courtesy Bus bookings please call 6653 1213 51-55 First Ave Sawtell Sawtell Hotel & Fishtales Restaurant sawtellhotel.com

coffs coast focus. 29

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SUPPLY

SUPPLY CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH AND HAS BEEN OFFERING ITS UNIQUE BLEND OF QUALITY COFFEE AND BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DESSERT WITH A WHOLEFOOD AND HEALTHY APPROACH OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.

W

hat's happening at For the month of January, Thursday nights SUPPLY this summer? are our fun nights, with the SUPPLY Souvi Bar Now SUPPLY has in action. Agai,n Mediterranean flavours to moved into the evening the forefront, with our version of the Souvlaki market and is trading the feature. Marinated and grilled lamb, Thursday through Saturday with a fully chicken, prawns, and vegetarian choices licensed bar and menus geared towards served on our housemade flatbreads with those looking simply for tapas style snacks traditional Greek salads ... from $7.50 each ... with a drink, a more substantial share plate warning though ... you might not be able to dining option, or a special event or function. stop at one. A fun night at the bar too, with The bar provides some highlights also, a special Souvi Bar cocktail and beer selection with a smart cocktail selection and a in place. A great night for families and tastefully compiled wine list featuring groups! the major wine growing regions Tell us about your Sunday of the country, and some Sesh.

European gems also.

You have extended The summer season For the month of you trading hours ay also brings Sunday sd ur Th January, , ts ... What can we gh ni n afternoon trade. We fu r ou nights are i uv expect?

So LY PP lighten it up with SU e with th , in SUPPLY continues ga A n. tio ac in some nice music, Bar flavours to cater to the early Mediterranean and the relaxed r with ou risers, with coffee to the forefront, tapas menu offering ki la uv and breakfast under version of the So and the Sunday arvo way from 6:30am, the feature.” chef’s selection board.

Monday to Friday and Easy to choose, great for 7am on weekends. There

“

is also lunch service daily through 'til 3pm.

SUPPLY now moves into the evening market, with service from 4pm, Thursday to Saturday.

Why so early for evening dining?

It provides an option for the after work, after beach, before dinner get together.

Relaxed indoor/outdoor environment, nice tapas selection for sharing, and tasteful and stylish bar selections. Dinner from 6pm, with an array of share plates forming the basis of the offer on Friday and Saturday nights. It's a chance to experience a great cross section of Mediterranean flavours, whether you be a dining couple, or a larger party.

Late night coffee and dessert ... Again, SUPPLY can provide.

What else is new?

30 coffs coast focus.

sharing, terrific value, and

no skimping on quality. Again, the bar will provide innovative cocktail and drink options.

No better way to wrap up your weekend!

SUPPLY is also available for private functions and events. Corporate gatherings, weddings, engagements, christenings, birthdays etc. of almost any size and style can be catered to. Part or whole of venue events can be discussed with the SUPPLY team to achieve memorable and stress free celebrations.

SUPPLY looks forward to welcoming a whole new sector of the market as it expands its offer. The team are pleased to be providing an addition to the Coffs coast evening dining scene, and are sure that locals and visitors alike will be better for the experience.

coffs coast focus. 31

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Coffs

GIG GUIDE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1ST

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH

Lazy Sundays - Sawtell Hotel Owen Shannon - Element Bar

Cookin on 3 Burners - Hoey Moey Angus & Simon - Element Bar

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4TH

MONDAY, JANUARY 9TH

Shanteya & Jo & Yhan Leal - Element Bar

Quick Fix - Sawtell Hotel

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11TH

Josh Matheson - Seaview Tavern Jake Davey - Sawtell Hotel Smokin Joe Mekhael - Coast Hotel Mat McHugh - No.5 Church St Hans-Solo - Element Bar

Benny Black - Element Bar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6TH Ben Francis Band - Seaview Tavern Gunshy - Sawtell Hotel Secret Squirrel - Coast Hotel DJ Blakey - Coast Hotel The Hillbilly Goats - Sawtell RSL Vanishing Shapes - No.5 Church St Charlie Band - Hoey Moey Tullara - Element Bar

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7TH Jake Davey - Seaview Tavern DJ Layne - Sawtell Hotel Dazed - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Live Pro Wrestling - Sawtell RSL DJ OB1 - Hoey Moey Raging Oceans - Element Bar

32 coffs coast focus.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12TH Minnie Marks - Seaview Tavern Ziggy - Sawtell Hotel Smokin Joe Mekhael - Coast Hotel Craig Freeman - Element Bar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13TH Pink Zinc - Seaview Tavern Hekyl & Jive - Sawtell Hotel Money Shot - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel The Black Sorrows - Sawtell RSL Jimeoin - C.ex Push + DJ Layne - Hoey Moey Dean Sharkey - Element Bar

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14TH Ladies Night DJ Helmy - Seaview Tavern Pink Zinc - Sawtell Hotel Cruisin the Cosmos - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Australia’s Naughtiest Hypnotist - Sawtell RSL The Jug Addicts - No.5 Church St DJ Layne - Hoey Moey Owen Shannon - Element Bar

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15TH

Minnie Marks - Sawtell Hotel Lisa Hunt - Hoey Moey Nicole Brophy - Element Bar

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18TH Four Winds - No.5 Church St Aqwa - Element Bar

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19TH

Aqwa - Seaview Tavern Bobby Lea Coulton - Sawtell Hotel Smokin Joe Mekhael - Coast Hotel

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20TH

Push Band - Seaview Tavern Wheels & the Wavemen, Downhill Bombers, Jess Swilks - Sawtell Hotel Bounty Hunters - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Pink Zinc & DJ Mark - Hoey Moey Tullara - Element Bar

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21ST

Jazrol - Seaview Tavern DJ OB1 - Sawtell Hotel White Water - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Music in The Vines - Two Tails Winery (sold out) Extreme Bulls - Coffs Harbour Show ground DJ Mark - Hoey Moey The Milkshakes - Element Bar

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22ND Jazroll - Sawtell Hotel Arthur Washington Sexytets - Element Bar

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH The Amity Affliction - C.ex Matt Gresham & Benny Black - Element Bar

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26TH Who’s Charlie - Sawtell Hotel Matty Devitt Duo - Seaview Tavern Smokin Joe Mekhael - Coast Hotel Saltwater Freshwater - Botanical Gardens Benny Black - Element Bar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH Empire - Seaview Tavern First Avenue - Sawtell Hotel Frogmouth - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Amber Lawrence - Sawtell RSL Ben Francis Band & DJ OB1 - Hoey Moey RagingOceans - Element Bar

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH Dave James Karaoke - Seaview Tavern DJ Ning - Sawtell Hotel DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel DJ OB1 - Hoey Moey Owen Shannon - Element Bar

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29TH Ziggy - Sawtell Hotel Car Ram Rod - Coast Hotel Phil Emmanuel - Hoey Moey Shanteya & Jo - Element Bar

coffs coast focus. 33

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ELEMENT BAR

34 coffs coast focus.

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

coffs coast focus. 35

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NORTH COAST

HOTEL GROUP. HOTELS ARE A BIG PART OF AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES. HARRY BARRY FROM THE NORTH COAST HOTEL GROUP SPOKE TO US ABOUT THE GROUP AND THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ON THE COFFS COAST.

T

ell us a bit about the group’s connection to the Coffs Coast ...

We all live and work in the Coffs Coast area. Two of the couples (Twane and Donna and Ric and Michelle) are born and bred here, with families and in-laws that go back a few generations.

My wife, Jennifer, and I moved to Coffs to do the Plantation Hotel renos in 2003, and Charlie and Nerissa came across the border from Queensland about five years ago. Together, we own and operate a number of hotels on the North Coast.

What have been some of your achievements over the last few years?

We all want to live and work on the North Coast. Our biggest achievement was buying hotels on the North Coast with the best potential for growth. We have picked up three - four hotels that other operators have failed with, we have taken a punt and backed ourselves and our Hotel Model, we live and breathe the hotel businesses that we invest in. Hotels are what we do for a living; we have been in this game for a combined total of 98 years between us …

So we should be getting good at it by now!

How has Coffs changed during the last five years, in your opinion?

I think that people both locally and nationally are now confident that Coffs Harbour has the potential for continued growth. This new confidence has brought a newfound determination

36 coffs coast focus.

to make the changes that will ensure the town continues to prosper. The speed at which the new housing subdivisions have taken off, both north and south of the city, are a testament to that confidence.

Do you think more people are discovering the area and moving here?

Yes, I do. I am amazed by the number of new visitors we get year on year.

Which pubs do you guys manage?

The Hoey Moey, The Moonee Beach Tavern, The Seaview Tavern, The Village Green Hotel in Grafton and The Emerald Beach Bottle Shop.

We also own the Maclean Hotel (leased to a another operator) Is live music a part of your focus within the group?

The Hoey Moey is now and will always be an integral part of the night life scene in Coffs Harbour. I have heard hundreds of stories about … I met my wife at the Hoey … heard Barnsey for the first time at the Hoey … had my 18th at the Hoey, I had my first #$#%# on the beach at the back of the Hoey etc.

Music should be a part of any good pub. We have built music and entertainment of all sorts into our overall package; we think music helps make a real pub. The Hoey’s Sunday Sessions are now well recognised as one of the best throughout the country.

Hotels should be part of the fabric of the local community. We have made a conscious

My mother told

“

decision to push a our Annual Pig Racing me when I first a large portion of our g Carnival. in ag an m started stry du entertainment and in is What do you love th at th pu b it’s a er marketing budgets re ca a t most about running no is into community ‘calling’ ... ” pubs? events and sporting It has saved me from organisations. Kids’ getting a real job all my entertainment and family working life! friendly environments and What is the hardest thing facilities have been crucial for about the business? our continued success.

My mother told me when I first We heard that you recently won an started managing a pub that this industry is award; can you tell us what that was not a career, it’s a “calling” … She told me to for? find something easier to do with my life (I think Yes, we had a massive win for the Village she was hoping for a Priest in the family lol) …

Green in Grafton … Best Cheap Eats Bistro!

This win is a real feather in the cap for our 363 days of the year … Early morning ‘til late newest hotel. Value for money meals are at night … Every weekend … Every holiday … the cornerstone of our businesses and to be We are busiest when everybody else is having recognised by our peers throughout NSW as a good time … But this is what we do for a providing the BEST value for money is absolute living. gold!

When managing a pub, what is the key to The Moonee Beach Tavern has just won the being a success?

Best Family Friendly Venue in NSW. We have Do the simple things well, surround yourself worked really hard to establish the Moonee with good, happy people (partners and staff) as the destination of choice for large family who are prepared to work hard. gatherings.

What are your plans for the future?

We have received Highly Commended We are constantly looking for new opporAwards for the Hoey in recent years for Family tunities … We have a few pokers in the fire at Friendly Venue and Live Entertainment Venue, the moment … So watch this space! and for The Seaview we got a Highly Commended in the Original Concept Category for Thanks Barry.

WINNERs

moonee beach tavern Village Green hotel

bestfamily best Cheap eat $ friendly hotel meal under 15 North Coast Hotel Group coffs coast focus. 37

CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Glen and Jacqui Barnett

Emma Rhoades, Mel Crossland, Jeynelle Forrest, Jacqui Barnett, Bonnie Capell

Bonnie Capell, Jeynelle Forrest, Brenda Smith

Mel Crossland, Fiona Barden, Julie Sechi

Leanne Zietsch, Tim Blakeley

Leanne Zietsch, Carole Beros, Jill Bale

Gold Cup

Therese Barker, Karen Jackson

Jenny Evans, Marian Blyth

SOCIAL/SCENE

T

he re run of the Calton Mid Coffs Harbour Gold Cup at our Coffs Harbour Racing Club entertained the crowds that missed it the first time, along with the ones who wanted to enjoy the trackside fun again! Scorching hot day, so being in the air conditioned corporate area was well appreciated. A few bets were made, and races were won and lost. It’s all the fun of the day along with the racing fashionistas, who love to strut their stuff, competing in the Park Beach PLaza Fashions on the Field. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and relaxed with friends. A great day was had by one and all.

The Pier Hotel was the place to be, when a bevy of beauties from the Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network descended on the Cocktail Bar to celebrate the end of 2016.

Local business women, including Caroline Bleechmore, Joanne Vines, Julie Sechi, Sandra Belling, Brenda Smith, Mel Crossland, Emma Rhoades, Jude Turner and brand new President Bonnie Capell, to name but a few, celebrated Christmas and the end of a busy year for the BWN. Unwinding and having some fun was the name of the game! The event was also to toast out the outgoing committee members,

WHAT WITH CHRISTMAS, RACING AND NEW YEAR, THE COFFS COAST HAS JUST BEEN ONE HUGE CELEBRATION! THE AREA IS FULL TO THE BRIM WITH TOURISTS, ALL ENJOYING OUR PIECE OF PARADISE!

who included Sandra Belling and Donna Alderman. It was also to welcome in new committee members such as Emma Rhoades and Mel Crossland. The Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network is a volunteer organisation, where they all pitch in to stage great events that benefit our local business community and support local charities. President Bonnie Capell commented that they aim to inspire, inform, facilitate and educate the business women of Coffs Harbour. She also added that having fun was very much part of the mix! They are in the process of scheduling the events for 2017. Details are available on their website at www.bwn.org.au She pointed out that whether you have been on the Coffs Coast for years and in business, just starting out or new to Coffs and looking to connect with others, you are all welcome to come along and meet with the ladies at the Business Women’s Network events in 2017!

Bonnie went on to acknowledge the sponsors - FOCUS, ETC, Coffs Coast Health Club, Opal Cove Resort, Asit Group and Advanced Technology. Everyone enjoyed the evening and festive fun was had by one and all.

Visiting friends of ours commented that there was entertainment all over the Coffs Coast to be enjoyed. The clubs of course, have

amazing nonstop entertainment provided for both locals and visitors alike, and some of the shows are for free.

But this show was staged at the Plantation Hotel and they had enjoyed a meal and been entertained by Lisa Budin at the “Carpenters Christmas Show”. It was a tribute to the iconic singers, and the audience was transported back in time to remembered favourites of The Carpenters. Great night out!

Sawtell had another successful Sawtell Summer Session, where the street gets closed, ready for some fun. Locals and tourists get to wander First Avenue in Sawtell and peruse the stores and have dinner at one of the local restaurants or takeaways. There was music and entertainment for the children as usual, to entertain the crowd. This is a great space to be in, as it allows the children to run around safely and enjoy the beauty of the fig trees on First Avenue.

Lots of celebrations, as I mentioned …

One of them was ours. Every Friday at Le Dãin Designs store in Sawtell we have a Red Carpet, Bubbles and Sunset shopping night from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Even though it’s a mini event, dressing up posh … is not necessary.

Anyone can attend and just pop in and have a bubbles and play “Dress Ups” if you wish. We

have a “Petite Beauty Parlour” from Barbara Wenman at La Fleur D’Alyse, where you can purchase some of their amazing products, have your makeup done and get some great beauty advice. We have a free styling service as well.

We started these in November and will run through to the end of March. This last one was our Christmas party and was definitely full of fun and fabulousness!

The Bunker Cartoon Gallery in Coffs Harbour always has something to please everyone. We attended the opening night of another fun filled exhibition. This is being showcased from Friday 2nd December through to 29th January 2017. It was “Ginger Meggs” celebrating 95 years. The gallery had memorabilia and cartoons spanning 95 years from Australia’s favourite ginger haired larrikin. The opening night had Mr Peter Curnow as their special guest, and there were prints for sale available on the night. Guests enjoyed a bubbles or two to open the exhibition.

Well, let’s ring in the New Year and from FOCUS and myself, we wish you good health and happiness for 2017.

See you in the New Year …

Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Jessica Scalzo, Leticia Cubero

Mark Robertson, Edgar Skinner, Ken Towneley

Maurizilo, Sheldon, Mirco

Richard Welsh, Warren Skinner, Charlie Saunders, Rod Mockey

Kay Skinner, Gail Welsh

Cale Simonds, Trudy Thomson

Adelaide Zietsch

Melissa McInally, Donna Kelly, Tracey Robinson

Cheryl Munroe, Sallie-Ann Munroe

Margaret Saunders, Monica Hockey, Sharon Farrer

Felicity, Flair, Matt

Naomi Smith, Jess Bishop

Michelle and Matt Perks

Donna and Ron Kelly

Roslyn young, Lisa Bellyeo

Tanya Johnson from Pink Silks

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Tanya Johnson S PINK SILK

TA N YA J O H N S O N I S A T R U E C O F F S C OA S T L O C A L W H O H A S S P E N T H E R L I F E H E L P I N G P E O P L E B O T H I N H E R C A R E E R A N D A S A M E M B E R O F P I N K S I L K S . F O C U S C H AT T E D W I T H TA N YA T O F I N D O U T M O R E A B O U T H E R B A C KG R O U N D A N D T H E O R G A N I S AT I O N . . .

H

i Tanya. Tell us a bit about your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I was born and raised here in Coffs Harbour, so I am very much a local girl. I left Coffs for five years to become a Radiographer at the University of Newcastle and obtained my trauma experience and returned to live and work in the place I call home. Having Italian heritage, I was raised with strong family and community values.

I think that’s why I have such a dedicated commitment to Coffs.

When did you become involved with Pink Silks, and what position do you currently hold within the organisation?

I was part of the founding committee in 2006 and am currently the Chair of the Pink Silks Trust Committee.

I am so proud to head this remarkable committee and to work with these selfless and passionate people. The committee role is a voluntary one, and one that brings so many rewards through the people we meet and those we help.

For those readers who may not be aware, explain what Pink Silks is and what the organisation does ...

The Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Perpetual Trust (Pink Silks Trust) is a local registered charity, committed in raising awareness and funds for local women who are challenged by 40 coffs coast focus.

to support at a local level and make a cancer or illness. direct change for the women in our local “Covering all bases in local women’s health” community. is used to promote that 90% of our funding Describe the Pink Silks Ladies Day that is is used to assist in all aspects of local women’s health issues - prevention, research, held annually at Coffs Races ...

Pink Silks race day is a fun, family and capital equipment purchases, assisting local community oriented event. We have created support groups, increased awareness of a day for everyone to have a memorable disease and illnesses, education, initiation of and enjoyable Sunday afternoon. For the new services in our community. adults we hold seven races, Fashions Annually we contribute 10% of on the Field, a monster auction, funds to cancer or illness raffles and a great hospitality research, as it is hoped that package, where you can one day we will find a gather some friends, post cure or a preventative I am so proud the Xmas chaos, and measure. Breast to head relax and enjoy. For the cancer has been our this remarkable kids and families, we main cancer research committee and to work with have a Kids’ Zone for focus, as this affects d these selfless an .” everything fun, like face 23.4% of women in le passionate peop painting, jumping castle, our area. petting zoo and much When did the more. organisation form, and Apart from raising funds, what was the motivation what else does the day hope to for the Pink Silks Trust? achieve?

The Pink Silks Ladies Race Day started in When you are going through any 2006, to raise money for Breast Cancer major illness, some days are harder than research, and we raised $25,000 and others, and you want one day to forget had 1,500 people attend with family and your constant fight for survival and have friends. normality again. You want a day which is fun We realised this overwhelming support by and surrounded by those you love and that the community was something we needed day motivates you to keep fighting. to continue annually, but instead of all the This is the real meaning of the Pink Silks money leaving our community, we needed

“

Ladies Race day, and the fundraising is the bonus to provide what is needed locally to make the fight and recovery much easier.

Also, the importance of raising awareness of local services and support groups was equal to raising the funds, as we are never certain when someone we love needs to access that help.

What are the plans for the future of Pink Silks?

We are currently working towards a two part community project at the Jetty over the next few years. Pink Silks Trust will commit $250,000 to the project, which will benefit all women in our community through prevention and recovery.

We will continue to honour our commitment to our local women, their recovery from any illness and to their future health and wellbeing.

Where can people find out more?

Facebook page “Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Perpetual Trust”.

Our Facebook page has regular features to promote health and wellbeing, knowledge about different illnesses and motivational quotes.

Instagram page - pink_silks_trust to connect with the different demographic.

For more information, go to our website: www.pinksilks.com.au Thanks Tanya.

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T H I S FA N TA S T I C E V E N T I S I N I T S 1 1 T H Y E A R A N D I S A M U C H A N T I C I PAT E D R A C E DAY E V E N T O N T H E C O F F S C OA S T S O C I A L C A L E N DA R . T H E 2 0 1 7 C O F F S H A R B O U R R A C I N G C L U B ’ S P I N K S I L K S L A D I E S DAY I S O N S U N DAY 8 T H JA N U A RY A N D P R O M I S E S T O B E A F U N C E L E B R AT I O N O F L I F E ! T H E M E D P I N K F R O M T H E C H A M PA G N E R I G H T T H R O U G H T O T H E S A D D L E C L O T H S , I T ’ S T H E P E R F E C T DAY F O R L A D I E S , FA M I L I E S A N D F R I E N D S T O E N J O Y.

O

pen for all to attend, including children, you’ll enjoy a seven race TAB program surrounded by fun for all the family, including free rides, face painting and a jumping castle to keep the children entertained.

There’s also a “Monster Charity Auction” on the day and Park Beach Plaza’s Fashions on the Field, with over $3,500 in prizes to win.

Hospitality tickets are available, so please come along, bring your friends or family and enjoy this very special race day supporting women’s health initiatives in the Coffs Coast region, as well as cancer research projects.

Join us for our Pink Luncheon This luncheon is always popular, with standard tickets from $77 (adults) and $33 (children), with a proportion of all tickets sales donated direct to Pink Silks. Tickets include gate entry, race book, complimentary drink on arrival (for standard package), delicious gourmet Luncheon Buffet including, meats, prawns, salads plus a great selection of desserts, cheese and fruit

platters for all to enjoy. Or, upgrade to the premium package for $99 per person, which includes a 5-hour beverage package. Tickets are available from the Pink Silks website: www.pinksilks.com.au Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field Kindly sponsored by Park Beach Plaza, the Pink Silks Fashions on the Field yields a prize pool of over $3,500. There are a number of categories to enter, including for the kids: Best Dressed Boy, Girl and Teenager; and for the adults: Best Dressed Couple, Best Millinery, Pinkest Outfit (open category) and Best Dressed Lady. Prizes include: Park Beach Plaza gift cards, Le Dãin Designs jewellery, among many more.

The fashions kick off at 12:30pm.

Monster Charity Auction After race seven at 5:30pm, the Pinks Silks Trust hold their infamous charity auction, with some truly amazing prizes up for grabs. This year is no different, with over 19 items up for grabs worth over $20,000, plus Scott Nolan from Nolan Partners will be the fantastic auctioneer.

Some of the items include: Camilla Kaftan from Nik & She; Australian Turf Club Saturday

race day all-inclusive package for four people plus “Sunday at the Stables with Gai Waterhouse”; Fiascos Catering dinner at your home for eight people; ANZ Stadium Corporate Box (un-catered) to any regular NRL game for 16 of your closest friends; Kids Prize pack with bike, fun passes and toys; Weber Q BBQ plus meat vouchers; Fly Corporate Brisbane holiday package; $1,000 in watches from Wallace Bishop; Le Dãin Designs Jewellery Package, just to name a few!

So be sure to bring your wallet and bid on some of these fantastic items, with all proceeds going towards the fantastic work Pink Silks does for local women’s health and breast cancer research.

For more information and tickets, please

LADIES RACE DAY RUST PINK SILKS T

visit www.pinksilks.com.au or the Coffs Racing Club’s website: www.coffsracingclub.com.au

11TH ANNUAL COFFS HARBOUR

Pink Silks

Ladies Race Day

SUNDAY, 8TH JANUARY 2017

Enjoy a seven race TAB program surrounded by fun for all the family. With free kids rides, face painting and a jumping castle, plus Fashions on the Field with $3,500 in prizes and a Monster Charity Auction with over $20,000 in prizes. Come along and enjoy the Pink Day!

Hospitality tickets are available.

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

Buy Tickets online at pinksilks.com.au

P nk S lks TRUST

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T H E

C O F F S

C O A S T

BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK THE COFFS COAST BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK HAS HAD SOME CHANGES WITHIN THE COMMITTEE IN THE PAST MONTH. FOCUS SAT DOWN WITH EMMA RHODES - THE NEW SPONSORSHIP CO-ORDINATOR - TO FIND OUT MORE ...

B

WN has made some exciting changes ... Tell us about them.

Over the last couple of meetings, the committee members have really worked together to define what The Business Women’s Network is and what we want it to be for Coffs Harbour.

For 2017, we will be focusing on developing relationships and support for women in business, networking and developing our website into a resource hub. Our new mission is to nurture the professional and personal development of women through an informative, supportive and fun networking environment.

We will be introducing lunchtime events, and also innovate workshops on a range of professional and personal development topics.

We have a big focus on our range of speakers this year and are working with our sponsors to bring in a range of experienced and inspirational speakers for our members.

Who is the new President, and what is her background?

Bonnie Capell moves into the Presidential position this year and brings with her a business related background - having owned her own business and currently working with business owners on a daily basis in her role as Business Advisor at ETC. Bonnie brings laughter, hilarity and a beautiful dynamic personality - we are excited about the network’s future growth with Bonnie in the leader’s chair.

Mel Crossland and yourself are the perfect pair to join the committee ... What are your plans to improve the future?

Thanks Nicci! Both Mel and I have a passion for business in Coffs Harbour and feel working with the committee can bring some fresh ideas into the Business Women’s Network. Mel is joining us as the Marketing Co-ordinator and has a very strong background in marketing and social media. We are very excited to have her

on board. I come in as Sponsorship Co-ordinator, which I’m really loving. I get to meet with our current sponsors and see how they can benefit our members, and how we can work together to grow their businesses. We are making some slight changes to our sponsorship proposal for 2017/18, and we would welcome any business owners who might be interested in partnering with us to come forward and we can have a chat!

Mel and I are enjoying working with the experienced team and look forward to some of the changes coming in 2017.

What can we expect in 2017?

Expect increased networking, lunchtime opportunities, inspirational speakers and lots of fun! Oh, and don’t forget to lock in our Christmas Cocktail Party early for 2017! Come along to the our next event on Feb 2nd, at the Surf Club Restaurant and Bar, for some highlights of what to expect for 2017.

Have you organised any surprises you might be able to share?

Now Nicci, then they wouldn’t be a surprise would they?

Thanks Emma.

Waste matters Drop off your household problem waste for recycling

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

Gas bottles and

Paint

Fluoro globes and tubes

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

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

Household batteries

Motor oils

Other oils

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

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Smoke detectors

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

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bks

44 coffs coast focus.

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Best Kept Secrets

Audio Shrine Sunday 22nd January, 4pm Tickets $40+BF: stickytickets.com.au/audioshrine/events Audio Shrine is a live ceremonial music performance in which you are taken on a deep, transcendental journey. You will be comfortable and relaxed, laying down or sitting, whilst sounds and music are played all around you, completely immersing you in the journey. You will experience powerful vibrational frequencies moving through your body as live instruments such as didgeridoo, singing bowls, analog synthesisers, guitar, voice, drums and percussion are gradually introduced into the journey.

Lose and find yourself in the magic. Tickets essential, limited space.

COFFEE APPRECIATION BREAKFAST Saturday 28th January, 8am Dark Arts Coffee Academy is launching its first Coffee Appreciation Breakfast. The class takes participants on an explorative journey through the world of coffee, from farming, harvesting, processing, profiling, roasting, cupping and coffee making techniques. This fun and interactive class includes plenty of coffee sampling, a cupping session and a cooked breakfast. This is an educational workshop open to all ages and skill levels. The workshop runs for three hours.

The Heart of the Film Festival

East Coast Cabinets

The Jetty Memorial Theatre is the heart of the 2017 Screenwave International Film Festival.

Have a happy, healthy New Year!

SWIFF 2017 features just over 70 film sessions, introducing films from around the world to local and visiting Coffs Coast audiences. The festival also includes a number of international and Australian festival guest actors, directors, producers, and filmmakers, who will be attending film screenings in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen.

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for their business, contractors for their work and assistance and suppliers for their support.

Opening Night includes drinks, canapes, live music, and the Coffs Coast premiere of Sonita, a film about an Afghani teenage girl trying to avoid being sold off for marriage by her family while on her quest to become a famous rapper. More information on SWIFF 2017 films and events are available at www.swiff.com.au

The workshop is $129.oo, including breakfast and some takehome goodies!

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.

Bookings essential: 0435 550 559 or glenn@darkartscoffee.com.au

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

Screenwave International Film Festival Discover the Coffs Coast’s heart of film Show: Jan 4 – 28

CINEMA

Upcoming Shows

Raw, moving contemporary dance Show: Sat 14 & Sun 15 Jan

DANCE

Epoch

Australia’s largest travelling short film festival back for 2017

CINEMA

Flickerfest

Show: Fri 10 - Sat 11 Mar

HIT Productions present a new show about mid-life transformation Show: Fri 17 & Sat 18 Mar jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

Proudly supported by

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 6652 8088 | 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour 46 coffs coast focus.

TOURING SHOW

Shirley Valentine

At this time of year, hopefully everyone will enjoy a wellearned break and quality time with family and friends.

After a few weeks’ rest and respite, we will commence the new year with a restored supply of vim and vigour. Although the factory is in full swing, now is a good time to start planning and organising your jobs for next year. With January being a short production month, February will be on us before we know it.

Planning is the most important part of your job. Think carefully about what you wish to achieve in not only looks, but practical design as well.

Select (not necessarily purchase) all of your appliances and fittings, as well as the colours and materials, before finalising the design and quotation.

Ensure that your appliances will be available when required, so as not to create delays on the job.

coffs coast focus. 47

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

Best Kept Secrets

Quadrant Travel & Journeys Local tour company Quadrant Australia is offering FOCUS readers the chance to travel on our Farmers Tour of Italy in 2017. With more than 30 years’ experience taking travellers around the world, their tour is a unique opportunity for travellers looking for something a little different.

You will get the chance to savour the cultural highlights, the regional produce and culinary delights of Italy, whilst at the same time gain an appreciation of the country’s agriculture. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country and the tour will visit many, including Pompeii and the Trulli of Alberobello and a number in southern Italy off the beaten tourist trail.

Singapore Highlights WHETHER IT’S SLURPING ON NOODLES, WATCHING THE POLAR BEAR SWIM AT THE ZOO OR GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES ON THE SINGAPORE FLYER, SINGAPORE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. WE ASKED OUR TRAVEL WRITER, KERRY MOSS, TO TELL US HER TOP THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE. HERE’S WHAT SHE TOLD US.

M

arina Bay Sands: Think Vegas meets luxury resort, and you’ll be halfway there. Marina Bay Sands is extravagance beyond belief. Three towers of 57 stories, with an infinity pool perched on top of the towers shaped like a boat. The resort is only half the story, with a luxury shopping centre so large, that there are gondola rides inside the centre in the indoor canal.

Gardens by The Bay and Botanic Gardens Singapore is home to some of the most spectacular gardens in the world. Gardens by the Bay are 101 hectares of green space in the heart of the city. With tree shaped vertical gardens up to 16 storeys tall linked by a suspension walkway, the bird’s eye view of the gardens is spectacular. But the beauty doesn’t stop there; the cloud forest has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, where you’ll find plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

More traditionally, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are home to the National Orchid Garden, home to 60,000 orchid plants.

Singapore Zoo and the night safari Said to be one of the best zoos in the world, Singapore’s zoo is a beautiful award winning wildlife park where animals can roam freely in their natural habitats. With some excellent animal experiences such as Breakfast with the Orangutans, it’s a unique way to spend the 48 coffs coast focus.

day.

If night time wildlife viewing is more interesting to you, then join the world’s first wildlife night park, where visitors ride the night safari tram across seven geographical zones of the world. For a lucky few there is a chance to enjoy a three course gourmet dinner under the stars with the sounds and sights of the animals in the background.

Eat Streets - Little India and Chinatown Little India is a buzzing historic district that showcases the best of Singapore’s Indian community. Whether it’s culture or food that you are after, Little India has it all.

Chinatown is an eclectic mix of old and new, with traditional shops and marketplaces next door to high-rise shopping centres. Regardless, the food is an absolute highlight and should not be missed on a visit to Singapore.

Sentosa and Universal Studios Sentosa is a resort island located within the city of Singapore. With its man-made beaches and thrill-seeking theme parks, it’s not for everyone, but it does offer excellent activities for children. With an entrance by cable car and home to an aquarium, a water park and Universal Studios, a day at Sentosa is action-packed.

The team at Quadrant Australia are fully trained and experienced with all aspects of travel. They are located in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour, and they’ll be happy to assist you with your travel plans.

For the very first time, Quadrant will be offering the chance to extend the tour with an optional Mediterranean Cruise. This tour takes in much of the Med’s rich cultural heritage and best loved sights.

Some of the incredible highlights of the tour include Rome, Naples, Florence and the romantic city of Venice. There will be authentic farm visits to olive groves and vineyards, plus sheep, buffalo and donkey milk operations to see how cheese is made.

Quadrant Australia is a specialist travel company with an experienced team of travel professionals. The Farmers Tour of Italy will be escorted by our very own FOCUS travel column writer, Kerry Moss. Kerry has previously led tours throughout South America, UK and has travelled to more than 45 countries across five continents.

If you are interested in a tour that takes you off the beaten track into provincial Italy, where you can enjoy delicious regional foods and local wines, then drop it to see the team at Quadrant Australia in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour.

To download the itinerary, visit their website at: www.quadrantaustralia.com

Best Kept Secrets

Me-Healthy Farm Me-Healthy Farm is a little shop with a whole lot of character and only 15 minutes west in Coffs Harbour’s Hinterland.

You will find treasures for everyone from crystals to locally grown fruit trees and so much more. Everyone is pleasantly surprised when they walk in the door, it is a creative space that can inspire and excite you.

Me-Healthy Farm offers a range of fresh local produce, chemical free when available, pure honey, pasture raised eggs and Bakarindi’s award winning chutneys. Organic old grain breads, gluten free pizza bases and gluten free cookies to enjoy at home. The fridge is full of health orientated krauts, kombucha, organic chocolates and a selection of sustainably farmed beef from Waterfall Produce.

The store has a charming feel as you explore more into their range of Bric n Brac, handwoven baskets, local handmade jewellery, raw and polished crystals, gardening gifts and quality garden tools. The French doors at the back of the shop lead you onto a deck where there is a seasonal supply of handpicked medicinal herbs and locally sourced fruit trees, perfect for our climate and your garden.

We have it all at “Your Healthy Living and Lifestyle Store”.

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Best Kept Secrets

Hugh Crowley B E L L I N G E N Bello is truly an inspirational place, harbouring an almost magnetic power that attracts like-mined people …It represents a multitude of connections. In nature, the beautiful Bellinger River connects the mountains to the coast; this also creates a unique mix of climatic and soil conditions, where a huge diversity of fresh produce is able to thrive. Our multicultural community is connected via a powerful shared consciousness, based on respect for the environment and each other as individuals. Come and check it out! Bello is a real character - an incubator of creativity, fun and real change!

Duncan Marchant C O F F S

H A R B O U R

What do I love about Coffs Harbour?

The amazing weather, the beautiful beaches, the vibrant community, and the positivity of the people around me.

I am truly grateful for the high quality life my family are able to experience here, and I can never see us leaving our little piece of paradise.

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Jake Cosmai S A W T E L L Having only just moved to Sawtell in the last six months, the most notable thing is the sense of such a helpful community. It’s an aesthetically amazing town where most people ride, skate or walk around, courteously interacting with each other. Within an hour you can be sunbaking in front of the surf club, testing yourself on a hill run, before getting back down to the main street in enough time to enjoy a Stone & Wood at 63 First Avenue … how awesome is that! I thought the Sunshine Coast (my hometown) was beautiful …

Sawtell really does give it a run for its money, that’s for sure!

Tegan Ewert W O O L G O O L G A What do I love about Woopi?

It is seriously the missing piece of paradise and a total jewel of the Coffs Coast. We have the best cafés, restaurants and on trend takeaway places. It’s an adventure playground. The best beaches, walkways, waterfalls, surfing, SUPing, bike riding ... you name it, we’ve got it. Gorgeous shops to spend the day exploring but most importantly, the most gorgeous people.

Our community is second to none, so supportive of each other and an amazing place to live and grow. Ask any of us: Woopi and the Northern Beaches ROCK!

Jaimee Seccombe O R A R A

V A L L E Y

What do I love about the Orara Valley?

I have been lucky enough to live at Karangi for most of my life; it’s beautiful country.

We have the bush, river and land, but it is also so close to town and the beach.

I work at Country Cubs Preschool, and this year have played my first year of soccer with the Orara Valley Dingos. Work, sleep and play - all in the valley!

I love knowing lots of locals and the friendly vibe of the valley.

Best Kept Secrets

Wedding Open Day

Dolphin Marine Magic RECEIVE FREE KISSES ...

Every day from our gorgeous dolphins and playful seals. Treat yourself and your family to an incredible experience when you get up close and personal with our amazing animals.

MARINE MAGIC PRESENTATION TIMES Dolphin & Seal Kisses Morning Session 9:30am.

Afternoon Session 12:30pm.

Marine Discovery Presentation Morning Show 10am.

Afternoon Shows 1pm.

Penguin, Turtle & Fish Feeding Morning Session 10:45am.

Afternoon Session 1:45pm.

Reptile World (27th Dec - 20th Jan) Morning Show 11:15am.

Afternoon Show 2:15pm.

Face Painting (27th Dec - 20th Jan) Available ALL DAY. BE TOUCHED BY MAGIC THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT DOLPHIN MARINE MAGIC.

Saturday 14th January, 2017 9:00am – 2:00pm FREE entry and on-site parking You’re invited to experience the ultimate Coffs Coast wedding venue. Take a tour of our unique ceremony and reception spaces styled and themed for you to picture your big day, and enjoy sparkling wine and canapés whilst you meet our talented wedding specialists. Let us spoil you on arrival with a free gift bag. Our preferred suppliers will be on hand to help you create your perfect day.

Wedding Open Day offer Book a wedding in 2017 within 7 days of the open day and secure a 50%* discount on venue and chapel hire and an additional night in a Paradise Spa Bure including full buffet breakfast for 2.

*Terms and conditions apply. Discount applies to 2017 ceremony and reception weddings. Minimum 40 adults applies. New wedding bookings must be confirmed by 20th January 2017. Wedding images courtesy of Peter Sechi Photography.

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

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Best Kept Secrets

from Le Dāin Designs

HERE AT FOCUS, WE REALLY LOVE TO MEET THE LOCALS AND HEAR THEIR STORIES. THE VIGNES ARE ONE OF OUR WELL-LOVED FAMILIES WHO WORK HARD FOR A LIVING AND HAVE STAYED TOGETHER THROUGH THICK AND THIN. THEY OWN AND RUN THE SERVICE STATION, VIP (VIGNES INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM). I WAS PRIVILEGED TO HEAR AND SHARE THEIR STORY.

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ow long has the business been running for?

The business has been here for over 70 years. To the best of our knowledge, Bert and Nina Parsons started here in the 1950s after acquiring an old potato shed. The first bowser was added, and a small line of grocery essentials soon followed.

Is your family local? When did you take over the business?

We are originally from Sydney, but after residing here for over thirty years, we are now classed as locals!

Our dad, John, moved up here in January 1982 to manage a branch of Wreckair Hire. I (Dwayne) followed in March of that year, and Dad and I shared a flat in the Jetty area. Dad would return to Sydney every two weeks to see his beloved wife and our mum, Shirley, and the other kids, Greg, Lisa and Janelle.

At the end of 1982, Dad was asked to return to Sydney with Wreckair, but had grown to love the area and the lifestyle so much, it was decided to sell up the family home in Sydney and relocate to the Coffs Coast. Mum and Dad took over the management of Boambee Park 54 coffs coast focus.

and Eli. Together with her husband, Andrew, Reserve in late 1982, and in 1983 the servo they live over in Raleigh. My lovely wife, Anne, came up for grabs! It was decided that eldest and I now live on the premises at son, Greg, would run the servo and Mum the servo. It is very much a and Dad would stay on at the park family affair. until the contract was finished.

We hear your dad The family took over the e The mural out th was quite a charservo in 1984 and has been der front is a remin acter? here ever since. strength of Dad and the Sadly, our father, Tell us about how the was of the family. It John, passed away family works? t ted by local artis ea cr in 2012 and like Dad was always a also sh Johnson, who A with any family, it hard worker and typical ing did the adve rtis si de of was devastating. in of that generation. He e th on k or artw It didn’t only affect would come across as the wall.” the family, but also the grumpy but once you got to whole community. We know him, he was very funny didn’t have a funeral, but as and was always up for a joke! per his wishes, had a gathering Mum is, and we might be biased here, of the community to share a beer and so very kind and gentle. We can’t rememthe memories of our father. The response ber her ever raising her voice! She loves her was huge and shed light on to what a great family very much and has a calming influence impact our dad had on so many people. This on us all. will always be a treasured memory.

Greg is a lot like dad and loves a joke. Lisa Your service station is old school, which is is also a hard worker and loves her dogs; she so refreshing; tell us a bit about it? now shares a house with Mum across the road It’s hard to compete with the big boys! But from the servo. Janelle also works at the servo we offer driveway service, which is rare these and is devoted to her children, Callum, Myah

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days. We also fuel up but check the oil, check the tyre pressure and wash the windscreens if required. Our customers love it!

What do you all enjoy most about the business?

The best part of the job is the interaction with the customers. Sometimes our so called humour is misunderstood, but if we can have a customer go away with a smile, we are happy!

You have a mural on the Servo wall; tell us how that came about?

The mural out the front is a reminder of Dad and the strength of the family. It was created by local artist Ash Johnson, who also did the advertising artwork on the inside of the wall.

We also wanted to advertise and promote other small local businesses like ourselves.

What do you love most about living here on the Coffs Coast?

We love the wonderful lifestyle on the Coffs Coast. The small community of Sawtell is just fantastic! The community has been very loyal to us, so while we are here we will continue to plod along and offer the driveway service as long as we can.

Thank you Dwayne; we wish you and your family all the very best.

Best Kept Secrets

Afrekete A weekend of dance and music workshops and performances in the Roots of Salsa from Australia’s and New Zealand’s great Cuban artists.

We have three dance filled days lined up for you: 27th - 29th January 2017 ...

When a piece of Cuba Comes to the idyllic surrounds of Sawtell. Where the mountains and rivers meet the ocean. Accommodation available from budget to luxury at the Sawtell Beach Caravan Park. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

RECENTLY FEATURED ON MTV, CHANNEL V AND RAGE, AQWA IS BRINGING HER ORIGINAL SOUND TO NUMEROUS VENUES ON THE MID NORTH COAST ...

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here are you from, and how have you paved your way in the music industry?

Originally, I was from a little country town called Upper Lansdowne, but am now living on a small coastal headland named Crowdy Head.

I started taking singing and songwriting classes at age 13 (eight years ago now!) and fully engaged myself in the music industry at 18 years of age. During this time, I have been lucky enough to have released a 5-Track-EP, Human and also a debut single, Numb.

Just last year, I was given the opportunity to meet, greet and talk business with a highly-valued manager in the music industry, who also manages/managed Tina Arena, Rick Price, Richard Wilkins, Kate Cebrano, Vanessa Amorosi, Jon Stevens and so many more. Last year also brought me to the introduction of marketing managers, who have worked alongside artists such as Billy Idol, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Madonna, Nickelback, The Police, Pearl James, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and many more, allowing me the opportunity to be featured on MTV, Rage, Channel V and gave me nationwide radio airplay - I am very blessed and grateful.

How would you describe your style and sound?

Quite raw and honest. I believe in showing character and individualism through original pieces and live performances.

Writing your own original songs, what

influences your music today?

I think the highlight was definitely the I genuinely write about stories, Toni Childs East Coast Tour back in 2014. experiences and emotions that I have felt This was five shows in five days and for both physically and emotionally in my short me, felt unreal to be touring with such an time of being alive so far - ha ha! I am a incredible artist and crew. true believer in story telling with definition With commercial airplay on Channel V and meaning, rather than a piece of music and Rage already, what exciting things with no personal experience, which I are in the future for Aqwa? believe is now starting to creep into I am currently in and the commercial market of late.

How have you created out of the studio a distinct style with completing some your alluring new new original I believe in EP, Human? material, showing Human was working with character and released when I alism through du vi some great di in was 17 years of al pieces and in ig or engineers to age - based on the ces.”

We have eight fantastic artists joining us for the weekend: Greydis Montero Liranza, Adrian Medina Skull, Israel Ortiz Castellano, Alejandro Espinosa Gonzalez, Roberto Perez, Christina Monneron, Dr Adrian Hearn, Gustavo Cereijo and Band Chukale and Yarima Gavilan.

This workshop caters for all experience levels, from beginner to the more advanced. You can even just pop in to one workshop to dance!

There will also be delicious bodywork from Cultural Bodywork, authentic Babalawo readings for clarity on your soul destiny, private dance, song or percussion lessons with any instructor and Sunday night Cuban dinner.

Afrekete ticket bookings 0432 509 519 or email kulturithmik@gmail.com

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live performan

concept of being human, including subjects such as love, travel, individualism etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this EP together at this age, as it introduced me to different recording studios, engineers and producers and also introduced me to what it was like to film a clip for my single off the EP, Me - Shot underwater and on a couple of different headlands using drones, diving gear, costuming and just so many aspects of this industry that no one really considers or even thinks about. Super grateful for all the amazing people who have helped and guided me to gain this accomplishment.

You have provided major touring support for artists including Toni Childs, Karise Eden and Thirsty Merc what has been a highlight for you?

create a sound

that I feel is very new to what has been released before. I think now that I am getting older, my music is becoming much more personal, and what I feel is letting everyone into my little world.

Thank you so much to everyone for all the beautiful smiles, comments, feedback and genuine support. Be sure to follow AQWA on Facebook for all show dates and genuine artist life.

Thanks AQWA. Catch Aqwa throughout January at: Friday 18th Jan - Element Bar Thur 19th Jan – Seaview Tavern Friday 20th Jan – Yamba Bowling Club Saturday 21st Jan – Village Green Hotel 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

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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

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

New piano Bar @ Greenhouse Tavern, every Friday Night starting the 13th January from 8.30pm, with Mick Buckley, who was Sydney’s No 1 piano man for over a decade. Mick will be performing on an authentic grand piano. We will be introducing an amazing cocktails menu to compliment the piano bar.

From 9pm there will be $9 Cocktails and Pizza’s. Plus nightly Craft Beer and Cider Specials all night.

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

TEN PIN BOWLING, BAR & PIZZA CAFE

2 GAMES FOR $20

(CONDITIONS APPLY)

PADDLE COFFS COAST Coffs Harbour & Northern Beaches only accredited Kayak and Stand Up Paddle board Instructor/Assessor. Learn to improve your paddle skills and safety on your own kayak or SUP - or hire one to learn on: Courses designed to suit the paddler - child to senior - everyone is catered for.

Guided tours - kayak or SUP explore. Woolgoolga by water. Woolgoogla Lake - Woolgoolga Bay adrenaline junkies lets ride some waves!

All equipment can be supplied or use your own.

TRADING: Bookings only EMAIL: paddlecoffscoast@gmail.com PHONE: 0418 614 688 WEB: under construction SUMMER SPECIAL Book a group of 6 and 1 person paddles for free.

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

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

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

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

101THINGS TO DO ON THE COFFS COAST

COFFS COAST CREEKS AND ESTUARIES

BOAMBEE CREEK

BONVILLE CREEK

The Boambee Creek reserve is a fantastic picnic spot that caters for the entire family, with shallow swimming options, children’s playground and a café for snacks and coffee overlooking the bay. The creek is a nature lover’s paradise, offering unique locations to explore including mangrove mazes, Aboriginal fish traps, a salt marsh and a dry Eucalyptus forest. Take an eco-tour by kayak or grab a stand-up paddle board and explore the diverse, ecological wet lands. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot up high, too, with ospreys swooping on the river or koalas nestled in the trees. The creek is great for fishing and connects to the Solitary Island Coastal Walk which trails along the headland.

Nestled in Bongil Bongil National Park, Bonville Creek is surrounded by native bushland with beautiful mountain views. The park features unspoilt beaches, littoral and swamp rainforests, wetlands and mangroves, pristine estuaries and is only a short drive from Sawtell. The kids will love the sand dunes, and hunting for yabbies and crabs in the saltwater estuary where you can also fish for flathead, mullet and mangrove jack. Bring your binoculars to spot a variety of birdlife including cormorants, whistling kites, ospreys, kingfishers and the beautiful rainbow bee-eaters. Shorebirds such as little terns and pied oystercatchers also make their nests at the mouth of the creek.

RED ROCK

SCOUTS FALLS

This popular coastal village is named after the stunning red rock formations at the mouth and headland of the estuary. The village is located at the mouth of Corindi River and just south of the Yuraygir National Park with pristine waterways. The river is ideal for aquatic activities exploring the river including swimming, boating and kayaking. Red Rock is an easy half-hour drive north from Coffs Harbour, or 10 minutes from Woolgoolga. The reserve area features shaded picnic tables, plenty of trees to laze under, an amenities block and a boat ramp. Fishing is also popular with abundant catches outside of protected areas. Favourite activities include floating down the river, exploring the island at low tide and coastal walks.

Located inland from Woolgoolga, through Middle Creek in the Sherwood Nature Reserve and home to the stunning Scout’s Falls swimming hole. The 30 minute trail requires climbing over rocks and along overgrown narrow trails which can be very slippery after wet weather. It’s well worth the scrambling effort when you finally reach the crystal clear plunge pool. You can cool off under the 10m cascading falls and picnic around the large boulder rocks. Those inclined to climb can take in the spectacular view from the top as well as splashing in the smaller paddling pools which lie on the plateau just above the waterfall.

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

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with Scott Bellamy, Raine & Horne Toormina / Sawtell

with Tegan Ewart, Vice President Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce

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tourismupdate

DISCOVERING SAWTELL 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 ALL YEAR ROUND AND IS A POPULAR SURF, SWIMMING AND FISHING BEACH. REMEMBER, WHEN VISITING OUR LOVELY BEACHES, PLEASE SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS.

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ur 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 has an abundance of cafés, boutique clothes shops, a variety of restaurants, a recently refurbished cinema, reserves, barbecue facilities, showers, toilets, popular picnic areas, children's playgrounds and a variety of accommodation facilities, all within close walking distance to the main beach. For the keen lawn bowlers and for those who like to swing a golf club, both these clubs welcome your patronage after a game. I thoroughly recommend a cold ale and dinner at their licensed restaurants. Watching the sunset over the fairways and greens is the ideal way to end your day.

Further along the coast towards Coffs Harbour, we have beautiful Boambee Beach, which extends from Corambirra Point (near the Deep Sea Fishing Club) to Boambee Creek (north of Sawtell). The beach is not patrolled, though popular with fishermen, horse trainers, joggers, jet-ski riders, four wheel drive enthusiasts, and dogs are allowed on the beach off the leash.

Boambee Creek Reserve, at the southern end of Boambee beach (access via Sawtell Road), is a popular area for locals with younger children. The reserve offers shallow water for smaller children

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and playground facilities. It is perfect for picnics, as there are barbecues, shelters and takeaway food. The reserve also has beach showers and toilet facilities. There is a nominal fee for car parking in the reserve. Boambee Headland is also the perfect location for whale watching during winter and spring.

We have at Toormina Centro shopping centre the major supermarket chains, being Coles, Woolworth, Kmart along with many specialty shops.

Aldi supermarket is located alongside the centre.

The family friendly Toormina “Toormi” Hotel provides great service and a quality food and beverage menu, as well as soon adding a new children's playground area. The Toormina Hotel features a public bar, casual dining spaces, TAB and VIP Lounge, recreation areas, beer garden and a drive-through bottle shop. Several community activities run throughout the week, including a pool competition, poker and a fishing club, to name a few.

The new Toormina location for CHC Medical Centre provides a service with local doctors and their own pharmacy. CHC Pharmacy is a locally owned and operated business.

Thanks to the Bonville Sawtell Lions Club for refurbishing the playground equipment in Boronia Park from a grant received from Council. The park in Boronia St is close to the southern access to Sawtell Beach.

I take this opportunity to wish you a prosperous New Year and hope you enjoy the festive season.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA 2017 IS DEFINITELY THE YEAR OF SHOP LOCAL, AND THE NORTHERN BEACHES IS WHERE IT’S AT. MAKE A DAY (OR WEEKEND) OF IT; HEAD OUR WAY AND DISCOVER ALL OF THE HIDDEN GEMS THE NORTHERN BEACHES HAVE TO OFFER.

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rom the shopping centre at Moonee with plenty to choose from - unique gifts and beautiful beach clothes to great coffee and gourmet butchers - all the way to Corindi beach, with their brand new café and penchant for water based activities (can you blame them, with that gorgeous Red Rock River?)

The Northern Beaches has so much to offer, whether it’s buying something for yourself or a gift for someone you love. Don’t know what to get for that tricky birthday person? Go a gift voucher from one of our many on trend cafés.

Funky and eclectic, Northern Beaches cafés are arguably the best on the coast. Or how about a voucher for the adventurers? They can learn to surf or SUP, get a bike or go on a tour; a weekend away sampling the Northern Beaches lifestyle will have you in the good books for years to come.

Have you just purchased a new home or you’re looking to spruce your existing place up a bit?

A day exploring the gift and homeware shops dotting the coastal villages is the perfect way to do Saturday. Don’t miss a visit to Spindrift in River St, Woopi, or pop down to The Next Phase in Beach St (grab a cronut and join the craze while you’re there).

Fashionistas will enjoy a shopping day heading north. You can find everything you need, from every day essentials to the best beach gear or a

complete outfit for a special occasion, and you can rest assured you won’t find someone in the same outfit. Put Your Second Best Friend in Woopi on your “clothes shops you absolutely must visit” list; you won’t be disappointed.

Give the supermarkets a miss and grab your groceries from one of our many fruit and veg shops and brilliant butcheries (ever heard of moisture infused pork? If not, visit Jon at Woolgoolga Central Quality Meat Mart. His cutlets have a cult following, and they’re seriously the best meat you will ever eat!) Want to get exotic?

Visit the Indian Spice Shop in Woolgoolga …Into whole foods and organic ingredients? Stop by Ground Earth ... You’re spoilt for choice in the bakery department, but if you’re looking for your sourdough fix, My Twin Loaves is the place to go for so many varieties, you’ll have a hard choice deciding which one to choose. So don’t; just get one of everything! If you just need to top up on a few things or want an epic lunch, visit the coolest corner shop you ever did see. Sunken Chip in Sandy Beach ticks all the boxes, and now they’re starting a weekend market as well!

Unique and thoughtful gift giving, everyday shopping, impeccable customer service, a brilliant day out and most importantly, supporting local business - the Northern Beaches is always the place to be. #shopwoopi

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with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

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tourism UPDATE

COFFS HARBOUR · BELLINGEN 4 JAN - 28 JAN 2017

COFFS COAST HEART OF FILM

STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER COFFS COAST BOASTS SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES, WITH EXCELLENT SURFING BREAKS, SWIMMING OPTIONS AND BEACHSIDE RESERVES OFFERING LOTS OF FAMILY FRIENDLY FACILITIES.

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he region has more than 30 beaches located from Red Rock to Urunga, with 24 headlands spread over 70 km of beautiful coastline. There are several beaches bordering National Parks and nature reserves, including rainforest with crystal clear swimming holes. The hinterland swimming holes not only offer pristine waterways to escape the summer heat, but also enjoy some secluded areas with stunning rainforests and waterfalls.

Best Beaches The secret is out about Moonee Beach, which has recently been listed as number three in Australia’s 101 Best Beaches. The Best Beaches publication refers to Moonee Beach as “Magic Moonee”, with its gentle flowing tidal creek, laid back atmosphere, ocean beach with good surfing break and a large foreshore for picnicking or relaxing under a shady tree.

The area is family friendly, offering a pristine estuary for water activities including fishing, paddling, snorkelling, surfing or exploring the foreshore wildlife with walks along the beach and footbridge. Make sure you stay safe on the beach and swim between the flags on patrolled beaches. For a list of patrolled beaches and to stay updated, download the free MyBeachInfo app from iTunes or Google Play, which provides the latest information on beach conditions, patrol times and beach closures or dangers. The MyBeachInfo app is perfect for visitors, as it also includes the option to translate into 90 different languages.

National Parks Swimming

There is a sense of adventure that lures you to waterfalls and swimming holes with the promise to cool you off when the ocean

PROGRAM + TICKETS

currents are warm in summer. The Coffs Coast region has many National Parks offering diverse nature activities, including 4WD touring routes, mountain bike trails, walking tracks, bird watching, scenic spots for picnicking

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and swimming spots. The closest park to the Coffs Harbour CBD is just 20 km inland.

Bindarri National Park offers swimming holes to submerge yourself in the Urumbilum River, and the Bangalore Falls is a “must-see”. Just south of Coffs Harbour is the Bongil Bongil National Park, which is home to one of NSW’s largest koala colonies and offers a choice of aquatic fun, including kayaking, paddling and fishing.

FREE SWIFF APP DOWNLOAD

Secret Nature Reserves Heading west from Woolgoolga is the Sherwood Nature Reserve, which has an easy 20 minute walk through subtropical rainforest habitat that leads you to a waterfall and swimming hole. Just west of Coffs Harbour

BROWSE · BUY · REDEEM

is a waterfall rock slide at Friday Creek, with pristine rainforests, smooth, low waterfall and “Magic Pools”. It’s the perfect time of year to experience nature and cool off in the ocean or local swimming holes. So grab the family, pack a picnic with plenty of drinking water and head out to enjoy nature. Our parks and reserves are wilderness locations that have no facilities, so take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. www.coffscoast.com.au coffs coast focus. 59

focusinterview.

Best Kept Secrets

C h lo e Chapman

Summer Forest Fun Want to know a secret?

NSW State Forests cover two million hectares of forest across NSW, offering a range of experiences that few others can match. There are roomy campsites, shaded picnic areas, tree-lined walking tracks and spectacular lookouts. The natural environment is centre stage, showcasing an abundance of unique Australian flora and fauna within spectacular landscapes. You can swim in a creek, hike up a mountain, chat around the campfire, or simply listen to the sounds of nature.

You can bring your car, caravan or campervan, you can pitch a tent anywhere you like, explore forest tracks on trail bike or mountain bike, ride a horse cross-country, 4WD and bring your dog too - yes, that’s right, dogs are welcome in NSW State forests.

Best of all, visiting NSW State Forests is absolutely free, representing one of the most cost-effective summer holiday escapes you can find. With over 125 forest-based dedicated visitor areas statewide, with a mix of visitor facilities such as picnic tables, BBQs, fireplaces, shelters, rainwater tanks, toilets and easy-access carparks, NSW State Forests are a “must-see” destination in your travels.

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Your local State Forest is an unmissable stop on your summer self-drive outing, whether it’s for a few hours, a picnic or an overnight stay. An extensive network of roads and trails provide easy entry to State Forests, whilst walking tracks allow visitors to experience special places and nature at its best.

NSW State Forests provide beautiful forest environments for you and your family to “switch-off” and connect with nature. A range of information is available to ensure your next trip is a memorable one, including a NEW free mobile phone app called “VisitForests”, providing online and downloadable maps, photos and information on forest experiences.

With great places to explore, rest, learn, play or just get away from it all, come and experience a forest playground!

Visit us on the web: www.forestrycorporation. com.au/visit And share your experience: Facebook: Visit NSW Forests Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

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Tourism Student

Former Coffs Harbour local and North Coast TAFE Tourism student Chloe Chapman has excelled in her beloved industry of Tourism & Events.

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ell us a bit about your journey ...

In 2013, I headed overseas for the journey of a lifetime. I was a Rotary Exchange Student in the town of Sasebo, Japan, where I lived for 12 months amongst the Japanese culture.

On my return, I completed the last two years of my schooling at Coffs Harbour Senior College, finishing in 2015. I majored in three subjects that would contribute to my future career, these being Tourism and Events (TAFE), Business Studies and French. I knew from quite early in Year 11 that I was interested in the tourism and events industry and as the course progressed, this interest grew and I was sure that I was heading that way. This led me to research further study options into the industry and eventually landed me in Melbourne … moving here one day after completing the HSC, I might add!

What course did you complete at North Coast TAFE and why?

I completed a Certificate III in Tourism.

Completing this course has given me the skills to work and travel just about anywhere across the globe. There are some amazing opportunities coming up in our industry, and a Certificate III gives you the foundation for working amongst these amazing opportunities - take the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, for example!

Relocating to Victoria is a pretty big deal; what made you move?

Going on exchange to Japan at a very young age made me quite an independent person. This meant I could follow my dreams, no matter how far away from home that was.

Melbourne, being the city of events, was just too big an opportunity to give up. I have now been in Melbourne for just over a year and wouldn’t change it for the world (though I do miss the warm Coffs Harbour weather!)

What are you currently studying in Victoria, and where are you working?

I’m currently studying part-time, as my mentors assisted me in finding full-time employment in the industry. Studying my Diploma of Tourism and Events with Martin College has been very rewarding, and the support I receive is amazing. I am now completing the last few units of my course online whilst working at my new job - Golf Select. Golf Select is Australia’s leading corporate golf and golf holiday organiser.

Where do you find the inspiration for and what do you enjoy most about the tourism and events industry?

The inspiration comes from the excitement of the industry - no day is the same as yesterday. Within my new job I have learnt so much already and expanded my network of industry contacts within such a short time. I enjoy the hands-on approach that is needed in the events/tourism industry and am looking forward to growing with this ever-evolving industry.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m not 100% sure of where the future will take me, though I’m excited to expand my knowledge and continuing to experience new opportunities within the industry.

What advice do you give to aspiring event managers in Coffs Harbour?

If you have a dream, don’t let anyone get in your way; it’s your life, and you have to strive to be the best you. Believe in yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while can really pay off.

Where can people go to find out more information about the tourism section at TAFE? Anyone interested in completing a tourism course with TAFE in Coffs Harbour are encouraged to visit www.northcoasttafe. edu.au call 1300 628 233 or drop into the Glenreagh St. or Coffs Harbour Education campus during the TAFE NSW Open Week (16th - 22nd January).

Thanks Chloe.

coffs coast focus. 61

AUSTRALIA DAY 26 JANUARY

COFFS HARBOUR BOTANICAL GARDENS • 10:30AM - 4:30PM www.saltwaterfreshwaterfestival.com.au

THE FESTIVAL The Saltwater Freshwater Festival is the largest Aboriginal cultural event on the Mid North Coast. The inaugural Festival was a massive success in its first year in Coffs Harbour in 2010, where some 10 000 people attended and it won the Community Event of the Year Award at the Australia Day Awards in 2011. After four years of touring the region, the festival is now back in Coffs to position itself as one of the East Coast’s premier Aboriginal cultural events. The festival is the brainchild of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, an alliance governed by ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils from Karuah to Coffs Harbour. Each year the event showcases some of the best Aboriginal talent in the country and of the Mid North Coast region where the saltwater and freshwater meet. The festival also features exhibitions and workshops relating to the range of arts and cultural activities undertaken by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance during the year, providing an enriching experience for visitors and locals. The festival is a drug and alcohol free event and a great place to spend Australia Day in a culturally rich and inclusive environment.

62 coffs coast focus.

Saltwater Freshwater Festival Artist Lineup

SALTWATER FRESHWATER ARTS ALLIANCE The Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation (Arts Alliance for brevity) is a regional cultural organisation for Aboriginal arts and culture on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia. The Arts Alliance is governed by a Board of ten Local Aboriginal Land Councils within the Worimi, Birpai, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal nations.

EMMA DONOVAN

The Arts Alliance works at a regional, state and national level to position Aboriginal art and culture as the foundation for the long-term social, economic and environmental development of the Mid North Coast Aboriginal communities.

The alliance’s core program includes: • The annual Saltwater Freshwater Festival • Cultural programs • National Aboriginal Design Agency

LIVE MUSIC

from 10:30am - 4:30pm

ENTRY

$5 per person $15 for family (2ad + 4ch)

MATT DEVITT

TASMAN KEITH

DALE HUDDLESTON

DIZZY DOOLAN

MICHAEL DONOVAN BAND

GETTING THERE Find us at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens located on the corner of Hardacre and Coff Streets, about 1km east of the Coffs Harbour central business district.

SALWATER FRESHWATER FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

PARK & RIDE Take advantage of our Park & Ride facilities. Park with ease and ride the bus straight to the festival door. Stay tuned for more Park & Ride information.

Facilitated by skilled Aboriginal practitioners from the Mid North Coast region:

CAR POOL MID NORTH COAST Free online service for anyone who wants to save money, meet new people and reduce their carbon footprint while travelling to the festival (www. carpoolmnc.org) TRAVELLING BY AIR Coffs Harbour Airport (www.coffscoast.com.au/airport) is located less than 10 minutes from the festival site.

You can easily take a bus (route number 364) or a taxi from the airport.

TRAVELLING BY BUS Sawtell Coaches (sawtellcoaches.com.au) phone 02 6653 3344

BUSH TUCKER TOURS WITH UNCLE MARK FLANDERS Mark is a local Gumbaynggirr man who has been conducting Aboriginal cultural activities for in excess of 20 years in and around Garlambirla (Coffs Harbour).

TRADITIONAL DANCE WORKSHOPS (Male and female)

THE REGION The Mid North Coast region of NSW stretches from Hawkes Nest at the northern edge of the Worimi Nation, up the coast to Coffs Harbour in the Gumbaynggirr Nation, with the Biripi, Birpai and Dunghutti Nations in between.

There are more than 13,000 Aboriginal people living in the Mid North Coast of NSW and it is one of the nation’s most culturally rich areas. What makes our region unique is the meeting of the saltwater and the freshwater, from the Pacific Ocean to the Great Dividing Range.

DIDGERIDOO PLAYING WORKSHOPS (Men only)

TRAVELLING BY TAXI Coffs Harbour Taxis phone 13 10 08 or 02 6658 9999

Proudly Supported by Indigenous Languages and Arts

coffs coast focus. 63

focusinterview.

25th Anniversary

Islands

MARINE PARK

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is an amazing underwater wonderland, and we are lucky enough to have it right in our backyard. FOCUS

chatted with Nicola Johnstone, to find out more about the park and the 25th anniversary of its conception.

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

I moved to Coffs Harbour in November 2000, for four months’ temporary employment assisting with the planning and management of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. I am still here 16 years later.

Describe your position and what it is that you do ...

My position is Manager of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which is the area of coast and ocean that extends from Muttonbird Island here in Coffs Harbour, north 75 kilometres to Plover Island at

Sandon. It includes the five Solitary Islands, as well as estuaries to their tidal limits, beaches, headlands and offshore waters out to three nautical miles. It is a large area to manage, being one of the largest marine parks in NSW, covering 710 km².

My job is to oversee the day to day management of the park, which can involve working with researchers to improve our understanding of many aspects of the park and identify knowledge gaps, assessing activities or proposals that may impact the park and providing advice, implementing communication and education programs to improve local awareness and appreciation of the park, compliance planning with fisheries officers

to ensure regulations are adhered to and working with the community, industry representative and other organisations to get the best outcomes for the park. There are many other elements to managing the park, but these are the key ones, and every day is different. There are many people involved in the day to day management of the park in some way.

What makes the Solitary Islands Marine Park unique?

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is located on a part of the Australian coastline where tropical and temperate species mix and coexist, resulting in a very diverse marine environment. This is, in part, due to warm waters from the Great Barrier Reef extending down the coast in the East Australian Current (EAC), bathing the Solitary Islands.

The EAC and associated species mix with cooler waters and temperate species from the south right here off our coast. In one dive you can see cool water species such as giant cuttle fish and kelp mixing it with tropical species such as corals, anemones, tropical fish, manta rays and turtles.

The park also has a lot of good habitat (for example, offshore reef or mangroves in estuaries) for species to live.

When was the marine park formed, and what was the motivation behind the move?

The Solitary Islands Marine Park was established on 11 May 1991, initially as a marine

NORTH WEST SOLITARY ISLAND IS ALSO PARTICULARLY SPECIAL TO ME, AS I WAS ABLE TO SWIM WITH A MANTA RAY AFTER A DIVE, WHICH WAS VERY MEMORABLE. AND NORTH SOLITARY ISLAND IS SPECTACULAR ON ANY DIVE – JUST AMAZING. 64 coffs coast focus.

reserve. The external boundaries are the same today as they were 25 years ago, although the protective zoning within has changed over the years, as new information becomes available. A recent oral history project found that the primary motivation behind the declaration of the initial reserve was largely driven by locals who had experienced the underwater world at the Solitary Islands, as far back as the late 1960s. The first pioneer divers found an abundance of coral that was only thought to occur in the Great Barrier Reef, and through studies by locals and scientists in the 1970s and 1980s, there was the realisation the area was pretty special and worthy of protection. So, it was really the enthusiastic local divers, underwater photographers and early research scientists who pushed for the protection of the area as far back as the 1970s.

What are some of the restrictions that help protect the area?

The park is managed through various mechanisms, including a zoning plan and fisheries management tools. A multiple use zoning plan is in place to guide where particular activities occur.

For example, sanctuary zones are located in areas to protect sensitive habitats such as coral, at key aggregation sites or to protect threatened or protected species. Anchoring is prohibited in this zone, as are extractive activities such as fishing or aquarium collecting. Other zones in the park include habitat protection zone, general use zone and special purposes zone. A range of activities can occur in these zones. Residents and visitors

are encouraged to obtain a copy of the SIMP User Guide before venturing into the park, to ensure they are familiar with the activities allowed in each zone.

How many tourists visit the park each year?

We don’t have exact numbers on how many people visit the park each year. Anyone that sets foot on a beach or headland, swims in a creek or heads offshore for a fish, will be visiting the marine park. It would have to be in the order of hundreds of thousands of visits annually by locals and tourists. Visitors have indicated in surveys that they love the uncrowded beaches, clean waters and “naturalness” of the area. The islands are a real drawcard for visitors, with each island offering a different diving or fishing experience.

Interestingly, the Solitary Islands were named by Captain James Cook in May 1770 on his voyage along the east coast of Australia.

What activities are permitted within the park area?

The park caters for a whole range of activities.

It is very popular for surfing, swimming, diving and fishing at the many estuaries, beaches and offshore reefs. We really are spoilt for choice here. The commercial fishing industry relies on fresh fish and prawns from the park, and there are many tourism charter operators that offer organised experiences diving, fishing, whale watching and surfing in the park. The balance of conservation and use seems to work well.

Do you think that residents of the area may not realise how amazing a natural wonderland they have at their doorstep?

As the park has been in existence for 25 years, I think many residents are aware of the values of the park and in particular, why it is special to them. They may appreciate the park as a place to spend time with family and walk or swim at the beach, or a place to get away from it all up an estuary or on a boat offshore. They may earn a living from it, doing something they love, or for some, they are lucky enough to dive beneath the waters and see first-hand how diverse and amazing the marine life is.

What are some of the things that people may hope to see?

There are really so many things that people can see when visiting the park. A simple beach walk or rock pool ramble with kids can reveal some pretty interesting critters, such as crabs or octopus. Offshore, the options are endless. Every island offers a different experience. North Solitary Island is renowned for its tropical fish, outstanding coral and has the densest aggregation of anemones and anemone fish worldwide. North West Solitary Island is the place to go if you want to encounter manta rays. South West Solitary Island (also known as Groper Island by locals) has the most extensive coverage of corals of all the islands. South Solitary Island is particularly scenic above water with the lighthouse and cottages, while underwater, it is renowned for its big fish, giant cuttlefish, grey nurse sharks and a mix of just about everything else. Split Solitary Island has a great mix of temperate and tropical species, with coral and kelp coexisting quite nicely, as well as a popular spot for the elusive blue devil fish ... and that is just the islands. There are hundreds of

other reefs in the park just as interesting.

What is your favourite spot in the park?

I spend most of my weekends at the beach with my family - any beach will do, but I have a few favourite places in the park. One of the dives I did at Pimpernel Rock, offshore from the Sandon, I came to the conclusion that the sponge garden at 30 metres was “the prettiest place on earth”. North West Solitary Island is also particularly special to me, as I was able to swim with a manta ray after a dive, which was very memorable. And North Solitary Island is spectacular on any dive - just amazing. I am also partial to swimming and paddling on the Corindi River, which is just a beautiful waterway.

What are the future plans for the marine park?

The marine park will continue to be managed in a way that provides for a wide range of uses, while still preserving the health of the estuaries, coastline and ocean that we all value. A threat and risk assessment of the NSW marine estate will provide information on any priority threats in the region, upon which we can then review and amend current management arrangements to address those threats, if required. It was encouraging to hear prominent marine scientist and coral expert Dr Charlie Veron state, after a dive here in May, that his observations of coral reef condition in the Solitary Islands Marine Park were as good as they were back in the 1970s, if not better, but in his opinion this was not the case anywhere else in the world. So that is a good sign for the future of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Thanks Nicola.

SOUTH SOLITARY ISLAND IS PARTICULARLY SCENIC ABOVE WATER WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE AND COTTAGES, WHILE UNDERWATER, IT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS BIG FISH, GIANT CUTTLEFISH, GREY NURSE SHARKS AND A MIX OF JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE.

coffs coast focus. 65

focusinterview.

CHALLENGE C O M M U N I T Y

S E R V I C E S

OF ALL THE BENEFITS FOSTERING PROVIDES CHILDREN AND THEIR FOSTER FAMILIES, CHALLENGE COMMUNITY SERVICES’ FOSTER CARER CINDY SAYS IT IS THE JOY A CHILD BRINGS TO HER WHOLE FAMILY THAT MATTERS THE MOST.

M

y foster child has only been here for a few weeks, but already I have gained so much from the experience,” she said.

“He has brought so much happiness to

the house with his antics. Every day is joyful for all of us, just having the noise of a young

having a little person’s input into the general conversation and everyday goings on of our life.” Cindy said while her foster son brings joy, her family provides him with normality and a family can provide him

a foster carer for a long time, Cindy chose to

with the opportunity

wait until her own children were old enough

to see how a normal

to enjoy the experience as well. “I’ve wanted

happiness a family can

all my children are teenagers, I thought the

give,” she said.

our lives and share it with them,” Cindy said.

“When we are sitting around the dinner table together of a night time, we all enjoy

“Something as simple as having a room of his own can mean so much: he just enjoys having his own space and being a little boy.” According to

Cindy, the whole

issues out in a way that suits both myself and

fostering experience

my foster child.”

Cindy is looking forward to taking on more

has been made easier with the help of Challenge Community Services.

family functions and the

to be a foster carer for over ten years. Now time was right to bring a young person into

“

settled family life.”Our

person around.” While she has wanted to be

S omething as g in simple as hav n ca n ow is h a room of ch: he mean so mu ing his av just enjoys h being a d an e ac sp n ow little boy.”

“The support Challenge has provided has been

foster children in the future and encouraged others to become a foster carer. ”The whole fostering experience has just been wonderful: we’ve had nothing but smiles on our face since he got here,” Cindy said.

For more information on being a foster

fantastic. Any questions we’ve had have been dealt with quickly,” she said. “They have really listened to what I’ve had to say and have sorted any

carer, please call Challenge Community Services on 1800 084 954 or visit www.challchildren.org.au

Make a difference today.

Open your heart to foster care.

Challenge Community Service will help you to better a young person’s life.

We pride ourselves on the level of support we provide our foster carers.

For more information please call us on 1800 084 954. www.challchildren.org.au

66 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 67

68 coffs coast focus.

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

Before

Jetty Pharmacy After

Dr Arianayagam Cutting Edge Nonsurgical Technologies Available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery in Coffs Harbour The Cosjet Nd:YAG laser for removal of pigment, including melasma and tattoos.

The UltraFormer 3 for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for skin-tightening in the face, neck and body.

The HIRONIC for CryoLypoLysis which involves non-invasive cooling of fat cells to induce fat breakdown in the treatment of stubborn fat deposits.

The Pentagon Grand CO2 Laser with fractional and cutting modes. Besides using for facial-rejuvenation, the Pentagon Grand comes with specialised vaginal probes for vaginal rejuvenation to assist in the treatment of premenopausal and menopausal vaginal atrophy.

For more details on the above technologies, please contact: Phone: (02) 6651 5611 Email: info@pclscoffsharbour.com.au

Making a New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise and watch your weight can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come. At Jetty Village Pharmacy, we are here to help with our Be Good to Yourself health management program. Our Wellness Coaches offer private consultations, and there is a large range of products instore to make meal planning easy. Come and talk to Lisa today!

The New Year is also a good time to take a good look at what medication you are taking. If you have been on any medication long-term, it is worth having this reviewed every year in case more suitable medications now exist or in case your dose needs to be altered, or even to see if your medication needs to be ceased if your medical condition has resolved.

Jetty Village Pharmacy Medication Reviews are performed by accredited consultant pharmacists Laura Little and Paul Johnson either in-store or in your own home free of charge, with reports always sent to your general practitioner.

MyDNA pharmacogenomics testing is now also available instore, which is quick and painless - perfect for people taking multiple medications, who have a history of sensitivity to medications, those experiencing side effects or have a poor therapeutic response to medications.

Become a Volunteer Linked to Life is a community based organisation striving to improve the lives of individuals by enabling them to live more independently, remain in their own home and maintain their connections with others.

We have a wonderfully dedicated team of volunteers who currently support over 300 individuals. With that said though, we’d love to welcome more!

Volunteers make the world of difference to the people they help. Our dedicated team of volunteers help with many simple tasks that most take for granted, such as buying groceries or attending an appointment. Often volunteers simply brighten up someone’s day by sharing a cuppa or chat. It’s not surprising that wonderful friendships can develop too.

All volunteers will receive ongoing training, support and reimbursement for any travel and any out of pocket expenses.

Volunteering is a terrific way to meet new people, and our volunteers describe their involvement as positive and rewarding.

It’s evident that our volunteers love what they do, with one third having been involved with the organisation for over a decade.

VOLUNTEER WITH US Linked to Life welcomes new enthusiastic volunteers to our team.

For those keen to find a rewarding experience, our volunteers play a vital role in enabling older people to remain active in the community and independent at home.

We specialise in:

Shopping Assisted transport Individual and group social activities

For more information contact us at Coffs Harbour - 02 6648 3650 Woolgoolga - 02 6654 7221

www.linkedtolife.org.au Email: admin@linkedtolife.org.au

Or call in for a chat at the Community Village at 22 Earl St, Coffs Harbour, or Seniors Centre, Boundary Street Woolgoolga

coffs coast focus. 69

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

The lakes Day Spa The moment your skin changed forever!

McCarthy

Using one of the most well-known and leading products worldwide: dermalogica.

THE LOFT YOGA STUDIO

The Lakes Day Spa provides Real treatments, Real answers, Real Products and Real Results.

Lisa Hallam is the owner and operator, with nine years’ experience as a Beauty Therapist.

Her passion is to provide superior professional service and education to her clients in looking after their skin.

Along with many other services, The Lakes Day Spa provides professional skin care to help treat teen breakouts, pigmentation, sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, mature and prematurely ageing skin.

The Lakes Day Spa offers: Facials, peels, relaxation/deep tissue and hot stone massage manicures, pedicures, gel polish, eyelash extensions, spa packages, waxing, spray tanning.

So call TODAY and change your skin FOREVER!

70 coffs coast focus.

EMILY McCARTHY HAS RECENTLY FULFILLED A LIFELONG DREAM OF OPENING HER OWN YOGA STUDIO. FOCUS FOUND OUT MORE ABOUT HER BACKGROUND AND WHAT PEOPLE CAN EXPECT WHEN THEY ATTEND A CLASS AT “THE LOFT”.

C

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

I grew up on the Coffs Coast. I went through school, lived the teenage dream; then when means meets an end and you feel like there’s not much left to help you achieve the bigger picture, I moved to Sydney. I spent six years training in the performing arts ... Long enough to be lured back to the sweet, beach life. I love Coffs, and I’m very happy to be home.

You have recently opened a yoga studio. What’s the inspiration behind it?

On my move back to Coffs, my family and I decided to kick start business together; my parents the hospitality legends and my brother a coffee genius. Soon enough, Supply Specialty Coffee was born. On the hunt for the premises, we were lucky enough to find 15 Orlando Street. Early days, the upstairs was occupied by another tenant, but I knew from then exactly what needed to be there. I always had my heart set on the space; your one stop coffee-yoga shop. So surely enough, I set my heart to it and feel really lucky to have made The Loft happen.

How did you become involved in yoga?

I have danced all my life. Creativity and movement have both always been really important to me. In my dance training in Sydney, I was introduced to yoga. Connecting breath to the free flow of movement; using the breath to help deepen and expand the body was a huge complement to my practice.

Do you practice a certain style?

My own practice is really varied. I have

done my teacher training in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar, Sivananda, Kundalini and Restorative yoga. I like to incorporate different elements of each style on a daily basis. It’s really fascinating how each serves a different purpose. I think it’s really important to mix it up; take a step inside, connect to how you’re feeling and respond to the body and the mind in the most appropriate way.

I’m excited to introduce these different styles to the studio, to help people really discover the benefits and the bliss of yoga.

What do you love most about it?

Initially, yoga was very much a physical practice for me. Exploring the different poses, the balances, playing around with flexibility; it was all pretty cool and exciting.

Since furthering my yoga studies, it has become more of a spiritual journey. The effect a regular practice has on your bodily systems is seriously life changing, as well as assisting in enhanced sleep patterns, bettering relationships, managing moods and dealing with conflict in a calmer manner. Everything aligns when there is ease of mind. And this is before you notice the changes in the physical self. So, there’s a lot to love!

How important is flexibility?

Flexibility has its benefits. It helps prevent everyday injury, improves your posture, it allows more freedom in movement and increases cardio fitness. Flexibility is one of the first things to go as our bodies enter adulthood. As you age, your muscles naturally lose strength and size. Although you wouldn’t believe how often I hear, “Oh, I wouldn’t be any good at yoga; I’m so inflexible”. Low and behold, this is NOT the

case. Yoga really is for everyone; that’s the beauty of it. Yoga really helps to promote healthy muscles and joints. The conscious breathing helps to rid trapped lactic acid, releasing the unnecessary toxins and rejuvenating energy flow.

What advice would you give to anyone who would like to give yoga a go?

The only advice I can give is you won’t know until you try. Never compare and don’t assume. When the time is right, find a teacher you can really connect with.

Don’t just settle for one style; take your time to really explore which kind of yoga is for you. And it does take more that one single class before you reap the benefits, so be patient with yourself and let the magic happen.

Remembering that yoga is not just about Asana (posture) practice, but there are other elements involved. Meditation is a beautiful place to start, for those who doubt their ability to take part in an asana class. All in all, the intention is to create stillness within the mind.

Where can people find out more about you and your yoga classes?

The Loft is on Facebook: “The Loft: Yoga & Lifestyle”. This is where you’ll find our weekly timetable!

It’s the best platform to keep updated with what we’re up to. After my big yogi spill, it’s not all that we do. We offer pilates classes too, and quite often host different workshops, inviting in wellness and fitness professionals. We have an open door policy and would love to think that everyone can find comfort in making one with the mat.

Namaste.

Thanks Emily.

NEW YEAR • NEW YOU

Style WITH LAUREN VESTEY LIVING DOLL

NEW YEAR HAIR RESOLUTIONS THOU SHALT NOT BREAK!

Jetty Dental Located within tranquil premises on Edgar Street, Jetty Dental has been providing dental services to the Coffs Coast community since 2010. Established by Dr Tony Kershaw and his wife, Wendy, the practice has built up an enviable reputation within Coffs Harbour. Tony been practicing dentistry for over 25 years and is one of Coffs’ longest serving principal dentists. Over the past six years Tony and his staff have strived to provide the best possible care for their patients and their families.

Dr Paul Crichton and his wife, Selina, will be joining the team at Jetty Dental in 2017. Paul graduated from the University of Queensland in 1999 with First Class Honours, and served

as a Dental Officer in the Australian Army until 2004. At that time Paul and Selina relocated to Coffs Harbour and since have had two beautiful daughters.

The Jetty Dental team offers expertise in a broad range of dental procedures. Paul and Tony are highly qualified in all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry and are focused on delivering quality dental treatments within a relaxed environment.

Paul and Selina are thrilled to be joining Jett Dental and look forward to sharing in their continued success. From the team at Jetty Dental, we look forward to meeting you, your family and looking after all your dental needs.

C

ommit to regular hair en’t particularly fond of. But nobody is perfect cuts! and if we can learn how to mask those tiny If you are anything like flaws with some little tips and tricks from your me, I have already filled hairdresser, life would be so much easier. This in my 2017 diary with is the first step in finally learning to love and appointments, important manage your hair. dates, meetings, and birthdays etc. for the I won’t chop all of my hair off, just becoming year. I know if I don’t put it in the cause I hit a certain age. diary (and in the phone with alarms set), I will Forget the stereotypes out there that forget. We are endlessly multi-tasking, are telling you because of your never saying no SUPERWOMEN age you have to look like who have everyone else’s this. Rubbish! Work with needs coming first. So, we e er th what you have. If you k: in th Just do need to book and have es ut in m 40 suit long hair with 1,4 e ar these appointments in t no hy w so y, soft layers, rock it ‘til da in a our schedule, otherwise e for tim e m so w lo you are 100 (if it still al and eight weeks will stretch ourselves to feel e looks good). Ask a ak out to three, four, five or look our best? M Living Doll Stylist for lf, se ur even six months, and we the effort for yo advice on what suits se el e will be wondering why because no on ” your face and your peru. yo r fo we can’t do anything with can do it sonal style. our hair.

Accept compliments and Allow more time for yourshare the love. self!

Gorgeous hair will attract comWe are only talking 5 - 10 minutes pliments, and so will smiling women exhere, ladies. Just think: there are 1,440 minuding confidence and happiness. Let us be utes in a day, so why not allow some time a network of women supporting and encourfor ourselves to feel and look our best? Make aging each other. If you see a woman with a the effort for yourself, because no one else can haircut you LOVE, then give her a compliment do it for you. and maybe even ask where she had it done. I I will stop beating myself up about my know it will make her day. flaws.

2017 is your year, ladies!

Let’s face it, ladies; we all are caught up about one or two things about our hair we arXO Dolls.

“

coffs coast focus. 71

focus_technology

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72 coffs coast focus.

with Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate

cyber mum.

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE WE WERE CHILDREN. AS A SOCIETY IT APPEARS OUR KIDS HAVE MOVED ON FROM BARBIE AND LEGO TO iPADS, iPHONES AND PLAYSTATIONS AND WHILST THIS HAS BROUGHT WITH IT SO MANY ADVANTAGES, THE ONLINE DANGERS STILL CONTINUE TO CATCH PARENTS OFF GUARD.

O

ne key area parents and educators need to focus on is the prevalence of Cyberbullying. Despite increased national awareness on the subject, the devastating reality is that research is showing there has been little improvement when it comes to our kids and their digital aggression.

Cyberbullying is the use of information technology to repeatedly harm or harass other people in a deliberate manner.

In previous columns I’ve talked about exclusionary bullying but following recent tragedies, I think it’s time parents had a look at the raw statistics of the impacts that cyberbullying can and is having on our youth. I think it's important to understand just how big a problem our kids are facing because for every victim, there is a child out there intentionally hurting another child.

I’m the first to say that the term bullying is at times used far too loosely and that there are simply just mean and bitchy kids out there, doing mean and bitchy things. However, our role as parents is to work out when the problems our kids are encountering need to be acted upon.

These statistics might help you understand that cyberbullying is real and your child may not be the victim; these figures might also help you understand that sometimes you do need to take action.

• 87 percent of today’s youth have witnessed cyberbullying • Close to 34 percent of students acknowledge that they have experienced cyberbullying • 15 percent of surveyed students admit to cyberbullying others • 24 percent of our sons and daughters report that they do not know what to do if they were harassed online • 39 percent of our children do not enable their privacy settings on social media • 19 percent of cyberbullying often entails the

spreading of rumours • Nearly 13 percent of victimised children experience hurtful comments • 72 percent of children report they are cyberbullied because of their looks • 26 percent of victims are chosen due to their race or religion • 22 percent of harassed children feel that their sexuality was the cause of the bullying • Girls (41 percent) are more likely to experience cyberbullying at some point in their life compared to boys (28 percent) • Girls who cyberbully tend to post mean online comments • Girls tend to favour social media outlets like Snapchat or Instagram, while boys often interact over gaming consoles • Male cyberbullies often post hurtful photos or videos Parents, educators and other school officials need to recognise signs of cyberbullying, and we must all make a more concerted effort to help cyberbully victims.

The cyberbullying victim is not going to declare, “I am a cyberbully victim”; instead, they are going to assume no one understands them and no one is here to help them and potentially resort to self harm or even suicide.

It is up to parents and educators to check in our kids, monitor their online behaviour, discuss the language and choice of words being used when chatting online.

We need to remind our kids that social media is not there for the purpose of talking about others and most importantly, we need to instil in our kids that we will listen, that we do understand what cyberbullying means and that we are prepared to take action before it gets bad. For information on what to do if you or your child encounters cyberbullying, I recommend going to www.esafety.gov.au where you can not only report the issues, but there are more helpful tips on what to do.

Angus Budd

WILL mcCLennon

Making waves in the cycling world

Will McClennon has made waves in the cycling world this year and has some big plans for his future in the sport. FOCUS caught up with Will to find out more ...

T

ell us about your 2016 achievements: This year I stepped up to the under 16s division in both Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club and Woolgoolga Boardriders Club. I finished the year at Coffs Harbour Boardriders in first place and Woolgoolga Boardriders in third. I got to go to Kirra with the Coffs Harbour Boardriders team.

each year. I also feel I have gained more confidence in bigger waves.

Most challenging event: All my club days were challenging, as I surf against some great surfers and good mates. I was 13 for most of the year, so it was a challenge to be surfing with a lot of the older boys in the under 16s.

In 2016 I got to travel to Hawaii with my family and some friends, where we stayed on the North Shore and surfed some famous breaks - which was unreal and something a lot of surfers don’t get to do.

Plans for surfing 2017: I am hoping to enter more competitions to gain more experience and confidence. I want to enjoy my passion for surfing alongside my dad and mates. Hopefully we will plan a few surf trips in the New Year as well.

I am very happy with what I have achieved in the last 12 months in surfing, as I have only taken up the sport three years ago. I feel I have improved

I have made lots of new friendships in surfing, as it is a really friendly, healthy and welcoming sport for everyone of all ages.

All my club days g, were challengin e m so t as I surf agains d good great surfers an r fo 13 as w mates . I so it , ar ye e th of most be to e was a challeng of t lo a surfing with the the older boys in under 16s.”

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ell us about your 2016 achieveis only a 70 km race. I train every day, specifically ments! targeting intensity training throughout the week This year has been about not and a few longer km on the weekend. My coach, only racing, but developing core Kev Hawes, has me training for specific events strength and power. We have peaking at different times of the year. Motivation been doing a lot of travel as always. Living and is a big thing within cycling training, as I am training in Coffs Harbour is awesome, but most waking up most mornings at 4:30am to head of the racing is south - Sydney, Wagga out and train and most afternoons whilst still Wagga, Goulburn and Canberjuggling school and still trying to have ra, to name a few. I am the some sort of social life. youngest in the age group ry ve What are your plans for the I was also for U17 Men, so racing is oud to be future? pr tough, but I am up there ded the Coffs ar Next season is huge for me, aw in the breaks and at the ia Harbour Austral of and I look forward to it. I finish where it counts. I on Day Sports Pers a have been selected to ride in as had a few good podium the Year. That w a World Junior Development finishes/top five throughspecial day!”

Team in Belgium commencing in out the year - Sydney Junior May for about six weeks. There is Tour and NSW Country Road awesome racing in Belgium and the Championships and NSW State Netherlands for Juniors, with huge bunchHill Climb Championships. es and big junior professional teams, so this is a I was also very proud to be awarded the great opportunity. The team I will be racing with Coffs Harbour Australia Day Sports Person is the Trek Spei Douterloigne CT Team. I will be of the Year. That was a special day! living and racing with the team whilst in Belgium, What was your most challenging event in so it will be the closest I have been so far to rac2016? ing in a world professional team, which is a big Most challenging was probably the Australian dream for me one day. I look forward to letting Road Titles in Bendigo in September. The racing you guys know how I get on! was super tough and fast. The average speed We are currently in track season racing the in the Criterium race was 46 kmph. That's huge velodromes, so I am doing the NJTS (National when you're on junior gears. I had been training Junior Track Series) where we race in Adelaide, all year for the Australian Titles, so there was a Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane velodromes. lot of pressure on it to really go well. I finished This weekend I am off to Brisbane to race in the high up in the Time Trial and in the bunch for the new Anna Meares Velodrome, so I look forward road race, as four riders held a break away until to that, and over December the Christmas Carthe finish. nivals in Sydney. Early next year NSW State Track Tell us about your weekly training schedule.

Titles followed by the Australian Track Titles, then I train about 350 km per week but don't just go it’s back into the road programme. out and ride long km; this is not massively need-

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ed in the U17 age group, as the legal race limit

Thanks Will. coffs coast focus. 73

JAYKE SHARP IS A GIFTED SURFER WHO HONED HIS SKILLS AT THE BREAKS AROUND COFFS HARBOUR AS A GROM. RECENTLY RETURNING TO THE AREA AND RECONNECTING WITH THIS AMAZING PIECE OF COAST THAT WE ALL CALL

Photo Credit : Salty Lenz

HOME, FOCUS PADDLED OUT TO FIND OUT MORE.

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hat do you love about surfing in local area?

Everything - I love the variety of waves and you often get to share pumping surf with no more than five dudes. Coffs has a really strong surfing community, in which we all look out for each other.

When did you start surfing?

Around 10 years old my older brother used take me, only because Mum made him ... But I couldn't think of anyone better to take me surfing, and he has taught me a lot.

How often do you surf?

I try to get out most days, but my weekends are full of surfing, chasing the best waves around the Mid North Coast.

Where is your favourite spot?

Spot X ha ha ... In Coffs, every beach gets fun on the right swell direction, but Macauleys is my favourite spot. As for overseas, it's pretty hard to go past Hawaii.

Word is that you have been ripping; what are some of the results you have had this year?

Ha ha cheers. I only moved home from Sydney at the start of the year and have been free surfing lots. No real contests at this stage, as I'm just enjoying my surfing, although I did win the local Barney Miller classic - which was something I've wanted to win since I was a little.

Do you have any sponsors?

74 coffs coast focus.

Yeah, Hurley, Zombie In Coffs every tread and Coopers Surf. beach gets What kind of support fun on the right t do they give you? bu swell direction, Basic deals such as y m is ys le au Mac free product, which is .” ot sp ite ur vo fa always a bonus.

What kind of boards do you ride?

None at the moment; I snapped my favourites in Bali two weeks ago. Although, I have been riding JS Industries, JR Surfboards, and I just ordered a Shaun Cansdell Shapes Surfboard - pretty keen to try it out, as he is a good mate and one of my favourite surfers. watching someone as good as him.

Do you train outside of surfing, or just Favourite music to listen to before surf? surfing?

Yes, I do lots of training. When I lived in I like all types of music, but watching a surf Sydney the past four years prior to moving video before surfing gets me amped the most. home, I didn't surf much, so I had to keep With all the shark attacks along the fit somehow. I started at a gym called Live coast, does it freak you out when you go Athletic, coached by Justin Lang - an Exercise surfing?

Physiologist who also trains the likes of Paul Yeah I guess, whether there are more sharks Gallen, Robert Whittaker and several other top now, or I think I see more because it's in the end athletes. back of my mind due to the media coverage If you could surf anywhere in the world, nowadays. But something is definitely going where would it be? on up in the Ballina/Byron region. I think all Coffs Harbour. That's why I live here. the shark deterrent technology is awesome; Who is your favourite surfer and why?

I may have to get myself something soon Mick Fanning - speed, power and flow. before something gets me ...

Any older local surfer who you have What else do you do outside surfing to gotten advice from? pay the bills?

Shaun Cansdell always used to take me I am a carpenter by trade, which I really surfing, when I was younger. It was awesome

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enjoy. I like working with my hands and anything physical - I definitely couldn't sit in an office all day. I work for Solitary Design Homes most of the time with a really good boss, which makes a difference.

Plans for the future?

Yeah, plenty more surfing. I entered some WQS events at the start of next year, which I'm really excited for, as I haven't competed professionally in quite some time.

Any shout outs or places people can find out more about you?

I'd like to thank Coffs Harbour Boardriders and Coopers Surf, who do an awesome job for the development of surfing in the local area and also run a junior development program, so eventually we’ll get many Coffs locals on the world tour.

Thanks Jayke.

BCU COFFS TRI

Secures world championship qualifier

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ecord numbers expected for bcu Coffs TRI ...

The annual bcu Coffs Tri on March 4 - 5 is expected to draw a record number of participants and massive crowds, having secured the NSW State Championships as well as an Age Group ITU World Championship Qualifying event.

Event Director Sinclair Black said, “Being awarded a world championship qualifying event from Triathlon Australia is not only a coup for the event, but also for the Coffs region.”

The bcu Coffs Tri is a spectacular course and showcases the essence of Coffs with a protected harbour swim, cycle on closed roads and a run around the Jetty foreshores, incorporating the southern break wall.

points towards selection for the ITU Age Group World Championships in Rotterdam in September 2017. Village Sports is offering a total prize purse of AU$4,500 for the top three overall male and female place getters and is expecting to attract a high calibre of professional athletes from around the world.

Miles Stewart, CEO of Triathlon Australia says, “The National Calendar sets to showpiece some of the best Triathlon and multisport events Australia has to offer. Not only are the events a unique experience, but our Race Directors delivering them are world class.”

The bcu Coffs Tri will be in its fifth year in 2017 and has grown significantly since its inception in 2013.

“We encourage early registration, as we anticipate entries to sell out. We have received more than four times the number of entries compared to the same time last year,” said Black.

“It is empowering for the event to be endorsed by Triathlon Australia. We are excited to continue to deliver a world-class race and to add even more reasons for people from all over Australia to come and visit the beautiful Coffs Coast,” said Black.

The bcu Coffs Tri Standard Distance race (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10 km run) will carry

Phil Dally, Chief Executive of Triathlon NSW, said the event will showcase the region’s beau-

tiful coastal features.

“The course design lends itself to fair and safe competition and will provide some excellent opportunities for spectators to enjoy the contest.“ Village Sports is delighted to have headline sponsor, bcu, on board again for the 2017 event, as well as major sponsors, the C.ex Group and Coastal Works.

“These sponsors have been with us from the outset and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support,” said Black.

Along with the popular standard distance event with individual and team options, the

bcu Coffs Tri includes an Enticer triathlon (375m /10km /2.5km), as well as races for children aged 6 - 14 and promises to be a weekend full of racing action for all ages, motivations and abilities.

A new incentive has been introduced for the 2017 event, the “bcu Scoot for Schools Challenge”, with cash prizes for schools with the largest number of participants. The initiative is to encourage participation from primary schoolstudents across the region.

Entries for the bcu Coffs TRI on March 4th and 5th 2017 are now open at www.villagesports.com.au

coffs coast focus. 75

By Duncan Marchant, Coffs Coast Health Club

INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

CHERYLHUGHES 57 YEAR OLD, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR AND ELITE DRAGON BOAT RACER MUM FROM SAWTELL.

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about Kate Douglass. This month we are catching up with Cheryl Hughes and her Specialist Coach Tracy Welsh, to hear her inspiring story.

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hat was your reason to seek Specialist Coaching with Tracy?

My concern about a “niggling” shoulder and the fear of it becoming a long-term problem.

I was aware that there were other things that needed targeting, such as posture, flexibility and strength but I also had specific exercises that were particularly difficult for me, especially pushups, and I wanted to work on those.

How did you come to find Tracy, and how long have you shared this collaborative training journey?

Tracy came highly recommended by friends who had achieved good results from Tracy’s coaching; it made a lot of sense to go with someone “tried and trusted”. That was about two and a half years ago.

How did your training begin? Was it a cookie cutter program, or was it truly personalised to your needs?

There was an initial consultation that included a comprehensive assessment of my fitness, range of movement, etc, as well as my particular concerns and goals. All of these are monitored regularly, and it’s nice to see improvements in the numbers as well as feeling that things are working better.

Did Tracy supply additional care, support or work for you when you were not together?

Tracy touched base after each session to check on how I pulled up. She encourages communication at all times and has been quick to provide comprehensive responses to questions. Tracy also suggested assistive therapies when needed - physiotherapy, dry needling and remedial massage with the team at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy, who have

76 coffs coast focus.

a base at the gym. I feel that these have been helpful in loosening up lots of areas, allowing for better movement.

Did you find that Tracy’s Specialist care and experience helped you achieve your goals?

I believe that I would probably have given up dragon boating some time ago with shoulder problems had I not sought help from Tracy. The niggling shoulder is no longer an issue; although I don’t particularly enjoy them, I can do push ups if I have to; my strength has increased and my flexibility and posture have improved; I’m actually 1 cm taller than I was two and a half years ago! At times I need cues and reminders, and Tracy keeps at it until we find the ones that work. I’m often amazed at how many different ways that there are to target different areas of the body, and I enjoy learning how to use various pieces of equipment.

You have been training with Tracy for quite some time now. Is this because your goals have changed during this period together?

Achieving results is my motivation to keep up with personal training. While to begin with my main goal was sport-related, I feel that improved strength, flexibility, stability, balance and body awareness translate into every day life and will stand me in good stead for the future; after all, I’m not getting any younger. It’s good to be “pushed”, and Tracy seems to know just how hard to push. She’s always very encouraging and motivating.

Thanks for sharing, Cheryl, 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 Tracy directly on 0429 695 096 to get started today.

Revealed:

Top Tips for a healthier 2017 and how to reach your fitness goals.

With the New Year kicking off, it’s likely that you have made a resolution to exercise more in 2017. While New Year’s resolutions are often made on a whim with good intention but little planning, by seeking the right support and advice around exercise, this may be the year to actually reach your health goals.

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e sat down with Josie Nancarrow, Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy, to discuss how an exercise physiologist could be vital to make 2017 your healthiest and happiest year yet.

Who needs help from an Exercise Physiologist?

• Joint pain: if you have pain associated with arthritis and osteoporosis - creating an individualised exercise program will help you take the load off joints and move better.

• Diabetes: if you have either Type I or II Diabetes - to understand your condition and show you how exercise can help you manage your condition, control your blood glucose levels and potentially reduce your reliance on medication.

• Obesity: if you are overweight and don’t know where to start with exercising - get support to develop a progressive exercise plan and help you maintain motivation.

• Neurological conditions: brain injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease - discover how exercise rehabilitation can help you regain function and improve your quality of life and independence.

• Falls prevention: if you are afraid of falling or have had a fall - exercise is vital to improve your strength and balance, increase your confidence and decrease your chances of falling.

• Back pain: if you have ongoing or recurrent back pain - you don’t have to put up with it.

Education and advice about how to strengthen the right muscles to support your spine and move efficiently will decrease your pain.

Why can’t I just look after my fitness myself?

If you have no injuries, muscle imbalances,

joint problems, or heart or lung problems, you most certainly can look after your fitness yourself if you are motivated to do so. However, if you have any of the conditions discussed above, or if you are confused about what exercises are right for you and your condition, then it is important to get guidance from an Exercise Physiologist.

I often work with people who feel like they’ve tried every exercise regime around and haven’t got any benefits, or they hurt themselves in the process - therefore it’s important to understand what exercise is right for you and your body. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach!

How do I stay motivated with exercise?

The main excuse I hear when I ask people why they don’t exercise is that they don’t have time, or that they can’t stay motivated once they start and only last a couple days. An exercise physiologist can help you change the mindset behind exercise and why you’re doing it.

Hot tip: set goals, write them down, but also write down what barriers you might face and the strategies to overcome them. If you are prepared to encounter hurdles, you are much more likely to overcome them. As an Exercise Physiologist, I can help you set goals that are achievable and help you work through the barriers you will come up against.

Thanks Josie. If you would like to find out how Josie and the team can help you, Mid North Coast Physio have 5 FREE Assessment sessions available to Coffs Coast FOCUS readers to see one of their Exercise Physiologists. Call 1300 273 747 now to secure your appointment before they are all gone - and start 2017 on the road to health and fitness.

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

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laudia Wilson of Coffs Harbour has been professionally dancing since she was five years of age, and currently, trains an average of 24 hours every week. Claudia focuses on Jazz, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and various other styles of dance.

Claudia mentioned that by receiving the grant, a financial load would be lifted from her parents, who pay the dancing costs for Claudia and her younger sisters.

They sometimes travel up to 800 km for eisteddfods and dancing competitions.

Community groups can also apply for the McDonald’s Junior Grants. Northcott Disability Services, which helps over 600 people in the Mid North Coast region of NSW, are using the grant towards a new wheelchair-accessible van which will transport children with disabilities to and from their therapy and activities.

Wayne Nagle, the area manager for Northcott Disability Services, said, “We hope to continue to support our clients to attend inclusive events and social engagement activities in the local area.” With the McDonald’s Junior Grant, Northcott Disability Services, the Coffs Harbour Physie and Dance group, and Claudia Wilson are on their way to great achievements.

ned Claudia mentio g the in iv that by rece would ad lo al ci grant, a finan r parents, be lifted from he ncing costs who pay the da her younger for Claudia and metimes sisters. They so km for 0 80 to travel up dancing eisteddfods and competitions .”

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Another happy grant recipient is the Coffs Harbour Physie and Dance group, which is run entirely by volunteers. Over 65 girls participate in the group, which is held at a local public school.

While the parents get together to re-sew old leotards for upcoming competitions, Sharen Hackfath, the group’s head associate teacher, said that the purchase of new team leotards and a couple of mobile mirrors would benefit the girls, making a huge difference to the girls for self-analysing their dance positions.

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 coffs coast focus. 77

LEAH FITZGERALD

DEDICATION, FOCUS AND A LOVE OF RUNNING HELP ENSURE LOCAL RUNNER LEAH FITZGERALD STAYS AT THE TOP OF HER GAME. LEAH FEELS A MARATHON (42.2 KM) IS HER IDEAL DISTANCE, AND SHE’S ACHIEVED REMARKABLE SUCCESS

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ou recently competed in the New York Marathon; can you tell us a bit about that experience?

The morning of the race, I got up after not much sleep, did my pre-race getting ready ritual and headed out the door. I had to walk from my hotel to the New York Town Library. Once I got about a block from the bus pick up area, the line had already started. There were people everywhere. I would compare the security to be similar to airport security, maybe stricter. There were three security checkpoints - even the buses were checked with sniffer dogs, before the athletes were allowed on them.

After arriving at the start zone, I had over three hours to wait for the race to start, and it was freezing. At the start line there were so many people in front of me, I couldn’t see the start.

The gun went, and they started playing the song New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. The race took you through five boroughs of New York, and the crowds were so loud you can hardly hear yourself think. The music, the people, dancing on the streets, cheering - it was electric and nothing like I have ever experienced during a race. There were around 50,000 runners in the NY Marathon and there must have been a million or more spectators. Running into the Bronx was by far the loudest crowd of the day - the music, the cheering - words can’t describe the atmosphere.

The final 2 - 3 km took you into Central Park and to the finish line. There were flags from every country competing on either side of the finish chute and to pass the Australian flag, I felt so proud.

When I crossed the finish line, I had no idea what my time was, my placing, or even that I was the first Aussie female. I was so overwhelmed 78 coffs coast focus.

AT VARIOUS EVENTS WORLDWIDE ... with emotion; it was just an incredible race and one that I had always dreamed of doing.

When did you start running marathons?

My first marathon was at the Gold Coast in 2011. After the race I felt incredible; the next day I signed up for my second marathon. I competed in a 10 km race when my third child was 10 weeks old, then after running that I decided to try a half. I did two half marathons and felt like it wasn’t far enough, so after running my first marathon, I knew this was the race for me!

How much training goes into preparing for an event like this?

I started training three months out from the NY Marathon. Although I always train, the training becomes different and the focus is directly on that particular race. I work closely with my coach, Andrew Rowlings, to work out what is best. I absolutely LOVE to run, so I could go on a long run every day. Andrew keeps me grounded and always keeps me focused on the “bigger picture”.

Do you follow a strict diet?

Yes, in the lead up to New York I was on the strictest diet so far. I meal prep every Sunday to organise myself for the week, making it as easy as possible. My family generally eat the way I do when I am in training, as I don’t want any sugar or processed food in the house; it makes it easier for me and they benefit from a healthy diet as well (or head to Nanna’s house for much yummier meals).

You also won the women’s division of the first ever Air New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Marathon that was held earlier this year - an amazing result. Can you describe that event?

It was my very first time in New Zealand, and it was every bit as incredible as people had described it to be. The race itself took me through the picturesque Hawkes Bay region on

the North Island. We ran through vineyards and the countryside.

It was a tough race and after shaking off a few girls at the halfway mark, I had no idea how far they were behind me and if they were going to catch me. You just have to run the best you can and give it everything you have. That’s the thing about a marathon - timing can be everything.

You’re out there for so long, so much can happen between the start and the finish.

That area has an amazing landscape; did you have time to enjoy it, or did you have to maintain an intense level of focus?

Focus is definitely key, but you do get to enjoy the race and the scenery. It’s nice when you look up and think to yourself, “Wow, how beautiful is that!” Because that course took you through private properties and private wineries, if you weren’t racing you wouldn’t even get to see it, so it is pretty special.

What helps to keep you going when you’re reaching exhaustion, towards the end of an event?

The finish line ... The feeling you get when you finish. Also, the fact that from 30 km is my count down, I only have 12 km to go - in my mind I reset at the 30 km mark. It turns into a 12.2 km race, and I count down from there. The last 2 km are the best, because for me to only have to run 2 km is easy, so mentally I tell myself this is the easiest part. It’s definitely not, but if you have a good mindset, focus, determination and above all believe in yourself, then nothing should stop you!

Have you had any other great results this year? Who are some of your rivals in the sport?

I wouldn’t say I have any. Every race is different, and the people at each event change.

My biggest rival would be myself. I think it’s important to focus on you and your own race.

Where is your favourite place to compete?

That’s actually a hard question; I have raced in some spectacular places. Maybe the Big Island Marathon in Hawaii. I was first female in that event and when I crossed the finish line, they didn’t realise that I was - they had to ask me. But, that’s Hawaii life, so relaxed and laid back; the people are beautiful. I actually ran some of that race with a local man. I kept asking him questions about where we were; he shared a lot of local knowledge with me as well. After the race Adam (my husband) and I went and explored the places I ran; we both fell in love with Hawaii.

What events are there on the Coffs Coast that you enjoy?

I love the Coffs Harbour Running Festival; Village Sports put on such a professional event.

It’s great to see the local athletes, the Rotary Club and the community support the event. To race in your own backyard is pretty special, and what other town has a creek loop through the middle of the city centre, where you feel like you are in the middle of bush? We really do live in paradise.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about taking up long distance running?

You have to want to do it; you have to love it and be 100% committed. Set a goal, make a plan, and stick to it. If you don’t jump out of bed every morning and feel excited to be doing what you’re doing, then maybe you need to rethink things.

Plans for the future?

I intend to run the Canberra Marathon on April 9th, 2017; this will be a nutritional and pacing experiment for the Gold Coast in July. Ideally, I want to drop my time to the low 2 hour/40 2 hour/45 pace for the Gold Coast, which will be my priority race for 2017.

Thanks Leah.

LIZ GREEN F45 Coffs harbour

The fitness phenomenon that started in Sydney but can be found right around the world ... is now in Coffs Harbour. We chatted with Liz Green, Owner of F45 Coffs Harbour.

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with their own goals to achieve. In fact, our e offer our clients a transformation challenge winner, Beth Timms, superior high intensity is in her 50s. She lost 42.5 cm in just eight workout, in a dynamic weeks. and fun team atmo“People become demotivated when they sphere,” explains owner spend an hour every day at the gym and don’t Liz Green, who has recently moved to Sawtell see results, but a few sessions a week can from Sydney to open her F45 Training studio make a great impact on your body shape and in Coffs Harbour. “I was recovering from composition after just four weeks,” injury and joined my local F45 explains Hannah, one of the in Sydney. The workouts trainers at F45. “Our funcwere incredible, better tional, full body workouts than any gym workout a e ik Unl combine strength and or personal training traditional here w , ut conditioning, burn a lot session I had ever ko or w m gy the of calories and work the done. So I gave you might have k ec body to its full potenup my corporate spare time to ch een tial, targeting all your career as a manInstagram betw is fast ng sets , F4 5 Traini in big muscles over the course agement consullts paced and resu of the week.” tant, bought the y.” kl ic qu s, change “Both trainers, Hannah franchise license for and Liz, are very motivating Coffs Harbour … and and encourage you every step now I am here sharing of the way. I love that each class F45 with the Coffs commuis different and that it's 45 minutes, nity and loving it!” so you work as hard as you can, because Unlike a traditional gym workout, it's quick, fast and rewarding. I absolutely where you might have the spare time love F45; it has such a great vibe,” says Kelsie to check Instagram between sets, F45 Stewart, an F45 member.

Training is fast paced and results in big changLiz stresses that the culture of the studio es, quickly. is what is most important to her. “There are Lyndal Green, a local triathlete, was looking no mirrors, there is no judgment, everyone is to add strength into her training regime: welcome. You will never hear us talk about “It's so functional, hence the ‘F’ and delivers summer bodies or beach bodies, because our amazing bang for your buck. In just six weeks focus is on your health and fitness. It’s not of training at F45, I already feel stronger in my how good you look; it’s how good you feel.” races and have achieved podium finishes in And all the members say there is an awesome my last two triathlons.”

The training sessions, however, are designed unexpected benefit of being a member of a fitness studio that will never have more than to be accessible for everyone, from elite 200 members. Member Melissa Scholthurst athletes to those who haven’t worked out for sums it up perfectly; “You feel part of a family. years. Liz says, “Our members range in age We actually call it the F45 family.” from 19 to 63 and cover all fitness levels, each

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coffs coast focus. 79

sportz Central Multi Sports Competition Start date - Monday 16th January 2017 Six sports - basketball, netball, volleyball and futsal plus NEW in 2017 - ultimate frisbee and European handball!

Play a different sport every week!

Unisex competition - both males and females.

Social competition with a focus on meeting new people and keeping active!

Social Ladies Netball Competition Start date - Tuesday 17th January 2017 Social netball competition for ladies of all abilities.

Get your workmates or friends together for a good time and keep fit!

Our Location Sportz Central, 74A Bray St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.

Contact Us Phone: (02) 6651 2501 Fax: (02) 6651 6492 Email: office@sportzcentral.com.au General Hours Mon - Fri, 9am to 10pm Sat 9am to 4pm Sun 1pm to 6pm

80 coffs coast focus.

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JANUARY 2017

with Terri

Photo credit: Will Eades Photography

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Practice a little more patience with people. You are becoming annoyed easily by others, and this is leaving you vulnerable at sabotaging relationships. Not everyone is on the same wavelength as you are, but respecting their views will alleviate some of your current frustrations.

Turquoise is great for loving communication.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Time to honour yourself. Your sensitivity is increasing, leaving you more uncomfortable than ever before when you are amongst turmoil.

If you are surrounded by conflict, look inward at all your qualities and attributes that you like about yourself. This exercise will leave you feeling at peace, not affected by the turmoil.

Citrine shatters negativity.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Set some fresh goals for 2017, but be aware of your motive. Avoid focusing on fears, imagine having what you’re wanting and thank the universe for it, then forget about it. See how long it takes to materialise, then thank yourself for manifesting it.

Clear Quartz is a powerful amplifier; hold it whilst wishing.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

Home life and career are likely platforms for big change in the next couple of months. This is why you have been reflecting on cycles that have repeated in your past. You have grown through most of the emotional challenges related to them already, so be fearless for your future.

Ruby shatters our fears.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

You are embarking on a journey of emotional self discovery. Avoid over analysing situations, or this could overwhelm you. Instead, allow others to be a reflection for your strengths and the weaknesses you need to work on.

Rose Quartz is the nurturing crystal of love.

CANCER.

June 23 - July 23

A more comfortable ownership of your reality can be anticipated, as you venture toward challenging and releasing previous fears. Arm yourself with the answers to your fears and enjoy how easy facing them will be.

Ruby helps to shatter fear.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23

It is time for you to speak your truth. If something has been weighing you down, release it. You can either talk to the person involved or telepathically talk to them. Either way will show results, and you can be more confident knowing where you stand.

Turquoise is great for heart felt communication.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23

Lighten up and laugh more! You have a good sense of humour, but are vulnerable at taking life too seriously at present. Be aware of your thoughts, as they are likely to be your own worst enemy at the moment. Mantra to yourself: “Other people’s thoughts are none of my business” for at least six weeks.

Aquamarine washes away self degradation.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 It is time to fulfil a dream you have carried for a long time or from a long time ago, but may not have had the means or opportunity to pursue it. Compile a list of everything needed to make it happen, and take action. Obtain a few things on the list, so you can avoid sabotage.

Clear Quartz will amplify your excitement and passion.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Great time for romance and rekindling old relationships. Reflect yourself in your partner by allowing them to show you what needs working on within yourself. So if your partner does something you are unhappy with, find out why you are unhappy with it.

Rose Quartz is the loving healing crystal.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

November 23 - December 21

Soul connections are going to be recognised, as well as talents and purposes that were destined for your life. Connecting to your gratitude for these things will bring further joy to your reality.

Relationships will give you validation to how nurturing your heart is.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love; give some to your loved one.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

You will benefit by acknowledging how good at manifesting things you are. When you forget about what you’re wanting, it appears, so try this technique. Go out into nature, think to your God belief and fill yourself with their love in the form of white light, then imagine having what you desire and thank them for it. FORGET IT THEN. Watch how quickly it materialises.

Citrine attracts an abundance.

coffs coast focus. 81

focus_interview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Consulting

BUSINESS minds

MICAH & ANGELA

ning …

Never stop lear ur yo be true to eating. vision … keep cr is harder is th es Sometim ink, to do than you th be to t an but it’s import table.” ap ad d focused an

“

M

icah and Ange - tell us a little about you both and how you came to establish Uptown Local.

We moved to Coffs Harbour together in 2003, from Sydney. One of us was coming home, and the other was entering a new world. Combined, we had a commerce degree, a visual arts degree, retail experience, bookkeeping knowledge, stock management skills, some big ideas and lots of energy. We were here to take on the “family” business (Encounters) and had relatively no idea as to what we were undertaking. We were moving from the big city to a small community, with a niche business and knew next to nobody. We did, however, have the enthusiasm of youth on our side, support from Ange’s family and a little common sense - and so began our journey …

Uptown Local, to be specific, had been in the making for a long time before it became a “bricks and mortar” store. It was more of an ideology, a reflection of what was happening in fashion, food and music culture, and we took some inspiration from New York. Driven by the simple concepts of quality, upmarket, local, organic, shop small and slow fashion ...

We then took this ideology to launch an online store - a subsidiary to Encounters.

Although the online store was to sell the product of Encounters, we developed a logo for Uptown Local and viewed it as its own entity.

We were excited to be creative and establishing a brand of our own. What we didn’t realise was just how perfect a fit this brand would be for our retail space in Coffs Central.

You have owned other retail stores in Coffs. What appealed about opening a store in Coffs Central?

We could see that Coffs Central was going to revitalise the town centre in a positive way.

We felt compelled to get involved and play our 82 coffs coast focus.

part in contributing to the future of the city.

We were excited to move into a boutique, strip style shopping area. The centre has gathered local, quality businesses together and provided us with an upmarket village in the heart of the Coffs Coast, similar to some great spaces we’ve visited in our travels. It also gave us an opportunity to bring our new ideas to life, challenge us and grow in an organic way.

What are your suggestions for maintaining and achieving customer loyalty?

We didn’t know many people when we first moved to Coffs Harbour. And in fact, barely knew what we were doing - truth be told! But we were young and our attitude was to have fun, with our customers and our team.

We have lived in Coffs Harbour for a few years now and have built a strong customer loyalty over this time. But first and foremost, we genuinely care about people and enjoy the social element our store offers. We have always believed in basic common courtesy, in treating each person with importance and respect.

Bringing the right product mix and desirable product is important. Online retail is huge competition, but we want to provide a fun, sensory and personalised in store experience - something that an online shop just can’t replicate … not yet anyway!

Is a steady presence on social media important to your business?

Yes, it’s huge, and we have a lot of fun with it too. It’s an instant and direct way for us to communicate with people who want to follow us anywhere in the world.

Apart from letting people know when a new range has arrived in store, we can share candid moments about us, our team and our travels.

That helps us shape the vision and culture of Uptown Local. We’re on the main platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, which we can have a little fun with.

What have you found to be the most

effective ways to promote the store?

Social media has singlehandedly been a major influence on our store profile and awareness. It can instantly reach consumers, anywhere, and to tell your story visually - and in real-time with platforms like snap chat. You can directly link social media to sales, in store or online; it’s an amazing tool for any business to use.

We also believe that our down to earth and kind ethos when it comes to customer service has supported our growth through word of mouth and repeat clients. There’s nothing better than a good recommendation to friends and peers.

As they say, location is everything, and by design our store is in the middle of the main street of town with a highly visible presence to literally anyone visiting the centre.

Uptown Local has not long celebrated its third birthday. What key lessons have you learnt over the past few years?

There are a few key lessons that we live by: Never stop learning … be true to your vision … keep creating. Sometimes this is harder to do than you think, but it’s important to be focused but adaptable.

Work smarter, not harder - we can’t do everything all the time (yes, we’ve tried).

Balance is key - we make sure we take some time out. It’s too easy in small business to be in a constant state of work mode.

Investing in our staff - we strive to provide a platform for our team to flourish, learn new skills and harness their talents. They need to be motivated and have things to look forward to.

What trends are you excited about for 2017?

In fashion, you buy six months in advance for seasons, so we have completed all our Autumn/Winter 2017 buying already. We’re

excited by: ‘80s inspired fabrics with satin, velvet and lace highlights.

Glamorous and feminine jumpsuits, shoulder cut-outs and off the shoulder pieces are still proving strong.

Linen luxe - we’re still loving the resurgence of linen and relaxed looks - which is a perfect style for living in a coastal environment.

Standout Men’s blazers - from textural blazers, to denim Sherpa jackets, there are some great looks for men to achieve.

Denim - relaxed fits and white denim will feature - which will be a fresh look, for both men and women.

Slow Fashion - quality over quantity is still a growing trend.

When you’re not in the store or working on the business, what do you enjoy doing?

We enjoy eating out, socialising and travel we have some great local cafés and restaurants in the area - with local, organic, high quality fare. These moments are made even better when sharing them with friends, which we manage to do a lot of … or maybe a little too much!

There is so much natural beauty surrounding us on the Coffs Coast - we love the beach culture that Coffs offers. We’re also looking forward to the revamp of the Jetty marina, so we can get back to doing more of this.

Our work and life is social, so we also really enjoy being solitary at home sometimes reading a good book or just relaxing on the balcony with a spritz. We recently took a holiday to the Greek Islands, so naturally we’re trying to turn our balcony into a little slice of Santorini - not quite the same, but we won’t stop trying.

Thanks Micah and Ange.

focusinterview.

PLC

reaches

130 YEAR MILESTONE

2017 IS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE LIFE OF PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE, ARMIDALE, AND THE COMMUNITY IS CELEBRATING. IN 2017, THE PROMINENT REGIONAL ALL-GIRLS’ SCHOOL WILL TURN 130 YEARS OLD, HAVING BEEN GOVERNED BY THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOR SEVENTY-FIVE OF THOSE YEARS. PLC ARMIDALE HAS EXPERIENCED SIX DIFFERENT PHYSICAL LOCATIONS WITHIN ARMIDALE AND HAD NUMEROUS NAME AND GOVERNANCE CHANGES.

I

n its milestone year, PLC Armidale will embark upon a new global initiative, opening its doors to the first cohort of girls enrolled in the newly created one-year, residential, intensive English language (ELICOS) centre and cultural familiarisation program. Entitled PLC Pathways, the new program officially opens its doors on February 6, heralding a new chapter in the colourful history of the College.

The recently appointed Director of PLC Pathways, Mr Christopher Spencer, is known to many in the diverse educational community as a well-respected educator, with exceptional experience in both independent and government schools. Chris shares his story with FOCUS, as the College prepares to embrace its new opportunity.

How have you settled in to your new role at PLC Armidale?

I’ll let you know when I have! I’m really relishing this opportunity to utilise a broad range of my experiences in teaching and leading to build a program from a philosophical foundation right through to classroom practice.

I have been familiar with PLC and many of the staff for a long time. That’s been really helpful, as schools are busy and intense places. It is a beautiful place to work and learn; it has a crisp, clean and fresh feel to it, and there is always the echo of girls singing and laughing going on somewhere! I’ve also been really thrilled to come on board at a time when the College has such dynamic, imaginative and decisive Christian leadership.

What makes this program different to the usual English Language Centres?

Our program is fully residential in an environment which specialises in girls’ education. So, we have freshly renovated boarding facilities, a beautiful campus, a long history and focus on pastoral care and strong connections to a community, which is stable and welcoming. Comprehensive language acquisition is the goal, but the means by which that is achieved goes far beyond the classroom.

Secondly, the course is designed for our girls to thrive in Australia, not simply achieve a score in a language test. We provide a deep understanding of Australian culture and strongly

develop 21st Century learning values, such as critical thinking, enabling engagement with the Western tradition. Our aim is for our girls to be informed, insightful and decisive as they move into adulthood.

How will the program operate at PLC Armidale?

The majority of the girls’ curriculum is focused on language acquisition through studying real, substantial and engaging content, so we will be addressing challenging subject matter over a range of key learning areas. At the end of the course, the girls will enter into mainstream schooling prepared for the Australian educational environment. Our Pathways’ girls, like our Australian students, will be involved in co-curricular activities like sport, music, Chapel and community service.

Our goal is for our girls to be at home at school, and we’re working hard to make that possible. We have staffed the Austin boarding house with high achieving young women, many of whom themselves are studying at UNE and some of whom are Mandarin speakers, to ensure our girls are not hindered by any

language barrier when it comes to pastoral care.

Where are the girls coming from, and what age will they be?

Initially, our girls are coming from mainland China and are in the middle high school years.

However, we have already had expressions of interest from elsewhere in Asia and Europe, so we may well end up with a wonderfully diverse cohort of students in the very near future.

What benefits will the program bring to PLC Armidale and the wider Armidale community?

Education intersects social and business worlds, so the benefits of having another international connection will bring a range of positive outcomes for the community. Quite apart from the economic flow on into the local community, our girls will have enhanced opportunities to develop networks and friendships abroad. And having this global mindset brings many of its own rewards, of course.

Thank you very much for your time, Chris, and all the best with the new program.

Happy Anniversary PLC Armidale!

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 3 0 Y E A RS I N 2017

SCHOLARSHIPS for 2018 NOW OPEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE 17 February 2017 EXAMINATION DATE 27 February 2017 In alliance with PLC SYDNEY

coffs coast focus. 83

focusinterview.

FIONA & SIMON

MCCREDIE Carpet Court

Fiona and Simon McCredie are the owners of Carpet Court Coffs Harbour. Together they have been making huge strides in the flooring industry, both locally and nationally ...

W

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

Coffs Harbour Carpet Court is a long term business servicing the residents of the Coffs Coast. We have owned and operated the business for 11 years and we’re locals, living in beautiful, sunny Sawtell with our two daughters, Jaimi and Jordyn.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and experience in this industry ?

I (Simon) have always had a keen interest in building and real estate, so a career change into flooring was a fairly easy transition. I manage the sales and installation side of the business. Fiona is a qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience, and she manages the operational side of the business.

In November, Fiona was elected by fellow store members to become a Director of Carpet Court Australia for the next three years and hopefully for many more years after. Fiona is the first woman to be elected to the Carpet Court Australia Board. She is looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with the 200 Carpet Court stores nationally, the National Support Centre Management team based in Melbourne, and preferred suppliers, to continue to move the group forward as the number one flooring and blind retailer in Australia.

Tell us about the brands you stock ...

Carpet Court is the largest retail flooring franchise in Australia and as such, has access to an enormous base of the best products available. The 200 stores are all independently owned and operated by locals offering the best range of flooring solutions, with the added addition of window furnishings. I recently visited South Africa and the factory of Belgotex, who is an international leader in flooring.

What are some of the things you have changed

84 coffs coast focus.

and improved? priority.

We love technology and are leaders in the use of the What is our biggest asset?

RFMS program (from the US), which is a specialist proUndoubtedly our team! We have a dedicated gram designed for the flooring industry. We utilise iPprofessional and skilled team who go that extra mile ads/iPhones to draw our plans and can show customers to make customers happy! Brian Hackett has over the layout of their new flooring. The program is used 40 years’ experience in flooring. Scott Andrews has throughout the business for efficiencies. We continexperience in the building industry and ue to look for innovation in our business and looks for solutions. Brooke Ritchie is across the industry. We understand that our “walking, talking, smiling” you need to continue to grow to be tile-pedia. Michelle Southcott successful. ide ourselves and Tim Allen are our window pr e W Tell us about your new showfinding solutions on furnishing specialists, with room. to r our customers Our fo extensive experience in this We have been in our current s.

“

t their lifestyle

mee field. Oliver James brings an ill help location for three years on the informed staff w ect rf international edge from the pe e Pacific Highway next to Super you create th d to re ilo ta n tio lu UK and is our expert meaAmart. We often get compliflooring so s.” ed ne c ifi ec surer, who is generally offsite mented on our showroom and its your sp welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, carrying out measure and site with a great product range to design inspections. Alaina Guthrie, your new home or revamp your current Jaimi McCredie and Jake Birdsall home. We have space for you to work all back up with merchandising, office with different products, so you can design your and warehousing expertise. I cannot possibly bathroom tiles, your bedroom carpets, your living area disclose the number of years of experience our timber floating floors or your kitchen splashbacks. installation team holds ...We value the experience, skill How important is customer service? and professionalism of our installation team.

We take the time to sit with you and discuss all your What is the best advice you can give to a prospecneeds. What type of flooring would best suit your tive customer? home and lifestyle? Which styles and colours would Ask questions. And, listen to the advice given by the complement your décor? How much care will the floorspecialists. ing need? We pride ourselves on finding solutions for What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs our customers to meet their lifestyles.

Coast?

Our informed staff will help you create the perfect We love living on the Coffs Coast because of its great flooring solution tailored to your specific needs. And natural beauty, the relaxed lifestyle we can enjoy, and with the most extensive range of colours and inspirational styles, we know you’ll be floored with the final result. From our floor to your floor, satisfaction is our

the great people we can enjoy it with - it is HOME! Thanks Fiona and Simon.

focus_real estate

Scott Nolan from Nolan Partners

What an Amazing year!

IT’S BEEN A REMARKABLE YEAR FOR THE ENTIRE COFFS COAST REAL ESTATE MARKET. THE RAPID PRICE RISES IN THE EASTERN AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL CITIES IN 2014/2015 FORCED MANY METROPOLITAN BUYERS TO LOOK TO MORE AFFORDABLE REGIONAL MARKETS SUCH AS THE COFFS COAST FOR THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN 2016.

T

he increased activity in the local market has seen price rises of approximately 8 - 12% across most sectors, with the more affordable units and houses experiencing the highest percentage

real estate update

growth.

The excitement in the local market has resulted in some exceptional sales results from the Nolan’s team this year, with a number of street and suburb price records broken across the Coffs Coast. If you are interested in how many properties have been sold and what prices are being achieved, there are a variety of websites that track this information.

Websites such as www.ratemyagent.com.au track sales volumes, the value of property sold and the agents and agencies that are performing the strongest in each suburb. Major portals such as www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au record every individual sale and sale price so if you are interested in a particular street, property type or price bracket, you can tailor your search to your specific criteria.

Along with price rises we have also seen a rise in the volume of properties sold across the Coffs Coast,

as many new homes and unit/apartment projects were added to the existing market supply. The importance of new homes and units to the real estate market has far reaching effects on a number of different industries, in particular the building and construction industries, which are major employers in our local area. More building simply means more jobs, which brings more money to the local economy - which can only benefit everyone.

The outlook for the Coffs Coast market for 2017 is for our strong market conditions to continue. A combination of low interest rates, our affordable prices (compared to capital cities) and our amazing lifestyle all combine to make the Coffs Coast a very attractive area for family home buyers, investors and retirees alike. The Nolan’s team are particularly positive about the year ahead, with a number of exciting new developments to be launched and a couple of major announcements and initiatives planned for the first quarter next year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and suppliers for all your support this year and wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2017!

coffs coast focus. 85

“ 86 coffs coast focus.

Toscan Homes is the number one choice for custom built, high quality dream homes.�

focusabode.

Build Best D CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS WITH AWARD-WINNING LOCAL BUILDERS, TOSCAN HOMES.

o you dream of a home that’s truly your own, unique in design and built specifically to your needs? Do you expect the best in design, workmanship and dedication? Then Toscan Homes is your top choice for bringing your dreams to life.

You don’t want to trust your dream to just anyone. You want custom builders with vast experience who only use the very best designers, tradesmen and materials; you can rest assured that Toscan Homes ticks all the boxes.

Every Toscan Home is uniquely designed to reflect the best use of your land, budget and lifestyle.

If you’re daydreaming of a plunge pool encasing an

outdoor kitchen and dining area, consider it done. Fancy a butler’s pantry and burnished concrete flooring, or a spiral timber staircase? How about a kitted out media room, custom walk-in shoe closet or a kitchen that would make a professional chef envious? Do you have a tricky sloping site or need to demolish and rebuild? Whatever your desires and needs, Toscan Homes can design and build what you’re dreaming of, in a way that suits your unique needs and budget. All built to the standard that has earned Toscan Homes the reputation of best custom builders on the NSW North Coast.

coffs coast focus. 87

focusabode.

Build Best

“

88 coffs coast focus.

Directors Rob McClennon and Todd Mackay have a passion for building the very best.”

It’s this high standard that sees Toscan Homes win prestigious awards year after year, including many from the peak building body in Australia, the Housing Industry Association (HIA). This year the Toscan team took out Northern NSW Townhouse/Villa Development of the year with its development at 82 First Avenue Sawtell, and last year they were winners of Best Custom Built Home under $400,000.

Sit down with Directors Rob McClennon and Todd Mackay, and you’ll see why they’re considered the best in the local building trade.

Rob is passionate about the building industry, has an eye for detail and design and enjoys working alongside customers to create the unique custom designs that Toscan Homes is renowned for.

Todd started his career as an apprentice with Grazz Toscan back in 1995. He went on to obtain his builders licence, continuing Grazz’s high quality of construction and work ethics that

Toscan Homes is famous for. Prior to owning Toscan Homes, Todd worked in many areas of NSW in the commercial and residential construction industry, including project managing prominent high rise constructions in Sydney.

Both Rob and Todd work tirelessly to make your dreams a reality. This is evident in their leadership of all parts of the build from the get go, from working closely with you at initial design stages, organising council approval and all legalities, to seeking out only the best professionals for the build. They’re in charge of the process all the way, so you can relax and enjoy the process of creating your dream home.

Toscan Homes Director, Rob McClennon, says they are proud supporters of the local community, using only the most skilled and trusted local subcontractors and suppliers.

“We only use the best because we want the best for our customers,” says Rob, “Our suppliers and subcontractors

focusabode. are local and leaders in their fields. The quality of finish on our builds is testament to this.”

Toscan Homes has been building award winning homes in the Coffs Harbour area for more than 30 years, and some of their suppliers and contractors have been with them that long too.

The team also prides itself on really listening to what clients want and delivering uniquely beautiful homes and commercial businesses.

For more than 30 years they’ve been forging close relationships with highly trusted local companies, such as SGA Windows, G and A Cabinets and Obrien Built - all local stalwarts of the local building industry.

They also work closely with Slater and Gordon in Coffs Harbour to help with legal needs and conveyancing.

“Slater and Gordon keep our clients and us informed every step of the way, and ensure the whole process is moving fast so that the settlement happens right when it should,” explains Rob. “All in all, Slater and Gordon are extremely thorough for our clients and leave no stone unturned.”

Always using the best, combined with a passion for quality, has earned Toscan Homes accolades from customers who love their new homes.

Clients like Greg and Penny Jackson, who were thrilled with the experience of building with Toscan Homes.

“The whole experience, from initial design

“

Outdoor living has never looked so good. Whatever you desire, Toscan Homes can make it happen.”

Congratulations to Toscan Homes from Vincent Butcher and the team at Slater and Gordon Lawyers

We provide expert legal services for: +

Family Law

+

Commercial Litigation

+

Wills and Will Disputes

+

Dispute Resolution

+

Estate Planning and Probate

+

Criminal Law

+

Compensation Law

+

Class Actions

GET IN TOUCH 39 Gordon Street COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

6651 8440 slatergordon.com.au

coffs coast focus. 89

focusabode.

Build Best right through to final completion was fully you to shape your dream, from conception encompassing; their ongoing enthusiasm to handing you the keys to your new home and approach was second to none,” Greg and everything in between.” and Penny enthused. “We’re very happy with Toscan Homes has a number of exciting the final results that Toscan achieved projects in the works, including house and for us.” land packages at Elements Estate, The Toscan team are Coffs Harbour. This new estate, leaders in innovation located just off Stadium for both construction Drive, is the premium The whole and design place to build your dream experience, seeking out the home. Surrounded by from initial design very latest and generous reserves, right through to final best products parks and open spaces, completion was fully available. They’re the estate is ideally encompassing; their keen to offer their located between ongoing enthusiasm customers the the bustling village of and approach was second to none.” best energy efficient Sawtell and central Coffs materials and quality Harbour. There are some truly fixtures in order to build spectacular lots on offer, some homes that stand the with ocean views and all positioned test of time. to capture cool gentle breezes. Toscan “We’re a high quality design and Homes’ first build in the estate, at 7 Haven construct business,” explains Toscan Close, is currently under construction.

Homes Director, Rob. “We don’t build This gorgeous, four-bedroom family home repetitious designs; we work closely with features high ceilings to the living areas,

“

“

Toscan Homes are the experts at building homes as unique as you are.”

ZUVELA CONCRETE Founded In 1978

Reece Coffs Harbour and Coffs Harbour South proudly supports

Toscan Homes

ZUVELA CONCRETE IS A FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS WITH A FOCUS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

 HIA MEMBER

FULLY INSURED

QUALITY ASSURED

Proud to be supporting

Reece Coffs Harbour

Reece Coffs Harbour South

177a Orlando Street (02) 6652 4277 coffsharbour.showroom.nsw@reece.com.au

12 Isles Drive (02) 6651 9444 coffsharboursouth.showroom.nsw@reece.com.au

www.reece.com.au/bathrooms 90 coffs coast focus.

Contact James Zuvela

0408 096 177 james@zuvelaconcrete.com.au

ABN 13 060 465 956 Lic. No. 69278C

focusabode.

“

Always on top of the latest trends, Toscan Homes use only the best materials and tradesmen to help you achieve your dreams.”

media room, front and rear decks, plus a double lock up garage. The construction is typically Toscan - built to last with only the best materials and fixtures and crafted by the best skilled subcontractors in the area. It will be open soon to the public and is a must see.

Toscan Homes is also giving astute buyers the chance to snap up the last block in the high end estate of Worland Drive, Boambee East. DA approved and about to commence construction, this incredibly spacious four

bedroom home is being built to Toscan’s exemplary standards across a huge 604 m² block. The home has rear lane access and backs onto a public reserve, with an amazing array of features from the modern kitchen with hidden butler’s pantry to the large living and dining areas and deck built for entertaining.

Current builds include a commercial medical centre in the centre of Coffs Harbour, luxury homes at Sapphire Beach and rural properties in Middle Boambee and Heritage Park.

The beauty with Toscan Homes is they always have time for their customers, to hear their feedback and chat with them about any concerns. They run every job from the design process through to the final build and handover stage.

“We believe owning a Toscan Home is an investment in your financial and personal well-being,” explains Rob. “It is an opportunity to create a special place where you feel safe, secure and self-expressed.”

coffs coast focus. 91

focusabode.

Sawtell

Stunner THIS BREATHTAKING TOSCAN HOMES DEVELOPMENT WON NORTHERN NSW TOWNHOUSE/VILLA DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2016 HOUSING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION AWARDS.

M “

Impressive in design and innovation, Toscan Homes’ recent Sawtell development is 2016’s Best North Coast Townhouse of the Year.”

92 coffs coast focus.

odern and luxurious, Toscan Homes’ recent development at 82 First Avenue has been turning heads across the country.

The set of four townhouses so impressed the Housing Industry Association judges, they awarded it top prize in the hotly contested Best Townhouse category. And Director Todd Mackay couldn’t be prouder.

“It was a lot of hard work, but all of the trade teams who came together really enjoyed the project and put in that extra effort we always strive for,” Todd explains.

The modern beachhouses are centrally located near Sawtell beach and its main street.

Each offers a relaxed, alfresco living style with quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The ground level of each townhouse comprises a double garage with direct access to the home and an open plan living room and dining area that integrates seamlessly with the covered outdoor alfresco dining area, via large double sliding doors.

The doors were the brainchild of local company Sawtell Glass and Aluminium (SGA), whose brief was to bring the outdoor in.

focusabode.

“

They certainly delivered and the doors look first class, but what you don’t see is the quality of the construction work that went into making them.

“The doors look fantastic but they took a lot of strucThe panels in the kitchen were tural work,” Todd recalls. chosen to give a coastal “It’s a two storey building, feel, and the timber so it’s a tricky product to grain in the finishes use, and the structural match the colour of the integrity of the building was nearby sand dunes.” of luxury. paramount.”

“The panels in the This attention to detail kitchen were chosen extends to the raked ceiling in to give a coastal feel, and the outdoor room, which match the the timber grain in the finishes raked indoor ceilings, helping to create a match the colour of the nearby seamless blend between the inside and out. sand dunes,” Todd explains. “They The well-thought out kitchens were dewere created by local company G and A signed with the beach in mind, with world Cabinets, who always do a great job, to a high class appliances and finishes adding a sense

The gorgeous townhouses feature a seamless blend between the inside and out.”

“

standard, and they’re great to deal with too.”

The wood theme extends to the stunning internal timber staircase, built by local Nic Derrin from Stairmaster. Crafted from Pacific Jarrah, it was chosen for its rich colour and texture. Pacific Jarrah was also used to create the front door and railing timber, creating a free flowing aesthetic through the front door and beyond.

Proudly supplying Lighting and Electrical to

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Sawtell

Stunner Heading up the staircase, the luxury apchanges with the light to create an ever pointments continue, with each townhouse changing look. comprising a spacious master suite with a well Colorbond Accent 21 was chosen as the appointed en suite, raked ceiling and roofing material because it can go to spacious walk in robe. Beda lower pitch, making it more rooms two and three are waterproof. The product is queen size with built in also safe to use close to robes, with both bedthe beach.

The Linea was rooms opening onto The team at Toscan’s chosen to define the balcony. also selected Scyon the external walls, Just as much attenlinear cladding, to helping the townhouses tion to detail has been produce a gorgeous to stand out with a paid to the outside of shadow line on the weatherboard look, the townhouses too, townhouses. rather than a flat wall.” with brand new materi“The Linea was chosen als and innovative designs to define the external working together to create walls, helping the townhousaesthetic appeal that’s built to es to stand out with a weatherstand the tests of time. board look, rather than a flat wall,” The townhouses were the first in the explains Todd. world to use Metallic colorbond external The townhouses are surrounded by wall cladding - a new building material landscaped gardens, designed by a Landscape that not only suits the beachhouse feel, but Architect and professionally finished off by

“

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COFFS HARBOUR

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JB Landscaping, with plants to suit the sandy soil and attract local wildlife. Each townhouse also features an outdoor hot and cold shower, exposed aggregate driveway, underground water tank connected for waste water and an automatic security gate to the driveway.

“The idea was to have nice, private units, close to everything with indoor-outdoor blending living areas,” explains Todd. “We’ve used the best and newest products available, and we’re justifiably proud of the end result.”

The townhouses are so impressive, that Foxtel’s Build Me A Home dedicated a television series to their construction and design. To watch the build from the ground up, head to www.toscanhomes.com.au or YouTube it at: https://youtu.be/7Y7y9CRNNAg

STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL, THESE HIA AWARD WINNING TOSCAN HOMES TOWNHOUSES FEATURE: • Fully ducted, zoned, reverse cycle air conditioning

• 30 mm stone quartz bench tops to kitchen

• Timber staircase and front door

• Quality wool carpets to bedrooms

• High efficiency LED lighting

• Fully insulated walls and roof

• Ceiling fans

• Low maintenance gardens

• Cross flow ventilation design

• Solar hot water system

• Stainless steel European appliances

• NBN connection

• Kitchen with soft close drawers

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Top Trends D

2017

THIS YEAR, BUILDERS AND DESIGNERS ARE LOOKING TO NATURE FOR INSPIRATION.

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irector of Toscan Homes, Todd Mackay, says nature is the inspiration for building trends in 2017, with materials like timber and stone making a strong comeback.

“One of my favourite techniques that we’re seeing more and more of is burnished flooring,” he explains. “This involves concrete finished to a high polish, leaving flashes of stone through the concrete.”

The nod to natural materials is not only great for the environment, but your wallet too, with new, energy efficient materials helping to significantly reduce both short and long term energy costs.

We’re seeing clients who want to take advantage of our gorgeous climate and build outdoor entertaining areas that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.”

Take local supplier SGA’s Low E glazing.

This laminated type of glass comes in many forms, including low energy and low noise and helps to minimise heat loss in winter and maximise cool summer air.

For home exteriors, new materials like Scyon’s light weight cladding and decking systems are setting the bar for durability and energy efficiency. Various Scyon claddings are used on the facade

by Toscan Homes on its award winning

townhouses at 82 First Avenue, Sawtell.

Other new products, like low energy air conditioning units, from Coffs Air Comfort, will also be popular this year.

Todd from Toscan Homes says outdoor living areas will be taking it up a notch in 2017, with outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining a must have in new developments.

“We’re seeing clients who want to take advantage of our gorgeous climate and build outdoor entertaining areas that

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Top Trends

2017

“

Customers are wanting sleek lines and minimalist designs, so butler’s pantries are really taking off.”

are both functional and aesthetically appealing,” explains Todd. “And it’s vital for these areas to feel like they are free flowing from the rest of the home.

Products like SGA’s sliding and bi-fold door are helping to create this seamless blend between the indoors and out.”

Todd’s also seen a big rise in the number of customers looking for butler’s pantries - a trend that is taking off worldwide.

These walk-in pantries have exploded in popularity thanks to our love of open plan kitchens.

Instead of your kitchen being cluttered

with appliances and constantly messy from prepping meals, a butler’s pantry gives you a space for items and appliances you don’t want to be seen, as well as offering extra preparation areas and storage.

A fully-functional butler’s pantry can be built into a small space of just 1.6 x 2.2 metres and is usually located out of sight of the living room. If you have more space, you can add a sink, dishwasher or fridge, specialised shelving

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Top Trends

2017

“

Minimalist bathrooms help create a sense of serenity in small spaces.”

and more. You’re only limited by Bathrooms without screens, walk your imagination. through showers and open planned “Customers are wanting baths are all the rage and help sleek lines and minimalist create a sense of serenity, designs, so butler’s even in small spaces. pantries are really “Open planned taking off,” says bathrooms look Open planned Todd. “G and A less busy and more bathrooms look Cabinets do amazing luxurious,” says Todd. less busy and more pantries. They custom “Smaller vanities are a luxurious.” build and design to big trend for this year, your exact needs, and with mirrored cabinets, their attention to detail recessed into the walls, is exceptional.” offering plenty of hidden Another big trend taking storage so you don’t need a off in 2017 is open plan wet bulky vanity taking up space.” areas - a nod again to the popularity of This year, he’s also seen a surge in minimalist design. customers asking for hidden spaces to be

“

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created where they can retreat specialty of Toscan Homes, and they only and relax. use the best local experts to create “Reading and study their custom-designed plans. nooks are becoming “We’ve been in the local increasingly popular, building business for more and, combined than 30 years and only We’ve been in with high ceilings use the best, to ensure the local building business for more than and custom-built our clients get the very 30 years and only use cabinetry, offer best on their budget,” the best, to ensure our serenity in a small Todd says. clients get the very best space,” he explains.

Both interior and on their budget.”

“With the digital exterior design is set for world having such a big changes in 2017, with huge impact on our lives, Toscan Homes Director Rob it’s no surprise customers are McClennon seeing a host of new, asking for designs to be stripped innovative products and techniques back to a more natural feel.” hitting the market.

Staying on top of trends is a core

“

“

Slim line staircases are on trend for beachside homes in 2017.”

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... innovative new staircases designed to fit in tight spaces.”

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The electronic key

pad and finger On a recent trip to the power points made from glass recognition touch Brisbane Design Centre, and metal rather than plastic pad entry doors were Rob says he witnessed that were both functional and impressive and great for the growing trend for stylish. kids who lose keys all sleek and unobtrusive Rob was also impressed the time.” designs and raw finishes. with innovative new staircases “The Brisbane design designed to fit in tight spaces - a centre had a great range of product becoming more and more James Hardie Scyon products popular now on the coast. And the range on display, including newer products of new digital door furniture also caught his such as Hardies Deck, and the new sizes eye. of Scyon Stria that have been released,” “The electronic key pad and finger recognition says Rob. “We also looked at great new touch pad entry doors were impressive and great products for powering houses, like the new Clipsal for kids who lose keys all the time,” he says with a range of slimline power points with integrated USB laugh. “It’s easy to lose keys, but pretty hard to lose port charging. There were also pop up bench top a finger!”

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TOP 10 TRENDS FOR 2017 • Stone flooring • Woods and natural finishes • Open plan wet areas • Butler’s pantries • Black tapware, benchtop, windows and doors • Outdoor kitchens • Reading nooks • Lightweight cladding • Keyless entries • Slimline staircases

“

Black is the new white, with splashbacks, tapware and doors heading to the dark side this year.”

Crowe Horwath is proud to be associated with Toscan Homes We help small and large businesses realise their full potential through business planning, developing tax effective strategies, and protecting and growing their wealth.

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“

Look at that view! There are plenty of pros for building on a sloping site.

Amazing vistas are just one of them.”

“

Impressive in design and innovation, Toscan Homes’ recent Sawtell development is 2016’s Best North Coast Townhouse of the Year.”

Challenge Accepted SLOPING SITE BUILDS NEED THE BEST BRAINS IN THE BUSINESS, AND TOSCAN HOMES IS YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE

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T

he Toscan Homes team loves a challenge, which is why they’re considered the best sloping site builders on the North Coast.

“Every site has its challenges, but you

just have to use smart design to get around them,” explains Director of Toscan Homes, Todd Mackay.

There are numerous points to consider

when building on sloping sites, with access to the site, yard space and how you’ll use the land all coming into play.

But according to Todd, the challenges are worth it, with sloping sites offering a host of benefits.

“Sloping sites offer the chance for you to get views over the rooftops of other houses and better aspects from breezes,”

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“

No matter what the shape or size of your land, Toscan Homes can build you the home of your dreams.”

he explains. “You can create your mountainous region by Toscan Homes. own oasis, no matter how close your The challenging site required much neighbours are.” behind the scenes design and build The team at Toscan Homes works work, but the end result is a dream with building designers Paul Rollason come true. and Insight Design & Drafting, “The block was too architects and engineers steep to construct including DeGroot and a traditional two Benson, to find cost storey house effective ways to on, so we had Every site has get the best use to do terrace its challenges, out of your sloping retaining to but you just have to site land. the backyard use smart design to Challenging and a create get around them.” blocks always a concrete require a custom slab reaching build, and the team up to 1.2 metres at Toscan Homes has higher than the a proven track record of finished ground level building luxurious homes on even the of the natural slope,” Todd most challenging of blocks. recalls. “But the end result is Take the house pictured, which spectacular, and that view from the was built recently in Coffs Harbour’s upper deck is simply breathtaking.”

“

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Harbour Builders Licence 191313C.. Visit gjgardner.com.au for full terms & conditions. aphs may depict fixtures, finishes and features scher Built trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs gjgardner.com.au for full terms & conditions.

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Display Home

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