Coffs Coast Focus i82 by Focus

COFFS COAST

July 2017//issue 82

1 coffs coast focus.

Feature Story Lyndy Rees

Expert Online Education There are now many ‘johnny-come-lately’ universities in online education. UNE has been delivering distance education since 1955 – that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why our students continue to rate us so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality.

Study across three study periods with 24/7 online tutor support. If you don’t have entry qualifications, our free Pathways Enabling

Course gives you entry and credit to most of UNE’s undergraduate degrees. If you prefer to study on-campus, UNE has a campus in Armidale. If you’re not ready to commit to a whole degree right now, we also have our revolutionary new Bespoke Courses where you can design a short course of just 2, 3 or 4 units. Because they’re real degree units you may get credit towards a full degree later.

Courses available for online study from October ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE Bachelor of Accounting Majors Available: Advanced Accounting, Agribusiness, Finance. Master of Professional Accounting

ARCHAEOLOGY AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES Bachelor of Arts~ (Archaeology, Indigenous Studies) Bachelor of Science (Archaeology, Palaeobiology)

AGRICULTURE, RURAL SCIENCE BIOLOGY, BIOMEDICAL AND PLANT SCIENCE SCIENCE AND PHARMACY Bachelor of Agribusiness

Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Bachelor of Agriculture Majors Available: Animal Production, Plant Production, General Agricultural Production. Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Agrifood Systems* Majors Available: Crop Production, Feedlot Management, Livestock Production, Production Horticulture. Bachelor of Plant Science Majors Available: Evolutionary Biology, Physiological and Molecular Biology, Plants in the Environment. Bachelor of Rural Science

ANIMAL SCIENCE AND ZOOLOGY Bachelor of Animal Science Majors Available: Canine and Equine Science, Livestock Production, Wildlife Management. Bachelor of Science~ (Animal Science and Veterinary Studies, Zoology) Bachelor of Zoology

ARTS Diploma in Arts Advanced Diploma in Arts Bachelor of Arts~ Majors available: Ancient History, Archaeology, Australian History, Chinese, Classical Languages, Criminology, English, French, German, History, Human Geography, Indigenous Studies, Indonesian, International History, Islamic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Linguistics, Music, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Physical Geography, Political and International Studies, Psychology, Screen and Media Studies, Stage and Screen Acting+, Sociology, Spanish, Studies in Religion, Theatre and Performance, Writing. Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Graduate Certificate in Arts Majors available: Ancient History, Chinese Studies, Classical Languages, Geography, History, Italian Studies, Peace Studies, Theatre and Performance. Master of Arts Majors available#: Ancient History, Applied Sociology, Archaeology, Australian History, Chinese, Classical Languages, Criminology, English, French, German, History, Human Geography, Indigenous Studies, Indonesian, International History, Islamic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Linguistics, Music, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Physical Geography, Political and International Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Studies in Religion, Theatre and Performance, Writing.

Apply now

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING Bachelor of Business Majors available: Accounting, Agribusiness, Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Marketing. Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Organisational Leadership Bachelor of Training and Development Graduate Certificate in Business Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate in Management Master of Business Administration Majors available: General Program, Human Resource Management. Master of Strategic Organisational Development and Human Resource Management

CLASSICS, HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND STUDIES IN RELIGION Bachelor of Arts~ (Ancient History, Australian History, Classical Languages, History, International History, Philosophy, Islamic Studies, Studies in Religion) Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Graduate Certificate in Arts Master of Arts

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Bachelor of Computer Science~ Majors Available: Data Science, Software Development. Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Science (Computational Science)

ECONOMICS AND AGRIBUSINESS Bachelor of Agribusiness~ Majors Available: Economics, Finance, Marketing and Management, Rural Science. Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Bachelor of Economics Majors Available: Applied Econometrics, Economics, Economic Development, Environmental Analysis and Policy. Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness

EDUCATION AND TEACHING

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY

SCIENCE

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Bachelor of Education (Primary) Bachelor of Special Education (Primary)/ Bachelor of Disability Studies Bachelor of Training and Development Graduate Certificate in Education Studies Specialisations available: Careers and Transition Education, Gifted and Talented: Teaching for High Potential, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Graduate Certificate in eLearning Master of Applied Leadership in Positive Education Master of Education Majors available: Comparative Education, eLearning, Gifted and Talented Education, Indigenous Australian Education, Literature and New Literacies, Special Education, Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL). Master of Teaching (Primary) Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Diploma in Prosecution and Advocacy Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Criminology~ Bachelor of Laws (3 years) Bachelor of Laws (4 years) Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Master of Laws Majors available: Commercial, Crime and Criminal Justice, Health and Science, International, Natural Resource Governance

Diploma in Science Programs Available: General Studies in Science, Medical Sciences, Science Pathways. Bachelor of Science~ Majors available: Animal Science and Veterinary Studies, Applied Physics, Archaeology, Biochemistry/Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Botany, Chemistry, Computational Science, Forensic Science, Genetics, Geography, Geoscience, Mathematics, Medicinal Chemistry, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Palaeobiology, Physiology, Psychology, Zoology. Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Scientific Studies

ENGLISH, WRITING, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

NURSING, SOCIAL WORK AND HEALTH

Diploma in Professional Communication Bachelor of Arts~ (English, Writing, Screen & Media Studies) Bachelor of Media and Communications Majors available: Media and Culture, Writing and Publishing.

Bachelor of Audiometry Bachelor of Nursing with Honours Master of Health Management Master of Nursing Practice**

ENVIRONMENTAL AND EARTH SCIENCES Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of GeoScience Bachelor of Science~ (Geography) Graduate Certificate of Planning and Management of Natural Hazards Graduate Diploma of Planning and Management of Natural Hazards Master of Planning and Management of Natural Hazards

GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING Diploma in Arts Bachelor of Arts~ (Geography) Bachelor of Science~ (Geography) Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography) Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning Master of Arts (Geography)

LANGUAGES AND CULTURAL STUDIES Bachelor of Arts (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese and Spanish) Bachelor of International and Language Studies Bachelor of International and Language Studies Bachelor of Languages Majors available: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Bachelor of Languages and International Business

LINGUISTICS AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS Master of Applied Linguistics Majors available: TESOL, General Program. Master of Arts (Linguistics)

PEACE POLITICAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Diploma in Arts Advanced Diploma in Arts Bachelor of Arts~ (Peace Studies, Political and International Studies) Bachelor of International Studies Bachelor of International and Language Studies Graduate Certificate in Arts Master of Arts

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE Bachelor of Arts~ (Psychology, Sociology) Bachelor of Psychological Science Bachelor of Psychology with Honours Bachelor of Social Science Majors available: Aboriginal Perspectives, Criminology, Health Management, Linguistics, Organisational Management, Peace and Developmental Studies, Political and International Studies, Psychology, Social Philosophy, Sociology, Urban and Regional Studies. Graduate Diploma in Psychology

SUSTAINABILITY Bachelor of Sustainability Majors available: Community Engagement and Development, Cultural Heritage Management, Environmental Governance, Environmental Resilience, Governance and Regulation.

THEATRE, PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC Diploma in Music Skills^ Diploma in Music Technology Bachelor of Arts (Music, Theatre and Performance, Stage and Screen Acting+) Bachelor of Music^ Bachelor of Theatre and Performance

ENTRY PATHWAYS Pathways Enabling Course Science Pathways * This course will be renamed in 2018 to Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management. ~ Honours year also available. # Not all majors are available to all candidates. ** First 2 units offered on-campus only in Trimester 3. ^ Early Application closing date. + Restricted to candidates admitted under the Stage and Screen Acting Articulation Program. Please note some degrees have mandatory intensive schools which require attendance on campus. See website for individual course rules and admissions criteria.

All courses available to start 23 October une.edu.au/expert • 1800 818 865

University of New England CRICOS Provider Number 00003G

focus

Photo by Tom Woods - ST IMAGES

COFFS COAST

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. ADDRESS: 3/57 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour POSTAL: PO Box 286, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 6650 9343 FAX: 02 6651 3798 WEB: www.focusmag.com.au iPHONE: www.focusmag.com.au/eat TV: www.focustv.com.au

contacts. SALES MANAGER: Louise Beaumont louise@focusmag.com.au

COORDINATOR / ADVERTISING CONSULTANT:

Nicci Seccombe

nicole@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Natalie Hunt natalie@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Lace Browning lace@focusmag.com.au

ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au

SENIOR DESIGNER: Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable joey@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan jeff@focusmag.com.au

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au

COPY EDITOR Jo Robinson rnrmedia@bigpond.com

PHOTOGRAPHY/EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Lisa Cross

lisa.cross@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Coffs Coast Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5. Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2015 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the July issue of Coffs Coast FOCUS.

appy start to the New Financial Year! We are feeling very sentimental this month, as we have a look back at previous editions and how many amazing people are living here amongst us. People who truly believe in their cause … People who keep on keeping-on. It’s inspiring. We are so very lucky that we can help share their stories. We feel truly blessed to be part of the FOCUS family. The deadlines and late press nights suck, but we love our job. Our days are spent chatting to people - great people who are doing great things! And how do we find them? Well, it’s a combo of being attracted to interesting people and business owners, with a passion to fulfil their needs. So, if you know of anyone who is doing something completely epic, please contact us. On the Cover It’s officially race season! Giddy up! The Coffs

Harbour Gold Cup is one of the highlight events to hit the Coffs Coast each year, and we are so very excited. This month’s cover is dedicated to race day fashion. Our in house stylist, Carole Beros, has come up with a look to turn heads. If you are wanting to get the “cover look”, then head over to page 42 - or better yet, pop out to Le Dãin Designs in Sawtell for a full race day styling session. How handsome does Max Wood scrub up in the fabulous suit supplied by “Connor” in Park Beach Plaza! Along with suits, Park Beach Plaza’s fashion retailers are ready to dress you to impress for the upcoming race day, where they will be sponsoring the annual Fashions on the Field. A massive thanks also goes to our in house hair stylists from Living Doll, makeup artist Barbara from La Fleur D’Alyse and models Emma Binns and Max Wood.

Inside this Edition: If you see a flash of white and pink go by you around the Coffs Harbour Jetty, it is most likely the Deadly Sista Girlz, a group of women staying fit while having fun and encouraging others in the community to join in. FOCUS caught up with Pam Rogers before one of their training sessions, where she told us more about how the group members enjoy themselves and help Aboriginal women and their families. With a passion for fashion and a flair for styling, Jacob Venn is taking the fashion world by storm. He was born and raised on the Coffs Coast and fled the nest to pursue his dream in fashion. FOCUS had a styling session to find out more about his blossoming career and future plans ... Final Say: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”- Walt Disney.

Call us today on 6656 4664 or visit us online at ohanaelc.com.au

welcome to ohana

Looking for quality childcare in the centre of coffs harbour? • • • •

• • • • •

Local family owned operator Nurturing children from 6 weeks Safe, purpose built centres Nature based environmental playground Nutritional meals & snacks provided Nappies included Small, age appropriate classrooms Qualiﬁed, caring & nurturing staff Government beneﬁts & rebates

2 centres located in the heart of Coffs: Ohana North Boambee 10 North Boambee Road, Coffs Ohana Scarba Street 13 Scarba Street, Coffs Enrol your child for 2017 today

nature based playground coffs coast focus. 3

issue I S S U E

8 2

J U L Y

2 0 1 7

DEADLYSISTAGIRLZ. If you see a flash of white and pink go by you around the Coffs Harbour Jetty, it is most likely the Deadly Sista Girlz - a group of women staying fit while having fun and encouraging others in the community to join in. FOCUS caught up with Pam Rogers before one of their training sessions, where she told us more about how the group members enjoy themselves and help Aboriginal women and their families.

JACOB VENN.

With a passion for fashion and a flair for styling, Jacob Venn is taking the fashion world by storm. He was born and raised on the Coffs Coast and fled the nest to pursue his dream in fashion. FOCUS had a styling session to find out more about his blossoming career and future plans ...

HEIDI BRETT.

Meet the beautiful Heidi Brett from Vast Interior Coffs Harbour. If there are two things Heidi knows, it’s furniture and interior design. FOCUS had a chat to Heidi to find out about the latest trends ...

R EGU L A R S 12. WHAT’S ON JULY 24. EAT FEATURING LOCAL RESTAURANTS 54. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 56. SOCIAL SCENE CAROLE BEROS

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 4 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 5

focusinterview.

LYNDY REES. NATIONAL PARK RANGER AND VOLUNTEER WRANGLER LYNDY REES MIGHT JUST HAVE THE BEST JOB ON THE COFFS COAST. FOCUS MET UP WITH HER AND SOME VOLUNTEERS ON THE WHITE BLUFF HEADLAND OVERLOOKING BEAUTIFUL SAPPHIRE BEACH, TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS SHE DOES AND HOW YOU CAN GET A PIECE OF THE ACTION.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I live in Coffs Harbour and have worked for the Coffs National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for the past 14 years. Life and work balance does not get any better than this. I have the dream job in the dream location, nature’s paradise. How did you become a National Park Ranger, and what is your current role? Being both a volunteer and professional bush regenerator myself, as well as having the right science degree, training and work experience ultimately got me my first job as a technical officer with National Parks. I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped for the past 20 years, first at Port Macquarie, then South West Rocks and now Coffs. Wherever I have worked, I have always started volunteer groups. I absolutely love working with our volunteers; their passion, commitment and generosity feed my soul. A ranger has to have broad general skills in environmental management, with a focus on fire planning and fighting, pest management and park planning and environmental assessment. Most National Park rangers also have a special interest or passion. Mine is bush regeneration and volunteer management. What has inspired and motivated you to do this work for the last 20 years? One of the primary drivers in my work is that healthy natural bushlands encourage healthy human communities. We all love our bit of bushland; it brings peace and calms the soul. I was born into a pioneering farming family in the Snowy Mountains. My father gave me a deep love and respect for the land and all

6 coffs coast focus.

things living. Finding that balance between making an income from farming and loving the land to pass on to future generations is in the genes of Australian farmers. I realised farmers were fighting to repair their remnant bushland to reduce degradation, especially salinity and erosion. Privately owned land was in good hands, but who looks after public lands? The philosophy that guides me is “cherish the land than no one owns” written by Chinese philosopher Li Po in 750 B.C. The Coffs Coast is home to one of the biggest National Parks volunteer programs in the state. What area does this cover, and what are the activities involved? We have 230 volunteers working in 25 different groups on reserves throughout the entire Coffs and Nambucca Shires and lands in the lower reaches of Bellingen Shire. On average, our volunteers undertake over 5,000 hours a year. This is a tremendous effort from very special people. The majority of our volunteer projects involve bush regeneration, and we work in close partnership with Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare and Coffs Harbour City Council. We have a number of wildlife monitoring programs involving Little Terns, Mutton Birds, koalas and marine mammals. The Community Koala Survey sounds exciting. What does this involve? We have been running annual night time surveys in Bongil Bongil National Park over the past five years with teams of volunteers. They play koala calls and try to spotlight koalas along given roads, once a week for five weeks. Our surveys have shown that the koala population in the park is stable. Now that we have this data, we can monitor koala populations over the long term to ensure that we are managing the park in the best

way possible. Bongil the general public can also How many Bongil National Park see the difference. to t ge people t ls is the stronghold What are the benefits hi w s spot whale w fe for koalas in the a of being a National t ou pulling in ng ki or Coffs Coast, so is Parks volunteer? w ds wee lous bu fa r ou extremely important Volunteers get to of e on es? to manage well into work with like-minded headland reserv ” What an office! the future. Luckily, all people in some of the other wildlife benefits best locations on the coast. as well. How many people get to spot What responsibilities does whales whilst pulling out a few a Bongil Bongil Tree Parent weeds working in one of our fabulous headland reserves? What an office! have? The work is great for brain training Tree Parents plant koala food trees and warding off age related illnesses and in their own special area and over the maintaining general fitness. You will often years they weed, fertilise, mulch and watch work alongside National Parks staff and learn their trees sprout, much like growing a family! lots of other fun stuff along the way. We offer The idea is to increase the koala food trees training and equipment, and a free National in the park. Sometimes volunteers even spot Parks pass is also available to those who put in a koala, which is the ultimate reward for the long hours. their blood, sweat and tears. We still have We also offer students and the under thousands of trees to plant, so if you are employed training and experience to help interested in becoming a Tree Parent, please them find meaningful full-time work. call ranger Martin Smith on 6652 0907. Remember, I was a volunteer before I landed The largest volunteer group is for bush my dream job, so don’t underestimate the and dune regeneration. Can you tell us power of volunteering. more about this? How can people find out more and get There are 17 volunteer Landcare/bush involved? regeneration groups working in National Park To become a volunteer in Landcare/bush reserves on the Coffs Coast, from as far north regeneration projects, please call the Coffs as Arrawarra to south at Valla Beach. The main Harbour Regional Landcare office on 6651 duty is to remove weeds with a little planting 1308 or email chrl@coffslandcare.org.au when required, with most groups working in a Web: www.coffsharbourlandcare.org.au set area to a rehabilitation plan. And for NPWS specific programs, call the We are really lucky to have many long term Coffs Coast office on 6652 0900 or email me: groups (some have been working for over 20 Lynn.rees@environment.nsw.gov.au years) whose members really see a difference For koala specific projects, please email over the years. They should be so proud of martin.smith@environment.nsw.gov.au or call the work they do. One of the great rewards 6652 0907. is when a park visitor stops to thank the Thanks Lyndy. volunteers for all their work, and it shows that

“

coffs coast focus. 7

sc ool thi si

upholstered bench seat

in Tasmanian Blackwood and fabric $2,100. Big Garden Furniture. Showroom is at 1,852 Solitary Islands Way, Woolgoolga (old Pacific Hwy).

Image of the month. Title: Karyn was at Boambee headland chasing photos of a white bellied sea eagle, but turned around and saw how pretty the beach looked, hence the use of the zoom lens for a landscape photo. Photo by: Karyn Maxfield. Camera/Lens: Canon EOS 80d, Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Taken a great photo of our local area? Like to see it published in FOCUS for the world to see? Just email sarah@focusmag.com.au

8 coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

Big Garden Furniture in Woolgoolga has been building furniture on the Coffs Coast since 1996. FOCUS tracked down one of their repeat clients, Chris, to see some of the amazing custom made furniture Gareth has designed for him and to ask him about his experience with Big Garden Furniture.

f u r n i t u r e

irstly, what made you choose to go to Big Garden Furniture to purchase your furniture? I was renovating my house and consequently I was also

consists of a beautiful Tasmanian Blackwood frame and lid with a favoured painting inserted into the lid. The lid has gas powered struts, which allow

searching for new furniture, both inside and

lifting of it with no

outside for the garden. Naturally I used Google,

physical strength.

My TV is wall mounted , and ts of a the piece consis ian an sm Ta ul beautif and e Blackwood fram ed ur lid with a favo into painting inserted .” the lid

“

and through it I found Big Garden Furniture

But as the wood

in Woolgoolga. I went to their shop to have

and painting are quite

a look, expecting to hopefully find something

heavy, the struts had to

suitable for my backyard. Instead, my eye

be upgraded to heavier

immediately caught a large, magnificent Red

duty ones twice. This in turn

River Gum dining table made from a single

required the careful taking down

slab of what must have been once upon a time

and returning to the workshop of the

a very majestic tree. It included 10 matching

whole piece. More hours, more work for

chairs - a truly one off masterpiece, crafted by

Gareth, and the costly replacement of the

both nature and human hand perfectly.

struts - but he did it all in his stride, and at no

The lady in the shop was very friendly

extra cost to me.

and helpful, and later I found out that it was

Similarly, some pieces were hampered by

Gareth’s charming wife, Lisa. Once the table

not perfectly plumb walls or varying skirting

was delivered, I asked whether they would be

boards, or simply by my at times slightly

willing to do commission work also. They are,

complicated ideas!

and one thing led to another. About 15 other

How many pieces of furniture have you

pieces so far, and I still harbour a couple of

purchased from Big Garden Furniture?

further thoughts! Some were quite tricky, like the piece that

This is not that easy to answer, as several pieces consist of several units. Gareth and his

I wanted made to hide the TV when not in

team built me a walk-in wardrobe, for example.

use. My TV is wall mounted, and the piece

It consists of cupboards, drawer units, hanging

units and mirrors - is that one or several pieces? At present I have approximately 16 pieces, but I still want some more. What is your favourite piece of furniture and why? I love them all, but the table is possibly the most dramatic - the Red River Gum is singularly spectacular. What is the most important thing one should consider when purchasing custom made furniture? It seems to me only two things are important. Do you love it, and is it well built! The first should be easily achieved by Gareth and his team, and the second is definitely achieved by them. Are there any more pieces of furniture you have in the pipeline for Big Garden Furniture to make for you? Yes, I have a few thoughts - but one thing after another!

Describe your relationship with Gareth, after purchasing these items from him? Well, it is obviously an ongoing, very good relationship. If it weren’t, I wouldn’t recommend him - let alone as wholeheartedly as I do. Share some expert advice on BGF for our readers? Explain to Gareth clearly what you are seeking, the feeling and look that you wish to create, and he will deliver! Thanks Chris.

plug! If you want to see some of the furniture that Big Garden Furniture create, visit their showroom. The showroom is open 9am 3pm, Mon - Sat, at 1852 Solitary Islands Way, Woolgoolga (old Pacific Hwy). Alternatively, if you want to discuss a custom piece, give Gareth a call on 0417 205 807. coffs coast focus. 9

focusinterview.

a p

m e

a p

s p

i e

n r

CERAMIC ARTIST TAMASIN PEPPER CREATES WORK INFLUENCED BY THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE, ITS COLOURS, SHAPES, TEXTURES AND FLUIDITY. SHE ATTEMPTS TO CAPTURE THE “AESTHETIC MOMENT AND LIVING SPIRIT OF THE LAND”. FOCUS POPPED INTO HER STUDIO IN BELLINGEN TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS ELEMENT OF HER WORK AND SEE HOW SOME OF IT IS CREATED.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? As a kid, I travelled up the East Coast with both my mum and dad. My dad bought a share, as a founding member, of Bundagen, so we started visiting this particular area more often and got to know Bellingen through trips to the shops for supplies. How has this area influenced your work? I have developed my domestic ware and experimented with glazes while living in Bellingen. My Drippy Green range featuring soft greens, composed of two glazes overlapping, reflects our surrounds in Bellingen. This valley and the shire as a whole, is more literally portrayed in large platter/bowls, which reference the mountains, meandering river and delta areas. One large platter, titled Mountains, River, Sea, was selected for the World Ceramic Biennale in Korea in 2008. How do you incorporate the landscape into your ceramics? I work with placing pieces of clay together in an organic, subconsciously random way, so there is a rich, uncontrived surface built up on fairly elemental forms. The process of making is revealed and left exposed to trap and pool colourants and glazes, which is reminiscent of the process of sedimentation of the land being built up inch by inch, with its history portrayed on its surface. Some pieces are more literal, while others subtly reference an element of the land such as a pebble, shell, lichen or rust. Sometimes 10 coffs coast focus.

I embed actual found objects into pieces by allowing for shrinkage and inlaying pieces with glue, once the ceramic piece is fired. Liquid porcelain or slip is used in some pieces for its smooth, white contrast with the dry, engobe surface. This can allude to eucalypts, sun glistening on water, or a meandering, fluid river. Can you tell us about your travels and how this inspires you? The experiences of travel and discovering other cultures with new aesthetics and practises is very rewarding, and it can’t help but be translated into your work in some form. South East Asia and East Asia in particular has a long tradition in, and esteem, for ceramics. I find the Korean and Japanese aesthetic extremely refined and beautiful. The Japanese aesthetic of Wabisabi is an influence, with its focus on a quietness and simplicity of form reflecting our natural environment, in all its perfect imperfection, a balance of defined against organic, a balance of opposites. After spending time travelling in neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, I met so many travellers who had seen more of Australia than I had, that I decided to spend some time seeing Australia myself. I went to Tasmania, The Flinders Ranges and eventually by road to Alice Springs and back. The desert trips were amazing, with their vast horizons, red sands, spindly trees like twigs and an untouched spirit and rawness of nature. What do you find rewarding about teaching others your craft? Teaching ceramics keeps my ideas and interest flowing, as I see the love of the medium in my

ing I work with plac ay cl of pieces gani c, together in an or ndom ra su bconsciously ri ch , a is e er th so , way e ac rf su uncontrived y irl fa on built up s.” elemental form

“

students. I realise how much I’ve learnt about my craft over the years that I would usually take for granted. I have learnt a lot more about glazing and varied surfaces. This information is gleaned over time, with numerous firings and through trying out various combinations of glazes over the years in class. I can now pass this knowledge on. Teaching has also made my art practice less solitary, and I have made some great friends over the years. It feels good to foster a friendly space, which encourages creativity and the sharing of ideas. Can anyone join your classes, and what will they learn? I teach all levels of experience in ceramics, and there is always something new to learn. For beginners, I take them through hand building techniques of pinch pots, coil, and slab building and then if they are inclined, throwing on the wheel. As students get more confident with the medium, I help them realise their ideas for pieces and facilitate ways to achieve them. We fire to 1,265 degrees and work with a variety of stoneware and porcelain clays. You are a member of the Coastal ClayMakers Group. Can you tell us about this? As a member of the Coastal ClayMakers, you are a part of a group of potters in the area all obsessed with making things in clay. There is opportunity to exhibit with the group annually, and monthly meetings - often with visiting ceramists - who give talks or workshops about

their practice. I have also had the opportunity to demonstrate my processes at a couple of studio visits here hosted and organised by the Coastal ClayMakers. There is plenty of opportunity to learn from other potters both locally and from further afield. There is an inbuilt support network and audience for your work as part of the group. What are your plans for current and future art making? I will make pieces to supply Sturt Gallery in Mittagong, Flying Pig /Precinct Gallery in Berry and Kerrie Lowe Gallery in Sydney, and locally at The Bellingen Kitchen Shop, who stock some of my domestic range, or a members show at Nexus Gallery and with the Coastal Clay Makers. I usually try to organise one major show a year, and this year it was Along the Way, a solo show in March. I have also recently been involved in the second pop up show at The Art Space Gallery, in Urunga. Where can we see more of your work locally? I will have a stall at the Artisan Market as part of the Bello Winter Music Festival in July and at the annual Artisan Market at the Bellingen Showground in December. I will also have the occasional market stall at Bellingen Community Markets from July through to December. Thanks Tamasin.

“At 91, Mum no longer helps out on the farm, but she’s still got h er freedom.” Peter, son of Edna Freedom family

Until recently, Mum was still making meals for us shearing boys at the family farm. When she had a fall, I realised I couldn’t provide the care she needed and still run the farm, raise my family and work as a full time firie. My greatest fear was putting my fiercely-independent Mum in a nursing home. Thank heavens I discovered Freedom Aged Care. Today Mum enjoys the privacy of her own self-contained unit in a vibrant Freedom community. She’s making new friends, gets the nursing and personal care she needs - and wouldn’t you know it – she’s still making tucker for “us boys!”. We have a community right here in Coffs Harbour and many more across Australia, feel free to call us on 1800 984 840. What’s life without freedom?

Visit freedomagedcare.com.au coffs coast focus. 11

focus_What’s On Coffs Coast

July

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

Buckle up Coffs Harbour, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road to home deliver the freshest and funniest from Australia’s largest comedy festival! Where Jetty Theatre. Showing Saturday 1 July. Times 6pm and 9pm. Ticket Prices Adult: $48, Conc: $45. Price includes booking fee.

FIRST AID COURSES COFFS HARBOUR

When 4th July, 9th July, 13h July, 20th July. Where Pacific Bay Resort, 9am - 2pm. Contact Bookings essential. Call 1300 625 000. More info www.firstaidcoursescoffsharbour.com.au info@firstaidcoursescoffsharbour.com.au

BELLO WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Bello Winter Music is returning in 2017 with the addition of two new venues and the reappearance of street theatre, workshops, the ever popular magic bus and, of course, another stellar lineup. Date 6th July 2017 - 9th July 2017. Tickets bellowintermusic.com Contact info@bellowintermusic.com or 6684 6655.

12 coffs coast focus.

13TH ANNUAL GLENREAGH TIMBER FESTIVAL

EMPYREAN

The Orara Valley Village of Glenreagh will be buzzing with excitement as it holds its 13th annual Timber Festival. In honour of the town's timber heritage, one of the day's features is a round of the NSW State Championship Woodchop. The festival has a definite focus on the town's rural heritage, with fence-post splitting, blacksmithing, along with displays of vintage cars, Show 'n' Shine, motorcycles and buggies and carriages. There will be over 60 market, food and produce stalls. Glenreagh Mountain Railway site will be open for inspection for all railway enthusiasts. Come along and see this beautiful piece of machinery and carriages being restored. When 29th July. Where Recreation Grounds, Bridge St, Glenreagh. Admission $5 Adult and $2 Children. Under 5s are free. Contact Email: timber.festival@gmail.com

The Melbourne Ballet Company once again returns to the Jetty Memorial Theatre armed with works from three of Australia’s internationally acclaimed choreographers. The new performance piece, Empyrean, will feature contrasting works by distinctively different choreographers Timothy Harbour, Simon Hoy and Rani Luther. Showing Sunday 9 July. Times 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets www.jettytheatre.com

BAY CITY ROLLERS

Relive the excitement that was Rollermania! Scotland’s greatest pop/glam export, the Bay City Rollers featuring Les McKeown will finally be back down under! Where C.ex Coffs. When Sunday 9 July. Time 7:30pm - 10pm. Cost Adult $55 | VIP $169.90 (Limited Amount).

TASTE WOOLGOOLGA BAR & GRILL FESTIVAL Our winter festival is all about foods that can be grilled, smoked, spit roasted, barbecued or wood fired. To complement this we will have a range of craft beers, winter wines and cider. When July 29 July. Where Seaview Tavern. Contact 0400 271 739, sherry@tastewoolgoolga.com.au www.tastewoolgoolga.com.au

focusinterview.

ISS N ESO• L B •

i Max. Your new album debuted back to the essence of what life is about. at #1 on the ARIA charts, beating The beauty of it ... People wish for miracles, but Ed Sheeran. That’s pretty massive they’re wishing for Lamborghinis to fall out of the news … sky in their front yards. The miracle is happening Yeah, it’s crazy, man. You work on the music, right now: the flowers that are blooming, we are and you keep all of that side of things out of the missing the big WOW, and I think that’s basically mind; you go in there and you do the work. It’s where we wanted to come from with Off the Grid. our fan base I really gotta commend; we’ve had But it kind of tied in that we hadn’t had music such a strong support team over the last 15 years. out for a while, kind of like we were off the grid, If you’re a Bliss n Eso fan, you don’t just but there are lots of angles to take it - but kinda put up your hand and say, that’s the main one for me. “Yeah I like their music” ... You’re bringing Dylan Joel They have the lyrics inked along with you for the ride The miracle is on their skin, they’re this time. Introduce us to t happening righ driving 800 km to get him … at s th now: the flower to a show and stuff If you dig the free loving e ar e w are blooming; , like that. vibes of Bliss n Eso, you’re OW W g bi missing the Off the Grid is the gonna love Dylan Joel. ’s at th k and I thin e w re name of the album. This kid does it from the he w lly basica om fr e m co Is this a reflection heart, and he is amazing! to d te wan d’.” of the fact that you I remember first seeing him with ‘Off the Gri guys have taken a little years ago with his skateboard; bit of time out between he wrote his name on it, and he records? would have that skateboard and That kind of fell into place, but would be busking up at Byron Bay with originally Off the Grid was for us to other dudes who play music. He is in it for mentally unplug from the system; the bad the right reasons, and he is such a good kid. His ways of the world have trained us in the album is called Authentic Lemonade ... Get our ways of thinking, and we need to unlearn it. head around it; he’s a legend, and one of the best It is the same scene from Tron, when the guys I know. character realises he doesn’t want to be controlled Thanks Max. anymore, and he drives that motorbike right out of that grid! It’s the exact same scene in The plug! Matrix, where Neo pulls the plug and realises Bliss n Eso take to the Hoey Moey stage there’s another world. We’re bubbled and wrapped in this kind of “buy me, buy me, sell me, July 8, 2017. sell me world”, and we need to unplug and come www.frontiertouring.com/blissneso

“

W I T H A F R E S H A L BU M I N T H E I R K I T T Y A N D A BU NC H OF TOU R DAT E S I N F RON T OF T H E M, FO C US CAUG H T U P W I T H M A X (E S O) A N D C H AT T E D A L L T H I NG S “OF F T H E G R I D”…

coffs coast focus. 13

T H E AWA R D S

keep on rolling in. bcu is cementing its name across the nation as one of the leading providers of award-winning lending products. Not bad for a regionally-based financial services provider, and a true testament to the credit union staying true to its origins, offering fair go products to its customers.

ollowing on from recently being awarded by leading online financial comparison site, Mozo, Home Loan Credit Union of the Year, bcu has been announced as Money Magazine’s Investment Lender of the Year and ranked in the top three of Australia’s best Credit Unions. Canstar have also recognised bcu for outstanding value across its variable and fixed rate home loan products, for both investors and owner occupiers. Canstar is Australia’s biggest financial comparison site, and to be recognised for bcu’s lending products highlights just how great these products really are. Taking in to account more than just the headline rate, these independent experts review features, benefits and fees and charges

to arrive at a holistic view. Often consumers will only look at the "hot" headline rate, and ignore other important factors to consider, such as annual fees, lock in periods or access options. At bcu, they believe in offering fair products that are mutually beneficial for both the customer and the credit union. Mozo’s Kirsty Lamont said, “This year’s winners have earned a spot among the top 10 per cent of home loans in each award category, which is no small feat given that our banking experts reviewed over 500 home loans from 89 lenders. Our Experts Choice Home Loan Awards are designed to recognise the providers that are leading the pack in terms of the value they deliver to home loan customers. “Home loan repayments are often the biggest hit on the household budget, and this is why it’s so important for borrowers to know where to look to ensure they’re getting the

best deal possible. "Switching to a better value lender can save big bucks over the life of the loan.” bcu remains

Home lo an repayments are t hit on often the bigges dget , bu d ol the househ so s it’ hy w is and this owers rr bo r fo t an rt impo to look to to know where tting the ge ’re ensure they le .” best deal possib

“

Isn’t it good to know you don’t have to travel far to get an award-winning home or investment loan? You can bank with a true local, committed to

committed to reinvesting back in to its business, with a real focus on ongoing product development and enhancement, to ensure they continue to offer the best products on

remaining a viable, local business across the region. With ongoing community support, bcu can continue to prosper and make its heritage region proud. To apply for an award-winning loan, or to

the market, while continuing to support the

find out more about bcu’s other top products,

community through employment, sponsorships

visit bcu.com.au, call 1300 228 228 or visit

and purchasing and supporting local suppliers.

your local bcu store.

The awards just keep rolling on in +11 other categories

2017 has been an unwavering success bcu.com.au | 1300 653 555

14 coffs coast focus.

+4 other categories

Lily and fox Boutique

H AR D HITTING E V I T A E CR

Lily and Fox Boutique is an amazing boutique tucked away in the Cinema Walk Arcade in the Coffs CBD. We are passionate about bringing beautiful women's boutique clothing and the latest trends in fashion and accessories at an affordable price to the Coffs area. We stock many Australian designed brands of fashion, and we also have a range of other products in store, from our organic vegan skin care, to our soy candles - which have been hand poured in Australia - to our range of bohemian jewellery. We also stock Guess jeans, perfect for the winter season! There is something for everyone in store. Lily and Fox Boutique is a local store which has introduced AFTERPAY to our online store, meaning locals can AFTERPAY their new look online, then pop in and pick it up in store - to instantly have their new clothes, with the pay later, interest free option. To keep up with our new stock arriving weekly, follow our Instagram and Facebook page, to ensure you keep up with the latest bohemian fashion on the Coffs Coast. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm, or feel free to shop online anytime. IG - lilyandfoxboutique FB - Lily & Fox Boutique www.lilyandfoxboutique.com

N G I S E D D N A G N I T E K M AR ESS N I S U B R U O Y E V I G TO

! H P M O O 7666

IGN, WEB S E D R U O Y S S U C IS CALL US TO D NEEDS AND MARKETING ve.com.au

6sa6so5crea8ti

WINNER 2016

WINNER 2015

coffs coast focus. 15

Over 2500 systems installed locally

service and support

Local Company

Quality Proven Products

EST 1989

e rise? pric

Feeling u nce rta in

Guaranteed

ity ric ct

y for the d a e r ne t xt no el d e System Quality Back-Up an Performance

Battery Ready & Off-Grid Ready Solar Power has really taken off! Installing Battery Solar Power Systems is something we have been doing for over 28 years.

e ho lesal

EGA ATT Power In n stallatio

With our extensive knowledge and experience we are able to create the best energy solution for you that will take the heat out of your electricity costs 1300 767 768 Contact us today 6652 9700

Si Clean Energy - Wholesale trade enquiries Mega Watt Power - Retail installation enquiries 16 coffs coast focus.

to find the solution for your energy needs

retail@megawattpower.com.au orders@sicleanenergy.com.au

www.sicleanenergy.com.au - www.megawattpower.com.au

focusinterview.

Exercise can be fun. We k together or w l al as a team and encourage each e at other to particip es , iti tiv in physical ac ur yo t ha w no matter .” ss ne fit level of

“

Deadly

Girlz

If you see a flash of white and pink go by you around the Coffs Harbour Jetty, it is most likely the Deadly Sista Girlz - a group of women staying fit while having fun and encouraging others in the community to join in. FOCUS caught up with Pam Rogers before one of their training sessions, where she told us more about how the group members enjoy themselves and help Aboriginal women and their families.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I moved away from Coffs, but always came back for holidays and to visit family. I came back to live in the area in 1999. Who are the Deadly Sista Girlz? The Deadly Sista Girlz are a health, fitness and wellbeing group with the aim of improving the health of Aboriginal women and their families in the Coffs Harbour area. It was established in 2009 by two local women and has now been running for eight years. Exercise can be fun. We all work together as a team and encourage each other to participate in physical activities, no matter what your level of fitness. Come and enjoy the activities and the social aspect of our group as well. What is your role in the group, and what do you find most rewarding about being involved? I am the current chairperson of Deadly Sista Girlz. The most rewarding thing about being part of the group is the comradery amongst the women. We have a lot of fun and laughs.

It’s a great group to be involved with. What does the colour pink represent for the Deadly Sista Girlz? The colour pink is for breast cancer, and the colour white is for domestic violence. We support “Jog for Jugs”, which is a 5 km beach jog from Mermaid Beach to Broadbeach (QLD) and back again, in support of breast cancer, and we hold workshops on domestic violence for our members and the community. Can you tell us more about the domestic violence workshops? We have just finished two weeks of a four week session dealing with all issues of domestic and family violence. This is our commitment to supporting our community and those women who are affected by these issues. You are currently training for the 2017 City to Surf with a group of mothers and daughters. Can you tell us more about this? We have participated in the City to Surf in previous years, so decided to give it another go. We have a few younger members of the group who have not yet experienced a large event like City to Surf, so hopefully they will

enjoy it as much as we do. What kind of social events do the Deadly Sista Girlz organise? We love this part of the group activities. We have movie nights for our members, family fun nights for the children, and participate in local events as a group. What have been some other highlights for the group? In 2013 seven members of the group participated in the Outback Marathon at Uluru. It was something that was not even contemplated, until one of our members, who was participating in the group’s first ever interstate event at the time, came across some information on the Outback Marathon. Seven women were very keen on going, so after gathering more information, they decided to go for it. Up until this point, most of the women had only ever run 10 km - 14 km, so to decide to run a half marathon of 21 km was a bit daunting, but after many more discussions and hard training, the excitement started to creep in ... and before we knew it, we were off and running. Six of the women completed the half marathon (21 km) and one completed the full

marathon (42 km). This is something that we would definitely do again. What are the Deadly Sista Girlz doing for NAIDOC week? This year we are organising an event, “Morning Melodies”, for the elders in our community. It will be a fun filled morning with music and maybe some dancing. We also get to spend time catching up with what’s happening in the community and gaining knowledge and wisdom from the elders. We are also having an information stall at the “Who Ya Gunna Call” Forum on Wed 5th July between 10am and 3pm at the Coffs Harbour Showground, where any women who want to know more about our group or want to join up can come and have a chat with some of our current members. How can people get involved? We have sign up days at the beginning of each year for anyone wishing to join. Current members encourage family and friends to join, and a lot of people find out by word of mouth. Website: deadlysistagirlz.com.au Facebook: Deadly-Sista-Girlz-157868017579044 Thanks Pam. coffs coast focus. 17

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

In honour of their 10 year milestone, Susan and Rick were presented with a special "walking stick" at the franchise’s international convention in New Zealand.

This year local builders Rick and Susan Fischer celebrate a business milestone - a decade as builders with G.J. Gardner Homes. FOCUS caught up with Rick to find out what’s changed in the building industry and home design since he started out.

RICK & SUSAN FISCHER

ow long have you been working in the building industry? I’m actually a fifthgeneration builder, and I started my apprenticeship in my father’s building company almost 25 years ago. My father and grandfather both had very successful building companies, and that was a strong influence in my choice to join the building industry. My wife, Susan, and I ran the G.J. Gardner Clarence Valley franchise for six years, and the opportunity came up to buy the G.J. Gardner Coffs Harbour franchise four years ago, and we jumped at it. We had lived on the Coffs Coast about 15 years ago and absolutely loved the lifestyle, so we decided to come back. It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made, both professionally and personally. Our business is thriving, and we and our three kids love the Coffs lifestyle. What changes have you seen in building design over the past 25 years? Houses are definitely bigger than they were 25 years ago. New home builders are looking for more space - they want a bedroom for each of their children, as well as a study and a spare room for guests. The climate in Coffs makes outdoor living desirable, and with many properties boasting 18 coffs coast focus.

G.J. Gardner Homes

amazing outlooks, people are willing to spend the budget to maximise these features. There’s definitely a focus on making the most of outdoor spaces by including outdoor entertaining areas and kitchens and bringing the outdoors in. Building materials have also changed, and we’ve moved away from the traditional brick home and we’re using materials like lightweight cladding and polished concrete sheeting, which give homes a fresh, new look. It’s exciting to work with new materials that allow us to personalise our clients’ houses to suit their tastes. What changes have you seen in terms of fixtures and fittings? Sleek design is on trend, and black fixtures and fittings are popular, like black taps and showerheads. The commercial look is also popular in house design - exposed steel and concrete finishes on benchtops. Coloured feature walls were popular in house interiors in the past, but we’ve moved right away from that, and people are choosing light colours like white and grey and then bringing colour in through their furniture. You have won a number of awards for your homes - what’s the secret to your success? It’s important to design homes that make the most of your location and environment. Last year we won the G.J. Gardner International Display Home of the Year award for our Stillwater house

at Sapphire Beach. It is a design exclusive to G.J. course, the lifestyle benefits of living here, and Gardner and features two living zones that wrap also because they can buy much larger blocks around a central courtyard, making it an ideal and build bigger houses than they can in the style to maximise coastal living. It is a beautiful Sydney metro area. We’re seeing a lot of young modern design with a resort style working families move here, as well façade and features highlights of as retirees. nature in the use of natural Developers have seen the materials such as wood potential and the strong It’s important to and stone. at th demand in the region es design hom What makes a good ur yo of t and have pushed make the mos builder? d environan n ahead with a number tio ca lo In every home we st year we won La t. en m of new estates. This build, no matter if r.J. Gardner Inte G e th has increased interest the detail is small ome tional Display H na in new homes and or significant, every award for

“

of the Year

use at element is important to buoyed the building our Stillwater ho ” h. the client. Treating every ac industry and local Be re hi Sapp request and detail with employment opportunities this ethos in mind is how a here. As a business we’ve project should be handled by a boosted our staff numbers, and builder and is what builds trust with we now have six staff working in the the owner. business. As a result of the upswing in the Are you positive about the future of the housing market, we’ve also had the opportunity building industry? to hire more building contractors in the last six We’ve seen a strong upturn in the housing months. We have an amazing array of talented market on the Coffs Coast since late last year, local tradespeople we work with. Coffs truly and we’re extremely busy at the moment. has some of the best tradies in the country, and Around 70 per cent of our online inquiries for we’re proud to work with them; we wouldn’t be house and land packages are from Sydneysiders where we are today without them. who are looking to move to the Coffs Coast. They are moving for a number of reasons - of

Thanks Rick.

D E C A D E S

I N

T H E

T R A D E

Lindsay’s Oyster barn Lindsay’s Oysters and Fresh Seafood MORE THAN JUST OYSTERS!

LIONS INTERNATIONAL

100TH BIRTHDAY

Lindsay’s Oyster Barn is located on the Pacific Highway at the BP Service Centre, North Urunga.

Rosalie Skinner and Nora Brooks

Our aim is to provide local fish to our customers wherever possible, both fresh and frozen, for easy meals at your convenience.

On June 10th, 2017, Lions Clubs around the world celebrated 100 years of good works for the community. FOCUS caught up with Rosalie from the Coffs Harbour Lions Club and Nora from the Urunga Lions Club, to find out more about what it means to be a part of the Lions and how they are celebrating this exciting milestone.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Rosalie: I have lived on the Coffs Coast for twenty years now. After two decades, I am beginning to feel like a local. Nora: Mum and Dad came here from a small village near Armidale called Wollomombi for holidays every December, and we camped in a tent; they are wonderful memories. I moved to Bonville seven years ago, but I have been coming to Urunga and Sawtell for my entire 60 years and am honestly a “Beach Bum” at heart. How long have you been a part of the Lions Club, and why did you join? Rosalie: As the wife of a member, I have been interested in the ethics and friendship of Coffs Harbour Lions Club for most of the twenty years I have been here, but it was the admiration and absolute respect for several of the club’s members that prompted me to join eight years ago. The Lions I know believe in doing good deeds, helping their community and enjoying the fellowship of lifelong friends. That’s why I joined. I am proud to be considered a part of this club. Nora: I have been a member of Urunga Lions Club for four years now and have been Secretary until this year, when I became President. I joined to assist three very dedicated Lions, Ken Brooks and Jo and Peter Brotherton, who collectively have about 68 years of selfless service

to local communities around NSW, to get this club up and going, and because I believe that without Service Clubs, especially Lions, the local communities would suffer a great deal more hardship than they do already. What are the club’s main activities? Rosalie: Coffs Harbour Lions Club hosts the monthly Car Boot Sale down on the Jetty foreshore. We also have the Lions BBQ van, where we cook breakfast, have hot drinks available and offer facepainting too. The Lions Mints can be found at several outlets around Coffs. Restocking and collecting money from these venues is another Lions project. We also choose to support several local charities. Each year we give substantial funds to causes our club feels will do the most good for as many local people as possible. Nora: In the last year, the Urunga Lions Club donated in excess of $12,000 to charity and completed over 8,050 hours of service. We host BBQs every Saturday and for monthly markets, the Sprint Car Club, Mother’s and Father’s Fun Days and the local school. We also help with the Coffs Cycle Challenge annually, the Carols in the Park, sell Lions Christmas cakes, puddings and mints for fundraising. In addition to this, we host Youth Exchange Students from Europe and Asia, have students participate in Lions Youth of the Year and send students to Lions Camp Getaway. How are you celebrating the 100th

birthday of Lions International? Rosalie: Coffs Harbour Lions celebrated by giving donation cheques to the Coffs Harbour Marine Rescue, Community Preschool, Autism group, Coffs Coast Cando Trust and Coffs Haven Living Care. We also plan on having a cake to share at the July Car Boot sale to share our Lions birthday with those loyal stallholders and customers who support us each month. Nora: Urunga Lions celebrated the best way we can, by holding a free BBQ to say thank you to the local community and business and all the visitors from far and wide. Without their support, we would not be able to do what we do. How can people join or find out more? Coffs Harbour: Drop in to our regular meetings on the second Monday of the month at Park Beach Bowling Club. 6:30 for 7pm. We have dinner in the bistro prior to meeting. Phone our President Darryl Caesar on 0412 060 610, or check out our Facebook page: @CoffsHarbourLionsclub Urunga: The best way is to meet a Lion, ask to help at projects and see if it’s what you want to do, then you will find a sponsor and if it’s agreeable by both sides, you become a member. Urunga Lions meet at 6pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Urunga Sail Training Club, Cnr River and Bellingen Sts, Urunga. Check out or Facebook page: @Urunga Lions. Thanks Rosalie and Nora.

John Lindsay has been growing oysters on the beautiful Bellingen River for over 30 years and is now the largest supplier of locally grown, delicious oysters on the Coffs Coast. We have an excellent reputation for quality and price. We also specialise in supplying local oysters to restaurants and clubs on the Coffs Coast. Products and Services • Oysters, including tray, bottled and unopened • Prawns, including green and cooked • Local fresh fish, including Blackfish, Yellow Fin Tuna and Atlantic Salmon • Fresh local deep sea fish • Salad dressing, Japanese wasabi sauces and mayonnaise • Tartare sauce and other delicious mayonnaises • EFTPOS

coffs coast focus. 19

focusMotoring.

MAKE SKODA MODEL KODIAQ 7 SEATER 4X4 132 TSI DATE REVIEWED 13TH JUNE 2017 DEALERSHIP BELLBOWRIE MOTORS, COFFS HARBOUR

W I T H

L A A R Z

CZECH MATE GETS SERIOUS IN AUSTRALIA WITH ITS FIRST FULL-SIZE SUV WE’VE HAD VARIOUS FUNKY AND QUIRKY SKODAS IN AUSTRALIA, INCLUDING THE ADMIRABLE YETI COMPACT SUV, BUT THERE’S NEVER BEEN AN OFFERING FROM THE CZECH BRAND THAT CAN CAPTURE ATTENTION AND SALES LIKE THE SEVEN-SEAT KODIAQ SUV. PRICED FROM $42,990 AND AVAILABLE FOR NOW AS A SINGLE TURBO-PETROL 4X4 MODEL, IT’S NOW ON SALE IN AUSTRALIA. lmost 10 years since it reappeared in Australia under Volkswagen’s wing, Skoda has reached a new starting point, venturing into the booming sevenseat SUV market with the Kodiaq. An ultra-competitive $42,990 price before on-roads makes it a tempting if niche alternative to Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9 and maybe even Toyota’s popular Kluger. The nitty-gritty Available for test drives from Bellbowrie Motors, the Kodiaq is a classic piece of Volkswagen platform sharing allied with Skoda’s keen sense of value, functional style and likeable vehicle tuning. The basis of Skoda’s first-ever seven-seat SUV is the same transverse-engine front/ all-wheel drive architecture as many other Volkswagen group models, including the legendary Golf small car and - more significantly in this case - the VW Tiguan medium SUV. The flexibility of Kodiaq is shown by the longer overall length and wheelbase of the vehicle compared to the five-seat Tiguan (4,697 mm and 2,791 mm versus 4,486 mm and 2,681 mm). Of course, the Kodiaq and the Tiguan share more than the architecture. There’s also the 132 kW/320 Nm 132TSI four-cylinder petrol engine, seven-speed dual-clutch auto and electro-hydraulically managed on-demand 4×4 system. Before the end of the year, a 140 kW/400 Nm turbo-diesel Kodiaq will be 20 coffs coast focus.

added to the range, but for now what you see is what you get; in that it deviates from the multi-pronged Tiguan attack; one model, no front-wheel drive and no step-up in equipment grades, apart from a couple of packs and options. Proof of the pudding Most of my driving was in a Kodiaq equipped with the $2,500 Tech Pack and therefore, adaptive dampers. Comfort mode works very well for slow-speed ride, Normal keeps things tied down as speeds rises, and Sport delivers the best body control and stiffest, least compliant, ride. All this works with standard 235/50 19-inch rubber that doesn’t seem overly aggressive. A brief chance to sample the passive dampers showed they delivered a ride somewhere between Normal and Sport, tending to be a bit stiff-legged over patchwork surfaces. Skoda claims a 0 - 100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds and a fuel economy average of just 7.6 L/100 km, with the assistance of idle-stop, for this drivetrain. The team at Bellbowrie had enough confidence to send me off the beaten track, including a downhill gravel track interrupted by some rain ruts and rocky outcrops. With optional off-road mode engaged - again part of the Tech Pack - which adjusts engine, chassis and brake management for rough terrain and enables Hill Descent Assist, the Kodiaq had no drama making it down in one piece. But it’s hard to see any avid off-roaders buying a Kodiaq. This is a family transporter first and foremost. For a start, there’s a heap of safety

features. Nine airbags, five-star ANCAP safety, child safety locks. autonomous emergency braking, front and There are two umbrellas intergrated into the rear parking sensors and a reversing camera front doors, two smartphone/tablet holders in are highlights. the rear for the kids and and an LED torch in Families will appreciate the Alcantara-clad the boot; my wife was suitably impressed! cabin, which is strong on perceived quality, More conventional gear includes has plenty of storage opportunities adaptive cruise, keyless entry and offers lots of flexibility via and start, LED headlights, second-row seats that can dual-zone climate-control, slide and fold. The team at an electric park brake, In fact, the Kodiaq Bellbowrie had sat-nav, Bluetooth ce to is a convincing enough confiden aten and Apple CarPlay be five-seater, offering send me off the and Android Auto a g in plenty of room for track, includ k ac tr compatibility. And yes, el av gr four adults plus downhill e m so by there is a (space saver) d te their luggage in the interrup y ck ro d an ts spare tyre. ru 630-litre cargo area (a rain Up front the driver outcrops .” big 2,005 litres with rows is faced with a modern two and three folded flat). But use the Kodiaq as cockpit, including flat-bottom, a seven-seater, and things get multi-function steering wheel, cramped. Row three is only for kids, stylish instrumentation with centre trip has no visible air-conditioning vents, little computer and a glass 8.0-inch touch-screen stowage and when in use reduces boot in the centre stack. space to just 270 litres. It all works efficiently, conveniently and with Getting in and out of row three isn’t all that a dash of design and execution quality that easy either, as the seats slide and fold, but elevates it from the pack. don’t flip forward out of the way. Skoda hasn’t converted the single seat opening for righthand drive, which means exiting kerb-side 2017 SKODA KODIAQ PRICING AND involves folding and then sliding most of the SPECIFICATIONS second-row bench forward. Price starts $42,990 (plus on-road costs) The family friendly SUV gets backed up with Engine 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol some neat interior ideas, such as spring-loaded Outputs 132 kW/320 Nm door-edge protection rubbers and digital voice Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch auto enhancement, so you can scold the kids via Fuel 7.6 L/100 km (ADR Combined) a microphone without shouting - both have been done before admittedly - and electric Safety rating Five-star (ANCAP)

“

• 2.0 ltr Turbo Petrol • 7 Speed Auto • Adaptive Cruise Control

FABIA HATCH MANUAL • 1.2 Turbo Petrol • 5 Speed Manual • Autonomous Braking • Reverse Camera • Air Conditioning

DMC64X

Was $20,919

Now $15,990 DRIVE AWAY

FABIA WAGON MANUAL • 1.2 Turbo Petrol • 5 Speed Manual • Autonomous Braking • Reverse Camera • Air Conditioning

DNN19C

Was $22,105

Now

$16,990 DRIVE AWAY

RAPID HATCH AUTO DMC79B

• 1.4 Turbo Petrol • 7 Speed Auto • Cruise Control • 16” Alloy Wheels

Was $26,590

Now

$19,990 DRIVE AWAY

• 7 Seats • Satellite Navigation • Reverse Camera • Climate Control

MY17 OCTAVIA SCOUT • 1.8 Turbo Petrol • All Wheel Drive • Adaptive Cruise Control • Lane Assist • Auto Park Assist • Satellite Navigation

DLQ16D

Was $46,773

Now $39,990 DRIVE AWAY

MY16 OCTAVIA RS WAGON • 2.0 Turbo Petrol • 19” Black Wheels • Premium Sports Seats • Satellite Navigation • Sport Suspension • Electric Tailgate

DNG42Z

Was $46,480

Now $42,990 DRIVE AWAY

MY17 OCTAVIA SCOUT • 1.8 Turbo Petrol • All Wheel Drive • Adaptive Cruise Control • Heated Front Seats • Automated Tailgate • SmartLink

DMC64W

Was $44,490

Now $39,990 DRIVE AWAY

PLUS EVEN MORE GREAT DEALS ON-SITE - VISIT BELLBOWRIE MOTORS TODAY Cnr Pacific Highway & Halls Road, Coffs Harbour

Phone: 02 6656 8700

www.bellbowriemotors.com.au MD062422

coffs coast focus. 21

focusinterview.

ohana E A R LY L E A R N I N G

When it comes your children’s education and learning every parent wants the best. Ohana Early Learning has all of your children’s need’s covered. They have some big plans for growth in the near future. We had a chat to owner, Stuart Malouf, to find out more...

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Both my wife and I grew up in Coffs Harbour from an early age, attending high school and meeting each other here. It’s also where we came back to raise our children, because of the beautiful community, environment and family still around. You could consider the family Coffs born and bred. We all love the area and the people in it, and this feels like such an excellent way to give back to the community, by providing the childcare it deserves. Both of my eldest children help out when they’re back from university, and the youngest one will even get her hands dirty sometimes. All in all, Ohana is a family driven business, built for families, based in a very familial community, and there’s no place better suited to it than the Coffs Coast. What made you decide to open your own group of early learning centres? Ohana commenced business in late 2013, with its first childcare centre starting operation from the township of South West Rocks in October of that year. As to why did we start in childcare? We believe the future of Australia resides in our children, and the best way to give them a great start in life is to nurture them from the very beginning. This is where early learning education comes into play; it is fundamental we provide the best building blocks for the future of our children, to ensure the next generation is filled with driven and capable adults. The business name, Ohana, is derived from the Hawaiian culture and means “family in an extended sense. It emphasises that families are bound together and members

22 coffs coast focus.

must cooperate and remember one another”. The adoption of the name Ohana within the business signifies and binds together the organisational values and the service offering. The name was also derived from our family’s all-time favourite Disney film, Lilo & Stitch, Do you provide a daily menu? where “Ohana means family. om fr r te We have partnered with Jamie and ca e W Family means nobody gets left Verena from Jamaica Blue at the Park six weeks to behind or forgotten”. uBeach Plaza in an effort to provide the six years, with ed d What age group do you an ve lo ho cators w highest quality and healthiest meals age cater for? specialise in the ” for our kids at Ohana. The meals h. We cater from 6 weeks to 6 groups they teac are based around the NSW Health years, with educators who love Department’s Munch and Move program; and specialise in the age groups in conjunction with this program we have they teach. Catering from 6 weeks developed a healthy eating menu, which was a decision we made in the very is constantly evolving, to ensure your child is beginning that a lot of other child cares getting the best nutrients to learn and grow. We shy away from, as this age is very intensive for provide hot or cold snacks and lunches daily, with gluten the educators and the specialised sleep areas reduce free, lactose free, and allergy free meals cooked special for the space required and mean less children. We allow the kids who need it. Jamie and Verena do such an excellent for this is in all our centres as we see it as providing a job making these meals delicious and nutritious, so if you special service to the community as it’s important to us that want to taste test some of the cooking, just drop by Jamaica Ohana feels like a second family, which means providing Blue! care for and getting everyone involved. What have we found Tell us about your staff ... is that parents like having the one drop-off and pick-up a Our staff undergo a fairly rigorous selection process day because their children are different ages. to provide the best possible matches with the Ohana Do you have vacancies available? philosophy. We perform initial recruitment, psychometric We certainly do! With opportunities arising all the time, as analysis, and multiple round interviews to achieve this, and we are currently running two centres that cater to families we are very happy with the results. You might’ve seen us living or working in the Coffs CBD, or South Coffs at our publish a few articles in FOCUS, just showing them off! We North Boambee centre, with two more centres well into do all this to make sure the children get the best care and either building or planning at Grafton and Emerald Beach.

“

education we can provide, and to make sure that the staff are in-love with their jobs and the age group of children they are looking after. We have quite a few different personalities at Ohana, to say the least, all with their own quirks and passions - from Mandy and her love of gardening (which is surprisingly popular with the kids) to Kimberley and her passion for combining education and fun, who has most recently been put in charge of the new centre in the Coffs CBD and is doing an amazing job! We are very proud of our staff at Ohana, and it’s always a pleasure working alongside them. How many centres do you own, and where are they located? We are currently running two centres on the Coffs Coast, one at 10 North Boambee Road, South Coffs, and the other at 13 Scarba Street, Coffs CBD. We are also looking at expanding further north to provide quality care and convenience to families living in Emerald Beach and South Grafton! We aim to have our centres running in these areas to cause the least disturbance possible to family’s everyday routines and have their kids closer to home and work, easing the busy life we know it becomes when raising kids. What makes you stand out above your competitors? Our staff play a huge integral role. But our central philosophy and attention to not only the children, but to the families as a whole, really gives us the edge in providing care and maintaining involvement. We achieve this involvement through communication and technology. Our educators can provide updates and photos, generating stories about each child’s day for you to see while you are away, or reflect back on together at home. You can check in on our app to track eating, diaper changes - even temperatures, if you’re worried about a flu coming on or see the odd scrapes and bruises that kids are bound to get. This allows families to stay in touch with their children throughout the day and be more actively involved, even while away. We feel this is a great step into the future for families, and lets us do our job even better. If you want to see some of the features in action, head to Xplor’s website, where they have a great video showing the system off. What government subsidies are available? The Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate schemes are available at all centres and are integrated straight into our system, so there are no unexpected surprises when it comes to cost. These are excellent government programs that we urge all families to participate in and be aware about. If you have any questions about how these programs are run, give us a call or visit the mychild.gov.au website to ensure you’re taking advantage of what’s available. Part of our philosophy supporting families is we do not charge in advance, so you are billed for your childcare as you use it and as parents we hated public holidays, so we offer a day in lieu

program, so you don’t miss out. Tell us about your community involvement. We are actively involved in many aspects of the community and try to expose the children to as much as possible, to stimulate not only their classroom learning, but their real world too. We have people come and visit from many different cultures and services to entertain and teach the kids, from the Marine Science Centre to fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis. We are also involved with ETC and the training of new Our staff play members of the childcare a huge integral profession, to ensure ral role . But our cent tention that quality care will at d an y philosoph ildren, become even better in to not only the ch as a es the years to come. We but to the famili us s ve gi ly al re have begun to look at , le ho w ing id ov pr giving high schools the the edge in ng ni ai nt ai m d care an opportunity to do some involvement.” of their practical training with us. Education is our focus, and we are taking great strides to achieve it in all areas and ages. What is your company philosophy? Like our name, our aim is to work with you as an extended family in order to provide your family and your child with the security, warmth and love that is essential for their development and growth. Our name is derived from the Hawaiian culture meaning family, and that is where our attention is focused. Our professional and dedicated carers will provide a program that enables children to learn through exploration and stimulation. We aspire to create an environment that provides enjoyable and creative learning. This is achieved through activities designed to support your child in all areas of growth. What plans do you have for the future? We are looking to grow the Ohana family and make it easier for the Coffs Coast to become involved in our tight-knit community, while providing more convenient care to locations across the area. We look forward to seeing the children grow up and know that we have prepared them for the bigger world, and hope that we have made a difference in many family’s lives. Where can people find out more? If you’d like to find out more about us, visit our website at ohanaelc.com.au, or give our friendly staff a call on 6656 4664. If you’d like to see some of the things we get up to here at Ohana, then check out our Facebook page. Thanks Stuart.

“

coffs coast focus. 23

steak and onion ring burger from the coast hotel

24 coffs coast focus.

Thai prawn laksa

horizons restaurant & bar

Surf Club Restaurant & Bar

Try Our Winter Dinner Menu

Our Winter Specialty! Roast Lamb To Share: four hour, slow roasted, garlic rubbed lamb shoulder with red wine rich gravy, roasted vegetables, garlic toast, house salad, seeded mustard and aioli. Available every day on our delicious and diverse menu.

Warm up this winter and get out of the cold. Start the night with our soup of the day, like Thai prawn laksa, or be tempted with Roast quail on Moroccan roast vegetables, pearl cous cous and pomegranate OR Milly Hill lamb shank braised with vine riped tomatoes and cabernet on confit garlic mash, sautéed green beans, pancetta and parmesan twists. Remember to leave room for dessert, with the decedent Sticky date banana pudding with rich butterscotch and vanilla bean ice cream, yum!

Clinton Hunter Head Chef.

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

Opal Cove Resort, Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour 6651 0510 www.opalcove.com Breakfast, lunch and dinner - 7 days a week. Bookings recommended.

Thai Pack

Seasalt fish and 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. Fresh fish, salads, seafood, burgers and wraps, all with a fresh attitude to today’s tastes. We source only the best fresh fish from our local seafood supplier “Hux’s Seafood“, straight from the trawlers to our front door, then cooked to your liking - either grilled with seasalt and cracked pepper, fried in a light, crisp beer batter or tossed in K’pane organic sourdough breadcrumbs.

Shop 14 Jetty Village, Harbour Drive 6696 3223 29 1st Avenue, Sawtell 6658 9199 Open every day. 11am - 7:30pm.

Surf Club Restaurant and Bar Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club Coffs Harbour. On the beach, with gourmet quality food cooked by our Owner/Executive Chef Matt Donovan and his creative team.

Head Chef & Co-Owner Matt Donovan.

Inside the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Club Road, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour 6652 9870 www.surfclubparkbeach.com Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch.

Pan seared Salmon Fillet with warm Nicoise Salad and a poached egg.

TOORMINA hOTEL Our new head chef has plated two most popular dishes from our new winter menu. Come and enjoy our pulled pork salad with fresh and local ingredients, including pearl barley, sweet potato, broccolini, mixed with a house made yogurt dressing. Be tempted with our pan seared salmon fillet, served with a warm nicoise salad and a poached egg. Our Toormina hotel bistro is open all day from 11am ‘til 9pm, so come in and see our team and also enjoy our kid-friendly environment.

13 Minorca Place, Toormina 6653 1039 Mon - Sat 10:00am - 12:00am, Sunday 10:00am - 10:00pm. coffs coast focus. 25

fHerb & pinenut crusted Barramundi fillet with steamed brocolini and roast capsicum sauce.

café o.p 81 Turmeric latte - cold pressed juice of turmeric root with ginger and a dash of plantation hotel

the pier hotel At the Pier Hotel we’re Restaurant excited to announce the opening of the new Spinifex

“Cellar Lounge”. Spinifex Restaurant at The Coast Hotel Has a brand new menu coming We youwith to come down and feast your eyes ontaste Coffs out welcome this month, something to excite everyone’s buds. Harbour’s most historic hotel. With our winter menu about to finishby Friday and Saturday nights we have live entertainment provided up and summer approaching will be kicking our new local singer songwriter Billie quickly, Jo in thewe Bistro from 6pmoff - 9pm, creating a menu Our chef, Blakeenjoyment. Wittenberg, is very excited with all the relaxedshortly. vibe for your dining great he gets to with use over the summer Be can surereceive to makeONE Every produce Wednesday night every full priced period. meal you your and have a look at the new and upcoming changes to kid’s way mealdown for FREE. the Pier Hotel. We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; to make a reservation, please call the Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you.

Head Chef Blake Wiittenberg. Sou Chef Kanella Ormsby

Owners Matt and Bree. Head Chef David Newick.

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

81 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 6652 9011 88 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour. 6652- 2pm, 3855 Tuesday www.plantationhotel.com.au 7am to Sunday.

Cnr Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 Coast Hotel, 2 Moonee St, Coffs Harbour 665211:30am 3007 -www.coasthotel.com.au lunch 2:30pm; dinner

5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days a week. Lunch: 12pm - 2:30pm. Dinner: 6pm - 9pm.

honey andlooking some Chai spices. ideal caffeine free drink If you’re for the bestThe value in Coffs Harbour, looktonotantalise further your than taste buds and also make you feel on top of the world. the Plantation Hotel… The team at the Plantation pride themselves on offering is outstanding service alongside at an affordable Turmeric widely known for its healing quality and hasfood a compound called price that will keep back time again. Curcumin, thatyou has coming demonstrated reliefand fortime people with all sorts of disease Pop inincluding and try something off our brandRheumatoid new A La Carte menu with a states Irritable Bowel Disease, Arthritis, and cancer. tasty selection of hearty winter dishes as well as all your pub favourites, Also, Curcumin is protective for the heart, the liver, the skin and the brain by cooked using fresh local produce and plated with the personal touches of quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation. Ginger is also known for head chef Dave Newick. its powers in settling the stomach and for its anti inflammatory qualities, and The Plantation Hotel… Delicious Food, Friendly Service, Incredible Value! Chai spices in milk are just like a warm cuddle from a smiling bear.

the hoey moey the hoey moey Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Whether is Pork Belly or Pumpkin and We Sweet Moey withit our newly renovated kitchen. Potato soup,hotel The in Hoey Moey’s dailywith specials are the only Coffs Harbour direct board access. is readyCome to warm soul this winter beach andthe enjoy our beachside season. Come and enjoy a fantastic meal in hotel with spacious beer garden, our newly renovated weather Beer shop Garden, open plan bar, bistro, all drive thru bottle openTAB plan bar, bistro, Room, Drive and facilities. HaveKids’ you tried our newThru Bottleshop andrange? TAB and Keno Gourmet Pizza There is afacilities. large selection

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

Seared Atlantic salmon & scallops served on a bed of creamy mash potato w/ green beans & balsamic cherry tomatoes

Sign up for a Hoey Members’ Card to choose from and Moey you can have these eattoday fororfantastic bistro, barinand specials. in takeaway. Come andbottleshop check out our Visit our website more all the details. takeaway specials for or phone ahead for pick-up. IfThe a pizza is not what you are after our FAMOUS Hoey Moey! Great Food, Live Music, Good $7.50 FEEDS are always available daily. Times!

mr. good beans Greenhouse We pride ourselves on bringing TAVERN a personalised service and product: a finely

Head HeadChef Chef David Ricketts. Gus Prezioso.

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

26 coffs coast focus.

It’s starting to feel likejust winter! time tolikes launch our newcafé Winter tuned espresso coffee how Perfect the customer it, gourmet foodMenu at the Greenhouse Tavernfrom - choose from a greatand selection of tasty winter warmers, or to stick made scratch in house, a friendly, comfortable experience all with your old favourites. We are delighted our new Head Chef, Shirley Douglas, who is bringing fresh style who walk throughto theintroduce café door. andthe innovative cooking Mediterranean to our kitchen.grilled Shirleychicken has loads of this experience, Try mouth-watering salad spring, and her creative flair and new food ideas are sure to bring you back for more. We have specials every night of the week, live made fresh from locally sourced vegetables, mixed with feta, kalamata olives piano bar and cocktails on Friday nights, $5 schooners available all day plenty of sport and semi dried tomatoes, topped with grilled chicken breast and sweet every day,Head Chef and entertainment for the kids. The Greenhouse Tavern is an excellent choice for functions and Kristy Deveson. potato wafer thin chips and drizzled with Chef’s secret zesty citrus dressing. special birthday occasions, with flexible event space and catering options. No excuses not to - the Mediterranean flavours expertly blended to match the Australian spring Greenhouse Tavern is the place to be this winter! See you there soon. light, yet very satisfying. Follow us on Instagram and find our Facebook page @MrGoodBeans

Shop 1 Moonee Marketplace, Moonee Beach Corner Pacific Highway and Bray St, Coffs Harbour 6656 4511 www.mrgoodbeans.com.au 6651 5488 Monday – Saturday 6am – 4pm Days. Lunch - Sun, 11:30am - 2:30pm. and7 Sundays 8amMon – 3pm Dinner Mon - Thurs and Sun, 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Dinner Fri - Sat, 5:30pm - 9pm.

coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

BLACK VELVET

IF YOU LIKE A SWEETER STYLE OF RED WINE, “BLACK VELVET” IS FOR YOU! GROWN AND SOLD AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED TWO TAILS WINERY AT NANA GLEN, THIS WINE DEMONSTRATES INDIVIDUALITY.

blend of Chambourcin and Jacquez (Le Noir) grapes grown at the vineyard, this wine displays both varietal styles to perfection. With the combination of distinctive dark colouring, herbaceous aromas and black cherry, plum flavours of the Chambourcin, to the lush fruit sweetness of the Jacquez grapes, “Black Velvet” is created. Perfect with family and friends at a BBQ, or sit back and unwind after a hard day with this lush and deliciously sweet, mellow red wine. CHARACTERISTICS: This wine presents deep red colours with berry driven aromas. Ripe and lush, this wine is bursting with

black cherry and plum flavours for a soft and smooth finish. Low in tannin, with a hint of oak. GOES WITH: Game,

sarah currie-smith

Peking duck, BBQ ribs, gourmet sausages and grills. A match made in heaven with dark chocolate or blue cheese. COST: $20. AVAILABLE: Two Tails Winery Cellar Door, 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen, NSW. Online at www.twotailswines.com.au. IGA Liquor Store, Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour, NSW. Phone: (02) 6654 3633. Email: admin@twotailswines.com.au

of the • Starward Boulevardier •

With a tasty cherry twist to a classic whisky cocktail, the crew at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip have the perfect winter warmer. A beautiful blend of homemade cherry vermouth, Campari, orange and cherry bitters and one of Australia’s most awarded single malt whiskies from the Starward distillery in Melbourne. Absolutely delicious!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PLACE IN COFFS TO ENJOY AMAZING FOOD, DELICIOUS DRINKS AND CHILLED ATMOSPHERE, THEN ELEMENT BAR HAS ALL OF THESE BASES COVERED. THIS MONTH FOCUS HAD A CHAT WITH BAR MANAGER SARAH CURRIE-SMITH, TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER BACKGROUND AND WHAT IT’S LIKE RUNNING ONE OF THE COFFS COAST’S MOST POPULAR BARS ...

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I followed my partner at the time to the coast. We met when I was running a bar on Fraser Island and he was the Executive Chef of the resort we worked for. When the summer season finished, we both decided to leave - he was originally from Coffs Harbour, so we moved back to his home town together; and although we are no longer together, I fell in love with the area and the lifestyle it had to offer, the friends I had made here, and of course, my job here at Element Bar. Tell us about your background. My father is a retired Policeman from Tottenham in North London. My mother is from a small town in Finland. She runs her own international travel company with my dad, and they are the hardest working people I know. They met when they were both working in Dubai in the Middle East, so travel has always been a huge part of our family life. Rather than having huge houses or an expensive car growing up, we travelled all over the world as a family; Mum, Dad, my little brother and me. So it was only natural that I should end up living on the other side of the planet, running a bar in Australia. What training did you undertake? I’ve never had any official bar training, never attending any schools or classes on how to run bars or mix drinks. However, I’ve been in hospitality from a young age, first waitressing and then behind the bar. I began running my first bar (Hennessy’s Cocktail Lounge) when I was 18, in my home town of Torquay, Devon, England. But after a year I grew restless and wanted more out

of what I was doing. I moved to London as soon as I turned 19, and by some miracle got a job bartending in one of the best underground Gin cocktail bars around (214 Bermondsey). The guys that I worked with for the following two years were amazing, showing me all they knew and I, feeling completely out of my depth, soaked it all up like a sponge. They are among some the most incredible bartenders in London, and I feel very lucky to have been able to work with them. The opportunities to increase your knowledge and understanding of mixology in London are incredible too. We went to a different micro-distillery, brew-bar, cocktail bar every week “in the name of research”, which was incredible fun, as well as educational. Since then I’ve run various different bars, both in the UK and Australia. What is the favourite part of your role? People. The best part of my job is that it allows me to get to know all sorts of people from all walks of life, both customers and the incredible crew I get to work with every day, who work so hard to make Element Bar what it is. Being a genuine alcohol nerd too and working somewhere like this allows me the platform to talk to people about all sorts of different things, from whisky to Pale Ale on a day to day basis and explore something I have a real passion for. Why do you enjoy living on the Coffs Coast? The sun. The beach. When you come from rainy England, there is something addictive about the glorious beach bum lifestyle you are able to maintain living in Australia. Coffs also boasts one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, which makes for amazing scuba diving, which I LOVE doing on my days off. Thanks Sarah. coffs coast focus. 27

focus_local recipe

focusinterview.

CHILL OUT CAFÉ

Ali Couch LOOKING FOR A MORE MEANINGFUL AND FUN LUNCH BREAK? CHILL OUT CAFÉ IS STAFFED BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND VOLUNTEERS, GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND LEARN NEW SKILLS. FOCUS WENT ALONG TO CHECK OUT THE SUNNY COURTYARD, WHERE ALI COUCH FILLED US IN ON ALL THE DETAILS.

have the heart, patience and hospitality skills hat is Chill Out Café all about? to mentor our clients and work hard to see the Chill Out Café is an café run smoothly. Our volunteers come from all initiative of Coffs Harbour walks of life and are volunteering for all different Support Services and was reasons. I feel it is very important that not only originally designed to give people with disabilities the café benefits from our volunteers, but they an opportunity to learn and practice a range also benefit from us. of hospitality skills. With the introduction of a What do your clients and volunteers partnership with Meals on Wheels, get out of being involved in Chill Out now caters for well Chill Out Café? over 3,500 members, plus the Lisa, our barista in wider community. training, likes being a It’s a great place to part of the community, It is wonderful to ion meet your family for see the interact serving them and nts lunch, bring your between our clie learning new skills. they all and customers; e are grandchildren or Sally in volunteer w understand that and your favourite group. sales loves working ss a work in progre ning Chill Out is affordable with such a diverse ar le e ar some of us for everyone, with team and taking s.” ill new sk easy access, disabled pride in our service amenities, outdoor garden and product. seating and ample parking. Julia, a long term staff How long have you worked member and all-rounder, at the café, and what is your enjoys being part of a team, role? meeting new friends and looking after I am the program coordinator for the Chill our customers. Out Café day program. I have been in this Jess, a waitperson, likes learning new role since 2009, and it involves the day-to-day things, like writing the menu on the board and running of the café and recruiting new volunteers practicing them, as well as making new friends as they move on to paid employment or just and serving customers. retire from the workforce. Cara, the cook’s assistant, loves working with I also spend a lot of time training staff in our team and being close to them: “I get to food safety and health and developing new and practice new skills in a real café. I couldn’t do creative ways to keep things interesting. The that anywhere else. I have learnt so much. When café has 26 staff at the moment, including paid I first came here, I just washed dishes. Now I support workers, a cook, myself, volunteers and make gravy and help with the pies. It’s really clients. fun”. Tell us a little more about the people To make a booking, you can call us on working and volunteering at the café ... 0423 000 505, or just drop into the Community Our clients have some sort of disability and Village, 22 Earl St, Coffs Harbour (just behind all have a talent that can be transferred to the Coles in Harbour Drive). café. Our volunteers are wonderful people who Thanks Ali.

“

28 coffs coast focus.

Chilli & Lime

SQUID with coconut rice

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) 300 - 400g fresh cleaned squid (lolligo or southern calamari preferably) dried chilli flakes to taste 2 limes Kecap manis 2 tsp. minced garlic olive oil Coconut rice: This recipe works in any quantity, as long as you have a rice cooker 2 parts washed jasmine rice 1 part full cream coconut milk (Ayam) 2 parts water 2 fresh Kaffir lime leaves ¼ part long thread coconut Salt

Joshua Cook - Coffs Harbour Fishing Co-op Phone (02) 6652 2811 69 Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour

method The Squid: • Cut just below the squid’s eyes to remove tentacles, and put aside. • Cut along one side of the squid’s hood to open and remove insides. • Score diagonally edge to edge on the inside of the squid tubes around 5 mm apart (not cutting through the squid) and then repeat the process going the other diagonal to form a “criss cross” pattern, or pineapple cut. Care must be taken to ensure you do this on the inside of the squid, or it will not work. • Zest limes as finely as possible, put aside, and then cut limes in half. • Heat pan until very hot. • Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to pan.

• Add ½ tsp chili flakes (less or more is up to your personal taste) and ½ tsp of minced garlic. Briefly stir, then add 1/3 of the prepared squid (too much at once will cool your pan down too quickly). • Sauté for 30 - 40 seconds. • Add 1 tbsp of kecap manis to pan along with 1 tsp of lime zest and a good squeeze of lime, stir through. Serve with coconut rice and enjoy! The Coconut Rice: • Add rice, water, coconut milk, Kaffir lime leaves, and a pinch of salt to rice cooker and set to cook. • Once cooked, lightly stir through long thread coconut and let sit for 8 - 10 minutes on warm.

focus_interview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative

BUSINESS minds

MR INTOLERABLE’S

JOEL

LESKE I think the most my exciting part of g tin en m day is experi vours with foods and fla people at to create food th find I y da y er Ev . love ates and pl ng myself cleari pretty bowls that have d clean.” ke lic en be much

“

i Joel. Tell us how your café, Mr Intolerable’s, came about? Around three years ago, my doctor decided to test me for food intolerances, as I was having a lot of medical problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, muscle and joint problems, weight issues, stomach complaints, as well as being tired all of the time. These tests showed I have over 100 foods that my body can’t digest, including a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, juices and gluten. It was a big shock to eliminate all of these foods from my diet and for a long time, I struggled to find tasty food that I could eat. Based on this, I decided to write a cook book designed to cater for a range of food intolerances, to help other people in the same situation. As I was getting ready to release it, I lost my job, which I’d had for over 20 years and decided to turn Mr Intolerable’s into a business and work for myself. I did local markets for over a year to build brand awareness and assess the need for what we offer. Earlier this year, we decided to take the big step and open our first café on Harbour Drive. We’ve now been open for seven weeks and we’re getting lots of great feedback, as there aren’t many places that provide fresh, tasty food that also accommodates food intolerances. What’s your connection to the Coffs Coast? My parents actually moved here in October 2015. I helped them move up and liked the area, so decided I would do markets throughout January 2016 and test the business before I set it up in Melbourne, where I had been living. However, within a few weeks I had fallen in love with the Coffs Coast - the beaches are

fantastic. I love hiking in the rainforest, and the weather is certainly a lot better than Melbourne! But on top of that, I found the locals here were awesome. It’s great living in a place where people care for and support each other, and there is a strong community vibe here. What are you most excited about with your new business? I think the most exciting part of my day is experimenting with foods and flavours to create food that people love. Every day I find myself clearing plates and bowls that have pretty much been licked clean. Seeing that and hearing my customers tell me how much they enjoyed their lunch is humbling and keeps me excited about what I do. What can customers expect to experience visiting Mr Intolerable’s? You can definitely expect a warm welcome and a friendly environment where you can relax. On top of that, you can expect some amazing food which is made from local produce as much as possible - we support a heap of local businesses, including Russell’s Prime Quality Meats, Fresco, Oma’s Gluten Free and Dark Arts Coffee Academy. We’re proud of our love for local and think the produce from the Coffs Coast is some of the best we’ve found across three states. What have been the most important aspects of setting up your business? There have been so many! I think doing the markets for a year was vital. I learnt the importance of getting food out quickly something that is key for us now during the lunch rush. I also learnt about consistency and making sure the food you get today tastes the

same tomorrow, next week and next year. We also built up a large customer base and had brand recognition when we opened the shop. I also spent a lot of time designing the shop to create an environment that looks nice, is inviting and allows you to relax. Work and life in general are pretty busy, so I wanted our shop to promote some “chill time”, while you enjoyed some great food. Finally, and probably one of the most important aspects, was finding great suppliers. For example, I have probably tried 100 cuts of meat from 40 different supermarkets and butchers, before finding the quality and taste I was after from Russell at Park Beach. Without the quality and consistency I get from local suppliers, I doubt I would have the business I have today. How has social media played a role in your business so far? We love using social media and have found Facebook to be a key marketing tool for us. We can create targeted advertisements that are only shown to people close to our shop, as well as advertisements that are shown to a large geographical area, but also only to people who are interested in food intolerances. This allows us to get our message out to people who are interested in what we do, and it doesn’t cost and arm and leg to do it on Facebook. The results from our social media campaigns are always great, and I still can’t believe how much our Facebook page has taken off, especially since we opened the café. Have you come across any challenges so far? Our biggest challenge is ensuring we make enough food to meet demand - it’s a real challenge to predict what people will want to

buy from day to day, but this will get easier as we get sales history behind us. What motivates you? I love cooking, which certainly helps with the 5am weekday starts, but I think my biggest motivation is seeing and hearing customers’ reactions when they’ve finished their meal. Some of our dishes are cooked for five or six hours to really develop the flavours, and you can certainly taste the difference. Seeing empty plates coming back and reading customer reviews on our Facebook page are the highlight of my day. Tell us about your future plans for Mr Intolerable’s? We will increase our trading hours at the current shop over the next year and would like to do breakfasts and then expand to dinner. After that, we’d love to look at opening other stores across Australia as from what we can see, no one does what we do. People are sick of massproduced, bland food, so we see a real gap in the market and think our product addresses this, not to mention the lack of food options that address intolerances. What fun and interesting things do you get up to in your spare time? I have a two-year-old whippet who is full of beans and demands a lot of my attention when I get home from work. So when I am not chasing him around the yard, I love spending time at the beach or up in the rainforest. It’s pretty important for me to take time out from the shop, and I love having such awesome places to explore in close proximity to where I live. One of the benefits of having a big work van is that I can quickly turn the inside into a camper and have been doing that a bit recently and heading off to explore other parts of the coast, with the dog of course! Thanks Joel. coffs coast focus. 29

Coffs

GIG GUIDE

JULY 1ST

JULY 9TH

JULY 22ND

Pink Zinc - Coast Hotel Chris Rose - Element Bar Kidsâ€™ live entertainment with Troppo Bob Show - Moonee Beach Tavern DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow - Jetty Theatre

Simon & Angus - Element Bar Agent 77 - Hoey Moey Empyrean - Jetty Theatre Bay City Rollers - C.ex Bello Winter Music Festival - Bellingen

Double Shot - Coast Hotel Dean Sharkey - Element Bar Dj Bisho - Hoey Moey Creedence Show - Moonee Beach Tavern

JULY 2ND Shanteya & Jo - Element Bar Mckenzies - Hoey Moey

JULY 5TH Craig Freeman - Element Bar

JULY 6TH I, Daniel Blake - Jetty Theatre Bello Winter Music Festival - Bellingen

JULY 7TH Benny Black - Element Bar Bello Winter Music Festival - Bellingen

JULY 8TH White Water - Coast Hotel Owen Shannon - Element Bar Bliss N Eso - Hoey Moey Melbourne Ballet Company Masterclass - Jetty Theatre Bello Winter Music Festival - Bellingen 30 coffs coast focus.

JULY 12TH

JULY 23RD

Shanteya & Jo - Element B

Aqwa - Element Bar Fat Albert - Hoey Moey

JULY 14TH

JULY 26TH

Chris Grieve - Element Bar Richie Langford + DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey

Vena Klymo - Element Bar Pete Murray - C.ex

JULY 15TH

JULY 28TH

Phat Tracta - Coast Hotel Chris Wiggins - Element Bar Quick Fix - Moonee Beach Tavern Dj Bisho - Hoey Moey

Josh Matheson - Element Bar Richie Williams + Louey Howell + DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont - Sawtell RSL

JULY 16TH

JULY 29TH

Jesse Morris & Rob DeMasi - Element Bar Eric Grothe & The Gurus - Hoey Moey

Money Shot - Coast Hotel DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Bill Roberts - Element Bar

JULY 19TH Yhan Leal - Element Bar

JULY 30TH

JULY 21ST

Owen Shannon - Element Bar Fat Picnic + DJ Helmy - Hoey Moey

Mischa Tanashevich - Element Bar Aqwa + DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey

coffs coast focus. 31

focusinterview.

Salmonella

Salmonella Dub are joining the line up for the Bello Winter Music Festival. Celebrating 25 years of mashing up original Pacifica fusion, beat heavy dub, reggae, funk, hippity hop and drum and bass, the Dub come armed with their heavy hitting horn section. Be prepared for a serious dancefloor experience with this phenomenal live eight piece band.

ver the years the lineup has changed. Introduce us to who makes up the band now and what roles you all play ... I formed the band with Dave (drums, vocals) and Mark (bass) in 1992. We are still the foundation and core of Salmonella Dub. In 1994, Conan and Pete joined as our horn players, adding percussion and keys. In 1995 Pete left, but came back again in 2003. In 1996 we employed a young Tiki Taane as engineer. He left in 1996 to pursue his solo career. Currently we are an eight piece on stage with a three part powerhouse horn section and MC The Mighty Asterix leading the charge and backing Dave’s vocals. Membership and Contributors (in chronological order of creative involvement) Salmonella Dub started rehearsing as a three piece in 1992. First show was the Westport Racetrack Tea Rooms, Jan 13th, 1993. Andrew Penman - guitar samples, vocals. David Deakins - drums, vocals. Mark Tyler - bass samples. Marcus Putener - percussion. Craig Allen percussionist, vocals. Pete Wood and Conan Wilcox joined in 1994. Pete Wood - trumpet, trombone, keys and vocals. Conan Wilcox - tenor sax, percussion and vocals. Conrad Frankland keyboards on debut album. Ian McAllister - original mix meister. Mike Hodgson - producer for Dub Tomfoolery. David Wernham - live engineer in the mid ‘90s. Drum engineering on One Drop East. David Harrow - producer THC winter, co32 coffs coast focus.

producer for Calming of the Drunken Monkey, Producer of Killervision and Heal Me. Tiki Taane - live engineer in the ‘90s, coengineer and mixer of tracks on Calming of the Drunken Monkey, vocals on the track Drunken Monkey. Stage performer and extra vocals acoustic and samples Killervision, Inside the Dubplates and One Drop East, engineer on tracks for Inside the Dubplates. Co-producer for One Drop East. Paddy Free - Engineer for Killervision producer for Inside the Dubplates, co-producer for One Drop East and Freak Controller, contributing writer and performer on Feel The Seasons Change, performer for Freak Controller. Ants Smith - co-producer and performer on Freak Controller. Producer and vocals on Same Home Town. Paul Buchanan - stage guest since 2005. Vocals on Freak Controller. Guy Benfeild - live engineer. You’ve released multiple studio albums and EPs, a live album and a remix album, plus a fistful of singles - what’s the secret to continuing to push out great music, and is there any plan for something new in the pipeline? We have released seven studio albums, three remix albums, a live album with the New Zealand Symphony orchestra, five long play EPs and another eight 4-track remix singles. Currently we are working on an album, but with our 25th coming up we are focused on compiling the 24 singles we have released, with the view to launching a 25 track pack with a 25th single later this year. Recently we teased the first track off the ranks from our album recordings, called Searching For The Sun: https://soundcloud.com/salmonella-dub/ salmonella-dub-searching-for-the-sun

Individually we are always creating and writing. I guess the secret for us has been to treat our collective writing process like a canvas. There is no one “songwriter”. Everyone gets a chance to throw paint at it, but not everything sticks. Another important key element is we tend to build tracks from the riddum bed up. A few facts: Sold 209,925 albums in NZ and over 400,000 CDs and Vinyl 12"s worldwide. Fourth biggest selling artist in NZ 2000 - 2010 Albums = 8 + 3 remix albums Mini Albums = 4 (5-7 track EPs) Catalogue = 161 tunes Platinum Sales Killervision x2 Inside the Dubplates x4 Outside the Dubplates x1 One Drop East x2 Heal Me x1 Gold Sales Calming of the Drunken Monkey Festival appearances (too many to count ... estimates in brackets) Europe/UK 6 tours 78+ shows (approx 20+ festivals) Australia 41 tours over 250 shows (100+ festivals) NZ 50+ tours over 400 shows (150+ festivals ... Nile River, Sweet Waters, Xtreme Air, Entrain, all the Gatherings, multiple big Day Outs, many, many Orientations, Home Grown, Phat Outdoors .... the list goes on.) We are super excited to have you guys on the bill for the Bello Winter Music Festival. What are you looking forward to about being back in Oz? We love these smaller community festivals. It is always so cool to be able hang with the audience in a relaxed environment and also

have the time to check out other artists. What can we expect from Salmonella Dub’s onstage presence? As always, we will be bringing an epic bass, heavy, horn led, big dub beat, audio visual journey through our full catalogue. For those who have not seen us with our new horn section, be prepared for the roof to lift and the dancefloor to wobble. Looking back over the past 25 years, what have been some of the most memorable moments? Getting asked by Aussies to say “Fush an Chops”. Almost getting in a bar brawl in Brunswick with a bunch of lads for suggesting Aussie Rules would be far more entertaining if there was a random kangaroo factor - two roos per team. Getting in an actual bar brawl in Auckland with Paul Kelly and his coloured girls at our gig, ‘cause they were trying to play Aussie rules pool on our pool table! The Gathering Dance Parties. Seven years of amazing six zone multi genre dance parties! Killer! What’s your favourite song to perform and why? Tomfoolery. It has been in the set since 1994 and apparently was the tune that got Ken West on the dancefloor at the Beach Rd Hotel Bondi in 1998 and is the tune that led us on a merry chase around the OZ BDO circuit. Any final words you'd like to share with our readers? Get off Facebook and ya smart ar#e phones! Live life! There is a whole world out here! Thanks guys. Dont miss Salmonella Dub at the Bello Winter Music Festival - July 6 - 9. www.bellowintermusic.com

twenty46

ANTIQUE FAIR Arts and culture comes to the outliers of the Coffs Coast with artREACH, an ongoing program of live entertainment performances heading to towns and hamlets around the region. artREACH’s second instalment, Everybody Loves Lucy, a live theatre production about the enigmatic life of Lucille Ball, plays Woolgoolga Community Hall (July 4) and Lowanna Community Hall (July 5). Cinematinee brings an array of interesting films in July, including director Ken Loach’s new critically acclaimed I, Daniel Blake (July 6) and David Wenham’s new film Beyond The Known World (July 27). The Jetty Memorial Theatre will also be home to the new SWIFF Film Club, meeting on the first Thursday each month for members-only screenings. Tickets are also now on sale for the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow (July 1) and the Melbourne Ballet presenting their new touring program, Empyrean (July 9). It’s glittery. It’s pink. It’s Harvard Law. CHATS presents the sensational Legally Blonde Jr. The Musical live on stage (July 20 - 30). For bookings and information, call the Jetty Memorial Theatre Box Office on (02) 6648 4930 or visit www.jettytheatre.com.

“Twenty46” The postcode of a small suburb in Sydney, Five Dock, where we spent years creating lasting memories and were inspired to achieve our dreams as a Mother and Daughter duo and create a place on the beautiful Jetty strip where you to could create lifelong memories for years to come. When looking for a bite to eat in Coffs Harbour, wander into twenty46 on Harbour Drive for a gourmet style breakfast or lunch. New to the cafe circuit, a wooden accented interior creates a warm, homely vibe for easy relaxed dining. Early risers may be tempted by our delicious “BREAKFAST CROISSANT” with fried eggs, bacon, hash brown, baby spinach and hollandaise sauce paired with an adore coffee. Those dining later can wrap their hands around ”THE RAGIN CAJUN” Cajun spiced chicken tenderloins with rasher bacon, avocado,house-made pickle aioli and snow pea tendrils on a triangle damper bun, served with sweet potato wedges. While for lighter eaters, you must try one of our famous antipasto plates.

I, Daniel Blake

Thu 6 Jul

Beyond the Known World Thu 27 Jul

Screening: 10.30am, 1.30 & 6pm

CINEMATINEE

The live stage show about the enigmatic, unforgettable Lucille Ball. Show: Tue 4 Jul (Lowanna) Wed 5 Jul (Woolgoolga)

Thursday fortnights

Everybody Loves Lucy

artREACH PROGRAM

Upcoming Shows

Empyrean

Melbourne Ballet Company returns to JMT presenting their 2017 touring show, Empyrean. Show: Sun 9 Jul Workshops: 8 Jul

Legally Blonde Jr.

It’s pink, it’s glittery, it’s Harvard law. Presented by CHATS. Show: Thu 20 – Sun 30 Jul jettymemorialtheatre @jettytheatre Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm

TOURING SHOW

Quota has been a dynamic force in the volunteering community since 1962 as part of a worldwide network of service and friendship, and following their motto, “We Share”, members assist deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired individuals and disadvantaged women and children. Members of clubs are encouraged to grow personally by helping others and making friends along the way. Projects include Christmas wrapping at Park Beach Plaza, Shearwater Lodge morning teas on a roster basis, Mother’s Day posies, supporting a Deaf Camp, school awards and aiding anti-bullying programmes at secondary schools, local Australia Day Awards nominees and SCU and Eisteddfod scholarships. Enquiries to Quota - Charmaine Millar 6556 1969 or Judy Darby 6653 3818.

Warm up this winter at twenty46, our new and exciting winter menu is packed full of culinary comforts guaranteed to satisfy.

July's LINE UP

COMMUNITY THEATRE

For 22 years, Quota International of Coffs Harbour has been showcasing nostalgia to the community. Every year approximately 17 dealers from New South Wales and interstate set up shop in the Exhibition Hall, Coffs Harbour Showground for two days on the last weekend in August. How many have you attended? Antiques and collectables of many different specialities will be on sale, with $50 voucher draws for buyers ... Cost $5, children under 12 free. Wheelchair friendly! Morning/ afternoon teas/light luncheons available. Proceeds to local charities.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

jettytheatre.com | phone 6648 4930 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour coffs coast focus. 33

focuseditorial.

focuseditorial

N E

M E

O U R L B

International

COMEDY Buckle up Coffs Harbour ... The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road to home deliver the freshest and funniest from Australia’s largest comedy festival!

eturning to the Jetty Memorial Adam Hess started performing stand up in Theatre, the 2017 roadshow plays 2011, when he won the Chortle Student only two shows for Coffs Coast Comedy Award. Adam was initially known audiences on Saturday July 1st for his impeccably written surreal oneand you’d better get in quick because one of liners, before later proving himself as an them is already sold out! accomplished story-teller and sketch-writer. DAMIEN POWER In 2013 Adam was nominated for Leicester Two-time Barry Award nominee Damien Mercury New Act of the Year and Best Power is widely regarded as one of the rising Newcomer at the Chortle Awards. stars of Australian comedy. Lucky us, he’s also MATT STEWART the MC for the 2017 roadshow! Matt is a Melbourne based comedian, In 2012 Damien was selected by writer, actor and director. In 2013 the Melbourne International he started performing standComedy Festival to up comedy, quickly hitting , er ill perform in their his stride and winning l-k al an ith W exclusive showcase Australia’s largest open no-filler cast ars, st n of Australia’s best mic stand-up comedy ia al tr us A of mers emerging comedians, competition, MICF’s talented newco l The Comedy Zone. RAW Comedy, in and internationa ar ’s ye Damien completed 2014. He recently performers this l ro adshow has al s a sold-out run of the completed sell out runs se your comedy ba Melbourne International at Melbourne Fringe, ” d. covere Comedy Festival and Perth Fringe World and was nominated for the the Melbourne International prestigious Best Newcomer Comedy Festival with his debut Award. As a result of his work solo stand up show “Pretty Dry”. in Melbourne, he was hand-picked to TIM HEWITT support Jack Black’s group Tenacious D Tim Hewitt started his comedy career in all around the country - and has since pokie rooms around Brisbane. Five years on, performed a knockout set for Just For Laughs he has performed all over Australia, including at the Sydney Opera House. shows at Perth Fringeworld and Brisbane DANIELLE WALKER Comedy Festival ... and at the pokies. With Danielle Walker is a strange, if not perhaps a true commitment to his characters and slightly deranged girl known for her dark and stories, Tim has made a name for himself twisted everyday observations and stories. as a professional extra alongside his standRecently crowned RAW Comedy 2016 National up success. Look for the back of his head in Champion, and placing third in the UK’s “So Neighbours or any period drama on the ABC. you think you’re funny” competition, Danielle The 7:30pm show has sold out, but started her comedy career in Townsville and there are still tickets available for the 9pm quickly moved to Melbourne to establish show on Saturday, July 1st at the Jetty herself and has since acted alongside Angus Memorial Theatre. To grab yours before Sampson in Australian web-series “Bruce”. they’re all gone, call (02) 6648 4930 or visit: ADAM HESS (UK) www.jettytheatre.com Fosters Best Newcomer Nominee 2015

“

34 coffs coast focus.

ANDRÉ RIEU CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF RECORD-BREAKING

ANNOUNCES HIS 2017 MAASTRICHT CONCERT, 29TH AND 30TH JULY, FOR ONE WEEKEND ONLY!

e is known for his energetic and Office for that weekend, only behind Jason spell-binding live performances, Bourne and Star Trek Beyond. as well as amassing over 40 The Maastricht concert in 2017 will hold million album and DVD sales extra special significance, as it marks 30 worldwide, and now the world’s leading pop years since André formed the Johann Strauss classical artist, André Rieu, has announced his Orchestra, who have come to be as much annual Maastricht concert will once again be family to him as some of the most talented screening at event cinemas across Australia musicians anyone could share the stage with. including BCC Cinemas Coffs Harbour in Australia’s own Richard Wilkins will host the celebration of his 30th year in music on the cinema event for Australian audiences. 29th and 30th July - 2pm. On the cinema shows and his The Dutch violinist is one of 30th anniversary of performing the world’s highest-grossing with the Johann Strauss touring artists, and Orchestra, André said, every year performs a “When I founded very special concert the Johann Strauss One of music’s in his hometown of Orchestra in 1987, biggest Maastricht to tens of there were only twelve superstars” thousands who travel orchestra members .” - New York Post from all over the globe, now there are more including Australia, to than 60 people on experience one of the stage! Although a lot most emotionally engulfing has changed, there is live music experiences one thing which has never possible, set against the changed: the joy of playing back-drop of the equally as elegant together, whether in a small group medieval town square. or a big orchestra. We are so much The Maastricht concert features the looking forward to bringing this joy again maestro in his element, with his famous this year to your cinema in July. The program 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, sopranos, will be very diverse, reflecting this special tenors and very special guests. anniversary. I do hope you will all join us for an Last year, André Rieu’s Maastricht concert unforgettable, magical evening brought to you broke André’s own record for music event from my romantic hometown Maastricht.” cinema in Australia - grossing more than Book your tickets now to André Rieu’s 2017 $1.4million at the box office over one Maastricht Concert at eventcinemas.com.au or weekend, and coming in at #3 at the Box at the box office.

“

valla beach bridal fair

Coffs harbour Fishermen’s co-op

The countdown is on for the Valla Beach Bridal Fair. It will be held at the Valla Beach Tourist Park on Sunday 16th July 2017. Come be inspired by our local fabulous wedding providers. Our creative exhibitors will be showcasing their work and showing off their wedding services. This down to earth event is filled with genuine, helpful businesses that will assist with all your wedding questions, big or small. Exhibitors include an array of local wedding services, stunning wedding gowns by Melanie Jayne, bridal hair and makeup, photographers, videographers, celebrants, stylists and decorators, florist, cake maker, catering services, car hire, gold flaked champagne supplier, and much, much more.

The Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-operative is the perfect meeting place between local fishermen and fresh seafood lovers.

This year our fashion parade is proudly organised and presented by Melanie Jayne, and it will be fantastic. Melanie creates beautiful wedding gowns for brides all over Australia, and they are exquisite. Valla Beach Bridal Fair will be a day full of colour, inspiration, fun and live entertainment, an event not to be missed. Entry will be by gold coin donation, which will be donated to a local charity. If you would like more information about our Bridal Fair or to book a last minute site, please phone Heidi on (02) 6569 5555 or email info@vallabeachweddingsandevents.com.au

We have been around since the early 1950s and are owned by about 50 local fishermen. They supply us with fresh seafood almost every day, which you can buy straight off their boats through our retail store, takeaway, and now directly from our website. We sell all our locally caught fish, including our famous and award winning Snapper, Whiting, Flathead, Pearl Perch, Kingfish, Tuna (perfect for sashimi), Mackerel, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, and others. We also catch delicious prawns, lobsters, Balmain Bugs and crabs. In addition to locally caught produce, we stock the standard staples you’d expect to see, so that we can always provide you a full range of seafood. What’s more, we deliver! That’s right, we are the only seafood outlet in the Coffs Harbour area that delivers fresh seafood right to your door! You can order directly from our website, and we will leave you a cooler full of the very best local seafood at your home or business. There is no need to drive down to the jetty. We will deliver any day of the week, from Arrawarra to Nambucca!

coffs coast focus. 35

36 coffs coast focus.

Carlton Draught 2017 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

JACOB

VENN FA S H I O N I S TA

WITH A PASSION FOR FASHION AND A FLAIR FOR STYLING, JACOB VENN IS TAKING THE FASHION WORLD BY STORM. HE WAS BORN AND RAISED ON THE COFFS COAST AND FLED THE NEST TO PURSUE HIS DREAM IN FASHION. FOCUS HAD A STYLING SESSION TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS BLOSSOMING CAREER AND FUTURE PLANS ...

hat is your connection to Coffs Coast? I had the privilege of growing up on the Coffs Coast, with my beautiful family still residing here. Tell us about your background in fashion and your area of expertise? I have walked a very colourful path within the fashion industry. With hard work and perseverance, came great opportunities, from collaborating with international identities coordinating/styling fashion shows for the Quicksilver Pro Surf Festival to working the frontline in retail settings. As a result, I have enjoyed exposure to a wide variety of brands and ideologies in the ragtrade, always focusing on absorbing every experience and learning from mistakes and fortunes. Having been now exposed to a wide variety of audiences, I have a heightened appreciation for every individual’s needs, and an increased awareness of how to apply styling techniques. What services do you provide? StylewithJV has developed a flexible approach to personal styling. Each session is totally unique, dependent on what the client needs. This can include: wardrobe assessment (what works/does not work, organising the chaos), showing clients what does and doesn’t work for their shape, lifestyle, personality, colouring and height, followed with sourcing outfits based on the outline given by the client (men and women). A total style guide from head to toe. Should they require something not listed, the beauty of a personal styling session is that we can tailor it specifically for them. StylewithJV also offers a helping hand when packing for that mid-season getaway. Allocating outfits, and hints on what additions to look for, depending on your destination. Stay stylish this vacay! What gender and age group do you cater for? Age is just a number, right? There are no barriers when

booking a consultation. As for gender, I’ve found men are high boots and frayed denim shorts. SEXY! The Coffs Cup Racing Carnival is about to kick off. just as enthusiastic about their consultations as women. Can you offer us some tips and advice about what is Tell us about some of the new, exciting projects you are working on now and in the future. on trend at the moment? Without giving too much away, I have been exploring Women: This year’s Coffs Cup will see a more structured online tutorials with clients and web based consultations, look emerge. Suiting is practical, striking, subtle and allowing anyone, anywhere, to have complete access to “suitable” across all age groups. To help soften the look, a Personal Style Consultant. It’s all about increasing my keep all make up to a nude colour palette and introduce a availability to a wider audience, without compromising fresh floral headpiece. delivery and results. Stay tuned! Men: There is a welcomed shift in men’s What are some of the current trends? racewear this year. We are bringing Simplicity with a twist. Starting to back the traditional black and white feel the winter chill? Invest in quality combination. This clean and crisp a ith w Simplicity to denim, basic tees and a black leather look can be worn across all age g tin ar St twist. ? ill jacket (there’s your simplicity) and groups and can be found at all ch r te in w feel the nim , de ity then team with metallic boots local menswear stores. al qu in st Inve black a d an or sneakers (you guessed it, the What are the top three es te c si ba ere’s twist). Head to @stylewithjv for all things that people should leather jacket (th d ) an your current trends. consider when choosing the your simplicity metallic The Chambray Shirt: Things right outfit and wardrobe? then team with (you rs ke boots or snea to remember ... Keep detailing to 1- Does it fall into your budget ist).” guessed it, the tw a minimum, as this will increase its 2 - Is this a multi wear piece versatility. Do not shy away from front 3 - What would StylewithJV say Since conception, what has been the tucking into a leather skirt, wide legged most important thing to you as a local pant or chino. Treat this wardrobe addition stylist? as a staple piece for both casual and more formal The most important thing to any stylist is the occasions. client’s satisfaction. Seeing a client wearing an outfit that Focal Points: Empower your look with focal points. I had input with, in a public setting, radiating, smiling and Footwear is a prime example of this. Allow your staple oozing confidence. That’s “it”. items to be worn with edge and flair. What do you love most about the Coffs Coast? Soft Fabrics: Allow the world to feel your sexiness, We are spoilt for choice, be it fashion or food (God, the fragility, freedom, strength and fire. Introducing silks and food!) There’s a convenience living in an area like the Coffs satins into your wardrobe is huge at the moment. Coast that is second to none. I LOVE it! White Sneakers: From the busy mum to the corporate Where do we find out more? woman. Pair these with literally anything! Yes, I said Head over to instagram and follow @stylewithjv or email anything. me stylewithjv@outlook.com Intimates Inspired: Teamed with ripped jeans and a white Thanks Jacob. sneaker. When day turns into night, slip into your thigh

“

coffs coast focus. 37

with Carole Beros from Le Dãin Designs

FA S H I O N

TIPS THE COFFS COAST RACING CARNIVAL ARRIVES LATER IN THE YEAR, BUT IF YOU INTEND TO ENTER INTO THE FASHIONS ON THE FIELD COMPETITIONS FOR OUR COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP, THE WINTER DRESS CODES DEFINITELY DO APPLY. FOCUS HAD A CHAT TO EXPERT STYLIST CAROLE BEROS, TO FIND OUT WHAT’S IN STYLE THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR’S RACE SEASON ...

eing the owner of Le Dãin Designs outfit is a block colour and then you can use the at Sawtell, we constantly get to style jewellery as a statement piece. and dress ladies for the races. We are If you have the urge to make a grand entrance one of the major sponsors for Coffs … Wear that sensational piece of millinery! Enjoy Harbour and Casino Racing Club’s Fashions on dressing up. The races are one of only a few the Field, so we aren’t shy of a hat or places that you can dress up to the max, and it two. I also sit on judging panels, is perfectly acceptable! and I am involved in various I am really lucky to write for and race day events. We are be part of the FOCUS family. I A basic rule for constantly asked: “What have the pleasure of being the dressing for the is the appropriate front cover fashion stylist, er r ev races is to neve attire to wear for each and this month the team put st ju s assume that it’ racing season?” together this amazing front at th on p dandy to po il ta ck A basic rule for cover with fab couple Max co y kl ar short, sp nd ou dressing for the Wood and Emma Binns. ar n ru or dress e race th r te races is to never ever Going back to wearing big af ot fo re ba assume that it’s just statement millinery, one of day event!” dandy to pop on that House of Le Dãin’s milliners that short, sparkly cocktail dress stock the store is Cynthia Jonesor run around barefoot after Bryson. Emma donned a beautiful red the race day event! Please save all piece of Cynthia’s for this shoot, definitely your flimsy little numbers, minis and a “head turner”! The makeup artist was Barb sequined specials for another day! Skirts Ellis from Barbara Wenman’s La Fleur D’Alyse. and dress length should range from just on the Finally, it’s not always necessary to follow the knee or (as being seen lately) just below the calf. latest trends, unless they absolutely suit you. Stay Replace any form of sandal with a pump heel. If with the style that works for you. Also, designer you are entering into the Winter Fashions on the labels are a luxury, but not a necessity when it Field, please try to cover those shoulders. A faux comes to looking polished and elegant at the fur, cape or dress with a jacket does the job, or races. even an elegant scarf with a jazzy brooch would If styling up for any event is beyond your work. Stockings are a must; think elegance capabilities, treat yourself to being dressed by an every time! Adding a smart handbag or clutch experienced stylist to help you look sensational. along with a neat pair of gloves can perfect Come down and see us at Le Dãin Designs in your look. When it comes to winter millinery, it Sawtell during or after hours. Then step out and is advisable to make sure it consists of felt, faux go and have some serious fun at the races! fur, wool, leather, velvet, or feathers. Do not Carole Beros, over accessorise with bold jewellery, unless the Le Dãin Designs.

“

38 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 39

Carlton Draught 2017 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

BARBARA

WENMAN.

B A R B A R A W E N M A N H A S B E E N A R E G I S T E R E D N U R S E F O R 4 6 Y E A R S . S H E H A S OV E R 2 0 Y E A R S ’ E X P E R I E N C E I N C O S M E T I C M E D I C I N E , H AV I N G T R A I N E D I N AU S T R A L I A A N D OV E R S E A S .

arbara is passionate about the cosmetic industry, safety and expertise and regularly attends conferences and training meetings in order to

keep up to date and increase her skills. She established La FLeur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser and Medispa in 2006, extending an already thriving cosmetic

Barbara is an r associate membe ic et of the Cosm ge Physicians Colle d an ia as al tr us of A e th a member of llege of Australasian Co e.” in Aesthetic Medic

“

practice to include luxury spa treatments for individuals and couples. Barbara takes a holistic approach and understands that not everyone is ready for injections or a face lift and offers a full range of nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments. In skilled hands, cosmetic treatments can turn back the hands of time and create natural looking results. Together with skin treatments such as laser, IPL and peels, injectable dermal fillers and anti wrinkle injections create an effective and relatively simple way to refresh the ageing face.

July.

40 coffs coast focus.

Barbara specialises in the rejuvenating affects of cosmetic injections; she creates a natural nonsurgical face lift, restoring youthfulness to the face, eyes and lips. Having her clients’ interests foremost in her heart and thoughts, Barbara is a qualified Angelic Reiki Professional Practitioner and a qualified Isagenix Nutritional Consultant. Barbara is an associate member of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia and a member of the Australasian college of Aesthetic Medicine. Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone who has everything? Why not create a secret only you can share and give a makeup and makeover gift certificate from La Fleur D’Alyse! No need for surgical Blephraplasty, fraxel laser or microdermabrasion; our non surgical face and neck lift can achieve the same results with very little down

time or discomfort, using a combination of absorbable threads, injectable dermal fillers, wrinkle removers, skin treatments and peels ... She can look up to 10 years younger. You can start with a simple harmony package to remove frown lines and lines around the mouth, or create lips to love, or the complete non surgical package, or we can tailor an individual treatment package to suit you. Treatments can be done in stages; you can do as little or as much as you want. Add in one of our special wrinkle removing treament creams, and she will love you forever. Or have her feeling like a princess, with a spa treatment package. We have multiple packages available to suit any budget. When she looks in the mirror, she will smile and think of you. When your friends say, who’s the trophy bride? You can look at one another and smile; you’ve got a secret.

be inspired

GO RACING IN STYLE â€¦create your winning fashions on the field look today

coffs coast focus. 41

GE T T H E COV E R LO OK

M I L L I N E R Y, C L U T C H A N D N E C K L AC E F R O M L E DĀ I N D E S I G N S

TIES F R O M TA R O C A S H

36 First Avenue, Sawtell, New South Wales www.ledain.com.au

Park Beach Plaza www.parkbeachplaza.com.au

GET SUITED UP!

You’ll find all your men’s race day attire needs at Tarocash and Connor, Park Beach Plaza: www.parkbeachplaza.com.au

ARBO H S F F U

2017

LAWN PARTY

COFFS HARBOUR

GOLD CUP

THURSDAY, 3RD AUGUST 2017 FROM 11AM

PARTY WITH YOUR FRIENDS THROUGHOUT CUP DAY IN THE EXCLUSIVE LAWN PARTY AREA

$99 TICKETS TICKETS INCLUDE: 6 DRINK TICKETS - BEER, WINE & SPARKLING. $15 VOUCHER FOR EXCLUSIVE FOOD VANS PLUS $20 ENTRY TO THE TRACK PRIVATE BAR FACILITIES TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL DRINKS

TICKETS ONSALE NOW coffsracingclub.com.au Follow us on

42 coffs coast focus.

facebook.com/coffs.racing

instagram@coffsracing for the latest Cup Day news!

Tel: 02 6652 1488 Email: events@coffsracingclub.com.au

Carlton Draught 2017 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

THE “GOLD CUP RACES” - COFFS HARBOUR'S FINEST RACING EVENT IS FAST APPROACHING, AND THIS MEANS TOUGH OUTFIT, MAKEUP AND HAIR DECISIONS ARE ABOUT TO BE MADE. IT’S NOT EVERY DAY THAT WE GET TO FANCIFY OUR HAIR WITH ELABORATE HEADPIECES, SO THE RACES ARE THE TIME TO GO ALL OUT!

atching your hat or headpiece with your further back also depends on the style you’ve chosen, so hairstyle is an art all of its own, so here’s make sure to try out a few different positions for the most everything you need to know to make sure flattering look. you get it right. If your headpiece attaches with a comb or a head band, When it comes to choosing a hairstyle, it’s all about start by gently backcombing a section of hair to create a proportion and balance, so consider your entire head to base. The key thing to remember is that bobby pins are toe look when choosing how to wear your hair. your friend - they act as the glue that keeps To avoid looking too fussy and overdone, your whole look together, so don’t scrimp. choose a simple style that not only Spritz each one with hairspray and slide lets your headpiece shine, but also in wavy side down to hold the hair in ly al Tradition e ar complements your beautiful face. place. A handy trick is to place pins es ec headpi s de Lauren from Living Doll Premier in an X shape for extra support. And si e th worn on t bu , Stylists recommends a slick pony don’t forget to pack some spares in ad he of the also e ar es yl or bun if you want to show off your bag for the day. st e m so orn your millinery and focuses on the Whether you have chosen designed to be w fine details when finishing the look: something softer and more in the centre .” “Don’t forget to hide any headpiece understated or an ornate extravagant bands or combs in the hair. Finish with headpiece, you need to know that some gloss spray on a kabuki brush for the your race day hairstyles look perfectly perfect shine.” For an edgy "Girl Next Door" put together all day, no matter what the look, Lauren opts for some loose waves and uses weather throws at you. I find it best to leave it to a powder booster in the roots of the hair for a full and the experts, so rain, hail or shine, you will look like a textured finish, as used on our beautiful model on the WINNER. Talk to one of the Premier Stylists at Living Doll front cover, keeping it young, fresh and modern. about hairstyle ideas, bring in a picture of your whole outfit, Traditionally, headpieces are worn on the sides of the your fascinator or hat, as we plan on helping you to become head, but some styles are also designed to be worn in the a Fashion on The Fields Front-Runner. Hope to see you centre. Whether it should be placed towards the brow or there. XO Dolls.

“

RACE FA S H I O N W I T H L AU R E N V E ST Y

coffs coast focus. 43

Carlton Draught 2017 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I have lived in Coffs Harbour for almost 40 years; my parents relocated here from Sydney when I was a teenager. I have always trained out of Coffs Harbour and received my trainer’s licence at the young age of 18. All my family live around the Coffs area and have always supported me. How did you become a horse trainer? I suppose the seed was planted when my parents owned the Aerodrome Hotel alongside the Hawkesbury Racecourse, and I got to meet many trainers, owners and stable hands. Prior to that, Dad owned a horse transport business, and I used to travel to race meetings with him in Sydney and surrounding areas. I only really became interested in training when we moved to Coffs, as I had been showing horses in Sydney, but there was limited opportunity for showing here. Dad bought me a racehorse to play with as a 17 year old, and the rest is history. What do you enjoy most about working with horses? It’s not so much the enjoyment, as the satisfaction that you get from taking and nurturing a young horse to being an educated racehorse and then through all your hard work and effort seeing them win races. It’s the greatest feeling when you have bred horses yourself and watch them grow, change and mature into racehorses that win races. We hear you have the most racehorses in

44 coffs coast focus.

Coffs. How many are in your stables, and who helps you work with them? I have around 30 horses currently in work at the stables. They range from unbroken yearlings to the older racing horses. As a rule, I like to keep a mixture of all, because I think you always need young horses coming along behind the older ones. At the moment I have two senior jockeys doing riding work along with two track work riders to fill in the gaps and get the horses worked. There are also ground staff doing general stable duties. Without giving away any secrets, can you tell us a little about how you train a racehorse? It has always been my opinion that training a racehorse is feed and work related. This means that the more the horse can eat, the greater the amount of work the horse can cope with, so it’s just a matter of fine-tuning these ratios to achieve maximum results. I also rely heavily on feedback from stable hands, jockeys and track work riders as to how the horses are eating and feeling. How is the season going for you so far? The season so far has been OK. I’ve had 21 winners, but as every other trainer will tell you, it could be always be better. The one thing I have learnt from being a trainer for so long now is that training happens to be a big wheel that turns. You enjoy the good times when they occur and get through the bad as best you can. Thanks Brett.

focusinterview.

BRETT DODSON

TRAINER

BRETT BELLAMY

TRAINER

focusinterview.

hat is your connection to horse that came to you as a young horse that the Coffs Coast? I moved to knew nothing grow into being successful. Coffs Harbour approximately How do you go about naming a race15 years ago. It looked an horse? A lot of owners name their own horsideal location to train horses, bees, but the ones I own and name I like ing nearly halfway between to have something that relates Sydney and Brisbane to the sire (father) and/or the and after growing up dam (mother) but without in Tamworth, the using the same words in They all have climate and coastal the name. different d life was very apmannerisms an Without giving away ng pealing. as a trainer, findi d any secrets, can you an How did you out what is best tell us a little about e what every hors become a horse how you train a e can handle is th trainer? I was interracehorse? Horses are a ” y. challenge I enjo ested in racing from lot like humans; they are an early age. I origiall individuals, and I like to nally started out as an train them that way. Some can apprentice jockey, but grew handle more work, racing and feed too big very early in my career. I than others. They all have different manrode track work and became foreman nerisms and as a trainer, finding out what is for a large country stable, before taking best and what every horse can handle is the out my licence and training in my own challenge I enjoy. right. How is the season going for you so far? What do you enjoy most about working For a small stable we have had a great season. with horses? Apart from the love of horses, From approx 43 starters we have had 9 winI really enjoy the challenge of getting the best ners and 10 placings. out of them. It is really satisfying seeing a Thanks Brett.

“

Carlton Draught 2017 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival

BEYOND THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR OF RACE DAY YOU WILL FIND A WHOLE CREW OF PEOPLE DEDICATED TO WORKING WITH THE RACEHORSES, OFTEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, TO KEEP THEM IN TOP SHAPE. IN THE LEAD UP TO THE COFFS CUP, FOCUS MET WITH SOME LOCAL TRAINERS AND THEIR HORSES FOR A SNEAK PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES AND TO LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO TRAIN A WINNER.

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I came to Coffs for a sea change.

focusinterview. TRAINER

CAT H L E E N RODE

How did you become a horse trainer? I fell in love with Mr Ed at the age of three and wanted horses from then on. I worked at Randwick at the age of 15, then I went to the equestrian side of it for a while, giving riding lessons and things before going back to racing.

Without giving away any secrets, can you tell us a little about how you train a racehorse? You must Know who you t remember they are not are and wha be n machines, but athletes. you want. It ca ng ki Having a small team a heart brea u yo so , treat and work them all industry d an ng ro st be to as individuals. Only the have up d an st to g in ill big stables can have a w for yourself.” regime for all; they have enough of them to turn over.

“

What do you enjoy most about working with horses? Getting to touch and work with such a majestic creature. I love being with them; some are so beautiful, I could stand there and look at them all day.

Do you have any advice for women who want to get into racing? Don’t take the negative things some people may say about

PAU L M AT T S

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? For a short period in the early ‘90s, my parents moved to Coffs Harbour from Taree, where my dad was training horses. We moved back to Taree, but then I came to Coffs to start university. I have always loved the coastal lifestyle and found myself leaving but always returning to Coffs. I have lived back here now for the last five years straight. I can’t see myself leaving here completely. How did you become a horse trainer? My family has a long history with horse racing, and in some form or another we have always been involved. I grew up with early mornings and late afternoons, with my dad being a trainer. I guess it was always going to be the life for me as well. I got my trainer’s licence in May 2016, and it has snowballed from there. I started with just two horses in work, and I now have a team of 10. What do you enjoy most about working with horses? They are amazing animals. They have this presence about them that no matter how bad of a day you are having, you always get a smile being around them. They all have

How is the season going for you so far? It has been the best season ever, I would say. I have had stakes placed horses, but never a Country Champion until this year. The concept that Racing NSW has brought to life for us country trainers has been fantastic. Thanks Cathleen.

TRAINER

focusinterview.

you to heart; know who you are and what you want. It can be a heart breaking industry, so you have to be strong and willing to stand up for yourself.

their quirks and personality traits, which makes it enjoyable, even though some can be like a naughty kid at times. You can often be seen training your horses down at Boambee Beach. How does this benefit the horse and add to their training? The beach is the best training tool I have. It’s therapeutic for the horse to walk through the salt water. We walk through the chest deep water for good resistance training, and being able to work them along the beach breaks up their routine and gives them some variety. It really helps keep them mentally stimulated. Boambee Beach has a perfect surface, which isn’t too firm to run on, and as soon as the horses have done their work, we can put them straight in the water and let them have a roll in the sand, before taking them back to the stables. How does it feel to win a race? It’s the bee’s knees. I can’t help but scream out and be happy. So much time and effort goes in behind the scenes to even get a horse to the races. To see them pass the line first is a culmination of all that coming together, and it’s such an amazing feeling. Thanks Paul. coffs coast focus. 45

101 THINGS TO DO WHALE WATCH with JETTY DIVE

TWO TAILS WINES

Come aboard Jetty Dive’s Adventure Boats on a 1/12 hour Whale Watch trip. The fast ride out and back means most of the time you are quietly idling along with these gentle giants. The trip is long enough to have plenty of time to whale watch and usually short enough to avoid sea sickness. TRIP TIMES 9.00am, 11.00am and 2.00pm depending on demand and weather/sea conditions. Bookings are essential. Gift Vouchers are available. PHONE (02) 66 511611 ADDRESS 398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour EMAIL mail@jettydive.com.au

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) 66543 633 WEB twotailswines.com.au

MOONEE BEACH TAVERN Award winning “Best Family Friendly Venue”, Moonee Beach Tavern has a focus on providing for the whole family. Featuring numerous activities for the kids including, Jumping Castle, Putt Putt Golf, Ping Pong Table, Junior Jungle Gym, Climbing Wall & Activities Room you be sure to enjoy your time with family at Moonee. Check out the Magician Tropo Bob on Sat 1st July. PHONE 02 6653 6199 BISTRO 02 6656 4100 COURTESY BUS 0450 356 101 info@mooneebeachtavern.com.au mooneebeachtavern.com.au

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

A1 COFFS COAST TOURS CHAUFFEURED HARLEY TOURS FROM AS LITTLE AS $99 In just one day you could be alongside Coffs Harbour Jetty overlooking Muttonbird Island with ﬁsh and chips in hand, and an hour later in Gondwana World Heritage rainforests surrounded by endemic ﬂora and fauna. See the majestic coastline, villages, attractions, waterfalls and lookouts of the Coffs Coast aboard a luxurious HarleyDavidson touring machine. PHONE 0438 524 952 EMAIL info@a1coffscoasttours.com WEB www.a1coffscoasttours.com

101THINGS TO DO ON THE COFFS COAST

BUSH WALKS ON THE COFFS COAST

BANGALORE FALLS WALKING TRACK

BUNDAGAREE RAINFOREST WALK

Bangalore Falls is a truly extraordinary destination within the easily accessible, yet ruggedly beautiful Bindarri National Park, less than half an hour inland of Coffs Harbour. It’s an easy walk from the car park to the cascading waterfall and lookout from which you can catch glimpses of the Bangalore Gorge. Wander back to the picnic area along the gentle walking track, and take the time to appreciate the awe-inspiring majestic old growth trees that escaped the former logging activities in the park. Cabbage tree palms, which are unusual at this altitude, are also found here, and remarkably this is one of the few locations where they occur next to hoop pines.

Ten minutes south of Coffs Harbour, this gentle hike meanders along the coastal border of Bongil Bongil National Park. With dramatic rainforest on one side of the dunes, vegetation includes Red Olive Berry, Coastal Banksia and plenty of staghorns. Also keep an eye out on the forest ﬂoor for bowers surrounded by an intriguing collection of primarily blue, found-objects, which are created by male Satin Bower birds to attract a mate. The track leaves the rainforest at the rocky shoreline of Bundagaree Creek. This is a great spot for exploring the rock pools with their interesting marine life, or for simply enjoying the expansive view. Make sure to look out for the White-bellied Sea Eagle that may be soaring and swooping in the sky.

WONGA WALK

GUMGALI TRACK

This popular shady subtropical rainforest walk starts at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and is perfect for the leisure hiker who wants to see it all. The winding trail takes you through an ancient Gondwana forest, over boulder creek crossings to the stunning Crystal Showers Falls, and a cavern behind the falls, accessed by a suspension bridge. The towering World Heritage listed sub-tropical rainforest, with 600 year old trees, colourful fungi, and a variety of birds are just some of the delights you are likely to encounter on this walk. Because of its diversity and magniﬁcence the Wonga Walk is one of the most popular walks, not only in Dorrigo National Park, but also in Australia.

This culturally rich 400 m walking track, minutes north of Coffs Harbour, leads to the stunning Korora lookout in Orara East State Forest. As you wander along this scenic trail you can follow a Gumbayggirr Dreaming story through sculpture, murals, and signage. It is the story of Gumgali, the black goanna, and this walk is truly unique in that it offers a culturally rich experience surrounded by sparkling ocean and coastal landscape views. Kids can count the goannas along this track – there are lots to ﬁnd! The placement of urban style contemporary art, depicting a fascinating story with cultural signiﬁcance, in the heart of nature, makes this walk a truly unique and inspiring experience not to be missed.

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

CoffsCoast

CoffsCoastNSW coffs coffscoast coast focus. focus. 47 17

focusinterview.

Rosa Mauvra uses a natural approach to healing, working holistically with mind, body and spirit to help people regain the balance they need to feel well again. FOCUS checked out some of Rosa’s favourite healthy foods, while she told us more about her approach and shared some tips for both mental and physical wellbeing. hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? The Coffs Coast is my home of almost 20 years now. I feel strongly connected to the land here, both the coast and the forest. The natural beauty of this area energises me, and I love the invigorating feeling of living next to the ocean. Can you tell us a little about how you help people and what led you to doing this? I feel very passionate about helping people understand how to be well, and I believe it is possible for everyone to have good health with the right information and support. I help people get insight into what's creating their misery or illness, and then we look at how they can shift their life back into a healthy flow on all levels. Appropriate diet and lifestyle change can make a massive difference to both mental and physical health. People are often living in such disconnection from the fundamental things that contribute to basic wellbeing, so an important aspect of my work with people is to remind them of their holistic nature and of the value of using natural methods first for prevention and healing. We are intrinsically connected to both our physical and energetic environments, so everything around you will influence your wellbeing and health. As a child, I loved cooking and spent a lot of time with my Italian grandmother in the kitchen; we had a lot of fun together cooking, and lots of good energy went into whatever we made - love is such an important ingredient. All my learning about health and food came later, when I developed both physical and mental health issues in my early 20s. I knew I could overcome these issues naturally, so I set my mind to find out how. Back then there was no real help, so I had a lot of research to do. I 48 coffs coast focus.

experimented on myself and found the answers in traditional medicine. Why is it important to work with both the physical and mental aspects of health? We can't separate physical health from emotional or mental health. Healing is multifaceted, and we will only get so far if we approach it from just one aspect. Negative mental habits and thought patterns are very powerful and can create severe ill health, while mismanagement of the body can create anxiety, depression and other debilitating imbalances. I have developed a deep respect and understanding for the traditional medicine approach to healing by equally addressing the realms of body, mind and spirit. What are some common habits that people can change to benefit their health? There are some things we don't get a choice about in life, but you can pretty much always choose what you put in your own mouth. The statement “you are what you eat” has a great element of truth. I advise people that if food comes pre packaged, be careful! Try to consume food in as natural a state as possible and free from chemical exposure. Cook at home and prepare your food with love and respect. Positive mental habits also play a big role to improve wellbeing. How has Chinese and natural medicine influenced your practice? My practice is strongly based in Chinese medicine principles, which is a system of natural medicine that I have found to be very effective. In this tradition, herbal preparations, acupuncture and Qigong are used alongside diet and lifestyle practices to harmonise and balance the energy of the body. Rather than labelling diseases like cancer or obesity, these conditions are seen as syndromes of imbalance within the body system. How can food be used as medicine, and how does the quality of food we eat and the way

we prepare it help? sugar and carbohydrates. Everything has an What can people There are some things we don't energetic basis, including expect from your t disease. Health is simply get a choice abou workshops? n in life, but you ca s all things in proper Practical, hands on ay pretty much alw balance. All foods have learning is the main t u pu choose what yo different qualities; when .” focus, especially in th ou in your own m understood and used the whole foods, gut rightly, foods can be used health, and fermentation medicinally to rectify imbalance. workshops. I want to help The quality of the food itself people to enjoy healthy cooking, combined with how we prepare the so the workshops are a fun, creative food also influences what healing properties it and delicious experience. can offer. I love seeing how delighted people are For example, everyone is crazy about bone when they eat the food we make together, broth at the moment. Broths and stocks have knowing that a meal can be delicious as well been an integral part of traditional food medicine as healthy. The workshops give people a good forever. When you slow cook particular foods for experience of some of the practical aspects of a long period of time, you will draw out more healthy habits, food and lifestyle. We also cover of the nourishing qualities. Cooking food also important information about why and how to adds warmth to it, so if your system is cold or make healthy diet or lifestyle habit changes. deficient, then cooked food is called for. You can What do you enjoy cooking at the moment? add particular spices and herbs for warming too, Now that the weather is getting cooler, I'm and others for clearing. Some foods are naturally recreating some of my much loved soup recipes. cooling; for example, most fruits and food eaten Warming up on the inside really boosts our raw are always more cooling and cleansing to health over winter. Vegetable and herb based the body. broths create a good nutritional foundation for a Why is it important to have a healthy gut, variety of delicious meals. Chicken broth is also and how can we look after it? a favourite staple in my kitchen. And sauerkraut, Your gut is both the physical and energetic of course! Now it's cabbage season again, centre of your body, and the functioning of our there's going to be an abundance of fermented gut influences many processes within our body vegetables springing from my kitchen. and mind, including our immune system function Where can people find out more? and even our behaviour. If you have any questions or would like to Obesity, skin problems, diabetes, inflammation, discuss how a natural path to healing could work memory problems, even anxiety and emotional for you, contact me by phone on imbalances can have their roots in poor gut 0421 476 745 or email: health. We can improve our overall health greatly myhealthylifeproject@gmail.com by working with gut health. Eating simply and Or check out my website: naturally is a pretty good place to start. A lot of wholehealthsolutions.com.au people feel better when they simply start eating Thanks Rosa. less packaged and processed foods, especially

“

BodySOUL.

MIND

SEANCASEY. Mindless Float & Relaxation

Have you heard about these amazing float tanks we now have in our very own Sawtell?

BodySOUL.

MIND

Can you tell us a bit more about your personal experience with float tanks and how you come to open up your float tank business in Sawtell? For the past ten years I had been working in an extremely stressful job, and as a result of this continuous stress, I developed a severe case of depression. During this time, a decision was made that due to my mental health state and the nature of the job, I was unable to return to this type of employment. As I started to recover, I had to look at what I was going to do with my life. I had worked as an electrician during my time in the Navy, but still needed to complete some training to get my trade qualification. I was able to get a job as a solar installer and enjoyed the work, but was unable to get my qualification and was eventually laid off. This sparked another, more serious bought of depression, that took me to some very dark places. Again, as I started to recover with the incredible support of my family and friends, I had to look at how I was going to make a living. I had spent a lot of time online, researching various ways of dealing with depression and trying to implement these into my life. I came across Floatation Therapy and was interested

in the many benefits they offer. It's well known that stress and depression cause a number of health issues and I was suffering from many of them, so I thought I would give it a try. I was visiting family in Brisbane and visited a Floatation Centre. On the third float, I was talking to the owner, and he said that due to family reasons he was selling the business. I had thought about starting a float business, but as with many of my crazy ideas, never thought it would happen. But here I had an opportunity at the exact time I needed it and had to take it. I managed to get the money and buy the equipment. Then I had to learn what I needed to do to run a business. I called ETC for some assistance in writing a business plan I could take to the bank, and they offered a place on a short business course. This was extremely beneficial, and I learnt some valuable information. I was now in a position to forge ahead.

the float tank experience? There is an extensive body of research around the many benefits of Floatation. It is beneficial for addressing stress, anxiety and depression through the ability to switch off all input to the brain, while injuries, aches and pains are alleviated by taking all the pressure off the joints. We’ve included an extensive list of research article and some short videos on our website if you want to delve deeper into the incredible benefits. Wow that sounds incredible, for such amazing benefits it must be a pretty costly procedure. How much should we expect to pay to try it out? Floats are $70 for 1 hour, but there are plenty of deals and specials, the details of which are also available on our website. ONLY $70?! That’s unbelievable, I’m in! So when and how can we book ?

We were looking a setting up in the main street of Sawtell, but it didn't work out as planned, so we decided to set up at home.

We’re working as hard as we can to get the fit-out done, but we’re hoping to be open by the middle of July. If you follow us on Facebook at Mindless Float and Relaxation you can keep up to date on our progress.

So what sort of benefits does the process have? What sort of medical conditions would you expect to see benefiting from

For more information, visit mindlessfloatandrelaxation.com.au or follow us on Facebook.

coffs coast focus. 49

BodySOUL.

MIND

RetroPrep™ Colonoscopy Preparation BOWEL CANCER is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, a fter lung cancer. Colonoscopy is by far the best currently available tool for screening, prevention, early detection & surveillance of Bowel Cancer. Research shows that less than 50% of people 50 years of age or older are adequately screened for bowel cancer. Surveys of patients & clinicians show that Oral Bowel Preparation is by far the most objectionable aspect of a colonoscopy.

DIABETESINAUSTRALIA. Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st Century and the biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system. Facts about Diabetes: 280 Australians develop Diabetes every day. That’s one person every five minutes. Around 1.7 million Australians have Diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed Diabetes, as well as silent, undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition that attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It can develop at any age, but generally occurs in children and young adults. It cannot be prevented. Type 2 Diabetes is closely related to lifestyle factors and in many cases can be managed through diet, exercise and weight loss. Med-

ication often plays a key role as the disease progresses. This National Diabetes Week (July 9 - 16), please join Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse Coffs Harbour and Diabetes New South Wales to support people living with Diabetes and help find a cure. The Diabetes community is stronger if we stand together. If you live with the condition or love someone with Diabetes, visit Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, Coffs Harbour and speak to our Pharmacist about your Diabetic needs or concerns with a FREE consultation, and you may qualify to receive a FREE Blood Glucose Meter upgrade. We can also advise how you can become a member of Diabetes New South Wales and do all you can to stop Diabetes affecting you or your loved ones.

ORAL BOWEL PREPARATION (OBP) has the potential to cause significant adverse reactions in up to two thirds of patients & can include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, anal pain & irritation, sleep disturbances, dizziness & failure to complete the preparation. Failure to complete the preparation frequently causes inadequate visualization of the colon, an increase inprocedure risks, the likelihood of missing polyps or cancer & the need to repeat the preparation & the colonoscopy. OBP can also be unsafe. The most common serious complication is dehydration (fluid depletion) or water retention (water intoxication) with significant electrolyte imbalance especially in patients with any kidney, heart, liver or other diseases; keeping in mind that over 25% of adults 70 years of age or older have at least a moderately decreased kidney functions. Other reported potentially serious complications of OBP include arrhythmias (e.g. atrial fibrillation), falls & injuries, renal failure, seizures, several drug interactions, hypothermia, ischaemic & toxic colitis, oesophageal tear or perforation, pill malabsorption, aspiration pneumonia & acute pancreatitis. In the US, one to two individuals die from OBP each year. The Alternative is Retrograde Bowel Preparation. RetroPrep™ Colonoscopy Preparation is based on a TGA approved s afe & effective outpatient procedure currently used at a number of centres in Sydney, Melbourne & elsewhere. It involves one day of a clear fluid diet, 3 doses of gentle laxatives & 1 Hour enema preparation at the medical facility using double filtered purified warm water through a Canadian system & administered by one of our practice nurses or trained practitioners. RetroPrep™ is best performed as close as possible to the time of the colonoscopy. Special considerations include active inflammatory bowel disease, severe haemorrhoids, anal fissure or fistula, a large hernia & severe cardiac, renal or liver disease. RetroPrep™ is not safe in suspected bowel obstruction or perforation, pregnancy & recent bowel resection. There has been a small number of reports of electrolyte imbalance mainly low serum potassium which can be avoided. RetroPrep™ is an effective form of bowel preparation for colonoscopy that is safer and better tolerated than standard oral bowel preparation. THE GUT CLINIC Carolyn Fleming B Sc (Nursing) DIRCP, Cert Colon Hydrotherapy is a Nurse with 17 years of experience. She is a great believer in Integrative Medicine with an interest in the digestive system and nutrition. She has worked in the areas of Trauma and Healing and Drug and Alcohol Abuse. She has a Diploma in Community Recovery which has enabled her to work in collaboration with various organisations in developing opportunities for people to come together in a culturally safe manner to facilitate emotional and physical healing. Coupled with extensive experience in Mental Health, Carolyn’s interest in all “gut” matters, allows her to utilize various modalities to generate real health changes with a deeper understanding of the “big picture”. Her practice directly enhances self awareness and the making of appropriate lifestyle choices. COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY The colon is about 6 feet long. It’s the “garbage bin” or sewage. It recycles water and minerals and hosts a range of bacteria which are responsible for probably 80% of the function of the immune system and the making of vitamins B and K. The bowel wall also absorbs the byproducts of whatever is sitting in it; leftover food kept in a warm moist environment for a length of time; not a pretty picture! The average adult on a western diet carries between 2-12kg of impacted faecal matter in their colon. This is one of the reasons many of us struggle with excess weight, lack of energy, weak immune system, skin blemishes, headaches, bloating, abdominal discomfort, sinus problems and body odour to name a few! Colonic hydrotherapy removes faecal matter, tones the bowel walls and enhances overall bowel function. It is a safe, simple and intelligent approach to supporting the function of the colon.

For further information, doctors or patients can contact Southern Cross Medical Specialists. Suite G2 Specialist Medical Centre 343 Pacific Highway (PO Box 2244) Coffs Harbour NSW Australia 2450 T: 6658 4000 F: 6651 5250 W: scms.net.au

50 coffs coast focus.

BodySOUL.

MIND

DOUBLE CHIN.

LIVINGDOLL.

Getting rid of the dreaded “double chin“ without surgery!

Get Race Ready ... There is always a bit of a process around getting ready for the Coffs Gold Cup. For any woman, hair, makeup and the overall “beauty” look is what completes your racing outfit. It’s the thing that ties the dress, headpiece and accessories together - the last piece of the puzzle, so to speak.

The latest breakthrough in fat removal in the chin is the injection of “BELKYRA“ Deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. The double chin (submental fat) is a collection of fat below the Platysma muscle (a pair of muscles on the front and sides of the neck forming a “corset“ for the deeper structures in the neck) which causes significant distress to those affected, as it is a very obvious defect and adds to ageing of the face. After exhaustive trials in the USA, Belkyra is now available in Australia, strictly for use in reduction of submental fat. The treatment consists of three or four injections at two monthly intervals. Each injection takes about 30 minutes, and topical anaesthesia is used. As the removal is permanent, accurate injection of the drug into the submental fat is required. Patient selection is also important, as Belkyra works best for patients with moderate submental fullness and good skin tone. There is a small risk of side effects, but these are minimal and temporary. For more details, please contact us or go to our website.

The Premier Stylists at Living Doll are here to help. Styling is what we do! Whether you have a clear idea of what you want, or have no idea, we are here to help. Limited spots available, so book today. While getting your hair styled, enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne - what a way to start the day! For the month of July, get “RACE READY” with one of our colour and cut packages, starting from $137.50. They include ¼ head foils or all over colour, style cut and blow-dry, lash tinting and brow reshaping. We can customise our packages to suit you; call the salon on 6699 2122 for a quote. Just remember, when it comes to Coffs Cup, the most important thing is to be comfortable. If you are comfortable with what you are wearing and how your hair and makeup looks, then you will be confident. Life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be! XO Dolls.

coffs coast focus. 51

focus_technology

with Caroline Bleechmore, Cyber Safety Advocate

cyber mum. ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

CUTTING SCREEN TIME ... SAY NO TO YOURSELF!

LOCAL UNDERSTANDING

delivers

outstanding P H Y S I O

MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT HOW DIGITAL OVERLOAD CAN IMPAIR A CHILD’S SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH SO WITH THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS APPROACHING, I THOUGHT THIS MONTH I WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW TO CUT DOWN SCREEN TIME.

arents, you may not like me ... But generally we are often at fault, directly or indirectly, when children and teenagers become hooked on electronic media, playing video games or sending texts many hours a day, instead of interacting with the real world and the people in it. As parents, we have an opportunity to guide our kids so that they can learn habits that help them make use of the digital world, without being swallowed by it. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that for some reasons, today’s parents are unprepared to deal with the intense pull and highly addictive nature of what the online world has to offer. There are two common parental behaviours that can strongly influence a child’s tendency to abuse electronic media. 1. Some parents are perpetually tuned into their own devices, responding to every ping of their mobile phone and tablets, receiving and sending messages at times that would enrage us if it were our child. 2. Other parents fail to establish and enforce appropriate rules for media engagement by their children. Young children learn by example, often copying the behaviour of adults. I often see youngsters in prams or on foot with a parent who is chatting or texting on a mobile phone, instead of conversing with the children in their charge. Parents should think twice before using a mobile device when with their children. I suggest you try to make a conscious effort to check email and your social media before your children get up, while they are in school, or after they go to bed. Aside from the responsible parenting aspect, research has found that when parents are absorbed in their own devices, children are more likely to act out, apparently to get their parents’ attention. Experts are especially concerned about parental failure to pay full attention to their children at critical times of the day, like when taking children to and from school. This should be a mobile free zone for everyone - no Bluetooth for parents or devices for the kids. The pickup from school is a very important transitional time for kids - a time for them to download their day. Parents shouldn’t be saying, "Wait a minute; I have to finish this call". Likewise, when parents come home from work, they should walk in the door unplugged and use the first hour they are home as time to reconnect with the family. I strongly recommend that neither parents or

52 coffs coast focus.

children should be using devices when the family dines out; the art of dining and the connection between delicious food and nourishing conversation is being lost, not just in restaurants, but at home as well. Interestingly, medical experts attribute a 20 per cent increase in accidental injuries seen in pediatric emergency rooms due to parents’ failure to pay full attention to those they are supposed to be watching, like infants and toddlers in the bathtub or children at the playground. Your reaction time and attention is not the same when you’re texting or talking on a mobile phone. I encourage establishing device-free times of the day, like the first hour after school and the hour before bed and most importantly, mobile phones - including parents' - should not be allowed at the dinner table. Make time for real-life activities with your kids that let them know that they’re worth your time and undivided attention. Do things together that nourish your relationship. So with winter school holidays upon us, here are some ideas on things you can do as a family without technology: • Cook dinner together • Visit the local soup kitchen and help make dinner for the less fortunate • Do a jigsaw puzzle • Have a family picnic • Take a bike ride • Play frisbee • Go swimming • Play with your pet • Go to the park • Look through old family photo albums • Go bowling • Play hide and seek • Visit a relative • Find a grass hill and go sledding on some cardboard boxes • Have a family touch football game • Go ice skating • Go outside and take some fun family photos • Make a meal and surprise an elderly or sick neighbour • Play a board game or a game of cards • Build a fort or cubby indoors or outdoors • Hike through the bush • Shoot some hoops • Have a fire and roast marshmallows • Go fishing • Go for walk on the beach

results

With a fantastic climate, great lifestyle and friendly community, it’s no surprise that the Coffs Coast has become an attractive place for people seeking a sea change.

owever, it has often been noted that much of our younger local talent leaves the area to seek greater opportunity in metropolitan areas. Born and bred local Zade Goodenough has bucked that trend, to return to the area 18 months ago to join Mid North Coast Physio and bring his knowledge and skills in healthcare to those in need. Mid North Coast Physio Director Aaron Hardaker caught up with Zade, to find out more about what he is doing for the Coffs Coast community. Zade, tell us a little about your background? I have always loved sport from a very young age, and I’ve tried to participate in as many sports as possible. The sports I’ve loved most are those that include as many people as possible. The key for me was if the activity got you moving and feeling good about yourself, I loved it. When asked what kind of job I would like when I got older, I was attracted by the idea of helping people and I loved physical activity - so I put the two together and came up with physio. Once I became aware that so many people are limited from physical activity by pain, weakness and inflexibility, I knew I could help change that. Who can you help? • Athletes (social or competitive) - whether you are a weekend warrior, competing at state level or just enjoy going for a stroll, I can help you get back out there. • Injured workers - feel like work is stirring up the pain? Finding it hard to get through the day? I’ll help you get to the root of the problem and how to improve it. • Arthritic, worn out joints - can’t do the things you love because they stir up your arthritis? Do you have bone-on-bone? I can help you better manage it and get back to doing the things you love.

• Chronic pain - feel like you’ve been cut off from society, because pain is controlling your life? Come in and have it looked at and find out how to overcome it. • Don’t know what your injury is? - how often have you heard people give you medical advice who have no medical experience but who have had a vaguely similar pain in a similar area to you? Come to the professionals and find out - don’t listen to Joe Blow at the golf club, or Dr Google - let me have a look at your issue personally. Why choose you as my Physiotherapist? As mentioned above, I’m passionate about getting you moving and feeling good about yourself. How often have you been asked to go have a social game of tennis, a game of touch footy or a simple walk with a friend, and you haven’t been able to because a painful body part has let you down? Today, where it’s becoming harder to find the time to get some physical activity in, we don’t need to be further limited by little things like a musculoskeletal injury. I have an extensive repertoire of skills that can help you manage your musculoskeletal injuries. I am certified as Level Three in GEMt Dry Needling and I regularly perform this technique, along with deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation and other manual techniques. I love being able to get you back to doing the things you love, whether it is as simple as picking up a teacup or playing in a grand final. If you need help with an injury or niggle, no matter how large or small, Mid North Coast Physio is offering 10 FREE physiotherapy assessments with Zade to get you on the road to recovery. Call 1300 273 747 NOW to secure your spot and avoid missing out.

INSPIRATIONAL FITNESS INTERVIEW

DIANESCANLAN 69 YEAR OLD RETIREE, WHO RECENTLY DECIDED TO INITIATE HER LIFESTYLE IMPROVEMENT QUEST ... AND IS SMASHING IT.

Thank you for such a positive response to last month’s story about Janie Taverner. This month we are catching up with Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina Member Diane Scanlan, to hear her inspiring story.

hy did you decide to change your lifestyle? I decided to change my exercise routine and lifestyle to help improve my fitness. One day when I was driving home from town, I noticed a sign out the front out the club advertising a first-time free trial and decided to call in and try it out. Before you joined Coffs Coast Health Club, what was your exercise background? Before joining Coffs Coast Health Club, I took regular walks along Boambee Beach, did ballroom dancing and gardening to keep myself active and busy, but felt like I needed more. We all need to work on our fitness, strength and flexibility; not just one of them. How has that lifestyle change given you a better quality of life? Since changing my lifestyle and joining Coffs Coast Health Club, I have so much more energy. I can now run around all day without needing to take a nap, and I feel more motivated in all areas of my life. My exercise routine has made me feel calmer, more relaxed, yet full of energy and on top of the world. Going to these classes has also given me a rich social life; I love that I have the opportunity to mix with people of all ages and everyone is friendly and happy to talk to you. What are your health and fitness goals?

When I joined the gym, my goals were to get fitter and build muscle tone. I started with the 50+ classes and from there, I asked one of the instructors if she thought I would manage a pump class; she told me to start off by only using light weights or just the bar, so I did. How has Coffs Coast Health Club assisted you in reaching those goals? I have reached my goals of gaining muscle strength with the help, support and encouragement of staff at Coffs Coast Heath Club. I now attend up to five classes every day and wish to continue to feel the way I do now. Without the wonderful instructors, I would not be where I am now. What goals have you set for the future? I enjoy all the gym’s classes and wish to continue to participate in pump and attack classes for as long as I can. What is the most useful advice you could share with others? It is very important that you don’t be afraid to ask for help from the instructors or any of the other staff, if you are struggling with anything. They are all very friendly and happy to help. If you haven’t tried a gym, call in and try this one, because you will love it. Thanks for sharing, Diane, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, drop in to see the team at either Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina or Moonee, to get started today! coffs coast focus. 53

54 coffs coast focus.

JULY 2017

with Terri

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

You are embarking on a journey of emotional self discovery. By reflecting yourself in others, you will notice your own strengths to be proud of, and your weaknesses needing attention and change. Loving yourself and not judging yourself will assist you enormously. Rose Quartz is the crystal of self love.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 To satisfy some of your restless energy, try to become a little more physically focused. Do some rigorous exercise and sweat out the frustration. Fill your mind with empowering compliments at least five times a day for the next few weeks, and see the difference you will make for the better. Turquoise is the crystal of empowerment.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 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.

TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

A more comfortable ownership of your reality can be anticipated, as you venture towards 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.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

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.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

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.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Listen to your wise words that catch your attention when you are counselling others, as these are the words you are most needing to hear. Be kind to yourself in thought, as you may be vulnerable at entertaining negative self thoughts. As your mind is currently creating the steps you will be walking in a few months, kind thoughts now will ensure a more rewarding future. Clear quartz empowers us.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Time for change is at hand. Set some goals and if fears spring up, don’t be afraid to take hold of them and reshape them so you are in control of them. If you don’t clear your fears, they could present potential sabotage for a rewarding change. Find something to stimulate your mind at the moment to break bad habits of negative self thoughts. Turquoise is great for self esteem.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 If you are feeling suspended at present, try reflecting on the last twelve months and release any undigested emotions. You are approaching big changes, as you are discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of your life is at present and the more negativity you release from your past, the more rewarding your future will be. Jade is great for self worth and healing.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 Love yourself as much as you can in every way, so you know you deserve the best of the best. You are freeing yourself from any patterns that are self depreciating, to ensure you will have wonderful rewards in the near future. Avoid sharing your weaknesses or faults with others, as this only humiliates you. Self love will attract beautiful rewards. Turquoise is great for self esteem.

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

Try not to be challenged by feeling different or not knowing where you fit in. You are a natural born leader of people and in order to guide others, you will need to stand out, or they wouldn’t notice you. Hear your wise words that catch your attention, as these same words will be the answers to your dilemmas. Danburite is wonderful for channelling.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

You are gifted at manifesting. If you can acknowledge this talent and be grateful to yourself for this special gift, you will enhance your ability and discover even more good luck in life. Try regular goal setting and see what a powerhouse at this you are. Think about what you want and then fill your being with the excitement of having it, and then forget it with gratitude. Citrine attracts an abundance.

coffs coast focus. 55

CarolE Beros from Le Dāin Designs

Halle McManus, Nate McManus, Brooke McManus, Lorraine McManus

Sophie Keough, Vicki Perry, Lincoln Perry, Stephanie Perry

Brad Vines, Tammy Locke, Sarah Hannaford, Rebecca Atkins, Drew Vines, Justen Beashel

Kathy and Michael Beattie

Hollinsworth Family

Hayden Twitch David, Jonathan Beattie, Craig Patterson, Josh Lovett Cragg

Bernie and Ruth Brownlow, Jonathan Beattie, Laura Beattie

BWN Event

Ian Holdaway, Jonathon Beattie

SOCIAL/SCENE

he good thing about the cooler weather is that most people get a whole recharge of energy, as our 100% humidity is exhausting! It doesn’t mean it all slows down here, just because there has been a change of seasons! Quite the opposite, in fact! Festivals, race days and charity events are in full swing. So many businesses and volunteers donate their time, energy and product to raise funds for various charities up here on the Coffs Coast. We are very generous and very proud of it! One of the charities we would like to mention is the Local C.ex Group Sleep Out. This certainly ties in with the “colder weather” topic I opened with. Imagine sleeping out in the cold in this weather! Not for just one night … Every night! The C.ex Sleep Out is taking place on Wednesday 28th June at the C.ex Stadium. Members representing St George Bank on a local level are Trudy Thomson, Nicole Milsome, Sarah Castle and Paul Murray. They will join the fundraisers, brave the cold conditions and raise funds to support this great cause, assisting the homeless in the Coffs Harbour community. All funds from this event will be donated to: Bridging the Gap Community Services, Men’s Resource Centre, Home for Heroes and Warina Women and Children’s Refuge. The Coffs Harbour Racing Carnival is on the

56 coffs coast focus.

IT IS FINALLY TIME TO PULL OUT THE WINTER CLOTHES! IT’S NOT EXACTLY ABOUT TO SNOW HERE ON THE COFFS COAST, BUT IT’S DEFINITELY CHILLY!

horizon, and the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup is certainly one of our most popular events of the year. Shooting the front cover is a mini event for the FOCUS family in itself! Nicci, Lisa (our new photographer) and I met up at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club to set the scene for the front cover. Being the front cover fashion stylist for covers like this is an absolute dream. We teamed up with Living Doll Premier Stylists for the hair, and Barb Ellis from La Fleur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser & Medispa for the makeup artistry. Models for the shoot were fab couple Max Wood and Emma Binns. Big millinery played a starring role on the day, which was provided by talented milliner Cynthia JonesBryson, who is stocked at our store Le Dãin Designs in Sawtell. The wind got a bit woolly, but the images turned out amazing! To warm yourself up a tad, we would highly recommend you trot down to the ever popular Sawtell Chilli Festival. The event is staged on Fig Lined First Avenue in Sawtell on Saturday 1st July. This is always fun for the whole family, with entertainment, interesting stalls and delicious dishes to tantilise your taste buds! Actually, it can do more than tantalise ... It can blow your chops off, depending on how daring you are with the chilli component! We attended the Camp Quality “Comics on the Run” at the Sawtell RSL just recently. FOCUS was one of the sponsors for the event. They

do say “laughter is the best medicine”, well ... This night didn’t disappoint! When chatting to major sponsors Chris and Kerry Hines from Unrealestate just recently, they informed me that $18,000 was raised from the event, which will provide in-hospital support for 13 children for an entire year who have been diagnosed with cancer on the Mid North Coast. This is another example of how big our hearts can be on a fundraising level. Another annual charity event saw people step out to support the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters Coffs Coast Charity Walk and Super Hero Stride. The walk took off from Moonee Beach Reserve first thing last Sunday morning. The fun side saw young and older dressed up in their favourite super hero get ups and walk for the cause. There was even a pre event Super Hero Show at the Harbourside Markets. The whole Coffs Coast FOCUS team attended a BWN luncheon event, which was held at the Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort. I must say, it was a lot easier to attend a lunch than an early morning breakfast! This is only because I am a bit of a night owl, but for morning birds, it isn’t a problem. Aside from the delicious lunch catered by the resort, we had our very own Louise Beaumont of FOCUS, who was the guest speaker for the event. The talk “selling better, not more” drew in the crowds, and the event was a sell out! Louise is the Sales Manager and

founder of FOCUS. She touched on how she started out in the hospitality industry and led us through the various occupations she had been involved with in the past and the experience she gained to end up running the successful FOCUS. She stated the groundwork for FOCUS was started eleven years ago, and the business is still growing to this day. The next meeting will be the “Christmas in July”, being staged at the Coffs C.ex. This will be a sit down dinner and cabaret night. The guest speaker for the event will be the Hon Melinda Pavey, NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight. Don’t miss out! We attended one of the TAFE apprenticeship finals night events just recently. These evenings are staged at the “Osprey Restaurant” which is located at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus. Jonothan Beattie, who is one of the young apprentice chefs, was completing his final exam function at the TAFE. The pressure was on, as approximately 60 guests were seated ready to enjoy a five course meal. It was definitely restaurant quality, and I would like to wish this local young chef all the best. Well done. Here is to …. Making the most out of the good stuff … Carole, Le Dãin Designs.

CarolE Beros from Le DÄ in Designs

Nichole Milsome, Sarah Castle, Trudy Thomson

Nichole Milsome, Sarah Castle, Cale Simmonds, Trudy Thomson

Bonnie Cappell, Louise Beaumont

Nicci Secombe, Madonna Bannerman

Melissa Ellis, Peter Siri

Tori Clark, Megan Howard

Sally Petersen, Nicole Bradley

Jos Binns, Alice Williams

Tanya Watts, Vicky Bamford

Kyle Calder, Mel Crossland, Carla Marchant, Simone Saunders

Prue Whoo, Alison

James Robinson, Natalie Hunt

Kerry Hines, Barry Horwarth, Chris Hines, Rob Caldwell

Kerry Hines, Julie McNally, Julie Jardine, Michael Basa, Loretta Rigby

Marshall Emmanuel, Pippa Bond

Geoff Basing, Lisa Brindley

Camp Quality Vikunteers

Hannah and Melissa from Camp Quality

coffs coast focus. 57

58 coffs coast focus.

coffs coast focus. 59

NOVASKILL coffs Harbour

NEX US

CON The one-day pop culture enthusiasts strike again! Two years ago, the region’s first one day pop culture enthusiast festival launched in Coffs Harbour. The Nexus Con (originally known as Level UP!) has had a great response from the community.

t is a fun, affordable and inclusive day. It has the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere that anime and comic conventions are known for. 1,500 people have attended so far. Will you join us in 2017?

If you are interested in activities like Cosplay, Doctor Who, Lord of the Rings, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Video Games of all genres, Table Top, D&D, Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Anime, Manga, LARP, Fan Fiction - this is the

Everyone is welcome at the Nexus Con being held at the Coffs Harbour Showground on Saturday 29 July (10am ‘til 5pm). Tickets are $15 from the Mid Coast Communities website (www.midcc.org.au). Discounted kids’ and families’ tickets are available. This event is unique in our region, and our bus can pick up travellers who want to attend from Taree, Port Macquarie and Kempsey - you will find information about this on the tickets page.

event for you!

Nexus Con is the brainchild of a group of young people known as Nexus HQ, who with the support of Mid Coast Communities and other local youth services, wanted to bring like-minded people together so they could connect with each other and share their interest in all things pop culture.

Yu-Gi-Oh tournament was fun! I love duelling

Once the gates open, young people and families can enjoy a range of activities, including an adults Cosplay competition, a children’s costume parade, video game tournaments, tabletop gaming, zombie extraction runs, guest panels, Quidditch and Live Action Role Play (LARP).

always a place to fit in.”

We are excited to be hosting international guest Cosplay duo Jin (behindinfinity) and Miguel (merkymerx) from the Philippines this year. There will also be authors and professional gamers and over 30 stalls to check out, including games sellers, collectables, food and face painting.

businesses for helping to make this event a

60 coffs coast focus.

Feedback from past attendees is that this is a great way to bring everyone together, with a great atmosphere. Attendees love being part of a big gathering of people who share similar interests. People enjoy the activities, the competitions, the stalls and meeting new people. • “Well, I enjoyed the fact that so many people joined in, and the cosplay was amazing! Also, the new people.” • “Thank you for hosting this event! It made so many people happy, and I’m sure a great number of people were amazed to find out just how many like-minded people there are, and there’s

Nexus HQ and Mid Coast Communities would like to thank all the generous sponsors, including Coffs Harbour City Council, headspace, Coffs Coast Autism and other organisations and local success. Find out more on the Facebook Page (facebook. com/NexusPopCultureCon) or Mid Coast Communities website (www.midcc.org.au)

UNDERSTANDING the philosophy that an organisation’s strength is in its people, Novaskill and Sawtell Catholic Care for the Aged have partnered to address the growing need for skilled staff in aged care. In a first for Coffs Harbour, these two businesses have combined resources to address the predicted demands on the aged care industry, as our population ages and people live longer. Aged care is one of the biggest growth industries in Australia, and a high percentage of the workforce is ageing themselves and will be retiring in the next 10 years. “In regional areas especially, it’s not easy to keep up with the demand for skilled staff,” said Michelle Royce, SCCA communications co-ordinator. “We need carers who have specific skills and qualities to deliver the highest quality of person-centred care to our residents. Many of these skills and qualities develop over time.” To remove the “experience gap” between studying and starting work in aged care, SCCA has partnered with Novaskill to train students on-site at Mater Christi Aged Care Facility, giving them first-hand experience all the way through their course, resulting in candidates more equipped to begin work. “You could say we’re growing our own workforce,” she said. The first intake of students are about to graduate with their Certificate III in Individual Support, and their trainer is pleased with the result. “We are just coming to the end of our first intakes, and they will pass with flying colours. One has already been employed by SCCA’s Mater Christi Aged Care facility,” said Sharon Bruce, a trainer with Novaskill. This is the first time a partnership like this has been developed in Coffs Harbour, and the students are loving it; the feedback has been

fantastic. “Having a training room at the facility and being involved with residents gives the students valuable insight into what goes on in an aged care facility and provides hands-on experience. “Their practical work includes assisting with the personal care of residents and also experiencing shift work. The residents soon learn students’ names and have been taking a keen interest in their progress.” It’s difficult to say who is getting the better deal out of this partnership - the students or the residents. Ellen and Harley are two of nine students about to graduate, and both are looking forward to rewarding careers in aged care. “I found it all a bit daunting at first,” Harley said. “There was a lot to learn and take in but once I settled in, I felt very comfortable.” Before starting the course, Ellen had never been inside an aged care facility. “When I started, I wasn’t exactly sure sure what to expect,” Ellen said. “It is wonderful to have the hands-on experience, and I leave here every day with a smile on my face, so this is definitely my calling.” The next intake of students will be in June. “We welcome people from all backgrounds with an interest in a career in aged care to come along to the next information session,” Ms Bruce said. “Whether you are straight out of school, looking for a change of career or have years of life skills, you can bring something different to the job.” The team from SCCA and Novaskill work together to ensure students selected for study will be the best candidates for employment in the aged care sector.

Train With the best An innovative training model delivered by the 2016 NSW Small Training Provider of the Year, Enterprise & Training Company Limited (ETC), is leading to jobs across the Mid North Coast. ETC’s General Manager Training and Business Services Karen Busby said WORKIT was designed to provide students with an opportunity of “learning by doing”, instead of the traditional classroom and workbook method.

MCDONALD’S COMMUNITY INITIATIVES MCDONALD’S IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AND LOCAL GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE NSW MID NORTH COAST COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR JUNIOR GRANTS PROGRAM.

ne of the most vital times of a child’s life is in their early childhood, when every new experience holds the potential to create an enriching and educational upbringing. Established in 1976, Toormina Community Preschool has been providing quality care and education on a not-for-profit basis and were granted the McDonald’s Junior Grant. While the local community school of 65 children (annually) exhausted their funds with the construction of their newly established purpose room, the school comfortably moved forward with their recent grant approval, which assisted the school to achieve their long-term, community-driven goals. One of the school’s goals was to enable the preschool to connect local parents with local services to support them in their parenting skills, by offering regular events in their new building. Toormina Community Preschool intend to host guest speakers, community health support events, and other training opportunities. Additional projects were achieved with the help of the McDonald’s Junior Grant, such as computer and related IT equipment, along with a new projector, to enhance creativity and enable education and training opportunities for the children and their families. The value of community involvement within a child’s life is priceless, and, families who engage in community events experience a heightened sense of connection. By supporting and raising the morale of the local community, the children on the Mid North Coast can better realise and reach their potential in a supportive and engaging environment. Another triumphant group in the local area are the Under 7s Eagles and the Under 10s Kookaburras teams from the Orara Valley

Hockey Club. Approximately 16 children make up the teams and will be rapt with their new winter warmers, as the club was able to treat the teams to new uniforms and jackets, just in time for the winter season.

“It’s a great model that provides students with a greater level of practical skills, increased confidence by having their trainer educate them in the workplace and a valuable insight into what it’s like working in various industries, including Aged Care, Hospitality, Retail and Child Care,” Ms Busby said. “One of the key benefits for employers is that they have an opportunity to hand select the best fit for their team when recruiting for new staff, and it’s worked particularly well for Mid North Coast employers such as Ohana Early Learning, McDonald’s, Coles, Woolworths and Uniting Care.”

ETC also offers a range of short courses for people looking for work, employees wanting to upskill, industry professionals, novices and those of you who are somewhere in between. These courses include: • RSA - Provide responsible service of alcohol (SITHFAB002) • RCG - Provide responsible gambling services (SITHGAM001) • Food Safety Supervisor (SITSS00051) • Safe Food Handling (SITXFSA001) • Provide First Aid (HLTAID003) If you’ve been thinking about starting your own business, you should also consider ETC’s new Explore Being My Own Boss workshops. Fully subsidised by the Australian Government, the two week program includes workshops on the following topics: Getting Started; Branding and Design; Sales and Marketing; and Finance. For further information, visit ETC’s website at www.etcltd.com.au or phone 1800 007 400 and speak to one of our friendly training team members.

When we think of sport in general, it is important to remember that group sports are often embedded with group fun and the learning of social skills; however, individual sports are often quite challenging on the participating

Train with the best!

sportsman. Kye Reid, a successful 17 year old NSW State Champion, who also holds the ACT State Champion title for the 17 - 24 year old’s Men’s Challenge, understands that BMX racing at an elite level takes a great deal of commitment and determination. Kye returned

Small class sizes Training in industry hospitality, retail, business and community services

from the Australian Championships with the good news of qualifying for the 2017 BMX World Championships in South Carolina, America. To pursue Kye’s dream of competing at an international level, the McDonald’s Junior Grant will enable Kye to race in America at the World Championships. “Kye just turned 17, and to be racing against the best in the 17 - 24 men’s category in the world is an outstanding achievement,” Justin Reid stated. Success is in abundance on the Coffs Coast, as Georgia and Keaan recently came second in their Pentathlon events at Perth, which awarded the Sawtell athletes each with the opportunity to represent Australia at the World Youth Championships in Prague, followed by the Oceania Youth Championships in Japan in September. If you are a child or group who needs assis-

Visit our website for our training calendar and 2017 Course Guide

EXPLORING

BEING MY

OWN BOSS

2 WEEK COURSE

tance with your sporting, academic, cultural or community project, we want to hear from you. Jump on the Grants website and apply today:

etcltd.com.au 1800 007 400

RTO 6998

www.maccasjuniorgrant.com.au. coffs coast focus. 61

toormina PRIMARY

Opportunity Classes (OC) cater for high achieving academically gifted Year 5 and 6 students. These students are placed in a class together and given the opportunity to work with peers at their own academic and social level. Toormina Public School is one of the 76 primary schools in NSW that offers an OC for students. he Opportunity Class at Toormina Public School complements the outstanding teaching and learning programs evident across the whole school. Our Opportunity Class provides a stimulating learning environment that involves students participating in cooperative project based learning. The OC offers a highly engaging curriculum and

62 coffs coast focus.

promotes a growth mindset where students set personal learning goals. Students are taught by a specialist classroom teacher, Mrs Harmonie DalBon, who provides students with individualised learning programs to cater to their academic, social and emotional needs. Students in the Opportunity Class enjoy creative educational activities and are exposed to the curriculum in greater depth and at a faster

pace than mainstream Year 5 and 6 classes. conference with other schools when we are Students also access a variety of additional learndebating, and it is awesome! - Jess Wilson ing experiences, which include movie making, I like working with all the unique people in my Tournament of the Minds, debating, specialist class. I have made some really good friends here. workshops, virtual excursions, coding and video - Mason Curlis. conferencing. Students can bring their own deI like the OC, because it has a bring your own vice (laptops) to class each day. device policy, which means you can do your Class placement is based work on the computer or iPad - and I on the results of the Oplove technology! - Liam Gates. portunity Placement test I like the OC, because we do a rs and students’ school fun homework and we can fe The OC of ng gi ga reports. Applications upload it, whenever we want, en highly opr d an for the 15 places to Google classroom. - Harry um curricul din m th ow gr available for 2018 a Kramer. motes ts have closed for I think the OC is an inspiset where studen ng ni ar le this year; however, rational class and so much set personal go als.” students in Year 4 fun to be in, and I like to be in 2018 will have the able to work independently. – opportunity to apply in Sofia McMillen. April next year. I like all the opportunities we Our Opportunity Class at get in our class. It is different to all the Toormina has a range of new students other schools and classes I’ve seen. – Lillian each year from schools across the Coffs Howarth. Coast. We can only offer 15 placements I really like to do homework, because you get each year to students entering Year 5. These to do projects and it is really fun. I have made a places are highly sought after, as students strive lot of new friends this year too. – Lily Hundleby. to be selected for this class. Parents of interested Year 4 students (2018) Students from our Opportunity Class reveal are encouraged to contact the school and speak what they love most about being in our class at to our Principal, Mr Michael Hepi, or our OC Toormina Public School. teacher, Mrs Harmonie Dal-Bon. We are more I love all the opportunities I get, like debating than happy to arrange a personalised tour of our and Tournament of the Minds. We get to video 21st Century learning spaces.

“

coffs coast focus. 73

Liz Stevens, Proprietor and Paul Marshall, Coordinator of the new Grafton Centre

Coffs Harbour’s Education Centre celebrated its thirteenth year in business last month, and owner Liz Stevens says she could not be prouder - both of the dedicated staff and of the many students who have passed through its doors. We asked Liz what has made the centre so successful. t’s a combination of things. Yes, there’s a lot of hard work and - for me - late nights and weekends … Like any small business owner faces. But, most of all, it’s the people we have here. Our tutors are just amazing. They have a real love for what they do and, like most teachers, all the preparation and research that goes on in their own time makes a huge difference to the success of our students. We’ve also been very responsive to changes in the delivery of education and pedagogy. Changes? Can you expand on that? Well, while every desk has a computer on it, we also specialise in learning by traditional methods such as using reference books, learning how to undertake independent research, as well as literacy and numeracy activities. These are particularly important now, with the introduction of higher standards of literacy and numeracy for Year Nine and above students who wish to sit for their HSC. What exactly is that about? From 2018, students must pass the Year Nine NAPLAN test at a Band 8 or higher in order to qualify to receive their HSC at the end of year 12. Mind you, if they don’t achieve that grade at their first attempt - and it’s about a 70% pass mark - they’ll be able to re-sit the test online in Years 10 and 11. Consequently, we have been gearing up our tutors to specialise in literacy and numeracy to help students to pass first time or, failing that, to help those who need to re-take the online test. 64 coffs coast focus.

development. There’s a strong focus on HSC success. How can the Education Centre help with that? Such as? Well, this is something I’m really excited about. Just Acting, stagecraft and art are very popular, and these this year, we have begun to compile a specialist are areas that build confidence and self-esteem HSC initiative, where our top tutors are in spades. We also have some wonderful pooling their skills and resources tutors who cover life skills needed for to the HSC Learning Hub. These independent living for students with resources are text and topic If a parent has special needs and other young eir focused so, for example, if a identified that th people who - for whatever ou ble student is learning a specific child is having tr r reason - are not able currently to , fo with their maths Shakespeare play or a particun ca rs attend school on a regular basis. to example, our tu lar novel or poet, we can offer on ng si cu There seems to be so much respond by fo intense study guidance in that arning going on ... the skills and le ild one text. Naturally, we cover practices that ch There is indeed - but it’s taken .” many other academic subjects, ed ne ld wou these 13 years to get to this point. too, like History, Geography, the I’m just so pleased to be expandSciences and Languages. We can ing all the time. We have an office in even help with Business Studies and Woolgoolga, too, and will be opening one in Engineering. Grafton in July. What about younger students, though? What That must be very exciting. Liz, if there is one can they get from the centre? thing you could say - one message - about your It’s all about individual attention, which is specifefforts at The Education Centre, what would it be? ically tailored to their needs. If a parent has identified That, no matter whether your child is gifted or strugthat their child is having trouble with their maths, for gling, in private or in public school, individual one-onexample, our tutors can respond by focusing on the

“

skills and learning practices that child would need. We conduct our own in-house assessments, too, so that we can discover both their problem areas and their potential. But it’s not all hard work - we have fun learning activities too, which are more focused on personal

one and small group tuition can truly be an amazing gift to help your child start their journey towards adulthood. It is never, ever wasted. Thanks Liz. Call 6652 2222 for all enquiries.

coffs coast focus. 65

focusinterview.

FIRSt aid COURSES Can you tell us a bit more about your day to day job and how you come to open First Aid Courses Coffs Harbour? I transferred from Tamworth 5 years ago and had a first aid business out there and decided to open one in Coffs. Having 17 years experience as a Paramedic allows me to deliver the courses and instill confidence in people on how to do first aid. What about the convenient after hours services you have available? This is a unique feature of our business. We are able to fit in with our clients needs to minimize disruption to their workplace. We come to them at a time and date that suits them at no extra cost. (minimum of 7 people) What first aid courses can you offer to businesses? in particular Child Care Centers and Family Day Cares? We can offer the most up to date nationally recognised courses. How can people find out more information or book in? visit www.firstaidcoursescoffsharbour.com.au call 1300 625 000 or find us on facebook under first aid courses Coffs Harbour.

66 coffs coast focus.

Leith Watkins Karangi Public School 125th Birthday

On Sunday 10th June 2017, Karangi Public School celebrated its 125th birthday. FOCUS spent some time chatting to 90 year old past student and lifetime P&C Association member Leith Watkins about what it was like to attend the school in the 1930s, how things have changed, and the fight to keep Karangi Public School open. hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I was born in the Karangi area in 1927 and attended the Karangi Public School. My grandfather came up from Sydney to buy a farm on a horse and dray. He started the dairy farm, then my father took over, and I took over from him in the 1960s. Can you share some memories of your time at primary school? In those days, it was a wooden building with one classroom and a smaller room for other activities. We had a garden as a part of the school. There was one for the boys and one for the girls, and the headmaster would come around and give marks for the best garden each week. We grew mostly lettuce and vegetables, and the girls grew mostly flowers. In the summertime it was very dry, so the boys had to cart buckets of water up the hill from the creek for both gardens. I looked forward to sports, mainly cricket. Mr James was a very good cricketer, and we made a half cricket pitch in the school grounds by hand. We dug out the fine dirt from white ants nests in the paddocks, and used it to make the pitch. We didn’t wear a uniform, unless we went out for sport. Our colour was purple, and we had a white singlet with a purple K on the front and back.

Secretary etc. and we learned how to We always had a school concert at conduct formal meetings. I was President the end of the year. Mr James got us all of that for a time, and then as an adult involved in some way. We dressed up and became President of the actual P&C did skits, and the mothers would come Association. down to the school and make all the At one point when I was President, costumes. I liked singing and dancing, there were only nine students at the and I was best at reciting poems. school. It was in danger of closing They were good days. There was down, and we had to plead a very friendly atmosphere. with the inspector to stay How has the school open. We realised that changed since you if the school closed, were a student? We always had t it would have taken The biggest a school concer year a fair bit to get it change is what at the end of the all us ... Mr James got open again. the kids have . e way involved in som The P&C had to learn with. d di d We dressed up an rs special meetings We had a pen he ot skits , and the m and parents in and pencil to n w do would come all e the area also and a ruler. The ak m d an ol the scho rallied around, school desk had the costumes ...” until we managed to inkwells in them, get enough students, and you had to be in at and they finally granted us least 3rd form before we permission to keep the school used the ink. We had a projector, open. and movie reels were sent from the What does it mean to you that the Education Department. We also Karangi Public School is still going learned spelling, reading and history over nearly 90 years since you were a the radio. student there? Are there any lessons learned that I think it’s certainly a good thing for the have stuck with you since then? district. There are a lot more people living Respect for others and good manners, in the area now, because a lot of the especially respect for your elders. farms have been subdivided. The school You were made a life member of the and teachers got a pretty good name, P&C Association. Can you tell us more and people were even coming from about your involvement? Coffs to attend. It nearly died out, but it’s When I was a student, Mr James got started over again. us to make a junior P&C, which was Thanks Leith. properly set up and run with a President,

“

focus_travel

with Kerry Moss from Quadrant Travel

FIJI THE HEART OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC Fiji is blessed with 333 tropical islands and with a flight time of 3½ hours from Brisbane, it’s no wonder it’s one the most popular Pacific island holidays for Australian families and couples looking for a tropical paradise. Choose from a diverse range of accommodation, from exclusive 5 star resorts through to hostels, or if budget is not an issue, then book an entire island just for yourself. Fiji has somewhere to suit everyone. As many of the readers know, I delicately balance the needs of a family holiday versus an adult getaway. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Fiji could satisfy both, with family friendly resorts on the Coral Coast, action packed adventures available in the Mamanuca Island, and exclusive couple-only resorts with luxurious overwater Bures that remind me of the more expensive options of Tahiti and the Maldives. Further off the beaten track, there is still some traditional culture to be found, but rarely are those travelling to Fiji searching for it. Travellers

are hypnotised by the white sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees, pristine oceans and coral reefs waiting to be explored. It really is a water activity mecca; snorkel, dive, surf or kayak the pristine oceans, white-water raft the clear and clean waterways, cruise the ocean around the mainland and outer Fiji Islands or if you need a break from the water, trek through the rainforests or visit the welcoming villages and experience sustainable living with a unique culture and history. If you need extra incentive to visit, then ask someone about the Fijian hospitality. The Fijian people are welcoming, affectionate and sincere. They don’t operate on the same time schedule that the city dwellers do and as a result, travellers find themselves slipping into ”Fijian time” quickly upon arrival. After all, it is the Fijian way! Fiji is an ideal winter holiday, with warm, dry sunny days throughout May to September. Drop in to see the team at Quadrant Australia in Vernon St, Coffs Harbour to find out about the latest deals.

is a group tour for you? EVER WONDERED IF TRAVELLING IN A GROUP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? KERRY MOSS FROM QUADRANT TRAVEL GIVES YOU HER TOP 10 BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING ON A GROUP TOUR.

You’ll gain valuable local knowledge and get access to things that you can’t do on your own. Whether it’s lunch in a 14th Century castle or knowing which street is the safest to walk on, being in a group allows you to learn from those who have travelled the path before you. 2. You can save money. Tour operators such as Quadrant Australia have access to group airfares and discounted hotel rates. When a company is able to purchase a larger number of rooms, they can get it for a cheaper price than if you were to book one room on your own. These savings are then passed on to you. Better still, share the cost of your room with a suitably matched person on the tour. 3. You can relax. Some say that when you travel as a group, you can leave the worry behind. You don’t need to think about flight times, travel routes and restaurant bookings; it’s all done for you in advance. Navigating red tape on your own can be exhausting, especially when you don’t know the language or customs. 4. Your time is precious. So you get your annual three week holiday and you start planning it, an hour here and there and before you know it, you’ve forgotten to pick the kids up from school because you were too busy researching how to get from Rome airport to your centrally located Rome hotel. Professional tour companies do this for a living; they know when, where and how much, and it takes them a quarter of the time to find it. 5. You’ll share first-time experiences with some-

one else. Nothing nicer than trekking to the top of a mountain and turning to the person beside you and saying, “We did that!” Sharing your experience with old and new friends enhances your holiday. 6. You’ll practice patience. Travelling with a group can be a selfless practice; you’ll share your space, you may compromise on timings, and you might need to give up the front seat of the coach occasionally. You don’t need to see this as a negative - quite the opposite. It’s a good reminder of worthwhile life skills 7. You’ll meet different people from different places. People who travel in groups connect with others they may not have otherwise. These meetings can result in lifelong friendships or might just teach us tolerance, both nationally and globally, but either way you’re better for it. 8. Food tastes better with friends. Don’t get me wrong; I’m comfortable dining on my own in a crowded restaurant, but nothing beats the laughter as you learn to use chopsticks together eating noodles in Shanghai. Being with a group gives you courage. I’m not sure I would have eaten jellyfish or haggis had I not been “encouraged” (some may say “pressured”!) by my new friends. 9. Safety in numbers. Need I say more? 10. No need to argue over directions any more. Be it in a bus, train or plane, you can be assured that your group travel program will be well managed. Sit back and relax and let someone else drive for a while. It might even save your marriage! Happy (group) travels … coffs coast focus. 67

focus_tourism

with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast

tourism UPDATE

Big & Beautiful Old bottlebutt

FROM BEACH TO BUSH THE TOURISM INDUSTRY ON THE COFFS COAST IS COMING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE REGION’S WORLD-CLASS NATURAL EXPERIENCES, FROM BEACH TO BUSH.

istorically, the tourism promoThe detailed, quality information provided by tion for the Coffs Coast has this team of local professionals and hobbyists, been built largely around our supported by captivating imagery and visual attractions and beaches. Last elements, will create dynamic new content year, the Coffs Coast Strategic for visitors and locals. This exciting, shareable Tourism Plan 2020, developed by consultants in content will extend across digital and social cooperation with Council and the industry-led media platforms, and can be utilised by all local Destination Coffs Coast Committee, identified tourism operators in their own promotional the potential for enhancing and develcampaigns. oping the region’s nature-based The annual economic contributourism offering. tion of tourism to the Coffs “Revitalising Nature Coast region (comprising Based Tourism on omic Coffs Harbour and The annual econ the Coffs Coast” Bellingen Shire Local contri bution of project has come ffs Co ast Government Areas) tourism to the Co Coffs ing from this strategy, is valued at approxiregion (compris llingen Shire encompassing an Harbour and Be mately $490 million, ) ent Areas all-of-industry apLocal G overnm with the region y el at oxim proach. By utilising is valued at appr the attracting 1.8 million ith digital technologies $490 million, w n io ill m visitors each year. This 1.8 g region attractin and communi.” ar project will support ye visitors each cations to provide this important industry dedicated nature based and its continued growth, experiences, trails, maps benefiting hundreds of local and journeys, the project businesses. will directly impact the strategy Another benefit flowing from the goals of inspiring tourists to extend their project includes a closer partnership with visit beyond the beaches, and stay for a key nature-based organisations such as NSW longer period of time to fully immerse National Parks and Wildlife Service, State themselves in the nature based offerings and Forests and Department of Primary Industries experience the Coffs Coast has to offer. (Solitary Islands Marine Park Authority). This venture has brought together a group Jump online to coffscoast.com.au now, of specialist contributors, all from the local where you can see the first completed sections area, with both experience and passion for of this project. Click on the “Play” heading and the unique natural environment of the Coffs navigate to “Mountain Biking” to see Coffs Coast. From photographers, videographers Coast trails for all levels of biking experience. and writers, to outdoor-adventure tourism The site includes the latest in digital mapping, operators and club members, the industry has plus great images and videos to inspire intrepid enthusiastically joined forces to develop this travellers and locals alike to get out and exexciting new project. The environments and plore. Then click on “Headlands & Lookouts” activities captured in the project cover nature to see the spectacular videos captured by trails, bushwalking and hiking, bird watching, drone, which showcase the magnificent coastkayaking, mountain biking, wildlife and marine line - a new and exciting view of the coast that life of the region, self-drive 4WD touring, and more. embodies the #createyourparadise spirit.

“

68 coffs coast focus.

Just a short drive from Wauchope or Port Macquarie is a wonderful visitor attraction known as Old Bottlebutt, a grand and ancient Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) tree located in Burrawan State Forest. Old Bottlebutt is unique in shape, its large flared “butt” having a massive girth of over 16 metres. This giant of the forest is the largest recorded Red Bloodwood in the world. Old Bottlebutt is the main feature on a beautiful 600m loop walking track, beginning and ending at the Burrawan picnic area (shelter, tables, carpark, toilets). The walk features remnant rainforest, an oasis under a canopy of overhanging Bangalay Palms, and winds its way over foot-bridges along an easy-grade track.

Old Bottlebutt is a special place, somewhere to linger and enjoy the sounds of nature. A viewing deck enables visitors to rest and gently experience the forest environment. Getting there: From Wauchope travel 10km south on the Bago Rd and turn left onto Internal Break Road then follow the signs. From the Pacific Highway, take the Bago Rd exit (south of the Port Macquarie turn off) and drive until you see the Old Bottlebutt sign. Open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week including public holidays and is free. Find out more: www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit Facebook: VisitNSWForests Twitter: @visitnswforests Instagram: #visitnswforests

focus_real estate

Amanda Langlands from Langlands Property

Supporting First home buyers

real estate update

ousing prices are continuing to increase, with strong buyer activity and a shortage of houses available for sale. The state’s population growth and strong investor activity have made it more difficult for first home buyers to get a foot in the market. The NSW Government has developed a new package of measures designed to improve housing affordability across NSW, taking effect from the 1st July 2017. These measures include relief for first home

buyers, tightening off the plan purchasing guidelines for investors and increasing fees for foreign investors. However, it doesn’t stop there. The NSW Government is also working behind the scenes to ensure more land is released for development, easing the shortage of supply which is driving housing pricing. Stamp duty relief The duty paid when buying residential property can be an obstacle for first home buyers. The NSW Government is abolishing this duty on new and existing homes worth up to

$650,000. For properties valued at between $650,000 and $800,000, the duty concession will be gradually reduced. First Home Owners Grant (New Homes) First home buyers building a new property will be entitled to a $10,000 grant on homes worth up to $750,000. First home buyers purchasing a new property worth up to $600,000 will be entitled to a $10,000 grant. This policy aims to provide assistance to first home buyers and stimulate the construction of new dwellings. The $5,000 New Home Grant Scheme, which was available to other buyers including investors, will be closed. Insurance duty on lenders’ mortgage insurance abolished Insurance duty on lenders’ mortgage insurance is imposed at a rate of nine per cent of the premium. The removal of this duty will save all home buyers (first home buyers or not) money if they need lenders’ mortgage insurance. Foreign investors to pay higher duties Aimed at slowing competition from foreign investors. Foreign investors will pay higher surcharges when they purchase residential real estate. The surcharge on stamp duty paid on new purchases by foreign investors will double from four per cent to eight per cent, and the surcharge on land tax will rise from 0.75 per

cent to two per cent. Foreign developers will be exempt from the increased surcharges. No more stamp duty deferral for investors First home buyers often face strong competition for properties from investors. To help counter this, the NSW Government is abolishing the 12-month deferral of duty for residential offthe-plan purchases by investors. Buyers who are purchasing a home they plan to live in off-the-plan (regardless of whether they are first home buyers or not) will still be entitled to a 12-month delay in the payment of stamp duty. But this concession will be closed to investors. Accelerate council-led rezonings A specialist team will be established within the Department of Planning and Environment to accelerate council rezonings. This will accelerate the supply of available housing capacity by rezoning land for development. Faster approvals The NSW Government will introduce a range of measures to help councils speed up approvals. This could include independent panels for some councils to ensure Development Applications are done efficiently and to ensure the integrity of the planning process. Under this measure, independent panels will determine DAs, other than smaller DAs delegated to council staff.

coffs coast focus. 69

focusinterview.

rejuvenate -C offs Coast -

is coming

WITH HEIDI BRETT FROM VAST INTERIOR

MEET THE BEAUTIFUL HEIDI BRETT FROM VAST INTERIOR COFFS HARBOUR. IF THERE ARE TWO THINGS HEIDI KNOWS, IT’S FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN. FOCUS HAD A CHAT TO HEIDI TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE LATEST TRENDS ...

inter is Coming Winter is coming, and it can’t come quick enough for me! I love the switch to the cooler months and the chance to indulge in some cozy textures, from warm woollen throws to faux fur cushions. So instead of turning on the heater this year, why not visit Vast and let us help you create your perfect cosy winter home! Here are my Vast tips for taking the chill out of this winter and to enjoy those wintery days and nights; whether it’s curling up in that cozy chair reading a good book, or making a love nest and binging on Netflix, it’s time to start shopping. Cozy Winter Throws My favourite way to take the chill out of winter (and it’s my sneaky self indulgence) is to buy a new throw for winter. So why not pamper yourself with a soft, cozy and oh so affordable throw this year, from gorgeous linens, chunky knits, faux fur, velour or even our gorgeous Indian cotton kantha throws! A lot of people confine their new throw to the bedroom, but adding them to your lounge or daybed with some additional cushions will ensure that your home exudes the visual warmth that we all crave through winter. Cushions A girl can never have too many cushions, and they are an easy way to add some lux-inspired, 70 coffs coast focus.

deeper coloured tones to your home, to bring in some warmth We have a huge during the cooler months. Try an undeniable range of rugs in tiful to inject rich tones like rust, natural warmth, store, from beau al in browns and mustard, or maybe and adding natural jute , orig in some soft linens or faux fur some wooden Indian Dhurries l cotton and woo for a bit of texture. Add these accessories to blends and soft to your favourite throw to layer your interior will .” viscose chenilles your textures and fabrics, to create an inviting provide that extra bit of warmth look this winter. and to create a welcoming cocoon Maybe a new stylish on your lounge that you won’t want to dining table, or one of our leave. gorgeous coffee tables in our Gorgeous Rugs for the Floors Those cool natural hardwood ranges could do tiles, bare floor boards and polished concrete the trick to add some warmth to your floors are great through the summer months for home this year. keeping us cool, but in winter they can be a bit Add Some Greenery Not everyone is a green chilly. thumb (certainly not me) and I love a little bit Adding a lovely new rug to your living areas of greenery in my home, so I am a huge fan of will not only keep your feet warm, but is an easy the artificial plant. Today’s artificial greenery is and affordable way to change your home or so much better than my days at Copper Art (no office décor to reflect the change in seasons and more silk flowers) and bring on the real touch to bring in some colour and texture in the cooler plants; you will be astounded at how amazing months. they look. We have a huge range of rugs in store, from Light the Candles Not everyone can have a beautiful natural jute, original Indian Dhurries fireplace - but candles! We can all do that, and in cotton and wool blends and soft viscose there is nothing I like better on a cold winter chenilles. If we don’t have what you’re after, night then to light some candles. Candles will we are more than happy to try and source the help create a beautiful soft, warm light and add perfect rug for you. a little bit of romance, perfect for a cozy night The Beauty of Natural Timber Wood has on the couch.

“

Another added bonus for candles is the fragrance they let off, which freshen up your home and are great for covering up that damp smell we all get when the house is closed up over those horrible winter days. I have to say my favourite winter scent is lemongrass - it always makes everything smell so fresh. We have two beautiful ranges available at Vast: the Elume pillar candles and melts and Be Enlightened glass candles. Of course, keeping candles around means you need to follow a few basic safety precautions - the main one is to never leave your candle unattended. Bring In The Light Soft lighting in winter can help to brighten your home and create an inviting feel when natural light is lacking. Floor and table lamps are perfect for your living spaces. Mirrors I love a big mirror; it’s a timeless piece that can help warm up your home by helping to reflect light into your home in the darker months ahead. There is something special about a mirror that reflects the outdoors in and can help make a room feel warmer and much larger. Not only will your efforts allow you to enjoy a warmer winter at home, these easy budget friendly ideas will help reduce your energy bill big time! So start shopping! Thanks Heidi.

LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

focusinterview.

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

an you tell us about where you’re from originally? From Somalia, which is in East Africa. What is Somalia like as a place? Somalia is an amazing country with great buildings and scenery (Google it) that is full of wealth, with natural resources as well as oil. Unfortunately, Civil War destroyed everything. Right now, the country is growing and recovering at a rapid pace and is much safer. How did you come to live in Coffs? I moved from Melbourne in February last year to play basketball for the Brisbane Spartans in The South East Australian Basketball League, which is Australia's Premier

After school and weekends we played until

“

Winter Basketball develop ball handling, sunset. It was very League. Then I shooting, plus all the tough, and we had stayed in Brisbane ‘til other skills, and this a ‘no blood no foul’ rule. ” September last year helps with mental and moved to Coffs toughness. It's open to Harbour. all kids, and I train them I began working with pretty hard so they can better the Coffs Harbour Basketball themselves. Association to try to help develop When did you start playing the hard working country kids and also basketball? run my own academy, called "Hard I started playing ball at 12 and learned Knockz Academy”, for the kids who pretty quickly - always asking questions and want to be beasts. training about eight hours a day, before What is your current role, and how are school at 5:30am, during school, after school, you helping kids learn more about the and then with my team. sport? When did you realise that you had talent I run the Hard Knockz Academy to help and skills?

When I made my first rep team and I noticed I had speed and then skills that I learned playing on the streets of Heidelberg Heights against older people. In Melbourne? The streets of Heidelberg are in Melbourne, Victoria, where I learned to play ball, playing outdoors at the local primary school. After school and weekends we played until sunset. It was very tough, and we had a “no blood no foul” rule. What do you love most about the game? I love the competition, the hard work which is fun to me and also crossing people up. You spent time playing for Melbourne Tigers and Brisbane Spartans; can you tell us about those experiences?

Playing with Melbourne Tigers was amazing. I learned a lot from guys like Dmack, Anstey, Rashad Tucker, Corey Williams and Julius Hodge, Matt Burston and my favourite, coach Al Westover. What is the training regime like? I go to the gym about three times a week and also workout on the basketball court about four times a week, to stay sharp. Weekends usually include a beach session with sprints and parachute workout. I try to do something every day. No days off! You are also the captain of the Somali National Team. Do you travel back to Somalia often, and how is the level of playing there? No, we don't actually go back to Somalia; we meet about four days before tournaments at the location of the tournament and train. We don't have the funds to travel back, and I help pay my way with some support from the Somali community in Melbourne. Is it an honour to be the captain of your nation’s team? The position of captain, for my country is a great responsibility and a great honour, one that I take very seriously. What makes a good captain? The role of captain has its challenges, because you’re dealing with a lot of egos and personalities, and it requires a lot of patience and listening. You must be able to solve conflict on the fly and keep everyone on the same page. On top of all that, you can’t take things people say personally and need to try not to be too sensitive. Lead by example: that’s what Nathan Buckley told me at my time with Collingwood F.C, right before I played for my national team in 2014. Where around the world do the rest of

the Somali team come from? Most of my teammates live in Canada and America. They play for colleges and teams over there. One must stretch What is your a lot to remain favourite memory to flexible and loose from playing There prevent injuries. basketball? is also the ice bath, a My first NBL which I hate with one game, the very first passion, but it’s possession I crossed of the best recovery up and scored on a guy methods. ” who later became like a brother to me. The crowd went crazy every time I touched the ball after that; it’s an amazing memory. What are some of the skills you need to have to play the position of guard? To be a really good guard, one must have: Vision - to be able to see everything on the composed at all times. court, teammate cuts to basket, shooter is As a guard, are you still attacking and open, big man stealing. shooting? Creative - to be able to make plays for not Attacking the basket and creating is my only yourself, but also all of your teammates. bread and butter. I can shoot fairly well, but I Ball handling - must be able to take care don’t live and die by my jump shot. of the ball and with little flair, because that’s Have you had any injuries throughout the beginning of all skills. If you can’t dribble, your career? then you can’t play. I have been fortunate enough to never Shooting - must be able to shoot the ball having a serious injury up until last year after from layups to 3s at a good percentage. the first three games. It’s mentally challenging Layups, floaters, jump shots, step backs and to overcome, not so much the injury, but many more. the doubts about how you are playing. Defence - must be able to lock down his Confidence gets really low and it’s really hard defender and also be able to help teammates. to overcome, but I just stayed positive - and Pick and Rolls - must be able to use screens coaching the kids helped me get my mind at a high conversion rate. right again. I.Q - must be very smart player and thinking How important is flexibility and the game. stretching? Heart - must be brave and never have fear. Mistakes are inevitable, so a guard must stay One must stretch a lot to remain flexible and

“

12 coffs coast focus.

loose to prevent injuries. There is also the ice bath, which I hate with a passion, but it’s one of the best recovery methods. How important is teamwork? I think teamwork is very important, but you still have to have an individual’s work ethic. That way everyone improves individually, hence makes the team better collectively. You need to be selfless and pass on a good shot for a better shot - also to be in sync offensively and defensively. What advice would you give to young players who want to make it to the top? I'd tell any individual who wants to be a professional athlete to work harder than the hard working, sacrifice going out with friends but instead work out, be persistent every day, have faith in yourself and in a higher power, and you will be successful. Thanks Yusuf. coffs coast focus. 13

East coast Cabinets

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG ONLINE FLIP BOOK

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

NOW ONLINE + FREE

A recent survey just completed has brought to our attention the differences between Sydney and the regional areas. Our main sources of work are commercial projects, new homes and renovations of homes and units. This area has some new unit development, but it’s a very small percentage of the market as a whole. However, in the capital cities, units and apartments are currently the major focus of both new work and renovations. How will this affect the developers, building trades, local business and/or owners and tenants in the future? Are our local officials looking at these things and planning accordingly? Are we asking the right questions and following up for answers, or are we all drifting? Think about it. Congratulations go to the owners of 43 Ocean Street, Woolgoolga on the completion of their prestigious home, and best wishes with the sale. Solitary Designer Homes have used their expertise to perfection in the whole building process, and we thank them for including us in a wonderful opportunity to do something different from the norm. Projects such as this one benefit the status of the whole area, affecting valuations and overall outlook. Have a good month, Deb.

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

coffs coast focus. 71

focuseditorial.

rejuvenate -C offs Coast -

Marcus Phillips AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, MARCUS PHILLIPS FROM DESIGNER LIVING KITCHENS HAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED A FOCUS ON CREATING AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, PRACTICAL KITCHEN DESIGN BY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HOW IT RELATES TO THE LIFESTYLE OF THE OWNERS. FOCUS GRABBED A COFFEE WITH MARCUS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND CURRENT KITCHEN TRENDS.

our years ago, Designer Living Kitchens opened their brand new showroom in Coffs Harbour, adding to the existing locations of Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Ballina and Central Coast. Designer Living Kitchens says that although the company had been servicing the builders on the Coffs Coast for thirty five years, the new showroom also needed to cater for the renovation segment of the market. With this in mind, they enlisted the services of Marcus Phillips, an award winning interior designer with 28 years’ experience in kitchen design. Marcus started his career in design after attending Julian Ashton’s Art School at The Rocks in Sydney, where he completed a fine arts course. He later went on to complete advanced interior design studies. In the mid 1980s, Marcus commenced his kitchen design career with one of Australia’s best known kitchen companies in Sydney and a few years later, took up the position of Head Designer in Brisbane. Marcus then went on to hold that position nationally (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane). As Head Designer, he was responsible for training designers and running the design team in three states Marcus won his first Kitchen Design Award in 1989 and a number of awards since then, including outright winning Kitchen of the Year. Moving to the country three years ago, he has designed two complete showrooms, the last of which won Showroom of the Year 2013. As an Interior Designer, Marcus has always maintained a focus on creating aesthetically

72 coffs coast focus.

pleasing, practical kitchen design that takes doors leading into full “French Provincial” will into account how it relates to the lifestyle of always impress. Flat panel polyurethane high the owners. “It’s important for me to gloss doors giving a sleek, upmarket find out how many in the family, feel have been very popular how they like to entertain over the last fifteen years, their friends and relatives providing a seamless, “no and how the new edge” appearance. Marcus won kitchen should relate Solid timber doors his first Kitchen to the adjacent areas,” have always had a place D esign Award in r be Marcus said. 1989 and a num in kitchens, with their then , e nc of awards si After working for natural rich lustre and ht including outrig a German kitchen a range of stunning of n winning Kitche company a few years Australian timbers the Year.” ago, Marcus says that available. Having said that, the European experience it’s quite unusual to see full has reinvigorated his desire timber kitchens these days. to create functional design along Timber veneers and lookalikes with a “wow factor” in every kitchen. are holding their own, and are still THE DESIGN PROCESS widely used to great effect in commercial The process of buying a new kitchen applications; however, they’re not as widely may seem daunting to those brave folks used in kitchens as they were a few years ago… thinking about it. After all, it’s a major surgery Lamiwood doors are and have been for to the home. That’s why Marcus has, over years the most popular finish, with greater and the years, developed a smooth, hassle-free more interesting varieties coming on to the process whereby you will feel that you have market, including the new semi and full gloss been listened to and received relevant design lamiwoods. With great flexibility and endless input, including advice on colours and finishes. design options, as well a favourable pricing With unique and cutting-edge design software, point, lamiwoods will rule into the future. our combined ideas come to life with a virtual Bench tops have evolved over recent years walk-around your new kitchen. By giving you a from mostly laminate, then to natural granite, number of pricing options for various finishes, solid timber, Corian and now predominantly you are able to make informed decisions based manmade or “engineered” stone. As this on your needs. has become more popular, the pricing has KITCHEN TRENDS BY MARCUS become reachable for most new kitchen buyers Trends, of course, come and go, but classic and adds considerable value to the home. staples such as satin polyurethane “Shaker” Engineered stone is less porous, a lot stronger

“

than real granite and 97% quartz. Having said that, real granite has an amazing depth and uniqueness to it. Marble can be used to great effect as splash backs and special features. It’s not practical as a bench top as such, due to its porosity. There have been in recent years, huge leaps in lighting technology for kitchens, with the advent of LEDs and low voltage lighting. Now more than ever before, we are able to “light-up” our work surfaces, as well as create amazing atmospheres at night that will turn a working kitchen into the entertainment centre of a home. There are now lighting solutions for every aspect, including under cabinet, internal cabinet, under bench and kick board lighting. Due to the low power draw, LEDs can be utilised for longer periods, without the dreaded power bill woes. Cabinet hardware technology is turning our kitchen spaces into ergonomic masterpieces. With inventive slide out mechanisms that literally bring everything out to you, the “dead corner” is becoming a thing of the past. Softclose drawers and doors are standard now on most kitchens. Advanced lift and sliding doors as opposed to hinged for overhead cabinets are is taking hold in Europe. Sliding doors can be used to great effect by simply sliding to reveal an alternate finish, colour and feel. With great design, imagination and attention to detail, the kitchen becomes the centre of your living space, where you entertain your family and friends, and is something that you’ll be proud of for many years to come.

*Offer valid from 22 June until 31st July. Terms and conditions apply, see in-store for details.

coffs coast focus. 73

74 coffs coast focus.

focusfeature.

This year Carol Cowling and her team at Cowlings R & R Carpet are celebrating a successful 10 years in business. We are showcasing the business as our business feature of the month ... Carol has such an inspiring story to share …

hat is the history behind Cowlings R & R Carpet? Originally established over 40 years ago as R&R Carpets, Coffs Harbour’s only independent flooring store was owned and operated by two generations of the Burns family. Troy and I, together with our young family, bought R & R Carpets and added our family name, Cowling to create Cowlings R & R Carpet as it is known today - and it still remains Coffs Harbour’s only independent flooring store! This year we are very proud to celebrate

the 10th anniversary of Cowlings R&R Carpets. How has the business changed over the past decade? The biggest change for me is the loss of my husband, soul mate and business partner - Troy. He was unexpectedly taken from us in 2013. This had an immense impact on our family and our business. Between grieving and having to take up the reins, the staff and I got through the most difficult of times with great support from our community. I am so proud of what we have achieved, and today

Cowlings R&R Carpet still stands strong as Coffs Harbour’s only independent flooring store. The flooring industry has seen some big changes in the last decade, with so many new products available to the consumer. Our showroom constantly evolves along with it, ensuring we have the best products and latest trends, along with all the classics in flooring! Technology, of course, has come a long way too … Ten years ago everything was done manually; whereas now we have just implemented a new information

management system to keep us competitive with the other chain stores. Tell us about your team and their area of expertise ... I have a highly motivated and experienced team that I am forever grateful for. Lyn is our Accounts Administrator; she is an important part of our team in the “engine room”, that’s what I call it! She has been with us for six years. Lyn keeps me organised, we have a lot of laughs - she especially laughs at my humour and atrocious singing!

coffs coast focus. 75

focusfeature.

Billy is our Warehouse over Storeman . With oring flo e th in s 53 year a s industry, he ha g in or flo of lth ea w is d an e knowledg ing our longest serv ars.” ye 23 of ee oy pl em

“ Billy is our Warehouse Storeman. With over 53 years in the flooring industry, he has a wealth of flooring knowledge and is our longest serving employee of 23 years. He manages our warehouse, preps the jobs ready to go for our installers and does our in-house overlocking. I call Billy the quiet achiever - I only mention a job to be done once to Billy and he has it done. Kel is our Commercial/Industrial Flooring Specialist. With over 38 years’ experience in flooring, 13 years with Cowlings, he is an invaluable member of our team. Kel leads the commercial division, working tirelessly estimating and project managing our commercial clients. Andrew is the Residential & Trades Flooring Specialist. With over 30 years’ experience in the flooring industry, he has a broad range of

76 coffs coast focus.

flooring knowledge and experience. Andrew commenced in wholesale flooring accessories, was a rep for many years, has manufacturing experience with Feltex Carpets and has extensive knowledge with products and sub floor preparation from start to finish of the job. Andrew worked for a large flooring company project managing large commercial jobs and enjoys this aspect of his career. Simon is our Residential & Government Flooring Specialist. Simon is motivated to spend time with his customers, has the ability and natural quality of listening and getting to the right solution for the customer. Simon will go way over and beyond what is asked of him, to ensure our customer is satisfied with their selection and purchase. Jacob is our Residential & Real Estate Flooring Specialist. He commenced in the

industry on the tools but decided sales is where he’d like to be. Jacob is a sponge for new information and knowledge and is our IT guru. Pippa - is the newest member of our team and brings lots of energy. With my workload getting larger with moving forward and into the future and wanting to pursue different avenues with technology and streamlining the business, and of course very important to have a work/ life balance with children, I employed Pip this year to enable me to delegate work such as marketing, social media and the everyday running of the business, to give me the time and headspace to work on the business and

future planning. Clancy, Jack, Brian and John are our core group of installers. Our installers complete our team; they are the experts in their trade, very professional, loyal to our business and care about our customers. Attention to detail and getting the job done right is very important to me. Of course there is me, Carol Cowling, Principal. I have been in the flooring business now for 13 years. I first learnt about the flooring industry from Troy, from when he was a contractor. We bought our first store in 2004, where I worked full-time as administration manager and sales. When we purchased R & R, I worked mostly from home

focusfeature.

The industry is ever changing , improving and evolving - there’s ng always somethi ch hi w new to learn, ” g! tin ci ex keeps it

“

keeping the books; at the time we had four young children, so was kept rather busy! Then of course, I become the sole operator, and my role changed dramatically. Now my role is so varied. I love working with our local businesses, customers and sales reps in store and of course, with my team. I have learnt new skills, completed a Frontline Management Diploma, attend conferences and have hands on experience, which I learn best from. The industry is ever changing, improving and evolving - there’s always something new to

learn, which keeps it exciting! What services do Cowlings R & R Carpet provide? We provide flooring solutions for all projects, commercial, industrial and residential. Being the experts in flooring, we spend quality time with our customers, to ensure we provide the right advice to suit your needs and budget, design aspirations and after care needs. We offer a no obligation measure and quote and a complimentary over-locking service for our customers. We service west of Dorrigo,

South to Nambucca Heads, North to Yamba. We also stock a complete range of after-care products, to keep your floors looking and feeling good for years to come. We only use professional installers, to ensure you get the best finish to your project. Installers will move your furniture, take up and remove old floor coverings, lay your flooring, and put back furniture as required. We warrant all of our work and pride ourselves on our after-sales service. We also have a warehouse full of stock that

we sell at warehouse prices, plus remnant flooring (carpet, vinyl, timber and bamboo) up to 70% off RRP for all your small project needs! Tell us about the commercial side of your business. Looking after the commercial sector has always been important to us. Troy began his career as a commercial layer and worked closely with Kel in the years before his passing to develop the commercial arm of Cowlings R & R Carpet.

coffs coast focus. 77

focusfeature.

We work closely with a number of construction groups and project management companies to deliver commercial and industrial projects right across the Mid North Coast. Projects include our local hospitals, retail shops and restaurants, and industrial venues. Some of our notable projects include Coffs Harbour Surf Club, Coffs Harbour Airport, The Pier Hotel, Park Beach Bowling Club, Nambucca Heads Leagues Club, Nambucca Heads Bowling Club. We also work extensively with our local trades and designers. Supporting the local building industry is a win for the whole Coffs

Coast; more development means more jobs and more money into our region. The best is yet to come for the Coffs Coast, and we are so proud to help the region prosper. Tell us about some of the new, exciting projects you are working on now and in the future. There is a lot of development going on in and around Coffs Harbour that we are excited to be a part of. Without giving too much away, there are some big changes happening at Sawtell RSL, Coffs Harbour Golf Club and the Wyndham Resort. With tourism being a major part of our local economy, it is

great to see so much progress in this industry. In store there are some exciting changes underfoot, with plans to update and extend our showroom. If you haven’t already been into our showroom, come in and have a look - I promise you will be surprised at how big it actually is! I get comments all the time about how deceiving it is from the outside. It only looks little; however, we have all the brands the chains carry and more! What are the stand out features or the benefits of the business? True to our motto, “Our family looking after yours”, we care about our customers.

Buying flooring is a major investment, and we want our customers to enjoy the process and be assured that they are getting the best professional advice and friendly service. We have one of the biggest flooring showrooms in Coffs Harbour, with an extensive range of quality products to suit all your flooring needs. We also have the most experienced team of flooring specialists to assist you in your flooring quest. We are a member of the Independent Carpet Centres - this gives us greater buying power and the support of the member network. This ensures we get the best

Comfort For Life Quality Carpet Underlay for your Home.

Karndean LooseLay

78 coffs coast focus.

focusfeature.

r We are a membe t en nd pe of the Inde s ve gi is th s Carpet Centre er w po ng yi bu us greater of the and the support This k. member networ best e th t ensures we ge t prices products at grea share from and knowledge try.” around the coun

“

products at great prices and knowledge

from the moment you walk into the store to

these and have a massive selection for any

product! Come in store, and one of my

share from around the country.

after your floor is laid. Between our staff we

application. We have their new range of long

helpful team members can give you a demo.

What makes you stand out above your

have over 100 years’ experience in flooring,

boards on display; come in store to get all

Beaulieu, while one of the smaller Australian

competitors?

making us the experts to give you the right

the latest information and advice! Did you

advice.

know Karndean give a life-time warranty,

mills, is definitely not small when it comes to

focus is our local community. Cowlings

Tell us about some of your suppliers and

and this warranty is transferrable if you sell

R&R Carpet has a long history, having been

the products you stock.

your property?

We are an independent store, and our

established and owned by local families for

We only supply brands that are tried, true

Pegulan has a great selection of sheet

quality and range of carpets. There is also Tuftmaster Carpets, Feltex, Cavalier Bremworth, Signature Floorings, Gerflor, Arrow Bamboo, Big River Timbers

over 40 years. Our friendly staff and relaxed

and trusted. Being part of the ICC network,

vinyl with different thicknesses; this can be

showroom make people feel at home and

we have greater buying power, to deliver

important when selecting a vinyl, depending

… There are too many to name, so I invite

enjoy the experience, while our extensive

better prices to our customers.

on your subfloor.

you to come into our showroom and see for

range is sure to impress! We are competitive on pricing, but do not discount on service,

Luxury Vinyl Planks are on trend at present. Karndean Design Flooring specialise in

We love the Godfrey Hirst Eco range -

yourself!

carpet cleans with just plain water on this

coffs coast focus. 79

focusfeature.

What is the process when a new client walks through the door? You are welcomed! Then one of our flooring specialists will discuss with you your flooring requirements … What areas are you doing, is there a budget in mind, is this a new build or a renovation, what is the sub-floor? Are there any special considerations, allergies, age requirements, or pets? All these questions help us determine the right flooring solution for your needs, then we can move on to the fun stuff of colour and textures. We will then guide you through the showroom ‘til we find a selection of options for you to take home, and book your measure. Once we have been to your property to do a proper assessment and measure, discussed and decided on a product, then we will provide you with a quote and help you realise your flooring dreams! What are the top three things that people should consider when choosing the right carpet and flooring? Firstly, the purpose of the room, who will use it, and how much? This will help determine the best product to suit the need and wear life required. Secondly, budget. Everyone has their price; fortunately, these days with so much variety in product available, you can have a great looking room at any budget. Last but not least is colour and texture - the look and feel you are aspiring to achieve. This is the fun part, where you get to be creative and express yourself! Since conception, what has been the most important thing to you as a local trade? “Our family looking after yours”; this has

Over 65 each week to your favourite BRISBANE

MELBOURNE

Happy 10 th B ir ay Cowlings R & R thd et C arp

www.gerflor.com.au

NEWCASTLE SYDNEY

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY COWLINGS R&R CARPET 80 coffs coast focus. Advert_NSW_Cowlings R&R 10thBday_Print.indd 1

6/16/2017 9:24:16 AM

been our motto since we started Cowlings R&R Carpet. Family is so important, be it your own family, your work family, your friends, it is about knowing you belong and you are cared for. This was how we operate our business; we care for our customers as if they were family, offering the best prices and services. Troy always said to the kids, “Stick together, look out for one another, and always look after your mum”. How beautiful is that! How important is it to support local businesses? I believe that what you give out is what you get back. Without our customers, we wouldn’t have a business. To support local businesses is to keep everything local, to enable the business owners’ children to go to school, to pay for food on the table at night. It is important for me now and for the future of my kids to support the economic growth of Coffs Harbour, so we can continue to create opportunities within our region for our generations to come. What are some challenges that the industry has faced, and how have you overcome these? Possibly one of the biggest challenges faced by the flooring industry, like many others, is how to become more environmentally and people friendly. There have been some great advancements in the industry, with flooring now coming with both environmental and toxicity ratings, so as a consumer you can reduce your ecological footprint - plus be assured that what you are putting in your home will not make you ill. Products are now being made using

focusfeature.

Our eldest son Brodie , 19yrs, are volunteers his sp hn Jo St ith time w cently Ambulance. Re of the e we donated on vans to y dd ca Cowlings nce.” St John Ambula

“

TESTIMONIALS

recycled materials, such as the Cavalier Bremworth Siren range made from fishing nets reclaimed from the sea and other nylons like old carpet. Manufacturers are also using more environmentally friendly products, like Godfrey Hirst Eco range made from sugar cane and corn husks, creating a fibre that is both soft yet durable and stain resistant. We also have allergy friendly carpets. All our timber flooring is sourced from certified sustainable forests and timber products. New technologies in engineered timber are also reducing the amount of precious hardwood timber required in flooring products. With the flood of lifestyle shows there has been a definite increase in the number of cheap products in the market place and DYI disasters. Installation of flooring is a specialist trade, just like hairdressing is. If you want to

have the job done right the first time, get the professionals in - it’s a process from the floor up! Our sales team is trained in this area. There is a lot to look out for and assess when measuring up a job, including getting the right subfloor. Tell us about your community involvement. Being Coffs locals, my family and I are committed to seeing our local community prosper and helping those at disadvantage. We sponsor local sporting teams, community events and charities. This includes the Coffs Harbour Comets Rugby League team, who Troy proudly played for, the Sawtell Cricket Club, the annual Children’s Christmas Party, Canteen, Bear House (children’s palliative care facility) and many more over the years. Our eldest son, Brodie, 19 years, volunteers

his spare time with St John Ambulance. Recently we donated one of the Cowlings caddy vans to St John Ambulance. Our daughter, Jessica, 24 years has raised funds for the Heart Foundation in memory of Troy and also the kids’ cherished Nanny Janice through the City to Sea Charity and the Melbourne Swim Classic. Over the years, our four children and myself have participated in the Relay for life Coffs Harbour. What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast? Being able to go away for the weekend and feel like you’re a million miles away, when you could be 20 minutes up or down the highway. We love camping, fishing, boating, golf and all things outdoorsy - such a great place to grow up! Thanks Carol.

I would like to thank Cowlings R&R Carpet for their excellent service they provided the Coffs Harbour Golf Club during our recent renovations. From the carpet selection, to the fit out, we found the team at R & R to be highly professional, extremely friendly and their pricing very competitive and - “wow”, what a great finish! We would highly recommend them to any commercial business looking to update their flooring. - Paul McAra General Manager, Coffs Harbour Golf Club. FM Glenn Constructions have been proudly associated with Cowlings R & R Carpet since their inception; not only are they a great family company to deal with, but also that the staff go above and beyond - in particular with Kel Ward meeting some fairly demanding time frames for us. - Craig Spencer, FM Glenn.

coffs coast focus. 81

The Edge Coffs Harbour CONGRATULATE Cowlings R&R Carpet CELEBRATING 10 YEARS in Business

SALES

COMMERCIAL

If you need advice on your property speak to the experts The Edge Coffs Harbour.

“The right people, with the right advice”

3/29-33 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour www.theedgecoffsharbour.com.au info@theedgecoffsharbour.com.au

02 6652 9888

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

coffs coast focus. 83

We keep winning We keep winning awards because awards because We keep winning people love people love awards because the homes we the homes we people love build for them. build for them. the homes we build for them.

G.J. Gardner Homes awarded #1 Major Builder by you! G.J. Gardner Homes awarded #1 Major Builder by you! G.J. Gardner Homes awarded #1 Major Builder by you! G.J. Gardner Homes has been G.J. Gardner Homes has been recognised as Australia’s #1 home recognised as Australia’s G.J. Gardner Homes has been#1 home builder by ProductReview.com.au builder by ProductReview.com.au recognised Australia’s #1 home in their 2016asProductReview Awards in their 2016 ProductReview Awards builder ProductReview.com.au winningby the category of Best winning the category of Best in their 2016 ProductReview National Major Home Builder.Awards National Home Builder. winning theMajor category of Best National Major Home Builder.

Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Builders Licence 191313C. Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Builders Licence 191313C.

80 coffs coast focus.

Fischer Built Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Coffs Coast. Builders Licence 191313C.

Get in touch with an awardGet in touch with an awardwinning local builder. winning local builder. Get in touch with an award171 Orlandolocal Street,builder. winning 171 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 171 Orlando Street, Contact us on 6691 3509 or Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Contact us on 6691 3509 or visit gjgardner.com.au visit gjgardner.com.au Contact us on 6691 3509 or visit gjgardner.com.au