Issuu

COFFS COAST

January 2018. issue 88

1 coffs coast focus.

Feature Story Lachlan Miller

Only one online University has been awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Satisfaction, every year for 12 years* *The Good Universities Guide ratings 2007-2018.

Courses available for online study from March ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE Bachelor of Accounting Graduate Diploma in Accounting* Master of Professional Accounting

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SCIENCE Diploma in Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Agricultural Production and Management Bachelor of Rural Science Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Master of Science in Agriculture

ANIMAL SCIENCE AND ZOOLOGY Bachelor of Animal Science Bachelor of Zoology (Also see Science)

ARTS Diploma in Arts Advanced Diploma in Arts Bachelor of Arts~ Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Master of Arts*

ARCHAEOLOGY AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES Bachelor of Arts~ Bachelor of Science~

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND PHARMACY Bachelor of Biomedical Science Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours

BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING AND HR Diploma in Business Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics

Apply now

Bachelor of Organisational Leadership Bachelor of Training and Development Graduate Certificate in Business Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate in Management Graduate Certificate in NDIS Business Development Master of Business Administration Master of Information Technology (Business) Master of International Business Master of Strategic Organisational Development and Human Resource Management

CLASSICS, HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND STUDIES IN RELIGION Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History** Master of Arts* Master of History

COMPUTER SCIENCE, IT AND DATA SCIENCE Bachelor of Computer Science~ Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws Master of Computer Science Master of Data Science*# Master of Information Technology*# Master of Information Technology (Business)

ECONOMICS AND AGRIBUSINESS Bachelor of Agribusiness~ Bachelor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Master of Economic and Regional Development Master of Economics#

EDUCATION AND TEACHING Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Bachelor of Education (Secondary in Arts; Mathematics; Music^^ or Science) Bachelor of Educational Studies Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) Bachelor of Training and Development Graduate Certificate in Education Studies Graduate Certificate in eLearning Master of Education Master of Teaching (Primary) Master of Teaching (Secondary)

ENGLISH, WRITING, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

LANGUAGES AND CULTURAL STUDIES

PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

Diploma in Modern Languages Bachelor of International Studies~ Bachelor of International and Language Studies Bachelor of Languages Bachelor of Languages and International Business

Bachelor of Social Science~ Bachelor of Psychological Science Bachelor of Psychology with Honours Graduate Diploma in Psychology

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY Diploma in Prosecution and Advocacy Bachelor of Criminology~ Bachelor of Laws (3 years) Bachelor of Laws (4 years) Double degrees in Law available in Agriculture; Arts; Business; Computer Science; Criminology; Economics; Environmental Science and Science Master of Laws Master of Natural Resource Governance

LINGUISTICS Master of Applied Linguistics

NURSING, SOCIAL WORK AND HEALTH

Diploma in Professional Communication Bachelor of Media and Communications~ Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing ENVIRONMENTAL AND EARTH Bachelor of Audiometry SCIENCES Bachelor of Nursing~ Bachelor of Environmental Science Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Environmental Science/ Graduate Diploma in Disability* Bachelor of Laws Graduate Certificate in Health Bachelor of GeoScience Professional Education Graduate Certificate in Environmental Master of Counselling# Science Master of Health Management*# Master of Natural Resource Master of Mental Health Practice*# Governance Master of Social Work (Professional Master of Planning and Management of Qualifying) Natural Hazards*# PEACE, POLITICAL AND Master of Environmental Science and INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Management Diploma in Arts EXERCISE AND SPORTS Advanced Diploma in Arts SCIENCE Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Bachelor of International and Language Physiology~ Studies Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Bachelor of International Studies Science~ Master of Arts*

GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING Diploma in Town Planning Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Master of Urban and Regional Planning#

All courses available to start 5 March une.edu.au/fivestars â€¢ 1800 818 865

University of New England CRICOS Provider Number 00003G

SCIENCE Diploma in Science Bachelor of Science~ Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Scientific Studies Graduate Diploma in Science Master of Scientific Studies

SUSTAINABILITY Bachelor of Sustainability

THEATRE, PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC Diploma in Music Skills^^ Diploma in Music Technology Bachelor of Music^^ Master of Applied Theatre Studies

ENTRY PATHWAYS Pathways Enabling Course (Will give you entry to most UNE degrees, is free and can be studied online from home.) TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) ~ Honours year also available * Graduate Certificate also available ** Advanced Diploma also available # Graduate Diploma also available ^^ Early Application closing date Please see website for individual course rules and admissions criteria.

focus

Photo by Gary Bell

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 Pippa Tabone pippa@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 Gavin

Moroney gavin.moroney@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.

team

Welcome to the January issue of Coﬀs Coast FOCUS.

elcome to 2018! Time to set some goals and ask yourself a couple of questions. What do I want this year, and how am I going to get it? Here are some of our resolutions. 1. Eat healthier and exercise 2. Explore and go on more adventures 3. Volunteer and become more community involved 4. Do a little act of kindness daily 5. Work smarter, not harder. What do you want this year? Go out and get it and if it’s really great, call us - there just might be a story in it! ON THE COVER Introducing Twane Voglsinger (Director of the Hoey Moey), Harry Barry (Director of the Moonee Beach Tavern), Ric Gianoli (Director of the Seaview Tavern) and Charlie Nalder (Director of the Village Green Hotel in Grafton). When it comes to giving back to the community, the boys from North Coast Hotel Group are at the top of the list. These

four boys work tirelessly keeping each of their hotel venues at a high standard, never losing sight of what’s important. Thanks to Michael Simmons and his gorgeous family from Jack Simmon’s Menswear for styling the boys. INSIDE THIS EDITION Lachlan Miller has been playing Rugby League since he was about 10 years old, and took up Rugby Union only a year ago. He must have some natural talent, because he’s recently been to Fiji to represent Australia in the Oceania Sevens. Dustin Bowie-Ford grew up on a farm, and after years of experience in the food industry, he came full circle and developed a passion for creating fresh and exciting takes on the classics - so Box Factory Burgers was born! The Pink Silks committee is committed to helping make a difference in the journey of local women going through a life-changing or life-threatening illness, by keeping 90% of all

SALE There’s bargains to find centre wide but be quick so you don’t miss out!

N O

their funds raised local, and committing 10% to cancer research. After 11 years of fundraising for the local women of the Coffs Coast, FOCUS wanted you to meet these inspiring women who make up the PST committee. BEST KEPT SECRETS - EXPLORE THE WATERFALL WAY The Waterfall Way was recently voted as one of the best scenic drives in NSW, winding through five National Parks starting from beaches at Sawtell and Valla through Bellingen, with lush green farm paddocks, to the Dorrigo Plateau. Discover the hidden treasures of Bellingen and Dorrigo and meet the friendly locals who live there - with our summer holiday guide of the Waterfall Way attractions, recreational activities, tours and industry businesses. FINAL SAY “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right” - Oprah Winfrey.

! W O N Coffs Coast focus 3

issue 10 inside this

Lachlan Miller. Lachlan Miller has been playing Rugby League since he was about 10 years old and took up Rugby Union only a year ago. He must have some natural talent, because he’s recently been to Fiji to represent Australia in the Oceania Sevens!

Issue 88- January 2018

The Beautiful Girls.

16 34 56

It’s been 15 years since the release of their first album, “Morning Sun”. The Beautiful Girls are celebrating with a special nostalgic tour, stopping off at the Coffs Hotel … FOCUS chatted with the man behind the music, Mat McHugh …

Regulars 20. WHAT’S ON JANUARY 24. EAT FEATURING LOCAL RESTAURANTS 75. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 84. 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

Wayward Trails.

Fuller Fresh is a local family-owned store that not only retails grocery products, but grows their own organic fruit and vegetables, as well as having a café. They take great pride in providing “paddock to plate” food for the Bellingen shire and the Coffs Coast.

focusinterview.

Ohana early learning centre

Ohana Early Learning Centre have just completed two brand new, purpose built centres in South Grafton and Emerald Beach. The playgrounds have been designed by an award-winning architect with a focus on natural landscapes. They have replicated and improved on the design that kids and parents both love. FOCUS had a chat to Owner/Director Stuart Malouf to ﬁnd out more ...

ou have recently opened two more centres on the North Coast. Can you please tell us about them? We have just completed two brand new, purpose built centres in South Grafton and Emerald Beach. With our playgrounds designed by an award-winning architect with a focus on natural landscapes, we have replicated and improved on the design we know kids and parents both love. We identified the centres in these areas as being high needs with strong population predicted. With the growth of these areas, we find a handy location means less disturbance to families' everyday routines, and having their kids closer to home and work eases the busy life we know it becomes when raising kids. What age groups do you cater for? We cater from 6 weeks to 6 years, with educators who love and specialise in the age groups they teach. Catering from 6 weeks was a decision we made in the very beginning that a lot of childcares shy away from, as this age is very intensive for the educators and the specialised sleep areas reduce the space required and mean less children. We allow for this in all our centres, as we see it as providing a needed service to the community. It’s important to us that Ohana feels like a second family, which means providing care for and getting everyone involved. What we have found is that parents like being able to have the one drop-off and pickup a day for their children of different ages. What days and hours are you open? At our North Boambee centre, we begin 6 Coffs Coast focus

our day at 6:30am for all the parents who quality and policies that we implement in our need that little bit earlier in the morning to centres to create a better experience for staff, organise their work. At our other centres, parents and children alike. we are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am What are the most important things to to 6:30pm, with flexible drop off and look for when finding a suitable child pickup times catering to all parents. We care centre for your child? also implement a system called Xplor, which Look for somewhere you know the centre makes dropping off and pick-ups as easy as and educators have your child’s best interests a touch of the button at heart. What effort on your smartphone, have they gone to, whilst also allowing providing kids with you to systematically an environment best With the growth of these check up on your child suited to learning and areas we ﬁnd a handy location throughout the day. play? Who is the most means less disturbance What have been engaging with your to families' everyday the highlights since child? The dropoff and routines, and having opening your doors pickup experiences their kids closer to of your Coffs and should be easy and home and work eases the North Boambee Valley manageable; you should busy life we know it becomes Centres? expect to hear what your when raising kids. By far the highlights child is up to throughout have been the first few the day. weeks of either centre These are all things opening and seeing all we focus on at Ohana, the smiles and joy on the kids' faces as they from our purpose-built centres, staff selection come to see their new centre and appreciate processes and our interactive Xplor system; all the effort that has been put in by our which allows dropoff and pickup at the tap wonderful staff, making the experience the of a button, but also provides updates on best we can for the children and families. activities, nappy changes, meals, fevers and It’s been an amazing learning experience more. for us, in terms of designing and running Preparing your child for school is very both these new centres. We have learned a important. What steps do your staff take lot about what the children like best; what to ensure a smooth transition? experiences they enjoy most, how the play At Ohana we have integrated age and learn equipment is best utilised, what appropriate learning spaces, to achieve they love most about the yards etc. We’ve the best outcomes for all age-groups. This also recently brought on an Operations allows us to focus on specific education, and Manager for the centres, Krystal, who is allows us to do important preparation for big overseeing all our operations, staff education, school. We have just implemented interactive

whiteboards at each centre to facilitate writing, reading, shape recognition, counting and numbers and importantly, play. The kids especially love yoga over lunchtimes; it’s quickly becoming an alternative to quiet-time for the bigger kids. Can you please tell us about some of your educators and their backgrounds? You may have seen a few of them featured in this publication in the past, but all our educators have extensive training in childcare, with some holding degrees in primary school teaching too. With a strong focus on preparation, they are the best at making sure your child has an easy transition from the babies' room, to the toddlers' room, to the preschool room and eventually off to big school, teaching them all the skills they’ll need to tackle what is thrown at them in a fun and productive way. When will you be taking enrolments for your Grafton and Emerald Beach Centres? We can take enrolments right now! We are just finishing up the final checks and balances with the Education Department, but you can begin the enrolment process to ensure a spot for your child. How can we enrol our children? Just head to our website: www.ohanaelc.com.au and click the enrolment tab for our centres. You’ll be sent an email with further instructions and the enrolment pack to return physically or via email. Where can we find out more? Find out more on our website, or our Facebook pages for each centre under Ohana Early Learning. Thanks Stuart.

Taking Enrolments Now!

Looking for quality childcare on the Coffs Coast? Conveniently located:

North Boambee Scarba St Coffs Harbour South Grafton enroling now Emerald Beach open early 2018 Why choose Ohana?

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 learning spaces Qualified, caring & nurturing staff Government benefits & rebates

Call: 02 6656 4664 www.ohanaelc.com.au

Provider #PR-40000780

• • • • • • • • •

Danny focusinterview.

Green

Danny Green has been a professional fisherman on the Coffs Coast for seven years, but his passion for fishing and the ocean has been with him since childhood. Now an owner/operator of his own boat, he tells us what it’s like to fish for a living on our beautiful coastline.

ow long have you been a fisherman? I have been a fisherman all my life, as it has always been a passion. I am fortunate in that I am able to work in a job that I love. I have been in the fishing business for about seven years, five of those years as a deckhand and two years as an owner/operator. How did you become a fisherman? As a child I went fishing with my dad, and from this came the passion for fishing. Through a family friend I was able to do work experience on a professional fishing boat. This fostered my enthusiasm, and from there I worked on weekends and in the school holidays on the boat. After leaving school, I gained employment on a prawn trawler as a deckhand. After having a break due to moving interstate, I returned to Coffs Harbour and gained employment on a trap and line boat. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to go into business for myself and did this in 2016. Since this time I have been an owner/operator of my own trap and line boat. This happens to be the same boat that I did my work experience on some 18 years ago, and I will always be grateful to the retired owner of this boat. What’s it like being a fisherman on the Coffs Coast? 8 Coffs Coast focus

I have the best job in the best place. Being a fisherman on the Coffs Coast has so many benefits. I work in a great environment, where most of the fishermen have the attitude to look out for each other. We have good access facilities in the harbour and the marina, and our vessels are housed in a protected area. Fishermen on the Coffs Coast have an excellent facility in the Fishermen’s Co-operative. The Co-op merchandise our products as well as provide advice on business matters and government requirements. The Co-op promotes the practice of sustainably caught wild seafood to meet the standards of produce enjoyed by the public. On top of having a good working environment, I also get to enjoy the natural environment of the ocean. Can you briefly describe your routine? I am usually down at the marina to start the day between 3:30am and 4am. First duty of the day is to check the boat and make sure it is seaworthy. This includes the motor (oil, water, fuel), general inspection for leaks, safety equipment and electrical equipment (sonar, radio, navigation). It is then time to head to the fishing ground, and this takes approximately 1.5 hours. On reaching the area, I pull the first trap with a hydraulic winch. I empty the trap measure and clean the fish, and the fish are put on to ice to keep them fresh. I then re-bait the trap and return it to the water. I repeat

this routine 10 - 17 times, depending on the number of traps that I have down. Whilst travelling between trap sites, I will sometimes deploy hand lines, depending on the weather conditions and the indication of fish in the area. Fish caught through handlining are processed the same as those from the trap; they are cleaned and put on to ice. Once I have completed my scheduled round of traps and finished handlining, I clean down the boat before returning to the Co-op to unload my catch for the day. The boat must be clean on entering the harbour, to meet the standards as set by the food safety regulations. After unloading the catch, it is time to refuel the boat, replace the ice, restock the bait and drinking water. Once the boat is prepared for the next day (including any repairs or maintenance) it is time to moor the boat and go home. What are some of the highlights of being out at sea? The Coffs Coast has some of the most beautiful marine life, including dolphins, whales and turtles, and they will sometimes appear to interact with the boat. I also get a stunning view of the coastline. On most mornings you are able to witness the spectacular sunrise over the ocean and occasionally you witness equally spectacular storms. You also have a healthy fish stock on the Coffs Coast, so you are able to provide the public with the best quality seafood.

What is the most challenging part of your job? Besides getting out of bed in the morning, the most challenging part of my job would have to be staying up to date with the ever changing regulations. And, maintenance on an older vessel. What advice would you have for someone taking up your line of work? The advice that I would give is before you become an owner/operator, learn as much as you can about fishing and the environment in which you work, such as weather conditions and boat maintenance. To successfully invest in this line of work you have to protect yourself and your environment. Thanks Danny.

MY DAY 3:00am Wake up. 3:30am Arrive at harbour; start up checks. 4:00am Head out to sea. 5:30am Commence pulling traps. Commence handlining, if conditions are favourable. 1:00pm Start heading for harbour; clean boat in preparation for harbour entry. 2:30pm Dock at Fishermen's Co-op and unload catch. 3:00pm Refuel; replenish ice and bait. 3:45pm Moor boat and head home.

focusinterview.

LACHLAN

MOceIaLniaLSEeveRns RUGBY LACHLAN MILLER HAS BEEN PLAYING OLD AND LEAGUE SINCE HE WAS ABOUT 10 YEARS . HE TOOK UP RUGBY UNION ONLY A YEAR AGO AUSE MUST HAVE SOME NATURAL TALENT, BEC ENT HE’S RECENTLY BEEN TO FIJI TO REPRES AUSTRALIA IN THE OCEANIA SEVENS!

i Lochy. How long have you lived locally, and what do you love most about the Coffs Coast? Hello. I have lived locally for pretty much my entire life, apart from a couple of short stints away. There is not much to dislike about the Coffs Coast. The people are amazing, it has a lot to offer without being busy, but I would have to say the thing I love the most about the Coffs Coast would be the beaches. How long have you been playing Rugby? Throughout school I played a couple of games of Rugby Union, but it has only really been the past year that I have started to play Rugby; although, I have been playing Rugby League since around age 10. What was it like going from Rugby League to Rugby? Making the transition from Rugby League to Rugby Union is quite difficult. The general play in both codes if very similar, but Rugby has a lot more rules and is obviously very different around the ruck. I am still learning Rugby, but am enjoying the challenge it is presenting. Where did your international journey start? For me, my journey to play for Aus started when the coach gave me a call and asked if I would be interested in coming down for a couple of days and training with them, which was around August. From the training I played in the development team (Australia green) that played in the Central Coast 7s tournament, where we ended up winning the plate. After the final, the coach of my team for the 10 Coffs Coast focus

tournament sat me down and just explained he was happy with how I went and asked if I had a current passport, to which I said yes, and he answered, “That’s good, because we are taking you to Fiji next week”. You have recently been over to Fiji, where you played for Australia in the Oceania Sevens. How was that experience, and what was it like getting the call up to play for your country? The whole experience surrounding the few weeks I was down in Sydney training was amazing enough. But, the trip to Fiji was something I will never forget. Fijians really love their Rugby, and it showed! Everywhere we went they would go out of their way to make everything as easy as possible. Obviously playing and getting a cap for Australia was the highlight of my trip, but also visiting schools and seeing the joy and passion that the Fijian kids have for Rugby and Australia in general was something I’ll always remember. When the coach told me that they were taking me to Fiji, obviously I was in a bit of shock. I was happy enough to have the opportunity to play in their development team, let alone to have the opportunity to play a cap for my country. As a young kid playing sport and watching all the people you look up to play for Australia on TV, you aspire to make it to that same level, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would ever become a reality. I feel really privileged and honoured to have been able to pull on the Australian jersey and will never forget the experience. What’s your training schedule like? Whilst I was in Sydney training with the 7s,

the training schedule my girlfriend, hanging I FEEL REALLY was full on - but I out with friends and PRIVILEGED AND really enjoyed it. We beating Josh Dowdy and HONOURED TO HAVE trained almost every Chris Watkins on the PS4. BEEN ABLE TO PULL day, and for the most What advice would ON THE AUSTRALIAN part of the day as well. you give others wantJERSEY AND WILL Since being back in ing to play Rugby? NEVER FORGET THE Sawtell, I have kept up Getting involved with EXPERIENCE. with my training. Most Rugby as a junior hasn’t days consist of going to been easier. All the local the gym and either playclubs have really strong ing Oztag or basketball junior involvement in in the afternoons, to keep my fitness up. both League and Rugby. And for young You also coach Sawtell’s first grade side. players wanting to progress their footy, the Can you tell us a little more about that? Rugby development program around the Coffs So, Rod Hardy and I agreed to take on Coast I have noticed is probably the strongest I the job a little while back, and we’re both have seen it. But the main thing is get involved looking forward to the upcoming season. For early; go down to senior games and watch me personally, coaching is a bit of a passion I some of the older players play and ask plenty have picked up, and it has improved my game of questions. a lot. I have had the privilege of coaching a How can more people get involved in young group of boys from under 14s through playing or supporting Rugby on the Coffs to under 18s this year. 2018 is shaping up to Coast? be a good year for Sawtell; we have a lot of All the senior clubs around the Coffs Coast strong juniors and couple of key signings in are always looking for new players, and we the pipeline as well. are lucky to have plenty of teams around. What's the next goal? So if you’re thinking of playing, find a club As I was shown the past month, it all and get down to training; it all starts back up happens very quickly, so I am going to try and again January/February. As for supporting, I keep improving myself every day - and hopedon’t think we can ever have enough support; fully another opportunity like this one presents I believe a strong club is always shown by itself and I can take it with both hands. the support they have from their crowd and When you are not on the field what are volunteers. No team would be able to survive you doing with yourself? without the supporters, so definitely reserve If I’m not playing Rugby or Rugby League, your Saturdays and Sundays for a good afterI will either be playing some sort of sport noon watching the footy! Oztag, basketball or surfing or just pestering Thanks Lochy.

McDonald’s Coffs Harbour and Nambucca are proud to support local children and groups through their Junior Grants Program. Ninety children at the Westside Netball Club make up ten junior netball teams. Netballers start at under sevens, with the Net Set Go introduction to netball, right up to under fifteens.

estside proudly received an award from OneNetball for inclusiveness and participation for their efforts to accommodate all girls wishing to play. With the boost in numbers, Jodie Smith, Club Coordinator, explains the Club requires more equipment, such as balls, witches hats, cones, ladders and hoops.

Coast and who is competing at the 2017/2018

“The McDonald’s Junior Grant will enable us to buy some much needed equipment. As you can imagine with so many players, the need for equipment is high, especially balls. Most coaches, who are all volunteers, buy their own balls to supplement the club’s balls. Extra balls would allow the players to be able to participate in more drills at training.

Program has been happy

“These would all benefit the coaches, as they could introduce new drills at training to increase the skill levels of the players, so the girls can continue to play the game they love.”

Sam Parkes on his journey to Italy, representing

Another avid athlete who will represent the Coffs

athletic commitments.

12 Coffs Coast focus

Community

Australian Surf Life Saving Titles this year in Perth is Alyssa Golding. Alyssa, also a keen swimmer,

Initiatives

is excited to compete and with the expenses of the national event requiring much travel throughout the year to surf carnivals around the country, the McDonald’s Junior Grants to jump on board and support Alyssa with the travel and accommodation

The McDonald's Junior Grant will enable us to buy some much needed equipment.As

you can imagine with so many players, the need for equipment is high, especially balls.

costs. Raising funds to

“My parents and I are fundraising to get me there. I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia overseas. It is hard for country kids to get in these teams, and I am very happy to have been

participate in extracurricular activities can be a

selected.”

fun yet challenging task, and to help 15-year-old

Abbey's dream of one day dancing professionally requires many hours of training and dedication. In addition to her many hours of lessons per week in Coffs Harbour, she regularly attends Eisteddfods, masterclasses with the Australian Ballet, workshops and exams in capital cities.

NSW at NSW Country Junior Rugby Union Development Squad, the McDonald’s Junior Grants Program awarded Sam funds to assist his

She was recently chosen by audition to dance with the Melbourne City Ballet and travelled to Sydney for her exam at The Royal Academy of Dance. The McDonald's Junior Grant would help with travel and accommodation costs, as well as masterclass and workshop fees, to further educate Abbey in classical dance. The McDonald’s Junior Grant Program believes that building a successful generation comes from supporting our great locals, so, if you are a local child or group who needs assistance with your sporting, academic, cultural or community project, we want to hear from you. Jump on the Grants website and apply today: www.maccasjuniorgrant.com.au

Coffs Coast focus 13

focusinterview.

DBouwsiet-iFnord. DUSTIN BOWIE-FORD GREW UP ON A FARM, WHERE HIS RESPECT AND ENTHUSIASM FOR GREAT FOOD AND PRODUCE BEGAN. AFTER YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY, HE CAME FULL CIRCLE AND DEVELOPED A PASSION FOR CREATING FRESH AND EXCITING TAKES ON THE CLASSICS - SO BOX FACTORY BURGERS WAS BORN!

14 Coffs Coast focus

focusinterview.

i Dustin. Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast? For the most part I have lived in Coffs, with departures to Sydney and Melbourne after some really great opportunities opened up for me. When did you first realise you had a passion for food? I don’t know that I could pinpoint a moment in time specifically. I grew up a farm kid, collecting eggs, picking veggies, herding cattle, etc. So, I have had a high respect and enthusiasm for food and produce ingrained in me before I even knew how to cook. However, I do recall a Year 6 cooking experiment where we had to create something traditional to a culture; I chose a Thai octopus curry, which all the other kids thought was gross, but it ended up being so good, it made me rethink the meat and three veg criteria I had grown up on and got me excited for cooking new things. How has the journey evolved through the years? Where can I begin? Started flipping burgers at a small local takeaway shop, which I was super passionate about, being my first real job at the age of 15. That scored me an apprenticeship at a nearby café. This then moved me into the world of fine dining and intricate cuisine, where I spent most of my energies striving to achieve prestigious awards. Once the thrill of that

strip on Queens St. passed and the egocentric aspect stopped fulfilling me, I found myself moving away from What do you think makes the fine dining and wanting to work in gastro style pubs and smoke houses, which was the kind of perfect burger? food I had grown to enjoy eating myself. Burgers are personal. A couple Working nights, I would enjoy breakfast as a of simple things I like customer. I got so sick and tired of eating the to see in a great burger same boring version of breakfast and lunch are texture, flavour, sauce that everyone seemed to think was the only to meat ratio and a perfect way. Bacon and eggs, anyone? Which sent me on my mission to try and bring I SIMPLY GAVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANTED ... LOTS OF something fresh and exciting to BURGERS IN THE ONE PLACE - SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE. people’s plates and pop them How do you keep yourself organised and out of the cycle they had been directed into. steamed bun. motivated? This was one of the many motivations behind Where do you source your produce? Three things. Communication helps to keep opening my first business. My meat is 100% grass-fed, and I buy things organised, passion is what motivates What is Box Factory Burgers, and how did it from Stevie at Woolgoolga’s finest next me, but what ties it all together is undeniably this business come about? door; he only sources from quality local and really good coffee. Within the menu at my first business, we surrounding farms. What new projects are you working on at always had one burger option. However, I My buns are specially designed and made, the moment? noticed that people really held a preference exclusive to The Box Factory, by Mark at Woopi We definitely have a few things in the with what burger they liked. When our Bakery. Mark uses quality organic flour, which pipeline. I won’t give too much away right seasonal menu would change, some people he purchases locally also. now, but you may see us popping up on would be stoked for the newbie - others would Ninety per cent of our fruit and veg produce location in Coffs Harbour and Grafton in the be sad to see their old favourite go. is grown by Darren at New Life Farm, Sapphire near future, as well as at some of the major I simply gave the people what they wanted Beach. Harvested the day it’s delivered; it music festivals on the North Coast. … Lots of burgers in the one place - something doesn’t get any fresher than that! If you get spare time, what do you like to to suit everyone. Box Factory isn’t the only business you run. do? When a space opened up next door to a What is it like running multiple businesses? First and foremost, lots of time with my butcher, a place where I could source my meat, Well, it’s definitely not a walk in the park. family and friends. I love to go downhill assist another local business with their income, None of this could happen if it wasn’t for the skateboarding. It helps me to let go of stress, see my product daily, it was an opportunity too support of family, friends, staff, the community thoughts, fears, tension and gives me a little good to pass up. Also, there was a need in our and most of all, my business partner, Sasha. adrenaline rush to top it all off. I also like to community for some growth and economic She offers stability and structure within both sing in the car by myself, super melodramatic support, as the IGA supermarket closed and businesses and helps me to channel into my pop songs, when no one else is listening. affected other surrounding spaces. The Box creativity to do what I do best. It’s a big team Thanks Dustin. Factory has given some much needed life to the effort from everyone. Coffs Coast focus 15

Silks focusinterview.

Pink Committed to helping make a difference!

A L I S O N B L A N S H A R D / N I C O L E P Y M O N T / CA R O L I N E B L E E C H M O R E / TA N YA J O H N S O N / S TACY J E S S U P /

CHRISTINE MCGREGOR

PHOTO BY BRANDT MACKNEY

With the 5th CUB PST Golf Day and 12th Pink Silks Ladies Race Day in mid-January, these two events will be the last on the Pink Silks Trust fundraising calendar year, and the Pink Silks Trust committee is working hard to reach the $750,000 target. PST is committed to helping make a diﬀerence in the journey of local women going through a life changing or life threatening illness, by keeping 90% of all their funds raised local, and committing 10% to cancer research, in the hope of a future cure or preventative measure. After 11 years of fundraising for the local women of the Coﬀs Coast, FOCUS wanted you to meet these inspiring women who make up the PST committee.

ANYA JOHNSON

President. When and why did you become involved with Pink Silks, and what is the position you currently hold within the organisation? I was one of the co-founding Pink Silks committee members in Sept 2006, organising the first Pink Silks Ladies Race Day in January 2007. Following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2005 at 35 years old, I felt I wanted to make a positive difference for other women in Coffs. Together with my career in Radiography at the Coffs Harbour Health Campus, I knew and had experienced the impact that a life threatening and life changing diagnosis has, not only on the woman, but her family and friends. I am the only co-founder still involved and currently am the Chair of the Pink Silks Trust committee. What does your role entail? My role entails the operational aspects of 16 Coffs Coast focus

this registered charity, the coordination of our Each member has a connection and fundraising events with my amazing committee, experience that drives their passion and connecting with the community to source commitment to help other women. where there is a need for funds and awareness, Their sense of community spirit is unwavering, ensuring all our balancing work and donations are spent to family life to make time to help as many women as contribute their skills and possible for as many years time to help others, all Together with my career in as possible, sourcing within this voluntary role. Radiography at the Coﬀs Harbour donations, educating Plus, they are heaps of Health Campus, I knew the community on the fun to be with, especially and had experienced work we do and how when we out together at the impact that a life the contribution they our events. threatening and life make stays locally and What are your plans changing diagnosis has, directly helps our women, and goals for 2018? not only on the woman, but her and collaboration with We will continue to family and friends. the committee on what fundraise through our research to support each annual PST events, thanks year, as this will indirectly to the generosity of so come back to help our many local businesses community in the future. and individuals and search for beneficiaries What do you most enjoy about being part who need our assistance of funds and raised of such an inspirational committee? awareness of their work.

The goal is always to do what benefits the health, recovery and wellbeing of the women of the Coffs Coast, diagnosed with cancer or an illness and make the journey as positive as possible. What has been your highlight so far? Being part of its growth, from a concept to the unbelievable work this local registered charity achieves each and every year. Knowing and seeing the difference we have made to so many women and their families over 11 years … It’s what motivates me! How do we get in contact? tanya@pinksilks.com.au

DEBBIE GOOLEY Events Coordinator/Merchandise When and why did you become involved with Pink Silks, and what is the position you currently hold within the organisation? The reason I became involved with Pink Silks was when I meet Tanya Johnson and became friends with her, when I moved to Coffs

Harbour. The Pink Silks charity group came up in conversation and I was interested in it, as I had known of friends who had breast cancer and it was very difficult to get support and funding to the groups who support these women. Tanya explained a few things about what they do to raise funds for the benefit of the community and that all the money raised stays in the community. I was in from then on. I have donated to other cancer charities, as most of us have, and I’m not happy that the money didn’t stay in the local area. So eight years later, I’m still doing and loving Pink Silks. My reasoning for doing this is if I can help people by fundraising for such a worthy cause and they can benefit and it makes their lives a little less stressful and more comfortable in their time of need, then I will. No good saying I should have helped do this or that; I make the time and love doing it. Action for me, is what it comes down to. Most people know my role in the committee - sales. I’m the one who is always asking for prizes and donations - in a nice way, of course. What does your role entail? My role entails getting donation prizes and funding, selling packages, event/functions coordinator, organising the purchase of PST merchandise. I’m the one, if you see me - no hiding from me - looking for prizes and any offer of help for Pink Silks Trust. What do you most enjoy about being part of such an inspirational committee? The group of girls who are in Pink Silks give their time, heart and soul to what they believe in. They are selfless and caring, but most of all they are everyday women who want to make a difference. I’m very lucky to fundraise with them and to call them friends. There have been some amazing women come and go in Pink Silks, but they all have made a difference along the way. We are only a small group, but we all have big hearts - that’s what matters. What has been your highlight so far? One highlight for me was raising the funds for the Palliative Care Unit at Coffs Campus. This event was held at the Hoey Moey and it was a very hard fundraiser, but on the night Pinkie supporters blew my mind and we raised the money we needed for this worthy group of people. Also, the day of presenting equipment to the care group, so these women could go home at Christmas was very emotional to me. To know that this equipment will go on giving and giving to other sufferers is why I do what I do. How do we get in contact? deb@pinksilks.com.au

NICOLE PYMONT Social Media. When and why did you become involved with Pink Silks, and what is the position you currently hold within the organisation? I attended the first couple of Pink Silks race days and thought they were so much fun, while also raising money for fantastic causes. I slowly became involved by helping out on the day; not long after that, I was nominated to be part of Pink Silks. Two reasons I believe so much in Pink Silks - I work at the hospital. I see how the money helps. Who it helps. I also suffer from a chronic illness - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia

Syndrome (POTS) so I understand the benefits of communities raising money and awareness for different causes and charities that help people with a variety of illnesses. What does your role entail? Everyone gets in and helps with everything, but I have the responsibility of the role of social media / website promotion. What do you most enjoy about being part of such an inspirational committee? Working with strong and inspirational women and being part of such a generous community. Every year I am truly in awe of what people donate and give to Pink Silks. What has been your highlight so far? There are so many. But I would have to say the Ladies and Tradies night at the Hoey Moey. I’ve been left speechless at the generosity of people. How do we get in contact? nic@pinksilks.com.au

STACY JESSUP

DEBBIE GOOLEY

products that people want to buy that will also raise funds for the charity. We also approach businesses for their support and donations of goods and services. I also balance the books! What do you most enjoy about being part of such an inspirational committee? It is one of the few local charities run only by volunteers, with 90% of funds remaining in our local community (10% is donated to cancer research). We are all so passionate about what we do and even though everyone is so busy in our own lives, we all come together for a common cause. What has been your highlight so far? I am amazed by how much support local businesses and individuals give to PS. My highlight is to say THANK YOU! How do we get in contact? alison@pinksilks.com.au

Secretary What does your role entail? My role in the committee is an administrative one. I take the minutes, send out letters and emails, roster the volunteers. I source donators, set up, pick up, assist at our events and support my fellow committee members. I'm an all round committee member, actually. What do you enjoy most about being part of such an inspirational committee? Every day we can choose to learn from those around us. I choose to surround myself with a group of diverse and dynamic women I admire and respect for what they bring to CAROLINE BLEECHMORE the committee - marketing, finance, nursing, Marketing management, When and why did commitment and drive, you become involved with along with fun and a Pink Silks, and what is the can do attitude. position you currently hold My reasoning for doing this is What has been your within the organisation? if I can help people by highlight so far? I have been a supporter fundraising for such So many highlights. of Pink Silks for the last a worthy cause and Every time a donation is 11 years and re-joined they can beneﬁt and it offered, a raffle is won, the committee earlier this makes their lives a little a purchase is made, it year when Tanya and Deb less stressful and more highlights the generosity begged me to get more in their time of comfortable of our community that heavily involved again, need, then I will. I'm so proud to be a rather than just assisting part of. behind the scenes when How do we get in needed. Like all the contact? committee members, I’m passionate about stacy@pinksilks.com.au supporting our local community and see Pink ALISON BLANSHARD Silks as a way of giving something back. The Treasurer/Merchandise committee is also made up of a great group of When and why did you become involved women all motivated to help raise awareness with Pink Silks, and what is the position and funds for local women who are challenged you currently hold within the organisation?’ by cancer or illness and support health initiatives My family have supported PS from their on the Coffs Coast, so it’s an enjoyable inception over 11 years ago. When Tanya committee to work with. approached me in 2016 to be part of the What does your role entail? committee, I jumped at the opportunity. My I assist with anything I can, with a focus family has been through a lot in the last five on anything that the committee likes to term years in regards to cancer and even though they marketing or making things look pretty! don’t live in Coffs, it has inspired me to try and But seriously, we all contribute to ideas, make a difference in people’s lives who may be organisation, sourcing prizes and generally going through any other health issues. helping out. What does your role entail? What do you most enjoy about being part My role is as Treasurer and Sales/Merchandise of such an inspirational committee? The Pink Silks Perpetual Trust has such a great with Deb. We have been trying to focus on

reputation in the region, and I think the most rewarding aspect of being involved is seeing just how generous the local business community is with donating products and prizes for our fundraising efforts, plus then seeing how generous the community is with their ongoing support. But most of all, it’s the end result when we can say yes to supplying funds or life saving medical equipment to help our community. What has been your highlight so far? Without a doubt, knowing that this year we have raised enough funds to purchase the All-Terrain Medical Rescue Vehicle supporting SES, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire and Rescue, Firefighting Aviation Rescue and Coffs Harbour City Council. How do we get in contact? caroline@pinksilks.com.au

CHRISTINE MCGREGOR Data Management When and why did you become involved with Pink Silks, and what is the position you currently hold within the organisation? I joined Pink Silks in March 2017 as a committee member. Pink Silks organise a large number of fundraising initiatives each year for the Coffs Coast community, and I wanted to contribute as I had prior experience in fundraising event organisation with Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Gala Ball and other events. What does your role entail? My role is to assist in event organising, data management and raising awareness of the awesome work Pink Silks does for the Coffs Coast Community. What do you most enjoy about being part of such an inspirational committee? The passion and purpose that we all have to make a difference to people’s lives. What has been your highlight so far? Definitely would have to be the outcome we achieved via Ladies and Tradies night. With the generous support of our community, Pink Silks raised funds for the FIRST All Terrain Emergency Vehicle for the Coffs Coast. It was a fantastic night, with a great outcome. I am proud to be a part of this awesome group of women, who are now all dear friends. How do we get in contact? christine@pinksilks.com.au Thanks ladies. Coffs Coast focus 17

focusinterview.

Making

waves Not so long ago, Coffs locals could be excused for thinking that the cultural compass passed them by. But for the third year now, there’s a summer event that is changing all that and putting the region firmly on the map for film, star-power and creative inspiration.

creenwave International Film Festival is returning this month with its boldest and biggest program yet. In just three short years, the festival - known as SWIFF for short - has grown to be a flagship Mid North Coast summer cultural event which attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world. “The groundswell that’s happened behind SWIFF is part of the larger emergence of unique cultural events popping up around regional Australia,” says festival director Dave Horsley. “People in regional areas are really wanting a different type of cultural experience than in metro areas.” SWIFF 2018 will run from 10 to 25 January 2018, screening more than 70 films across locations in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen. Special guests, who will meet the audience for Q&As, include homegrown Hollywood star David Wenham, Go-Betweens drummer Lindy Morrison, Sydney Film Prize winner Sascha Ettinger-Epstein, and veteran surf journo Phil Jarrett, among a line-up of 20 filmmaker guests. SWIFF Light Box, a free public projection art exhibition and a first for Northern NSW, is all about bringing the magic of moving image outside of the four walls of a cinema, says Dave. It covers four sites: Jetty Theatre, Forestry

18 Coffs Coast focus

SWIFF Light Box

Building, Element Bar and South Coffs Island (quarry site) and forms a narrative as the viewer walks from site to site. Projections will run nightly from 8:30pm 'til late and are free to enjoy. SWIFF Light Box is a collaboration between local artists, including John Thiering and Brentyn Lungan, whose work is transformed into an arresting contemporary art light show by projection artists Illuminart, whose past work includes Vivid Sydney. Dave says: “To me, a festival is something that is out there, visible and vibrant in the community. That’s how the idea for SWIFF Light Box started - by us wanting to extend SWIFF out of the cinemas and into the public spaces around Coffs.” Top eight highlights of Screenwave International Film Festival 2018: Closing Night: Ellipsis, special guest David Wenham Screening of David Wenham’s directorial debut Ellipsis, which takes the audience on a night out in Sydney following the chance meeting of two strangers. Followed by audience Q&A with David Wenham. Festival wrap afterparty at South Coffs Island (Harbour Quarry): SWIFF pop-up bar, DJ set by Tim Helmy, all on a backdrop of cliff face projections from SWIFF Light Box. Jetty Theatre and South Coffs Island, Thursday 25 January from 6pm.

Men of Wood & Foam: live soundtrack event A portrait of six NSW friends from the golden decade of surfing - pioneers who shaped not just boards, but the history of surfing in Australia, including Coffs’ own surfing legend, Scotty Dillon. Special screening with a live soundtrack accompaniment performed by Band Of Frequencies. Audience Q&A with producer Phil Jarratt. Jetty Theatre, Saturday 20 January, 6:30pm. Opening Night Gala - Jungle SWIFF 2018 swings into action with Jungle from home-grown director Greg McLean and starring Daniel Radcliffe. It tells the true story of Israeli adventurer Yossi Ghinsberg, who survived alone in the Amazon for more than three weeks. Jetty Theatre, Wednesday 10 January 2018, 6pm for 7pm start. AFTRS workshop: Directing Short Film A full-day workshop on directing techniques for short films, to pull the performances and story you need to connect the audience with your vision. Presented by Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) lecturer Jonathan Ogilvie, a twotime Cannes Film Festival selected short film director and winner of Tropfest. Cavanbah Centre, Tuesday 23 January, 9am to 5pm. The Square This compulsively watchable, no-holds-

barred satire of the postmodern art world won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2017. Stars Elisabeth Moss and Dominic West, Friday 12 January, 6:30pm, Jetty Theatre and January 19, 7:30pm Bellingen Memorial Hall. REC Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival See the 17 finalist short films from REC Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival 2017, made by young people aged 12 to 25 across regional NSW. A joint project with headspace Coffs Harbour, the films explore the theme of “connection” via music video, mock doc, drama, comedy and more. Jetty Theatre, Monday 22 January, 12:30pm. Australian premiere: A Bad Idea Gone Wrong Unmissable indie comedy. Two would-be cat burglars wind up with more than they bargained for when their get-rich-quick scheme sees them trapped in the house they’re trying to rob. Stars Matt Jones of Breaking Bad fame. Jetty Theatre, Saturday 13 January, 6:30pm. The Go-Betweens: Right Here Follows the band from its 1970s beginnings in Brisbane, through two incarnations over more than three decades, with all the successes, failures, romances, break-ups, betrayals, triumphs and tragedies. Audience Q&A with special guest Lindy Morrison from the Go-Betweens. Jetty Theatre, Saturday 20 January; Bellingen Memorial Hall, Sunday 21 January.

SERVICE THAT STARTS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY. MCGUIGAN BMW VALET SERVICE. For over 30 years, McGuigan BMW has been providing you with Sales and Service to keep you behind the wheel of your Ultimate Driving Machine. Now for the ﬁrst time we are launching a Valet service in the Coffs Harbour area, to make it even easier to keep you on the move with minimum fuss. Simply give our team a call to book a service, and we’ll pick up your car, service it, and drop it off once completed.* Contact McGuigan BMW’s Award Winning Service Department to book your Valet Service Today.

McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 *The collection and delivery service in the Coffs Harbour area is complimentary for BMW vehicles only. Prior bookings are essential. McGuigan BMW reserves the right to withdraw or refuse this service at any time.

THE ALL NEW BMW X3. ARRIVING NOVEMBER 2017. The most accomplished BMW X3 is coming soon. With class leading technology, stunning performance and luxury at the highest level, the all new BMW X3 is set to rewrite the rules of desire and versatility. Register your interest at www2.bmw.com.au/x3/mcguiganbmw.html to learn more.

McGuigan BMW 140 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. Ph 6588 8500. www.mcguiganbmw.com.au DL7571 Coffs Coast focus 19

focus_What’s On Coﬀs Coast

J A N U A R Y

Screenwave

Screenwave International Film Festival presents its inaugural program of world cinema across Coffs Harbour and Bellingen. More info visit www.swiff. com.au When 10th January until 25th January. Tickets www.swiff.com.au

What’s

The Beautiful Girls Periscopes, Music, Blackbird and LaMar, amazing performances all over the planet, the voice of Mat McHugh, heart-on-the-sleeve songs, pioneering Australia’s surf-rootsreggae sounds; these are things fans worldwide think of when they think of The Beautiful Girls. Where The Coffs Hotel. When 6th January. Tickets www.oztix.com.au

12th Annual Pink Silks Race Day

The event is aimed to bring families and friends together to show a collective support of all women in our community undergoing a challenging time with their illness. Raising $25,000 at the first event, after 10 years PST have raised over $620,000. When 14th January. Where Coffs Harbour Racing Club. Cost Adults $10, children U16 free. Luncheon packages available. More Info www.coffsracingclub.com.au

EBB N FLO New Year’s Eve Presents EBB N FLO Final show + Special Guests Lazy Sundays + DJ OB1. Where Hoey Moey. When 31st December. Cost $10 entry after 5pm.

U2 Tribute Show

New Year’s Eve at C.ex. When 31st December. Tickets www.cex.com.au

20 Coffs Coast focus

Stadium MX

StadiumX showcases some of the the best Motocross riders in Australia, as well as offering juniors the chance to compete on a world class track with some of the big names in the sport. There will be NSW, QLD and Aussie title holders racing in the junior classes, as well as the senior classes. The event is a family friendly, alcohol free, 12 hours of racing event, and spectators can come and go throughout the day. It will attract over 4,000 riders, crew and spectators for the one day event. When 13th January. Gates open at 9am. Where Coffs Harbour Showground. Cost All tickets are $25pp More info Donna Craig on 0418 242 358.

Coﬀs Harbour Wedding Fair Where Opal Cove Resort. When 14th January. Time 10am until 1:30pm. More Info www.opalcoveresort.com.au or www.facebook.com/opalcoveresort/events

Five of the region’s fastest young talents will step up to the WRC challenge, not expecting to win outright, but aiming to compete in the company of the world’s best, benchmark their ability and

and has an eligible car can enter. That’s not something you can do in many other motorsport disciplines,” said Rally Australia’s sporting chief, Clerk of Course Wayne Kenny.

International

WRESTLING A U S T R A L I A

Crafty • Welder’s Dog Farmhouse Ginger Beer •

Fresh and cold on the taps at Element Bar on the Coffs Jetty Strip is this absolute gem from Welder’s Dog Brewing in Armidale, their brand new Farmhouse Ginger Beer. Super refreshing with a distinct crisp, big ginger flavour and a mouth watering tart finish, this little ripper is the perfect best friend for a balmy weekend session!

International Wrestling Australia has spent close to 20 years perfecting a unique form of live entertainment that has to be seen to be believed - a slick combination of comedy, athleticism and drama, we are the physical embodiment of comic book superheroes and villains!

t features some Australia's most talented and accomplished performers, some of whom have performed for the global juggernaut WWE, along with other major wrestling companies from around the world. All the glitz, glamour, pageantry, posing and spandex of wrestling's yesteryear remain, but presented in a fresh, family-friendly format relevant to modern audiences, complete with gripping storylines of tragedy and

triumph and stage production that provides an experience you'll never forget. We invite you to enter our world of wonder and excitement by reserving your seats now, although we're sure you'll only need the edge! IWA PRO WRESTLING LIVE - SAWTELL RSL Saturday 6th January 2018. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8pm. VIP $25, adults $18, kids $14. On the day all adults $25 and kids $15.50. Coffs Coast focus 27

Coffs Coast focus 21

focusinterview.

woman DESIGNING W I T H

L I S A

D A N I E L

For more than two decades, Lisa Daniel has been creating beautiful, functional solutions in homes and commercial spaces. Now, it’s Coﬀs’ turn, starting with her eye-catching ﬁt-out of Silvio’s Italiano bistro and deli.

or interior designer Lisa Daniel, Coffs Harbour is not just a stunning location in the natural sense: it is a goldmine on which to create beautiful, welcoming spaces, whether inside a home, a restaurant - even a real estate agent’s foyer. “I approach design in a holistic way,” says Lisa. “To be able to anticipate what a client needs in a commercial space, you need to go above and beyond.” A passionate designer with more than 20 years’ experience, Lisa uses a collaborative and thoughtful approach to a design brief - and goes above and beyond to add her own bold style to make interiors memorable. “It’s about designing to get a reaction - to ensure that people sit up and take notice. And I like to play on the business branding, making a strong

22 Coffs Coast focus

statement to create an unforgettable space.”

old school European delis.

And people certainly are talking about Lisa’s latest project: the fit-out of Silvio’s Italiano - a headturning addition to Coffs’ dining offerings, on the edge of Park Beach Plaza.

“You know straight away when you walk in that it’s not your average suburban deli or café.”

The enormous venue (145 m² outside / 270 m² inside), incorporates a deli, café, pizza section, restaurant and wine bar. Paul Spinoglio of Silvio’s approached Lisa to elevate the interior into a space that would echo the chic Italian bistros of Melbourne and attract a broad, all-ages clientele. Visitors are first met with Silvio’s striking deli entrance: matt black and dramatic lighting. “The black creates a moodiness - a warmth but not a clichéd warmth,” says Lisa. “Paired with matt earthy textures, products and produce on display and a hanging brass rail, you reminisce of

Lisa also used a combination of acoustic wizardry and feature enclaves to make the venue feel intimate. Her understanding of what works in a commercial space is drawn from a background in hospitality. Before moving to Coffs Harbour in 2016 she successfully established award-winning food and coffee venues in Melbourne’s CBD. Passionate about sustainable design, she draws on the Coffs talent pool of craftsmen and artists, so that each commercial project is more than beautiful - it is relevant to its locality and supports the region. For Silvio’s she worked with Mick Canning from Ballyness on the building and called on local

artisans and suppliers for finishings - Martin Tomasoni for his handmade table tops and feature bar, a handcrafted deli display table by Craig Brown, timber curved deli counter by Plumbe Joinery and subtle low-key photography by Elliot Daniel (of The Design Cupboard). She was also keen to shake things up, and sought out local street artist Ash Johnston (aka Nozzlefinger) to create a “mind blowing” graffiti mural of 50s Italian bombshell actress Sophia Loren. The result is a venue that is more than the sum of its parts: it’s a showcase of the Coffs talent pool. “People don’t realise just how much skill is here in town; it absolutely makes sense to draw on local craftsmen and support them, rather than buying in. “It makes a space relevant and something to be proud of.”

living and finding the flow in your world.

What do we mean when we talk about living fast or slow? When we come back to Coffs from Sydney, it feels slower, and if we take a trip up the mountain to Dorrigo - it feels even slower than Coffs. What is that feeling? It seems less rushed; there’s time to see people you know and have a conversation. But, I think it’s even more than that.

hen we are rushing from one are you addicted to rushing and being busy? Are thing to the next and cramming you wearing the busy badge of honour? And if as many things as possible into you are enjoying the adrenaline rush of busyness, the day, it’s hard to focus on that’s OK. But if you’re not enjoying it and want the thing in front of us. And it’s even harder to to change, be prepared to take some time to enjoy it! When was the last time you did things work on it. This is going to take practice. And you without having a plan will need to make an effort or an end time? Or even to go against your habits. just without the feeling First stage is just to of rushing? Little kids are imagine living differently so good at it. They can - without rush, relaxed, I don’t know if this wish to live more slowly but not find the flow in a game focused, productive. give up the important stuff or a sandcastle and just There is a kind and gentle or the fun stuff is possible, meander along getting approach to yourself and but it’s definitely worth a go. distracted and going to others. It’s forgiving and Or are you addicted to rushing and the next thing when they creative and looks for being busy? Are you wearing the feel like it. positive outcomes in all busy badge of honour? And if you So maybe we are able the challenges we face. It’s are enjoying the adrenaline rush of to live a bit slower on great to have something to busyness, that’s OK. weekends or holidays, but think about and imagine can we live our workdays as you are going to sleep. in a slower zone? And still I’ve heard it can help your be productive? And more brain to remember to think relaxed? Wouldn’t that be fantastic! So life feels differently the next day. slower, but we don’t have to give anything up Next you do need some planning. Put your … Well, we don’t give up the “have to” or the have tos on a list and some want tos. Try really “want to” things. But maybe it’s a good idea to hard to put less things on the list. Is there should give up the “should do” things. If you don’t have dos on there? Get rid of them! to do them or want to do them, they just cause And then take some moments here and there stress. to move more slowly and meander and notice. I don’t know if this wish to live more slowly You might find you discover some wonderful and but not give up the important stuff or the fun interesting things in your world. We have heaps stuff is possible, but it’s definitely worth a go. Or of them.

WWW.BIGBANANA.COM | PH: 02 6652 4355 351 PACIFIC HWY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

Coffs Coast focus 23

Caramel praline semifreddo cone with toffee crunch, chocolate ganache and nutty biscotti from Velvets Restaurant, Two Tails Wines. 24 Coffs Coast focus

Berry Bliss, charlotte with a light coconut meringue, crunchy crumble, vanilla cream and ruby jaﬀa.

$10 lunch: salt and pepper calamari with chips, garden side salad and aioli

Velvets Restaurant Located in the heart of the Orara Valley, Nana Glen.

Velvets Restaurant at Two Tails Wines has something for everyone. fHerb & pinenut crusted Barramundi fillet with

steamed brocolini andVelvets roast capsicum Restaurant sauce. prides itself on freshly

sourced produce and champions the local artisans and provedores, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community. Velvets have designed a Spanish tapas style menu, allowing its local produce to speak for itself. With both indoor and outdoor dining options available, Velvets Restaurant provides a unique Coffs Harbour dining experience that encapsulates the essence of the Orara Valley lifestyle.

Spinifex Restaurant Our new menu selections have been flying out the door, with something for everyone’s tastebuds - from the usual classics such as the chicken schnitzel with gravy to our Thai coconut fish of the day meal or balsamic vegetable stack. We pride ourselves on sourcing fresh and local produce to complement our menu. This month in the bistro we have live entertainment for your dining enjoyment on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm; come check it out. $10 weekday lunch specials are a big hit, with four selections to choose from and includes a free middy of Little Creatures pale ale! Weekly blackboard specials, à la carte menu, bar menu, kids’ menu, $10 lunch menu and $12.50 night specials, $15 steak and egg Thursdays and the best for last ... $15 Sunday roasts. What more could you ask for?

the pier hotel HEAD CHEF KANELLA ORMSBY

COAST HOTEL, 2 MOONEE ST, COFFS HARBOUR 6652 3007 WWW.COASTHOTEL.COM.AU

At the Pier Hotel we’re excited to announce the opening of the new “Cellar Lounge”. We welcome you to come down and feast your eyes on Coffs Harbour’s most historic hotel. With our winter menu about to fi nish HEAD CHEF NICOLE HATCH up and summer approaching quickly, we will be kicking off our new menu shortly. Our chef, Blake Wittenberg, is very excited with all the great produce he gets to use over the summer period. Be sure to make 963 ORARA WAY, NANA GLEN 6654at3633 your way down and have a look the new and upcoming changes to WWW.TWOTAILSWINE.COM.AU the Pier Hotel.

Head Wiitte

WEDNESDAY SUNDAY We are open seven days a week for lunchTO and dinner; to make a 11AM ‘TIL 4:30PM. reservation, please call theFROM Pier Hotel on 6652 2110. We look forward to seeing you.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY LUNCH 12:00 - 2:30PM, DINNER 5:30 - 9PM. SUNDAY TO THURSDAY LUNCH 12:00 - 2:30PM, DINNER 5:30 - 8:30PM.

Pan Fried Swordﬁsh with prawn chorizo paella Cnr& Harbour Dr and Camperdown St, Coffs Harbour and lemon thyme butter hotel: 6652 2110 bistro: 6651 8222 lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm; dinner 5:30pm - 8:30pm; 7 days a week.

the hoey moey

Welcome to the Beachside Bistro at Moey with our newly renovated kit are the only hotel in Coffs Harbour beach access. Come and enjoy our hotel with spacious beer garden,

Plantation Hotel

The Hoey Moey

If you’re looking for the best value in Coffs Harbour, look no further than the Plantation Hotel … The team at the Plantation pride themselves on offering outstanding service alongside quality food at an affordable price, that will keep you coming back time and time again.

It doesn’t get much better than a fantastic meal in Beachside Bistro at the Hoey Moey. Join us for a delicious dining experience and our brand new summer menu, featuring Pan Fried Swordfish served with prawn and chorizo paella and lemon thyme butter. Pair it with a selection of our house wines or tap beers for a dining experience to be savoured.

Pop in and try something off our brand new à la carte menu, with a tasty selection of burgers, pastas, salads and premium grade steaks, plus all your pub favourites, cooked using fresh local produce and plated with the personal touches of head chef Dave Newick.

HEAD CHEF DAVID NEWICK.

open plan bar, bistro, drive thru bot and TAB facilities. Have you tried ou Gourmet Pizza range? There is a lar to choose from and you can have th in or takeaway. Come in and check takeaway specials or phone ahead If a pizza is not what you are after o $7.50 FEEDS are always available da

HEAD CHEF GUS PREZIOSO.

Great Food, Live Music, Good Times!

The Plantation Hotel … Delicious Food, Friendly Service, Incredible Value!

88 GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR. 6652 3855 WWW.PLANTATIONHOTEL.COM.AU 7 DAYS. MON - THURS & SUN: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5:30 - 8:30PM. FRI - SAT: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5.30 - 9PM.

84 OCEAN PARADE, COFFS HARBOUR 6652 3833 WWW.HOEYMOEY.COM.AU 7 DAYS. MON - THURS & SUN: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5:30 - 8:30PM. FRI - SAT: 12PM - 2:30PM; 5.30 - 9PM.

Head C David

s CoastParade, focus 25Coffs Harbo 84 Coff Ocean 6652 3833 www.hoeymoey 7 days. Mon - Thurs & Sun:12pm

Slow roasted pork belly.

focusinterview.

FOCUS sat down with the new chef, Rodrigo, at Twenty46 to ﬁnd out about their amazing new menu and what’s happening over the holidays. Sullivan Smith, Rodrigo Ebert, Hayden Davis.

4 6 W

Twenty

hat inspired you to become a chef? Travelling and having the opportunity to learn about new cultures and meet people from all over the world. That's what really inspired me and gave me the courage to leave my family, friends and 10 years of dental practice in Brazil to start a whole new life as a chef. I was also really lucky to have a grandmother who could season food like few people can and a father who taught me the secrets of a delicious Brazilian barbecue! That definitely got me interested in food and in entertaining people. I loved to see their reaction when trying my food, and I was always very critical and looking for ways to improve! What is your connection to the Coffs Coast? Love. My fiancée lived in Coffs Harbour when she was a teenager and has always thought about moving back. Her parents also live here, which made the decision even easier. So, a few months ago we decided to make the move in order to buy a house, a dog and start a family! So here we are! Where has your career as a chef taken you so far? All the way up to beautiful Coffs Harbour! But my journey started at TAFE, where I did a Patisserie course and realised my passion was actually commercial cookery. For that reason, I enrolled to the Diplome de Cuisine at the Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, which led to me doing a Diploma in Hospitality to understand the administrative side of things.

26 Coffs Coast focus

Eggplant open kebab.

I have been fortunate enough to work for two of Australia's most iconic fine dining restaurants, Quay and Bennelong, working amongst some of the best chefs in the industry and learning a lot about the best produce Australia has to offer. I've also sought exposure to as many different kitchen environments and restaurant styles as possible and have THE TEAM AND I ARE worked at Brazilian barbecue GOING TO PUT OUR restaurants, cafés and HEARTS AND SOULS IN bakeries. But I believe my EVERY DISH YOU SEE most challenging moment so COMING OUT OF THE far was being Head Chef at a Their passion, sense of newly opened café in a busy KITCHEN. SO, GET READY responsibility and commitment office area in North Sydney, TO TRY SOME VERY TASTY, towards the work we're doing when all my skills were put WELL-SEASONED FOOD. at Twenty46. Hayden and Sully to the test - and fortunately really embrace it as if they own we had an amazing result, the restaurant themselves; it's which I'm really proud of! fantastic! What can we expect from I've worked in a lot of places and I've seen what your new menu? the industry has to offer in terms of labour, so I'm Simple, tasty food made from fresh local amazed by these guys. In Sydney, trying to find chefs ingredients, of course! During all my training I with a strong work ethic was almost impossible, so learned that food doesn't need to be complicated to I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work be good and that the less time you spend trying to beside them. Together, we make a brilliant team. make it fancy, the more time you can spend making What’s different about Twenty46 compared to it taste good! the other cafés in Coffs? What would you recommend ? The service, atmosphere and coffee is exceptional Everything! The team and I are going to put our and with this new menu, our focus is providing hearts and souls in every dish you see coming out fresh, flavoursome, quality meals, made by a team of of the kitchen. So, get ready to try some very tasty, chefs who are passionate about cooking. well-seasoned food. It’s the total package! What do you like most about the team of chefs Thanks Rodrigo. working with you?

Business as usual

21 000

So, there’s been a bit happening this year - Trump, Brexit, North Korea, Harry and Meghan to tie the knot. In Australia, women’s AFL took off, we’ve had floods, fires, droughts and cyclones, same sex marriage got the nod and to top it all off, Barnaby turned out to be a Kiwi - who knew? Meanwhile, here on the beautiful NSW Mid North Coast, the sun goes up, the sun goes down, life goes on and it’s business as usual. At Direct Wholesale Services, that means we continue to offer our wide range of competitively priced, quality, eco-friendly products to suit your needs. Over the Christmas New Year period we’ll be open up to and including Friday, December 22, closed only on the public holidays - Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26 and Monday, January 1. Call in or contact us for information on our full range of products and services, including coffee and coffee making paraphernalia, paper bags, plastic bags, snack boxes, chip boxes, pastry trays, greaseproof paper, cling wrap, napkins, paper towel, coffee cups, milkshake containers, plastic containers, foil containers, washroom products, catering equipment, Byron Bay Cookies … and more… plus regular, free delivery to businesses between Port Macquarie and Ballina, including Tamworth and Armidale.

COPIES DELIVERED

When you advertise with Focus you’re not just advertising once, but in 21,000 FREE copies. Our huge circulation is the single biggest reason that Focus continues to achieve the results that our clients demand.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Coffs Coast focus 27

2018 Season

now on sale

Taking the Jetty Theatre on a cultural roadtrip

Dress Circle Membership

Upcoming shows Jan 10 – 25 Screenwave International Film Festival 2018 Jan 10 SWIFF Opening Night Gala Jan 20 SWIFF Live: Men of Wood & Foam Live Soundtrack Feb 2-3 Festival of Small Halls* Feb 24 Spooky Men’s Chorale *Please check show location

The Coast Comedy Players. The Coast Comedy Players is the brainchild of Coffs local writer Penny Dennis, a familiar face on the Jetty Theatre stage in past years. It is the region’s new community theatre company, whose focus is to bring first-class comedy shows to regional centres and to keep the costs low, so that everyone can enjoy a theatre experience - no matter their income. “In talking to patrons at shows and other local actors, it was a common theme that, one, we needed to make going to the theatre more affordable and, two, that having to come into Coffs was both time-consuming and, on winter nights, a worry for the drive home,” says Penny. It got her and a few others thinking - why not fix the problem? So, the company’s first production, Companion Planting!, a romantic farce, is being performed in Nambucca Heads, Bellingen, Coramba and Woolgoolga, as well as three shows at the Jetty Memorial Theatre in February. Penny continued, “By setting up a new company, it also gives local actors more opportunities to improve their skills - and audiences love to laugh, especially in these dark times.”

L ig ht B o

present

O ffi ci

nue

IF F

Get along to Companion Planting! and enjoy the antics as retirement village living meets reality TV.

925

PLANTING!

re 1 ee xhibition – Jan

Gift vouchers now available

jettytheatre.com/venue/gift-vouchers

jettymemorialtheatre

@jettytheatre

Box office hours Tues to Fri 12 noon – 4pm jettytheatre.com | phone 6648 4930 337 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

28 Coffs Coast focus

COMPANION When reality TV gardening guru, Perry Potts meets the residents of the Swift Valley Retirement Village, what could possibly go wrong? Oh, that’s right… EVERYTHING! Come and enjoy this hilarious, romantic new farce from the coast’s own, Penny Dennis

DATES and VENUES

TICKETS

Fri 9 Feb 7.30pm at Nambucca Community Arts Centre Sat 10 Feb 7.30pm at Woolgoolga Diggers Club Sun 11 Feb 2pm at Bellingen Memorial Hall Fri 16 Feb 7.30pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sat 17 Feb 2pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sat 17 Feb 7.30pm at Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Sun 18 Feb 2pm at Nambucca Heads Bowls Club Fri 23 Feb 7.30pm at Coramba Hall, Orara Valley Sat 24 Feb 7.30pm Bellingen Memorial Hall Sun 25 Feb 2pm at Woolgoolga Diggers Club

$20 Adult $15 Concession/Student $15per person Groups of 10+ •

Jetty Memorial Theatre and for Coffs, Coramba and Bellingen at

•

Helloworld Travel, Nambucca Heads 6568 6455

•

Nambucca Bowls Club 6568 6132

•

Woolgoolga Diggers 6654 1234

www.jettytheatre.com.au (+$2 booking fee)

WARNING! Mild coarse language (mostly in French...oo-la-la!), naughty bits and political incorrectness guaranteed!!

Coffs Coast focus 29

focus PUB

CRAWL feature

CRAWL

30 Coffs Coast focus

focus PUB

CRAWL feature

CRAWL

BOO S E E K A

This hip-hop-psych-soul/dream-tronica project started life as an outlet for a couple of musical experiments, a kind of soul petrie dish, a testing ground for new sounds.

he duo have released their copy. With Kingdom Leader, their debut single, first single, Kingdom Leader. we've a fantastic example of their unique A song that drips sexual sound." - HillyDilly.com foreplay. Builds and builds Songs of the week - HillyDilly.com and subtly massages the soul. "A bloody strong opening single. If they can A combination of pulsating pen a follow-up that capitalises on their melosynth sounds that bed dies, unique textures, and down layered textures of subtle hooks the way this electronic bass and perso effortlessly does, they'll cussive beats. The sonic blow up big n' quick." Al stimulations throughout Newstead JJJ. B O O S E E K A WA S the track enthrall and "This is so great. I love A N E XC I T I N G ask you to delve deeper all the different textures with every second of the used in this song. It's so F I N D . . T H E B OYS song. well contracted." Dom FINISHED UP The inspiration for Alessio JJJ Kingdom Leader came "BOO SEEKA was an THEIR SET WITH from a garage sale exciting find ... The boys S E X I E R , H E AV I E R ... Well, from a $50 finished up their set with vintage synth picked up sexier, heavier beats that B E AT S T H AT at a garage sale, that roused the crowd." ROUSED THE sparked the first set of Canberra Critics Circle. tunes. BOO SEEKA have "Like swimming in C R O W D. also been channelling a gravy. Delicious, Delicious few musical spirits in the Gravy" - Max Quinn recording/writing pro(triple j). cess of their first single "With nods to acoustic, and EP (to be released later in the year). These soul and hip-hop, the group had the live include the layering and experimental beats of show down pat, despite having only played a Massive Attack, the cool of Mayer Hawthorne handful of shows. Expect them to gain some and Seed 2.0 Cody Chestnuttâ€™s soulful vocal airwave traction in the next twelve months." delivery. BOO SEEKA snaps up melodies and The AU Review. bounces them off hip-hop/R&B driven grooves - and beats that vibe. Recent Quotes: "BOO SEEKA is another fresh new band Date Wednesday, January 10th. from Australia and the sound they've got is Where The Coffs Hotel. not one you're going to brush off as carbon Tickets www.stickytickets.com.au Coffs Coast focus 31

The Four Boys - Supporting Locals

focusinterview.

Intro: When it comes to giving back to the community the boys from North Coast Hotel Group are at the top of list. These Four boys work tirelessly keeping each of their venues at such a high standard, never losing sight of what’s important. Supporting local is something that is a high priority for each of them. FOCUS grabbed a schooner with Moonee Beach Tavern Director, Harry Barry, to find out more….

When it comes to giving back to the community, the boys from North Coast Hotel Group are at the top of list. These four boys work tirelessly keeping each of their venues at such a high standard, never losing sight of what’s important. Supporting local is something that is a high priority for each of them. FOCUS grabbed a schooner with Moonee Beach Tavern Director, Harry Barry, to ﬁnd out more …

32 Coffs Coast focus

CHARLIE NALDER

an you please introduce us to your team and their individual roles? How’s it goin’! I am Harry Barry, and I am a Director of the North Coast Hotel Group. We own and operate a number of hotels in Coffs Harbour and the North Coast. I look after the Moonee Beach Tavern. My partners are: Ric Gianoli, a long-time resident of Woolgoolga, where he and his family have had the Seaview Tavern and the Emerald Beach Bottleshop for 30+ years; Twane Voglsinger, a Coffs boy, born and bred - he has been at the Hoey Moey for the past seven years; Charlie Nalder, settled into Woolgoolga six years ago with his family and now looks after the Village Green Hotel in Grafton for the NCHG; Mark Mihai has returned and is on board with us at the Seaview. We have a great team of Managers/ Licensees throughout the venues, Tim, Mark Sylvia and Damien at Moonee Beach Tavern; Mark, Ben, Crozz and Gerard at the Seaview Tavern; Ryan, Bec, Laurelle, Wayne and Gus at the Hoey Moey; Anthony, Knotty, Maddy and Nerada at The Village Green. We have over 120 staff working at our hotels now, and we are lucky to have them. They are the face of the hotels, and they are the real reason people keep coming back to the venues. What have been some of your achievements throughout 2016/17? We have had a big year! The Moonee Beach Tavern has won this year’s “Business of the Year” and the “Tourism and Hospitality category” at the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce Sunny Awards. We have also taken the Highly Commended Award at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence, for “Best Family Friendly Venue”, for the second year in a row. The Seaview Tavern has won the coveted “Best $15 Cheap Eats Category” at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence, and this is on the back of the Village Green Hotel winning this award the previous year. The Village Green Hotel also took out the Best Food and Beverage category in the Clarence Valley Business Excellence Awards and was a finalist in four categories in the 2017 AHA Awards for Excellence. The Emerald Beach Bottleshop was a Runner Up in this year’s Liquor Stores Association NSW

HARRY BARRY

& ACT (LSA) Awards for Excellence. The Hoey Moey has over the last few years received Highly Commended Awards at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence for “Live Entertainment Venue of the Year” and “Best Promotional Concept”. I think that’s what they won … The NCHG was nominated for both the “Group Hotel Operators of the Year” and made the final of the highly sought after “Heart of the Community Award”- an award that recognises hotels that are an integral part of their local communities. But I think our biggest achievement this year has been tidying up the backend of the businesses; we have brought a bit of structure to our ordering, point of sale, marketing and accounts departments. We have also finished some renovations at each of the hotels, mostly improving our outdoor offerings, and all the hotels have invested in some new play areas for the kids and families. Each venue targets a different demographic. Can you please share with us each venue’s target audience? I am not sure that we are all that different from each other really; we all have our famous “Daily Meal Deals”, we all have live entertainment, and we are all major sponsors of the local teams and events. We all have great outdoor spaces and well stocked bottle shops. We have deliberately tried to give each hotel a different look and feel, and I suppose if I was pushed I would say the Hoey is more about live entertainment, the Moonee and the Seaview about the kids and their outdoor spaces, and the Village has a great bottleshop, but really we have gone to great lengths to ensure that each of our venues has great food, live entertainment and great family friendly facilities. Is live music a part of your focus within the group? Live entertainment and pubs, in our opinion, should go hand in hand. All our venues do regular live bands and other pub style entertainment, but I think we have pushed the bar and put our own spin on many of these events. The Hoey Moey’s Sunday Sessions are widely recognised as one of the best in the country and now that we have the option for live bands on the Beer Garden Stage, we will

TWANE VOGLSINGER

see more of the big acts - like our recent Bliss ‘n’ Eso and Illy shows. The SV just ran a brilliant Battle of the Bands comp for all the young budding musos in the Northern Beaches; the Moonee and the VG have made a name for themselves by bringing the best tribute shows in the country to the coast, such as The Eagles, Pink and Creedence Clearwater Revival shows. How important is it to maintain a family friendly atmosphere? The hotel game is one of the most over regulated industries in this country. We made a conscious decision a number of years ago to make sure we focused our pubs on the daytime and early evening trade and avoided the hassle of late night trading and the issues that would inevitably follow. This meant that we needed to ensure that we were the venues of choice for the local families. The mission was to make sure we invested our money into renovations and activities that would suit the growing numbers of young local families on the North Coast. We all have kids; Ric’s daughter, Brittany and my daughter, Ciara are now working in the pubs. Jack (10), Bella (11) and Eli (8) make pocket money scrubbing the glasses, Saxon and Diaz help their Gran do the gardening at the Hoey, Mark’s young lad is a dishie at the Seaview, and Jayden always seems to have a spanner in his hand fixing something that has broken down. We live and breathe these businesses, so we feel we knew what was missing, and I think our venues scream “family friendly” … Our entertainment guides always have kids’ activities, and the venues are designed with the family in mind. I think we have nailed it - and we have more improvements in the pipeline. Tell us about your community involvement. Community involvement is the backbone of our businesses … We believe community acceptance will only be achieved with community involvement, and we actively seek out events, clubs and fundraisers to assist. We are driven to make things better in our neighbourhood, not just because we run the local hotel, but because we are a part of our community. The North Coast Hotel Group invests significantly in locally oriented sporting, community, social and school groups. This

RIC GIANOLI

investment links back to the objectives of our business plan in creating a “HUB” in the local community. It is our philosophy that our hotels MUST be viewed as … “Part of, Friends of, Partner of, Sponsor of, Home of, Patron of”. Our business made a decision to invest 70% of our marketing budget into sponsorship of local events, cultural groups and sporting clubs, rather than spending this money in the usual advertising channels. We are heavily invested in ensuring that our local community feels comfortable identifying our hotels as the meeting places or hub of the community. This year we have rolled out a few food and wine festivals; we have helped with the bars at the Coffs Showground and at the recent rodeo in Nana Glen. We had a Christmas Food Truck Festival at Moonee and a Taste the Plate event at the Seaview on the 17th February. We think it is important for us to be creating new events for our communities to enjoy, so you will see us focus on this type of thing in the coming year. When managing a pub, what is the key to being a success? The key to running a successful pub … Hmmm … We all have brilliant wives who know more about this business then we do; they also pay all the bills and tell us where we are supposed to be and when we are supposed to show up. Without them, we would be lost! Besides that … Knowing what you are good at … and doing that thing well! Surround yourself with happy, hardworking people who want to enjoy doing their job. We don’t pretend to be anything that we are not … We do good beer, we do good pub food and at a good price, and we try to make sure that everybody comes back for more. What are your plans for the future? If I told you … I’d have to kill you … Whatever we do next, we will make sure that Nicci from FOCUS knows first! Where can we find out more about each venue? All the pubs have their own websites … I am sure Mr. Google will point you all in the right direction. The best way to stay up to date is to follow our socials - Facebook and Instagram are our main marketing tools, so as they say …Follow us on Facebook! Thanks Harry. Coffs Coast focus 33

focus PUB

CRAWL feature

CRAWL

Beautiful

GIRLS It’s been 15 years since the release of their first album, “Morning Sun”. The Beautiful Girls are celebrating with a special nostalgic tour, stopping off at the Coffs Hotel … FOCUS chatted with the man behind the music, Mat McHugh …

ou’re literally fresh on home that those albums [Morning Sun / Learn Yourself] shores after a Europe tour. How were the beginning of it all, so for the act and for me was your time overseas? personally as well. You don’t often get the chance It was good; it was really fun. This to pat yourself on the back being an independent was my fourth European tour in 10 artist; you tend to be grinding, grinding, grinding … months. It’s nice to look back and celebrate things and pay an So having spent so much time playing together acknowledgment to that moment. overseas these past 10 The music industry is full of months, you’re pretty well vipers and pirates and all other evil seasoned and ready for your creatures, and it’s hard enough to Australian tour? keep your head above water when That was kind of a big part you have a whole massive team of YO U D O N ’ T of doing it. The plan of the people helping you out, but being OFTEN GET THE Australian tour is stripping it back independent - it’s rough. It is an C H A N C E T O PAT as a three piece, basically the way achievement when all we’ve all we did it when we started, and done a good job. I think it’s about YO U R S E L F O N T H E we had to practice that ... It’s how we’ve dealt with people; BACK BEING AN harder than it sounds, stripping we’ve been very respectful of the INDEPENDENT it all back - so it was get on the music and the people who come road, play a bunch of shows and along and support the music. A R T I S T ; YO U T E N D get match-fit, really. And you literally have been TO BE GRINDING, You’ve done a fair bit of solo independent for 15 years … GRINDING, stuff of late. What inspired the Yeah, there are different decision to tour The Beautiful definitions of independent. There’s GRINDING… Girls? “independent” - but really it’s Someone floated the idea; I in quotation marks, because think it was management or my it’s folded under the big major booking agency floated the idea label who distribute their albums that these records were 15 years old ... and I was kind and marketing and what not, but we literally take of against it. And then my partner, I was talking to her, the money from what we get from selling a CD and and she said - more or less - pull your head out of your then go to the factory and pay for more to get made. backside and do it. The idea of doing it is celebrating We design our own artwork; you don’t get more 34 Coffs Coast focus

independent. You’re running a bit of a Facebook comp; tell us about that ... We already had one, and somebody already won it; the competition is you get your own backstage dressing room with your own personal rider, and you get to watch side stage ... All the things that when you’re in a crowd you dream of and wonder about what it would be like to be backstage. Really, the reality isn’t as great as the dream ... But still, we thought it would be a good thing to give away. We are running another one particularly for Sydney, and also a nationwide competition to pick another winner. After this tour wraps up, what’s on the agenda for the next twelve months? Directly after this tour, we have half a day off and then we jump on a plane and go to Brazil and do some shows, and then I go straight from Brazil to Mexico and Jamaica to do some acoustic shows, then to America for a little bit of a break. I’ve been working on some new songs - just not sure on what name they’ll be released under yet. Thanks Mat.

Don’t miss The Beautiful Girls with special guests, Saturday 6th January 2018 (opening 9pm) at The Coffs Hotel. 135 West High Street, Coffs Harbour. Tickets www.coffsharbourhotel.com

Coffs Coast focus 35

focus PUB

CRAWL feature

CRAWL

-Twenty

19-Twenty have been whipping up a frenzy on the festival scene. They are electric an infectious riﬀ and groove based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots band. FOCUS caught up with front man Kane Dennelly and found out more about the band … i guys. Give us a bit of a background about 19Twenty; how did you all meet and form the band? Thievery! After a solo European tour, Kane was on the lookout for a new band. He saw both Syd and John playing for other acts, and poached them good and proper. Who makes up the band, and what roles do you play? Johnny G - double bass. Syd Green - drums. Kane Dennelly - the fool. You’ve played sold out festivals, packed out venues and toured both nationally and internationally. What is it about you guys that people love most? Two reasons. We pay a LOT of people a LOT of money to talk us up! Well, mainly just Mum and GMA - fake it before you make it! Also, we break down the fourth wall and allow people in. Our show is very dependent on the audience being involved. We will get them singing with us, on stage dancing with us and generally having a great time. At the end of the week, we all need to forget, turn off and get rowdy. We are more than happy to facilitate that! How would you describe your onstage vibe? Sweaty, rowdy, infectious! Three best mates having the times of their lives! We never have a set list, so we never know what to expect - and neither does the audience. As a result, there is a tension that anything could go wrong - and sometimes it does! 36 Coffs Coast focus

Like watching a car crash; you don’t want to punters think it's our best, so maybe there look, but can’t look away. It isn’t that crazy is something in having that tension in the to see our drummer surfing on the double studio. Our sound currently is a lot heavier bass or swinging from the rafters. For John to and dance based. As a result of all the festival play his bass upside spots we have played, down or for me to we have tried to nail be crowd surfing or the sound to tape of jumping into massive what gets folks groovspeaker stacks. Ask ing. I think it’s pretty IN FIVE YEARS for forgiveness - not close. for permission! You’re currently on W E ’ V E P L AY E D Most memorable a huge tour, hitting HUNDREDS OF moment to date? many popular venues Too many to along the way - howG I G S I N E V E RY mention! In five ever, we have you S TAT E O F O Z . years we’ve played stopping off at the hundreds of gigs in little town of Bellevery state of Oz. ingen. What do you House concerts, like about playing sweaty pubs, outback taverns and nearly 30 these smaller unique venues? festivals! We are always pinching ourselves They are REAL! There is no hiding in those and truly believe we have the best job in the sort of venues. We play a lot of small out of world! The most memorable festival moment the way hall gigs and love every single one of would either be National Folk Festival in them. It's amazing to see multi generations Canberra or Blues at Bridgetown. The crowds coming out. It's a real family event, and we were MASSIVE! It is pretty amazing to play totally dig that! Our grandma, who is 85, still to 2,000 people dancing and singing your comes to as many gigs of ours as she can songs. and she goes off; our music crosses genres Earlier this year you released your third and ages, and we love seeing this in our studio album, Triad. What was the reaudiences from the stage. cording and production process like, and Thanks Kane. how do you feel you’ve grown as a band since earlier material? This was actually the hardest of all four albums we have done! For some reason 19-Twenty live at 5 Church St, Bellingen. we decided we needed a new album right Saturday 13 January. smack bang in the middle of a crazy tour http://19twentymusic.com/store schedule and hectic home lives! Turns out

focus PUB

knox DA N I E L

The Plantation Hotel

hat is your role is at the Plantation Hotel? I am the General Manager. What do you love

most about your job? Everything! The people I get to come and work with each day, the customers who come to the hotel, everything that comes with working in a pub. What have been some of your achievements over the past few years?

CRAWL feature

at the Planto! Since inception, how has the venue changed? The Planto was originally built in 1955 by Ted Russell. It was often the chosen location for many CRAWL large gatherings such as wedding receptions and community events. Over the last 62 years, it has gone through many changes, far too many to list. Many will remember the old Sports Bar leading out to the back carpark The Plantation Hotel’s Bar and (where the beer garden Grill has a great name in the is currently) or even the local community for value and old function hall. People quality. Head chef Dave Newick may remember coming and his team put incredible effort to the Planto to see the into ensuring our customers likes of Cold Chisel, are delivered nothing but Hunters and Collectors the best quality, locally We share in all of our or Crowded House. In sourced produce at an achievements, as it is a more recent history, the amazing price. team effort every step of venue has hosted artists the way. Going through a such as Phil Jamieson, significant business model Havana Brown, X-zibit change in the last 18 months has seen the hotel and a host of electronic artists. go from a popular nightlife spot to a family Tell us about your restaurant. Who is your friendly, gastro-style pub focused on food and chef, and what is his background? functions. The team worked very hard to get us The Plantation Hotel’s Bar and Grill has a to where we are today, and I could not be any great name in the local community for value more proud of how far we have come in this new venture. Mind you, there’s still plenty more and quality. Head chef Dave Newick and his around the corner, so keep your eye on us here team put incredible effort into ensuring our

customers are delivered nothing but the best quality, locally sourced produce at an amazing price. Dave completed his apprenticeship in Coffs Harbour and has worked in a variety of restaurants around the town, giving him a very diverse background. What are your most popular dishes on the menu? Nothing beats the old chicken parmy at the pub! Every pub should pride themselves on this particular dish, and the Planto’s parmy will never disappoint! The rib and wing combo is another favourite if you’ve worked up a hunger and need a BIG FEED! When managing a pub, what is the key to success? The key to success is consistency. Venue cleanliness, food quality and customer service all combine to create an experience for the customer and needs to exceed the their expectations. What are your plans for the future? My wife and I are expecting a little one in the near future, so I have an inkling that will take up a fair bit of my time. Other than that, I plan to continue to grow the Plantation Hotel and offer the local community the best possible in-venue experience whenever they come to visit. Where can we find out more? To find out more, head to our website - www. plantationhotel.com.au or find us on Facebook. Thanks Daniel.

Coffs Coast focus 37

focus BAR

LIFE

38 Coffs Coast focus

LIFE

feature

focus BAR

LIFE

feature

ELEMENT BAR

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

Coffs Coast focus 39

Coffs

GIG GUIDE

WEDNESDAY 3RD JANUARY

SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY

Pseudo Echo//1927 - Coffs Hotel Molskyâ€™s Mountain Drifters - No.5 Church Street Vena Klymo - Element Bar

Dan Hannaford - Moonee Beach Tavern The Mckenzies + DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Darren Johnstone - Sawtell RSL Peter Barry - Element Bar

THURSDAY 4TH JANUARY

Dan Hannaford - Seaview Tavern Live Jazz - Element Bar

FRIDAY 5TH JANUARY

Gunshy Band - Seaview Tavern The Buggy Brothers + DJ Layne - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays ft DJ Flak3y & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Frogmouth - C.ex Coffs Mental As Anything - Sawtell RSL Doug Savage - Sawtell RSL Fiona Boys - No.5 Church Street Owen Shannon - Element Bar

SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY

Fat Albert - Seaview Tavern DJ Layne - Hoey Moey Lockout Band & DJ Flak3y - Coast Hotel Brothers 3 - C.ex Coffs International Wrestling Australia, Summer Meltdown Tour - Sawtell RSL Rowland & Shekinah - Sawtell RSL The Beautiful Girls - Coffs Hotel Disco E Cultura - The Bellingen Brewery & Co. Dean Sharkey - Element Bar

40 Coffs Coast focus

WEDNESDAY 10TH JANUARY

Boo Seeka - Coffs Hotel The Railsplitters - No.5 Church Street Screenwave International Film Festival (Runs until the 25th January) - Jetty Theatre

THURSDAY 11TH JANUARY

Craig Freeman - Seaview Tavern Jimeoin - Sawtell RSL Michael Brinkworth - Element Bar

FRIDAY 12TH JANUARY

Hekyl & Jive - Seaview Tavern Quick Fix + DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays ft DJ Breno & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel Conspiracy - C.ex Coffs Velvet Honey - Sawtell RSL Kim Churchill - No.5 Church Street

SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY

Vanessa Lea & Road Train - Seaview Tavern DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Cranky Duck Band & DJ Breno - Coast Hotel Blue Suede - C.ex Coffs

Jan.

Mick Bateman - Sawtell RSL 19 Twenty - No.5 Church Street Jaxon Pollard - Element Bar

SUNDAY 14TH JANUARY

Jake Davey - Moonee Beach Tavern The Groove Robbers +DJ Bisho - Hoey Moey Davo - Sawtell RSL Craig Freeman - Element Bar

WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY

Georgie Fisher - Element Bar

THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY

Richie Williams - Seaview Tavern Live Jazz - Element Bar

FRIDAY 19TH JANUARY

Madam Parker & The Vibe City Band - Seaview Tavern Matty Devitt Duo + DJ Ob1 - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays ft DJ Flak3y & DJ Bisho - Coast Hotel James Boukabou - C.ex Coffs Simon & Angus - Sawtell RSL

SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY

Whos Charlie - Seaview Tavern DJ Ob1 - Hoey Moey PINK ZINC Band & DJ Blakey - Coast Hotel Beatle Magic - C.ex Coffs Quick Fox - Sawtell RSL Owen Shannon - Element Bar

SUNDAY 21ST JANUARY

Richie Williams - Moonee Beach Tavern Madam Parker & The Vibe City Band + DJ Helmy - Hoey Moey Rhydian Lewis - Sawtell RSL Billie-Jo Porter - Element Bar

WEDNESDAY 24TH JANUARY

Jess Swilks - Element Bar

THURSDAY 25TH JANUARY

Mick Bateman - Seaview Tavern Australia Day Eve Feat Odd Mob, Stace Cadet, Kodagraph - Coffs Hotel Live Jazz - Element Bar

FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY

The Mckenzies - Seaview Tavern Lisa Hunt & Forever Soul - Hoey Moey Club Retro Fridays ft DJs - Coast Hotel Gunshy - C.ex Coffs The Troubadours - Sawtell RSL

SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY

DJ Brown Sugar - Hoey Moey Mr Stiches Band & DJs - Coast Hotel Nightmoves - C.ex Coffs Top Shelf - Sawtell RSL Benny Black - Element Bar

SUNDAY 28TH JANUARY

Thirsty Merc - Hoey Moey Brian Lorenz - Sawtell RSL Thor Phillips - Element Bar

Coffs Coast focus 41

Mark Morawitz Photography

C.ex Coﬀs Popla Bellingen Popla Bellingen is from the team behind the Sydney restaurant Bloodwood (Claire van Vuuren and Mitch Grady) and breathes new life into Bellingen’s heritagelisted dining destination, 2 Oak Street. We design seasonal menus around shareable plates, extracting big, bold flavour from the best of the region’s local chemical-free and organic produce and indigenous ingredients. At the moment, some of our local hero producers are Waterfall Produce for our eggs and beef and Demlane Farm and Bello Food Box for our vegetables. Popla can offer a variety of options, from banquet-style dining with wine pairings to canapé/cocktail functions, private events and catering. All beer, wine and cocktail spirits are proudly all-Australian, continuing the excellence of sister restaurant Bloodwood Newtown’s multi-awarded drinks list. All wines on the list are organic or biodynamic. Over the summer season we will be hosting Sunday afternoon BBQ sessions and Thursday night specials. Stay in touch on Facebook or Instagram (@poplabellingen) to find out about our produce and wine dinners coming up in the new year.

C.ex Coffs has always supported live local music, showcasing free live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night in their Vista Lounge. You can expect to see a broad variety of talent appearing at C.ex Coffs, including some of the coast’s best live bands PLUS regular quality tribute acts. To celebrate summer, they are offering free live music on Sunday evenings for the first three weeks of January, starting at 6pm. This awesome venue also boasts an impressive history of some of the nation’s biggest bands performing on tour, as well as many world-class international acts. Stay tuned to hear some exciting announcements about their upcoming acts in 2018! Ribeye on Vernon now has a new bar menu on offer, featuring a selection of share plates and tapas, perfect for a quick bite to eat before a show. The American BBQ style restaurant also serves a delicious range of cocktails, with new specials each week. Ribeye on Vernon is located on level 1 at C.ex Coffs and is open Thursday to Saturday for dinner and Fridays for lunch; contact the club to reserve your table. The Brasserie, located on the ground floor of C.ex Coffs, offers a relaxed dining environment and serves modern, wholesome and delicious meals. With a family friendly environment, newly refurbished decor and plenty of seating, bring the kids and 100 Heavenly ham prizes every come and see it for yourself! Thursday night plus bonus Prawn Trays on Thursday, 22 December C.ex Group Commencing Thursday, 24 November to Thursday, 22 December @itsmyclub *LTPM/16/00397 Tickets on sale from 4.30pm on Thursdays raffles only. Thursday, 22 December will be 65 hams and 25 prawn trays

Over 1000 Heavenly Hams to be won!

26 Heavenly ham prizes every Thursday night 28 prizes every Friday night plus plus bonus hams on Saturday nights

Commencing Thursday, 24 November until Friday, 16 December

Check out our

Brand New

*LTPM/16/00395 Tickets on sale from 5.30pm

30 Heavenly ham prizes every Wednesday night and 10 prizes every Friday night

Bar Menu!

Commencing Wednesday, 23 November until Friday, 23 December *LTPM/16/00389 Tickets on sale from 5.30pm

poplabellingen.com

h earth c o ok i n g. S h ar eab l e meal s. L ocal seas on al pro d uc e. Al l-Aust ral i an d ri n ks. opening hours

our address

Wed-Fri: 5pm-late Sat: 12pm-late Sun: 12pm - 4pm

2 Oak Street Bellingen NSW

The brasserie

The Brasserie offers a relaxed dining environment and serves modern, wholesome and delicious meals. With a family friendly environment, newly refurbished decor and plenty of seating, come and check it out for yourself! Your club, your choice for dining!

Lunches from $9.90

Plus

r e s e r vat i o n s Call: (02) 6655 9000 Or email: info@poplabellingen.com Walk-ins welcome! Or drop by for a drink. It’s my club cex.com.au

42 Coffs Coast focus

focusinterview.

Artist

Fayle Ben

L O CA L A RT I ST B E N FAY L E H A S ACHIEVED SO MUCH AT JUST 19 YEARS OLD. HE TELLS FOCUS ABOUT H I S A R T, T H E P R O C E S S A N D W H AT INSPIRES HIS WORKS.

i Ben. Tell us a little bit about your relationship with the Coffs Coast ... I have lived and studied in Coffs Harbour my whole life. I went to Mary Help of Christians for primary school and graduated from St. John Paul College in 2016. I am regularly involved at the Sawtell Art Gallery and have volunteered for the Archibald Prize held at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. The Coffs Harbour City Council has involved me in their city projects which are art based, and I take constant influence from the Coffs Coast to use in my artmaking practice. When did your passion for art start? I don’t remember the exact time I started Visual Arts, but from about the age of 10 I started drawing and had an eye for detail, which led into painting through school and out of school classes. I started then to develop my study of art further in high school. What is your favourite artwork and why? I don’t necessarily have a “favourite” work, as I am proud of all my pieces and I do not display a work or finalise a piece unless I am happy with the finished product. However, due to the conceptual practice of the work, Where Goodbye Begins has to be one of my proudest achievements yet, because it is connected so close to home. The work shares the inevitable journey with our loved ones as they face the challenging stages of ageing.

44 Coffs Coast focus

I watched my Nana over the years as she attention to his work. I started to notice how struggled with the disease of dementia. The Zavros used the oil paint to highlight and concept for Where Goodbye Begins sparked capture every detail in the skin, to make a as I recalled the loss and abandonment of subject essentially come alive. The paint allows memory being evident in Nana’s eyes. I have this, as it has such a soft and gentle quality, put a lot of emotion and power into the work allowing you to blend and create a softer and explored the idea from all points, before finish. settling down for the finished product. It How has the Coffs Coast influenced your reminds me how precious life is and that it can artwork? be taken from us in all The Coffs Coast has forms. been a large element The process of the in my outdoor murals. work was challenging During 2016, I was I HAVE PUT A LOT OF and I faced a few commissioned by Urban obstacles along the Smart Projects for the EMOTION AND POWER way; this is why it’s my NBNCO to paint a mural INTO THE WORK AND proudest achievement, on an NBN BOX. This EXPLORED THE IDEA as this is where my work, The Beauty of FROM ALL POINTS, subject media and Sapphire, can be found BEFORE SETTLING practice started to in Crystal Drive, Sapphire DOWN FOR THE heavily evolve. Beach. The work has What's your favourite influences of the nature FINISHED PRODUCT. medium to work surrounding it, various with? plants, gum trees and I love working with our local opals. The oil paint; it’s such a versatile medium to use. colours I used were heavily influenced by the A work can sit for days and still be wet to surrounding beach. work on again at any given time, as oils take In 2016 I entered the MyCoffs ArtPrize weeks to dry. If you need the work to dry as with my work, Seagulls. The MyCoffs ArtPrize fast as acrylic does, there are additives that requirement was to explore and paint your you can add to the paint to do various things; vision of the future of Coffs Coast. Seagulls the possibilities are endless. Artist Michael are constantly surrounding the Coffs Coast; Zavros works with oils, which really drew my we can never get away from them! Seagulls

are said to be a source of luck, so with the symbol of luck within the work and the coast in the background, I created a vision for a good future ahead. This work won first prize. In 2017 I was then contacted by the local Council to be commissioned for a mural on the new accessible toilet facility for adults and children with profound disabilities, where I used my winning work, Seagulls, on a much larger scale and completed the mural, Seagulls in flight over Coffs Harbour. I used this artwork as my source of media, as it feels like the coast wherever you are; it's calming, relaxing and I feel it is a good representation of the Coffs Coast for everyone to enjoy. Where can people see more of your work? My work is occasionally displayed at the Sawtell Art Gallery and some local galleries when I am faced with the opportunity. I currently have temporary work on display at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery for STILL life award and at the Project Contemporary Artspace for the EMSLA. There is permanent work found in Crystal Drive, Sapphire Beach on an NBN BOX, and on the wall in the Castle Street Disability Restroom. I post progress and my work on social media, Instagram being the main source; you can follow me @benfayle. I am currently in the process of building a website where I will post my work; look out next year, when I have it up and running! Thanks Ben.

12th Annual

Pink Silks Ladies Race Day Sunday 14th January 2018

Enjoy a seven race TAB program surrounded by fun for all the family. With free kids activities and face painting, plus Fashions on the Field. A Monster Charity Auction to end the day.

GATES OPEN: 11.30AM GATE ENTRY: $10.00 ADULT Under 16yrs FREE Buy Tickets online at www.coffsracingclub.com.au or phone 6652 1488

Coffs Coast focus 45

focusinterview.

Coﬀs Coast

Weddingfair It’s time, once again, for Opal Cove Resort to host their annual wedding fair. The Coffs Coast Wedding Fair will give local businesses in the industry the opportunity to showcase the services they provide and what they have to offer future brides. FOCUS had a chat to Janelle Turner to find out more ...

an you tell us a bit about the Coffs Coast Wedding Fair? The Coffs Coast Wedding Fair is the first wedding planning event for the Coffs Coast region for 2018. If you are looking for a bridal fair or wedding expo to start or finalise your wedding plans, then you can't afford to miss this comprehensive wedding planning event. With a collection of the Coffs Coast’s most prominent wedding specialists, the wedding fair is sure to be a must-see for every bride to be. Where did the idea for the event originate? The day originated from Opal Cove doing a wedding open day for future bridal couples to have an opportunity to view Opal Cove’s wedding ceremony and venues set for weddings. This has increased to include an array of wedding specialists all in one location, consisting of: wedding celebrants, wedding photographers and videographers, wedding florists, bridal wear, formal wear, jewellery, bridal hairdressers, bridal makeup, wedding cakes, entertainment, caterers, wedding cars, and wedding decorators. When and where will the wedding fair be held? At Opal Cove Resort on Sunday 14th January 2018, from 10am - 1:30pm. Who are some of the vendors we can expect to see? Some of the vendors are Special Occasions

46 Coffs Coast focus

wedding decorators/theming, So, why not make a day of Oppy Entertainment, Sweet Love it? The wedding fair isn’t for WITH THE COFFS COAST Cakes, Grace my Table, Silvana brides alone, so bring along MOST PROMINENT Camilleri - wedding celebrant, mothers, sisters, bridesmaids, WEDDING SPECIALISTS, Photography by Fallon, Coffs or even the groom! Have a Coast Hair Studio, Coast Into wander and gather advice THE WEDDING FAIR IS Health, Coffs Coast Love Letters, from the Coffs Coast SURE TO BE A MUST-SEE 5 Senses Flavour, Fresh Dental region’s most outstanding FOR EVERY BRIDE TO BE. Care, Hertz wedding cars, the wedding specialists, as they Sugar Kitchen, The Letterfolk, demonstrate the abundance Love a Bit of Cake, Images by of products and services Pete, PLUS many more. available to you for your What makes the Coffs Coast the perfect wedding day. wedding destination? Do you have any tips and advice about The beautiful Coffs Coast region would be one of planning the perfect wedding? the most sought after locations for couples wanting My advice would be - work off a to do list with to tie the knot on the east coast. With a combination dates to do things by; this will help to keep things on of picturesque beaches, lush green hinterlands, track for the special day. Get help and advice from wonderful native forests, it has everything to cater the wedding specialists/professionals that you are for everyone. Couples are spoilt for choice, with working with; they have usually been in the industry some amazing spaces available. for a long time and have seen it all. What do you enjoy most about putting on such Is there an entry cost to the fair? an established event? No, there is no entry cost. But we do have a It’s a fun day for everyone, as it’s an opportunity collection bucket on entry for a gold coin donation for bridal couples to ensure that their wedding to go to the local Cancer Council. day is everything they ever dreamed, and more. Where can we find out more? Exhibitors are on-trend and full of innovative ideas, More info: and all guests are privy to a plethora of “on the day” Email: weddings@opalcove.com specials to place the wedding of your dreams within Or the website: www.opalcove.com.au reach. Thanks Janelle.

Coffs Coast focus 47

Explore the waterfall way...

48 Coffs Coast focus

BEST KEPT SECRETS

No5 “Welcome to No5, a trending, truly unique café restaurant born in the picturesque town of Bellingen With its heart & soul being what Bello is all about, No5 offers a dining experience beyond explanation. This place is like no other - a community that loves to love by accepting and embracing everyone. When it comes to food, No5 will impress with its selection of earth-enriched meals crafted with local fresh produce. From spicy, sweet, vegetarian, vegan or organic, all tastes and delights are catered for. Supporting local is the way to go and will always be at No5. When it comes to drinks, No5 likes to surprise, offering a diverse selection that you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else. Try their brewed Chai; it’s like no other. And their chips - the challenge is, can you find better! To add to the atmosphere, Live@5 offers musical talents from around the globe to those who call Bello home. Be sure to check out who is playing, from soulful ballads to gritty ska/blues, from lyrical honesty to charming melodies, whatever the genres of music, gifted people find their way to No5. This place stands alone ... A testament to what makes Bellingen, Bello.

Kombu In a time where many small businesses seem to be struggling, it is great to be able to celebrate a healthy Coffs Coast success story. Kombu Wholefoods is an affordable organic grocery store which first opened its doors in Bellingen in September 2004 - and has been growing ever since. The store has always had a policy of utilising local chemical free and organic fresh produce and working with local growers and the community to further develop a sustainable local produce market. The aim of the store, however, goes beyond local produce, as Lowanna explained to FOCUS: "We have always worked hard with local growers and suppliers to ensure that not only were they getting a living wage for their produce, but also that we could retail those products at a price that was as affordable as possible. Healthy food should not be a luxury only available to those with money to spare. As a mum with four hungry children, I know only too well just how much food they can get through, so need to be able to source really fresh local and organic produce at a good price. This is what we work hard to achieve with the store." Kombu is open in Bellingen from Monday to Saturday and can be found at the end of Church Street, next to the lookout.

Affordable Healthy Living | Organic Groceries | Local Produce

Open Monday through Saturday @ 1 Church Street Bellingen 02 6655 9299 www.kombuwholefoods.com.au Coffs Coast focus 49

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Waterfall Way Gallery This month, Waterfall Way Gallery hosts Destination Dorrigo: Painting the Dorrigo Plateau. In 2017, eight artists from across the Waterfall Way region booked themselves into a local B&B. Their days were spent exploring the plateau and painting “en plein air”. Come dusk, the painters gathered to enjoy supper and critique each other’s work. The result is a vigorous, inspiring collection of fresh, new artwork by some of the region’s best painters. Alongside beautiful landscapes, there are paintings of architectural landmarks, portraits of local identities, and even a watercolour of the Harley Davidson bike tours that travel up from Coffs Harbour each weekend. The Gallery is home to the Dorrigo Plateau Music School and transforms into a teaching studio and intimate chamber music venue. The School was founded by classical pianist Dr Sheila Guymer (pictured above) who grew up in Dorrigo. After 25 years performing and teaching internationally, gaining her PhD from the University of Cambridge, Sheila returned home in 2016. With Amber Davis (a violinist with Sydney Symphony and a plateau newbie), Sheila directs the Waterfall Way Concert Series.

50 Coffs Coast focus

Crafts on the

Dorrigo Plateau

Dorrigo is home to a vibrant community of artists and artisans, writers, musicians, and actors. Here’s a guide to exploring the arts and crafts on the Dorrigo Plateau in 2018. njoy a concert of traditional Italian folk music at 2pm on Sunday 14 January with acclaimed Italian accordionist Salvatore Rossano and friends. Held in the Old Gazette Theatre, the ticket price includes a selection of Italian fingerfood by local chef Dina Luciani. The Dorrigo Plateau Music School is led by classical pianist Sheila Guymer and violinist Amber Davis. Both have performed internationally, and in 2018 the duo is launching a series of classical music concerts. Visual Arts Named after the area’s postcode, Gallery 2453 promotes artists and artisans living on the plateau, while the Waterfall Way Gallery exhibits painters and photographers from across the Waterfall Way region. You’ll also find a great selection of art for sale in local cafés. If you’re keen for more, the Arts Council of The Dorrigo runs the annual Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition each Easter, and the Fine Arts Section of the Dorrigo Show (November). The plateau is home to several artists of exceptional standard. You can pay high prices for their work in Sydney, or snare a bargain at one of their open studio days in Dorrigo. Sculpture Metalwork sculptor Sandra Pitkin creates large outdoor pieces and exquisite miniatures. Her work is featured in Gallery 2453’s summer exhibition. You’ll also find delightful sculptures in clay by local potter Jenny Parkin. Mountain Metal Art features steampunk-

and chat. The standard of both groups is inspired jewellery by local blacksmith high, with prize-winners of the Royal Sydney Steve Viola, and silversmith Katiuska Cruz. Katiuska’s pendant designs include a delicate Show amongst their ranks. Their work is for sale at local shops. Dorrigo Waratah in silver, Thor’s Hammer Drama (a nod to the plateau’s numerous summer The brightly coloured mural on the Old thunderstorms), and a stylised “map” of Gazette Theatre will catch your eye! The Waterfall Way. Woodwork charming 99-seat theatre is home to the White settlement of the Dorrigo Plateau Dorrigo Dramatic Club (founded in 1955) was founded on the “red gold” of Cedar and Plateau Film Society. Both run an annual and Rosewood logging, and Dorrigo is well calendar of events. Just across the road is known for its master woodworkers and Components Café, perfect for a pre-theatre carpenters. Place an order for some bespoke meal - or check out the café’s summer furniture by line-up of musical Gordon Buchanan performers. Literature or Logan Thomas, The Waterfall Way or browse A Touch The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Gallery hosts readings of Country or Festival is lauded as one of the and book launches Frock and Wood best boutique music festivals by plateau writers to find that perfect in Australia. The Festival throughout the year, gift carved from is held in late October, while the Grassroots local timber. but the organisers stage Writers’ Festival returns Alan Williams‘ concerts throughout the to Dorrigo in April 2018. hand-carved boxes year. Google their website for have been given what’s on in January. to international visitors by the Australian Federal Government - you’ll find a selection of Alan’s boxes at FoodAngel Café. Return to Dorrigo in early October for the Woodworkers’ Guild Exhibition. Textiles The spinners and weavers of the Plateau Fibre Group meet each Thursday to make their gorgeous hand-spun and hand-woven items. On Mondays, the local needleworkers knit, crochet, embroider, tat lace

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Spirit Spa Paddock to Plate Nestled on top of the escarpment is the quaint, little Canopy Café. Canopy Café caters to both locals and visitors to the Dorrigo region and World Heritage Listed National Parks. Born and bred local Sue Doyle took over Canopy Cafe 18 months ago, adding her own flair and knowledge of local produce to the café. “With so much quality local produce available from the Dorrigo region, I wanted to make this a feature of the Canopy Café. People can come, experience and enjoy the best of what Dorrigo has to offer in both food and atmosphere, overlooking the beautiful World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park.” Helping Sue achieve this is Booma Family Farm, the only farm on the Dorrigo plateau still owned by the original settlers’ family. Booma Family Farm supplies Canopy Café with all their free range beef, pork, lamb, goat and eggs and vegetables sourced from other local producers - truly paddock to plate. Booma Family Farm also supplies a number of other motels and restaurants in the region and runs a home delivery service of meat and vegetables to 11 different locations. All their products are traceable and free range. Canopy Café and Booma Family Farm - working together to provide full paddock to plate traceable free range food.

Hi Maggie. Tell us about your connection to Dorrigo. I actually came through Dorrigo eight years ago on my way to a job interview in Byron Bay! However, I fell so madly in love with these beautiful mountains and the sacredness of this land that I packed up my life in Noosa and moved here within weeks. After living and working all over the world, I would rather be here than anywhere. How long have you been a practitioner in the wellness industry? I am from Scotland and originally trained in the UK 25 years ago. I was very fortunate to work in amazing locations as a beauty/massage therapist, including on The QE2, Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean, Hong Kong and many more, before coming to Australia, where I became a Wellness Consultant for lots of beautiful spas and health retreats. How would you explain the kind of work you do now? Although I still do some Wellness Consulting, I love having a small business in Dorrigo to provide my holistic and luxurious therapies. I combine many modalities, including beauty therapy, massage, stress management, flower essences, vibrational healing and lots of good, old fashioned care! I provide a beautiful, sacred space for people to come and receive treatments that are ultimately designed to make you feel good and soothe the soul. Whether you’re having an eyelash tint or a hot stone massage, I appreciate that people need to de-stress and feel special. I have incorporated the Australian Bush Flower Essence Products into all of my treatments, which also help release tension and negative emotions, therefore supporting clients to leave feeling more balanced. What is your inspiration? My inspiration is to make the world a better place, by believing in the power of kindness. When people feel loved, they naturally want to pass it on!

The Plateau Café The Plateau Café is one of Dorrigo’s oldest established cafés. Whilst it has had a few different names and operators over the last 40 odd years, these days it’s a family run business operated by mother and daughter team Lyn and Darlene, along with great local staff. Located in the main street of Dorrigo, the café has a vintage/ retro diner feel decorated with interesting memorabilia from yesteryear, which makes for a delightful and compelling experience. The café is quite well known and loved by locals and visitors for its homestyle cooking; their made in house variety of pies served with locally grown mashed potatoes, gravy and mushy peas are a real hit, along with 12 different types of burgers, homemade cakes and slices, fish and chips, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes and much, much more. Seating 35 indoors and outdoors, it’s a must stop in location - whether you’re travelling through or spending sometime in beautiful Dorrigo, be sure to put the Plateau Café down as your first stop. Open seven days a week, from 8am to 4:30pm.

Coffs Coast focus 51

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Discover Gondwana

he park comprises nearly phascogale and the long-nosed potoroo. The 12,000 hectares and is part most commonly seen mammals are pademelons, of the Country of the Gumwallabies and possums. baynggirr Aboriginal people. It The rainforest is also a bird watchers’ paradise, is also part of the Gondwana with the sub-tropical rainforest providing rich Rainforests of Australia World habitat for ground-dwelling birds that feed on Heritage area and is one of the most accessible the abundant animal life within the leaf litter. sites in this series of remnant rainforests stretchFruit-feeding birds occupy the canopy of the ing from Main Range National Park in Southern rainforest, often undertaking long-distance or Queensland to the Barrington Tops National Park local migrations to ensure a year-round food in New South Wales. supply. Perhaps one of the most popular birds These hot spots of in the park is the superb biodiversity give us a lyrebird, fooling visitors window back in time to by mimicking many other the ancestral continent birds and offering a spectacular courtship display of Gondwana, some 80 Gondwana Rainforests of for those lucky enough to million years ago, and the Australia protect the most encounter this treat. breaking up of the contiextensive areas of subnents into what is present The Dorrigo Rainforest tropical rainforest in the day Australia, India, South Centre is open seven world as well as large America, Antarctica and days a week, except for areas of warm temperate Africa. Christmas Day. Friendly rainforest and nearly all of Gondwana Rainforests information staff in the Australia’s remaining Antarctic of Australia protect the rainforest shop can help Beech cool temperate rainforest. most extensive areas of you plan your walks and sub-tropical rainforest in other excursions in the the world, as well as large area. The famous Skywalk areas of warm temperate rainforest and nearly is just a few metres walk from the shop, with all of Australia’s remaining Antarctic Beech cool easy access to beautiful views over the rainforest temperate rainforest. By visiting Dorrigo National canopy to the Bellinger Valley in the distance. Park and exploring some of the walks and waThe Rainforest Shop offers a fascinating range of terfall tracks, the visitor can see both sub-tropical quality books, local crafts, postcards, souvenirs and warm temperate rainforest. Staff at the and educational toys relating to the rainforest centre can also give visitors directions to the cool and the environment. The Canopy Café serves temperate rainforests of New England National breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon Park. teas, with great coffee and delicious treats. Other The plants and wildlife of Dorrigo National facilities include an interpretation and exhibition Park include many rare and threatened species space, picnic areas and barbecues. found in few other places in the world. These The cool plateau rainforests provide a refreshing respite from the coast - a perfect summer include the rarely sighted spotted-tail quoll, retreat! the red-legged pademelon, the brush-tailed 52 Coffs Coast focus

Photo: Niek van Duijn

Situated on the Dorrigo Plateau, 60 kilometres southwest of Coffs Harbour and 125 kilometres east of Armidale, the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park.

at the DOrrigO rainfOrest centre Be welcomed by our friendly staff at the information and gift shop. Enjoy spectacular views from the Skywalk. Explore World Heritage rainforest on easy walking tracks, where waterfalls and wildlife abound. Follow up with a relaxing coffee or lunch in the Canopy Cafe.

Open daily 9am to 4:30pm Dorrigo Rainforest Centre 02 6657 5913 Canopy Cafe enquiries 02 6657 1541 Rated 5-star on Trip Advisor

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Dorrigo’s Iconic Heritage Hotel sits grand on the corner of Waterfall Way and Hickory Streets. A local icon, the hotel was built in 1925 and has belonged to the Feros family for three generations.

eter Feros has been lovingly restoring the heritage-listed building, and most renovations are now complete. The hotel is a classic example of Australian architecture, with the spirit and glamour of the 1920s. The exterior retains the original 1925 tiles and generous, wrought-iron verandah. Internal features include leadlight windows and stained timber ceilings. Both the verandah and windows feature art deco stylised floral designs, and several of the guest rooms have original art deco furniture. All rooms have the high ceilings and ample size of a bygone era. Six guest rooms have direct access to the hotel’s verandah, and two have new spa ensuites. There is disabled access to the downstairs rooms, and single-storey motel units at the rear of the hotel. There is plenty of parking for cars and buses.

Downstairs, the Fernery Family Bistro features fresh produce from the region: the salt and pepper squid is a particular favourite. Menus change weekly according to the season, and the Bistro is open seven days. The Bistro is furnished with the original 1925 dining room tables. The table tops are made of Dorrigo Hoop Pine and the legs from Queensland Maple. There is also a club room for private functions and a classic bar area. WiFi is available throughout. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the friendly country charm of Dorrigo itself. Stroll around the retail centre and discover an old-fashioned sweet shop, a heritage bakery, antiques and bric-a-brac shops, excellent cafés, and a range of galleries and craft stores. You’ll fall in love with Dorrigo’s crisp, mountain air, misty days, and starry nights, and want to explore more.

Hotel

Dorrigo

Travel up the beautiful Waterfall Way, hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives, and marvel at World Heritage listed natural wonders. You’ll see majestic views over the treetops and down the Bellingen Valley from the Sky Walk and Griffith Lookout. Stop for a while at the Dorrigo Rain Forest Centre and learn about nature’s secrets. Choose shorter or longer walking trails underneath towering trees intertwined with vines and adorned with tree ferns, stag horns and bush orchards. Walk behind gentle Crystal Falls, or view it from the new suspension bridge. Keep quiet along Lyrebird Link and spot the abundant birdlife. If you’d like to explore the plateau further, don’t miss the mighty 800-year-old trees in the Norman Jolly Reserve. Meander the forest

drive via the picturesque Platypus Flat picnic area and Cascade. Return later in the year for our regular Community Markets on the first Saturday of each month (except January). There are also the Made In Dorrigo street markets three times a year: Easter Saturday, 14 July, and 8 December. You might like to book in for our Christmas in July celebrations, or see the prime cattle and horses on display at the Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes Agricultural Show in November. Or register for one of the Misty Mountain Getaway quilting workshops held throughout the year. The September weeklong workshop attracts quilters from across NSW and includes a display of quilts in the Community Hall. Check local websites for a host of other events held throughout the year.

Coffs Coast focus 53

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Minky’s Thai Kitchen. Lookout Mountain Retreat. The Lookout Mountain Retreat is an award winning accommodation, dining and conference venue situated upon 16 acres on the edge of the Dorrigo Plateau with expansive views across the Bellinger Valley to the ocean. Purpose built with 26 luxuriously appointed motel suites, equipped with all you could want for a short or long stay. All suites have recently undergone a huge transformation and now provide travellers with luxury accommodation at an affordable price. Surely the jewel in the crown, the iconic Lookout Mountain Retreat dining room showcases local timber beams within its rustic designed interior spaces, with the huge open stone fireplace as the focal point. The stunning landscaped gardens with manicured lawns provide an ideal backdrop for large garden weddings and outdoor events. Located just a short drive from Coffs Harbour and situated adjacent to the World Heritage Dorrigo National Park, come and immerse yourself in everything Dorrigo has to offer. We guarantee you won’t want to leave. Packages start from just $220 per night inclusive of lodging, dinner and breakfast. Email: info@lookoutmountainretreat.com.au Webpage: www.lookoutmountainretreat.com.au https://www.facebook.com/lookoutmountainretreat/

54 Coffs Coast focus

Minky’s Thai Kitchen, creating the best, authentic Thai dishes in the Coffs Coast region. Minky, who originates from North-east Thailand, learnt her culinary skills from her parents, who owned and operated a traditional Thai restaurant in Thailand. She moved to Dorrigo after marrying local pharmacist Brian Curran five years ago, bringing her passion and knowledge of authentic Thai dishes to the mountain. Minky began cooking and selling her amazing Thai cuisine in a street stall at the local Made In Dorrigo Markets. Impressed by her cuisine, Minky had requests to cater for private functions and as her reputation increased, she was offered the tender to run the kitchen at the Dorrigo RSL.

FoodAngel Café. “It’s easy to overlook how much better we feel when we eat great food. We work better, feel better and love better”. FoodAngel Café runs on this belief. Add in friendly service and a spacious dining area, and the ingredients are coming together for a food adventure that nourishes on many levels.

Minky’s Thai Kitchen has been operating from Dorrigo RSL for the past three years and is one of the Best Kept Secrets in the region. They use locally sourced fresh ingredients, along with imported Thai ingredients to create wonderfully flavoured traditional Thai dishes.

FoodAngel takes pleasure in sourcing all produce locally, organic if possible. Cakes, scones and morning tea treats are baked fresh daily. Access to fresh, seasonal produce is reflected in FoodAngel’s daily blackboard menu, with a wide range of dishes to suit all dietary needs.

A specialty of the restaurant is “Pad Char Queensland Mud Crab” using green peppercorns, Kaffir lime leaves, onion, garlic, green beans, wok fired to create a mouth watering thai dish.

No café experience is complete without a supreme coffee or tea experience. FoodAngel has been partnered with Vittoria Coffee and Tea By Birdie since 2016. Vittoria “Oro” coffee delivers a consistently full flavoured espresso coffee, and locally blended teas from Bianca at Tea By Birdie are some of the freshest flavours around.

They offer a set priced Thai banquet with a variety of Thai dishes, along with traditional Australian dishes of tender mouth watering grilled rump steak, salad and chips, battered Barramundi, grilled lamb cutlets and handmade pizza to make your mouth melt.

FoodAngel café is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday. Also available, takeaway gourmet frozen meals, and we welcome specialist cake orders or catering enquiries.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Dorrigo Wholefoods Iris & Elm FLOWERS + BOTANICAL + GIFTS Iris and Elm is located in the beautiful town of Dorrigo NSW. Situated on Hickory, we stock a magnificent array of fresh flowers and an eclectic range of giftware, including jewellery and women’s accessories, fragranced candles, homewares, indoor plants and botanical accessories. If you’re looking for a unique gift or flowers for any occasion, then call in and see us at Iris and Elm. Come and enjoy our beautiful mountain weather and make a day of it. We look forward to seeing you soon! Open Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm. We are always open online! Visit us at www.irisandelm.com.au Use the code FOCUS10 for a 10% discount on online purchases. Address: 47B Hickory Street, Dorrigo NSW 2453 Phone: 0438 664 860 Email: fiona.irisandelm@gmail.com

At Dorrigo Wholefoods you choose the quantity of produce you wish to purchase from the bulk bins. We provide recycled paper bags, or bring your own containers for shopping convenience and save on packaging. Food is Medicine, and at Dorrigo Wholefoods the vast range of dried fruit, nuts, pulses, mueslis, gluten free flours, grains, super foods and organic fruit and vegetables are guaranteed to give your day an amazing start. Join the tribe and make a conscious choice … Get back to basics and ignore commercial food fads and supermarket domination by putting fresh, local, organic foods back into our bodies. With commitment to good nutrition, Dorrigo Wholefoods has grown into a mini-department store which also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. With such an extraordinary pantry to draw from, the food could never be ordinary! We recognise that people with conditions such as Diabetes, Coeliac Disease, Lactose Intolerance or Crohn’s Disease have special needs. We offer quality flavoursome alternatives to supplement a balanced diet. Our gluten-free range for home cooks and client-conscious restaurateurs is extensive. Our products are sourced straight from the producers and delivered to us in bulk - at Dorrigo Wholefoods freshness is a real experience.

Red Cedar Emporium. Red Cedar Emporium is a beautiful boutique store located in the breathtaking village of Dorrigo. We offer an eclectic mix of products, a wide range of women’s and men’s clothing, a truly gorgeous collection of leather bags and leather products and a great mix of lifestyle products and gifts for ladies and the lads. We love being able to provide a space for our amazing customers to enjoy; it’s extremely rewarding to see people enjoying the business you have worked so hard to create. We have recently launched an online store to allow our wonderful customers from out of town the opportunity to shop whenever they like and well ... Who doesn’t love being able to shop in their pyjamas with a glass of wine! Dorrigo is truly a magnificent part of the world - the perfect spot for a day out or for that much needed holiday. There are so many beautiful places to explore and gorgeous boutique stores up here, and we are always happy to see new faces!

Coffs Coast focus 55

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Andrew F

Fuller Fresh is a local familyowned store that not only retails grocery products, but grows their own organic fruit and vegetables, as well as having a café. They take great pride in providing “paddock to plate” food for the Bellingen shire and the Coffs Coast.

fullers i Andrew. What’s your relationship to the Coffs Coast? I was born and raised in the Bellingen Valley and have fond memories

to source quality Australian made goods as

you work with?

that!

best we can. We source fresh produce locally

We supply and work with the majority of

and interstate. We are also growing our own

foodies in the Bellingen Shire. We also serve

loads from the fields and seeing the crops

organic vegetables and fruit. We also provide

clients in Nambucca Heads, Urunga and

come on in stages. “When will they be

LPG and fuel services to the Bellingen Shire.

Coffs Harbour. I get a real kick to see them

ready?” we frequently get asked.

Fuller Fresh is a family run business; how

doing well when I go to their establishments

of growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. I was

long has your family been in business in

and see a full house. For me, it’s a privilege

schooled in Bellingen, and many of my close

greens used in the fresh salads and cooking

the area?

to serve and work with them. Knowing the

also gives you a sense of pride. The

friendships to this day were formed during this time. The stunning beaches and unique river

owners personally

My great grandparents were dairy farmers on the

and seeing how hard

Dorrigo Plateau and my

they work - they do

valleys of this area captivated me from a

grandparents were dairy

young age. I loved the stories of past and

farmers in the Kalang

present local characters - I’ve seen and met

Valley during the ‘50s,

quite a few over the years. There’s seriously

‘60s and ‘70s. My parents

been some colourful identities in these parts.

established Fuller Fresh in

I miss the ones who have since passed or

the summer of 1987.

moved on.

How has the area

What are some of

changed in the time

the advantages of

had a brief stint as a professional Rugby

Fuller’s has been in

being involved in

League player. I always knew I would be

business?

each stage of the

I spent some time in Sydney working and

drawn back to the Bellingen Shire. In my

I think the customers love seeing us haul loads from

the fields and seeing the crops come on in stages. ‘When will they be ready?’ we frequently get asked.

In the time we have been in business, there

a great job, and I respect them a lot for what they do. You are growers, retailers and you also have a café.

process? As a grower you get a greater respect

I think the customers love seeing us haul

As a café owner, to see your organic

customers also respect you for this: “From the paddock to the plate - perfect!” What’s one of your favourite things about what you do? The people! I get to meet and interact with so many different kinds of people, from the local school teacher to national politicians. Through the holiday season we get a lot of people holidaying or passing through, so I really enjoy hearing their stories and passing on some local knowledge, sharing my love of the area with people who are sometimes experiencing it for the first time or returning because they wanted to see more of it!

twenties and early 30s I travelled extensively

has been a decline in the banana, timber and

abroad, and it made me realise how special

dairy industry. Tourism seems to be getting

for the other producers for being at the

What do you see happening in the future

stronger every year. We’ve seen the rise of

mercy of so many outside factors, but when

for Fuller Fresh?

to other parts of the world.

the blueberry and avocado industries locally.

everything comes together and you produce

Can you tell us a bit about your business

It seems the housing sector here just goes

a really quality product, it gives you a lot of

clients with high quality local organic beef;

and what you offer?

from strength to strength. There were two

satisfaction. As a retailer, it gives you a lot of

I’m interested in starting to farm cattle here

abattoirs in the Bellingen Shire when I was

pleasure to see your customers happy and

on top of growing fresh fruit and vegetables

younger, but they have closed down.

returning to buy your produce. It’s a real

to add to our paddock to plate ideal.

Who are some of the local businesses

compliment; you can’t ask for more than

Thanks Andrew.

the Coffs Coast area is when you compare it

Our business offers a broad range of imported grocery products, as well as local and regional made grocery products. We try 56 Coffs Coast focus

I would love to supply our customers and

BEST KEPT SECRETS

focus_editorial.

TH IS

CO OL

focus_thisiscool

PALATE & PLY S MERRY XMA

The Palate and Ply team would like to wish you all merry Christmas and thank you for your support in 2017! We have had an amazing year serving you the finest coffee from Artisti Coffee Roasters.

Daybed. $2195

Cargo Lane - Authentic Home Bellingen www.cargolane.com.au

e are so excited to serve you our house Signature Blend, which has just won a bronze medal at Australiaâ€™s largest roasting competition, the Golden Bean. With a bronze medal earlier in the year at the Sydney Find Food coffee show, we are so proud to be recognised for our consistency. With so much to offer, including our full range of speciality beans for you to enjoy at home and the largest selection of coffee brewing devices, including Aeropress, Syphons, Nanopresso, V60 and pourovers, we will excite

your inner coffee geek! Our head roaster has a weekly single origin if you want to step out on a tasting adventure! Visit our online store www.artisti.com.au so you can enjoy Artisti coffee at home, with FREE NATIONAL DELIVERY. We welcome you to experience the Palate and Ply difference, as we make you your custom coffee on the latest coffee equipment on the market. Our friendly team will make your day, every day with smiles and the caffeine kick your body is screaming for! See you soon, and bring on 2018!

Coffs Coast focus 57

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Gold Award for local State Forest The amazing Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest was recently award top honours, achieving the gold award for best Tourist Attraction at the 2017 NSW Tourism Awards. At Sealy, you can enjoy beautiful subtropical forest, amazing views, be part of an Aboriginal cultural experience, have a picnic among the trees, or just enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature.

that has the Coffs Coast first ECO-certification. This means visitors can be reassured minimal impact management principles are applied to the area, including protection of flora, fauna, forest ecosystems, Aboriginal and archaeological values. Managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi in local Gumbaynggirr language) invites visitors to get their bearings on the Coffs Coast while discovering this fantastic forest playground.

The Forest Sky Pier is the centrepiece - a majestic 22-metre platform delivering a breathtaking sweep of ocean, city and coastline. Adjacent Korora Lookout showcases Gumgali Track, an Aboriginal cultural interpretive experience telling the story of Gumgali, the black goanna. Visitors are invited to find the hidden goanna sculptures along the track. The story of Gumgali can be experienced at Korora Lookout sound bar.

Getting there: Travel north on the Pacific Highway from Coffs Harbour. Past the Big Banana, turn left at the Sealy Lookout sign. Drive through banana plantations and ocean views to The Gap. Turn left onto Scenic Drive and follow to Sealy.

Sealy Lookout is part of a protected forest area

Find out more: @visitnswforests #visitnswforests

58 Coffs Coast focus

Dorrigo looks like a sleepy, country town, but it’s actually the busy hub of the whole Dorrigo Plateau. Discover Dorrigo this month and explore some of the region’s best kept secrets.

Dorrigo. It has a viewing platform, BBQ facilities, orrigo specialises in “the and a walking path down to the bottom of the unique and boutique”. The falls. Pre-order a picnic hamper, download a plateau is home to a vibrant community of artists and bird-watching brochure, and escape to another artisans, festivals, markets world. Ringed by more than a dozen national and an abundance of farmers parks, Dorrigo has been called the “National producing delicious, local food. Parks Capital of Australia”. See gigantic Start your weekend by browsing the Hickory 800-year-old trees at the Norman Jolly picnic Street shops. Ever wondered why so many of area, spy for platypus at dusk at Platypus Flats, Dorrigo’s streets are named after trees? That’s or simply stroll along the Bielsdown River’s because white settlement on the plateau was walking path to see some Eucalyptus dorrigoenfounded on timber logging. Dorrigo still has sis, the white gum trees unique to this area. The some of the finest woodworkers and cabinet plateau’s fresh air and spring waters naturally makers in Australia. inspire wellbeing. If you Red Cedar Emporium need to unwind, walk and What do you Think, the meditation labyrinth Miss Wink both offer at the Dangar Falls picnic Waterfall Way, stretching from beautiful clothes and area, or book in for a Urunga to Armidale, is one of the locally-made gifts. If you massage with one of sevmost scenic drives in Australia. prefer something more eral local practitioners. Tai Dorrigo is halfway along off-beat, check out the Chi classes run on Friday the route, making it the preloved but on-trend mornings. Quality facilities perfect place to stop for fashions at The Hunter are also available for golf, lunch or stay overnight Collective. Complete your tennis, squash, and bowls. while you explore the new look with hand-made Dorrigo is blessed with plateau at leisure. jewellery from Mountain rich volcanic soil. Enjoy Metal Art or Opal & Amfresh, local produce at any ber. You can book ahead of the cafés or restaurants for an after-hours private in town. Try ‘Paddock fitting (while sipping champagne) with dress deto Plate’ at Canopy Café or Wholefoods, great signer Catherine Overgaard at Frock and Wood. chips at The Plateau Café, or bless your mouth Catherine made costumes for Opera Australia, with homemade goods from Food Angel Café. and films such as Moulin Rouge, before moving You can experience delicious Thai flavours at to Dorrigo with carpenter husband, Rob. Check Minky’s Thai Kitchen (in the RSL), or take your local websites to find out how to book for onepick of recipes from yesteryear or contemporary off and after-hours events at these stores. favourites at the Heritage Hotel Dorrigo. Waterfall Way, stretching from Urunga to The plateau offers accommodation options Armidale, is one of the most scenic drives in Austo suit all budgets, with choices including chic tralia. Dorrigo is halfway along the route, making B&Bs, the iconic Heritage Hotel Dorrigo, and the Mountain Top Retreat. The RV and caravan it the perfect place to stop for lunch or stay overenthusiast is welcome at three well-maintained night while you explore the plateau at leisure. camp sites: Dangar Falls Camping Ground, Dorrigo’s World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest is Dorrigo Showground, and the Dorrigo Mountain a must-see, with excellent walking trails and BBQ Resort Caravan Park. facilities. But you can also take a self-drive scenic Listed in 2016 in Australia’s Top 50 small tour across the plateau, or go trout fishing, towns - come for yourself and discover Dorrigo! white-water rafting, canoeing, camping, fourFor more information go to www.dorrigo.com wheel driving, or bush-walking tours. or www.destinationdorrigo.com The iconic Dangar Falls is just 2 km north of

BEST KEPT SECRETS

We sat down with farmer Justin Gilbert, whose Dorrigo property, Booma Family Farm, has been in his family for five generations - over 120 years! He fills us in on what’s involved in running a family farm, and why he believes it’s so important to supply the area with quality local meat and produce.

B O O M A

i Justin. What’s your relationship to the Coffs Coast? I was born on the Coffs Coast, and I have lived here for 31 of my 37 years. In that time I have been extremely active in sports in the area. Our business has always tried to promote were we live; we just love the area for its natural beauty and pristine environment. How did you come to be a farmer? As I grew up on the farm, it was a natural progression. When you experience the lifestyle on a farm (even though it can be quite challenging at times) it’s hard to imagine moving on to do anything else, and there would be nowhere else I would prefer to bring up a family. You’re the fifth generation of your family on the farm, with 120 years of history. How has the farm changed over the years? The property has definitely changed and is still continually changing. Over the years there have been many types of agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture on our property. With farming it is like every industry; you must continue to evolve. In recent years we have combined our farm with a meat processing facility in Dorrigo,

which has meant we are work together, helping The great thing about the able to grow, process to create a sustainable products we grow is that all of and distribute our own farm that produces them work together, helping meat products. This was quality products. to create a sustainable mainly goat meat until You stand by “from farm that produces recently; we are now paddock to plate”; quality products. able to promote all the how have you been Booma products. able to achieve this? How many people We are able to does it take to run stand by this as we Booma Family Farm? control all stages of production. This is very At the moment there are only three of us unique in the agriculture industry. We have - me, my father, and my nephew. However, moved towards this way of farming, because at different times of the year we have to get many consumers are wanting to know outside help to maintain everything on the where and how their food is produced. farm. We encourage school groups to come Meat isn’t your only produce; what are and visit our farm, as well as inviting our some other things you grow on the customers here for farm visits, so they can farm? all come and see how our products are As I said earlier, our property has produced and learn why it’s important to been involved in many different types of know where your food comes from. agriculture. By utilising the knowledge We try to give our animals a perfect stresswe have gained over the years, we have free environment for them to grow, in order decided to try and put this all together and to maximise productivity and quality. offer consumers the unique opportunity to We also provide a home delivery service, purchase a wide variety of produce, all from so we are literally taking our products from the one place. At the moment we produce a the paddock to your plate! You will still need range of products such as beef, lamb, pork, to do the cooking though! How important is the term “keep it goat, free range eggs, as well as a large local”, and what does that mean to you? variety of vegetables. The great thing about Local food is very important for us - both the products we grow is that all of them

enjoying it ourselves and making it available for our community means a lot to us. For a long time the Coffs Coast has not been recognised as an area that produces quality products. We are trying to change this view, not just for ourselves, but for all the tourists who visit this area. Bringing in products from far away when they are available here just does not make sense to me! By buying local you are getting fresher produce, being kinder to the environment and supporting your local farming families and businesses. Where do you see the farm heading in the future? As our customer base grows, we are looking to expand what we grow on the farm. Some of the things we have in the pipeline are dairy products, meat chickens, a larger orchard and also having farmstays. When you’re not out on the farm, what do you like to do with your time? My interest has always been sports. I am very lucky to have three children who enjoy them too. So, my time away from the farm is spent coaching the local Rugby and cricket teams, or playing sport with my kids! Where can we find out more about Booma Family Farm? www.boomafarm.com or Booma Meats on Facebook. Thanks Justin. Coffs Coast focus 59

THE BIG BANANA FUN PARK The Big Banana Fun Park is the BIGGEST Fun Park on the Northern NSW coast! It boasts 8 fantastic attractions including a 17.5m tall Giant Slide, Toboggan ride, Laser Tag arena, 36 hole Mini Golf course, Theatre and Plantation Tour, Ice Skating rink, Family Fun Zone and the biggest Water Park between Sydney & the Gold Coast! TRADING: Open 9am to 5pm 7 days (Attractions time vary) ADDRESS: 351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour PHONE: 02 66524355 WEB: www.bigbanana.com

C-CHANGE ADVENTURES From drifting downriver on a family friendly kayak on a gentle estuary to riding a Stand Up Paddle Board to Sea Kayaking and White Water Kayaking! You can choose to DIY with free dropoff up one of our beautiful estuaries to come on a tour with a marine scientist guide. All safety gear and tuition supplied. For all enquiries & booking contact Matthew PHONE: 0468 406 222 WEB: cchangeadventures.com.au EMAIL: enquiries@cchangeadventures.com.au FB: facebook.com/pages/C-ChangeAdventures/489821357726935

GREENHOUSE TAVERN We have all the kids looked after at the Greenhouse every Sunday. Jumping castle, face painting and a special drop in from The Smiley’s every fortnight with a themed event and activities. Bistro opens from 11.30am with great counter lunch specials and $5 schooners all day everyday. Kids meals $10 including free kids drink, drop in we have your Family Sunday sorted! ADDRESS Cnr Pacific Highway & Bray St Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450 PHONE 02 6651 5488 WEB www.greenhousetavern.com.au FACEBOOK @greenhousetav

www.coffscoast.com.au 60 Coffs Coast focus 16 coffs coast focus.

TWO TAILS WINES Come out and relax at the Winery. Enjoy some wine, local produce and Tapas dishes inside the newly renovated bar and Velvets Restaurant. Orara Vale Vineyard is located approximately 25km northwest of Coff s Harbour at Nana Glen in the heart of Orara Valley. Why would you want to be anywhere else? Bookings are essential. TRADING Tues to Sun 10:30am - 4:30pm Open Monday during school Holidays ADDRESS 963 Orara Way, Nana Glen EMAIL admin@twotailswines.com.au PHONE (02) 66 543 633 WEB twotailswines.com.au

COFFS JETTY

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD HIRE All you need to get started is a little balance and a appetite for fun. TRADING We are available 7 days Mid week by Bookings only SET UP AT TWO LOCATIONS - Coffs Harbour Jetty and Boambee Creek Reserve. Every weekend, School and Public Holidays. PHONE 0422 391 951 or 0407 386 338 EMAIL info@coffsjettysup.com.au WEB coffsjettysup.com.au www.facebook.com/coffsjettystanduppaddle

COFFS COAST CAMELS Be Amazed!! Hop on board the Coffs Coast Camel Train for an unforgettable experience these school holidays... our friendly staff and gentle camel family will take you on a magical ride on beautiful Boambee Beach. Rides available from 28th December. Book your ride now!! PHONE 0447 070 128 FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/CoffsCoastCamels WEB www.coffscoastcamels.com.au

The best places to Get Wet on the Coffs Coast.

SPECTACULAR SWIMMING SPOTS

SWIMMING HOLES

There are several beaches patrolled by lifeguards along the Coffs Coast, including Sawtell Beach and Woolgoolga Beach which are both patrolled during summer. Park Beach in Coffs Harbour is patrolled all year round. Other patrolled beaches during the Christmas school holidays include Diggers Beach, Emerald Beach and Red Rock Beach. All beaches are within close proximity to cafes, shops, accommodation, children’s playground facilities and sheltered picnic areas.

The Coffs Coast is famous for its endless beaches but there are also some great fresh water swimming holes to cool off and escape the summer heat. Grab your picnic supplies and head out to explore the areas beautiful hinterland waterholes.

Park Beach is a popular area for water sports, fishermen, surfers and offers great views of Muttonbird Island. Swimmers should be aware Park Beach can be prone to strong rips particularly at the creek mouth on an outgoing tide. The Park Beach Reserve, on the banks of Coffs Creek is a popular family area and is home to the Twilight Food Market held every Friday evening during summer months. Woolgoolga Beach is popular for surfing, fishing, diving and snorkeling and boasts tidal rock platforms which are popular with the children. The Woolgoolga Headland offers the best ocean lookout and a spectacular 360 degree vista from the Solitary Islands in the east to the hinterland in the west. Sawtell Beach boasts a variety of options for swimmers with a fantastic beach, tidal rock pools, ocean pool and Bonville Creek with views over the Bongil Bongil National Park. The beach is famous for its surfing breaks and walking options around Sawtell headland. Moonee Beach is very popular with fishing and beach enthusiasts but is not patrolled. Moonee Beach Reserve is a popular area with locals and visitors for kayaking and SUP boarding. The reserve offers coastal rainforests and pandanus trees that shade the shallow water which is perfect for younger children. Moonee Beach was ranked as the 3rd best beach on the Australia 101 beaches list.

Sherwood Nature Reserve Located inland from Woolgoolga, through Middle Creek in the Sherwood Nature Reserve is home to the stunning Scout’s Falls swimming hole. The 30 minute track requires some effort to walk along the overgrown narrow trails and climbing over rocks can be very slippery after wet weather. It’s well worth the scrambling effort to finally reach the crystal clear plunge pool. You can cool off under the 10 metre cascading falls and picnic around the large boulder rocks. Dangar Falls The Dorrigo area is famous for its waterfalls with the Newell and Sherrard Falls along the roadside escarpment on the way up. Just outside Dorrigo town centre is Dangar Falls, a spectacular 30 metre drop with deep swimming pool. There is a well maintained path starting from the viewing platform that leads down to the falls. At the bottom you can take some spectacular photos. Pack your swimming gear and picnic lunch to enjoy at the waters edge. Frasers Waterhole and Magic Pools Heading west just a short 15 minute drive from Coffs Harbour are two local favourites, Frasers Waterhole and Magic Pools, located along the Urumbilum River. Frasers Waterhole is a great picnic spot located in Dairyville, offering a spectacular green reserve surrounded by country farms. The Magic Pools is a smooth rock slide with a 2 metre drop providing hours of ‘slip n slide’ fun located in Fridays Creek. The waterhole reserves offer rainforest habitat with paths leading to secluded picnic spots but there are no facilities. Make sure you leave nothing but footprints.

CoffsCoast

CoffsCoastNSW Coffs Coastfocus. focus 61 coffs coast 17

focus_tourism

WITH STEPHEN SAUNDERS OF TOURISM COFFS COAST

tourism UPDATE

Goodbye 2017

Welcome 2018

As we welcome in 2018, I’d like to reflect on some of the achievements of the tourism industry in showcasing the beautiful Coffs Coast to visitors and locals alike.

hroughout 2017, the strong focus on the natural beauty of our region has played a major part in the promotion of the Coffs Coast. Building on the award winning “Create your Paradise” television and web commercial, the Waterfall Way campaign was released. The collaboration between Armidale, Bellingen, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour Councils saw the iconic drive come to life, focusing on the natural beauty of the touring route and showing the variety of experiences available. The development and production of stunning headland videos during last year has continued to showcase the beauty of our region to many of the 11+ thousand followers on Coffs Coast Facebook and approximately 20,000 viewers a month of coffscoast.com The videos were produced using helicopters and drones to capture the spectacular scenery, enabling audiences to have a bird’s eye view of these magnificent places. Work is ongoing on the coffscoast.com website to showcase what’s on offer for visitor experiences to stay, play and taste on the Coffs Coast. The website is an increasingly important way to highlight the many wonderful delights on offer for visitors deciding to stay and experience the diverse activities while they are visiting. We continue to encourage our tourism businesses that provide experiences to our increasing numbers of visitors each year, to list or update their product offering for free on this site. Work has also commenced on the updated “101 things to do on the Coffs Coast” publication. A new look and feel will add appeal to this popular promotional tool, due to be released in the first half of 2018.

62 Coffs Coast focus

Experiencing our events The importance of sports tourism to our region has been highlighted in 2017 with the number of regional, national and international events that have visited our area during the year. From Oztag to Touch Football to cricket to A-league football to ocean swims to World Rally Championships, many parts of our region have been exposed to international and national media and guests during the last 12 months. Combined with a variety of music and food events and festivals, a highlight seeing Coffs selected as one of Midnight Oil’s venues for their world tour, these events have led the charge for an increase in visitor numbers to the Coffs Coast. Our most up to date figures show just over 1.7 million visitors to the region in a 12 month period - a 10% increase in visitor numbers. Coffs Harbour was successful once again in 2017 in winning a globally-acclaimed International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City Award, gaining recognition alongside major cities around the world. This is the third year in a row that Coffs Harbour has been recognised in this way. Working for the industry I would like to thank the members of the DCCC (Destination Coffs Coast Committee), a representation of industry operators who work with the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Councils to promote sustainable growth of tourism businesses in the area, for their efforts during 2017. The strength of networking opportunities and engagement within the industry has been a successful part of the past year. As we head into 2018, may the holiday period be a happy and healthy one for each of you, as you share the paradise you have created.

January is typically the busiest month for leisure holiday makers to our region. It’s a time when visitors can enjoy and experience all of the wonderful parts of the region, whether they are on holidays or visiting friends and family.

o, what’s the best way to make sure that our visitors are able to explore all there is to offer in the region? Visit coffscoast.com

The most up to date information is available on our website: www.coffscoast.com

Download the app The FREE Coffs Coast App (available on Google Play or iTunes) is an easy way to plan your holiday activities or check out what comes next on your holiday agenda. The app allows you to discover the activities, explore them on a map, follow some planned trails and drives or find business contact information. It is an easy and convenient way to explore and experience all that the Coffs Coast has on offer.

Each page unfolds another experience on the Coffs Coast, from our beaches to our creeks, from our mountains to our valleys, and from our small villages to bustling towns. Whether you are after a place to stay, a Linking through social place to play or a place media provides you with a to taste, searching on great way to converse the Coffs Coast website and understand will show you the many what’s happening, or beautiful and varied check out the experience experiences available by that someone else has had... destination or by activity for visitors and locals alike. Visitor information locations If seeing a friendly, smiling face is more for you, you can pop along to one of our three accredited visitor information centres. Located at Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Central and Dolphin Marine Magic, each of these locations is equipped with printed information you can take with you, along with informed assistants who can assist you as you explore. Each of these locations can provide face to face information during normal business hours.

Check out CoffsCoast on Facebook and CoffsCoastNSW on Instagram.

Coffs Coast, along with many of the tourist businesses of the region, is active on social media. Linking through social media provides you with a great way to converse and understand what’s happening, check out the experience that someone else has had … or maybe see what you’ve missed out on. We encourage you to like @coffscoast to stay informed and show off to all of your friends (and to us) by tagging #coffscoast in all of your holiday images. Whether it’s your first experience in Coffs, you’re a regular visitor to the region or you’re lucky enough to be here all of the time, we trust that our beautiful region will be a place of rest and relaxation for you over this holiday period.

Wedding Open Day

Club 300 Bowling & Bar. Club 300 Bowling & Bar is a totally refurbished tenpin bowling centre in the heart of Coffs Harbour ... With the latest AMF touchpad scoring equipment, synthetic lanes, licensed bar and café, great music system with jukebox, pool tables and game machines. There is a private four lane area that can be closed off for parties and functions with your own bar and waiters. Located on the first floor of the newly renovated and opened Bowl Arcade, 74 - 76

Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour, with free car parking across Cox Lane at the rear of the property and lift access makes it ideally located as a destination venue. Catering for families in the holidays, the younger generation on Friday and Saturday nights, friendly competitions between similar industry groups during the week, league bowling for the sport minded, groups of any type and age including disabled patrons, through to any age group that just want to have fun in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere at a reasonable cost.

Saturday, 10 February 2018 9:00am – 2:00pm FREE entry and on-site parking You’re invited to experience the ultimate Coff Coast wedding venue. Take a tour of our unique ceremony and reception spaces styled and themed for you to picture your big day, and enjoy sparkling wine and canapés whilst you meet our talented wedding specialists. Let us spoil you on arrival with a free gift bag. Our preferred suppliers will be on hand to help you create your perfect day.

Wedding Open Day offer Book a wedding in 2018 within 7 days of the open day and secure a 50%* discount on venue and chapel hire and an additional night in a Paradise Spa Bure including full buffet breakfast for 2.

*Terms and conditions apply. Book by 17 February 2018. Minimum 40 guests to receive the offer. Discount applies to 2018 weddings only.

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

Coffs Coast focus 63

Health Wellbeing focushealth

and

WITH NOURISHED EARTH

Kickstart 2018

WITH LAUREN VESTEY FROM LIVING DOLL

New Year Hair Resolutions Thou Shalt Not Break!

by creating a healthier you

With the new year upon us, here are some healthy tips for cleaner living and simple ways to create a toxic free home. New Year’s resolutions

can often be unrealistic and hard to maintain, leaving us feeling unmotivated and disappointed. But by implementing some simple lifestyle changes for yourself, it can be easier than you think.

oods: Our bodies need and Water: Many water sources are heavily treated understand whole foods, not with chemicals and contain bacterias that can refined, processed and packaged often play havoc with our digestion and health. foods. We are big advocates for drinking plenty of Organic and spray free fruits clean, filtered water to stay hydrated, so looking and vegetables are the best at a good filtration system will be a great option, but if buying conventional produce, benefit to everyone’s health and wellbeing. pesticides on fruit and vegetables can be Adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or even some partially removed by soaking them in bentonite magnesium powder can help you to drink clay, which helps to more water in the hotter reduce some of the months. toxins. Detox: A detox is Personal care products: a great way to flush Checking labels on your system to regain Making short and all your products and amazing vitality and long term goals that knowing exactly what energy, especially after are achievable will you are applying to the over indulgence give you a sense of your skin, hair and face of Christmas and the satisfaction and will reduce the amount New Year. Sometimes allow you to be the of chemicals you are the word detox can best version of you! absorbing on a daily basis. seem overwhelming but Educate yourself on the with the right support, side effects of various guidance and information chemicals in everyday toiletries, so you can make from experienced health professionals, you will the best choice of clean brands for yourself and feel revitalised for the year ahead! your family. Goals: Writing down your health goals for 2018 Household and cleaning products: will allow you to have focus and determination There are amazing brands of cleaning to reach them. Making short and long term products and washing powders on the market goals that are achievable will give you a sense of today that perform well and are free from satisfaction and allow you to be the best version chemicals. There are great recipes on the of you! Whether it be having daily smoothies, internet on how to make your own toxic free, joining the gym, cutting out weekly alcohol or environmentally friendly cleaning products that walking every day, every little thing counts on not only work well, cost less, but smell amazing. making a healthier you.

64 Coffs Coast focus

ommit to regular hair cuts! aren’t particularly fond of. But nobody is perfect If you are anything like me, and if we can learn how to mask those tiny I have already filled in my flaws with some little tips and tricks from your 2018 diary with appointments, hairdresser, life would be so much easier. This important dates, meetings, and is the first step in finally learning to love and birthdays etc. for the coming manage your hair. year. I know if I don’t put it in the diary (and in I won’t chop all of my hair off, just because the phone with alarms I hit a certain age. set), I will forget. We Forget the stereotypes are endlessly multiout there that are telling tasking, never saying no you because of your age SUPERWOMEN who have you have to look like this. Just think: there everyone else’s needs Rubbish! Work with what are 1,440 minutes coming first. So, we do you have. If you suit long in a day, so why not need to book and have hair with soft layers, rock allow some time for these appointments in it ‘til you are 100 (if it still ourselves to feel and our schedule, otherwise looks good). Ask a Living look our best? Make eight weeks will stretch Doll Stylist for advice on the effort for yourself, out to three, four, five or what suits your face and because no one else even six months, and we your personal style. can do it for you. will be wondering why Accept compliments we can’t do anything with and share the love. our hair. Gorgeous hair will Allow more time for yourself! attract compliments, and so will smiling women We are only talking 5 - 10 minutes here, exuding confidence and happiness. Let us be a ladies. Just think: there are 1,440 minutes in a network of women supporting and encouraging each other. If you see a woman with a haircut day, so why not allow some time for ourselves you LOVE, then give her a compliment and to feel and look our best? Make the effort for maybe even ask where she had it done. I know yourself, because no one else can do it for you. it will make her day. I will stop beating myself up about my flaws. 2018 is your year, ladies! Let’s face it, ladies; we all are caught up XO Dolls. about one or two things about our hair we

New Year. New You. 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

12 coffs coast focus.

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

“

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

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG ONLINE FLIP BOOK

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

NOW ONLINE + FREE

new you year new

Living Doll Loves Grey Hair How to care for silver hair every day ... The beauty of silver hair lies in its shimmering texture, which requires a tailored haircare routine. As with any coloured hair, especially after being lightened and when hair goes naturally grey, the cuticles change texture, and hydration is essential. When the cuticles of hair fibres are dry, they stick up from the surface of the strand. But when they’re hydrated and healthy, they lie flat, which reflects the light and gives the hair an overall glossy look. Therefore tired, dry hair can often look dull. Prevent this by using a Loreal Shine Blonde or Silver Shampoo and Condition formulated for silver hair, and applying a hair mask once a week or whenever your hair feels like it needs some extra care. Hair oils can also be a great way of adding shine to your silver hair, whether after washing or on-the-go. Just rub a few drops between your palms (with clean hands) and smooth over the lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. To get the most out of shimmering silver hair, trust the Premier Stylists at Living Doll and feel completely confident with your new look! XO Dolls

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

Coffs Coast focus 65

New Year. New You.

new you year new

Body. Beauty Kaboodle Body. Beauty At Kaboodle Body. Beauty, we care about you. We select the finest of brands, thinking of our clients’ wellbeing, as well of the benefits they can receive from these products. Our skincare: Pelactiv is created by Australian Skincare Therapists. Pelactiv incorporates the purest Australian native plant extracts in combination with the prime active ingredient, Lactic Acid. A 100% Australian made and owned product, Pelactiv is noncomedogenic and non-allergenic, has no artificial colour or fragrance and is not tested on animals. The Pelactiv range is not large, but it delivers results that suit every clients’ needs. Pelactiv’s starter kits are only $140, containing full size cleanser, full size toner, full size moisturiser and two sample size products. There is also a selection of active treatment products available to complement the starter kit. Mention this ad and receive 10% off in January.

66 Coffs Coast focus

The team from Kaboodle Body. Beauty continues to grow in popularity. Six months ago they opened their second salon in Moonee Beach. FOCUS had a chat to business owner Lyn Williams to find out more ...

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast? I have lived in the area for the past 30 years and could not think of a better place to reside. A little about myself ... As far back as I can remember, I have loved beauty and wanted to work in the industry. After raising my family, I decided it was time to fulfil that desire. For twelve months I travelled to Port Macquarie to study, and achieved my Diploma of Beauty Therapy in 2003. Since then I have studied further for my Cert IV in training and assessing and I have been training part-time in the beauty department at the local TAFE, where I share my passion and knowledge of the industry. About Kaboodle Body. Beauty ... Kaboodle Body. Beauty was opened as a hair and beauty salon in 1st Avenue, Sawtell and as the business grew, so did the need for space. We have been located upstairs from the hair salon for almost 10 years now. About the Kaboodle team ... My team consist of three very talented, professional and passionate therapists. Joanne has been with KBB for over five years and manages the Sawtell salon. Jo’s passion lies in caring for your skin, facials, educating her clients about their skin and making product recommendations. Alexandra (Alex) has been a part of the team for just over a year. Alex loves to see her clients totally drift with her amazing massage, watching them leave the salon totally relaxed, knowing that

she was responsible for that. Hollie is our newest recruit and works in our new Moonee Beach salon and is a local to the area. Hollie is very passionate about her massage and lash extensions and is loving working with the Bio Sculpture gel and nails. Moonee Beach With the success of Sawtell salon, I really wanted to expand and saw an opening in the beautiful Moonee Beach, where we have been welcomed with open arms and feel very grateful for the wonderful, positive feedback we have received. Services offered in the salon include: Facials, massage, manicure, pedicure, Bio Sculpture gel nails, tanning, waxing, body sugaring, lash extensions, tinting, lash lifting and last but not least, Emerge Fractional Laser for skin rejuvenation. What makes Kaboodle Body. Beauty different? First Avenue, Sawtell is a very bubbly, busy location. Walking up our stairs, entering the salon, all your stresses will just melt away in the little slice of heaven, with the outlook on to the beautiful Sawtell fig trees. Whether you share 15 minutes or three hours, we guarantee you will walk out totally relaxed and satisfied. Moonee has very accessible parking and is away from all the hustle and bustle of a shopping centre. As soon as you come through the door, you will feel the relaxing ambience and once again say goodbye to stress. Each and every client is treated with excellence and quality. Products we use in the salon ... PELACTIV: our range uses natural

ingredients and is 100 percent Australian made and owned. A simple, easy to use skincare range tailored to suit all skin types and conditions that guarantees to bring your skin to its healthiest level possible. Pelactiv incorporates the purest Australian native plant extracts in combination with the prime active ingredient, Lactic Acid (milk extract). INIKA: healthy is beautiful. Our beautiful makeup is Certified Organic, 100 per cent natural, mineral, vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic cosmetics. Inika cosmetics are designed to be high performance, ensuring “natural” means “quality”. All packaging is made from recycled materials and all packaging is recyclable. The entire range is made from pure minerals and botanical ingredients, to hydrate and nourish the skin and is free from synthetic ingredients. One of my favourites is the “long lash mascara”, healthy and non-smudging, great for everyday wear. Both Pelactiv and Inika have won numerous awards recently and in past years, in the well-known industry magazine, Professional Beauty. Both product companies are continuously expanding their range, bringing you the best up to date products of their easy to use range. Whether you are looking to have a simple waxing or an indulgent treatment, contact one of our lovely team members to make your booking today. Moonee Beach (02) 6656 4046. Sawtell (02) 6658 5819. Thanks Lyn.

Coffs Coast focus 67

focusfitness

W I T H D U N C A N M A R C H A N T , C O F F S C O A S T H E A LT H C L U B

MyFitnessStory

.com.au

This monthâ€™s inspirational fitness story comes to us courtesy of Amy Grant. Amy is our 30 year old, mother of two, who is leading her staff from the front to reach their fitness goals as the Director of the Early Learning Centre Moonee Beach.

efore you joined Coffs Coast Health Club, what was your exercise background? Managing a new business, leading a team and caring for the beautiful children within our Centre comes with a certain degree of responsibility and pressure. Not to mention, I am a mother to my own young children and lead a very busy lifestyle. I tried to incorporate a small amount of exercise into my day each week; however, there was never any routine. I did not push myself enough, and I found it hard to put aside time for myself.

determined to achieve whatever may be thrown our way. We want to help motivate and inspire our children, families and those around us to be the best version of themselves. How has Coffs Coast Health Club assisted you in reaching these goals? Coffs Coast Health Club has supported us individually, and as a company, to reach our goals and push ourselves outside of our comfort zone. The staff are friendly and always make time of offer their advice and support.

What goals have you set for the future? Our vision is to be better than we were Why did you decide to change your yesterday. To always go lifestyle? harder and achieve a We wanted to improve better score than last our general wellbeing time. To have more and most importantly, be confidence within positive role models for It has allowed us to be ourselves and believe our children. We want to more confident in our that our bodies are prove to ourselves, and abilities, and we have capable of a lot more to others, that it is OK become even happier and than we envisage. to focus on improving

determined in our roles as

yourself and your health mothers. and that by setting aside a small amount of time each day does not make you selfish. We decided that it is OK to spare one out of the 24 hours in a day to do what makes us happy.

How has that lifestyle change given you a better quality of life? It has allowed us to be more confident in our abilities, and we have become even happier and determined in our roles as mothers. We focus on educating children about healthy eating and the importance of incorporating physical activity into their lives, when really we need to take a long hard look at ourselves and practice what we preach. What are your health and fitness goals? We aim to be fitter, stronger and mentally 68 Coffs Coast focus

What is the most useful advice you could share with others? Prioritise your health and wellbeing. Spend your time wisely and choose with whom you share it. Surround yourself with those who motivate you, people who are there to celebrate your achievements and who genuinely want to see you succeed and achieve your goals. Thanks for sharing, Amy, and if you are looking to kickstart your own inspirational fitness story, call us directly on 1300 040 479 or drop in to see the team at either Coffs Coast Health Club Toormina or Moonee, to get started today. More Inspirational Fitness Stories can be found at www.myfitnessstory.com.au

focus_contributor

New Year. New You.

A Free Education Series for 3 to 5 yr olds

The secret to

pain free living may be happy feet.

language Program GROOVER PROGRAM RUGBY PROGRAM BOOK BUG PROGRAM To register for Little Movers email littlemovers@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Are you frustrated by ongoing foot, knee, hip or back pain? Do you feel like you’re in the dark about what the cause of the problem is?

id North Coast Physio we want to make sure you are fixed for good, continues to utilise state not just for now. of the art technology in What is Gaitscan? healthcare across their Gaitscan is a computerised foot scanning four clinics on the Coffs system that is used at Mid North Coast Physio Coast and can help you to get a very detailed analysis of your foot and find the answers others miss. By using computlower limb movement and load. The problem erised foot scanning with the Gaitscan system, with just watching you walk, or even videoalong with a thorough physical assessment, ing the movement, is that you aren’t able to their team can solve measure the impact on your ongoing pain for the joints or where the good, rather than just impact occurs. Also, on short term quick fixes. average the foot is only in Owner and leading All too often complaints like contact with the ground physiotherapist Aaron bursitis, shin splints, plantar for about 0.7 sec with Hardaker tells us why fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, low each step, so using state technology plays an back pain and many others of the art technology important role in finding can be because of poor allows much better asthe cause, rather than foot mechanics. just treating symptoms. sessment of what is going How can having a wrong in a very short computerised foot space of time. scan help solve my How can I get a FREE pain? Gaitscan computer foot assessment? By getting all the information, it’s then much With clinics in Woolgoolga, Moonee easier for to find the right solution for your Beach, Toormina and Urunga, we are able pain. All too often complaints like bursitis, shin to organise an appointment at the most splints, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, low convenient site for you. As a special offer back pain and many others can be because of for Coffs Coast FOCUS readers, we are ofpoor foot mechanics - you end up like a car fering a FREE Gaitscan computerised foot with a bad wheel alignment, which leads to exassessment to the first 10 callers on 1300 cessive wear and tear. By finding what’s going 27 37 47. And as an extra bonus, if you wrong, you can then treat the cause, rather require custom made orthotics, you will than just symptoms. There is nothing more get $50 off your orthotics purchase. This frustrating than having the same problem is strictly limited to the first 15 bookings, coming back again and again because your so call now to book and find out how to therapist is focused on what hurts, rather than what makes it hurt. At Mid North Coast Physio, get rid of your pain for good.

To ﬁnd out more about a BDC education, register for a tour or receive an information pack please email enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 6651 5644

Enrolling Now 2018 Kindy to Year 12 LIMITED places available

Bishop Druitt College | 111 North Boambee Rd. Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 02 6651 5644 | secretary@bdc.nsw.edu.au | www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

Coffs Coast focus 69

New Year. New You.

new you Genesis Toormina

Genesis Coffs Harbour

Introducing Adrian Hawke, the new Club

facility where you can take your fitness to the

Goal setting for the New Year is always

Manager at Genesis Toormina.

next level - Group training sessions available.

an interesting concept, for many reasons:

He has a passion for helping people to

You can even Bluetooth your own music -

• Why wait for a New Year to set a goal that

achieve their health and fitness goals and

now that’s fun times training!

involves your health? Is your health not just

has created a culture in the club true to their

Ask yourself... Are looking for a change from

as important on the 31st of a month, or the

brand message - Genesis, A Fitness Club for

your existing training, to increase your fitness,

15th or the 2nd? Why is the New Year such a

Every Body.

strength and tone, lose weight or perhaps

defining day?

So Adrian, why join Genesis Toormina?

work on your wellness? Then we have

• Does it honestly make you more

the facilities and ongoing support for you

accountable? Do you stick with that goal you

to achieve to your goals! Included in your

promised to yourself on New Year’s Day?

membership is an 1 hr fitness consultation

• Do you actually action it? Do you keep

Our focus is on you and creating a fun yet supportive environment so you can become your best. It is an air conditioned facility with all new equipment, open 24/7. We

and 2 x 1hr Personal Training sessions.

yourself accountable and just do it?

pride ourselves on catering for every age and

Get your free 7 day trial pass now!!

For me, and most importantly, is that goals are

fitness ability. We offer cardio equipment,

Give me a call, email, jump online or get

often set on a whim and your entire health is

machine weights, free weights, water rowers

down to the club and start a new you

not taken into account. Aesthetics are usually

and recently the new functional training

today!!

the reason people set a goal. Want a six pack,

70 Coffs Coast focus

tight butt, toned arms etc. But what about your mental and emotional health? How are your stress levels? What’s your heart health like? Are you at risk of any auto immune diseases, high cholesterol, diabetes? Do you suffer anxiety and depression? Life is short. Too short, in fact. We get one chance to really look after ourselves. So, why don’t we? And why don’t we from the inside out? Our body is merely a shell for what lives inside. And it’s what lives inside of us that keeps us alive, so why don’t we take better care of it? I ask you that when you set your health and fitness goals, that you give your body the respect it deserves and factor in your body from the inside out, not the outside in.

New Year. New You.

From Armidale to the Coffs Tri

new you

Josh Patricks, 30, has never done a triathlon and is planning on tackling the full Olympic distance bcu Coffs Tri in March. He bought his first road bike online on Gumtree just a few weeks ago and is determined to finish the 1.5 km ocean swim, 40 km cycle and 10 km run in under four hours. Village sports caught up with Josh to find out his motivation for signing up for this challenging event.

hat inspired you to enter the bcu Coffs Tri? I have never even contemplated a triathlon before now, as I felt it was beyond my fitness level. I have signed up for the event, as I want to challenge myself physically and mentally like never before. Tell us a bit about yourself ... I am married with two young daughters. I work as an Employment Consultant with Key Employment and the majority of my day is spent sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen. What are your goals for the event? My goal for the bcu Tri is to finish in less than four hours. I also want to make my family proud and to inspire them to always challenge themselves. What are your strongest/weakest legs?

year new

The ocean swim is completely out of my local competitions comfort zone. Born Born and bred in to complement my and bred in the New the New England training. England region of region of NSW, far ve Do you plan to build NSW, far from the from the ocean, I ha on this in the lead up ocean, I have never never attempted an.” to the event? attempted an ocean ocean swim before I hope to increase swim before. I feel most each discipline to twice comfortable running, so a week and add in some I would have to say that brick sessions (ride/run) to help would be my strongest leg. prepare my body for the transition When do you fit in your training from riding to running. I hope to take around family and work commitments? part in triathlon events with the Coffs Tri Club I train early in the mornings, as this in the lead up to race day. seems to fit in around my schedule. Do you plan to follow a set program? Currently I am building my capacity for each I find it difficult to follow a set program leg through running, riding and swimming due to the unpredictability of life, but I try to once a week and gradually increasing the complete each leg during the week to maintain distances. I also play cricket and hockey in

“

motivation and progression with my training. I utilise those around me to discuss distances and strategies; and my family to help with diet and motivation. My family are my biggest support; they encourage me even when it’s wet or hot or if I have had a rough day. What is your advice to anyone out there like you who has never done a triathlon and thinking about it? Get out there and have a go. Build your fitness, increase your confidence and challenge yourself. I am really enjoying the training, and it certainly helps having a goal to work towards. Josh is planning on joining the Coffs Harbour Tri Club in the New Year, where he will be able to put his training into practice. The club runs regular fortnightly races and encourages newcomers to take part.

3rd & 4th

MARCH 2018

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

villagesports.com.au Coffs Coast focus 71

New Year. New You.

Coffs Coast CrossFit BEFORE

AFTER

Introducing Andy. I’m Andy. I’ve trained at Coffs Coast CrossFit for just under 11 months. My fiancée and I train five days a week and live very happy lives. Before I started CrossFit, I was unsure if I would like the style of fitness CrossFit had to offer, as it seemed too focused on cardio and bodyweight movements. I was afraid that I would not be happy with the shape of my body. I soon realised I was very wrong. The movement and exercise variety is amazing. There is never a day that is repeated or a challenge easier than the last. I generally love every minute I spend working with coaches who care, coaches who strive to improve on a daily basis. I exercise in ways I never thought were possible. I’m lifting more weight now then I ever have before, simply because I have learnt the correct technique and continue to improve. If you’re looking for a change or struggling to find what you’re looking for, definitely come and give Coffs Coast CrossFit the opportunity to change your life - just like it did mine.

72 Coffs Coast focus

For many of us, the start of a new year gets us motivated to try something new, to set some goals and to better ourselves. James Sanders is a coach and coowner at Coffs Coast CrossFit; here he tells us a bit about what motivates him, how he stays fit and some of his recent achievements.

i James. What was it like growing up on the Coffs Coast/what’s your connection to the Coffs Coast? Growing up on the Coffs Coast is a massive privilege. I think lots of kids take that for granted. There are many great sporting groups and presently a huge variety of amazing fitness facilities to be a part of. All of the facilities offer something different to the next - all the more reason to get out and give them all a chance. I am a coach and co-owner at Coffs Coast CrossFit. I coach up to 15 group fitness class per week, coach two kids’ classes per week and coach three - four competing athletes daily. I love being part of the talented coaching team and assisting our members to become the best version of themselves. What led you to start CrossFit? CrossFit is one of the most influential things in my life. From day one I have been addicted to bettering myself on a daily basis. I’ve had nothing challenge or pin point my weaknesses as much as CrossFit does. It changed my perception on fitness entirely. I once thought running to the gym to complete a box fit class was the definition of being fit. I now know that it's just one example. To maintain your level of fitness, how much time do you normally spend training each week? Good question ... and don't take this as an indicator to measure your own fitness levels, as it takes many years of practice, dedication and strength to withstand a high amount of training on a daily basis. I spend three hours a day, Monday - Friday, and I have a shorter session on a Saturday as well. Sometimes people get confused when I mention the amount of time I spend

training. The three hours isn't entirely events, which was a great result considerdevoted to high intensity cardiovascular exing it was our first time taking part at this ercise. The time is mostly spent on Olympic high level. lifting in smaller and larger sets, strength Tell us a bit about CrossFit on the Coffs training, gymnastics training and skill Coast? development. At the start of the season my Having CrossFit on the Coffs Coast is training revolves around injury prevention a great way to attract growth in our local and fine tuning my movements, with barfitness industry. Although CrossFit and bells and gymnastic equipment. specialised gyms seem expensive, you’re You recently competed at the Austrapaying for what you get. At our gym you lian CrossFit Affiliate Competition in are guaranteed to learn and develop for Melbourne; can you tell us a bit about as long as you continue to show up. Our the competition? programming caters for all levels of fitThe Reebok CrossFit Affilness; we have hundreds of people iate competition was at who need extra attention and a national level with modified workouts - it’s CrossFit is one male/female pairs what CrossFit is best of the most from all over Ausknown for. Our workin tralia competing outs are altered and influential things one I over one weekend. scaled to suit; no one my life. From day to It measured fitness gets left behind. have been addicted a at the highest level. The atmosphere in bettering myself on Weight is not taken each class is what drives daily basis.” into consideration, so us to keep coming back someone who weighs 75 for more. Our members are kg would compete against encouraged to help each other, so someone who weighs 100 kg. This that everyone feels important. A typical makes qualifying even harder. Comscenario is that beginners get worried that they are going to fall behind and hold evpetitors were tested in a strength eryone up; they soon find out that we are a component, skill component, barbell team and we are all on our fitness journey component and an endurance component. together. Saying this, its a clear indicator Events were back to back, with an hour of that there is never time to plateau or a time resting between each test. you will lose motivation. It’s an infectious How did you come to qualify for Meladdiction that will increase life expectancy, bourne? if you’re willing to show some dedication. Jess Bellette and I were selected through How do people get involved? a series of filmed workouts. We were to Every Saturday morning at 8am, we complete eight workouts over two weeks. have a beginner friendly class. At this class The workouts had certain high standards we have multiple coaches, so we can have and if these weren't followed, you could more then two eyes on beginners and keep lose overall points. Jess and I placed third everyone safe. The class workout is modin this part of the competition, which ified to suit beginners and to make sure automatically qualified us to compete in everyone gets a great challenging workout, Melbourne. free of charge. Jess and I placed fourth after all of the

“

Need a fitness goal for 2018? Try a Tri! bcu are extremely proud to be the main sponsor for the 2018 bcu Coffs Tri. Integrating with the community spirit that bcu has become known for, an impressive number of local staff have also thrown their support behind the bcu Tri event, signing on to participate in either the Enticer or Standard Distance races. While some participants are using the bcu Tri as a fitness goal, other competitors are just looking forward to being a part of a fun, energetic local event. Three staff members from the local bcu Corporate Office are combining forces to compete as Team LDD in the Standard Distance Teams event at the 2018 bcu Tri. Meet the guys from Team LDD!

ALL GLOSS. ALL FREE. EVERY MONTH. COFFS COAST

May 2017 // issue 80

Feature Story Adrian Betts

1 coffs coast focus.

Feature Story 2017 Black Dog Kokoda Challenge

COFFS COAST

Feature Story Kate Bolte

February 2017/ 2017//issue 77

June 2017//issue 81

T H E 1 coffs coast focus.

COFFS COAST

T E S K E Y

Daniel Thornycroft Daniel, a Senior Web Developer at bcu, will be rounding off the LDD team and completing the 10km run in the 2018 bcu Tri. While not following a regimented training schedule, Daniel runs 2-3 mornings each week and is gradually building on his fitness and plans to increase training closer to the event, saying “The bcu Tri really helps by providing me with a goal and is a bit of extra motivation for fitness training.” Daniel is looking forward to the event, and encourages anyone looking for a goal to “Give it a go. It is really fun, good for your health and very satisfying when you cross the finish line.”

Luke Woolhouse Luke, who works as a Web Developer in the Marketing Technology team, will be hitting the water to complete the 1.5km swim as part of Team LDD. Luke was keen to enter the bcu Tri again, having competed in previous years, saying “It’s a great goal to help keep you fit & healthy. The bcu Tri atmosphere is full of energy and it’s a great feeling taking part”. While still working towards completing the full distance event one day, Luke said “Completing even one leg in a team event brings a great sense of achievement.” Working out of the bcu Corporate Office in Coffs Harbour means Luke is able to complete most of his training during his lunch break, alternating between laps at the local War Memorial Pool & ocean swims at the Jetty. For locals contemplating the Tri, Luke says “It’s never too late to start, it doesn’t matter how small those first steps are, the important thing is starting.”

Drew Zietsch Drew, who is a Technology Support Officer, will be tackling the 40km bike leg for Team LDD. Having done a few different triathlon legs previously, Drew is looking forward to the event saying “It’s a fun way to test myself and still be a part of something that’s great for the community and has a great atmosphere”. In preparation for the event, Drew is following a 3 weeks on, 1 week off training schedule set by his coach, and estimates he would ride an impressive 400-450km per week. With roughly 16 hours a week dedicated to training, Drew said “Thankfully I have a family that are very understanding about my commitment to cycling”. Drew encourages anyone unsure on whether or not to compete in the 2018 Tri, to “Just give it a go! The hardest part about it is actually signing up! Once you get out on the start line, you just feel superhuman, it’s an exhilarating feeling!”

B R O T H E R S 1 coffs coast focus.

OUR REACH

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

Coffs Coast focus 73

focusinterview.

DISABLED SURFERS MID NORTH COAST

A S S O C I A T I O N

THE MID NORTH COAST DISABLED SURFERS ASSOCIATION IS A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS WORKING TO MAKE SURFING ALL-INCLUSIVE AND PROVIDE A SAFE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH ALL LEVELS OF DISABILITY WHO WANT TO GET OUT IN THE WATER ON THE COFFS COAST. hat is Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers Association all about? We are a group

75 new trainees, Jim Bradley and the DSA

An average event would have about

beach for a couple of hours and network with

Australia crew jumped straight into the

40 participants surfing and around 100

others in a similar position.

training, and the branch has never looked

volunteers assisting. Our bigger days have

What events do you have coming up?

back. Barney Miller, himself wheelchair-

around 50 participants, and up to 130

bound as a result of a motor vehicle accident,

volunteers. Some of these events are massive,

to go - Saturday, January 6th at the northern

became the unofficial “patron” of the branch

but everyone gets at least a couple of surfs in,

of like-minded individuals who enjoy helping

in its formative years. Donations from Barney’s

and we all finish with a smile on our face.

corner of Coffs Jetty Beach, then Saturday 3rd

others and also share a love of the surf. A

annual “Barney Miller Surf Classic” held at

What effect does learning to surf have

lot of us have grown up at the beach and

Sawtell helped deck

on people who have

are surfers ourselves. We are about making

out the branch with

disabilities?

surfing all-inclusive, and providing a safe and

equipment.

controlled environment for participants with

DSA Australia has

all levels of disability to come and enjoy a few

been going for some 30

waves.

years. Gary Blaschke,

We know how much benefit there is in

Salt water therapy is

current President and

“salt water therapy” and how special the

founding member,

feeling of surfing is.

was a passionate

second to none. There’s

There’s an old saying that ‘only a surfer knows the feeling’, and that’s what we want to share.

an old saying that “only

We’ve had two events this season, with two

February at Woolgoolga Main Beach in the corner. What can the Coffs community do to get on board? Volunteer, volunteer or volunteer! Like any volunteer organisation, we also rely on the

a surfer knows the

generosity of sponsors to help us financially.

feeling”, and that’s what

That’s something really important to our

we want to share.

committee.

Last summer we had

Local Federal Member of Parliament Luke

Our branch is one of 16 around Australia

surfer and injured in a

and New Zealand which makes up the DSA Australia family. How long has The Mid North Coast

on his own due to a leg injury, some mates

the first time in his life. Words can’t do justice

dollars to the branch from his annual charity

Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) been

got together and took him for a paddle, and

to what he, his family and the volunteers

bike ride around his electorate.

running on the Coffs Coast?

that’s where it all began.

experienced that day. It was such a humbling

The Mid North Coast branch started

the absolute honour of

Hartsuyker is a long time supporter of all

motorcycle accident in

taking a disabled man in

things DSA. Luke has attended many events

1986. Unable to surf

his 30s into the surf for

as a volunteer and has donated thousands of

Gary saw a void that needed to be filled, as

experience for all involved, with a few tears

John Paul College, Year 12 of 2013, also donated heavily from their annual fundraiser

with three events over the first summer of

over the years, many surfers with disabilities

2007-08, before spreading to four events

have unfortunately been loners with no

within a couple of seasons. The events are run

one to help them get back into the water.

of our participants have, it’s almost impossible

at Woolgoolga in the north and Jetty Beach

Many suffer from disabilities that the general

for their family or carers to safely take them

at Coffs Harbour in the south. In recent years

public would not consider a disability. From

into the surf environment. But the confidence

we’ve also held events at Scotts Head.

asthmatics to joint injuries to paraplegic, many

they gain in the water when surrounded by

How was the DSA established?

members have found friendship, support

trained team leaders and volunteers transfers

and have renewed their interest in surfing.

into their general lives as well. Some of these

spring 2007. Bryn Goode and Barney Miller,

Gary’s vision quickly extended to all classes

guys have really tough lives and never thought

our branch on the web or Facebook.

locals to the Sawtell and Coffs Harbour area,

of disabilities, as it is today. DSAA is a totally

they’d be a surfer. It’s really positive and

http://disabledsurfers.org/nsw/mid-north-

decided to call a training day to see if the

voluntary organisation, which sets world’s

confidence-boosting for them.

coast-branch/ or https://www.facebook.

interest was there in the local community to

best practice for disabled surfers.

set up a branch. Overwhelmed with some

How many people attend the events?

DSA Mid North Coast branch began back in

74 Coffs Coast focus

shed all round. Because of the level of disability that a lot

Our days also provide opportunities for the families and carers to relax and enjoy the

to our branch. Village Sports, Bunnings, Coffs C.ex, Woolgoolga Self Storage and many others help us out, and that makes a huge difference to us. What’s the best place to get in contact with the DSA? There’s plenty of info and contact details for

com/Mid-North-Coast-Disabled-SurfersAssociation-455585941147985/

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

Hello Summer Living

January 2018

AQUARIUS.

GEMINI.

LIBRA.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19

MAY 22 - JUNE 22

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23

You have been busy recognising cycles that repeated in your past. However, you have grown in wisdom since. This is why they have little, if any, effect on you now. Set new goals and watch the outcome. Moonstone is great for ending and beginning cycles.

Endings and new beginnings are likely to play a major part this month. Set some goals, and stay tuned into your feelings to identify your opportunities. It will be important to feel passionate and happy connections in the home and workplace. Moonstone is great for new cycles. Wear some.

Stay connected to your beautiful qualities, as they will open doors of endless opportunities. 2018 symbolises a lucky year when using gifts and talents. Set some new goals and make a wish list. Prioritise some alone time for yourself and enjoy your solitude. Blue Lace Agate clears the mind and enlightens it.

PISCES.

CANCER.

SCORPIO.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20

JUNE 23 - JULY 23

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

You’re a problem solver; this is why others are compelled to share their story with you. You often hear wise words escape you. Hear these words; they will guide you well. Enjoying your creative pursuits is likely to be a strong influence towards the end of the month. Citrine stimulates our creative energy.

A fresh outlook towards the New Year will aid in becoming better aligned to receive good luck and abundance in all things. Release any fears and become their answers. Ownership of your reality will be a strong influence; embrace it. Clear Quartz amplifies energy.

If you’re carrying any undigested emotions from 2017 into this year, your success could be compromised. Release these emotions, so life doesn’t have to bring them to your attention. Think of something new to feel and wish for it. Malachite helps release past hurts and recognise the strength gained

ARIES.

LEO.

SAGITTARIUS.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Connect to your inner strength and gentle wisdom. Identify your qualities you approve of, to align yourself with the highest opportunities and abundance in life. Make a wish list, not a resolution. 2+0+1+8 = 11= a 2 year - a year to enjoy your talents. Amethyst connects us to our life’s purpose. Wear some.

As long as you are content to love, you will sparkle. Avoid placing conditions or hopes on your giving, as you will be disappointed. Instead, feel the Leo joy of giving, because you love to give and do it unconditionally. Feel how big your heart can be. Rose Quartz, the crystal of love,

If you are feeling trapped in life, it could be that you have outgrown your old beliefs and need to create new ones. Try debating your beliefs and see what you come up with. Anything that interferes with reaching your fullest potential is likely to be released this month, making way for better things. Citrine shatters negativity and

initiates all levels of love in our energy.

attracts an abundance.

TAURUS.

VIRGO.

CAPRICORN.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

If you’re feeling unsupported, look inward at what needs strengthening and activate it. Set some short-term goals, as well as mid and longterm goals. You will soon know that there is no hurdle too big for you to remove. Laugh at your fears and become their answer. Ruby gives us strength of mind, body and spirit.

Romantic feelings towards life can be expected this month. Connect with your gratitude as often as possible, to benefit from the simple pleasures in life. Relationships will offer some adventurous new discoveries of the self, and feelings toward career are likely to change. Set some goals. Carnelian is great for our enthusiasm and strength of will.

Coffs

Listen to your wise words when you are counselling someone. Your Guides are speaking directly to you on these occasions. Where would you like to see yourself at the end of the year? Let this aid in setting new goals. Career has to offer a happy environment for inner peace. Snowflake Obsidian shatters workplace negativity.

Coffs Coast focus 75

New Year. New You.

Don’t let snoring or Sleep Apnea be a problem for you or your partner.

ell me about Pure Sleep Services? Our rooms are located inside Beachside Radiology in Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, with locations opening up in Sydney and Gold Coast early 2018. Pure Sleep Services deliver a functional, physiological and nutritional approach to Sleep and Breathing Disorders and Sleep Medicine, along with TMJ (Jaw Joint) disorders. Everyone knows someone who snores, but what is Apnea? Yes, snoring affects 35% of women in Australia and 48% of men. Snoring is what we call the smoke, whereas Apnea is the fire. Apnea, known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), is when you stop breathing, or take less than 25% of a normal breath - Apnea is mostly silent and is commonly undetected. Wow, now I am curious ... Are there any particular symptoms or signs that may signal I suffer from Apnea?

76 Coffs Coast focus

new you

Yes, there are a variety that may show the existence of Sleep Apnea, such as: • Morning headache • Depression • Sore, dry throat on waking • Tiredness throughout the day • Feeling irritable • High pulse rate • Lack of energy • High blood pressure • Reflux • Restless sleep • Cardiovascular disease • Gasping for air Just to name a few! What next? Do I need a referral to see you? NO REFERRAL REQUIRED … At Pure Sleep Services the patient experience is an easy and comfortable three-step process, all under the one roof: Consult - we will provide you with a detailed assessment. Sleep Study - Hospital Grade PSG2 Study in the comfort of your own home. Diagnosed

by a registered sleep specialist. Fitting - a custom made dental sleep appliance. A take home sleep study … In the comfort of my own bed? I like the sound of that! The PSG2 sleep study we offer is very highly accurate, innovative and easy to use. Having the latest technology available in the comfort of your own home is extremely convenient and only for one night, then returned the next day. This allows you to have the study conducted in your own bed, which in turn allows you to sleep more naturally, thus helping to provide more accurate records to be reported on by our fully accredited and certified Sleep Technicians and Sleep Physicians. How long does the initial consult take? We allow up to 45 mins, as we do an extensive evaluation on your medical

history and mouth; we also use 3D airway imaging to diagnose soft tissue problems. Our specialists also offer nutritional advice, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Testing and pH testing, which are all key steps to accurately diagnose each individual, which leads to prescribing the best therapy options available. What is the dental appliance you mention above? The MAS Device (Mandibular Advancement Splint) “Snoring/Apnea Night Guard” is a custom fitted dental appliance, like the SomnoMed, which are proven to be a successful and modern treatment for snorers and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Suffers. SomnoMed is the leading product on the market, with a range of options to individualise for each patient’s needs. NO REFFERALS NEEDED - ALL IN ONE LOCATION.

“You no longer have to lose any of your precious freedoms to get the care you need as you age” Pat, 91

Freedom family

We’re all on this ageing journey together. What’s most important is that we don’t lose the one thing that really matters, just to get the care we all eventually need. I mean, what’s life without freedom – the everyday freedom to come and go and be and do as you please in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Why live alone when you can surround yourself with wonderful new friends in a vibrant, caring community that celebrates every day to the full and treats you with all the kindness, decency, love and respect you deserve. That’s what I call freedom. It’s easy as calling us on 1800 984 840 to confirm a day you would like to visit your local Freedom community and we will help with the rest.

Visit freedomagedcare.com.au Coffs Coast focus 77

78 Coffs Coast focus

Valla

focusinterview.

Beach CHAIR PROJECT TAFE NSW - ELIZABETH BOND

Students from the TAFE NSW Diploma of Furniture Design at CHEC have been involved in a

wonderful collaborative project with the Nambucca Shire Council and the local

Valla community. FOCUS finds out all about the project and how it was received by the locals.

an you tell us about the Valla Beach Seating Project and how it came about? TAFE NSW Furniture Design teacher, Bim Morton, initially approached Bellingen Shire Council with a plan to develop outdoor seating which would be designed by the Diploma Furniture Design students. Unfortunately it was knocked back because they didn’t want any more infrastructure. One of the Diploma students, Tracy Suter, lives in Valla in the Nambucca Valley and is involved in a number of community organisations. She mentioned the project idea to them and they invited TAFE NSW along to pitch the outdoor seating project. Who were some of the students involved, and what were their roles? The students from the TAFE NSW Diploma of Furniture Design (class of 2016) at CHEC developed six designs in a collaborative environment as part of their course work. The designs had the same leg design, but with a unique back seating design. Who decided which designs were chosen? The six designs were taken to the Valla Beach markets where the community voted on their favourites. Three designs were chosen to construct four chairs. One design, by student Erin Wood, came out well in front in the voting process. This design depicts the ocean, rolling hills and local landmark, Picket Hill. These seats were placed at the beach front and the Valla Hall. Other community-selected designs for the seats include: a quintessentially Aussie thong by Valla local Tracey Suter, which has been placed overlooking the ocean from a headland, and a bright shining sun by Sarah Andersen, overlooking the estuary. What materials were used? And was

it the students/designers that made decisions such as this or were there certain guidelines for public seating? Nambucca Shire Council needed to approve the designs and construction to meet Workplace Health and Safety and construction THE PRODUCT HAS A 15 standards. YEAR LIFESPAN BEFORE The students used ANY MAINTENANCE IS ‘Replas’ which is a REQUIRED. WE ALSO product made from PRECAST CONCRETE recycled plastic bags. LEGS AND USED MARINEThe product has a 15 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL year lifespan before any BARS AND BOLTS TO KEEP design to finished maintenance is required. WITH THE MAINTENANCEproduct? We also precast concrete FREE REQUIREMENTS OF They completed legs and used marineCOUNCIL. the design process grade stainless steel bars and build throughout and bolts to keep with 2016. During this time the maintenance-free they had other course requirements of Council. commitments, so worked on average one Who built the seats? day per week, up until the last term when we The selected designs were quoted and needed to pull out all the stops to get the job proposals taken to the Valla Beach Progress completed! The installation of the four seats by Association, the Valla Lions Club and the Valla Council has been throughout 2017, depending Hall Association. They all approved the funding on the weather. for the project, and we started liaising with How do you think the students felt taking the Nambucca Shire Council, who needed to on a project like this? approve the designs and construction to meet Because it was a group effort and funded Workplace Health and Safety and construction by the Valla community groups, the students standards. Only then could the Diploma were pretty excited that they could think big, students construct the chairs. and try different mediums like the Replas and Jukka from Fine Form Concreting came in the concrete. Working as a group was a fun and instructed us on precasting concrete for experience for them, and brought out different the legs. Other industry consultants helped aspects of each individual, both personally and with different problems along the way. Then with their work. the completed seats were given to Nambucca What do you think the students got out of Shire Council for installation, but because of the project? a major flooding event, the installation was The students got real life experience making pushed back by six months. furniture for clients, working with Council, How long did the process take from

and understanding the Workplace Health and Safety aspects involved. This project has given them ‘real world’ industry experience. The students enjoyed the whole experience, especially the collaborative aspect. Group days spent making concrete forms and then pouring the concrete legs were fun team building exercises. What has the feedback been like? Nambucca Shire Council was impressed with the quality of the finished seats when they picked them up for installation. The general feedback from the Valla community has been great, with people loving the new seats which have been installed in time for the summer season. Are there plans for more projects like this in the future? Yes! It’s been such a positive experience for everyone involved that we’re planning to have another collaborative project next year.

Coffs Coast focus 79

East Coast Cabinets. TechAddicts. TechAddicts is proud to now be offering DJI Drones to the Coffs Coast. We have an in-store DJI Drone Flight Experience, where you can come in-store and try out a Mavic Pro or Spark before you buy in a very safe and visually pleasing DJI Drone Cage. Furthermore, we are offering with ALL our DJI Drone purchases, a FREE one hour learn to fly lesson RRP $60, where one of our staff will organise a lesson for you to show you the basics of your DJI Drone and teach you the fundamentals of flying it. DJI Drones are one of the most popular items this Christmas and appeal to a wide variety of consumers of all ages. The quality of the photos and videos that are produced from these drones is incredible and can make any amateur photographer look like a professional very easily. TechAddicts have DJI Mavic Pro Fly More Combos and DJI Spark IN-STOCK NOW. “Come in-store and get yours before it flies away.”

Free “Basic Flight School” Lesson with every DJI Drone sold from NOW until Christmas - Valued @ $60!

Drones currently in stock! So be sure to stop by and discuss your needs with one of the Team!

The Only DJI Drone Flight Experience on the Mid North Coast! Available instore Now!

80 Coffs Coast focus

Welcome to 2018. Best wishes for a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and yours. Whilst January is often a time of holidays, visitors and connecting with family, it can also be a chance to sit back and reflect on what you did and did not achieve in 2017 and what you want to make happen in 2018. If your plans include a new kitchen or kitchen renovation, a vanity, laundry cabinets or a wardrobe fitout, wall units or study storage, we will be very happy to assist you with your design, including a free measure and quotation. Maybe you are looking at changing or updating your business premises. As experienced commercial cabinetmakers, we are able to assist you there as well. bcu at the Plaza is a longstanding example of our work, as is the new Lotto fit-out at Bray Street. Our showroom allows you to see what the various products available look like in reality, thus assisting with your choices. If you wish to look at hardware options, the Lincoln Sentry website is a great source of information. After a well-earned rest, we will be back mid January to assist you with your requirements.

class of

2017

Entrepreneurial Schools

W W I T H

B D C

P R I N C I P A L

N I C K

J O H N S T O N E

hat is an entrepreneurial can be more creative. More innovative ideas school? Is it about often involve technology within the service, providing business they might include social media consulting courses to our students? for grandparents, website design and Is it about creating construction, 3D printing services, student business partnerships with the community? Is it tutoring, carpooling, language lessons for about teaching innovation and entrepreneurial adults or toddlers, student cafés, online sales, spirit to the children? Is it about the students or even adult workshops for artistic or musical building micro-businesses? Is it about teaching pursuits. Whole school programs can also be financial literacy? Is it about standing out in role modelled with ideas the crowd? Is it about such as solar energy student engagement? generation centres, Is it about the school local recycling collecting promoting the values stations, student A percentage of funds raised and attributes of a travel services, holiday from the business could be modern, creative and adventure programs, funnelled into programs dynamic organisation? that improve social professional learning Well, yes, to all of the conditions locally or centres, conference above. even internationally. hosting or even The most recent introducing an annual Mitchell Report (2017) cultural or sporting entitled “The Paradigm festival. Shifters: Entrepreneurial Learning in Schools” stated that up to 40 percent of Australian students were disengaged with their schooling experience, as they did not see its relevance to them. I’m not sure how many times I have heard students make the comment, “Why are we learning this?” I’m sure you remember saying that about algebra or Shakespeare or something similar when you were at school. Entrepreneurial learning is a way of grouping skills and capabilities together in a fashion that will position students for success. It can make learning authentic, real-world and engaging. It captures their imagination. It makes them “world prepared”. Entrepreneurial schools might support the “old school” student ideas like babysitting services, car washes and drink stands, or it

his year has seen our children blessed that your families chose 3 Bears to grow and develop share your lives with us for the last five exceptionally. They years, and from all the educators have remained and management at 3 Bears, eager, good luck and farewell. enthusiastic and have Oh, the places you’ll ays 3 Bears has alw learned so much, go! “Congratulations, t been more abou played hard, made today is your day. e u ar being the age yo friends and tried to be You’re off to great ur yo l right now with al less good friends in return. places. You’re off d an heart and soul g in ar 3 Bears has always and away! You have ep pr t worry abou been more about brains in your head, you ” to be six. being the age you are have feet in your shoes, right now with all your you can steer yourself heart and soul and less any direction you choose.” worry about preparing to be Dr Seuss. Class of 2017, six. At 3 Bears we have equipped our congratulations and best wishes as children with lifelong skills to prepare you embark next year on another stage of them for adulthood and to be leaders your learning journey and discover dreams of tomorrow. We are grateful and feel very waiting to be achieved.

“

Entrepreneurship can, and should, promote economic opportunity; it can serve as an agent of social change. A percentage of funds raised from the business could be funnelled into programs that improve social conditions locally, or even internationally. Albert Einstein once said, “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” My challenge to schools is to be creative, be innovative and support entrepreneurial learning. It will create deeper student engagement and cultivate an adventurous mindset. Let’s support and role model the next generation of doers, makers and entrepreneurs that Australia needs. Nick Johnstone. Coffs Coast focus 81

focusinterview

Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative

BUSINESS MINDS

AMOS

ate: You are a born and bred local. Tell us about your connection to the Coffs Coast ... Like a lot of Coffs Coast kids, I grew up knowing this place was great, but I think sometimes it’s not until you go away that you realise how good it really is. In my case, I have had five generations who have lived in the region, and that gives me a real sense of connection. I am a big family person, and I am lucky to have my grandmothers and a lot of family still here. My family and friends are quite passionate about the region and what it has to offer, and I think it has well and truly rubbed off on us. I don’t think a week goes by that I don’t pinch myself about how lucky we are to be able to live here. Not everyone has that opportunity, or wants to live where they grew up, but I just can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Lucky for me, my husband (Dr Sam Rosehill) feels exactly the same. Sam: It’s always nice to interview new business owners. Tell us what inspired you to embark on your new business venture, Ethical Dental? It’s normal for people as they grow and progress in their careers to develop a deep understanding of their professional values, and of what makes you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. It can be hard to fit into a mould you don’t create for yourself, so building a place where Kate and I can practice what we preach was essential. I’m sure just about everyone who has been on the journey of business ownership understands the inspiration that comes from being in control of your own destiny. We’re excited to embark on our journey with Ethical Dental.

82 Coffs Coast focus

DR SAM

R osehill

Kate: What are you and Harbour. The idea of a business culture Sam hoping to achieve But while technology might seem a bit airy fairy to with Ethical Dental, and can help us provide some, but we’re quite motivated what can patients come efficient and quality by creating a culture that to expect from you? service, nothing can emphasises the positive It’s a bit of a funny replace good oldcontribution we can name, “Ethical Dental”, fashioned service. make to our community but when we sat down Sam and Kate: You both as healthcare providers. and thought about what have a real passion We also really value the chance to we care about in our for dentistry and are shape our surroundings, systems profession and what we involved in a range of and work life in our ideal way. want to constantly strive projects outside of your for, this is it. Sam and I workplace. Can you came equal first in Ethics share some of these at university, so it’s a bit of with us? a nod to our past and what we share, but it’s also We’re a little bit hyperactive, so we tend to a grounding concept that we wanted to keep at always be keeping busy with dental projects. This the centre of everything we do. Whether it be to started with the Dental Graduate Handbook we improve the environmental sustainability of our wrote together, which is now provided to each industry, or to work out ways to better explain graduating dentist in Australia each year. We do things to patients to personalise their care. It’s some podcasting together for the National Dental just about keeping this core principle in mind in Association, but we also enjoy some individual an increasingly corporatised world. projects. This is the strong legacy that the prior owners Sam: I think a big part of the future of the of the clinic, Dr John and Theresa Nevell have set. surgical sciences, including dentistry, is in 3D They were my family dentists growing up here, printing and digital simulation technologies, so and I continue to look up to the way they treat I love tinkering with these in the workshop and their patients with such care and concern. That’s presenting on these sorts of topics. what patients can expect of us and what we Kate: I have been fortunate to spend a day expect of each other. each week focusing on digital dental education Sam: Technology must play a super for colleagues through my role with the important role in your business. What trends Australian Dental Association. The best part of are you seeing in the dental industry? this has been having an insight into cutting edge It’s common to hear our patients say, “dentistry research and meeting some very inspiring people. sure has changed!” - and there is no doubt that I am excited about some more local Allied Health is true. Improvements in diagnostics, painless projects in the coming year. anaesthesia, digital treatment planning, 3D Kate: You also have a practice in Dorrigo; tell modelling of orthodontic and cosmetic outcomes, us how this came about? and even the common use of 3D printing isn’t We work one day each, per fortnight in just theoretically possible, it’s a reality in Coffs Dorrigo. My mum’s side of the family originate

from there and it has always been a pretty special place for me, with a lot of family Christmas trips spent there. The Dorrigo community had a new medical centre built recently offering a range of services, but the town didn’t have a regular dentist. Some of the Dorrigo residents find it hard to get to Coffs due to their health or transport challenges, so they have been really supportive of having a dentist visiting up there regularly. It is also fantastic for us to be working with the doctors in the centre in a true interdisciplinary sense. This sort of team approach is likely to be the future of health, especially in smaller communities, and we’re pleased to be a part of the dedicated team there. Sam/Kate: What motivates you about small business ownership? The idea of a business culture might seem a bit airy fairy to some, but we’re quite motivated by creating a culture that emphasises the positive contribution we can make to our community as healthcare providers. We also really value the chance to shape our surroundings, systems and work life in our ideal way. Sam/Kate: What does work life balance look like for you both? Hmmm, it’s a little skewed at this stage! There is no doubt that it takes solid commitment to be able to go down this road, particularly in the early times when getting the systems working right. However, one of the main attractions to the clinic was the fantastic balance our predecessors Dr John and Theresa Nevell have been able to strike with their dental work, outside passions and family life. The first step for us has been spending some time in the garden getting the vegie patch cranking and the next is getting back into playing music … Watch this space! Thanks Sam and Kate.

focus_travel W I T H K E R R Y M O S S F R O M Q U A D R A N T T R A V E L

Quadrant Australia. Tips for Travellers

Festivals of the World. Festivals are a wonderful way to bring people from all over the world together. Whether it’s the sharing of a common interest such as food or music or a festival to celebrate a significant event, adding a festival to your travel itinerary will enhance and enrich your experience.

f you’re wandering the streets of India during the time of the Holi Festival, you can’t escape the beginning of spring, where travellers frolic in the streets with wild celebrations and crazy colour, resulting in them looking like they’ve run through rainbows. The Holi Festival, or Festival of Colour, began as a Hindu Festival celebrating the victory of one’s inner good over evil. Nowadays, participants throw brightly coloured powder and water on each other to signify the power of love and the generosity of humanity all throughout India and Nepal. The Pingxi Lantern Festival is held to signify the start of the Lunar New Year in Taiwan. According to ancient legend, the lanterns were originally lit to let Pingxi villagers, who had fled their homes, under the threat of danger, know that it was safe to return. Over time, the lanterns have come to represent a release of bad habits and a desire to work towards positive ideals. Pingxi is about an hour out of Taiwan, but you won’t be lonely, with more than 100,000 others all jostling for space to release their lantern into the night sky. What started out as a small community minded group with a desire to boost the interest in local seafood has today become a world renowned festival celebrating the superior quality of the lobster in Maine, USA. What’s not to love about the Maine Lobster Festival? With cooking demonstrations, street parades and lobster races, there is plenty to keep you occupied while you indulge on some of the 10,000 kilos of Lobsters, cooked up with 750 kilos of butter. Sounds tasty!

Local tour company Quadrant Australia are delighted to release their Farmers Tour to Scandinavia. With more than 30 years’ experience in special interest touring, Quadrant Australia are leaders in their field. They have built up a network of colleagues around the world and offer tours to more than 20 destinations, including Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, USA, Canada and throughout Australia. The Farmers Tour to Scandinavia is surprising and offers exceptional diversity and stunning natural landscapes. The tour takes travellers through Norway, Denmark and Sweden during the northern summer and discovers why Scandinavia offers some of the world’s highest living standards. Take the chance to see livestock, cropping, dairy and forestry; view scenic coastlines and countryside, idyllic islands, fjords and forested mountains. The itinerary visits the vibrant cities of Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm, where travellers can see stunning architecture and sophisticated design, whilst immersing in Scandinavia’s fasci-

nating Viking and shipping heritage. This tour includes an optional extension to Finland, with the contrast of its forward thinking cities and breathtaking unspoilt forests. If you are after something unique with an enticing blend of farming and sightseeing, then Quadrant Australia’s tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. They combine your greatest passions, agriculture, history, culture, fabulous scenery and the chance to meet the locals. Quadrant Australia is a specialist travel company offering travel services to the Coffs Coast and beyond. They have an office located in Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour, with a team of travel professionals who can assist you with all of your travel needs. The team have more than 50 years’ combined experience and have travelled extensively themselves. If you have a travel question or would like to know more about their services, drop in to see them or visit their website: www.quadrantaustralia.com

The world famous Carnevale in Venice, Italy, was once a licence to indulge in pleasures with masks to protect your identity. These days, Carnevale is a decadent chance to celebrate with more than three million visitors in the canal city of Venice. Held annually in January/ February and concluding with lent, the festival has costume parades, masquerade balls and street parties, ensuring that travellers have an experience to remember in a city like no other. It all began with the wedding of a Bavarian crown prince to a princess on October 12, 1810. The National Guard organised a large public horse race to ensure that the Bavarian folk could also partake in the wedding celebration. It was decided that the festival should be repeated at the same time the following year, which marked the birth of the “October-Festivals”. Oktoberfest is now the world’s largest beer festival, held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16-day festival running from late September to the first weekend in October, with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year. Visitors also enjoy numerous attractions, such as amusement rides, games and a wide variety of traditional foods, but the event is all about beer, beer and more beer. The Bavarian Prince can’t be wrong, can he? Festivals bring people from different countries, cultures and interests together. They add something special and memorable to your travel itinerary. Tick one off your bucket list on your next trip. Coffs Coast focus 83

focus_contributor

WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DÃIN DESIGNS

Deegan Shockley and Trudy Smith at the Rally Australia service park.

Michele Withers, April Briscoe, Anne Blair

Hamish Sutherland, Beau Sutherland, Jaimee Seccombe

Dean, Kay & Paul Seccombe

Lisa & Dean Seccombe

Sutherland Family

Michael Watt, Hamish Sutherland, Richard Yarnton, Lizzie Yarnton, Monica Harris, Gav Harris

Matt Bush, Mala Austin, Hollie Bennett, Mitchell Lindsay

Jaimee Seccombe, Hollie Bennett, Chantelle Roach, Mala Austin, Brooke Hordon, Carley Hucker

Social /Scene

here has been an increase in holiday makers, and I have noticed that many of the visitors who have been travelling to the Coffs Coast year after year have now either decided to retire here or opt for an exciting sea change! Who wouldn’t want to live on the Coffs Coast! It was a full house at the sold house opening of the inaugural National Still Life Award exhibition at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. Guests were greeted with a pop up festival bar in the gallery forecourt. Guests were wowed by the quality and breadth of the new exhibition. Works showcased included painting, drawing, photography, printmaking and textiles. Over half of the 63 finalists flew in from across Australia for the awards ceremony. In a gallery first, it was live streamed on Facebook, with audiences applauding the first ever winner of the Still Life Awards. Sydney based artist Sarah Goffman took out the award. Sarah’s work, Asian Table, is a reproduction of ancient Chinese ceramics, but created from intricately-painted recycled plastic. Sarah was awarded $20,000 by Todd Blewitt from Mercedes-Benz Coffs Coast. Apart from the fashion and family friendly 84 Coffs Coast focus

We hope you have all had a lovely time over the festive season and have got something fun planned for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year has been the busiest I have known it for a few years.

Pink Silks Ladies Race Day in January 2018, The Pink Silks Trust holds its annual fundraising Golf Day. This will be their fifth and looks to be another huge success. These fundraising events are fast becoming a must on the community calendar. The CUB Pink Silks Charity Golf Day has become one of the most popular events hosted by the Pink Silks Trust; this day is held the Friday before the Pink Silks Ladies Race Day. It’s a sporting long weekend, with the focus on assisting local women’s health organisations with much needed equipment, as well as contributing to national cancer research organisations. The golf day is on Friday 1st January, consisting of a four person Ambrose at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club, 18 sponsored holes of golf with drink vouchers, lunch and post-game platters supplied and the chance to win a “Hole-in-one” car! Amazing prizes kindly donated by the major golf day sponsor Carlton United Breweries and several local businesses. Pink Silks Trust has raised over $670,000 to date and are hoping the golf and race day gets them to the goal of $750,000 for this community in 11 years. If you want to find out more about attending these events, or want to contribute to the work this registered

charity does for our community, just head to their website and social media pages, or contact info@pinksilks.com.au

were open to either dine in or take away, and you could sit down picnic style on the grassy medium strip. What a life!

Christmas is a lovely time of year, especially when there is a touch of Christmas spirit around. When all the householders decorate their properties with lights and you can drive around and admire the twinkling and sparkling decorated streets … It really sets the mood. One of the annual events that is definitely good for the soul and attracts both locals and visitors alike is the Sawtell Carols by Candlelight on Thursday 21st December. The event is staged at the Sawtell Golf Club on Bayldon Road, with music starting at 6pm (we are so lucky where we live, as we can open the windows and hear the Christmas Carols from the Golf Club!) Santa arrives at 7:15 and the Christmas Carols start at 7:30pm.

Going back to New Year celebrations, what about a little pre New Year fun! The Coffs Harbour Racing Club has a Summer Racing Carnival which starts with the Men of League Christmas Race Day. The second one to enjoy in December is the Le Dãin Designs Summer Cup on Friday 29th December. This is a fun, family and fashion day, with an eight race tab programme. There is the opportunity to get dressed up, compete in the Fashions on the Field or just come in casual attire with the whole family and enjoy the day. There is free entry for the children, with lots of fun activities. The Bistro offers casual dining, or there are luncheon packages available. The next one is the Pink Silks Ladies Race Day on January 14th. Whether it’s a day at the races, a slap up dinner or a simple BBQ with the family or friends … Remember to “stop and smell the roses”, enjoy the moment and never take good health and wonderful times with family and friends for granted.

Sawtell Christmas street party was part of the Sawtell Summer Sessions and had the street closed for everyone to walk around, with the kids running safe and free. As usual there were shops open to peruse or purchase that last minute Christmas gift, with the Sawtell Hotel providing sensational musical entertainment, having a live performance from songstress Lisa Hunt. Local eateries

Wishing you all good health and happiness for 2018. Carole, Le Dãin Designs

focus_contributor

WITH CAROLE BEROS FROM LE DĂƒIN DESIGNS

Belinda Kelly, Tony Solomons, Maddi Seccombe

Seccombe Family

Nicci & Kaye Seccombe

Rigoni family

Emma Howarth, Gabby Spagnolo

Mickaela Mea, Hannah Smith

Brendan J. Smith, Emma Hoarth, Gabby Spagnolo, Mickaela Mead, Hannad Smith, Carly Murray

Jenny & Michael McFarlane, Mark & Jenine Griffiths

Joel Street, Ben Cummings

Alice Williams, Michael Simmon

GJ Gardner Coffs Harbour Suppliers Christmas Party

Awards Presentation Still National Still Life Award 2017 Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery

Artists Still National Still Life Award 2017 Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery

Coffs Coast focus 85

perry homes

Dream

Home Building Your

Couldn’t Be Easier

As one of New South Wales’ largest home builders, Perry Homes has been building quality homes in the Coffs Harbour region since the year 2000. They have built hundreds of homes for local families who are looking for a contemporary designed home, which offers sensational value for money.

ot only is Perry Homes a respected family owned company, it is also a large volume contract home builder. This means that they are able to pass on the savings achieved by the enormous buying power of a company that size. However whilst these homes represent great value for money, they also deliver on exceptional quality. Managing Director David Perry said: “We have a reputation; we have worked hard to achieve and it is something we continually strive to build on and exceed our customers’ expectations.” There are more than fifty single, split level and two storey contemporary and traditional designs to suit flat and sloping land in the Perry Homes portfolio. All plans are designed to complement block frontages from 8 metres right through to 17.5 metres and acreage as well. There is a very diverse range of designs to suit a range of lifestyle options, showcasing the latest innovations in housing and design. However, what really sets Perry Homes apart from its competitors, is that they understand that some people already have an idea of what they want in their dream home. To ensure their client gets exactly what they want, Perry Homes are very happy to sit down with their clients and modify an existing plan to meet their individual needs, or start right from scratch with a sketch design. This extends not only to the plan design, but also the inclusions of the home. One

86 Coffs Coast focus

of the great benefits of building your own home is you have the freedom to choose exactly what you want, to make it truly yours. Maybe you have fallen in love with a beautiful freestanding bath, or stylish European taps? Perhaps there is a particular floor covering you have found in the pages of Home Beautiful. Recently Perry Homes extended their basic builders range of standard inclusions for the kitchen and bathroom, such as taps and showers; sinks and basins; as well as accessories such as towel rails etc. They also now have a number different upgrade options, to make it even easier to choose. Building a home can sometimes be intimidating, but Perry Homes have tried to simplify the whole process. A sales consultant is happy to meet with a client in a display home, or at a time and place that suits. They will explain the whole process, meticulously planning the design and then choosing all the inclusions which really make a house a dream home. Maybe you would like to have all the finishing touches completed by the time you move in - all floors laid and the flyscreens and window coverings installed. Yes, you will also probably want to have the clothesline ready for the family washing and the TV antenna installed so you can relax and enjoy your new media room. Let’s not forget the driveway, paths, retaining walls and landscaping, with the grass ready to be mown. At Perry Homes, they are able to organise all this for you. Creating your dream home couldn’t be easier.

When everything is finalised, Perry Homes outstanding quality and value for money it will provide all clients with a free, itemised, no represented. obligation quote. This is very important if you “Whilst we appreciate receiving these are wanting to compare a number of different accolades from our peers, our true rewards builders. It is essential that you are able to come from repeat customers and their referrals get an exact comparison. There is absolutely to friends and family. This, is how we measure nothing to lose having this all done. our success,” said David Perry. Of course, there will also be site costs To show their commitment to this area, to consider and a contour and soil test will Perry Homes have two display homes for those need to be undertaken. When this has been who like to walk through a completed, then you finished home. There is the will receive a Fixed award winning home at 183 Price Contract. All Rose Avenue and also a new homes are built to display at 11 Cherry Street, the highest Australian Perry Homes has been North Sapphire Beach. standards and are recognised for building If you do not have your endorsed with a excellence from industry written 20 year block of land yet, the respected institutions such Structural Guarantee sales consultants at both as the Master Builders and by Perry Homes. This these displays are able to Housing Industry Association will give you total help you with that too. numerous times, and every peace of mind and year for the past five years. They currently have blocks ensure the home available and will soon be comes within your registered and ready to budget. build on, at Seacrest Estate, Perry Homes Sandy Beach. Land is also available at Safety has been recognised for building excellence Beach, Woopi Beach, Korora Beach Estate and from industry respected institutions such as Emerald Beach Estate. the Master Builders and Housing Industry If you are looking to build a quality home Association numerous times, and every year for at an affordable price in the Coffs Harbour the past five years. Their display home at 183 area, why not call in and speak to the sales Rose Avenue was awarded the HIA Northern consultants at one of the display homes today. NSW Regional Winner of Best Display Home For opening times and contact details for both in its price range. This home impressed the judges with its contemporary features and the

display homes, visit www.perryhomes.com.au

focus real estate

AMANDA LANGLANDS FROM LANGLANDS PROPERTY

real estate update. R E D U C E R U N N I N G C O S T S O F YO U R H O M E A N D I N C R E A S E VA LU E

Traditionally when thinking about reducing running costs of a home, people instantly think of solar panels, hotwater systems and water flow reducing devices; however, there is so much more to think about. Effective use of shading and sun control will regulate the internal temperature of your home. Shading or sun control measures refer to the external additions to your home which limit the sun’s heat from entering your

home. External shade structures can range from awnings to eaves, shutters, shade sails, deciduous trees and other vegetation. How will it help me reduce my running costs and increase my comfort? Seeking a nice shady spot is such a simple

and intuitive solution to keeping cool, but many of us don’t realise what huge benefits it can bring on a whole house scale. In summer, blocking or reducing the direct heat from the sun with shading means your house is naturally cooler, reducing the demand for artificial cooling. With strategically placed shading, you can block up to 90% of all heat coming through your windows. The Best Type of Shading for the North Side: For most of Australia, the side of your house which benefits the most with shading is the north. On the north side you can install horizontal shade structures such as eaves and awnings. In summer these will act like a sun visor to exclude the high and hot summer sun. In winter, the sun, travelling low to the horizon, will still reach under your shade structures to allow in precious winter warmth. Contemporary shade sails can be aesthetically pleasing and allow you to choose exactly how much shade you get on any given day. Mechanical awnings also offer choice and convenience. In recent times, the science of shading has taken a leap forward with attractive architectural louvres. These have spaces and angles specifically tailored to allow maximum winter warmth and summer shade. If you’re looking for something more classical or naturalistic, pergolas hung with deciduous vines provide a cool haven, and can

be integrated as a beautiful garden feature. The east and west sides of your house are a little more challenging to shade effectively. At sunrise (east) and sunset (west) the sun hangs low in the sky. That means in summer it’s going to get under horizontal structures for an uncomfortably long period. The trick to shading morning and afternoon sun is fixed “vertical” structures such as trees, shrubs or retractable external blinds. Will this feature be recognised when I sell my property? Yes; Liveability Real Estate Specialist sales agents have been upskilled to identify an additional 17 things on top of a standard property appraisal. So if you have invested in any of these things, this means your property will be appraised and marketed showcasing additional features. Each of the 17 things has appraisal benchmarks which have been set by relevant industry partners, to make sure we deliver a high standard of property marketing. So your Liveability Real Estate Specialist will work through this appraisal checklist with you as they move through your home. It’s a great chance for you to let them know about all the property features you have invested in. Please contact Langlands Property to speak with your Liveability Real Estate Specialist and arrange your property appraisal today.

Coffs Coast focus 87

focusMotoring. WITH LAARZ

he "largest R&D project in Harley-Davidson development history" has delivered some major benefits in both form and function. The custom revolution amounted to a complete chassis and engine overhaul of the Softail line-up. Harley-Davidson have always relied on look, sound and feel, but they have raised the bar, with the new Softail range not only receiving the updated and dual counterbalanced 107 Milwaukee-Eight engine as standard fare (and the 114 version as an option on four others), but there's also better suspension, lighter and stiffer steel tubular frames, LED lighting, new instrumentation and a “cleaner” production - serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. The frame is 65 per cent stiffer than the outgoing Softail design, while weight has also been lopped off all the bikes. As a result, power- and torque-to-weight ratios have both improved dramatically - the elimination of the old Twin Cam 103 engine obviously adding to the substantial performance gains. It was also a massive styling exercise, with all eight bikes getting unique tyre and 88 Coffs Coast focus

DRIVEN HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFTTAIL DATE 29TH NOVEMBER DEALER NORTH COAST V-TWINS

Customisation is also a

wheel combinations, procuring a grin under Harley-Davidson staple, and the LED lighting less than palatable and the company has configurations are circumstances - but a over 300 accessories also diverse as well. satisfaction from riding dedicated to the Other standard bikes that were a more Softail range, in four features include keyless than comfortable match broad categories: ignitions and steering for their environments. style, comfort, function and head-mounted USB And for that, the real performance. chargers, while there's pats on the back go new instrumentation to the new chassis - including digital riser and Milwaukee-Eight gauges on the Street powerplant. Bob and Breakout. Of course, some machines handled the The new monoshock rear suspension also routes better than others, but with the sheer preserves the classic hardtail look, while the diversity of the range, that was always going frame is now 34 per cent stiffer with 50 per to happen. Eight bikes and eight different cent less components. Preload adjustment personalities - isn’t that what it should be on the monoshock rear suspension is also about? an easy affair, while lean angles have been I am not one for “hero” bikes, but if improved. there's one in the new Softail range it's Customisation is also a Harley-Davidson probably the Fat Bob. staple, and the company has over 300 According to Harley-Davidson, the machine accessories dedicated to the Softail range, "encapsulates all that is great about the new in four broad categories: style, comfort, platform" - and that's just about spot on. function and performance. With a steering angle of 28 degrees, the Over two days I knocked over 500 ks of sharpest of the new Softails, a 1,615 mm magnificent twists and turns, and I've never wheelbase, bum stop seat, dual disc brakes, had so much fun on a family of Harleymid-mount footpegs, 43 mm cartridge-style Davidsons. This wasn't artificial pleasure upside-down forks, two-into-one upswept

Motor mouth rating

10/10

exhaust, flat handlebar, 16-inch tyres and a more aggressive ergonomic triangle than its colleagues, the Fat Bob is a tactile, dynamic package - and when you add the excellent 114 Milwaukee-Eight engine into the mix, it really is a winner. It's not the lightest of the new brigade at 296 kg, but the Fat Bob is the agility and corner king. With the rider firmly wedged into place for some spirited action, there's plenty of lean angle and ground clearance, and the weight transfer through those footpegs is quite pronounced. The seat is quite narrow at the front, so it's easy to tuck the legs into the tank for that extra sporty experience. The twin front discs are a welcome part of the Fat Bob recipe, and the benefit is not just in initial feel over its single disc brethren but also far more impressing stopping power. In summary, it's a seriously competent machine - but one that's not just defined by its sporty nature. The Fat Bob is also an allday machine that's comfortable as well, with a fabulous balance of style and performance. “Get the V-Twin Grin”- book in a FREE test ride today at our local authorised HarleyDavidson dealer - North Coast V-Twins.

Coffs Coast focus 89

focus _ feature.

Coffs Coast

Simon Whittaker Photography

90 Coffs Coast focus

focus _ feature.

toscan H O M E S

Do you dream of a home that’s truly your own, unique in design and built specifically to your needs? Do you expect the best in design, workmanship and dedication? Then Toscan Homes is your top choice for bringing your dreams to life.

ou don’t want to trust your dream to just anyone. You want custom builders with vast experience who only use the very best designers, tradesmen and materials; you can rest assured that Toscan Homes ticks all the boxes. Every Toscan Home is uniquely designed to reflect the best use of your land, budget and lifestyle.

EVERY TOSCAN HOME IS UNIQUELY DESIGNED TO REFLECT THE BEST USE OF YOUR LAND, BUDGET AND LIFESTYLE.

If you’re dreaming of a plunge pool encasing an outdoor kitchen and dining area, consider it done. Fancy a butler’s pantry and burnished concrete flooring, or a spiral timber staircase? How about a kitted out media room, custom walkin shoe closet or a kitchen that would make a professional chef envious? Do you have a

tricky sloping site or need to demolish and rebuild? Whatever your desires and needs, Toscan Homes can design and build what you’re dreaming of, in a way that suits your unique needs and budget ... All built to the standard that has earned Toscan Homes the reputation of best custom builders on the NSW north

Simon Whittaker Photography

coast. It’s this high standard that sees Toscan Homes win prestigious awards year after year, including many from the peak building body in Australia, the Housing Industry Association (HIA). Northern NSW Best Custom Built Home of the year under $400,000, Town House Development of the Year, Toscan Homes can adapt to your building needs and budget.

Coffs Coast focus 91

_ feature. Photography Simon Whittaker focus Simon Whittaker Photography

toscan H O M E S

Sit down with Directors Rob McClennon and Todd Mackay and you’ll see why they’re considered the best in the local building trade. Rob is passionate about the building industry, has an eye for detail and design and enjoys working alongside customers to create the unique custom designs that Toscan Homes is renowned for. Todd started his career as an apprentice with Grazz Toscan back in 1995. He went on to obtain his builders licence, continuing Grazz’s high quality of construction and work ethics that Toscan Homes is famous for. Prior

92 Coffs Coast focus

BOTH ROB AND TODD WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY.

to owning Toscan Homes, Todd worked in many areas of NSW in the commercial and residential construction industry, including project managing prominent high rise constructions in Sydney. Both Rob and Todd work tirelessly to make your dreams a reality. This is evident in their leadership of all parts of the build from the get go, from working closely with you at initial design stages, organising Council approval and all

legalities, to seeking out only the best professionals for the build; they’re in charge of the process all the way, so you can relax and enjoy the process of creating your

dream home. Toscan Homes Director, Rob McClennon, says they are proud supporters of the local community, using only the most skilled and trusted local subcontractors and suppliers. “We only use the best, because we want the best for our customers,” says Rob, “Our suppliers

and subcontractors are local and leaders in their fields. The quality of finish on our builds is testament to this.” Toscan Homes has been building award winning homes in the Coffs Harbour area for more than 30 years, and some of their suppliers and contractors have been with them that long too. The team also prides itself on really listening to what clients want and delivering uniquely beautiful homes and commercial businesses. For more than 30 years they’ve been forging close relationships with highly trusted local

focus _ feature.

Simon Whittaker Photography

companies, such as SGA Windows, G & A Cabinets and O’Brien Built frame and trusses - all local stalwarts of the local building industry. They also work closely with Slater and Gordon in Coffs Harbour to help with legal needs for their clients, making the transaction of land purchased through to construction effortless. “Slater and Gordon keep our clients and us informed every step of the way and ensure the whole process is moving fast, so that the settlement happens right when it should,” explains Rob. “All in all, Slater and Gordon are extremely thorough for our clients and leave no stone unturned.”

WE BELIEVE OWNING A TOSCAN HOME IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FINANCIAL AND PERSONAL WELLBEING.

Always using the best, combined with a passion for quality, has earned Toscan Homes accolades from customers who love their new homes ... Clients like Amy and James, who were thrilled with the experience of building with Toscan Homes. I (Amy) was studying Interior Design at the time and have since started my own business, Sapphire Living Interiors, @sapphire_living on IG. It was important for us to be able to have a

wide range of choices and input in relation to the design of our home. We looked at a multitude of plans and display homes before deciding to go with a custom plan and build. Friends of ours had also built with Toscan previously, and we were impressed with the quality of their build. We love the Queenslander style homes and being so close to the beach, we wanted to channel a beach house style exterior with a Scandinavian influence throughout the interior.

For the exterior we used a range of cladding, wide architraves, soft blues and white to create that “Beach House” feel. Inside we used a lot of clean lines, natural timbers, stone, greys and white for a Scandinavian feel, but also introduced playful patterns in the herringbone and hexagonal tiles, beautiful textured lighting and internal cladding, keeping in line with the coastal feel of our home. “We believe owning a Toscan Home is an investment in your financial and personal wellbeing,” explains Rob. “It is an opportunity to create a special place where you feel safe, secure and self-expressed.”

Coffs Coast focus 93

focus _ feature.

toscan H O M E S

94 Coffs Coast focus

TOP TRENDS FOR 2018 he explains. “This involves ONE OF MY This year, builders and concrete finished to a high FAVOURITE designers are looking to polish, leaving flashes of stone TECHNIQUES THAT nature for inspiration. through the concrete.” WE’RE SEEING Director of Toscan The increase of natural MORE AND MORE Homes, Todd Mackay, says materials is not only great for OF IS BURNISHED nature is the inspiration the environment, but your for building trends in wallet too, with new, energy FLOORING. 2018, with materials like efficient materials helping to timber and stone making significantly reduce both short a strong comeback with and long term energy costs. design. Take local supplier SGA’s Low E glazing. This “One of my favourite techniques that we’re laminated type of glass comes in many forms, seeing more and more of is burnished flooring,” including low energy and low noise and helps to

focus _ feature.

minimise heat loss in winter and maximise cool summer air. Todd from Toscan Homes says outdoor living areas will be taking it up a notch in 2018, with outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining a must have in new developments. “We’re seeing clients who want to take advantage of our gorgeous climate and build outdoor entertaining areas that are both functional and aesthetically appealing,” explains Todd. “And it’s vital for these areas to feel like they are free flowing from the rest of the home. Products like SGA’s sliding and bi-fold doors

prepping meals, are helping to create this CUSTOMERS ARE a butler’s pantry seamless blend between gives you a space the indoors and out.” WANTING SLEEK LINES for items and Todd’s also seen a big rise AND MINIMALIST appliances you in the number of customers DESIGNS, SO BUTLER’S don’t want to looking for butler’s PANTRIES ARE REALLY be seen, as well pantries - a trend that is TAKING OFF. as offering extra taking off worldwide with preparation areas designers. These walk-in and storage. pantries have exploded in A fullypopularity, thanks to our functional butler’s love of open plan kitchens. pantry can be built into a small space of Instead of your kitchen being cluttered just 1.6 x 2.2 metres and is usually located with appliances and constantly messy from

out of sight of the living room. If you have more space, you can add a sink, dishwasher or fridge, specialised shelving and more. You’re only limited by your imagination. “Customers are wanting sleek lines and minimalist designs, so butler’s pantries are really taking off,” says Todd. “G & A Cabinets do amazing pantries. They custom build and design to your exact needs, and their attention to detail is exceptional.” Another big trend taking off in 2018 is open plan wet areas - a nod again to the popularity of minimalist design.

Coffs Coast focus 95

focus _ feature.

Bathrooms without screens, walk through showers and open planned baths are all the rage and help create a sense of serenity, even in small spaces. “Open planned bathrooms look less busy and more luxurious,” says Todd. “Smaller vanities are a big trend for this year, with mirrored cabinets, recessed into the walls, offering plenty of hidden storage, so you don’t need a bulky vanity taking up space.” This year, he’s also seen a surge in

96 Coffs Coast focus

STAYING ON TOP OF TRENDS IS A CORE SPECIALTY OF TOSCAN HOMES, AND THEY ONLY USE THE BEST LOCAL EXPERTS TO CREATE THEIR CUSTOMDESIGNED PLANS.

customers asking for hidden spaces to be created where they can retreat and relax. “Reading and study nooks are becoming increasingly popular, and, combined with high ceilings and custom-built cabinetry, offer serenity in a small space,” he explains. “With the digital world having

such a huge impact on our lives, it’s no surprise customers are asking for designs to be stripped back to a more natural feel.” Staying on top of trends is a core specialty of Toscan Homes, and they only use the best local experts to create their custom-designed

plans. “Toscan Homes has been in the local building business for more than 30 years and only use the best, to ensure our clients get the very best on their budget,” Todd says. Both interior and exterior design is set for big changes in 2018, with Toscan Homes Director Rob McClennon seeing a host of new, innovative products and techniques hitting the market.

focus _ feature.

Challenge Accepted! Sloping site builds need the best brains in the business, and Toscan Homes is your number one choice. The Toscan Homes team loves a challenge, which is why they’re considered the best sloping site builders on the North Coast.

toscan H O M E S

“Every site has its challenges, but you The team at Toscan Homes works with local just have to use smart design to get around architects, building engineers and engineers them,” explains Director of Toscan Homes, Rob DeGroot and Benson, to find cost effective ways McClennon. to get the best use out of your sloping site land. There are numerous Challenging blocks points to consider when always require a custom building on sloping sites, build, and the team with access to the site, at Toscan Homes has SLOPING SITES OFFER yard space and how you’ll a proven track record THE CHANCE FOR YOU use the land all coming of building luxurious into play. homes on even the most TO GET VIEWS OVER But according to Rob, challenging of blocks. THE ROOFTOPS OF the challenges are worth The team at Toscan OTHER HOUSES AND it, with sloping sites Homes are just starting a BETTER ASPECTS offering a host of benefits. number of new builds in FROM BREEZES. “Sloping sites offer the the region, including areas chance for you to get such as Hungry Head, views over the rooftops of Crossmaglen and also a other houses and better very steep, challenging aspects from breezes,” he explains. “You can site in Coffs. We look forward to 2018 being create your own oasis, no matter how close your a successful year for construction on the Coffs neighbours are.” Coast and wish everyone a happy New Year.

Proud Supply Partner to Toscan Homes Coffs Coast focus 97

focus _ feature.

toscan H O M E S

CHERIE FEW.

LIVIO TOSCAN.

EMMA MCDAID.

I’m Cherie Few and I have a long history within the building industry, originally working for Bunnings Trade before moving into working directly for builders. My role at Toscan Homes encompasses liaising with tradespeople, suppliers and clients, to ensure that we are building to our clients’ expectations.

I have been an estimator for Toscan Homes just over four years. Previous to this I have been in the building industry for 36 years as a building contractor and also associated with Toscan Homes for this period of time. My role as a building estimator is to provide a full Bill of Quantities to our team with costings from beginning to end of each project, thus providing the best prices and quality to our clients. My estimating involves from every day first home owners’ projects to architectural design homes.

I am relatively new to the building industry and joined the Toscan Homes team nine months ago. My role at Toscan’s includes pre-contract preparation, Council applications, handover completion, invoicing, maintenance and general administration duties. I work closely with suppliers, trades, clients and office staff to meet the needs of our clients.

98 Coffs Coast focus

focus _ feature.

toscan H O M E S

JAMES PRICE.

DIANA WILKINSON.

ROB MCCLENNON.

TODD MACKAY.

I have been with Toscan Homes for two and a half years as a labourer. My role involves assisting tradespeople and the site supervisor and co-ordinating processes on site. In my spare time I compete in rodeo events as a bull rider.

I am a bookkeeper from Nambucca Heads and have worked with the Toscan team for seven years. I enjoy working in the building and construction industry, as it is continually adapting and improving. I have been a bookkeeper for 15 years and enjoy the diversity of what I do.

I am passionate about building quality homes for our clients. I think it’s important to take the time to understand the client’s vision for their new home, and I do the utmost to make that vision a reality.

I have been in the building industry for over 20 years. It is important to understand every facet of a build. I am currently supervising all our projects, and it feels great to be back on the tools dealing with suppliers, trades and clients face to face.

Proudly supplying Lighting and Electrical to

TOSCAN HOMES Cetnaj Coﬀs Harbour 151 Orlando Street Ph: 6691 6100

Coffs Coast focus 99

focus _ feature.

B E A C H

Amy & James &

S C A N D I

Why did you choose to build your dream home with Toscan Homes? I was studying Interior Design at the time and has since started my own business, Sapphire Living Interiors, so it was important for us to be able to have a wide range of choices and input in relation to the design of our home. We looked at a multitude of plans and display homes, before deciding to go with a custom plan and build. Friends of ours had also built with Toscan previously, and we were impressed with the quality of their build. How did you find the process? We were involved in the planning from the very beginning, including the layout, design and style of our home, and to see it come to life from scratch was very exciting. We loved making all the little decisions that make our house a home and unique. We were able to

100 Coffs Coast focus

V I B E S inspect the progress of our home regularly, and they were quite flexible in making any adaptions we made along the way. Were they able to cater to your budget, needs and requests? We went to Toscan with a “wish list” for the floor plan and design and design of our home. We will always have some of our own new projects to complete around the house in the future, but we do really feel like we got our dream home. Can you briefly tell us about your design and style of build? We love the Queenslander style homes and being so close to the beach, we wanted to channel a beach house style exterior with a Scandinavian influence throughout the interior. For the exterior we used a range of cladding, wide architraves, soft blues and white to create

WE LOVED MAKING ALL THE LITTLE DECISIONS THAT MAKE OUR HOUSE A HOME AND UNIQUE.

that “Beach House” feel. Inside we used a lot of clean lines, natural timbers, stone, greys and white for a Scandinavian feel, but also introduced playful patterns in the herringbone and hexagonal tiles, beautiful textured lighting and internal cladding, keeping in line with the coastal feel of our home. What is your favourite feature of your new home? All of it! We love our open riser staircase and glass balustrading by Nick from Stairmaster, the James Hardie and Scyon cladding used both internally and externally, and our façade. We liaised with Toscan during the initial stages of our house plans, which were completed by Paul

Rollason to create a floor plan which is designed to suit the needs of our family both now and into the future. Why would you recommend Toscan Homes? When you choose a custom builder, you really are designing your home from the ground up and feel proud of every detail in your home. The quality makes all the difference. For more photographs and inspiration from this project, see Sapphire Living Interiors on Facebook and @sapphire_living on Instagram.

focus _ feature.

C O O L

toscan H O M E S

Why did you choose Toscan Homes? We chose Toscan Homes as we knew others who had built through them and were happy with the process. They were also willing to take on a commercial build, unlike some of the other builders we approached. How did you find the process? The process overall was lengthy, but satisfying. With a commercial build in the city centre there were many more hoops to jump. This meant that there was a lot of consultation until the build actually commenced. Once it did commence, it did progress in a timely manner. Were they able to cater to your

Dr Neil & Dr Devina Joshi

F U N C T I O N A L

M E D I C A L

budget, need and requests? We did spend a lot of time discussing these aspects and apart from variations such as excavation costs that could not be forseen, there were no unpleasant surprises! Can you briefly tell us about your design and style of build? The building was designed by Wayne Young. Wayne is clearly very talented, and we were on the same page right from the beginning. We wanted a sleek, modern office space that would have immediate street appeal. We went for a design that would look modern and yet be timeless. What is your favourite feature?

O F F I C E S Our favourite features are the high ceilings and windows that bathe the space in lots of natural light. We are also very pleased with the use of the bold choice of the colour Monument (dark charcoal) juxtaposed with steel and timber that manages to look a little bit industrial, but not sterile! Why would you recommend Toscan Homes? Toscan Homes was honest and had a good line of communication. These qualities are essential for a successful build and so yes, we would recommend them. Thanks Dr Neil.

Reece Coffs Harbour and Coffs Harbour South proudly supports

Toscan Homes

Reece Coffs Harbour

Reece Coffs Harbour South

177a Orlando Street (02) 6652 4277 coffsharbour.showroom.nsw@reece.com.au

12 Isles Drive (02) 6651 9444 coffsharboursouth.showroom.nsw@reece.com.au

www.reece.com.au/bathrooms Coffs Coast focus 101

focus _ feature.

toscan H O M E S

N E W

M O D E R N

E D G Y

Why did you choose to build your dream home with Toscan Homes? This is our second build with Toscan, and we chose to to build with Toscan again predominately due to the quality of finishes and for the ability to have a custom house within our budget. Were they able to cater to your budget, needs and requests? We worked closely with Toscan in the initial stages of the process, to ensure that we stayed within budget but also that we weren't compromising on design. Toscan were able to come up with ideas so that we stayed within budget, but also so that we kept our “must have” features. Can you briefly tell us about your design and style of build? We fell in love with the style of houses found around the Mornington Peninsular and wanted to adapt that to something that was suited to the

102 Coffs Coast focus

B U I L D

I N

S A P P H I R E

Coffs Coast. We wanted something modern and sleek, but also something that sat well within its surrounds. We fell in love with the Woodform cladding early on, so that really dictated our design concept. We wanted a house that had style, but nothing that was too precious, hence the industrial and minimal interior with feature brick and concrete floors. What is your favourite feature? Our favourite features are the entrance way, with the amazing brick double height feature wall and the staircase - it definitely reflects the vibe of the whole house - and also the Woodform Pacific Teak cladding on the exterior. Why would you recommend Toscan Homes? Toscan allowed us to custom build our dream home in our dream location within our budget. The trades used by Toscan are the best in the business, and their quality finishes really reflect that.

Bravo Toscan Homes!

N E W

E N G L A N D

Why did you choose to build your dream home with Toscan Homes? The business directors were easy to talk to. They provided a detailed quote during the costing process. How did you find the process? The building process took a long time but the quality of the build was beyond reproach. Were they able to cater to your budget, needs and requests? The builders were very accommodating to changes and our upgrade requests. Can you briefly tell us about your design and style of build. We have always been inspired to build our house using Hamptons/New England house designs. We felt that Coffs Harbour had the right climate, topography and location for such style of build. We tried to be

D E S I G N

consistent with the architectural details in and out of the house. Needless to say, we are very happy of how casually elegant and cosy the house turned out to be. What is your favourite feature of your new home? There are so many things that we love about this house but our favourite would be the living room (the way it frames the sea views) and our master bedroom. Why would you recommend Toscan Homes? Attention to detail and quality control; affable staff; Todd’s knowledge of the building process and Rob’s marketing skill. Rachael deserves special mention in going through all the specified materials and how they are going to be used in the building process. All the endless meetings going through different samples were worth it.

Coffs Coast focus 103

104 Coffs Coast focus