August 2018.
a special focus feature
Greater Port Macquarie
7
9
Port City’s Drift Bar.Cafe.Restaurant
Miedecke Motor Group George Miedecke
Andrew Whitehead
11
13
Settlers Inn Hotel & Fernhill Tavern
Noshtalgia Cafe
Kirk Caracciolo, Matt Tonks, Shane Curry, Alistair Flower, Fabio Stansfield, Aaron Robinson
Coffs Coast
page 4-25
Andrew Norman
page 26-41
27
Gareth Owen Big Garden Furniture.
34
Sam Phillips Local entrepreneur Sam Phillips has a long list of achievements. FOCUS caught up with Sam to learn about his latest plans ...
2 Special Edition focus
36 Mark Savic
Criminal Lawyer — Business Minds Interview
Manning-Great Lakes
page 38-47
42
Joshua Sgarano Portraiture requires a special skill, a farseeing eye, and an ability to see the beauty in everyone at a given moment - and these are talents Joshua Sgarano has in abundance. Remember FOCUS’ magic cover shot last month, promoting the NAIDOC Indigenous Fashion Show in Taree?
New England
52
Mark Reynolds, Fjellskinn Mark Reynolds has been a motorcycle rider for most of his life, Starting out on motocross bikes; riding around his parents’ property, and then graduating up to road and adventure bikes.He’s had over 40 years of experience on two wheels.
page 48-57
55
Tech Travel Kit Travel gadgets are a huge market that makes the lives of travellers easier every single day. We constantly ask ourselves, what camera do I bring? How am I going to charge all of my devices? What do I do if I lose my bag? Don’t worry, because we have you sorted with Part 2 of the Best Tech Travel Kit you can’t live without.
Special Edition focus 3
a special focus feature
4 Special 68 GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
Kieren Dell M A J E S T I C
C I N E M A S
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We are constantly expanding our operations to provide more content to more people, including redeveloping Port Macquarie less than five years ago to five screens, re-opening Sawtell Cinema in late 2015 and building a new four screen cinema in Kempsey, slated for mid 2019. What excites you most about doing business here? The Mid North Coast is a vibrant, diverse and growing region, and we enjoy engaging with all parts of the community for shared big screen experiences. And of course, it is a beautiful part of the world to live and work in! Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? We are looking seriously at how we can further reduce waste; in particular, the use of plastic across our business, on top of the pre-existing recycling programs which operate at our complexes. Also, we have recently converted our Nambucca Heads cinema and head office to solar power, with Port Macquarie to follow soon. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Finalising an agreement to bring a beautiful new full-service cinema to the people of the Macleay Valley in 2019. And, diversifying the content that we show our patrons, to keep them engaged, including an increasing number of community-led screenings, plus corporate and fundraiser events. We’ve devoted more of our resources to handling events across our business.
Mitch Joyce J O Y C E
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
James and Derek Collins COLLINS W COLLINS BUILDING DESIGNERS
How is your business planning for the future growth
When it comes to creating, where do you get your
of our region? We have just purchased a larger premises
inspiration?
that we hope to move in to by the end of the year; this will
James: Social media and graphic platforms such as Pinterest
allow our company to expand to keep up with demand as
are right up there for the latest innovative ideas and provide
our region grows. We are excited by this opportunity and
great inspiration.
look forward to grabbing it with both hands!
Derek: Raw materials and our natural environment - I enjoy
In terms of technology, how do you see your business
open space and bringing that outdoor natural feeling into a
changing? Smart homes are the way of the future; we also
home.
incorporate this into our commercial builds and shop fit-
How has your business changed in the last three years?
outs. This includes your everyday home functions i.e. lights,
Steady growth, new services and refined our existing services.
air conditioning and security. This technology enables you
In 2016 we built our office - love it or hate it, the iconic
to control these commands via mobile or tablet, whether
building inspires people to think beyond the norm!
you’re at home, work or doing the groceries!
What mindset do you carry with you in order to
What excites you most about doing business here? The
run your business? Keeping true to ourselves and not
lifestyle! People come to visit on holidays (fall in love and
compromising our values for financial gain.
want to stay) and we get the pleasure of working and
If you could be mentored by anyone for one day, who
living here. Along with growth comes diversity within the
would you choose?
population, which gives us a greater opportunity to become
James: John Walsh - a local architect whom I started my
more creative with custom builds.
career with, who sadly is no longer with us. John taught me
In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Some major projects which
so much in such a short amount of time. I would cherish the chance to have that time again.
we are very proud of including architectural builds, extensive
Derek: Other business - I’ve worked closely with many, learnt
renovations and stylish fit-outs.
from their experiences and gained new insights.
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus focus69 5
Morgans P O R T
I
n the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? The continued evolution and ongoing improvement of our service to our clients is always the key priority for us as a business.
Our constant delivery of client satisfaction has led to an ongoing growth in referrals. One of our most notable accomplishments at any time is receiving testimonials such as the following: "Morgans have been terrific in listening to my specific financial planning needs and tailoring a relevant, well-priced solution to meet those needs. I cannot ask for more than that." We are also very proud to support many local community organisations, including several local clubs and sporting teams. How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Morgans is established as Australia’s largest privately-owned stockbroking and financial planning firm, with 58 offices around the country demonstrating
6 Special 70 GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
genuine commitment to regional areas. We have the size, scale, technology and expertise to grow with the Mid North Coast. We operate a unique structure, where the head office is privately owned by management and staff, while the Port Macquarie business is owned and managed by local Advisers. This combines the resources of a sophisticated national financial institution and award winning research team with a small business culture, where staff and clients are genuinely valued by local owners. The resources we have access to via Morgans are exceptional, but we still invest heavily in our own research - tapping into eight leading brokers, independent research houses and a long list of Fund Managers and other specialists. We continue to recruit great people. We search far and wide for the best people in the industry and then we provide them with the best tools, training and support we can possibly obtain. We are lucky that Port Macquarie is such a great place to live, so it attracts highly qualified people to the area.
M A C Q U A R I E
Our service offering is also growing and evolving with the increasing sophistication of the local area. Morgans Port Macquarie provide advice in strategic financial planning, portfolio management, superannuation and retirement planning, personal risk and life insurance, Centrelink, residential aged care and estate planning. We provide investment advice in shares, property, fixed interest and cash.
We are an actual "ASX Participant", which
In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? With more than 58 offices across all states and territories, Morgans has long been at the forefront of exploiting technology. This is particularly relevant in terms of communications and investment administration.
speakers, which include the CEOs of Australia’s
Fundamentally, technology provides our Port Macquarie team with access to the same resources we would have if we were located in George Street, Sydney. These world-class resources combine with our highly experienced team to enable us to deliver a world-class service to our clients.
means we have direct access to the Australian Stock Exchange, with live pricing and straight through order processing. Technology links us into a national video conference every single morning - this gives us daily access to research analysts, economists, technical specialists and the numerous guest biggest companies. This access is truly unique in the industry. In an industry swamped with paper, we moved towards a "paperless office" more than 15 years ago by replacing filing cabinets full of paper files with electronic document storage. The continued evolution of technology is exciting, especially the increasing speed of the internet, which links us directly to our clients and resources in the major cities and around the world.
Andrew Whitehead P O R T
C I T Y ’ S
D R I F T
B A R . C A F É . R E S TA U R A N T
Head Chef Andrew Whitehead, aka Andy, has recently taken the reins of Head Chef at Port City’s Drift Bar.Café.Restaurant. Andy has been extremely busy since taking over his new role, from creating a new winter menu, sourcing exciting and varied ingredients to developing inspiring new specials. Andy is a highly experienced chef, well-respected leader and forms an integral part of our business. Coming from the background of being a butcher by trade, it was a natural progression for Andy to undertake training to become a chef. Andy’s attention to detail extends from farm-to-fork, with his passion for cooking with fresh and flavoursome local ingredients revealed to our customers in every single dish he produces. An advocate of positivity in all areas of his life and work, Head Chef Andy enjoys the thriving and beneficial team environment present in the Drift kitchen. He enjoys leading his dedicated kitchen team to satisfy and exceed customer expectations, day in and day out. Finding constant inspiration in our region's myriad of fresh, seasonal local produce, Andy loves demonstrating the incredible breadth of opportunity these humble ingredients have to create extraordinary dining experiences. Some of this season’s most popular dishes at Drift are our veal scaloppini, Manning Valley scotch fillet, southern style coffee rubbed pork cutlet, locally sourced seafood curry and our always popular pan seared Salmon with grilled lemon. While Drift’s highly anticipated winter menu has been received with delight by our members and guests, Andy is not a man who rests on his laurels. Expect to see bold and inspiring specials abound, as Andy continues to firmly stamp his mark on Drift. Port City's Drift Bar.Café.Restaurant Port City Bowling Club, Owen Street, Port Macquarie Phone. (02) 6583 1133 Open daily, serving lunch and dinner. Greater Port Special Macquarie Editionfocus focus717
Donovan
Oates Hannaford At Donovan Oates Hannaford you’ll find something a little bit different. Firstly, our experienced and qualified team of lawyers aim to keep our clients at the centre of their legal matter or proceeding at all times.
W
e also prioritise clear and open communication with our clients about matters.
Here, our Partners answer some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions. Without question, the team at Donovan Oates Hannaford firmly espouse that when a matter is complex, valuable and important, seeking and obtaining good legal advice before proceeding with a plan or proposal is highly recommended. If someone is planning to sell their business, what are some of the key legal considerations they should pay attention to? When you are selling a business that you have worked hard to build, you want to ensure that you maximise your return. Full disclosure and certainty about what you are selling and what your obligations are
8 Special 72 GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
after completion is critical. Understand your restrictions on carrying on a similar business. You certainly don’t want to risk any benefits of selling by having your buyer successfully claim against you. Make sure you do not have ongoing obligations under your lease. The last thing you want is for your old landlord chasing you for rent your buyer hasn’t paid. Above all, seek out good advice on this matter from someone you trust. What are some of the legal complexities involved in commercial leasing that some people may not be aware of? This depends on whether you are the Lessor (“Landlord”) or the Lessee (“Tenant”) and whether the use of the property falls within or without the Retail Leases Act, 1994.
The Lessor as the property owner will want to be certain that there is a binding and legally enforceable Lease in place which clearly sets out the obligations of the Parties and provides certainty as to the relationship moving forward. They will need to be clear on who maintains what, whether outgoings are payable in addition to the rent and what condition the property needs to be left in at the end of the Lease.
and forget” basis. Each Lease needs individual drafting to cover its unique circumstances.
The Lessee needs to clearly understand the obligations imposed on them, the rent review mechanism, whether the use of the property is legal, whether there is any demolition clause in place and who maintains essential services such as air conditioning, fire safety equipment and any grease trap.
The major benefit of using a solicitor for your conveyancing is that due to our legal training, we are able to assist you with a wider range of more complex issues that may arise around property law.
One of the most important points to note is that there is no generic or standard template Lease document that can be used on a “set
What is the difference between using a conveyancing lawyer versus a conveyancer in a residential property sale? The role of a solicitor or conveyancer in the sale or purchase of real estate is to ensure the correct legal transfer of the property from the vendor to the purchaser.
Establishing a good relationship with an experienced solicitor who has a wide breadth of expertise and training means you’ll have the benefit of our advice across a range of other legal issues as well.
George Miedecke M I E D E C K E
M O T O R
G R O U P
A lot of people say they are passionate about
I have realised though, that while many
their job or chosen industry. Having grown up
can provide a product, few businesses can
(literally!) in the Miedecke Motor Group and
provide remarkable service - and this has been
spending most of the last decade racing cars
the central focus for the whole team at the
full-time, I feel this statement rings particularly
dealership.
true for me.
I can’t think of a change we have made during
The last three years, both for the business and I,
the last few years that hasn’t been focused on
have been a time of change. For me, a baby girl,
improving our customer experience. Of course,
a new job and my first home.
we make mistakes at times, like anybody, but
For the business, a time of adaptation and
I’m immensely proud of the outcome so far.
changing priorities, as the information age takes
We pride ourselves on doing business with
hold.
honesty and integrity. My time racing has taught
me that a good business needs to be agile, give attention to detail and have the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure success. Growing up on the Mid North Coast of Australia, one of the most beautiful places in the world, I have learnt that we are a community that prioritises attributes like honesty and trust - why should it be any different when you buy a car?
Miedecke Motor Group 100 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie Phone. (02) 6583 8855
Greater Port Special Macquarie Editionfocus focus73 9
Wrights Chartered Accountants
I
n the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? For our business, the most notable accomplishment has been a change in our Partnership. At the beginning of the year we welcomed Dan Wade as a new member of the Partnership team. Dan has been a practicing Accountant since 2005 and joined the Wrights team in 2013. He is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and has now become a Registered Company Auditor. In his previous role as Audit Manager at Wrights, Dan has been involved in Registered Club audits, running the audits for six clubs within our region. As a lot of auditors within our local area have retired or plan to retire soon, we are excited that Dan holds the qualifications and expertise in this field. They are not easy to achieve! Our audit services are backed up by a team of
10 Special 74 Greater Edition Port Macquarie focus focus
A N T H O N Y
D E
J A G E R ,
D A N
W A D E ,
C H R I S
G A R R E T T
strategic accountants. We regularly combine service experience. We installed two major our specialist skills in audit, compliance and upgrades to our tax and SMSF administration commercial finance to provide our clients with last year, which will assist us and our clients effective solutions for instrumentally both this growth. We believe year and into the future. this combination of There are also significant Our business is skills and expertise technology changes that continually evolving with will stand the our clients face, such as business in good the introduction of new the new Single Touch stead for a number technology. We embrace Payroll requirement that of years. this transformation, as the ATO has introduced In terms of it generally means our to large employers this technology, how clients will benefit from year. do you see your a more streamlined All other employers are business changing? service experience. required to become Our business compliant with this from is continually July 2019. This change evolving with the means all of our clients introduction of new technology. We embrace who have employees will have to introduce this transformation, as it generally means our accounting software, such as Xero, MYOB or clients will benefit from a more streamlined
Quickbooks, that will enable them to comply with their Single Touch Payroll obligations. Assisting our clients with this will be challenging; however, we believe this change will ultimately lead to us being able to provide them with more timely advice into the future. How are you planning for business sustainability? Our change in Partnership is the fundamental starting point here. Our business essentially consists of three business partners who hold a 10 plus year outlook on the business. We are also extremely fortunate to have a strong team behind us, whom we believe are integral to maintaining our client focus. The combination of our Partners’ strategic outlook and our capable team allows us to move forward in an environment where clients require our advice on financial, legal and business environment changes.
Alistair Flower
S E T T L E R S
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Settlers is in a very fortunate position to sit on 2 acres of land, and we have plenty of plans to completely utilise every inch! Our introduction of the kids’ playground has seen huge upside to our business and sits nicely with the target market of new people who are calling Port Macquarie home. We have just had a DA approved for a new alfresco dining and lounge area, which will be an all weather area and feature a huge outdoor sandstone fireplace for the colder months. We are really excited about this addition and think we will have a nice little niche market in the Port Mac food and drinks scene. We are also providing a few new “toys” in the kitchen, so we can cater for the expected increase of trade with renovations. Further to this, we have a very stable and experienced team of staff who all have a commitment to service excellence.
I N N
H O T E L
&
F E R N H I L L
T A V E R N
What excites you most about doing business here? Clearly it’s the growth story of our region, and I believe the Council, State Govt. and appropriate bodies are actively looking at ways to better our existence. I’m seeing a little heartache with the roundabout out the front of me at Settlers, but I know that this will be awesome for business once completed. Other businesses, especially hospitality businesses, have real confidence at the moment, which is evident with many recently completed renovations. But what truly excites me about doing business here is the like-minded community-centric people who live here in Port Macquarie. Our community genuinely wants to see local businesses thrive. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We have had a great year; Settlers recently won the best community venue in NSW, with the national finals happening in Sept. Personally, in 2017 I was awarded Australian Publican
The Pub’s Crew: Kirk Caracciolo, Matt Tonks, Shane Curry, Alistair Flower, Fabio Stansfield, Aaron Robinson
of the Year through the Liquor Industry Association, Hotel Operator of the Year through the Australian Hotel Association and locally, Port Mac Business Leader of the Year at the Port Business Awards - all very humbling, but my standout highlight was simply getting through the Stars of the Hastings dance comp without tearing my hamstring! Community events and fundraising held at Settlers in the last 12 months have raised in excess of $150,000, which I’m very proud of. Settlers Inn Hotel 101 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie Phone. (02) 6583 3100 Open daily from 10am, lunch and dinner. Fernhill Tavern 4 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie Phone. (02) 6581 0377 Open daily from 10am, lunch and dinner. Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus focus 75 11
McGrath Agents N A T H A N
O W E N
&
D A V I D
G E A R Y
Property Sales Agents Nathan Owen and David Geary are close friends who had been operating independent of each other under the respected McGrath brand, until they recently decided to merge their individual portfolios and work as a team; two highly-experienced qualified professionals, combining their skills to significantly benefit their mutual clients: Nathan and David, in the last few months what have been your most notable accomplishments? Our decision to join forces within the McGrath team was probably the best career decision we’ve ever made. The ability to provide that additional level of service to clients and to potential buyers has substantially increased our sales results, whilst greatly reducing our "days on market" for listed properties. What excites you most about doing business here? We’re both North Coast locals. David still regularly plays competition sport in the region. Nathan grew up in Port Macquarie, leaving to attend university, then to sell property in the UK and on the Gold Coast, but ultimately returning home. We both love the area, we love the people, and we’re immensely excited about the future.
12 Special 76 GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
Matt Scully I N N E R V I S I O N
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Our surf and skate business has been evolving for the last 35 years. Being a bricks and mortar store, we rely on loyal, local customers. Our quality customer service and extensive product knowledge keeps them coming back. Keeping up with the latest fashion trends, skate and surf technology is essential to remain competitive with online stores and relevant in our growing local economy. What excites you most about doing business here? Being born and bred in Port Macquarie, I love selling products to locals and then seeing them enjoying them down at the skate park or in the surf. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We have introduced skate and scooter workshops to our product mix. Over 500 kids so far have participated, learning maintenance, safety tips and basic tricks in a safe environment. We have been building our brand and connecting with our customers. This is illustrated by people taking photos of themselves in their Inner Vision merch and sharing it on social media. This increased brand awareness has transferred into local business awards.
Tony Kundicevic P O R T
C I T Y
S T E E L
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We set long-term goals using our expertise and knowledge to continually produce world-class machinery and products; we have high growth potential, relationships with major corporations and have employed more staff. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? We plan to add robotics to designs, to push forward to be a world leader in our field, and purchase modern equipment and new software, empowering staff. What excites you most about doing business here? Supporting the local community, dealing with local suppliers and customers and a great work-life balance in a great climate. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Starting Port City Steel and providing general fabrication services. We improved our existing design and have created new innovative machines that are sought after in the timber industry. We also made our first export to New Zealand. We hired two apprentices and three other reliable qualified staff. Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? We installed LED lights, use local suppliers to minimise freight impacts, only use electrical utilities if necessary and turn off when not in use, and we recycle our waste.
Andrew Norman N O S H T A L G I A
C A F É
Hi Andrew! As an esteemed Executive Chef with a career spanning more than thirty three years, what makes you most passionate about the industry? My passion for the food industry comes from its endless diversity. I have travelled to approximately forty countries throughout the world, and the variety of food styles, cooking techniques and ingredients means that the opportunities are only limited by your imagination. You have worked in many prestigious locations, including Hamilton Island, Ayers Rock, on a Royal Caribbean cruise liner and throughout Europe, before establishing Noshtalgia here in Port Macquarie eighteen months ago. What have been your most notable accomplishments business-wise since opening? Without a doubt, our proudest achievement has been to take an empty room in an out of the way location and turn it into a warm and welcoming success story that has become one of the most popular dining venues in Port Macquarie. We have flourished in a very competitive industry, which tells us we certainly have a winning business formula. Tell us about some of your food and dining philosophies? Making a mistake is okay and needs to be a lesson; however, serving a mistake and hoping no-one will notice is unforgivable. Think “YES” first! We live by this at Noshtalgia. People in our industry who think they can say no to a customer often just for the sake of it or because they cannot be bothered is very disappointing. The customer is NOT always right; however, at the end of the day the customer IS the customer. Food needs to taste even better than it looks. “Pretty food” that has no flavour is completely pointless to me. Good chefs can take ordinary ingredients and make them into something extraordinary. What excites you most about the traditional home-style and value driven dining menu of Noshtalgia, and what are the key points of difference the café embodies? At Noshtalgia we have given people their food back. People love to reminisce. They love to show their children where they went for holidays and they love to remember the food their mother or grandmother used to cook. My grandmother was a wonderful cook, and I have adopted a lot of her techniques to allow our customers to recall fond memories. Who and what inspires you in the kitchen, and what advice would you give to up and coming chefs stepping out launching their own restaurants and cafés? My mentor, a French national by the name of Michele Ruellan, is one of the main influences in my career. I owe this man more than I could ever repay. He was incredibly hard on me, and I thought he just hated me. I realised many years later he just wanted me to succeed. For any chefs or business owners who are thinking of owning their own business, the very first word I would urge you to learn is humility. It is NOT about you or what you want. If your customers do not like your product and you are not profitable, then you will be finished in no time. Nostalgia Café and Restaurant 27/25 Hay St Port Macquarie (located in Colonial Arcade) Phone. (02) 6584 2222. Open Mon to Sat, 8am to 3pm.
Special Edition focus 13
focusinterview.
with Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications
GRAEME McLauchlan
G
R E T I R E D
raeme McLauchlan worked across a variety of roles during his career, which lasted almost 40 years in the Australian public service, including as the industrial advocate for the public service, a call centre manager, and the emergency management coordinator for an all of government call centre. Graeme decided to retire in 2012. Well, so he thought … Graeme and his wife Sue have a blended family of two sons and a daughter. Sue was born and bred on her family’s farm in Pappinbarra, and they decided to make a lifestyle change moving back there five years ago. When Graeme decided to retire six years ago, moving to the farm was “as far removed from my previous life as I could get”. The 60 acre property has a creek running through it and rolling green hills for as far as the eye can see. On their farm they have some stock (depending on the season), a couple of horses, two Kelpies, tractors, quad bikes and a “man shed” to store all his tools. Graeme has learnt to stock at least two of every spare part in his shed now, as it’s not a quick drive to the local store. 78 Greater Port Macquarie focus 14 Special Edition focus
-
S O
H E
T H O U G H T …
In his retired farmer role, Graeme needs the Rotary clubs in the area have funded to be resourceful and willing to have a go Rotary Lodge at Port Macquarie Base at whatever crops up on the farm. This Hospital, which provides accommodation has taken him out of his comfort zone at for families so they can be close to their times, but Graeme is always willing to have loved ones undergoing treatment at the a crack at it. A willingness to embrace the hospital. country life with Wauchope Rotary an open mind has Club’s international contributed to some project is to support interesting stories for the rebuilding of a the grandkids one school in Bali. Graeme A WILLINGNESS day. and Sue’s love of travel TO EMBRACE THE Graeme enjoys took them to Bali COUNTRY LIFE WITH playing golf with with friends recently, AN OPEN MIND HAS friends on Tuesdays and they were able to CONTRIBUTED TO and Saturdays in visit the school. They SOME INTERESTING Wauchope. He were greeted with the STORIES FOR THE is also a member smiling faces of the GRANDKIDS ONE DAY. of the Wauchope children, who happily Rotary Club. Rotary accepted donations is a global network of books, colouring-in community of pencils and clothing. people uniting to take action. They do so Graeme said the best part about this visit by creating lasting change across the globe was “seeing that we can make such a and in our local communities. Graeme difference by simple gestures”, aligning says he joined the Wauchope Rotary with Rotary’s values of creating a better Club because it gives him a chance to get future for the community, nation and all involved within his local community and mankind. give back. If you are interested in becoming Wauchope Rotary Club run the Saturday involved with Rotary, visit rotaryaustralia. markets in Wauchope, with proceeds org.au to locate your nearest club. going back into the local community. All of By Jessica Oxley.
life AY IN THE AD
M Y D AY
6:00am Morning starts early on the farm; wake up and have some breakfast. 6:30am Take bales of hay down to the horses for their breakfast. Feed the dogs. 7:00am Sue goes to work and my farming day begins. I check the water and pump, check the fences to see if anything needs repairing. 10:00am Check the timber and chip any if need be for the fire in the evening. 11:00am Pop over and see Sue’s mother, who lives on the neighbouring property. Check if she needs to be taken to any appointments and have a general catch up over a cuppa. 12:30pm Lunch time. 2:00pm Check the crops and do some work on the stables I am building for the horses. 4:30pm Wind down and relaxing time. 6:30pm Sue comes home from work and we catch up on the day’s activities whilst cooking dinner. 9:00pm Bedtime, as the day starts again bright and early tomorrow.
79 Greater Port Macquarie focus
Special Edition focus 15
WITH EAST COAST LASER
men!
look this way!
Paul Loughland P R O P E R T Y
C O N S U L T A N T
How has your business changed in the last three years? One word sums up the last three years, and that’s “Growth” - both professionally and privately. Importantly, we are helping more people now than ever before. Our clients are from more diverse backgrounds, as we are working with clients that range from multi-million dollar developments to individual people looking for the first home, forever home, investment property or small development site. What is one of the current challenges for local business, and how do you think it can be tackled? Again, growth. Our region is experiencing strong growth. With this comes new challenges of dealing with more people, new staff, increased competition, rising costs, and instant feedback via social media.
&
I N V E S T M E N T
A D V I S O R
We find meeting regularly via team “SNAP” meetings at the start and end of the working day can often help refocus the priorities and allows us to be more adaptive, quickly communicate and tackle issues as they arise. What mindset or values do you carry with you in order to run your business? A client/ customer focused mindset allows us to keep our clients’ best interests at heart. Walking in someone else’s shoes to see their point of view helps provide clarity and empathy to challenges that our business and clients may be experiencing. Sticking to our core values helps ensure we keep our integrity, whilst being on the lookout to see how you can help others above and beyond what they may be expecting, always improves client and staff experiences.
Cosmedic non surgical procedures are not just available for women. In fact, in the last 10 years there has been an ever increasing trend in the number of men seeking treatments to improve their looks.
T
his can be simply for personal experienced injectors to sculpt a stronger satisfaction, or perhaps to chiselled jaw line, volumise and widen cheeks, gain a competitive edge in providing lift and a squarer set face. The goal, the workplace. Whatever the however, is to maintain a natural, balanced motivation, the demand from fresh look. men to look their best is growing and is much This is best achieved by a stepped approach more widely accepted today. - slowly building up area by area with fillers Initially men were seeking procedures such until the desired look is achieved (total face as hair transplants and approach). teeth whitening. Today This non surgical men are looking to reverse approach is more Experts today sun damage, improve affordable than surgery have recognised skin health and gain the and has minimal discomfort that men who are confidence of permanent with quick recovery. body hair reduction. considered “good Other popular The use of anti wrinkle looking”, tend treatments men are injections and fillers has to have certain seeking are vascular laser been used on men for features alike that treatments to address many years; however, in gives them more common broken capillaries the past their treatment appeal than other and general flushing, as plan was often similar to men. well as reducing red noses. that of women, resulting Anti wrinkle injections can in a feminine look. help with embarrassing Experts today have excessive underarm recognised that men who are considered sweating. Double chins can now be dissolved “good looking”, tend to have certain features alike that gives them more appeal than other men. Beauty and desirable looks in both men and women are achieved by creating balance, good facial proportions and symmetry through the use of injectable treatments. Men, however, are considered more attractive if they have a strong, heavier brow and a squarer set jaw line. Anti wrinkle injections and fillers can be used by
16 Special 80 GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
with a series of quick injectable treatments with little downtime and can enhance men’s jaw lines. Men are wanting to turn back the ageing process and improve skin health. They are more informed about good skin care, and many are gaining the benefits by using prescription retinol, medical aesthetic lasers, injectable treatments and high quality skin care, including high SPF sunscreens.
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus focus 81 17
Dr. Darin Ballard
H
P O R T
M A C Q U A R I E
ow is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We’ve recently relocated to new practices in both Taree aand nd Port Macquarie, which were designed to cater for population growth and also the number of dentists in the region who are now referring their patients to us for specialist orthodontic treatment. We also continue to build our team, with twenty employees currently operating from our clinics. Right now we’re actually looking for someone to join our team of dental assistants. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? The rapidly changing environment that comes with advancements in technology remains our greatest challenge and impacts all aspects of our business from business and patient management systems through to highly specialised
82 18 Special GreaterEdition Port Macquarie focus focus
O R T H O D O N T I C S
dental and orthodontic techniques. We pride ourselves on innovation and are always looking to be leaders in the service we provide our patients, so we know we must remain ever vigilant for areas to improve, and inevitably this will involve technology. This presents unique challenges being in a regional area, where our patients are entitled to expect the same quality of care as if they were in a metropolitan centre, and we want to ensure they are not disadvantaged because of where we live. What excites you most about doing business here? Definitely the people. Port Macquarie Orthodontics is our business name, because the people who deliver our service come from here and we only exist with the support of the patients and their families from our community. We are a part of Port Macquarie and are proud to participate and contribute in ways that are consistent with the values
of our business and team members. Orthodontic treatment is also typically a two year process, so we get to know our patients quite well during this time. We enjoy being a part of their lives that is life changing and a memory that will be discussed and shared for years to come. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We’re lucky enough to be in an environment where the team are witness to their accomplishments every day. Our new practice in Horton Street was also a big achievement, and we are really proud to have built it using local providers. Overall, 88% of the project funds were spent within the local economy, with only specialist equipment sourced elsewhere. Each year the team also run a charity ball and sponsorship campaign for their entry into the City to Surf, and so far have already raised over $22,000 for the Heart Foundation.
John Heckenberg H E C K E N B E R G
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We’re in an expansion phase now and will be so for the next few years. My business is at an exciting crossroads; we are introducing some new ideas into the way we do things and the way we interact with our clients that will help us rise above the “sea of sameness” among accounting and tax firms. I’m excited about the growth that’s been happening in our region, because it means more opportunities for sustained employment growth and educational opportunities. I’m sure I’m not the only parent out there who has had to send their kids away to college, usually to a capital city, to get the qualifications they want. Charles Sturt University now gives our school leavers an opportunity to get a
tertiary education in this beautiful part of the world, and as employers it gives us the chance to keep local kids in the area after they graduate - surely a win-win outcome! In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? It’s a no-brainer to say that our industry, like many others, is being forced to embrace online solutions and automation of processes. We aim to be the “computer concierge” for our clients, so that the transition to online life is not so scary. Many business owners are concerned about technology-driven industry disruption and how they will survive in the future. We look at this not as a threat, but as an opportunity. What excites you most about doing business here? You can do business pretty much anywhere these days, as long as you have
A C C O U N T I N G
wifi. Having said that, I’m excited about doing business here, because it’s just such an attractive place to live and work. I’m talking more and more often to the new generation of business owners and entrepreneurs (Millenials and Generation Z) who certainly keep us on our toes with their energy and new ideas. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? • Rebranded my business from O’Connor Heckenberg to Heckenberg Accounting - now twenty-five years in the same central location. • Chalked up thirty years as a Port Macquarie resident. • Having retired from triathlon competition, I’ve signed up for some different personal challenges later this year - I’m doing a Tough Mudder race
with one of my sons, and I’ve also signed up for my first stand alone marathon. Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? It’s something that can only be done incrementally, in my opinion. Small changes here and there all add up. • We’ve been handing out reusable shopping bags for several years now; yes, we beat Coles and Woolies to the punch! • We’ve replaced our power-hungry fluoro lights with LED systems. • We embrace paperless record-keeping and archiving; all our paper waste is shredded and recycled. • Our coffee pods are also recycled!
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus 83 19
David COOKE Dr.
Dr David Cooke is a local GP, and the proud owner of the 1950 de Havilland Chipmunk aircraft you can see on this month’s front cover! David’s family has an interesting aviation history - he’s a member of one of only a few four-generation flying families in Australia and has himself spent some time working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service …
H
i David. How long have you lived in Port Macquarie - and what area of medicine do you practice in? I have lived in Port Macquarie for nearly twenty years, working as a GP at Lighthouse Medical Centre. Apart from family medicine, I do a lot of skin cancer work, having trained years ago as a surgeon and obstetrician. Since 1969 I have been a DAME (a Designated Aircrew Medical Examiner). There's a long history of aviation in your family - four generations have all been pilots! Please run us through a little of your family's connection with planes, starting with your grandfather. I am one of only a few four-generation flying families in Australia’s history. My grandfather, Lionel, had the eleventh flying licence issued in Australia. He learnt to fly in 1915 in the second course of the Australian Flying Corps. He flew the Bristol Boxkite at Point Cook and then became an instructor. My father, Rolla, was a Spitfire pilot who went to the UK in 1941 as a fighter pilot. He was killed in November 1941, one month before I was born. In 1945 my mother married another pilot, who was killed just before the end of the war. She then married yet another pilot in 1949, and he fortunately reached old age. My two sons, Anthony and Michael, have a
20 Greater 84 Special Edition Port Macquarie focus focus
corporate jet company based in Brisbane. They employ eight pilots and operate jet aircraft that accommodate ten to twenty passengers. They fly clients all over the world, as well as in Australia. Their clients range from celebrities, actors, comedians and pop groups to business executives. When I get the chance, I occasionally fly with them and despite the fact that I partially taught them to fly, they are quick to tell me, "Don’t touch anything, Dad!” My two daughters have always been enthusiastic co-pilots. With a history like this, there was probably little doubt you'd learn to fly! How old were you when you first flew a plane - and where/when did you gain your pilot's licence? From an early age I would tell anyone who would listen that I would become a flying doctor, and in 1958 as I was about to start medicine, the RAAF Reserve taught me to fly. I was seventeen when I started and gained my licence in 1959. After graduating in medicine in 1965, I returned to flying and gained my commercial flying licence. For how many years did you work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia? What did you find the most rewarding about this aspect of your career? In 1968 I joined the Northern Territory Aerial Medical Service and worked for a year based in Darwin and Alice Springs. I then moved to the Queensland branch of the RFDS until 1974. I operated from the Mt
Isa base, covering an area the size of Texas and then from the Cairns base, covering the Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait. It was exciting work, often having to set fractures without X-rays and operating in very basic surroundings. There was no satellite navigation or weather radar, and we often had to unwittingly fly through storms. It was stimulating to work under such difficult conditions, and the people of the outback were so appreciative of the service we provided. It was rewarding to enable people to work in this hostile environment, secure in the knowledge that the RFDS would come to their aid in time of need. I was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Having the same licence as my pilots, they often let me fly the aeroplanes, and in return they would assist me at operations. Describe the 1950 Chipmunk aircraft you own. What was it originally used for? How did you come to own it? Ten years ago I bought the 1950 de Havilland Chipmunk. They were designed as an Air Force training aircraft and in fact, I did part of my training on them. I love old aeroplanes and have owned a couple of 1940 vintage Tiger Moth bi-planes over the years. In 2001 - 2004, the Tiger Moth was used for joy flights here in Port Macquarie. How often do you fly this beautiful bird and what's it like to fly compared to more modern aircraft? I usually fly the Chipmunk
once or twice a week. Most Saturday mornings around 8am I fly as part of a formation team of four aeroplanes. We’ve become a regular sight heading around the town and along the coast. Patients will often say, “Did you see me wave?” I reply that with other aircraft so close to me, I’m certainly not looking at the ground and most certainly not waving! These older aircraft are a lot harder to fly than today’s sophisticated aircraft. You also fly regularly to South West Rocks for your medical practice, and I'm assuming you don't use the Chipmunk for this purpose! What other type of plane do you own? Old flying doctor habits die hard. Two mornings a week I use my modern Beechcraft Bonanza aeroplane to fly to South West Rocks to assist at another medical practice. It only takes eleven minutes in the air, and I land in a cow pasture which the owner clears of cattle for me. What do you enjoy most about flying? Aviators are a strange breed. We just love to be up in the air, where it is hard to worry over earthly problems. Perhaps it is best summed up in a poem by G R Wilson: “… none, not one, who truly loves the sky would trade a hundred earthbound hours for one that he could fly.” Thanks David. Interview: Jo Robinson.
Alistair Flower S E T T L E R S
Richard Sheargold R S
M E D I A
What do you love about living in the Greater Port Macquarie region? That one is easy; I can get a decent coffee ... And of course, beer!
C O N S U L T A N T
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? RS Media Consultant has recently expanded its product range to cover all areas of marketing; we can now act as a marketing broker to fully cover all marketing needs. Now we offer flyer drops, poster deliveries, organising newspaper, radio and TV ads, and so much more!
Port Macquarie is simply a beautiful part of the world, and I love the fact that you can feel a million miles from anywhere but when required, it offers fantastic cosmopolitan living. All the amenities and services of the larger cities, like great hospitals, schools and restaurants can be found in our backyard - and all probably five minutes from each other! But most of all, what I love about the region is its people. We simply have a fantastic and caring community. It makes it so easy to run a business here, when locals genuinely support you and hope you do well.
We also now hold classes to train people in how to manage their social media better themselves; head to my Facebook page for details. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? We are constantly learning new skills and formulas for online advertising but with the smaller and smaller design of computers, tablets and phones, it is now possible and will only get easier to work from any location. I can now build a full social media profile from your office, using just the phone and tablet I brought with me. What excites you most about doing business here? Port Macquarie is growing rapidly and is developing fast with technology too! To be at the forefront of that development is extremely exciting! Learning about the new ways to market business and growing my knowledge is extremely exciting! In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Being able to work on national promotions with celebrities has been amazing, but the true accomplishments we’re proud of have come from watching small business and artists learn and develop their marketing skill and seeing great growth in their business.
I N N
Mitch Joyce JOYCE CONSTRUCTIONS
What do you love about living in the Greater Port Macquarie area? Aside from business, it’s just such a beautiful place - beach one side, bush the other. What more could you want! How do you like to spend your down time? I have a farm at Telegraph Point where I love spending time; it’s where I was born and bred. I love the beach, golf, and I try to get a session in at 2444 CrossFit most days and also do a bit of pistol shooting on the weekends. My partner and I also have two dogs who demand attention when we are home. Other than that, relax and Netflix!
Matt Scully I N N E R V I S I O N
S U R F
N
S K AT E
What do you love about living in the Greater Port Macquarie area? Well, I have surfed and fished this area now for the last 43 years, and I am still exploring and finding new places that I have never been to before. How do you like to spend your down time? My family and my friends are my everything; as long as it’s with them - I’m in. Oh and my boat ... my happy place!
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus 85 21
David Bartush E A S T E R N
T O U R
In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Having only established our company in August 2017, the past 12 months have been a very busy and productive period for Eastern Tour Services. We have now set up a variety of affiliated accommodation providers on Lord Howe Island catering for all budgets, installed a new online booking System, partnered with a variety of travel agents to promote our products and delivered twice weekly scheduled flights to Lord Howe Island. What excites you most about doing business here? The Mid North Coast is a dynamic area, with a diversity of tourism related business and a very healthy growth pattern. Port Macquarie, in particular, is well situated as the departure point for not only Lord Howe Island, but outback adventure tourism. The most
22 Greater 86 Special Edition Port Macquarie focus focus
S E R V I C E S
exciting thing will be to see Port Macquarie as a major destination for both domestic and international visitors. How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Our primary focus has been to promote our region as a destination, not just a stopover to elsewhere for both domestic and international visitors. We promote Port Macquarie as The Gateway To… We are expanding our network of affiliated travel agents and inbound agents to promote our accommodation/flight packages on Lord Howe Island, as well as our small bespoke group only one day tours to Lord Howe island and the opal capital of the world, Lightning Ridge, with more day tours to follow. All our packaged tours will include, as an optional addition, local tours/attractions and accommodation in Port Macquarie as well.
Andrew Bell M A C Q U A R I E
S I G N S
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We have expanded our team, which enables us to complete jobs with a minimal turn-around time. As Port Macquarie expands, so does Macquarie Signs, so we can keep up the same level of service and high customer satisfaction that we have always maintained. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? In the past 12 months we have adapted our business for growth and sustainability by becoming a leader in the Port Macquarie signage industry and by investing in numerous new machines. This gives us the capability to speed up our production, which takes our turn-around time for jobs down to hours, rather than days. What excites you most about doing
&
T I N T I N G
business here? Being born and bred in Port Macquarie, I love being involved in the local community. We live in a prime location with a strong community vibe, so it’s a privilege to be able to provide a service in Port Macquarie, whether it be welcoming a new business to town, revamping an existing business or charity promotions. We sponsor many community groups and events. We like to be involved! In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We’ve achieved some great things; it would be hard to narrow it down to just one. What comes to mind is the refurbishment of Sails Resort. As part of this contract, we also completed signage for Tacking Point Tavern, The Beach House and Macquarie Hotel; one of the biggest jobs our team has completed. It’s refreshing to see such change in Port Macquarie.
Robert Newton N E W T O N
H
ow is your business planning for the future growth of our region? At the moment our business is a family affair - I do the measuring and installing and my wife, Melinda does the admin, ordering and organising my calendar. Having had a large franchise in the past with lots of staff, we are certainly not afraid to take on more personnel and be able to manage that situation effectively. In the meantime, we are enjoying the personalised service we are now able to provide to our customers. When the time comes to expand the business further, we will, of course, look for people who have the same customer service values we have and who have very high attention to detail. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? In the background, technology is always improving our processes for quoting and ordering. Our suppliers are always advancing their techniques and machinery to provide consistent, high-quality products, but in the day to day dealing with our customers things
B L I N D S
such a fantastic part of the world. We live in may never change; we offer old-fashioned service Beechwood, so we enjoy the relaxed living, as well - we come to you, take measurements, bring as the beaches and liveliness of Port Macquarie. the samples so you can choose in the comfort Port Macquarie, as a business base, of your own home, is a thriving region, and we are all and assist you every fortunate to have an abundance step of the way - with of work to keep us busy. In our custom made items At the moment experience, Port Macquarie and of this nature, I don’t our business is a its surrounds seems to be a little think there is a better family affair - I unique and often immune to way. Our products, do the measuring outside influences which can affect particularly the fabrics, and installing and the economy of other regional still can’t be depicted my wife, Melinda areas. well enough using does the admin, photos, so it’s important In the last 12 months, ordering and for customers to see what have been your most organising my the real thing. notable accomplishments?
calendar. Without a doubt, it has been What excites you the establishment of our own most about doing independent business. After having business here? Having owned a blind franchise in Port both grown up in the Macquarie for 11 years, we were really excited to Hastings, Melinda and I appreciate enormously be able to establish our independent business last the fact that we can provide for our family whilst October. This has given us the freedom to choose enabling our three daughters and us to live in
our own suppliers and products. Our greatest achievement throughout this process has been receiving overwhelming support from so many previous customers, as well as many new ones which we are greatly appreciative of and are also very proud of. Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? Our range of products can assist with reducing energy usage in the home, which is a very important factor - environmentally and economically - to all home owners. Our products, by nature, have a lot of packaging - we have always been very motivated and consistent in recycling all the different types of packaging, so they don’t end up in landfill. Part of the service we offer is the removal and disposal of old blinds when we are installing new ones. At this point we reduce the blinds down to recycle the aluminium and metals, before disposing of the remainder at the tip. Any items still in good working order are donated to the Willing and Able Recycling Store.
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus 23 87
Jason Sharp + Chris Browning M A C Q U A R I E
I
n the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? This year is a special one for MBA; it’s our 18th birthday! Many of our clients have been with us since we opened in 2000, which is really quite special and something we are incredibly grateful for. We’ve launched a range of specialised services to meet the needs of our business clients. These services cover the entire business lifecycle - we call them LAUNCH, GROW, REINVENT and EXIT. We recognise every business fits within one of these areas, so we wanted to ensure we had a range of tailored services to meet each and every stage. We’ve also invested heavily in cutting edge technologies, including digital document signing, so it’s now quicker and easier than ever to communicate with us. What excites you most about doing business here?
Living and working on the Mid North Coast - it really is the best of both worlds. We get to work with modern and talented business people, sharing that same sense of community, and we also get to enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
B U S I N E S S
tailored, and our people are trained, to provide nothing but the best outcomes for our clients. As our region grows, so too will the number and size of the businesses within it. Our focus will always be helping those businesses, at whatever stage of the business lifecycle they are in.
A C C O U N T A N T S
mobile and, undoubtedly, our ability to help and communicate to clients will extend, not just beyond traditional office hours, but also beyond physical boundaries such as distance and location. Even now, we participate in regular online meetings, so we expect to see a
We are very excited about the growth Adapting to change is throughout the region, In terms of technology, the key to survival and especially the airport how do you see success. For us, a critical your business changing? expansion, commitments area is the efficiency and One word springs to mind from new universities and improvements along speed in which we can … CONSTANTLY. Adapting the Pacific Highway. share information with to change is the key to These are fantastic our clients. survival and success. For steps forward for our us, a critical area is the community, bringing jobs efficiency and speed in and opportunities to the area. which we can share information with our
continuing evolution, with the role of a “virtual
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region?
correspondence we send is via electronic means
Our focus is on business, so our services are
clients. The use of digital communications and cloud based software solutions have become increasingly important. Our team is becoming
advisor” being a part of our future. Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? We are in the process of moving to a paperless workplace. We have already implemented a new system where clients can sign, save and transmit their documents online, reducing the amount of printed materials. Most of the wherever possible. We like to think this helps in an environmentally responsible way.
WH E R E VE R YOU AR E IN YOU R B USIN E SS CYCLE …
LAUNCH
G ROW
REINVENT
EXIT
…W E C A N H E L P YO U E A C H S T E P O F T H E WAY 6584 7776
www.mbacc.com.au
info@mbacc.com.au
@mbacc.com.au
11 Murray Street, Port Macquarie
linkedin.com/company/macquarie-business-accountants
24 Greater 88 Special Edition Port Macquarie focus focus
Matt Conway T H E
C
ongratulations Matt. How exciting, with The Burger Rebellion being named as one of the top 10 Burger Places in Australia through TripAdvisor … How excited are you, and how did this happen? I’m stoked and super happy about it, of course! The result is completely out of our control, which makes this so much more exciting. We didn’t even have a TripAdvisor page; a customer came in one day and asked if they could do one for us, as they wanted to leave a review - so we said: “Yeah, why not?” They took some photos, and that was it. I checked the page out in late 2015 and don’t think I have looked at it since. I was completely surprised - I had no idea that it was coming, nor that it had happened. It was actually one of my mates, Dean Lawler - he gave me a buzz and said, “Hey, do you know what you guys have done?” My reaction, of course, was, “No - no idea!” To have our customers take the time to go and leave reviews is really something special, and we are of course over the moon and very honoured. How long has Burger Rebellion been open? We have been open now for nearly three years. We were lucky enough to hit the ground running, - we were very busy straight away, and that was awesome. It’s been steady ever since. So, why burgers? At the time, Port Macquarie needed a burger joint. In 2014/2015, Port Macquarie was just
B U R G E R
R E B E L L I O N
starting to expand rapidly; I felt like the people were screaming out for some decent burgers, and I thought, “Well, why not …” You are always keeping the menu up to date with feature burgers; what is the offer for August? Our August special is brought to you by my mate Stewy, who owns the business Doppio or Nothing. Doppio or Nothing is a local coffee business that services cafés from Newcastle through to the other side of Coffs. Doppio or Nothing is Italian for double or nothing, so what we have in store for our customers is that this month’s burger can be doubled! The burger we have chosen is a Barbecue Beef and Bacon, which will have a fried egg and onion rings etc. so it will be more of a traditional burger which people have been screaming out for. It will definitely be a crowd stopper! All you have to do when you order is say Double or Nothing, and
of; an example is the Burger in a Bowl. This was something I just threw together before we opened to give
The Burger Rebellion is proudly among the top 10 Burger places in Australia via the TripAdvisor website!
gluten free people more
you’ll get the burger!
of an option, but that
How has The Burger Rebellion changed since
has taken off massively.
you first opened the doors?
Our procedures and the way we do things have
Massively! Not too much from the customers’
evolved as well. You start out with a vision in
perspective; our menu has been tweaked and
your head of what you think it will be like and
amended along the way, but as far as the
what you should be doing, but in the end you
business operating and the way we do things,
just have to respond to how and what your
I feel as though it is constantly evolving and
customers let you know about.
constantly changing.
Where to from here; do you want to be the
There have been so many things that have
best burger joint in Australia?
changed from my conception and what I started
WOW! Look to be honest, we are still wrapping
with ‘til now - things that I didn’t even think
our heads around being in the top 10. We
feel that is a massive achievement and one, like I said before, we are so honoured to have. There are massive amounts of burger places around, the industry is out of control, so to be in the top 10 is awesome. Our main goal and what we have been working towards for the last 12 months is consistency. We need to maintain our happy and friendly staff, having a consistent product, engaging with the customers. We have a huge amount of locally sourced produce; we will concentrate on the local area and freshness, as well as making sure that what people are getting is exactly what they are asking for. Thanks Matt and again - congratulations.
Greater Port Special Macquarie Edition focus 89 25
26 Special Edition focus
Gareth Owen
B I G
G A R D E N
F U R N I T U R E
How has your business evolved since it began?
offered by the major retailers.
Big Garden Furniture has evolved 1ten-fold since we took over in 2008. Our first project was to give the furniture a more refined look, instead of being so “rustic”. Secondly, we re-designed all the furniture so it could be built using drawings and templates, as we were initially seeking supplier contracts with the Councils in our region. We then set about incorporating new designs that were adaptable to change by using steel and stainless steel fabricated fixtures.
Our staff. Andrew and Wayne are by far our best asset, as without them we have nothing. Being able to rely on one another to get each project completed is huge for a small business.
I N T E R I O R
What is your business’ greatest asset?
After about three years, we ventured heavily in indoor furniture, dining tables, dining chairs and bathroom products (i.e. vanities) as the market was looking for a locally handcrafted product of a higher quality than was being
How will you embrace change in 2018? We’ll be launching a new website that will be more mobile/tablet friendly and will also showcase our most recent projects, to keep prospective customers up to date and informed. We will also be introducing a strong social media presence to promote our business. This only comes from many hours of learning to understand how social media products work for you; it’s a big learning curve that us “oldies” have to master in order to stay in touch.
paul lyle
Paul Lyle
Marcus Phillips
L E D
Describe how you got started in your business? I did my electrical apprenticeship on the Gold Coast, before moving to the Coffs Coast. I worked for a few electrical contractors, project managing a number of larger domestic, commercial and industrial projects. In 2014 I went out on my own, establishing LED Lyle Electrical and Data, and haven’t looked back since. How has your business evolved since it began? The biggest editions to my business since starting are I employed an apprentice two years ago, who is now in his fourth year and the purchase of new vehicles and an excavator. Zac, my apprentice, has been a great edition to my business; he’s hard working and great with clients. Having the two of us, plus the use of subcontractors when required, ensures we
LY L E
E L E C T R I C A L
&
DATA
can manage larger scale projects and multiple projects at one time. The purchase of my excavator has made me more competitive and has open up other avenues of work, such as tight access excavation work, small slab cuts, footings, concrete and stump removal.
D E S I G N E R
As an Interior Designer, Marcus Phillips from Designer Living Kitchens has always maintained a focus on creating aesthetically pleasing, practical kitchen design by taking into account how it relates to the lifestyle of the owners. FOCUS grabbed a coffee with Marcus, to find out more about his professional background and current kitchen trends.
D
escribe how you got started Kitchen of the Year and some other awards in your business? After along the way has helped to guide the path to leaving school, I was accepted achievement. into Julian Asheton’s Art School What is your business’ greatest asset? at The Rocks in Sydney - I Word of mouth is by far the best thing, and it ended up owning and running starts accumulating with time as the business a theatre restaurant in Byron Bay and when I sold establishes itself in a particular area. it, moved back to Sydney and decided to put How do you measure success in business? By my interior design the number of happy hat on. I started with clients over the Impala Kitchens in years, some of which Sydney and ended Personally, we grow into are now my closest up becoming head a career as we gain more designer nationally friends. and more experience. (Melbourne, Sydney, How will you The initial training is just Brisbane). embrace change in a foundation to build on How has your 2018? There’s only to at the end of the day, career evolved since one certainty in life as there is nothing more it began? I guess the - and that is change valuable than experience advances have been will occur. built knowledge. through technology, What business with the leap forward leaders do you of design programs. It look up to? Locally wasn’t that long ago I would say Brian the industry drafted by hand on a drawing board. Hopwood, who literally started from scratch Personally, we grow into a career as we gain and built an excellent housing company. His more and more experience. The initial training customers are looked after and are always happy is just a foundation to build on to at the end of with the end result. In general, I look up to the day, as there is nothing more valuable than people who share their success e.g. Bill Gates, experience built knowledge. who from early on in his life swore to dedicate his What is your greatest achievement? Other fortune and his time to helping humanity. than my three daughters, winning outright
What is your business’ greatest asset? My attention to detail, knowledge, problem solving skills, delivery and client management (including cleaning up after a job) has ensured that clients use our services again and recommend them to others. With experience in a broad spectrum of the electrical trade, I provide services to all types of clients; from new homes and renovations, commercial and industrial buildings, industrial motors and control, to changing a powerpoint there isn't much we shy away from. Special CoffEdition s Coast focus focus 27 65
Craig Richardson & Adam Jones A N Y
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Describe how you got started in your business? Craig: I pretty much continued after I left school. I’ve always enjoyed music and enjoyed being behind the sound desk and tinkering with audio visual gear, so it was a natural progression. AJ: I worked for the “Big Boys” in A.V when I lived in Sydney and Brisbane, before settling down in Coffs Harbour 15 years ago.
Carl Bennett
D
M E R C E D E S
C O F F S
C O A S T
escribe how you got started staff; without great staff you have nothing. in your business? I am a We invest heavily on training programs for our baker pastry cook by trade. staff, so they reach their full potential; this is I moved to Coffs Harbour in not only in the sales department but across June 2006 and managed the the dealership, including parts and service. Plaza Car Wash for two years, which was How do you measure success in business? owned by the Blewitts. We have numerous tools we use to measure After this was sold, Todd approached me to success in the dealership, from targets see if I would like to sell cars - and I haven’t and goal setting to Customer Satisfaction looked back since. Surveys; these are How has your all effective tools business evolved since it began? In we use at the the 10 years I have dealership. In this day and age been involved in the I personally measure you need to be a multi dealership, we have success through my franchised dealership seen huge changes; customer referrals; offering more than one the days of being brand of vehicle, which giving a customer a stand alone Ford is what we have achieved a great experience dealer have gone. by adding Kia, Isuzu Ute when they purchase In this day and age and Mercedes-Benz to a vehicle from you, you need to be a our portfolio. then having them multi franchised dealership offering more than one brand of vehicle, which is what we have achieved by adding Kia, Isuzu Ute and Mercedes-Benz to our portfolio. What is your greatest achievement? While running the Isuzu Ute Franchise of the Business in 2014, we were crowned Australian Dealer of the Year - which was based on sales, service and customer satisfaction. What is your business’ greatest asset? Our greatest business asset would be our
66 Coffs Coast focus 28 Special Edition focus
refer their friends and family back to you gives me great satisfaction and also lets me know that I have exceeded their expectations. How will you embrace change in 2018? 2018 has been a year of change for me, as I recently accepted a promotion, stepping down as Isuzu Ute Sales Manager to become Mercedes-Benz Sales Manager. This has been fantastic, and I’m loving the challenge.
How has your business evolved since it began? We both started out as sole traders (Any Entertainment and Entertainment Sound and Lighting), and in 2012 we decided to merge the two businesses and form a company - Any Entertainment. From then, we have become the largest employer in the audio visual industry on the Mid North Coast and have the largest inventory of audio, vision and lighting systems.
What is your business’ greatest asset? It sounds cliché, but it’s true - our team. A good crew is hard to find, and we are proud to say that we have an exceptional team of both full and part-time employees who share our vision for the company and deliver that every day of the week to our clients. How do you measure success in business? I would say repeat customers. Many of our clients we have had for over 10 years and they keep welcoming us back, be it returning bands, or local venues. How will you embrace change in 2018? With open arms! We are always being asked by our clients to do new and exciting things. We are finding with the changes in technology we can deliver more exciting audio, visual and lighting solutions to more people.
Dean Bridgman S A W T E L L
D
escribe how you got started in your business? Sawtell Kitchen Centre began in 1982 as a small family business manufacturing kitchens. Since then, Sawtell Kitchen Centre has grown over time with the changing markets and trends; we have been manufacturing all of our own postform laminate benchtops in house for the last 25 years, and in recent times we have been producing some one-off custom pieces of furniture. How has your business evolved since it began? Sawtell Kitchen Centre started off as a small family run business and has continued to grow to become a much larger business, but still maintaining our small business values. As the new owners, we will still be a family owned and operated business. We are always updating to stay ahead of the curve; we
K I T C H E N
C E N T R E
are purchasing some new equipment and have almost completed a full renovation of our showroom to encase the products that we offer.
new kitchens, wardrobes etc.
What is your business’ greatest asset? My greatest assets would be my staff and my clients; happy staff translates to happy clients and at the end of the day, that is why I am in business. You get a great satisfaction knowing that your clients love everything you have done for them.
just been to AWISA in Sydney, which is
How do you measure success in business? Success in business is best measured by client satisfaction; if you are providing a service, you should be prepared to provide the best service available. Sawtell Kitchen Centre has a huge repeat business client base, which is a testament to the service we provide. We are seeing second and third generations of families coming in for
How will you embrace change in 2018? Staying on top of current market trends is always on my radar. We have the largest expo for cabinet makers in the Southern Hemisphere, and my team and I are ready to implement some of the new technologies and trends coming to Australia this year. What business leaders do you look up to? My mentor and good friend owns a few very successful mechanical workshops in Sydney; he has shown me the finer points in running a successful business, and I have been fortunate enough to experience this when I was working for him. John has worked
My greatest assets would be my staff and my clients; happy staff translates to happy clients and at the end of the day, that is why I am in business.
closely with some of the biggest names in retail, and I was lucky enough to receive training directly from him.
CoffEdition s Coast focus focus 29 67 Special
Barry Hockey B A R R Y
H O C K E Y
A C C O U N T I N G
It is hard to believe how quickly this year is going. If you prepare your own tax return, then you need to complete and lodge your tax return by 31 October. If you have not been to a tax agent before and would like your return completed by a professional, then you need to see them prior to 31 October. You should ensure that your tax professional is a registered tax agent. Do you have work related expenses, or you are a sole trader? Then check out the ATO App - myDeductions. This will make it easier and more convenient to keep your tax deductions and income records all in one, and it’s free. Simply download the ATO app to your smart device and choose whether you’d like to use as an individual, sole trader or both.
Then you can add deductions/ expenses, vehicle trips, income (if sole trader) and photos of your receipts. You’re now paperless. At Barry Hockey Accountants, we have a dedicated team to assist you. We not only specialise in taxation, but we have extensive background skills in finance and banking. Our firm is big enough to get the job done and small enough to care. Personal service and attention to detail is our business.
68 Coffs Coast focus 30 Special Edition focus
Luke Morris N E W
B R E E D M O V E M E N T & N U T R I T I O N
Robin Sutton R O B ’ S
S H E E T M E T A L
F A B R I C A T I O N
Describe how you got started in your business? I had been training in martial arts my whole life and whilst reaching adulthood, I had recognised that there was a large disconnect amongst our community’s understanding of our capabilities as humans. So, I began my journey in assisting young kids to reach their potential through Jiujitsu and martial arts, which has now evolved into a large variety of training methods, including Primal/Natural Fitness and Ninja Warrior Obstacles plus more.
I initially started out my apprenticeship at Bosco in Sydney,
How has your business evolved since it began? We have grown exponentially, as I believe people are realising that conventional fitness methods are largely limited in what they offer and are essentially adding more dysfunction to our existing dysfunction. Modern living is great .... but, it’s created a massive deficit in our physical and physiological health. Our unique coaching and services have been the key to re-establishing our glorious levels of real strength, fitness and wellbeing that has been lost. So the full growth of NB is still to come; we are only scratching the surface and intend to break it.
I worked for Bosco, where I’d done my time, and my old boss
What is your greatest achievement? I have personally been fortunate to have many great achievements in Professional MMA, winning multiple Australian Titles and travelling the world to train under the most elite coaches and champions, but also New Breed has simply had the greatest achievement of all: helping other humans live the life of a true warrior.
and do aluminium boat repairs, plus our custom work is our
getting taken to work on the back of a motorbike the day after I finished Year 10 by my father. As I worked through my apprenticeship, meeting my partner, Nicole and having children, I left Bosco and worked for other places, gaining a lot of knowledge and experience - and then I moved to Coffs at age 22.
sold me a couple of machines they no longer used. So with a few dollars in my pocket and some old machinery and being super keen, I started my own business. I found after a lot of blood, sweat and tears and sticking with it, I have succeeded. Now 20 years later, I have taken on my youngest son, as well as another tradesman. We are proud to supply the Coffs Coast with the biggest and best quality trailers, and we can fabricate in stainless steel speciality. I would like to thank everyone who has stuck with me, and I look forward to being of service to the Coffs community in the future.
HARDAKER
D
Aaron Hardaker is one of the most successful physiotherapists on the North Coast. FOCUS had a chat to him to find out more about what it’s like being one of the best.
escribe how you got started in your business? After spending a couple of years in each of the UK and Ireland working with Gaelic Football and Rugby, I decided it was time to warm up and see some sunshine again! I moved home to Coffs and quickly recognised a need for better access to quality healthcare services for the people of the Northern Beaches, so took the plunge and opened a physio practice in a small rented room just one day per week. With plenty of blood, sweat and tears, we’ve now grown to have four busy clinics across the Coffs Coast.
Southern Cross University
healthier and happier. What is your business’ greatest asset? I wholeheartedly believe our people are our greatest asset. We’ve got such a mix of ages, experience, knowledge, personalities and interests within the team - it makes it such a vibrant culture and one I love working in every day. I’m really passionate about supporting education and personal growth within the team, to ensure the experience you have when you come to see us as a client is outstanding.
How do you measure success in business? In our industry, success is usually measured by clinical outcomes; How has your business evolved namely, whether your injury has improved since it began? The change has been or not. While dramatic, driven this is significant, by continuous I’m much more improvement, interested in innovation and I wholeheartedly believe whether you a desire to keep our people are our choose to return up with the latest greatest asset. We’ve to us for other research and best got such a mix of ages, issues, whether practice models. experience, knowledge, you recommend We’ve gone from personalities and us to your family me being the interests within the and friends, and sole therapist team it makes it such a you were satisfied and receptionist, with the service you vibrant culture and one I bookkeeper, received from our love working in every day. cleaner and team. These are everything in between, to a team the key measures of almost 20 with of success for us, a diverse range of and the things that skills and knowledge who are focused on have driven our growth over the years. In the achieving the best outcomes for our clients. past 12 months we have completed almost I came to the realisation some time ago 15,000 consultations, with a lot of those that working as a standalone physio would being for returning clients, whom we love not provide the best results for our clients. helping. From this, I set about developing a more How will you embrace change in 2018? collaborative approach to healthcare, with Continuous improvement and innovation a team of exercise physiologists, dietitians, is part of the fabric of MNC Physio. We massage therapists, Pilates and yoga have already added new staff, new services instructors, personal trainers and weight loss and new technology to our business in the coaches, backed by a great admin team. first half of this year and intend on doing What is your greatest achievement? My more of the same throughout the year. greatest achievement by far is being lucky We are finalising some exciting plans to enough to be married to a loving, supportive better meet the needs of clients undergoing wife and being a dad to three beautiful cancer treatment, as well as developing children - this is far more important than anything I’ve ever done in business. From a some specialised chronic pain management business perspective, I’m hugely proud of services to meet the growing need in the the team we have developed, the values we community. Keep your eye out for news on stand by and the genuine buzz we get from these great new developments as they roll helping lots of people on the Coffs Coast be out.
How has your business evolved since it began? Our gym started as a student and staff only facility in 2008. It was solely focused on servicing the CHEC campus and was opened sporadically throughout the week to facilitate “peak time” usage. Our business over the last two years has moved toward a totally inclusive model, where all our Coffs Harbour community are welcome. We now have consistent and predictable open times and have cemented our niche in the market as the most unintimidating gym in Coffs Harbour. The addition of Fitness Passport has also been a great advancement for our business model.
What is your business’ greatest asset? Our staff. We take great care with our recruitment strategies and would prefer to go back to market to find the right fit, rather than simply take the strongest applicant. Given we are positioned as the most unintimidating gym in Coffs, it is important that our staff understand and can relate with customers who are first time trainers, or have been a long time absent from exercise. How do you measure success in business? Customer satisfaction. Our business has made a few transformations over the last 10 years, and I think we finally know who we are and what we stand for. We are clearly the most affordable gym in Coffs Harbour, and we take great care of our people.
CoffsEdition Coast focus Special focus 69 31
Luke Tweddle H O U S T O N
C O N S T R U C T I O N S
Describe how you got started in your business? I have been in the building industry since I was 17. Fresh out of school, I was straight into a carpentry apprenticeship, more recently followed by achieving my building licence, which enabled my wife, Tara, and I to be able to purchase Houston Constructions from the original long standing owners, David and Helen Houston. How has your business evolved since it began? The residential and commercial growth
What is your greatest achievement? We recently completed our biggest home renovation in Macauley’s Headland Drive. It was a massive learning curve, but the final product that we were able to produce for our customers was very satisfying. It was a proud moment for myself and all of the tradespeople who work with us. What is your business’ greatest asset? My chippies and my tradespeople. Without all of these people working together as a team, my business wouldn’t be where it is today.
years is ridiculous! Since taking over Houston
How do you measure success in business? The happiness of our customers!
Constructions, there have certainly been a few
How will you embrace change in 2018?
stressful moments, but that’s part and parcel
It’s always best to be on the forefront for the ever changing building industry. Listening, keeping an open mind and gaining knowledge will enable me to produce better products.
Coffs Harbour has seen in the past couple of
of small business. It has certainly grown a lot bigger and more quickly than we ever thought it would.
70 Coffs Coast focus 32 Special Edition focus
Nigel Tweddle T W E D D L E ’ S
Describe how you got started in your business? I was originally a chef and picked up a second job as a labourer, dragging branches to the chipper and learning chainsaw and knot skills. I gave climbing a go, and the passion grew from there. How has your business evolved since it began? I started doing little jobs for friends and family, over the weekend or after work. Then I got busier and left both my jobs to run Tweddle’s Trees. What is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement would be completing my Certificate 3 in Arboriculture. I really enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot at TAFE. What is your business’ greatest asset?
T R E E S
My business’ greatest asset would be my employees, especially my offsider, Kristian Donkin. His knowledge and skill complements mine; we work really well together. How will you embrace change in 2018? Change in 2018 will be the acquisition of large machinery. This will help with our jobs’ efficiency and also to save our backs a bit more! What business leaders do you look up to? I look up to my dad, Nick, and stepdad Mark Aprilovic. Dad’s hard work ethic and people skills, along with Mark’s, who started with nothing and founded Cronulla’s first surf shop and long running surf school. They really inspire me.
Snell & Egan P A I N T I N G
P R O F E S S I O N A L S
D
escribe how you got started in your business? Mark Snell & Peter Egan Painting Professionals Pty Ltd has been in business for the past three and a half years. Prior to this we have both had many years’ experience in the painting trade. Mark Snell had Coffs City Painting Professionals for 15 years, a well established business servicing the Coffs Coast, until he sold and moved interstate. Mark returned to his home-town of Sawtell in 2014. Peter Egan completed his apprenticeship with Mark at Coffs City Painting back in 2004; he then travelled and painted around Australia, before moving to Urunga. It was winning combination; we reconnected when we both came back to the Coffs Coast and decided once again to join forces to create our current business. How has your business evolved since it
began? Starting with just the two of us, the business has now evolved to employ seven staff.
Carpark and domestic homes.
What is your business’ greatest asset? Our loyal clients, to whom we deliver top quality work Having had so many years’ experience in the on time and within budget; this has resulted Coffs Harbour region, servicing government, in repeat business commercial, for us and many insurance, builders recommendations for and domestic clients, Having had so many years’ more work. word of mouth quickly spread - and our painting services have been in hot demand!
experience in the Coffs Harbour region, servicing government, commercial, insurance, builders and domestic clients, word of mouth quickly spread - and our painting services have been in hot demand!
We have also been doing more project management of large commercial repaints, coordinating various trades. Some recent projects we have completed include the repaint of Toormina Medical Centre, Opal Aged Care facility at the Lakes, Rigby House, Council Chambers, Park Ave
Of course, without our team of very experienced tradesmen, who are as equally passionate about painting and committed as we are, we could not deliver the high standard of work we do. As a team we are committed to training our next generation of tradespeople and supporting our apprentices. We would also like to acknowledge that behind
every great man is a greater woman! Our wives have been instrumental in our business success throughout the years. What is your greatest achievement? Creating a family owned business that carries our family values to both our clients and employees. Mark’s son, Isaac has been learning the ropes for the past six years, ready for the time when Mark will retire, then he and Peter will continue the business on. How do you measure success in business? Happy clients who want to give you repeat business and recommend your services. This has realised immense growth for us over the past three years, in our client base and number of employees. This means we are increasing employment and economic growth in our local region, which is a win for us. Especially as a business working on large scale projects, it is important to keep big contracts for local businesses, rather than importing crews from the bigger cities.
CoffEdition s Coastfocus focus 33 71 Special
Sam Phillips
Kieren Dell M A J E S T I C
C I N E M A S
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We are constantly expanding our operations to provide more content to more people, including redeveloping Port Macquarie less than five years ago to five screens, re-opening Sawtell Cinema in late 2015 and building a new four screen cinema in Kempsey, slated for mid 2019. What excites you most about doing business here? The Mid North Coast is a vibrant, diverse and growing region, and we enjoy engaging with all parts of the community for shared big screen experiences. And of course, it is a beautiful part of the world to live and work in! Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? We are looking seriously at how we can further reduce waste; in particular, the use of plastic across our business, on top of the pre-existing recycling programs which operate at our complexes. Also, we have recently converted our Nambucca Heads cinema and head office to solar power, with Port Macquarie to follow soon. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Finalising an agreement to bring a beautiful new full-service cinema to the people of the Macleay Valley in 2019. And, diversifying the content that we show our patrons, to keep them engaged, including an increasing number of community-led screenings, plus corporate and fundraiser events. We’ve devoted more of our resources to handling events across our business.
Local entrepreneur Sam Phillips has a long list of achievements. FOCUS caught up with Sam to learn about his latest plans ...
W
hat is your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is becoming the person I've grown up to be. I have learned a lot in the past few years, which
It's all been great fun. Some losses, some wins, some sunny, some not so sunny (ha ha). But one thing I can tell you: I'm only just getting started. Watch this space! How do you measure success in business? Creating an event, building the HYPE
has helped me me grow professionally.
Getting 3,500 people to my first music festival (Banana Field) was an overwhelming experience. My main goal was creating an event and seeing everyone enjoying their time safely. Now it's turned into a business for ages 12 - 99.
of the event, selling tickets to the
The plan is to work smarter, not harder. I have BIG plans for Violet Vibes Music Festival, happening December 22nd at the Coffs Harbour Showground.
I have hosted many events over
our family run business, The Coffs Hotel; running and coordinating Banana Field; Shore Club Sessions; The Jetty
How will you embrace change in 2018? The plan is to work smarter, not harder. I have BIG plans for Violet Vibes Music Festival, happening December 22nd at the Coffs Harbour Showground. This will be my biggest project to
the years: planning and executing events on a regular basis at
event.
date, which I'm really excited about because the line up is unreal. What business leaders do you look up to?
Food & Wine Festival; Violet Vibes Music Festival; and the
My mum and Graeme Diffy.
most recent SOLD OUT HYPE Under 18s Indoor Festival.
Thanks Sam.
72 Special Coffs Coast focus 34 Edition focus
Simon O’Dell E A G L E
D
escribe how you got started in your business? After working for one of the big four insurers, I was inspired to leave to represent the insurance
consumer as an advisor. After six years working for a local brokerage, I moved to Sydney to study, work for a mid-tier broking house, learn how the advisory craft was performed in other markets, and learn how the entire insurance value chain functioned. With this knowledge
I N S U R A N C E
B R O K E R S
centric, values based and informed. Since beginning this business I have co-founded Insurtech Australia, a member association that represents Australia’s insurtech companies. What is an insurtech? Thanks to an army of start-up tech entrepreneurs, armed with the latest in technology and customer-centric value creation tools, the insurance industry is undergoing its biggest transformation in >100 years.
collective servicing style could be described
“Insurtech” is the term used to describe the type of company that these entrepreneurs form to deliver this change. Insurtechs are the vehicle via which the insurance industry will embed the principles of transparency and trust back into their products and services. Insurtech Australia helps Australia’s leading insurance firms with their digital transformation strategies. Eagle’s proposition has been endorsed by Insurtech Australia.
as genuine, honest, connected, customer-
What is your greatest achievement?
and perspective, I launched Eagle Coffs. How has your business evolved since it began? Our business is small, though growing quickly. Trisha Herraman, our leading advisor, has a similar ethos to the one that started my insurance journey i.e. ensuring that insurance consumers are informed, covered, and achieve what they are entitled to. Our
Outside of Amy, my fiancé and our daughter Marli, I’d say co-founding and leading Insurtech Australia. I was once frustrated at the lack of willingness of the industry to innovate. I am now a go-to resource for Australia’s industry leaders to aid their digital transformation strategies. What is your business’ greatest asset? Trisha - in addition to her technical abilities, she has a sound character; her values are aligned to principles, and consequently she is very effective and interdependent. How do you measure success in business? In our business - there exists a correlation between our performance and the number of referrals our clients send us. As such, we use the number of client referrals as a measure of our success. In any business - the ability to create market leading value in alignment with one’s chosen consumers’ needs and values, whilst
upholding the value of sustainability i.e. not compromising the environment in which one operates for the sake of shareholder value creation. How will you embrace change in 2018/19? The most pertinent change that will impact our ability to create value for our clients is shortterm economic cycles that influence insurance pricing, and technology. We will deploy various strategies to optimise the impact of these factors, including creating a heightened sense of competition amongst insurance players to apply maximum downward pressure on premiums, and continue to trial and implement various insurtech products and services. What business leaders do you look up to? Brenton Charnley - Chairman of Insurtech Australia and CCO of Cover Genius. Daniel Fogarty - CEO and Founder of Evari and Board Member ANZIIF. Prue Willsford - CEO of ANZIIF.
Coffs Coast focus focus 35 73 Special Edition
focusinterview
Business Minds with Sam Wardman of CornerPost Creative
MARK S A V I C Criminal Lawyer
T
ell us what your connection to the Coffs Coast is? I purchased a holiday home in Red Rock 14 years ago. This has become my permanent home over the years, as I have come to love the environment here. My three children love to fish, camp and dive, so this is just heaven. How did you come to pursue a career in law? I left school when I was 18 and left home that same year to travel around Australia for a couple of years. During that time, I spent a lot of time in very remote places in predominantly Aboriginal populations. I worked doing bouncing (security work) in pubs such as the Roebuck Hotel in Broome and the Spinifex Hotel in Derby. These places are gentrified now, but were blood baths back then. I experienced many people who were being used and abused in their own country and learned that those in power often exploit those without it. My interest in the law was borne of altruism. After my couple of years of adventure, I worked as a private investigator (commercial mercantile agent) for an organisation doing repossessions and document servicing, where I saw first-hand how those without power are exploited by those with it. By the time I was 23, I had decided to study law. I studied at Bond University while working three jobs part-time, so it took me a bit longer than most. I graduated in 1994. Where have you worked in your career to date? In the 24 years since my graduation, I have worked in the law for about 12 years. Outside of that, I have worked in education, hospitality, film and magazine production and project management. The most marked thing about my legal career is how much I have learned about people. I have met so many interesting people who have found themselves in trouble through 36 Coffs Special Edition focus 74 Coast focus
a unique set of circumstances. I have come to accept that most of us could be in the same trouble, given the right set of circumstances. It is true that I have encountered people who could only be described as evil, but fortunately they are a rare breed. I am usually dealing with “normal” people in “abnormal circumstances”. Most recently, I have been working for Aboriginal people. I had the good fortune to work with the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Cairns a couple of years ago. To represent Aboriginal people from country who are very connected to language and culture was a great privilege. My entire working life has been an amazing journey. The journey of learning continues, and it excites me. As I get older, I am starting to feel like I am transitioning into more of a mentoring/ teaching role, which feels very natural to me. You recently started your own legal practice; tell us a little about this? I have started Mark Savic Legal so that I can service my clients, without having to deal with the bureaucracy of a large organisation. Having my own firm enables me to dedicate resources to my clients, rather than organisational compliance. My oldest son is planning to study law as well, so an opportunity for us to work together was also a driver. My new business can be accessed on the web at www.marksaviclegal.com.au What’s your approach to client service? Make it personal. I like the fact that my clients speak directly with me. This is also an issue of accessibility. There are many firms where your first point of contact will be a secretary or personal assistant to the lawyer. Matters are often subject to triage through this third party, and the client rarely receives any advice until they have paid money in to trust. Working on my own, I am able to establish a rapport with my clients more easily and I am able to give them some simple advice directly. One of the most important things is that I am
have been able to live able to give clients a fixed I have met so many price for service. I am also a life of freedom in Red interesting people who able to apply for legal aid Rock, which is slowly have found themselves in on behalf of clients. trouble through a unique disappearing in many What tools are set of circumstances. I have places. Perhaps the you using to build come to accept that most of us biggest reason is that awareness of your new could be in the same trouble, given I feel that this part of practice? the right set of circumstances. Australia loves me. I am My primary tool is my embraced by it every day. website. I am working Tell us something on Search Engine funny, Mark ... Optimisation to ensure I had an older female Aboriginal client in my website is ranking well for user searches, the cells one morning. She had been arrested and I am just starting to see results. I am also and charged with Public Nuisance. She had using “keep it handy” style business cards, which I am distributing in a variety of ways. also been detained on several warrants as a When you’re not in court, what do you like result of not appearing in court. The interview to do in your spare time? is conducted with each of us on the opposite I like to be in the natural environment. I scuba sides of a thick piece of Perspex, so you have dive, free dive, spearfish, skydive, and ride my to shout a bit. This was the first time I had met skateboard too when I forget how old I am this lady. I started to ask her some questions, to (51). I also love to cook and arrange flowers. which she had no answer - just a perplexed look Both bring warmth into my home. I am very on her face. fortunate that my three sons have developed I confidently identified signs of hearing loss, a love for all of the things I like to do, so I which is common among Aboriginal people. I am often in their awesome company having very slowly and deliberately mouthed, “Are you another adventure. Do you have a mentor; if so, who and why? deaf?”, which she immediately affirmed. No Yes, I do. Mr Collin Greatorix and Mr Sunil Dutt are my mentors. Both of these men are very experienced criminal lawyers from whom I have learned the value of humility, the dangers of ego and the love and care for those less fortunate than myself. They also help me with the application of the law and with ethical issues. Having mentors is critical to my wellbeing and continued development as a criminal lawyer. Why do you love the Coffs Coast? I just love the Coffs Coast. It has the best climate, wildlife, hinterland, water, air and overall abundance of life and opportunities. I have met some amazing people here who have become lifelong friends. My children
problem. I needed to seek an adjournment to arrange an Auslan interpreter. She was brought into the dock before the magistrate, where I confidently announced that my client was deaf, and that she should be released on bail immediately. The Magistrate said to my client in a normal voice, “How are Jim and the boys, Wendy?” to which she replied, “They all good”... The Magistrate turned to me saying, “That is how deaf your client is, Mr Savic.” There was much laughter. The court security officer then handed me a note; client pretends to be deaf when not wanting to talk. Thanks Mark.
The Right START. Research evidence supports what we have always assumed, that a person’s life successes, health and emotional wellbeing have their roots in early childhood. We know that if we get it right in the early years, we can expect to see children thrive throughout school and their adult lives.
celebrating 25 years
T
he impact of the genetic makeup of a child together with the environmental influence in childhood development is well known. The fact is, however, we can’t yet greatly alter the genetic makeup of our prodigy, but we can create nurturing environments for them. The quality of a child’s earliest environments and the availability of appropriate experiences at the right stages of development are crucial determinants of the way each child’s brain architecture develops. Caring and supportive environments that promote optimal early childhood development greatly increase children’s chances of a successful transition to school. This, in turn, promotes children’s chances of achieving better learning outcomes while at school and better education, employment and health after they have finished school. Research has identified four ways that you can make a big difference to your child’s learning. The first is to have regular conversations with your children using your “adult voice” and using language that the children will understand and learn from. It is through these conversations that the children will build their knowledge of sentence structure, tone and also learning from your facial expressions about the importance of active listening skills.
Will your child be...
But first, let’s get them ‘School Prepared’ School readiness programs will run during Term 3 for children starting at any school in 2019. This is open to any child on the Coffs Coast. Please email enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au to register your child.
Enrolling Now 2019 Kindy to Year 12 LIMITED places available in some year groups
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au Tel (02) 6651 5644
RT EW ENERA T I ON S TA O F A N G
111 North Boambee Rd, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
The second tip is the importance of setting positive expectations about the need to persevere when they don’t succeed immediately. This will teach them grit and determination, which are essential foundations of the learning process. The third tip is not a surprise. Read to your children daily. This is essential. They will see the importance of reading if it is habitual. They will engage in the reading earlier, and they will read more often. The written word is the basis of the school educational experience, so developing early reading skills or even pre-reading skills is essential. The final tip is about developing positive partnerships with your child’s preschool teachers and classroom teachers. This partnership is key to being able to support your child in their learning journey. The last part of this article is about selecting the right school for your child. I have worked in schools in three states and across public and independent education for almost 30 years, and finding the right match is important. Here are my tips for finding the right school. Visit the school. Even a short visit will help you identify a school’s strengths and challenges. It’s also the only way to get a feel for a school’s climate - intangible but important factors like the
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
dynamism of the teaching, engagement of the students, quality of communication and respect between students, teachers, support staff, and parents, and the overall sense that the school offers a safe and inspiring learning environment. Here is list of questions to ask the school Principal or Head of School during a Principal’s tour and why you should ask them. Does this school have a particular educational philosophy or mission? (Do these values align with my family’s values?) What is the professional learning priority for your teachers at present? (Teachers need to be agile learners themselves - this shows that the school is dynamic.) What is this school’s approach to student discipline and safety? (Bullying is a huge issue nationally, so this is an important question.) What is the school’s educational data like? Are you improving the learning experience? (Look for NAPLAN data, as well as student academic growth data.) How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school? (Is the school BYOT, or do they provide the technology? Is it used effectively? Is it used enough, or too much for you?) How do The Arts fit into the curriculum? (Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A drama program? Art classes? Is this important to you or your child?) What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, competitions, travel opportunities) are available for students? (Are these features important to you?) How does the school support the highly talented student? (Is high performance recognised and supported?) What are the STEM opportunities for the students? (Is the STEM program in every year level, or as a club? Is this important to you?) How does this school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties? (What support does the school have for students who learn differently? One in five students need some sort of intervention in their learning. Is this important to you?) Does the school offer Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PE) classes? (Obesity and mental health issues are huge issues for adolescents nationally. What programs does the school have to support appropriate development?) What are some of the school’s greatest accomplishments? What are some of the biggest challenges this school faces? (Do you want to be part of this culture?) Special Edition Coffs Coast focus 37 75
a special focus feature
38 Special 46 Manning-Great Edition focus Lakes focus
Craig Mason E A S T C O A S T
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Greg Hill FORSTER TUNCURRY AWNINGS & BLINDS
Billy Hughes H U N T E R
E A S T
C O A S T
4 X 4
T U N C U R R Y
In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? Technology and photography go hand in hand. Cameras are evolving very regularly these days, along with the brand I use, Fuji, firmware updates are regular, keeping the brand updated with latest trends and features. Software and apps I’m using make everyday chores easier and more at hand.
In the past 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? At the last Luxaflex Showcase Conference we picked up some hard-earned awards, one for the Highest Sales of Roller Blinds and another for the Highest Growth business-wise. This was the second year in a row that we have received these awards, and we are always grateful for our customers who return to us time and time again.
In terms of technology, how do you see your
In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? The end of the year means our local (Hunter region) Housing Industry Association Awards photography is due. Being only one of three recommended photographers in this large region is comforting, acknowledging my standards within the industry.
We strive to supply quality product with excellent service and after sales service as well.
The internet has a huge impact on small business, with
FTAB has been operating in the region since 1982 as a family owned business, started by my father and then when he retired in 2002, Geoff Jeffries and I took on the business. On the 30th June this year, Geoff retired.
have no point of contact if something goes wrong or if
Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent that ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? The printing of documents is less and less, and powerful and efficent computers, like my Surface Pro, enable long use between charges and keeping my business at my hand when needed.
I was sad to see him finish, as we have worked together for so long, but I am excited to take the business in a new direction. We are incorporating curtains into our range of products; this is an area of our business that we have wanted to incorporate for a while, and we are glad to be able to offer a full range of window treatments.
notable accomplishments?
I make use of cloud platforms for current images files, along with maintaining my yearly taxation/accounting information using a paperless system - easy for me and much easier come tax time (gone are the days of shoe box receipts ha ha!)
Over the next few months, we are also doing a bit of a rebrand and renovation to update and refresh the showroom. The logo might change, the showroom will look different, but you will still receive the same products and the same service that we have always given.
The growth of our Mid Coast area as a whole is exciting
business changing? Technology is ever changing in the 4x4 market. We work with our suppliers constantly to offer the best face to face service, as well as stay on top of trends such as Facebook, Instagram and E-Commerce sites. people buying more and more online; the issue is they they have an issue with an item or service. That’s the reason I keep it local when I can. In the last 12 months, what have been your most The last 12 months as an entirety has felt like an accomplishment, with the addition of our Tuncurry workshop. Everything is up and running now, and we can work on future growth. and a big interest of mine. I hope to see the local Council working harder for small local business and facilitate incentives to get our area thriving.
Manning-Great Special Edition Lakes focus focus 39 47
David Bartush E A S T E R N
T O U R
In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? Having only established our company in August 2017, the past 12 months have been a very busy and productive period for Eastern Tour Services. We have now set up variety of affiliated accommodation providers on Lord Howe Island catering for all budgets, installed a new online booking system, partnered with a variety of travel agents to promote our products and delivered twice weekly scheduled flights to Lord Howe Island. What excites you most about doing business here? The Mid North Coast is a dynamic area, with a diversity of tourism related business and a very healthy growth pattern. Port Macquarie, in particular, is well situated as the departure point for not only Lord Howe Island, but outback adventure tourism. The most
S E R V I C E S
exciting thing will be to see Port Macquarie as a major destination for both domestic and international visitors. How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Our primary focus has been to promote our region as a destination, not just a stopover to elsewhere for both domestic and international visitors. We promote Port Macquarie as The Gateway To… We are expanding our network of affiliated travel agents and inbound agents to promote our accommodation/flight packages on Lord Howe Island, as well as our small bespoke group only one day tours to Lord Howe Island and the opal capital of the world, Lightning Ridge, with more day tours to follow. All our packaged tours will include, as an optional addition, local tours/attractions and accommodation in Port Macquarie as well.
Nathan Johnson K I N E T I C
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region? Here at Kinetic Medicine, the major project currently is moving into our own premises in Taree on the corner of Wynter and Pulteney Streets. This has been ongoing for several months and will become the major base for our clinics when completed in the next few weeks. With the growth within the region, being in close proximity to the hospital and medical centres within Taree will help bring services to those who need it. In addition to the Taree clinic, we are already established in Forster, Wingham, Gloucester and Harrington to bring our services to those who need it. We all know how frustrating travelling large distances for appointments can be at times, so this means less travel for appointments and greater opportunity for regular contact with our clinicians. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? Technology not only helps us behind the scenes with things such as record keeping and practice software, but also the new exercise equipment on the market. There are a lot of new and innovative machines out there to help people get the health outcomes they need and as these come on to the market, don’t be surprised to see a few in the clinic. An example of one such machine is an anti-gravity treadmill, which is a treadmill that allows us to alter gravitational forces. Basically, we can adjust
M E D I C I N E
your body weight, so you can move freely to help your rehabilitation. They are pretty cool. What excites you most about doing business here? I would definitely have to say it’s the people who make doing business here both exciting and rewarding. Working across several locations, you get to interact with all sorts of sub sections of the population - people you may never have the chance to ordinarily meet. Being close to the beach isn’t too bad either. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? In the last 12 months there have been a lot of what some may perceive as little accomplishments, but to the people involved they are notable. Helping someone who couldn’t walk more than 100 m without knee pain go on a holiday with plenty of walking without pain, or helping another lose weight so they could look good at their daughter’s wedding. To me, these are notable accomplishments. I’ve also started playing Rugby Union, having only played AFL and soccer previously. Being environmentally conscious is more prevalent than ever. How is your business embracing this major shift in mindset? Helping the environment in small steps adds up. Here all our records are paperless, with the paper shredded and recycled after its scanned.
It’s not ‘just’ your age Pain is no joke. Countless lives are cruelled by disabling pain – don’t take it lying down. At Kinetic Medicine we use exercise as medicine to harness your own body’s power to overcome ill health.
www.kineticmedicine.com.au
02 6557 7479
Get Better | Stay Better| Live Better 40 Manning-Great 48 Special Edition focus Lakes focus
Dr. Darin Ballard
H
T A R E E
ow is your business planning for the future growth of our region? We’ve recently relocated to new practices in both Taree aand nd Port Macquarie, which were designed to cater for population growth and also the number of dentists in the region that are now referring their patients to us for specialist orthodontic treatment. We also continue to build our team, with twenty employees currently operating from our clinics. Right now we’re actually looking for someone to join our team of dental assistants. In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing? The rapidly changing environment that comes with advancements in technology remains our greatest challenge and impacts all aspects of our business from business and patient management systems through to highly specialised
O R T H O D O N T I C S
dental and orthodontic techniques. We pride ourselves on innovation and are always looking to be leaders in the service we provide our patients, so we know we must remain ever vigilant for areas to improve, and inevitably this will involve technology. This presents unique challenges being in a regional area, where our patients are entitled to expect the same quality of care as if they were in a metropolitan centre, and we want to ensure they are not disadvantaged because of where we live. What excites you most about doing business here? Definitely the people. Taree Orthodontics is our business name, because the people who deliver our service come from here and we only exist with the support of the patients and their families from our community. We are a part of the region and are proud to participate and contribute in ways that are consistent with the values
of our business and team members. Orthodontic treatment is also typically a two year process, so we get to know our patients quite well during this time. We enjoy being a part of their lives that is life changing and a memory that will be discussed and shared for years to come. In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments? We’re lucky enough to be in an environment where the team are witness to their accomplishments every day. Our new practice in Port Macquarie was also a big achievement, and we are really proud to have built it using local providers. Overall, 88% of the project funds were spent within the local economy, with only specialist equipment sourced elsewhere. Each year the team also run a charity ball and sponsorship campaign for their entry into the City to Surf, and so far have already raised over $22,000 for the Heart Foundation.
Manning-Great Special Edition Lakes focus focus 49 41
focusinterview.
W
Joshua AR
T
HO
US
E
M
ED
IA
Sgarano
Portraiture requires a special skill, A FAR-SEEING EYE, AND AN ABILITY TO SEE THE BEAUTY IN EVERYONE AT A GIVEN MOMENT - AND THESE ARE TALENTS Joshua Sgarano has in abundance. Remember FOCUS’ magic cover shot last month, promoting the NAIDOC Indigenous Fashion Show in Taree?
42 Special Edition focus
e knew we had to see more of Joshua’s work after he provided us with this image! Read on to get an insight into his creative mind … Hi Joshua. What’s your connection to the Manning-Great Lakes area... and why do you choose to call it home? Hi Jo. I’m Joshua Sgarano - age 26. I was born in Sydney and raised in Taree. Having discharged from The Royal Australian Air Force, I have worked on some incredible systems and lived in some amazing locations abroad. I currently work for North Coast TAFE Taree, manage my business Art House Media and get involved in community events, festivals etc. The people are why I call it home. My family embarked on the move from Sydney to Taree when I was two years old; as you can imagine, I have made lifelong friendships with the people here. What/who initially sparked your interest in photography? I first became interested in photography while walking the heritage-listed streets of North Adelaide, SA. Popular for their many well-known restaurants, it’s a truly unforgettable precinct that any photographer would fall in love with. My grandfather, Kevin Hunt was also a big reason. Back when we used film, he would take me into his dark room and show me the process. He must also have the most elaborate camera collection the world has seen, and there’s something beautiful about those old cameras. Portraiture was where I lost myself though - the uniqueness, individuality and for the most, the story telling. I became obsessed with the German filmmaker and photographer Peter Lindbergh’s works - recognised as one of the most influential contemporary
focusinterview.
photographers, his works are showcased who doesn’t like those vintage polaroid regularly in Vogue. shots! Share some details about your business, What’s something you know about Art House Media. What does it specialise photography now, that you wish you’d in? known when you first started working Art House Media was birthed from a need behind the lens? for art to be recognised and valued in society. Perfection TAKES TIME! Ha ha! People As a man of practicality, I believe the best overestimate what they can do in a year and way to prove the value of something is to underestimate what they can do in three show people how much value it can add to years. their lives. What’s a photo you’ve taken recently Art House Media is the vehicle to bring a that you’re especially happy with - and positive change to the community at large, why do you like it? through inspiring our youth to be something The image on this page from a recent more and empowering them to lead the next wedding at the Gold Coast, QLD. It embodies generation. both my love for fashion photography and Last year we ran the campaign IDENTITY, wedding photography in the one image. which involved finding members of the What direction would you like to see community from different walks of life and your photography and your business telling their story with videography and head in over the next year or so? portraiture. I’d like to see Art House Media recognised This year, our campaign is BE nationally for its editorial, wedding and large UNFORGETTABLE, and that translates across scale festival work. to all our services. Where can we see more of your work, or We specialise in wedding photography contact you? and videography, fine art portraiture, You can find more of my work at: fashion photography, Web: arthousemedia.net large scale festival Facebook: facebook.com/ photography arthousemedia.net/ and videography, Instagram: Instagram. advertisement com/art_house_media/ I love telling other people’s stories videography, artist Contact me via: through portraiture. I’ve found branding and content Phone: 0413 205 507 we all embody alternate creation, and the visual Email: sales@ personas; we all have story telling needed arthousemedi.net masks we hide behind. To to create artist music Thanks Joshua. me, portraiture is about breaking videos. down these constructs and For more, check out capturing someone as they are in the links to our other the rawness of their beauty. platforms below. What is your ethos or mission when it comes to photography? Photography, to me, is more than a memory; it extends beyond the outward appearance. It is the art of life and simplicity of observing the happening. There is no beauty without truth. Our mission is to create a bubble where people can experience real love, acceptance and joy … Even if it is only for a moment. A moment can change everything. What subjects do you most like to photograph ... and why? I’m a people person. I love telling other people’s stories through portraiture. I’ve found we all embody alternate personas; we all have masks we hide behind. To me, portraiture is about breaking down these constructs and capturing someone as they are in the rawness of their beauty. Honestly, that’s why I enjoy it so much! There’s nowhere to hide - only truth. What are the most used items in your full camera kit? My Sony A7Rii, Sony G Master 2.8/24-70 Lens, Phantom 4 Pro Plus Drone, Godox TT685 Strobes, Zoom H6 Field Recorder and my Polaroid 600 Business Edition - because
This image is from a recent wedding at the Gold Coast, QLD. It embodies both
my love for fashion photography and wedding photography in the one image.
Special Edition focus 43
Mike Parsons P R O F E S S I O N A L S
Jonathon Tickle
H A R R I N G T O N
Y O U R
H E R I T A G E
F I N A N C I A L
P L A N N I N G
Mike and Joan Parsons are the Directors of Professionals Harrington.
escaping to the tranquillity of the ocean at Crowdy Bay and Saltwater Point.
How is your business planning for the future growth of our region?
People of the more mature generation gain
Mike has had a lifelong career in senior management in sales, has transferred that experience to real estate and is the Licensee and Licensed Auctioneer, adding to the expertise already in the office.
Mike adds …
While meeting the needs of the younger generation with insurance, superannuation and home loan assistance, most of our clients are retirees, and that demographic is where the region’s growth lies.
the younger generation tend to gain a sense
Mike has been involved with the Manning community in sporting administration, community events and organisations and believes in the culture of participating and giving back to the community.
“We are located in a high traffic shopping village, open seven days, with many sea/tree changers visiting our office - giving your home maximum exposure and an even broader market to potential purchasers of your property.
Currently Chairman of Football (soccer) Mid North Coast and recently invited to join the executive of the Harrington Chamber of Commerce, there appears to be no rest for his passion for local involvement.
With four agents plus property management and administration staff at your service, our office continues to set sales records.”
ensures Centrelink and tax effectiveness for long term retirement income goals.
It is exciting and humbling to be
We also consider estate planning and aged care assistance and strategy.
In the last 12 months, what have been your
In terms of technology, how do you see your business changing?
Financial planning and banking has come under
In his spare time, Mike loves spending time with his grandchildren and surfing with friends,
“We sell and manage homes in all surrounding areas of the Manning Valley. We have extensive expertise in social media and digital marketing, as well as traditional methods.“
Mike looks forward to meeting you and having a chat about your needs, offering you good oldfashioned service and a genuine passion to get you the best results.
Harrington
YOUR SALES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS
CONTACT MIKE AND THE TEAM TODAY E mike@professionalsharrington.com.au
P 02 6556 0188
Shop 10 1-7 Caledonia Street, Harrington NSW 2427 Open 7 days professionalsharrington.com.au 44 Special 50 Manning-Great Edition focus Lakes focus
confidence from recommendation of others, but of feel, confidence and form opinions more on research via web searches. The legal requirements for issuing compliant
and quality advice means that having robust In response, we have established a separate systems and ever evolving technology support is part of the business a must. called Mid North Coast What excites you most Pension and Aged about doing business Care Solutions, that The area as a place to here? offers Centrelink and live is second to none; aged care assessment, The area as a place to live that is why retirees, in strategy and claims is second to none; that is particular, flock here service as a support to why retirees, in particular, and families find it a the actual advice piece. flock here. Families find great place to raise Our business premises it a great place to raise children. in Taree offers ground children. level access and easy It is a great endorsement parking and is just a 20 when the children of our minute drive from the coastal growth areas. long standing clients come to see us. We provide advice leading up to retirement that
The younger generation thrive on search engines and having services delivered around their timetable.
intergenerational advisers. most notable accomplishments? the spotlight of late for poor service and advice. As a result, there has been an increase in surveillance and audit standards.
For them, dealing remotely or via email and electronic transmission is the norm, so geographic location is not a barrier to us in delivering service.
I am extremely proud of the exceptional results
It really is important that the website is effective and almost intuitive, while being user friendly.
process continues to meet industry standards, in
our office achieved after an intense audit on advice quality and services delivered in July of this year. It’s reassuring to know that our advice the ever changing environment we work in.
FOCUS catches up with the iconic Tuncurry bakehouse, Colleen’s Bakery, which will soon celebrate 40 years in business.
Colleen's
C
olleen’s Bakery is almost 40 years old, having first opened its doors as Colleen’s Cakes in 1979. Tell us a little about the family history of the business? The business was originally opened by Ian, a pastry chef, and Colleen Ridgway. Over the years, many family members have worked within the store and helped the business become what it is today. As a family, we are very proud of its history and the support we have received by our customers within the community. We must be doing something right! Colleen’s Bakery has many loyal clients, as well as travelling visitors stopping in. What do you think customers love about Colleen’s, and what drives them to keep coming back? I think our customers love our friendly service and fresh food. Our Vittoria
popular request, as well as the catering coffee is also very popular. Customers love options available. Yes, Todd’s speciality the opportunity to catch up with us and cakes are very popular. enjoy their favourites We have regular requests for breakfast and lunch for children's and adults' and snacks in-between. At Colleen’s, we themed birthday cakes, as We’re also conveniently strive to reduce well as wedding cakes. We located in Manning and limit as much also get a lot of requests Street, Tuncurry, allowing environmental for catering for local people to stop in quickly waste as possible. businesses and events. to pick-up their supplies All our leftover These can include cakes or take some time out to bread we donate to and sweets, sandwiches dine inside or out with and wraps. Our burgers, the papers. the horses at local chicken schnitzels and business Riding for Apart from the bain-marie of hot food is the Disabled. beautiful breads, pies always very popular with and cakes made fresh customers. daily, what other services does Colleen’s Bakery offer the community? I know birthday and wedding cakes are a very
Part of Colleen’s Bakery’s business interest lies in reducing environmental waste. What measures
have been put in place to achieve this? At Colleen’s, we strive to reduce and limit as much environmental waste as possible. All our leftover bread we donate to the horses at local business Riding for the Disabled. This year we’ve also eliminated all single-use plastic bags, using only paper bags now for customers. What do you think makes a business successful in this day and age? I think any business model that highlights its customers as its most important commodity is key to longevity and success in business, especially in a small town like Forster/Tuncurry. We’ve had a loyal customer base for decades and therefore have grown to know many local people and their stories and have learned their favourites for breakfast and lunch. We also love bringing a smile to people’s faces with our fresh food and coffee.
Manning-Great Lakes focus focus 45 51 Special Edition
Jonathan Tickle YO U R
Caine Loretan C A I N E
L O R E T A N
Hi Caine! You have been working within the jewellery industry for many years; what is it you love most about the trade? I think what gives me the most satisfaction in the business is having the opportunity to design and create handmade jewellery for my customers that are one of a kind, unique pieces. I really enjoy the creative side of the trade and the art involved in bringing pieces to life. Congratulations on recently setting up your own store in Forster. What aspects of jewellery creating are you most passionate about? I love the notion of taking something old, maybe in traditional design, and remodelling it into a contemporary piece of fine jewellery. Giving a necklace or diamond ring new life by changing it up with a new design is quite thrilling.
What do you love about living in the Manning-Great Lakes region? The lifestyle! I was born and raised in the Manning and at times I’m guilty of taking its attributes for granted, whether it be little things like room to spread your towel on the beach, an uncrowded wave or a simple “hi” whilst out in public.
J E W E L L E R S
What excites you most about growing your business in the Mid North Coast? I am excited in my own business to bring the same high levels of traditional family service that my family’s generational Loretan Jewellers business has executed for the past 92 years in the region.
Having lived in Sydney where there is no personal space and where people are glued to their phone and always in a rush, it’s nice to have a work-life balance which allows you to enjoy what this area has to offer. So many city folks crave to holiday or get away to our area for a break, yet we have it every day. It’s a work to live, not live to work lifestyle, which I think so many people in the city miss out on.
In the last 12 months, what have been your most notable accomplishments business-wise? I am very proud of my recently opened studio with a Forster street view! I like being close to the CBD action! Aside from creating beautiful pieces of jewellery, what are some of the things you like doing in your down-time? I love the relaxation that fishing brings. You’ll often find me out to sea with friends trying to hook the biggest Dew Fish I can find. I also love spending time with my kids and doing the cooking!
H E R I TA G E
Michael Kucinskis COAST BUILDING COMPANY
What do you think is the key to business success and longevity in this day and age? The key to success in this day and age is the ability to provide personal customer service. Today’s technology makes it is all too easy to assume the client gets it, they understand or we think that the client has researched themselves using the web. Personal customer service simply can be forgotten about, but it is the biggest influencer when a potential customer is looking to buy. You can be assured if a client is not satisfied with you the world will know about it overnight on social media, so longevity hinges on doing what you say you will do and delivering a high-quality product. Call us old school if you like, but being local counts, so no matter where we are building we look for local quality trades supporting our community.
Todd Saunders C O L L E E N ’ S
B A K E R Y
What do you think is the key to business success and longevity in this day and age? I think working with fresh ingredients, having a team of friendly staff and a passion for the industry continues to make our business successful. We like providing a value-driven product line complete with a high level of customer service. What do you love about living in the ManningGreat Lakes region? I have grown up in this region and love the waterways that we live on, which make for a great work-life balance. Away from your business, what do you like doing in your down time? I’m into stand up paddle boarding at the moment and always love taking the dogs to the beach. You’ll also find me working on my house when I’m not at work. 46 Manning-Great 52 Special Edition focus Lakes focus
60 Manning-Great Lakes focus
Special Edition focus 47
48 Special 32 New England Edition focus. focus
Brett Campbell and his team provide fast and reliable electrical service.
Peter Georkas H U T C H I N S O N
H A R L O W
R E A L
Colin Clarey E S T A T E
U R A L L A
C H I R O P R A C T I C
We talk to the 2018 Agent of the Year, Peter Georkas, Licensee at HH Real Estate.
What are the primary reasons patients rely on
What’s great about working in a team? The most pleasing aspect is knowing that all members of my team are working towards the same goal. Since August 1991, when I started my real estate career, I have achieved consistent results by both supporting my colleagues and by being supported by them.
what are the benefits? Chiropractic care is a biomechanical
Why Armidale? Look around; this is a beautiful part of the world, and I consider myself very lucky to call this home.
new treatments for your business? Integrating western
During my extensive career, I have seen Armidale continue to grow. This is an exciting time for our city, with the real estate market remaining strong.
pioneered by the sports medicine physicians who were
The influx of new residents from the VPMA, TAFE Digital Hub, Airport Redevelopment and the Guyra Pipeline Extension will create even more employment and growth.
land, tradies, office workers and all of us who work hard for a
How’s the local market? Listing numbers have dropped over the last 12 months by 28.7% and days on market have also dropped by 9.9% to 86 days.
reverse these adaptations before (or after) they become
If you are thinking of selling, call the 2018 award winning team at HH Real Estate for a current Market Appraisal. We would love to work with you to achieve a great result.
will have a spa, a sauna, a Ginseng bath and plunge pool. A
chiropractic treatment for their health and wellbeing, and and proprioceptive (joint co-ordination) tune-up all in one. This affords not only better body mechanics, less pain and less wear and tear, but also better energy levels, better sleep, better mobility, and so really better everything! As modern medicine advances, how do you adapt acupuncture into my practice has been the biggest development in the past ten years. This technique was managing elite athletes with over-use injuries. Out here it's the "agricultural athletes" I'm tending to; people working the living place hours of repetitive stress on our bodies, that leads to dysfunctional compensations. Chiropractic and acupuncture problematic. Plans for the future? My wife, Rebecca and I plan to develop a Japanese styled bathhouse here adjacent to the practice. It place to come and experience serenity in nature, whilst relaxing your mind, your body and all those over-used muscles!
Laser Electrical B R E T T
C A M P B E L L
A N D
T H E
B O Y S
Laser Electrical Armidale has been serving Armidale and the New England region for twenty-five years. Brett Campbell and his team provide fast and reliable electrical service. Delivering a wide range of electrical solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, and rural properties, you can be assured that whatever your electrical need may be, Laser Electrical Armidale has you covered. Let’s meet the team! Blaine - After completing my apprenticeship as well as my home security licence, I joined Laser Electrical earlier this year as a fully qualified electrician. Sam M - Originally a farm boy from Walcha, I moved to Armidale a few years ago to begin my apprenticeship. I am now a qualified, licensed electrician. Sam U - I’ve been with Laser Electrical for eight years now, working my way up from my apprenticeship to being a licensed tradesman. Travis - I’m a second-year apprentice with Laser Electrical, and I’m looking forward to earning my full qualifications in a few years’ time. Toby - As a second-year apprentice, I have a particular interest in solar power installations. If you ever catch me around, feel free to ask me how I ended up in a wheelchair for six weeks after moving sheep. Jack - I started my apprenticeship with Laser Electrical in January this year, after completing Grade Ten at Farrer in Tamworth.
Special New England Editionfocus. focus 49 33
Derek Repp R O B E R T S
Navigating Change: "You can’t outrun the future if you don’t see it coming." - London Business School Professor, Gary Hamel. Technological change and automation are becoming increasingly prevalent in everyday business. With the resulting disruption, businesses are facing new challenges and opportunities in navigating change. Those of us in regional Australia should avoid complacency in this area, as some of the most significant automation and efficiencies have been created in the agricultural and regional enterprise environments. Roberts & Morrow is focused on helping clients grow their business, prepare for the future and navigate change. We are excited to introduce a new Business Advisory division to our range of services. Derek Repp heads this division and shares a passion for assisting businesses and individuals drive performance and prepare for the future. Derek joins Roberts
&
M O R R O W
& Morrow with extensive experience in change management, budgeting, forecasting and management reporting. Derek says, “Business owners are the subject matter experts for their business. Roberts & Morrow’s role is to complement and support the business owner.” If you're looking to grow your business and maximise performance, now is the time to talk to a business advisory specialist. Roberts & Morrow have launched a speaking series in partnership with the Armidale Business Chamber. The series is aimed at getting business owners comfortable with the idea of changing and adapting to future proof their business. The second session in the series will take place 5:30pm, Thursday 2nd August at the New England Regional Art Museum. For more info or to register for the FREE speaker series, phone (02) 6774 8400.
With over 60 years of experience in business, Roberts & Morrow offers stability, personalised service and quality results.
rm.net.au l 02 6774 8400 enquiries@rm.net.au 137 Beardy Street, Armidale
50 Special 34 New England Edition focus. focus
Jim Ridley C R O S S F I T
How did you first discover CrossFit? I have a good mate who owned a CrossFit box on the coast. We were talking about training and he suggested I might enjoy CrossFit, as it was pretty much how I was training already. I loved it! Since that first workout he gave me, I have been hooked and eager to learn more about the CrossFit methodology each and every day. Over the years have you noticed some change in how we exercise? The big changes I have seen have been a movement towards more practical and for want of a better term, functional, training. People have wanted to be more capable of everyday tasks, much rather than training just to appear a certain way. With that we have seen more emphasis on form and intensity through to quality coaching and a more individualised approach, especially in a group environment. So even though people are
A R M I D A L E
training in a group, their program better reflects their individual goals. How do you adapt to these changes? We have been the leaders in these changes in Armidale over the last eight to nine years. We introduced CrossFit and the concept of constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity to Armidale in 2012. Since then, we have continued to up-skill our coaches and keep them at the forefront of the profession. We work closely with our members, to ensure they are getting a personalised program to suit them and their goals. We have always wanted to see a change in the people of Armidale’s approach to not only their fitness, but their health as a whole; we are here to assist more people in Armidale become healthier than they've ever been, living in a great town that is continuing to grow and adapt over time itself.
Drew Twyford O O M P H
T
ell us about your business and how you came to be here in Armidale. Oomph Osteopathy was established in 2014, but has been open in Armidale since March 2018. My wife and I moved here as an opportunity to open both the F45 Training Gym and an Osteopathy clinic. Being the only osteopathy clinic within two hours, we have seen a great uptake with people adopting osteopathy as a regular method of treating pain and discomfort. What is a common misconception about osteopathy? The biggest misconception would be either that an osteopath only treats osteoporosis, or that osteopathy is only for the elderly - both of which are derived from the lack of knowledge or understanding about what osteopathy actually is. Osteopathy is one of ten regulated healthcare professions in Australia. Training to be an osteopath in Australia requires the successful completion of a five-year full-time university degree.
O S T E O P A T H Y
Osteopathic philosophy gives a holistic approach to health and stresses the importance of the musculoskeletal system in a person’s health and wellbeing. The aim of treatment is to support the body’s self-healing capacity.
assessing your whole body and lifestyle including your diet, type of work and sporting activities. This helps us to understand the cause of your problem and assist with immediate and long-term relief, preventative solutions, and pain management skills.
When would I We work with your We use our hands to find myself in muscles, joints, ligaments treat you. We work need of visiting and tendons using a with your muscles, an osteopath? combination of stretch, dry joints, ligaments Osteopathy is a form needling, massage, pressure and tendons using of manual medicine a combination which recognises point and manipulation of stretch, dry the important techniques to promote needling, massage, link between the mobility and restore your pressure point structure of the body’s balance. and manipulation body and the techniques to promote way it functions. mobility and restore Osteopaths treat all your body’s balance. Generally, you would expect kinds of joint or muscular pain and more. We to see some changes to your condition within a take a holistic approach to your treatment by couple of visits. reviewing your direct problem area, as well as
What does an osteopath treat? Osteopaths can offer assistance for people who seek relief from pain, be it recent (acute pain) or recurring (chronic pain). Two of the most common conditions patients seek comfort from, are back pain and neck pain. Most adults, due to various sedentary postures like prolonged sitting, experience stiffness of the spine, resulting in aches and unpredictable spasms. Other things include arthritis, sciatica, headaches, vertigo, repetitive strain and overuse injuries, pregnancyrelated discomfort, tendonitis and sports injuries. Because osteopaths believe that there may be a musculoskeletal link in many conditions, osteopathy may also help with a wider range of disorders. The goal of the osteopath is to reduce the tensions in the muscles and ligaments of the spine, to bring back its mobility, with one of the objectives of osteopathic treatments to maintain your functional lifestyle - if necessary and when applicable, to keep you from experiencing debilitating body aches.
New England Special Editionfocus. focus 35 51
focusinterview.
MARK REYNOLDS FJ E L L S K I N N
MARK REYNOLDS HAS BEEN A MOTORCYCLE RIDER FOR MOST OF HIS L I F E , S TA R T I N G O U T ON MOTOCROSS BIKES; RIDING AROUND HIS PA R E N T S ’ P R O P E R T Y , A N D T H E N G R A D U AT I N G U P T O ROAD AND ADVENTURE BIKES.HE’S HAD OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ON TWO WHEELS.
I
n all that time of riding, Mark has gone through a lot of gear especially jackets, jeans and wet weather clothing. Anyone who’s ever purchased motorcycle clothing will know that it’s generally very expensive and all too often, the quality doesn’t live up to expectation, from zippers that don’t last, jeans that wear through, pockets that fall apart, and jackets that just don’t keep you warm. Mark recently decided to take a stand against poor-quality clothing and teamed up with Mallee Bull Clothing Co. in Armidale and created Fjellskinn. Together they designed and tailor made a range of motorbike clothing that is made by people who ride, for people who ride, with quality, comfort and affordability as their highest priority. Mark, what does Fjellskinn mean? Fjellskinn is Norwegian for mountain skins. The New England Tablelands has such a large variation in temperature, I wanted to name my business something that encapsulated the idea that this clothing is as rugged as the environment it comes from. I’ve always had a love of Norway and its rugged extremes, so if anyone had a single word that summed it all up, it would be the Norwegians. Why did you decide to go into motorcycle clothing? Due to the fact that I ride all year round, I 52 Special 36 New England Edition focus focus.
I wanted to name my
in areas that are prone wanted to create clothing business something that to wear. In our jeans, the that I could wear every day, encapsulated the idea pockets are made out of the whether I’m working, in a that this clothing is same material as the jeans social situation or just out as rugged as the themselves, so it’s the same on the bike - something environment it comes quality throughout. There’s that was flexible and robust from. always a lining between for my lifestyle. It needed to the Kevlar and your skin for have a particular look about extra insulation, comfort it, fashionable but safe for and protection. wearing while riding, with What was the development process? options that are suitable for wearing in winter After the initial collaboration of design for or summer. our products, my partner and I headed off on I was unsatisfied with the existing clothing a 5,876.4 km motorcycle journey down to and on the market. I could never find something around Tasmania and then heading back along that ticked all the boxes. By collaborating with the Great Ocean Road and back to Armidale Mallee Bull, together we were able to design via inland Victoria and NSW. We were wearing clothing that fulfilled all the criteria. Fjellskinn a full test range of Fjellskinn gear between us, was born through me trying to achieve all that included regular jeans, lined winter jeans, the things I wanted from bike clothing that I hoodies, denim jacket and waterproof Oxford couldn’t find elsewhere. jacket. What makes Fjellskinn clothing different Throughout the trip we encountered from everything else on the market? temperatures that ranged from -1.6°c to We use top quality, Australian made 39°c, from heavy rain to dry hot winds, across materials wherever possible, except for the terrains from well-paved highways to gravel Kevlar, which is the only thing we’ve had to mountain roads. The Fjellskinn clothing was import. We sourced high quality, 100% Kevlar all we wore throughout the trip. It gave us the woven material. In my experience, a lot of ability to see what we were doing right and other Kevlar products I have used have not what needed improvements for comfort and been up to standard. functionality. A lot of care goes into making the clothing. We came back with a list of adjustments Seams are triple stitched. They’re reinforced
to make sure that this gear would be as high quality and adaptable as possible. We improved things like ventilation in the jackets for warmer days, longer sleeves on the hoodies, and adjustable straps where necessary. What do other people who have tried out Fjellskinn say about the gear? We’ve found that it’s more than just motorcycle riders who have embraced the clothing. Farmers and horse riders love the stuff, because they help protect from burrs and thistles. We’ve had a lot of female customers come to us who are sick of the range of jeans on the market, due to the fact that they don’t fit well, are too blingy, or find that the Kevlar isn’t in the right spot for them. We appreciate the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes. Standard clothing sizes don’t fit everyone, and for that reason, we can custom fit clothing for no additional cost, so you know that Fjellskinn will literally fit you like a second skin; that’s been a big drawing point for many customers. Where can Fjellskinn clothing be purchased? You can check out the range and buy online at www.fjellskinn.com.au or visit our page at facebook.com/fjellskinn. Or call Mark on 0428 189 209 if you’d like to arrange a fitting. Thanks Mark.
Ayush Shrestha and Ukesh Prajapati with apprentice Ben Jenkins
BLACKJACKS BEER AND BURGER BAR/THE RED GRAPEVINE
Ayush, how long have you been in the restaurant business? I have been in the restaurant industry as a chef for over nine years and a restaurateur for over three years. Have you noticed any changes in the industry? There are always changes in the hospitality industry, just like fashion. Recent trends are things like craft beers, molecular gastronomy cooking techniques, organic and free range foods, Asian influences etc.
chef for 10 years now. I first started cooking professionally in 2008 in restaurants around Sydney. Do you have a favourite style of cuisine that you incorporate in your recipes? I’ve always liked the idea of Spanish tapas - having a larger variety of smaller portions of food on the table. I would like to say that I play around with spices from all around the world in my dishes.
How have you adapted to those changes? We are always working along with the latest trends in the industry. What we really try to give to our customers on top of all these trends is fresh, local produce, which even includes local beers and wines.
What do you have to take into consideration when preparing a new menu? I would consider the seasonal food at the time, as well as the demand and need of the customers’ specific region. I always put consideration into the price of the product I will be using and the fresh supply of produce.
Ukesh, how long have you been a chef and when did you start cooking? I have been a
Any plans for the futures, fellas? Big plans for both The Red Grapevine and Blackjacks.
Special Editionfocus. focus 53 New England 37
Peter Cooke
Ben Page E L D E R S
&
W R E N C H
When did you first get into insurance? I’ve been in the insurance game for nearly 25 years now. I sort of fell into the industry after finishing my HSC in Newcastle, when I was basically handed a job by a guy’s father that I was playing football with.
You have moved office recently. Why? In recent years
After starting with Commercial Union (now CGU) opportunities continued to present themselves, which is how I found my way to Armidale and now some 18 years later find myself owner and director of Elders Insurance New England.
rolls, such as R&W Armidale.
Has the industry changed over the years, and what have you done to adapt? There have been many changes in the industry during my time; however, from the general public’s perspective it has probably been the push from insurance companies to go direct via telephone and now internet sales and servicing of their customers. Elders Insurance as a whole and more specifically my company in Tamworth, Armidale and Gunnedah have chosen to go against this trend.
38 Special New England focus. 54 Edition focus
R I C H A R D S O N
I N S U R A N C E
there has been a trend in our cities for real estate agencies to vacate prime retail space in favour of less costly office accommodation. This is particularly true of agencies who do not manage rent The savings generated by this move allow us to increase our digital footprint and provide vendors with much greater exposure for their properties. What does “in the cloud” mean? These days agents often only meet prospective vendors at their properties, and after listing, potential buyers too, through open houses and private inspections. Apart from that, the entire sales and marketing process is conducted via the internet i.e. “in the cloud”, without the need for an agent to maintain a High Street office. You will still have an office, right? Yes, we have now
The beauty of living and working in rural communities is that most of our customers still value a high level of customer service.
moved from Armidale Plaza to our new, substantial and well-
Whilst we do provide access to our customers via various technologies, our preferred way of assisting our clients is sitting down face to face and discussing their unique requirements in person.
In so doing, absolutely nothing has changed in respect of our
equipped home-based office. service offering and commitment to clients. Contact details remain the same, and we are of course always delighted to meet at our new premises.
focus_tech
WITH
GAVIN MORONEY
Tech Head
TECH
Michael Evans C H A U C E R
O N
B R I D G E
Tell us a little about Chaucer on Bridge Street and how long you've been there. Chaucer on Bridge Street is a gallery and studio which was originally opened by my father, David Evans, in 2000. We still sell his paintings and calligraphy, and a couple of years ago we added coffee to the items we sell. The amazing fabric books produced by my mother, Helen Evans, also continue to be a highlight of the gallery experience for visitors.
Travel Kit PART 2
Travel gadgets are a huge market that makes the lives of travellers easier every single day. We constantly ask ourselves, what camera do I bring? How am I going to charge all of my devices? What do I do if I lose my bag? Don't worry, because we have you sorted with Part 2 of the Best Tech Travel Kit you can't live without.
Personally, I concentrate on making a variety of ceramic pieces which are glazed with spectacular crystalline colours. This year I have also placed greater emphasis on making pottery lessons available on Saturdays. These lessons concentrate on developing throwing skills on the wheel for participating students.
S T R E E T
G A L L E R Y
When did you first start making pottery? I had my first go at pottery when I was in high school, and briefly made pots for sale at markets during my university studies. It was not until I had my own studio in Robertson in the 1990s that I began making pottery on a larger scale. Have you noticed a change in style over the years? Most of the work I make now is decorative, rather than functional. Whilst I still make many mugs and bowls, vases, bathroom basins and large water features now form the bulk of my production. Any plans for the future? We intend to continue growing the business at Chaucer on Bridge Street and look forward to providing a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors and locals alike.
Tile: www.jbhifi.com.au take this camera literally anywhere; whether it’s This little piece of genius has saved not only my snorkelling in Fiji or skydiving in Dubai, or even time, but my sanity as well. This device, through at your next family get together, you will be the use of their app, will locate any lost bag, able to catch every minute of it with this video keys, wallet or even your phone. Tile is affordable and still camera that can fit straight into your and brain-dead easy to use; just attach it to pocket. Through the years I have found GoPro whatever you tend to lose! to be a little shaky when Although the app and Tile filming, but with their must be within Bluetooth new image stabilisation range of each other, it also you are guaranteed to connects to a database so get some really nice, The GoPro should be no that if you have your travel stranger to anyone, and smooth footage. Make bag lost or stolen, you there is a reason for it. sure you check out eBay or anyone else using the With the rise of small and Amazon for GoPro Tile app in close proximity action cameras on the accessories, as the GoPro to your bag will be able market, the GoPro branded accessories can to update the location
still is a favourite
be a little pricey. of your lost item on your amongst most due to its map. It comes in a few Belkin Domestic Travel portability and quality. different styles. The Tile Surge Protector with 2 Slim is about three times USB Ports 2.4A: www. the thickness of a credit officeworks.com.au card and slips neatly into your wallet, and the Rounding off our list is something that may Tile Mate can be attached to your keyring. So if you're like me and spend countless hours looking not be the most exciting bit of tech, but it is something you shouldn't leave home without. for your keys or wallet, I’d highly recommend The Belkin Domestic travel surge protector is getting this neat piece of tech. GoPro Hero6: www.gopro.com The GoPro should be no stranger to anyone, and there is a reason for it. With the rise of small action cameras on the market, the GoPro still is a favourite amongst most due to its portability and quality. The GoPro Hero6 comes with 4K Ultra HD Video, touch screen, 12 megapixel stills and voice control. You can
a must have for charging on your travels. The adaptor has two surge protected AC outlets for powering devices. It also has two USB ports with a shared output of 2.4 A. It has easy to fold plugs to make it ultra portable, so it's great for taking when travelling. It also saves space by not having to bring 10 different chargers for all your devices. New England 39 Special Editionfocus. focus 55
Rob Tindale and Nick Grob N E W
E N G L A N D
S P I N A L
&
S P O R T S
Tell us about yourselves, and how long have you been around? Rob graduated in 1989 and completed post graduate qualifications in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in 1992. He has been a titled musculoskeletal physiotherapist since 1993 and moved to Armidale in 1998, where he’s been happily serving the community for twenty years. During this time, we have forged strong relationships within the community. We sponsor St Albert’s and Robb College and Barbarians Rugby and provide the physiotherapy services to the UNE Lions in the National Women’s Rugby 7s competition. Nick is a local from Glen Innes and has become a dynamic member of the team since joining us in 2017. He is already forging quite an international career, just finishing stints in the USA
56 Special 40 New England Edition focus focus.
P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y
C E N T R E
and Canada as the physiotherapist for the USA Stars team in their national rugby competition. He has also just returned from his role as physiotherapist for the Philippines National Rugby team in their two test series against Singapore. What are you passionate about? Providing client focused, evidence based assistance to our patients and helping them achieve their best possible quality of life. Plans for the future? We are really excited to be appointed the physiotherapists for the new UNE sports academy. This is a wonderful initiative by UNE to foster the development of elite sports people as they continue their degrees, and we look forward to this partnership. Nick is also hoping to begin his post-graduate studies in musculoskeletal/sports physiotherapy next year.
Cal Ridley S H O W
U S
Tell us about your business. Show Us Your Crack is a mobile, mobile repair business in Armidale NSW. My business specialises in the repair and data recovery of most mobile phones and tablets, utilising a full mobile workshop that comes to you, fixing your device on the spot. How did you start your business? I first began repairing phones in late 2012. At the time I was studying Primary Education at the University of New England and broke my phone whilst on a teaching prac in Wauchope. I was unhappy with the thought of buying a brand new phone, so I looked into it further and discovered the parts were, in fact, replaceable. I repaired my phone for a fraction of the cost of a new device, and word quickly spread! By 2014 Show Us Your Crack was in full swing. I was looking for ways to improve my business and figured that I could I offer an on site service
Y O U R
C R A C K
with a mobile workshop. This allowed me to complete the repairs in a quicker time frame and with the convenience of the customer not having to lift a finger. Do you sell other products as well? Show Us Your Crack also sells used, factory refurbished and brand new phones, as well as other accessories such as Made for iPhone certified charging cables. What’s the best part of your job? The part I love the most about my job is being able to put a smile back on people’s faces after an accident. It’s great to see how happy and relieved people are when their device has been rescued! I’ve been able to meet and help so many different people from all walks of life, who all have a different (in some cases astonishing) story of how they have broken their gadgets!
New Special England Editionfocus. focus 29 57