Focus Mini-Mag Women in Business 2017

MARCH 2017

G R E A T E R

P O R T

M A C Q U A R I E

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WIB ON THE COVER. on

This year we invited five women from the Greater Port Macquarie business community to take part in our cover shoot and share with us their journey. Arcadia, Ashley, Holly, Sarah and Kelly are all at different stages of their careers, and each offers a unique insight into what it means to be a “Woman in Business”.

Here’s what they had to say.

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DANIELLE HARVEY. All About Women is a festival that aims to promote discussion on ideas and issues that are important to women. The festival is live streamed from the Sydney Opera House to venues throughout Australia and New Zealand, and you can watch the action locally at the Glasshouse. Danielle Harvey - CoCurator of All About Women, tells us more about the event …

THE HWBN FREE THINKERS. The HBWN FreeThinkers Youth Initiative is the revamped version of the Student Membership which had been available through HBWN for the last two years.

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THE TEEPEE OF LOVE.

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LISA FLYNN SHINE LAWYERS.

Bernadette Divola knitted and crocheted a rainbow teepee for her daughter’s wedding with the help of 100 people. FOCUS found out more about this amazing project ...

FOCUS sat down with successful Coffs Coast businesswoman, Lisa Flynn from Shine Lawyers, to find out her secrets of success.

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Bev Dyer is a hardworking mother of three young boys, who has somehow found the time to launch her own lifestyle label.

FOCUS spoke with Bev, to find out where the inspiration came from and what the experience has been like so far ...

A breath of FRESH air and tingles of Welcomeness is why you should book your next event, conference or office space at The Professional Centre in Park Avenue.

BEV DYER.

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C O A S T

THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE CAROL HARRISON.

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

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WIB ON THE COVER. This year we invited three women from the Manning-Great Lakes business community to take part in our cover shoot and share with us their journey. Brooke, Jenna and Kaylee are all young women, and each offers a unique insight into what it means to be a “Woman in Business”.

Here’s what they had to say.

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FAY KEEGAN. Quota International of Taree Inc. will host a special International Women’s Day event on March 8. Guest speaker at the event is Fay Keegan - a courageous woman with a moving story to share …

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. Rhiannon Curtis, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Forster, has been busy organising an event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. With three guest speakers, raffles, gift bags and a special luncheon at Club Taree, the day promises to be a lot of fun!

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DEB HOOPER. Talking to Deb Hopper of Life Skills 4 Kids, you can’t help but be caught up in her infectious passion for families. This chat was a real pleasure!

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MEGAN AITKEN.

Introducing Megan Aitken, General Manager for TAFE NSW’s Digital Operations.

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RACHAEL PARSONS.

FOCUS meets Rachael Parsons, who is an Australian curator, educator and academic currently based at New England Regional Art Museum as the Manager for Exhibitions and Curatorial.

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MEET THE FOCUS GIRLS.

Meet the girls behind the New England Focus team, Tracy and Di.

Greater Port Macquarie FOCUS is proud to introduce some inspiring women from our local area. Each of these women plays their part in making our community great!

Susan Rupert MBC RECRUITMENT

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? At mbc, our tagline is “working for you”.

agency. It’s wonderful to work within a wellconnected team, where everyone is working towards shared goals.

involves weekly meetings with like-minded professionals, who come together to share ideas and refer business.

We integrate this idea right across our business, to ensure everything we do is focused on delivering value for our clients.

I enjoy working in a business of this size - we’re big enough to take on major government contracts across the state, but small enough to be personal in our approach and flexible to adapt to the needs of our clients.

We are also an active member of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce. Each year mbc is a proud sponsor of the Combined Networks Christmas Party, and we also host regular Chamber movie nights.

In recruitment, this is an important topic. We believe passionately in placing the right person in the right role - regardless of gender. I also recognise that there is still a long way to go in overcoming the challenges women face in their careers, and I’m proud of the role we play in promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

My role also provides plenty of variety to keep me on my toes. mbc is more than just a recruitment agency. We also have Traffic Management and Labour Hire divisions and a dedicated Nursing Agency.

Our sponsorships also extend to other community focused events and initiatives, such as Tastings on Hastings and the local Ark indoor sports centre. It’s really important to give back and be part of the community in which you work.

In the business sense I also feel it’s important to be bold and daring. The industries we work with - health, disabilities, traffic and labour hire, and recruitment - are ever changing in terms of legislation and requirements. It’s important to be able to embrace, rather than fight change.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? This year’s International Women’s Day theme is particularly relevant for me, and mbc. It’s about forging a better working world - a more inclusive, gender equal world.

At the moment, our team are gearing up in preparation for the start of the NDIS in July.

Our In-Home Nursing and Home Care support teams are evolving to be able to help meet the community’s needs and help people stay healthy and happy at home.

When we’re working with clients, it’s all about helping them secure quality, reliable people to help their businesses succeed and grow. When we’re working with candidates, or job-seekers, it’s about taking the time to understand their skills and interests, so we can place them into suitable and fulfilling roles.

Feedback and follow up are essential. We’re open, flexible, and collaborative. We view our client relationships as a two-way partnership.

Why are you passionate about your work?

Above all else, I value people. That’s why I’m in the business of people! mbc is a local, family owned recruitment

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What’s your top tip for networking success? When it comes to networking, you should always be asking yourself, “what can I contribute”, not, “what can I get out of it”.

I place a great value in networking, for both personal growth and business development. mbc is a member of a local BNI chapter, which

women in business

Most business owners are working so hard, and it is so rewarding to achieve significant improvement by getting their people engine aligned with their business strategy.

Kayley Riddle PEOPLE ENGINE

What is the most interesting part of your industry/role? Human Resources is always interesting, because it’s a great balance of legal governance, problem solving, systems and process … and most of all, people (they are not machines; everyone is different, with potential to unlock and align with your business needs). I love working with businesses - achieving results and improving outcomes and profitability.

What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? My passion is working with leaders to bring their businesses from good to GREAT. Most business owners are working so hard, and it is very rewarding to achieve significant improvement to profit by getting their people engine aligned with their business strategy.

Do you have any changes planned for 2017 within your business? If so, what are they and how will they benefit your customers?

I am excited about the work we are doing with clients around benchmarking their business. We are also launching new talent resourcing and performance management solutions, as well as leadership analytics and development - always ensuring that these activities are aligned with the business strategy and delivering measurable outcomes.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? I work hard on having balance in my life. Whilst I love my work, I also love the outdoors, being active, travelling and looking after my health and wellbeing. I work on this with my clients too, as I can really relate to how hard it is to maintain wellbeing in our busy lives.

Karen Lamond & L auren Howard ITRAVEL PORT MACQUARIE

What does personalised service mean in your business? It means sharing our knowledge, providing advice, sourcing the best value, ensuring our travellers enjoy every step of their journey, from the time they walk into our office to welcoming them home from their holiday. We are on call 24/7 for our travellers in case of unforeseen events. Our clients love this safety net.

Why are you passionate about your work? Our team collectively have over 50 years in travel and travelling. It’s not a job for us - it’s an enduring passion. The world we live in is incredible and ever changing.

New destinations pop up, long standing destinations change, different adventures and innovative journeys are born every day. I love

the fact that today we can tailor make journeys around any concept.

What’s New at itravel Port Macquarie?

Our Solo Travellers Club - at itravel Port Macquarie, we make sure single travellers are not disadvantaged with higher pricing. We also recognise that some singles would prefer to share their travel experiences with others.

That’s why we created our Solo Travellers Club.

It’s free to join, and you get access to exclusive single deals and invitations to our travel events.

If you don’t want to travel alone, we can pair you with a like-minded person. Chances are you may find a travelling companion of your own in our Solo Travellers Club! It’s easy to join! Just email solo@itravelportmacquarie. com.au or call 6584 4334.

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Susan de Jonge SOLSCAPE HOLIDAY RENTALS

What is the SOLscape difference compared to other real estate agencies?

SOLscape’s entire focus is holiday renting, instead of renting holiday homes as a side business. We are a boutique firm catering to the mid- and high-end of the holiday accommodation market. We make things easy, for guests and property owners, by providing flexibility, convenience and excellent value.

Instead of just placing (passive) property listings, we actively manage our clients’ holiday homes. We tailor our services to the individual needs of our clients. We start by evaluating our clients’ properties, to make suggestions for them to gain more value from their property rentals. Because of this difference in our approach, we achieve higher occupancy rates and returns significantly above the local market average.

What is the secret to your success?

SOLscape pride ourselves on our pro-active

communication and management culture. We have a great team, with a discerning taste for ensuring that all the small details are in place to allow guests to experience the best from client properties. In our property management approach, we use techniques harnessed from my 18 years’ experience in management consulting. I have a strong ability to identify opportunities, realise potential, solve problems and make things happen. In this business, like any business, you need to be flexible to adopt to change, and you always need to think ahead and be one step ahead.

The real estate market in our area is booming, and the local travel industry is outperforming NSW regional averages at the moment. These two factors will introduce more opportunities and at the same time, more pressures. And that requires anticipation and a potential change in strategy.

Why are you passionate about your work?

This is a happy industry to be in! It’s my job to ensure travellers have a fantastic holiday or weekend getaway and that I provide solid returns for the property owners. I need to constantly find the optimal equilibrium between both worlds. I love working with people and the variety of the work. I crave constant challenges to keep me going (otherwise I get bored) and am energised by change. I enjoy finding creative solutions to drive continuous improvements in this industry.

What’s new for SOLscape in 2017? Apart from steady business growth, we plan to automate further (including a website revamp), expand our social media presence and potentially extend into other service areas.

What are your personal goals for this year? I plan to continue to push myself to be more fit and healthy. I aim to stand up properly

on a surf board and ride a decent wave by the end of the year! And, like many people, I plan to spend more time with family and friends.

What is the best business advice you’ve received? The best advice I ever received from a business coach is not to doubt yourself, be aware of your qualities and play to your strengths. My high school principal encouraged me to be bolder than I was back in the day. Believe it or not, I used to be a shy girl! This advice underpins my business motto.

What is your business motto? Why? Why not? Challenge yourself and others; you can achieve more than you think!

Top tips for customer retention? Constantly outperform yourself, don’t take customers for granted and have an open dialogue to better understand customer needs and what drives their advocacy. Treat your customers like you would like to be treated!

Our holiday rental portfolio is growing and includes: Lake Cathie

Bonny Hills

Apricari

Akama Lookout

Akama Vista

Tallowood

Oasis by the sea, 4BR Shelly Beach

180 degree views, 3BR Shelly Beach

Couples retreat, 1BR Shelly Beach

Beachfront cottage, 2BR Rainbow Beach

Salt Breeze Ocean, lake & shop central, 3BR Middle Rock Beach

Port Macquarie

Your property?

Beauty at the Beach

Hidden Gem

Kilala

Fran

Quintessential beach pad, 3BR Town Beach

Couples tropical sanctuary, 1BR Lighthouse Beach

Executive home, 4BR Lighthouse Beach

Entertainers delight, 4BR Private jetty on Canals

Your Holiday Rental Specialists

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on Facebook

0410 938 691

Pet friendly homes

mySOLscape.com.au susan@mysolscape.com.au

The positive feedback and the smiles from my clients is what keeps me motivated.

Melissa Davey

Beverley Whatson

Zoe Van Mill

SKINDEEP DERMAL CLINIC

BEVERLEYS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

XYZ SUPPORT

Why are you passionate about your work? I am so lucky and grateful to get to do what “I love“. I gain a lot of satisfaction from being able to help improve a person’s confidence and self-esteem.

As a Dermal Therapist, I provide advanced treatments that ensure “visual results”.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to get to work; every day is different and exciting. I get to meet new people and provide treatments that help with their skincare concerns. The positive feedback and the smiles from my clients is what keeps me motivated. Overcoming challenges means being able to keep moving forward and learning from the outcomes, seeing what the benefits are from these and constantly learning and growing as a person.

What does #BeBoldForChange mean to you? “To be myself and to be authentic“. Bold is something that comes naturally to me. And the “change” is to provide a high level of customer service in a friendly environment, while maintaining my “integrity and honesty“, which is of the utmost importance to me when developing customer connections. The key to this is to not be judgemental and being trustworthy. Being honest is all about being bold enough to stand up for your beliefs and finding your purpose in life.

What are your unique selling points? The purchase of a wedding gown is a unique, emotional and happy experience. My knowledge of the industry, experience in design and construction of gowns, honest advice help the “bride to be” with her choice.

What is your point of difference? The choice of a gown can be made in an instant, or it may take several visits to the store to try on a variety of styles and designs. Offering the bride and her party a comfortable and private space to try on styles, guiding her to help make her choice is very satisfying.

What does a usual day entail? My day at the boutique is always busy; as the business grows, the work load is greater. Attending to customers is first at all times. Time management is essential, as all aspects of running the store are done by myself. The day always starts with tidying up and cleaning, followed by administration, ordering, phone calls etc. Fittings and sewing gowns take up most of my day, but always selling and consulting with brides is the most important task. One bride can take up to three hours’ attention trying on gowns.

In 2017 I will continue to grow my business, as new brides need the service I provide. I will expand the range of gowns in store for my customers to try. My aim has always been to make available ready to wear gowns for brides, bridesmaids, debutantes, flower girls, school formals and occasions, so there is no need to travel to the city; everything is right here at home.

Zoe is an expert web developer with a continually fresh approach to the internet needs of local businesses. She enjoys helping people understand technology and use it well …

Why do you love your job? I love the creative process, including writing code, but mostly I love getting to know our customers and helping them grow their businesses through the services we provide.

What are your unique selling points?

• High quality websites at reasonable prices.

• Longterm customer relationships and support - XYZ turns 10 this year.

• Our zero-training-needed website-self-editor system.

What Changes do you have planned for 2017?

Continue to streamline our processes and stay up-to-date with design and technology so that our customers can take advantage of improved website quality and economy.

What is your advice for doing business in Port Macquarie?

• Be professional, yet try not to be too formal.

• Give the type of customer service you would expect yourself.

• Build ongoing relationships (especially as Port thrives on referrals).

• Most importantly, be yourself and show your passion!

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Arcadia Age: 40s.

Number of years in own business: Eight years.

Profession: Property Professionals.

Business: Nationwide Property Brokers Pty Ltd.

on This year we invited five women from the Greater Port Macquarie business community to take part in our cover shoot and share with us their journey. Arcadia, Ashley, Holly, Sarah and Kelly are all at different stages of their careers, and each offers a unique insight into what it means to be a “Woman in Business”.

Here’s what they had to say.

Growing a team and multiple business ventures has been … challenging, exciting and a constant improvement process. Learning from your mistakes and not being scared to fail has been my greatest lesson. This type of thinking encourages innovation and confidence to think outside the box.

Work/life balance is ... a work in progress. Having said that, for me it’s making sure as a mum that I schedule time each day for myself to exercise, because if I am healthy and fit this flows on to me being a better mum. I am more focused and have more energy for my family. It also tends to help me be better organised for the challenges of a growing business and busy work schedule.

Holly Ashley Age: 30s.

Number of Years in own business: 12.

Profession: Florist.

Business: Touchwood Flowers.

When I look back on the last twelve years …

I feel proud of what I’ve achieved and happy to have succeeded in small business.

I stay creative in my field by being inspired by … people, places and things around me.

Best advice for a young woman looking to start a business ... “She believed she could and she did”.

Sarah Age: 30s.

Number of years in own business: One year (almost to the day!)

Profession: Residential Real Estate - Sales & Rentals.

Business: Hudson Real Estate.

Taking on the challenge of running my own business, I … knew I would not be prepared for everything, but with focus and determination anything can be achieved. Having the right staff around me has absolutely been our key to success.

What I hope to achieve in the next 12 months is… to continue to grow the business both in sales and rental departments. To support my staff to be the best agents they can be! Being an independent brand means the sky is the limit and enables Hudson to offer a very personalised real estate experience.

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Age: 20s.

Number of Years in own business: One. Profession: Part Franchisee owner/studying nutrition.

Business: endota spa Port Macquarie.

Running a business as a young woman is … challenging, but also rewarding. I have had some potential suppliers that were unsure of my authorisation capabilities and wanted to reschedule appointments to be with my mother (we are in partnership together). However, when they realise that I do know what I’m talking about and have the decision making role, they come around.

So far I have learnt … that teamwork is important. We work towards a common goal, where the clients’ needs come first. Treating my staff well is important to me; we work together every day! “Train people so they can leave; treat them so they won’t want to” - Richard Branson.

Kelly Age: 40s.

Number of years in own business: 20.

Profession: Marketing.

Business: King Marketing.

Balancing a business and being on a voluntary committee is … both rewarding and inspiring. I like to keep busy, and being able to give back to our community is very satisfying.

Networking has helped me … develop strong business and personal relationships that give a sense of belonging, not only within the Hastings Business Women’s Network, but the broader community.

The best way to support women in business is … through encouragement and empowerment. Having a mentor on your business journey is invaluable.

women in business

I value peer recognition, so having our bridal bouquets chosen twice as national finalists in the leading floristry industry awards is wonderful.

Ashley Sargeson

Kelly Lamb

Caron Dyball

TOUCHWOOD FLOWERS

HR & BUSINESS CONSULTING

SNAP PORT MACQUARIE

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Our Port Macquarie store is filled with exquisite flowers and gifts. We’re the only florist to offer the convenience of in-store or online shopping, plus an in-store bridal studio. Our friendly, experienced staff are another key benefit.

An established HR and business consultant with a strong

Why are you passionate about your work? I love what I do, and this drives my passion for beautiful floristry. I’ve come a long way since I started at Touchwood as a 16 yearold.

performance management, business development and risk

Awards and accolades? I value peer recognition, so having our bridal bouquets chosen twice as national finalists in the leading floristry industry awards is wonderful.

We’ve also been successful a number of times in the Port Macquarie Business Awards and Customer Care Service Excellence Awards.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? I visit schools each year to talk about being a young entrepreneur. Part of my message focuses on the need to be bold and to drive change. It’s important to inspire people to chase their dreams. It’s something I hope my daughter, Lily, will do one day too.

network across the Mid North Coast, Kelly brings high standards of ethics and integrity to build open and honest relationships with her clients.

Kelly has a long track record in business management, specialising in people leadership, relationship building, management.

Kelly thrives on working closely with organisations and their employees to embrace change, ensure compliance and achieve long term success and viability.

Kelly’s passion for people extends beyond her work, and she is an active member of the local Hastings community.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point?

Snap are now a one-stop shop for small businesses: a place where both online and offline requirements can be expertly addressed.

Combining traditional print methods with digital technology enables Snap to deliver the smartest, most relevant services to its clients.

What is the most interesting part of your role? I love the fast pace of technological changes in our field. You are always learning and preparing for change.

Why are you passionate about your work? Meeting our clients’ needs by providing services for a new start up business or helping a long term client grow their business is rewarding.

Group. Kelly is a member of the Charles Sturt University

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges?

To overcome challenges I think you need to be a good communicator, deal with issues quickly and not be afraid to ask for help.

Regional Consultative Committee, Board member of the

Surround yourself with a strong, motivated team.

Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic & Family Violence

I try to keep fit by walking my dogs, Echo and Rossi, and going to the gym regularly; this balances out the long hours and keeps me motivated and keen for the next challenge.

She lends her solid leadership experience as Respite Coordinator for the Mid North Coast Respite Coordination

Specialist Service, Ironman Australia Volunteer Coordinator, committee member of the annual Hastings International Women’s Day Fundraising and was past President of the Hastings Business Women’s Network.

What’s your top tip for networking success? Be yourself, listen, and be confident with product knowledge.

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Be “ready to engage,” with conversation topics, questions, and stories in the back of your mind, ready to go as soon as you meet someone.

L auren Hawkes

Therese Kelly

HAWKES CONVEYANCING

NOVASKILL

What is the most interesting part of your an exciting experience. Selling or buying property role? Conveyancing is something that keeps is something that most people only do a handful you on your toes. No two matters and no two of times in their lives, and we get to be a part properties are ever the of that every day. There is same, which means I am nothing quite as rewarding constantly learning. I love as calling a client and telling the fast-paced nature of them they can collect the Conveyancing is the work. Conveyancing keys to their new home. something that is currently moving What’s your top tip for keeps you on towards an electronic networking success? your toes. landscape, which is a Building trust is a huge part whole new challenge in of networking - if you want itself. Very interesting the compliment of a referral, and exciting times in our then your referrer needs to world. know you’ll do what you’ve

How do you define your business’ unique

Why are you passionate about your work?

I am lucky to have a job helping people through

giving them skills and knowledge to maximise

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promised. Be genuine and work on a manageable amount of relationships.

selling point? Novaskill is a not-for-profit organisation delivering training to meet your needs, whether you’re a student, a trainee or an employer. Novaskill are training specialists that focus on flexible delivery and skill development across a range of vocational education and training areas.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Diversity - being able to work across various industries to offer a solution to grow people in business.

Why are you passionate about your work?

I am passionate about educating people, opportunities.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? Keep a positive, can do attitude.

Never give up!

What’s your top tip for networking success? Be “ready to engage,” with conversation topics, questions, and stories in the back of your mind, ready to go as soon as you meet someone. This will help you avoid those awkward, “How’s the weather?” discussions.

Top tips for customer retention? Open and transparent communication.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? Courage to push yourself to be the best version of yourself and make a difference.

Sarah Wright HUDSON REAL ESTATE

Dream big and dare to fail! You also have to back yourself 100%; there is no plan B. My most admired person in business is definitely my dad; he showed me how to give anything a go and loved my passion and enthusiasm for people.

How do you define your business' unique

be easy! You will find yourself networking

selling point? We offer a very personalised real

wherever you go. Also, a genuine interest

estate experience. Being a trusted independent

in people and listening are very important

brand means we can flex to our clients’ needs

attributes.

and tailor solutions to each client.

Describe your typical day.

What is the most interesting part of your

Starting with school drop off, I arrive in the

role? Meeting people! I have met so many

office and check my emails and respond

people from all different walks of life. I’m

to all enquiries, followed by property

grateful to have that experience each and every

inspections throughout the day, arranging

day.

for appointments and meeting clients - past,

How do you stay motivated and overcome

current and future. My mobile phone does not

challenges? Each day in real estate there is

stop ringing during the day, so this is juggled

a new challenge; it’s in my nature to want to

between appointments and meetings, as well

problem solve and resolve issues without stress

as meetings with staff as to developments with

or fuss. I am an incredibly motivated person,

all matters.

and always have been. I am always looking to

What are your personal/business goals this

the next goal or challenge, so every day is a

year? To increase our rent roll and continue to

great day.

go from strength to strength.

What's your top tip for networking

Best business advice you have received

success? Be yourself, and networking will

and/or most admired person in business?

Dream big and dare to fail! You also have to back yourself 100%; there is no plan B. My most admired person in business is definitely my dad; he showed me how to give anything a go and loved my passion and enthusiasm for people. Through hard work and discipline, anything can be achieved.

Top tips for customer retention? Attention to detail and the art of listening to your clients' needs are paramount. Always providing excellent customer service, and asking, how can I help to make this process easy for my clients?

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? To never be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. If you are so nervous to start something new, you feel as though you're standing at the top of a cliff, getting ready to jump - please, just do it! In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. One of our favourite sayings is "embrace change".

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women in business

For any significant change to come about, it involves people stepping outside of their comfort zone and fighting passionately for what they believe in.

Seachange Accounting Solutions

Jane Hillsdon

LAUREN SWAIN, DEBBIE GAMPE, SANDRA MAGANN, MELANIE MARTIN

DRAGONFLY MARKETING

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Our friendly service sets us apart, and our clients tell us we make their lives easier.

We draw on years of experience and take time to really get to know their business. We’re committed to providing honest, practical and straight-forward advice in language that makes sense to everyone.

has changed the way small businesses work around the world. Locally, we’re seeing those who adopt cloud technology early are benefiting.

This is truly exciting to us, and we’re glad we can facilitate and drive that change.

Sandra, Why are you passionate about your work? I’ve worked in small business and understand first hand the time wasted doing the books, chasing money from customers and paying bills. I absolutely love being able to save businesses time.

Best business advice you have received? The best advice is to never stop learning, reading and acquiring new knowledge. Never pass up the opportunity to learn more about running a business, whether it’s a course, a podcast, a book or online training. My favourite business podcast at the moment is the locally produced Miss Bossy Boots Podcast, and I recommend businesses read The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.

As a Xero Silver Certified Partner, the Xero mission “to rewire the global economy” is compelling to me. A startup from New Zealand

A real shift is taking place, and anything that can help small businesses thrive is positive, especially in regional areas.

seachange accounting solutions

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What are your personal/business goals this year? I have started 2017 with some very specific goals that I’ve structured according to Verne Harnishe’s book, Mastering the Rockerfeller Habits. He starts with a one page strategic plan and breaks that down into annual and quarterly priorities. My goals for this year have been set to align with my ambition to scale my business.

What’s your top tip for networking success? My networking style is to simply get amongst a vast and varied community of likeminded people and get to know them. When I meet someone, I ask them questions until I can find a common ground to relate to them about. I am genuinely interested in learning about other people and their businesses, so I

find it easy to chat to people about this. The more you chat, the more friendly you become, and the more people get to know, like and trust you as a person. It’s much easier at that stage to decide if this is someone you could do business with.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you?

For any significant change to come about, it involves people stepping outside of their comfort zone and fighting passionately for what they believe in. It’s easy to sit back and watch other people campaign bravely to bring about major change that you will ultimately benefit from. Think though, how much easier it would be for everyone if you were to get on board and help.

women in business

The Team ENDOTA SPA

Why are you passionate about your work? endota is an Aboriginal word for “beautiful”, and I believe being part of a company that aims to make each client feel special and beautiful is a company I want to work for! endota encourages clients to shed their outer layers of stress, to leave it all at the front door as they come into spa to spend some “me time”.

It gives me great joy seeing the changes in our clients as they walk out from the treatment rooms. It’s not so much a physical transformation, but a felt one. Our treatments provide the opportunity for clients to ground and centre themselves while working on any concerns they may have. I love learning about new products and how different clients would benefit. I never stop learning!

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? By realising that challenges exist to test us, that’s for sure! I have seen the highs and lows that my parents have been through running their successful business of over thirty years, and I realise that there is always a positive to the negative. I learn so much from them; they call me their “little apprentice!” Challenges help to push your boundaries and show you exactly what you can be capable of. Practicing Yoga helps me to balance things and stay motivated.

My top tip is having a great team and support crew around you. This may be difficult and take a bit of time to sort out, but once you find the people you can trust and rely on, motivation happens and challenges can be overcome.

Holly Jackson, Spa Owner.

Sue Jogever COAST FRONT REALTY How do you define your business’ unique selling point? As a boutique independently owned family business, I believe one of our most unique selling points that we regularly hear from both sellers and buyers is our “CARE” factor.

Our beautiful iconic heritage listed office located at 98 William Street is over 110 years old; we receive many compliments about how we are different and not your average real estate office, as it feels like “home” and very welcoming.

My belief is that relationships with our clients are crucial, rather than just the transaction, and the nurturing of people has been how I have built my business. At Coast Front Realty we offer a very personalised and professional service that makes it “all about YOU!”, which ensures our clients are not a number and are kept up to speed with all stages of their selling or buying journey through regular communication.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Real estate is a “people” business, and every day can be so different with the people you meet and the homes that we have the pleasure to represent. Our clients become part of our Coast Front Realty family, and I love that we are able to be a very important key to ensure people get to the next place they need to call “home”.

Apart from the people I meet in my job, I love that as an independent boutique agency I can create innovative branding and react to an everchanging market very quickly, to ensure a fresh, new way of doing business.

Why are you passionate about your work?

I love the important role that we have been engaged to represent our clients’ homes, and making a difference to people’s lives with the results we are able to achieve.

My greatest joy in my career comes from connecting with and helping others. I am energetic and passionate about my work, as I

know that our hard work is making a difference in people’s lives. The reviews from our past clients (both buying and selling) is testament that we are changing the perception of the real estate industry, and ensuring the positive “word of mouth” and successful reputation of Coast Front Realty opens more doors for future business.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? To stay energised and inspired, I surround myself with positive people! In our industry there are always ups and downs with the emotional rollercoaster of selling your most valuable asset, and to keep me motivated I love reading and watching TEDX talks with inspirational speakers - as I always believe you need to be a student for life!

Mentors in business are crucial, and I have been very fortunate to have valuable relationships that keep me accountable, inspired and motivated to keep moving forward to reach my goals and dreams in life.

I get inspiration from my connections and engagement with friends, family and clients who have shared their stories of success and setbacks along the way. I also find it important to keep yourself grounded in this business, and enjoy getting back to nature and the beauty that we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. The strength of relationships I have made within our local community is heart-warming, and the sense of connection gives me the strength to stay motivated and energised moving forward.

What’s your top tip for networking success?

When it comes to “connecting” with people, you need to listen very carefully and to “be present” in the conversation. I believe it is not the number of people you meet through networking, but more importantly the quality of those connections that will be valuable in the future.

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I am motivated by striving to ensure we look after every patient in a way we would like one of our own family members to be taken care of - people caring for people.

HWBN Free Thinkers.

Connie Porter PORT MACQAURIE PRIVATE HOSIPTAL

The HBWN FreeThinkers Youth Initiative is the revamped version of the Student Membership which had been available through HBWN for the last two years.

T

he Student Membership wasn’t gaining the traction the network had hoped for, so we needed to refocus on how we could make a meaningful connection with young women in our community.

to make a meaningful impact in life.

FreeThinkers is an HBWN initiative designed to empower, educate and encourage young women aged 16 - 25 years. The fundamental premise of this membership is to offer mentorship, support and guidance to enable our fabulous young women to shine bright, whatever their pursuits, dreams and aspirations are.

As Membership Coordinator, I personally feel very passionate about supporting our youth to As a FreeThinker, our young members will realise their potential and opening up pathways be paired with a mentor from the HBWN to help reach their goals. The Hastings Business membership. Based on what they nominate as Women’s Network has an incredible wealth of their highest priority experience and talent area of support, we amongst its members will match them with - women who are someone best suited not only keen to We ask you to please to nurture their share their time and start the FreeThinkers strengths and guide experience with the them through the conversation with youth, but excited to bumpy bits. your daughters, learn from them also.

granddaughters, nieces, Mentors will also Therefore, in finding work colleagues and encourage and a way to access these friends to take advantage accompany their young ladies, it just made sense to invite FreeThinker in of the invaluable gift collaboration from attending HBWN of mentorship our younger women who events and network can provide, were already leading workshops to further but conversely open and facilitating local boost their skillset the network up to youth initiatives for and broaden their fresh perspectives that our girls. As a result, networks. the youth deliver so I have been fortunate We ask you to please brilliantly. in bringing together start the FreeThinkers a passionate group conversation with of youth leaders your daughters, who now make up granddaughters, the FreeThinkers nieces, work subcommittee. This colleagues and friends to take advantage of the subcommittee has been instrumental in naming invaluable gift of mentorship our network can the Youth Membership, designing the branding provide, but conversely open the network up concept and building a program that will to fresh perspectives that the youth deliver so resonate with 16 - 25 year olds - helping HBWN brilliantly. embrace the exciting concepts and talent our youth bring to the table, so we can all learn If you are interested in nominating as a Mentor from each other. for a FreeThinker or would like some more Freethinkers was brainstormed as the perfect term to describe intelligent, confident and creative people who are willing to learn, willing to share, always up for an adventure and keen 16 focus 70 greater Special port macquarie Edition focus.

information on becoming a FreeThinker, please email Mel Haverfield, Membership Coordinator, @ hbwnmembership1@gmail.com or call 0412 851 185.

Ramsay Health Care - Port Macquarie is made up

to work, as the Hospital CEO two days are never

of Port Macquarie Private Hospital, Coolenberg

the same. In my experience, patients who end up

Day Surgery and Hastings Health Centre (formerly

in hospital rarely want to be in that situation. I

known as Hastings Day Surgery). We employ over

believe in trying to make a difference by ensuring

230 people across the sites and care for more than

the experience is as caring and compassionate as

11,000 patients each year.

possible. Our professional integrity and reputation

We have been a part of the local community for over 35 years. In partnership with the exceptional group of medical specialists we are lucky enough to have in Port Macquarie, we provide rehabilitation, medical and surgical services. We strive to provide excellent

in the community is based on delivering excellent care to our patients; this is driven by our wonderful team, who believe in what they do and how they care for our patients each and every day. Our team consistently go above and beyond; their application and dedication is a daily inspiration to me and is

health care to our patients and offer a choice for

really what drives me and keeps me passionate about

people who are looking to have their health care

the work we do.

needs met in a private hospital setting with their choice of doctor.

I am motivated by striving to ensure we look after every patient in a way we would like one of our own

Why are you passionate about your work?

family members to be taken care of - people caring

Hospitals are such interesting and complex places

for people.

women in business

Get out of the office and be a part of what is going on in your workplace and in the community. Having a project or passion helps to engage with new associates, especially if you are used to working behind the scenes!

Mel Haverfield

Claudia Buckby

PORT MACQUARIE TAXIS

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Port Macquarie Taxis is the largest 24/7, door to door passenger transport service in the Port Macquarie regional city area.

Our extensive fleet of hybrid sedans and custom vehicles cater for a comprehensive range of passenger needs.

Accredited drivers are trained in specialist areas of aged care, transporting special needs children to school, wheelchair care and dementia awareness.

PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB LIMITED

GPS tracking - providing peace of mind you are always travelling in safety.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? The theme #BeBoldForChange bears a strong relevance for our business and industry.

Recent regulation reforms for taxis and hire cars has called for adaptation like never before.

Embracing the

Every taxi is fitted with standard in-vehicle technology, such as security cameras and GPS tracking - providing peace of mind you are always travelling in safety.

With the Port Macquarie electorate ranked as the third highest dementia prevalent area in NSW and 50 - 60% of our regular customer base being aged, we are proud to be an approved Dementia Friendly Organisation through Alzheimer’s Australia.

technological and societal shifts of passenger expectations, we

What is the most interesting part of your role? Its diversity - my key role is Finance Manager; however, as a part of the club’s management team, I end up looking after so many different aspects of the business every day.

What are your personal/business goals this year? Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in June, raising money and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation: http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/ Claudiabuckby

Why are you passionate about your work?

I am learning every day and am never bored or looking for things to do. I love the pressure that comes with my role, but also making the monthly accounts balance and seeing the results our great team’s hard work creates.

Finish my Diploma in Leadership and Management.

What’s your top tip for networking success? Get out of the office and be a part of what is going on in your workplace and in the community. Having a project or passion helps to engage with new associates, especially if you are used to working behind the scenes!

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? We may all have something great to offer, and we can find the strength to stand up and be noticed as a woman in a sometimes highly male dominated industry with the right support.

Top tips for customer retention? Exceptional customer service always. Make the great product/service consistent. Offer something worth coming back for.

will continue to invest in upgrades to our booking app, website, driver training and strengthening of community engagement.

Appealing for more

women to consider a career as an accredited driver will be a key focus for Port Macquarie

Our network adheres to strict safety and security standards that are co-regulated and overseen by the government.

Taxis in 2017.

Every taxi is fitted with standard in-vehicle technology, such as security cameras and

relationship with regular customers and

Currently we have three very skilled female drivers, who share an easy and caring visitors.

greater port focus macquarie Special Edition focus. 17 71

women in business

By creating content designed to address the problems and needs of your ideal customers, inbound marketing attracts qualified prospects and builds trust and credibility for your business.

Suzie Robertson

Veronica Lind

IHEAR HEARING SPECIALISTS

VERMILION MARKETING

What is the most interesting part of your role? I have worked in the hearing industry for the last 14 years, and I’m amazed at the technology advances over this time - especially in the last 12 months. When I first started in the industry, hearing aids were large, beige, and whistled. The latest hearing devices are invisible, have wireless connectivity, and can be adjusted via your iPhone! I recently fitted new hearing devices to a profoundly deaf patient who has worn hearing aids for the last 50 years.

For the first time in her life, she could hear the consonants in speech and was able to wear her hearing devices in noisy environments, without any discomfort. Hearing technology has really come a long way.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? I work with a great team of people

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who are passionate and enthusiastic. There is always someone there to help and bounce ideas off.

What are your personal/business goals this year? We have recently opened a new ihear clinic in Wauchope and hope to open in Laurieton later in the year. Up until recent years, people had to travel to Port for allied health services. I am excited to offer the people of Wauchope their very own hearing clinic.

Awards and accolades? This year ihear Port Macquarie earned the Clinical Excellence Award, which highlights the performance of the clinic and its outstanding customer service focus. ihear also support the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which I hope to participate in and which provides the gift of hearing to people in need in over 100 countries.

Customers love Vermilion Marketing, because we demonstrate Marketing Return on Investment.

As experts in inbound sales and marketing techniques, Vermilion Marketing operate at the intersection of business and technology that gets results for customers. I grew up in my career of business development, sales and marketing and yes, I am a geek. It’s perfect timing in an era where the internet has changed the way people buy and when businesses realise they need to transform the way they sell. That’s why I introduced a brand-led and personalisation framework, which is key to inbound sales and marketing. I am driven by my clients’ happiness and successes. My clients become very confident when they learn to differentiate themselves, when they get technology working for their businesses and when they see marketing

RoI. They then have more time to look after their customers and themselves, which makes everyone happy! Inbound marketing is an approach focused on attracting customers through content and interactive engagements that are relevant and helpful - not interruptive. By creating content designed to address the problems and needs of your ideal customers, inbound marketing attracts qualified prospects and builds trust and credibility for your business. Inbound sales is the guiding strategy that helps each prospect along their unique buyer’s journey, ultimately ending in an informed decision to buy from you. As partners for Hubspot, Active Campaign and Kounta, we make these CRM, sales and marketing automation software work for customers. Claim these tools free on https://goo.gl/WnTtpQ and get them working for you too.

women in business

Ursula Boorman

Lisa Wannell

Rebecca Stockwell

DIRECT ADVISERS

WAUCHOPE REAL ESTATE

THE CRUISE TERMINAL

I love my job! It’s not only about money and numbers.

To me, it’s about people and helping them find their place in the world. Many people feel uncertain about money and finance decisions. That’s where I like to make a difference.

I have three goals I like to achieve for my clients. My mantra is “Financial Confidence, Security and Direction”.

Firstly, the financial confidence to make good decisions. You can do small things each day and year to build confidence and ultimately, financial independence.

Secondly, a sense of security around your investment portfolios. At Direct Advisers we build “traditional portfolios”, which stand the test of time.

Clients need longevity around their investments, not excitement!

30 years’ experience gives us the knowledge to advise which investments offer most security. This means clients feel secure, knowing we understand their needs and will take action to prepare them for market changes.

The third goal is helping clients find the direction they want to take in their lives. Then I can help them navigate through the taxation, superannuation and Centrelink maze. It’s what I love.

Why are you passionate about your work? I love my job!

It's very true to say, "Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life". I love being able to assist people in their life either with selling one of the biggest assets they will ever have, or buying one of the biggest assets they will ever have!

I am so passionate about selling real estate for a number of reasons, but mainly to continue to recreate the way real estate agents have been perceived.

Over my six years as a real estate agent, I have met many people who have encountered bad dealings before, and I have cringed listening to just how horrible some of these experiences have been! The worst part is they could of easily been avoided had it been for communication & good buyer qualification.

How do you define your business' unique selling point?

Wauchope Real Estate focuses purely on listing and selling properties. We are a close team of five agents, and we are all locals. Our team includes Troy McKinnon (Licensee) Michael Debreceny, Natasha Costigan, Kirsty Markezic and myself. Our local knowledge, marketing strategies and determination to provide genuine service to our clients is a testament to our sales ratings. We are the number one selling agency in Wauchope and pride ourselves on maintaining that level of success, paired with good, honest service.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? We offer something for everyone, from our famous Sunset Fish and Chip Cruise on the Junk to our Friday Winery Tour to Cassegrain’s Winery or our family boom net fun.

If you’re lucky, you may even see a dolphin or two swim with the boat.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Finding out where my customers come from; we have people cruise with us from all over the world.

Why are you passionate about your work? I have the BEST job in Port Macquarie.

Being on the water every day and meeting so many fantastic people always makes you feel good about your job.

I have fantastic staff, who make my job easy.

When people come to us, I want them to feel relaxed and get off the boats with a smile on their face.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges?

I am a positive person, and I move with the times.

I’m always thinking of new cruises to offer and am determined to have a successful business.

Owning boats always has challenges; I just deal with them when they arise and take them as they come.

greater port focus macquarie Special Edition focus. 19 73

T H E

B U S I N E S S

W O M E N

O F

PERCIVAL PROPERTY

“

THIS TEAM OF INCREDIBLY TALENTED WOMEN ARE EXTRAORDINARY. THEY JUGGLE HUGE DEMANDS OF FAMILY & GIVE 200% IN THE DEMANDING, HIGH ENERGY WORLD OF REAL ESTATE, GOING ABOVE & BEYOND THE EXPECTED EVERY DAY.

- Michelle Percival

Back - Kerry Owen (seated), Megan Wilson, Wendy Afford, Amanda Robinson, Kerrie Thomas, Ally Downing, Naomi Rankine, Jenny Magill, Jessica Tarrant, Di Calder, Amanda Riess Front – Denise Durant, Michelle Percival, Karen Bennison, Gaye Christopher

PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y

76 20 greater 74 focus Special port macquarie Edition focus.

RESIDENTIAL

SALES

02 6583 8606

106 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au

ONE MISSION IN REAL ESTATE PERCIVAL PROPERTY’S PURPOSE IS TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE, EXPERIENCE AND RESULT. HOW DOES PERCIVAL PROPERTY ACHIEVE SO MUCH REPEAT/REFERRAL BUSINESS? Authenticity - we are authentic in our desire to build connections and create long lasting relationships with everyone we come in contact with. We work with our clients to achieve the best possible outcome - each and every time!.

Up front and honest - striving for excellence in our field, Percival Property embraces the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, offering transparent business practices and up front honesty.

Who are the Percival Property team?

Our hand picked team of 22 property professionals were welcomed to Percival for a reason. Apart from their exceptional skills base, each of our people is genuine in their desire to have Percival recognised as the leader in service and best practice.

WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND OVERCOME CHALLENGES? MICHELLE PERCIVAL Licensed Real Estate Agent & Principal I was a very young 17 year old girl with her first job as a real estate receptionist knowing I had found my passion! It was my dream to sell real estate and open my own office. I started selling real estate at age 20, and at 32 established my first real estate company.

For 15 years I worked to build Laing & Simmons Port Macquarie into one of the most successful offices within that franchise group, selling it in 2010 to focus on my recovery from a breast cancer diagnosis. Together with my husband Michael we launched our own brand, Percival Property Management and Asset Care, adding Percival Property Sales in 2013.

The driving passion for me has always been my love in creating extraordinary outcomes for our clients, fulfilling their dreams and helping them achieve their goals above and beyond expected. I am extremely passionate about seeing every person in our amazing team happy, growing and achieving - this helps me to always stay motivated. I overcome the times that can be challenging by always seeing the bigger picture!

MEGAN WILSON Senior Property Manager (Licensed Agent) It’s not hard to stay passionate in this job as I work with a group of amazing and fun people and no two days are ever the same. The old saying “a problem shared is a problem solved” is very true in our office.

We have an open office and are constantly brainstorming ideas and helping one another.

ALLY DOWNING Sales Associate (Licensed Agent)

difference. To stay motivated and overcome challenges I believe you need to have a positive mindset and attitude.

JENNY MAGILL Licensed Real Estate Agent I love my job! I love meeting people and being part of their journey. Port Macquarie is such a beautiful place to work and watching the area grow is so satisfying. I stay motivated by believing in who I am, keeping calm and staying positive! We have a very supportive team that contributes daily to everyday challenges.

hard, always being available and accessible and working with both parties to achieve the best possible result through my professional approach and excellent negotiation skills. Having an eye for detail also assists my owners to achieve the highest possible price, hints on decorating and presentation are always well received. I have a true passion for real estate and enjoy achieving great results.

KAREN BENNISON Sales Administration

I am passionate about my job as I interact with people and assist them with their enquiries. I stay motivated and overcome challenges through perseverance and by focusing on the end result.

Having worked in real estate for almost 30 years I think my passion for real estate is well and truly part of my DNA. Working with like-minded people and an enthusiastic team makes it easy to stay motivated and by constantly communicating and sharing any challenges we may have on a daily basis, we manage to overcome them as a team.

KERRIE THOMAS

DENISE DURANT Finance

AMANDA ROBINSON

Leasing Consultant As a Leasing Consultant I’m assisting prospective clients every day. I’m extremely passionate about helping others and love being a part of my clients’ journey in finding their new home. I work closely with a team of energetic individuals who inspire and influence me to overcome any challenges and remain motivated to always improve and strive to exceed my clients’ service expectations.

The real estate industry is such a dynamic environment to be involved in and for me it’s easy to be passionate about working in it. Every day I work with a group of highly motivated people and this motivates me to stay focused and strive for excellence in my work area. The strong team culture here at Percival facilitates communication between the whole team and any workplace challenges are quickly met and overcome.

I’ve always had a passion for real estate, having sold and bought property. To see the social impact a home makes to anyone and be part of a great team helping prospective vendors and buyers achieve their dreams and desires - how can you not be passionate about your job?

GAYE CHRISTOPHER Property Management Reception

JESSICA TARRANT

NICOLA HOLT

Leasing Consultant

Property Officer

I am passionate about my work because it allows me to develop my professional, personal and interpersonal skills. I also feel a great sense of satisfaction by knowing that I am helping people find a place to live and raise their families. When I lose motivation or feel challenged, I stop and remember that I am working as a team with my colleagues and I do not want to let them down.

I’m passionate about making a difference.

When I’m involved with a project at work, I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.

KERRY OWEN Senior Property Manager To be passionate about anything you have to care about it. I am driven/motivated to be the best I can be and I think this makes you successful in the job you do. Work doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy what you’re doing, and see that you’re making a positive

AMANDA RIESS Leasing Consultant (Licensed Agent) Property management is fast paced and can be challenging day to day but that is what makes it exciting. I try not to dwell on the things that are out of my control and set mini goals each day so that I work with purpose and direction. I work with a great team and we are all here to help each other and our clients.

DI CALDER Licensed Real Estate Agent The key to my success is always working

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

02 6583 7499

4/111 William Street, Port Macquarie www.percival.com.au

Sales Administration (Licensed Agent) Working within a team of people inspired by the difference they make in people’s lives keeps you passionate. Real estate is an evolving industry full of innovation and disruption, however, the outcome we provide still boils down to the basics – excellence in service, good old fashioned communication and the skill level and expertise of staff. A common goal and shared experiences allows you to find solutions to any work related challenge.

NAOMI RANKINE Property Inspection Officer I get a sense of satisfaction working in real estate. Property Management in all honesty has its hard days, but it’s those hard days that give you the greatest satisfaction on achieving the goals set out for the day.

Talking to people, getting to the core of what I can do to help them is the best way I can overcome any challenge.

WENDY AFFORD Sales Reception I love working – it gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. For me it is more about your attitude than what you actually do. Being grateful for what I have keeps me motivated. I overcome challenges by trying to put things into perspective.

PERCIVAL P R O P E R T Y

greater greater port port focus macquarie macquarie Special Edition focus. focus. 77 77 75 21

focusinterview.

danielle harvey.

It is a day of discussions of r to ideas that matte women today.

“

all about

e It allows a plavcoices for women’s take and stories to centre stage.”

women.

All About Women is a festival that aims to promote discussion on ideas and issues that are important to women. The festival is live streamed from the Sydney Opera House to venues throughout Australia and New Zealand, and you can watch the action locally at the Glasshouse. Danielle Harvey - Co-Curator of All About Women, tells us more about the event …

I

ntroduce us to the "All About Women" Festival ...

This is the fifth year of All About Women. It was born out of a day we had called The F Word in 2012, which was electric. It featured Germaine Greer, Naomi Wolf, Eliza Griswold and locals like Clem Bastow and Jenny Brockie and saw a full Opera Theatre of women and men (a smaller number!) who wanted to engage in discussion and debate about feminism. This has now grown to be one of Sydney Opera House’s flagship festivals, featuring over 20 guests from all around the world.

What's the aim of the festival?

It is a day of discussions of ideas that matter to women today. It allows a place for women’s voices and stories to take centre stage. It draws speakers and artists from many and varied areas and backgrounds and encourages wide examination of feminism through the exploration of issues ranging from equality, unconscious bias, violence, education, depictions of women in the media and the impact of war.

All About Women is streamed live to multiple locations. How many participating venues are involved this year?

This is the largest streaming we’ve ever done, to over 25 venues across Australia and New Zealand! Sharing these speakers and what is

76 focus greater port macquarie focus.

22 Special Edition

happening inside the Opera House with a wide Ibrahim is a discussion of the reclamation of range of people is key to the vision of All About the label and why they will keep being “loud”, Women and the mandate of the Sydney Opera “hysterical” and “bossy” without apology.

House. We want these ideas examined and What has been some of the feedback contributed to by anyone and everyone. you’ve received from previous years’ This year the Glasshouse events? will present two All We love getting About Women sessions feedback! We Sharing these speakers - the first with Geena especially want to and what is happening Davis, and the second hear from people inside the Opera titled Nasty Women. in real time using House with a wide What topics will these #allaboutwomen. range of people is key women be covering in In addition to the to the vision of All their presentations?

Satellite live stream About Women and the Geena Davis will be events, we record mandate of the Sydney drawing on her work with as many of our Opera House...We want the Geena Davis Institute sessions as possible on Gender in Media, these ideas examined to make them looking at the gender available as video or and contributed to by stereotypes perpetuated in podcasts after the anyone and everyone. film and TV and possible event. changes the industry could I’ve received consider to better reflect great feedback real women and girls. from people all Our panel Nasty Women over the world takes its name from the latest label used to put who are unable to attend events in person for women with “opinions” in their place. This a multitude of reasons who are so glad they panel, featuring Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Van can access discussion and debate on ideas that Badham, Lindy West and chaired by Fauziah matter to them. I’m really glad we prioritise

the sharing of ideas as much as possible. Ideas should be shared.

Why would you encourage people to attend either one, or both, of the sessions on March 5?

BOTH, of course! One is a keynote and the other a panel, so different formats and guaranteed to be a variety of opinion. We all love to binge on TV etc. so why not do that with some like-minded citizens!

Where can we find out more info for All About Women?

Head to the website: www.sydneyoperahouse. com/aaw Thanks Danielle.

Interview by Jo Robinson.

Photo credit: Prudence Upton.

the plug!

Watch All About Women at the Glasshouse on March 5.

Session 1: Women and Media, Geena Davis - 10:30am - 11:30am.

Session 2: Nasty Women -12pm - 1pm.

Tickets Adults $12 one session; $17 two sessions. www.glasshouse.org.au

Wauchope Centre Managers: Linda Hoffman, Laura Mowle, Coryl Reis

Gayle Kee GENERAL MANAGER

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? We have fun! Our educators all live and support our Mission Statement, that “PLAYING IS LEARNING FOR LIFE” and are passionate about what they do, making a significant difference in the lives of young children, developing inquiring young minds, and teaching young children compassion, love and respect.

What is the most interesting part of your role? At TG’s we truly value our educators. My main role is to mentor, support and encourage our educators to continue to develop their studies and training and self improvement. I absolutely love it when our educators go on to upgrade their qualifications and undertake new courses of study and training; this is one of the greatest rewards for me, as I see them developing their skills, strengths and gifts and reaching their fullest potential.

Why are you passionate about your work?

It’s so easy to be passionate about my work, when

I get to do what I love every day and see the difference we are making in the lives of young children, families and our educators. Every day, I know that we are supporting local families and providing their children with the opportunity to play, live and learn in a beautiful environment, surrounded by our big fun-loving TG’s family.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? I look at every experience as an opportunity for growth - every situation is a gift an opportunity to grow and shine. I enjoy what I do, and it is easy to, when I get to have fun doing what I love each day.

What’s your top tip for networking success?

Be genuine. Be honest. Don’t pretend you’re something you are not. If you don’t know something, ask, research and find out the answer.

Our three foundation stones are: Building Relationships, Understanding our Gifts, and Developing Collective Thinking.

Describe your typical day. With TG’s Child Care at five different locations, every day is different.

I visit each of the services on a weekly basis and spend time with the educators and Centre Managers, mentoring and supporting our teams.

Awards and accolades? I was a recent past

What are your personal/business goals this year? Personal goals this year are to continue to have fun. I aim to keep flying and gain my pilot’s licence. I look forward to growing and developing our network of friends within the HDFC (Hastings District Flying Club) and continuing to enjoy the company of our large TG’s family. I look forward to flying with Trevor in our microlight and enjoying the beautiful sights of the countryside and coastline on the Mid North Coast, as well as around Australia.

recently was invited as guest keynote speaker at

Business goals include continuing to mentor and train our teams of educators, and we will be expanding our business operation in to Port Macquarie in the near future.

colour or gender, to believe in ourselves and reach

LAURA MOWLE

CENTRE MANAGER – HIGH STREET:

CORYL REIS

CENTRE MANAGER – HASTINGS STREET: I love that TG’s is a Family, where everyone is accepted and respected for who they are. A place where you are supported and encouraged to be the best you can be. TG’s is a team who laugh and have fun together, guide and support each other and genuinely care about our children and families. It is a place where two heads are better than one - we use collective thinking, and that every situation is a ‘gift’, an opportunity to learn from and grow, as individuals and as a team. I love going to work each day at TG’s, working with a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing a stimulating and fun environment for children to grow and learn. A place where everyone belongs; children, families and staff.

I have been working or ‘playing’ with TG’s Child Care for over 7 years now, commencing my employment on the Northern Tablelands at the TG’s Child Care Armidale centre.

From here, I joined Trevor and Gayle and their amazing team of educators on their new journey in Wauchope, where I was very lucky to be given to privilege to be Centre Manager at TG’s High Street.

What I absolutely love and adore about TG’s Child Care is that never once does it feel like I am actually going to ‘work’. I am honestly going there to create the love, trust, respect and happiness that all children have the right to and share this with a wide range of educators who all bring various skills, knowledge and abilities to the centre. The unlimited amount of laughter, smiles, developmental achievements, milestones, and compassion that is shared between children, families and educators is honestly invaluable!

I am so fortunate to have the abundance amount of support, guidance and mentoring from only the best, Trevor and Gayle. To me, this creates and continues to extend my gratitude and admiration of the rich learning environments that both Trevor and Gayle have, and are continuously providing children with.

The atmosphere and open-ended environments that all 5 centre’s create, establishes the desire for me to educate, guide and acknowledge each and every single child that spends time at TG’s Child Care.

winner of the Armidale Business Chamber Awards as Business Leader of the Year. I was very humbled and honoured to receive this award.

I am a regular speaker at business meetings and a Company Culture Summit, talking about the importance of developing a positive culture within the workforce.

What does the IWD 2017 campaign theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? This is about trusting and believing in yourself ... Not being afraid to put your best foot forward.

To me, Being Bold for Change is about empowerment and for all of us, regardless of race, our fullest potential. It is about saying out loud to the world - I am awesome, I am gorgeous, I am talented, and I am fabulous!

LINDA HOFFMAN

CENTRE MANAGER - RIVERBREEZE: Working for TG’s Childcare is so much more than a job. I was lucky enough to start my Childcare career with Gayle and Trevor at their first centre in Wauchope many years ago. I then followed my dreams of being a mum to 3 gorgeous boys. I have now re-joined Gayle and Trevor at TG’s Child Care and from my first day of employment I was made feel like part of the family, and recently had the honour of being appointed Centre Manager of Wauchope’s newest campus, TG’s Childcare Riverbreeze. The guidance, encouragement and leadership from all the TG’s family is remarkable and demonstrates the idea that “everybody is a leader”.

From the moment you walk through the door and see the fun, love and laughter you get the sense that this is a fun place to be. The care, compassion and respect that is shown for the children, families and each other is amazing. TG’s mission “Playing is Learning for Life” is evident through the experiences provided to all the children and by understanding each and everyone’s gifts we build relationships with not only children and their families but with the wider community as well. I see my position at TG’s Childcare as a gift and the opportunity to grow and shine.

greater port focus macquarie Special Edition focus. 23 77

women in business

I love to live an active lifestyle, share my passion to help others achieve their goals and keep fit at the same time.

Julie Proud

Kim Pitkin

JULIE’S BARRE & FITNESS STUDIO

RETROSTYLE FURNITURE

SPOILER ALERT! GEEK RETAIL AND GAMING HUB

How do you define your business’ unique selling point?

A small boutique studio with personal attention tailored to individual needs in an ambient atmosphere. A fusion of yoga/pilates and ballet techniques from mat to barre, and finishing off with relaxation and meditation.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? The advice I offer on how customers can achieve the look they’re after in their home by using the Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan ... Even offering to take calls after hours if they have questions.

How do you define your business’s unique selling point?

We are a community Gaming Hub that is accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities to play tabletop and card games in a safe and friendly environment.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Sharing my passion for upcycling furniture with others wanting to do the same.

What is the most interesting part of your role?

Watching the transformation of the girls and the amazing results they can achieve.

Why are you passionate about your work? I’ve created the business around what I love, all things retro and upcycling furniture.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Every day is different, helping people enjoy new games is exciting and equally I enjoy the challenge of managing operations.

Why are you passionate about your work?

Because I love to live an active lifestyle, share my passion to help others achieve their goals and keep fit at the same time.

What are your personal/business goals this year?

Establish my business with regular clientele, enjoy seeing the transformation and results of my clientele and maintaining personal fitness - health and wellbeing!

Best business advice you have received and/or most admired person in business?

My teacher at “Barre Body”, Miriam Jones - amazing teacher, encouraging, inspiring, kind, gentle, reassuring.

She said to me at my assessment, “Don’t be nervous.

Believe in yourself - you have what it takes. Just get in there and do it!”

Kerry-Ann Weirick O’D onnell

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? Taking time out for myself and getting away with my partner to relax for a couple of days enables me to have a fresh approach to work.

Describe your typical day. No such thing! I do try to mix it up with painting stock to sell, talking to customers, updating website/ social media and of course, the never ending bookwork.

What are your personal/business goals this year? To add new workshops to those already on offer, which will include an “Advanced Techniques in using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan” and a “Small Chair Makeover”.

Top tips for customer retention? Having a great product that’s easy to use is what keeps my customers coming back and referring it to their friends with confidence. Offering excellent customer service and encouraging feedback.

™

Bring your home to life with Chalk Paint.

™

Meet your local Annie Sloan Stockist. ™

Selling a range of quality upcyled furniture from the 1930’s to 1970’s along with homewares, clothing and accessories.

24 focus 78 greater Special port macquarie Edition focus.

Shop 30/10 Bellbowrie Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 www.retrostylefurniture.com.au 0411 025 845 • 6583 4724

Why are you passionate about your work? Getting people back to gaming, talking to each other, learning together and out of their homes, away from isolation or loneliness or just somewhere to come at night (we are open to 10 nightly), makes us all very happy; creating smiles and laughter is a gift to us.

What’s your top tip for networking success? You have to network well in business, competition is healthy and we can assist each other to grow in business especially regionally.

Support and Advice is a good key to start-up businesses.

What are your personal/business goals this year? Expand Spoiler Alert!

Best business advice you have received and/or most admired person in business? ‘You have to take risks sometimes’ – my dad he was in business and never went belly up, worked hard and retired happily. He taught me resilience and patience. To be cautiously optimistic.

Women of the Forest TAMARA CAMPBELL, SARAH GORMLEY AND LESLEY BLANCH

Tamara Campbell, Sarah Gormley and Lesley Blanch are in the business of forestry. Based in Wauchope, their work is varied and exciting. Here, Tamara, Sarah and Lesley discuss what they love about their work and what keeps them motivated to overcome the challenges they face as professional women in land management.

W

hat defines Forestry’s unique selling point?

Tamara: We work in beautiful locations with a sustainable resource and passionate people.

Sarah: Forestry is one of the most sustainable industries in the world. You can stand in a forest with trees that will one day become the timber houses, floorboards and furniture that we all love so much, alongside trees that provide homes for an amazing array of wildlife.

What is the most interesting part of your role?

Tamara: Every day is different. One day I’ll be coordinating bushfire response crews, the next I’ll be working with teams to determine how to access areas of forest that only the goannas know about!

Sarah: As a Harvest Planner, I have the flexibility of working both in the office and field. There is no “typical” week; I could be researching the history of an area of forest or doing ecology night surveys for gliders, frogs and owls. I’m also an advanced firefighter, which has taken me to different parts of the country.

LB: I enjoy Interaction with all the staff, as well

as dealing with the public. I love the funny or obscure questions like, “We are going camping - will there be any snakes?”

with! They proactively look at ways to solve problems, which is so important to staying motivated. Challenges are not negative, but a

way to work together.

Why are you passionate about your work?

Sarah: I work with a great team of people who Tamara: I grew up in these forests and feel are all passionate about forests. We manage most at home out in forests on behalf of the the bush. I love long people of NSW - that’s hikes, I love the bush a pretty good incentive at night, and I love to do a great job. how the smell of the Lesley: It’s easy to stay Our organisation has forest changes in motivated when you been around for over 100 different seasons. work with a great years, so when people Sarah: Our bunch of people. I can buy timber grown in organisation has always count on those NSW State Forests, been around for over around me to help with they can be reassured 100 years, so when any projects and to it’s from a sustainable people buy timber share their knowledge source. grown in NSW State and skills to get the job Forests, they can be done. reassured it’s from a What’s your top sustainable source. tip for networking It’s also pretty unique that our workplace is somewhere you want to go back to on your weekends!

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges?

Tamara: It’s easy with the crowd I work

success?

Tamara: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Ask early and ask often.

Lesley: Communication is a priority. Discuss challenges, share ideas and ask advice from those around you.

What are your personal and business goals this year?

Tamara: My new goal is around building an organisational Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, working initially on gender diversity. We have great women working in Forestry and want to encourage more women to work and thrive here. People don’t necessarily see Forestry as a career for women, but we are proof that it is!

Sarah: My role requires me to be fit for field work, walking in the bush in often challenging terrain and firefighting sometimes in extreme heat. I like to run to keep fit, and I am looking forward to the challenge of the Treble Breakwall Buster (36 km) at the Port Macquarie Running Festival.

Best business advice you’ve received and/ or most admired person in business?

Tamara: Keep solutions focused, set expectations with your team and … breathe!

Lesley: I have worked with many Forestry people over the years and no matter what their role, they were always willing to offer help or advice to help me advance my career.

Final comments?

Tamara: I feel so great to be a part of the Forestry team. We are working towards a sustainable future for my grand nieces and nephews to be a part of, which is wonderful.

greater port focus macquarie Special Edition focus. 79 25

women in business

Every day is different when working with children. I find children very interesting beings. I am amazed at how their little minds work, and they surprise me every day.

Karyn and Carissa BENMAR FARM “I begin with the proposition that eating is an

for the living being she is, to provide for her health

agricultural act” - Wendall Berry. A true “foodie”

and happiness that are our responsibility as her

does more than appreciate the artful play of

farmer. This is “animal husbandry”.

flavours in a well-prepared meal; he is conscious

A love affair with nature, cows, food and

of the context of the food itself, the difference

friends took a trade and turned it into obsession.

in taste that comes from growth in dark, rich soil

Benmar Farm is a women-owned dairy business

and the use of heritage species in season. As we

culminating from over 20 years in the commercial

fall in love with food, we realise that industrialised

dairy industry, a lifetime of respecting the

food production isn’t what we crave; rather, we

family cow, and a passion for great food, glued

want to know the food we are consuming has

together by the entrepreneurial gutsy-ness and

been cultivated in a reciprocal and respectful

independence of a business owner.

interaction, with the same attention to detail as

Mixing animal husbandry and urban slow-food

the preparation of it.

connection, they welcome you to share their

Where does that leave agriculture involving

journey by visiting their organic dairy, create a

animals? With the same intention and allowance,

new generation of memories with your children,

we give ourselves permission to allow the animal

and learn about cows, milk and its journey to your

the space to be everything she is, to respect her

kitchen.

Kylie Dalton HASTINGS FAMILY DAY CARE

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Family day care offers a personalised service, with only four children under school age and three school age children per day. This small group provides great opportunities to build very strong connections with the children in care and offer them a personalised service. I have opportunities to spend one on one time with children throughout the day on individual activities, to aid their development.

My own service is unique in offering many excursions with the children, to connect with the local community. Excursions we go on include the local post office, the fire station, local parks, the airport, the koala hospital, our local library, local music group, Ricardoes strawberry picking,

and local schools and preschool for transitioning children at the end of the year. I offer school pick up and drop off service from our two local primary schools and the recent connection with the local home school community to offer days for care. My day care families become an extension of my own family.

What is the most interesting part of your role? The children! Every day is different when working with children. I find children very interesting beings. I am amazed at how their little minds work, and they surprise me every day. Learning with the children keeps me very interested. You would be surprised in what children can teach us, as adults, when we take the time to truly listen to them. I learn something new from the children every single day.

Hastings Family Day Care More than just a career...

A Family Day Care business is an opportunity to establish your own successful early education and care service, whilst earning an income in your family environment.

To assist your success, Hastings Family Day Care is committed to providing inspiration and support tailored to suit your individual requirements. We offer; • Experienced local early childhood professionals to guide you in establishing your own education and care business • A network of existing Educators willing to liaise and share their knowledge and experience with you • Training that supports you in establishing your own business

e: hastingsfdc@sjfs.stagnesparish.org.au p: 65834660 or 65836464

26 focus 80 greater Special port macquarie Edition focus.

Back - Shayne Trotter, Claire Johnson, Sarie Wang, Leisa Gregory, Cian Morgan, Fiona De-carle Front - Stacey Hyde, Carmen Smith, Katie Hughes, Jenny Moreton

Shayne Trotter MID NORTH COAST DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Shayne Trotter, Area Manager at Mid North

with sub-specialty skills using the latest

teams, understand the prognosis and

their minds are put at rest.”

Coast Diagnostics Imaging (MNCDI) perfectly

imaging technology, it’s clear why MNCDI

determine the best treatment for the patient.

Leisa has good advice for young women keen

describes MNCDI’s patient centric philosophy.

routinely directs better clinical outcomes.

Liesa says, “I’ve been working at MNCDI since

to pursue a career in medical imaging.

“You can have the high heels but if you have

MNCDI is continually investing and upgrading

1997. The team here is great! It’s not a chore

“Don’t hesitate. I wanted to do this (job) since

to walk up a mountain you put on the hiking

to the latest imaging technology. They were

when you love your job. Every case is different

I was 14 … there are many avenues in the field

boots. The experience for our patients and

only the second imaging service in Australia

even if you do the same procedure on five

and there are always things to learn. You’re

referrers must be focused on their needs.

to introduce low dose 3D mammography

people in a row.”

providing a service and you’re helping people

Accurate, timely diagnosis delivered with

(Tomosynthesis). The benefit to patients

Leisa also works closely with surgeons and

every single day.”

compassion is the crux of what we aim to

couldn’t be clearer; the superior image clarity

radiologists carrying out complex ballooning

MNCDI staff also have great support networks

provide.”

in 3D mammography is responsible for a 41%

procedures on patients. Accurate medical

and mentors from internal teams as well as the

Staff at MNCDI love their jobs and are proud

increase in breast cancer detection when

imaging allows Leisa to easily measure blood

companies who supply the equipment.

that they can offer comprehensive medical

compared to conventional 2D mammography.

vessels and provide surgeons with critical

Shayne adds, “We have every opportunity

imaging services usually available only in the

Leisa Gregory, Head of Interventional

information about the size of the balloons and

to learn and work with the best teams and

cities. Patients have access to state of the art

Radiography works closely with emergency

stents they need.

technology to excel in our careers. Every

technology, skills and intelligence across 15

doctors at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

“Patient comfort is a vital part of the process.

referral from a medical practitioner is a

regional centres in Port Macquarie, Wauchope,

A typical incident could be a patient who has

Some patients have a general anaesthetic,

question that needs an answer. We’re elated

Laurieton, Kempsey, Taree and Forster.

a liver laceration from a car accident. With

while others have a local anaesthetic so they

when we identify a problem previously missed

With 7 local, 130 extended and 60 locums

the power of medical imaging, the emergency

can’t feel the guide wires being inserted.

that helped save a life or the pain of needing

who are highly qualified imaging specialists

teams can confidently work with the diagnostic

Patients are also talked through procedures so

surgery.”

greater port focus macquarie Special Edition focus. 27 81

women in business

focus Special Edition 3828coffs coast focus.

focusinterview.

Bernadette Divola knitted and crocheted a rainbow teepee for her daughter’s wedding with the help of 100 people. FOCUS found out more about this amazing project ...

W

hat is your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I grew up in Sydney, but my brother married a girl from Bellingen when I was 10 years old.

I came to visit her family after the wedding and it obviously made an impression on me, because I returned here 15 years later with a small family. I have raised my five children in Bellingen; it is my paradise.

Where did the idea of the rainbow tent come from?

I was inspired by an internet post that a few people shared with me. I didn’t for one minute think that I could knit/crochet a whole tent, but the idea just wouldn’t go away. My youngest daughter, Millicent, was getting married on the October long weekend and I jokingly shared the post and suggested that I make a “chai tent”, and so it began. I started working on it on the first of January 2016.

How did the project develop?

I originally intended to attempt the teepee by myself. I thought that the best case scenario would be that it might be big enough to serve as a children’s play tent. Millicent was to be married at her grandparents’ property in Gleniffer in a paddock, and she was hiring some tents as venues and accomodation. The wedding concept was “The Festival of Love”; it was to be a two day event in the style of a music festival.

Once I started the project and posted

love.

Teepee of

photos on Facebook and Instagram, to my How long did it take to make? surprise people from near and far offered to At exactly eight months, I put down my make squares. They rolled in from around the needles. I felt like Forrest Gump when he world: America, England, France, Germany, decided to stop running!

Holland, Finland, to name a few places.

Do you have a favourite square?

Some squares were the product of small Not really, I have such an affection for all children learning to knit. A sweet lady in a of them. However, my friend Marion was local nursing home made 35 squares, whilst diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she a lady in the Blue crocheted me some Mountains fighting squares knowing that cancer crocheted she would not be alive in her bed. Some for Milli’s wedding; that Love - it was the most people contributed meant a lot to us. loving and inspiring one square, while How many squares project. More than 100 others made many. are in the teepee? people contributed A friend of mine, I’m really not sure, but Christine, made of all ages, sexes and I’d say there’s more than hundreds. There 2,000. I sewed every nationalities; some were are so many stories one of them together. family, some friends surrounding the So, how was the and acquaintances, contributions; it was wedding? and some complete a true community Amazing! You can’t strangers. effort. go wrong when your I left a basket with venue is an emerald wool and needles paddock in the Bellinger in my local café, Valley. All the men in my Hyde, and I’d pick up immediate family wore dozens of squares each week. lederhosen as a cheeky homage to the groom, Are all the squares really different?

Scott’s, German heritage and my partner, Absolutely! They are all roughly 12 cm and Troy, and I made up a German drinking song knitted or crocheted, but they are very unique. as a speech. The teepee served as a coffee Some are full of (endearing) holes knitted by and tea tent and was much admired (and novices, whilst others have patterns or even photographed) by all. words worked in; some people even used Do you have a mantra or motto? sequins and beads.

If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing! I

live by this.

What did you take away from the experience?

Love - it was the most loving and inspiring project. More than 100 people contributed of all ages, sexes and nationalities; some were family, some friends and acquaintances, and some complete strangers.

Milli and Scott were bowled over by the generosity and kind regards of so many.

Did you aknowledge the contributors?

Yes, I wrote the name of each contributor on a ribbon and tied the ribbons to a bamboo pole so they fluttered in the breeze at the top of the hill.

What will you do with the teepee now?

That’s the question everyone asks me! I’m sure it will have an outing at some point, but for now it is safely stored at my house.

I made it for Milli and Scott’s big day, and I’m happy that it turned out so well.

Do you make other things?

Yes, I’m prolific. I love making, I love knitting, crocheting, embroidering, drawing, weaving, sewing, cooking - you name it.

At the moment I’m working on some funky little clay dolls, doll’s houses and furnishings to sell on Etsy.

Where can people see your work or find out more about you?

Anyone can follow me on Instagram and see the #festivaloflovebellingen photos. My Instagram name is Queenbernie; I’m always happy to connect with people.

Thanks Bernadette. coffs coast focus. 39 focus Special Edition 29

women in business

When you find a great team, you know you are on to a winning formula, because everything just works.

Cathy and Billy-Joh NORTEC STAFFING SOLUTIONS

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Having worked in the Employment Services Industry for over 20 years, the most satisfying aspect of my role is to see people who have been job seeker clients, working in the local community. It is wonderful when I am shopping or visiting local businesses and I get a chance to bump into some of these people.

Assisting people gain and sustain employment changes lives and the community for the better.

How do you encourage a positive working environment? Teamwork is everything to me.

Building a connected company comes from building your team to ensure every person has the best opportunity to be the very best they can be. That means ensuring all staff are recognised and supported.

How do you evaluate customer satisfaction? We have a well-used mantra at NORTEC, that is “Listening to Understand”.

I do this daily when meeting with customers and candidates alike. For me, when meeting new customers it is vital to gather and retain as much information as possible about the business owner or manager and also the culture, background and day to day running of the business. This ensures we are correctly screening and matching the right candidates.

In recruitment, a great way to evaluate your customer satisfaction is when a new customer gives you a call and asks you to recruit for another position in their business, or even better, refers you to another local business to help with their recruitment needs.

We Listen to Understand your Business Staffing Needs!

Permanent, Temporary & Contract Staffing 1 staff member or 100!

Access to Australian Government funded programs with no-fee recruitment & wage subsidy advice* Vocational skills training & support

Seeking real solutions!

* Eligibility criteria applies

Lodge a job vacancy online at

www.nortec.org.au or call

1800 667 832 30 focus 40 coffs coast Special focus.

Edition

‘Creating opportunities. Inspiring futures.’

Heidi Brett VAST INTERIOR

What is the point of difference between you and your competitors? I believe being able to individually source and pick unique designs and quality furniture that suits the diversity found on the Coffs Coast is a plus that other retailers don’t have available to them. Most of the furniture you see in my store is created from either recycled or upcycled timbers, such as old boats and housing materials creating stunning unique and one off pieces not found anywhere else, or sustainable timbers such as mango wood. I love that since Vast opened in Toormina in 1999, we were one of the first Australian furniture manufacturers to start using solid mango timber in our signature furniture designs; before then, it was often burnt on the side of the road as scrap timber. What really sets us apart is when we design a dining table etc. we also must specify the material and the thickness

required for each piece. Timber is priced according to its weight, so, invariably we always go for the more expensive and heaviest option.

The key difference between Vast and many other furniture retailers ... Quite simply, our furniture is unique, well made and weighs more (and on top of that, we use up to 12 coats of lacquer to preserve the grain). This gives our pieces a much better chance of lasting several generations, and they’re built to last. Plus, if it’s on the floor you can take it home today, no waiting - that’s hard to beat.

What’s the best business idea you have that you’ll never use? Incorporating a Vast Café into the store. A hidden oasis surrounded by our beautiful homewares, furniture and a secret garden - a destination to meet up with friends, a sensory overload ... Maybe one day.

women in business

“I did this program in 1998 and it literally changed my life.”

- Marilyn Brien.

Kate Cooke FLUSHED WITH HEALTH

Marilyn Brien

Krystie Boyes

LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA

Kate Cooke at Flushed With Health invites you to experience the fabulous sense of wellbeing that comes with having an optimally functioning bowel! Have you ever wished you could bounce out of bed, head to the loo, do your morning business, and skip out with an even bigger bounce to embrace the new day? Well, that’s your birthright, and if you feel maybe you were robbed at some stage in life, know you can reclaim it. If you’ve ever felt you’re not quite “finished”, or constipated, or have regular headaches, or bad breath, or bloating, or hormonal problems, or trouble losing weight, or sinus issues, or skin breakouts, or chronic tiredness, or just want to feel GREAT, consider a series of colonics.

About Leadership Management Australia: Leadership

Colonic Irrigation at Flushed With Health uses state-of-the-art equipment, including twice filtered, warm, gravity-fed water and sterile, disposable, pencil-thin rectal tubes, to ensure a comfortable, professional and private service. Kate is a certified Nutritionist and Colon Hydrotherapist with over twenty years of experience. Located in an accessible yet private location in Sawtell, Kate is available to support your GUT health five day per week and Saturdays by appointment. A healthy bowel can add years to your life and life to your years!

making sure all our participants enjoy the LMA journey and

www.flushedwithhealth.com.au

New opportunity in 2017:

e: kate@flushedwithhealth.com.au

The second half of 2017 sees the return of our well sought

m: 0448 554 096.

after program, Effective Personal Leadership.

Management Australia (LMA) is a registered training organisation that has been creating exceptional results through people for 45 years. It is through our unique learning and development process that we provide professionals with the tools to create the “total person” in their workplace.

I have been working with LMA for 19 years on the Mid North Coast. I have an award winning, dedicated team of facilitators and coaches. These highly respected and sought after facilitators show their commitment to excellence by get the most out of our adult interactive workshops.

What is our point of difference?

We don’t train people - we develop them. We change and improve the way people think, interact, work, and behave - providing our participants lasting behavioural changes, and our clients exceptional, ongoing value, and return on investment.

CHAMP CLEANING

What background experience do you bring to your current role? Over 10 years of commercial cleaning in various establishments, from distribution warehouses to RSLs. I have also obtained Cert III Asset Maintenance which is the equivalent of a commercial cleaning degree. Champ’s staff is provided with continuous training.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? Clients saying, “WOW - this place looks wonderful!” I have a fantastic team who gets in and work as one to turn around an establishment ready for trade. We perform a Quality Assurance check right before doors open, which is the best part of my day.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? Champ has systematic cleaning methods in place - we work smart, not hard – this means that I’m able to knock off at 10am and enjoy the rest of my day.

What systems have you set up in your business to help it grow? Champ chose to downsize in August 2016. Champ was subcontracting and handed back those sites to a company which I felt ran their business operation unethically. I didn’t want to be associated with a negative company. I realised it’s not volume but quality of service that helps your business grow in the long run; we decided to focus on developing professional relationships with local businesses who also have the long term goal of growth in the region.

The Effective Personal Leadership The EPL course from Leadership Management Australia (LMA) builds on existing strengths and focusses on the required attitude and behavioural changes needed to cope with the pace and fast-changing nature of modern life and business.

“A leader’s personal motivation, emotional intelligence and self-image are key to how they perform, respond and lead.”

Marilyn Brien, Leadership Management Australia - Brien

Understand and implement actions to strengthen attitudes and behaviours Strengthen Emotional Intelligence Create a culture of inspiration and motivation.

Take charge of their own personal development Become strong leaders, mentors and coaches

LMA also provides FREE resources on our website www.lma.biz for any professionals looking to review their management, and team analysis processes.

RTO #3908

Marilyn Brien M: 0418 693 914 E: mbrien@lma.biz

Creating exceptional results through people.

focus coffs Special coastEdition focus. 31 41

women in business

Bev Dyer.

Bev Dyer is a hardworking mother of three young boys, who has somehow found the time to launch her own lifestyle label. FOCUS spoke with Bev, to find out where the inspiration came from and what the experience has been like so far ...

Chasing Sundays.

H

i Bev. Can you tell us a bit about your connection to the Coffs Coast?

I have lived on the Coffs Coast since I was eight years old. My family moved to the area when my dad got a job doing the Raleigh bypass.

What do you love most about living here?

What is there not to love? We live in such a friendly, creative community. If you ask me, we have the best climate in Australia, we are spoilt with the picturesque countryside and rivers, and our coast boasts some of the cleanest, unpopulated beaches our country has to offer.

Coffs Coast is small enough but still big enough, with opportunities and resources everywhere.

I couldn’t imagine living and raising my kids anywhere else.

You recently launched your own label; can you tell us about that?

It’s a lifestyle brand that brings products together to represent and support our Australian laid back lifestyle, called Chasing Sundays.

Through my products I aim to connect family and friends, so we can bring a slice of that Sunday vibe into every day. It’s all about practical, affordable and stylish basics that absolutely anyone can enjoy.

Where did the inspiration for the label come from?

With three young boys, I was struggling with the beach juggle and was often put off going.

I love the Kids’ Poncho Towel, but I could never

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and family; can you tell us a bit about how seem to find any that were stylish and suitable they all supported you? for a broad age range, especially catering for the They have been my models, they’ve allowed pre teens/teens. I have an eight year old, and I find there is a gap in the market for children aged me to bounce ideas off them, given me honest feedback, and attended markets with me in the seven and up. sweltering heat and purchased from me!

I have always been a visual person and love I have friends helping me with IT, photography pulling things together. and just generally cheering me on, supporting All of a sudden, I had a sourcing, researching, and motivating me. Their support has helped me sampling obsession, and from that I found a love immensely, and I am so for Turkish Cotton - and grateful.

Chasing Sundays was Your young family born. and husband must What have been some keep you busy. How I have friends of the hiccups you do you organise yourhave had along the helping me with IT, self to have time to way? photography and just work on your label?

Sourcing trustworthy generally cheering me We have always manufacturers was chalon, supporting and enjoyed routine in our lenging. Investing time motivating me. Their family; we try to keep and money into having support has helped a happy balance.

My samples made, to receive me immensely, and I husband works during a product that was not am so grateful. the day, so late afterup to scratch and having noons and weekends he to start the sampling entertains the kids so I process all over again. can work. Our parents I also underestimated help out with the kids how much work was too when they can. It involved in creating the takes lots of late nights and dedication. website, especially having no experience. I am at How was the response to your products a point now where my website needs updating, after you launched? as the functions are too basic for what I want and I had products sell out on my website within need now. days. The feedback I received on the overall qualiYour website features images of your friends ty and branding was fantastic.

Were you pleasantly surprised by this reaction?

Absolutely. I knew the quality was there, but I did not expect a sellout or the demand that has followed.

What advice would you offer to others who might be thinking about starting something similar?

Invest in learning. I attended a start up conference in Sydney when I was in idea phase and a creative seminar in Sydney while I was planning my range. The knowledge, ideas, contacts and confidence I gained from those is invaluable.

Network, hustle, and barter.

Don’t be scared to ask for help, tips or feedback from established brands.

Be prepared for a big workload and most of all, believe in yourself and your ideas.

What are your plans for the future?

To add more products. I am in the process of pulling together the winter range.

I hope to branch into clothing and work towards picking up more stockists.

Where can people find out more?

They can head to my website: www. chasingsundays.com.au and they can be kept up to date by following my Instagram and Facebook accounts - @chasing.sundays Thanks to the support of some local Coffs Coast stores, you can find my products at Mini Mojo in Coffs Harbour, First Avenue Boutique in Satwell and Ocean Street Diner in Scotts Head.

Thanks Bev.

women in business

Holly Readett

Jennifer D owd

Robyn Simon & Bonnie Capell

COSMETIC TATTOO BY HOLLY

ETC BUSINESS ADVISORS

What background experience do you bring to your current role? I bring over 15 years of experience in the Beauty Industry as a Beauty Therapist, Make Up Artist and Cosmetic Tattooist. Before moving back to the Coffs Coast and establishing Cosmetic Tattoo by Holly I was based on the Gold Coast, and it was during this time I developed my passion for cosmetic tattooing and became qualified in all cosmetic tattoo procedures.

What new products or services are you developing in 2017?

There is huge demand from small to medium businesses wanting to learn more about social media and digital marketing, so our focus for 2017 is on organising more of these workshops.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role? The

In addition, we will continue to help start-up and existing small and medium sized businesses with one-on-one business advice.

motor racing event.

What do you believe is an important criterion to your business’ success? I believe in continuing to refresh and further develop my skills, to ensure I am up to date with the latest techniques on the market. This involves attending many training courses and allows me to provide these services to clients. I see this as an ongoing goal and strength for my business.

Most rewarding part of your job? I love giving women that extra bit of confidence! It’s important that my clients are happy and satisfied with their new look. To see them with a big smile on their face and know it has positively impacted the way they feel about themselves is such a fulfilling and encouraging experience - it’s the reason I love what I do.

What differentiates you and your business? I pride myself on quality service and customer care. I believe in providing genuine recommendations for each individual’s needs, giving clients additional attention, and never rushing the service.

Define Success ...

Bonnie - Listening and making sure both the client and I understand their market is often an essential first step. It’s amazing how once they understand some of these business basics, they feel much more empowered.

Robyn - I love working with clients who are passionate and determined to make their ideas grow into a successful business.

I enjoy helping them to identify their unique opportunities and seeing them grow in confidence and take those next steps.

How do you evaluate customer satisfaction?

Bonnie - A significant amount of the work I do is through referrals from a previous client. I see this as a clear indicator that my customers have found my assistance useful.

Robyn - Regularly receiving positive comments on our service is very inspiring and very motivating!

RALLY AUSTRALIA GM

most satisfying aspect of my job is the diversity of my role.

I’m continually looking for new opportunities to strengthen the rally brand and build awareness of the event (held annually on the Coffs Coast 16 - 19 Nov). It is extremely interesting and challenging working on an international Most rewarding part of my job? Is when the event is running. It’s really satisfying seeing all the pieces of the puzzle come together. It is a huge adrenalin rush, like no other job I’ve done.

How does your business give back to the community?

Last year accommodation was sold out on the Coffs Coast.

The influx of volunteers, spectators, competitors and their teams is of great economic benefit to the Coffs Coast.

Petrol stations, supermarkets, fast food outlets, hotels, clubs all benefit from the influx of visitors to our town.

We utilise the services of businesses on the Coffs Coast wherever possible.

Business/personal goals for this financial year? Secure the event for another three years on the Coffs Coast for 2018,19 and 20. On a personal level: landscape our backyard!

16-19 NOV 2017, NSW COFFS COAST

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS tm

RALLYAUSTRAL

IA.COM.AU

focus coffs Special coast Edition focus. 43 33

women in business

Kellie Pearce.

W

hy did you become a financial planner?

Quite a few years ago, I was looking for some financial advice, and I couldn’t find a professional and approachable financial planner who spoke to me in a way that made sense to me. Eventually I sought advice from a person who talked me into an investment I didn’t really understand. Subsequently, that investment failed, and I lost a lot of money and ended up with a nasty tax bill. I decided then that this “learning experience” would not happen to me again, so I embarked on an education course and learnt about investing, how it works, and what to look for.

Since then, after talking with many of my friends, I realised I was not alone. Many of my friends were so busy working or looking after everyone around them - loved ones, children, parents - that they didn’t have time or knowledge to look after their own finances. They did not see a financial planner, as they didn’t think they were important enough. I am here to bust that myth and help everyone, men and women, take control of their financial future and own their tomorrow.

Why did you choose Bridges Coffs Harbour?

After spending many years working for the larger banks, coming to Bridges was like a breath of fresh air. What I really like about it is that we’re large enough to offer complex advice on all financial matters, but small enough to care for each client on an individual level. This was something I was not able to offer before. We have a great team of people here who all work together to ensure we are proactive with our clients. This means we can look after all of our clients’ needs, ranging from investment advice and share purchases all the way to updating

There are many women in business on the Coffs Coast; it is great to see successful women dominating in the business sector. FOCUS stopped in to chat with Kellie Pearce from Bridges Financial Services, to learn about her road to success in financial planning.

Centrelink of any changes to circumstances - an changes to the superannuation rules that we additional service we provide and our clients love, have seen in the last ten years. On top of this, we as who likes sitting on the phone for hours with have seen the amount of assets you can own to Centrelink? qualify for the Age Pension slashed.

How can financial advice help me?

You combine these changes with the record At Bridges, we believe that financial advice low interest rates that we are experiencing, and makes a difference. In fact, a recent study by the retirees especially are being squeezed everywhere.

Finance Services Council showed that people who So where should I be investing then to receive financial advice were almost $100,000 counteract low interest rates? better off in retirement.

Well, that’s the million dollar question!

A financial planner offers advice, or rather You can take on more risk to counteract low sets out a road map returns but in doing so, for you to follow. If you will also take on more you think that visiting volatility of capital, which us in our office will may be unpalatable to the Our first meeting is be grey suits, boring investor. complimentary and investments and other Everyone has different we have a chat over a humdrum information, tolerances for risk and as cuppa about what’s then think again! First an planner, it is our job to important to you and of all, we have a great find out what that is and looking office, with invest people’s money in your family and what great looking staff (am a way that allows them you’d like your financial I allowed to say that?) to “sleep at night”. My future to look like. but more importantly, advice is to turn off the we help you create the TV at night and ignore the lifestyle you want and background “noise”. then apply it to your You should be able to specific circumstances wake up in the morning that exist now. and know that even if the US President has Financial advice will help you to mouthed off at Iran, China and Mexico and upset • Set and achieve your financial goals and make his closest allies with his 3am “tweets”, the world the most of your money will continue to spin and companies will continue • Get any government assistance you're entitled to trade, and in twenty years it will all seem like a to bad dream!

• Feel more in control of your finances and your Are there many women in the financial life planning industry?

• Avoid expensive mistakes (I wish I had known It is an unfortunate statistic of this industry, that!) that just over 20% of advisors in Australia are • Protect your assets women. It’s interesting that when I meet with Right now we are going through the largest clients, men and women often have very different

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desired outcomes from our meetings. Whilst men tend to be more interested in numbers and the stockmarket, women on the other hand are more interested in ensuring that their family will be looked after and that there will be enough money to pay the mortgage. Often they are looking for the same result, but approaching it from different sides of the same coin.

I really enjoy working with both men and women, and I can obviously relate to women with many things. However, it is funny as to where a meeting’s conversation can go and as a keen motorcyclist and car enthusiast, and dare I say a Richmond tigers supporter (oh, the pain), we often cover a broad range of topics in our meetings.

What happens at a financial planning meeting?

Our first meeting is complimentary, and we have a chat over a cuppa about what’s important to you and your family and what you’d like your financial future to look like.

During this meeting, we will discuss options, in a way you can understand, to ensure you are confident you can reach these goals.

Then if you’re comfortable, we will tailor an individual financial plan for you with personalised strategies on how you can move towards achieving your goals and objectives.

So, don’t be shy, give us a call and take control of your financial future. You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks Kellie. *The ‘Better off with savings advice’, 16 February 2011, research shows that a 30 year old would save an additional $91,000, a 45 year old would save an additional $80,000 and a 60 year old would save $29,000 more than those without a financial planner. Disclaimer: Bridges Financial Services Pty Limited (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977.

ASX Participant. AFSL No 240837.

This is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consult a financial planner. Bridges is part of the IOOF group.

women in business

There are lots of opportunities here; you just need to have a plan, be consistent and determined, and go for it!

Nicole Donovan

Graziella G arrett

Sandra Vout

SURF CLUB RESTAURANT AND BAR

BELLINGEN VALLEY REAL ESTATE

BANKSIA PRESCHOOL

What background experience do you bring to your current role? My first job was photocopy girl in multinational advertising agency Leo Burnett, straight out of school in Sydney. I worked my way up to be PA to the National Creative Director within six years. I grew up fast! I then moved to Coffs Harbour, and fell into hospitality, working for Mal Fittler in his brand new Aanuka Beach Resort in 1988. I’ve waitressed, cooked, supervised and managed in various restaurants in Coffs Harbour, Melbourne and London, completing many management, marketing and motivational workshops and courses. I continually challenge myself to learn new skills. I have co-owned (with Matt, my business partner) our own restaurants/function venues for the last 16 years. I’ve had 28 years in hospitality and know it like the back of my hand.

What's the best part of working and living in the Coffs

How do you stay motivated? Having a big picture puts everything in perspective and gives you a purpose. Exercise, yoga and meditation help enormously.

entire process. I am confident that it is possible to be an honest

What is the best advice you could give other women looking to succeed in their chosen field? Sexism and discrimination can take many different guises. Be vigilant and deal with it immediately; you are not imagining things!

What's the best part of working and living in the Coffs region? Beauty, beach, relaxed lifestyle, safety, sense of community, freedom. There are lots of opportunities here; you just need to have a plan, be consistent and determined, and go for it!

region? Raising my two sons in the Bellingen Shire has given me a direct insight into how special this part of the Mid North Coast really is.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? My passion for helping people find the right property that best suits them, and seeing the delight on both sides after completing a transaction, is why I love what I do.

How do you evaluate customer satisfaction? My belief is that good customer service is about open and honest regular communication, active listening, ability to offer alternative solutions, and to provide a positive experience throughout the and reliable real estate agent, and this is not something that I will compromise on.

How do you effectively market your business to new customers? Online advertising and social media has really changed the way people buy and sell real estate. They are very powerful tools and should not be underestimated.

If you would like to enjoy the process of buying or selling a property, then I would love to help make the journey as easy and enjoyable as I can for you.

I am the mother of three. Have been a Family Daycare Eductor and I'm currently the Director of Banksia Preschool & Long Daycare Centre in Toormina.

I have worked at Banksia Preschool for 17 years and have been the Owner/Director for 12 years.

Over that time I have had the pleasure of educating a lot of children and meeting a great many families, who have also become great friends.

Choosing a centre for your child can be a very daunting process for parents and carers. We are there to help you make that transition easier.

Banksia Preschool & Long Daycare Centre is a small centre that provides a fun, friendly environment that builds trust and security for every child. Families recommend and come to us, as they understand what we offer is real.

What I love so much about my career is being there for the children in every way. Watching them grow as well as nurturing their love of learning.

2017 has seen us open with some new playscapes and additions to our centre environment. I may be the “Woman in Business”, but it’s the people there with you that get you through, such as my team of educators at Banksia Preschool and my family.

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women in business

I have extensive experience in business taxation compliance within different industries, as well as assisting clients with enhanced strategies to minimise tax, increase and protect wealth.

Tracey Hynes RSVP

New products and services 2017: We are currently in the process of reviewing a new formal wear label, which is exciting; with it brings a great price point that our Coffs Coast customers will love.

Along with this we will be introducing two new bridesmaid labels to further increase the choices we provide to our bridal community.

In particular, one of these labels offers a favourable ordering time, which will see the time frame from order reduce from a three four month period to two - four weeks. We want our customers to shop local; it’s very important to me, and I am very passionate about keeping our dollars locally.

Business/personal goals: The assessment of my Advertising and Marketing expenditure is

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definitely top of my list to improve on, it always pays off to analyse and fine tune this area on a regular basis. This is especially true given the rapid increase of Social Media, I am definitely looking at ways to increase and improve Social Media interactions.

On a personal level I am currently working on achieving the ultimate level of organisation.... this seems to always be a work in progress, having never felt I have achieved this, so 2017 bring it on!

Most rewarding part of my job: Seeing the big grin spread across my bride’s face as she stands in the mirror viewing herself in the gown she has just realised is “THE ONE”... Very exciting, and more often than not gives me goose bumps!

Veronica Bruce

MTaxFP BBus CPA SMSF Specialist

BENTLEY BRETT & VINCENT

What background experience do you bring to your current role? I have worked in the accounting and taxation industry since 1985 and began my current role with Bentley Brett & Vincent (BBV) in 1993, becoming a partner of the firm in 2006, at the same time qualifying as a financial planner. I have extensive experience in business taxation compliance within different industries, as well as assisting clients with enhanced strategies to minimise tax, increase and protect wealth.

What qualifications do you have? I have a Masters Degree in Taxation and Financial Planning, a Bachelor of Business Degree and a Diploma of Financial Services (FP). In addition, I am a Tax Agent, a CPA member and an Accredited CPA SMSF Specialist.

What is the point of difference between you and your competitors? At BBV we pride ourselves

on building and nurturing client relationships and incorporating the simple touches clients value, such as responding to them in a timely manner. In addition, at BBV there is a high level of professionalism, with a number of our accountants holding Masters Degrees and SMSF specialisations.

Our commitment to further education ensures clients deal with highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Due to recent legislative changes, not all accountants can provide advice to Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). However, because we are licensed in both taxation and financial planning, holistic advice can be provided under the one roof.

Obligation Free One Hour Appointment If you would like to discuss your taxation and/or financial planning needs, please contact Veronica on (02) 6652 3160 or at vbruce@bbv.com.au

women in business

Shine Lawyers.

Lisa Flynn.

W

hat is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

The most satisfying part of my role is the feeling that I am really helping someone trying to get their life back on track after it has been derailed.

I am currently representing a number of people who have suffered childhood abuse and although the work is challenging, it is extremely rewarding to be able to stand beside these courageous clients who are taking a stand against what has happened to them. I really feel it is a privilege to have the opportunity to change their lives for the better.

What background experience do you bring to your current role?

I have been working at Shine Lawyers since 1999, when I commenced as an Articled Clerk. I have been admitted as a Solicitor for 14 years. For the past 10 years I have been in a management position, leading teams of lawyers and support staff to deliver results for our clients.

How do you encourage a positive working environment?

I think it is important to have rituals within the workplace that encourage positive interactions. For example, we have a weekly morning tea, where we all down tools for half an hour to share food together and get to know whom we are working with through the sharing of stories. We also have daily “huddles” at the start of each working day, which are short, sharp meetings designed to ensure that we all

FOCUS sat down with successful Coffs Coast businesswoman, Lisa Flynn from Shine Lawyers, to find out her secrets of success. focus on the “big rocks” first. I know that I know what each other are working on, am at my best in the mornings, so I do the where people may be stuck and need some big, important jobs first and then leave the assistance. I try to foster a real “team” afternoon for the smaller jobs that don’t approach in any workplace that I am in. require as much brain energy. Often things Best advice for someone starting out in happen in a day that are not planned and your industry? expected, so as long as I get the “big rocks” I often say to people who are studying done - I can feel pretty satisfied that things law, to try to get some experience in a are on track and organised. law firm so that they know what law is How do you stay like “in practice”. motivated?

I think it is great if I don’t find that people studying law motivation is very get some work as I don’t find that hard, as I really love an Administration motivation is very what I do. I have Assistant or Paralegal, hard, as I really love three young children so that they can what I do. I have whom I love and see how a real life three young children adore and if I didn’t law firm functions. whom I love and love my job, I don’t Alternatively adore and if I didn’t think I could bear to do some work love my job, I don’t leave in the morning. experience in a think I could bear to I think a big part law firm or with a of motivation is barrister. This is a leave in the morning. finding work that great way to not only has a purpose that see what it is like, is connected with but also ensures that my values. I am at you are starting to my best when I fully build your “contact” believe that the list - you have access work I am doing is making a difference and to people in the legal profession to ask is channelled towards the purpose I have questions of. Relationships are important bought in to. in this industry, as is the case in a lot of What is the point of difference between industries! you and your competitors?

What’s your best tip for staying on task I believe that the values and the purpose and organised? of Shine is front and centre which drives I am a “lists person” - I make lists of everything that we do. We don’t just have things that I need to get done each day values that sit up on the wall. Everyone and take great delight in crossing things off believes in our values and shares the same the list as they are done. I also ensure that I

ones themselves. I think this is our main point of difference.

Most rewarding part of your job?

Helping people and making a positive difference to their lives.

What’s the best part of working and living in the Coffs region?

Apart from the most awesome beaches and working in the best main street ever (First Ave, Sawtell) I think what makes life on the Coffs Coast so great is the sense of community that exists. I love raising my children in a small, coastal community where they are active, can appreciate their beautiful, natural environment and have people all around them who know them and care for them.

What is the best advice you could give other women looking to succeed in their chosen field?

I think a good mind frame is to always do your very best at whatever job you are doing. There is always somebody watching the work you do, the hours you put in and your commitment to achieving. I also believe that your reputation is really important.

People want to be around and follow people who work hard and are good at what they do. I think it is also important to have a good attitude, especially if you are a leader - leaders can’t afford to have a bad day, as they are being watched all of the time.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Working with people. I get my energy from working with clients and also the great people in my team and the broader firm.

Thanks Lisa. focus coffs Special coastEdition focus. 37 47

women in business

LOVED

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

Playing with Melbourne Tigers was amazing. I learned a lot from guys like Dmack, Anstey, Rashad Tucker, Corey Williams and Julius Hodge, Matt Burston and my favourite, coach Al Westover.

What is the training regime like?

I go to the gym about three times a week and also workout on the basketball court about four times a week, to stay sharp.

Weekends usually include a beach session with sprints and parachute workout. I try to do something every day. No days off!

You are also the captain of the Somali National Team. Do you travel back to Somalia often, and how is the level of playing there?

No, we don't actually go back to Somalia; we meet about four days before tournaments at the location of the tournament and train.

We don't have the funds to travel back, and I help pay my way with some support from the Somali community in Melbourne.

Is it an honour to be the captain of your nation’s team?

The position of captain, for my country is a great responsibility and a great honour, one that I take very seriously.

What makes a good captain?

The role of captain has its challenges, because you’re dealing with a lot of egos and personalities, and it requires a lot of patience and listening. You must be able to solve conflict on the fly and keep everyone on the same page.

On top of all that, you can’t take things people say personally and need to try not to be too sensitive.

Lead by example: that’s what Nathan Buckley told me at my time with Collingwood F.C, right before I played for my national team in 2014.

Where around the world do the rest of

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

C

an you tell us about where you’re from originally?

From Somalia, which is in East Africa.

What is Somalia like as a place?

Somalia is an amazing country with great buildings and scenery (Google it) that is full of wealth, with natural resources as well as oil.

Unfortunately, Civil War destroyed everything.

Right now, the country is growing and recovering at a rapid pace and is much safer.

How did you come to live in Coffs?

I moved from Melbourne in February last year to play basketball for the Brisbane Spartans in The South East Australian Basketball League, which is Australia's Premier

After school and weekends we played until

“

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

I run the Hard Knockz Academy to help

When I made my first rep team and I noticed I had speed and then skills that I learned playing on the streets of Heidelberg Heights against older people.

In Melbourne?

The streets of Heidelberg are in Melbourne, Victoria, where I learned to play ball, playing outdoors at the local primary school. After school and weekends we played until sunset.

It was very tough, and we had a “no blood no foul” rule.

What do you love most about the game?

I love the competition, the hard work which is fun to me and also crossing people up.

You spent time playing for Melbourne Tigers and Brisbane Spartans; can you tell us about those experiences?

12 coffs coast focus.

the Somali team come from?

Most of my teammates live in Canada and America. They play for colleges and teams over there.

One must stretch What is your a lot to remain favourite memory to flexible and loose from playing There prevent injuries. basketball? is also the ice bath, a My first NBL which I hate with one game, the very first passion, but it’s possession I crossed of the best recovery up and scored on a guy methods. ” who later became like a brother to me. The crowd went crazy every time I touched the ball after that; it’s an amazing memory.

What are some of the skills you need to have to play the position of guard?

To be a really good guard, one must have: Vision - to be able to see everything on the composed at all times. court, teammate cuts to basket, shooter is As a guard, are you still attacking and open, big man stealing. shooting?

Creative - to be able to make plays for not Attacking the basket and creating is my only yourself, but also all of your teammates. bread and butter. I can shoot fairly well, but I Ball handling - must be able to take care don’t live and die by my jump shot. of the ball and with little flair, because that’s Have you had any injuries throughout the beginning of all skills. If you can’t dribble, your career? then you can’t play.

I have been fortunate enough to never Shooting - must be able to shoot the ball having a serious injury up until last year after from layups to 3s at a good percentage. the first three games. It’s mentally challenging Layups, floaters, jump shots, step backs and to overcome, not so much the injury, but many more. the doubts about how you are playing.

Defence - must be able to lock down his Confidence gets really low and it’s really hard defender and also be able to help teammates. to overcome, but I just stayed positive - and Pick and Rolls - must be able to use screens coaching the kids helped me get my mind at a high conversion rate. right again.

I.Q - must be very smart player and thinking How important is flexibility and the game. stretching?

Heart - must be brave and never have fear.

Mistakes are inevitable, so a guard must stay One must stretch a lot to remain flexible and

“

loose to prevent injuries. There is also the ice bath, which I hate with a passion, but it’s one of the best recovery methods.

How important is teamwork?

I think teamwork is very important, but you still have to have an individual’s work ethic.

That way everyone improves individually, hence makes the team better collectively.

You need to be selfless and pass on a good shot for a better shot - also to be in sync offensively and defensively.

What advice would you give to young players who want to make it to the top?

I'd tell any individual who wants to be a professional athlete to work harder than the hard working, sacrifice going out with friends but instead work out, be persistent every day, have faith in yourself and in a higher power, and you will be successful.

Thanks Yusuf. coffs coast focus. 13

?? ?

INTRODUCING THE FOCUS MINI-MAG ONLINE FLIP BOOK

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38 focus 48 coffs coast Special focus.

Edition

Cherie Parik

Emma Rhoades

YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST

NORTEC STAFFING SOLUTIONS

We can talk about what we do all day long … We love what we do! For this interview though, I’d love to share our passion, our beliefs, our purpose and our mission with you …

We’re property professionals - passionate about commercial real estate.

What background experience do you bring to your

We believe in making a positive contribution to the Coffs Coast; it’s our home, our passion and the place we know best.

photographers and opened a retail premises in The Links

Our purpose is to work with our clients, tenants, contractors, affiliate professional service providers, wider Coffs community and even our competitors - to continuously raise the bar on the standard of how commercial property is managed, sold and leased on the Coffs Coast.

Our mission is to share our knowledge of commercial property, apply the learnings gained during our careers and provide value for our clients’ benefit ... To show everyone the respect they deserve and to never lower our standards, levels of enthusiasm or dedication.

We’re dedicated to improving the way we do business together; but we’re unable to achieve this on our own. We need to work together, collaborate with and support each other.

If you’re a landlord, a tenant, a contractor or a professional service provider - imagine working with a proactive commercial real estate agency - call us today ...

(02) 5606 2444 or 0423 369 999.

current role? I have six years in business, starting my photography studio - Meraki Images - with just myself and my camera. I have learnt so much about business over this time, and have grown my studio to include three other Centre, Toormina. In my new role as Business Advisor with NORTEC, I bring knowledge of the startup phase of business, along with marketing, systems, customer service, and digital marketing.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your role?

Watching the “light bulb” moments happen! Sometimes, when we are in business by ourselves, we need someone else just to bounce ideas off, or to talk through issues. Two heads are always better than one, and being that one person to help people navigate through those first few years in business is extremely rewarding.

How does your business give back to the community?

NORTEC is a for-purpose organisation that invests back into our community through various sponsorships, donations and community grants. I like to think my role contributes through supporting small business owners and their development, and ultimately, a thriving Coffs region.

Photo by Ellen Koester

La fleur D’ALYSE Barbara Wenman has been a registered nurse for 46 years. She has over 20 years’ experience in cosmetic medicine, having trained in Australia and overseas. Barbara is passionate about the cosmetic industry, safety and expertise and regularly attends conferences and training meetings in order to keep up to date and increase her skills.

She established La FLeur D’Alyse Cosmetic Laser And Medispa in 2006, extending an already thriving cosmetic practice to include luxury spa treatments for individuals and couples. Barbara takes a holistic approach and understands that not everyone is ready for injections or a face lift and offers a full range of nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments.

In skilled hands, cosmetic treatments can turn back the hands of time and create natural looking results. Together with skin treatments such as laser, IPL and peels, injectable dermal fillers and anti wrinkle injections create an

effective and relatively simple way to refresh the ageing face.

Barbara specialises in the rejuvenating affects of cosmetic injections; she creates a natural, nonsurgical face lift, restoring youthfulness to

CAROL HARRISON

the face, eyes and lips.

Having her clients’ interests foremost in her heart and thoughts, Barbara is a qualified Angelic Reiki professional practitioner and a qualified Isagenix nutritional consultant.

Barbara is an associate member of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia and a member of the Australasian college of Medicine.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND TINGLES OF WELCOMENESS IS WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT, CONFERENCE OR OFFICE SPACE AT THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE IN PARK AVENUE.

W

hat services do you We offer so much, that you will never want offer? to leave!

Business cannot thrive Tell us about your virtual offices ... in isolation; at The ProVirtual offices are handy for people working fessional Centre you will from home or a company that has branches in connect with all different types of the city but would like a regional base. businesses that will support your We offer a business registry address, business growth, so your busibusiness cards displayed, personal ness will thrive. telephone answering for Your From seminars company & diaries taken to presentations, care of and different levFrom board meetings to els of service, depending seminars to interviews - The on the requirements presentations , to Professional Centre bo ard meetings needed. will make you feel interviews - The Where are you ntre right at home.

Professional Ce located? el We offer full acwill make you fe The Professional Cen” e. m ho right at cessibility, including tre is located at Level 1, wheelchair access, 9 Park Ave in the heart of undercover parking, the CBD, next to Woolworths full kitchen facilities, Carpark.

24/7 access, not to mention Do you have any vacancies? whiteboards, projectors, full office Two suites are currently available for support, your suite is cleaned five times two four people.

One treatment suite is a week and all maintenance is taken care ideal for Acupuncture, Bowen or any natural of, ready for you to move in and work on therapy; also, the conference suite is available your business immediately. for bookings.

The Professional Centre will make you feel How can we get in touch? comfortable, welcome and chilled out.

Call Carol on (02) 6659 2000, or you can Do you cater for conferences and events? have a look at The Professional Centre’s Yes, we absolutely do! website: www.theprofessionalcentre.com.au or The conference suite can be booked for your pop in and feel the tingles when you walk in … meetings, training sessions, and presentations Written by Nicole Danzey. and is available evenings and weekends.

“

coffs coastEdition focus. 39 49 focus Special

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women in business

Heath and Hoff are in the unique position of being able to make a difference not just to local businesses, but to our local area also.

Carlie Basham

Brooke Tebbenhoff

JKL REAL ESTATE

HEATH AND HOFF

some huge changes coming. All of what we are building at JKL will pave the way for a successful future; I am extremely excited to be involved.

How do you define your business’ unique

position of being able to make a difference

selling point? Our ability to think strategically

not just to local businesses, but to our local

and creatively to solve business problems and

area also. By helping local businesses thrive,

make a difference to a business’ success is

we are in turn supporting our local area to

what makes us unique. Any design studio can

thrive, and that makes us feel really proud.

What is the most interesting part of your industry/role? Negotiating really gets me going. It is by far the biggest rush I have when dealing with sales.

Do you have a goal for this year for yourself, personally or in business?

Assisting my licensee, John Hoswell, in property development, as he is extremely knowledgeable. Renovate my own home.

create a website or design a logo, but it’s the

What does the IWD 2017 campaign

What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? My family, friends and my work. Put those three together, add in water and sport, and you have me.

What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Keep your word. In any small town, the age old handshake goes a long way.

Do you have any changes planned for 2017 within your business? If so, what are they and how will they benefit your customers? JKL as a business actually has

Top tips for customer retention?

1. Communication, 2. Being on point with moments of truth 3. Precision to the best of your ability, and you cannot go wrong.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Honesty combined with sound and solid advice. Family owned and operated, with a huge appreciation for people relocating to our area/moving around the area.

“thinking” that precedes the “doing” that makes the difference.

theme: #BeBoldForChange mean to you? Being bold and eliciting change takes

What is the most interesting part of your

confidence, and I think for women in business

role? Meeting a new business owner and

traditionally this has been a challenge. To me,

finding out what makes their business tick. I’m

being bold is embracing your uniqueness,

a Strategist, so understanding a challenge and

knowing your strengths, and be the change

working out a way to overcome it is what I

you want to see. I believe that we embrace

find most interesting about my role.

our uniqueness at Heath and Hoff every day,

Why are you passionate about your

and encourage the businesses we work with

work? Heath and Hoff are in the unique

to do the same.

Use your uniqueness to your advantage.

Knowing what differentiates you from your competitors c an place you one step ahead.

We’ll help you find it.

W W W. H E AT H A N D H O F F. C O M We help small businesses build successful brands.

focus Special Edition 41 manning-great lakes focus.

31

Quota International of Taree Inc. will host a special International Women’s Day event on March 8. Guest speaker at the event is Fay Keegan - a courageous woman with a moving story to share …

International Women’s Day Quota International of Taree Inc.

H

i Fay. Tell us about your background …

I moved to the Manning in March 1986 with my husband, David, and eight month old son. Our daughter was born in Taree in 1987, and we moved to a farm at Pampoolah in 1995.

I’ve worked as a social worker in Taree since we moved here, with Community Health, NGOs, and in private practices.

In 1968, you experienced a terrible accident. Please share what happened.

I was 11 years old and in sixth class at Sutherland Primary School. I was the Sports Captain - I spent a lot of time playing sport.

One Saturday morning, I’d been to Caringbah to go shopping. The accident happened when I was coming back to Sutherland, and I swapped from a city train to a rail motor.

When the train started to move, I was called to the door. As I went to reach for the handle, the train jolted, and I fell out. My foot got caught in the wheel.

What were doctors’ prognoses at the time?

The doctors weren’t sure if they’d be able to save my foot …

When I came out of the anaesthetic, I thought my leg had been amputated - there was a lot of pain in my thigh - but it turned out this was from the skin grafts. I was told I might lose my foot over the next few weeks because of Gangrene and I’d probably never walk again.

I had six months of very intense physical therapy; it was like learning to walk on a new foot.

I didn’t have a heel anymore - the foot had been de-gloved (skin removed) and completely mangled and crushed across the middle.

The pain was like another person in my life; it had such a presence.

I needed crutches to get through a full day at school, and there were complications with constant ulcers.

I was hit with frequent infections - the first

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Fay Keegan. going to work and coming home, and David one was during my first year of high school was doing all the shopping and most things after the swimming carnival; it was diagnosed around the house. as Cellulitis. I was hospitalised for a month and I’d grown up hiking in the National Parks in referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. the Sutherland Shire. This sounded so positive!

When I was 15, after repeated infections, How did the decision to amputate affect the surgeon told me I should have my foot your life? amputated.

It was life changing. I was happy and motiI refused, because I still had hope for my vated! foot…

I started to hike. I worked with a physiotherI was also told I wouldn’t have the capability apist, and managed to to be a mother - and I get up to hiking 20 km ignored that as well! in one day! I mostly do At 16, my GP put me I became involved with around 6 - 8 km a day on an invalid pension Limbs 4 Life when now. and told me I’d never I did a lot of thinking work. I was pretty feisty, I was researching while hiking. I hadn’t though - I thought my amputation. One of intended to write a GP didn’t know me very the main directions for memoir, but at the end well! the organisation is to of 2014, I started to I ended up doing provide educational write. most of high school material that helps My memoir is a by distance education, people understand manuscript currently; because of the constant amputations and there’s info on my infections. prosthetics. website. There are a Why did you finally couple of publishers decide to have an interested - but it’s a amputation in 2011? work in progress.

I’d made a vow to You’re a supporter of my foot when I was 11 that if it didn’t get Gan“Limbs 4 Life”. What can you tell us about grene, I’d look after it. this organisation?

But it came to the point in 2011 where I I became involved with Limbs 4 Life when I developed Osteomyelitis (a bone infection that was researching amputation. One of the main can spread). directions for the organisation is to provide edI’d started to take Prophylactic antibiotics ucational material that helps people understand when the children were young, but in 2010 amputations and prosthetics. other infections kept breaking through, so I They also provide wonderful peer support; needed to keep increasing the dose. this was one of the single most helpful things I These things led me to consider finally letting ever experienced. the foot go.

Last year I became their National Peer SupI met with a rehab specialist, vascular surport Manager, to help expand the programme geon, orthopaedic surgeon and a prosthetist … around Australia. and it was the prosthetist who told me I’d be There are different ways for people to beable to hike further after the amputation. come an amputee - through trauma, diabeWell, I wasn’t hiking at all at that point! I was

tes, vascular disease, cancer … There are 70 amputations in Australia each week; 85 percent of amputations in Australia are due to Diabetes at present. It’s vital these people have access to support.

You’ll be a guest presenter on March 8.

What will you be talking about on the day?

I’d like to pick up the theme for International Women’s Day this year: “Be bold for change”.

I’d like to focus on two key stages in my life: when the accident happened; then having the amputation.

I was given a lot of negative predictions about my future, but I was able to tap into my self-belief that nothing would rob me of my life.

There were so many roadblocks, I was socially isolated when I couldn’t attend school, but I had to learn how to be happy and find alternative pathways.

With the amputation, it came to a point where I either accepted how things were, or take a bold step. Choosing the amputation wasn’t a decision that was forced on me, like the accident was. It was a leap of faith.

It’s about how boldness can take a lot of different forms.

Thanks Fay. www.faykeegan.com.au

plug!

See Fay at Quota International of Taree Inc.’s event on March 8th, St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, Taree, from 6pm. $25/head; light three course meal and a complimentary drink. Contact for info/special diet 6551 0910.

Ticket sales: Margaret’s Underfashions 6551 3203 or Ashleigh Road Boutique 6553 0142. Quota will make a donation to Limbs 4 Life.

women in business

Jenna Sargeant

Kelly Williams

Donna Ballard

VANITY SKIN AND BEAUTY

VAST INTERIOR

ABOUT INCLUSION

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Our focus is delivering our passion and expertise to our clients and ensuring they have more than just a beautifying experience. We deliver the latest in industry treatments and products at a very affordable price.

Why are you passionate about your work? There’s a saying “do something that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”. For me, being a Beauty Therapist is something I absolutely LOVE! It is a feel good feeling making clients feel and look their best.

The beauty industry is ever evolving and the creativity is endless in this industry; that’s the passion that led me to following my dreams and opening my own salon.

What are your business goals this year? As we are approaching the salon’s one-year birthday, my business goals for 2017 are to train and add some new exciting treatments to the menu and be more involved with community events to get the salon’s name out there!

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? The Vast mantra has always been the difference is everything ... As a group, Vast franchisees are always searching for statement pieces for your home.

We don’t believe in cookie cutter designs and enjoy the individual selection of products to create ranges within the store.

We are passionate about our products, from how the materials are sourced, manufactured, how they present in the showroom and finally the enjoyment of the customer when they get to take home their find. Our stand out is our timber.

Vast has specialised in Indian mango wood furniture for 17 years, long before market trend. This timber is a beautiful heavy hardwood available in a variety of finishes.

Do you have any changes planned for 2017 within your business? We have a huge change happening over March, as we are relocating to Whitbread Street, Taree.

We have happily been a long term tenant of Stockland Forster for a decade, but we are excited about our new location, fresh fit-out and introducing ourselves to the community.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? We strengthen communities, by supporting people with disability to be included in the community, doing the things they love.

What is the most interesting part of your industry/role? We change lives.

What are you passionate about, and is your passion also your work? I am passionate about creating a buoyant, lively local community. That passion relates to our organisation and to the annual Akoostik Music Festival I help present every year in October.

When it comes to networking, what’s your top tip for success? Get amongst it ! … Not just in the areas related to your work role, but in other community groups, like the Manning Net, Rotary and local community and cultural events.

Do you have a goal for this year for yourself, personally or in business? My personal goal is to be a strong leader and to enrich lives, so that people will love to be involved with our vibrant organisation.

What is your best advice for doing business with other local businesses? Collaborate and allow each business to work to their strengths; as a whole, we can deliver a well rounded experience for those who live here, as well as visitors to the coast.

Top tips for customer retention? Be responsive! Listen to their needs and deliver to their wants - then ask for feedback to make sure you got it right, or tweak the bits you didn’t!

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women in business

I love helping people, and real estate is all about people. It is always a buzz when people find that dream home or bargain investment.

Esher Townsend MID COAST PODIATRY

What is the most interesting part of your role? Dealing with the clients. For a short time, you play quite an important role for them.

Everyone is different, each injury is different, the diagnosis may have the same name as three of my other clients that day, but each one is specific to that person - which is why it’s important that we have a variety of different treatment strategies available.

Why are you passionate about your work? I’ve been a podiatrist for over ten years now, and I still love it. We get to help people every day and for some people, what we do can be life changing for them. Whilst we are best known for cutting nails and dealing with corns, our scope of practice is large; our training includes anything from the hip to the feet. But in order to be effective with our treatment strategies, you need to understand how

the whole body works ... It’s all connected.

How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges? Research keeps me motivated and helps with difficult cases. In the past few years’ research in plantar heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy, the evidence gained from the research has enabled us to bring into the clinic new treatments and be confident with what we are providing. Mid Coast Podiatry is the only clinic on the Mid North Coast that provides Shockwave Therapy using the Swiss Dolorclast ESWT Shockwave Machine, the industry leader for Shockwave therapy. I have been watching the research around this therapy for the past five years; it was only last year that I was happy enough with the results being shown to bring it to my clinic. The outcomes we have been experiencing with Achilles and heel pain have been really exciting.

Amanda Tate L.J HOOKER

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Definitely valuing our clients’ business and ensuring we maximise the value for them, whether it be in negotiating the sale of their home or ensuring we are achieving a good net return on their investment. It is always interesting when people look for the cheapest commission, when they should know that the cheapest commission is actually the highest net dollars they receive in their hand.

What is the most interesting part of your role? Meeting people and listening to their stories. Our area has such a diverse range of characters. Of course, viewing properties and watching major transformations take place when they renovate. Some people are just so

talented.

Why are you passionate about your work? I love helping people, and real estate is all about people. It is always a buzz when people find that dream home or bargain investment, when our vendors achieve higher than expected prices, the excitement of an auction, or even finding a home for someone who has nowhere to live due to circumstances beyond their control.

What’s your top tip for networking success? Just be yourself and enjoy meeting new people. Ask lots of questions and get them talking about themselves. When meeting someone new, I naturally think how can I assist this person or who can I introduce them to that they may benefit from.

Start the year knowing where you stand.

Have a Market Update on your home or investment property before March 31 2017 and you will go in to the draw to WIN a ‘dream holiday’ courtesy of LJ Hooker.

For more information please contact us on 6552 1133.

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women in business

Mariki believes that fully independent optometrists can deliver the best possible care to customers and as owner / optometrist of Ultimate Eyecare looks forward to helping you experience the difference

Angie Shuetrim-Milles TALLOWOOD REAL ESTATE

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? Being a totally new, independent, boutique real estate agency, we are able to “follow our own path”. One of the great examples of this is that Tilly, our “Health and Wellbeing Officer” and “Client Entertainment Officer, is able to come into work every day. I call her my little “Happiness Generator”.

What’s the most interesting part of your role?

Meeting new people and the diversity of our daily activities. I worked for many years as a Research Scientist. While I loved this, it was somewhat of a solitary pursuit. Real estate is incredibly fun; you get to meet interesting people every day. I’ve been able to gain valuable experience with many Sydney real estate agencies since the age of 14, so can safely say real estate is my calling.

Should you choose Tallowood Real Estate, you

are not only choosing an agent, you are also choosing a friend. I care very much about my local community, enjoy meeting people and love helping them achieve excellent results.

Best business advice you have received and/ or most admired person in the business? Do the hard jobs first! Deal with any issues as soon as they arise. This way, your mind is clear for you to be the best you can be. A problem only exists if you ignore it. The person I most admire in business is my mum. She has a long and highly successful career in real estate - was introduced to the then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, by Australia’s largest property developer as “the best of the best at selling my buildings”. Having my mum available to speak with every day is by far the most valuable part of my newly established business.

Mariki Boshoff ULTIMATE EYECARE

Two local women have been instrumental in starting up a new business in Taree - Mariki Boshoff as owner/optometrist and Caroline Gunn as manager/optical dispenser and with their experience, knowledge and expertise are aiming to deliver “Ultimate Eyecare”.

Mariki achieved her Optometry degree in South Africa in 2000, where she received the Optometry Student of the Year award.

After moving to New Zealand in 2003, she completed the OCANZ (Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand) Competency in Optometry Exam. She then completed the Australian College of Optometry’s Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics in 2016 and can thus prescribe various drops for eye diseases.

Mariki is also working as a clinical

optometrist at Forster Eye Surgery two days per week, assisting their team of ophthalmologists, which is an invaluable experience on the clinical side of optometry.

Mariki settled in Taree in 2012, and locals may know her from OPSM, EyeCare Plus or Forster Eye Surgery.

Caroline Gunn jumped at the opportunity to manage a green-fields, independent optometry practice. She has 10 years’ experience at Baker Payne & Webb in Taree, where she was practice manager. Caroline completed the Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing and believes in great relationship building, as it is instrumental in assessing optical needs.

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Kim Elliott

Jennifer Wendtman

Rhiannon Curtis

International

Women’s Day. Rhiannon Curtis, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Forster, has been busy organising an event to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. With three guest speakers, raffles, gift bags and a special luncheon at Club Taree, the day promises to be a lot of fun! i Rhiannon. Ronald McDonald Family Retreat will be holding a fundraiser on International Women’s Day (IWD) - March 8. Where will this event be held?

Our luncheon will be held, with thanks to our Event Sponsor Club Taree, at Club Taree from 11am until 2:30pm.

What format will the event take?

We are hosting a three speaker luncheon that includes a drink on arrival, followed by a two course lunch. Everyone attending will also receive a gift bag and be in the draw for our lucky door prizes. We will have raffle tickets on sale on the day, with some amazing prizes up for grabs.

Introduce us to the guest speakers for the day.

Our first speaker (who is stepping in for RMHC Australia CEO Barbara Ryan; unfortunately due to the nature of our work, at times situations arise that take us away from our prior commitments, which is the case for Barbara, who sends her deepest apologies) will be Tracey Webster. We are so excited to have Tracey stepping in. Tracey is the National Learning Program Manager and has over 14 years’ experience with Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia. During her time at RMHC Australia, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program was created, starting with a pilot program of 10 students. The Learning Program now works with over 1,000 students each week, providing tailored individual tutoring delivered by qualified registered teachers. Tracey has said that she “is honoured to be attending and looks forward to sharing her experiences and knowledge with our audience”.

Next will be Kim Elliot from the most recent season of The Block. Kim will be sharing the stage with FOCUS’ very own Jo Robinson for a Q & A session, which will also include the opportunity for audience interaction. Kim will 46 focus Special Edition manning-great lakes focus.

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share her experience from The Block and also audience will leave feeling inspired, encouraged setting the goals and motivation to achieve and empowered to make a better working their amazing results. Working within the edworld for us all. ucation system and also having a young family How will funds raised from the event be herself, Kim understands the need for a work/ used to benefit the community? life balance and she “cannot wait to be up here Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW in the beautiful Manning-Great Lakes to share supports many Manning-Great Lakes families her story and meet some wonderful people”. through Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, Our last speaker for the luncheon is Jennifer Ronald McDonald Family Room Newcastle, Wendtman of 360 both located at John Connections. Known Hunter Children’s for her ability to engage Hospital, the Ronald with the audience and McDonald Learning All funds raised from skilfully and naturally Program and the Ronald McDonald Family take them on a journey, our International Retreat Forster.

Jennifer Wendtman Women’s Day Luncheon In the last three uses humour and life will go directly to the months of 2016 experiences to connect programs that support alone, 82 families and inspire. Her delivery our local families by made 116 visits to offers a clear message continuing to provide one or more of our woven together with accommodation, a programs. This meant narrative from broad comfortable space that families from the experience. Jennifer within the hospital, Manning-Great Lakes challenges people to support with education received 730 nights of think, reflect and move or a break away accommodation free toward their purpose. together as a family. of charge at times of Jennifer’s reputation stress, uncertainty and as a speaker is built on away from home. A lot her capacity to address of these families stayed challenging topics with for one or two nights, raw honesty, humour with many families and compassion. The needing to stay for long periods of time or creation of a safe and relaxed atmosphere weeks on end. provides a space where the audience become All funds raised from our International participants and engage in the presentation.

For you personally, what is the most signifWomen’s Day Luncheon will go directly to the icant aspect of IWD? programs that support our local families by For me, International Women’s Day is a continuing to provide accommodation, a comchance for us all to get together, share our fortable space within the hospital, support with experiences and aspirations and work towards education or a break away together as a family. making a better working world. I believe that What do you feel is the most remarkable this can be achieved by every single one of achievement the Ronald McDonald Family us by starting in small steps at home, in our Retreat at Forster has been able to accomworkplaces and within our circle of friends. By plish in the past year? holding this luncheon, I am hoping that our We have increased our occupancy at the

Family Retreat by over 100 families per year.

This means that more families are getting the opportunity to take some much needed time away from everyday life and reconnect as a family. In 2016 we had 172 families visit the Manning-Great Lakes and experience what we all get to live every day. Ten of those families were local Mid North Coast families choosing to spend their much needed holiday right here in our own back yard! These families spend their time at our beaches, in our shops and eating at cafés and restaurants year round.

Whom would you like to thank for their support in making this luncheon event possible?

Club Taree is our Event Partner, as well as being an ongoing supporter of the Family Retreat Make a Meal program and being our biggest annual third party fundraiser. This & That Unique Homewares are our styling sponsor, ensuring the event comes together to be a treat for all the senses. AE Interiors are our gift bag sponsor. As our media partner, FOCUS are playing a big part in the lead up and on the day and finally, we could not of put this event together without the support of UpBound.

We have some very generous donors for our raffle and lucky door prizes that we would also like to thank, including Thomas Sabo, Jeanswest, Robert Oately Vineyards, Town Beach Beachcomber - Port Macquarie, Split Enz Hair & Beauty and Goldwell.

We are so grateful to all of our sponsors and donors for this event.

Where can tickets to the event be purchased?

Tickets can be purchased from Club Taree reception for $80 each. Tables are set up for groups of ten, but individual purchases are also very welcome. For any information on the luncheon, please call Club Taree reception 6539 4000 or Rhiannon from Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW on 0428 301 088.

Thanks Rhiannon.

Karina Gersbach and Kath G eorge LJ HOOKER FORSTER

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? As a task based property management team, we utilise our superior communication skills to ensure all staff can assist with your enquiry. Whilst other property managers are held accountable for their own portfolios, we at LJ Hooker Forster Tuncurry pride ourselves on being able to answer all enquires within 24 hours.

is always rewarding. From that success brings

in providing peace of mind to our landlords that

Business goals for this year? Our LJ Hooker

happy landlords and develops great relationships

their investments are in good hands. Tenants find

Forster Tuncurry office has flourished and

Our depth of knowledge sets us apart from other agencies in the areas, and our attention to detail is widely regarded. We have effective systems and procedures in place to ensure your investment is managed to the highest of standards, with the latest and up to date software.

service. With this

estate. If you’re not,

a motivated, positive

gatherings, the ability to be known as a reliable

What is the most interesting part of your role? We deal with a diverse population in Forster Tuncurry and surrounding areas. Every person/family has different circumstances and requirements. Finding the right property for them

then don’t bother. Our

attitude towards getting

person is imperative. Our days in property

team gives 110% to

the best results possible.

management are structured down to the last

We will always support

minute; therefore, we encourage our clients to

and a smooth,

our team approachable

maintained a steady, impressive share in the

problem free tenancy.

and always willing to help

town’s fluctuating market. Under the direction

Why are you

solve any issues that may

of Principal Steve Attkins, our dedicated and

arise before, during or

motivated property management team will

passionate about your work? Property management is an extremely demanding in mind, our team is carefully picked, to ensure they are passionate about real

Because of our collective and vast experience in property management, we feel great satisfaction in providing peace of mind to our landlords that their investments are in good hands.

all aspects of their day.

after a tenancy.

continue to grow our rent role and push the

How do you stay

boundaries of success. We will maintain our

motivated and

number one status as a leader in the industry.

overcome challenges?

Nobody Does It Better!

Our solid, proactive team pulls together to achieve the best possible outcome for all parties. We have

Best business advice you have received? In a world that has people rushing to and from places such as work, school, sport, and social

Because of our collective and vast experience in

each other in difficult situations and will go

be punctual as well. Our team mantra is “on time

property management, we feel great satisfaction

beyond the call to reach a successful outcome.

is late!”

manning-great focus Special lakes focus.

Edition 47 37

on

cover.

Brooke Tebbenhoff How long have you lived in the Great Lakes? We moved here 10 months ago.

Favourite hobby/pastime? I’m a ceramist in my (very limited) spare time.

What do you love the most about working and living in the Great Lakes? As clichéd as it is, it has to be the lifestyle and our pristine environment.

What would be something people don’t know about you? There’d be a lot of things if you’ve never met me!

Best thing that has happened to you in the last 12 months? The last 12 months has been the “Year of Change” for me, but the best thing would be our move from Sydney to the Great Lakes.

Jenna Sargent How long have you lived in the Great Lakes? 18 years.

What do you love about living/working in the Great Lakes? It’s BEAUTIFUL! Most of us take our beautiful town’s scenery for granted, but it’s STUNNING to have this at our door. I Love that work and school drop of is a 10-minute trip with views.

What’s one thing people don’t know about me? I hate moths!

Best thing that has happened in the last 12 months? Hard work for me has paid off, with opening my own busy little beauty salon.

Kaylee Morrison How long have you lived in the Great Lakes?

I have lived in the Great Lakes for 10 years.

The best thing about living and working in the Great Lakes? Is the friendly people around, the relaxing/healthy lifestyle and also being able to enjoy our beautiful beaches and scenery.

What would be something people don’t know about you? I have represented NSW in athletics and swimming.

Best thing that has happened to you in the last 12 months? Went on holidays to Vietnam and went to the Great Barrier Reef.

What would you do if you won the major prize in the lottery tomorrow? Book a holiday, share it with family, buy a house!

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focus_interview

Business Minds with Jeremy Thornton of Insurance Advisernet

DEB

BUSINESS minds

H O P P E R

TA L K I N G T O D E B H O P P E R O F L I F E S K I L L S 4 K I D S, YO U C A N ' T H E L P B U T B E C AU G H T U P I N H E R I N F E C T I O U S PA S S I O N F O R FA M I L I E S. T H I S C H AT WA S A R E A L P L E A S U R E !

D

eb, tell us a little about your background and what led you to work so closely with children?

Hi Jeremy! My professional career has been varied. I started working as an Occupational Therapist in Forensic Mental Health and the Melbourne Assessment Prison, to mental health work in Gosford, before working with children in Forster.

This may seem a little disjointed, but the mental health skills I developed are an excellent basis for working with children with self-regulation, behavioural and learning difficulties.

Are you a Great Lakes local?

I was born at Cape Hawke Hospital in Forster, but left town as a baby. I moved back here in 2001, when I married Bruce. I guess I’m almost a local now? I have two awesome boys, Leighton and Trent, and we have lots of fun hanging out at the beach.

Some may not know what an Occupational Therapist (OT) does. Give us the "man in the street" explanation.

Occupational Therapists work with adults and children to promote health and wellbeing through helping them do the things they need to do independently. We work across all ages and help people identify what activities they struggle with, assess why they might be struggling, and then help them either develop these skills or develop new ways of completing them.

As an OT working with children and adults, I help with a variety of issues, including sensory processing, learning difficulties (concentration, reading/spelling, copying from the board, listening and understanding), behavioural, self-confidence, social skills, balance and

co-ordination, self-care tasks including brushing teeth or getting organised for school, fussy eaters, auditory processing disorder and anxiety.

I’m passionate about empowering people to understand the impact of sensory processing difficulties (being over-sensitive to noise, movement, or other senses, or seeking out movement).

OT is only part of what you do at Life Skills 4 Kids. Give us a run down on other offerings through the business.

Our business is transitioning from selling sensory products online at www.lifeskills4kids. com.au (massive sale on now!) to offering online courses and webinars. Our next releases include a 20 Day Classroom Detox, where teachers are guided through an online course to review their classrooms and fine tune the learning environment. This includes an audit of the visual environment and fine tuning how they display posters and crafts in their classroom, monitoring the noise in the classroom and even looking at their playgrounds to check if the equipment is meeting children’s sensory needs.

Our first online webinar, launching Term 2, is “Practical Tips for Worried Kids”. This is for parents and professionals who have kids with anxiety.

I am very passionate about sharing my knowledge. With my busy mobile clinic locally, I have limited time now for running workshops around Australia, so I am moving to be more online for delivering education.

You’re a mum yourself. Is it handy having your skills with your own children?

I’m very human, and of course the wheels fall off sometimes! My professional knowledge helps me to think about the big picture and helps me

you the greatest pleasure? Do you enjoy pick my battles. My kids teach me so much, and it gives me perspective of the day to day working with children, or doing more in the struggles of parenting and the reality of what public speaking and writing space? parents are able to complete in a home program.

I love it all! The children I work with feel like My kids do feel hard done by at times, as an extension of my family, and working with we have very little screen time, no TV in the families longer term is very special. I also love morning, and we don’t own an Xbox. Our sharing my knowledge, either through speaking backyard is filled with swings, sandpit, at workshops, conferences or online, as cubby house and many ropes I can get my ideas out to people and pullies weaved through around the world. our big tree. Outdoor play Where do you see your Restructuring is what kids really need has businesses in the five ly nt ce re these days. e to refocu s m years from now? More ed w lo al Great fun! How do g. here I’m he adin w on awards? you juggle full-time d I set very focuse e I hope to be busy with mum and full-time th go als and break eps, my therapy locally, as well owner of a very into small st

“

task s

it!” as having a suite of online diverse business? and then go for webinars and courses, and I love the variety of my business. Restructuring more family holidays and recently has allowed me to balance. Being named Business refocus on where I’m heading.

Person of the Year for the past two I set very focused goals and break the years and Runner Up Business of the Year tasks into small steps, and then go for it!

Overall in 2016 was fun, but all business owners Keeping fit makes everything go smoother. deserve an award!

Bruce is the glue in our house that keeps things For you, what is the best part about being going daily. He is great at putting the washing in business in the Manning-Great Lakes? out! Prayer and handing over my worries to God Combining life, work and being outside in is also important. our beautiful waterways makes life beautiful. I Being a parent, I realise that sometimes love running One Mile Beach, swimming with “we” are the problem. Is there one top tip the Cape Hawke Surf Club Sunrisers year-round, you give parents to help them with the participating at Forster Tri Club or having a swim growth of their children?

Make quality time for your kids, put the screens down, eat together at the table, and talk and play with your kids. Get back to old fashioned basics.

What one aspect of your business gives

at the Bullring after work. It’s like being on holidays all year round!

For more information, you can find resources and links at www.lifeskills4kids.com.au Thanks Deb. focus Special Edition 49 manning-great lakes focus.

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women in business

50 focus Special Edition

The Team ROBERTS & MORROW

In its 60 years in business, Roberts & Morrow has strongly promoted the growth and development of talented and passionate women in our firm. We are proud to provide our female staff opportunities to help themselves grow personally and professionally through education, leadership and recognition. Roberts & Morrow supports a balanced career for women, with many of our staff having flexible working arrangements to assist working mothers.

Excitingly we have appointed two new female Partners recently and out of the latest figures for our cadet and graduate programs, more than 50% of recruits have been women. We offer a range of specialist services, providing our female staff with opportunities in the following areas across the firm: accounting, audit, superannuation, financial planning and tax and estate planning.

Pictured above from right to left we introduce some of the strong women behind the success of the Roberts & Morrow story:

Bernadette Garratt is one of our most Senior Accountants and a Business Services Manager who has worked with Roberts & Morrow for just under 14 years. She has worked at every level within the firm since she first started as a Personal Assistant back in 2003. Recently Bernadette has taken over a large number of clients from retired Partner, Karen Tromp.

At just 23 years of age, Samantha Bath has recently become our latest staff member to become a Chartered Accountant. Samantha began with the firm as a Cadet Accountant in 2013 whilst finishing her accounting degree through the University of New England.

Having recently joined the firm in the role of Manager of People and Development, Kelly Smitham brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in project management from a range of industries.

Currently completing her CPA qualification,

Cathryn McFarland started with Roberts & Morrow in 2009. She has gained extensive experience auditing in the not-for-profit sector which led her to develop a keen interest in management accounting and financial statement preparation for the sector.

Supervisor for the Superannuation team, Evelyn Hall works alongside Partner Alistair Galbraith.

Evelyn has been with Roberts & Morrow since 2009 and gained her CPA qualification in 2014.

Karina Waite works with our in-house Tax Lawyer, Paul Williams. With a Masters in Applied Taxation herself, Karina assists Paul to provide high level advice to clients on matters of specialist taxation and estate planning.

A Supervisor in the Businesses Services division, Lucy-Jane Knight joined the firm in 2011. A qualified Chartered Accountant, she has gained experience in several of our accounting teams over the years.

We were lucky to gain the experience and expertise of Tanya Bagster when Roberts & Morrow merged with Plante Davis Chartered Accountants in 2016. Based in Tamworth and one of our Partners, she sees a mix of clients from primary production backgrounds through to a variety of small businesses.

Hailey Cameron started as an Administration Assistant for the Financial Planning team in 2015.

Looking to advance her career, she is currently completing her Diploma of Financial Planning.

So there you have it, just a snap shot of some of the ambitious and vibrant women we are proud to call our own.

If you are interested in meeting with us to discuss your financial matters, phone us on 6774 8400 to make an obligation free appointment and take the opportunity to consider all the options available to you. www.rm.net.au

Building a better future for you.

focus new england Special Edition focus. 33 51

Libby Stacy 63 THE RESIDENCE

How long has “63 The Residence” been taking guests, and what do you love about your business? “63 The Residence” is the result of a long held ambition to start a luxury accommodation business that was flexible in an industry I love. I have been a full time mother to my three gorgeous lads and the idea had been rolling about in my head for quite a few years, until I finally plucked up the courage. I then searched for six months until the perfect house popped up to start the dream. Having stayed in many varied accommodation options over the years, I felt I could contribute to our region a five star, luxurious option that doesn’t require you to rob a bank to stay. “63 The Residence” is an elegant four-bedroom house built in 1912 by the Chamberlain family, and has been renovated with this history in mind.

We opened for business in April 2016, and

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are currently operating at 81% occupancy. I love I can offer affordable 5 star luxury to my guests in a unique way.

What can guests expect when they stay at “63 The Residence”? “63 The Residence” prides itself on its commitment to luxury, elegance and a beautiful way to stay. With a capacity of eight people, the rooms available range from booking the Master Suite, to having all four luxury rooms at your will. King sized beds dressed with linen and bamboo sheets are offered in “63 The Residence”, with the ability to split two of the king beds into king singles. Modern essentials such as electric blankets and luxurious towels complement the original charm of the rooms, as seen by the 12-foot ceilings. There are two gorgeous bathrooms, an open-plan, fully equipped kitchen that includes two coffee machines and modern kitchen amenities.

The dining room and lounge room open onto a north facing deck with bi-fold doors, inviting guests to wander the garden filled with seasonal fruit trees, including fig, peach, red apple, as well as blackberries and strawberries. The laundry, double garage, and secure large garden all ensure a safe and quiet ambience and is located within walking distance to numerous shops and the town centre of Armidale. “63 The Residence” offers unlimited NBN WIFI, FOXTEL, a large HD TV, DVD, and is fully air-conditioned for those steamy summer days, or chilly winter evenings.

required, as well as the ability to conduct

Can your business be booked for longer term stays? For our discerning business and longer-term guests, we can negotiate extended stay rates. “63 The Residence” offers the flexibility of a home away from home with all the modern business facilities

Residence”? To book “63 The Residence”,

conference calls and meetings in a private environment, without the need to sit on a hotel bed. Bridal groups preening for their big day, wedding nights for the bride and groom, reunion groups, university and school graduations, families for sporting events, golfing groups, and families visiting their children at the various boarding schools and their functions are all catered for in a magnificent, yet affordable, five star boutique accommodation.

How can guests book into “63 The our website has live availability and can be booked instantly with your credit card. We can also be booked through booking.com and our Facebook page. We look forward to your stay!

women in business

Tracy Wright.

Based in Armidale, on the beautiful New England Tablelands, Tracy Wright has created Raw Fibre ... A unique label which, as the name suggests, is committed to manufacturing garments using beautiful natural fibres.

T

racy and her family live on a rural property out of Armidale, sharing a love of nature and all it has to offer.

The opportunity to raise a family in an environment which is surrounded by so much natural beauty and so many creative people is a blessing.

Raw Fibre has resulted from years of dabbling in the fashion industry, starting with sewing for friends at university, dressmaking from home, working in fabric stores and several other ventures, including a dressmaking and alteration shop.

The commitment required to start a business is huge, but Tracy’s drive matches this. “I want to be an inspiration to my girls - to demonstrate that you should follow your dreams and that hard work and dedication can transform your life.”

inspiration for the Raw Fibre brand.

A passion for quality fabrics and yarns contributed to Raw Fibre’s first collection, which was a collaboration of contemporary designs in linen, cotton and silk. The winter collection is just around the corner and introduces some gorgeous fabrics, including a linen/wool blend which offers a wonderful layering garment for our New England climate.

Raw Fibre is focused on supporting the Australian textile industry through manufacturing in Sydney, as well as collaborating with local artists to design individual prints reflecting the New England landscape. There is a plan for locally designed Tracy’s mother, and possibly printed an accomplished fabrics for coming dressmaker, instilled seasons, which will be in her a love of all an exciting new road to things textiles from travel.

a very early age. She has been able to sew, knit and embroider for almost as long as she can remember.

In reality, her interest in the textiles industry started way before Raw Fibre was even dreamt of. Tracy’s mother, an accomplished dressmaker, instilled in her a love of all things textiles from a very early age. She has been able to sew, knit and embroider for almost as long as she can remember.

Tracy can now see in her own daughters, a love of fashion, drawing and creating. Having spent the last eight years sharing her passion for the field with Textiles and Design students at a local high school, Tracy is looking forward to having more time to focus on her and her family’s creative ventures.

Tracy has always lived in rural areas, resulting in her seeking inspiration from the natural environment and the beauty it encapsulates.

This love of nature has provided much of the

Raw Fibre’s garments reflect their customers - women who are passionate about quality and timeless fashion.

The designs are classic with a modern touch.

They will not date and most can merge from day into evening. “We are not about fast fashion; rather, clothing that can be versatile through the current and future seasons.”

The strong emphasis on quality has seen Tracy develop close relationships with the Australian manufacturers, who understand and support her ethos. “By using local manufacturers, we can work more closely with them to ensure higher quality garments for our clients.

“I hope that through my well cut and beautifully made garments, I can in some small way help women appreciate their own unique beauty and rediscover a love of clothing and natural fibres, regardless of their age or size.” focus new england Special Edition focus. 53 35

women in business

Remember that the key to small business success is continuous improvement. Have someone help you each step of the way.

Michelle Veldhuizen

Daisy William

KNIGHTS CORNER STORE

STRATEGIC ENTERPRISE CONSULTING

Your family is new to Armidale; what brought you here? We have been in Armidale now for two years. We (my husband Anthony and three children) moved here from Coffs Harbour with Anthony’s work, originally we are from the Gold Coast.

How long have you owned Knights Corner Store? I worked for the previous owners for fourteen months, before I was lucky enough to purchase the business seven months ago. It was an easy thing to take on, as I already knew the business and customers and having worked in a café for 16 years with five different owners, I thought, “Why not; I can do that!”

What do you love about your business? I

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love my customers! I love my regulars who come for coffee every day, or who come to have a meal in our lovely garden (my pride and joy!) or who are new faces through the door, or who just come to get the paper and want a little chat before they go on their way.

What plans do you have for the business moving forward? Wow ... there are so many plans. At the moment my main aim is to introduce more home style cooking into the shop, and to do more outside catering. I have a veggie garden at the back of the shop, and I use its produce every day, but I am also wanting to source more local produce to supplement it. I do a lot of home style cooking in the shop, like my home made pies, but I want to do more!

You have been in Armidale for a number of years; can you tell us your business background? People generally know me as the Director of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

However, I was the Director of UNE’s English Language Centre until mid-2005. During my 16 years in Armidale, I took over the leadership of three distinctively different businesses that were on the verge of closing down. One business invited me to help, and I immediately concentrated on cutting costs, ensuring business outcomes were met and income increased. Within a month, the staff termination notices were withdrawn and the business was rescued. So far, I have saved three businesses and 25 jobs in Armidale.

What is your academic background? I have a PhD in financial management. I have mentored

business students and marked postgraduate units at UNE School of Business. Currently, I am lecturing in undergraduate and postgraduate units in small business management.

How can you help small businesses? Through my consultancy, I can help small businesses budget, cut cost, increase income, work on diversifying the business, identify ways to increase profitability, make optimum use of resources, manage budget blow-outs, mentor small business owners, prepare business plans and assist owners implement them.

What is your advice for small business owners? Don’t struggle alone, and don’t wait until it is too late. Remember that the key to small business success is continuous improvement. Have someone help you each step of the way.

women in business

Being a qualified accountant, I love the number crunching side of things.

But it’s nice to step away from the computer for a bit and go pull a beer or run some delicious meals and have a chat to the locals.

Holly Currie

Nardie Pollock

ACIER ENGINEERING

THE ROYAL HOTEL

How long has Acier been operating? We opened Acier in November 2015 in our current location at Unit 1, No. 9 Webb Place.

What is your role in the business? I have a wide variety of roles within the business - from managing accounts, working with suppliers, organising advertising, working with accountants and insurers to measuring and cutting steel, cleaning the shed and office and even doing the lunch run. Whatever job that needs to be completed in order for the business to run smoothly and efficiently.

What does Acier make? Anything and everything from steel. We have the qualifications and experience to complete a large range of products, from small projects such as machinery and truck repairs, to large

structural steel products for sheds, houses and decks, to the unusual such as the new Easy as coffee cup trailer. We also complete alloy and stainless steel products, handrails and balustrades, on site installations, mining services, residential projects and anything in between. We are also able to provide steel orders for customers who wish to complete their own projects at a very competitive price. If you have a steel project, Acier can complete it.

What plans do you have for the future?

We plan to continue to provide quality and reliable service to our customers while continuing to build the business and expand our customer base. We also look forward to participating in future community events such as the Duval High School Career Expo in July.

Tell us about your role … My main role is the back-of house for the hotel, i.e. the finances, accounts, marketing, HR etc. But I also oversee all divisions of the hotel, including bottle shop, bar, bistro, kitchen, accommodation and gaming, and ensure each department is running efficiently.

Tell us about your staff … My staff are second

What’s the best part of your job? The flexibility and the pub atmosphere.

bar related and has been pivotal in maintaining

Being a qualified accountant, I love the number crunching side of things. But it’s nice to step away from the computer for a bit and go pull a beer or run some delicious meals and have a chat to the locals. I also love the late nights behind the bar, where the music is pumping, we’re at maximum capacity and the staff are buzzing. There’s a real adrenalin rush about it, and it reminds me what a great job I have.

best quality beer at all times. Warren manages the

to none. They are all so passionate about the Royal and they are all such good mates outside of work too. My core group of staff which lead each division are absolute gems, and they make my job so much easier. Andrew manages all things our beer lines, so as to ensure we maintain the bottle shop and is not only our longest serving employee, but also has the best customer relations … He always goes the extra mile. Justine leads the bistro team and is an inspiration to all hospitality workers. She just never stops and is a favourite with many of our customers. Head Chef Tim and Sous Chef Francis lead the kitchen crew and are just about to release their new autumn menu.

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women in business

The PPS Team

Pinnacle People Solutions.

Terri King pictured with new appointment Elliot Lloyd (Junior Solicitor).

Bronwyn Pearson.

H

Introducing Bronwyn Pearson of Pinnacle People Solutions, an award-winning business providing high-quality Human Resource (HR) services to regionally located, small-to-medium enterprises and not-for-profit organisations.

ow can HR services help regional business?

Recruiting staff in regional areas can be challenging. We identify and locate desirable candidates, including advertising, attracting and selecting suitable candidates, appointing a successful candidate to an organisation and ensuring a smooth transition into an organisation and to the regional community it serves.

How do you go about recruitment advertising in regional areas?

Recruitment advertising is increasingly about sourcing active and passive jobseekers.

Most of our advertising now comes from digital and social media networking; for example, using jobseeker platforms such as Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn and Evocities, with local promotion on Facebook. These options are relatively inexpensive, with extremely broad outreach. For more difficult-to-recruit roles, we utilise contacts within relevant industries to advertise further. For example, we recently sent an advertisement for a 38 new england 56 focus Specialfocus.

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physiotherapist role to graduate students’ email addresses at a variety of universities in NSW. Using channels such email lists, associations and industries contacts enables us to target potential candidates directly.

What is involved in attracting, selecting, and appointing candidates?

Each of our recruitment advertisements includes the email address - jobs@ pinnaclepeoplesolutions.com.au - where applicants register their interest and request an Information Book on the role and company or the position description (PD).

Candidates can call us directly to discuss advertised roles. Candidates respond to selection criteria contained within the PD (tailored to the specific role) and provide a Cover Letter and Resume. We carefully review applications, create a longlist and conduct a phone screen interview with potentially suitable candidates. We then shortlist (3 - 5) candidates for interview.

Following interviews, referee checks are carried out to gain additional insight into the candidates’ suitability. Occasionally, a second round of interviews is necessary. Once a preferred candidate is found, a potential

offer is discussed with the candidate and, if the client is happy to proceed, an employment contract offer is drawn up.

Finally, we provide a thorough induction and orientation process for new staff to ensure the candidate transitions well into their new role.

That’s a very thorough process.

That’s just the basics. What sets us apart from other HR companies is our high touch approach. Firstly, we build rapport with potential candidates during the search process; secondly, we provide support for the successful candidate (their partner and/ or family where appropriate); and thirdly we provide support for business owners, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

What do each of these steps involve?

In rural and regional communities, such as ours, hiring and retaining skilled candidates is a difficult exercise - relocating to a regional area is a lifestyle decision, as much as it is a career decision. We often find ourselves providing information on, and connections to, local accommodation, schools, and other areas of interest, to broaden candidates’ knowledge about the region, help them

make contacts and assist them to settle in.

Once a candidate is selected, we work hard to support them, both in their new role and the community. We often assist with their induction and orientation process.

Last week we spent a whole day inducting three new professionals to a local allied health practice. We stay in close contact with clients and candidates in the 6 - 12 months following their appointment, aiding with settling in. Integrating our candidates into the community is paramount for us. We work hard to get to know them and their families, finding out what their interests are, and connecting them with local people, business and groups. Referring someone to a medical practice with new patient openings, or a great local hairdresser, can make the difference between someone feeling at home or not.

We stay in close contact with our clients following recruitment, addressing any potential issues that arise throughout the candidate’s probationary period. We provide a unique “recruitment guarantee”.

Our promise that, if the newly recruited candidate leaves the business within six

Nicki Scholes-Robertson (Physiotherapist) with new appointments Andrew Brown (Physiotherapist) and Michelle Hobbs (Occupational Therapist).

Stanley Tao (Solicitor)

months, we will recruit the role again at community. Projects such as these are no additional cost. part of our commitment to attracting, Our high touch approach and our retaining, and developing talent to support commitment not only to our clients but our region’s social and economic growth our region sets us apart from other, into the future. larger-scale HR We have heard companies. that PPS is often How does PPS engaged for We provide a unique work? particularly difficult“recruitment While we to-recruit roles. often recruit as We have recruited guarantee”. Our promise a once-off for several allied health that, if the local businesses, professionals to the newly recruited others engage region, including candidate leaves the us as retainer four physiotherapists business within six clients. 20% and an occupational months, we will recruit of our time is therapist for Rusden the role again at no dedicated to Street Physiotherapy. additional cost. working pro Next on the list is a bono cases, General Manager for both for an international individuals and horticultural company organisations that will be relocating not in a position to seek external HR its headquarters to Armidale, and the new assistance. We recently recruited two Director of NECOM. It’s an exciting time new Solicitors, Elliott and Stanley, for the for us and many of our clients!

North and Northwest Community Legal Thank you, Bronwyn.

Service (NNWCLS), who provide free legal advice and assistance to members of the

new england focus. 39 focus Special Edition 57

women in business

My story of being a woman in business is not an extraordinary one.

Like me, it isn’t fussy and earth shattering; it is about me being and doing the best that I can be in this beautiful town.

Karen Carlon

Lisa Haynes

AUSTBROKERS NTIB

CONCEPTS OF ARMIDALE

How long have you been in the insurance industry, and tell us about your services? I have been in the insurance industry for 26 years now. The services we provide are different to a direct Insurer - we do all the work for you and make sure you have the right cover at the right price. With access to all mainstream insurers, on the majority of lines of business we obtain at least five alternative quotations and pride ourself on covering your assets correctly. It is not always the cheapest option; however, the cover that will respond correctly in the event of a claim.

What do you love most about what you do? I love being hands on and being a broker.

Being in the insurance business for a lot of years now, I have clients that I started with 26

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years ago and have built great friendships with.

For me, client service is number one, and all my team have the same level of service standard.

How have you created your own business opportunities? Some 26 years ago I got a job as a receptionist in a local insurance broker office while I deferred UNE to become a nurse, and that is where my career began. I then moved on to be the Local Area Manager for the NSW Farmers Insurance Agency, QBE and then CGU Insurance, before I made the change back into broking some 12 years ago. This was simply for my clients, as I could only offer one insurer at the time working for the insurers and I wanted to be able to give my clients options - hence the change to Austbrokers NTIB, in which I am a shareholder.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point? At Concepts, customer service is the key to our success, and we have been awarded twice now for this. We are complimented on the stock, the atmosphere and the service every day. The gorgeous girls I have working with me are just fantastic at their jobs. We share our laughs and our tears, our ups and our downs; we are like a family.

There is a need in the market to provide a shopping and styling service to the everyday person; Concepts provides this and more to suit the everyday lifestyle, rather than celebrities for red carpet moments.

customers that have lasted for years and

How do you gauge success? I don’t gauge success on money in the bank; I gauge it on simpler things than that. Relationships with

fix it” definitely applies to us. I will continue

their loyalty to the shop show me that we are doing something right. Lately we have been transitioning stock from summer to winter; subsequently, the shop looks a bit bare.

Customers are devastated, thinking that we might be closing down and delighted when we say that we aren’t going anywhere.

Plans for the future. We will keep on doing what we are doing, despite the constant request for us to open shops in other towns.

We haven’t got renovation plans or relocation plans; the saying, “If it isn’t broken then don’t to source great new products for the seasons ahead …. Watch this space for their arrival.

women in business

Samantha Nelson ESTELLE KRAMER

What made you decide to take on running a motel? For the past 18 years, I have been working as a Flight Attendant in the USA. I have always had a passion to run my own business at some stage in my life. Being customer service orientated, an opportunity presented itself, resulting in myself now running the Estelle Kramer Motel with my partner, Troy.

How long have you been at the Estelle Kramer? We bought the business in early January this year, and have not looked back. It has been a rewarding challenge in learning a new business, and I can honestly say, I love it!

Providing a great service to customers is a passion of mine, and meeting so many new people from all walks of life is very fulfilling.

What plans do you have for the motel? The Estelle Kramer Motel already has an established clientele, which we are going to build upon. Having two and three bedroom apartments, along with our deluxe and standard rooms caters for a wide selection of needs for families and business customers alike. We have established a plan for continual upgrades of the motel to maintain modern standards to provide unquestionable comfort for our customers.

Living on site, we are able to provide 24 hour assistance to our clients when required.

We are very excited for what lies ahead in the coming years!

Sue Lennon RENEE MAREE

How long has Renee Maree been trading? 2017 marks my fifth year in business at Renee Maree, and I never tire of finding just the right bag for each individual customer, whether it is to match a special outfit or a practical, everyday handbag, or even a suitcase to go travelling with - I love being able to find just the right thing for every customer.

What products do you sell? I specialise in unique bags of all shapes, sizes and materials.

I have handbags, wallets, kids’ bags, travel accessories, travel luggage with or without wheels, and even umbrellas!

I stock only the best brands, like Journey, Motoped, Cobb & Co, and all at reasonable prices.

What is it you love about your business? I love my loyal and fabulous customers. Many of my customers just pop in for a quick chat regularly, and I love that.

I enjoy going shopping for the stock I have at Renee Maree.

Finding just the right things to fill the shop is exciting and fun.

Actually, I have just come back from one of the biggest stock selection events in Sydney, so March will see the start of lots of new and exciting bags and accessories arriving at Renee Maree.

Natalie Low ARMIDALE RECYCLING SERVICES

Tell us about your role at ARS? My husband and I own and operate Armidale Recycling Services. I take care of all the administration duties, which includes general bookkeeping, payroll and customer service. I also collect and record daily data of the amounts of recyclables we collect, process and transport through the Materials Recovery Facility. Last year we sent out 4,000 tonnes of recycling, and currently we have a capture rate of 96%, with only 4% residual going to landfill.

Tell us about your services? ARS is contracted by the Armidale Regional Council to collect kerbside recyclables. The recycling is separated by the residents into 55 L recycling crates.

By keeping the materials separate from the start means we are producing some of the cleanest material in the state, which is highly sought after. We call it source separation, and it is proven to be the best way to recycle. We can now recycle plastic bags, and residents can put out an unlimited amount of crates on the kerbside.

What do you love about your job, and what are your plans for the future? I love the freedom of a family business which allows me to be flexible with my hours, so I can still do after school drop offs for my youngest son, Trent. I am also looking forward to mentoring my eldest son, Blake, as he undertakes a Business Admin Traineeship with ARS.

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women in business

I do love paint: Euan Macleod (exhibition view) NERAM 2016. Photograph by Kate O’Sullivan

Rachael Parsons.

FOCUS meets Rachael Parsons, who is an Australian curator, educator and academic currently based at New England Regional Art Museum as the Manager for Exhibitions and Curatorial.

H

ow do you become a curator? What do curators do?

I develop and produce exhibitions of artworks for display in museum spaces. The production of an exhibition involves research, project management, arts writing, exhibition design and physically installing the show. I work across all these aspects, along with other gallery staff and our wonderful team of volunteers.

There are a number of ways to become a 42 england 60 new focus Specialfocus.

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curator, and there has recently been a great increase in interest and availability in formal curatorial education and training through universities.

I studied fine arts at QUT in Brisbane with the intention to be an artist. While still studying, I became very involved in Datum, a student organisation that organised exhibitions of students’ works, and it was then that I first started to curate shows. By my fourth year at university, my focus had largely shifted from making my own art to making exhibitions, as I found that I could combine my love of art,

project management and research skills within the creative environment of the museum. From there I continued to curate exhibitions independently, directed artist run initiatives and an experimental arts festival, worked as a Gallery Services Officer at QAGOMA and I was then employed by QUT to curate their digital and new media exhibition space, The Block.

What is your role at NERAM, and what does it involve?

I have been the Manager Curatorial and Exhibitions at NERAM since July last year, when I moved here from Brisbane. My role involves

managing the development and delivery of NERAM’s exhibition program. My time is split between curating, writing grant applications, developing engagement programs and ensuring that each exhibition is on track to be installed into the space and ready for opening night. I don’t do these things alone; everyone at NERAM is involved. I also work with Robert Heather, our director, to forward plan and vision the future development of NERAM and its program.

What are you working on at the moment?

An exciting project coming up is

The New Aesthetic? (exhibition view) The Block 2015

Aaron Hill – In pursuit of Nowhere (exhibition view) Side Gallery 2016

Resplendent, an exhibition that I am curating that highlights women artists from NERAM’s collections, which will be opening in March 2017. There is a continuing necessity for research and exhibitions that recover women from both the past and present and highlight their many cultural contributions, given their continued absence from dominant art histories.

Resplendent includes works from inter-war modernists such as Margret Preston and Thea Proctor to contemporary practitioners who demonstrate an affinity for and experimentation with colour.

What else can we expect to see at NERAM over the next year?

There is so much happening at NERAM in 2017, including some 30 exhibitions. A focus for this year is the Museum of Printing, and we will be running The Print Room, a series of exhibitions and events that highlight print making in its various forms.

What is your favourite artwork in the NERAM collection?

We have over 5,000 artworks in the NERAM collections, and I have only just started to scratch the surface of what they contain. One

work that I do particularly like is MirdidingkinAre you an artist as well? gathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori’s Dibirdibi Country.

I trained as an artist; however, my profesShe was an artist from sional focus has very the Gulf of Carpenmuch transitioned taria whose work uses to curating, which is vibrant colours and enwhere I put my creative A focus for this year ergetic gestural marks energy. I do love to is the Museum of to communicate her dabble. But making Printing and we personal experiences good art is hard work will be running The and sensation of place. and requires a very Print Room, a series What is the best committed focus, and of exhibitions and art exhibition you I am too committed in events that highlight have seen in the other aspects of my life past year? What was to fully pursue an art print making in its exciting about it? practice. various forms.

I’m not sure if it was What are you imthe best, but a recent pressions of the New show I saw and really England region so appreciated was Nude: far?

Art from the Tate ColIt is beautiful here, lection, which was shown at the Art Gallery of and I understand why so many artists have and New South Wales. I particularly enjoyed Rodin’s continue to paint the landscape in the region. famous sculpture The Kiss, not a very original I am delighted that the seasons change so pick for favourite, but the work is so compeldramatically. There is a great depth of cultural ling and sensual and has this dynamic sense of activity that occurs; there are so many artists movement and energy carved into marble. that live in the region, great galleries, music

and festivals.

How do you spend your time when not at the Art Museum?

When I am not at the museum you can generally find me with my pug, Theodore, who moved to Armidale with me. We walk through the Sunday markets, go cycling (Theodore has a basket on the back of my bike), or listen to records at home. He also rides shotgun in the car when I go home to visit my family in Brisbane, which I try to do often. I also love to travel and have recently returned from a three week USA Road trip. My brother and I drove from San Francisco to New Orleans.

How can our readers get involved at NERAM? Just come visit us, we are open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm, and everyone is welcome. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter via our website, which will inform you of all our exhibitions, talks, events, art classes and workshops: http://www.neram.com.au/now/ To become even more involved, you can always become a Friend of NERAM or a volunteer.

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women in business

LOVED I grew up learning about the importance of using one’s senses when purchasing clothing or fabric.

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Real Estate f e a t u r e

38 new england focus.

Trish Stephen PASTISH

How do you define your business’ unique selling point, and describe your product range? I sell pre-loved designer clothing, shoes, handbags, costume jewellery, collectibles and antique furniture.

Something for everyone of all ages and from all walks of life. I grew up learning about the importance of using one’s senses when purchasing clothing or fabric. I like feeling it against my skin and experimenting with hues to match my skin tone.

Most importantly, I like to try clothes on, to see how they look when I walk and sit etc. My business is all about showing my clients how important it is to do that with quality, timeless pieces that are made well from beautiful fabric.

What or who is your inspiration? My mother, who is always stylish and immaculate in her appearance. She taught me about style, dressing for women and not being afraid to experiment with colour.

Plans for the future? I will be including other services, such as wardrobe cleanses and image and fashion consultancy. I’m also in the process of renovating two more shops next to my existing one in the arcade, to be able to display clothing for all seasons. This will also allow me to create an indoor market place, where individual local artists and designers can also each have a stand or space to display and sell their products. I hope to make it a bit of a destination.

Joanne Hull PROPERTIES URALLA

Tell us about your business, and what do you specialise in? One year ago I made the momentous decision to open my own real estate office. Having worked in the industry for six years, starting in reception moving through to property management, sales and office manager, I felt I had a solid grounding in all aspects of the business.

I wanted to offer personal service to my clients. Real estate is a service industry - a fact that has been lost to many involved in it.

What do you love most about what you do? I focus on the people; tenants, landlords, purchasers or vendors, all are equally important. My clients have really responded to this fresh approach, constantly referring their friends and families to me, enabling me to achieve much more in 12 months than many believed to be possible.

I truly enjoy real estate, from each block of land and every house, which all have so much potential to fulfil someone’s dream or need. When the right property and person meet, there is a certain magic and excitement - a sense of belonging and coming home. I have the best job in the world!

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

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my clients for their support and look forward to working together with them into the future.

VIEW THIS MONTH’S FEATURE ONLINE AT FOCUSMAG.COM.AU/MINIMAGNE

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE

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women in business

The time came where we decided it was the best thing to start working from home, and I have to say it’s been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done!

Jodie Hayden

Kylie, Melissa & Bec

Janet Cooke

MYSTIC HAIR

ACTIVE BALANCE

RICHARDSON & WRENCH

How long has Mystic Hair been open? Mystic Hair has been up and running since the beginning of January 2017!

What made you decide to operate your business working from home? I made the decision to work from home, based on family life. I’m certain as your children get older they get busier, and it is something I’ve always wanted to do.

Both my children are heavily involved in sport. I didn’t want life to pass me by and have regrets about not being able to have the time to spend with the kids and my husband, Andy.

The time came where we decided it was the best thing to start working from home, and I have to say it’s been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done!

What can clients expect when they come to visit you at Mystic Hair? I am so lucky to have the most beautiful clients who have supported me over the last 24 years, many of whom have become treasured friends. They continue to encourage me and I am most grateful for that, along with their friendship!

Clients can expect the same great one on one service in a private location, where parking is no problem and the view is spectacular!

What prompted you to start your business? We love the Lorna Jane Clothing range, and unfortunately our accessibility to it involves travelling or purchasing online.

Janet, what do you like about working in the real

Purchasing online always had its down side; without being able to touch, feel and try the products on before purchase, you could never be 100% confident in what you were purchasing.

over Australia and overseas.

The Lorna Jane Products are amazing and such great quality.

So we thought, “Let’s get involved and bring the Lorna Jane shopping experience to the New England”.

satisfying feature of my job is being invited into people’s

Tell us about your services. We offer all the latest Lorna Jane products, from active wear to lifestyle clothing i.e. tights, sports bras, tanks, shorts, pants, jackets, hoodies and Lorna Jane accessories.

Active Balance is essentially a shop without a shop front. We have a large range of Lorna Jane products on hand and continuously update, so we have the latest products. We can also order in special customer requests for you without a long delay.

Where can we find you? We do pop up shops throughout the New England area, from Armidale, Walcha, Uralla and Guyra. We offer styling sessions for groups or individuals, where we bring the Lorna Jane range direct to you. We have a mailing list to keep everyone updated on were we will be popping up, what sales and special deals we have going and what events we will be running.

estate industry? I love all aspects of real estate practice, but probably the best part is meeting new people from all I am always honoured that people trust me to help them with their important property decisions. Perhaps the most homes to provide advice on how to best present and style the property to maximise value.

The advice that I give depends on many factors, such as the season and current trends in design and presentation.

Obviously we have to be sensitive to the character of the home and highlight the positives, whilst minimising any potential negatives. Extensive renovating experience allows me to make suggestions I know will add value and not blow the budget.

Even though all of my clients are terrific, I am particularly fond of my many female clients. I think women feel comfortable with me as their real estate agent, because I take the time to understand exactly their needs and requirements. This allows me to “match-make” buyers with sellers and produce a great result for all.

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focusinterview

Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

women in business

BUSINESS minds

Megan Aitken.

Introducing Megan Aitken, General Manager for TAFE NSW’s Digital Operations.

W

hat is TAFE Digital?

Our office manages the online education offering for TAFE NSW. At the moment, we have three online businesses across the state offering over 100,000 students a range of online courses, and our mandate is to bring them together to leverage TAFE’s size, scale, and reputation so we can offer more courses, more flexibility and more choice to our students. It’s not about offering all of our courses online. It’s about giving students greater choice about how and where they want to learn. Students who complete a course online will also have the chance to top up their education with campus workshops or in-class lessons and visa versa. So, it’s about giving students choice and variety as to when and how they want to learn. What is exciting, is that it is all headquartered in Armidale.

Can you tell us about your background?

I grew up in Sydney and spent most of my career in financial services. Working in finance gave a me a lot of insight into how large and complex companies work, and how technology can really impact the way things operate. For the past 10 years I’ve worked in Asia, which gave me and my family a much better understanding about life outside of Australia. It also taught me how to manage people and lead projects across different countries and cultures. I’ve worked at UNE as well, heading up their Strategic Projects Unit, which showed me just how exciting the 64 46 focus new england Special focus.

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educational sector is at the moment and how sionals wanting to top up their skills. For important technology is in giving students those living in the country, our online courses a better, more engaging, learning experience. are really important, because they can access What brought you to Armidale? the same courses and the same opportunities My husband went to UNE, and many of as their city counterparts. his life-long friends live here. We also have What is the opportunity for our commufamily close by, so after 10 years in Asia, we nity with TAFE Digital located here? felt this was a good place to relocate with I think it cements Armidale as an educaour two children. We wanted an environtional hub, with UNE, TAFE NSW as well as ment that provided both a career opportunity great schools. We will also be creating 40 and supported family new jobs within the life. Our children ride department. Bringing horses and we love new jobs to a city like the community here, Armidale means an We will also be creating so Armidale provides increase in the money 40 new jobs within the all of this. It was spent in our community department. Bringing quite a shift from that ultimately supnew jobs to a city like Asia, but we felt that ports local business. I Armidale means an it offered everything think an even greater increase in money Sydney does but opportunity is that TAFE spent in our community with a much stronDigital could act as a that ultimately ger community spirit, precedent for other supports local business. which we like. government agencies Why did you join to move to regional TAFE NSW ? locations. If we get TAFE makes such the model right, we a huge difference to will demonstrate that people’s lives. This jobs with statewide sounds a bit like a press release, but it’s true. responsibility can be successfully delivered We skill our workforce, first and foremost, from towns like Armidale, and this sends a which is an important role. But even more message to decision makers. importantly, we give our communities access And your broader contribution? to education, and this is life-changing for so We give people the skills they need to many people. secure a job, get that next promotion or We cater for lots of young adults coming change careers. I think that’s such an importout of school, but we also educate people ant contribution. looking to change their careers, or profesAs a woman in business, what has been

your biggest challenge?

I have focused not on being recognised as a woman in business, but rather as a good business person. I think starting my career in banking, which is such a male dominated environment, helped. It was so fast paced and you needed to really deliver, so your focus wasn’t on gender but on doing your job well and adding value to the team.

What would you advise a young woman starting out in her career?

Find yourself a mentor, but don’t automatically focus on finding a female mentor and it doesn’t have to be formal. I benefited from having brilliant male mentors in my career, and they weren’t officially labelled as mentors. They just gave me exposure to different ways of thinking, networking approaches, communication styles, and a more well-rounded perspective about business.

What are the biggest challenges that lie ahead?

The pace of technology is such a great opportunity, but it’s also a challenge. There is so much we can do when it comes to education - things like virtual reality, augmented reality and machine aided learning will open-up new ways to teach people in virtual classrooms - people from all walks of life, regardless of where they live and like to learn. This is all exciting, but we just need to make sure it really adds to the student experience.

Thank you, Megan.

women in business

LOCALS

LOCALS

Travel is such a competitive market, and I am often asked what possessed me to open a travel agency.

L eigh McLennan

Sue Byrnes & Trish Stephen

HELLOWORLD

TWO BIRDS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

After having worked in the travel industry for 12 years, when an opportunity came up to open a Harvey World Travel in 2003, I saw this as a chance to operate my own agency, and my journey as a small business owner began.

How do you define your business’ unique selling point, and describe your services? Our main focus is about educating people on how to use their digital camera, Cedar + design giving themNursery the skills, confidence and user friendly space to experiment with it. We design courses and workshops on Cedar Nursery + Design is the largest nursery and wholelearning the basics of photography, beginner and advanced sale nursery her in Armidale. We started as a wholesale courses in the art of photography, studio lighting, night nursery progressing to a retail nursery in 2011. photography, portraiture, travel photography and of course, We pride ourselves on stocking and knowing cold hardy plants what to do with all of your photos afterwards. Courses are suitable for the New England. We are backed by a wholesale conducted in the studio, as well as outdoors in Armidale and nursery 7km from Armidales' CBD. The benefits of a wholesale surrounding areas. nursery is that the plants are grown here, maximising survival What or who your inspiration?

Children, as they and vigour.

Thisislowers production costs by cutting outtend the not to focus on how, when and why to click the button.

It allows middle man, passing the savings on to the customer. We can themgrow to bewhat free you to use a camera a more way. Our also want , wheninyou wantcreative it. motto is: “Don’t think outside the box; think as if there is no We started our online business to showcase the variety and box”. quantities that we have at the wholesale nursery. Plants can be Plans for the future?

As Armidale a bought online then brought into thedoes retailnot forhave collection the photographic studio for hire, we decided to make ours following day or delivered within the Armidale town boundary available.

For the past two years, we have managed to build up free of charge. anainventory of where special technology lighting andisphotographic equipment, In generation not only a necessity it also being fully equipped, with an infinity wall, and available for is an obsession, gardens and gardening is become popular hirealltoages. people andbe photographers who relief, may need special and for It can a source of stress exercise,fun lighting and backdrops for their subjects, family portraiture or achievement. A beautiful garden, big or small, makes a house simply for their own interests. a home and adds a lot a value and appeal to your property.

Our store was originally opened in the Coles Complex, and in 2008 we were approached by Centro to move into Armidale’s newest shopping centre.

things diff

Whilst hesitant at first, we decided to make the move and continue to operate from this location, which has since been renamed Armidale Central Shopping Centre.

In 2013 a merger of the well known travel brands Harvey World Travel, Travelscene American Express, Jetset and Travelworld saw us join the helloworld network and become Armidale’s fully branded helloworld franchisee. This has been a giant leap forward for our business.

Travel is such a competitive market, and I am often asked what possessed me to open a travel agency.

One of my reasons was to travel lots, and over my 25 years in travel I have had the privilege of visiting over 30 countries and love using the knowledge gained from my experiences to help clients make their holiday dreams come true.

42 new england focus.

Ali Suter HUTCHINSON HARLOW

Hutchinson and harlow

“We are looking forward to the expansion of our dynamic Hutchinson arecurrent proudHH supporters of the team in 2017 and with Harlow Ali and the staff. Ali’s experience 2016 New England Toy Drive. and her personal approach to every client allowed her to create an extensive and continued repeatthe andToy 2015 was our firstclient yearbase contributing towards referral business in the toughsuccess.

Coffs market, and we are looking Drive and it was a great forward helping create in the Armidale market.”

We saw to truck loadher after truckthis load of toys delivered to Peter andacross Meg Georkas. children the entire North & North-West area just in time for Christmas.

We spoke to Ali and found out a little more about her: Once long againhave we are asking community from How you beenthe in the industry?

ThisGuyra will beto Walcha and everywhere in between to ensure no child my 14th year in real estate and I have worked in all facets misses out this including Christmas. of the industry, sales and auctioneering, property management strata management.

Our own Lukeand Fahy is passionate about this cause which works do to support Vincent De Paul.

What you loveStmost about what you do? For me, it’s all about helping people. a great feelingHelen, to match a buyer with Luke along with Meg,It’s Peter, Rhonda, Ari and Katrina their dream home andToy to Drive sell a home for agot vendor, allowing all contribute to the and even to help wrap them to start for another chapter in their life. the presents delivery last year.

Which businesswoman most and why?

This year, we hope to beat the inspires amount you of toys received Michelle Bridges.

She believed in herself, worked hard last year and aim to make Christmas enjoyable for alltoour achieve and nowchildren. inspires and empowers people to be regions success disadvantaged the best they can be.

If you have any new or second hand toys in good condition What interests dosee yougohave outside of real estate? that you’d love to towards a good cause and beI love riding my motorbike, swimming and bushwalking, to name a loved again, drop them into our office at 103 Dangar Street few.

Armidale.

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women in business

team.

Meet

on

cover.

Bernadette Garratt Senior Accountant and a Business Services Manager, Roberts & Morrow

Tracy LeMessurier EDITION COORDINATOR/ADVERTISING MANAGER

Celebrating 30 wonderful years of marriage to Greg. Extremely proud mother of three boys, Myles, Ben and Eric, mother in law to the beautiful Anne and Emma, groovy grandma to Poppy, Ryder and Henry.

How long have you worked for NE FOCUS? I have worked at FOCUS for ten years. I work with the best group of people ever.

There would not be a FOCUS in New England if it were not for our loyal advertisers and contributors, so thank you to all of you.

What do you love most about what you do? I love the people!

Every client becomes much more than a business associate: friendships are formed every day. I love that our readers love FOCUS and look forward to it each and every month. Our design team are awesome, and I am so proud to have been the longest serving staff member. Every issue that I have worked on, which is 118 now, has a special meaning to me.

Why should businesses consider advertising in FOCUS? Even if I was not apart of this great team, I would still have to say we have the best print media product in regional NSW. We are a positive media and news service which is easy to read and beautifully presented.

TO BE SEEN AND GET A POSITIVE RESPONSE ...

THE CHOICE IS FOCUS.

Di Johnston ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT

How long have you worked for NE FOCUS? I’ve worked for FOCUS now for six months, and I love it.

Wow, that has gone quickly!

What do you love most about what you do?

I love talking to business owners - finding out what each individual business is all about, what they do, and how they do it. Having been in small business myself, I am really interested in other businesses.

Lisa Haynes Owner of Concepts of Armidale

While every business is different, each business is dealing with the same issues - how to engage more customers, how to keep their customer base happy and how to effectively deal with the back end of their business.

I get that business owners are busy - I am always happy to help write their editorials and support them in any way I can with their FOCUS advertising.

Why should businesses consider advertising in FOCUS? Very simply, because it works. I am continually delighted when I hear people say, "I saw it in FOCUS ..."

This simple phrase is a testament to the value of advertising with FOCUS. I would love any business to give me a call to discuss their marketing strategy and how I could work with them to achieve their goals.

Megan Aitken General Manager for TAFE NSW’s Digital Operations.

Rachael Parsons Manager for Exhibitions and Curatorial - NERAM

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In In alliance alliance with with PLC PLC SYDNEY SYDNEY new england focus. 67 27 focus Special Edition

Oak Tree Retirement Village Armidale’s Village Manager Kate Pigram

KATE PIGRAM MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH OAK TREE

A

“To be in a situation where I can offer support “Oak Tree residents love living in a small rmidale local, Kate Pigram, is community with others of a similar age to local seniors through my work with Oak the New England Area Manager and stage of life,” said Ms Pigram.

Tree and do something worthwhile and of for The Oak Tree Group with value is a huge thing for me,” she said.

“The security that the gated community three growing Villages and a successful provides is very reassuring while the Growing up in Armidale, Kate was schooled team under her Management.

Splitting her time across Oak Tree Retirement Village Armidale, Tamworth and the newly opened Village in Gunnedah, Kate has been forging a fruitful career with the group since 2013 when Oak Tree was initially established in the region.

Inspired by the challenge of a start-up Village, Kate came to Oak Tree as a motivated new recruit proud to deliver affordable, independent accommodation to Armidale seniors with a company known for their high standards and commitment to the retirement industry.

“Oak Tree is a very well run and professional business with multiple villages in the eastern states of Australia,” said Ms Pigram.

“I was immediately attracted to the growth opportunity offered with Oak Tree and the way in which they value their staff, prioritise the happiness, safety and comfort of their residents and stick to good old fashioned family values which are well received by the local people.

“I am very much a local and love and appreciate many things about Armidale.

68 2 focus focus. Street, Armidale 89 Martin new england Special Edition

quality of the Villas is second to none. at St Mary’s Primary School then Armidale High School before commencing her tertiary “Residents are able to bring their much career at UNE. loved pets with them, have a garden or veggie patch, relax and socialise, whilst all “At the end of a great four years I finished village maintenance including lawns and at UNE with a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma gardens is taken care of by Management. in Agricultural Economics and Diploma of Education.

“In additional Oak Tree offers real value for money giving residents the financial “I later married and had a family of six freedom to live life through travel, or children and continued to maintain my whatever it is they wish to do in retirement. working goals at St Albert’s College in promotions and later as College Dean.

“We support health, encourage companionship “My change in career was led by a phone call and mental stimulation, organise new activities and events for residents to from the Managing Director of Oak Tree – participate in and support each individual Mark Bindon - who just so happened to be to live fulfilling, independent lives and enjoy an Armidale local and a long term friend of the retirement they deserve,” she said. mine from Albies.

“Probably the thing that convinced me to take on this great new challenge was that it came from an Armidale friend so the strong local connection –“the roots” – were already there.

The rest is history as I busy my days across three blossoming villages,” she said.

In her years at Oak Tree Kate has seen the positive growth across the Oak Tree portfolio and continues to forge what she knows in her heart is a meaningful career that does change lives.

For more information about Oak Tree Retirement Villages, Oak Tree Retirement Villages offer many great lifestyle benefits and their testimonials contact Kate on 1300 367 155 or visit www.oaktreegroup.com.au highlight this.

1300 367 155

www.oaktreegroup.com.au