Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i238

I ue 238 JANUARY 2026

ZOE A RCH ER

NICHOLAS LAWTON

JEREMY BRIGDEN

TIM COUCH

Commercial Law Property Law Conveyancing General Litigation Wills and Estates Dispute resolution

Commercial Disputes Wills Estate disputes Business and contract advice Dispute resolution

Family Law (property/financial, parenting, divorce) Wills Estates & Probate Litigation Dispute Resolution Public Notary

LAWYERS AND CONVEYANCING SERVICES IN PORT MACQUARIE AND WAUCHOPE, SINCE 1976.

Priest Legal with its team of dedicated lawyers, conveyancers and support staff is here to help you navigate your way through the good times and the bad. The team at Priest Legal provides advice in relation to wills, estates, family law, conveyancing, wills, business law and general advice. Our solicitors are experienced in litigation, mediation, negotiation and all other forms of dispute resolution.

Our success is built on the wonderful professionals who work with us day in, day out across both our Port Macquarie and Wauchope locations. Priest Legal are a diverse legal team committed to you and to results. The team deliver their respective expertise with a focus on going the extra mile for all of our clients, big and small.

LORIS HENDY

MELISSA KENNEDY

JOY BRINKLOW

Family Law Wills Estates and Probate Local Court Litigation Commercial Litigation Mediation Conveyancing

Conveyancing Property

Conveyancing Property

PORT MACQUARIE

WAUCHOPE

41 Hay Street, Port Macquarie 02 6583 1777

49 Hastings Street, Wauchope 02 6586 4922 | info@priestlegal.com.au

T

Welcome to the JANUARY 2026 ISSUE of Greater Port Macquarie focus.

he silly season is ove and no it s holiday time Our town is full of families visiting and tourists enjoying all that our region has to offe and hat a lot the e is hec out the hat s n pages and ust isits on pages Our cover this month features Zoe Archer the ene al anage of ettle s nn oe has ecently een a a ded the ndust y ising ta a d at the a ds and

as also nominated at the ational on the

old oast

a ds

ead oe s inspi ing sto y

holiday season. Finnians has just been

of how she went from a uni student needing

a a ded the est ive

a part time job to General Manager.

2nd year in a row and you can read about

We also chat with the President of the Mid

that on page

o th oast

So while we are in holiday mode, get out

a itime

useum,

lenn

usic enue fo the

uite an achievement

Dick about the recent renovations to the

there, enjoy the summer sun, the beaches,

Pilot Boat Shed and other projects they are

this edition of

currently working on.

eautiful a ea has to offe and stay safe

We also feature a Pub, Bar, Club Crawl

oo out fo ou

on page

all things love

sho casing some of ou local

contacts.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus?

Contact us for more information.

ADDRESS 2/28 Fernhill Road, Port Macquarie POSTAL PO Box 690, Port Macquarie WEB www.focusmag.com.au IG focus.mag E info@focusmag.com.au

venues and what they have going on this

MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au EDITION COORDINATOR & SALES MANAGER Annette Wannell annette@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Sarah Baker sarahmay@focusmag.com.au EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Daisy Moroney daisyfocusmag@gmail.com

and all that this e ua y edition cele ating ith ou

edding featu e

ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Gavin Moroney gavin@focusmag.com.au CIRCULATIONS COORDINATOR Steve Foye steve@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR Bev Mulcahy info@focusmag.com.au

omments and opinions of ou cont i uto s do not necessa ily e ect the opinion o vie of the u lishe s ll easona le effo ts have een made to t ace copy ight holde s nfo mation appea ing in ocus is elieved to e co ect at the time of going to p ess, ho eve no lia ility ill e held fo inaccu ate info mation app oved o supplied y adve tise s o cont i uto s hile all ca e is ta en it is ecommended that eade s confi m mate ial including advice ith individual usinesses and indust y p ofessionals ticles ma ed as nte vie o ont i uto a e non sponso ed content ocus is pu lished y eative ouse u lications ate ial in ocus is opy ight eative ouse u lications and may not e ep oduced hole o in pa t, in any fo m, ithout pe mission of the u lishe ll ights ese ved is p inted y ust alian ommunity edia int ogistics o th ichmond u pape is and ce tified and meets ith acc editation

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I ue 238 - JANUARY 2026

INTERVIEWS

38

J O S H TA B O N E

Local Port Macquarie based freelance photographer Josh Tabone has a passion for surf photography and has just been crowned the winner of this year’s Australian Surf Photo of The Year.

70 90 36 0

M O L LY S T E I N

After a sold-out run run through Australia’s capital cities, 360 is hitting the road again for his Back N Forth regional tour. We caught up with the hip hop icon ahead of his show at Finnians on February 6.

At just 23, Molly Stein has reached the very top of BJP Physical Culture, being crowned both the 2025 Under 33 and Overall Ladies National Grand Champion. The Wauchope Physie standout talks about the sport.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS 44. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures 51. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time 52. Bryan Hanks - What’s in Season 55. Alistair Flower - The Front Bar 81. Grayce Gerke - Women’s Health 85. Dr Kristy - The Beauty of Ageing 87. Bernie Ginnane - Find Your Calm 88. Lusanna Klotz - Monthly Musings CONTRIBUTOR OF THE MONTH

DR KRISTY K O S T A L A S

107. The Priest Legal Team - Legal Light 114. Kate Wood-Foye - Illuminate 116. Anthoy Beringen - Home Styling 117. Bec Farnsworth - Money Matters

Every month you'll find the latest news, reviews and interviews from these locals.

Follow us on 10 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

56

PortMacquarieFocus

focusmag.com.au

Buying & Selling

Opening in mid January Shop 7, Colonial Arcade, 25 - 27 Hay Street, Port Macquarie

BRIMMED HAT PYROGRAPHY.

3

Create your own custom hat in this unique hands-on hat workshop! Learn the art of pyrography (burning designs) and discover how to apply intricate, personalised designs onto a felt hat.

Where The Seed Art School, 3/1a Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie When 3 January 6-8pm Tickets theseedartschool.com

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6

REAL FOOD MARKETS. Discover the freshest local p oduce and a tisanal delights at the o t ent al eal ood a ets Set in the heart of Port Macquarie, this vibrant market celebrates the best of the Mid North Coast’s growers, makers, and food artisans.

Where o t ent al o ecou t When 6 January 11am-4pm

12

JA N UA RY

FORESHORE MARKETS.

MULTI-SPORT CLINIC.

Kick off your weekend by the Port ac ua ie o esho e ing y fo a fantastic mix of fresh local produce, unique handmade goodies, and a tasty lineup of street food n oy local live music unde the ig ee Where Westport Park When 10th Jan 8am-2pm

- G R E AT E R P O R T M A C Q UA R I E -

2026

Join us for 2 days of fun and games. Just bring lunch, water, hat and sunscreen.

Time 9am - 3pm (or half day 9am - 12 Midday) January - Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th, and Wednesday 14th. Bookings essential More info Email wauchopeallsports@gmail.com

FAULTY TOWERS

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.

15

12 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

After our initial SOLD OUT season, this production of The Rocky Horror Show will once again hit our region in a glitterdrenched, corset-clad explosion of sci fi sass Tix gotyaback.productions Where Hollingworth Hall - 56 Hollingworth St, Port Macquarie When 15th Jan - 25th Jan

THE DINING EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE.

16

Rydges PMQ 6pm-9pm Times: Doors open 6:00pm, show starts 6:30pm.

Tickets: $124 (+ $1 per ticket booking fee and 1.47% credit card payment fee) – all tickets include a 3-course meal, 3-hour beverage package (beer, wine and soft drinks) and 2-hour interactive show.

Bookings & enquiries 02 6589 2888

17

20

REPTILE SOLUTIONS KIDS SHOW.

PHYSIE REGO & OPEN AFTERNOON.

Learn all about Australia’s incredible reptiles. See these amazing creatures up close and even touch a real-life reptile and snap a fun photo to emem e the day When 17 January 11am–1pm Where Laurieton United Services Club

Come down and learn all about what physie is. Grab an information booklet and sign your daughter up for the 2026 season. Where Wauchope Physie Club, 79 Cameron St, Wauchope When 20th January 3pm-5pm

21

21

THE RUBENS SUMMER '26 TOUR.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA WORKSHOPS.

Alt-rock favourites The Rubens kick off 2026 with a run of special summer, bringing their unmistakable alt-rock energy.

When 21st January @7pm Where Laurieton United Services Club 18+ Tickets bit.ly/Laurieton26

Saturday, 24 January - Hips & lower limbs biomechanics and therapy Sunday, 25 January - Shoulder biomechanics and healing practices Attend one $80 or both workshops $150.

Who F.U.N. YOGA Book trybooking.com/events/landing/1511392

26

AUSTRALIA DAY BOWLS & BEATS. FREE Barefoot Bowls all day long. Bring your mates, bring the family, and spend your Australia Day at Club Lake Cathie! Thong Throwing Competition at 3pm on the greens! Live Music from 2pm–5pm $6 Schooners Where Lake Cathie Bowling Club

LATIN FESTIVAL. 30+ Dance Workshops Masterclasses Performances 3 Party Nights

30

Live Latin Music Talented ARTISTS, locally and nationally.

More. latinfest.com.au Where Panthers When 30th January.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 13

ZOE A RCH ER

S E T T L E R S

14 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

I N N

V E N U E

M A N A G E R

Settlers Inn Venue Manager Zoe Archer’s star is on the rise. An integral part of the Flower Hotels’ team for more than 10 years, Zoe has demonstrated her passion and commitment to the hospitality industry and to the Port Macquarie Hastings community.

Focus caught up with cover star Zoe to discuss all things on her busy agenda! i Zoe, thanks so much for your time. You are a renowned and familiar face within the Port Macquarie Hastings community.

Can you share a little about your journey with the Flower Hotels group?

Thanks Sarah. I’m coming up to nearly ten years at Settlers, and when I look back, it’s incredible to see how much both the venue and I have grown during that time. My journey with Flower Hotels began quite unexpectedly while I was studying Nursing at university. I picked up a casual bar job to help support myself through my degree, and while I’d always enjoyed hospitality as a customer, I genuinely had no idea just how much I’d fall in love with being on the other side of the bar.

From the very beginning, I loved the fast pace and the constant movement of the venue but more than anything, I loved the connection with locals. Every shift brought new stories, new faces, and new challenges, and the sense of community within Settlers Inn was immediately obvious. It didn’t take long before I realised this wasn’t “just a job” for me; it was something I truly enjoyed and wanted to pursue beyond uni.

Over the years, I’ve stepped up through various management roles. I’ve worked across every area of the venue from the bar to the bistro, to events, operations, and eventually into management and leadership roles. Each stage taught me something new about people, about teamwork, and about what it takes to run a venue that locals are proud to call their local.

Today, being the General Manager of Settlers Inn is something I’m extremely proud of. I’ve

grown up at Setts in so many ways both personally and professionally and I’m grateful that Flower Hotels has supported me every step of the way. What started as a part-time uni job has turned into a career I’m incredibly passionate about.

For almost a decade now you have grown into your current role at Settlers Inn as Venue Manager.

What gives you the most satisfaction in your role?

I loved the connection with locals. Every shift brought new stories, new faces, and new challenges, and the sense of community within Settlers Inn was immediately obvious.

For me, it’s the community connection without question.

Settlers Inn has such a strong local heartbeat, and being part of a venue that brings people together every single day is genuinely rewarding. Whether it’s families celebrating milestones, locals catching up for a meal, or community groups hosting events, there’s always something meaningful happening within our walls.

Another huge part of my satisfaction comes from watching my team grow. I absolutely love seeing staff develop their skills, step into their st engths, and come into thei o n confidence Many of them join us young or with very little experience, and watching them evolve into capa le, confident hospitality p ofessionals is one of the most fulfilling pa ts of my o Being able to support that journey to mentor, encourage, and highlight their potential motivates me more than anything.

At the end of the day, hospitality is about people. Every connection, every conversation, every moment of teamwork reminds me why I’m so passionate about what I do.

You were recently

crowned the winner of the ‘Industry Rising Star’ Award at this year’s AHA NSW awards for excellence, and were then nominated for your leadership and tenacity at the National Awards in the Gold Coast. What does the award recognition mean to you?

It’s incredibly humbling. When I received the ‘Industry Rising Star’ Award at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence, I honestly felt overwhelmed in the best possible way. It’s one of those moments where you take a step back and realise just how far you’ve come.

Continued over...

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 15

For me, the recognition isn’t just about my o n o it e ects the suppo t of the enti e Flower Hotels team, my mentors, and everyone ho has invested time, advice, and elief into my development ospitality is neve a solo effo t ve ything e achieve is uilt on teamwork, communication, and collective passion o although the a a d has my name on it, feel li e it ep esents so many mo e people The nomination at the National Awards on the old oast as anothe su eal moment eing ac no ledged on that level has inspi ed me to eep pushing fo a d, to continue lea ning, efining my leade ship, and cont i uting to the indust y love t s a eminde that ha d o pays off, ut it also motivates me to aise the a even highe Who inspires you professionally, and do you have any advice for others entering hospitality? m inspi ed y leade s ho lead ith passion and hea t, the ind ho sho up fo thei team, stay hands-on, and genuinely care a out the people a ound them y iggest inspi ation though has al ays een my ad From a young age, he taught me what real o ethic loo s li e, ho to push th ough challenges, stay committed, and eep sho ing up even hen things get tough e s the one ho inspi es me to put in the hou s, to elieve in myself, and to ac my decisions

ZOE A RCH ER

16 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

oth my um and ad a e inc edi ly hardworking and very business-oriented, and they ve played a huge ole in shaping ho am today What does a typical day look like for you, an what first r w ou to hos italit he est pa t a out hospitality is that no t o days are ever the same and that’s exactly hat d e me to it typical day fo me might include o ing closely ith staff, chec ing in ith eve y depa tment, ove seeing ope ations, meeting supplie s, planning events, evie ing financial and ope ational pe fo mance, and of cou se, spending plenty of time on the oo connecting ith ou egula s li e to stay hands on ecause it eeps me connected to oth the team and the custome s

I was initially drawn to hospitality for its energy, the buzz, the camaraderie, the rush of a busy service, but what made me stay is the sense of community it creates. There’s something really special about being part of a place where people come to relax, celebrate, unwind, and feel at home.

In your opinion, what makes a great pub?

A great pub should feel like home from the moment you walk in. That means warmth, consistency, and a genuine sense of hospitality.

People should feel comfortable whether they’re popping in for a quick drink, meeting friends for dinner, or bringing the whole family for a weekend lunch.

Good food, good service, and a team that loves what they do are essential, but the heart of a great pub is its community focus. It’s a place that supports local groups, knows its regulars by name, and plays a meaningful role in its neighbourhood. A great pub doesn’t just serve people, it connects them.

What have been some of your highlights looking back across your career. Equally, have you experienced any challenges that you have overcome?

The nomination at the National Awards on the Gold Coast was another surreal moment.

Being acknowledged on that level has inspired me to keep pushing forward to continue learning, refining my leadership, and contributing to the industry I love.

One of the biggest highlights has been progressing from bar staff all the way to General Manager.

It’s not a path I ever expected when I fi st sta ted, ut it s something I’m extremely proud of. Looking back at where I began and where I stand now reminds me that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It happens shift by shift, challenge by challenge.

Of course, there have been plenty of challenges along the ay staffing p essu es, industry changes and unexpected operational hurdles. Hospitality can be unpredictable, but every challenge has taught me resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving. Each

experience has shaped me as a leader and strengthened my appreciation for the industry.

Away from your busy role at Setts, wh r woul w fin you spending your down time?

and that sense of connection makes working in hospitality incredibly rewarding. The region itself is beautiful with stunning beaches, outdoor spaces, and an unbeatable lifestyle, but ultimately it’s the people who make it special.

What’s on the horizon for you as we head into a new year?

What do you love most about living in the Port Macquarie Hastings region?

I’m excited to continue growing in my role, developing the team, and ensuring Settlers Inn remains a venue the community is truly proud of. We have some exciting projects and initiatives planned for the coming year, and I can’t wait to bring them to life. I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen the team, elevate the customer experience, and keep building on Setts’ reputation as a true local favourite.

People here genuinely care about one another,

Thanks Zoe. Interview: Sarah Baker.

Away from Setts, I’m usually with my partner and ou full of ene gy five yea old hey definitely eep me usy and g ounded f m not ith them, you ll usually find me at the gym o out on the fields playing tag o league tag.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 17

Don’t Let Silence Sink your Ocean Pool Picture this: Summer days by the sea — families enjoying calm, safe water, seniors swimming with confidence and children learning to love the ocean in a beautiful, accessible place for everyone. That’s how an Ocean Pool will make our envious lifestyles all the better.

Easy access via gentle ramped path.

Amenities block.

18 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

Wheelchair access, 8 x 50m swimming lanes, wading pool.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND ADD YOUR VOICE TODAY SCAN ME

Public seating and a sea wall attracting marine life.

Right now, you can make a difference between approval and rejection. Don’t delay Sign up at portmacquarieoceanpool.org.au Illustrations are indicative only GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 19

A R T I S T of the M O N T H i Liv. How would you describe your artistic style to someone seeing your wor for th r first time?

My style is playful, wonky and completely impe fect, don t ta e myself or my art too seriously and hopefully that is evident through my work!

What draws you so strongly to botanical subjects as your main source of inspiration? Are there particular native lants or ow rs that ou fin ours lf returning to again and again?

Known for her playful, wonky and joyful style, local artist Liv Lee has become beloved for transforming native botanicals into bold, character-filled works that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. From gouache on copy paper to vibrant homewares and animations, Liv’s creative world celebrates colour, curiosity, and the beautifully unexpected shapes found in everyday Australian flora.

20 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

hen fi st sta ted my c eative e plo ation as d a n to o e s as they e e so fo giving ith my lac of s ill sta ted to accentuate the shapes and lines to fit ithin a particular area which then became the style have continued ith otanicals can e so une pected in thei shape and colou hich is eally fun to push even fu the al ays find myself etu ning to attle to t y and ec eate it a little diffe ently each time t s inte esting to loo ac at my attle creations over the years to see how my style has evolved

Can you walk us through your process from initial ins iration to a finish i c

You work primarily with gouache, what do you love most about this medium?

I always start with wanting to create something unexpected, whether through the composition, colours or shapes. I’ll also look at reference photos (ideally ones I have taken myself) or my li a y of vintage field guides to get an idea of ho a plant o o e should look, before I go and completely change it! On top of I o en that, I often want to want to evoke a feeling in my evoke a feeling work too, whether it’s in my work too, nostalgia, joy or energy, whether it’s and I try to create each nostalgia, joy or piece with that feeling energy, and I try in mind. to create each

piece with that feeling in mind.

I started painting with gouache when I was studying surface design 9 years ago and have been using it ever since. I like that it’s opaque, matt and gives a subtle texture. I also paint on cheap copy paper so the paint isn’t absorbed – it sits on top of the page and can sometimes buckle the paper which gives it even more dimension. I know, I’m a bit unconventional in my process!

The process of creating the artwork is then both analogue and digital, I always start out with sketching a rough doodle to work out the shapes, colours and layout. I’ll then draw it out with more detail at a bigger size before I paint it in gouache. I paint in layers, so each colour is on a different page, this ma es the digital stage a hole lot easier.

Continued over...

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 21

A R T I S T of the M O N T H

The paintings are then scanned in at the highest resolution possible and I clean them up and play around with the colours in Photoshop.

The time it takes to complete a piece really varies depending on how detailed it is, and also how quickly ideas come to me! But a simple painting could take a couple of hours, while a more detailed painting could be several hours.

What role do your local surroundings play in the colours, textures and forms that appear in your work?

My home and surroundings completely in uence my a t o am fo eve inspi ed by the form, texture, colours and interesting shapes of the native ust alian o a he o e s he e a e unapologetically old, and a little bit crazy. Seeing them stand out and be so confident in ho they a e, pushes me to explore interesting shapes and different colour combinations in my work.

22 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

If I need a creative boost, I’ll go for a walk, whether it’s just around the block with the dog, or for a bush

My home and surroundings completely influence my artwork. I am forever inspired by the form, texture, colours and interesting shapes of the native Australian flora.

walk, as I know I’ll see

products?

I start by designing products that I would genuinely buy if I saw them in a shop, which are

a my iad of o e s

usually large scale, fun,

and plants. We’re p etty luc y he e,

artworks translate into

bold prints that have an impact and look a little he e diffe ent o e s a e

different to what’s already out there. Social

in bloom at almost any time of the year. I take

media is also a good way to know which pieces

a lot of photos of o e s on my

resonate with people, so I’ll see if my popular

al s and my

camera roll becomes my creative companion.

artworks work well in a repeat print or on a

You’re not only an artist but also a maker

p oduct sometimes they do, sometimes they

of goods, how do you decide which

don’t!

muted, ho eve as my style evolved so did the colou s found as d a n to a ds ighte and olde hues, close to the satu ated colou s of the o e s d find out in the ild ve also sta ted to ing my c eations to life th ough hand d a n animations hich ve ecome p etty o sessed ith, it s so nice to add movement to my a t o s th ough su p ising t ansitions Are there any upcoming projects, exhibitions or collaborations you’re excited to share?

What do you hope people feel when they bring one of your pieces into their home?

I love to create products that are used on every day goods tea to els, lan ets, ta lecloths tote ags etc t adds colou and oy to people s spaces, ut it can also ma e mundane tas s, li e d ying the dishes, a little less dull and a little mo e ight ow has our st l ol sinc ou first began exhibiting or selling your work? y style has ecome mo e efined and mo e detailed ove the yea s as continually t y to push myself and evolve as an a tist y use of colou s has ce tainly changed too hen fi st sta ted illust ating, my colou s e e a lot mo e

ve got a clothing collection launching ne t yea ith a e man and hey gave me complete c eative f eedom fo the pieces, hich is al ays eassu ing and eally fun ve also got a colla o ation ith a lu u y hand ag and coming out in and the detailed c aftsmanship on the ags is a solutely stunning m t ying to ca ve out mo e time fo my pe sonal p o ects ne t yea , namely iting and illust ating a child en s oo and c eating mo e animations h r can w fin our wor along, or get in touch?

follow

ou can visit me at livlee com au, follo me on instag am liv leeee o i o liv leeeee Thanks Liv! GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 23

SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN! CHILDRENS’ SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN! ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP

Santa had his elves drop off his letter box this week, ready for the kids to write their letters and pop them in the mailbox.

Santa will everyone who their letter the bookshop.

Santa had hiswrite elvesback droptooff his letter boxposts this week, readyinfor the kids to write their letters and pop them in the mailbox.

Santa will write back to everyone who posts their letter in the bookshop.

WITH JADE GOODWIN 11:00 – 12:00, Tuesday Jan 20th, in the store.

Jade Goodwin is one of Australia’s favourite illustrators and will be in store on Tuesday 20th January. She is doing a hands-on workshop with the kids to show them how to do illustrations, as well as reading from her book, Goorramindi the Crocodile.

Collins Booksellers is celebrating our third Christmas here in Port Macquarie.

The local community has been very supportive, both in the retail bookshop Jade was recently in Port Macquarie presenting Collins Booksellers is celebrating our third Christmas here in Port Macquarie. as well as schools from Taree to Nambucca Heads. We have been privileged the Inspired Readers Festival, demonstrating The local community has been very supportive, both in theat retail bookshop to be able to sponsor many local community events, including the Inspired magical drawing skills and showing the kids as well as schools from Taree to Nambucca Heads. We haveher been privileged Readers Festival, St Agnes Primary School Golf Day fund-raising event for clever to draw. She is very active with schools, to be able to sponsor many local community events, including theways Inspired the school. In addition, we sponsored the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Readers Festival, St Agnes Primary School Golf Day fund-raising event libraries andfor literacy programs, and we are very Small Business Awards, The Tacking Point Nippers annual fund-raiser and the school. In addition, we sponsored the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce happy to have her in Port Macquarie. the St Columba Adventist School Foundation fund raiser.

Small Business Awards, The Tacking Point Nippers annual fund-raiser and book a place and be part of the fun, please call or theThank St Columba Adventistfor School Foundation fund raiser. To you to everyone supporting your locally-owned bookshop. drop into the shop.

Thank you to everyone for supporting your locally-owned bookshop.

It’s $5 per child, refundable against any purchase made on the day. Goorramindi the Crocodile can be pre-ordered ahead of the event.

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Lose yourself in a good book Lose yourself in a good book Lose yourself in a good book and let your mind wander...

Lose yourself in a good book Loseand yourself in ayour good book, and let your mindbook wander, Lose yourself in a good book let mind wander...

Lose yourself in a good Lose yourself in a good book, and let your mind wander, and let thank you for supporting Port Macquarie’s only and your mind wander... and let your mind wander... and let thank for supporting Port Macquarie’s only locally-owned bookshop. and your mind wander... and letyou your mind wander... locally-owned bookshop.

Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444 Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port@collinsbooksportmacquarie Macquarie 2444 Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

Lose yourself in a good book, and let your mind wander, and thank you for supporting Port Macquarie’s only locally-owned bookshop.

Collins Booksellers64 64Clarence Clarence Street, 2444 Collins Booksellers Street,Port PortMacquarie Macquarie 2444 Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Collins Booksellers64 64Clarence Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444 Email:Collins portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie Booksellers Street, Port Macquarie 2444 Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

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BOOK REVIEWS BOOK REVIEWS FEBRUARY FEBRUARY

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As the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum celebrates the restoration and reopening of its historic Pilot Boat Shed, President Glenn Dick reflects on the stories, sites and people that keep Port Macquarie’s maritime heritage alive.

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i Glenn. The Pilot Boat Shed has just had a beautiful make-over, can you tell us about what’s been done and what this reopening means for the Museum?

The historic Pilot Boat Shed has been in use by the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum for approximately 35 years exhibiting artifacts and memorabilia describing the early Port’s history and events. Recently a combined effort to fund the external repainting of the building ena led a ualified cont acto to ca y out

the essential work required. The funding was provided by Council’s Community Development Grant, The National Maritime Museum and our own organisation. We can now breathe new life into the last remaining timber-clad building on the waterfront’s CBD which plays a secondary key role in our overall museum’s functions.

Can you take us back to the beginnings of the shed and why it holds such an important place in Port Macquarie’s maritime story?

The shed was built in 1884 circa, originally located on the waterfront near the present Royal Hotel. It was subsequently moved to its current location in approximately 1955.

Lighthouse that are all connected to safety at sea and in the river.

The Museum is powered by volunteers, how vital are they to keeping these historic sites operating and thriving?

What kinds of roles do volunteers take on behind the scenes?

Former pilots and their crews operated traditional timber rowing workboats out of the shed via a timber slipway to access the river and the bar entrance to guide ships in and out of the harbour. Before the south breakwall (1898) they had clear views of the sand bars, wrecks etc from which navigational aids were positioned and constantly upgraded as conditions changed and were at times treacherous to navigate. The white cross at the western end of the harbour has been in the same location since the 1800’s. Without pilotage, ships and lives would be in peril so the pilots and their crew were invaluable to commercial shipping, especially in the time before the railway came through in 1915.

The Museum also cares for the Maritime Cottages and the Hibbard Slipway & Boat Restoration Site, can you tell us a little about what makes each of these sites special?

The concept of our Maritime Museum is somewhat unique in Australia. We operate

Our organisation would not exist without the support of our volunteers, many of these dedicated The concept of people come from our Maritime varied and interesting Museum is somewhat backgrounds. Because unique in Australia, we are a notable we operate 3 dedicated “hands on” museum historic sites, 3 timber we have quite a range co ages, the Pilot of interesting projects Station (William St) happening. General 3 dedicated historic 1896, now a regional maintenance of sites, sites - 3 timber Maritime Museum. research, displays/ cottages, the Pilot exhibitions, small boat Station (William St) repairs, watchkeeping, 1896, now a regional gardening, Maritime Museum, administration and publicity etc. We are busy, the Pilots Boat Shed (as described) and from but having said that, we are always seeking a site overlooking the Hastings River where new members to carry on these activities. Our John Hibbard, a pioneering sawmiller, ship committee keeps a steady hand on the overall owner established a slipway in 1884 (Narimba operations.

Close). All 3 sites are attended to by our For anyone considering volunteering, volunteers. The organisation is a registered what would you say to encourage them charity and has broad community support to get involved? from council, various businesses, individuals Retaining the remnant Maritime History in and donors. Because we act as custodian the Port presents challenges for our current of our 3 working sites it is important to mem e s nyone conside ing oining ill find etain the o t s histo y ach site e ects enthusiastic people going about their chosen originality, “old time” charm and character tasks, maintaining workmates and friendships. within the built environs especially at William Hibbard slipway facility is a member of the Street, where the entire precinct is steeped Mens Shed Association of Australia, and all in maritime history. This includes the convict sites are open to men and women. boat harbour, the Flagstaff and as mentioned the south wall, not forgetting Tacking Point

Continued over...

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 27

How important was community support, grants and partnerships in allowing the Pilot Boat Shed renovation to become a reality?

Our organisation is constantly seeking public grants to help with all worthwhile activities, especially general maintenance and upgrading of current facilities. A number of our buildings are well over 130 years old and of timber construction, so to maintain these assets in good order is challenging. We need to rely on the grant system plus our input to retain feasibility as a working museum which is on show to the community and visitors in very prominent positions. The Pilot Boat Shed has ta en a long time to find the necessa y funding to complete the external painting p o ect e a e ve y pleased ith the final outcome especially by the contractor Craig Taylor Painting Services who carried out the works professionally, on time and on budget to help us achieve a great result.

Why is preserving maritime heritage so important for future generations, 28 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

particularly in a coastal town like Port Macquarie?

Port Macquarie Maritime Museum over th n t fi to t n ars r th r an future restoration projects or exhibitions you can share with us?

Our unique history of the Port’s founding extends back to the convict era 1821-1838.

Eventually the settlement became a small Good question! Firstly, continually overseeing seaside village from where we’ve come which it was serviced from and our past only by shipping achievements gives us A number of trade to and from the impetus to further our buildings the harbour which fine tune and uild on are well over 130 was vital, with links what we have. This will years old and of to riverine activities require new thinking, timber construction on the Hastings scoping, planning etc so, to maintain these and Maria Rivers. to enrich the experience assets in good order The Maritime for our visitors and is challenging.

Museum enables community with council’s us to educate and ongoing support. We facilitate the ongoing are in the process of commitment to upgrading our slipway visitors to increase their knowledge and facility at Hibbard to meet future needs-based understanding of the role the sites had in the activities. Our commitment continues to development of the city’s overall cultural and current and future environmental legislation, heritage attributes, so that we can relate to work safety, practical work spaces - with that past, and present better for the future. better access for visitors, including local small What is your long-term vision for the boat repair and maintenance facilities for

members and the community.

- The Pilot Cottage Long term, Museum buildings we hope to including Norfolk are in for a repaint strengthen our Island. asap which will see organisation by Our philosophy all buildings on that an increase in is to better our worthwhile and site revert back to an understanding meaningful activities “off-white” colour and appreciation at the classic scheme to retain of cultural, locations which the precinct within scientific and will enrich the local Heritage guidelines.

Indigenous marine experience for all.

- Draft plans have activities. All of been developed for the above should a new boat shed be achievable over the to house our original 27 foot Montague next 5 years, and in the long term we hope to Whaler and other associated material. strengthen our organisation by an increase in - Further infrastructure to gain more worthwhile and meaningful activities at these appropriate spaces for travelling classic locations which will enrich the local exhibitions, archive and restoration experience for all. spaces as well as small on-site events. e hold fi m on the pa t e play in the - Greater use of our current community dedication to retain these important historical buildings for small-scale activities liaising sites in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill with other institutions locally and elsewhere,

for all to share and to enjoy.

Finally, we extend our appreciation and thanks to our regular volunteers, local business houses and supporters, especially Mayor Adam Roberts, Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac, Cr Chris Kirkman (apologies from Cr Danielle Maltman) for their support and attendance at the re-opening of the PIilot Boat Shed (Clarence St).

Thanks Glen.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 29

STONEY AQUA PARK

Port Mac

Stoney Aqua Park offers the ultimate fun, safe, experience for all ages. Obstacles, slides, trampolines and swings p omises a fun, e citing, challenging experience for all ages. On-site accommodation available, kiosk, BBQs, aqua golf and free kid-zone.

Open weekends and school holidays stoneypark.com.au

MUST VISITS JA N UA RY

2026

HELLO KOALAS GALLERY + GIFT SHOP hat s the fi st o d people say hen they visit ee ello Koalas sculptures. Discover exclusive koala-themed giftware such as aint you o n ello oalas sculptu e paint sets, ust alian made ello oalas igsa s magnets, o t ac ua ie onopoly the and ne ig hings ust alia onopoly, each ith thei o n uni ue oala to en lac utt oad, o t ac ua ie pen on to Fri, 10am - 4pm. Ph 0416 641 482 (7 days) hellokoalas.com

BILLABONG ZOO At the multiple award-winning Billabong Zoo you can get up-close and personal to Australian and exotic animals. Pat, feed, hold, hear and see ove species of mammals, eptiles and i ds 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie | billabongzoo.com.au 30 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

X-GOLF Welcome to our indoor golf facility and full-service bar where you have access to renowned courses using top-tier simulators. Enjoy refreshing beverages and delicious food while you play a round or a quick few holes. 58 Uralla Rd, Port Macquarie (02) 7254 3041

DOUGLAS VALE HISTORIC HOMESTEAD Let’s celebrate Australia Day at Douglas Vale. Entry by donation. onday, anua y , am to noon ots of ente tainment picnic lan et and chai s ussie ea fast f om am 235 Oxley Highway, between the Westport Schools. losed h istmas ay and e ea s ay douglasvale.com.au

PORT MACQUARIE DISTILLERY & BAR THE SEED ART SCHOOL The Seed Art School welcomes you to join us for a creative break these summer holidays! Whether it’s workshops, our school holiday kids program, private events, hand-made gifts or art supplies, we do it all.

3/1a Blackbutt Road. I theseedartschool.com I 02 6581 1532

KEW MINI GOLF Ready to take your golf game to the next level… but in a much smaller, less stressful way? It’s 18 holes of pure fun, where the only thing serious is the competition to avoid last place. Saturday Thursday: 9am - 5pm Friday: 9am - 7pm 185 Kendall Road, Kew | kewcountryclub.com.au

Discover Port Macquarie Distillery & Bar - a relaxed yet sophisticated coastal destination showcasing expertly handcrafted spirits and curated tasting e pe iences n oy guided gin tastings and avou d iven coc tail ights as you sip, savou and e plo e the ve y est of local craft distilling! Open: Fri 4–7pm, Sat 3–8pm, 24/35 Merrigal Road, Port Macquarie www.pmqdistillery.com

PMQ COASTAL WALK You’ll pass historic sites, stunning coastal scenery, beaches, and rainforest along the Port Macquarie coastal walk. Start at Westport and go all the way to Tacking Point or break the walk up into shorter sections if you prefer, especially if you’re walking with kids.

PORT SKATE PARK

BAGO MAZE & WINE Adventure awaits...Come and get lost in our giant hedge maze then relax with a wine tasting and cheese platter while enjoying the picturesque views.

197 Lambs Rd, Herons Creek | 6585 7099 | bago.com.au

This skate space is located within the Town Beach Reserve, close to the kiosk, play space and toilets. It caters for all user groups including skaters, bikes, scooters and roller blades. It consists of a sick bowl with metal coping and plaza style street area with minihalf pipe, fun boxes, quarter pipe and manual/grind boxes.

BAGO MAZE & WINE The home of Bago Maze, one of the world’s largest hedge mazes.

A family friendly winery with plenty of open space for the kids.

Explore our award winning hedge maze, indulge in our coastal

WAUCHOPE COUNTRY C

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 31

he clu oasts a magnificent hole cha excellent bowling greens that are available every day of the week. Our renowned loc

ETHAN FerReTt FerRe Fer R Tt Re G O T

Y A

B A C K

P R O D U C T I O N S

Stepping into the heels of Frank-N-Furter is no small task, but for local performer Ethan Ferrett, the role carries a deeply personal spark that began in childhood. As he prepares to bring the iconic character to life in Got Ya Back’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, Ethan shares the passion, challenges and pure joy behind taking on one of theatre’s most fearless creations.

H

i Ethan. Frank-N-Furter is such a bold, largerthan-life character, what excited you most about taking on this role?

I would have been around nine years old when I remember watching my Dad play Frank in a performance of The Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite. He was the Head Teacher at Westport High School’s Support Unit, and at the end of each year the students would perform several pieces they had been working on, follo ed y a final staff pe fo mance I had never seen anything like it, and I was 32 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

absolutely enamoured watching all these adults I knew doing something so outlandish, joyful, and powerful. Seeing that ignited my passion for performance and meant The Rocky Horror Show, and Frank-N-Furter in particular, have always held an important place in my heart. Frank’s electric personality is undoubtedly the core draw of the character, but playing someone so uninhibited requires a level of confidence don t usually need in my day to day life inding that confidence ithin myself was something I knew would be challenging, ut ultimately inc edi ly fulfilling

iconic as Frank?

What do you think is the biggest challenge in stepping into a character as

Had you seen Rocky Horror before au itionin an i that in u nc th

I’ve adored the character for so long that getting it right was incredibly important to me found that figu ing out e actly what makes Frank so captivating was a mo e comple ventu e than e pected Approaching the character on a surface level and assuming he’s entertaining simply because men don’t usually wear those sorts of clothes is a trap I’ve seen a lot of performers fall into. You really have to look past the lace to find the inc edi ly human alien ithin and bring out all the colours of the character.

way you approached the character?

I’d seen the movie about a million times, but I had never watched a live performance. So much of what makes the character iconic comes from Tim Curry’s performance, but just doing a shoddy Tim Curry impression wouldn’t do anyone justice so I aimed to use his portrayal as a foundation from which I could build and explore my own connection to the text. Many of Tim Curry’s mannerisms, such as the cadence and tone of Frank’s voice, felt essential to keep, but Rocky Horror has always been a celebration of everyone’s inner ei d and unfilte ed c eatu es, so thin it would be a sin not to portray my own too.

What have rehearsals been like so far with the cast and creative team at Got Ya Back Productions?

Absolutely phenomenal. The culture at Got Ya Back has created one of the most nurturing and positive environments I’ve ever been a part of in my life. The support and hard work of everyone there has fostered some nextlevel people with next-level talent, so every rehearsal has been incredible. The Rocky Horror Show requires so much trust, care, and vulne a ility to ou ish, and ot a ac meets and exceeds every one of those needs every single day.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW REQUIRES SO MUCH TRUST, CARE, AND VULNERABILITY TO FLOURISH, AND GOT YA BACK MEETS AND EXCEEDS EVERY ONE OF THOSE NEEDS EVERY SINGLE DAY.

of existential dread and awe that I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving it.

What do you hope audiences feel when th first s th ro uction on o nin ni ht

Antici…pation! Then a cocktail of delight, fear, excitement, shock, and perhaps even a slight Do you have a tinge of arousal if we’re favourite scene or lucky. Most importantly, musical number in THE SUPPORT I hope people feel a the show?

AND HARD WORK sense of community and t s so difficult to OF EVERYONE THERE HAS connection throughout choose, but if I had to, FOSTERED SOME NEXTand after the show. The it would probably be LEVEL PEOPLE WITH Rocky Horror Show, with the musical number NEXT-LEVEL TALENT, SO its thematic concerns of Superheroes. I think it EVERY REHEARSAL HAS love and freedom paired serves as the perfect BEEN INCREDIBLE. with its use of audience culmination of Brad interaction, is such a and Janet’s journey special piece of theatre and shows how each for building a sense of character, both as belonging with the people around, which is unique individuals and as a couple, has something we don’t often get to experience processed and interpreted their experiences nowadays. at the castle. Also, every time our pianist ian ousins finishes the song ith his final lines, I’m left with such a confounding blend

What would you say to other people who ar thin in a out au itionin for

local theatre but feel nervous?

Go for it! Those unique aspects of yourself that may make you feel nervous or insecure are actually your biggest strengths. Even though you’re playing somebody other than yourself, your own experiences and understanding of life are always present in creating and performing art. Singing, dancing, and acting are all skills you can learn down the track, but your individuality is something no one else has, so use it! The skills and connections you foster through working as a team to put on a show will stick with you for life, and whether you “sucked” or not early on will hardly matter when you look back on the memories of all the wonderful experiences theatre can give you. h r can w fin out show or t tic ts

tails on th

You can head to our website gotyaback. productions or visit our Facebook and nstag am gotya ac p oductions to find all the information you need!

Thanks Ethan.

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(02) 9997 8271 34 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

www.gowingspacifictrader.com.au

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Guulabaa WHAT TO EXPECT AT GUULABAA Activities are based around Guulabaa Hub, a series of timber decks that allow visitors to relax and enjoy the forest canopy views. The Hub also provides access to Guulabaa’s visitor experiences.

Families looking for a day out can enjoy a picnic or visit the Bunyah Café (open weekends & school holidays) and meet The Big Koala, a 2.5m-high sculpture painted by Pauline Roods, part of the region’s Hello Koalas Sculpture trail. There are comfortable bushwalks nearby where visitors might see one of the region’s koalas. To guarantee seeing these amazing creatures, book a visit at Koala Conservation Australia’s Wild Koala Breeding Centre Visitor Experience. Here, visitors learn about these shy marsupials while viewing some of the resident koalas.

They’ll also meet the carers who rehabilitate sick and injured koalas brought in for treatment.

For those seeking a more active experience, Wildnets Adventure Park offers Australia’s largest suspended playground. With rope- and net-based adventures scaled safely for the ages 3 and up, you can compete challenges, play in the treetops or ride a zipline.

For those just wishing to cool off on a hot day, there’s nothing better than the shaded Guulabaa Cathedral gathering space under the Hub. It’s a bookable function space too, with seating for 100 people (e: visit@fcnsw.com.au).

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WHAT IS GUULABAA? Guulabaa – Place of Koala on the NSW Mid North Coast is a special place. Set within Cowarra State Forest, Guulabaa, meaning ‘Place of Koala’ in the local Gathang language, offers a unique nature tourism visitor experience. From elevated timber walkways to immersive educational spaces, and First Nations-led narratives that deepen understanding of wildlife, heritage and environmental stewardship, Guulabaa is a mustsee place in your travels.

A MULTI-AWARD WINNING EXPERIENCE Guulabaa – Place of Koala is recognised as a global exemplar of conservation-led design, Indigenous collaboration and resilient land stewardship, winning an Urban Land Institute sia acific

a d fo

cellence in

Hong Kong. The Urban Land Institute is a global organisation with a mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

The awards are among the region’s most respected honours, celebrating projects that raise the bar for design quality, sustainability, and positive community impact. Guulabaa is one of only twelve

PARTNERS IN GUULABAA

inne s ac oss the sia acific Guulabaa was further recognised at the 2025 ustaina ility

a ds, inning the dito s

Choice Award, Judges noted that sustainability is embedded at every level, from passive design and low-impact construction to incorporation of indigenous-led cultural burning practices.

Guulabaa has also won an Australian Good esign

ad

uilt nvi onment lace esign fo

bringing together conservation, education, cultural storytelling and a place for people to connect while supporting recovery of endangered koalas.

Guulabaa – Place of Koala was conceived in direct response to the catastrophic 2019–20 lac umme ushfi es, hich impacted koala habitat across the region. A unique partnership between Forestry Corporation of NSW, Koala Conservation Australia, Wildnets Adventure Park, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, and Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council saw the development of a Guulabaa Master Plan via a process facilitated by Gensler Australia. This document still guides Guulabaa’s management today.

Guulabaa is grounded in deep collaboration with First Nations communities, from integrating traditional cool burning practices to educe ushfi e is and esto e fo est health, to sharing of culture and language.

This approach also enabled the use of local sustainably sourced native hardwoods in construction, with the support of the North Coast timber industry. Guulabaa sets a benchmark for ecologically responsible and culturally informed design with Caring for Country in mind.

THE FUTURE IS ‘GUULABAA’ uula aa se ves as a agship model fo fo est ased conservation infrastructure in Australia. It has inspired additional forest tourism sites across NSW and demonstrates how design, Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship can come together to protect biodiversity, support sustainable tourism, and create places of lasting impact.

FIND US Located in Cowarra State Forest, Guulabaa Way, off Burrawan Forest Drive, Lake Innes. 10 minutes from either o t ac ua ie o auchope m f om the acific Highway on the Mid North Coast via sealed road.

W: guulabaaplaceofkoala.com.au Follow us on facebook & Instagram. @guulabaaplaceofkoala GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 37

A U S T R A L I A N S U R F P H O T O O F T H E Y E A R

TAbONe

Local Port Macquarie based freelance photographer Josh Tabone has A PASSION FOR SURF PHOTOGRAPHY AND HAS JUST BEEN CROWNED THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S AUSTRALIAN SURF PHOTO OF THE YEAR. FOCUS caught up with the super-talented rising star to talk through his highlights behind the lens.

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WHEN I SHOWED JACOB THE PHOTO OF HIM LATER ON THAT EVENING, YOU COULDN'T WIPE THE SMILE OFF HIS FACE WITH A CRICKET BAT. THEY'RE THE MOMENTS I LOVE!

i Josh. Firstly congratulations! You have recently been named as the winner of this year’s Australian Surf Photo of the Year for 2025 Awards with the annual initiative celebrating a single, compelling image that captures the essence of the sport. Can you tell us a little about your photograph and what the recognition means to you?

Thank you. It’s such an honour to win the Australian Surf Photo of The Year award. It is a really prestigious award and something that I have aspired to win for a few years now, and coming so close in the past it feels amazing to cross this goal off my list. There were some really amazing entries this year and so when I found out that I won, I was tripping.

The photo itself was taken in Tahiti earlier this year. I saw the swell build and develop from a few weeks out. I watched it closely and decided to oo a tic et last minute, ying in the day before. The WSL World Tour event was due to start a few days later so the whole circus was in town preparing for the event at

Teahupo’o - kind of a photographers dream.

I was in the water for about eight hours each day, four days in a row, just ducking back to our boat to change batteries / memory cards and have a snack. My feet and ankles were cove ed in sea ulce s f om my fins y the end of it and I probably didn’t go in the water for about a month afterwards as nothing really compared to what I had just seen. It was the best conditions they’d had, in terms of waves in four years apparently, just ten to twelve foot every day.

Jacob Turner is the guy in the photograph and I hadn’t even met him until this particular day.

He was a quiet kid from Hawaii, who like me, had hopped on a plane last minute to chase some waves. Jacob was a standout from the swell, paddling some absolute monsters whilst others were towing in with jet skis. He was pushing the limits every session, trying to get as deep as possible in the tube.

Continued over...

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I GREW UP BODYBOARDING HERE IN PORT MACQUARIE AND WE LOVE TO GET BARRELLED SO I GUESS I’M JUST DRAWN TO THAT FEELING AND WANTING TO BE AS CLOSE TO THE ACTION AS POSSIBLE.

I was lucky to be in the perfect spot on this one, as there was so much water moving this day, and about 50 boats jockeying each other for the best position in the channel. The boats are actually scarier than the waves at this spot and I wouldn’t be surprised if a photographer gets seriously hurt there in the future. When I showed Jacob the photo of him later on that evening, you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face with a cricket bat. They’re the moments I love!

What is the secret to a great photograph and can you share with us some of your experience as a photographer?

My wife always says that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That saying resonates with me so much, as the photos I might like, others will not. Photography is so subjective but that is what makes it so interesting. I feel there is no right or wrong way to photograph things.

In the ocean though, keeping water droplets off your lens port is the most important part. I 40 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

grew up bodyboarding here in Port Macquarie and we love to get barrelled so I guess I’m just drawn to that feeling and wanting to be as close to the action as possible.

I first started taking photos as a kid with a disposable camera. I think everyone has a fascination of capturing a memory or moment in time that they can keep forever.

h n i ou first develop a love for the art form and what is it you enjoy most about the craft? fi st sta ted ta ing photos as a id ith a disposable camera. I think everyone has a fascination of capturing a memory or moment in time that they can keep forever. After finished school, sta ted ta ing photos of my f iends su fing at the ea all, which evolved into travelling the world with them and working for various brands and magazines. I love travelling and experiencing new cultures. That’s my favourite part for sure.

What type of equipment do you predominantly use and where do you draw your creative inspiration?

I use all Canon gear. It’s what I cut my teeth on and it has served me well so I have stayed true. In the water, I use Aquatech Water Housings. Same again, it has never let me down and obviously super important to keep all of your gear safe and dry when you’re out in the ocean.

My creative inspiration varies as to where I am and what I am doing in life. Various parts of the world offer different landscapes and lighting at certain times of the day when you’re in the water so I’m always searching for new angles and to push the limits with my camera in bigger waves.

I guess the people I get to shoot with inspire me more than anything. I used to travel a lot with Damian King (3x world champion bodyboarder) hen fi st sta ted and he once told me, you need to be as committed as the rider on the wave itself.’ That is something that has stuck with me forever.

How do you see your photographic skills developing and what is on the horizon for you for the year ahead?

THAT’S A TOUGH ONE! MAGAZINE COVERS ARE ALWAYS THE PINNACLE OF WHAT WE DO, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.

In more recent times I have crossed over into the video world which has been fun learning something ne t is definitely uite diffe ent to taking photos but I’m enjoying the challenge and capturing things in a way that I wouldn’t no mally ometimes, find myself anting to shoot everything that moves. o no , am home fo the summe , o ing a casual job and spending time with my family. e t yea plan to t avel mo e, hopefully to some new destinations that I haven’t been before. You never know what might pop up so you could say it keeps me on my toes and makes me appreciate the life I get to live.

What have been some of your highlights of your work looking back?

That’s a tough one! Magazine covers are always the pinnacle of hat e do, in my hum le opinion. I’ve been lucky enough to score a fair

fe ove the yea s o eve , thin o ing with the best surfers and bodyboarders in the o ld, at some t uly e otic locations, ill always be the highlight. Having a catalogue of imagery of these guys and girls to look back on is special ay e ll ma e a oo one day, ho knows.

Away from the camera where would we

fin

ou s

n in

our own tim

mmm, ould usually e at home, in the ga den, o at the each ith my family have two young boys - so trying to be immersed in nature as much as possible is super important for us. We have many chickens and an ever g o ing vege ga den hich e ui es a lot of attention. I love exercising and trying to stay fit ut also love a cold ee ith my f iends (laughs). or o l wantin to fin out mor a out your work, how can they best connect with you?

In the leadup to major competitions, I focus on being in the best possible shape and mindset as possible.

I surf as much as possible and ensure all my equipment is on point.

I am currently re-designing my website: joshuatabone.com but I post my favourite works on Instagram from time to time over at @joshuatabone Thanks Josh. Interview: Sarah Baker.

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-PO RT M

CQ NING GU

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DI

COVER DISH - SUMMER ACAI BOWL from BANDWAGON

•

ID

UA R I E

E • GREA

ER

A

T

SALTY CREW

BLENDZ e ving a ange of f esh eve ages including cold p essed uices, g eat coffee, smoothies, f uit c ushes and u le tea e also offe a otating menu of a ed goods, including ou signatu e coo ies that a e handmade ith ca e 58 Clarence St, PMQ ph; 0413 018 966

atch up ith family f iends, o meet someone ne , hile ma ing the most of ou phenomenal natu al su oundings lant you self unde the oasis of an um ella as you eep cool in the ocean ith healthy snac s, o ls, salads icy cold smoothies Find us at Town Beach, William Street, Port Macquarie

THE BOATHOUSE tep a oa d and oin us at he oathouse a estau ant, he e eve y day feels li e a holiday ip on a ef eshing coc tail hile atching the yachts pass o indulge in a delecta le seafood platte om casual unday sessions to family dinne dates, the e s something fo eve yone to savou ee you soon 20 Park St, Port Macquarie 02 6589 5200

BLUE COW GELATO lue o elato is a local favou ite, se ving f esh, home made avou s using the finest talian ing edients n oy sundaes, made to o de gelato ca es, and a huge ange of dai y f ee, gluten f ee, and vegan options Locations:PortMacquarie,Woolgoolga,CoffsHarbour,Tamworth,and Byron Bay. Open 10:00am–10:00pm daily | lar nc t ort ac uari lu cow lato.com.au

BANDWAGON

DOCKSIDE

edefining t aditional caf fa e, and agon offe s eautiful coffee and food p epa ed ith love 76 William St, Port Macquarie 02 5574 3223 I bandwagoncafe@gmail.com

elcome to oc side estau ant, he e eve y meal comes ith a vie estled y the ha ou , oc side estau ant offe s a t an uil dining e pe ience ith oats gently o ing on the ate and a menu featu ing f esh seafood 9/18 Park Street 02 6582 1551 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 43

focus_contributor.

Palate

rEtRO

W

hat goes around comes around… fashion always go full circle – clothes, interior design, shoes and as it turns out –

also food.

Just when you thought you had seen the back of all manner of foods from your childhood memories it turns out they are back with a vengeance not just in the latest trending comfort food cookbooks, but in restaurants across the land.

It even seems that a particular decade that you may have never imagined in your wildest dreams would ever rear its (many would say) ugly head ever again…can you guess which one it might be? Of course it’s the 1970s! If you are ancient enough to have lived through the o iginal decade then you ill no fi st hand the culinary crimes aplenty that were committed.

Aspic anyone? Aka savoury jelly…makes one shudder to think about, however it’s back in fine dining estau ants the o ld ove in its ethos of perfectly embracing the ‘nose to tail’ zero wastage philosophy, and being a visually

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with LOU PERRI

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET

of ever more gourmand sounding microwave meals from the freezer section, the ubiquitous appliance has even been lauded by much acclaimed Momofuku chef David Chang in his demonstration of perfectly microwaved eggs. Chang is so Apparently convinced of its virtues, we all need to he’s even launched reinvest in a modern a range of stylish take of a fondue pot microwave cookware and get twirling our and has gone on to forks again with tout its superior ability cheesy goodness. for cooking perfect vegetables and even delicate seafood. Who knew?

striking manifestation of that health food cure all of bone broth doesn’t hurt either. Now to get past the wobbling part and not revive any childhood phobias...

Yet another thing we can trace back to something posted on Tiktok… the rise again of fondue! Apparently we all need to reinvest in a modern take of a fondue pot and get twirling our forks again with cheesy goodness.

Actually, what’s not to love about the revival of this trend come to think if it?

Next in line is one that anyone that knows me, knows would make my skin crawl and that is the resurgence of the microwave. Yes, the holy grail of 70s appliances – so space age and revolutionary in its time but for decades since, relegated the humble tasks of reheating and nuking popcorn in a bag. Apparently, a more sophisticated culinary repertoire has e eme ged and it s not even the p olife ation

Let’s face it, who are we kidding? 1970’s ‘cuisine’ never really went away did it? Kids these days are still loving the Kraft Mac and Cheese, McDonalds and KFC staple burgers and chicken buckets are still the most picked on the menu, the packet cake aisle at Woolies has never been fuller and who doesn’t still love a t i e come h istmas time There’s still one place I’m never going back to and that is wine in a box…

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

AT PORT CITY

MONDAY 12 JANUARY

WEDNESDAY 14 JANUARY 10am-12pm In The Bowls Lounge

3-5pm In The Oxley Room

SHAKE & CREATE

UNDER THE SEA DISCO

This fun-filled art session is designed for young makers to relax, experiment, and let their imagination run wild, while they sip on their favourite flavour milkshake.

Party Vibes, Games, Prizes for best dressed!

FREE EVENT WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY

Ages: 5-12 years

INC. ART SUPPLIES

FRIDAY 23 JANUARY

10am-12pm In The Oxley Room

5:30-6:30pm | Ages: 6-16 years

CHOCOLATE BINGO

JUNIOR BAREFOOT BOWLS PARTY

Get set for a sweet morning of fun!

Bring the kids for two hours of chocolate-themed bingo, mini games and prizes to be won. It’s the perfect school holiday treat, no experience needed, just big smiles and lucky numbers!

Join us on the greens for a fun evening of barefoot with Fun Games, Music, Sausage Sizzle & Popper included.

FREE ENTRY LIMITED NUMBERS | SCAN QR TO BOOK YOUR SPOT 4 O W E N S4T OPW OE RN T M CO QRUTA M R IAEC |Q P AC UO M . AU S TA P U A6R5I8E3| 1P1 3635 8| 3P 1O1 R 3 3T C | IPTOY.RC TO C IMT.Y.

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$15 PER P E RS O N

$8 P E R CHILD

Enjoy Summer AT KO V E K I TC H E N

FUN VIBES, DELICIOUS FOOD AND SUNNY MORNINGS! Our space has been created to share with you, yes YOU!

not to mention the most delicious and freshest salads.

With a fun team and a delicious menu why wouldn’t you want to come down and enjoy it with us!

Fresh juices are perfect for these warm days or treat yourself to an iced coffee or chocolate.

Our burgers are fantastic and a great reason to forget your lunch during the work week,

Come and check out our cabinet of amazing sweet treats and pair any great cake with a great coffee.

This Summer, there’s no better place to dine, unwind and soak up the coastal lifestyle than Kove Kitchen, Port Macquarie’s fresh and welcoming waterfront eatery.

Overlooking the shimmering Hastings River, Kove Kitchen delivers an affordable yet delicious dining experience that perfectly captures the relaxed vibe of the season.

The summer menu is all about light, f esh avou s designed fo a me days. Guests can indulge in favourites like the classic Caesar Salad, the vibrant Warm Prawn & Citrus Salad, or Grilled Asparagus with Prosciutto.

Midweek dining has also been given a delicious upgrade. Wednesday Steak Night now sees members enjoying a juicy 300g rump steak, cooked to their liking, served with crunchy chips, a fresh side salad and

Discover Magazine

gravy, all for just $18.95. It’s the perfect excuse to break up the week without breaking the bank.

Prefer a golden schnitzel?

Thursday lunch and dinner offers a crumbed chicken schnitzel, served with chips and fresh side salad, plus a refreshing house beer or glass of wine for $22. Families are well catered for too, with The Backyard featuring a kids’ playground and basketball court. *T&C’s apply. Members only offers/ pricing has been listed above.

SUMMER AT KOVE KITCHEN!

14 Clarence St Port Macquarie Open 6.30am to 3pm 6583 7387 | frankiespmq@gmail.com frankiesportmacquarie.com.au

F R A N K I E ’S /frankies.pmq

Open daily: 9am til late 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie 6580 2300 portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

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BEACHFRONT BAR AND GRILL There’s no better place to enjoy Port Macquarie’s stunning coastline than Beachfront Bar & Grill at Port City Bowling Club this Christmas and summer holiday season. With sweeping views of the ocean, oval, and greens, our alfresco balcony is the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine with friends and family.

With a menu designed for sharing, you’ll love indulging in our eight gou met oodfi e pi as, f esh seafood share plates, and premium steaks hand-selected by our chefs.

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Pair your meal with a bottle of wine, refreshing cocktails, or charcuterie boards for the ultimate social dining experience. Whether it’s a casual afternoon drink, a lively dinner, or a long lunch in the spring air, Beachfront Bar & Grill promises views, vibes, and coastal eats like no other. Open Wednesday to Friday from 12pm til late, and all day Saturday & Sunday.

Bookings are essential – call us on 6584 7905 or visit www.portcity. com.au to secure your table today.

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focus_contributor.

TIME

with ALEX C A S S EG R A I N CHIEF WINEMAKER CASSEGRAIN WINES

W

Rosé All Day - The Pink Drink Revolution.

hy We Can’t Get Enough of Rosé.

Once dismissed as overly sweet, frivolous or unserious, rosé has quietly, and then not so quietly, become one of the world’s fastest growing wine styles. Today, rosé accounts for about 10% of global wine consumption, according to the latest data from the World os se vato y t asseg ain ines, os is embraced as a refreshing, dry and elegant choice; and we believe it’s the perfect match for our coastal lifestyle. Here’s why this pink-hued favourite deserves a place in your fridge yearround.

A Global Trend, Not Just a Summer Fling Rosé’s rise is more than local hype. Worldwide production of rosé has steadily climbed over the past decade: by 2022, global production reached about 22.5 million hectolitres. Even as overall wine consumption in many markets declines, rosé’s share has remained resilient, making rosé a standout in an otherwise shrinking grape-to-glass world.

Part of the reason for rosé’s resilience is its appeal among younger drinkers. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly gravitating toward

lighter, fresher, less-fussy wines.

approach to winemaking.

Dry, Chic and Versatile: The Modern Rosé Identity

Rosé’s Global Momentum is Real, And Growing

Gone are the days when rosé was lumped in with overly sweet “pink wines.” Today’s rosé, including the Seasons Spring Rosé made at asseg ain is gene ally d y, c isp and efined hat shift has helped ove tu n olde assumptions and reposition rosé as serious, stylish and contemporary. This evolution is partly driven by winemakers responding to changing tastes: increasing demand for lower-alcohol, easy-sipping wines that pair with a variety of foods and ette fit casual social settings

Even as overall wine consumption dips in many regions, rosé’s share continues to rise.

The worldwide market remains strong, with both production and demand staying relatively sta le compa ed to othe ines nte est isn t limited to traditional wine-lover demographics.

Younger drinkers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are a major driver. In many markets, they now prefer rosé over heavier reds or even classic white wines.

A Food-Friendly, Anytime Wine and Ideal for Our Coast One of rosé’s enduring strengths is its versatility. ith its gentle f uitiness and clean finish, a chilled rosé handles spice, seafood, salads and sunny lunches with ease. In a place like Port Macquarie, where warm days and balmy evenings are part of everyday life, a chilled glass of rosé feels absolutely right. It’s perfect for a balcony aperitif, a beachside picnic, or long lunches at tasting rooms like ours. Rosé doesn’t demand formality or a special occasion, yet it still feels cele ato y t s ela ed ut efined, elcoming ut elegant, much li e asseg ain s

Moreover, rosé’s newfound versatility in style, avou and social conte t means it s no longe just a “summer” wine. For a breezy summer lunch o a laid ac inte dinne , os fits So yes - it’s not just in your head. Rosé is genuinely booming globally. Whether you’re at the beach, hosting friends for dinner, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, a chilled glass of rosé is as fitting as eve plo e os at ou ella oo , open seven days a ee , and find you pe fect shade of pin One sip, and you’ll understand why rosé has captured so many hearts. It’s joy in a glass - and it’s here to stay.

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focus_contributor.

t i

Season with

Suer

Showstopper

BRYAN H A N K S

OWNER - GROWERS MARKET

W

hen I think about summer in Australian I think of watermelon. As January heats up and long, lazy days stretch ahead, watermelon becomes the hero of picnics, barbecues, beach trips, and cricket breaks. January is peak watermelon season across Australia and growers are harvesting some of their biggest, heaviest, juiciest melons of the year. Prices come down, supply goes up, and suddenly every trolley in Growers Market seems to have a giant green orb sitting in it, ready for slicing.

Summer is the season where you don’t want heavy food, and ate melon fits pe fectly t s more than 90% water, making it one of the most hydrating fruits you can eat. Watermelon is also surprisingly nutritious. It’s loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and lycopene, the same compound that gives tomatoes their red colour. Lycopene is known fo its hea t health enefits, and ate melon actually contains more of it than most tomatoes. So eating a few wedges on a hot day is good fo you mood and you ody and there are more varieties than you might expect.

1. Red Seedless A crowd favourite. Crisp, sweet, and easy to eat without the hassle of picking out black seeds. These melons are usually rounder, slightly smaller and perfect for kids, picnics, and anyone who wants that classic ate melon avou ithout the c unch

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2. Red Seeded also known as Long Melon The old-school variety - larger, oblong, bright red inside, and packed with black or brown seeds he avou is deep and s eet, and many watermelon lovers swear it is the best.

3. Yellow Watermelon/Champagne Melon A summer surprise for those who’ve only ever eaten red. Yellow watermelons are vibrant, sweeter than red varieties, and have a subtle honey li e avou hey e ecoming mo e common and look stunning on fruit platters.

4. Mini Melon Small, round, easy to carry, and perfect if you’re not ready to commit to a full-size melon. These seedless varieties are crisp and convenient.

One of the biggest questions customers ask in summe is o do they get the seeds out nd ight ehind it e seedless ate melons genetically modified o, ust alian seedless ate melons a e NOT GMO. They’re grown using natural, old-fashioned plant breeding techniques. No genetic modification, no la editing, ust cleve horticulture. Put simply, here’s how it works: Step 1: Two Plants, Two Different Chromosome Sets Watermelons normally have two sets of chromosomes (called 2n), but growers can produce a plant with four sets (4n) through a traditional breeding process using a natural compound that temporarily affects cell division in the parent seed. This doesn’t alter the DNA o c eate any genetic modification, it s the same principle as how seedless grapes and

seedless bananas are bred.

Step 2: Cross-Pollination A standard 2n watermelon plant is crossed with the 4n plant. The result? A 3n plant, and here’s the trick, 3n plants can grow fruit, but they can’t produce viable seeds. So the fruit develops normally, but without fully formed black seeds.

Step 3: The Melon Still Needs Pollination Even though the seedless plant can’t make seeds, it still needs pollen to trigger fruit growth. That means growers plant rows of seeded watermelons nearby. Bees carry the pollen from the seeded variety to the seedless variety, and the fruit forms, virtually seed free. hat s it o gene editing o modification Just natural plant breeding and a lot of bees doing important work. ou might still find a fe tiny hite seeds which are just immature seed coats that never fully developed. This is completely normal and they’re edible.

January conditions are ideal for watermelon that thrive in hot, dry climates with long sunny days and warm nights. Growing fast, and often reaching full size in just 8–12 weeks, it’s cut by hand and sent straight to markets.

Watermelon is more than just fruit, it’s a seasonal tradition. So whether you love the classic seeded varieties, the sweet seedless types, o the vi ant yello esh melons, ta e advantage of the peak season this month at Growers Market!

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focus_contributor.

BaR

with ALISTAIR F L O W E R MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

C

an you please tell us a bit about yourself and how long you have lived in the area?

Hi, my name’s Cameron Savage, or “Sav” as most people know me. I run my own local business doing tipper hire and excavations, which keeps me p etty usy y pa tne and have five kids between us, so life is always full-on, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love a good joke and a bit of banter, but I’m pretty down to earth, what you see is what you get. I moved here in 2021 after playing Group 21 footy for around 10 years and started playing for the Beechwood Shamrocks that same year.

You’re the President of the Beechwood Shamrocks. What inspired you take this on and how long have you held this position?

I played with the Shamrocks for a few years before stepping into a coaching role in 2024 alongside my good mate John Bird, who sadly passed away in January. We fell short that year, losing the g and final to endall, ut that season made me fall in love with the club even more.

Seeing what the boys do for each other every week and the support we get from such a small town really stuck with me. I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a coach and the efs definitely a en t my biggest fans, so taking on the president’s role felt li e the ight fit ith such a st ong committee around me, they make the job easy.

The Beechwood Shamrocks are known for more than just footy, they’re known for heart, resilience and an unwavering sense of community. At the centre of it all is Club President Cameron “Sav” Savage. A passionate leader, proud family man and local business owner, Sav has quickly become a driving force behind the Shamrocks both on and off the field. We sat down with him to talk about his journey, the club’s culture, community involvement and what lies ahead for 2026.

What are you most proud of when it comes to leading the Shamrocks?

I’m most proud of how much the boys support each othe and ho ha d they fight fo one anothe on the field t genuinely feels li e a family. Running out each week with these blokes is something special, and knowing they’ve got plenty of footy still ahead of them, it’s exciting. watching them continue to build and grow.

The Shamrocks have a strong reputation for community spirit. What makes the club’s culture so special?

The culture of this club is huge, it’s a family.

The boys are tight and always stick together.

We’ve got a few class clowns in the team, which honestly makes it better. There’s a good balance, plenty of laughs, but when it’s time to switch on, they give everything. They’re not just playing for themselves; they’re playing for the town and everyone watching on.

The Shamrocks recently partnered with the Hastings Cancer Trust for community initiatives. What inspired this collaboration?

We wanted to keep the money we raised within our own community and be able to see where it was going and how it was helping local people. That was really important to us. We held a charity round this year which unfortunately got washed out, but we still shaved two of the boys’ heads, including Fred Hanley, who’d been

growing that mullet for years. We raised roughly $3,800. Even with the game cancelled and poor weather, raising that amount in such a small community was pretty special.

What other fundraising has the club done and achieved for charity?

Last year we ran a charity round for the Mark Hughes Foundation, which is close to home for a few of the boys. Being able to support each other and give back where we can is something this club takes a lot of pride in.

Is there a particular moment as president that stands out as especially meaningful?

The most meaningful moment for me was playing with my best mate John Bird’s name on our jersey and taking his photo to every game.

He was always with us. John was the larrikin of the club, and the bond we had was something special. Having all the boys wear him on their chest is hard to put into words. John touched so many lives in such a short time.

Looking ahead to 2026, how do you see the hamroc s sha in u on th fi l It’s shaping up to be a good one, but for me pe sonally, it ll p o a ly e my final yea fte playing for 26 years, at 36, it’s catching up.

We’ve got new coaches, Matt Bird and Beau ettle, ho ing g eat e pe ience, no ledge and heart, which is exactly what this club is all about.

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A MODERN TWIST ON A CLASSICAL IRISH TAVERN. Finnian's Tavern boasts Port Macquarie’s best charcoal grill which will have your steak melting in your mouth.

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long with our scrumptious cuisine, we have a massive selection of ice cold beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

All of our energetic and friendly staff have a passion for exceptional food and beverages and strive to deliver outstanding customer service and an enjoyable atmosphere. This family-friendly locally run pub has live music every weekend showcasing Port Macquarie’s most talented artists in rotation

with touring acts. So whether you’re looking for a spot for a delicious lunch or dinner, after-work drinks or a few brews or wines to unwind on the weekend, Finnian's Tavern is the place to be. Whether you’re interested in a perfectly-prepared steak or a couple of brews, there’s no reason to be shy. Stop by our convenient location and say hello! Take a look at our menu or order your favourite dish. We offer delicious cuisine along with a massive selection of beer, wine and spirits.

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T H E

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T W O Y E A R S T W O A W A R D S

F I N N I A N ’ S

LiVe F Finnian's Irish Tavern has cemented its status as the premier live music destination in NSW. We caught up with the venue to discuss their passion for the perfect gig, their famous food options, and their vision for the future of their award-winning pub.

innian’s has now won Best Live Music Venue in NSW two years running, what do you think you’re doing differently from everyone else?

I think it comes down to genuinely caring about the experience, for the artists and the crowd. We always invest in quality sound, and attempt to create an atmosphere where people feel part of something, not just watching a gig. It’s not about packing the room at any cost; it’s about creating nights people remember and want to come back for.

How do you choose the artists who play here? Is it about talent, energy, crowd connection, or something more instinctive?

Talent for sure, but energy and connection are everything. We look for artists who can read

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a room, bring people together and create a sha ed vi e he e s definitely an instinctive element too, sometimes you just know when someone ill fit the innian s c o d We have also been working close with our friends at the Noisy Group who have helped us bring some amazing acts to Port Macquarie.

What’s one live-music night you’ll never forget and why?

There have been plenty, however most recently we held a sold out show with our friends Peking Duk. The crowd was singing

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track. Standout dishes have to be the new steak sanga and the new green goddess salad!

WE’VE GOT HEAPS COMING UP THIS SUMMER!

every word, dancing like crazy and Peking Duk were clearly feeding off that energy, that was unforgettable.

They said it was one of the best stops on their tour, despite not being the biggest.

2ND JAN - THE VANNS 9TH JAN – BEN LEE 15TH – COSMIC PSYCHOS 6TH FEB – 360 12TH FEB – THE GROGANS ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE ON OZTIX!

Finnians is not only known for its awesome weekend vibes but your food options are becoming very popular among locals and visitors. What are the current standout dishes or new menu additions you’re most proud of heading into summer?

We’re really proud of how far the menu has come. We’ve got a solid team of dedicated chefs who have all been here for years.

Our summer additions focus on fresh, bold avou s that pai pe fectly ith a cold d in The feedback from both locals and visitors has been unreal, which tells us we’re on the right

Every great pub has its signature a ours. hat dish or drink would you say truly represents the Finnian’s experience?

We’ve previously won awards for our Chicken Parmy, which we believe is the best in town!

Our other signature dishes include our Beef & Guinness Pie or Irish Lamb Stew. Being an Irish Tavern at heart, our signature drink would have to be a pint of Guinness!

between being a lively music venue and a relaxed family friendly pub?

It’s all about timing and space. Daytime and early evenings are relaxed and welcoming for families, while nights naturally build into something more energetic. We’re really conscious of creating a place that works for everyone.

What’s your vision going forward? Are there upgrades, new initiatives, or longterm goals now that Finnian’s has earned the award two years in a row?

The awards are an honour, but it also sets the bar higher. We want to keep improving, better experiences, more great music, and continuing to support artists and the community. The goal is simple: keep evolving without losing what ma es innian s special nd e a e definitely on the hunt for the 3-peat in 2026!!

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What’s the most underrated item on the menu, the one people should try but often overlook?

This one would probably have to be our new Spice Bag – it’s a traditional Irish dish that perfectly combines crispy chicken, chips, capsicum all drizzled with a delicious curry sauce!

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MOOREBEER

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ummer is such a big season on the Mid North Coast, what can locals and visitors look forward to at Moorebeer over the coming months? Summer at Moorebeer is all about relaxed afternoons, fresh cold beer, and a great atmosphere. With 17 taps pouring at any one time, including a couple of rotating guest taps, there’s always plenty of choice.

Alongside the beer, we also offer a great line-up of cocktails, plus wine and spirits, so we really do cater for everyone. We’ve also extended our trading days throughout January, so it’s worth checking our socials for opening times and what’s coming up.

What are some of the signature features of the space? One of the most unique things about Moorebeer is the setting itself. You’re sitting right in front of the stainless steel, the brewhouse and fermenters are part of the experience, so you’re surrounded by where the beer is actually made. It gives the venue a

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raw, authentic feel that’s still comfortable and welcoming, and it’s something you don’t see every day in Port Macquarie.

What events or experiences will Moorebeer be hosting this summer? Live music is a big part of summer at Moorebeer. We’ll have solo musicians playing on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, with full bands taking over on Saturday nights as part of our Roadhouse Sessions on our purpose-built stage. We’re also teaming up with local food partners to keep things fresh, with Charbar serving up tasty eats everyday and there is Tunstead’s Oyster Bar pop-

up happening on Saturday, 3 January.

Are there any special summer brews, limited r l as s or s asonal a ours hittin th taps? Yes - summer is where our lighter, more refreshing styles really shine. Our Japanese style lager is back again this summer, with Mas Cerveza a go-to summer beer (think Corona, but better), alongside The Stache and our Hefeweizen that’s perfect for hot afternoons.

They sit alongside our core range of Lager, Pale Ale, and XPA, with rotating limited releases always appearing across the taps to keep things interesting.

Port City NON

THINKERS S P O R T S

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ummer at Port City means sport, mates, and ice-cold schooners, and there’s no better place to take it all in than the Non Thinkers Sports Bar, your ultimate destination for every big game, every highlight, and every cheer this season.

We’re turning up the volume this summer with wall-to-wall sporting action on the big screens. The Boxing Day Test and Ashes Series will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats as Australia faces off in one of the most iconic rivalries in world sport. Settle in with a cold one, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy every six, wicket, and catch as it happens live and loud.

The action doesn’t stop there; we’re bringing

the octagon to Port City with UFC 324: Gaethje v Pimblett on Saturday, January 25.

Witness every punch, takedown, and knockout moment on the big screens in a room built for real sports fans. Whether you’re backing aeth e s po e o im lett s ai , this is one bout you won’t want to miss.

To top it all off, January is your month to cheer, sip and score. Members enjoy $5.50 schooners of Hahn Super Dry all month long and go into the draw to WIN an epic Hahn Branded

Basketball Hoop and Kit, plus a Double Pass to the Ultimate NBL Experience – Sydney Kings v Perth Wildcats on February 15 at Qudos Arena.

So gather your crew, grab your lucky seat, and let the good times roll. From cricket classics to UFC chaos and NBL thrills, Non Thinkers Sports Bar is where every match matters, every moment is louder, and every fan feels at home.

Where the game never ends, and the schoone s eep o ing

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After the huge success of the Awake Is The New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour, Ben Lee is hitting the road once again, this time for a 40-date regional tour that brings him back to the grassroots spirit he loves most about performing. Ahead of his Finnians Tavern show on Friday 9th January, Ben chats with us about the freedom of touring without a plan, the magic of regional audiences, and why making music still feels as exciting as ever.

i Ben. After the huge success of your Awake Is The New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour, you’re heading back out on the road again in 2026, what made this the right time for another big regional run?

I kind of like touring best when it isn’t promoting anything or connected to any specific st ategy he e is something eautiful a out ust pe fo ming egula ly t s hy got into this business! I actually had to stay off the road earlier this year to give the Awake shows some breathing room and create demand, and I found it a little f ust ating love playing a lot What do you love most about playing regional towns and intimate community venues? t al ays feels li e mo e of a special event ou are talking about towns and audiences that don’t get as many gigs passing through, so it always feels like genuine excitement from the audiences that you a e the e ometimes it feels like the whole town comes out, just for something to do dont mind that li e eing the visiting ci cus fo the evening What can audiences in Port Macquarie expect from your show at Finnians on the 9th January? hat s ha d to say as don t

eally plan much ta e a ig list of songs up on stage, maybe 80 or 100, and then between that and audience requests and ideas that come up on the spot, a set ta es shape t s diffe ent eve y night

hat s my favou ite hen someone has a ve y specific moment that my music affected thei lives ou couldn t ma e that ind of thing up hose sto ies have some d ama, some magic and some poet y to them

How do you shape a setlist for a tour like this; is it driven by the crowd, your mood, or the tour itself?

What still excites you about making music in 2026?

he e s no logic mean there are a handful of songs that I play every night - the “hits” so to speak, but then there is a lot of room to play and evolve and explore because I have such a big catalogue built over 3 and a it decades After so many years of touring, has your relationship with life on the road changed?

he feeling you get hen the song ta es ove , and it feels li e it s iting itself

I actually had to stay off the road earlier this year to give the Awake shows some breathing room and create demand, and I found it a little frustrating. I love playing a lot.

find it less st essful, mo e fun actually li e my audience mo e don t see them as an adve sa y, ut as colla o ato s thin m singing ette than eve have Your music has soundtracked many people’s lives over the years, what’s it like hearing those personal stories from fans?

What’s next for you?

Have you got new music or projects you’re working on, or more touring on the horizon?

I’m developing a kids animated show that is connected to music m iting ne songs and working with lots of great new up and coming a tists his last year was awesome with Ninajirachi’s record blowing up which I did a bit of writing on, and as eally suppo tive of, and e cited y It feels like an exciting time to throw my weight ehind the ne t gene ation hey a e doing inc edi le things Thanks Ben. GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 63

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S T A Y

S A F E

T H I S

P L A N

A H E A D

W I T H

HOLIDAY SEASON HASTINGS LIQUOR ACCORD

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he holiday season is here, bringing with it celebrations, social gatherings, and time spent with family and friends.

It’s also a time to relax, enjoy good company, and indulge in the vibrant nightlife that our local venues offer.

At the Hastings Liquor Accord, we encourage everyone to make the most of this time of year responsibly and safely.

Our message is simple: Leave your car at home as you enjoy our licensed premises this holiday season. We’re reminding our community of the importance of planning ahead to get home safely after a night out. Whether you’re meeting friends at a pub, dining at a local restaurant, or attending a party, the key to a safe and enjoyable celebration is having a “Plan B.” Why You Need a Plan B. During the holidays, increased social gatherings can lead to a higher likelihood of impaired driving incidents. A good Plan B ensures that you can enjoy social events without the worry of how to get home safely. It might be booking a taxi, nominating a designated driver, or taking the advantage of venue courtesy buses. Whatever your Plan B looks like, make sure it’s in place before you head out.

The Importance of Responsible Drinking The Hastings Liquor Accord is committed to promoting responsible drinking and reducing the harm associated with alcohol misuse.

Our licensed premises are proud to offer a welcoming environment where patrons can enjoy themselves responsibly.

businesses, NSW Police, government agencies, and community organisations. Our shared goal is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, so this holiday season, we’re asking all community members to join us in prioritising safety.

These holidays many venues are hosting special events, live music, and summer menus. To fully enjoy these experiences, it’s vital to pace yourself, drink water between Whether alcoholic beverages, you’re and know your limits. meeting friends at Remember, celebrating a pub, dining at a responsibly not only local restaurant, keeps you safe but or attending a also ensures a more party, the key to a enjoyable experience for safe and enjoyable everyone around you.

By choosing to leave your car at home and planning your journey responsibly, you’re contributing to a safer, more enjoyable time for everyone in our community.

Make This Holiday Season Memorable for the Right Reasons. As celebration is How Local Venues the holidays approach, having a “Plan B. Support Safe remember that Celebrations. Our local celebrations should be a licensed venues play a time of joy, not regret. A key role in promoting little forethought goes a safety during the holiday season. From providing long way in ensuring everyone gets home safely safe transport information to offering nonand avoids the devastating consequences of alcoholic beverage options and encouraging drink driving. patrons to plan ahead, these venues are actively So, what’s your Plan B? Whether it’s catching a supporting the message: don’t drink and drive. cab, arranging a designated driver, or staying Some venues have courtesy buses so next time you visit one of our licensed premises, don’t hesitate to ask staff for advice on transport options if you haven’t already arranged a Plan B. A Community Commitment. The Hastings Liquor Accord is a partnership between local

overnight, make sure you have a solid plan in place. Together, we can make this Summer one to remember, for all the right reasons.

From all of us at the Hastings Liquor Accord, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

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wines. cocktails. craft beers thewestportclub.com.au/jimmys

www.facebook.com/ thewestportclub www.instagram.com/ thewestportclub

Old

S M O K E D B A R R E L

A Smoked Old Fashioned is a classic Old Fashioned cocktail infused with wood smoke for an extra layer of flavour, using ingredients like bourbon, bitters, and a sweetener, but prepared by smoking either the glass, the spirit, or the finished drink with a smoking gun or other device to add depth.

Bourbon of choice with barrel aged bitter and simple syrup Jim Beam.

1 Muddle: In a rocks glass, muddle a sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup) with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water.

2 Add Spirit: Add 2 oz of good bourbon or rye whiskey and a large ice cube.

3 Stir: Stir until well-chilled and diluted (about 20-30 seconds).

4 Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, rub the rim, and drop it in (add a cherry if desired).

5 Smoke: Place a smoking dome over the glass and use a smoking gun with wood chips (like cherry) to infuse smoke for 1-4 minutes, or smoke the glass before building the drink for maximum effect.

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C O L W E L L

After a sold-out run through Australia’s capital cities, 360 is hitting the road again for his Back N Forth regional tour.

Ahead of his show at Finnians Port Macquarie on Friday 6th February, we caught up with the hip-hop icon to chat about the tour, his reunion with longtime mate PEZ, and the journey behind his #1 album Out of the Blue.

Y

ou’ve just wrapped up a completely sold-out capital city tour, and now you’re heading out on an epic regional run. What made you want to take the Back N Forth tour to regional Australia?

I think doing the capital cities is always such a ball, everyone comes out, it’s great. But a lot of people from regional spots have to travel a fair distance to get to those shows, and they can’t always make it, so we always try to do a regional run to reach them. The vibe is also so different out there. Capital cities are awesome, but they’re pretty used to artists coming through. When we hit the regional towns, it’s so clear that it’s not taken for granted, people really get amongst it. It honestly feels like playing a festival show, everyone’s just out there loving life and the energy is electric.

You’re reuniting with your long-time mate PEZ for this tour, which is huge for 70 GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus

fans. What’s it like being back on the road together again after all these years?

It's actually really cool. Me and Pez met when I was about 15, we played for the same basketball club and started making music eally young e had ou fi st taste of success together with The Festival Song, and then we both went through these massive highs and massive lows, dealing with the impact of fame, success and money - all the things we thought ould fulfil us, only to ealise they didn t Over that period we drifted apart; he was living his life, I was living mine, both trying to work through our own issues and now it feels like we've come full circle. Our friendship is probably in the best place it’s ever been, and we’re really aligned in our goals, in where our lives are at, and even spiritually.

You two have a long history, what kind of energy do you bring out in each other on stage?

When me and Pez are together, we’re very playful. It's a light-hearted, fun vibe. It’s not too serious, which is good because separately we’re actually quite serious people. I’m someone who loves a deep conversation and usually gravitate toward being serious, but when we’re together we bring out that inner child. Yeah, we muck around a fair bit. It’s fun!

Port Macquarie fans are pumped to see you at Finnians. What can they expect from the show?

Oh, it's gonna be a bit of a story. I’ve got a really cool idea in mind, I won’t give it all away, but on the capital cities tour I was performing my music in chronological order and telling two simultaneous stories: where the world thought 360 was going, and where Matt Colwell was going at the same time. I think I’ll do something similar, but not strictly chronological this time. I want it to feel familiar but still different.

O U T

Your new album Out of the Blue hit #1 on the ARIA Australian Hip-Hop Albums Chart, how does it feel to see that kind of response after being in the game for so long?

SO IT’S BEEN AMAZING TO SEE PEOPLE GET AROUND THIS ONE, THE SUPPORT HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL. THE LAST TIME I DROPPED AN ALBUM WAS EIGHT YEARS AGO, AND I HONESTLY THOUGHT THAT ONE WAS GOING TO KILL… BUT IT DIDN’T.

Yeah, it’s really cool. I’m always someone who drops music thinking it’s either going to go crazy or completely die, you know what I mean? So it’s been amazing to see people get around this one, the support has been phenomenal. The last time I dropped an album was eight years ago, and I honestly thought that one was going to kill… but it didn’t. I remember playing a Melbourne show and we had to shrink the venue because we sold less than half the tickets. Now with Out of the Blue, we played that same venue and sold

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it out. So yeah, feeling really blessed.

You’ve played huge festivals and shared stages with icons like Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. What do you love most about those big moments, and how does a regional pub gig compare?

Those shows were absolute bucket-list moments; playing stadiums, supporting people like Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. It was an honour, and I learned so much just watching them. Seeing Kendrick command a stadium of 60,000 people and make it feel like a show for 600 was insane. I probably gravitate most toward festivals, the vibe is always sick, but honestly, regional shows feel the closest to that. Capital city shows are great, but they’re a bit more used to big acts coming through. Regional shows have that festival energy but in a more intimate setting, if

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that makes sense.

When you think about your journey, from underground Sydney shows to platinum records and now a massive national tour, what are you most proud of?

Honestly, I think now being in a position where I can perform without needing to be on drugs or inebriated. For the last 15, maybe 20 years, almost every show I did, I was either wasted or taking something to dull my nerves. This last tou as the fi st one did completely so e , and I was really worried I’d struggle, but I’ve never felt better on stage. That’s probably what I’m most proud of.

What’s next for you after this massive tour?

I’ve been writing, me and Pez have been writing together too, but he’s also got his own music coming out. So I’m not totally sure what’s next. I imagine it’ll be Pez dropping his stuff fi st, then p o a ly an al um f om oth of us together. As for my next solo project… I think that one might be a little while off yet.

Thanks Matt.

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The Saltwater Freshwater Festival RETURNS TO THE COFFS COAST IN 2026, BRINGING TOGETHER MUSIC, DANCE, ART, FOOD, AND COMMUNITY in one unforgettable celebration.

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C E L E B R AT E C U LT U R E O N T H E C O F F S C O A S T

MORE THAN A FESTIVAL, it’s a living expression of Aboriginal culture, identity, and connection to Country, guided by Elders, artists, and community groups from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi, and Worimi Nations.

Visitors can experience traditional dance, storytelling, music, ceremony, language, and art while connecting with locals in a spirit of joy and respect. Elders guide and teach, young people take the lead, and every attendee leaves with a sense of connection and inspiration. he festival em aces the theme e ect Respect. Celebrate. The Next Generation Rising”, celebrating the creativity and leadership of young Aboriginal people. The main event takes place on 26 January in Coffs Harbour, at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, with two satellite experiences extending the festival beyond a single day. In partnership ith ust alian ive heat e, iffin heat e Company’s Whitefella Yella Tree and Blaque Showgirls bring contemporary First Nations stories to life at Sawtell Cinema. Meanwhile, Birrpai: Dancing Beyond the Lens of Thomas Dick at The Gallery reframes historic photographs through a modern Aboriginal perspective, celebrating strength, continuity, and cultural reclamation.

Live performances are a highlight, blending traditional and contemporary acts. Emerging

singers, dancers, spoken-word performers, and bands join established First Nations artists on stage, combining highenergy performances, ceremonial moments, storytelling, and dance to create an unforgettable experience.

It’s a space where culture is shared proudly, and everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, is invited to reflect, celebrate, and be inspired.

Cultural workshops give visitors a hands-on connection to tradition.

Join traditional weaving circles, try canoemaking, or explore linoprinting under the guidance of Aboriginal artists, all offering tangible memories to take home. Food adds to the festival atmosphere, with family-friendly favourites like coffee, ice cream, and food trucks, alongside stalls featuring bush tucker and native ingredients.

Beyond the festival day, Saltwater Freshwater supports Aboriginal creatives year-round through exhibitions, professional development, youth mentoring, and the National Aboriginal Design Agency. The Gallery in Coffs Harbour provides a permanent space for artwork, ensuring culture and creativity thrive long after the festival ends.

“It’s a day to laugh, learn, share, and experience

the vibrancy, resilience, and creativity of the Mid North Coast’s Aboriginal communities.”

This January, step into a space where culture lives, stories are shared, and the next generation of Aboriginal leaders and artists rise. Through workshops, performances, art and food, Saltwater Freshwater 2026 invites everyone to celebrate, connect and leave inspired. Join us at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Harbour, from 11am on Monday 26 January 2026.

Keep up with Saltwater Freshwater Festival 2026, from tickets and workshops to behindthe-scenes updates: saltwaterfreshwaterfest.com.au Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive updates SaltwaterFreshwaterFestival @saltwaterfreshwaterfest Don’t miss a moment of this vibrant celebration of Aboriginal culture!

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 75

Mayor From e

AUSTR ALIA

DAY 2026

A

AT TOW N GR E E N

ustralia Day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to e ect on ou shared history, respect different perspectives, and celebrate what it means to be part of this wonderful Port Macquarie Hastings community.

I am pleased to see Australia Day celebrations return to the Port Macquarie Town Green, a place that holds special meaning for many in our community. It is our premier CBD event space and a location with long-standing cultu al and histo ical significance The day will commence with the Australia Day Ceremony and Citizen of the Year in

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the morning, recognising the contributions of local people to the community and welcoming our new Australians. The ceremony will be followed by markets and live music which will create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere for people to enjoy the day.

Australia Day means different things to different people, and council recognises and respects that. Our focus is on creating inclusive events that welcome everyone.

I encourage residents and visitors alike to take part in the 2026 Australia Day program and enjoy time with family, friends and neighbours.

Join us by the river for a family-friendly event to celebrate Australia Day.

Monday, 26 January 2026

Australia Day ceremony 9am-11am Australia Day markets and music 11am-1pm Port Macquarie Town Green Continue the fun and enjoy cultural experiences including performances, food and music at our twilight event, Flavours of Australia

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 4pm - 7pm Town Beach Amphitheatre

Proudly funded by National Australia Day Council

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/australia-day

Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.

26th Jan 2026 11am to 6pm

Celebrate the living cultures of the four Nations of the Mid North Coast—Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Biripi and Worimi—at a festival led entirely by Indigenous voices.

North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Gumbaynggirr Country

The Next Generation Rising

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PORT CENTR AL

30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Port Central is celebrating 30 years as a hub of shopping, dining, and community in the heart of Port Macquarie, marking three decades of growth, memories, and local connections. We spoke with the team about the centre’s journey, its impact on the community, and how it continues to evolve for the next generation of shoppers.

P

ort Central is celebrating an incredible 30 years in the heart of Port Macquarie, what does reaching this milestone mean to the team?

It’s a proud moment for everyone involved. Reaching 30 years speaks to the strength of the centre, the passion of our retailers, and the loyalty of the Port Macquarie community. For our team, it s a milestone that e ects decades of hard work, local partnerships, and a genuine commitment to creating a place where people feel welcome. It’s more than just a shopping centre; it’s a part of the community’s story.

Over three decades, the centre has seen so much change. What are some of the biggest transformations you’ve witnessed?

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The biggest transformation has been the Port Central’s longevity and continued success in the local community? way the centre has evolved from a traditional retail space to a more dynamic community Our success comes from staying connected destination. We’ve to the community we seen new retailers join serve. We’ve focused the mix, the growth of The centre on supporting local hospitality offerings, has always jobs, offering a broad upgrades to facilities, evolved with the retail mix, listening to and a shift toward town rather than customer needs, and experiences, events, standing still, being a trusted part embracing change pop-ups, school of daily life in Port while maintaining holiday activities, and Macquarie. The centre the welcoming local collaborations. has always evolved atmosphere people The digital change has with the town rather know and love. also een significant, than standing still, with retailers adapting embracing change to online shopping while maintaining the while still creating meaningful in-store welcoming atmosphere people know and experiences. love.

What do you think has been the key to

The centre has supported countless local

jobs and businesses over 30 years, what does that community impact mean to you?

cele ation and sa t emendous community participation. We hosted a birthday party in ou evel food cou t, hich included sc ap oo s of photos f om hen the It’s incredibly meaningful. Behind every store cent e as fi st uilt, as ell as a photo are local families, young people taking their all sho casing the cent e s p og ess ove fi st o , and usinesses uilding thei futu e the years, including construction images. in Port Macquarie. Being able to play a role i thday ca e and cupca es e e sha ed in that ou ney is something e e ve y p oud ith oth ou etaile s and shoppe s, and of. The centre has been a stepping-stone for nume ous p i es e e given a ay th oughout employment, a platform for small business, the event. The turnout and a place he e the as inc edi le, ith local economy has been able to thrive. so many shoppers We’ve loved sho ing thei suppo t Are there any seeing the centre and even e ecting on community events, come alive during memo ies f om hen campaigns or local events, school the cent e as fi st milestones that stand holiday activities, constructed, including out as particularly performances by a onde ful sto y f om meaningful? local groups, launch the conc ete ho laid days for new retailers, There have been many the foundations back and community stand-out moments, in t as a t uly celebrations. from long-running memorable day that Christmas traditions to highlighted ust ho fundraising campaigns connected the centre is for local causes. We’ve loved seeing the to the Port Macquarie community. centre come alive during local events, school holiday activities, performances by local g oups, launch days fo ne etaile s, and community celebrations. Those moments emind us that the cent e isn t ust a place to shop, it s a place he e memo ies a e made How was the 30-year anniversary celebrated? he

yea annive sa y

as a fantastic

to local makers and businesses. Sustainability, accessi ility, and community pa tne ships

ill

stay at the core of our planning.

What message would you like to share with the customers who have supported the centre for three decades?

How do you see Port Central continuing to evolve over the next 10 or 20 years?

Thank you. For 30 years, the people of Port

e see the cent e continuing to g o as a lifestyle destination, some he e people shop, meet friends, access services, and feel pa t of a community he futu e ill ing more choice for customers, enhanced dining options, and innovation in ho e connect

made memo ies

Macquarie have supported our retailers, ithin the cent e, and

helped shape o t ent al into

hat it is

today. We’re grateful for the loyalty and t ust of ou community, and to continue that ou ney

e e e cited

ith you fo many

years to come.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 79

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focus_contributor.

WOMEN’S

HEALTH with GRAYCE GERKE

FROM WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIO/ PHYSIO COLLECTIVE

T

Introducing the Womens Wellness Initiative

he new year has arrived, and with it comes a meaningful addition to our community: the launch of the Womens Wellness Initiative, a registered Mid North Coast charity dedicated to improving access to care for local mums, babies and families.

women at every stage of life. Their focus is simple: better maternal and infant health outcomes for families on the Mid North Coast.

Why It Matters Motherhood can be both beautiful and challenging and no woman should feel like she has to navigate it alone.

Families in our region deserve access to the same level of support seen in larger metropolitan areas. By improving pathways to care, strengthening Even with community connection advances and increasing in healthcare, education and many families still awareness, the charity struggle to access hopes to lift health timely, affordable outcomes for mums, and comprehensive babies and families now support during and into the future.

The organisation was created in response to a clear and growing need in our region. Even with advances in healthcare, many families still struggle to access timely, affordable and comprehensive support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum pregnancy, birth How You Can Help period. Long waitlists, and the postpartum There are several limited specialised period. meaningful ways se vices, financial locals can support the pressures and a lack of Women’s Wellness coordinated care leave Initiative as it grows: too many women feeling overwhelmed or unsupported.

1. Join the healthcare directory The Women’s Wellness Initiative aims to bridge these gaps by creating a community-centred, culturally safe support network that empowers

If you’re a healthcare professional supporting mothers, babies or children, you can be listed in the Initiative’s online directory; helping

families find t ust o thy ca e in one easy place.

2. Donate your time or expertise. Health professionals are invited to volunteer at local workshops, education sessions and community events. Your contribution can make a real difference to families who need guidance.

3. Pay it forward with a breast pump donation. If you’ve completed your breastfeeding journey and would like to support another mum, you can donate your breast pump by dropping it off at: 1/64 Lord Street, Port Macquarie.

4. Donate funds. Charities rely on generous sponsors to keep programs running and expand support for local families. If you’d like to donate, please email: info@womenswellnessinitiative.au Looking Ahead. The charity has big plans for 2026, with community programs, outreach efforts and collaborative events on the way.

With the support of local families, businesses and health professionals, the Women’s Wellness Initiative is set to launch in 2026.

To learn more or get involved, visit: womenswellnessinitiative.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 81

Puing

BACK AND NECK PAIN BEHIND YOU

Nathan Lynch and Mitchell Olsen, owners of Wauchope Physiotherapy and Sports Rehab Centre, are passionate about helping locals recover from back and neck pain.

Our team has grown over the years to include 7 physiotherapists, 2 exercise physiologists and 2 remedial massage therapists. As a clinic, we invest heavily in advanced equipment and ongoing professional development to deliver highquality and evidence-based care.

T

ell us about yourselves and the team at Wauchope Physio? Wauchope Physio, as it has been known for over 40 years, is a long-standing, locally owned clinic that has cared for the Hastings community for decades.

Nath and Mitch (aka “Bluey”) are both deeply embedded in the clinic and the local area, with Nath joining Wauchope Physio in 2007 and Mitch in 2017.

As owners, Nath and Mitch are very hands-on, not only guiding the direction of the clinic, but also full time clinicians. The clinic operates from a purpose-built rehabilitation facility, allowing the team to assess, treat and progress patients through structured, evidence-based physiotherapy in a practical and supportive environment.

At its core, Wauchope Physio has always been about helping people move well and stay well.

Over the years, the team has recognised a

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growing need to support people experiencing back and neck pain, focusing on delivering meaningful, long-term results that genuinely improve their quality of life.

Back pain is often seen as everyone’s nightmare, what interests you about treating it? Back pain is one of the most misunderstood health conditions and is recognised as the leading cause of disability worldwide. While it can be severe, distressing and debilitating, around 95% of cases show no clear tissue damage on scans that can explain the pain. Pain may begin after an awkward movement, repeated or sudden loading, or sometimes appear for no obvious reason at all.

What really interests our team is helping people make sense of their pain. A person’s experience of ac pain is in uenced y many facto s These factors are unique to each person and act like a volume dial on the nervous system, in uencing ho sensitive the ac ecomes to movement and load.

There’s often a lot of fear surrounding back pain, and breaking that cycle through education, reassurance and the right type of movement can be incredibly powerful. Every presentation is different, so it becomes a bit of a detective-style puzzle. Our team uses various tools to understand the problem, identifying what’s driving their pain, and building a clear, p actical plan to help them egain confidence, movement and function.

Our clinic is actively involved in research aimed at improving outcomes for people with back and neck pain. We are currently participating in two separate university-led studies, the PACE Rural Study and the IMPACT Trial, both focused on advancing best practice care for back and neck pain.

Our team also uses getback™ spinal rehabilitation devices as an additional tool to support recovery, helping patients improve movement, st ength, and confidence as pa t of their personalised rehabilitation program.

Some people may not have heard about getback™ spinal rehabilitation, can you tell us more about this program? The getback™ spinal rehabilitation program utilises computerised devices which are designed for people with persistent or recurring neck and back pain, particularly those who haven’t improved with other treatments and may be less active o less e i le as a esult of thei symptoms. getback™ is an individual, supervised program that strengthens and mobilises the deep spinal muscles th ough p ecise, cont olled e e cises performed with computerised feedback.

It combines education, movement retraining and progressive strengthening with measurable assessments to guide progression and track results. The goal is to help people better unde stand thei pain, e uild confidence and safely return to everyday activities under

the guidance of a physiothe apist o e e cise physiologist. ue pictu ed a ove is an e ample of someone ho has enefited f om a com ination of hands-on treatment, education and getback™ spinal rehabilitation to reach her goals. Because everyone’s needs are different, we tailor our approach to suit each individual.

How can our readers get in touch with you and the team at Wauchope Physio?

Readers can contact us by phone, visit us inclinic in Wauchope, or book an appointment online. Our friendly reception team is always happy to answer questions, help with bookings, and provide advice on the best service for each individual.

If you would like to book an appointment please call our team on 02 6585 3411 or book online (scan the QR code). We’re currently offering Focus readers 50% off their initial consultation.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 83

intuitive

HEALTH STUDIO

Naturopath & Nutritionist

As a Naturopath and Nutritionist, I’m passionate about guiding my clients in understanding how their bodies work, the drivers of their symptoms, and what’s needed to bring everything back into balance. By integrating a range of evidence based modalities and tailoring each treatment plan, I focus on empowering my clients to feel educated, confident, and in control of their wellbeing. I work with a diverse range of clients seeking support with their gut health, skin, sleep, nervous system, hormone regulation, nutrition choices, and overall vitality The Intuitive Health Studio is a warm, holistic space dedicated to helping you reconnect with

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your health. Through functional testing, herbal medicine, nutrition support, lifestyle guidance, and personalised formulations; we create clear, practical pathways to help you feel better sooner.

We offer both online (Australia wide) and in person 1:1 consultations from our Port Macquarie clinic, ensuring accessible, personalised care wherever you are on your health journey.

focus_contributor.

with DR KRISTY K O S T A L A S

OWNER - PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC

D

MEN’S SKINCARE ESSENTIALS: A NO-NONSENSE GUIDE

r. Kristy, why do men need a different approach to skincare? Men's skin is genuinely different. It's approximately 25% thicker, produces more oil due to higher testosterone, and has larger pores. Men also have more collagen density, meaning skin ages differently. These unique characteristics mean men enefit f om a tailo ed app oach What are the most common skin concerns in male patients? At PMAC, we see men for facial lines, under-eye tiredness, oiliness, enlarged pores, sun damage, and back or chest acne. We also treat sweating concerns, which is incredibly popular with professionals and gym-goers. All of these are very treatable.

Q: What's the absolute minimum skincare routine for men? If you're going to do just three things: Cleanse: Use a proper facial cleanser morning and night, not bar soap. A gel or foam cleanser works well for oily skin.

Moisturise: Even oily skin needs hydration. A lightweight, oil-free moisturiser helps regulate oil production.

SPF 50 Daily: Non-negotiable. Sun damage causes premature aging and skin cancer. Apply every morning.

That's it, three steps, two minutes, twice a day.

Tell us more about treating sweating.

Why is this popular with men? Sweating concerns, whether on the face, underarms, hands, or other areas, is one of our most

requested treatments from male patients.

Professionals love it because they can stay f esh and confident in usiness meetings without worrying about visible sweat. Gymgoers appreciate not sweating into their shirts during and after workouts. The treatment is quick, effective, and results can last several months to a year. It's genuinely life-changing for men who've dealt with this concern. A consultation with one of our doctors can assess your areas of concern and discuss this treatment option.

What professional options are available for other facial concerns? At PMAC, we offer doctor-led treatments tailored to male patients. Men appreciate treatments that are quick, have minimal downtime, and deliver natural-looking results. A consultation with one of our doctors can assess your individual concerns and discuss suitable treatments.

What about under-eye tiredness and uffin ss Under-eye concerns are common in male patients, from lack of sleep, stress, genetics, or aging. We offer professional treatments targeting the under-eye area. A consultation can determine the right approach fo you specific conce n

stimulates collagen. Vitamin C serums provide morning protection and sunscreen is the single most effective anti-aging product available.

What other professional treatments work well for men? Chemical peels improve texture and reduce oiliness. Microneedling stimulates collagen and works for acne scarring. IPL treats sun damage. LED therapy is popular with athletes. Nanofractional RF provides skin tightening and resurfacing.

I don't have time for complicated routines, what's realistic? Morning: cleanse, moisturiser with SPF. Night: cleanse, moisturiser, add retinol 2-3 times weekly. Five products maximum. Consistency matters, not complexity.

Final advice for men starting skincare?

Start simple, be consistent, give it time. If you have concerns like sweating, skin texture, or other issues, book a consultation. Taking care of your skin isn't vanity; it's health maintenance and confidence For personalised skincare advice, contact Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic at 0421 253 025 or visit portmedicalaestheticsclinic.com.au

My skin is oily, should I skip moisturiser?

Absolutely not. When you skip moisturiser, your skin overcompensates by producing more oil. Use a lightweight moisturiser with niacinamide (B3), which regulates oil production while hydrating.

What about anti-aging? When should men start? Start in your late 20s or early 30s.

The most effective ingredient is retinol, which GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 85

2026 Welcoming

A YEAR OF GRATITUDE, GROWTH, AND A SPECIAL MILESTONE

By DR PETER ELFAR

S U N D I A L D E N TA L

A

s e elcome , find myself e ecting deeply on the ou ney that has ought us he e, not only th ough the inc edi le yea that as , ut th ough the enti e sto y of undial ental his yea ma s a pa ticula ly meaningful milestone fo us undial ental tu ns yea s old ve had the p ivilege of se ving as p incipal dentist and leading this ema a le team since , and loo ing ac , m filled ith oth g atitude and p ide fo eve ything e ve achieved togethe efo e loo ahead, ant to egin ith a hea tfelt than you fo t as a yea full of connection, lea ning, and community spi it, and none of it ould have een possi le ithout the people ho su ounded us o my family and f iends, you steady suppo t, encou agement, and unde standing have een a constant pilla fo me th oughout the yea s n especially, you elief in hat e do ept me ene gised and inspi ed han you fo standing ith me th ough eve y challenge and eve y t iumph o ou onde ful patients, than you fo t usting us ith you o al health, fo sha ing you sto ies, and fo giving us the p ivilege of eing pa t of

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you lives ou a mth, you honesty, and even you const uctive feed ac pushed us to ecome ette clinicians and ette people ou fill ou days ith pu pose, colou , and connection, and it is a genuine honou to ca e fo you and you families special than you goes to ou e t ao dina y team couldn t e p oude of the dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm you ing to the p actice eve y single day ne of the highlights of as seeing ou team delive o al health p esentations ac oss local schools, a huge unde ta ing that they em aced ith passion and positivity hei a ility to engage students, ma e lea ning fun, and inspi e healthie ha its in the ne t gene ation is something that ings me immense p ide hei o in the community e ects the hea t of hat undial ental t uly stands fo and e sat ith ove school age child en this yea o the onde ful empsey community, ho elcomed us so a mly afte ou opening in eptem e , you indness has meant mo e than you no om the moment e a ived, you em aced us ith gene osity and community spi it, ma ing us feel ight at home e loo fo a d to g o ing ith you and to ecoming an even st onge pa t of the local landscape

s e honou undial ental s th annive sa y this yea , m eminded that ou success is uilt on people, ou team, ou patients, and ou communities o decades have ought countless changes in dentist y and ou communities, ut ou co e values emain e actly the same compassion, uality, espect, and genuine connection oo ing ahead to , my commitment is to uild on all of this e ill continue investing in advanced technology, e panding ou se vices, and st engthening the cultu e of ca e that has defined us f om the eginning ost impo tantly, e ill eep putting people at the hea t of eve ything e do han you fo ma ing a t uly unfo getta le yea am deeply g ateful fo you t ust, suppo t, and pa tne ship, and m inc edi ly e cited to cele ate ou th yea ith you ogethe , let s ma e a yea of ighte smiles, st onge elationships, meaningful g o th and connections ith ou communities a mly, ete lfa incipal entist, undial ental undial ental o t auchope

ac ua ie

sundialdental com au

,

fnd your with BERNIE GINNANE

QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS FACILITATOR LIFE COACH

T

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR

he start of a New Year might prompt bold New Year resolutions, but as life gets busy, maybe stressful, maybe unexpected changes occur, maybe a work load or caring responsibility increases, well-intentioned promises might fade.

Rather than putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, smaller, realistic and achievable goals and intentions can help to support your overall well-being and mental health.

Here are some Suggestions: 1. Prioritise Self-Care. Prioritise rest and taking time out – even a few minutes each day. Maybe go for a short walk, or just sit and focus on your breathing for a few minutes, take a nap, or sit and enjoy a glass of water, a cup of tea, coffee or a piece of fruit.

2. Schedule Regular Time to ‘Unplug’.

Schedule regular daily time to switch off from screens, especially social media.

3. Prioritise Healthy Boundaries. Learn to be ok with saying ‘No’.

4. Practice Self-Compassion. Be aware of your thoughts and replace negative self-talk with more positive, more encouraging and kinder self-talk.

Remind yourself that it is not about perfection but progress.

5. Practice Daily Gratitude. Voice a daily

acknowledgment of what you are grateful for each morning or at the end of your day,

February Dates:

OR Keep a daily gratitude journal for January and notice the positive changes this practice has created. Maybe keep this gratitude journal continuing into the next month and the next month and the next month and so forth...

Saturday 21st - 9.30 am – 10.30 am

6. Strengthen Positive Connection with Others. With family, friends, coworkers, neighbours, the community.

No need to book. Meditations will be seated.

7. Practice A Daily Mindfulness and/or Meditation Practice. Even 3-5 minutes a day.

8. Commit to Daily Movement. Choose activities that you enjoy.

9. Join Me at Port Macquarie Library for Free Group Meditation & Mindfulness Sessions throughout 2026. Saturday mornings once a month, and Thursday afternoons once a month. Wishing You a Very Healthy, Calm and Enjoyable 2026!

FREE GROUP MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS SESSIONS Are continuing throughout 2026!

ONCE A MONTH ON SATURDAY MORNINGS & ONCE A MONTH ON THURSDAY AFTEROONS. he fi st session fo ill e on atu day 17th January 9.30 am – 10.30 am

Thursday 5th - 4.30pm – 5.30 pm March Dates: Thursday 2nd - 4.30pm – 5.30pm Saturday 28th 9.30am – 10.30am Venue: Port Macquarie Library I offer COUNSELLING, both ONLINE via Zoom, and FACE to FACE Sessions in Port Macquarie.

Sessions can help you to manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm and help to support emotional regulation, build resilience and foster personal growth.

Online Sessions provide therapy without the inconvenience of t avel o finding a pa ing space and p ovide e i ility to help you get the support you need without disrupting your life.

I also offer a FREE RESOURCE on my YouTube channel.

Over 370 Meditations and Short Chats, available 24/7. @bernie888100/videos BERNIE GINNANE. Counsellor, Mindfulness & Meditation Facilitator 0491 015 566 bernie224@gmail.com Follow on Facebook and Instagram GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 87

FROM HAUS OF ALMA

There’s something a little magical about this moment in the year, that soft pause between the last of the long lunch leftovers and the first proper exhale of January.

T

he frenzy settles, the days stretch, and suddenly everything feels warmer, slower and a little softer around the edges. After the year we’ve all had, I’ve leaned right into this feeling. Lazy afternoons, “messy-ish” hair, that blissful feeling when you’ve completely lost track of what day it is… these are the summer holidays.

Maybe it’s the heat, or maybe it’s sheer survival after December, but I’ve come to realise that summer has its own kind of rhythm. The sort that appears while you’re watching the tide roll in, wondering whether you should swim now or after your nap.

It’s a clarity that whispers: You made it!

And this year, for me at least, it whispers something else too. New beginnings. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we stepped into our new business name, Haus of Alma, not too long ago. I still catch myself smiling as I walk past the shopfront. A new name is a big thing. Exciting, energising and emotional, and stepping into a new year with our new identity feels a little like sunrise at the beach with the tide touching your toes, it’s full of promise and movement.

Changing a business name right before the busiest time of year probably isn’t in any “how to stay calm” handbook, but after all… when have I ever taken the easy road?

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December was its usual crazy fun chaos.

Parties, last-minute gift buyers, our VIP night and the hi l of helping omen find something that made them feel amazing.

But as January approached, that sense of newness began to land.

Somewhere between the Boxing Day pavlova and the fi st each day he e the sand scorched our feet, I felt it. A shift. The quiet hum of a business and a person turning a corner.

January in retail has its own personality. hile eve yone else oats f om the each to the BBQ, we’re knee-deep in one of my favourite rituals: our Summer Sale. There’s something satisfying about it. A little like giving the store a deep cleanse. Shelves begin to clea , those last a m eathe pieces find their forever homes, and you can almost feel the energy change as space opens for what’s coming next.

This year the sale feels especially meaningful.

Maybe it’s the rebrand, or simply the mindset shift that comes with a new year, ut as e ma do n the final pieces of ou summer collections, I can already sense the next chapter gathering pace. Autumn and Winter are on their way, and after months of planning, curating and counting down, knowing our new collections are close brings a lovely hint of anticipation.

Speaking of beginnings, I can’t tell you how

many people have asked about the story behind the name Haus of Alma. There’s something quite special about people caring enough to ask about a change that means so much to us. It’s quite the story, so I’ve shared the whole journey over on our socials. It felt like the right place to tell it properly, and I loved being able to invite you into that part of the story.

But back to summer… because if any season knows how to welcome a fresh start, it’s this one.

There’s a gentle rhythm to the early days of January. For me, it’s also the moment I look around the store, sunlight spilling in, space opening up on the racks, a new year waiting at the door, and think, yes… we’re ready.

Ready for a year of growth, collections, community and connection. Ready to keep evolving. Ready to welcome everything 2026 has waiting just beyond the horizon.

So as you settle into your own summer rituals, I hope this season brings you the same sense of renewal it brings me. That warm reminder that change can be hopeful, energising and exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s to long days, fabulous fashion, a fresh chapter… and all of us stepping into the new year with a little more grace.

Cheers to summer, and cheers to new beginnings.

Port Macquarie’s trusted professionals in supportive, personalised aesthetic care.

The simple choice for subtle, expert, radiance We offer a range of treatments designed to elevate the radiance of you and your skin, and we proudly pursue natural-looking and subtle results.

If it’s your first time visiting our clinic, our recommendation is to first book in for a Skin Consultation with Nurse Bron.

Wrinkles and Volume Loss Our skin consultations are also available to cover your concerns with wrinkles and volume loss. We have multiple options available within the medical aesthetics space, to ensure that a wholistic treatment plan can be developed.

Volume loss and skin quality are the main contributing factors to signs of premature aging and our treatment plans are formulated to ensure that the main causes for your concerns are treated for long term, natural-looking results.

Find us at 2/119 Lake Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 www.barebalanceskin.com.au

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MOLLY STEIN

At just 23, Molly Stein has reached the very top of BJP Physical Culture, being crowned both the 2025 Under 33 and Overall Ladies National Grand Champion.

We sat down with the Wauchope Physie standout to talk about the sport she’s loved since childhood, the moment her number was called, and what this incredible achievement means to her.

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H

i Molly, congratulations on being named the 2025 Under 33 and Overall Ladies National Grand Champion for BJP Physical Culture. For those who aren’t familiar with the sport, what is BJP Physie?

BJP Physical Culture, or Physie, is a performance sport that combines strength, e i ility, postu e, and dance ou pe fo m five outines each yea all cho eog aphed to music hysie p omotes confidence, fitness, and discipline in a eally suppo tive envi onment How old were you when you began and what did you love about the sport that got you hooked? sta ted hysie hen as ust yea s old at ollondilly outhe n ighlands y siste s and f iends e e doing it, and loved t avelling a ay fo competitions togethe t uic ly ecame something loo ed fo a d to eve y ee and has stayed a ig pa t of my life eve since Tell us about the competition and how it felt having your number called out, not only for your age group, but as the Grand Champion. aving my num e called as ge hampion has een a d eam of mine since fi st made it to ationals at yea s old, so it felt su eal

as so e cited and p oud in that moment hen as then announced as ve all and hampion, as completely ove helmed and in dis elief, it as a feeling ll neve fo get This is such a prestigious title, what does this achievement mean to you personally? his achievement means a lot to me It represents years of dedication, ha d o , esilience, and suppo t f om my family, teachers, and teammates t s inc edi ly e a ding to see that effort ecognised on such a ig stage

couldn t have as ed fo a ette g oup to sha e it ith Out of all the routines you performed, which one was your favourite and why? y favou ite outine as the s ing loved the music and cho eog aphy, and eing a le to sho case techni ue and e p ession t s he e felt the most confident and en oyed eve y moment of it

There will be ups and downs along the way, but every experience helps you grow. Stay consistent, believe in yourself, enjoy the journey, and never be afraid to keep trying.

You performed alongside your sister Lucy, who also received a national placing, and shared the evening with three other club mates from Wauchope Physie. How would you describe the day and what did it mean to have them with you?

he day as inc edi ly special eing a le to sha e it ith my siste ucy and cele ate he success as ell made it even mo e meaningful aving my clu mates the e c eated such a suppo tive and uplifting atmosphe e,

What advice would you give to younger Physie girls who look up to you and dream of following in your footsteps?

uccess isn t al ays linea he e ill e ups and do ns along the ay, ut eve y e pe ience helps you go tay consistent, elieve in you self, en oy the ou ney, and neve e af aid to eep t ying You train with Wauchope Physical Culture Club. For those looking at starting Physie in 2026, what would you say to them? hysie is fo eve yone t s an ama ing ay to uild confidence, fitness, and lifelong f iendships in a elcoming envi onment o for it!

Congratulations, Molly.

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EdUcAtiON AND TRAINING

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Bringing Learning to Life Join Us for K-6

Bringing Learning to Life Join Us for K-6

ENROLMENTS WELCOME ENROLMENTS WELCOME portmacquariesteinerschool.nsw.edu.au portmacquariesteinerschool.nsw.edu.au

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A NEW CHAPTER FOR PORT MACQUARIE

STEINER SCHOOL

Port Macquarie Steiner School is celebrating a major milestone, with construction underway at its new campus at Thrumster with the first three buildings scheduled to open late 2026.

W

e caught up with Head of School, Gail Sprott, to talk about the school’s unique approach to education, and what the new site will mean for local families.

education that will help their children to e plo e, c eate, g o confidence, ecome innovative and compassionate human beings.

The design of the buildings is also special, including purpose-built classrooms, hall, library, amphitheatre and nature-inspired playgrounds.

lesson focus and bring the lessons to life.

Teachers offer painting, drawing, handcraft, woodwork, singing, recorder, percussion, stringed instruments, drama and movement as part of the weekly rhythm or timetable.

These experiences bring joy to everyday learning at our school.

How long has the new campus project been in development? Since beginning in 2017, the future has always been in our thoughts. Now the school has grown into a thriving community at Table Street Campus with primary school classes K-6, and playgroup.

How would you describe Steiner Education? An education where students learn creatively. Our engaging curriculum meets the students where they are developmentally and is acknowledged by ACARA as meeting all Australian Curriculum standards. Academic learning is supported by integrating the arts which helps students develop a rich inner life and deepen their understanding of the learning content.

Practical activities related to the subject being studied are offered to further their learning and develop their will. We value real connections with each other and work with restorative practice to support student and staff wellbeing.

How important is nature-based learning in Steiner education? We support students to develop a deep and reverent connection with nature through their everyday learning.

We also celebrate the rhythms of time through seasonal festivals, which the students are involved in. Their connection to nature is also extended into our camps and excursions programme.

How many students will the new campus accommodate? On completion of the full campus design, the school will accommodate up to 170 students and around 20 staff, to support the region’s growing interest in Steiner education.

Why do you think interest is growing?

There are more parents recognising the importance of educating the whole child. Our creative learning environment resonates with what they want for their children, ‘the very best education possible’.

What excites you most about the new campus? That more families can access

How do teachers weave creativity into everyday learning? Creativity is central to everything we do. In valuing oral traditions and human centred teaching and learning, teachers offer stories that enhance the main

How do you support children with different learning needs? Our Learning Enrichment team works to support student engagement and our holistic approach, strong relationships and rich curriculum enables us to meet all students where they are on their learning journey.

Are enrolments open? Yes, enrolments for 2026 are open, call us to make an appointment.

Thanks Gail.

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St Joseph’s Regional College

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COOPER S E K R A P Cooper Parkes has recently been named Motorcycling NSW’s Junior Male Rider of the Year for Enduro! Fresh off a standout season and an Australian championship win, Cooper reflects on the hard work, big moments, and passion that have driven his rapid rise.

H

i Cooper. Congratulations on being named Junior Male Rider of the Year!

How did it feel when you realised the news?

hen fi st hea d the announcement, honestly couldn t elieve it ne d had a st ong yea , ut neve e pect a a ds li e this ecause the e a e so many fast ide s in ust alia ho push ha d eve y ound hen my name as called, as shoc ed fo a second, then it eally hit me t felt ama ing no ing that all the t aining, ea ly mo nings, late nights, and ha d aces e e ecognised t s one thing to in aces, ut eing named unio ale ide of the ea feels diffe ent, it s li e people a e ecognising not ust you esults, ut you effo t, attitude, and g o th as a ide t made me p oud, and it also motivated me even mo e to eep imp oving and push myself to the ne t level o ou r m m

r our first

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r ri

on a

motorbike? What was it like? emem e it li e it happened yeste day as eally young, and eve ything a out the i e felt huge and loud, ut also felt e cited athe than sca ed hen fi st t isted the th ottle, the feeling as un eal, li e a mi of f eedom and ad enaline that d neve felt efo e didn t go fast at all, ut it didn t matte ust emem e smiling the hole time hat fi st ide is hat sta ted eve ything fo me t made me ant to ide again and again, and f om that moment on, ne that eing on a i e as something anted to do fo the est of my life hat o ou lo most a out n uro ri in compared to other types of racing? he thing love most a out endu o is ho unp edicta le and challenging it is o t o t ac s a e the same, and even the same t ac can change completely depending on the eathe ne minute you e in a tight single t ail th eading th ough t ees, and the ne t minute you e on a fast, o ing g ass t ac section

t eeps you sha p mentally and physically the enti e time also love ho endu o e a ds consistency and sma t iding t s not ust a out going at out, it s a out eading the te ain, pic ing the ight lines, and managing you ene gy ou have to e tough, focused, and adapta le t feels li e the pu est fo m of off oad acing to me How often do you train, and what does a typical training day look like for you? t ain as much as possi le a ound school and othe commitments, usually seve al times a ee on the i e plus e t a off i e o no mal t aining day might sta t ith some fitness eithe unning, cycling, o gym o focusing on st ength and endu ance hen ll spend a couple of hou s on the i e o ing on specific s ills li e co ne speed, sp ints, technical sections, o p acticing ace scena ios ometimes ll do long motos to mimic ace days, and othe times it s sho te , mo e intense sessions also atch footage of p evious aces, top ide s, and my

own GoPro footage to see where I can improve.

Training isn’t just physical; it’s about learning, staying focused, and building race smarts.

hampionship as definitely the highlight The competition was tough all year, and every round challenged me in different ways; weather, pressure, nerves, everything. But I stayed consistent, kept my focus, and trusted the work I’d put in. Crossing the line at the final ound and no ing d done enough as an unbelievable feeling.

That whole championship taught me a lot about staying composed even I especially when things get tough, love tracks and that’s something I’m that test both proud of.

fitness and skill.

Every place has something different, and that’s one of the reasons I love enduro so much.

Do you have a favourite track or place you love to ride?

I really enjoy riding at home in Wauchope because it’s familiar and I can work on everything from tight technical stuff to faster trails. But when it comes to racing, I enjoy any track that has good o , nice single t ail, and sections where you can really get into a rhythm. I especially love t ac s that test oth fitness and skill. Every place has something different, and that’s one of the reasons I love enduro so much.

What was your proudest moment this season that helped lead to this moment?

Winning the 2025 Australian Enduro J2

Who are your biggest supporters, the people who cheer the loudest for you?

My biggest supporters are definitely my family um and Dad have been there from the start, and they do so much behind the scenes; driving, helping with the bike, organising everything, and always pushing me to be my best without ever putting pressure on me. My friends also support me heaps, and it’s awesome having people cheering at events. And of course, my sponsors are a massive part of my journey. They believe in me, support my goals, and help make it possible for me to race at this level. I’m grateful for everyone who has backed me, especially Newcastle Powersports & Associated sponsors, On-point Suspension Melbourne & local sponsors Doherty Autos & Mechanical, Lewis’ Butchery & Gaz at GS Concrete Pumping.

Have you had any big crashes or scary moments, and what did you learn from them? eah, ve definitely had a fe ig c ashes t s part of racing. The scariest moments usually happen when you’re pushing hard or the track catches you out unexpectedly. What I’ve learned from those moments is the importance of staying calm and resetting your mindset. A crash can mess ith you confidence if you let it, so ve learned to analyse what happened, learn from it, and then move forward. Every rider crashes, it’s how you bounce back that matters.

If you could race anywhere in the world one day, where would it be?

There are so many incredible events around the o ld, ut acing the in u ope is definitely high on my list. It’s one of the biggest and most legendary off-road events, and the level of competition is insane. I’d also love to race some of the major American off-road series one day.

Racing against the best riders internationally would push me to improve even more.

What’s the next big goal you’re chasing after this award?

My next big goal is to move into J3 and prove that I can compete strongly at the next level.

I want to have a consistent season, push for podiums, and keep improving every round.

Long-term, I want to keep developing as a rider, climb through the classes, and eventually race at an elite level nationally and internationally. This award motivates me even more to keep working hard and chasing big goals.

Thanks Cooper.

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• Ashley Livingston – ATAR of 98.70 • Mitchell Baker – ATAR of 97.85 • Eric Liu – ATAR of 95.85 • Erina Chung – ATAR of 95.00 • Zalia Rose – ATAR of 94.80 • Alyssa Connor – ATAR of 94.75 • Poppy McIntyre – ATAR of 94.45 • Fleur Hillsdon – ATAR of 94.35 • Rebecca Jones – ATAR of 93.75

• Seanna Hosking – ATAR of 92.85 • Eliana Morton – ATAR of 92.85 • Britt Elsey – ATAR of 92.75 • Alexander Preston – ATAR of 92.70 • Adam Hempsell – ATAR of 91.70 • Emilie Marshall – ATAR of 91.10 • Jay Van Gemert – ATAR of 91.00 • Jyden Cater – ATAR of 90.95 • Tim Lawrance – ATAR of 90.55

SHAPE 2025 (Design & Tech, Textiles & Design, Multimedia) Jay Van Gemert Erica Hall Sara Smith Ashley Livingston (selected)

­

CALLBACK 2025 (Dance) Annabelle Pollitt Cassidy Fryer-Allen (selected) Erina Chung (selected) ENCORE 2025 (Music) William Corrigan Poppy McIntyre (selected)

PORT MACQUARIE

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OnSTAGE 2025 (Drama) Adam Hempsell Cara Stritthof Evie Griffiths Flynn Richards Jack Kirk Jay Van Gemert Jude Hercock Keanu Smiech Lachlan Moulds Tayha Corse

Biology 9th Place - Ashley Livingston Textiles & Design 3rd Place - Ashley Livingston Construction 8th Place - Jyden Cater

Congratulations Class of 2025

I’m still not quite sure who is more nervous the day the HSC results come out - me, or the students. I’m also just as excited, if not more so, to see our students acknowledge the worth of 13 years of school education when they reflect on their results.

Like it or not, the day that the HSC results come out is inevitably about numbers. It is our mission at SCAS to ensure that the person behind that number is not lost. The students of the class of 2025 have, throughout their time at SCAS, displayed a wide range of talents and abilities and they graduate with much more than a great set of ATAR numbers.

On result day, I am just as interested in “who” our graduates want to be as much as “what” they want to do now that they are finished school? It’s a different question which interrogates different outcomes from school - not what was your mark but how did you learn and how do you learn. What competencies have you developed to solve problems, work with others, create new ideas… how are you growing those competencies into dispositions - things you do regularly without having to think about it too much.

Our students graduate with a range of educational and cultural experiences, skills and dispositions that have prepared them for the evolving world into which they enter. They have been given an insight into what it takes to be productive, responsible and engaged members of our society and will hopefully each contribute something to make a better world. We think our graduates can do anything they want to do after school! Knowing “who you are” will help determine how effective you are at the “what”…not the other way round. The attributes we hope our graduates have developed here at SCAS will make them a better scientist, engineer, doctor, tradie, teacher, nurse, computer programmer, pilot, accountant, etc. They are now ready to engage this world through their plans for study, work, travel and service. They leave behind their school days but do not leave our community as we will always welcome news of their exploits, future visits and new learnings.

On behalf of the St Columba Anglican School community, I congratulate our Class of 2025 on their hard-earned meritorious results.

Their Higher School Certificate results continue the school’s excellent record of academic achievement. The school placed strongly in the HSC Top Schools rankings at 123, placing it clearly at the top of schools in the region and among the top few north of Sydney.

We wish our 2025 graduates well in their futures, firm in our belief that their time at St Columba has been well spent and their bright futures will reflect the value of the “world of opportunities” they have been offered in their time with us.

A world of opportunities...

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B A C K

T O

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legal

PRIEST LEGAL

P

riest Legal has been providing legal and conveyancing services in the local area for more than 50 years.

Priest Legal comprises a diverse range of lawyers and conveyancers to ensure that we are able to meet ou clients specific needs and e pectations GET TO KNOW THE TEAM. Nicholas Lawton BA, LLB (Managing Director/Lawyer) have close to yea s e pe ience as a la ye , o ing p ima ily in comme cial, usiness and p ope ty la , along ith ills, estate planning, probate and estate administration. I enjoy the challenge of mo e comple matte s and the intersection of different areas of law that can often arise in commercial transactions and succession planning, and the p o lem solving that involves. The most satisfying part of my job is assisting clients achieve thei goals, hateve they may e, and to help them to navigate the challenges they face.

I also take pride in the great team of p ofessionals and suppo t staff at iest egal, and the commitment they display to helping clients each and every day. ay f om o , en oy spending time ith my young family, and hen time pe mits, you ll find me on the golf cou se o c ic et field

and estates. My primary focus is on early case assessment and commercial resolution to avoid the costs and risks associated with litigation and la ye s gene ally he e possi le and, he e not possi le, to p otect the client s position and mitigate risk. I practice and regularly appear in all and fede al civil cou ts and t i unals, acting fo oth plaintiffs and defendants, ith a ve y good track record of success and costs recovery on both sides of the dispute. ay f om o , you enjoying a beer.

ill p o a ly find me

Tim Couch B.Com, LLB, LLM (Family Law), Public Notary (Director/Lawyer) ve the last yea s in full time p actice, my primary focus has been family law. I help clients move forward and resolve issues that arise as a consequence of separation such as division of mat imonial p ope ty, pa enting a angements, and divorce. I am motivated by being able to make a positive difference in my clients’ lives during what is usually one of the most testing and t ying pe iods they ill eve e pe ience also provide Public Notary services to the Port Macquarie/Hastings community. ay f om o , life is gene ally p etty usy ith my young family, hich is of most importance to me. A hit of golf and a beer when time permits.

Jeremy Brigden BA, LLB (Director/Lawyer)

Loris Hendy BA (Asian Studies), LLB – (Lawyer)

ve the last yea s in full time p actice, have developed e pe tise in esolution of civil disputes, anging f om simple to ve y comple matte s a out money, usiness, p ope ty, ills

I am the principal lawyer for Priest Legal in the auchope office ith ove yea s e pe ience I love working with the Wauchope community to assist them to resolve their issues whether it be

ills and estates, family la , p ope ty la o ust general advice. Receiving the support that I need from the diverse range of skills that our Port ac ua ie office staff and la ye s have, ena les me to ensure that our Wauchope clients get the best service and advice. ay f om o , s im egula ly and en oy e e cising and eeping ell am also inte ested in restoration – whether it is the garden or old furniture.

Melissa Kennedy – Licensed Conveyancer I have been a member of the Priest Legal team for over 20 years. I am a licensed conveyancer and a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Division. I always try to adopt a practical approach to my work and believe my local knowledge assists me when guiding clients through a conveyancing transaction. ay f om o , en oy spending time on the fa m, ga dening and eading Joy Brinklow – Licensed Conveyancer efo e oining iest egal, o ed in the corporate sector as a Commercial Director and Company Secretary. A “tree change” to the Mid North Coast many years ago saw me change careers and in 2016 I completed further studies and became a Licensed Conveyancer.

I bring many years of corporate and legal e pe ience to the fi m and com ine st ong management and communication skills with attention to detail to ensure the best outcome for our conveyancing clients. ay f om o , love doing my egula ilates classes, ga dening, and atching net all GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 107

EMILY HAWKER - T H I S

H

i Emily. You’re a busy mum of four, including twins. Can you paint a picture of what life looked like when the i a for his a first

began to form?

The idea for This Day was born during one of the busiest seasons of my life. I had four young kids, including newborn twins, and our days were chaotic, nothing ever went to plan.

Even simple acts of self-care, like a brow wax or quick haircut, relied on those unpredictable windows where the babies were settled, Dad as home, and could duc out d often find myself googling and calling every salon within 50 kilometres, only to hear, “Sorry, nothing until next week.”

At the same time, I was travelling for work conferences and speaking events. Being in unfamiliar cities, with babies, unwashed hair and my husband in tow, trying to secure a lastminute appointment was stressful. Most days it ended with me in a crammed hotel bathroom, blow-drying my own hair while listening to crying babies.

That was the moment everything clicked.

I remember thinking, “Why can we order dinner, nappies or groceries instantly, but we can’t see which salon has availability right

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D A Y -

Juggling four young children, including newborn twins, Emily Hawker found herself living the very problem she would one day solve: the impossibility of securing lastminute beauty and wellness appointments when you need them most. What began as a real-life pain point has since grown into This Day, an Australian-born platform reshaping how clients and salons connect in real time. now?” If clients were struggling to access lastminute appointments, salons were certainly feeling the pressure too.

That realisation became the spark behind This Day. Can you give us a run-down on what This Day is about and how it works?

It supports both sides of the industry, simplifying life for busy clients while helping salon owners increase revenue without adding extra admin.

You spent four years sitting with this idea before taking the leap. What held ou ac an what finall a ou th confi nc to o for it

This Day is an Australian born platform that connects clients with real-time last-minute They simply post availability from hair, last-minute or beauty and wellness upcoming availability businesses nearby.

For clients, it removes the stress of trying to find an appointment fast. No calling around, no endless searching - simply open the app and see who has openings right now in your area.

on their dashboard, and clients can book instantly. Salons keep 100 per cent of what they earn, and the platform fits seamlessly into their existing booking systems.

For salons, it’s a commission f ee ay to fill cancellations and empty chairs. They simply post last-minute or upcoming availability on their dashboard, and clients can book instantly. Salons keep 100 per cent of hat they ea n, and the platfo m fits seamlessly into their existing booking systems.

Fear held me back for a long time. I didn’t come from a beauty or tech background, so stepping into this space felt intimidating.

I kept thinking, “Who am I to build this?”

Like many mums, I was torn between raising my family and pursuing something that e ui ed significant time, investment and courage.

But the challenges in the industry kept growing. Salon owners were dealing with empty chairs, last-minute cancellations, overseas platforms taking commissions and clients frustrated by the lack of real-time availability. The problem wasn’t going away.

We trialled features in real salons, gathered feedback from business owners and clients, and ensured the platform was just as easy for a time-poor mum as it was for a busy salon owner.

Eventually, not building This Day felt like the bigger risk. I wanted to create something Australian-owned, fair, transparent and genuinely helpful. That purpose gave me the confidence to ta e the leap nce found the ight development team, the idea finally started moving from concept to reality.

How did you go from an idea in your head to a functioning platform? What were those early development stages like?

It began with hundreds of handwritten notes and months of researching similar platforms globally. I spoke with friends, salon owners and industry professionals to understand the real impact of no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Almost every salon had a cancellation policy, yet the small fee they charged rarely covered tea and coffee supplies, let alone the lost income.

From there, we mapped out what a better alternative could look like; a system that didn’t take commissions, didn’t penalise businesses fo cancellations and genuinely helped fill last minute gaps without relying on social media posts and c ossed finge s nce development egan, the p ocess ecame a cycle of efining, testing, e uilding and testing again. We trialled features in real salons, gathered feedback from business owners and clients, and ensured the platform was just as easy for a time-poor mum as it was for a busy salon owner.

It became a four-year labour of love, shaped by real experiences and the challenges faced

across the industry.

schedule doesn’t allow for two weeks’ notice.

From a local perspective, what has it been like building an Australian start-up from a regional town?

to yourself and just want a brow wax, massage

ometimes you finally get an une pected hou or blow-dry right now.

Building a tech start-up from Port Macquarie has been both grounding and incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, it creates a win-win: more revenue

Regional business owners are resourceful.

They know how to make things work and were generous with their time, honesty and feedback throughout our development journey. Knowing that This Day was shaped with real insights from local salons has been one of the most meaningful parts of the entire process.

When you imagine the future, what do

Stepping into the national tech space while raising a family here is also something I’m very proud of.

ecosystem that supports local businesses, gives

As someone who now understands the beauty industry deeply, what are your hopes for how this app will help small business owners?

Personally, I hope my kids grow up knowing

My hope is that This Day becomes a tool that genuinely lightens the load for business owners. Salons deal with constant unpredictability; cancellations, no-shows and quiet periods that directly affect their income.

This Day helps turn those empty gaps into paying appointments, often from clients who may never have discovered them otherwise.

h r can w fin out mor a out his

But I also wanted to support the people on the other side - the busy mums, parents, students, shift workers and anyone whose

fo small usinesses, and mo e e i ility and freedom for the people who support them. you quietly hope This Day might grow into?

Quietly, I hope This Day becomes the go-to platform for discovering last-minute beauty, wellness and self-care appointments across Australia. I see it evolving into a trusted clients more choice and champions Australian owned technology. that big ideas can come from busy mums in small towns and that it’s okay to build something that scares you a little.

Day? You can learn more at www.thisdayapp.io, we have a client section, salon section and a very cool c eato section fo local in uence s

y

the time this article goes to print we will be available on all the App Stores. Whether you’re a salon owner or someone who loves a lastminute pamper, This Day is built for you.

Thanks Emily.

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ALISON DEBONO

& SCO FACeY M Y S T E R Y

As they prepare for the 2026 Mystery Box Rally, Ali Debono and Scott Facey are rallying the community with a Race Day fundraiser on the 8th February at the Port Macquarie Race Club to support Cancer Council Australia. They share the personal story behind their mission, what makes the event such a standout day out, and why every ticket helps drive their cause forward.

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B O X

H

R A L L Y

i guys. For those who may not have heard of it before, what is the Mystery Box Rally, and what inspired you both to si n u in th first lac

Mystery Box Rally (MBR) is basically the little brother of the Shitbox Rally. You buy an old car that’s at least 25 years old, and then you hit the road for 5 days/4 nights of pure organised madness. You travel in a team of seven vehicles, and you do absolutely everything together: drive, eat, camp, repeat. If one car breaks down, we all stop - which happens more often than anyone admits, but that’s the fun of it! There’s no winner, no trophies, just ridiculously good camaraderie, a lot of laughs, and one of the best adventures we’ve ever had. Plus, we get to raise vital funds for the Cancer Council of Australia, which makes all the breakdowns, dust, and

questionable campsite meals totally worth it. ou sai th rall is much mor than an adventure for you. Can you share a little a out our rsonal conn ction to th caus an wh raisin mon for th anc r ouncil is so m anin ful to our t am We’ve both been personally affected by this hideous disease, and even more so now with our brother currently battling advanced prostate cancer. It really hits different when it’s someone you love. That’s why raising money for the Cancer Council means so much to us, it’s our ay of doing something, fighting ac , and hopefully helping other families going through the same thing. The rally just felt like the perfect way to honour our own journey and make a real difference. h st r o all ush s artici ants far outsi th ir comfort on s. hat s th

t tu ned into one of the most memo a le nights eve ve yone ust accepted the situation, pulled togethe , and made the est of it t as chaotic, cold and a solutely unfo getta le This year you’re hosting a Race Day Fundraiser at the Port Macquarie Race Club.

What can attendees expect from the event, and what makes it such a fun day out?

We’ve put together an amazing day with a few options to suit eve yone o those ho ant the full e pe ience e e offe ing e clusive naming rights to your own race, plus a reserved ta le fo guests ou ll en oy delicious canap s, d in s on a ival, and you usiness o name featured on our rally car signage; which ill e p oudly displayed on the day e e also thrilled to have Andrew “Joey” Johns, the NRL’s th mmo tal, as ou special guest, along ith comedian ustin a che ho ill the event oey ill e mingling ith guests, ta ing selfies, signing autographs, and helping us auction off some fantastic items he e ll also e luc y doo p i es th oughout the day f you don t need the naming rights or car signage, you can simply pu chase an individual seat and still en oy all the g eat food, d in s, ente tainment, and access to ou special guests Are there any highlights or surprises you’re particularly excited for? toughest challenge you’ve faced on the road so far, and what have been some of the most memorable or joyful moments you’ve experienced during previous rallies?

There have been so many hilarious and unforgettable moments, but one in particular definitely ta es the ca e n ou ve y fi st ally, we were caught on a mountain in a massive sto m on the final afte noon t tu ned into a complete white-out, zero visibility, so getting to camp as impossi le alf the ally ended up stranded with us: around 170 people and 85 ca s, all stuc on the edge of a mountain in a tiny place called aloma in he locals e e absolute legends and shared whatever food they could, but we basically had no choice but to completely rough it for the night - and honestly?

e e especially e cited to have oey oin us this yea e ll be sharing plenty of stories from his footy days, and even a fe hot acing tips hat ma es it even ette is ho hands on the day ill e oey will be with us for the entire ace meet, chatting ith guests, ta ing photos, signing autog aphs, and eally getting involved t s a a e chance to spend eal time ith an legend, not ust see him on stage nd the est pa t t s all fo an inc edi le cause aising funds fo the ance ouncil, and it s ta deducti le Locals have always been a huge part of your fundraising success. How important is community support to your team, both on the road and in the lead-up to the rally?

Community support is absolutely everything to us, it s the eason e e a le to ta e pa t in

the ally at all ithout ou sponso s and the incredible generosity of local businesses, groups and families, none of this ould e possi le We’re genuinely humbled by everyone who has ac ed us, oth in the past and moving fo a d nd it s not ust ou o n community long the way, the towns we travel through have sho n us un elieva le indness helping ith repairs, lending tools, supplying parts, and doing hateve they can to get all of us ac on the oad ne of ou favou ite moments as hen a couple of tou ists f om ance stopped us to as hat the ally as all a out fte hea ing the story, they scanned our QR code and made a donation ight the e on the spot t as such a special eminde of ho fa gene osity can each Preparing for a rally like this takes time, resources and a lot of gritty determination.

When does it kick off and what does your lead-up look like? e ic off in p ing , sta ting f om ha leville in ut ac ueensland, and t ust us, the lead up is huge n ou fi st yea e practically had to rebuild the entire car from sc atch ve y yea since, it s a full p ocess of chec ing, se vicing and p epping the vehicle because absolutely no one wants to be the car that ea s do n fi st e also have to e ap the car each year to showcase and update our ama ing sponso s, hich is a ig o in itself n top of that, e e constantly o ing to aise the funds needed to ta e pa t, it eally is a yea ound effo t nd of cou se, e can t fo get the fun pa t ou t o d ess up days e al ays push ourselves to come up with something new, uni ue and a little it out ageous t s all pa t of the adventu e Where can we follow your journey, get behind your fundraiser, or get in touch? ou can follo ou ou ney o get in touch ith us anytime o mo e info mation, feel f ee to contact us on o ou ace oo page eam ood han s ou can also eep up ith all ou updates and fundraising progress on our Mystery Box Rally page - just scan the QR code to follow along!

Thanks guys.

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Hook line & knowledge

Servicing & Repairs Avail able On-Site

with JENSON KENNEDY NORTH COAST B O AT I N G C E N T R E

THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR

BOOK

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02 5642 1026

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B

y now we all know the importance of regularly servicing your outboard motor but while taking your boat to a workshop is the norm, some customers don’t have the time or are away for other commitments.

This is where NCBC sets itself apart from other workshops. We offer on-site servicing, whether at your home, at the marina, or directly on your wharf saving you time and hassle. he enefit is convenience, instead of arranging transport, towing the boat, or navigating busy workshop schedules, a mobile technician comes straight to you. This means no time spent hitching trailers or reorganising your day just to drop off the boat. For owners with larger boats that are hard to tow, or for those stored at marinas, on-site servicing removes all the hassle of moving the vessel.

On-site servicing also allows a technician to work on the engine in its operating environment.

This is particularly useful for diagnosing issues that only appear on the water, under load

such as fuel supply problems, rigging issues, or intermittent performance faults. Servicing and repairs on the wharf gives the technician immediate access to the boat’s full setup, helping them identify problems that might not be obvious in a workshop. For commercial ope ato s, fishing enthusiasts, o anyone with limited free time, this can make a big difference.

For those who are away from home, such as a holiday house or where on-site servicing is not an option, boat pick-up and delivery services are also available. Your boat or outboard is collected, serviced at our workshop, and returned ready to go when you're back home. It’s ideal for busy boat owners, people without towing capability, or anyone who wants a completely hands-off experience.

At North Coast Boating Centre we understand some people’s boating situations need a little mo e convenience, efficiency, and personalised care to help you spend less time organising maintenance and more time enjoying the water.

GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 113

focus_contributor.

Illuminate with KATE WOOD-FOYE THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURS, I N N O V AT O R S , L E A D E R S AND GAME CHANGERS.

Perched on the sands of Port Macquarie’s iconic Flynn’s Beach, Sandbox is more than a café, it’s a lifestyle, a ritual, a meeting place where locals, tourists and salty-haired regulars all collide. At the helm is hospitality entrepreneur Latif Ucdereli, whose quiet confidence, peoplefirst leadership and instinctive business nous have turned a single beachfront idea into a key element of a thriving hospitality beach precinct. We sat down with Latif to unpack the passion, pivots and purpose behind Sandbox, and the journey from its 2017 beginning to the much loved cafe it has become.

LATIF UCDERELI

T

ake us back to 2017. What was the spark behind Sandbox, and what did you see that others maybe didn’t at the time?

I lived in Port Macquarie when I was very young, and even after moving to Sydney and then Tasmania, Flynn’s Beach was always familiar. Holidays meant the beach, and a Paddle Pop from the kiosk, that was just part of it.

When I moved back in 2015, living near the beach was always the goal. I worked, saved, and in 2017 bought an apartment directly across the road from Flynn’s. The morning after moving in, I walked down for a coffee and ended up sitting there for a long while, just watching how the kiosk ran.

It didn’t feel broken, it just felt like it could be ette he place had histo y and foot t affic t just needed someone to care about it. I called the owner that afternoon, we talked numbers, and two weeks later it was mine. There wasn’t some big plan behind it, it just felt right.

Sandbox has scaled beautifully without losing its soul. How did you grow the business while staying true to the original vibe?

The truth is, the business hasn’t stayed still,

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and neither have I. The town changes, the people change, and the way we use spaces like this changes too. Holding too tightly to an original idea can actually get in the way.

I’ve learned to adapt as we go. There’s a lot you can’t control in hospitality, but the parts you can control should always serve the people using the space. and o has al ays een a out people fi st The locals, the groups nearby, and especially the team who turn up every day and keep the place running. They’re what give the café its feel. The building just happens to sit there.

For many businesses COVID was a breaker, for Sandbox, it became a turning point.

How did that period reshape the business?

COVID was tough. There were moments where I seriously considered walking away.

But closing the doors felt like letting down the people who had helped build the place, and the staff who were waiting to come back to work.

Coming out of it, the focus was naturally on recovery, but it became clear pretty quickly that chasing numbers alone wasn’t going to work, or feel right.

What carried us through was people. Staff, regulars, family, friends, and visitors who kept showing up when they could. That period

reinforced something simple: if you look after people, the business tends to take care of itself.

Every entrepreneur has a compass. Who has mentored you, and what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?

I’ve got a solid background in structure. I’ve spent years studying how businesses are meant to work, including completing an MBA. That stuff matters, it keeps things stable and compliant.

But day-to-day reality doesn’t always match what’s on paper. A lot of decisions come I wouldn’t say I’ve had one mentor. It’s been down to experience a mix of people over and paying attention. time, bosses, other Noticing when The biggest business owners, staff, something feels off lesson has been and friends who were before it becomes a that you don’t need prepared to be honest. problem. to have everything A lot of what I’ve For me, it’s about using figured out. You learned has come structure to keep the need to listen, take from seeing what not business safe, and responsibility, and to do. Watching poor instinct to make sure it be open to changing leadership, burnout, or stays human. your approach when businesses that forgot What has been the something isn’t about their people most surprising working. showed me what element of being in I didn’t want to repeat. usin ss The biggest lesson has been that you don’t need to have eve ything figu ed out ou need to listen, ta e responsibility, and be open to changing your approach when something isn’t working.

Are you driven by business plans or gut instinct, and how do you balance the two?

How close everyone’s become. I didn’t expect that. spent yea s in hospitality he e you finish a shift, everyone clocks off, and that’s it. Now we close up and end up back at my place for a drink, some food, and a chat. That change hasn’t come from owning the business. It’s

come from building a team where people are invested in each other, not just themselves, me included.

I show up differently now. I’m more open and more present. Because of that, the work doesn’t just stop at the door.

It’s a bigger responsibility, but it’s also the best part of it.

Your team is often described as the heartbeat of Sandbox. How do you attract such a strong crew, and what can we expect this summer?

We don’t hire based on résumés alone. We look at who someone is, how they show up, and ho

they ll fit into the team

hat they

bring matters, but so does what the team can offer them in return.

People are given space to learn, make mistakes, and grow into the role. When they feel supported, they tend to care more about each other, and about the people walking through the door.

This summer is about keeping things steady.

Familiar faces, good coffee, and a place that feels easy to be in. We’re not trying to reinvent anything, just doing the basics well, every day.

Thanks Latif.

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focus_contributor.

HOME

Styling with

THE SUMMER EDIT BRIGHT, AIRY, AND UNMISTAKABLY AUSTR ALIAN

ANTHONY BERINGEN

S

F R O M Z E N -YA D E S I G N S F O R L I F E

ummer in Australia has its own kind of magic. The light feels different, golden, generous, and endlessly inviting. It’s the time of year when homes open up to breezes, mornings start earlier, and evenings stretch lazily into night. Decorating for the season isn’t about a total overhaul; it’s about layering fresh textures, sun-warmed colour, and a little effortless joy to match the relaxed rhythm of summer living.

Layers of Nature: Colour and texture start with inspiration drawn straight from the land. Think desert hues like terracotta, ochre, and sun-baked clay, paired with gentle neutral tones like oat, sand, and mushroom. These colours echo the Australian landscape’s quiet strength and work beautifully across walls, cabinetry, or upholstery.

The palette for summer 2025–2026 celebrates earthiness with soft greens. Perhaps choose muted olive and eucalyptus for a biophilic calm that balances the heat. Then introduce contrast: a hint of charcoal, black, or tan to ground the space. The key is in the layering. Use natural fabrics and organic textures to bring these tones to life; washed linens, woven rattan, and warm timber that speak to coastal simplicity without sac ificing comfo t It’s texture that sets the mood. Chunky knit cushions, tactile throws, and woven baskets bring a touch of casual luxury, made for lazy afternoons or breezy evenings on the veranda.

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Effortless Summer Styling Tips: • Lighten up fabrics. Swap heavy curtains for oaty linen o cotton d apes, and t ade inte ugs fo at eave o sisal styles that eep oo s feeling cool.

• Play with cushions. Start with a neutral base, then layer in botanical prints or coastal stripes for a quiet pop of fun. ef esh you a t otate pieces to e ect the season. Try Indigenous works, ocean photog aphy, o p ints of native o a and fauna to evoke sunshine and serenity.

• Add natural accents. Organic materials, wooden trays, ceramic vases, woven pendants, balance simplicity with texture and timeless style.

Outdoor Living: Alfresco at Its Best No Australian summer is complete without outdoor living. Blur the line between inside and out with a few key touches: festoon lights for dreamy, dusky evenings and weather-resistant ugs to define you patio o alcony space dd life with cascading greenery or large potted plants because nothing says “holiday at home” like a lush backdrop.

For those long lunches, mix natural placemats with crisp ceramics, then accent with napkins in co al, eucalyptus, o ocean lue esh o a, a anch of gum o a cluste of native o e s adds a touch of authenticity to every table.

Sustainable and Sun-Smart Solutions This season, design meets conscience. Choose

materials with integrity. Organic cotton, recycled glass, and responsibly sourced timber bring both story and sustainability into your home. Solarpowered lighting and gentle ceiling fans help offset energy use while keeping things cool. hee cu tains and e ective mi o s a e summe staples for a reason, they bounce light beautifully and make rooms feel expansive without ove heating y positioning mi o s to e ect outdoor greenery or dappled sunlight for a bright, cooling effect.

Small Changes, Big Impact • Switch to light linen or cotton bedding; add throws in sandy or oat tones for a coastal feel.

• Layer in personality through scent and art. Try summer-infused candles, a bold print, or a vase of long lasting a tificial looms fo colou that never fades.

• Declutter for calm. Reposition furniture to allow air and natural light to move freely, drawing attention to open windows and outdoor vistas.

The Joy of Easy Summer Living Refreshing your home for summer is about embracing what makes this season feel so free.

It’s about warmth, nature, and connection. It’s the a t of c eating a space that e ects oth style and soul: open to light, alive with texture, and inspired by the land we love.

So, throw open the windows, roll back the doors, and let the season pour in.

focus_contributor.

SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS FOR 2026 (WITHOUT THE OVERWHELM)

MONEY with BEC FARNSWORTH

A

FA R N SWO R T H F I N A N C I A L

s we say goodbye to 2025, and move into a new year, many of us start thinking about what we want our finances to loo li e in ome of you may ant to feel mo e in cont ol, educe st ess, o finally ma e p og ess on you mo tgage he good ne s mall, consistent steps can ma e a noticea le diffe ence, and often faste than you thin m luc y enough to see fi sthand ho po e ful clea financial goals can e lients ho set intentional ta gets, not vague hopes, tend to feel mo e confident, o ganised, and p epa ed fo life s cu ve alls f you ant to e the yea you genuinely move fo a d, he e s ho to ma e it happen Get Clear on What You Actually Want efo e c unching num e s, oom out hat do you want your money to do for you ne t yea o some, it s educing financial p essu e o othe s, it s uilding ealth, upg ading thei home, o c eating a uffe that p ovides eathing oom hoose th ee goals that matte most For example: • Pay down my mortgage faster nc ease my eme gency savings to , evie and educe unnecessa y monthly expenses hen you goals a e specific, you e fa mo e li ely to achieve them

e pense, so even a small imp ovement can ma e a ig diffe ence anua y is the pe fect time to evie you st uctu e, inte est ate, and long te m st ategy a ets change lende s change you life changes loan that suited you t o yea s ago may not today

ife is unp edicta le, so an eme gency fund is essential ta t ith , , then o to a d one month of living e penses, and eventually th ee uffe gives you choices, educes st ess, and p events une pected costs f om de ailing you goals

Don’t wait for the bank to tap you on the shoulder, they won’t. A review could identify: oppo tunities to efinance to a mo e competitive ate ays to use you offset account mo e effectively options to educe you loan te m oppo tunities to consolidate highe inte est debts

Protect Your Borrowing Power

ven shaving a fe yea s off you loan, o thousands off the inte est, can t ansfo m you long te m pictu e

A quick conversation early in the year can help you:

Make 2026 the Year of Micro Habits ig changes a ely stic unless they e simple and consistent fe easy ins include automating e t a epayments even a week adds up) chec ing monthly statements to spot su sc iption c eep ounding up t ansactions to oost you offset setting up sin ing funds fo e penses li e holidays, ego, o school costs

Review Your Mortgage With Fresh Eyes

hese small ha its uild st ong financial foundations

ou mo tgage is usually you

Build Your 2026 Buffer

iggest

f you e planning a pu chase, enovation, o efinance in , e mindful of uy o

ay ate facilities

c edit ca d limits unused limits still count pe sonal loans mall t ea s to you financial footp int can imp ove you lending position ee guidance ea ly, not hen you e st essed

set a ealistic udget st uctu e you loan effectively unloc st ategies to save inte est plan medium te m goals li e upg ading, investing, o enovating Make 2026 Your Most Intentional Financial Year Yet ou don t need to e pe fect, you ust need a plan et goals uild a fe mic o ha its evie you mo tgage p io itise you uffe and most impo tantly, ta e the fi st steps no f you d li e help evie ing you loan o setting you goals fo the yea ahead, each out at farnsworthfinancial.com.au GREATER PORT MACQUARIE focus 117

Auction Spotlight — 15 Newport Island Road, Port Macquarie

AUCTION SPOTLIGHT with ROD MCCORMICK RAINE & HORNE PMQ

1 5 N E W P O RT I S L A N D ROA D, P O RT M AC Q UA R I E

A

n impressive opportunity is heading to auction in early 2026. It’s a seven-bedroom family home located at 15 Newport Island Road, Port Macquarie, brought to market under the guidance of listing agent Rod McCormick.

Why This Property Stands Out Massive living capacity, the property boasts 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 4 car spaces on a generous 805 sqm block, with an internal living area of approx. 359 sqm.

Flexible living arrangements. Included is a self-contained 2-bedroom residence, ideal for a dual-family setup, rental income, or a home-based business (subject to council approval), offering versatility beyond a standard dwelling.

Lifestyle features. A fully fenced yard with room for multiple vehicles, boat or caravan; plus a refreshing in-ground pool,

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perfect for warm Port Macquarie summers.

Energy-wise amenity. The inclusion of solar power and solar-heated hot water helps ease rising utility costs, adding practical value for modern living.

Location & Lifestyle Perks Living here means enjoying a relaxed coastal-canal lifestyle, with waterways nearby and easy access to amenities. The property is just a 2-minute drive from the major retail hub Settlement City Shopping Centre and the adjacent Kmart complex, making everyday shopping and errands a breeze.

Saturday 10th January 10:00am – 10:30am, giving prospective buyers a chance to view before auction day.

Investment & Possibility With seven (7) bedrooms, including a self-contained unit, this property presents multiple income or living-arrangement possibilities, ideal for large or extended families, a rental income stream, or even a home-based business (subject to approval).

The size of the land and property also provides scope for future extension or modifications, especially given the fully fenced yard and multiple-vehicle capacity.

Auction Details

Given its location in a high-demand canal estate near shopping and amenities, this listing carries strong appeal in today’s market, for both owner-occupiers and investors alike.

Auction scheduled for Saturday 7 February 2026 at 11:00 AM.

For more information and to register for inspections call

An upcoming inspection is listed for

Rod McCormick 0493 492 975

It’s a location that blends convenience, appealing to families or anyone after that relaxed Port Macquarie vibe.

Partnering with

We’re evolving, expanding, & gearing up for an incredible 2026.

Bigger. Better. Next level. If you’re looking for exceptional service with a dynamic edge, we’re here and ready.

Raine & Horne Port Macquarie Residential & Commercial Sales, Leasing & Management

T: (02) 6584 0544

Shop 1, 136 William Street Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Follow us on our Socials

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