Greater Port Macquarie Focus - i243 by Focus

ALISTAIR FLOWER

Welcome to the June edition of F CUS This winter month is absolutely packed to the brim with inspiring community milestones, incredible local business achievements, and vibrant cultural events that are guaranteed to keep you warm.

First up, a massive congratulations to Alistair and the Flower otel roup as they celebrate a remarkable 10 years of Settlers. ove him or hate him, there is no denying Alistair has made a monumental mark on our local hospitality scene, continually elevating expectations and considerably improving the venues under his care.

June also plays host to our highly anticipated Men in usiness feature. This year, we have a truly brilliant lineup of men representing a diverse range of local industries. Not only are they looking incredibly sharp for our feature photos, but they also bring unrivaled expertise, dedication, and innovation to their businesses each and every day.

Creativity is also set to take over our coastal streets as Artwalk returns, ready to excite and inspire our region once again. We are so looking forward to seeing what spectacular sights and unique artistic displays are in store for us this year.

n the entertainment front, don’t miss our exclusive interview with electronic music

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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

powerhouse Tigerlily. Even better, she is heading right here to Port Macquarie to play a massive live set at Finnian’s Irish Tavern on Saturday, une 27th

We also extend a huge congratulations to rendan and ily oey for the grand opening of Port Macquarie Radiology. Additionally, we highlight the wonderful new pink taxi initiative from M Taxis, be sure to flip to page 106 for our full interview with Geoff Jackson.

Finally, check out our chat with Steve Dixon from Scope ome Access, and don’t forget that the Port Macquarie Aged Care Expo is coming to town on une 17th. ou can learn more on page 9 . Enjoy the issue

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

INTERVIEWS

BETH EDMUNDS

lending travel, motherhood and a distinctly coastal vibe, eth Edmunds has built a body of work that feels as expressive as it is functional. The Calm alm is a marriage of practicality and eth’s creative design flair.

BANN- MURRAY

Local dancer Conor Bann-Murray is definitely making his mark in the industry. After appearing in the hit documentary series Dance ife, Conor is now featured in the newly released film Dance For our ife.

Tigerlily has built a career on high-energy performances, infectious crowd connection and an evolving sound that resonates with audiences around the world. We chat to her ahead of her set at Finnian’s Tavern on une 27.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

43. Lou Perri - Palate Pleasures

44. Alex Cassegrain - Wine Time

46. Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar

51. Bryan Hanks - What’s in Season

83. Dr Kristy - The Beauty of Ageing

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

87. Grayce Gerke - Women’s Health

94. Bernie Ginnane - Find Your Calm

109. Bec Farnsworth - Money Matters

112. Kate Wood-Foye - Illuminate

115. Ursula Boorman - Need2Know

124. Anthony Beringen - Home Styling

126. Rod McCormick - Market Update

URSULA BOORMAN

5

CLASSIC NOT PLASTIC.

Get your classics out. June long weekend (6th-8th) at Kendall Showground, Camping fees $25 per night - cash to be paid to the Showground caretaker upon arrival. When June 5th 4pm Where Kendall Showgrounds

20 QUESTACON

SCIENCE CIRCUS.

Join the Questacon Science Circus for a FREE pop-up science centre experience like no other!

When Saturday 20 June, 10am – 4pm Where Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium, Cnr Hastings River Dr & Hibbard Dr, Port Macquarie

21

8 WINTER AT THE SHACK IS HAPPENING .

Mulled wine. Hot choccy. Chowder. Fire pit. Things on. Every Monday to Thursday through June (could be sooner) We're doing something. We're not going to tell you exactly what. Show up and find out. Keep an eye on socials. When MON 8TH 3PM-7.30PM Where The Little Shack

JUN E

- GREATER PORT MACQUARIE -

13 CANDLE MAKING

Join us on Sunday, 21 June 2026 for a workshop where you'll make a candle and wax melts at Lunico Candle Co.

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. You can book on our website or in-store. Cost $75 per person. When JUNE 21ST

DACHSHUND

FESTIVAL

. Bookings can be made by booking a table in the beer garden via the TPT website. This event is strictly for dachshunds. Browse dog stalls and meet with professional obedience trainer Jason Harris for expert advice as well as prizes, treats and ‘Paws & Pose" free photo booth to capture memories. When Sunday, June 21st, 12pm to 4pm Where Tacking Point Tavern

SKULL! AN EVENING WITH KERRY O'KEEFFE

. Cricket fans! Join us for a night of laughs at Panthers Port Macquarie with Australia's favourite cricket commentator 'Skull', the great Kerry O'Keeffe! When Monday 29th Doors 7pm | Meet & Greet 7.30pm | Show 8pm Live

ALISTAIR FLOWER

As Flower Hotels celebrates 10 years in Port Macquarie, founder Alistair Flower reﬂects on the journey from taking over a single local pub to building one of the region’s most recognised hospitality groups. We spoke with Alistair about community, family, and the evolving role pubs play in bringing people together on the Mid North Coast.

i Alistair. Flower Hotels is celebrating 10 years in Port Macquarie this year and looking back, what are you most proud of when you re ect on that journey?

ow time flies. We’ve had so many wonderful moments over the last ten years. I’m super proud of how we have been able to reshape many of our pubs into vibrant community hubs, but I think what I’m most proud of is Flower otels winning National perator of the ear at the Australian otels Association Awards in 202 . That was just massive for us. It’s a true testament to the wonderful team we have been able to bring together right across the venues. ou can have great buildings, but it’s the people that make the pub.

Hospitality can be a demanding industry, yet you’ve built a business that feels strongly connected to community and family. How important have those values been to the success of Flower Hotels?

Clearly very important. When we look at the venues we operate, the baseline rule for me is that I want to make sure it’s a place I would want to take my own family to - and that is certainly the case with our pubs. For Renee and I, it’s not just a business; it’s a genuine passion project built on our purpose of connecting communities. That

job becomes very easy when you live and breathe the community yourself every single day.

What drew you to Port Macquarie?

I had been running pubs down in Sydney forever, working in that fast-paced corporate environment. When the opportunity came up to purchase our own venue, we knew a place like ort Macquarie, with its strong, proud community, was the perfect place to run a business and bring up a family. My wife Renee grew up in Tamworth, so we already had regional ties. lus, with her parents moving to ort Macquarie 1 years ago - actually living only about 00 metres from the pub on the canals - you could definitely say it was just meant to be. You work closely alongside your wife Renee and other family members. What has it been like building a business together as a family?

a sense of real family values is incredibly important.

When we look at the venues we operate, the baseline rule for me is that I want to make sure it’s a place I would want to take my own family to - and that is certainly the case with our pubs.

Renee and I are a little bit yin and yang in how we operate. I’m up the front, on show, dealing with the day-to-day hospitality side, and she’s out the back being the absolute glue that keeps the whole thing together. ut it really extends right across the operation. My brother-in-law Shane is our M doing an ama ing job, my sister Merryn is in accounts, and my father-in-law eter even helped us get the bottle shop set up when we were getting started. When family is involved to that level, it becomes more than just a business; it becomes a lifestyle, and we hope those values come through in our daily operations.

As I said, coming from a heavy corporate business environment in Sydney honestly showcased to me exactly what not to do when running my own business. To me,

Along with our immediate family, we work with other families as part of the core ownership of the business. Debbie and Aage Christianson are part-owners in all our venues, and we also have Arthur aundy and his family closely aligned with us on T T and the Mercure. aving those family-to-family partnerships reinforces everything we stand for. Continued over....

Over the past decade, Flower Hotels has grown into a recognised hospitality group across the state. Did you always envision the business evolving to this scale?

To be completely honest, we didn’t - not even close. When Renee and I bought into Settlers Inn, we had to refinance the mortgage on our family home and scrape together literally everything we had to our name to make it work. I’d managed a lot of big pubs for other people, but I had never owned one myself, so it was a pretty daunting next step for us. We never looked past getting through that first stage.

Settlers needed a lot of work back then, and we threw absolutely everything we had into it. By chance, the opportunities to purchase other venues came along later on, thanks to a bank that was backing our vision and a local community that genuinely loved what

we were doing. It was only then that we decided to double down and grow into the group we are today.

The Settlers Inn Hotel has become an award-winning venue and a local favourite. What do you think people are really looking for when it comes to a great pub or hospitality experience today?

You head to the pub for connection, a celebration, to relax with family, and to just have fun and get away from the daily grind of life. I’m incredibly passionate about that, and I feel very privileged to be able to enhance our venues to support it.

Ten years ago when we took over, we didn’t want to guess, so we actually asked the community this exact question. At the time, the overwhelming response was consistency. People simply wanted to know what to expect every time they walked in. They wanted great

value, and we delivered that through our food. We became really wellknown for our oversized, quality schnitzels.

Moving all the way to today, those standards still matter, but it’s now very evident that people are looking for a real connection to community. With the way the world is, people want to go to a local pub where they can buy a neighbour a beer, celebrate a win after playing soccer, or just find a comfortable place to escape and unwind after a tough day at work. Settlers does that better than most because that’s exactly what it was built for. Community seems to sit at the heart of everything Flower Hotels does. Why has

creating venues that feel welcoming and locally connected been such a priority for you?

I’m a strong believer that with technology becoming more and more advanced, social media keeping everyone stuck in front of their phones, and people working from home on Zoom calls all week, the need for real human connection is becoming more apparent and necessary than ever. We are seeing this shift already.

To be able to head down to the pub with a group of mates and “check in” face-to-face isn’t just a nice thing to do anymore - it’s becoming a really important part of people’s wellbeing. The old stigma of going to the pub just to get smashed is long gone. You head to the pub for connection, a celebration, to relax with family, and to just have fun and get away from the daily grind of life. I’m incredibly passionate about that, and I feel very privileged to be able to enhance our venues to support it.

Looking ahead to the next decade, what’s on the horizon and what excites you most about the future of Flower Hotels and hospitality on the Mid North Coast?

I think the rest of Australia has now worked out that our region is a pretty amazing place to live. We are seeing huge population growth up here, and it’s going to be vital

that our venues keep up with that pace and stay right on top of the trends and demands of the community. Because of that, we are progressively renovating and modernising our venues.

alongside a DA to introduce a boutique distillery and a massive new playground and deck area to appeal to all the growing families moving into the area.

We also have a major DA going into Settlers Inn to literally double the size of the existing playground and make it completely all-weather, while introducing a brandnew pizza and cocktail bar right into the improved playground space so parents can properly unwind. Long term, we also have the opportunity to put more accommodation in at Settlers, which is incredibly exciting for the site.

We also have a major DA going into Se lers Inn to literally double the size of the existing playground and make it completely all-weather, while introducing a brandnew pizza and cocktail bar right into the improved playground space so parents can properly unwind.

Some key things we have in the works include reintroducing accommodation back into the Hastings Hotel,

On top of the physical upgrades, we are really excited about introducing a new group-wide loyalty program. It’s going to connect the community to our nine venues even further and provide some fantastic extra value back to our locals who have supported us over the last ten years. The future around here looks incredibly bright.

Thanks Alistair.

Josie Baff

Winter Olympic Gold Medalist Snowboarding Champion

Himal Pillay

Founder of Realign

Sewa Emajong

Brad M Collins Danny Schouten

Charlie O’Derry Ben Cudmore

Kinne Ring

LUMO Alumni | Youth & Community Development Practitioner

Multidisciplinary Artist & Illustrator

Founder of Shark Bite Kits

LUMO Alumni Singer Songwriter The Voice

Stef Hostettler

Founder & Head Chef of CharBar Catering & The Chip Shop Survivor Australia Medic & MNCLHD Doctor

Founder of Self Seen Mental Health Coach Mayor of Kempsey Shire

Tommy Herschell CEO & Founder of Find Ya Feet

Abbie Jane

Founder of The Rainbow Shoelace Project

Filmmaker,

KRISTEN SHAW

THE SHUTTER SISTERHOOD

A er years behind the camera, local photographer Kristen Shaw has created The Shu er Sisterhood - a welcoming creative community where women across the Mid North Coast can connect, learn and rediscover the joy of photography together.

Hi Kristen. After nearly two decades behind the camera, what inspired you to create The Shutter Sisterhood here in Port Macquarie?

Over the years I’ve had so many women ask me for camera advice or if I could teach them photography. After nearly twenty years behind the camera; firstly as a hobby, and for the last six years full-time through my business, risten Shaw hotography, I finally felt like I had the experience to teach.

I didn’t want a large classroom environment full of technical jargon with students being left behind. My vision was small groups of women gathered around a beautiful long table with coffee okay sometimes vino , chatting, laughing, connecting and learning together and that was when I created my relaxed, fun,

women-only photography workshops simply called “Get Off Auto” - and that’s exactly what we do.

Photography can feel intimidating when people start talking about fractions and complicated mathematical settings. I teach photography differently. I focus on helping women create images they love; portraits with soft blurred backgrounds, images with dreamy movement, how to take better images for their business and how to find beautiful light.

The Shutter Sisterhood grew naturally as an add-on to my photography classes. It’s less about cameras and more about connection and creativity - a social group for women photographers on the Mid North Coast to get together, create without boundaries and have fun. Membership is free, so if anyone reading this feels like they’d love to be part of it, please reach out.

The group welcomes everyone from phone photographers to professionals. Why was it important to create such an inclusive creative space for women?

You don’t need a fancy camera or years of experience to belong in The Shutter Sisterhood. Some members in The ood shoot professionally, others use phones, most sit somewhere in between, but everyone is welcomed.

more about connection and creativity - a social group for women photographers on the Mid North Coast to get together, create without boundaries and have fun.

Photography can be a lonely pursuit and as a sole trader, I spend many hours alone editing. It’s also harder as adults to make friends, particularly for people new to town. I’m loving seeing all the new friendships bloom from The ood’ as we like to call it. We are so not a ‘women’s camera club’ we are way too gangster for that In the words of Dolly and enny ou can’t make old friends” and the only way to make old friends is to make new friends!

Continued over...

Photo. Heidi Flanagan - Get Oﬀ Auto Workshop student shot in manual mode

Photo. Kristen Shaw PhotographyBroome Rodeo

THE SHUTTER SISTERHOOD

Photography can sometimes feel intimidating when you’re starting out. What do you remember most about your own early experiences learning the craft?

I remember feeling overwhelmed by how technical it all sounded. I did several beginner photography classes here in Port Macquarie and there were so many rules, and it felt like everyone else understood things I didn’t. What helped me most was simply continuing to show up, practise and continue to take classes and build on my knowledge. I encourage my students to carve out 10-15 mins a day to practice and soon enough everything becomes second nature.

You’ve described The Hood as a “judgment-free” community. Why do you think spaces like that are so important, especially for women exploring creativity? Creativity makes people vulnerable. The second you share a photograph, you’re sharing how you see the world. That can feel bloody scary!

I wanted The Hood to feel supportive from day one. No competition, no ego and definitely no photography ‘judgement nights’ (so frightening).. just women cheering each

other on. Once that fear of judgment disappears, confidence grows. Everyone has an opinion but it’s only the photographer who needs to love their own work. My favourite saying is “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist!” – Picasso was onto something!

I wanted The Hood to feel supportive from day one. No competition, no ego and deﬁnitely no photography ‘judgement nights’ (so frightening).. just women cheering each other on.

Confidence behind the camera is a huge focus of the group. What are some of the biggest shifts you see in women once they start sharing and creating regularly?

At first many women apologise before showing a photograph, “I’m sorry it’s not that good but…”. Over time they stop comparing themselves to others and start trusting their instincts. Once women realise there’s no perfect way to take a photograph, they relax and their creativity improves dramatically and they start unapologetically sharing images on our closed Facebook group. We also have a public Instagram page but it’s the closed Facebook group where everyone feels safe to

share images. Social media can sometimes make creativity feel competitive or overly polished. How does The Hood challenge that mindset? We really encourage authenticity over perfection. Social media can make people feel like every image needs to be flawless before it’s worth sharing, but that pressure kills creativity. Inside The Hood we celebrate learning, experimenting and simply having a go.

For women who might feel creatively stuck, or unsure if they’re “good enough” to join a photography community, what would you say to them?

If you feel creatively stuck, often what you need is connection and giving yourself permission to play again without pressure. You don’t need expensive gear or perfect knowledge. I’m often asked if phone photographers can join The Hood and absolutely you can. You just need to love

Photo. Rachel Brade, Melbourne day after wedding

Photo. Jade McDonald, Little Glimpses Photography

photography!

You also teach workshops locally, can you share a bit about any upcoming events people can get involved in?

My next “Get Off Auto” workshop in June will be in my own studio space here in Port Macquarie which I’m super excited about. I’m currently finishing the space, it has been freshly painted white with my large-scale artworks hanging, loads of photographs and beautiful decor. My hubby is loving the additional workload (thanks babe for all your help and YES it does need new travertine feature tiles!)! It’s a great space for women to learn in. Stay tuned.

Event wise for The Shutter Sisterhood we have sunrise whale watching coming up with Port Jet in June and then in August a Hinterland Day Retreat at Nature Domes which will be beautiful, think long lunch, cameras and rainforest massages (because obviously). I’ll also be running a free mini “Get off Auto” workshop at the day retreat. I’m in the planning stages for organising an advanced landscape photography workshop and another black and white film developing workshop with some talented local photographers which

I want women to feel like they belong. My wish is that women walk away from our events feeling more conﬁdent, inspired and creatively fulﬁlled.

I’m really excited about. Outside of teaching under my business, risten Shaw Photography I’m also focusing heavily on commercial photography, working with local businesses on branding content, as well as boutique property photography for gorgeous Airbnbs and local tradespeople across the Mid North Coast. That work keeps me busy, but The Shutter Sisterhood gives me a fun outlet to connect with like-minded women.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for The Shutter Sisterhood and the creative community you’re building in Port Macquarie?

I’ve got plans to do regular monthly Coffee + Camera catch ups for The Hood but I’m creatively stuck on a name for the event, The Monthlys’ isn’t fitting well name suggestions very welcome!

I’d love to eventually run some weekend retreats and maybe build up to doing some photography tours overseas. I’ve recently

visited Cambodia and in the back of my mind I think that I need to do something to help the beautiful people of Cambodia so the idea of a Women’s Photography Tour of Cambodia has crossed my mind, visiting social enterprises and giving back.

We have had over 80 members join The Hood in the past few months and I’d love to see it continue to grow. More than anything, I want women to feel like they belong. My wish is that women walk away from our events feeling more confident, inspired and creatively fulfilled. I’ve joked many times that I don’t think anyone is in The Hood for the photography but for the connection with other likeminded women. Who knows where this little Hood will go but the future sure looks exciting.

kristenshawphotography.com.au

info@kristenshawphotography.com.au Thanks Kristen.

Photo. Heather Smith - Sunsets and Flowers Photography ‘Worn Elegance’

Brian Robinson, Urban oasis (detail), 2017. Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, purchased through the Gil Docking Bequest 2017 © the artist; Gemma Smith, Boulder, 2009. Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, donated through the Australian

Cultural

Program from

Mordant Family Collection 2025 © the artist; Tiyan Baker, mouthbreather (still, detail), 2023. Image courtesy and © the artist

Newcastle has always been worth the drive. What's changed is the reason to go right now. Newly expanded, ambitiously reimagined, and genuinely unlike anything the region has seen before, Newcastle Art Gallery has quietly become one of the most compelling cultural destinations on the east coast.

If you haven't been to Newcastle since the Gallery reopened in February, the transformation is di cult to overstate. What was already a beloved local institution has emerged from a major expansion as the largest public art institution in New South Wales outside Sydney. Now with thirteen galleries and an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space, a cute cafe and Gallery shop, and a permanent collection valued at $145 million, Newcastle Art Gallery quietly reframes what a coastal weekend away can look like.

Now is the perfect time to visit. On 23 May, three significant exhibitions opened simultaneously, led by Multiverse - the largest ever solo exhibition by celebrated Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson. A decade-spanning survey of one of Australia's most distinctive visual voices, the show brings together over 30 new and rarely seen works, including the NSW premiere of Robinson's first immersive installation, Zugubal: The winds and the tides set the pace. There's also a suite of major vinyl cut prints commissioned specifically for the Gallery, inspired by objects from the University of Newcastle collection. Robinson's practice sits at the intersection of ancestral knowledge, cosmology, mythology and contemporary pop culture, and the result is work that is bold, layered and completely absorbing. Multiverse is a ticketed exhibition, and it runs until 30 August.

YOUR NEXT WEEKEND SORTED:

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY WANTS TO SEE YOU

Opening alongside it at no charge are two further exhibitions that would headline on their own merits. The Mordant Family Gift presents 25 works across painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and installation from an impressive roster of Australian and international artists. This marks the largest gift the Mordant family have ever made to a single institution, and the ﬁrst time these works have been shown together publicly. Tiyan Baker's 'Mouth Mnemonica' is a quietly powerful debut institutional solo: a multi-channel video work centred on an endangered language spoken by Baker's mother, blending poetic verse, memory and historical record into something genuinely moving.

So here's how to do it properly. Time your trip for the last Friday of the month. That's when the Gallery opens late for Friday Night Sounds, running 5 to 8pm, with live performers and DJs providing the soundtrack as you move through the exhibitions. It's a proper night out, art after dark with the right kind of energy to kick oﬀ the weekend.

Saturday morning, make your way back. The Gallery's cafe, Hilliers, sits within the building and earns its place, whether you're after something to linger over before heading into the galleries, or a long lunch to decompress after. Before you leave, take some time in the Gallery shop. Thoughtfully stocked with art books, prints, design objects and locally made goods, it's reliably one of the better places to shop in the city.

Newcastle is compact enough that the Gallery can anchor a weekend without demanding it. The harbour foreshore, the beaches, the food scene in Honeysuckle and the West End, it all sits within easy reach. Whether you're after a casual couple of nights or something a little more considered with one of the city's excellent hotels as your base, Newcastle meets you where you are. However, the Gallery is the reason to come now. Three shows of genuine national signiﬁcance, free and ticketed options across the board, a Friday night program that makes the trip worth starting a day early, and a cafe and shop that give the experience a little more shape.

It's a long weekend hiding inside a regular one. Go ﬁnd it.

Brian Robinson was assisted to produce new works of art for this exhibition by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. This project received support from the University of Newcastle and the University Galleries through the Artist in Residence Program.

Installation view, The Mordant Family Gift: Newcastle Art Gallery Collection, 2026, Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia. © the artists and their estates. Photo: Matt Carbone

Portrait of Brian Robinson. Featured: Vine clad (detail), 2024/2026 © the artist. Photo: Matt Carbone

ARTIST of the MONTH

Beth Edmunds

THE CALM PALM

Blending travel, motherhood and a distinctly coastal vibe, Beth Edmunds has built a body of work that feels as expressive as it is functional. The Calm Palm is a marriage of practicality and Beth’s creative design ﬂair; useful products that bring joy to everyday life.

i Beth. The Calm Palm provides such practical solutions combined with your beautiful designs. Can you take us back to how you first came up with the idea for The Calm Palm? The idea for The Calm Palm really came from our own lifestyle. We spend a lot of time travelling, camping, going to the beach, and raising two young kids, so our car seats were constantly getting wet, sandy, and messy. I wanted something practical that actually protected the seats, but I also wanted them to feel fun and beautiful. I’ve always loved bright colours and vibrant prints, I’m definitely not a beige girl, and at the time I searched high and low for seat covers that reflected that style. I even ordered some from America because I couldn’t find anything locally that

felt exciting or coastal inspired. That’s when I realised there was such a gap in the market. I started thinking about what I would want in the perfect seat cover: something waterproof, easy to install, comfortable, practical for families and adventures, but still stylish enough to brighten up your car. That’s how The Calm Palm began in 2020.

I understand the chaos that can come with kids, wet swimmers, snacks, sand, and long car trips, so practicality is always important.

You describe your designs as being inspired by travel, motherhood, and adventure. How do those three in uences come together in your design process?

Travel, motherhood, and adventure all naturally blend together for me because

they’re such a big part of our everyday life. A lot of my inspiration comes from places we’ve explored, beach days with the kids, camping trips, ocean colours, tropical landscapes, and those happy memories made on the road.

Motherhood also plays a huge role because I design with real life in mind. I understand the chaos that can come with kids, wet swimmers, snacks, sand, and long car trips, so practicality is always important. I love creating designs that feel bright, relaxed, and uplifting while still being functional for busy families who love getting outdoors and making memories together.

You made a big shift in 2020, stepping away from the “mundane” and into something more creative. What did that transition look like for you?

In 2020, I really felt the pull to reconnect with my creative side. I’m a nurse, which I still do and genuinely love, but I’ve always been a creative person at heart and have always loved designing. Before The Calm Palm, I actually designed yoga mats, so creativity had already been part of my world in some way. After having both of my children, I found myself wanting something that allowed me to express that creative side again while also building a lifestyle with more flexibility for our family. Starting The Calm Palm was a big leap because I was stepping into something completely different from nursing, but it also felt very natural. It gave me the chance to combine creativity, practicality,

and our love for travel and adventure into something meaningful. How does living on the Mid North Coast in uence your aesthetic and the mood of your designs?

A er having both of my children, I found myself wanting something that allowed me to express that creative side again while also building a lifestyle with more ﬂexibility for our family.

Living on the Mid North Coast has such a huge influence on my designs and overall

aesthetic. The ocean, sunrises, and seashells are probably my biggest inspiration. Being surrounded by nature every day really fuels my creativity and brings me a sense of calm and happiness. I’m constantly inspired by the colours of the coastline, the textures in nature, tropical flowers, salty air, and that relaxed coastal lifestyle that feels so grounding. I think that naturally flows into my designs because I want them to feel uplifting, joyful, and a little like an escape. I love creating pieces that bring warmth, colour, and that carefree holiday feeling into everyday life, even if it’s just during the school drop-off or a drive to the beach.

Continued over...

ARTIST of the MONTH

Do you have a particular travel memory or moment that has directly shaped one of your designs?

Definitely. ne of my seashell prints is probably the most personal and nostalgic design. The black seashell pattern instantly takes me back to trips to awaii before I had kids, where I spent hours walking along the beach collecting shells and coral, just soaking up that carefree feeling of travel and adventure. The print also reminds me of those beautiful shell door curtains hanging in little beach shacks near the ocean; actual strands of shells swaying in the bree e. There’s something so nostalgic and calming about that memory for me. I think that design really captures the relaxed coastal feeling that inspired The Calm alm in the first place.

How has The Calm Palm evolved since it started?

The Calm alm has evolved so much since it first started as a simple idea for practical, stylish seat covers. In the beginning, it was really just about creating something that solved a problem for our own family, but over time it’s grown into a lifestyle brand inspired by coastal living, adventure, and everyday family life. We’ve expanded beyond seat covers and introduced sand-free towels and hooded towels, which have been such a natural fit for the brand and our community. It’s also been ama ing to see how much the brand has connected with people who love travel, beach days, camping, and bringing more colour into their everyday lives. I’ve grown a lot creatively and personally through the process too, and there are some exciting new products coming this summer that I can’t wait to share.

When someone chooses The Calm Palm, what do you hope they feel each time they step into their car?

When someone chooses The Calm alm, I really hope they feel a sense of ease and happiness every time they get into their car. I want it to feel like a small moment of joy in an otherwise busy day.. something that makes life just that little bit lighter and more enjoyable. Whether they’re heading off on a big road trip or just doing the school run, I hope it brings a

sense of calm, confidence, and pride in their space. For me, it’s about turning something as everyday as a car into a place that feels fresh, cared for, and a reflection of the lifestyle they love.

Looking ahead, how would you like to see your creative practice evolving?

ooking ahead, I’d really love to continue growing my creative practice by developing more technical design skills and deepening my knowledge of product development and textiles. I’m very self-taught in a lot of what I’ve done so far, so I’m excited by the idea of refining my craft even further and bringing more intention and technique into future collections. I also look forward to collaborating with local artists and designers, bringing in fresh perspectives and creative energy while still keeping the essence of The Calm alm. verall, I want to keep evolving the brand into something that

I also look forward to collaborating with local artists and designers, bringing in fresh perspectives and creative energy while still keeping the essence of The Calm Palm.

continues to surprise and inspire people, while staying true to that

relaxed, coastal lifestyle it was built on. Most importantly, I want to keep creating things that feel meaningful, practical, and joyful for families like mine.

Where can we find out more or get our hands on your designs?

ou can find out more and shop at our website thecalmpalm.com.au, where we

have our full range available. We have one stockist in town, The illage Market. ou can find them at 1 110 William St. We also love connecting with our customers in person at local markets, including, aurieton Riverwalk Markets on the third Sunday of each month, and the ort Macquarie Markets on the second Saturday. It’s a great way for people to see the products in real life and feel the quality and designs up close.

Thanks eth.

To celebrate we’ve got two beloved series for the kids.

IS COMING TO TOWN!

Santa had his elves drop o his letter box this week, ready for 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.

had his elves drop o his letter box this week, ready for 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.

Toy Story 5 is back in cinemas starring our favourite toys. This time, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang head into the tech age when a frog-shaped smart tablet named Lilypad changes playtime forever. In a post-Woody split world, Jessie leads Bonnie’s toys, with Buzz as her second, while they face challenges of relevance in an electronics-obsessed childhood.

The Toy Story 5 Busy Box has just arrived, which includes a story book, 10 figurines, and a playmat. Limited number available.

Collins Booksellers is celebrating our third Christmas here in Port Macquarie. The local community has been very supportive, both in the retail bookshop as well as schools from Taree to Nambucca Heads. We have been privileged to be able to sponsor many local community events, including the Inspired Readers Festival, St Agnes Primary School Golf Day fund-raising event for the school. In addition, we sponsored the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards, The Tacking Point Nippers annual fund-raiser and the St Columba Adventist School Foundation fund raiser.

Thank you to everyone for supporting your locally-owned bookshop. Lose yourself in a good book, and let your mind

Yes, the books we all loved as kids are now back for the next generation of happy readers. We have got a huge range available which includes some new characters, as well as our old favourites.

Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444

Thank you to everyone for supporting your locally-owned bookshop. Lose yourself in a good book, and let your mind

Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au

Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

We’ve got The Gingerbread Man, Wicked with Glenda the Fairy, Minions, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Scru y the Tugboat, Super Mario and a stack more. Come in a rifle through our collection. I’m sure you’ll find some Gold amongst these Books.

Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444

Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au

lovely journal you keep track you’re thinking reading, so to share with bookies.

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

Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444

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

Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au

Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

Collins Booksellers 64 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie 2444

Phone: (02) 5590 0797 | website: portmacquarie.collinsbooks.com.au

Email: portmacquarie@collinsbooks.com.au | Socials: @collinsbooksportmacquarie

100 Rules Living

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Dick van Dyke way into our iconic roles

Chitty Chitty the Dick van Mary Tyler Moore. book,

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BOOK REVIEWS

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BOOK REVIEWS

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BOOK REVIEWS

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Bake With Brooki

By Brooke Bellamy

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By Brooke Bellamy

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Brooki

100 Rules for

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DECEMBER

By Brooke Bellamy

How to Kill

Brooke Bellamy

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Rules for to 100 van Dyke

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Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, and discover how to create the most delectable, sweet treats for every craving and occasion.

Living to 100

Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, and discover how to create the most delectable, sweet treats for every craving and occasion.

By Dick van Dyke

RRP: $34.99

Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, discover how to create the most delectable, sweet treats every craving and occasion.

Bake With Brooki has everything - those chunky cookies that have gained a cult following, plus brownies, cupcakes, traybakes, macarons, cheesecakes, cakes

DECEMBER

How to Kill Men and Get Away with It

Get Away

Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, and discover how to create the most delectable, sweet treats for every craving and occasion.

Dyke danced his our hearts with in Mary Poppins, Chitty Bang Bang, and van Dyke Show with Moore. In this reveals his secrets maintaining your joie de making the most life you’ve been indefatigable spirit positive attitude will readers to count their blessings, persevere through hardship and appreciate the beauty of life.

Liz Harfull

How to Kill Men and Get Away with It

By Katy Brent

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How to Kill Men and Get Away with It

By Katy Brent

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By Katy Brent

Great Australian

By Katy Brent RRP: $22.99

Bake With Brooki has everything those chunky cookies that have gained a cult following, plus brownies, cupcakes, traybakes, macarons, cheesecakes, cakes

Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, and discover how to create the most delectable, sweet treats for every craving and occasion. Bake With Brooki has everything - those chunky cookies that have gained a cult following, plus brownies, cupcakes, traybakes, macarons, cheesecakes, cakes

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Road Trips

and more. These are the triedand-true recipes behind the bakes that have made Brooki Bakehouse famous, plus the brand-new personal favourites that Brooke loves to make at home for friends and family.

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and more. These are the triedand-true recipes behind the bakes that have made Brooki Bakehouse famous, plus the brand-new personal favourites that Brooke loves to make at home for friends and family.

By Katy Brent

RRP: $22.99

The New Blue Ribbon Cookbook

Tested

Great Australian Road Trips

Kitty Collins finds herself addicted to murder following a particularly nasty encounter with a stalker, which doesn’t end well. For the stalker, that is. This book is funny, and somewhat gruesome, but you can’t help liking Kitty. As she develops her serial-killing skills by eliminating nasty men she considers shouldn’t be entitled to be among the living, she learns the most e ective ways to commit murder, and more importantly, how

Bake With Brooki has everything - those chunky cookies that have gained a cult following, plus brownies, cupcakes, traybakes, macarons, cheesecakes, cakes and more. These are the triedand-true recipes behind the bakes that have made Brooki Bakehouse famous, plus the brand-new personal favourites that Brooke loves to make at home for friends and family.

By Pat Cummins

Dick van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the Dick van Dyke Show with Mary Tyler Moore. In this book, he reveals his secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre and making the most out of the life you’ve been given. His indefatigable spirit and positive attitude will inspire readers to count their own blessings, persevere through hardship and appreciate the beauty of life.

RRP: $34.99

and more. These are the triedand-true recipes behind the bakes that have made Brooki Bakehouse famous, plus the brand-new personal favourites that Brooke loves to make at home for friends and family.

The New Blue Ribbon Cookbook is a treasury of timehonoured recipes that have been tested in competition, and a compendium of priceless knowledge and advice from prize-winning cooks and meticulous show judges who have refined the art of making and selecting the best of the best.

Friday

Tested

RRP: $34.99

Book Club

Pat Cummins

Journal

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$29.99

journal will help track of what thinking as you’re you’ll be ready with your fellow

Tested

Don’t miss a beat book club

When girl detective Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward money to send herself to the most exclusive boarding school in the country, Highcrest Academy. On arrival, Friday is shocked to discover the respectable school is actually a hotbed of crime. Can Friday solve Highcrest and Tested is an remarkable crisis and moments that we made of. to Australia’s Minister, a Test ground-breaking Indigenous leader to a podcaster, extraordinary stories of Bellamy with wildly Bellamy, Bakehouse, create the sweet treats occasion. everything cookies that have following, plus traybakes, cheesecakes, cakes and more. These are the triedand-true recipes behind the bakes that have made Brooki Bakehouse famous, plus the brand-new personal favourites that Brooke loves to make at home for friends and family.

Claudia Karvan, Steph Tisdell, Nazeem Hussain and Melissa Leong take a road trip around Australia, from the rugged and remote wild west coast of Tasmania, the iconic beaches of Sydney and delve into the cultural history that make the Red Centre a must-see for all travelers. The group uncover hidden gems, meet locals and immerse themselves

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By Pat Cummins

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And if you’re starting a book club, reading lists, questions and helpful information going.

Inspiring, revealing and deeply personal, Tested is an exploration of the remarkable place where challenge, crisis opportunity meet, and how it’s only in the moments when we are tested that we discover what we are made of. From a charity leader to Australia’s female Prime Minister, a Test cricket great to a ground-breaking scientist, an Indigenous leader to a bestselling author and podcaster, interviews eleven extraordinary people whose own stories of

challenge, adversity, perseverance and resilience have inspired him. Tested is a book of insight and hardearned wisdom about how the power of resolve to make decisions is at the heart of all our stories.

Inspiring, revealing and deeply personal, Tested is an exploration of the remarkable place where challenge, crisis and opportunity meet, and how it’s only in the moments when we are tested that we discover what we are made of. From a charity leader to Australia’s first female Prime Minister, a Test cricket great to a ground-breaking scientist, an Indigenous leader to a bestselling author and podcaster, Pat interviews eleven extraordinary people whose own stories of

The Book Club Journal

From a charity leader to Australia’s first female Prime Minister, a Test cricket great to a ground-breaking scientist, an Indigenous leader to a bestselling author and podcaster, Pat interviews eleven extraordinary people whose own stories of

Inside Man

This lovely journal will help you keep track of what you’re thinking as you’re reading, so you’ll be ready to share with your fellow bookies. Don’t miss a beat in your next book club discussion. And if you’re just starting a book club, you’ll find reading lists, discussion questions and lots of helpful information to get you going.

John McMahon

RRP: $ 34.99

Mr Squiggle Activity Books

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perseverance and resilience have inspired him. Tested is a book of insight and hardearned wisdom about how the power of resolve to make decisions is at the heart of all our stories.

Friday

Barnes

Friday Barnes

By R.A. Spratt

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By R.A. Spratt

Mr Squiggle is back with his fun activity books for all the kids. Who doesn’t recall the grumpiness of Blackboard, Gus the Snail, Bill the Digger, and Rocket and The Moon. Plenty of fun in these books to keep the kids busy over the summer holidays. And a bit of nostalgia for the grown-ups.

RRP: $16.99

Following McMahon’s electrifying series debut, Head Cases, Gardner Camden and his misfit FBI team return. PAR’s latest case involves a militia group stockpiling weapons. As the squad looks into the evidence surrounding the murder of a C.I, an unidentified man is caught on camera with the informant, connected to another case at the FBI. PAR juggles an investigation into both the unidentified man and the militia, only to find the case escalating in dangerous ways.

The Man Who Couldn’t Wait

Debbie Whitmont

RRP: $34.99

in Australia’s vibrant communities and history, and have a lot of fun along the way.

learns the most e ective ways to commit murder, and more importantly, how to clean up the mess a erwards, and get away with it every time. It’s a fun book – in a dark sort of way – that I couldn’t resist. Book two, You’d Look Good in a Co in will be out in March, and I can’t wait to find out what Kitty does next!

Friday

Could the conviction of Vietnamese refugee Phuong Ngo for the 1994 assassination of Cabramatta MP John Newman be one of Australia’s greatest miscarriages of justice?

in Australia’s vibrant communities and history, and have a lot of fun along

Barnes

By R.A. Spratt

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Academy’s many strange mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all – what’s the point of high school?

Friday Barnes

Mr Squiggle Activity Books

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By R.A. Spratt

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The Last Love song

By R.A. Spratt

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Academy’s many strange mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all – what’s the point of high school?

Lucinda Riley

Academy’s many strange mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all – what’s the point of high school?

RRP: $34.99

Academy’s many strange mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all – what’s the point of high school?

All Sorcha O’Donovan knows is life in her small windswept village on the rugged West Cork coastline, and her love for local musician Con Daly. Penniless in London, the young lovers soon realise you can’t live on dreams alone. But then Con finally gets his big break, and their lives change beyond all recognition. But as fame and fortune begins to take its toll, Con and Sorcha must try to hold on to who they truly are, or risk losing what matters most...

Academy’s many strange mysteries, including mystery of all – what’s of high school?

CONOR BANN-MURRAY

From growing up in Port Macquarie to performing on some of the country’s biggest stages, dancer Conor Bann-Murray is quickly making his mark in the industry. A er training at Brent Street Performing Arts and appearing in the hit documentary series Dance Life, Conor is now featured in the newly released ﬁlm Dance For Your Life, sharing the highs, challenges and realities of chasing a career in dance.

Hi Conor. You grew up in Port Macquarie, what first sparked your passion for dance, and when did you realise you wanted to pursue it professionally?

about the industry and yourself?

The moment I started performing on stage was when I knew this was what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. It wasn’t even just the performing part, it was the preparation, rehearsals, costuming, nervousness, community, and the ritual. our time at rent treet Performing Arts was clearly a defining chapter, what did that experience teach you

Brent Street made me the dancer and human I am today. You can’t just assume you will achieve great improvement by just turning up in class, you have to be present in the room and work your ass off and take every class like it’s the last class you will ever take. It’s you that has to put in the work, and the training will be to assist you. I learnt that whoever you surround yourself with is who you will become. I learnt to involve myself with energies that align with me. Kindness takes you a long way, and sticking true to yourself and your people is very important.

Continued over...

WORKING WITH SUCH RENOWNED ARTISTS HAS MADE ME BELIEVE WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF. IT INSPIRED ME TO REACH FOR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.

CONOR BANN-MURRAY

Landing a role in Wicked the Musical straight after graduation is incredible. How did it feel when you got the call and what were some highlights from that first big production experience for you?

Landing the role in Wicked straight after my grad was a very rewarding moment for me. Throughout my time whilst training I told myself very frequently that this would happen, and it did. It really shows the power of your mind and what it can draw in. I was the youngest in the cast, a fresh face in the industry. It was a hard transition for me to break into the work/show schedule life as I had to learn that this was now a job as well as my passion. I came in naively imagining only just pure bliss without the work aspect, to then discover that it was a job at the end of the day, a very great job, but I guess like a 9-5 in its own unique way. It’s not all glitz and glam. It was life changing for me.

Since then, you’ve worked with some huge names in the music industry, how have those experiences shaped you as a performer?

Working with such renowned artists has made me believe what I am capable of. It inspired me to reach for whatever you want to do. It has also taught me the more professional side of being a dancer, being a smart dancer as we say. You’re featured in the series Dance Life what was it like having that part of your ourney documented?

It was a beautiful time capsule of our time at Brent Street. It’s weird that it will be there forever, but it is quite amusing. ow you re part of the new documentary film Dance or our Life. What can audiences expect to see, and what was the experience like filming it?

You will be inspired, you will cry, and you will giggle. It’s a powerful answer to how

interesting and beautiful this industry is.

The film follows dancers chasing international opportunities, how does that re ect your own goals moving forward?

I think it’s good to show the pull for Australians to go elsewhere and make their dreams come true. Yes, this country is amazing, but unfortunately you need to go overseas in order to grow your career. I’ve always wanted to fly out of here and pursue my dreams and now I’m finally doing it. or young dancers in Port Macquarie watching your journey, what advice would you give them about taking that

You just gotta go for anything you want to do. Nothing is a limit. Never lose the small town in you though. It’s a gift to be brought up in nature and within a smaller community. That will get you far if you stay humble and close to grass. Seriously touch grass!!

What s next for you.. what should we be watching out for in the next chapter of your career?

I couldn’t tell you what is next, but all I know is that it’s going to involve travel; hoping to not be in one place for too long. I want to be travelling around the world doing what I love.

Thanks Conor

not be in one place for too long. I want to be

next step?

Tigerlily has built a career on high-energy performances, infectious crowd connection and an evolving sound that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Ahead of her upcoming set at Finnian’s Tavern on June 27, she chats about life behind the decks, motherhood, touring and what fans can expect when she brings the party to Port Macquarie.

Tigerlily

mostly

it's about connections; watching people dance together and turning a night out into a memory.

i Tigerlily. You’ve performed on some huge stages around the world. What keeps the excitement alive every time you step behind the decks?

I genuinely love what I do, DJ'ing never feels like work. Every time I step behind the decks it’s a chance to create a moment; to move a crowd, try something new, and lose myself in music. Since becoming a mum, those gigs have taken on an extra layer of meaning. They’re my creative reset, a little pocket of freedom where I can let my hair down and remind myself who I am beyond home life. That contrast makes each set feel electric. You’re heading to Finnian’s Tavern on June 27. What can Port Macquarie audiences expect from your show? Port Macquarie, get ready for full on Tigerlily energy. Expect big singalong moments, crowd pleasing hits flipped with my signature twists, and a high energy ride from start to finish.

I love sprinkling in cheeky surprises, maybe a champagne shower or two, but mostly it’s about connections: watching people dance together and turning a night out into a memory.

How have you seen your sound and style grow throughout your career?

My sound has evolved naturally as I’ve grown. Early on I leaned into darker, heavier textures; now my sets are brighter, more playful and commercial, but still honest to my taste. Life experiences, travel, the music I’m obsessed with in the moment, and the energy of crowds all feed into that evolution. I like experimenting, taking risks, and letting my sets reflect who I am at each stage.

SO MANY MOMENTS HAVE SHAPED ME. PLAYING ON A SNOWY TERRACE IN THE FRENCH ALPS WAS SURREAL, DANCING WITH A MOUNTAIN BACKDROP IS UNFORGETTABLE.

Beyond DJ'ing, you’ve also released your own music. How different is the creative process between producing tracks in the studio and performing live on stage? They’re two very different creative worlds. Playing live is immediate and improvisational. You’re reading a room, adapting on the fly, sometimes troubleshooting tech, and feeding off that crowd energy. Studio work is more intimate and patient: you can iterate, experiment, and build layers without the pressure of a live reaction. Both inform each other, tracks I test on dancefloors teach me about arrangement and pacing, and studio experiments bring fresh ideas back to my sets.

You’ve travelled extensively through music. What are some of the standout moments or destinations that have shaped you both personally and creatively?

So many moments have shaped me. Playing on a snowy terrace in the French Alps was surreal, dancing with a mountain backdrop is unforgettable. Miami Music Week was formative: sharing space with producers I’d long admired pushed my ambitions and some of the best experiences have been in regional Australia... places like roome, Dubbo and atherine, where the warmth of local crowds and real human connection remind me why I started making music in the first place. Festivals and nightlife can look

It's an ongoing balancing act. The fast pace of touring can be intense, but becoming a mum forced me to rethink priorities.

PHIL JAMIESON

Longtime Grinspoon

frontman Phil Jamieson has stepped back into solo mode with his new album 10Charlie. We caught up with him ahead of a run of intimate Mid North Coast shows this July, including stops at Woopi Brewing Co, Bellingen Brewery and Finnians Tavern, to chat about life on the road, regional touring, creativity, and the inspiration behind his new single ‘Weekends’.

Hey Phil, you’re bringing the PJ AIR tour to regional communities across Australia, as a fellow Mid North Coast resident, what excites you most about playing these local shows?

I’m excited about playing shows - full stop, let’s be honest. There are three things I love doing: writing songs, recording songs and then playing them live. I really loved writing

this record. Recording it was a little more turbulent because recording can be annoying sometimes, but once someone offered to put the record out, I started thinking about the best way to bring it to people. My agent said, “How does 44 shows sound?” and I was like, “44 sounds tremendous. Let’s do it.”

Back in 2024 with my day job in Grinspoon, we did 46 shows on a regional and capital city tour, and I had such a good time doing it. I just love getting to play music for people, especially music I’ve written. I’m also playing venues I’ve never played before on this tour. I’ve never played the Woopi venue or

Bellingen Brewery, although I have played Finnians before. I can’t wait, it’s going to be super fun.

our new single Weekends is our first taste of your upcoming solo album. What inspired the track?

Imagine a long weekend somewhere on the East Coast, let’s say Crescent Head. You know how those towns swell during holidays. The population doubles, it’s just rained, and you can smell that rain hitting the asphalt. People are spilling out onto the streets and out of pubs and cafes, and there’s this air of recklessness and adventure hanging around. You can almost sense where the weekend might take you.

That’s what ‘Weekends’ is about; that mix of anticipation, possibility and maybe a little bit of danger. But in my mind, ‘Weekends’ isn’t just Saturday and Sunday either - it’s almost like a destination, like the name of a diner or a bar. You could go to ‘Weekends’ on a Monday. It’s more of a feeling than a time of the week. That’s where the song started. our upcoming album Charlie is described as your most personal yet. What made this body of work feel different to create?

I was really just writing for myself, writing songs I needed to hear. The last couple of years have had some intensely turbulent moments, just life doing life things, and I found myself out on a farm near Wauchope writing and recording little songs that were helping me process everything going on. It’s personal, but it’s not mournful or traumatic. There are real pockets of joy in it too. It became a bit of a balm for my soul, honestly. Then someone heard the record and said they wanted to put it out, and I remember thinking, “Oh wow, this is deeply personal.” But it all happened because I needed to make it. The process felt meditative at times, healing, even.

Music can be incredibly helpful in navigating life. It can be tied to joy, sadness, nostalgia or even just helping you get out of bed in the

10CHARLIE TOUR

morning. That’s how this record informed itself. It was born out of necessity. rinspoon are such an iconic Australian band and still going strong three decades in, how has it felt creatively stepping into some solo work, and what made this feel like the right time?

I did my first solo record back in 2022 and had a great time making it. Then in 202 , Joe Hansen came knocking and said, “We should do a Grinspoon record.” So we made our eighth studio album and toured it, which was fantastic.

Hi Joe! I love Grinners, it’s always fun, but I’m also very aware that I don’t want us to just keep endlessly touring. I want it to stay special.

So we took a little break, and around the same time Origin Records heard this record and wanted to put it out. It all lined up naturally. Grinspoon were having a break, and suddenly this very personal project had found its own path forward. It just felt like the right time.

professional sport either, so music continues to win out.

or fans coming along to these Mid orth Coast gigs, what can they expect from the show?

My rule is: don’t expect anything and you’ll be surprised.

I go to gigs all the time myself, I’m a music fan too, so when people come to see me play, I want to put on a good show. I’ll be up there with an acoustic guitar, playing brand new songs from the upcoming record that nobody’s heard before. There’s something really special about hearing a song live for the first time.

It’s personal, but it’s not mournful or traumatic. There are real pockets of joy in it too. It became a bit of a balm for my soul, honestly. Then someone heard the record and said they wanted to put it out, and I remember thinking, “Oh wow, this is deeply personal.

I still remember being at a Big Day Out years ago, walking through the crowd and hearing the opening riff of Today by the Smashing Pumpkins and I’d never heard it recorded. I can still clearly remember that chiming little arpeggio right at the front of that song. Those moments stick with you.

After everything you ve achieved so far, what continues to drive you to create and perform?

Honestly? I’m just not very good at anything else... I can make a decent coffee, and I’m not a bad cook, but I don’t think I could do it professionally. I’ve been doing this since I was 17.

But seriously, if I ever thought what I was making wasn’t worth the energy anymore, I’d probably stop. The reason I keep doing it is because I genuinely love it. I love the connection that happens when you play music to people. I don’t think I’d be very good at

So there’ll be brand new material, songs from my first solo record Somebody Else, and yes; because people keep asking online “you going to be playing any Grinners songs brah?”, I’ll probably throw in a couple of covers too. Maybe some Grinspoon songs, maybe something else. I’m still figuring that part out. I’ve also got the incredibly talented Ricky Albeck joining me for the whole tour. He’s an amazing young artist from Adelaide with this beautiful alt-country sound, and he’ll be opening every night. It’s going to be a really lovely mix of music and a really good night out.

Thanks Phil.

COVER DIS H - BEEF RAGU from SETTLERS HOTEL

LOGISTICS

When you come to think of it, a lot of time spent in any given day gets allocated to the planning of all the other stuff. AKA logistics – that word that conjures up global shipping routes and something you might scrutinise more closely, only when you’re waiting with bated breath for some exciting item of online shopping goodness to arrive.

Certainly the way things have been lately with global unrest and that tiny little strait that we didn’t know existed until recently being blocked up, global logistics is something that we have all been thinking about an awful lot. We realise how we have never actually thought about the relentless and fragile dance of moving parts that goes on behind the scenes, all day every day to bring us the many and varied products and services that we constantly demand every moment of every day in the midst of our complex and time poor everyday lives.

Speaking of time poor, along with the abovementioned grand scale global type logistics, there’s also the low-level everyday kind - AKA the multitude of tiny decisions that make up baseline human functioning. You know, the stuff that gives you a bit of brain

strain every day – where is the place, how long to get there, how will I get there, what time do I need to leave, what else needs to be done today, what needs to be prioritised and what can wait? Need I go on?

You get the picture, there’s a whole lot happening behind the scenes at any one moment in time. In our own everyday lives on an individual basis, and on a worldwide scale in which small glitches can put into motion profound uncertainty and disorder, as we’ve just seen first-hand due to unrest in the Middle East.

It’s never been more apparent than now how fragile the whole structure is, and how it only takes one component to fail for everything to head south, and fast. Make that one thing the very fuel that fuels any type of vehicular movement, and we all know how that has been going…

Cut to the present day, where we’ve found some sort of sense of back to normal and cautiously carried on, hoping to have put the

Palate

past couple of months behind us. Easier said than done but we’ve done this before post fires, floods and pandemic.

Economy aside, again it’s a house of cards this logistics thing and one that we feel every day in our little restaurant in regional NSW. Logistics have always been a bit of a challenge in regional NSW, where we already pay more for our goods and services, simply don’t have the same freedom of choice of suppliers and range of products, as well as experiencing lengthier lead times overall.

It’s never been more apparent than now how fragile the whole structure is, and how it only takes one component to fail for everything to head south – and fast.

Add to that baseline level with a worldwide calamity and you’ve got somewhat of a challenging recipe to navigate. Right now, the struggle is real for local small business in general, not just in the restaurant game but in all industries. Keeping things as simple as possible seems to be the way to move forward – weathering the storm is the way we roll here. While we wait for the next ‘new normal’, we just carry on in the only way we know how –just keep swimming as per Nemo…

FROM THE STUNNED MULLET with LOU PERRI

focus contributor.

with ALEX CASSEGRAIN CHIEF WINEMAKER

LCASSEGRAIN

WINES TIME

VINTAGE 2026 REFLECTION

ooking back at the harvest period that has shaped Vintage 2026, I have taken a moment to reflect on what was, for us, a highly encouraging and balanced season across New South Wales. As I move through this year’s wines in the cellar, I’m reminded of just how much the conditions of a single vintage influence the character in the glass.

I spent the early months of the season visiting our growers across the state, observing fruit development and monitoring how each region responded. While it felt like a warmer year at times, the growing season itself was relatively cool overall, which allowed for a long, steady ripening period. This slower progression has translated into fruit with excellent flavour definition, without excessive sugar accumulation.

Water availability was generally favourable across most regions, which meant vines were

less stressed than in some previous years. This has contributed to healthier canopies and more even fruit development, something that is clearly reflected in the quality and consistency we saw this year.

While it felt like a warmer year at times, the growing season itself was relatively cool overall, which allowed for a long, steady ripening period.

Across the board, I consider Vintage 2026 to be one of the most balanced growing seasons I have seen in recent years. The Hastings River region experienced a slightly unsettled start, with intermittent weather patterns early in the season, while range was fortunate to avoid more serious frost and hail events that were forecast but ultimately passed without major impact.

ne of the most interesting shifts this year

has been in varietal trends. We are currently seeing continued growth in varieties such as Fiano over the last year, which has increased in popularity by 24%. n the red side, blended red wines remain strong, with demand increasing by 12% over the past year.

As I continue to work through Vintage 2026 in the cellar, I am pleased with the clarity, freshness, and balance they are showing so far. It is shaping up to be a vintage that reflects both the conditions of the season and the evolving preferences of our customers.

Alex Cassegrain, Chief Winemaker

JAMIE SOWARD

You’ve recently moved to Port Macquarie. What was it that drew you and your family to the area? My wife's family live up here, and we actually got married here in Port Macquarie back in 2017. Over the years, we just fell in love with the coastal lifestyle. The feeling of being in a vibrant town with spectacular water nearby, paired with the great local people and having family around to raise our girls, was simply too good to refuse. We absolutely love Port Macquarie and have been incredibly lucky to make a lot of great friends already. It has truly become home for us. Can you give us a little background on where you grew up and your early passions? I am originally from Canberra, and split my time living there and in Wagga Wagga until I was 17. Growing up in those regions, footy was everything to me. I always knew exactly what I wanted to do, I wanted to pursue rugby league at the highest level. I worked incredibly hard from a young age, dedicating myself to training and grading up, to turn that passion into a career. It's a journey I look back on and am incredibly proud of.

You enjoyed an incredible footy career across several major NRL clubs. Can you take us through that journey? It all started

down with the Canberra Raiders in the Jersey Flegg competition. From there, I made my way up to the Sydney Roosters in 2004, where we enjoyed a lot of success as a club. Later on, I moved to the St. George Illawarra Dragons and won a premiership under Wayne Bennett in 2010, which was an unbelievable career highlight and ultimately opened the door for me to step into the State of Origin arena for the NSW Blues in 2011. I also had a brief stopover in Super League with the London Broncos in 2013 and 2016, and spent the seasons between those UK stints playing with the Penrith Panthers. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the lifelong mates and experiences the game gave me across all those clubs.

As a former NSW Blue, all eyes are always on State of Origin. Who is your pick for player of the series? Nathan Cleary is a oneof-a-kind player who has already cemented himself as one of the greatest ever to play the game. His kicking game is always going to be clinical and incredibly important to the Blues' strategy, but it’s his running game that I think could be a massive, dominant threat for NSW this year. If he takes the line on, he can completely break a game open.

Life after professional sport can be a big shift. What keeps you busy now postfooty? I am currently working for the NSW

BaR

with ALISTAIR FLOWER MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS

overnment in the water sector, specifically with the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR). My role focuses on First Nations recruitment and successfully introducing my people into careers within government pathways. I am deeply passionate about giving back, building inclusive career opportunities, and bringing Indigenous voices and stewardship into environmental frameworks.

When I'm not at work, my spare time is entirely devoted to my wife Madi and my two daughters, Indiana and Ivy. And when I'm not doing anything else, I stay connected to grassroots footy by co-coaching the first-grade Old Bar Pirates in Group 3 this season, which has been fantastic.

Lastly, what are some of your absolute favourite things about living in Port Mac? We love the local vibe, the beautiful places to eat, and the genuinely easygoing style of the people here in Port Macquarie. The natural beauty is unmatched, the beach always gets a massive workout from our family. Plus, we just love the simple everyday things, like being able to jump on our bikes, ride around safely, or hang out at the local playgrounds with our daughters. It’s exactly the active, outdoor lifestyle we wanted for our kids.

Thanks Jamie.

Family Nights & Big Entertainment

AT PANTHERS PORT MACQUARIE

Panthers Port Macquarie is bringing together affordable family dining and show-stopping live entertainment this month, making it the perfect place to gather, dine and enjoy a great night out. Our newly introduced $55 Family Value Offer at The Kove Kitchen makes Monday nights easy, relaxed and budget-friendly for the whole family. Available every Monday from 5pm for members, the offer includes any two selected main meals from the Classics, Grill or Specials range, plus any two kids' meals. It’s the perfect excuse to skip the cooking and enjoy quality time together overlooking the Hastings River. Beyond dining, Panthers continues to deliver a diverse calendar of events in our Auditorium,

a versatile space that hosts everything from large community events, through to spectacular tribute productions featuring world-class performers, dazzling costumes, lighting and sound. Whether you’re gathering for an easy family dinner, experiencing a spectacular live show or attending a community event, there’s always something to enjoy at Panthers Port Macquarie. Explore our upcoming events and entertainment lineup by visiting our website and start planning your next visit.

Enjoy family nights, live events and entertainment at Panthers Port Macquarie.

Explore our upcoming events and entertainment lineup by visiting our website and start planning your next visit.

address: 1 Bay St, Port Macquarie

phone: 6580 2300

web: portmacquarie.panthers.com.au

YOUR TABLE TODAY by contacting Panthers Port Macquarie!

GUESS WHO’S BACK… BACK AGAIN

Avocado

There’s always a little sadness when the Shepard season comes to an end. Don’t get me wrong, Shepard avocadoes have their loyal fans and for good reason. Their smooth green skin, long shape and reliable flesh make them a fantastic avocado in their own right. They slice beautifully, hold their colour well and are one of the few avocadoes that stay green even when ripe. For many Australians, especially through summer and early autumn, Shepard avocadoes become a daily staple without people even realising it.

But now the season has shifted once again and the moment many avocado lovers wait for all year has arrived - we have officially moved back into Hass avocado season, and for most people that means the return of everyone’s favourite avo.

There’s just something about a Hass avocado. Maybe it’s the rich creamy texture. Maybe it’s the nutty flavour. Maybe it’s the way they smash perfectly onto toast or turn into the smoothest guacamole. Whatever the reason, Hass avocadoes have become the gold standard around the world and it doesn’t take much convincing once you cut a good one.

Unlike Shepard avocadoes, Hass develop that dark purple black skin as they ripen, making them easy to judge at home. A gentle squeeze and you know exactly where they’re at. They’re rich without being oily, creamy without becoming watery and they seem to work with

absolutely everything. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, sushi, breakfast bowls or simply eaten with a spoon and a sprinkle of salt, the Hass avocado really is one of nature’s great foods. Australia grows some exceptional avocadoes and the transition between varieties is one of the things that helps keep fresh fruit available almost year round. Queensland traditionally dominates the Shepard season while the cooler growing regions start bringing through Hass as the year progresses. It’s one of those subtle seasonal changes many shoppers don’t notice consciously, but once the Hass return people suddenly start buying more.

You can actually see it happen in store. Customers who may have grabbed one or two Shepards suddenly start loading up bags of Hass avocadoes. Families are back making guacamole, cafes ramp up smashed avo breakfasts again and even kids seem more willing to eat avocado when it’s Hass.

That’s not to say there aren’t other excellent varieties as well. Reed avocadoes, for example, are another outstanding variety that arrive later in the season. Reeds are the big round avocadoes that almost look oversized compared to the traditional pear-shaped Hass. They stay green when ripe like a Shepard, but inside they are dense, buttery and incredibly creamy. Many avocado lovers swear Reed avocadoes are the best variety of all. Their flesh is often slightly firmer and richer than Hass, making them sensational for slicing and salads. They also tend to have a smaller seed

relative to their size, meaning more edible fruit and excellent value. Reed avocadoes don’t always get the same attention as Hass, but those who know them wait patiently every year for their arrival.

Still, if there is a king of the avocado world, it remains Hass. Part of what makes Hass avocadoes so popular is their consistency. They ripen predictably, store well and their flavour profile suits modern Australian eating perfectly. As healthy eating continues to grow, avocadoes have become more than just a trend, they’re now part of everyday life for many householdsand rightly so.

Avocadoes are packed with healthy fats, fibre, potassium and vitamins, all while being delicious. Few foods manage to tick both the health and indulgence boxes quite like they do. They make healthy eating feel easy rather than forced, which is probably why demand continues to stay so strong year after year.

At Growers Market we always look forward to the seasonal switch back to Hass avocadoes signalling cooler weather, hearty breakfasts and customers hunting through trays looking for the perfect avo for tonight’s dinner.

So while we say goodbye to another Shepard season, we welcome back the variety that has become Australia’s undisputed avocado champion - the Hass avos are back!

The Hass are back and judging by the excitement already building around the displays, plenty of people are very happy about it.

A LVE STORY VE

72 YEARS STRONG

NEV & NORMA SCHWARTZ AT PORT CITY BOWLING CLUB

At 97 and 92 years young, Nev and Norma are much more than just life partners, they are the living heartbeat of the Port City Bowling Club. eir journey has taken them from South Africa to Sydney, and even to the greens of Singapore, before they ultimately lost their hearts to the relaxed lifestyle of Port Macquarie. Today, they are still stepping onto the green week a er week, proving that age is just a number when you have the right person by your side and a competitive spark in your step.

To kick things off, how long have you been married, and what first brought you to beautiful Port Macquarie?

We’ve been married for 72 wonderful years, which still feels hard to believe when we look back on everything we’ve shared together. Our journey to Port Macquarie began after we migrated from South Africa. Nev was working for Otis at the time and we were based in Sydney, but he was regularly sent to Port Macquarie for relief work. Over the years we spent more and more time here, getting to know the town, the people and the relaxed lifestyle. We slowly fell in love with the area; the climate, the community and the slower pace of life really appealed to us. Who first fell in love with lawn bowls, and how did the other get talked into giving it a try?

We actually discovered lawn bowls while in Singapore when Nev was still working for Otis. His manager and his wife were keen bowlers and invited us along to the Singapore Cricket Club one afternoon to give it a try. Neither of us had played before, but from that very first game we both really enjoyed it. What started as something social quickly became a shared passion. We loved that bowls was a game of skill, patience and strategy, but also one that brought people together. It became something we could enjoy side by side, and over the years it’s created so many friendships and wonderful memories for us both.

At 97 and 92 years young, you’re both still active bowlers, what keeps you coming back week after week?

It’s definitely the combination of friendship, routine and staying active. Bowls gives us a reason to get out, keep moving and spend time with people we enjoy being

around. The social side of the game is just as important as the competition. We always look forward to seeing familiar faces around the club and catching up with everyone. Over the years, the Port City Bowling Club has become like a second family to us. There’s always a laugh, a chat and a sense of community, and we think that connection is incredibly important as you get older. Has your approach to the game changed over the years? Do you still feel that competitive spark?

We definitely still feel the competitive spark; that never really leaves you! Of course, as you get older, you approach the game a little differently and learn to play smarter rather than harder. Experience teaches you patience and strategy, and that becomes a big part of the enjoyment. One of the wonderful things about bowls is that it’s a sport you can continue playing well into later life. It keeps your mind sharp and gives

you something to focus on. We still love the challenge of trying to improve and play well, and there’s always a little thrill when you bowl a great shot or have a close game. Be honest - friendly rivalry or each other’s biggest supporters?

Definitely each other’s biggest supporters When we play together, there’s no rivalry at all. We encourage each other, celebrate the good shots and try to keep each other positive when things don’t go to plan. As lifetime members, you’ve seen the Port City Bowling Club evolve, what are some of your fondest or funniest memories?

There have been so many memorable moments over the years that it’s hard to choose just a few. One story we still laugh about though involved a former greenskeeper who blamed poor greens on nematodes. He used to bring samples around to show everyone how they were supposedly eating the roots and causing all the problems. Interestingly enough, once he left after a dispute, the nematodes seemed to disappear too!

respected club has been incredibly special. What does the Port City Bowling Club community mean to you?

Port City means a great deal to both of us. It’s been a place of friendship, support and connection. We’ve celebrated milestones there, met lifelong friends and shared countless good times. At one point, the club had more than 500 male bowlers and was recognised as the largest men’s bowling club in the world, which was quite amazing to be part of. But despite all the growth, the thing that has always mattered most is the people. There’s a strong sense of belonging at Port City, and that’s something very special. It’s been a huge part of our lives for many decades. You both look fantastic and are clearly thriving; what’s your secret to staying active and healthy into your 90s?

We loved that bowls was a game of skill, patience and strategy, but also one that brought people together. It became something we could enjoy side by side, and over the years it’s created so many friendships and wonderful memories for us both.

Another funny memory involved two brothers at the club who argued constantly and couldn’t agree on anything. Eventually the committee told them not to come back until they’d sorted things out between themselves. They took that very literally and ended up having a biff out in the street!

Beyond the funny moments, some of our fondest memories are simply seeing the club grow over the decades. When we first joined, there wasn’t even a proper clubhouse; just a small shed up near green 3. To watch it evolve into such a large and

We think there’s probably a bit of luck involved! But staying active has certainly played a big part. We’ve always tried to keep moving, keep social and stay involved in the community. Bowls gives us regular exercise without being too strenuous, and it also keeps us mentally active and socially connected.

Finally, what advice would you give younger couples for a long, happy relationship; and maybe a strong bowling partnership too?

It really does take two to tango. A long and happy relationship isn’t about always agreeing with each other; it’s about learning how to listen, compromise and support one another through every stage of life.

Thanks Nev and Norma.

COMFORT TUESDAYS

Every Tuesday from 5.30pm

TRIVIA AND SCHNITZEL NIGHT

Every Wednesday from 5.30pm

RIBS AND GRILL NIGHT & PUTT FOR DOUGH

Every Thursday from 5.30pm

MEAT RAFFLES

Every Friday from 6pm

MEMBER’S BADGE DRAW

Every Friday 6.30pm & again at 8pm if not won. Commences at $1000 and jackpots $250 each week.

SUNDAY ROAST

Every Sunday from 1130am

HAPPY HOUR

Schooners & House Wines | $5.50

Every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm

COURTESY BUS

Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 4pm

: 11.30am - 2.30pm

This year marks 10 years of ArtWalk, one of Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s biggest annual events that draws thousands to a lit-up CBD.

I5 JUNE, 5PM-9PM

ArtWalk 2026

n 2016, Port Macquarie Hastings Council launched ArtWalk as a small, grassroots cultural event designed to bring people into the CBD after dark to showcase local artists and creative businesses.

Despite being known as more of a daytime coastal haven, 3500 attendees still converged on Port Macquarie on a wintery night to check out the work of 18 artists.

The inaugural ArtWalk was hailed as a success for council, and the town, but as PMHC’s Group Manager of Liveable Communities, Lucilla Marshall, said “little did we know”.

Fast forward to 2025 when Artwalk attracted 300 artists and performers that were spread throughout the CBD and surrounding precincts in the form of installations, activations, performances, projections and street art and was attended by more than 30,000 people.

“The scale and diversity of participation has grown dramatically over the decade and highlights how strongly the creative community has embraced the event,” Lucilla said.

“The increase in attendance over the years

has been extraordinary and really reflects how much the community values arts, culture and shared experiences.

“Reaching the 10-year milestone is a really significant achievement for the community, local artists, businesses, volunteers and Port Macquarie Hastings Council staff who have helped shape ArtWalk into what it is today.”

To enable such an incredible event, Lucilla said council staff begin planning “almost immediately after the previous year’s ArtWalk”.

“This coordination is in conjunction with local artists, performers, businesses, community groups and volunteers. It’s an enormous undertaking but one that council staff are really proud to be part of.”

It’s incredible to see how the event has grown from a local evening activation into a major regional cultural event that now a racts visitors from well beyond the Port MacquarieHastings area.

“It has grown beyond the capacity of a single team and now involves collaboration across multiple council areas including events, cultural development, communications, parks, facilities, roads, waste, economic development, inclusion, electrical services and the Glasshouse,” she said.

Lucilla is one of the few council staff who has been involved in ArtWalk since its inception and has seen first-hand the positive impact the event has, not just for Port Macquarie, but for the region.

“It’s incredible to see how the event has grown from a local evening activation into a major regional cultural event that now attracts visitors from well beyond the Port MacquarieHastings area,” she said.

However, Lucilla wouldn’t be drawn on her favourite artwork or activation.

“They’re all amazing! I encourage everyone to visit the CBD and check them out on June 5.”

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE CBD

A courtesy shuttle bus service into the CBD will be running on a loop from Westport Marina carpark stopping at Short Street and Clarence street between 4:30pm - 9:30pm every 15 minutes.

PORT CENTRAL CAR PARKING

Gowings Port Central doors will remain open until 9.30pm for access to the carpark. From 9.30pm access will be via the car park ramp on Murray Street.

ROAD CLOSURES

Town Square, Horton Street, Clarence Street West, Phillips Lane, Barracks Lane and Hay Street in Port Macquarie will be closed between 10am and 11pm Friday June 5.

Clarence Street: Tortuga takes over with entertainment, street food and art.

Under the Fig: The Piano Party performs an uplifting 15-minute set.

Town Green East: The vibrant Night Parrots and Prismidion, inspired by the Pyramids.

Phillips Lane: The Cage back to present local live music acts.

Murray Street: Art galore including a live mural at Four Espresso.

William Street: Live music and food at St Thomas Anglican Church, and the Mercure wall projection.

Fireworks: Don’t miss the 8pm show!

Arts Ha ings

TRAIL

The trail stretches from Wauchope to the Port Macquarie CBD and industrial precinct, winding south through coastal and rural areas along the way. A range of mediums will be available to explore, including painting, drawing, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, printmaking and more.

The trail features a range of venues, including galleries, a curated retail store selling handmade goods, a creative hub, a community art and craft centre, and many private home studios. 14 of these locations offer disability access, including the studio of organiser Vivianne Hazenveld, who is thrilled to be joining her fellow creatives by opening her own doors to the public.

Guests are invited to view (and purchase) unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and witness the creative process firsthand.

A self guided experience, visitors can browse the printed or interactive online map, select

Art Behind the ScenesTheHastings Arts Trail returns this June long weekend, oﬀering a rare glimpse into the studios, galleries, and shared spaces of our region’s talented creatives.

their favourite makers and venues and start exploring at a pace that suits them.

Held on Saturday and Sunday immediately following Friday’s Artwalk, the event is the initiative of local artist Vivianne Hazenveld and is proudly supported by PMHC Community Grants and the Port Macquarie Museum.

“Artists went all out last year, with live demonstrations, communal artworks, and free activities,” says Ms. Hazenveld.

“We had everything from easels under the trees to live music, homemade treats, and even a Hills Hoist draped in canvases. There was also a lot of surprisingly tidy studios!”

“The weekend has a really inspiring yet relaxed vibe, and I love seeing so many genuine connections being made.” she says.

“There is something so special about that oneon-one interaction that can be hard to find.

The project is initiated by artist Vivianne Hazenveld and supported by Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Port Macquarie Museum.

EVENT DETAILS

When: June 6 – 7 (the Saturday and Sunday immediately following Artwalk)

Time: Most studios are open 10am –4pm daily

Where: A self-guided tour across studios and shared venues in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

Cost: Entry is free, with gold coin donations welcome.

For maps and more information, visitviviannehazenveld.com/artstrail

KYLIE’S ART

STUDIO

Kylie’s Art Studio & Supplies on Bold Street Laurieton, highlights the unique blend of a regional art community with a premium supply hub encouraging local creativity.

Hi Kylie, you initially opened the studio on Bold Street because there wasn't a local destination for highquality, professional art materials. How has watching the local arts scene evolve over the last 15 years validated that decision, and what does it mean to you to provide regional artists with the same premium tools found in major capital cities?

The art scene in aurieton and the local area has definitely grown over the last 1 years and I have customers travelling from as far as Taree, Forster and loucester in the south to Coffs arbour in the north. There are not many art stores selling quality supplies so customers are always surprised when they come into a small space and see so much diversity in what I have, compared to larger stores in the city. Walking into the shop, it’s clear it is much more than a supply store, it’s a sensory lifestyle experience, blending premium mediums like Daniel Smith watercolours or an astels with

boutique Australian homewares and local arts. I like to have art related gift lines in keeping with the theme of art supplies. I always try to choose quality gifts and something people won’t find in other stores locally. It’s always nice to walk into a store and not see the same thing in every town. I also have local art printed on glasses cases and lens cloths as well as postcards for tourists who like to take a little bit of aurieton home with them. Between running your own art lessons and collaborating with community groups like the local Residential Resort Art Group, your studio acts as a major social and cultural hub. What do you find most rewarding about helping locals drop their self-judgment, connect over a canvas, and discover their inner artist?

It’s always fulfilling helping people expand their artistic talents and creativity. My students enjoy the connectivity in classes as well as learning more about their artwork, and I love helping customers find the best use of products for their art journey.

NICHOLAS RIDGEWAY

Hi Nicholas. Congratulations on being crowned Senior Dancer of the Year at the Peter Oxford’s Showcase Australian Dance Championships! What was going through your mind when your name was announced?

Thank you so much! Honestly, it was such a surreal moment. When they called my name, I was both in shock, and excited! There were so many incredibly talented dancers at nationals, so I felt super grateful just to be there in the same room. Peter Oxford’s Showcase has always been

my favourite dance competition, and I am so thankful for his support. That announcement is definitely a moment I’ll never forget and one of my favourite memories for sure.

Winning the title as a male tap dancer is an incredible achievement, especially as the first in the competition s year history. What does that milestone mean to you personally?

Growing up, I never thought I would be where I am today. This title and milestone mean the world to me, and honestly, it’s not just about the title itself. It’s about showing that tap dance is back in action, that it’s evolving, and that it can tell a story in a powerful and modern way. If

Local dancer and student Nicholas Ridgeway is making history on the national stage a er being crowned Senior Dancer of the Year at the Peter Oxford’s Showcase Australian Dance Championships. From his passion for tap dancing to earning a scholarship to study in New York, Nicholas shares the dedication, discipline and dreams driving his remarkable journey.

this achievement helps inspire younger dancers to believe in what’s possible for them too, then that means just as much. I want to showcase that hard work, long hours in the studio, pushing through self doubt, and learning to trust yourself do pay off and that anyone can do it with passion and determination.

What first drew you to tap dancing in particular, and what do you love most about it?

I was 7 years old when I started dance and then quickly after began tap lessons with my teacher Toni Zink, and ever since it has become a favourite style of mine. I love that tap dance can combine elements of rhythm and emotion to create a story. That is my end goal of any dance I perform, is to tell a story through the movement, connect with the audience and make them feel something special.

You won a trip to Italy to perform at the World Dance Movement, how exciting is that opportunity, and what are you most looking forward to about performing overseas?

I am so excited to perform overseas in Italy, and

represent Australia at the World Dance Movement.

I am looking forward to the week of workshops, hosted by incredible industry artists, and performing in a gala event at the end of the week. I am also excited to perform my studio routines on the stage, one of them being in the World Dancer of the Year section. I also cannot wait to eat lots of Italian food including gelato, pizzas, and pasta.

I am also excited to perform my studio routines on the stage, one of them being in the World Dancer of the Year section. I also cannot wait to eat lots of Italian food including gelato, pizzas, and pasta.

Competitions at that level require enormous discipline and preparation. What does training and preparation look like for you in the lead-up to a major event?

I train six days a week in dance, musical theatre, singing, and fitness, completing over 16 hours of training each week. My dance training includes classes at Bling Performing Arts with Hannah Pandel in tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and theatre jazz, and RAD ballet at Dance With Grace with Danielle Aru. I am also completing my second year of the PreDiploma of Musical Theatre at Hunter Drama under Ali Hodge, alongside singing lessons with Kim Dingle.

In addition, I maintain my fitness through pilates at Lifestyle Pilates with Mel and Anita, and a home exercise program by Mark Goswell. In preparation for Italy, I have been extensively training under the guidance of my teacher Hannah Pandel. I spend many hours in the

Bling studio with Hannah, working on building technique and performance quality.

You’re described as a humble and hardworking performer. How important have your teachers, mentors and support network been throughout your dance journey?

Thank you for those kind words! I am so grateful to have so much support from teachers. It is so important to have a strong support network behind you, one that I can always count on. In particular, my teachers Hannah Pandel, Toni Zink, Tellina Lee and Danielle Aru have always been there to support me and give so much encouragement and kindness. My family are always by my side, and are my number one cheer squad.

Dance can be physically and mentally demanding, especially while balancing school and other commitments, how do you manage that balance?

Balancing dance, singing, and musical theatre lessons with school, study and rest, is always a learning experience.

At my school, Hunter School of the Performing Arts, I am School Captain and co-director of the Communications Portfolio. Balancing

leadership endeavours with academic goals is also important to me. I am currently studying dance, english advanced, modern history, history extension, earth and environmental and also completing a health and movement science distance education course through Camden Haven High School. Being on top of academic work allows me to focus on my dance training each week.

Also being able to spend time with my friends on the weekends is important. I have learnt that organisation is key.

Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals for the future of your dance career?

I am so thrilled to announce that I have accepted an offer and scholarship to the American and Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. I will be attending the Dance Theatre course which will begin in February of 2027.

I am so excited to continue my training in the global heart of the performing arts, and cannot wait until my first day at AMDA. After graduating in 2028, I hope to secure a dream agency in NYC like Bloc or MSA, and work on Broadway, as a dancer for celebrity tours or book a TV show or movie. That is the dream! If you would like to follow my journey, you can keep up to date by following my Instagram @ nicridgeway where I post the latest news and performances.

Thanks Nicholas.

MEN in BUSINESS

FAST FACTS

Industry: Barbering

Years in Business: First year

Team Size: 5 soon to be 6

WILL SMITH

BARBERS ON MURRAY

Will Smith runs a highdemand shop that used to face a major hurdle: long wait times. Wanting to give his clients the best experience, Will expanded the physical space, added a fifth chair, and hired extra staff. Now, regulars can walk through the door and get high-quality work from their favorite barbers without the frustrating delays.

Inside, the heartbeat of the shop is their signature service, the full grooming experience. Will and his team seamlessly blend modern mullets with precision scissor work and sharp beard trims, crafting a polished, personalised look for every person who sits in the chair.

What truly sets the business apart is how it fits into people's busy lives. By opening the doors at 6:30 am from Tuesday to Saturday, Will made sure that early risers, shift workers, and people on quick lunch breaks always have convenient access. It has quickly turned the shop into the go-to spot for clients all across the area.

But Will isn't stopping there. As the business heads into the second half of 2026, he is preparing for an exciting new chapter: expanding into mobile services. Later this year, his team will bring premium grooming directly to the doorsteps of clients who can’t easily visit the shop, delivering quality right when it matters most.

Shop 1 / 3 Murray St, Port Macquarie

02 5504 5965

barbersonmurray@outlook.com

barbersonmurray_portmacquarie BarbersonMurray

BRENDAN HOEY

SUMMERLAND HEALTH

PORT MACQUARIE RADIOLOGY

Brendan Hoey designed his clinic to solve a major

Brendan and his team provide clear communication and a detailed, evidence-based roadmap tailored to each patient's goals. By combining chiropractic care, soft tissue work, medical imaging, and nutrition, the clinic co delivers the best possible results in the shortest timeframe.

frustration in traditional healthcare: patients often feel rushed, confused, or overlooked. To fix this, confidently

The defining feature of rendan s brand is their unique integrated radiology and holistic health model. This standout service bridges the gap between diagnosis and care by combining fast, accurate medical imaging with a comprehensive assessment of the whole patient, rather than just their symptoms. Most importantly, the team shares these insights and recommendations in a way that people can easily understand.

imaging with a comprehensive assessment of the whole patient, everyone involved.

Patients and medical referrers ultimately choose Brendan and his team because they prioritise experience, efficiency, and trust. They aren’t just clinically strong; they have built streamlined systems that make the entire healthcare journey smooth and stress-free for everyone involved.

As the clinic moves into the second half of 2026, Brendan is driving forward with exciting new expansions and innovations. The team is scaling their radiology services and developing advanced integrated health programs that merge imaging, biomechanics, and holistic care. This next chapter will bring stronger diagnostic and interventional support to the community, giving patients a clear, empowering direction for their long-term health and wellness.

FAST FACTS

Industry: Health (Chiropractic)

Years in Business: 4

Team Size: 6

Contact: 0431270766

FAST FACTS

Industry: Health and Disability Support

Years in Business: 7

Team Size: 15+

LIAM BISCO

Liam runs Hastings Health and Support to solve a major challenge for clients: the struggle to find reliable and communicative care. Liam and his team pride themselves on always showing up exactly when they are needed most. They maintain clear communication with family and stakeholders, constantly evaluating how services are delivered and finding new ways to foster greater independence in their clients' lives.

At the heart of iam’s business is their flagship eys to Capability program, which offers supported accommodation. This service is perfect for individuals with a disability who want to move out of home but need a bit of help navigating independent living. Liam's experienced team assists with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, budgeting, and establishing daily routines, creating a safe and supportive pathway toward autonomous living.

Clients and their families ultimately choose iam and his team because they believe great support starts with genuine relationships and reliability. As a locally owned and operated provider, Hastings ealth and Support offers flexible, person-centered care tailored to each individual's unique lifestyle. The compassionate staff are carefully selected to ensure every client feels respected, consistent, and empowered to grow in confidence.

to each individual's unique lifestyle. The compassionate staff are

focusing on an initiative close to his heart: assembling another batch of their Health and Hygiene packs. Since 2024, they have

As the business moves into the second half of 2026, Liam is focusing on an initiative close to his heart: assembling another batch of their Health and Hygiene packs. Since 2024, they have been donating these packs, filled with personal hygiene and wound care items, to Community ousing in ort Macquarie to support those doing it tough or facing homelessness. For Liam, helping people feel clean and comfortable is a powerful way to boost mental wellbeing and encourage them to keep moving forward.

ANTHONY BERINGEN

CO-FOUNDER, ZEN-YA DESIGNS FOR LIFE

FAST FACTS

Industry: Interior Decorating Years in Business: 2

As the co-founder of Zen-Ya Designs For Life, I’m passionate about creating homes that feel calm, functional, and deeply personal.

I’ve always believed that good design isn’t about trends, it’s about understanding how people live and helping them shape spaces that truly support their lifestyle. Working closely with our clients, guiding them through the process, and seeing their homes transform into places they love… that’s what drives me every day.

Port Macquarie is a special community, and it’s a privilege to help local families create homes that feel welcoming, intentional, and built to last.”

What is the most common challenge your customers face, and how does your business provide the ideal solution?

Most people know how they want their home to ‘feel’, but they’re not sure how to bring all the elements together, the right scale, the right colours, the right layout, and pieces that will actually last. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even begin.

At Zen-Ya Designs For Life, we take that overwhelm away. We listen, we guide, and we simplify. Our clients appreciate that we make the process warm, personal, and stress-free. We curate high-quality Australian-made pieces, offer honest advice, and help them create a home that feels balanced, welcoming, and truly reflective of who they are.

f you had to highlight one agship product or service that defines your brand right now, what would it be and why?

ur flagship service is our Complimentary In- ome Design Consultation’. It’s the

heart of what we do and the reason so many clients choose us.

It’s a complete turn-key solution. We come to your home, measure the space, understand how you live, and create a personalised design plan that takes all the guesswork out of the process.

From selecting the right lounge to choosing fabrics, rugs, and accessories, we guide every step with clarity and care. Clients love it because it’s tailored, practical, and makes the entire experience effortless.

Australian living. We’re also introducing a curated collection of natural fibre rugs and accessories that complement the coastal and modern-organic style our region loves. Behind the scenes, we’re developing improved digital tools to help clients visualise their spaces more clearly, making the design process even smoother. We’re travelling to design and trade events to bring inspiration and fresh ideas to the local area.

We curate high-quality Australian-made pieces, o er honest advice, and help them create a home that feels balanced, welcoming, and truly reﬂective of who they are.

When a potential client is deciding where to take their business, why should they ultimately choose you and your team?

People choose us because we genuinely care. We’re a small, hands-on team, and every project gets our full attention. There’s no pressure, no rushing, just honest guidance and thoughtful design. We stand behind every product we recommend, and we’re there long after delivery to make sure everything is perfect. When you work with Zen-Ya, you’re not just buying furniture, you’re partnering with people who want your home to feel beautiful, functional, and welcoming for years to come.

As we move into the second half of 2026, are there any exciting new developments, products, or expansions on the horizon for your business?

Absolutely, it’s a really exciting time for us. We’re expanding our custom lounge range with new designs, deeper modulars, and eco-friendly fabrics that suit modern

Also we’re here for our senior community. As a small, closeknit team we pride ourselves on outstanding levels of personalised customer service and continue to offer our complimentary measure, installation and delivery of all our Australian-made lounges. It’s peace of mind for the growing community of retirees and downsizers moving into this beautiful region.

1/164 Lake Road Port Macquarie 02 5572 9359 zen-ya.com.au zenyadesignsforlife@gmail.com

WILLIAM JOLLYMORE

LUNICO CANDLE CO.

What is the most common challenge your customers face, and how does your business provide the ideal solution? Many customers are looking for gifts that are artisanal and local rather than mass-produced, while others are searching for relaxing experiences they can genuinely enjoy and remember. unico Candle Co. was built to fill that gap through handcrafted candles, customisation options and interactive workshops that create memorable moments.

f you had to highlight one agship product or service that defines your brand right now, what would it be and why?

f you had to highlight one agship product or service that excited to share their experience with others, whether they’re

Our candles are the core of our business, and our candle making workshops have really highlighted the brand since opening the shop in Port Macquarie. They bring people together to create something, often for the first time, and the response has been incredible, with many sessions selling out well in advance through word-of-mouth referrals.

When a potential client is deciding where to take their business, why should they ultimately choose you and your team? We’re a community-focused business built around exceptional customer experience and attention to detail. Everything is handcrafted using quality materials with no shortcuts, and we believe customers notice the difference. We want every interaction with Lunico to leave people feeling delighted and excited to share their experience with others, whether they’re shopping with us or they’re a corporate client creating something with us.

to make Lunico even easier to access in person and collaborating

As we move into the second half of 2026, are there any exciting new developments, products, or expansions on the horizon for your business? We’re excited to grow our new customised candle offering, where customers can drop in and create a personalised candle for the perfect gift. We’re also supporting Cancer Council NSW through fundraiser workshops and new candles connected to Jacob’s participation in Stars of Hastings. Alongside this, we’re expanding wholesale opportunities to make Lunico even easier to access in person and collaborating to launch new experiences.

Industry: Retail & Home Fragrance Manufacturing

Years in Business: 2 years in Port Macquarie, 5 years online

Team Size: 2

HECTOR SACRAMENTO

FAST FACTS

Industry: Club

Years in Business: 1

Team Size: 10

Contact: 6583 1133

HEAD CHEF - BEACHFRONT BAR & GRILL

For Hector Sacramento, the journey to the pass at Beachfront Bar & Grill began thousands of miles away in the Philippines. Raised on vibrant weekly family feasts, Hector’s love for food was sparked at home, though his professional life didn’t initially start in the kitchen. He originally studied graphic design and IT, but a chance encounter watching celebrity chef Jamie Oliver triggered a culinary epiphany. Recognising that the kitchen offered the dynamic, hands-on, and creative environment he craved, Hector decided to completely pivot his career.

He went on to study culinary arts at the Kitchen Academy in the hilippines, working his way up from a five-star hotel intern to a rigorous two-year stint as a kitchen helper and butcher at The Palms Country Club. This foundational role built the intense discipline, organisation, and foundational skills that would define his career. Over the next seven years, Hector mastered everything from banqueting to larder work before making the life-changing move to Australia.

In April 2025, Hector joined the Port City Bowling Club team just in time for the grand launch of Beachfront Bar & Grill. Today, he channels his diverse global experience into creating a dining experience that feels like a true celebration. For Hector, dining at Beachfront is about more than just a meal; it’s about community. He and his team strike a perfect balance between premium, high-quality dining and a relaxed, approachable atmosphere where every local guest feels instantly at home.

While Hector has seamlessly adapted to navigating a premium steakhouse environment, he remains deeply connected to his heritage. His signature Caldereta Special, a traditional Filipino dish, perfectly defines his culinary identity. The authentic flavour profile even caught the attention of the son of a Michelin-starred chef, who praised the dish as absolute perfection.

As Beachfront moves into the second half of 2026, Hector is focusing heavily on evolution. Collaborating closely with Chef Carl, the kitchen team is drawing on taste memories and sharp instincts to innovate the menu. ocal diners can look forward to an influx of metropolitangrade, premium meats and ingredients sourced directly to Port Macquarie, ensuring top-tier dining stays right on our beachfront.

GUY NASH

MID COAST GLASS FENCING

For many homeowners on the Mid North Coast, transforming a backyard into a private oasis is a dream project. However, that dream often comes with a side of regulatory headache. Navigating the maze of Australian Standards and strict NSW pool safety compliance can quickly become overwhelming, especially when families are faced with conflicting advice or quotes that don’t compare apples with apples.

That is where Mid Coast Glass Fencing steps in. As a trusted local guide, the team prides itself on cutting through the red tape. Rather than leaving clients to decipher complex regulations alone, they simplify the entire process offering clear guidance, honest advice, and practical solutions that perfectly balance structural safety with visual appeal.

FAST FACTS

Industry: Building & Construction

Years in Business: 5

Team Size: 5

decipher Fencing

The Frameless Standard: Merging Safety with Coastal Style

In modern home design, the pool area is no longer just an add-on; it is the focal point of outdoor living. To complement this shift, Mid Coast Glass Fencing has established frameless glass pool fencing as its flagship service.

This signature offering embodies everything the brand stands for: premium materials, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Every installation utilises premium toughened safety glass and high-quality hardware specifically engineered to withstand harsh coastal conditions. The result is a seamless, unobstructed view that meets rigorous safety standards while dramatically elevating the home’s aesthetic.

withstand harsh coastal conditions. The result is a seamless, unobstructed view that meets rigorous safety standards

DAVID GEARY& NATHAN OWEN

David and Nathan believe real estate is far more than property, it’s about people, relationships, and guiding clients through some of life’s biggest decisions. They understand that buying, selling, or investing can often feel overwhelming, which is why Stone Real Estate

Port Macquarie & Camden Haven has been built on genuine communication, honest advice, and a highly personalised approach that delivers confidence as well as results.

At the heart of the business is a strong team culture built around collaboration, professionalism, and care for both clients and one another. David and Nathan are proud to lead a driven and supportive team that shares the same commitment to exceptional service, local knowledge, and achieving outstanding outcomes. It is this culture and consistency across the entire business that has helped build long-standing relationships and a trusted reputation throughout the region.

Known for their proactive style and tailored marketing strategies, David and Nathan focus on creating campaigns that highlight what makes every property unique. No two homes or clients are ever the same, and their approach reflects that. Combining premium marketing, strong negotiation skills, and a hands-on service experience, they offer clients the reach and strength of a nationally recognised brand while maintaining the care and attention of a boutique local agency.

2026 marks an exciting new chapter for the business with the opening of their aurieton office, expanding their presence throughout the Camden Haven region and across the Mid North Coast. Alongside this growth, they continue to strengthen their property management division, helping landlords and investors maximise returns, while also expanding into commercial real estate across sales, leasing, and investment opportunities. Through continued investment in technology, strategic marketing, and client experience, David and Nathan remain focused on delivering exceptional outcomes while making every client feel supported from start to finish.

ANT

HAUS OF ALMA

For thirteen years, Ant Mathias has built more than just a popular coffee spot in Port Macquarie; he has built a second home for the local community. While the espresso machine hums faithfully in the background, Ant knows that excellent coffee is merely the baseline. The real heart of his business lay in knowing his regulars by name, sharing a daily laugh, and fostering genuine human connection.

Lately, the café is buzzing over his newest creation. Ant stands behind the counter, expertly canning a fresh order of Cococoast Coconut Water topped with a velvety layer of cold foam. It is a refreshing, Instagram-worthy hit that has quickly

become their flagship drink. For Ant and his team, consistent quality and friendly service are non-negotiable promises.

As the calendar turns toward the second half of 2026, Ant isn’t slowing down. With summer on the horizon, his mind races with new recipe ideas and plans to roll out convenient online ordering options. Keeping things fresh is his passion, but looking out at the smiling faces filling his café, he knows one thing will never change: the people will always be his "why."

Shop 12/6-14 Clarence St, Port Macquarie. 6583 7773

MERSAN PILLAY

DIRECTOR OF NURSING - LAKE CATHIE MANOR

Mersan Pillay understands that the transition into residential aged care is rarely just about managing 24/7 health conditions; it is a deeply emotional journey. Families often feel overwhelmed by the complex bureaucracy and the profound realisation that a loved one needs extra support. At Lake Cathie Manor, part of the Hall & Prior group, Mersan makes it his mission to guide them through this maze with empathy.

To Mersan, the flagship service wasn t a clinical program, but simply care. He and his team work tirelessly to shatter the old "nursing home" stigma, creating a genuine home

away from home where individual identities are celebrated. Whether it’s accommodating a specific waking time, supporting a unique hobby, or honouring food preferences, every resident is treated like family.

As the calendar turns to the second half of 2026, Mersan’s focus remains on fostering that vital sense of cozy contentment. He is currently preparing to launch the Manor’s new winter menu, designed to bring people together over hearty, comforting, homecooked meals. For Mersan, providing a safer, more fulfilling life meant ensuring that every single day feels meaningful, warm, and distinctly personal for the people who call the Manor home. 2 Saltwater Pl, Lake Cathie. 5542 2600

What is a common challenge your customers face, and how does your business provide the ideal solution? One of the biggest challenges property owners face today is knowing how to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. From timing and pricing to presentation and digital exposure, the process can quickly feel overwhelming. Team Wilson focuses on simplifying that experience through honest advice, strategic marketing and genuine local knowledge, helping clients feel confident and supported from the very beginning. Every campaign is carefully tailored to the property, combining premium presentation, targeted buyer engagement and high impact exposure to ensure homes reach the right audience in the right way.

f you had to highlight one agship product or service that defines your brand right now, what would it be and

why? Team Wilson’s property campaigns are what currently define the brand. The focus is not just on showcasing homes, but on capturing the lifestyle that comes with them. From acreage living and coastal homes to unique destination properties, buyers are often searching for a complete lifestyle change, not simply another address.

When a potential client is deciding where to take their business, why should they ultimately choose you and your team? People choose Team Wilson because of our personalised approach behind every campaign. The business is built around relationships, communication and genuine care, with a strong belief that every property, from coastal apartments and family homes to rural acreage and lifestyle retreats, deserves the same level of attention and strategy.

lifestylegroup.com.au

TOM SHEAVES SHEAVES

WGRIZZLY PLUMBING

hen plumbing issues arise, property owners often face poor communication, hidden costs, and temporary fixes. Tommy Sheaves founded Grizzly Plumbing to eliminate that stress, anchoring his business in clear communication, fair pricing, and quality workmanship.

apart is the complete absence of a middleman. When clients call, Tommy is the one who answers, shows up at the door, and manages the work from start to finish. This highly responsive, personal approach has built strong, dependable relationships within the local community.

Specialising in maintenance plumbing, Tommy tackles everyday headaches like blocked drains, hot water system breakdowns, leak repairs, and stormwater issues. His focus is on solving immediate problems while helping clients prevent major damage down the track.

What truly sets Grizzly Plumbing

As industry regulations evolve heading into the second half of 2026, Tommy has expanded his services by securing his back flow prevention accreditation, allowing him to provide compliant testing and servicing. He looks forward to growing Grizzly Plumbing while strictly maintaining the client-focused values the business was built on. 0413 781 946

grizzlyplumbing.com.au

WPRIEST LEGAL

e assist clients with a wide range of legal challenges spanning from routine activities like the purchase, sale, or leasing of a property or business, to the preparation of estate planning documents, administration of estates following the loss of a spouse or loved one, the recent breakdown of a marriage or relationship, or loss suffered due to the actions or inactions of another person or business. Individuals and businesses regularly engage our firm to help them understand and confidently navigate the legal system, whatever specific challenge they face.

While we provide a comprehensive suite of services, a particularly topical focus right now involves the recent budget and its direct effects

FAST FACTS

Industry: Legal

Years in Business: 50+

Team Size: 5 Lawyers, 2 conveyancers, 10 support staff

on discretionary or family trusts. These changes will significantly impact many of our clients, particularly business owners and individuals who have made wills creating testamentary trusts. We anticipate that many clients will be actively considering critical changes to their business structures and wills as a result, and we strongly encourage anyone with questions to get in touch with our team.

back and will get results, and that is exactly what we strive to provide.

Ultimately, clients choose us because we pride ourselves on providing quality legal services with unwavering integrity, alongside a firm commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Our lawyers and conveyancers are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their respective areas of practice, providing clear, practical advice about how to best resolve any legal issue. Above all, our clients want to have absolute confidence that their lawyer has their

As we move into the second half of 2026, our business is focused on consolidation following the recent retirements of two long-standing colleagues and partners of the firm, Alan Priest and Emilie Cooper. Concurrently, our client base in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, and further afield continues to expand, and we are incredibly excited about what the future holds.

(02) 6583 1777

info@priestlegal.com.au

priestlegal.com.au

RAINE&HORNE

BEN ALLISON, GRAEME GARRETT, LUKE HORTON, ROD MCCORMICK, JOSH WISE

For the team at Raine & Horne Commercial, the biggest challenge people face in real estate is navigating the market with true confidence. Whether they are buying, selling, leasing, renting, or managing an investment property, clients ultimately want honest advice, clear communication, and guidance they can genuinely trust. The team prides itself on delivering exactly that, ensuring every client feels completely informed and supported through a highly personalised and professional approach.

the this reputation for performance and consistent results that

What truly defines the brand is its ability to provide a complete property solution under one trusted name. y offering experienced specialists across residential sales, property management, and commercial investments, the team provides clients with a deep well of local knowledge backed by the power of a nationally recognised brand. It is this reputation for performance and consistent results that has driven an enduring loop of repeat business and referrals,

earning the trust of everyone from first-time local buyers to large-scale international investors.

eading into the second half of 2026, the team at Raine orne Commercial is focused on expanding the residential division and consolidating their position as one of ort Macquarie’s leading property agencies. Through ongoing team training and a relentless commitment to exceptional customer service, they are actively evolving alongside the growing local market. As ort Macquarie continues to thrive, the team looks forward to unlocking exciting new opportunities and helping clients build long-term value at every single stage of their property journey.

FAST FACTS

Industry: Real estate Years in Business: 26 years

Team Size: 12 Contact: 02 6584 0544

With over twenty-five years experience as a professional chef, Stef understood a fundamental truth about hospitality: it’s always about the people just as much as the food. Running a hands-on family business, he saw firsthand how hectic life could get for his customers. Whether they were organising a massive corporate event or just picking up a quick takeaway dinner, people craved reliability, top-tier quality, and a stress-free experience. Stef designed both Char ar Catering and The Chip Shop to provide exactly thatgenerous food, relaxed service, and complete peace of mind.

For Char ar Catering, Stef’s flagship service was their relaxed wedding catering. e specialised in bringing families together over spectacular shared feasts, artisanal gra ing tables, delicate canapés, and expertly smoked meats. Meanwhile, over at The Chip Shop, the mission was to deliver classic takeaway food that still felt fresh and properly made. Using premium, mostly Australian ingredients, Stef turned

simple local favourites like handcut potato scallops and panko-crumbed calamari into consistent, flavour-packed masterpieces.

As the calendar moved into the second half of 2026, Stef was ready for an incredibly busy and exciting chapter. oth businesses were expanding rapidly, backed by a dedicated team and strong community roots. Stef was focused on strengthening high-profile local partnerships with the ort Macquarie Race Club and Moorebeer rewing Co, while simultaneously refining his internal systems to elevate the customer experience even further.

Through it all, his core mission remained unchanged. y continuously evolving The Chip Shop’s menu and building a supportive team culture, Stef ensured that hospitality remained personal. For him, success wasn’t just about serving great food; it was about making sure every single guest walked away feeling genuinely looked after. charbarcatering.com.au

BEN CUDMORE

UNSTOPPABLE COMMUNITY

Many people today find themselves feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and stuck in unhealthy routines. Recognising this widespread struggle, en Cudmore founded Unstoppable Community to help individuals and teams rebuild their confidence and find their spark again. Moving completely past abstract theory, en draws from genuine lived experience to create real, raw environments where people feel both supported and challenged to grow.

Unstoppable Community delivers practical life tools through specialised breath-work, retreats, and teambuilding workshops. At the heart of the brand is its flagship service, the Unstoppable ings -Week rogram. Tailored specifically for

men, this intensive habit reset combines strict accountability, movement, mindset, and deep connection to foster lasting discipline long after the program ends.

As the business heads into the second half of 2026, en is gearing up for an exciting expansion. Alongside corporate keynotes and community workshops, Unstoppable Community is rolling out dedicated wellness initiatives for local youth and sporting clubs. Designed to build resilience, leadership, and healthy habits early on, these new programs reinforce en’s unwavering focus: creating supportive spaces where people find the tools to truly thrive.

unstoppablecommunity.com.au

CHARBAR

ROB DWYER

BMEMBER FOR PORT MACQUARIE

efore entering Parliament, Rob Dwyer spent more than twenty years leading the Laurieton United Services Club. This real-world business experience gave him a practical understanding of the daily pressures local enterprises face, from balancing wages and insurance to navigating staffing and energy costs. Today, Rob uses those insights to represent the Port Macquarie community in Macquarie Street, advocating for a government that cuts through red tape, backs local enterprise, and gives regional businesses the certainty they need to grow.

As the region moves through the second half of 2026, Rob’s core priority is keeping local businesses resilient and competitive. He recognises that housing availability is a major challenge affecting worker retention, alongside the critical need for reliable healthcare, infrastructure, and digital connectivity. By supporting apprenticeships and backing tourism, Rob aims to strengthen the economy while uplifting the volunteers and community groups that underpin regional life.

Rob’s deep connection to the area is profoundly personal; he raised his family here and remains heavily involved in local sport and surf lifesaving. A perfect weekend for Rob captures the vibrant local lifestyle, playing hockey with mates on Saturday, spending Sunday morning at the beach with the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club, walking the dog, and enjoying a family roast. The stunning local landscape holds deep meaning for him, especially the headlands between Diamond Head and Camden Head, where he proposed to his wife.

Through it all, Rob’s approach is guided by a lesson that has stayed with him his entire career: listen first. For Rob, leadership is entirely about service rather than titles. He knows that in regional communities, what truly matters is showing up, building trust through consistency, and always following through.

Authorised by Robert Dwyer, funded using Parliamentary entitlements. June 2026

MANAGING DIRECTOR

ALISTAIR FLOWER DARREN NINNESS

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

SHANE CURRY

GENERAL MANAGER

FLOWER HOTELS

How does your business provide the ideal solution?

In uncertain times, which we are experiencing now, our pubs provide the perfect place for connection, enjoyment, and relaxation. Patrons can be assured of a friendly, welcoming experience that helps them unwind and switch off from daily stresses. Cost-of-living pressures and busy schedules mean that when people do choose to go out, they need to know their time and money are well spent.

We solve this by focusing heavily on value, consistency, and atmosphere. Whether it’s a quick weekday family dinner, a milestone celebration, or catching the footy with friends, we ensure our venues deliver top-notch hospitality. We take the stress out of planning social time by being the reliable, welcoming third-place between work and home.

f you had to highlight one agship product or service that defines your brand right now, what would it be and why?

At Flower Hotels, we pride ourselves on welcoming service and genuine local hospitality. Right now, our defining strength is how we seamlessly blend a quality, family-friendly food and beverage environment with an unmatched commitment to our local community.

Our belief is a great pub is the glue that holds a town together, and we bring that to life by throwing our full support behind the local Port Macquarie Hastings region we serve. We are incredibly proud to sponsor a vast network of local sporting teams, charity groups, and community clubs. For us, hospitality goes far beyond what we serve at the table or bar; it’s about providing a vibrant, safe, and inclusive hub where families can share a great meal, and local clubs always have a place to gather, celebrate, and feel right at home.

When a potential client is deciding where to take their business, why should they ultimately choose you and your team?

teams, and actively support community initiatives. That’s our purpose.

As we move into the second half of 2026, are there any exciting new developments, products, or expansions on the horizon for your business?

The next six months are incredibly exciting for the group. We are about to lodge a major Development Application (DA) to completely transform the outdoor space and playground at the Settlers Inn, creating a stateof-the-art family precinct.

Right now, our deﬁning strength is how we seamlessly blend quality family friendly food and beverage environments with an unmatched commitment to our local community.

Simple! We have amazing staff and our venues are the heart of the community. We focus on dynamic promotions and events that provide genuine fun, but what truly sets us apart is our large staff team’s grassroots connection to the regions we operate in. They play in the local footy teams, go to the local uni etc. We don't just run businesses in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Lake Cathie; we live here, sponsor the local sports

Additionally, we are gearing up to officially relaunch our boutique accommodation offering at the Hastings Hotel. These projects represent our ongoing commitment to investing heavily back into regional New South Wales, ensuring our venues remain world-class destinations for locals and visitors alike well into the future.

owerhotels.com.au

PAT CONAGHAN MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR COWPER

In my role as your local Federal MP, I know that it’s been a tough year for small businesses right across our beautiful Mid North Coast electorate. I’m hearing that message loud and clear from our business community every day.

Over the past seven years that I have had the privilege to be the Federal Member for Cowper, I have seen our business community face plenty of challenges and overcome them. But this year we have seen a new level of pressure that is driving many to the brink of closing their doors.

From significant increases to input costs and fuel price surges to struggling to keep up with the ever-changing legislation and tax changes being imposed by all levels of government, it feels like it’s never been tougher to own and run a small business in Australia.

So, it has never been more important for our community to shop local whenever possible to keep them going!

It is equally important that I take the lived experiences of our business community with me to Canberra to fight for the right supports and ensure that each locally owned enterprise is allowed to thrive, to train our young people and to provide employment to so many of our families for many years to come. We need less red tape, more hand ups (not hand-outs), and less punitive taxes on those willing to work hard and serve their communities. Unfortunately, the latest Federal Budget from Labor saw the opposite of that. It is in our best interest as a nation to foster innovation, reward endeavour and put Australians first. And I will be fighting for exactly that on the floor of arliament this year.

Level 4, JBC Building 41-47 Horton Street, Port Macquarie (02) 5507 9555 pat.conaghan.mp@aph.gov.au

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At Muse, we provide cuttingedge medical-grade therapies aimed at addressing hair loss and thinning issues. ur customised hair restoration options are an ideal complement to eune hair care products.

Schedule a consultation with our expert nurses at Muse Skin Clinic and Evelina emp air Artistry & Makeup today for expert collaboration for your absolute best outcome. Evelina emp offers all aspects of your hair needs- style cuts and colouring including colour correction and eratin smoothing treatments. We look forward to helping you bring your beauty vision to life..

focus contributor.

Q&A with DR KRISTY KOSTALAS

OWNER - PORT MEDICAL AESTHETICS CLINIC

Why

As the cooler months arrive, many people notice their skin becoming dull, dry, and uneven. According to Dr Kristy Kostalas from PMAC, winter is not only a time when skin needs additional support, it’s also one of the best seasons for professional skin treatments.

Why is winter such a popular time for skin treatments? Winter is often considered the ideal season for many skin-focused treatments because UV exposure is generally lower, and people tend to spend less time outdoors. This can make recovery easier for certain procedures and reduce the risk of complications associated with sun exposure. During summer, we are usually focused on prevention and protection. In winter, we often shift toward repair, rejuvenation, and improving overall skin quality.

What skin concerns become more noticeable during winter? Many patients experience increased dryness, dehydration, redness, and sensitivity during winter. We also tend to notice more visible sun damage, uneven pigmentation, dullness, and rough skin texture once the summer months are over.

Winter is also when many patients choose to address concerns such as acne scarring, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and skin texture changes.

What are the most popular in-clinic treatments during winter? At PMAC, winter is a very popular time for skin rejuvenation treatments. Some of the most commonly requested treatments include:

LED Light Therapy: LED therapy is an excellent option for supporting skin recovery and calming

Winter is the Perfect Time for Skin Treatments

inflammation. Different wavelengths of light can help support healing, reduce redness, and improve overall skin function. It’s also commonly combined with other treatments to support recovery.

Chemical Peels: Winter is a great time for gentle chemical peels designed to improve skin texture, brightness, and pigmentation concerns. Peels work by encouraging controlled exfoliation and skin renewal. Treatments are always selected carefully depending on the patient’s skin type and goals.

Medical Microneedling: Microneedling remains one of our most popular winter treatments. It works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and skin repair pathways. Patients often seek microneedling for concerns such as acne scarring, skin texture, enlarged pores, and overall skin rejuvenation.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL treatments are commonly performed during winter to target visible pigmentation and signs of sun damage. Because UV exposure after treatment needs to be carefully managed, the cooler months are often preferred for this type of treatment.

NanoFractional Radiofrequency Treatments: These treatments are designed to support collagen production and improve skin texture through controlled resurfacing and skin remodelling. Winter can be an ideal time for these treatments due to the importance of posttreatment sun protection.

Q: Why is professional assessment important before treatment?

Dr Kristy: Every patient’s skin is different, and there is no one-si e-fits-all approach. At MAC,

we perform detailed skin consultations to assess skin type, barrier function, pigmentation, hydration, and overall skin health before recommending treatments.

Some patients may benefit from strengthening their skin barrier first before commencing active treatments, while others may require a more gradual treatment plan depending on sensitivity or underlying skin conditions.

Can winter treatments help with long-term skin health? Absolutely. Many professional treatments are designed not only to address visible skin concerns but also to support long-term skin function and skin quality. Supporting collagen production, improving hydration, managing pigmentation, and protecting the skin barrier all contribute to healthier skin over time.

What’s your biggest winter skincare advice? Don’t neglect your skin just because it’s winter. Continue wearing SPF 50 daily, focus on hydration, and seek professional advice if your skin feels persistently dry, reactive, or difficult to manage. Winter is a fantastic opportunity to invest in skin health and develop a personalised treatment plan that supports your skin well beyond the colder months.

For more information about our treatments or to book a consultation, contact Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic at 0421 253 025 or visit portmedicalaesthetics.com.au

Based in Port Macquarie, Beachside Dental is your local family dental practice committed to providing comprehensive dental services to patients in the local community.

New patients are always welcome at our clinic, where customer service is our priority. Call today to schedule your next dental check-up.

If you have health cover, we can make life easier for you by processing health fund payments on the spot through HICAPS. Make sure to bring your industry fund membership card, and your fund’s contribution will be automatically deducted from your invoice. We are also affiliated with CBHS health fund covering all preventive treatment (T&C’s apply) and we accept veteran affairs.

We are also a proud provider of the Child Dental Benefit Schedule, which provides up to $1000 in benefits for children under the age of 18. The benefit covers up to two calendar years and includes all basic dental services. You will be contacted by the Department of Human Services if your child is eligible, simply give us a call to book in an appointment.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

ROOT CANAL

EXTRACTIONS

TEETH WHITENING CROWNS & BRIDGES

IMPLANTS

RYAN JAMES

PODIATRY

For many years, Ryan James Podiatry has provided podiatry care to families throughout the Hastings region, with a longstanding focus on the assessment and management of foot and ankle conditions across all stages of life.

The practice is now entering a new phase, with Dr Ryan James, an AHPRA-registered specialist in podiatric surgery, expanding the clinic’s services to include podiatric surgical care. Podiatric surgery is the specialist branch of podiatry dedicated to the surgical management of foot and ankle conditions. While his qualifications and registration allow him to provide foot and ankle surgical treatment, Dr James emphasises that surgery is only considered when clinically appropriate, and after careful assessment of non-surgical treatment options.

I strongly believe in a conservative-first approach,’ he says. ‘Many foot and ankle conditions can improve with appropriate nonsurgical management. I view surgery as an additional treatment option that should be used judiciously and only when considered clinically appropriate for the individual patient.’

This philosophy underpins the practice’s approach to patient care, with an emphasis on communication, informed consent and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process.

Dr Ryan James provides assessment and management for a range of foot and ankle

conditions. These include bunions and other big toe deformities, hammer toes and painful toe alignment issues, recurrent corns and pressurerelated lesions, as well as forefoot pain and structural deformity. The practice also provides assessment and management of midfoot arthritis, flatfoot and high-arch conditions, tendon injuries, ligament instability, and a range of reconstructive foot and ankle procedures where clinically indicated.

Ryan James Podiatry is currently accepting new patients and referrals are welcome.

WHEN IS BEDWETTING CONSIDERED NORMAL?

For many families, bedwetting can feel frustrating, exhausting, and at times isolating. Parents often wonder whether their child will simply grow out of it, whether they should be worried, or if it is time to seek help. The good news is that bedwetting is very common in childhood, and for many children, it is a normal part of development.

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is generally considered developmentally normal under the age of five. While some children achieve nighttime dryness earlier, others take longer for their bladder and nervous system to fully mature. By school age, many children are dry overnight most of the time, however bedwetting still affects approximately 1 20 of five-year-olds.

Bedwetting is also more common in boys than girls, with boys tending to develop nighttime bladder control slightly later. Family history can also play a role, meaning children are more likely to experience bedwetting if one or both parents did as children themselves.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that children wet the bed because they are lazy or not trying hard enough. In reality,

many children who wet the bed are deep sleepers and genuinely do not wake to the sensation of a full bladder overnight. Most children are often embarrassed or upset by it themselves.

There are several physical factors that can contribute to bedwetting. Constipation is one of the most common but often overlooked causes. When the bowel becomes full, it can place pressure on the bladder and reduce how well the bladder stores urine overnight. Other contributing factors can include delayed bladder maturation, overactive bladder symptoms, reduced awareness of bladder urges, or poor daytime toileting habits.

Punishment or shame rarely improves symptoms and can instead increase stress and anxiety around toileting. Instead, families should focus on healthy daytime bladder and bowel habits. Encouraging regular toilet visits, adequate fluid intake during the day, and managing constipation can make a significant difference over time. Bedwetting alarms can also be very effective for some children, particularly as they get older. However, it is important to ensure the bladder and bowel system is functioning well first. If a child has significant constipation, poor bladder habits, or underlying bladder dysfunction,

Women’s Health

GRAYCE GERKE

FROM WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIO/ PHYSIO COLLECTIVE

alarms are often far less successful.

At hysio Collective - MNC, we often work with children and families using a holistic approach to bladder and bowel health. Rather than focusing only on the nighttime wetting itself, assessment may include looking at bowel habits, bladder function, fluid intake, toileting behaviours, and sleep patterns. For many children, improving daytime habits and addressing contributing factors can significantly improve confidence and nighttime dryness over time.

While many children do outgrow bedwetting naturally, parents should consider seeking support if their child also experiences daytime wetting, recurrent urinary tract infections, constipation, pain with toileting, or if bedwetting suddenly starts again after a long dry period. Ongoing bedwetting beyond the age of seven, particularly if it is affecting confidence or social activities like sleepovers and school camps, may also benefit from assessment and support.

Most importantly, parents should know they are not alone. Bedwetting is common, treatable, and often linked to developmental and physical factors rather than anything a child is intentionally doing wrong.

ROY BOYLE

Roy Boyle is a true local icon and inspiration. Living and driving independently until the age of 101, and still sharp as a tack at 102, Roy is a proud ANZAC veteran. We spoke to Roy about life and his advice for younger generations.

Hi Roy. You served during wartime at a very young age, what do you remember about deciding to enlist?

Even before the war, my best mate and I were already talking about joining up. We were both fascinated by the servicemen and wanted to be part of it. My best mate was Ron McKinnon. He joined the Air Force and lasted through the war. Afterwards he was sent overseas again and became very ill from a tropical disease he contracted while serving. Sadly, I never got to see him properly again before he passed away. In those days, serving your country felt like what young men were expected to do. There was a strong sense of duty about it.

How did your experiences in the military shape the person you became later in life?

A lot of discipline probably started before the Army. I was in the oy Scouts for about five years as a young bloke, and that gave me a very good grounding for military life.

In Scouts you learned discipline, teamwork and responsibility. We learned to follow instructions and look after each other. There were patrol leaders, ranks and structure, so you learned early on how to take orders and work as part of a team.

By the time I got into the Army, I already understood those basics, and the military built on them very quickly. The Army teaches you not to panic under pressure. It teaches you discipline and resilience, but it also teaches you to appreciate the important things in lifefamily, friendships and your health.

After the war, you built a successful work life and ran a number of businesses. What inspired your entrepreneurial spirit?

I think a lot of it came from growing up working with my hands. My father was a builder, and while I was at school I studied metalwork and trades. I always enjoyed figuring out how things worked. I’ve always believed it’s important for young people to learn practical skills. That background stayed with me all my life.

After the war, Australia was growing quickly and there were opportunities everywhere for people willing to work hard. I enjoyed dealing with people, but I also enjoyed the challenge of building something from nothing.

To me, reputation was everything. If you were honest, fair and reliable, people came back to you. That philosophy carried me through my entire business life.

Looking back on your career, which business ventures or achievements are you most proud of?

When I was discharged from the Army, I was prepared to work hard and do whatever I could to get ahead.

I started working as a mechanic for a bus company, and outside workshop hours I’d drive buses to earn extra money. We worked long hours, but there was plenty of work if you were willing to do it.

After that, I bought a run-down garage north of Sydney. The place was rough when we first took it over, but we kept pushing ahead. y 19 1 I’d joined the motor trade properly,

and over the next twenty years we built the business steadily. At different stages we sold Volkswagen and Chrysler vehicles and expanded the operation as the years went on. It was never easy. Finance and overheads were a constant pressure. Fortunately, I had a very supportive bank manager who backed us through those years.

Later on I moved into real estate, and that became one of the proudest periods of my business life. In the late 1960s our Hornsby real estate business won Best Real Estate Agency in Hornsby three years in a row.

But when you get to my age, you realise the biggest achievements in life aren’t necessarily financial. I’m proud that we built successful businesses, supported our family and created opportunities for other people along the way. Some of the people who worked with us became lifelong friends.

Seeing young families and children a ending the marches always pleases me. at tells me the spirit of remembrance is still there. I also think younger generations should understand that freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today came at a cost paid by earlier generations.

To me, that loyalty, those friendships and the respect you earn over many decades are worth far more than money or awards.

For many years you’ve proudly led local ANZAC Day marches. What does that tradition mean to you personally, and how important is it that younger generations continue to honour those who served?

Leading the ANZAC Day marches has been a very great honour for me.

When you march beside veterans and see younger generations there watching, it reminds you that the sacrifices made should never be forgotten.

ANZAC Day is not about glorifying war. It’s about remembering service, sacrifice, mateship

and duty. A lot of young Australians gave up the best years of their lives, and many never came home at all.

As the years have passed and fewer veterans remain, I think it becomes even more important for younger people to keep the tradition alive.

Seeing young families and children attending the marches always pleases me. That tells me the spirit of remembrance is still there.

I also think younger generations should understand that freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today came at a cost paid by earlier generations.

For me personally, ANZAC Day has always been about respect - respect for the people who served, the families who carried the burden at home, and the mates we lost along the way. The turnouts in Port Macquarie get bigger each year. I’m always very proud when little kids wave flags and yell out Thank you for your service.’ It’s very humbling and heartwarming. Anzac Day is something Australians should always protect.

At 102, you’ve gathered a lifetime of wisdom, what advice would you give

younger generations about living a good life?

One thing I think young people don’t pay enough attention to these days is building their future properly early in life.

One thing I always say is “For goodness sake - protect your driver’s licence”. People laugh at that, but if you lose your licence at 18 for doing something foolish, you can set yourself back years. It affects your independence, your ability to work and your whole future.

Don't be led astray by idiots. Choose your friends carefully and build relationships with good people who will still matter in your life years later.

Young people should focus on building a solid future - good friendships, a good reputation, practical skills and strong family relationships. Work hard, be honest and don’t take your family for granted. Life moves very quickly.

I also believe it’s important not to dwell on setbacks. Everyone has hard times. You have to keep moving forward, enjoy the simple things, keep a sense of humour and appreciate your mates. Don’t waste your life worrying about things you can’t control. Focus on what matters and look after the people around you.

And one final piece of advice would be this: don’t join gangs - join something worthwhile. Join the Scouts, the Army or a sporting club; any organisation that teaches discipline, responsibility and teamwork - that’s what helps build a good life.

Thanks Roy.

WILL SMITH

Barbers on Murray has been part of the Port Macquarie community since 2015. What does it mean to you to now be stepping into the business your Dad Eddie built?

Barbers on Murray feels like carrying forward a legacy, and stepping into the business is an exciting responsibility and a privilege. Over 11 years, the shop has evolved significantly, with some clients having been with us since 2015, witnessing the business grow and change. Since buying the business, we’ve expanded the workspace, adding a fifth chair. As the community and customer base have grown, this has allowed us to serve more people, reduce wait times, and create new employment opportunities, all while maintaining the welcoming, professional atmosphere that has always been at the heart of the shop. Who and what has inspired you to end up where you are today?

Through international travel, I noticed one constant: people want to present their best selves and connect. I loved learning new techniques, getting haircuts from people with different backgrounds, and being inspired

BARBERS ON MURRAY

Now, he’s community connection and a genuine

Barbers on Murray has been a familiar part of the Port Macquarie community since 2015, built from the ground up as a family-run business with a strong local following. as barber Will Smith steps into ownership of the shop his father Eddie founded, continuing a legacy shaped by hard work, community connection and a genuine passion for the cra .

by others in the trade. My older brother Josh starting his own business gave me aspiration and a “why not?” mindset.

Having a fresh perspective from my partner who brings passion and motivation in marketing, strategy, and business growth, complements my focus on perfecting the trade. I’ve also been wildly inspired by the number of young people reaching out for apprenticeships, a clear sign of the industry’s evolution and the next generation’s enthusiasm. Fellow barbers in town, supporting each other right from training, to now running their own shops, are a daily inspiration and help cultivate a strong sense of community.

Family, community, and the chance to connect, teach, and grow have driven me to fully commit to this space, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

What ended up drawing you into the industry and what surprised you most once you started?

When I was in high school, Dad offered me an apprenticeship three times, which I continually declined. I never considered barbering. After school it was always the generic careers you see and think you re destined for. After trying

multiple industries, I always gravitated toward people-facing roles. Eventually, I asked if the apprenticeship was still available, and even before picking up the tools, I spent time observing and chatting with clients, it felt natural. When I finally picked up the clippers, I just fell in love with getting better day by day. Barbering became a career that combines creativity and connection, and six years later, I now own the business.

What surprised me most is how much it doesn’t feel like work, and how rewarding it is to connect with clients every day. Running a business can honestly be really tricky, something all small businesses can relate to, with many moving parts and hats to wear. We’re incredibly grateful for our regular local customers, who make Barbers on Murray a genuine part of the Port Macquarie community and keep our doors open.

Barbering is often part craft, part conversation. What have you enjoyed most about meeting people from all walks of life through the chair?

Every day brings a different story, or an update on an old one, and it’s a privilege to witness those moments firsthand. ur clients range from six months old to 101 years, including regular

holidaymakers and weekly locals. For some elderly clients without family nearby, the shop becomes a place to see a familiar face, chat, and feel connected. Whether it’s asking a toddler if they’ve been eating their vegetables, chatting with a new dad about fatherhood, or hearing the old boys share the secret to a 60-year long marriage, these moments are what make the job special, personable and remind me why I love being behind the chair.

The business has built a strong reputation for modern cuts, beard trims and a welcoming atmosphere. What do you think sets Barbers on Murray apart in a local market like Port Macquarie?

Barbers on Murray is proud to be a secondgeneration, family-run business, soon celebrating nearly 12 years in the community. What sets us apart is our combination of technical skill and the culture we’ve built. Our team includes my younger brother Byron; two local apprentices, Kaia and Bana; Jordan on a sponsored visa, bringing his family to our beautiful coastal town from the UK, and another barber joining the team soon. Every team member brings unique skills and builds genuine relationships with clients. Beyond the craft, it’s the approachable, professional, and welcoming atmosphere that defines us and keeps people

coming back. How has learning directly from your dad and the team shaped your approach to barbering and business so far?

Working alongside the team for 38+ hours a week has taught me the importance of mateship, trust, and enjoying the time spent together.

From Dad, I’ve learned the value of a strong work ethic, hygiene standards, community involvement, and giving back, sponsoring local teams or supporting initiatives in Port Macquarie. Observing him manage the shop set a high standard for professionalism and client care.

Working alongside the team for 38+ hours a week has taught me the importance of mateship, trust, and enjoying the time spent together. Barbering and running a shop is a never-ending cycle of learning; there’s always a new trick, a new trend, and I’ve picked up skills from every member of the team. These experiences shape how I run the business, foster a positive environment, and maintain both craft and culture.

What are your goals for Barbers on Murray over the next few years? Do you see yourself introducing any new ideas or changes, or is your focus more on evolving what’s already working?

Port Macquarie is expanding, and our business will grow alongside it. We’re exploring different avenues to better serve the community, which we’re excited to share later this year. For now, our focus is on what already works, delivering high-quality cuts, maintaining a welcoming and professional atmosphere, and supporting our clients and team. With the strong momentum we have, I’m grateful for the foundation we’ve built and excited for what’s ahead.

Looking ahead, what do you hope longtime clients, and new ones, feel when they walk through the doors at Barbers on Murray?

For returning clients, we want them to feel the welcoming atmosphere they’ve always experienced, to come in, have a chat, share a laugh, and know they’re valued. For new clients, we aim to make them feel at ease and confident they’re in skilled hands. Whether it’s advice on style, cuts, or grooming, we want them to feel listened to, guided, and part of the community from the moment they walk through the door. Thanks Will.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Mental health matters as it influences how we think, how we act and how we feel. ur mental health impacts how we relate to ourselves, and how we relate to others. It also impacts how resilient we are to the challenges of life; to managing stress and to managing change, loss and life transitions. It can impact our ability to take action, reach our goals and our potential and impacts our overall wellbeing, relationships and life satisfaction.

Fostering Positive Mental Health relies on:

• Reducing the stigma of mental health.

• Reducing the stigma about asking for help.

• Encouraging early support.

• Fostering connection.

• Encouraging positive self-care habits.

• Utilising personalised strategies to manage stress and anxiety.

10 Ways to Support Your Mental Health:

1. Release Your ‘Feel -Good’ Hormones

Move Stretch - reathe

o for a walk or a wander. Stretch while seated. Stretch while standing. Scatter a few -minute moments through your day to Move Stretch reathe.

r better still, plan for 1 - 0 minutes every day, as well as your -minute moments. Maybe prioritise a wander, a walk, a run or a

fnd your

with BERNIE GINNANE

QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR

MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS FACILITATOR LIFE COACH

social catch up by the river, or on one of our beautiful beaches in ort Macquarie.

Maybe move slower to help slow your breathing down, or, inhale for a count of . old for a count of 6. Exhale for a count of . Moving and stretching whilst focusing on your breathing helps to release endorphins - your body’s natural painkillers and feel-good’ hormones.

2. Stay Connected

Connect with people you can depend on and trust and who are positive influences. Stay connected to help prevent feels of isolation.

3. Prioritise Getting Enough Sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours.

4. Be Present

ractice mindfulness. e present in the moment with non-judgement.

5. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Choose kinder, more positive and encouraging thoughts.

6. Encourage Open Conversations

To help lessen stress and loneliness, and to build connection.

. Definitely Practice ratitude Daily. t Works!

ratitude helps to shift your mind from the negative to the positive.

8. Set Healthy Boundaries.

To help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work life balance.

9. Limit Screen Time.

To help reduce anxiety and overwhelm due to being overstimulated.

10. Reach Out for Support.

WIS IN U A SAFE, C NTENTED CA M UNE. FREE R U MEDITATI N MINDFU NESS SESSI NS are continuing throughout 2026 at ort Macquarie ibrary. No need to book. Meditations will be seated.

JUNE DATES - Thursday th : 0 : 0pm and Saturday 1 th 9. 0am 10: 0am

JULY DATES - Thursday 2nd : 0 : 0pm and Saturday 2 th 9. 0am 10: 0am offer C LL , L via oom most days and FACE to FACE Sessions are available on Fridays at The ighthouse Room’, Watonga Street, ort Macquarie and Tuesdays Saturdays: at The Wellbeing Centre’, arden Crescent, ort Macquarie Sessions can help you to manage stress, anxiety and overwhelm and help to support emotional regulation, build resilience and foster personal growth. I also offer a FREE RES URCE on my ouTube channel. ver 00 Meditations and Short Chats, available 2 7. youtube.com bernie 100 videos

Counsellor, Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator 0 91 01 66 bernie22 gmail.com

Follow on and

• Ultrasound guided Cortisone Injections

• PRP therapy

• No referral required

• Advanced non-surgical orthopaedic & musculoskeletal medicine.

45 Lake Road, Port Macquarie

Ph. 02 5574 3754

admin@lomanmedical.com.au

lomanmedical.com.au

SEE YOUR SMILE IN

3D

What to expect from a 3D Primescan consultation

Imagine sitting comfortably in the dental chair, not lying back, not wondering what your dentist can see, but sitting upright, looking at your own teeth in 3D on a screen in front of you and discussing what the dentist sees.

That’s the experience of a 3D Primescan consultation, and for many patients, it completely changes the way they think about their teeth, dental care, dental health and their dentist.

What is a 3D Primescan?

A Primescan is an advanced digital scanner that creates a highly detailed 3D model of your teeth, jaw and bite (occlusion), all without traditional impressions, radiation or discomfort.

As the scan is taken, your mouth is recreated on the screen in real time. You’re not just being told what’s happening, you’re seeing it from all angles and seeing your bite.

A consultation you’re part of One of the most powerful parts of a Primescan consultation is that you’re involved from the start.

You’ll be sitting upright, viewing the 3D images alongside your dentist as they guide you through:

The shape and position of your teeth

How your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite

Wear patterns, cracks, chips or changes over time

Existing dental work and how it’s holding up.

Being able to rotate, zoom and explore your own scan makes everything easier to understand. When you can see the problem, or the potential future problem, treatment options suddenly make sense and the conversations are more informed and interactive.

Planning

treatment in 3D, not guesswork

Because your dentist is working with a precise digital model, treatment planning becomes far more accurate and personalised.

Whether it’s planning restorations, monitoring wear, assessing bite balance or reviewing older dental work, everything is designed digitally with your anatomy in mind. Adjustments can be visualised before any treatment begins, helping reduce surprises and improve longterm outcomes.

For many patients, this level of planning provides real reassurance, it turns uncertainty into clarity.

Understanding your bite and jaw

Your bite plays a major role in comfort, function and the longevity of dental work. With a Primescan, your dentist can assess how your teeth come together and how that may be contributing to wear, sensitivity or tension in the jaw.

Seeing your bite in 3D helps explain issues that can be hard to describe with words alone, and helps guide decisions that protect your teeth

long-term.

A more comfortable, modern experience

Patients often comment on how comfortable and engaging the process is. There’s no messy impressions, no discomfort, and no waiting to see what the dentist finds . Instead, it feels collaborative, transparent and surprisingly interesting (and maybe even fun!) You leave with a clear understanding of your current dental health and a forward plan tailored specifically to you as well as an understanding that will help you better tailor your home care to your specific needs.

Why patients choose this approach

A 3D Primescan consultation removes the mystery from dentistry. It replaces guesswork with visuals, and uncertainty with understanding.

For patients joining our practice, it’s often the moment they realise dental care doesn’t have to feel rushed, reactive or confusing, it can be calm, clear and well planned.

Experience it for yourself

If you’re looking for a modern dental practice that takes the time to show you, explain your options and plan ahead with you, a 3D Primescan consultation is the perfect place to start.

Call the caring team at Sundial Dental 6583 3533 or 6585 2015 and come in, sit up, see your smile in 3D, and be part of your treatment plan. Alternatively visit our newly updated web site sundialdental.com.au

STEVEN DIXON

CEO OF SCOPE HOME ACCESS

Navigating the aged care system can be a confusing and overwhelming journey for seniors and their families. To break down these barriers, Steven Dixon, CEO of the non-proﬁt Scope Home Access, is hosting the upcoming Aged Care Expo in Port Macquarie alongside the launch of their new local workshop. We sat down with Steven to discuss the unique challenges regional seniors face and how proactive planning can genuinely change lives.

My name is Steven Dixon, and I’m the CEO of Scope Home Access, a not for profit organisation dedicated to helping older Australians remain safe, independent, and connected in their own homes for longer.

At Scope Home Access, we specialise in home modifications and accessibility solutions such as ramps, rails, bathroom modifications, and mobility support equipment. ur mission is simple, to improve quality of life and give people the confidence to live independently and safely in the place they feel most comfortable, their home.

We work closely with aged care providers, seniors, families, occupational therapists, and local communities to ensure people have access to practical solutions to keep them safe at home.

As C , my role is incredibly varied. work across strategy, partnerships, innovation, community engagement, and ensuring our organisation continues to grow

sustainably while staying true to our mission.

The Aged Care Expo has really been a team effort, but my role has involved helping bring together providers, community groups, government representatives, health professionals, and businesses into one event that genuinely benefits local people. We wanted to create something that removes barriers and makes information easier to access. Navigating aged care services can feel overwhelming, so bringing everything together under one roof gives people an opportunity to ask questions, explore options, and make informed decisions in a comfortable environment.

The most rewarding part is seeing the positive impact we have in the community. Innovation is only meaningful if it improves people’s lives, and events like this create direct connections between people who need support and the organisations that can help them.

I’m passionate about bringing people together to solve problems collaboratively. When you see people leaving the expo feeling more

confident, more informed and less confused, you realise just how important these events are. It’s also incredibly rewarding seeing local businesses, health professionals, and community organisations unite around a shared goal of supporting older Australians. ur core mission is to empower people to live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.

ome modifications are a huge part of that, but education and connection are equally important. Many people simply don’t know what support is available until they’re already in crisis.

The expo aligns perfectly with our vision because it creates awareness, encourages early planning, and gives people direct access to services and advice before problems become overwhelming. revention, education, and community connection are key to helping people age well and safely in their own homes. ne of the biggest challenges is simply navigating the system. ervices like My Aged Care can be confusing, particularly for people who may not be comfortable with technology or who are already under

stress caring for a loved one.

We also see many homes that were never designed for ageing safely. Falls risk, limited mobility, inaccessible bathrooms and stairs can all significantly impact someone’s independence and confidence.

Another major issue, particularly in regional areas, is access to timely services. There’s growing demand for support, but not always enough providers locally to meet that need quickly.

Port Macquarie was a natural choice because the Mid North Coast has a growing ageing population and a strong community focus.

We recognised there was a real opportunity to bring more information, services, and support directly to local residents. At the same time, we identified that the region was underserviced when it came to accessibility and home modification services, which is one of the reasons we recently opened a new Scope ome Access workshop in ort Macquarie. aving a local presence means we can respond faster, employ local people, and better support seniors and families across the region.

The Mid North Coast has a rapidly ageing population, and many seniors want to remain in their homes and communities rather than relocate to larger cities.

Another major issue, particularly in regional areas, is access to timely services. ere’s growing demand for support, but not always enough providers locally to meet that need quickly.

However, regional areas can face challenges around service access, workforce shortages, transport, and social isolation. Through the expo, we’re hoping to improve awareness of available supports and make it easier for people to connect with providers locally.

We also want to encourage proactive conversations around ageing, safety, and planning ahead, because small changes early can make a huge difference later.

The collaboration has been fantastic. There’s a genuine sense of community in Port Macquarie, and local organisations have been incredibly supportive of the vision behind the expo.

We’ve had strong engagement from health providers, community groups, aged care organisations, local businesses, and service professionals who all recognise the importance of supporting seniors in the region.

It’s been wonderful to see everyone come together with a shared purpose of improving outcomes for older Australians and their families.

One of our key goals is to simplify information and make support feel more

accessible.

The expo gives people the opportunity to speak with providers, ask questions in plain language, and better understand what services are available to them. We’ll have experts on hand who can explain processes like My Aged Care, ome Care ackages, assessments, and support pathways in a practical and approachable way.

Sometimes people just need a conversation with the right person to feel more confident taking the next step.

I’d say don’t wait until there’s a crisis to start learning about what support is available.

Whether you’re planning for yourself, a parent, partner, or friend, the expo is a fantastic opportunity to gather information, meet local providers, and discover services that could make life easier and safer in the future.

It’s free, welcoming, and designed to help people feel informed, supported, and connected—and sometimes one conversation can genuinely change someone’s life. uest tickets are still available; please visit www.portmacquarieagedcareexpo.com.au to secure your spot and start that conversation today.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Explore products and services to help seniors maintain independence.

CONNECT WITH PEERS

Network with other seniors and families.

EXPERT ADVICE

Get personalised recommendations from healthcare professionals.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Secure your FREE tickets!

Visit our website and register for free to secure your spot at the Port Macquarie Aged Care Expo.

www.portmacquarieagedcareexpo.com.au

Port Macquarie Aged Care Expo

Date: 17 June 2026

Venue: Panthers, Port Macquarie ( 1 Bay St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444)

Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

At Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy, aged care is more than just supplying medications - it’s our specialty. Our experienced clinical team of pharmacists work onsite across seven local aged care facilities, supporting residents, families, nurses and GPs to ensure safe, seamless medication management every day.

We understand that navigating medications for a loved one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we have developed streamlined “set and forget” systems to reduce stress for families and provide reliable, worry-free support allowing you to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones.

Our service goes beyond standard pharmacy care. With multiple free daily deliveries and a dedicated 24/7 on-call pharmacist service, nurses can access urgent clinical advice and after-hours medication supply whenever needed, even when the pharmacy doors are closed.

We also support those living independently at home and within retirement and residential living communities, with convenient medication packing options, free delivery services, frozen meal deliveries and personalised support. Because when it comes to medications, experience, compassion and support matter.

Flynn’s Beach Pharmacy

SUE BOURKE

Can you start by telling us a bit about your background, your role at Asuria, and what a typical day looks like for you?

I’m a digital coach and I also run my own public relations and marketing business. I’ve worked across corporates, notfor-profits and my own business for more than years, both in Australia and overseas, and I’ve lived and worked on the Mid North Coast for over seven years now.

I’m also a usiness Mentor at Asuria, where we deliver Workforce Australia’s Self-Employment Assistance program across the region. The program supports people who are thinking about self-employment, starting a business, or looking for help to grow or strengthen an existing small business.

Depending on where someone is at, support can include exploring self-employment workshops, business advice sessions,

Starting or growing a small business takes more than just a brilliant idea, it takes grit, strategy, and o en a steady hand to help guide the way. On the Mid North Coast, local entrepreneurs have a powerful ally in Asuria’s Self-Employment Assistance program, delivered by a mentor who truly understands the landscape. With over 35 years of experience spanning public relations, marketing, and digital coaching across Australia and overseas, this Wauchope local and Port Macquarie-based mentor brings a wealth of real-world wisdom to the region's business community. From helping sole traders bounce back a er an injury to supporting multi-million dollar local success stories, career pivots, and First Nations-led enterprises, their day-to-day role is as diverse as the communities they service.

business health checks, accredited small business training, and guidance to develop a comprehensive business plan with an experienced mentor.

After completing a business plan, participants may be eligible for the small business coaching phase of the program, which provides up to 12 months of personalised mentoring and business support. Eligible participants may also apply for the Self-Employment Assistance Allowance while transitioning into self-employment.

No two days really look the same. ne day I might be sitting in a café with someone talking through a business idea they’ve had for years but never acted on, and the next I’m helping an existing business owner work through a challenge, review their usiness lan, or connect with other experts through our workshops and monthly check-ins.

We also support small businesses that are struggling or at a crossroad. That might be someone recovering from floods or the impacts

of C ID-19, a sole trader returning after injury or parenting responsibilities, or simply someone who needs an independent person to sit down with and talk things through.

Asuria has a massive national reputation, but what does your local footprint look like? Where are you based, and what specific geographic areas do you service?

Asuria has a really strong footprint both nationally and locally. We support people and businesses right across Australia, and internationally, but we’ve also been part of the Mid North Coast community for more than a decade, which I think really matters.

I specifically support small businesses through Workforce Australia’s Self-Employment Assistance program, and the area I cover stretches from Forster, Taree and ort Macquarie through to empsey and just before Nambucca. My colleague elen supports the region from Nambucca through to Coffs arbour. ecause the area is so broad, you build

strong connections across a lot of different communities and industries. Every town has its own challenges, opportunities and local business networks, so having people on the ground who genuinely understand the region makes a big difference.

I live in Wauchope and work out of our ort Macquarie office, but I’m on the road a couple of days each week meeting with participants and businesses face-to-face. While a lot of support can happen online these days, there’s still huge value in being present in the community and building those local relationships.

What is your favourite part about working with the local community here, and what drives you every day?

Seeing businesses flourish is easily the best part of the role. eople often come in with an idea they’ve been sitting on for a long time, but they’re not quite sure whether they can actually make it work.

Then you see them months later and they’re more confident, more focused, and genuinely excited about what they’re building. You can see the change in how they talk about themselves and their future, and that flowon effect reaches beyond the business itself. It impacts families, confidence, and the wider community as well.

butcher, baker and candlestick maker in one day last year, but honestly, the range of businesses we support is huge.

I’ve worked with bookkeepers, window cleaners, maintenance businesses, gardeners, real estate agencies, food educators, jewellery designers, fashion designers, streetwear brands, artists, basket weavers, musicians and potters. I’ve also supported cafés, restaurants, food trucks and even a sourdough baker.

A number of our participants run First Nations-led businesses, and we work mindfully alongside their on-country responsibilities to create successful outcomes that work for them and their communities.

We also support people at very different stages of life and business. That includes sole traders returning after injury, parents re-entering the workforce through selfemployment, and existing business owners who are trying to work out what their next step looks like.

You can see the change in how they talk about themselves and their future, and that ﬂow-on e ect reaches beyond the business itself. It impacts families, conﬁdence, and the wider community as well.

I’ve also had the privilege of supporting several participants transitioning out of empsey ail into successful small business owners, which is something I’m particularly proud of.

Do you have a recent local success story you can share with us?

There are so many success stories, and they all look different.

flexibility, or building something that fits around parenting or caring responsibilities. I worked with a bricklayer in their 60s who could no longer continue in physically demanding work and has since built a successful gardening business instead.

That’s probably the most rewarding part of the role. Success is different for everyone, but helping people build something that genuinely works for their life is incredibly rewarding.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a reader who has a brilliant business idea but is currently too nervous to take the leap, or a local business wants to find out if they are eligible for your programs?

The biggest thing is not to wait until you feel like you have everything figured out before asking for help.

Some people come to us with a fully formed business idea and are ready to start developing a business plan straight away. thers are still trying to work out whether self-employment is the right fit for them, and that’s completely fine too.

Depending on eligibility and where someone is at in their journey, Workforce Australia’s SelfEmployment Assistance program can provide support through exploring self-employment workshops, business advice sessions, business health checks, accredited small business training, mentoring support and small business coaching.

I had a former participant call me recently to tell me they’d achieved a milestone we spoke about right at the beginning of their journey. earing the pride in their voice was really special, because you realise you’ve played a small part in helping someone create a life they genuinely want.

What type of businesses do you work with as a Business Mentor?

I always joke that I worked with a

One cleaning business that started through the program on the Mid North Coast now turns over several million dollars each year and employs more than twenty staff across central NSW.

I also worked with a beekeeper producing specialist manuka honey for medical use who now generates a six-figure income through the business.

ut not everyone defines success the same way. For some people, it’s about growing a large business and employing staff. For others, it’s about financial independence,

A lot of the time, people just need someone independent to sit down with, have an honest conversation with, and help them work out their next step. That’s really what we’re here for.

773 338

TGEOFF JACKSON

GENERAL MANAGE R PORT MACQUARIE TAXI S

e new Pink Taxi initiative from Port Macquarie Taxis is more than just a striking addition to the streets, it’s a community-driven campaign combining safety, awareness and fundraising for important causes. General Manager Geo Jackson shares the story behind the idea, and how this local service is continuing to evolve in meaningful ways.

he Pink Taxi is certainly turning heads around Port Macquarie. How did the idea for Australia s first Pink Taxi come about?

The idea grew organically from a desire to do more for our community. We have been serving Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast for over 50 years, and we have always believed a taxi company should be more than just a way to get from A to . We wanted to find a meaningful way to give back; something visible, something that would start conversations and bring people together around important causes.

The Pink Taxi was the answer. A bright pink cab wrapped in community signage is impossible to ignore. It turns every trip into a conversation, every fare into an opportunity to raise awareness. We are enormously proud to be Australia s first, and we genuinely hope it inspires other operators around the country to think about what they can do beyond the trip itself.

The initiative combines community awareness, fundraising and passenger safety. Why was it important for Port Macquarie Taxis to create something that goes beyond simply providing transport? We have always seen ourselves as part of the

fabric of this community. We employ up to 100 local people and we are on the road 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We transport seniors, people with disability, children with special needs, veterans - people who genuinely depend on us. With that comes a real responsibility to give something back.

The Pink Taxi lets us do that in a very tangible way. Community awareness, fundraising and passenger safety are not separate agendas, they are all deeply connected. We believe a safe, trusted taxi service that actively supports its community is exactly what every local resident deserves.

The first campaign supports the ydney

Children's Hospital Foundation and the Sydney Sick Kids Appeal. What made this cause such a meaningful place to begin, and how will the Pink Taxi raise funds?

Country kids get sick too, and it can be incredibly tough on families from regional areas who suddenly find themselves having to travel to Sydney for specialist care. They are away from home, away from their support networks, often for extended periods of time. The Sydney Sick ids Appeal directly addresses that burden, and it resonated deeply with us from the very beginning.

The campaign runs from May to 0 une 2026. Funds are raised through a dedicated fundraising page on the Sydney Children s ospital Foundation website, where passengers, friends and family can donate directly. The page tracks every dollar raised, making it completely transparent. We would encourage anyone who travels in the ink Taxi, or who simply wants to support the cause, to visit the page and contribute.

Research shows many women feel uncomfortable travelling in taxis. How does the Pink Taxi initiative aim to improve confidence and safety for female passengers?

The research is confronting. Twenty-five percent of women feel uncomfortable travelling in taxis, that is a significant number and something we take very seriously. The ink Taxi is a direct response to that reality.

y building a predominantly female driving team for this initiative, we are creating an environment where female passengers can feel genuinely at ease. ut it is also backed by our broader safety infrastructure; every vehicle in our fleet is fitted with in-car safety cameras, S tracking, real-time monitoring by real people in our call centre, and two-way communications. That is a standard of safety that app-based competitors simply cannot replicate. Every passenger deserves to feel safe, and we are committed to making that a reality.

The Pink Taxi will be driven predominantly by a female driving team.

How encouraging has it been to see more women joining the industry locally?

It has been genuinely exciting. We already have several female drivers on our team and the interest since announcing the ink Taxi has been wonderful. Driving is a great career, you meet people from all walks of life, you are part of the community every day, and the flexibility suits many people.

We are actively welcoming new recruits who would like to come aboard. If you are a woman considering joining our driving team, we would love to hear from you. It is a brilliant way to meet people, provide a real service, and help make a difference.

Safety is clearly a major focus for Port Macquarie Taxis. What measures are in place to ensure passengers feel secure when travelling with your service?

Safety is foundational to everything we do, it always has been. As the only NSW Transport Accredited Taxi Service in ort Macquarie, we adhere to strict safety and security standards across our entire operation.

year to support different causes, what excites you most about the future potential of the initiative?

We plan to refresh the signage on the ink Taxi two or three times each year, with each new campaign shining a light on a different community cause. We are already preplanning future support for reast Cancer research and then the eukemia ids - both causes that touch families right here on the Mid North Coast.

What excites me most is that this model is genuinely scalable. We can keep the energy and visibility fresh, give important causes their moment, and build a lasting culture of community giving within our business. Every campaign is a new partnership and a new opportunity to make a real difference and we are just getting started.

e campaign runs from 3 May to 30 June 2026. Funds are raised through a dedicated fundraising page on the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation website, where passengers, friends and family can donate directly.

In practical terms, every vehicle has in-car camera surveillance, S tracking, and realtime monitoring by staff in our call centre. ur taxi ranks are monitored by CCT , and in some locations we have security guards on the ground. All drivers undergo thorough security checks and are trained in specialist areas including aged care, dementia awareness, first aid, special needs children, and wheelchair and disability care. It is the combination of people, technology and training that truly sets us apart.

You've mentioned plans to rotate the Pink Taxi's campaigns throughout the

Finally, after decades of serving the region, what makes you most proud to be part of Port Macquarie Taxis and the role it plays within the community?

It is the people. It always comes back to the people. The passengers who depend on us; the elderly resident getting to a medical appointment, the family without a car, the person who needs to get home safely. We are part of the fabric of this community, and that means everything to us.

ver 0 years of service is something to be immensely proud of. The ink Taxi is an extension of that spirit, us saying we are not just here to drive you somewhere. We are here to make this community a better place. That is what gets me out of bed every morning.

Thanks Geoff.

BUSINESS Back to

BUDGET HIGHLIGHT

How it could impact the property market

Every Federal Budget creates headlines, but this year’s has the potential to reshape behaviour for years to come, particularly when it comes to property. While much of the attention has focused on cost-of-living relief, the bigger longterm story could be the proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT), and the continued push to increase housing supply. Focus shifting toward new housing supply. One of the clearest themes is encouraging investment into new housing rather than existing homes. Under the proposed reforms from 1 uly 2027, negative gearing benefits for residential investment properties would largely be limited to newly built homes. Existing properties purchased after the changes take effect would no longer receive the same treatment, while current owners are expected to be grandfathered under the existing rules.

Established homes have always been popular with investors because of location, land value and immediate rental demand. However, these changes are designed to redirect investors towards building new housing. In simple terms, government is trying to encourage investment that adds homes to the market, rather than increasing competition for existing stock.

Negative gearing changes could reshape investor behaviour. Negative gearing has been one of the defining features of the Australian property market for decades. This

budget doesn’t remove negative gearing entirely, but it changes who can access it in the future. The likely result is not an overnight market collapse, but a gradual shift in investor behaviour. Some investors may move toward new developments, while others may reconsider how attractive residential property remains compared to other investments. The market could effectively split into two systems: older investments under existing rules, and future purchases under the new framework. That alone could influence supply, pricing and buyer demand for years.

Lending policy and borrowing capacity is also changing. One area receiving less attention is how these changes are affecting lending policy and borrowing capacity.

Banks assess investment loans based partly on expected rental income, tax benefits and overall affordability. With investors having reduced access to negative gearing benefits on established properties purchased post budget, servicing capacity has reduced.

In practical terms, some investors may find newly built properties more attractive from a borrowing perspective if the tax settings improve cash flow outcomes. Combined with higher interest rates and stricter serviceability testing, these changes could gradually reshape borrowing behaviour across the market.

Capital gains tax changes are also significant. The budget also proposes replacing the current 50% CGT discount with

an indexation model from July 2027. Currently, investors who hold assets for more than 12 months may receive a 50% discount on capital gains tax. Under the proposed model, gains would instead be adjusted for inflation. While the technical details are complex, the broader message is clear: long-term property investment may become less tax-driven than it has been historically. This won’t mean investors disappear, but it may change the type of property they buy, the returns they expect, and how long they hold assets.

egional markets may still benefit. For regional areas like Port Macquarie, these changes could create both opportunities and challenges. Lifestyle migration, remote work and affordability pressures in major cities continue to support regional demand. If governments continue prioritising new housing development and infrastructure investment, regional centres could attract more construction and population growth over time. For years in the Australian property market, the formula felt relatively simple: buy property, hold long term, and benefit from rising prices and favourable tax settings. But today it looks different. Higher interest rates, affordability pressures, housing shortages and changing government policy are all reshaping the market. Keep your accountant and broker close to ensure you are getting the right advice and structuring your lending to ensure that it is right for you.

Linky Littlies

Because childhood shouldn’t be rushed… and parenting shouldn’t feel impossible. There’s a moment every parent knows wellThe rushed morning. The forgo en hat. The clock ticking toward work.

The preschool drop-oﬀ.

The a er-school activity on the other side of town and somewhere in between, trying to hold family life together without feeling like you’re constantly behind.

For many families, transport isn’t just about getting from A to B anymore. It’s about safety, trust, routine, reliability and making sure children don’t miss out on the experiences that help them grow.

That’s where Linky Littlies comes in.

Created by Linked Community Services, Linky Littlies is more than a transport service, it’s a safe, caring and affordable way to help little people stay connected to learning, community and opportunity.

More Than “Just a Bus”

Sure, children can catch a school bus one day.

ut inky ittlies was designed specifically for younger children and busy modern families with safety, care and flexibility at the centre of every journey.

Think:

• Safe preschool and daycare transport

• Before and after care runs

• Transport for early learning centres to

attend excursions

• Transport to sport, tutoring and extracurricular activities

• Support for families experiencing crisis or temporary instability

• Friendly, familiar drivers who understand children

And yes… there’s even a koala mascot named Linky helping lead the way.

Why Families Are Paying Attention

Parents are juggling more than ever before.

Longer workdays.

Shift work.

Multiple children.

Different locations.

After-school activities that somehow all start at the same time.

Linky Littlies helps ease that pressure by providing reliable child-focused transport that gives families breathing room. Without compromising safety or care.

Because sometimes the difference between a child attending swimming lessons,

tutoring, dance or sport… is simply whether someone can get them there.

And every child deserves the chance to participate, belong and thrive.

Built Around Safety - Not Convenience

What makes Linky Littlies different is simple:

This service wasn’t built as a “lift.”

It was built as a child safety program first. Every passenger is safely accommodated in line with NSW child transport regulations, with access to age-appropriate child car seats, booster seats and fully seat-belted vehicles to ensure every journey is secure, comfortable and compliant. Every driver and staff member undergoes:

• Working With Children Checks

• National Police Checks

• Driver accreditation

And because many families today are navigating incredibly complex circumstances, the service also includes strict confidentiality and privacy protections for vulnerable children and families.

That means parents can feel confident knowing their children are not simply being transported - they’re being cared for.

Helping Centres Create Bigger Experiences

For preschools and early learning centres, inky ittlies opens the door to experiences that often feel too difficult to organise because of available and appropriate transport.

ibrary visits.

Intergenerational programs.

Museum outings. Community events.

Nature excursions.

The kinds of moments children remember. The kinds of experiences that build confidence, curiosity and connection. inky ittlies provides centres with safe, professionally managed transport so educators can focus on creating meaningful learning opportunities rather than worrying about logistics.

Affordable. Flexible. Community Focused ne of the biggest surprises for families and

centres is how affordable the service can be. ookings are flexible and tailored based on distance and needs, helping families and centres access transport support without excessive costs or lock-in arrangements. ecause community transport should actually support the community.

A New Kind of Support for Families

inky ittlies also includes the new Safe athways rogram, supporting children who may need safe and structured transport during periods of family crisis or housing instability. For children experiencing disruption, maintaining routine matters. etting to preschool.

Seeing friends.

Attending activities.

Feeling normal.

Sometimes a safe ride can mean far more than transport alone.

The Real Question Is…

What could life look like if transport wasn’t the stressful part of your day

What opportunities could your child access

What pressure could your family release

What experiences could your centre finally offer

inky ittlies is now taking enquiries from families, preschools and early learning centres wanting to learn more about excursions, regular transport options and tailored support services.

ecause childhood should feel exciting. And parenting should come with a little more support.

To find out more or enquire about bookings, contact Linked Community Services today.

Linky@linked.org.au 02 6583 8644

linkylittlies.com.au

Illuminate

with KATE WOOD-FOYE

THE GUTS, GRIT AND GROUNDWORK OF REMARKABLE REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURS, INNOVATORS, LEADERS AND GAME CHANGERS.

A decade ago, Erika Gleeson set out to make the water safer for neurodivergent children. Today, Autism Swim spans 30 countries, an OAM honours her contribution to the disability sector, and her passion for creating belonging remains stronger than ever.

Receiving an OAM is a remarkable honour. When you re ect on the ourney from founding Autism wim to seeing its impact reach communities across the globe, what moment stands out as the one that confirmed you were creating real change and on the right track?

Receiving the OAM was incredibly humbling and surreal. The recognition was for service to the disability sector more broadly, including my work as a behaviour specialist, consultant, lecturer, media representative, international volunteer and founder of Autism Swim. Autism Swim now operates across 30

ERIKA GLEESON OAM

countries and focuses on making aquatic environments safer and more inclusive. One program I’m most proud of is Dippers, our modified nippers program running across various Australian beaches.

ne moment that really confirmed we were creating meaningful change was during the very first season of Dippers. A parent of a 14-year-old child told me their family had never been able to safely attend the beach before because the risks were simply too great. While we spoke, their child was out the back riding a surfboard with volunteers. It was one of those moments where the impact became visible in real time. For me, that’s what inclusion should look like; not simply being present in a space, but genuinely being able to participate in it.

our work began with a deeply practical goal keeping neurodivergent children safe around water, but it has evolved into a movement for inclusion. How has your understanding of what true inclusion looks like changed over the years?

Initially, my focus was access and safety. owever there are significant differences between awareness, acceptance, inclusion and belonging. Awareness is recognising difference exists. Acceptance is tolerating it. Inclusion is intentionally creating environments where people can participate meaningfully, but belonging is the ultimate goal. That’s where

someone feels psychologically safe, valued and genuinely welcomed without needing to mask who they are.

Many organisations still approach inclusion as a checklist, when in reality it is an ongoing commitment to understanding human experience. That shift in thinking has been one of the greatest evolutions in my work; moving from “How do we get people into the room?” to “How do we ensure they feel they truly belong once they are there?”

Many people see recognition such as an AM as the culmination of a career. or changemakers like yourself, it often feels more like a milestone than a finish line. What mission or challenge is currently driving you most strongly?

It definitely feels far more like a milestone than a finish line. If anything, receiving the AM has strengthened my sense of responsibility to continue advocating for systemic change. One of the biggest challenges currently driving me is the growing gap between what vulnerable people need and what systems are resourced to provide. Across the disability sector, families, educators and frontline workers are doing their best within systems that are often stretched and reactive.

I’m particularly passionate about shifting the conversation around behaviour and neurodivergence. Too often, behaviours are viewed through a lens of compliance or

I’ve had to ﬁnd new ways to continue reaching people, including through our podcast, Behave, a children’s book currently in development, keynote speaking and consultancy work.

punishment rather than communication, nervous system regulation and support needs. As my oneto-one books have filled beyond capacity, I’ve had to find new ways to continue reaching people, including through our podcast, Behave, a children’s book currently in development, keynote speaking and consultancy work. Ultimately, my goal is not just to create inclusive programs, but to help create inclusive cultures.

Through Autism Swim, you’ve challenged industries to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action. What do you believe organisations still get wrong about accessibility, and what simple shifts could make the biggest difference?

I think many organisations still view accessibility too narrowly. Accessibility is not just the installation of a ramp or meeting minimum compliance standards, although those things absolutely matter. True accessibility is also emotional, sensory, social and cultural. The question I always encourage organisations to ask is: “Do people actually feel welcome in our space because

someone can technically access an environment while still feeling excluded within it. The organisations doing this well genuinely consult people with lived experience and recognise that inclusion is not a one-off project, but an ongoing process of listening, learning and adapting. Sometimes the most meaningful changes are quite simple. Inclusion is about intentionality, not perfection.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sustainable leadership cannot exist in isolation. Earlier in my career, I wish I had sought out more mentorship, guidance and support instead of feeling like I had to carry everything independently. I’ve learned that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about continuing to learn, listen and evolve. Illuminate celebrates people who inspire others to step boldly into their purpose. For a young person reading this who sees a problem in the world and wants to make a difference, what advice would you share about turning passion into lasting impact?

The stories behind social impact work are often filled with resilience, setbacks and unexpected lessons. What has been the most difficult chapter of your ourney, and what did it teach you about leadership? Many chapters of my career have been lonelier than people would probably realise. There were long periods of constant travel, highstakes decisions and carrying responsibility for outcomes that could impact thousands of people. When you are deeply invested in creating change, there can sometimes be pressure to keep pushing forward without acknowledging the personal cost that comes with leadership.

Start before you feel ready and don’t overthink the beginning. People often feel they need the perfect business plan, website or strategy before they can start making a difference, but meaningful impact rarely begins that way. It usually starts with one person simply caring enough to act. Things evolve around you as you go. You learn by doing, listening, making mistakes (probably loads) and by staying connected to the reason you started. If you genuinely have the itch to make the world better, very little else will fulfil you in the same way. urpose-driven work can be exhausting, but deeply meaningful.

Thanks Erika.

Priest 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 our clients’ speciﬁc needs and expectations.

Nicholas Lawton BA, LLB (Managing Director/ Lawyer)

I have over 12 years experience as a lawyer, working primarily in commercial, business and property law, along with wills, estate planning, probate and estate administration. I enjoy the challenge of more complex matters and the intersection of different areas of law that can often arise in commercial transactions and succession planning, and the problem solving that involves. The most satisfying part of my job is assisting clients achieve their goals, whatever they may be, and to help them to navigate the challenges they face.

I also take pride in the great team of professionals and support staff at Priest Legal, and the commitment they display to helping clients each and every day.

Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my young family, and when time permits, you’ll find me on the golf course or cricket field.

Jeremy Brigden BA, LLB (Director/Lawyer)

Over the last 20 years in full time practice, I have developed expertise in resolution of civil disputes, ranging from simple to very complex matters about money, business, property, wills and estates. My primary focus is on early case assessment and commercial resolution to avoid the costs and risks associated with litigation and lawyers generally where possible and, where not possible, to protect the client’s position and mitigate risk. I practice and regularly appear in all NSW and federal civil courts and tribunals,

team

acting for both plaintiffs and defendants, with a very good track record of success and costs recovery on both sides of the dispute.

Away from work, you will probably find me enjoying a beer.

Tim Couch B.Com, LLB, LLM (Family Law), Public Notary (Director/Lawyer)

Over the past nearly 17 years in full time legal practice, my primary focus has been family law. I help clients move forward and resolve issues that arise as a consequence of separation such as the division of matrimonial property, parenting arrangements, 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 trying periods they will ever experience. I also provide Public Notary services to the Port Macquarie/ Hastings community.

Away from work, life is generally pretty busy with my young family, which is of most importance to me. A hit of golf and a beer when time permits.

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

I am the Principal Lawyer for Priest Legal in the Wauchope office with over years experience. I love working with the Wauchope community to assist them to resolve their issues whether it be wills and estates, family law, property law or just general advice. Receiving the support that I need from the diverse range of skills that our ort Macquarie office staff and lawyers have, enables me to ensure that our Wauchope clients get the best service and advice.

Away from work, I swim regularly and enjoy exercising and keeping well. I am also interested 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.

Away from work, I enjoy spending time on the farm, gardening and reading.

Joy Brinklow – Licensed Conveyancer

Before joining Priest Legal, I worked 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 experience to the firm and combine strong management and communication skills with attention to detail to ensure the best outcome for our conveyancing clients.

Away from work, I love doing my regular Pilates classes, gardening, and watching netball.

Ph: 02 6583 1777 (Port Macquarie)

PH: 02 6586 4922 (Wauchope)

WHY TURNING 60CHANGES HOW YOU THINK ABOUT SUPER

I'm turning 60 this year, and like a lot of people approaching that birthday, I've found myself thinking about superannuation differently. I’ve spent decades helping people plan around this important milestone, and now that I’m almost there myself, I’m keen to share some things we all Need2Know about super at 60.

Around this time, our financial situation comes into sharp focus, and many people begin to feel uneasy. A client came to see me recently after spending hours online trying to make sense of the rules, more confused than when she started. By the end of our conversation, that had changed completely. Not because her situation was any different, but because she finally understood it.

Super has two sets of rules

There are rules about putting money in, and rules about taking money out. For most of our working lives those two things feel separate. Money goes in and we don't think much about getting it back out because retirement still feels a long way off.

That changes from around 60. I often refer to the years between 60 and 75 as the 'golden age’ for super, because the rules around money in and money out start to work together. Putting money in: the part people often miss Many people assume that if they didn't

contribute steadily over the years, they've missed their chance. They usually haven't. The rules allow for the fact that life doesn't run in a straight line. If you took time out to raise children, care for a parent, recover from illness, or simply earned less in some years than others, you may have more room to contribute than you'd expect.

Unused amounts from recent years can sometimes be carried forward and used later. These are called 'catch-up contributions', and they can be especially useful in a year when you've sold an asset or your income is higher than usual.

The amount you can contribute before tax, your 'concessional contributions', is increasing from 1 July 2026, when the annual cap rises to 2, 00. The exact figures will depend on your circumstances, but it s worth finding out if you have a second chance to build your super and save tax.

Taking money out: why 60 unlocks things

For anyone born after June 1964, 60 is what's called your 'preservation age'. In plain terms, it's the earliest you can access your super. Celebrating your 60th birthday isn't enough though. You also need to meet a 'condition of release'. For most people that means retiring or ceasing an employment arrangement. From 65, your super is available to you whether you're still working or not. At 65 you can do both: contribute to super and draw from it at

the same time.

What 60 makes possible

Why does this matter? The worry I hear most often about super is some version of "what if I lock my money away and then I need it?"

Before 60, that's a fair concern and something to plan carefully for. Beyond 60, once you've retired or left a job, your super is unlocked.

A few things worth remembering:

• There's often more room than you think. Past lower income years may have created an opportunity to contribute more.

• Your super could now be within reach. Once you've retired or left a job, it becomes money you can actually use.

• Knowing the money is there changes how it feels. When you re confident you can access your super if circumstances change, it's far easier to make plans.

What works well for one person can be the wrong move for another, depending on your situation, your timing, and what you want the next stretch of life to look like. As a financial planner, I always tell my clients my job is to help you understand your options, not to decide for you or tell you what to do.

When you know what's possible, turning 60 is a chance to take control of your super and open up real opportunities. What better birthday gift could there be?

directadvisers.com.au

TOBY MESSINA & MICHAEL BRUMBY

Congratulations on your success at the State Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo recently, what did that recognition mean to you personally and as a team?

SES PORT MACQUARIE UNIT

Toby: It’s nice to be recognised as performing at a high level, however the win is not the best part. It is the opportunity to mix with our peers (both paid and volunteer rescue units across urban, regional, and remote areas), share some experiences and learn from others’ experience.

Michael: We had worked hard as a team during the competition challenges and felt that we’d given each scenario our best efforts. When the results were released, there was much elation within the team, and I felt humbled to be part of the best medic team given the level of expertise amongst our peers at the competition.

For readers unfamiliar with the event, can you explain what the State Road Crash Rescue Challenge involves and the kinds of scenarios competitors are faced with?

Michael: The event comprises two 30min road rescue challenges where rescue teams of six members work to treat and free casualties involved in a road crash scenario. The team has 10min to prepare and check rescue equipment before each event. Teams are then ‘isolated’ while event judges and setup crew bring in damaged vehicles and arrange the scenario. Teams then arrive back in the arena and the scenario commences, very much like arriving at an incident in the real world.

A er an outstanding performance at the State Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo, local SES medics Toby Messina and Michael Brumby helped lead the Port Macquarie Unit to overall victory, while also taking home the Best Medical award.

In addition, teams also participate in Industrial and Domestic Rescue challenges (release of a patient with limb entrapment in a domestic setting), CPR challenge (delivery of 12min continuous C R , Firefighter challenge and Trauma challenge.

The trauma challenge is an event where the two medics from the rescue team respond to a medical incident involving some form of major trauma. The emphasis is on quickly identifying

and managing life-threatening conditions and triaging treatment of other injuries.

As medics within the team, what are the key things you’re focusing on during an entrapment or trauma scenario?

Toby: We approach these competitions the same as a call out. We take a patientcentred approach, by locating casualties then safely accessing them, before stabilising any immediate life-threatening injuries to safely extricate and transport them to definitive care.

Port Macquarie achieved outstanding results across multiple categories, what do you think set your team apart this year?

Toby: To do well in these complex scenarios, you need a combination of good training and a bit of luck too. There were many other teams who were probably just as good but luck wasn’t on their side on the day.

setting up each scenario which are replications of real-life events. It’s essential that rescue teams have opportunities to be challenged in a safe space to develop their rescue skills and teamwork. Judges feedback at completion of each scenario is invaluable in recognising innovation while also identifying further opportunities for growth and development. Competing against other high-performing rescue teams from NSW and Victoria, there seemed to be a strong focus on learning and sharing knowledge, how important is that culture within the rescue community?

Michael: We are blessed to be part of a supportive SES unit and have a strong culture around training and skill development. Many of us have competed previously, but I think the strong sense of trust and teamwork helped us all perform at our best this year.

These scenarios are designed to mirror real-life emergencies. How valuable are competitions like this in preparing crews for actual incidents back home?

Toby: There is no substitute for experiencing the real thing, but this Road Crash Rescue Challenge is about as close to the real thing that you could ever ask for. As hard and consistently we train at a local level, it is sharing our experiences and learning from others that keeps us sharp and up to date. The most pressing example is the introduction of electric vehicles including hybrids in this year’s competition, which mirrors what we’re seeing on the road. In a regional area, this experience from city based units primes us for the reality of more E s on our roads, requiring new techniques and appreciation of new hazards.

Michael: I think every competing team appreciates the time and effort taken in

Michael: While there is always a sense of friendly rivalry, the learning symposium and event brings like-minded rescue professionals together to learn, share knowledge, and build on rescue industry best-practice. The camaraderie between services not only promotes open sharing of knowledge and techniques but benefits the entire community as real-world incidents involve all services working shoulder to shoulder for timely and efficient rescues. What motivates you both to continue volunteering and developing your rescue skills?

to help someone and bring them reassurance when they are involved in an incident. A leadership quote from the weekend was to ‘be the type of rescuer we would want for ourselves and family friends should we be involved in an incident’. This challenge inspires me to continue practicing skills and teamwork so we can be our best every time we answer the call.

Finally, for anyone considering joining the SES or volunteering in emergency services, what would you say to encourage them to get involved?

We think of call outs as going to the aid of someone who is probably experiencing the worst day of their life, and I consider it a privilege to be able to be there for others.

Toby: A big part of who I am is made up of the connections I have to the people around me. Taking time as a volunteer to train and practice skills to then come to the aid of others in my community is both helping them and also giving me a sense of accomplishment and belonging. We think of call outs as going to the aid of someone who is probably experiencing the worst day of their life, and I consider it a privilege to be able to be there for others.

Michael: It’s personally rewarding to be able

Toby: I would suggest everyone have a go in a volunteer agency, whether that is SES or any of the other volunteer agencies. ou may find that it is very rewarding, and helping others is a great way to use practical skills that we teach. I’ve had exmembers of many years get in contact saying that skills they learnt in SES have helped them overcome a challenge, from real-life first-aid scenarios, to bogged vehicles on holiday, or navigating a natural disaster safely. The skills you could learn may save a life, including your own.

Michael: ur community in ort Macquarie continues to grow, and recent weather systems are presenting increasing challenges for the safety of our population. In the last 12months, SES units across the astings region have responded to 1200 calls for assistance including 142 rescues. Now is a great time for anyone who is inspired to help their community by becoming a volunteer.

The NSWSES website ses.nsw.gov.au provides more information on what it looks like to volunteer with the SES including a link for online applications.

Thanks guys.

The Trusted Name in Construction Since 1985

For over 40 years, Williams River Steel has been delivering high-quality steel and precast concrete design and construction solutions across NSW and the Mid North Coast.

From workshops and renovations through to the complete delivery of state-of-the-art showrooms, industrial facilities, and commercial developments; We can support your project from initial design through to lockup or provide targeted services while working seamlessly alongside your existing team.

As one of the few Design and Construct companies in Australia with fully integrated in-house capabilities, Williams River Steel o ers true end-to-end delivery from concept to completion, reducing risk and o ering greater Project control.

If you’re considering a new build, an expansion of your operations, or a business relocation, choose a builder with proven capability, reliability, and results.

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DESINO

TILES & BATHWARE

DESINO TILES & BATHWARE

The local design landscape on the Mid North Coast is about to get a major injection of global luxury. This July, family-owned boutique Desino Tiles is o cially expanding its footprint, opening the doors to a stunning, modern showroom right in the heart of the region at 4/175 Lake Rd, Port Macquarie.

Founded by industry veteran Anthony and his wife, Desino Tiles is the culmination of over 15 years of hands-on expertise in the tile and design sector. Driven by a shared passion for beautiful spaces and genuine, old-school customer care, the duo have built a reputation for transforming the often-overwhelming process of selecting finishes into an inspiring, highly personalised creative journey.

Anthony, congratulations on the expansion! For those in Port Macquarie who are hearing about Desino Tiles for the first time, can you tell us a bit about the business? Desino Tiles is a family owned business that my wife and I started with a passion for beautiful spaces, quality products, and genuine customer service. What began as a vision to create a more personalised and inspiring tile showroom experience has grown into a business we’re incredibly proud of today. I’ve personally been in the tile and design industry for over 15 years, and throughout that time I’ve developed a strong understanding of both the practical and design side of the industry. That experience has helped shape the way we approach customer service, product selection, and the overall experience we create for our clients.

At Desino Tiles, we focus on sourcing and supplying premium, high end tiles and surfaces from around the world. Our collections include artisan Moroccan zellige, unique marble mosaics, luxury European inspired finishes, and large format Italian porcelain slabs that bring a sophisticated and timeless feel to any space. We’re passionate about offering products that feel distinctive, elevated, and design focused.

What is the core philosophy behind Desino Tiles? What drives your team every day? At the heart of Desino Tiles is a simple philosophy: great design should feel accessible, personal, and inspiring. As a family run business, we genuinely care about helping people create spaces they love, whether it’s a dream bathroom, a family home renovation, or a large scale commercial project.

interaction. What drives our team every day is seeing ideas come together and being part of our customers’ creative journey. With more than 15 years of industry experience behind the business, we understand how important it is to combine quality products with honest advice and exceptional customer service.

Our collections include artisan Moroccan zellige, unique marble mosaics, luxury European inspired ﬁnishes and large Italian porcelain slabs..... .

What are you and the team most looking forward to about becoming part of the local Port Macquarie community? We’re incredibly excited to become part of the Port Macquarie community and build long term relationships with local homeowners, builders, designers, and trades. Port Macquarie has such a strong sense of community and an appreciation for beautiful homes and lifestyle focused living, which aligns perfectly with what we do.

Relationships and trust are at the centre of everything we do, and we bring that same personal approach into every customer

As a family business, community means a lot to us, so we’re looking forward to supporting local projects, meeting new people, and becoming a trusted part of the area for years to come.

When the doors officially open this July, what can locals expect when they walk into the new Desino Tiles showroom? Locals can expect a modern, welcoming showroom designed to inspire.

We genuinely care about making the process enjoyable and stress free while helping customers feel conﬁdent in the choices they make for their home or project.

We’ve carefully curated displays featuring the latest tile trends, artisan finishes, natural stone looks, large format Italian porcelain slabs, feature mosaics, outdoor paving, and luxury bathroom finishes.

More importantly, customers can expect a personalised experience. Our team will be there to guide people through selections, offer practical advice, and help simplify what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process. Are there any specific styles, materials, or exclusive tile ranges you are bringing to Port Macquarie that you think locals will fall in love with? Absolutely. We’re bringing a carefully selected range of globally inspired products that we believe locals will really connect with. From artisan Moroccan zellige and unique marble mosaics to textured feature tiles and large format Italian porcelain slabs, our collections are designed to create spaces with character, warmth, and timeless appeal.

We’re also seeing strong demand for earthy tones, organic textures, and natural stone inspired finishes that perfectly complement the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the region.

Choosing tiles can sometimes feel overwhelming for renovators. How does your team help clients navigate the process and bring their design visions to life? We understand that choosing tiles can feel like a huge decision because they become such a defining feature of a space. That’s why we take a very hands on and personalised approach.

ur team work closely with clients to understand their style, budget, lifestyle needs, and overall vision. We help simplify the selection process by narrowing down options, coordinating colours and finishes, and offering practical guidance on layout, functionality, and long term durability.

We genuinely care about making the process enjoyable and stress free while helping customers feel confident in the choices they make for their home or project.

We know the big launch is happening in July! Can you share any details about

the opening, where we can find you, and how people can get in touch or preview your collection? We can’t wait for our official opening this uly and to officially welcome the community into the showroom. The launch event is going to be a fantastic celebration featuring a live band, catering, cocktails, giveaways, and a raffle for attendees. We wanted to create an event that feels welcoming, relaxed, and reflective of the community spirit we value as a family business. ou’ll be able to find us at 17 ake Rd, ort Macquarie. Leading up to the launch, we’ll be sharing sneak peeks, showroom highlights, and opening updates across our social media channels. Customers will also be able to contact our team directly for appointments, project advice, and product enquiries.

Looking ahead, what is your ultimate vision for Desino Tiles in Port Macquarie over the next few years? Our vision is to become a trusted destination for premium surfaces, design inspiration, and personalised service in the ort Macquarie region. We want Desino Tiles to be known not only for high quality products, but also for bringing unique, globally inspired collections to the local market.

As a family owned business, we’re focused on building something long term, a business that locals feel connected to and proud to support for many years to come.

WELCOME TO DESINO TILES & BATHWARE

Our friendly and experienced team are here to assist you with personalised guidance and expert advice, ensuring you ﬁ nd the perfect tiles and bathware for your home.

Whether you’re a home owner or contractor, our broad selection of products combined with our professional design consultants can help you keep your projects on schedule and within the budget that suits you.

A wide-ranging selection of products tailored to your dream home.

We stock Tiles and Bathware from leading Australian brands

We supply trades with building materials including glue, grouts, angles at competitive pricing

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS TILES AND BATH WARE.

OPENING 5TH JULY ALONG LAKE

LAKE ROAD PORT MACQUARIE

THE 70S REVIVAL

with ANTHONY BERINGEN HOME

Styling

FROM ZEN-YA DESIGNS FOR LIFE

There’s a quiet confidence in the way 1970s design is returning to Australian homes right now, and it’s not about recreating the past, but reinterpreting it.

Across the Mid North Coast and beyond, I’m seeing a growing desire for interiors that feel relaxed, expressive, and grounded. The 70s revival taps into all of that, offering a sense of familiarity while still feeling fresh and relevant. What makes this resurgence so compelling is its warmth. The 1970s were never about stark minimalism. They embraced colour, texture, and comfort in a way that feels deeply aligned with how Australians want to live today. In 2026, that translates into interiors layered with earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, olive, and rich browns. These colours don’t just look good, they feel right, especially in coastal and regional settings where the landscape naturally reflects the same palette.

Furniture is playing a big role in bringing this revival to life. We’re moving away from rigid, angular pieces and embracing low-slung, curvaceous forms that invite you to sit, lounge, and stay a while.

Sofas feel deeper and softer, chairs are sculptural without being showy, and there’s

a noticeable shift toward comfort as a priority rather than an afterthought. Even the reappearance of the sunken lounge, once considered dated, is being reimagined in a way that feels intimate and social rather than retro for the sake of it.

Materials are equally important in capturing that nostalgic mood. Rattan, cane, and timber are making a strong comeback, but with a more refined application. Darker, warmer wood tones are replacing the pale timbers of recent years, adding depth and a sense of history to spaces. These elements work beautifully in Australian homes, particularly when paired with natural light and open-plan living. They soften the space without weighing it down.

Texture, too, is central to this revival. The 70s were unapologetically tactile, and we’re seeing that same approach today through bouclé, velvet, linen, and layered textiles. It’s about creating rooms that feel as good as they look; spaces you want to sink into at the end of the day. In many ways, this reflects a broader shift in how we view our homes: less as showpieces, and more as places of comfort and retreat.

What’s interesting, though, is how this nostalgic influence is being balanced with modern sensibilities. Today’s 70s-inspired

interiors are far more curated. Instead of bold pattern clashes and heavy ornamentation, we’re seeing restraint; cleaner lines, thoughtful colour palettes, and a focus on quality over quantity. It’s nostalgia, but edited. There’s also a strong connection to sustainability driving this trend. The 1970s aesthetic naturally lends itself to vintage and second-hand pieces, and many homeowners are embracing that opportunity to source pre-loved furniture or restore existing items. This not only reduces waste but also adds a sense of individuality that’s often missing from mass-produced interiors. A well-worn timber sideboard or a reupholstered armchair can bring far more character to a space than something brand new.

In coastal regions like ours, the 70s revival feels particularly at home. It aligns with a more relaxed, indoor-outdoor way of living. These are spaces that aren’t overly polished, but instead feel easy, layered, and personal. There’s a sense that homes don’t need to be perfect; they just need to feel good to be in.

Ultimately, the return of 70s design isn’t about looking back, it’s about reconnecting with a way of living that prioritises comfort, warmth, and authenticity. And in 2026, that feels more relevant than ever.

WHY NOSTALGIA IS SHAPING AUSTRALIAN INTERIORS THIS YEAR

MARKET UPDATE

with ROD McCORMICK

TOFFERING INSIGHT INTO CURRENT PROPERTY TRENDS AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR INVESTMENT.

he Port Macquarie property market is remaining stable and resilient, continuing the trend of sustainable growth seen earlier in 2026.

While buyer activity has become more measured, demand remains strong enough to support property values, particularly given the ongoing shortage of available stock.

Median house price:

approximately $920,000 – $930,000

Median unit price: approximately $605,000 – $635,000

Days on market: approximately 30–35 days

Houses continue to deliver consistent capital growth, while units are increasingly appealing to investors seeking affordability and stronger yields.

Rental Market Performance

The rental market continues to perform strongly, with high tenant demand and low

vacancy rates placing upward pressure on rental prices.

Median house rent: $655 – $665 per week

Units: experiencing slightly stronger rental growth than houses

Rental yields:

Houses: approximately 3.6% – 3.9%

Units: approximately 4.4% – 4.8%

Well-presented properties are leasing quickly, often generating strong enquiry shortly after being listed.

Supply and Demand

Supply levels remain tight, with limited new listings coming to market. Demand continues to be driven by:

• Interstate migration from capital cities

• Buyers seeking a coastal lifestyle

• Investors, retirees, and downsizers entering the market

This imbalance continues to underpin both sales prices and rental returns.

Key Trends

• Stable market conditions with moderate growth

• Buyers are more selective and price-conscious

• Increasing investor activity, particularly in units

• Strong rental demand with low vacancy rates

• Properties selling within approximately one month

Looking Ahead

We expect the market to remain steady in the coming months, with:

• Modest price growth

• Continued strong rental demand

• Houses outperforming in capital growth

• Units appealing to yield-focused investors

If you would like a tailored update on your property, please feel free to contact me directly to arrange your appraisal today.

mobile. 0493 492 975 email. rodm@rhcpmq.com.au

The Port Macquarie rental market continues to experience strong enquiry levels, with quality homes attracting signiﬁcant interest from local and relocating tenants alike.

Low vacancy rates and ongoing population growth across the region continue to create positive conditions for property investors.

At Raine & Horne Port Macquarie, we pride ourselves on connecting landlords with quality tenants while delivering professional, reliable property management services backed by local expertise.