Manning-Greta Lakes Focus - i72

Feature Story MANNING-GREAT LAKES

February 2013 // issue 72

Bronwyn Rich

editor's note.

Jo Atkins

editor.

from the

Welcome to the February 2013 edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS! guess everyoneÕs tired of talking about the weather lately, but as weÕve experienced a season of both extended periods of hot temperatures and bushÞres, followed by pouring rains and ßoods Ð a quote attributed to Mark Twain springs to mind: ÒEverybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about itÓ. WouldnÕt it be good if we could turn that giant tap in the sky on and off at will? I wonder what autumn will bring, as itÕs not far away.

We do have plenty of other topics to talk about in FOCUS this month besides our erratic weather though! Read on É ON THE COVER We highlight some of our enterprising and entrepreneurial local women this month in our Women in Business feature. Do you recognise our gorgeous cover models? Flip to the feature, and youÕll Þnd out all about them and many other amazing women who are proud to call the Manning-Great Lakes home. These women are the lifeblood of our community, providing us with so many necessary goods and services and employing both older and younger members of our community. We take our hats off to you all.

I

contacts.

STORIES AND INTERVIEWS Entertainment-wise, thereÕs quite a variety on offer locally this month. Do any of you remember that one of a kind hit from 1983, called Australiana? ItÕs still in my cassette collection! Austen Tayshus is celebrating 30 years since the release of this record, which still ranks as the biggest selling single of all time in Australia. Austen drops in to visit us at the Tuncurry Bowlo this month, to present his unique brand of comedy in a show for the over 18s. DonÕt miss it!

I had the pleasure of speaking to Little Pattie, well known for her songs that captured the essence of the Ô60s surÞng era. An amazingly warm-hearted and gracious lady, Little Pattie is yet another performer who can claim extraordinary longevity in the entertainment industry. If youÕd like to hear some of her wonderful songs and stories of her experiences both in Australia and overseas, pop into the Manning Entertainment Centre on February 12.

Yet another set of visitors to our area are the Australian Fleetwood Mac Band, whoÕll be performing at Club Forster. To recapture the iconic sound of Fleetwood Mac is no mean feat, and this band is

stunningly talented.

We also interview well known local identity Fred Williams, who is soon to be inducted into the Australian Water Sports Hall of Fame, Melissa Morgan tells us about a special Swimathon that will take place at the YMCA this month, and Bronwyn Rich shares her collection of beautiful English china with us, in what I hope will be become a regular interview segment in FOCUS Ð the Collectors Corner.

EDITOR’S PHOTO This monthÕs photo was taken by Christine Calabria − showcasing a beautiful sunset from the verandah at Artisans on the Hill. DonÕt forget to send your scenic local photos to jo@focusmag. com.au if youÕd like to see them in FOCUS. FINAL SAY ÒWherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshineÓÐ Anthony J. DÕAngelo.

Jo Atkins Ð Editor jo@focusmag.com.au

ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf Street, Forster 2428 PHONE: (02) 6555 3381 FAX: (02) 6555 7338

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Essential Energy

Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reßect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders. Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers conÞrm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. Manning-Great Lakes Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications PTY LTD ABN: 621 287 8600 5 Material in Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications PTY LTD 2011 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.

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focusinterview.

R NE COR

Bronwyn Rich.

Living in England helped forge a long-time love of fine English China for Bronwyn (Bronnie) Rich – so much so, that she was able to turn her passion for collecting into a new career!

ow did you first develop an interest in English china?

I had a very English mother, and I spent several years living in England, both in London and in some of the picture postcard rural areas. My first summer there I found work on a farm, picking asparagus, of all things. We travellers were housed in these great big caravans, in the grounds of the manor house, and the vans were furnished with the leftovers from the manor house. We were cooking with and eating on the finest china, which had been replaced in the ‘Big House’ with even more stunning stuff.

I fell in love with the beautiful quality and the incredible workmanship, the patterns and colours. The seed was sown.

What was the first piece you collected, and how did you acquire it?

The first piece I ever collected (little realising where it would take me) was a miniature dining suite, made of marbled green and white porcelain, which stood about 3 cm high. Funnily enough, I was on holiday in Thailand when I saw it, rather than Harrods or Selfridges.

During many of the years that I lived in the UK, I worked as a nanny, generally for fairly wealthy families, some of them archetypal ‘landed gentry’. The history that was intrinsic to these people’s lives was such a huge departure from the way we live in Australia, that I totally fell under a spell.

How varied is your collection?

Although I have become a bit more of a purist lately, I will buy anything that ‘talks’ to me. The momentary disappointment re 4

manning-great lakes focus.

something not having a posh label is soon forgotten, especially when the colours work together and it’s an addition to, or the starting of, a new collection.

I love fine, ethereal English porcelain, my absolute favourite being soft greens, cream and gold. I also love the flower illustrations by the Royal Albert and Royal Doulton artists.

I decided years ago that I was only going to use the lovely old crockery at home, and got rid of all the modern plain white china in the house. I love all of the different shapes of china, including the pin dishes, the vege serving bowls, the huge chargers and platters.

I started my little sister off with a collection of old English sandwich plates, and even though she lives in Dubai now, her collection continues to grow in her absence. A real joy for me is piquing someone else's interest to the extent that without quite realising it, they too join the world of the crazy collector.

Not being a dollish type, I am astounded at the thrill I get now from finding a tiny, pretty little china doll, and the serious issues that have to be faced about whether I can justify keeping it, or putting it in the shop.

How many pieces of English china would you estimate you own now?

I am lucky enough to have several hundred pieces of English china in my apparently shrinking little cottage that I share with my son, Henry.

What would be the favourite piece in your collection?

Paradoxically, the favourite piece in my collection is a blue and white milk jug by an artist from Finland. The Scandinavians have a wonderfully quirky way of depicting scenes, that really appeals to me, although so very

different from the traditional English china.

Are you still adding to your collection of English china these days, and where do you normally source the items?

Incredibly enough, the thrill of discovery has diminished not at all for me. The tiniest dish or tea set, even a crackled, far from perfect jug, still gives me enormous pleasure.

My collecting habits have changed somewhat since I opened up my new business, Manning Valley Collectables. My horizons have been sharply broadened and I am of course fossicking on behalf of many now, instead of just a few. Who knew the myriad of things that people are constantly on the lookout for!

I still keep an eye out for goodies at the old haunts like the charity and tip shops, but since I’ve had the new shop, I have had the privilege of going into people’s homes, to help them through the process of downsizing their homes and necessarily reducing the amount of items they keep. I have had an insight into the huge emotional turmoil people suffer, whether they are clearing their own stuff or that of relatives or lifelong friends.

After many discussions on the subject, I have realised that the wrench of letting go of things is eased when the treasures are going to a place where others are able to buy and love them, rather than have them treated as refuse. A lot of our history ends up as landfill and is lost to the world forever. It's a desperate shame, because the solid values and workmanship of old can do so much to broaden our outlook and teach us.

Are you a member of any collectors clubs or groups?

My beautiful new shop has led me into an extremely busy existence, and pretty much

precludes me from being involved in any collectors, or similar, clubs, at the moment.

Having said that, I am just off to Dubai for a visit with family there and what I am hoping will be the beginning of a whole new fossicking and gathering adventure.

As you mentioned, your love of collecting has led you to open a store – Manning Valley Collectables. Where is it located and what has been the response from collectable enthusiasts?

My shop, Manning Valley Collectables, is in a great position at 8 Manning Street, Taree, down towards the river end of the street.

Somewhat unexpectedly, there is a good intermittent stream of people coming into the shop, with a fantastically wide range of tastes, requirements and stories of their own.

We are air conditioned, which seems to be a bit unusual for this nature of business, and I have a strong belief in making the shop as accessible as possible to as many people in the community as I can.

One of the best things about MVC is the spirit of the people running the shop at any given time. We all love being there, and we all get a great thrill from helping our customers find what they are looking for, or even something totally unexpected that takes their fancy.

Thanks Bronnie.

are you a collector?

We want to know about you! Let us know what you collect, and you might just be our next Collectors Corner guest! e. jo@focusmag.com.au ph. (02) 6555 3381.

inside this

Issue 72 - February 2013

Austen Tayshus.

10.

A master of satire and one of Australia’s biggest names in comedy, Austen Tayshus stops over at Tuncurry Bowling Club on February 9 as part of his 30th anniversary tour …

Fleetwood Mac Show.

13.

If you love the distinctive sounds of Fleetwood Mac, don’t miss the Australian Fleetwood Mac show at Club Forster this month. Gary Stewart and Ursula Cain-Stewart explain how and why they decided to pay tribute to such an amazing band …

53.

Roller Derby.

Looking for something fast, fun – and just a little bit different? Liz Batch (aka Madam Dirty Boots) tells us about the exciting new Great Skates Roller Derby. So what are you waiting for … get your skates on!

usual suspects.

the

11. what’s on for February 16. eat featuring local restaurants 47. star guide with Terri 60. tourism update with Kerry Johnstone.

No matter where you are in the world, d, read Focus for free online every month @

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on www.facebook.com/mgl.focus w www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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focusinterview.

WILLIAMS i Fred. Tell us about your early years in the area …

I was born at Nabiac hospital.

In the old days, women travelled to Nabiac to have their children, usually in a horse and sulky, towed across the channel by a punt.

I spent most of my childhood in Forster, but also went to the William Thompson Masonic School in Baulkham Hills.

How old were you when you joined the local surf club?

I joined when I was about 9 or 10. I was a surf swimmer, and I also won a lot of belt races up and down the coast.

A belt race uses a reel, line and belt. You line up on the beach, run down to grab your belt and put it on, while you tow the line out to a buoy in the water. Your other team members help with the line and the reel. It’s a hard race – especially in big seas.

I nearly drowned once – out at Black Head.

Believe it or not, that’s when Bettie – my wife – actually saw me for the first time, although we didn’t meet until later.

That must have made an impression!

Yes! They were dragging me up the beach, and she was in the crowd watching me and probably thinking, “Look at that poor bugger”!

When I used to work in Newcastle, I’d come home to Forster for visits. I met Bettie while she was in the area for a camping trip. We were married in July 1952 – we’ve been together 60 years now. She’s been the biggest support to me through everything; she’s an amazing woman.

You did pretty well with your swimming, didn’t you?

I won just about everything I could on the Mid North Coast – titles in both belt racing and junior surf. I almost won the Australian Junior Open Belt Championship in 1949, but I stopped to help one of the other guys, who was drowning. I came second.

What did you do to earn a crust back then?

I trained as a joiner. I worked for Arthur Davis Constructions first in Newcastle, then in Taree.

How did you make your first set of skis?

‘Gelignite’ Jack Murray was a friend of mine.

He and his mates were messing around with old planks on the water, and he encouraged

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S p o r t s

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me to give it a try. We thought we’d make something similar to an aquaplane – we made it out of an old garage door! I also read about a bloke by the name of Waller in an American magazine who’d made a set of long skis.

I got two pieces of Beech and hung them over the verandah with two house bricks tied to the end. I poured boiling water over them to make them bend and left them overnight.

I attached two sandshoes and painted a bullseye in the middle – and that was my first set of skis!

Next, I decided to make a mould. The pub in Forster was being renovated, and the old verandah posts were big, solid blocks of Tallowwood.

I took one of these posts to local boat builder Alf Jensen. I drew the shape of the mould on the block, and we cut it out on his bandsaw. I used this mould up until the time I started to steam bend and use veneers in my skis.

How did you figure out the best way to make skis?

Trial and error. The hardest part was chasing timber – Silver Ash was the best timber to use, and my mate Keith Singh flew me in his plane all around Queensland sourcing it. Then we moved onto veneers … these days we still use Silver Ash and Mahogany. From the early days, my skis were branded ‘Ski Ace’.

How did your ski business grow from here?

In 1955, a few of us started up the Forster Aquatic Ski Club. Graham Barclay and I established a slalom course in Pipers Creek. I taught Graham to ski, and he went on to become a very successful competitor, becoming the Australian champion and coming third in the World Championships.

The club would put on shows and spectaculars, and my skis began to get noticed. In 1962,

we decided to move our manufacturing business from Forster to Burwood.

We branched out into designing wetsuits, vests and other gear.

When did you discover boating?

I started to sail in VJs with Bettie before we were married, then I progressed into speed boats. While we lived in Sydney, we began manufacturing speed boats in a big way. We started with a 21ft ski boat called the ‘Hustler’, and branched out into many other models afterwards, including the ‘SS160’, the ‘Maverick’, the ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Rage’.

What led to the relocation of your business from Sydney to Newcastle?

The business had grown so much, and it was difficult to keep pace with the demand. We moved to Gateshead, Newcastle, in 1972, as a way to get back to basics.

This was successful: in 1981 we won the ‘Vapor Trail’ – an American magazine award for the best water skier manufacturer. We also won an Australian Design Award for a lifejacket we made out of Neoprene.

You took up sailing again while you lived at Gateshead too?

Yes, I became a member of the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. I entered many yacht races there, did well, and I became Commodore of the club.

My dream was to compete in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. I leased the ocean racer ‘Helsal Il’ for 12 months, refitting her and renaming her Helsal II – Our Town Newcastle’.

She was ready for the race in 1981. After starting well, we ended up becalmed for hours –

eventually coming in third behind ‘Vengeance’ and ‘Condor of Bermuda’.

What was your last business venture before moving back to Forster?

We purchased the Marmong Cove Marina in 1983 and expanded the business. It was an innovative operation that became a talking point among the boating fraternity.

Unfortunately, these were hard times for investors, with high interest rates, and it was difficult to source partners with the necessary capital to help expand the business. We made the decision to auction the property in 1990 and moved back to Forster – where it really all began for us.

We moved back to retire – but I decided to start making skis again. I’m the only one in the world now making water skis for the trade out of timber – most manufacturers use fibreglass.

What’s the recent major acknowledgement you’ve received?

I’m being inducted into the Australian Water Sports Hall of Fame. It’s nice to be appreciated by everyone from the water skiing fraternity and the boating fraternity! I’ve helped a lot of people throughout my life and spent a lot of my life on the water.

How do you keep yourself fit these days?

I play golf now twice a week to get some exercise. I’m 82, you know! Actually, Graham Barclay, Keith Singh and I did go for a ski about 3 years ago. Graham was fine – he’s pretty fit.

But I have to tell you … I needed to go to bed for a week afterwards. I found muscles I didn’t know I had!

Thanks Fred. You’re a true local legend.

E X P R E S S I O N Z P H O T O G R A P H Y.

focusinterview.

G a r s i d e

W

hat originally led you to developing an interest in photography?

When I was younger I always wanted to play with Mum and Dad’s camera.

One day I finally got my hands on it, and that was the end ... I was addicted. From there, I did a year in photography at school and found that I had real talent as well as a love for photography. It was then I realised that I was meant to be a photographer. When I finished school, I was approached by Fletchers Fotographics, who offered me my first job.

What training have you completed whether formal or on the job education?

I started with Photographic Retail Industry Certificates 2 and 3 while working for Fletchers Fotographics in Forster. Here I learnt the basics for my photography business today ... some of the most valuable aspects being in depth colour management skills and also learning the entire process of creating a photo, from composition and capture right through to producing the glossy print you hold in your hand.

In the early days, I also assisted different professional photographers and learnt as much from them as I could. More recently I have attended many seminars covering different aspects of photography, and then of course my own experimentation … I never stop learning and evolving as a photographer.

Tell us about your business, Expressionz Photography. How long have you been operating, and what does your business specialize in?

I first started Expressionz Photography in 2003. I was mainly doing portraits back then. It wasn’t long before I was asked to photograph 8 manning-great lakes focus.

my first wedding. I remember it well ... I was ing story about that person, it’s a fantastic feeling so nervous and excited, amplified by portrait. the fact that the bride was also a professional What’s the most important thing to you photographer! Ten years later I am still spewhen you set out to capture great images cialising in weddings and portraits, but have − do you focus heavily on the technical added real estate and commercial photograaspects of a shoot, such as framing and phy over the years. I have also recently been lighting, or are you more spontaneous? experimenting with some slightly quirky fine I’m definitely more spontaneous, but of art photography, so keep an eye out for course you have to get the technical stuff that too. right too. Lighting is a pretty big What awards have you one for me − the right light can received for your work? totally change a photo and More recently I Last year I entered the change an ordinary photo have attended Australian Professional into something really g coverin many seminars Photography Awards. spectacular. What I really s of different aspect then I received two Silver love about lighting is the d photography, an n Awards for my photogpower it has to create ow of course my r ve ne I … n raphy: one for a portrait tio certain moods in your ta experimen ving ol ev d an ng photo, and the other a photo.

For me, if it doesn’t ni stop lear .” er ph ra og ot fine art photo. It’s a huge make you feel something, it ph as a competition sponsored by might be a good photo, but Canon and the Australian Init’s never going to be a great stitute of Professional Photography photo. and is open to professional photographers What’s something you’ve never across the world. photographed before but would love the I have also received Silver and Bronze opportunity to do so? awards in previous years with portrait and I have always been fascinated with different wedding photos and had photos published in perspectives and everyday objects you would books, national newspapers and magazines. normally not pay any attention to. Since I first But the best recognition I can receive is a thank fell in love with photography, I have wanted you from my bride and groom ... to know that to explore the close up and miniature world they love their photos and I have done my job. with my camera. In the last few months I have Nothing beats that warm, fuzzy feeling. purchased a macro lens, which will enable me In your eyes, what does it take to capture to do just that. I can’t wait! a fantastic portrait?

Your business is accredited with the A fantastic portrait needs to connect with Australian Institute of Professional Phothe viewer straight off … so they to instantly tography. What does this mean for your feel the need to visually explore the photo and business − and for your clients? find out more about that person and their life.

Joining the Australian Institute of ProfesIf the photo evokes a feeling or tells a captivatsional Photography (AIPP) has been one of

“

the best things I have done for myself and for my business. Not only does it provide great resources and support for my photography business, but also endless opportunities to learn new techniques and better myself as a photographer. This means better photos for my clients and that they can have confidence in me as their photographer.

What are some of the recent developments in photography that excite you?

There are so many options available to us now. We really have the ability to be as creative as we dare, and with the use of programs such as Adobe Photoshop, anything is possible.

These programs can be used to give a photo a subtle enhancement, or on the other end of the scale create an image totally unrecognisable to the original. If used with good technique, it can be difficult or near impossible to tell if a photo has been touched in Photoshop and what has been done where. It’s scary really, when you think about what can be done now.

Where can people go to view samples of your work, and how can they contact you?

If you would like to view some of my photography, you can visit my web page: www. expressionz.com.au or find Expressionz Photography on Facebook. I am contactable via email: angie@expressionz.com.au and phone 0413 282 496.

Thanks Angie.

Matters. [ w ith Alan Tickle ]

watch.

Taree Film Society kicks off the year with The Sessions (MA ) at Fay’s Twin Cinema on Monday evening 18 February.

The Sessions is the true story of poet and journalist Mark O’Brien who, at the unlikely age of 38, sets out to lose his virginity – under rather challenging circumstances. Veteran actor John Hawkes plays O’Brien, who spends a significant part of his time in an iron lung for all but a few hours each week.

Most would have difficulty imagining that he could lead an ordinary love life – but not being ordinary did not stop Mark. Ferreting out the humor, optimism and even faith from his tricky situation, Mark is determined to taste all he possibly can of life, including the emotional and physical pleasures that had eluded him. With the help of his therapist

Laura (Blake Lindsley) and his priest, Father Brendan (William H. Macy), he contacts Cheryl Cohen-Greene (Helen Hunt), a sex surrogate who can give him a chance at experiencing intimacy in his own inimitable way.

Dear Alan, I am 69 years old and my husband is 73. We receive a part pension and have $260,000 in bank accounts and fixed deposits plus 600 Telstra shares. The fall in interest rates is making things pretty tough to manage on current income. Do you have any suggestions?

LR Dear LR,

the plug!

Membership of the Film society ‘til 30 June is now $55. Casual tickets are $16. For further information please go to www.tareefilmsociety.org.au or find us & like us on Facebook at Taree Film Society or phone 6552 3476.

focuseditorial.

Your situation is going to be a common occurrence and as there is a distinct likelihood of rates getting even lower, there really needs to be a rethink in strategy by many people.

If you need to live off the interest and you are forced to draw on your capital if the interest is not enough, then the problem compounds as the value of your capital is not keeping up with inflation.

One day, one of you will be left to manage on a single pension, so having a strategy in place that is appropriate for a single pensioner, can make life easier in the future for the survivor.

Is a full pension possible?

You mentioned that you are receiving a part pension, and the reason for this is the deemed earning on invested money.

new year,

Provided that there is some form of gainful employment (money or reward of some sort) and where there is at least 40 hours worked in a 30 day period, there is eligibility to contribute to superannuation and then fund an allocated pension, even if a person is over 65, provided they are not yet 75.

new course,

new you! series of new short, affordable art courses now available in 2013 through North Coast TAFE offers the community in the Manning Valley region an opportunity to discover the artist within while building up to a full Diploma qualification and new career possibilities.

The Creative on Demand Short courses feature 8 to 10 weekly sessions across topics ranging from visual arts, ceramics, painting and drawing, and after finishing each course, students will end up with a set of practical skills and a sample of what they can learn in the Diploma of Visual Arts.

Head Teacher, Creative Industries for Great Lakes Campus, Steve Williams says that the offering is an innovative approach in delivering arts education for the region.

“This is possibly the first time that people

have been able develop their creative skills in this sort of modular fashion, picking and choosing what they want to learn, when they want to learn it, in an accessible, affordable way,” says Mr Williams.

“With work and other life constraints, not everyone is able to commit to the full time Diploma of Visual Arts course, so this could be an attractive alternative and an opportunity to get a preview,” says Mr Williams.

The benefit of using an allocated pension is that the income paid as a pension from this fund is not caught under the deeming rules, therefore making a full pension achievable where assets do not exceed Centrelink thresholds.

Increasing Investment Income By seeking income from investments other than bank deposits, the average income across the total portfolio can be improved.

Even if there is no eligibility to utilise an allocated pension, there are diversified income funds that have exposure to bonds, corporate and hybrid securities that have produced returns well in excess of traditional fixed term deposits over the past few years.

Major corporations such as Woolworths and banks have gone to the market for a capital raising where they pay 'interest' in excess of bank rates.

Diversified fixed interest funds often have exposure to those types of assets and are therefore providing better returns than on offer from financial institutions.

There are also leading companies such as banks and Telstra where the income from share dividends are around 2 to 3% more than what a fixed term deposit is currently providing.

By investing even one third of your money in those types of investments, your average income yield will be approximately 1% higher across the total portfolio, while still maintaining a core safety net of bank type investments.

Bear in mind also, that there is the opportunity for some capital growth with such a strategy.

Growth in capital value over the past 12 months amongst blue chip high yielding type portfolios on average has exceeded 20%, with income paid well above fixed term rates.

Some leading shares have had returns of around 40% over the past year.

Get Individual Advice Bank type accounts now need to be viewed as a safety net of liquid money rather than an investment, simply because returns are so low and barely covering inflation.

However, there is the opportunity in LR's case to increase income through Centrelink and taking on other higher yielding investments to boost the average income across the total portfolio, without taking on undue risk.

This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice from a Financial Planner and Taxation Adviser to ensure the appropriateness to individual circumstances. Alan Tickle and Your Heritage Financial Planning are both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495.

The courses cost from $395 per person.

The Diploma of Visual Arts is also offered through Great Lakes Campus, along with Certificate and Diploma courses in areas like Aboriginal Design and Digital Media.

Anyone interested in enrolling in any of these courses should contact North Coast TAFE on 1300 628233 or visit the website. manning-great lakes focus 9

focusinterview.

A master of satire and one of Australia’s biggest names in comedy, Austen Tayshus stops over at Tuncurry Bowling Club on February 9 as part of his 30th anniversary tour …

A

usten Tayshus was born at Sydney’s first comedy store in Jamieson Street in 1981. He stood up for the first time after a fairly precarious delivery, in March of that year”. This is how you introduce yourself on your website … what do you most remember about this first gig?

It was a fairly traumatic time for me, really.

Rodney Rude was running the place – he put an ad in the paper, and I auditioned for a spot, having had no experience whatsoever in stand up. It was a big challenge …

Everything in my career has been a result of challenging something … Stand up is actually a very confronting job – it’s a solitary exercise, but it’s ultimately very rewarding.

We can’t chat to you without mentioning Australiana. Considering it’s still the biggest selling single in Australia, how much of an impact did its release have on your life?

Financially it was a big help, and it gave me a career – it enabled me to move out of the comedy store and into a bigger market, and I toured around the country constantly. It attracted a lot of interest, so it was terrific … it positioned me as an Australian entertainer.

There are a couple of points mentioned in your biography, Austen Tayshus – the Merchant of Menace, that I’d like to mention. The first point is that you’re described as being the greatest living Australian comedian alongside Barry Humphries. That’s quite an accolade!

It is. I don’t know why they put Barry Humphries in there ... (laughs). I’m joking! It is an accolade. It’s obviously an opinion of these two guys [authors Prof. Ross Fitzgerald and Rick Murphy] … but it doesn’t mean I’m better than Wil Anderson!

The second point the book mentions is the use of farce and satire, and how these forms of comedy aren’t particularly well understood in Australia. Considering you’ve performed around the world and been exposed to multicultural audiences – have you found this to be true?

Well, particularly satire. I work on an ironic level a lot.

I did a show on Stradbroke Island a couple of days ago … I do a routine about how the Aboriginals should apologise to us for giving us gambling and domestic violence and alcohol. It’s an ironic routine – obviously it means the exact opposite. There was an Aboriginal girl there who completely misunderstood – she was screaming at me the whole time.

Satire’s just so subject to misunderstanding and misinterpretation, and it happens a lot. But my conscience is clear, because my routines are always about making it a better world … that’s what it really comes down to. Whatever I attack,

10 manning-great lakes focus.

hopefully it’s from a constructive perspective.

But, it is misinterpreted, and it depends very much on the level of intelligence of the audience. When you have a record as big as Australiana, you do attract a lot of yobbos.

I can understand that … but having said this, I’ll admit to buying the single back in 1983 too!

Obviously a lot of people did buy the record … and right now, I am getting a lot of people [at my shows] who are well educated, upper middle class – the Baby Boomers. I’m getting full houses at the moment, and they’re all around my age group. It shows you that they all remember me from Australiana … they left me for a while there, and I was poking around in the toilets for years. But they’re all coming back … maybe because they’re all just about to die!

It’s very satisfying for me anyway, because I’m doing stuff that comes from an intellectual base, and I need more intelligence in my audiences – and that’s what I’m looking to get over the next few years, because I want to keep doing this until I’m 107!

You’ll probably make it too – you’ve had a pretty good run so far. What’s it been … 30 years?

Thirty-two years – 30 years since Australiana. It’s the 30th anniversary of at It shows you th Australiana this year. ber em m re l al they It’s a great run, but iana … me from Austral hile you know, Humphries w a they left me for king has been around po as there and I w for 50 years as an ilets for around in the to entertainer, and he’s collaboration – I played all years. But they’re just now talking about all of the parts and he coming back .” retiring. I don’t believe directed it very well – and he will! we won. We also submitted A lot of people probably the film in the name of a aren’t aware that you fictitious feminist filmmaker called graduated from film and television Laura Fienstein; my intention was if the film school and that you’ve had quite a bit of won, a video would be shown of her accepting experience with writing, directing and the award up in the Pilgara, where she was acting … researching a new film …

I’ve acted in a lot of films, but not, I think, And of course, we won, and she didn’t exist very successfully yet. That’s another challenge – so it was a problem! So, Paul Fenech got up for me, acting – it’s a collaborative thing. When and revealed there was no Laura Fienstein … it’s you’re used to working as an individual, it can become a bit legendary, actually … be fairly hard to work in an ensemble. I did the You had a stint over in LA, working in Marriage of Figaro with Neil Armfield for the comedy clubs at night and auditioning for 2000 Sydney Olympics at the Opera House – I films during the day – how much of this played Count Almaviva. It was collaborative and environment ended up as material in your a very difficult experience. routines?

And you wrote and starred in Intolerance, The experience was a bit unsatisfying, which won the Best Film Award at the 1998 actually, as I was working in a culture I didn’t Tropicana Film Festival, and also the Best really understand. I think you need to grow Actor Award … up in a place to be a great comic in terms of I wrote the film, and it was based on a routine understanding and making fun of a particular I’d performed previously. I approached Paul culture. I was really a fish out of water there! I Fenech, whom I thought was a very capable did do a lot of stand up in America, and I made young filmmaker – he went on to make the a feature film over there called Dream Factory …

Pizza and Housos TV series. It was a true It was all good experience.

“

n e t s Au ayshus. t I’m developing a sitcom at the moment called Long Way to the Bottom. It’s about how Austen Tayshus’ career always has the potential for a resurgence! I still really want to do something on film or television – just to show Sacha Baron Cohen that I’m funnier than he is!

So, what kind of night out can our locals expect when they go to see you at the Bowlo?

A fairly insightful look, I think, at Aussie culture, where we’re going, what the problems are … and it's funny, because it’s all about us – the damage done and the future prospects. It’s a good night out for anyone who wants to p**s themselves laughing!

Thanks Austen.

the plug!

Austen Tayshus will perform at the Tuncurry Bowling Club on February 9; doors open at 8pm.

Tickets cost $20.

Show for 18+ only.

Call the club on 6554 6477 for details.

A R O U N D

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F E B R U A R Y

BNI Open Day Breakfast Business Networking International (BNI) is a worldwide network of business professionals. Locally the group has been together for 7 years in July. Every Wednesday, the group meet for breakfast.

The breakfast has a meeting format to help grow your business.

When Wednesday, 7am, 20 February.

Where Colonel’s Café, Little St, Forster.

Chinese New Year 2013 in Gloucester

Mykel Carlier – Dream Engine. and Mia Pithie – New Works.

Running in the Shadows Relives Fleetwood Mac's energy and passion, paying tribute to one of the best live and recording bands of our time.

A presentation on the proposed 2014 CNY trip to HK at 'Tugwood' Winery, 450 Mograni Ck Rd where, over a glass of 'Tugwood' wine and nibblies, you can find out what to see, buy, eat, things to do and learn, and let us know your preferences. There will be door prizes and Chinese music. Tentative trip dates: January 25 to February 3, 2014. Tentative trip cost: TBA (depending on participant numbers) Trip leader: Gaby Klika, who lived in Hong Kong before retiring with her husband in Gloucester in 2010.

Cost Free entry; all welcome.

When Opens February 3 to March 3, 2013.

Wednesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Sundays 1pm - 4pm Contact Ph 6592 5455 or jane.hosking@gtcc.nsw.gov.au

When February 23, 8pm.

Where Club Forster.

Cost $20 members; $22 non members.

Contact Club Forster: 6591 6591.

When SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014, @ 3 p.m.

Cost $5. Pls reply by Feb. 8, 2013.

More info Travelscene 6558 2188; Kathy@worldmarketing.com.au

Manning Regional Art Gallery Exhibitions

The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show

il a fa m

s y pa s

Thanks anks to our friends The Wiggles Wiggles, we're givi giving away 2 x Family Passes to their show at the Taree Entertainment Centre on Thursday 21 March! Simply tell us in 25 words or less what your favourite Wiggles song is and why.

Name:________________________________________________________________ Favourite Wiggle Song: _________________________________________________ Why is it your favourite song?____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ See us inn concert oy Thursda !

21 March

_____________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: ________________________________ Send your entry to: FOCUS Tickets Giveaway Suite 2, 42 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428 Entries close on Tuesday 26 February 2012 at 1PM. The prize can not be redeemed for cash and is not transferable. Conditions of entry: All entries must be originals and no photocopies or facsimiles will be accepted. Staff and immediate family members of the Creative House Publications are ineligible to enter. The winners will be notified by telephone.

manning-great lakes focus 11

Your Heading Here!

Pacifi c Palms Caravan Park

Fleetwood Mac Show at Club Forster Your Heading Here!

Do you enjoy peace and quiet, lakeside picnics, majestic beach walks or refreshing early morning swims?

Then the Pacific Palms Caravan Park should be your next holiday destination.

The music of Fleetwood Mac is long etched into

The park nestles in a beautiful bushland setting and is just a stone's throw to Elizabeth Beach, one of the East Coast's most popular ocean beaches. Elizabeth Beach, also known simply as 'Lizzy', is suited perfectly to families, as it faces north-east and is well protected from east and south-east waves. The beach is serviced by Pacific Palms SLSC and is patrolled on weekends and during school holiday times.

venues over the past 6 years, with amazing audience

For board riders, the park is also situated close to Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach, both well renowned surf beaches.

The show provides a brief but interesting insight to the

The park sits amidst 3 coastal lakes and 3 national parks, where you will find large stands of native cabbage palms from which the area gets its name.

venue's time restrictions and sound requirements. A brief

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history. A band that began in the early '60s and are still touring the world today. This truly major concert production has been drawing capacity crowds in all response.

A live 7 piece band incorporating some of Australia’s top session musicians teamed with the extraordinary vocal delivery of Ursula Cain authentically reproduces the part of Stevie Nicks when she was at her artistic best. history of the band all set to a dramatic lighting show.

Equally, the show can be easily adapted to suit any but interesting insight to the history of the band, all set to a dramatic lighting show.

focusinterview.

A U S T R A L I A N

s h o w

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C l u b

F o r s t e r

If you love the distinctive sounds of Fleetwood Mac, don’t miss the Australian Fleetwood Mac show at Club Forster this month.

Gary Stewart and Ursula Cain-Stewart explain how and why they decided to pay tribute to such an amazing band …

W

hat’s your musical background ... did you learn to play at a young age?

Gary: I grew up with music in my life from an early age, beginning the piano from the age of 6.

Ursula: I was singing in the school choir and began lead singing in bands from the age of 21.

Please introduce us to the main members of your group and fill us in on what instruments each member plays ...

Scott Hardy (Sydney AUS): Scott was our first drummer when the show began back in the year 2000. He left after 2 years to pursue other ventures and has been playing with us again for the past 2 years.

Polisi Fitz (Wellington NZ): The newest member of the show, who brings a wealth of experience (over 25 years), playing Funk, Latin, Soul and Jazz.

Giles Brunning (Sydney AUS): guitar. He has been a member of this show for over 3 years, and emulates the Lindsay Buckingham parts perfectly.

Kristen Linehan (Queensland AUS): Our keyboard player and vocalist. Kris has been with the show the longest (over 6 years) and is an amazing pianist. She fills our sound with her keys and adds the famous Christine McVie harmonies.

Gary Stewart (Christchurch NZ): keys, guitar and vocals. MD of the show and plays keys whenever Kristen is touring with other international acts.

Ursula Cain-Stewart (Christchurch NZ): lead vocalist and founder of the band. Ursula

and appeals to all age groups to this day. designs the stage set up and brings incredWhat’s your personal favourite (or favouible energy to the show, as she authentically rites) among Fleetwood Mac’s extensive reproduces the part of Stevie Nicks. repertoire – and what is it about these Your group is able to access many talsongs that you particularly like? ented musicians. What will be the line up Gary: It’s hard to choose one or two, but for your show, Running in the Shadows, the one I love performing in the show is Go at Club Forster? your Own Way. The other song (we have The Club Forster line up will be as above. covered before) is Don’t let me Down Again – We have many of Australia’s other top sesLindsay Buckingham. sion musicians often perform the show with Ursula: Beautiful Child … a beautiful song, us also. with great lyrics.

So, how and when did you guys all actuTell us a bit about your show, Running ally meet and form the band? in the Shadows. It’s described as an Gary: I met my wife, Ursula, 15.5 ‘acoustic’ presentation? years ago. We have performed We do perform an acoustic throughout the South Island 5 piece show, using of New Zealand and the we In the early days acoustic guitar, piano, UK; however, this show nd used to travel arou we and percussion; this was not formed until cities, and Australia’s main y tr un show is a lot of fun, the year 2000, after all co love visiting the sm s booked as we play the same being told by many ow towns. We had sh to the e du , songs, but often crowd members that er ev w ho Z; in N hquakes, fuse them with other she sounds exactly unfortunate eart e tour – th musical styles. like Stevie Nicks. We we had to cancel e booked However, at Club advertised within the venue we wer later had s to play 6 month Forster we are bringSydney and had an collapsed.” ing the full Auditorium overwhelming response show, which has been from Sydney’s musicians. successful for us for over 10 Why Fleetwood Mac? What years now. is it about this particular band How far and wide do you guys that inspired you all to share their normally travel to present your shows – music with the world? do you tour internationally at all, or stick The Fleetwood Mac music has spanned closer to home? nearly 5 decades, from the early Blues music In the early days we used to travel around when they formed and their Pop hits throughAustralia’s main cities, and we love visiting the out the ‘70s, and then later when the band small country towns. We had shows booked in ‘took a break’, with the individual careers of NZ; however due to the unfortunate earthStevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham churning out hit after hit. The music covers many genres quakes, we had to cancel the tour – the venue

“

we were booked to play 6 months later had collapsed.

Now (with 2 small children), we mainly stay within NSW. However, we are looking at tours further afield at the end of this year, and next.

Fleetwood Mac’s music has been around for a long time now – since the late ‘60s and is still popular today. Why do you think their music is still relevant in this day and age?

They have fantastically written and structured songs, which are still relevant today and can easily stand alongside most of today’s songs with their head held high. Their critically acclaimed album written in the ‘70s is still renowned as being one of the greatest albums ever written.

Apart from going to see you at Club Forster on February 23, where can people go to listen to your music, or watch videos of your performances?

Everyone can stay up to date with our shows on Facebook ‘running in the shadows’, or check our website: ‘thefleetwoodmacshow. com’.

Thanks Gary and Ursula.

the plug!

See the Australian Fleetwood Mac show at Club Forster on February 23 at 8pm.

Tickets cost $20 for members and $22 for non-members.

Call Club Forster on 6591 6591 for details.

manning-greatlakes lakesfocus. focus 13 13 manning-great

Artisans Expo is on again!

Your Heading Here!

Romeo + Juliet In Gloucester.

Your Heading Artisans Expo!Here!

Do not miss this one! A three day gathering of some of Australia’s best Artisans demonstrating their skills and specialty providers who supply tools and consumables.

Unique Opportunity An opportunity for schools, clubs and anyone interested in seeing the makers in action or purchasing finished pieces, equipment and consumables. It is a great resource for HSC students!

Artisans Expo also gives you the opportunity to get “hands on”.

When: Friday 22, Saturday 23, 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 24 February, 10am to 2pm.

Where: Artisans On The Hill is located at 702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook. Mondrook is a short 10 minute drive from the Pacific Highway near Taree. To get to Artisans, follow the Bucketts Way to Tinonee, then follow the signs heading to Mondrook and Wingham.

Who can come? Families, tradies, avid crafters, clubs, schools, groups and just those who appreciate the work of skilled artisans.

Entry is $5 per person daily (supporting Taree Rescue Squad) and group, bus & coach facilities are available. Schools and groups should contact Peter or Christine on 6553 1199 to organise arrival time and group payment.

See you at Expo and tell us you saw it in Focus!

EXPO YDemonstrationsY YSuppliersY YWorkshopsY Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s best Artisans.

Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd Feb 10am to 4pm Sun 24th Feb 10am to 2pm

Entry $5 supporting Taree Rescue Squad

at Artisans On The Hill 702 Tinonee Rd, Mondrook Ph: 6553 1199 www.artisansonthehill.com.au

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Scan for detail brochure

The longest running Shakespeare festival in NSW returns to Gloucester in March with the romantic classic ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Performed by Newcastle’s acclaimed Tantrum Theatre, the festival features the popular dinnerwith-show format: Friday evening’s show includes a hearty supper featuring a ploughman’s platter served at your table, while on Saturday night, an Elizabethan themed banquet precedes the performance, including roast meats served whole on the table for self carving. On both evenings, a fully licensed bar features some local and regional wines to further enhance the dining experience in Gloucester. Theatre-goers are encouraged to come in their finest Elizabethan costumes for the hotly-contested Best Dressed competition each evening.

Not-so-serious festival-goers can also attend the GACCI Players shows on Thursday evening or Saturday morning.

In 2013 this local group of thespians will be performing the hilarious send-up ‘Shakespeare’s Got Talent’. Plus on Saturday 9 March there’s free entertainment and fun at the Elizabethan Faire and Farmers Market at Billabong Park.

There’ll be fresh local produce, performance artists, jousting displays and other medieval activities at the Faire, so make sure to add the dates to your diary for a festival that would be sure to put a smile on Shakespeare’s face.

R A U G A J F X New

Yarn MATE A

WITH A

k ricck At John Patri

John Patrick JAGUAR says ys it expects a 30 per cent leap ap in sales of its entry-level XF sedan, with the arrival in Australia of a more affordable 2 litre four cylinder variant that fills a big gap in its armoury against its mainly European opposition.

The 177 kW engine is the same turbocharged direct-injected unit, and is also used in Range Rover Evoque.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, the four cylinder engine develops 2 kW more power than the outgoing V6, as well as more torque, helping to slice the 0 -100 km/h acceleration time from 8.3 to 7.9 seconds.

As well, the smaller engine uses less fuel, down from the V6’s 10.5 litres per 100 km to 8.9 litres per 100 km – an improvement helped by the eightspeed transmission and lighter mass of the smaller aluminium-block engine.

John Patrick’s General sales Manager Mike Parsons said the advent of the new i4 petrol entry models opened

L Local Manning Identity, Im Impresario & Poet 'B 'Barnacle' Bob McMillian w will present 'A Yarn with a Mate' on Friday 8th Fe February 2013. a door to a larger potential market for Jaguar and the XF. He said about 29 per cent of luxury car sales in the XF’s class were powered by four cylinder petrol engines.

Mr Parsons said that with the 2.2 litre diesel model already making up about 28 per cent of XF sales, Jaguar expected four cylinder variants to comprise more than half of all XF sales from now on.

Apart from the arrival of the new petrol i4 and supercharged V6, engine changes include tweaks to the 2.2 litre i4 diesel, delivering a power gain of 7 kW to 147 kW, while fuel consumption has been trimmed to 5.1 litres per 100 km and emissions to 135 grams

of CO2 per kilometre courtesy of idle-stop, which has been added to all diesel and V6 and V8 petrol engines.

Innovative and refined, created for even greater performance, with all the power, agility and efficiency you'd expect, the Jaguar XF is truly alive with possibilities. Take it for a test drive today and discover it for yourself.

• The innovative new 2.0 L turbocharged petrol with 8 speed transmission.

• The newly refined 2.2 L turbocharged diesel with 8 speed transmission.

FROM $74,990* DRIVE AWAY. Phone John Patrick Prestige Cars on 6584 1800 to arrange a test drive today.

A great local opportunity to experience an enjoyable eveneing, and a practical way of helping our Aussie Mates from the bush, that Henry Lawson wrote so well about. Half the door takings to be donated to the Bushfire Appeal for the victims of the recent fires at Coonabarabran, N.S.W. According to Bob, "You will hear things about Henry Lawson you probably did not know. How did he get along with Banjo? Who were his loves? His mates, mentors and paramours. A warts and all, engaging & authoritative insight into the life & times of our proud nation. A most acclaimed & recognised writer - a flawed genius, but an unforgettable

character. See and hear recitals by Bob, of Henry's best loved verse, but he can't fit em all in!'

The event will also include a musical interlude by popular organist Pam Archer.

the plug!

8

Bookings are essential - Seating is limited.

Date: Friday 8th February Location: St. John's Anglican (Blue Cross) Church.

Victoria Street, Taree.

Cost: Admission $10 donation (per person).

Bookings: Phone Bob on 0409 840 567

GPYR MDFT3828/C/ST

EDUCATING OUR FUTURE LEADERS The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) provides education and military training for the future leaders in Australia’s Navy, Army and Air Force. The program at ADFA combines a world class degree from the University of New South Wales with military training and leadership development. Undergraduate degrees include Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science, and Technology. Midshipmen and OfÀcer Cadets also earn a salary, enabling them to focus on their studies and training in preparation for their future careers in the Australian Defence Force.

CALL 13 19 01, EMAIL CPTNEWCASTLE@DFR.COM.AU OR VISIT DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU/ADFA

manning-great lakes focus 15

Manning-Great Lakes

Thai Prawns from Pacific Palms Bowling Club

eat. Dining Guide is available for iPhone & Android mobiles. www.focusmag.com.au/eat

16 manning-great lakes focus focus.

eat.

Raw Sugar Café Our food is prepared by our qualified chefs, using only the freshest local ingredients and served by experienced and friendly staff. Our specials board changes weekly!

Don’t forget our fantastic fresh fruit smoothies, frappes and fresh juices.

Come in and enjoy the five star experience today.

Open for breakfast at 7.30am, lunch from 11.30am and afternoon tea until 4pm.

Beach Bums Beach Bums Café boasts a unique position just 5 steps from the sand overlooking Forster’s Main Beach. A favourite brekkie local, great food and coffee are the heart of Beach Bums. Here you will find a delicious team, a sexy menu, fresh tunes served up daily, with a great atmosphere! Rest and recuperate and watch nature at its finest.

News Flash!

Now serving our brand new espresso blend through our brand new hole in the wall servery.

Owners Kate and Darrin.

Freshest local ingredients.

North and Beach Streets, Forster Main Beach. t 6555 2840 w beachbumscafe.com.au

214 Victoria Street, Taree t 6550 0137

open seven days a week from Sunrise to Sunset (weather permitting)

open 7.30am to 4pm.

Atlantic Salmon marinated in garlic, ginger, soy and lime served on a bed of jasmine rice.

The Bellevue Hotel Bistro

Pacific Palms Bowlo

Have you experienced the Bellevue bistro lately?

Haven’t been on a road trip for a while? Come and enjoy a great dining experience at the Pacific Palms Bowling Club, located at Smiths Lake. See for yourself why the club is the dining choice of the locals.

Bring the whole family down and enjoy a great meal by the pool; afterwards, the kids can have have a dip or play in the games room.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu available at an affordable price. Be spoilt by our friendly staff and enjoy a full range of beers and an extensive wine list to cater for all your needs.

Come down on a Friday night and enjoy some quality fresh local seafood in the bistro and listen to great live music.

Monday Night - Beer and Burger $10 / Poker

Meet our Head Chef Daniel Jessup and his friendly team, who will do their best to ensure your dining experience is all you expect and more.

Tuesday Lunch - Lobster Mornay ($28 full / $20 half) Wednesday Night - Trivia

Our Chefs Hayley & Jason.

Check out our specials board each day for only $10.

Chef Daniel Jessup.

Thursday Night - Schnitzel and Beer $10 / Karaoke Steak Specials 7 days a week! Shoppers Dockets welcome.

Manning Street, Tuncurry t 6554 6577 open Lunch: Mon - Sun, 11.30am - 2pm.

Dinner: Sun - Thurs, 5.30pm - 8pm; Fri and Sat, 5.30pm - 8.30pm.

Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake t 6554 4333 open Lunch: noon - 2pm.

Dinner: 6pm - 8.30pm. manning-great lakes focus 17

eat.

Harrigan’s Irish Pub

Breakers at Sporties

Open 7 days per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lunch specials: available Monday – Friday; 12 meals for $12 each.

Two of the region’s most popular chefs, Dylan Gummer and Ian Robinson, have returned to Tuncurry’s friendliest club, the Sporties, and promise you a gastronomic delight in the very comfortable and stylish Breakers @ Sporties.

Dinner Specials: Monday: $15 schnitzel night Tuesday: 12 meals for $12 each Wednesday: $12 steak night Thursday: ‘Redback Special’, 3 courses for $20 Friday: $15 pizza and pasta night Sunday: $12.50 two course lunch or dinner, roast + dessert.

Along with a brand new menu that will please the most discerning diner, the boys offer great specials – 7 days a week!

Head Chef Scott Hyde.

For starters, their lunchtime special, ‘Fish and Chips’, at an amazing $5.50 for members is very hard to beat.

If you haven’t been to Breakers @ Sporties lately, do yourself a favour – ‘cause the BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

Chefs Dylan and Ian.

Beach Street Tuncurry t 6554 9270

Harrington Waters, Josephine Blvd, Harrington t 6556 0555

open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Lunch: 12pm - 2.30pm.

Dinner: 5.30pm - 8pm.

open Breakfast: 7.30am - 9.30am Mon-Fri, 7.30am - 10.30am Sat Sun. Lunch: 12pm - 2.30pm every day. Dinner: 6pm - 8.30pm every day.

Delicious, café style desserts made daily.

Sheppo’s on the Green

Club Taree

NEW Saturday night ALL YOU CAN EAT SMORGASBOARD – only $15 p/h, kids under 12 years $7, great variety of foods, bookings appreciated.

Head Chef Wayne invites you to come and join us at Sheppos On The Green, inside the Taree Leagues Sports Club.

Daily $8 lunch specials, dine in or take away.

Nightly dinner specials; Sundays $10 Roast & Thai night plus a free dessert.

All functions easily catered for – call 6551 3677.

Casual or formal settings available.

Weddings, parties, banquets, social events or just a friendly get together.

IRON BARK RESTAURANT & LILLY PILLY CAFÉ OPEN 10am DAILY.

Taree Leagues Sports Club, 43 Cowper Street, Taree t 6551 3677 open 6 days: lunch 12 - 2pm; dinner 6pm - 8.30pm. Closed Mondays.

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The Iron Bark Restaurant and Lilly Pilly Café at Club Taree offer convenience for members and guests looking for a place to dine or relax with family and friends.

Open 10am daily, 7 days a week and with a range of delectable dishes, cakes, slices and hot and cold beverages, the Iron Bark Restaurant and Lilly Pilly Café offer a place to dine in comfort overlooking the beautiful surrounds of the Golf Course.

Chef Kevin Williams.

Chefs Luxmee & Wayne

121 Wingham Rd, Taree t 6539 4000 w www.clubtaree.com.au open from 10 am daily. Closed Christmas Day.

eat.

Bean Bar

Bowlo Bistro Taree West Bowling Club Sunday lunch and dinner - $10 roast with bread and butter.

Monday night - kids free from the children’s menu with each adult meal purchased, plus a free soft drink.

Tuesday night - free dessert with each main meal purchased.

Wednesday night - $8 fish and chips plus cash poker.

Thursday night - $8 pastas with free raffles and club super draw.

Friday night - monster raffles and treasure chest jackpot.

Saturday night - deep stack cash poker.

Don’t forget your Valentine! Full menu and specials available every night.

MANNING VALLEY COMBINED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HOSPITALITY FINALIST 2011, WINNER 2010 AND 2012.

NOW ALSO FEATURED IN THE AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE www.agfg.com.au Tony and Ray and the staff welcome all along to their award winning Bean Bar. Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week and à la carte dining every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Head Chef James Nossiter.

116 Edinburgh Drive, Taree t 6552 2094

Specialists in all types of functions any day OR night of the week.

Owners Ray and Tony.

1 Pulteney St, Taree, set on the Manning River t 6550 0022 w www.beanbarcafe.com.au

open 7 Days. Lunch 12 till 2pm Dinner 5.30 till 8pm

open 7 days breakfast and lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Reef Bar Grill

FLOW Espresso Bar

Doogs and Joni have been entertaining guests from far and wide for over five years now and have built a reputation for a truly wonderful dining experience.

Now open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; live music every Friday night and Sunday Sessions at lunch.

New menu created by the chefs each Thursday night relative to what the local fishermen catch and available local produce – recent seafood items include: • Crispy Skin Whole Baby Snapper w’ a Spicy Caramel Asian Glaze.

• Baked Blue Eyed Cod w’ a Wild Rocket Pesto Crust • Grilled Wahoo Fillet w’ a Basil, Ginger, Garlic and Chinese Rice Wine Vinegar Dressing • Fresh Caught Local Szechuan Salt and Pepper Squid w’ a Vietnamese Nan Jin dipping sauce.

Plus, we offer chef inspired chicken, vegetarian and prime local beef recipes.

Visit Facebook.com/flowcafe for up to date musicians, menus and upcoming events.

Quite simply, Forsters Reef Bar & Grill boasts some of the best chefs on the Mid North Coast, situated in the busy but cruisy ‘top end of town’ and overlooking uninterrupted views of Wallis Lake. Watch the dolphins swim by while being dined by Peter T and his all star chefs in total comfort in a state of the art restaurant.

Book online: www.reefbargrill.com.au

Owner Darren McDonagh.

Flow Espresso Bar – For Love Of Water!

Valentine’s Dinner 14 February – Special Menu. Bookings essential.

Special thanks to staff and Old Bar locals for helping to weather our busy Xmas period!

Shop 1, 2 - 6 Wharf Street, Forster t 6555 7092 open Breakfast, lunch & dinner, 8am - late during school holidays.

31 David St, Old Bar t 6557 4224 f www.facebook.com/flowcafe open Tue to Sunday, 8am to 4pm and Fri and Sat nights from 6pm.

Closed Mondays. Fully licensed. Bookings recommended. manning-great lakes focus 19

eat.

Photo by SAI Thai table and tea.

SAI Thai table and tea We are proud of our Thai heritage and would like to share the sensation of flavours from our culture. The humble act of sharing food between friends and family is a reflection of our past growing up in Thailand, as it is in many cultures.

We invite people to share our cuisine in a friendly setting.

We offer a select menu and hope people will enjoy our authentic Thai flavours.

We are open for lunch and dinner, 6 days per week and have takeaway in environmentally friendly containers.

MANNING THEATRE

50 Old Bar Road, Old Bar t 6553 6660 fb www.facebook.com/saithaitableandtea

TAREE

ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

open: Lunch: Wed to Sun, 11 - 3pm.

Dinner: Tue to Sun, 5 - 9pm.

THURSDAY 21 MARCH 10am & 1pm Tickets

Bent on Food

Video Ezy Victoria Street, Taree Ph: 02 6552 5699 or visit www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/bookonline

Bent on Food is the perfect place for Sunday breakfast or lunch in our new garden out back; it is a safe place for children and a relaxing space for your enjoyment. Book now for your Christmas function; we can look after small groups or more larger parties ... how about a corporate cooking class? Check out our website for menus and ideas.

ON SALE NOW! DON’T MISS OUT!

Come in and try our new range of Bent on Food local infused olive oils, or organise your corporate hampers. We can send a gift of local produce anywhere in Australia.

We have a fabulous new breakfast menu which is already proving popular: try French brioche toast, bacon, caramelised banana, Hastings Valley yogurt and maple syrup.

95 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW t 6557 0727 w www.bentonfood.com.au open breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week (phone to check hours on public holidays).

20 manning-great lakes focus.

Head Chef Paul.

Official Partners

Š 2013 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

focusinterview.

Little Pattie

From her first hit, He’s My Blonde Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy in 1963, Little Pattie has been a star. A visit to war-torn Vietnam in 1966 had a profound effect on the performer, and she’s a passionate supporter of our Vietnam Vets to this day. Little Pattie brings her music, and some memories and reminiscing to the Manning Entertainment Centre on February 12, in an unforgettable performance …

Y

ou started your performance career at age 13. How intimidating was it to stand in front of a live audience at that age?

I don’t know if it was intimidating, but I certainly wasn’t the most willing performer. My very first appearance on a TV show was something that my singing teacher encouraged me to do. I was a pretty shy kid, and although learning singing was something I loved, performing publicly was something that genuinely never crossed my mind. All I wanted to do was go to school, then university, and become a doctor!

And after that, when I won a talent quest, I was once again a very unwilling competitor – my friend carried me on the stage! It all happened so quickly … I went along with it all, and before I knew it I was a professional performer at age 14 and considering leaving school – which I did.

It must have become very hectic for you once your first single, He’s My Blond Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy, was released?

Yes, and that was the determining factor for me leaving school. Hectic! It was just a blur! If I wasn’t on television, I was recording more songs, touring … it was a genuine blur of work.

Considering you toured with people such as Col Joye and the Joy Boys – you must have some amazing memories from that era …

I do. The people I met along the way were terrific. I must say that during that time, when I was performing the surf songs, one of my great supporters was Billy Thorpe. I had many occasions when we were on the same bill together, and he was so encouraging. He found out I was really this shy little kid …

I remember one night at a big venue in Sydney he said, “I know what you’re thinking”. I just looked up at him, and he said, “Listen Amphlett (my surname), you’re gonna go out there, and you’re gonna kill ’em! I know you can do it!” It

mightn’t sound like much, but that meant a lot to you left, you were aware 24 hours a day that you me, because I knew he was sincere. were in a war zone. You could hear bombs and And when I got to tour with Col and the Joy explosions and artillery all the time, and you were Boys, they too were very supportive. I think I was constantly hearing about near misses. The curfews very lucky in that department! The fact that I was were very strict, and indeed, we were very well so little and so young helped, I think. Had I been looked after and kept safe. older and more sophisticated, I mightn’t have had On the 18 August, we went to Nui Dat to perthat support. form, where the Australian Taskforce was based at Obviously times weren’t always good in the time … During mid afternoon, I was on stage, the ’60s, and at 17 you were the and the explosions and gun fire grew youngest performer ever to increasingly louder. Eventually we travel to Vietnam to enwere told to get off stage and I en th tertain the troops. How were quickly evacuated. As Even , ry ra lib e th t did this experience we were choppered over wen of t lo a t n’ as w come about? the jungle, we witnessed there out ab n io at rm fo My mother had a a huge battle – the Battle in book s Vietnam – most dophone call from the of Long Tan. We were ‘In referred to it as Department of Defence, saved, and that night 18 didn’t China’, so I really of it asking for permission Australians were killed. ity grasp the enorm to send me to Vietnam.

It was a time you’d never ” until I was there.

When she got off the forget … phone and told me, I said, You’ve had the opportunity “Wow!” I had no idea what I to go back and visit Vietnam was saying, “Wow!” to – all I knew since? was that it was overseas. When my father Yes, several times. I was there just a few came home, he kind of hit the roof, saying months ago. I went to a Vietnam Veterans’ that no daughter of his was going to a war reunion, and the money we raised went to help zone. And in actual fact, most Australians knew a Catholic nun who does some really wonderful very little about the Vietnam War in early 1966 – work over there. we had no real idea that it wasn’t just a conflict, You still do so much to support our Vietnam but a war.

Vets. Why’s this so important to you?

After a few weeks of talking about it, by which A lot of them were conscripted and didn’t want time Col Joye had agreed to go, Mum and Dad to be there, and it was a war that really divided gave me their blessing, with Dad asking me to Australia. The Moratoriums … the ill treatment read about the country and what was happenof some of the Vietnam Veterans when they ing before I went … Even then I went the library, returned, I always thought was terribly unfair. there wasn’t a lot of information about Vietnam I’m a member of a family who were vehemently – most books referred to it as ‘Indo-China’, so I opposed to the Vietnam War, but the Vietnam really didn’t grasp the enormity of it until I was Veterans are my heroes. I think the fact that is we there. still to this day don’t understand Vietnam Veterans What was it about your experience in Vietas well as we should … some of them and their nam that you distinctly remember? families are still suffering today. Of course I help.

From the minute you landed to the minute It’s very hard to sum up all of the achieve-

“

ments you’ve experienced throughout your life – you’ve received an OAM, been inducted into the Australian Recording Industry’s Hall of Fame, received word-wide recognition … is there anything you would still like to achieve?

All of these things are lovely, but what they really mean to me I’m not sure. I enjoy my work, I enjoy my life – and I think I’m truly blessed and fortunate. I have good health, a great family – I haven’t got any complaints! I’m fortunate to still enjoy my career and do what I do. I don’t take myself too seriously …

Describe the show you’ll be bringing to the MEC … will you sing all of your big hits?

The audience will most likely have grown up with a lot of my music, so there’ll be a mixture of my older songs and some newer songs. Along the way, I’ll also tell a true story or two. When I was younger, I used to find it hard to talk in between singing, but as I’ve grown older, I realised people like to ask questions and learn about you, and I find it easy to tell stories and talk in between my songs now.

Thanks Pattie.

the plug!

Little Pattie will perform at the Manning Entertainment Centre on 12 February at 10am.

Tickets: adult $19; pensioner $15; student/under 21/group of 8 or more/subscriber/friend: $15 Tickets available from Video Ezy, Taree, by phoning 6552 5699 or www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec Tickets also available at the door from one hour before each performance (unless sold out).

manning-great lakes focus 21

focuseditorial.

focusinterview.

SteveAttkins. ffrom Great Lakes Winery

YOU KNOW

you're

James Bowlo Bistro at Taree West Bowling Club

James Nossiter is justifiably proud of the cuisine at Taree West Bowling Club, as it offers a wide range of fresh, local inspirational choices at a great value price! ow long have you lived in the Manning-Great Lakes, and how long have you worked in the industry?

We came directly from tropical Vietnam to the midst of winter here some 5 years ago.

We didn't really plan to stay here long but as time went by, we soon realised it was a great place to raise our kids. Our boys love the beach and the country environment, and everything we need is right here, without the hustle and bustle of a big city. The people here are great too. We have made some wonderful friends and meet some real characters as well.

I started work in an Italian restaurant washing dishes when I was 14, in 1980, so when I started my apprenticeship after leaving school, I already had a few years under my belt. Whilst I have strayed from cooking over the years, it has always dragged me back … though not kicking and screaming.

Although it is long hours and hard work, I believe in what Confucius said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.

What is the first dish you mastered?

The first dish I mastered was boiled eggs with soldiers. My father used to make my mother breakfast in bed every morning until he started a job where he had to start work before dawn. This is when it became my job for many years. It was simple 3 minute eggs and toast with lashings of butter and a cup of tea. I suppose her daily gratitude was a 22 manning-great lakes focus.

prelude to what was to become a career – I miss you, Mum. What are some of your favourite local ingredients to cook and why?

We buy locally and prepare most of the food we serve ourselves, from our old fashioned chicken schnitzels to our homemade desserts. What's extra special are the herbs and veggies from our own garden we use.

You can't get more local than that.

What can people expect from a 'Bowlo Bistro @ Taree West Bowling Club' experience?

Everyone wants to enjoy their meal, no matter where they are eating out, but it's important they get good value for their money at the same time. We have a broad menu that we believe has something for everyone, from our traditional homemade 'Bowlo' menu to our Asian favourites. We want people to leave with a full belly and a smile on their face.

What are the highlights on the menu that you believe should most definitely be tried?

Some people around here call me 'The Duck Man', because of our famous BBQ Duck Noodles, which remains our best seller ... but a lot of people say our roast pork is the best around, so I could also be 'The Pig Man' – but that doesn't sound as good! We have great steaks and ribs, and the mixed seafood grill always remains popular for those watching their figure. For those not, we have tempting homemade desserts.

Choosing a life in agriculture is a gutsy one that is guaranteed to bring you a life full of highs and lows, challenges, variety and one that provides you with a close relationship with Mother Earth. As the world changes and food security continues to become a mainstream issue, the choice of a lifestyle in agriculture could be a very smart move. e live on the land months, we have netted in readiness for at Great Lakes ripening and the hungry birds with a taste Winery, growing for grapes, so now we will have to hope for grapes, growing some dry weather once the rain ends. cattle, running a While the grapes are drinking up the small business and bringing up water and holding their own for a family. It's not an easy now, the cattle are looking life – but is there such beautiful, and I am sure a thing as an easy life they are enjoying the any more? Farming e th le coolness of the rain Whi is a natural thing activities aroundn and the feed the rain remai for people to do. growing grapes year, is bringing. So while We feel an innate the same every y to the grapes may suffer the weather is kesful need to grow stuff a little, the other crop es having a succ and learn how to (cattle) are thriving! A yield.” relate to the land good reason to diversify and work with the when you live on the environmental conditions land – while some weather to be productive, while not conditions may be unfavourable overworking the land. for one crop, it may well be While the activities around growing grapes remain the same every year, the weather is key to having a successful yield.

As I sit here and watch about 100 mm of rain fall after 5 months of virtually no rainfall, you always hope that the crop will withstand whatever is thrown at it. There is nothing predictable about it. We have done the work, we have been irrigating for

beneficial for the alternative crop. And while weather conditions are continuously unpredictable, it's smart farming.

Our kids have only ever known the challenges of this lifestyle, which has given them life skills such as resilience, independence, self belief and a love of all aspects of nature. I wonder if they will choose a life in agriculture ...

manning-great lakes focus 23

s o c i a l s c e n e with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

Right. Ella, Mikaela and Paige at launch of Saltwater Freshwater.

Right. Jess and Charlie.

Right. Helen Valentine and Dennis Wisely at WAG party.

Below. Mave and Eric Richardson.

Below. Clr Kathryn Bell, Greater Taree City Council and Clr Leigh Vaughan, Great Lakes City Council.

Below. The Coloured Stone.

Social/scene.

I think I have a touch of writers’ block! Wow, that sounds so important, like I am an author or a journalist, only I do not know if I could handle the pressure of the constant deadlines. I am finding out more about writing lately as I enjoy my online travel writing course, which was a Christmas gift that made me ever so excited when I received it – and ever so stressed each week when I upload my assignment. very popular freelance journalist by the name of Sue White is my tutor, and I listen with anticipation each week as I press play on the audio file and receive my results. So far we haven’t had to write anything – that comes with tomorrow’s assignment. We have instead been pitching ideas, and I am pleased to say that so far I have passed with flying colours. I should expect that I would be a little proficient in this area, spending half my career in public relations, but the travel writing part is what scares me. I am accustomed to just writing whatever comes into my head; now I am learning about transitions and actually interviewing people. I will let you know the results in next month’s column.

Meanwhile, the region has had a few substantial events to entice the tourists and to give us locals a great choice of things to do.

Australia Day is a huge day across the region, with this year’s Saltwater Freshwater Festival attracting thousands of people, despite some heavy rain. Nothing was to dampen the spirits of the attendees of this highly anticipated festival, after last year’s almost flash flooding. Taree was very excited that the festival organisers decided to come back to the banks of the Manning River for this year’s event, and it was an incredibly entertaining day. I was pretty excited to make it in time for the Coloured Stone, who brought back memories of days gone by. The event was filled with dance, song, stories and some great workshops, not to mention some fantastic food.

We were extremely privileged to be involved in the river flowing parade, where we all walked

A

24 manning-great lakes focus.

0 km km event eventt in in a time ti together and placed a little canoe in a circle of Macquarie took out thee 10 friendship. It was wonderful to see so many of 44 minutes and 30 seconds. Youth proved visitors enjoying the day; congratulations to the to be the advantage in the swim events, with organisers and to all the volunteers who put on 16 year old Connor Shakespeare from Forster a very special festival – a great insight into our taking out both the 700 m and 1500 m indigenous culture. And The Medics rocked! races, narrowly beating his arch rival, Our part in the festival began the night Aaron King (also 16) from Hallidays before, when Bent on Food had the Point by 3 seconds in the first honour of catering once again race and 6 seconds in the for the festival launch. Held on second race. Top females Overall the the riverbank, 160 people in the swim events were day was a attended to share a drink, 45 year old Sharon s, great succes e a chat and some of our Beaver from Adelaide b to g in v again pro major canapés. The festival was (formerly from Forster), e th f o e on events officially launched, and Sue who took honours in fundraisingea d Surf Ray played some beautiful the 700 m event, and for Black He ye ar. ” Club for th tunes. I have been spending 16 year old Maddison some time on the riverbank Carnegie from Sydney, at Taree lately, with bootcamp at who took out the 1500 m 6am, the launch from 7.30pm and main event. Second place in an afternoon at the festival all giving me a the main swim was 40 year old Zoe different perspective. I think that we are blessed Dowsett from Forster. Other top-performing to have such a beautiful riverbank, and we must locals in the main event were: William Squires, be proud of it. I, for one, intend to use it more 15, from Forster, Andrew Fisher, 15, from often.

Hallidays Point, Brock Van Kampen, 13, from Now to the beach ... the weather and surf Old Bar, Emily Nash, 16, from Hallidays Point. conditions were just perfect for the running of Overall the day was a great success, again the 4th annual Head2Head Ocean Classic, held proving to be one of the major fundraising on Sunday, January 6 at Blackhead Beach – this events for Black Head Surf Club for the year. year with a new major sponsor in MacDonald’s Many people came along to spectate and to Taree and Forster. take in the monthly Black Head Bazaar, one of Competitor numbers were comparable with the region’s most popular markets. previous years, with 269 entries across the three Over January, I enjoyed many cookery classes, events: a 700 m ocean swim, a 1500 m ocean where I taught a range of children’s classes swim, and a 10 km ocean ski paddle. In the ski and a Vietnamese class for adults. I just love paddle, 48 year old Gary Henderson from Port the children, and it is so rewarding for all of

“

ds the ds tth he end he end nd us; they start off nervous and towards their eyes just light up, as they are so proud of what they have created. I try to teach them little tips about waste and about produce, about eating together and working in teams; it really is a lovely morning, albeit followed by a lot of cleaning up! My adults’ class was also a lot of fun, with participants mastering Vietnamese rolls, a traditional salad, dessert and Pho Bo. I am looking forward to a little holiday this month, where I will attend a Thai class at The Spirit House on the Sunshine Coast.

In January’s issue I ran out of space to mention the Wingham Advancement Group’s Christmas party, where around 25 people got together for a celebration at Wingham Golf Club. Grahame and I attended and enjoyed some lovely company. The Wingham Advancement Group (WAG) is responsible for many projects around town and deserve recognition for all the hard work they do.

Congratulations are also to be made to Ron Sky, a WAG member who was awarded Wingham Citizen of the year on Australia Day by Wingham Rotary.

Congratulations to all the Australia Day award recipients across the region, with a special one to our very own Emily Dowswell, who won the Wingham Rotary Young Citizen of the Year; she does a superb job and is very well deserving of the award.

I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties, anything!

Send pics and info to: donna.carrier@ bigpond.com.

Cheers, Donna.

XXXX Gold Cup.

FASHIONS FIELD

As the Tuncurry/Forster Jockey Club is heading towards its fifth year of racing, sponsorship is growing stronger every year, with packages to suit all budgets for the business houses of the twin towns of Forster/Tuncurry.

The Tuncurry Bowling Club is the working heart of the Jockey Club and our biggest sponsor, sponsoring eight races this 2013 racing season.

Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club XXXX Gold Cup will once again give trackside fashionistas the chance to strut their 'wears' and showcase their unique autumn racing style at the XXXX Gold Cup race day.

F

eature races are the XXXX Gold Cup & the Golden Mile – sure to keep the punters happy.

Punters may be poring over their form guides, but ladies know the real competition lies with the Fashion on the Fields.

This event promises to be the most glamorous to date. Once again, tables in the Pavilion will sell out fast, so don't be disappointed. The Pavilion, located on the winning post, is fast becoming a sought after area to enjoy the day sipping champagne, enjoying the sounds of Jazz music while studying your form guide, with bar, food and betting facilities included in the pavilion area. Members Pavilion seats from $40 (includes entry), Non-Members Pavilion from $45 (includes entry): PLEASE CONTACT Marg in regards to securing tables and seats in the Pavilion. Ph: 6555 6586 or Mob: 0429 967 823.

With race day Fashions on the Fields being a highlight of the day, this is proving to be a fashion event not to be missed.

Enthusiastic Fashionistas will don their best race wear and head to the glamorous catwalk area, with the lure of significant prizes.

With last year's cup day, Fashion on the Fields attracting record entries; the event is predicted to again attract large entries, so it's time to plan your look.

Event organisers feel the judging area will be buzzing during the XXXX Gold Cup carnival, with fashion hopefuls competing in what's been said to become Tuncurry-Forster's most prestigious outdoor fashion event.

CATEGORIES ARE: Most Elegant Lady

Best Dressed Junior Best Dressed Couple Best Hat JUDGING CRITERIA WOMEN'S RACE WEAR: Appropriateness of the outfit for autumn racing. Attention to detail with accessories. (Appropriate headwear mandatory). Grooming and Deportment.

The Bellevue Hotel Tuncurry has also supported our efforts from the first race meeting.

This year we see a new major sponsor of the Tuncurry/Forster Gold Cup, Tooheys. The Jockey Club has agreed to a new three year contract with Tooheys, with the main race to be called the Tuncurry/Forster XXXX Gold Cup. The Jockey Club has secured new saddle cloths

and strappers' jackets, proudly sponsored by Lumpy’s Landscape Yard. TJL Business Advisors Sydney, Taree and Tuncurry for the second year running have expanded their financial input from one race last year to three races throughout this year. Other valued sponsors are Wallis Lake Fisherman’s Co-op, Yarads Men’s Wear, Happy Gardens Chinese Restaurant Forster, L & B GLass, Pulse Health, Forster Private Hospital, Coasting Home Giftware, Dorvik’s Steel, Century 21 Real Estate, Beach Bum’s Cafe, Matrz Family Accounting, Lobbys Sea Food and Holcim Concrete.

Every bit of support, big or small, makes the difference in the existence and the future of the Tuncurry/Forster Jockey Club, so leg yourself up for the ride of your life and 'Let’s Go Racing'.

MEN'S RACE WEAR: Appropriateness of the outfit for autumn racing. Attention to detail with accessories, suits and appropriate headwear is encouraged. Grooming.

Tuncurry-Forster XXXX Gold Cup: making it trackside has never been easier, with buses running all day from 11am - 6pm.

The day promises to be a great day of racing, attracting major sponsors with a 6 race program with TAB and bookmakers, local, Sydney and inter-state. Entry $15 nonmembers, $10 members and aged pensioners, Under 18s free, must be with an adult. Food and drinks available. NO BYO ALCOHOL. Bus service Forster and Tuncurry.

the schedule 2

Gates open 11am with a 6 race program; feature races XXXX Gold Cup over 21,000 metres and the Golden Mile ran over 16,000 metres. Race 1 approximately 1pm.

Please Contact Marg Phone: 6555 6586 Mobile: 0429 967 823 Email: garrymargaret@bigpond.com Website: www.tfjc.info

manning-great lakes focus 25

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feature.

Loved up

in lue xu seary

by th

Port Macquarie is a wedding hot-spot

Imagine waking up to luxurious sheets in a penthouse apartment, waves crashing outside, 180 degree ocean n views, a hot breakfast awaits on your private balcony, and you begin to share tales from yesterday, your wedding day y…

T

his is one way to start your new life as ‘Mr and Mrs’ if you get married in Port Macquarie. This beautiful coastal region is just a short drive away and offers around 50 ceremony and reception locations, endless accommodation choices and picturesque locations for photographs.

If you thought you knew ‘Port’, it’s time to take another look – there are stylish new wedding venues, hip, refurbished hotels and restaurants, and professional event suppliers that will create your magic day.

When you add in quality food and wine and the chance to ‘get away’ for a few days with your closest family and friends, it’s an enticing package.

Top picks to get you started The 4.5 star Rydges Port Macquarie is right on the water, with accommodation and reception venues all in one place. A recent refurbishment features four new event spaces, with three of these culminating in one large waterfront ballroom to cater for 350 banquet style. It also offers the new Zebu Bar + Grill for contemporary cuisine and cocktails, and 123 hotel rooms and self-contained two and three bedroom apartments Macquarie Waters Boutique Apartment Hotel is also 4.5 star and the perfect CBD location, with 49 superbly appointed motel rooms and self-contained one, two and three bedroom apartments with ocean views and spas. Dine at the awardwinning on-site restaurant, The Corner, or retreat with the family

come out of your shell and

discov´r a w´dding parådise

discover the romance, tranquility and beauty of this coastal paradise at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au Photography courtesy of Little Glimpses and Mel Lawrence

26 manning-great lakes focus.

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feature.

Loved up

ry

sea byinthlue xu

Port Macquarie is a wedding hot-spot

to the luxurious roof deck complete with panoramicc ocean views, hammocks, a hot spa tub and barbecue facilities.

reception venu e can seat 150 people or 200 for a cocktail venue style reception.

Port Macquarie Panthers is Port’s largest venue and is ideal for larger weddings, seating up to 700 people, or choose from boutique spaces such as the Pier Room, with a large deck overlooking the river.

Private jetty – arrive in style on a yacht to a private jetty to your ceremony on the waterfront lawn at Quality Sails Resort, then retreat to the waterfront restaurant for the reception for up to 120.

Unique reception venues

Penthouse balcony – enjoy a private penthouse balcony reception at Ki-ea Beachside Apartments.

From rooftops and penthouse balconies to beach weddings and world-class art centres – Port Macquarie offers a variety of reception venues. Finding one that suits you and your loved one is the hardest and biggest decision, so here are a few options to get you started: On the water’s edge – the newly refurbished four-star Waters Edge Boutique Hotel has the On The Edge Terrace right on the Hastings River and the Edge Restaurant if you prefer indoors.

Barefoot beach vibe – get married on Rainbow Beach and walk to your reception overlooking the ocean at the Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club, for up to 200 people.

Rooftop glamour – the Mercure Centro Hotel’s rooftop

Great value – The Westport Club is a popular community club with one of the best water views in town and great-value wedding packages.

E THE D ATE SAV he Happily Ever “13 July 2013 - ‘T Wauchope at ir fa al After’ brid ll break away wi nd ou gr ow Sh l expo format na tio di from the tra teractive in to offer unique ur themes: fo th wi es experienc nny Days, Su , Bohemian Love d Rustic an tic an m Ro Neutral a.” an Australi

World-class art space – for a cultural and contemporary vibe, the Glasshouse Regional Gallery is perfect for a pre-reception cocktail party.

continued over

manning-great lakes focus 27

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1800 uninterrupted beach views.

If you would like a venue like no other, then Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club is the No. 1 choice, with spectacular 180° uninterrupted beach views.

Our new Function Room has a modern, open plan feel with high ceiling and a covered balcony. WBHSLSC is unlike any other surf club, and you will be sure to have unique and unforgettable wedding day.

Photography by little glimpses.

centre pieces according to your package. Fully dressed cake and gift tables, chair covers and sashes.

We are fully licensed, with competitive drink packages or drink tab options.

A menu can be tailor made for your special day.

Our venue works for 70 -160 sit down guests and many more if you desire a casual stand up celebration.

Many customers are coming to us from all around NSW seeking out as their preferred wedding destination – and we never let them down!

Enquire about our monthly special – to qualify you must book our Silver or Celebration Package and pay your deposit within 2 weeks of your enquiry. (Conditions do apply.)

Best of all, our profits go back to keeping our local beaches safe.

We also look after conferences/corporate functions, birthday celebrations, engagements, private wakes and Christmas parties.

(Conditions do apply.)

Our packages have proven to be popular.

Everything mentioned below is included: Friendly staff and your very own wedding coordinator for your special day.

Wedding packages for all budgets. Packages include guests’ tables fully dressed with quality white linen and napkins. Your choice of table

28 manning-great lakes focus.

Contact us on 0402 450 698 to discuss availability and hosting a function at our beautiful venue.

Come check out our venue on a Friday evening for a drink on our deck.

Your Heading Here!

Searching for something a little different?

Searching for something a little different?

Perhaps a wedding escape for your family and friends that isn’t too far from home?

Why not make the trip south for a stunning coastal waterfront wedding at Rydges Port Macquarie. Offering the ultimate in waterfront getaways for you and your guests with unsurpassed views across the Hastings River and Pacific Ocean.

This recently refurbished facility is the newest on the wedding scene with stunning floor to ceiling windows unveiling the picturesque foreshore and harbour at its doorstep. For an intimate or an expansive gathering of family and friends Rydges can host up to 500 guests for a cocktail reception or 300 for a seated formal reception.

The hotel itself has undergone a contemporary transformation with its main restaurant and bar, Zebu Bar + Grill, perfect for post ceremony

drinks for your visiting guests with a Mohito on the waterfront or French champagne to celebrate. Featuring magnificent hardwood timber floors, funky fireplaces and cosy spots to relax this is the perfect entrée to your elegant reception.

Create your dream reception in the event space upstairs that celebrates the surrounding waterfront, complimented by the award winning and creative cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Adam Tait and his dedicated culinary team. Select from delicious canapés, succulent seafood, gourmet buffets or a regional menu for those who want to make the most of Port Macquarie’s delicious local produce.

If your heart is set on a coastal wedding with fabulous food, breathtaking views and a light sea breeze - head to Rydges Port Macquarie.

You’ve found the one … leave the rest to us!

Sundowner Tiona Weddings.

S

undowner Tiona Tourist Park occupies a very unique place nestled between the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, the cabbage tree palm studded shores of Wallis Lake and spectacular Booti Booti National Park. Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park and the famed Green Cathed became the backdrop and Cathedral

A sunset backdrop, surrounded by lush national park, was the idyllic framing for Michelle and Adrian's 2012 wedding. stunning wedding location for Michelle and Adrian Row last year.

day are invited to come to Sundowner Tiona on their first open day for 2013.

The couple met 8 years ago via dating website match.com and soon met up in person at Michelle's housewarming party a few weeks later. They hit it off instantly and as they say, 'the rest is history'.

The Midsummer's open day on Sunday 24 February will showcase the beautiful weddings and the vendors available at Tiona. Entry is free, guests can view the spectacular facilities, and on the day there will be numerous wedding vendors available for you to discuss your wedding needs and get a sneak peek into why Sundowner Tiona is one of the most popular wedding venues around.

Early in 2010, while on holiday in Ireland, Adrian proposed to Michelle, and soon the wedding planning began.

"The highlight of the day was the gorgeous weather," says Michelle, who chose the Green Cathedral for the wedding ceremony. "Everything was perfect," she added.

e

Th Midsummer's “ ay open day on Sund

24 February will autiful showcase the be e weddings and the at vendors availabl Tiona.�

The couple hosted 65 guests at their Tiona Wedding, utilising local vendors to bring the event together.

After the wedding, the couple enjoyed a week and a half, luxury honeymoon in the Maldives, where they stayed in a beautiful overwater villa.

Weddings Open Day Brides and bridegrooms who are looking for inspiration for their wedding

Invitation Workshop On Saturday 23 February, there will be an invitation making workshop hosted by Seaside Stationery that will be coupled with a High Tea Buffet. RSVP now to reserve your place to weddingcoordinator@ sundownerholidays.com

the plug!

For more information about Weddings at Sundowner Tiona, visit www.sundownerweddings.com

manning-great lakes focus 29

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Sara Randall.

Marketing Manager

What product and / or service does your business specialise in? Stockland is Australia’s leading diversified property group, actively managing a portfolio of assets including residential communities, retirement living villages, shopping centres, office and industrial assets. Our mixed-use model means we are in a good position to positively impact the communities where we operate. Whether it is providing a shopping centre that meets the needs of the local community, building parks at our residential communities or contributing to programs that improve the wellbeing of our tenants we are focused on developing thriving communities.

Favourite part of your working day?

There is a lot of financial and strategic planning in my role so anytime I get to be creative is my favourite part. Working on developing a new campaign or ways to make shopping at Stockland Forster a more rewarding experience is always fun.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business

Karen Hoswell elll.

Director/Proprietor

What product and / or service does your business specialise in? Real Estate Sales & Property Management Favourite part of your working day? All of it I am a workaholic.

plan is to continue to offer Stockland Forster customers a convenient, rewarding and enjoyable place to shop. We also aim to create a community hub that supports local not-for-profit organisations.

What makes your business stand out from the competition?

Stockland Forster offers customers choice.

We have 3 supermarkets and 80 specialty retail stores including, fashion, homewares, jewellery and services such as Australia Post & Banking. We also have some great cafĂŠs and take away food stores for grabbing a quick coffee with friends or lunch with the family.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business plan is to maintain our standards to all of our customers & continue to grow in all facets of real estate. Our aim is to also retain our excellent sales, management & office staff & to keep them happy.

What makes your business stand out from the competition? ME! JKL real estate has always been a family owned business & John & I have always aimed to make our customers happy. We have been operating since 1996 & have built the business into being able to own a prominent position in town offering our vendors, purchasers, owners & holiday makers the same friendly family atmosphere

so rarely found in today’s hectic lifestyle.

JKL's rapid growth over the last few years has been rewarded this season with a near 100% occupancy rate in their holiday accommodation with lots of happy holiday makers rebooking before they leave our lovely area.

The news of the month is that Lauren Hoswell (The L in JKL) has recently started JKL property management in the Hunter Valley area and we wish her the best of luck in the beginning of a new era of the company.

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Amanda Priester.

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Owner

What product and / or service does your business specialise in?

Our store offers a carefully selected range of Homewares, Furniture and Fashion.

Vivian Chapman.

Owner

What product and / or service does your business specialise in?

We do beautiful and affordable fashions for the 30+ age group (Yummy Mummies and Super Gran's are our speciality!)

Favourite part of your working day?

I love to interact with my customers, so my whole working day from when I open the store to when I close.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business plan is to continue serving our customers and serving all of their fashion needs. We also plan to introduce some stunning European labels this year at discounted prices.

What makes your business stand out from the competition?

We stand out because of our passion for our customers, our varied and delicious quality fashions with many of our fashion brands made in Australia as well as our amazing prices! We also stand out because of our generous loyalty scheme with wardrobe and gift giveaways regularly on MAXFM. Web also pride ourselves on our personal customer service.

32 manning-great lakes focus.

One of of our focuses is coastal style; living in this beautiful area we are naturally drawn to the sea and all its colours and finishes.

Our furniture is a reflection of this more casual lifestyle, my training in interior decorating will help you select pieces that can make your home stand out from the crowd.

Trends in fashion, colour and style are represented in our selection of soft furnishings, décor accents and relaxed fashion.

Favourite part of your working day?

The compliments that we receive on the store and its product selection are probably the best part of any day. It is great to hear the gifts or items for the home, bought from our store were well received and loved.

Meeting people has been a big part of our business; both myself and my husband Mark (my great behind the scene support!) have met new friends and love to see customers from near and far.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business plan is to get our on line shop up and happening, just before Christmas I started to learn the in's and outs of our website. I have started using facebook to let our regular followers know when we have received great new stock. These tools will enable us to reach our local and out of the area customers with more regular updates and great style.

Barbara van de Lindt.

Franchisee

What product and / or service does your business specialise in?

Subway® at Forster specialises in fresh gourmet subs, prepared freshly in front of you to your personal specifications, using our unique bread rolls baked fresh daily Favourite part of your working day? – Is when the store is about to open, looking great with the salad bar brimming with freshly prepared items, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and cookies drifting through the store.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business plan is to continue growing at a steady rate while providing excellent customer service to all of our customers.

What makes your business stand out from the competition? We are a fast food chain that offers a healthier range of subs, wraps and salad bowls made just the way you like it! We offer a variety of catering platters for those special occasions - made to your specifications; and can supply a healthy alternative lunch package for schools and day care centres.

Subway® has two convenient locations in Forster:Subway Marina, Shop 3, Wallis St, Forster NSW 2428 Stockland Forster, Shop 36, Stockland, Breese Parade, Forster NSW 2428.

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Judie Maddox.

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What product and / or service does your business specialise in? I look after ladies starting from the age of 30, dressing them in beautiful clothing. I want people to know that my stores aren't just for older ladies and that we do cater for younger women also.

Favourite part of your working day? Always planning new things I am always thinking of ways I can improve my business. I like to talk to my staff and customers and get valuable feed back. I am a hands on person and a people person.

Finish this statement: In 2013 our business plan is to look at ways to improve my business, also looking at going online to help my customers. I want my customers to feel good about themselves – Most women always fault themselves even if they are attractive. I want women to see that they are beautiful and I want customers to feel special, important and confident. We want you to come and experience the difference at Margos Boutique. Our service is exceptional.

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Stefanie Hiles. Co Owner of The Aztec Mexican Restaurant

Owner

Position: Owner of 3 stores

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Diana Jahnsen.

Owner/Operator

What product and /or service does your business specialise in? Ladies fashions and accessories for all ages, teens to nans with sizes 7 to 20 and beyond, 90% of Ballistic Chix stock retails between $20 & $45, I also have all year round Forcast school and work shorts and pants Navy and Black and a large selection of footwear, dress thongs, blingy sandals, pumps and boots.

Favourite time of the day? Opening the door, I meet a lot of interesting and great people every day.

Finish this statement in 2013 our business plan is to?

Expand by going on line, I will be launching a web site in March/April this year as well as Ballistic Chix will be on Face book to cover the demand from many tourist customers. I have several thousand customers that have left their detail on our mailing list, so it is going to be a very busy year, my web address will be www.ballisticchix.com.au – new stock arrives every 2 to 3 days at my location in 3 Wharf Street Forster.

Favourite part of your working day? My main Job is Front of House – I’m very much a people person and love the friendships I have developed with my customers – We have just worked our 5th Christmas and have many regular tourists coming back each year – that we now know on a first name basis and look forward to catching up with.

I’m also very lucky to meet and form great friendships with the Musicians who come and play here – to be able to work and listen to great Live Music is THE BEST job in the world!

Finish this statement In 2013 our Business Plan is to keep growing in customer base and to keep providing Great Service and keep supporting Live Original Music in the area …

What makes your business stand out from the competition?

We like to make everyone who walks in the door to feel welcomed, relaxed and treat them the same way we would like to be treated – being consistent in our service and product and providing a place to go out that’s a bit different from everywhere else.

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Jemma Manager for the new Lifeline shop in Forster.

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i Jemma. Please tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to be appointed as manager for the new Lifeline shop at

Forster ...

I have worked as a manager in a local menswear store for the last 10 years. I noticed the advertisement for the Shop Manager’s position for the new Lifeline store in Forster in the local paper and thought it would be a challenging and rewarding role. It seemed to be the perfect fit for me at this time in my life.

I am currently at TAFE studying a Certificate IV in Community Services and when the chance presented itself to combine my retail experience with a community based organisation, I jumped at the chance.

What will your role/responsibilities be in this position?

My role will be to oversee the daily operations of our store while working alongside our volunteers to generate as much profit as we can to keep our telephone crisis support and suicide intervention services running and supporting people in need.

Where is the new shop located?

We are located in the old Retravision building, on the corner of Breese Parade and Boundary Street in Forster, just past Stocklands. The signage on the shop has been completed and there are flags waving everywhere to announce our arrival in Forster. You can’t miss it.

What days/hours is the shop open?

The shop is open 9.30 to 4.30 Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 3.30 Saturday, and 9.30 to 3.30 Sunday school holidays only.

What types of goods do you have in stock

34 manning-great lakes focus.

at the moment?

We have a great mix of donated and new goods in the store. I have been very impressed with our community’s response to our Lifeline Shop, with people donating really lovely items. At the moment we have a great range of collectables and affordable great quality furniture. I have also spotted some We also have a ck truck that will pi highly sought after u yo If s. m items for the vintage up larger ite ount of have a large am lovers out there. There te , we furniture to dona the are great finds in ew benefit the local comvi can come and homewares, clothing .” up ck pi munity? items before and accessories for all The funds raised by ages. the store go to Lifeline Mid We always receive great Coast, which provides a number feedback from people on the of services including: support new Egyptian towels that we carry. groups for those bereaved by suicide, What’s the process for community memChristmas memorial services, suicide prevenbers who may have items they wish to tion training and presentations, and Lifeline’s donate to the shop?

13 11 14 Telephone Crisis Support.

As we are trying to really create a great The shop had its official opening/launch shop, we need to be careful of what we acon January 19. What happened on the cept as donations. Items that are soiled and/or day, and how big a success was the broken will not be accepted. If you have items launch? you wish to donate, please bring them to our We had a fantastic day. The Lions Club ran a store to our lovely volunteers, or there are bins BBQ, providing delicious sausage sandwiches, placed at the side of the store for donations. and Wesley Uniting Employment supplied We also have a truck that will pick up larger a coffee cart, providing free coffee and hot items. If you have a large amount of furniture chocolate to keep us all going. There were free to donate, we can come and view the items balloons for all the kids, and Pirate Pete and before pick up. We cannot guarantee that we Fairy came to do face painting for the kids. It will always take all your items. We are proud was a great family fun day out. of our recycling history and try not to add to Furthermore, for the second time that week, our local tips, so please only donate items that things virtually flew off the shelves, leaving may be useful to someone else. No broken or a flurry of volunteers madly restocking the unclean items. shelves and helping people wherever they How do funds raised by the shop go to could. We have an amazing team of people.

“

Are you looking for volunteers to help with customer service or other tasks in the shop and if so, how do people apply?

We have such a great team of men and women working as volunteers at the shop.

They are the life stream of the business, and we couldn’t do it without them. But we always need more.

If you would like to volunteer with Lifeline, please drop into the shop or call us on 6555 8172. We are in need of some truck drivers and offsiders to provide pick up and do deliveries.

Just a warning though; it’s not great for your diet. Someone is always bringing in some delicious homemade treat for morning tea. We are all bonding over food and good times here at the shop. It’s a great place to socialise and reconnect with your community.

What are the best contact details for anyone wanting more information?

If you would like to contact us at Lifeline Forster, just call 6555 8172 or come and visit our lovely team at the store, 2/35 Breese Parade, Forster.

Thanks Jemma.

Andrea Caldwell – Board Member Jan Strom – Board Member

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Jo-Anne Stavely – Board Member, Dawn Thornton – Secretary & Public Officer, Cassie Crompton – Project Assistant, Megan McGill – Project Officer Engagement, Jenni Kew – Office Manager.

Jacqui Houlden – Board Member

Regional Developement Australia.

R Connecting people throughout the region from the coast through the valleys is the one of the key objectives for the Women of Regional Development Australia. We find out more ...

W

hat is Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast?

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, State and Local Governments to develop and strengthen the regional communities of Australia. RDA Mid North Coast is a not for profit Incorporated Association that operates in the dynamic environment of the local government areas of Greater Taree, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Lord Howe Island.

A key role of the RDA is to act as a conduit between business/community and government to ensure that government is responsive to local needs and priorities. RDA Mid North Coast has three principle objectives including ‘Connecting People, Coast and Valleys’ to broker and facilitate the development of the region connecting via partnership with stakeholders.

How will the Mid North Coast become more competitive in 2013?

RDA Mid North Coast has been at the vanguard for advocacy and promotion of High Speed Broadband and the value of NBN Co, producing Australia’s first Regional Digital Strategy. The roll out of the NBN in Coffs and across the region is a game changing opportunity for regional Australia.

Coffs Harbour is currently in the process of the fibre rollout with Taree soon to follow. The exciting

news for the region is that Fixed Wireless & relevance these include: Research, Communication, Satellite will service nearly 22% of the region to be Facilitation, Alignment and Leadership. fully operational by the end of 2013.

One of our most important tools we have We are providing information to Councils, is research. Government and industry are Business and the community through our constantly producing quality data relevant to our “Broadband Toolkit” on line through our region. However the most important website (www.radmidnorthcoast. consideration for RDA Mid org.au). RDA Mid North Coast North Coast is to interpret is the producer for the major that research and identify The RDA Mid expo in Coffs Harbour, implications that may North Co ast has objectives T.H.E (Technologybenefit or impact industry three principle cting Heath-Education) and/or our community. including ‘Conne Valleys’ d Exchange Expo & RDA Mid North Coast People, Co ast an ate cilit to broker and fa Seminar program. This in partnership with t of the developmen year T.H.E Exchange the La Trobe University ting ec nn co on gi the re will be rolled out as a commercialised Regional ith w p via partnershi Road-show in each of the Economic Modelling & stakeholders.” local government areas and Planning tool (REMPLAN); will complement the Digital has developed a free ‘Regional Champions project where we Digital App’ on its website (www. are looking for individuals to promote radmidnorthcoast.org.au). The App is their digital broadband experience to their free and provides research data on up to community. T.H.E Exchange will be in each 19 industry categories and compares any of the of the council areas in July – be prepared for the 6 LGAs with the whole region and NSW. We digital revolution. encourage everyone to become familiar with the How do we identify and communicate the key RDA/REMPLAN ‘Regional Data App’. While the app issues for the Mid North Coast? is simple to use, in the coming months we will be Our purpose is to develop and facilitate providing free seminars to Business Chambers and industry in our region and it is up to all of us to economic, social and environmental organisation be competitive in the current economic climate. on how to best exploit the data – contact RDA Mid RDA Mid North Coast utilises five tools to ensure North Coast for further details.

“

How do you communicate the key issues and achievements for the Mid North Coast RDA Mid North Coast’s website (www. radmidnorthcoast.org.au) has become a portal for information on Industry, Community and Government. A cornerstone of our communications strategy, the site is a model for other RDAs around Australia, carrying information from the Broadband Toolkit, Grant Links & other Resources. In addition, the site offers details of RDA MNC services, including the Regional Migration Scheme (RMS) and other Federal programs such as the Regional Development Australia Fund.

RDA MNC recently audited its Web Traffic for the last year identifying over 25,000 unique URL visits. More significantly though was that 39% of those were return visitors and that the average time of the site was over 3.5 minutes per visitor.

In summary RDA Mid North Coasts Board and Staff are pleased to contribute to the FOCUS “Women in Business” supplement and we thank the women involved in our region for their leadership to our objective: ‘Connecting our products, services and capacity to our neighbours, our nation and the world’.

RDA Mid North Coast Phone. (02) 5525 1500.

Email. admin@rdamidnorthcaost.org.au

Visit our website for: Access to regional news and information Regional data for the Mid North Coast from Coffs Harbour to Taree Regional indicators bi-monthly publication Available grant information The Strategic Regional Leadership Conference The International Year of Co-Operatives National Conference T.H.E Exchange – Technology, Health, Education Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme The latest information on the NBN rollout

www.rdamidnorthcoast.org.au

MID NORTH COAST NSW manning-great lakes focus 35

iness? Would o you want to grow your bus you give t tha you like to meet people invite We s? rral more word of mouth refe pens hap t tha re you to join us at BNI whe every week! rnational) is a business ss BNI (Busine Network Inte primary purpose is to assist referral organisation whose hange qualired business its members to rnd and exc develop word-of-mouth referrals for each other and marketing techniques.

BNI chapters in 40 Worldwide, there are 5010 members. BNI came to countries, with over 103,000 have 172 chapters across Australia in 1997; today we bers nationally. the country with 3500 mem in Australia generated Last year members of BNI ion lted in more than $165 mill business referrals that resu ide ldw wor BNI e period in new business. (In that sam s, this translates to over rral refe ion mill 4.9 r passed ove A$2.25 billion of business).

BOUTIQUE

FORSTER

TAREE

EAST MAITLAND

www.margosfashions.com.au

36 manning-great lakes focus.

BNI provides a positive, supportiv e and structured environment for men and women to further their business through wordof-mouth marketing. Word-of-mou th may be one of the oldest forms of advertising, but the BNI spin on the theme is producing remarkable results for businesse s. BNI puts in place a structure and trains people to network.

Business people attract business when their expertise is known and others reach a level of trust in that. BNI provides a forum that allows members to meet other busin ess peers for mutual benert.

Come and check it out: OPEN DAY BREAKFAST. “The Lakes” (Forster/Tuncurry) Chapter. Wed nesday morning 7.00 am 20th February. Colonel’s Café, Little St, Forster.

“The Lakes” (Forster/Tuncurry) Chap ter meets Wednesday mornings at Colonel’s Café, Little St, Forster. As an organisation BNI offers highly motivated busin ess people a weekly no-nonsense breakfast meeting that virtually guar antees them customer leads.

If anyone is interested in visiting a local BNI meeting, please contact the local Chapter Presiden t, The Lakes(Forster), Judie Maddox from Margo’s Fashion’s Ph. 6554 8082.

FIND OUT WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY ABOUT BNI With-in the rrst 7 months of joinin g BNI The Lakes our business experienced some amazing grow th.

This growth has been absolutely linked with joining BNI The Lakes. In this time we received 49 referral leads which in dollar terms has equated to well over $20, 000.00 that’s almost $3000 a month.

In addition to the dollars, there is also the added benerts of meeting with other business own ers not “business moaners”. I highly recommend BNI The Lakes to any business owner, I believe it is an essential part of any successf ul business.

I am proud to have my business asso ciated with BNI. Kind regards Matthew Williams, M&M Signs Ph: 6555 7446 Mob: 0448 109 712

IN THE GREAT LAKES In a small town a good name is very important. We had a lot of business directed to us from insurance companies but saw the need to concentrate on building up our database of local clients, regardless of whom they may be insured with, and BNI has been a great avenue to do that.

Mid Coast Smash rrst joined BNI in March 2010. We’ve found it’s been great to be able to meet with 20 to 30 other

business people on a weekly basis and get to know them all personally. Now they know us too, and that broadens our name around town. We have been able to use these businesses for our own needs, and refer customers of ours to them too, conrdent in knowing that they will be looked after.

Trust is a big thing in BNI. We share ideas on business and marketing and are always looking out for the other members trying to help them grow their businesses. Particularly for those who are new to business it keeps you focused on your

goals and by speaking to others about your business it helps develop your conrdence.

Over the last 3 years we’ve kept track of new business we have received through BNI and it has added thousands to our turnover, and all through word- of-mouth referrals. We would

THE MEMBERS OF THE LAKES BNI INCLUDE: • Judie Maddox - Margo’s Fashions • Tracey Drayson - Professionals Forster • Celeste Godwin - Accountants and More • Stijn Roos - Forster Tuncurry Transmissions • Daryl and Karen Palmer - Mid Coast Smash Repairs • Colin Slow - Oxley Insurance Brokers • Matt Williams - M & M Signs • Chris Eschler - Great Lakes Nissan & Autopro • Craig Gleeson - Innovation ReCreation P/L ` • Denis Pecnik - OZ Data Tech • Earl Emerson - Westpac Forster • Jan Williams - One Hair & Beauty • John Duff - Master Coaching

have to say that joining BNI has been a very successful move, and we would recommend to others “if you want to grow your business” then join BNI.

• John Evers - Brush Masters

Daryl and Karen Palmer Mid Coast Smash Repairs 4 Dee Crescent, Tuncurry, NSW 2428 sales@midcoastsmash.com.au

• Glenda Paton - All About Conveyancing

02 6554 9783

• Terry Murphy - Accountants and More

• Mark Banks - Banks & Dade Family Chiropractors • Mark Morris - Mark M. Morris, Solicitor • Melinda Lightfoot - Tuncurry Copy Centre • Stephen Ritchie - CTE Systems

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Francina Mills.

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Owner Operator

Name: Francina Mills Position: Owner Operator XSTYLES SALON What product and / or service does your business specialize in? Now that’s a good question! I would say honestly MAKING PEOPLE FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEMSELVES. This is done in various ways, some like colour, some like cutting, some come for the pampering, some come for the great coffee.

And some love to be able just to talk and have someone listen to them while I make them look better and feel more confident, sexy and attractive.

Favourite part of your working day? Is from the time I open the salon to the time of closing as it’s so interesting meeting and dealing with my customers. It’s like socializing while making them look good and feel great! It’s very friendly and every one can join in the conversation if they feel like it.

We have many a good laugh and some great times too! As they leave with a smile on their face, it gives me warm satisfaction that they have enjoyed my service. Some clients have been coming for 23 years.

Finish this statement: In 2013 my business plan is to keep looking after my clients in the best way I know how and keeping a balance between work and personal life.

This can be difficult to do, however it’s working very well at the moment. I’m very pleased that I have had my own business for 23 years and still happy with my craft.

My business just keeps evolving and surprising me.

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Marion Hart. Franchisee What product and / or service does your business specialise in?

Whatever the occasion, whether it be a birthday, office party or a quick lunch on the run, we have the perfect treat for you!

We cater for all budgets and have a large range of cakes that will make your next occasion epic! Our cabinets are always full of indulgent sweet treats to spoil yourself or if you are after something savoury we can also help you out. Make sure you try a cup of our award winning coffee (we won't lie, it's a sip above the rest!) or on those hotter days, we have delicious cold smoothies, chillers and milkshakes to suit!

Michel's Patisserie has over 200 menu items so you are sure to find something you love.

Favourite part of your working day?

I would say my favourite part or parts of the day are setting up the shop in the morning and making that first cup of coffee for my early bird customers and when my regular customers come to visit.

What is your business plan for 2013?

To continue as we have bringing customers, friends and family together in a happy and enjoyable place to meet and catch up. Also to be able to increase our Michel's staff and contribute to the local employment.

Dominique Vasers.

Director

What product and / or service does your business specialise in? Pacific Palms Real Estate sells and manages residential, rural and holiday properties across the Pacific Palms.

Favourite part of your working day?

The challenges that every new day throws. I love that no two days are ever the same and that I am always on my toes.

What is your business plan for 2013?

Continue building on the newly established management structure recently introduced to Pacific Palms Real Estate, strengthen our social media presence and to embrace the challenges of running multiple businesses.

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c h i l d r e n 's

for u m Raising kids in 2013 can be a challenge. A passion for kids and a desire to assist parents and care givers do their best to ensure all children live a healthy, productive life has brought together five professionals to participate in what will be a positive and empowering Forum later this month. o be held at Club Forster on 27 February and proudly supported

by Forster Neighbourhood Centre, the Forum will focus on providing up to date information to assist parents and care givers with their health care choices.

You’re all involved with a Children’s Forum that will be presented at Club Forster this month. What’s the aim of the forum?

The main aim of the forum is to raise community awareness of local health specialists who are available to help children who are struggling with physical or developmental issues. We often hear that families are travelling to Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney to access services, which are sometimes available right here in the Manning-Great Lakes area.

The schools and preschools are seeing such an increase in the number of children that do need additional support to help them integrate, so they are able to do their best at school. We would like to be able to provide some answers as to the causes of this increase in childhood issues and of course, offer simple solutions.

Our aim has always been to make this broad and interesting and not just cover the science, yet provide solid tried and true solutions, so we have an interesting line up.

Please introduce us to the presenters who’ll be at the forum, and briefly describe the topics each person will be discussing ...

The line up: Debbie Hopper − Senior Occupational Therapist at Life Skills 4 Kids; Linda Dade – Chiropractor at Banks and Dade Family Chiropractic; Jan Paton – Author, retired teacher and conflict resolution mediator; David Hunt – Pharmacist, Amcal Pharmacy; Andrew O’Sullivan – Landscape Designer, creator of Kidscapes and PEACE garden principles.

40 manning-great lakes focus.

Linda has a great interest in seeing children Andrew has extensive experience in schools, do the best they can. It was this drive that educating students, teachers and parents brought her to Chiropractic after the birth of in developing sustainable gardens. He will her daughter. Her biggest joy is seeing the be opening minds to what we have around great big smiles on parents when their babies us that can help reconnect your children to are finally sleeping through, achieving their Mother Nature and the excitement this can milestones and kids are settling and happily create. playing with friends at school and catching up Setting boundaries and teaching self with their learning. responsibility is what Jan Paton will be focusing The nervous system is what controls on. A mother and grandmother, she has all of this and should be the first worked with children all her life. Her book, consideration. With gentle How to say No to our Kids, is full of chiropractic adjustment (often practical child raising solutions. also with at home exercises/ As a pharmacist, David is strategies and possibly probably the most accessible Our aim has diet changes) the signals heath care professional. He always been to from the brain can will provide information and make this broad t just get to where they on medications for interesting and no t ye e, should be, resulting in children and in particular, nc ie cover the sc and d ie tr lid wonderful outcomes. the overuse of antibiotics. so e id prov we She will also be What dates/times will true solutions, soing line have an interest talking about ‘primitive the forum be held? up.” reflexes’, milestones To make it easy to attend, and the impact of brain there are both a day and stimulation at an early age evening session on Wednesday on future cognition and learning 27 February: 11.30am -1.30pm or outcomes.

6.30pm - 8.30pm at Club Forster, Strand St, Debbie’s expertise is in assessment and Forster. Light refreshments will be provided. therapy/strategies in helping children who What benefits will community members struggle with concentration, behaviour, gain by attending the Forum? handwriting and coordination at school, We all want our children to reach their preschool or at home sensory processing full potential. By attending the Forum, you difficulties. She also works closely with children will gain access to experts who will have the whose senses are over-sensitive, e.g. those information to assist you in your endeavours. who struggle to touch or walk on different We are seeing such an increase in childhood textures, children over-sensitive to loud noises allergies, Autism, ADHD and obesity, it is being or picky eaters. called epidemic. These disorders rob children She provides practical and targeted of their energy and enthusiasm of life and therapy to assist desensitisation and help the impact families and communities. As a group, nervous system adjust to these difficulties. we want to help parents and care givers know Her assessment can help uncover the true that there are numerous holistic, non invasive reason why children are struggling at home options that can be utilised to start getting and school and help understand with each back on track. We hope this Forum will start individual child whether their behaviour the ball rolling in this community. difficulties are a true-sensory based issue, or You’ve all come together because you’re whether their issues are behaviourally based. concerned there’s a lack of awareness

“

in the community about the resources actually available to children locally.

Where’s a good place for parents to start sourcing information about these resources?

The Forum is a great place to start. Ask questions, interact with the presenters and you will also have access to a Resource Guide and obtain information about ongoing workshops.

There will be plenty of time to access the presenters and have your questions answered.

What community groups would you like to acknowledge for supporting the event?

Forster Neighbourhood Centre and especially Trish Wallace, who has helped with funding and promotion of this worthy event. Also, Forster Tuncurry Community College, who are helping out by taking the bookings.

How much does it cost to attend the Forum, and are bookings necessary?

At just $15pp or $20 per school group (up to 3 participants), our desire is to make it easily accessible for everyone. Bookings are essential and are being taken at Forster Tuncurry Community College in Tuncurry: phone 6554 9215. As a BONUS, the first 20 bookings receive Jan’s book, How to say No to our Kids.

Great value!

Where can people find out more information?

They can contact Linda or Melissa at Banks and Dade Chiropractic on 6557 6333.

A series of workshops to further support families in this area will be announced at the Forum … and don’t forget, the first 20 to book get a bonus book.

Thanks everyone.

Photo L-R: Linda Dade, David Hunt, Jan Paton and Debbie Hopper. Andrew O'Sullivan absent.

Relationship Difficulties Your Heading Here!

Helping you raise amazing kids “How, and how well we think, we learn, we control our emotions, how we relate to each other the rest of our lives, all of who we become as adults, is rooted in our early experiences and our early relationships”. This is how Mathew Melmed from the 'Zero To Three Organization' explains the influence of our early experiences on our development.

Reaching full potential is the right of every child. We have gathered together a group of experienced, caring professionals to enlighten, entertain and educate you with practical and simple ideas to assist you and the children in your care to a healthier and more fulfilled life potential.

TOPICS COVERED BY OUR FIVE EXPERTS

Tell us a little about Co-dependents anonymous - who do they assist? Coda assists anyone who is trying to improve their relationships with other people. These can be friends, partners, work colleagues, employers, family members. It can also assist anyone who is in a relationship with someone suffering from an addiction, or from a family where addictions existed, but is not exclusive to this.

OfficeHeading Relocation for Mid Coast Connect Your Here!

Your Heading Here!

Happy New Year! The staff at Mid Coast Connect are looking forward to another busy year working with schools, students, employers and other stakeholders creating opportunities for youth.

It is helpful for people who feel trapped in repeating the same life experiences and want to change but don’t know how to.

We would like to inform you that our Southern Office has relocated to exciting new premises in Taree. You can now find us in Suite 2, Level 1 Hooke Chambers, 142 – 144 Victoria Street, Taree.

If someone was unsure about whether it was right for them, what advice would you give them? The advice from Coda is to come to 6 consecutive meetings to decide whether Coda is right for you. There are two local meetings a week in Tuncurry. There is no obligation to keep attending, anyone can come as often or as little as they like. The cost is a gold coin donation, and newcomers are asked not to contribute.

• Paediatric Neurology – the importance of the brain/body connection.

• Paediatric OT – sensory processing, concentration, behaviour and learning • Overuse of antibiotics • Setting boundaries and engendering self responsibility • Kidscapes – The value of getting kids into the garden.

What are the benefits to those who attend? The benefits are greater for people who come regularly, and can vary. For many it is the start of a new better life, as old baffling selfdefeating behaviours gradually disappear and are replaced by new healthy behaviours.

A question and answer time is also included. A series of workshops to further support families in this area will be announced at the Forum.

Relationships with other people become healthier, new opportunities start to arise, along with a sense of self empowerment.

Mid Coast Connect would also like to take this opportunity to introduce and welcome our two newest team members joining the Taree team.

Toni-lee Palmer, Work Placement Coordinator.

Since completing her HSC at Taree High School Toni-lee went on to complete her Teacher’s Aide Certificate and started working at Valley Industries Post School programs, she worked there through the transformation to Valley Skills for Life and completed her Certificate IV in Disability.

Toni-lee moved from the area with her partner for his work briefly and worked as a Teacher’s Aide at a small school at Blandford, before returning to the Manning to work with Nova Employment at Tuncurry.

Kylie Reay, Work Placement Coordinator.

For the past three years Kylie has been employed with North Coast TAFE facilitating business technology training for the Business Faculty. Prior to this, Kylie has worked in business administration roles within the banking, IT and manufacturing sectors and also her family’s small business.

Kylie has been living and working in the Great Lakes area for the past 10 years.

With Toni-lee and Kylie’s experience in the school, TAFE and employment industries and with their local knowledge of the Manning and Great Lakes areas they will both be valuable assets to the team at Mid Coast Connect.

Toni-lee and Kylie will be joining our existing staff members Pam Fischer, Partnership Broker and Gabbie Beckley, Project Officer at our newly re-located office in Taree.

manning-great lakes focus 41

42 manning-great lakes focus.

focus feature

Des Tomlin DanceCo! Des Tomlin DanceCo provides classes in a variety of genres, including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Tony Tots for boys and girls of all ages.

The classes provide the perfect balance of professionalism and dance structure, as well as being fun and enjoyable. The school's advantages are its family friendly culture and individual attention in class to encourage self confidence, growth, and development, and most importantly – the LOVE of dance!

The school prides itself in providing quality teaching by principal, Des Tomlin. Des began dancing in 1962 and celebrated 50 years of loving dance in October last year.

In 1980, Des took over the running of her mother's ballet school in Sydney, where she remained teaching until the end of 1993, when she embarked on a career of teaching and choreographing for both amateur and professional productions throughout Perth.

Des delights in passing on her wealth of knowledge and experience to her students in a passionate and caring manner.

Listen intently and ask lots of questions – you'll be amazed by how much you will learn!

All classes are held at the Catholic Church Hall on Ocean Drive, Laurieton. Give Des a call on 0417 189 845 to enquire how you can give your child or yourself great dance opportunities.

Tap and Jazz/Hip Hop classes are also available for adults!

dance, music & move

Is it Dance?

Is it dance? Is it work pants? Don’t be caught in a pirouette. Come to the shop that’s got the lot.

Melbourne Ballet Company

From dance supplies to work wear, from tap shoes to work boots. Mystic Soul has it all.

In April, the Melbourne Ballet Company presents Infinite Space at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie.

Founded in 2007, MBC has defined its own unique style of ballet, which is innovative and exciting while paying respect to classical technique. The dancers have trained at some of the most prestigious and renowned companies in the world – including The Australian Ballet, The Paris Opera and The Royal Ballet Company.

We pride ourselves on being able to reface, remake or repair almost anything.

We create your dreams in materials and seams. Costumes, embroidery, fabrics and alterations: we are your one stop shop for all your dancing needs. Whether you have a group of costumes you need, or just an idea, we can create the dancing costume of your dreams.

This carefully crafted performance has been critically acclaimed in Australia and overseas. The performance is composed of four highly dramatic and uplifting classically based dance works. Combined with outstanding musical masterpieces of Mozart, Vivaldi, Elgar and Beethoven, the sensitive choreography soars through every shade of emotion, encapsulating the energy and challenges the physical limits of this team of internationally regarded dancers.

We can embroider your logo onto jackets and bags. We can alter your clothing from work pants to drag. We can design your uniforms and design your logo for all your embroidery needs.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience one of Australia’s finest dance companies.

“A joyful experience” – The Age.

Open 9 - 5weekdays and 9 - 12 Saturdays. When you’re trying to find us, it’s not so hard – just come in the double gates at the car yard.

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Some suppliers include: Energetik, Capezio, Skansen Beanie kids, Mystic Soul, Bizley, Rite Mate, Biz Collection, Stretex Fabrics, Be Seen, JB’s, Eclipse Fabrics & AFW. If they have it, we can get it just for you! If it’s ripped, torn or worn, we can attempt to reface it, replace it or remake it just for you.

4A

PR

IL

BOOK

NOW! N OW! BOOK The Glasshouse is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW

02 6581 8888 I GLASSHOUSE.ORG.AU manning-great lakes focus 43

focusinterview.

An exciting career in performance and dance has as enabled Paul Kemp from Paul’s All Star Dance Studio to travel the world 4 times over and work with some of the industry’s brightest talent. Paul brings his experience and passion for performance into every class he teaches …

ow old were you when you Þrst became interested in performing Ð did you come from a performance-oriented family?

My parents placed me into dancing at the age of four. Since an early age, I knew I was going to be a performer. I had lots of dreams, and they all came true! My family has been involved in dance and music our whole lives.

My mother used to play the piano, my father was a ballroom dancer, and my older sisters and brother all danced. It’s because of my family that I have been able to be where I am today, with their continued support.

Where did you do your dance training?

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of learning from many influential teachers across Australia. I don’t think you ever complete training; even as a teacher, you’re always learning. After 12 years of performing around the world and Australia, I came back home and gained my Tap Dance Diploma in the Les Griffith Tap Dancing Association, gaining ‘Honours with Distinction’, and a few years later I gained my British Ballet Organization of Teaching Classical Ballet Diploma, being the first male dancer/teacher in Australia to gain this certificate. I also studied at The Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney.

YouÕve performed alongside many wellknown entertainers, including Anthony Warlow and Danni Minogue in the Grease Arena Spectacular, and appeared on TV programs such as the Midday Show and New Faces. What are some of your favourite memories from your earlier 44 manning-great lakes focus.

performance days, and why do they stick blossoming into young talented artists. The in your mind? most rewarding outcome is to see them up Well, looking back, every job I’ve done has on stage and to think that is a part of you, up been a fantastic experience. I have been very there! lucky as a performer. I think I’ve been in the Your business has been established now right place at the right time! You learn so for 7 years. Where exactly are your studios much from everybody in the industry. But the located? best jobs were definitely the cruise ships. I got We have two branches. Our Forster Studio to travel and see the world 4 times. I was paid is at 8/4 Boona St, Forster, opposite Col Went for a job I loved doing, for thousands of people Auto Repairs (white and blue flags out the across the globe entertaining! To touch an front); and our Gloucester studio is in Church audience through the movement of dance is St, Gloucester, beside the Police Station. pretty amazing also!

What are some of the classes you You were fortunate enough teach? to have a 6-month stint on My Tiny Tots’ class is great Home and Away as well. pleasure to teach; mum e I’ve had th What character did can come in and join ul wonderf ng ni you play, and how the class. It truly is ar le of opportunity l tia en much did you enjoy flu magical to see how in y an from m ustralia.

A ss ro this experience? little girls and boys ac rs he teac u ever yo k in th t This was my first job have wonderful n’ do I ng ; even as in the entertainment imaginations. This class complete traini always a teacher, you’re industry. My agent sent is uniquely structured learning .” me to a few castings with the joy of dance and that week, and I ended movement, focusing on the up landing a secure extra basic fundamentals of timing, part for six months. It was great, balance, rhythm, flexibility, ’cause I missed my family quite a bit, as co-ordination and expression. They I was only 17, but they got to see me each learn the basic technique of ballet and night on national television − so that was movement and the fun of Jazz. There your the great perk of it! child will blossom with confidence and ability I did get the opportunity to read for the part to move onto more structured and graded of ‘Tug’ (the Summer Bay bully). I loved Home classes. and Away when I was younger and never My Gymnastic and Acrobatics class is very thought I’d be on it! popular, as the students are now learning What made you decide to start your own aerials (no handed cartwheels), backward business, PaulÕs All Star Dance Studio? somersaults and silk work.

I started my studio with 4 students, and Our Adults classes are popular also; we had it just seems to grow bigger each year. I an amazing end of year Gala Performance last have a huge passion and love for dance and year, where 20 of my parents opened our show performing arts. It’s a gratifying experience ... it was awesome! as a teacher to see students who start with What have been some of the highlights you from 3 years and end up growing and for you − either personally or

“

professionally Ð since your business Þrst opened its doors?

Wow, that’s hard to sum up. However, last year my students sat for their examinations with the British Ballet Organization. Our studio and students are in the top 5% of Australasia; they will travel to Sydney this year to audition for Major Scholarships in front of a panel of judges from England, competing with students all over Australasia. They range from Grade 2 through to Intermediate Foundation Classical Ballet and Jazz. These students are: Zoe Kell, Jasmine Willmott, Keely Robinson, Cody Clayton, Layne Grant and Tia Read.

What are some goals youÕd like to accomplish over the next 12 months?

Each year is planned at the beginning of the year, as in class work, holiday workshops, competitions, examinations, and end of year Gala Performance. We are planning to audition for ‘Showcase’ this year; we will audition in Newcastle and if we get through to the finals, we will be competing up on the Gold Coast in the New Year, which takes a lot of planning and structure.

I’m excited about the next 12 months. We have a lot of work ahead of us, which is great − it keeps me stimulated as a person and teacher, and my students always surprise and amaze me!

Thanks Paul.

the plug!

For more info about PaulÕs All Star Dance Studio call in and see us at either branch: one of our friendly staff members or I will be happy to spend time with you to find out which class best suits your child’s needs. You can also call me on 0413 343 457 or email me at: paulsallstardancestudio@yahoo.com. au

manning-great lakes focus 45

Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance Solo Seal, R.A.D. Teaching Cert(Dist), principal of the Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance believes every child deserves to be trained correctly and carefully, no matter what their ambitions are – be it just for fun and fitness, or for the more serious looking for a career in dance.

The Academy's past year has had many memorable opportunities for the students, dancing at numerous community events, nursing homes, local eisteddfods and carols by candlelight in both Taree and Old Bar. Both annual concerts were sold out, demonstrating a strong following of locals flocking to see the high calibre the academy produces.

The Academy's 6th student, Charlotte Reece, has been accepted into the Australian Ballet School Interstate/International Training Programme, and Ayesha Haeata has been

46 manning-great lakes focus.

accepted into EV & BOW full-time course for 2013, studying Contemporary Dance.

I am extremely proud of the Ballet School and all the students who attend it – not all wish to become ballerinas or perform on a larger scale; the majority won't, but the benefits dance can give a child are immeasurable.

Classes begin from 3 years of age, introducing them to the wonders of dance. These preschool aged classes encourage movement to music, co-ordination, expression and musicality.

Other classes include: R.A.D Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz/Funk, Tap. If your child is showing an interest in dance, come along to the registration days at the ay Studio at 61 Pulteney St, Taree on Tuesday 29 January from 3pm - 6pm or Saturday 2 February at 11am - 2pm. For further enquiries, please call Andrea on 6553 3122.

FEBRUARY 2013

WITH TERRI

AQUARIUS.

TAURUS.

LEO.

SCORPIO.

January 21 - February 19

April 21 - May 21

July 24 - August 23

October 24 - November 22

Avoid money fears, as your circumstance is changing. You have an incredible ability to juggle funds and 'rob Peter to pay Paul'.

Trusting in this gift will help you to make things happen. You are a mover and shaker and a natural leader. These talents will be employed more in the workplace.

Amethyst will strengthen your life’s purpose.

Try and recognise how clever you are with aligning yourself to successful opportunities; if you can see how clever you are, your ability to manifest will increase, delivering even more achievement. New adventures with a journey will add new social influences to your life.

Herkimer diamonds are great for travel and dream interpretations.

Have a chat with your inner child and ask what is needed for harmony take notice and action.

This will help you to look at the cup as half full, not half empty. Connect with your adventurous self, as all sorts of opportunities are headed your way and potentially bring much joy and laughter. Selenite shatters negativity. Carry some with you.

PISCES.

GEMINI.

VIRGO.

February 20 - March 20

May 22 - June 22

August 24 - September 23 A

Connect with your silly self and do some pranks. You have been feeling unsupported, because this is how you will find your strength. You are likely to make a new acquaintance soon and you can satisfy some of your playful, adventurer, fun-loving self. Lighten up and laugh more; you have great humour. Ruby and clear quartz will strengthen and amplify your energy.

Money changes will ease your binding circumstances, allowing travel onto the agenda and even possibilities of a house move. This cycle gives you an opportunity to embrace life with gratitude, which will leave you feeling 'in love'. You can also anticipate a new quality of friends coming into your future.

Turquoise helps enhance confidence.

Don’t abandon your dream. You will have the money needed to fulfill it, just maybe not the way you expected. Keep your mind distracted and keep toasting to life. Your own sense of personal strength and independence is increasing, and this is drawing more friends to you. Enjoy some goal setting. Apophyllite enhances our dreams (emotional and spiritual).

Your old beliefs are making you feel trapped in life, as you have outgrown them; re-establish new ones by debating your current beliefs. Listen to your wise words when counselling others, as this is how you will best hear your own answers for your challenges. Setting fresh goals will ease the restlessness. Ruby, turquoise and citrine will give a sense of peace, wisdom and calm.

SAGITTARIUS. November 23 - December 21

Celebrations in the workplace can be expected. More responsibilities can be anticipated, as your talents are excelling.

House moving is likely to be on the thoughts agenda, and new social influences can be expected. Set some fresh goals, but be aware of your intentions to measure your success.

Rose quartz keeps us loving life.

ARIES.

CANCER.

LIBRA.

CAPRICORN.

March 21 - April 20

June 23 - July 23 Ju

September 24 - October 23

December 22 - January 20

Your insecurities from passed hurts are causing you to withdraw. Avoid biting your tongue when you have conflict inside; instead, try writing a letter to yourself and burn it. Taking conflict and releasing it will give you an immense sense of personal power. Money issues will be easing this month. Clear quartz and citrine will help balance your energy.

Romance, healing passed hurts, commitments and a deeper connection can be anticipated for love. Look inward to your wise self when turmoil is surrounding you, as this will give you an inner calm and peace and strengthen your knowing that everything will be fine.

Rose quartz relaxes tension and aids sleep.

Security for future opportunities will be comforting, and financial satisfaction will enhance your contentment. Lighten up your seriousness; you have a terrific sense of humour, but are currently taking life too seriously. By concentrating on your forthcoming choices, your entrapped feelings will dissipate. Hematite will ground you and disperse any fear.

Loving your career, feeling secure with future opportunities and feeling very focused are the major influences affecting your mood.

Now is a great time to set fresh goals, pull out your ideas book and log some fresh ones. In this cycle you will be likely to feel high levels of energy; maybe try a new sport.

Apophyllite aids in keeping our focus.

manning-great lakes focus 47

focusinterview.

The YMCA needs your help! he Great On March 3, both the Lakes Aquatic and Leisure nning Centre and the Manning Aquatic and Leisuree Centre n the will be taking part in wimathon ...

YMCA’s national Swimathon

Melissa Morgan

W

s n a s i Art

o p x e Assistant Manager, Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre (YMCA).

hat does your role at the individuals? local YMCA involve on a There are no barriers; everyone can dive in day to day basis? and help out. You do not have to be a member No two days are ever at the Y to be a part of the Swimathon; we the same. My focus each day is to support encourage everyone to have a go as either an the team in all aspects of their roles. I am individual or a team, to help raise money for responsible for the centre’s marketing, this great cause. community strengthening, program delivery How important do you feel it is for and customer service and overseeing the staff everyone in our community to be and volunteers on a day to day basis. comfortable and confident in The YMCA is hosting a special the water?

Swimathon Event nationally 284 people drowned in on March 3. What will be Australian waterways arly We are particul the venue and date/time in 2012.

Providing ing focused on rais for our local event? opportunities for all a ith w le op pe r money fo in e The Swimathon will people to learn to at ip ic disability to part g tin or be held on Sunday, swim and be safe pp Aquatics, by su or , im sw March 3 at both Great in and near water to n them to lear a ith w es et Lakes Aquatic and hl can help reduce this at e for thos to re pi as ho w Leisure Centre in Forster y fi gure, and it’s time lit disabi ming.” im sw in te and Manning Aquatic people identifi ed this as pe m co and Leisure Centre in Taree an essential skill for life. between 10 and 11am.

Funds raised from our What’s the aim of the Swimathon will directly benefit Swimathon? How will funds raised the local community. We are by the event be used to benefit those particularly focused on raising money less fortunate in our community? for people with a disability to participate in The YMCA Swimathon is Australia’s Aquatics, by supporting them to learn to swim, ‘Biggest Swim’ and the Y’s biggest fundraiser, or for those athletes with a disability who and our aim is to help provide opportunities for aspire to compete in swimming. people with a disability in our community to What are your fundraising goals for our learn vital swimming and water safety skills. local Swimathon?

How will the Swimathon work – do people We are hoping to raise $10,000k to invest need to register, look for sponsors, or back into the local community. $15 will provide make donations? one Learn to Swim lesson for a child with a To participate, decide how far you are going disability. to swim; it can be as little or as far as you like.

How do people register or find out more Next, register for free at www.ymcaswimathon. info about the event? org.au then spread the word amongst family To register for the event, go to www. and friends to sponsor you. Donations are also ymcaswimathon.org.au accepted and are tax deductible.

For more information, call Melissa Morgan at Is the Swimathon open to everyone and is the YMCA on 6591 7199. it possible for teams to register, as well as Thanks Melissa.

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48 manning-great lakes focus.

Peter and Christine Calabria from Artisans on the Hill will host an exciting and unique Artisans Expo from February 22 – 24. Skills that will be demonstrated at the Expo include woodwork, glass blowing, jewellery making, blacksmithing and creating musical instruments; plus there’ll be an opportunity to stock up on tools and supplies. School and TAFE students, inexperienced or experienced artisans – you’re all welcome!

W

hat is the aim of the Artisans Expo you’re holding at Artisans on the Hill on February 22, 23 and 24? Artisans Expo is a dynamic showcase of skills by some of Australia’s top artisans, plus a chance to pick up supplies and tips from specialty retailers providing tools and consumables.

We also wanted to provide schools an opportunity to expose technical and art students to a variety of skills and ideas in the one place at the one time. Teachers will also find it an invaluable resource. We believe Artisans Expo is unique in Australia.

Who are some of the demonstrators/experts that will be present over the course of the expo? The list of Artisans is a who’s who of talent!

Peter Minson is a third generation glass blower.

Peter continues to amaze with his manipulation of this wonderful medium, and he will run a glass blowing workshop on the Monday.

Alan Williams can count British royalty and US Presidents among collectors of his work! Made from a single, solid piece of timber, they can take many months to complete. Alan will run a two day workshop after the Expo.

making, scroll saw, pyrography, sculpting, box making and lots more.

What is the cost to enter the expo, and where will the funds raised from these entry fees go? There is a $5 entry fee to attend Artisans Expo on each of the three days.

Half of this will go to the Taree Rescue Squad to support the great work they do in the community. This organisation comprises all volunteers, receives little or no government funding, yet does vital work at bad motor vehicle accidents and incidents requiring often dangerous rescue situations.

There will also be a BBQ stall running, with all proceeds going to local charity.

For those not familiar with the area, where exactly is Artisans on the Hill located?

Artisans On The Hill is at 702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook (between Wingham and Tinonee).

Those coming from the Pacific Highway should take the southern Taree exit and continue along the Bucketts Way to Tinonee, then follow the signs to Mondrook.

There is an easy to follow map and directions and brochure you can download from www. artisansonthehill.com.au

Doug Moseley will be working his Blacksmith forge during the Expo; Howard Archbold will show you how to create finely crafted chairs from green timber using only hand tools and a foot operated lathe; Warren Targett is an internationally acclaimed luthier and musician; Vivienne Scott creates semi-precious jewellery; Peter Calabria will demonstrate woodturning; and Christine Calabria will create pure silver jewellery from Precious Metal Clay!

Will people need to RSVP to attend the expo, and if so, what is the best way to do this? Artisans Expo opens to the public at 10am each day, closing at 4pm on Friday and Saturday, and 2pm on the Sunday.

There is no need to book for general admission; however, schools and bus groups should contact Artisans to arrange an arrival time. You can contact Peter or Christine on (02) 6553 1199, email expo@artisansonthehill.com.au or simply call in to Artisans On The Hill.

Plus, there’ll be demonstrations of candle

Thanks Peter and Christine.

New Y Resol ear’s utions - lose w : e - get in ight s - feel h hape ealthy

ONLY $99 FO * 6 WEE R KS!

A NEW YEAR A NEW YOU AT THE Y!

Join the YMCA in the New Year and get 6 weeks for only $99*!

FREE Y RESULTS PACK including: Y backpack Personal Training starter pack (3 sessions) Y water Coffee 1 pass to Bootcamp or Challenge Fitness Camp 5 passes for family & friends *Offer expires 28 February 2013. Minimum term of three months.

Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre Lake St, Forster NSW 2428 P 6591 7199 ymcasydney.org/greatlakes Manning Leisure Centre 51 Manning River Drive Taree 2430 Ph: 65500500 www.ymcansw.org.au/malc

manning-great lakes focus 49

Programs for babies, toddlers & preschoolers

Belonging at Blossoms One of the best words that has come from the new national curriculum for early childhood services is the word belonging.

That lovely sense of being somewhere that you are thought of as special; your needs are met and you feel emotionally secure.

We all benefit from this feeling and the knowledge that we are with people who care for our wellbeing.

Parents often ask me what they should look for when thinking about an early childhood program and I think this word sums it up. Your child should belong; they should feel that they are listened to and respected.

At Blossoms we include this word in our assessment of our program. We know that if a child has a high sense of wellbeing and involvement that education will be a part of every moment.

Blossoms has three main programs that are designed to meet the needs of each age group. Our Sunflower room provides a warm stress-free environment where parents who are returning to work or study can feel happy that their babies will be safe and nurtured. Our Lillypilly room is where our toddlers become more physically active and enjoy the busyness of being two.

In our Wildflower room our children grow in their ability to be confident learners ready to face the bigger world.

For more information please ring Lyn on 6557 2463 or email blossoms@westnet.com.au for a copy of our handbook and educational program statement.

Your Heading Here!

Curves Complete Losing weight isn’t easy. It takes real commitment to make the necessary changes to diet, exercise and lifestyle. And, for most people, it takes a plan. That’s why Curves has introduced Curves Complete - a complete program with exercise, meal plan, and coaching - all in one program, and all at one place.

“For many women, managing the simple logistics of sticking to a diet and exercise plan is what defeats them,” says Curves dietitian Nadia Rodman. “Meal planning and preparation, shopping, designing an effective and age-appropriate exercise plan, coping with everyday emotional highs and lows – it can be overwhelming. That’s why our new Curves Complete program provides a foolproof plan for dealing with all of these diet challenges – and helps keep women on track for success.”

What do you get with Curves Complete?

• Meal plans that are simple and personalized to your tastes and habits. • A workout that includes both cardio exercise and strength training - key to raising metabolism and maintaining tone. • Weekly one-on-one meetings with a Curves Coach certified by the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. • A program that has the science behind it to prove it works. Best of all, Curves Complete is available at one low monthly price that is no more than you’d pay for many diet programs alone.

Your Heading Here!

February at endota endota spa’s facials, massages and spa treatments delivered using Australian organic ingredients - have been wowing and winding down Mid North Coast locals and tourists for over four years. endota spa Diamond Beach at the Australis Diamond Beach Resort was the endota first to arrive in the area, and it quickly established a loyal local following. Locals and tourists alike are bowled over by its sublime, heavenly-scented treatments, and by endota’s staff; who have a deserved reputation for attentive customer service.

A second endota location opened literally on the dock at Wallis Lake in Forster within two years of endota Diamond Beach. Both spas feature endota’s signature, architecturallyinspired, eco timber interiors, and treatments steeped in Australian heritage.

Longer treatments such as ‘drenched’ begin with a billabong footbath; a sole-soothing foot soak with native herbs, foot scrub and massage. Treatments run anywhere from 30 minutes to a heavenly whole day and all have one thing in common: they all finish with a lulled client floating out of the spa minus stress, aches or pains, and sporting seriously glowing skin.

february at endota.

1 hour relax massage + 30 min facial only $120* every couple that book will receive a glass of sparkling on their visit offer valid 1-28 february 2013. conditions apply. offer vaild only at endota spa diamond beach and forster.

endota spa diamond beach t. (02) 6557 3801 e. diamondbeach@endota.com.au w. endotadayspa.com.au/diamond-beach endota spa forster t. (02) 6555 8956 e. forster@endota.com.au w. endotadayspa.com.au/forster

50 manning-great lakes focus.

focushealth.

Margo’s

Where to go after breast surgery.

Ladies did you know that our breast care product range offers the widest selection of styles, shapes and sizes to suit different lifestyles and needs and include Breast Form Mastectomy Bras.

It is usual to wait six to eight weeks after surgery to be fitted with the mastectomy bra and silicone breast form.

If you have breast conserving surgery, you will still need to be sure that the surgical site is well healed and the post surgical swelling is resolved before fitting, otherwise you may find that your shape changes soon after. With so many choices, take time to choose the breast form that is right for you. Wearing a breast

form you will look just as feminine and elegant as you always have.

Breast forms that are made from foam are ideal for temporary wear immediately after surgery or for leisure activities. Silicone forms are designed for full-time, daily wear and are generally fitted six to eight weeks after surgery. Designed to restore your body's natural symmetry and balance, they adapt to your body temperature and move just like your natural breast.

For more information call Jenny Presland on 6555 5050. Available by appointment only 5 days a week at Margo's Boutique Wallis St Forster.

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administration work, but aims to return to working in the rooms with the children as they are the reason that she entered the field originally. In 2011 Natalie and Colin entered the Australian Child Care Week Awards and were ecstatic to be Finalists in several categories. They entered again in 2012 and were named Finalists in 5 categories: Best Program Involving Families, Best Program Highlighting Children’s Well-Being, Best Program Involving Children’s Learning, Development and Interaction, Best Helping Hands Activity, Best Activity During Australian Child Care Week.

This was a great achievement for a regional centre, considering almost 250 centres registered from NSW alone, with the majority of finalists and winners being from Metropolitan Sydney. The celebrations during Child Care Week gave their centre the opportunity to showcase the dedication and commitment their educators provide to children and families. It was also a chance to share with the wider community the fun and learning that occurs for children while in an early childhood care setting.

For more information, please call Natalie @ Kiddies Hut on 6559 2020

iddies Hut is licensed for 48 children per day from 6 weeks to school age. The last few years has seen their numbers grow to capacity and the addition of an Out of School Hours Care service at Hallidays Point Public School. At Kiddies Hut they are fortunate to have a team of highly trained, experienced and motivated educators who regularly up skill through training and attending conferences.

Their other Early Childhood Teacher, Tania, who is also their Educational Leader plans an extensive School Readiness program which is highly valued by local families and schools.

Initially the owners, Natalie and Colin, moved from Sydney with a friend and colleague, buying what was Diamond Beach Children’s Centre. Colin and Natalie were ready for a change from living and working in the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Natalie had completed University and worked in several long day care centres and preschools as an Early Childhood Teacher and Authorised Supervisor. They renamed it Kiddies Hut @ Diamond Beach 9 years ago. They now own it outright and Colin has recently left his job in the printing industry to work at Kiddies Hut full time. Recently Natalie has been handling

manning-great lakes focus 51

focustravel with Susie Boswell

TR AVE L

Anina Kok

T R AV E L D E S T I N AT I O N :

SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI t’s the dream holiday of a lifetime – close-up encounters with the world’s most majestic wildlife on an African safari. The thrill of spotting “the Big 5” in their natural habitat – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo (so named by colonial white hunters as being the most dangerous and sought after to track) - and zebras, giraffes, hippos, springboks, wildebeest, antelopes, aardvarks, jackals, cheetahs, hyenas, monkeys, baboons ... even astonishing bush pigs, warthogs and hedgehogs. A number of African nations host big game parks: best known are Kenya’s Masai Mara and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Masia Mara is a day’s drive from Nairobi; Kruger and other South African, private, reserves are the most easily accessible for Aussies, flying in to Johannesburg. You can self-drive if you’re brave or silly enough ... or take an organised safari with knowledgeable guides - bushwalking, on horseback or by 4WD, camping or in lodge accommodation ... and a ranger at front and rear, with a rifle! South African Tourism cautions: You’re not in a National Geographic documentary! See leopards dozing, spot rhinos, find a pride of lions resting after a kill, watch a herd of elephants lumber by. “Be exhilarated, awed – maybe even terrified!” they boast.

Choosing the right safari to satisfy the lifetime dream and fit a budget is the challenge. We’re fortunate in Port to have a local resident who’s a true safari specialist. South African Anina Kok, a former travel agent, grew up in South Africa but has lived in Emerald Downs with her husband and family of four for the past 10 years, spending her time between here and her homeland: for the children’s education locally, and at her family’s own Kings Camp within the Timbavati private nature reserve, sharing its unfenced border with the Kruger park. Kruger covers an area the size of Wales.

“The animal viewing is spectacular! Your 52 manning-great lakes focus.

interaction with the animals is extraordinary!” is just one of Kok’s exciting enticements: thrilling meetings with animals - and expert guides, ultra-luxury lodge accommodation, magnificent architecture and decor reflecting the African bush atmosphere and grandeur, sumptuous dining (including under the stars, fireside, by candlelight), bush breakfast buffets, and spa, swim and gym rejuvenations.

On one 8-day package, for example, guests fly just 90 minutes from Jo’burg for a threenight stay at Madikwe Hills private game lodge and reserve near the Botswana border, then on for three nights at Leopard Hills, in the Sabi Sand reserve (like Kings Camp, also abutting Kruger). On Day 7 it’s a road transfer via Anina’s sister’s Elephant Whispers compound for two overnights at Kings Camp. Embark on morning and evening safaris daily, in groups of not more than eight, each with its own ranger for individual attention – prey caught by lions in the mornings, animals on the hunt in the evenings – and enjoy elegant alfresco drinks and canapés at sunset on dusk excursions.

There are other adventures to be had on the continent, too - trips to Zambezi power-boating and rafting, microlite flights and heli rides over Victoria Falls, quad-biking to villages, traditional dance and music experiences, tobacco and macadamia farm visits, river-borne safaris on the African Queen paddle steamer: Kok’s the one to talk to. Don’t be deterred by costs until you’ve spoken to her: she mentions budget rooms from $140 a night. I suggest: roam the internet for background, look at the best seasons (autumn/ spring), talk to your local travel agent, seeking a consultant who’s been there, and contact Kok for advice, options and brochures. Anina Kok 6582 1344, 0415 488 922 anina@bigpond.net. au and www.anafricadream.co.za There’s also an idyllic Seychelles add-on but, tantalisingly, more of that later. For now, get ready to don your pith helmet, jungle greens and thirst for adventure!

focusinterview.

DERBY

Looking for something fast, fun – and just a little bit different? Liz Batch (aka Madam Dirty Boots) tells us about the exciting new Great Skates Roller Derby. So what are you waiting for … get your skates on!

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hat’s the history behind the establishment of the Great Skates Roller Derby – whose idea was it, and how long has it been around?

I have skated and played roller derby in Sydney for around two and a half years now so when I moved to the area in October 2012, starting a roller derby league was literally the first order of business. I genuinely cannot imagine my world without roller derby, so when I heard about a few girls keen to roll, I hunted them out … and within a few weeks we started rolling!

How long have you been skating, and what do you love about the sport?

I have been skating for about two and a half years and like I said, I cannot imagine my life without roller derby. It really does get into your system and it’s amazing just how quickly you can become addicted. I love so much about roller derby that it’s hard to know where to begin. I love the feeling of community that roller derby has to offer; I have so many members of my own ‘roller derby family’, and my life is fuller, richer and a hell of a lot funnier for knowing every single one of them.

Roller derby is the fastest growing women’s sport in the world at the moment, and with that comes a dynamic and rapidly developing rule set. I love getting to know the inner workings of one of the most strategic sports being played today. It might all look like a hot mess when the girls take to the track, but everyone has their role to play!

I love the lesson roller derby has to teach us all about life, ‘GET UP!’ It doesn’t matter if you

just tripped and fell or if someone knocked you a team up and down the coast to make sure down or if you were throwing yourself at it we support not only each other but our roller (usually someone on the track) no holds barred derby sisters and brothers from other growing … if you fall: GET UP! It might not be pretty, it leagues. might hurt and let’s be honest, you will feel like For those not in the know, explain how a bit of a dag sometimes, but as long as you roller derby works – what are the rules of get up you’re winning! the sport?

When and where do the Great Skates Roller derby is a sport unlike any other. members meet up for sessions?

We do not hit a ball; we have each other for At the moment we are usually that. We do not score points by getting an meeting up twice a week at object into a hole or past a line; we Boronia Park netball courts have each other for that too. in Forster. We try to The only obstacles we jump e th is y rb meet every Tuesday are, you guessed it … each de r lle Ro and Thursday night, other! We play offense fastest growing the world in t or sp but that is weather and defence all at the ’s en wom and with permitting. We same time, and most at the moment, namic and are also sourcing of the time it looks like that comes a dy ng rule set. rapidly developi ow the training venues in anarchism on 8 wheels! kn I love getting to one of the the area and once On the track we have of inner workings we have secured g three different positions: in be orts most strategic sp an indoor training jammers, blockers and played today. ” location, we will really pivots. Jammers are the be able to pick up the point scorers on the track; pace. they have a star on their helmet.

What’s the aim of your Each team has one jammer on the group – is it purely social, or do you track at the any given time (unless one is in plan to enter comps? the penalty box). Pivots and blockers attempt Our aim is definitely to bout (compete) and to knock and block the opposing team out or to be part of building a strong roller derby down to clear a path for their jammer. Once community in Australia, especially in regional a jammer is through the pack (made up of areas. At this stage we are really working on blockers and pivots) and begins to lap the getting people interested and involved. pack, she will score a point for every opposing Throughout this year we will be learning the skater she passes! Simple, right? basic skills required to set the foundations of Is your league open to anyone? great roller derby players or referees. We will Roller derby is a very accepting sport. We be learning the ins and outs of the rule set welcome everyone! We are open to women and we will be making sure we see as much and men of all or no skating abilities. I had live roller derby as possible. We will travel as never strapped on a pair of skates two and a

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half years ago; I was taught to skate by derby sisters, and we will teach anyone who comes along to skate. If you can skate, then great!

Come along and join the derby revolution.

We are looking for skaters, referees and nonskaters; everyone has a place.

Generally speaking, women ‘derby’ and men ‘merby’, or they ref. We all train together, but most of the time when it comes time to scrimmage (practice bouts), girls bout girls and guys bout guys. It will really depend on numbers as to whether or not we can start a ‘merby’ league at this early stage but as time goes by and numbers build, I have no doubt both women and men will be hitting the track in the Manning-Great Lakes.

The only restriction we have is that at this stage anyone interested in skating needs to be 18 years and older.

For people wanting to join your league, what equipment is needed, and are there any costs associated with membership?

Like all sports we are required to pay membership and insurance, which comes to around the $120 mark for the year. Once we move training to a venue, we will also all need to pay a weekly training fee to cover venue hire. The main start-up cost is in the purchasing of the gear. We all skate on quad skates, and for obvious safety reasons we are all required to wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and mouth guards.

Where can people contact you to find out more info?

People can find us via Facebook ‘Great Skates Roller Derby League’.

Or contact me for more information via email: great_skates_roller_derby@hotmail.com Thanks Liz. manning-great lakes focus 53

focustechnology. with Cameron Illingworth from Harvey Norman.

focusbusiness. with Gary Gersbach from Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber

TECH The end of the line ...

garygersbach The year 2013 has commenced with a bang, which, apart from the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, has resulted in increased numbers of tourists, friends, visitors and locals taking advantage of the many attributes of our region. ocal businesses are currently working at their peak capacity to cater for all, to ensure these participants’ experiences are such that they will not only have enjoyed themselves, but will return – or at least act as ambassadors for the promotion of the area.

L Welcome to February! Don’t you love it: another year, and we’re into month two already. Unfortunately, this will be my last edition of Tech Talk, as I am moving up to beautiful Ballina in a few weeks for new opportunities. Thanks for reading if you have been; it’s been a joy to do, and I’ll miss all in the FOCUS group and the readership. Most of all, I’m going to miss Forster – what a place to live! OK: on with the show ... here’s plenty of buzz about in the Tech world with CES finishing up last month in Vegas. So what’s news from the Megalopolis? Well ...

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plus the fact that it is waterproof, make this a real contender in the phone market. We’ll just have to see what sort of splash it makes on release.

Lenovo Dual Screen TabBook.

Lenovo has announced the IdeaPad Yoga Sony 4K or ‘UHD’ Flat panel TV 11S with Ivy Bridge processor running 4K TV is UHD TV (Ultra High Definition).

Windows 8, and it’s set to arrive 4K UHD Video has twice the in June this year in the US. horizontal and vertical There’s no release date resolution of the 1080p for Australia yet.

HDTV (High Definition) The IdeaPad format, with four times The IdeaPad has an has an internal , en as many pixels overall. re internal and external sc al rn te and ex et bl ta a This means amazing, screen, so it is both a th bo is it so in life-like images and tablet and a notebook and a notebook one.” in one. This gives the detail like you’ve never happiness of a full-ish seen before. Sony has size keyboard with the showcased at CES the 56hip-ness (and portability INCH UHD OLED Panel, but too, of course) of a tablet PC. unfortunately it has no confirmed

“

release date as yet. Something which will be in production is Samsung's 85-inch UHDTV and LG's soon-to-ship 55-inch OLED. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TV’s give wider viewing angles and improved brightness, better power efficiency and a better response time in refresh rate, to eliminate flicker further.

Sony’s New Smartphone Not to sound like a major Sony fan boy here, but here’s a smartphone with great speed and good looks to match. The Sony Xperia Z has a 5-inch 1080p (HD) display and the new Exmor RS sensor for HDR video capture, 54 manning-great lakes focus.

Microsoft Surface Pro I place a smiley at the end of the title for all the business and tech geeks who want a tablet with full Windows 8 ™ functionality and installation capabilities. I’ve wanted one of these from the moment the RT version was released, so it can’t come too soon for my liking. See it here at http://www. microsoft.com/Surface/en-au/surface-withwindows-8-pro/home There is no official release date for Aus. yet, but I have it from close sources in the game it isn’t far away. Happy February to you, my tech-loving friends. Be well. CI.

The Business Chamber’s executive and members, having been heavily involved at the coalface, have had little time to review their actions and results. The time for introspection and planning will come at the end of this hectic time.

and the local Regional Council 4. Expansion of the Chamber membership A number of breakfast sites have been considered, and the February breakfast will be an equine event at Tuncurry Race Course, incorporating a tour of the facilities. All members are welcome for any input into these venues.

The Chamber has sought significant access to the Council and has been successful in having two confirmed meetings with active interested parties to date.

The sister Chambers of However, the relatively The smaller the e Manning District and new committee, with business, then th e Port Macquarie have vantag an excellent mix of greater is the ad p. active participation of its membershi do experience, new blood es ss ne si with both local Small bu ve and enthusiasm, has not normally ha sociate Council and already made some Franchisors or asre the the Regional companies whe e, firm resolutions and dg le Development ow general kn planned actions to assist vice are Australia Area expertise and ad ing.” om its members. The Chamber hc rt readily fo Boards, and this will continue with the Chamber will actively popular business breakfasts, seek assistance from these and in so doing will endeavour Chambers to embark on a similar to introduce a better awareness of other format. To this effect, the Manning Valley services it can provide to assist the members.

Chamber has agreed to our attendance at All members are aware that although the their next meeting. business community has common goals, it Most members tend to view the Chamber as also operates under a number of diverse a knife and fork opportunity where valuable areas, which makes it difficult for the business contacts are made within a social Chamber to appear to be working for all occasion without heavy, formal agendas, and areas. The main areas of Stocklands, Forster this indeed is an extremely important part of Waterside and Tuncurry Village are typical the Chamber. However, the Chamber is and of this, and even without the consideration can be much more than this, and it is our of the various industrial areas, it sometimes resolve to demonstrate this to new members. appears that we are not always pulling in the The smaller the business, then the greater same direction. is the advantage of its membership. Small Accordingly, the Chamber has made the businesses do not normally have Franchisors following major resolutions: or associate companies where the general knowledge, expertise and advice are readily 1. Business breakfasts to be held over the forthcoming. The services of the Chamber whole area where possible can be invaluable in these cases.

2. Chamber to actively promote involvement

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with the local Council 3. Seek participation with sister Chambers

All the pieces are in place, and we are looking forward to a great year.

focusinterview.

Parent’tshe iPad Guide to

If your children are among the hundreds of students heading off to school this year with a shiny new iPad in their possession, Rob Heague has come up with the ideal way to help you make the most out of this new technology. Rob’s interactive new iBook, A Parent’s Guide to the iPad, covers many of the concerns and issues parents may have about their children accessing this kind of technology …

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or our readers’ benefit, please tell us a bit about your family background …

My wife, Amy, and I live in Tuncurry with our 3 children: Noah (aged 11), Sam (aged 9), and Olivia (aged 7).

How did you first come up with the idea to write your interactive iBook, A Parent’s Guide to the iPad? As a parent, I have always tried to keep my children’s access to computers and the internet as safe as possible. Our children are growing up in a world that has never had so much access to media and information, whether good or bad.

Protecting our children from the things we find inappropriate has never been so hard, and most people just don’t know where to start.

Like most things though, it’s easy to do when you know how. Parents just need a little help to stay one step ahead.

How in depth is the iBook – what topics are covered?

A Parent’s Guide to the iPad covers everything you need to know to keep your kids safe when using their iPad. Also, because they run the same operating system (iOS), this same advice can also apply to the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

As well as sharing my own personal stories about parenting in a digital age, this book will teach you how to do things like: enable parental controls, restrict built in Apps and services, restrict App Store Apps and purchases, restrict access to movies, TV shows, music, podcasts and books by their content rating, set privacy controls, increase internet browsing safety and more.

Each topic includes a clearly narrated video to guide you through the process step-by-step.

The book was designed to be read in under an dreamed of, so I think that it is important to hour and also includes detailed notes on each keep the classroom as up-to-date as possible. video to refer back to later.

One of the biggest concerns most parents iPads are an essential tool in many would probably have with technology classrooms today; in fact, some schools such as iPads and iPhones is internet now require their students to purchase security. How does your iBook help one. How do you, as a parent, feel this address this issue? technology enhances students' learning?

Sure, the book deals with issues like privacy Parent’s all agree on how computers can settings and internet safety, but because these enhance a student’s learning; some might devices are portable, one issue parents may find the idea of iPads a little strange not have even considered is the use of at first, but it is all a matter of ‘Location Services’. All iOS devices perspective. have the ability to show their The ‘Personal location based on cell Computer’ (PC) towers and Wi-Fi access e to Whether we lik has gone largely points. h uc to admit it or not, unchanged since as Using an app like s, ad iP like screen devices e ar s the release of the Apple’s free ‘Find My od iP d an well as iPhones puter’ of our Apple Macintosh in Friends’, your child can m Co l the ‘Persona d it is an n, tio 1984: it’s a box that broadcast their current ra ne ge children’s rents to pa as us displays a graphical location 24/7 to anyone r fo t an import ” o. to ay user interface on w in their friends list. You at th it see a monitor that is may want to have some controlled by a keyboard control over just who’s on and mouse. This means that that list; fortunately, you can every parent, whether they are restrict access to location services in their 20s, 30s or 40s all agree on on an app-by-app basis, or turn off what a PC is and how important it is as a access all together. These parental controls learning tool. After all, it’s what we grew are built into the device; you just have to turn up with … or at the very least, what we’re them on. familiar with.

A story recently featured in the news But the PC was just one step along the way about a mother who gave her teenage as technology continues to evolve. son his first iPhone as a gift. Along with Whether we like to admit it or not, touch the iPhone, the mother also provided her screen devices like iPads, as well as iPhones son with a contract she wrote herself, and iPods are the ‘Personal Computer’ of our which detailed some rules and regulations children’s generation, and it is important for us she expected her son to follow. Do you as parents to see it that way too. feel this idea has merit – and what are Remember that many of our young children some tips you’d give parents in terms of will grow up to work in jobs that don’t even the behaviour they should expect from exist today, using technology we haven’t even their children with access to modern-day

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communication technology?

While it is important to use all of the tools available to you to help keep your children safe on their iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, the technology is only half of the battle. It is important to maintain an open dialogue with your child about the many issues of the internet.

According to a survey done by the London School of Economics, 9 out of 10 children aged between 8 and 16 have viewed pornography on the internet. In most cases, the websites were accessed unintentionally when a child, often in the process of doing homework, used a seemingly innocent sounding word to search for information or pictures.

This is the reality of the internet. Encourage your child to tell you about their experiences.

When they stumble across an inappropriate website or download a dodgy app, it is important that they feel that they can tell you; then you can take the opportunity to have an age-appropriate discussion about it.

Where can people source A Parent’s Guide to the iPad? To view an iBook you will need an iPad and Apple’s free ‘iBooks’ app. You can then search for it in the iBookstore; or you can just visit TheTitleIsEverything.com on your iPad and click on the iBookstore link.

How much does the iBook cost to download?

It costs $4.99. A free sample is also available on the iBookstore.

If anyone’s interested in finding out more info about your iBook, how can they contact you?

You can contact me through my website: TheTitleIsEverything.com Thanks Rob. manning-great lakes focus 55

focusabode.

MANNING - GREAT LAKES

property guide

BHI Builders - Villa Marti.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of the Manning Valley hinterland, ''Villa Marti' sits majestically in its surrounding countryside. Built by BHI Builders, the home is unique in design and construction.

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ositioned purposely to allow for maximum availability of winter sun, effective insulation of the home was an important factor to keep internal temperatures constant in an environment that sees both high and low temperatures during the seasons.

An external mix of claddings on the steel framework, has helped make this achievable. Bluestone granite, encased with brick quoins, has been accentuated with hardwood timber lintels, supplied by Cross & McLeod Sawmillers, adorning the top of all windows. The stonework, brick and timber surfaces combine well with modern look vertical corrugated steel wall cladding, portraying a natural elegance that gives a timeless quality to the home.

Main entry to the home is through bespoke double Baltic Pine and Oregon doors that have diamond port hole windows in each door. These doors were handcrafted by the builder and framed either side by floor to ceiling louvre windows, supplied by G James Glass & Aluminium, allowing directional airflow into the expansive entry foyer. 400 x 400 black slate tiles, laid expertly by Richard Nicolaou and framed in a checkerboard pattern by Blue Gum hardwood flooring, provide a stylish yet hard wearing surface.

Left of entry, adjacent to the foyer, is the conveniently placed private porcelain tiled guest powder room with WC and lovely above bench oval hand basin, vanity cupboard and mirror.

The foyer opens through sliding cavity wooden doors into the open plan, living, dining and kitchen area with its centrepiece being a magnificent stone fireplace. Master Stonemason Max Redman from Jurassic Stone constructed the fireplace from solid random bluestone, which also has been used on the exterior walls and piers of the home. A feature wall on the fireplace, that you see from the front entry, is inlaid with local stones that were cut with a brick saw, they are all of different colours with some being quartz. The fireplace is double sided and has a 100mm thick timber mantlepiece made from Ironbark which was cut from the property.

Mounted on one column of the fireplace on an adjustable arm, the TV can be viewed from all angles of the living, dining and lounge room, also incorporated into the side wall of the fireplace is the control centre for the homes integrated sound system.

A high raked ceiling in the main living area has louvre windows on one wall placed at the apex to vent hot air in summer. Ceiling fans also help to cool the home and an ingenious inline fan system is installed that draws the warmth of the fireplace into the bedrooms in the winter months. On the opposite wall apex is a stunning stained glass feature window, carrying the Swiss style of the home, the image depicts The Matterhorn, along with flowers and a chalet.

Pale blue is the wall colour in the living areas, with darker shades used as the skirting and cabinetry, all accentuated by

56 manning-great lakes focus.

BHI Builders - Villa Marti.

focusabode.

“ Windows on

the installation of Ironbark timber bench tops in the dining & kitchen and the earthy tones of the hardwood timber flooring, underfoot in the living & kitchen area. Left of the lounge is the study, strategically located close to activity and amenities as to keep all involved in day to day home life.

A very functional kitchen, supplied by G & G Custombuilt Kitchens, with Black Laminex benchtops in a square horse shoe design divides the living areas from the cooking space. Fitted out expertly with all the mod cons including double stainless steel sink with flick mixer, Westinghouse electric oven, induction hotplates and range-hood all housed neatly in the under bench

cabinetry.

A pale blue glass splash-back above the sink and on the back wall above the hotplates provide a easy clean, modern finish. Soft downlighting installed in the above bench cabinets highlight the glass and provide extra lighting when needed.

Windows on two sides of the kitchen allow uninhibited views across the valley and provide access to the outdoor entertainment deck area, acting as a serving access from the kitchen.

A wide expanse of sliding glass doors open from the living area out onto the 3.5m wide timber deck at the rear of the home. Two stone feature columns, that encase the steel posts supporting the raked roofline, beautify the verandah

two sides of the kitchen allow for s uninhibited view ...� across the valley

and match the exterior wall claddings. An outdoor dining room deck has been stepped down and adjoins the kitchen for easy entertaining.

Rear of the kitchen the side tiled entry foyer and large walk-in pantry is concealed behind a sliding wooden door. Purposely placed, the side entry has garage access giving the owners a comfortable transition from car to home when bringing the shopping inside out of the elements.

An auto panel lift door has been installed on the exterior of the extra large double garage

allowing for easy car access. The garages high raked ceiling easily accommodates vehicles and the family's caravan, providing plenty of storage space and a spot for the hot water system.

The remainder of the home comprises the bedrooms and a home theatre that could also double as another bedroom if desired. Two of the bedrooms are mirror image, fully carpeted and with built-in robes installed, they are very comfortable in all seasons with both ceiling fans and the ducted heating system providing a constant temperature all year round. continued over

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focusabode.

spacious open plan design of the living areas to the mix of external claddings, a very comfortable home has been built by BHI Builders, one that will stand the test of time and blend naturally with its surrounds.

BHI Builders - Villa Marti.

From the Builder

Servicing these bedrooms is a spacious bathroom comprising both a deep oval bath tub and a separate opaque glass doored shower recess. Wall recess shelving gives a space for towelling adjacent to the caesar-stone bench topped vanity cabinet that has an above bench bowl vanity and mirror. A separate WC located next door has its own wash basin and storage cabinet.

Two linen cupboards provide further storage in the hallway that leads to the Master Bedroom and the laundry. At the end of the hallway, a floor to ceiling louvre window aids ventilation.

Exquisite valley views are readily available from the laundry, making it a pleasure to do the chores. Glass sliding doors give access to the very practical ramp walkway to the outside clothes line and gardens. A tiled splashback, laminex bench-tops, under bench cabinetry and a broom cupboard, provide plenty of storage in the tiled laundry.

The Master bedroom is spacious and tranquil, with views to the hinterland through both sliding glass doors and large windows on all sides. Incorporating its own private hardwood timber deck, en-suite and walk-in his and hers robe the master is a private oasis. “Villa Marti� is a home with many attributes. From the

58 manning-great lakes focus.

Dallas Brown of BHI Builders BHI - Builders, is a family owned business that was established in 1978 by Bruce Brown. Three generations of Master Builders with a century of combined experience, is the foundation of this family owned and run building business.

The highly trained team thrive on challenging jobs, be they new homes, alterations, additions or even a new deck and they have an unwavering commitment to their clients to give them exactly what they want.

What are the types of building that you specialise in?

We offer a design and construct service for new homes, renovations and extensions. We do the type of work that the market demands, but we do prefer the more challenging, upper-end, architect designed homes.

We prefer to build using the most sustainable practices and materials available and mostly source local products where possible.

What are some of the featured design elements of this home?

The most striking feature of the home is the natural stone cladding over the steel frames, window reveals, sills, and corners are also detailed with face brickwork.

The stone fireplace is the central feature of the open plan living area.

Did the owners have any specific requirements when they first asked you to build the home for them?

The owners specifically wanted locally quarried stone and steel frames and trusses to minimise the risk of termite attack. They were very discerning clients who had specific requirements for every feature of their home.

Their ideas were helpful and appreciated throughout the

BHI Builders - Villa Marti.

a er professional build – one that was en approachable, op s to discuss change � ... ks during the wor

focusabode.

“ We wanted

project.

If potential owners have specific requirements do you accommodate and are your designs flexible?

Our mission is to do our very best to give our clients exactly what they want. We offer our customers a ‘concept to completion service.’ We do a lot of design and construct work, or we quite happily direct clients to a couple of the better designers in the area. We don’t use off-the-shelf plans as such; we always start from scratch with the customer’s concept.

How do we go about commissioning you to build for us? What is the process?

We can be contacted through our website www.bhibuilders.com.au -we can help through every stage of construction of your new home, (even the selection of an appropriate block of land) through the design process, development approval to construction of your dream home.

We have a sustainable philosophy of creating homes that are comfortable to live in whilst

having as little impact on the environment as possible.

Thank you Dallas.

From the Owners You chose BHI Builders as the builder of your new home; how has it been working with Dallas Brown and his team?

Dallas and son, Mitch, were always pleasant and ready to help in anyway through the entire building process. They offered good, sound advice on building construction, products, fittings and fixtures. The guys working for them were always polite and respectful.

What are some of the featured design elements of your new home that you love?

There are many, but the flow through ventilation, the mix of stone, timber and metal cladding on the exterior walls allow the home to blend into the surrounding countryside. We also enjoy the open plan living, kitchen and

dining area.

Did you have any specific requirements when you first decided to build your new home?

We wanted a professional builder – one who was approachable, open to discuss changes during the works, and one that would turn up on time to do the work.

Tell us a bit about the design of your new home and its functionality. How does it suit your lifestyle?

Our home had to blend into the countryside, have many large windows to take in the 360 degree views and also be large enough to accommodate family and friends on special occasions. A desire was to have the home cool in summer and warm in the winter. We also have alfresco dining areas for entertaining and a private deck off our Master bedroom to provide ourselves with a little privacy.

The entry from the garage to the pantry and kitchen makes it easy for us to unload shop-

ping out of the wind and rain. This is a very convenient aspect of the design.

Having our study adjacent to the open plan living areas of the home enables you to keep in the loop and still participate in discussions etc.

We also placed the TV strategically and on an adjustable pedestal, so that it may be viewed from 4 different locations in the living areas.

Would you recommend BHI Builders to other prospective home owners?

Yes, I would have no hesitation in recommending Dallas and his team. They are very honest and strive at all times to achieve a high standard of workmanship.

Thank you.

the plug!

For more information, contact BHI Builders Mobile: 0414 780 710 Web: www.bhibuilders.com.au

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manning-great lakes focus 59

focusTourism.

Kerry Johnstone from Manning Valley Tourism

Tourism Kerry Johnstone Spread out the picnic blanket, get the beverages chilling and crank up the barbecue, because it is time to start entertaining the masses! he Manning-Great Lakes region is known for its natural assets and outdoor lifestyle, from the endless miles of National Parks and reserves, to the pristine beaches and waterways. What we are not synonymous with is great wine, yet throughout our scenic countryside we have an abundance of award winning wineries that all offer something more than just good wine.

Each one presents a unique experience, a perfect picnic spot, an outdoor concert, secret bird watching, a tasty café or a meandering maze.

Crowd favourite Villa d’Esta Vineyard on Wallambah Road at Dyers Crossing receives nothing but great reviews from all those who visit or taste their wares. Zoli, the passionate Hungarian winemaker, takes great pleasure in sharing his wines and explaining their traditional Hungarian winemaking techniques.

Just outside of Wingham, award winning family owned vineyard Red Tail Wines produces a delicious range of wines using only their own grapes.

Address: 2884, Wallambah Rd, Dyers Crossing, NSW, 2429 – open 10am ‘til 4pm, 7 days a week.

T

The grounds here are gorgeous, and you are encouraged to take a picnic, the kids and even your furry friend, as Red Tail are dog friendly. Take your time as you sample the wines and wander through the vines, allowing the therapeutic calm of the place to wash over you. Owners Warren and Sue believe the atmosphere of Red Tail can work its magic on even the most stressed of visitors.

Address: 15 Pinnacle Place, Marlee, NSW 2429 – open every weekend from 11am to 4pm.

For a complete change of pace, just north of Taree, eccentric ex dairy farmer and owner of Ghinni Wines has found his life’s passion in making fruit and vegetable liqueurs from fruit grown on the banks of the Manning River.

Flavours include mulberry, raspberry, blueberry, orange, plum, lemon, and Ghinni’s award winning mead. Ghinni’s mouthwatering chilli vinegar is great with salads, and the raspberry liqueur mixed with champagne is perfect for a light summer evening cocktail.

The views at Ghinni Wines are worth the trip on their own, and if you are lucky you will make it just in time for the local sea eagle as she drops in for her daily lunch on the river.

Address: 200 Pacific Highway, Ghinni Ghinni, NSW 2430 – open daily from 10am.

60 manning-great lakes focus.

The winery is made up of 12 acres of grapes, including just under an acre of table grapes.

These grapes mature between December and the end of February, and the fruit is made available for sale to the public (provided family and friends haven’t eaten them all).

As we head north again on the way to Port Macquarie, you will find the well established Bago Vineyards. Bago Vineyards have some fantastic wines and host a range of events throughout the year, including the monthly Jazz in the Vineyards and the not to be missed annual grape stomping. Next to their great wine, by far Bago’s biggest drawcard is the newly opened 2,000 metres of pathways – Bago Maze. Grown ups can sit on the hill and sip Bago’s cheeky sparking chambourcin while the kids run through the maze for hours on end, it really is an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

Address: Milligans Road (off Bago Road), Wauchope, NSW 2446 – maze open 9.30am 4pm, Wednesday through to Sunday.

There are so many more that I have not even mentioned; you could easily fill a weekend or a month of weekends if you have the staying power with winery visits. So take a drive or enjoy the ride, choose your favourite summer, winter and all season drop and be proud of what the local region has to offer.

For more information on the above and for other ideas on where to go this summer, head to your local visitor information centre or www.manningvalley.info and like us on Facebook at Visit Manning Valley.

Individual Australian Style

Vaughan Homes.

Modern Homes with over 300 designs.

Vaughan Homes has been building in the Port Macquarie Hastings region for over 10 years, forming a strong relationship with local tradesmen and suppliers. This relationship helps them to deliver a home set to a high standard of quality work, fittings and fixtures throughout.

They are now taking over the Integrity New Homes Mid North Coast area and are expanding their operation to cover the region from Taree, Great Lakes, Kempsey and South West Rocks.

Integrity New Homes is a national network of local builders coming together to improve our services to our clients. For clients this will mean a library of over 300 plans we can draw from to use as they are, or provide inspiration for the new home. Integrity New Homes has the vision of being committed to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations in new residential housing development, and fostering

a workplace of integrity and positive and progressive thinking.

Our homes are built to fulfil our client’s dreams whether that’s a large family home or a couple looking to downsize into a villa. We like to offer a finished product; this means not only is the home itself complete but also the surrounds such as the fences, turf and driveway.

We have house and land packages, or designs that may be just what you are looking for to build on your own land. We are more than happy to talk through all the design elements you require and come up with your dream home.

Open 7 days a week from 12 noon to 4pm, you are invited to visit the new display home at 51 Currawong Drive, Oxley Park Estate, Port Macquarie and see for yourself just what the collaboration of Vaughan Homes and Integrity New Homes can mean to you and your family.

With our diverse population there are many examples of what constitutes an Australian decorating style or ‘Aussie way of life’. How we spend our leisure time and differ in preferences to cooking meals or entertaining family and friends, means the choices are many and varied, and yet all very valid to our own preferred Viison is a lifestyles. Being Australian means locally d having an individual style and owned design an g rin tu ac uf an m feel when it comes to decorating s story’ company ‘succeslieve our homes. be ly firm

“

and we

y of Viison is a locally owned in the philosoph ilizing ut d nurturing an design and manufacturing local talent.” company ‘success story’ and we firmly believe in the philosophy of nurturing and utilizing local talent. Our experienced, professional trades people and staff members will provide you with first class we are at it we will also show you how to service and quality products. inject some of your own unique “Aussie” Once you have decided between either personality and spirit into your project. As the building a new home or renovating your light reflection in our Great Southern Land is existing one, visit one of our beautiful truly unique, then so the colours of Australia showrooms (or contact us online) and let us can prove to be inspirational. When the take all the guesswork out of your design weather is sunny or stormy, just look to options and help you to select the products our wide sky, the ocean and lakes, or the that will create the ideal kitchen look to suit mountains and bushland that surrounds us, your lifestyle and budget, and while it’s all there for you to select from.

manning-great lakes focus 61

focusinterview.

with Sharon Fowle

Business B

Alex Cosway Redsand communications

Sharon speaks to Alex Cosway, whose primary focus is on the local community. A Canadian ex-pat, he is passionate about the Manning Valley.

W

hat do Redsand Communications do?

We are the only local Telstra dealer, and we specialise in helping businesses save money and increase efficiency with their communications technology. We look at how businesses communicate and how they can improve their communications structure. In the case of new business, we make recommendations. We can also look at improving broadband, reducing calls, call flow, cabling, data lines, new numbers and bundles.

The advantage in coming to us is that we know the local issues and we understand local businesses. We try to do the best thing by our clients. We’re here for the long term.

What can we expect with the NBN? The business community is excited about the National Broadband Network (NBN) being rolled out this year, and we are ensuring businesses and their systems are compatible. Currently you’re lucky to get 20 Mb, but the average is 7/8 Mb. With the NBN you can expect to get speeds of up to 100 Mb, which is a significant improvement. There may be some transition needed for some businesses, and we are happy to come out and speak directly with them.

What else would you recommend businesses investigate?

Definitely VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) will be worth looking at. VOIP takes voice signals and transports them over the internet instead of over a copper line. It’s a digital signal versus analogue.

When NBN is rolled out, VOIP will be a bulletproof way to communicate. You’ll have more capacity, so you’re not going to get dropouts if it’s built well. It will really help to reduce phone costs. I recommend businesses review their systems. It’s been my experience that in 100% of situations, we have been able to save clients money. Very few businesses are getting the most from their communication systems.

As a business owner, why did you decide to run for Council elections?

It is vitally important that businesses are engaged with Council. There is a need to bridge the link with Council and the business community. As disappointing as it was that I wasn’t successful, I am happy that I can continue to focus on the Manning Valley 62 manning-great lakes focus.

Business Chamber and the Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber and building my business.

It still means I am helping the area in other ways. All you can do is put your hand up. It was a huge learning curve and very beneficial, and I received a lot of help – particularly the first time I ran.

Will you run in the next Council elections?

I definitely hope to run The business again in the next election. community When it comes to voting, e excited about th d is it appears that the an db oa Br l na io Nat ing average person doesn’t Network (NBN) be , ar ye is th t ou d properly research the rolle g rin su en e and we ar candidates. Compulsory d an es ss ne busi voting takes the e their systems ar responsibility away .” le tib pa elected as President. We com from people. If you have also have a new Treasurer, mandatory voting, they will Kyle Brown and a new do it kicking and screaming, Secretary, Jenny Ashton. but if you create a culture where We really need good depth of voting is not compulsory, they will do it leadership, particularly relating to economic because they want to. They will be educated issues and support. We are engaging in votes from people who want change or are partnership with Council and working on interested in their community. I’d rather have an economic development. Steve Attkins is the electorate that wants to vote, that’s passionate Economic Development Manager, and he is about their community and wants to take this trying to sell the area. We’ve been working on seriously. Those who don’t vote may reconsider decentralisation and have applied for numerous voting next time. I believe the current way of grants for the region. Local business really voting is not a true vote. needs economic development, and no other We need to bring this country into the 21st resource is available to drive the initiatives. We century and move from paper ballots. Preare also working with Rob Oakeshott to get polling should be kept to 2 - 3 days prior, and funding and to be the spine of communication other votes should be received via postal votes. with government. We also work with Steve Introduce a computerised process, and it will Bromhead. Things are going really well, and the reduce fraud and significant costs.

Chamber membership is growing. We had 275 Why should businesses be directly involved people attend our last business awards. It was a in their community? great night.

Business needs strong local government What’s the purpose of the Manning Valley with clear vision and ready to deal with Business Chamber? local businesses. We lack strong, inspiring, The Chamber is there to support economic leadership. Not enough people put their hand development, working alongside Council. up for community support groups. It results Development projects work from the bottom in very few people controlling and influencing up, instead of the projects being dictated from a lot of important issues. We need young the top. That is why it’s important for businesses business leaders to engage, and the more we to be involved. The business community should have, the easier it will be to sustain and ensure be pleased they have this resource available to business needs are addressed. them. They need to understand and support it,

“

Is that why you are on the board of the Manning Valley Chamber?

Yes it is. We recently had our AGM and I was re-elected Vice President, Geoff Jackson was

so that it will continue.

Council has to maintain focus on tourism and economical development. From a budgetary level, they are two unique operations and they

should be run separately. If Council budgets contract, those roles may merge. Tourism is about getting retail people into the area to spend retail dollars. Economic development is about job creation and decentralisation.

What advice would you offer people looking to start a business locally?

The most important thing to do is network with people. Find similar businesses with the right vision and ask them to mentor you.

Networking gets you referral business and also allows you to bounce ideas off other businesses.

If you decide to be a lone ranger, you probably won’t be successful. Do your homework prior to building a business by completing a needs analysis.

You can build a strong relationship here, whereas you can’t in a big city. There is a need to tell customers who you are and why you are good. It’s important to recognise that some businesses are closing locally because they are not adapting to the current market. Keep up with current trends, diversify and build an online presence. Don’t limit your respective customer areas to your locality; look outside, go and find the need.

We are lucky as business owners in the area.

We have to believe in ourselves and in the area a lot more than what we are doing now. Don’t be introverted or ingrained in our own business.

Get involved and engage in the community and in the Business Chamber. It will help you become a successful business leader in the community.

Thanks Alex.

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