Feature Story David Castle
September 2014 // issue 91
editor.
from the
Welcome to the September edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. veryone I speak to lately tells me how busy it’s been … and quite a few have also told me how many weeks there are between now and Christmas - but I promise I won’t scare you with that little statistic!
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We’re certainly no strangers to being busy in the FOCUS office either. It’s been a hectic month, and our team has pulled together some great interviews, columns and features for you. Take some time out now to relax, have a cuppa at one of our local cafés and read FOCUS. You’ll need lots of energy to keep up with all the events happening around the area this month! ON THE COVER Yes, Commando Steve will be paying visits to both Port Macquarie and Taree this month; most of you would probably know him from Network Ten’s The Biggest Loser program. And his visits are all for a good cause too! Funds raised will help local inspiration Meegan Malouf in her quest to travel to Russia for medical treatment. You may recall, we interviewed Meegan in last month’s issue of FOCUS.
niversary of public education in Wingham. Read how Wingham High, Wingham Public and Wingham Brush Public Schools plan to celebrate. Well known performer Issi Dye has a chat with us about his musical career – you can catch Issi in action at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club. Local photographer Merryl Kemp shares some of her stunning photos with us, and artist David Castle tells us his inspiring story. EDITOR’S PHOTO This month’s photo was supplied by Great Lakes Tourism and shot by Linda Bryant. RETRACTION Last month Pulse Health interviewed surgeon Nicholas Jufas; in error, it was stated that he is a Rehabilitation Surgeon, when in fact he is an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon. FINAL SAY “Succcess usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” - Henry David Thoreau.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Jo Atkins – Editor jo@focusmag.com.au
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David Castle has channelled some challenging experiences plus his love of the surf and Kombis into a newfound art practice. His paintings are vibrant and full of life! You can meet David and other interesting guest presenters at the next PechaKucha 20X20 meeting in Forster on September 13 …
DAVID CASTLE.
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i David. What brought you to the Great Lakes area originally? In 2008, my wife Julie and I badly needed a holiday after working for myself as an electrician doing ridiculous hours - normally 7 days a week. We had just started a family with our two boys and intended to add to our number, so decided to go on a holiday. Julie bought a caravan, opened up a Big 4 Holiday Parks book to the Diamond Beach page. She liked the sound of it, so booked two weeks over the Christmas break. Before that date we were going on a Sunday drive with nowhere to go, so headed north to check out the would-be holiday destination, instantly loved the Hallidays Point area and decided it would be a great spot to raise a family. You’ve had a few medical challenges to overcome in recent years. Please share your story with our readers, to give us a greater understanding of the ups and downs you’ve had to face so far ... One Friday in September 2010, I hit my head while working on a house in Forster. This blow to the right side of my head bounced my brain to the left, causing a bruise on the left temporal lobe and a bleed on the brain. I was hospitalized on the Sunday to Manning Base, then ambulanced down to Newcastle. Things were not flash, but I tried to get back to work -even though I was suffering from fatigue, eye and ear problems, poor memory and excruciating headaches, which were not meant to last as long as they had. So finally a doctor sent me for a MRI of my head to further investigate the headaches. They found an aneurysm right where the pain 4
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was coming from. As a neurosurgeon I saw about it couldn't tell me it wouldn't pop and kill me, I decided to have it clipped. Unfortunately the surgery didn't go the best (even though the headaches stopped). I had a haemorrhage in the right side of my brain causing a stroke and paralysed my whole left side. That was two years ago. I was told I was young and fit so could make a good recovery, but would never surf or play piano again. But after leaving the hospital, my wife and I have taken control of my rehab and by using unusual methods, I'm surfing and playing piano again when I get time, ‘cause I'm training for a triathlon and rebuilding the 1977 caravan we bought back in Sydney to have the holiday here in. What led you to be interested in art – is this interest something you’ve always had, or has it developed more recently? I had liked art to look at but never had a go until Julie (wife) wanted something to hang in our toilet. I had seen a piece I liked but being on Work Cover, which doesn't pay the bills in full, there was not much I could do in the way of buying it to go in the spot, so I decided to paint something. The art critic liked it, and it is hanging in the toilet. I found doing the paintings helped me with the headaches I had pre op. Describe your artwork ... what materials/ equipment do you normally use? My art is very basic, as I'm self-taught; I just use canvas with acrylics. Of late I've started to use oils, as the acrylics have started to frustrate me. I figure oils take more craft, and I find acrylics a little like just colouring in. What are your favourite subjects to capture ... and why do you focus on these?
One Friday 10, I in September 20 ng ki le wor hit my head whi ter. This rs Fo in e us on a ho side of my t gh ri e th to blow y brain to m d head bounce a bruise on the left , causing l lobe and the left tempora n.” ai br a bl ee d on the
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I love to do beach scenes and Kombis, so a lot of my work combines the two as I had done in real life previously, owning two Kombis in Australia and one in America, using all three to travel the coast and surf out of. Where can people see samples of your work – do you have a studio they can visit, a website, or any current exhibitions? I've only just started, so don't have a great backlog. I've had some offers to exhibit through some online galleries, but at the moment I’m just doing some commissioned work for people I meet that have heard about my stuff. What’s a dream you have for the future – whether it’s an artistic, or a personal goal? Have been busy over the last few years trying to get back to myself post accident and post stroke ability, seemingly to be having more luck on the stroke recovery than the brain injury ailment, but would like to spend more time developing my art skills to enable me to one day build a studio to work in and use as a space where people could view my work. You’ll be one of the guest presenters at the next PechaKucha meeting in Forster. When and where will this meeting be held, and who are some of the other presenters? PechaKucha means “the sound of conversation” in Japanese. These nights are held at Laneway, Little Street, Forster and are put together to inspire just that – conversation in the community. I will be presenting on Saturday 13th Septem-
ber, 2014, alongside Judy Conning, who chases the Aurora, Jane Hosking, who has titled her presentation “Dogs, Dresses and Dead Eagles”, which sounds very interesting! There is Mark Isaacs, who spent time on Nauru and is a special guest from Sydney. We also have local photographer, Eve Albury, Indigenous artist Rex Winston-Walford and Yogi Karen Farrell. A great, fast and interesting night, and people are left wanting more, as it is in 20X20 format. Each presenter shows 20 images with only 20 seconds per image to speak! What messages are you hoping to get across to your audience at the meeting – what will you be speaking about? I really want people to know that there are different and much better ways to recover from my type of injury than what is offered traditionally. To me, my art therapy and finding alternative treatments that worked for me is important. I have used a few alternative therapies and luckily was introduced to Mark at Banks and Dade and his Quantum Neurology, which has helped so much. My message will be filled with all the good this and art has done for me. Where can people purchase tickets to the event (how much do they cost) and where can they find out further info? Tickets are $15 available at Banks and Dade Family Chiropractors, 54 The Lakes Way, Forster 6557 6333, and Coco’s Closet, 64 Wharf Street, Forster. For further info - Pechakucha Forster Facebook and view past events at http://www. pechakucha.org/cities/forster Thanks David.
inside this
Issue 91 - September 2014
Issi Dye.
26.
"Keep Rockin" is Issi Dye’s motto – and you’ll have a chance to do just that when you relive all the classic 1950s hits with Issi on September 15 at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club!
Red Cross.
41.
The Australian Red Cross is renowned for the work they do locally, nationally and overseas and the organisation celebrated their centenary just this year. It’s timely to pay tribute to a few of our local Forster Tuncurry branch members …
Voci Stupende.
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Voci Stupende … literally translates as “beautiful voices” – which is exactly what you can expect to witness in both Stroud and Gloucester this month, with two glorious performances. Hugh Fraser introduces us to this amazingly talented classical song company …
usual suspects.
the
14. What’s On for September 20. eat featuring local restaurants 27. Tourism Update with Sharon Bultitude 39. Star Guide with Terri No matter where you are in the world, 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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Merryl Kemp Merryl’s love for the outdoors and our local area is evident in her photography – but she’s also a
photographer with a passion for learning and is always keen to try something new! Whether it’s portraiture, landscapes, street photography, underwater or aerial shots – Merryl has a unique vision …
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erryl, how and when did I couldn’t choose. you become interested in The details and beauty of nature in Macro photography? is also a favourite, as is long exposure. As a My early teens, probably. member of the SMH Clique association, I’ve been My background is the developing street photography skills, which does ocean, beach and nature, get me strange looks in public sometimes … and I developed an eye for lines, angles, light and What have been some of the biggest structures, from my father, an Architect. challenges you’ve had to overcome in order I purchased a Ricoh XR-1 SLR and a to continue improving your skill behind Tamron 80 -210 macro zoom lens at the lens? 18. My interest is more from The industry has changed, and I’m the creative side than the enjoying the digital revolution. technical. I photographed Social media is great for I have an Olympus everything and everyone, networking and building OM-D E-M5 experimenting with confidence in your product. mirrorless micro four filters for effects. I was I have a large format thirds camera. I didn’t very hands on, and my printer and make paling want to lug around a laundry doubled as a fence frames. I create a huge, weighty camera darkroom. body on top of lenses and finished product, not just a accessories, and the OM-D Photography to me computer full of photos, but surpasses all expectations now, is a way of life. the options to display and in quality, size and When I’m not taking sell them locally are limited. weight.” photos, I’m in front of the Financial constraints are always computer editing. a consideration when upgrading What subjects do you most like gear and accessories. to shoot – and why? What type of cameras/lenses are you using I don’t have a favourite subject. I love it all. I the most at the moment – and why these am rarely without my camera, photographing particular models? basically anything that catches my eye – city I have an Olympus OM-D E-M5 mirrorless micro shots of Vivid, musicians, surfers, sunrises and four thirds camera. I didn’t want to lug around sunsets, abstract, urban, sea and landscapes, a huge, weighty camera body on top of lenses sport or events, or capturing a child’s expression and accessories, and the OM-D surpasses all
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Part of my love for photography is the pleasure it brings to others but this doesn’t pay the bills, so I need to develop my business and marketing skills. I’m currently working on a web page as the next step forward.”
expectations in quality, size and weight. With one adaptor, I can use standard DSLR lenses. I started with the 14 – 42mm and 40 – 150mm kit lenses, adding a 50 – 200mm 2.8 ED zoom for surfing and whales, with its 100 – 400mm equiv; a 12 - 40mm Pro lens for landscapes, architecture and general use and a 45mm 1.8 prime portrait lens for portrait and macro photography. I have various filters for long exposures, a tripod and 3 conversion lenses, allowing extra wide, fish eye and macro functions. My Olympus Tough is a “toy” underwater camera, but I’ve taken some great shots with it. I purchased a drone with 2 built in cameras recently, and I’m currently working on my flying skills. If you were given a brief to shoot an image you felt perfectly captured life in the beautiful Manning-Great Lakes area, where are some of the places you’d go to achieve this? There are so many; it’s a photographer’s dream area. Ellenborough Falls, Barrington Tops, winding country roads and towns, 3 lakes, rainforests, rivers, beaches, sandhills and lighthouses; it may have to be a collage. The outdoor lifestyle around the Manning-Great Lakes lends to water activities, and I think the common theme would have to be “water”. What’s the most important thing to you when you’re planning a shot – do you spend much time arranging lighting, framing, etc. – or are you more of a spontaneous photographer? Planning is always essential, even when being spontaneous. I’m a bit of both. Landscape photography needs planning, but also depends on the weather. I use apps to predict tides, the sun and moon rise or set, and angles to the coastline. Local knowledge helps. Weddings and commissioned shoots needs discussion and planning to ensure you met all the client’s needs. I prefer natural lighting where possible. Props are helpful, especially with children. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to capture their personality or emotion. What are some areas of photography you haven’t worked in as much that you’re
interested in experiencing ... what is it about these areas that appeals to you? I’d like a better drone for aerial photography. It’s so much fun and a completely different perspective. I’m also interested in Photojournalism and freelance photography and would like to do more, on an invitation/professional level. Commercially I’ve done some weddings, professional portraits and property shoots and could expand on all these. I also love the ongoing challenges of the creative aspects, from camera techniques to post editing. The learning never stops. If you had to nominate a favourite shot or two you’ve taken, what would they be (and why)? My “favourite” changes regularly, depending on what I’ve been shooting. I was very happy with the sunrise at Turimetta. The right combination of light, colours and water movement using filters for long exposure at sunrise. The girl in the hat was spontaneous, taken at a picnic with friends and converted to black and white in Photoshop. The surfer is also a favourite, because it catches not just his skill, but his expression. What’s the ultimate dream for you with your photography – what would you like to be doing in 12 months’ time? Professional growth and recognition, both commissioned and freelance. Be great to see more of my works hanging in private homes or commercial rentals. A gallery showing would also be a dream come true. Part of my love for photography is the pleasure it brings to others but this doesn’t pay the bills, so I need to develop my business and marketing skills. I’m currently working on a web page as the next step forward. Are you available for commissioned work, and if so – where can readers contact you/view your work? I am available for commissioned work. At the moment I have Facebook and flickr pages displaying my images: Merryl Kemp Photography. You can contact me directly through my page, email me at merryl.kemp@bigpond.com or call my mobile on 0409 406 142. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks Merryl. manning-great lakes focus 7
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Andrew Hopkins - photo credit Jenny Ghabache
SESQUICENTENARY
OF
P U B L I C E D U C AT I O N I N W I N G H A M
Andrew Hopkins - photo credit Jenny Ghabache Zaidie Single
SEPTEMBER 12, 13 AND 14 WILL BE DAYS OF CELEBRATION IN WINGHAM, AS THE TOWN REMINISCES ABOUT 150 YEARS OF QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION. A MULTI-SKILLED SESQUICENTENARY COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK ORGANISING THE CELEBRATION ON BEHALF OF WINGHAM PUBLIC, WINGHAM BRUSH PUBLIC AND WINGHAM HIGH SCHOOLS, AND A FORMER TEACHER AND TWO FORMER STUDENTS WERE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO SHARE THEIR EARLIER EXPERIENCES FROM THEIR SCHOOL YEARS … brief history behind the from the schools, or online by emailing Sesquicentenary of Public winghameducation150@gmail.com. The Education in Wingham, complete programme is available online: http:// and an overview of the winghamsesquieducation2014.blogspot.com.au celebrations on behalf of the Sesqui Committee … ZAIDIE SINGLE – FORMER TEACHER FROM Past and present students and staff from WINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL Wingham Public School, Wingham Brush Harrington Waters resident Zaidie Single, Public School and Wingham High School will aged 91, is among the oldest ex-teachers of gather in Wingham on September 12, 13 Wingham Public School, which was known and 14 to celebrate 150 years of continuous as Wingham Brush when she taught there as public education. What started in 1864 Miss Zaidie Grant in 1946 and 1947 with a single wooden classroom (see above photo: Wingham and around 30 students Public School - Class 1, August has flourished to include 1946). three schools with a Zaidie attended Taree celebrations e Th combined enrolment of Public and Taree High also include over 1,200 students, Schools, and later a Tabloid Sports and employing close Armidale Teachers Day, a musical to 100 dedicated g College. reunion featurin o , tw teachers and support former students e Apart from a number th staff. exhi bitions and of postings including ” n. The highlight of the official receptio Coffs Harbour, she has weekend is the three spent all her life in the schools opening their Manning - at Taree, Black doors to the community. Head and now Harrington. Visitors will be able to see inside Zaidie, what's your association classrooms, watch performances with public education in Wingham? and displays by current students and Having spent the war years as lone enjoy light refreshments for a gold coin teacher-in-charge at small outback schools donation. The celebrations also include a including Snake Gully (Hillview) and Apple-Tree Tabloid Sports Day, a musical reunion featuring Flat (beyond Jerrys Plains), I was delighted to be former students, two exhibitions and the appointed nearer my Taree home, to Wingham official reception. Brush Infants Department in 1946-7. All events are open to the public, and tickets How do you feel your experiences at for the Official Reception can be purchased Wingham Public School helped shape your
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life as it is today? The new experience of being able to share ideas, the companionship of the staff and the co-operation of the town's parents created a new outlook on my teaching career, which sustained me through the ensuing years. Among my most cherished memories of Wingham are the number of birds which continually visited the playground from the neighbouring Brush, and the children's interaction with the wildlife. What message would you like to share with the general public as Wingham prepares to celebrate the sesquicentenary of public education? I congratulate Wingham on the growth of education in the area, from such a simple beginning as solely the Brush school. I hope the town continues to grow in prosperity, from its origins as a small timber settlement to a progressive and attractive family and business centre, but at the same time retaining its unique heritage character. CAROLYN HARDY – FORMER STUDENT FROM WINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOL. Carolyn is currently the Senior Advisor at United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and is also an International Board member for Amnesty International. Carolyn is grateful for the education she received, as she’s reminded through her valuable work that not everyone receives the same opportunities. Carolyn, what’s your association with public education in Wingham?
My parents (Helen and Earl Hardy) lived in Wingham from 1963 until 1978. I started Kindergarten at Wingham Public School (now Wingham Brush School) in 1971 and went to school there until we moved to Parkes in 1978. How do you feel your experiences at school helped shape your life as it is today? We were safe, happy and carefree kids at Wingham Public School. The environment there and the quality of education it provided gave me a solid base for life, and I have fond memories. I have worked for the United Nations for the past ten years and I'm reminded every day that my access to school and the education I received is not available to millions of others around the world. What message would you like to share with the general public as Wingham prepares to celebrate the sesquicentenary of public education?' Australian public schools like Wingham provide children here with a start in life that's amongst the best in the world. We're privileged. ANDREW HOPKINS – FORMER STUDENT FROM BOTH WINGHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL AND WINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL Andrew is the Head of Research and Outreach at the Australian Astronomical Observatory ( www.aao.gov.au ). Early recognition of Andrew’s aptitude for science while he attended school in Wingham has stood him in good stead throughout his
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Carolyn Hardy
Photo credit Merilyn Kendall
career… Observatory ( www.aao.gov.au/ ). Andrew, what’s your association with The AAO is Australia's national optical public education in Wingham? telescope facility and we conduct and support I attended Wingham Primary School from research using our own national facilities at 1982-1983 (Years 5 - 6) and Wingham High Siding Spring Observatory (including the AngloSchool from 1984-1989 (Years 7 - 12). Australian Telescope) as well as telescopes My current association with public education internationally. in Wingham is through sponsoring an annual My research is about understanding how prize, since 2005, for excellence in science at galaxies, like our own Milky Way, formed and Wingham High School (details here: evolved over cosmic history. I lead or participate http://oldweb.aao.gov.au/people/ in four major international ahopkins/wingham_high/ collaborations exploring this I was fortunate to question from different receive an award myself perspectives, using ts en Wingham stud at the end of Year 12, a broad variety of gh are now hi l sponsored by Wendy telescopes worldwide, na io at profile inspir lly Machin (then an including satellite na tio leaders na , lly na io MP, now President observatories. at rn te and in ss ne si bu of NRMA, also a My school ul sf es succ former Wingham experiences were people, and key bers.” High student), and shaped by a few community mem this recognition strongly inspirational teachers, motivated me. together with my parents. I felt that it was a simple They provided support, yet important thing to do recognition and encouragement to inspire and encourage school to pursue my goals. It's often easy to leavers to pursue careers in science and disregard or belittle teachers, but they technology. Maximising the opportunities have an enormous impact on our children for high-potential students, supporting and are frequently cited as the driving influence and motivating them, is crucial to growing behind successful careers. Teachers really and developing a successful technology sector need to be recognised for this impact, and nationally. teaching as a profession needs to be more How do you feel your experiences at well-regarded, encouraged and rewarded than school helped shape your life as it is is typically the case. today? What message would you like to share I am currently the Head of Research and with the general public as Wingham Outreach at the Australian Astronomical prepares to celebrate the sesquicentenary
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of public education? Wingham, and regional schools generally, are fantastic places. They experience a dynamic that is very different from urban schools, and I think that often the students benefit from a greater degree of independence and a closer connection with the teaching staff. Former Wingham students are now high profile inspirational leaders nationally and internationally, successful business people, and key community members. I encourage the students to pursue their goals; not to be discouraged by setbacks; to actively look for support from teachers, family, friends; and not to be shy about approaching professionals in their chosen field for help and advice. I encourage the community broadly to support and acknowledge the teachers, who are shaping the lives of our children as you read this. I also encourage everyone to get involved in school life by volunteering to share your time or your expertise to enrich the experiences of the students. For those with careers in science, technology or mathematics, the Scientists in Schools program is an excellent way to get involved: http://www.scientistsinschools.edu.au/ Sesquicentenary Program of Events For more information about the Sesquicentenary of Public Education in Wingham, visit the website: http://winghamsesquieducation2014.blogspot. com.au/ Or the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ winghamsesquied2014?fref=ts Thanks everyone.
Programme of Events. FRIDAY 12th September - Sunday 14th September Friday 12th September Tabloid Sports Day - Central Park, Wingham, from 9:30am. Exhibitions - Manning Valley Historical Society, Wingham and Hibiscus Room, Wingham Services Club. Musical Reunion - "The Top Pub", Wingham, from 7:30pm. Saturday 13th September Wingham Public School - open for inspection from 10am - Midday. Morning tea provided. Wingham Brush Public School - open for inspection from 12:30pm - 2:30pm. Sausage sizzle provided. Official Reception - Wingham Services Club, Bent Street, Wingham. Tickets on sale now! Sunday 14th September Wingham High School - open for inspection from 9am - 11am. Sausage sizzle breakfast provided. Sesquicentenary committee photo (above left): Barbara Waters, Greg Smith, Jennie Cameron, Susan Ryan, Lindy Tisdell, Anne Munns, Ruth Wilson, Helen Brown, Keith Brown, Michelle Williams, Merilyn Kendall, Mark Thomson, Liz Newman, Rita Pittman. Absent: Geoff Pensini, Andrew Green, Kim Wilson, Sally Piracha, Rob Macgergor, Kathy McPherson, Carmel Rush (photographer). manning-great lakes focus 9
Matters. [ with Alan T ickle ]
legallight.
CENTRELINK CHANGES ACT NOW
ula rarno gT a icck yk le [ w ith i th h SA Alan lan Ti Tickle le ] what is the law?
Justin Stack. Dear Alan, I read last month’s story about the Centrelink changes and the advertisement for the seminar. I am single, so should I need to change anything? I am already on the age pension and receiving a payment from an allocated pension. RW. Dear RW, As you are hinting at, the changes have no impact on those already with a superannuation account based pension, and on government benefits who do not have a financial dependant. However, it is still worth checking with your adviser in case commencing a new account before December 31st to trigger a revised deductible amount is worth considering. Who should seek a review or come to the seminar to learn more? a) A recipient of an account based pension who is assessed under the income test, on government benefits and who has a spouse or financial dependent. b) Someone who is already on government benefits but not yet age pension age. c) Someone who is under age 75 and who is on part pension, where there might be qualification to contribute to superannuation. d) Those with a dependant or spouse, and already on government benefits with one or more receiving a superannuation account based pension or eligible to contribute to superannuation. e) People thinking of changing superannuation pension providers. f) Those with self managed superannuation who are in receipt of government benefits. The seminar will explain the importance of having an automatic reversionary beneficiary in place rather than a Binding Nomination, on the future income test treatment of account
based pensions for a surviving spouse. It will also explain how re-contribution can reduce potential tax to non-financial dependent estate beneficiaries. Dear Alan, What will be the future of account based pensions with a change in the assessment when determining government benefits?SF. Dear SF, There are many retirees who do not receive a government pension or only receive a part pension due to the asset test assessment. While the value of account based pensions in terms of income test assessment is disappearing, the product still ticks a lot of boxes for retirees. It provides regular income, the opportunity for investment in a range of asset classes, no tax on earnings or capital gains but still able to collect franking credit refunds within the fund, and tax free pension payments for those over 60 which assists qualification for the senior’s health card. Money can be withdrawn from the fund and the amount of pension paid can be determined by the member, provided that at least the minimum amount by legislation is paid. While there is an issue with taxation to an estate where there is no financial dependant in that 15% tax is charged on the concessional component held in the fund, this can still be a more effective outcome over the life of the investment due to no capital gains tax to the member or an estate. In a follow up story, I’ll explain how to separate concessional and non-concessional contributions so that there is a better outcome for estate beneficiaries and the value of seeking advice on re-contribution of superannuation before retirement.
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.
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Surrogacy has been in the news lately, raising many questions about exactly what is the law as it effects the biological parents, the birth mother and the child. n Australia, each state has its own laws covering surrogacy, and they do vary slightly. In NSW the law is covered in the Surrogacy Act 2010 and came into operation on 1 March 2011. It defines surrogacy as an arrangement where a woman agrees to bring to gestation in her uterus the ovum of another woman fertilised outside the body and introduced artificially. Surrogacy is allowed if the woman is over 25 and it is not a commercial arrangement – however “reasonable costs” of the birth mother can be covered. Both sides must receive counselling and legal advice before surrogacy can go ahead. Thirty days after the birth, the intended parents can apply to the Supreme Court for a “parentage order” giving them full parenting rights and their name on the baby’s birth certificate. Commercial surrogacy is banned in every Australian state and territory – except the Northern Territory, that does not regulate the practice. In NSW, paying a woman to carry a baby in her womb for others risks two year’s gaol and fines of up to $275,000. NSW residents also break the law if they travel outside the state for commercial surrogacy. It’s hard to find a woman willing to have a
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fertilised egg inserted into her uterus, then carry the fetus to term and finally hand over the baby to the biological parents – with no compensation for her efforts and emotional commitment. The demand for surrogacy has grown as many couples unable to conceive search for ways to have a child of their own. Hundreds go overseas in search of a commercial arrangement. Australians are among the highest per capita users of international commercial surrogacy – about 500 a year, mostly to women in India and Thailand. The fate of a baby boy born with Down Syndrome to a commercial surrogate mother in Thailand has prompted calls to review the laws in Australia. But questions will always remain: what happens if the biological parents won’t or can’t take the baby? What if the birth mother won’t give up the baby? Is the contract broken if the fetus develops health problems? If the biological parents don’t pay up, who gets the baby? Can intending parents force the birth mother to abort the baby if they change their mind or the fetus is unhealthy? It’s a vexed area, and anyone contemplating surrogacy arrangements would be wise to get good legal advice before proceeding.
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BROOKS
FORSTER
Running f e s t i v a l ONCE AGAIN, IT’S EXPECTED OVER A THOUSAND COMPETITORS WILL CONVERGE ON FORSTER FOR THE BROOKS FORSTER RUNNING FESTIVAL. THE EVENT IS NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR AND PROMISES A FANTASTIC DAY OUT ON SEPTEMBER 14! PETE CAMILLERI FILLS US IN ON THE FINER DETAILS … i Pete. What’s new at the Brooks Forster Running Festival this year? The fourth Brooks Forster Running Festival will once again draw a field of around 1,200 competitors. We will run the same successful format as previous years, concentrating on doing the little things right. Our priority is to ensure our competitors experience a fantastic day out and finish with ever lasting memories of their run. An incredible amount of planning and preparation goes into any major event, and we are so fortunate to have wonderful local volunteers to help out on the day. Whilst the $5,000 prize money will entice plenty of serious competitors to line up, the majority of competitors will just want to run for fun. This type of event attracts not only competitors from all over NSW and interstate; it also attracts a
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wide variety of expectations.Some people run together as a group with family or friends, and others lead from the front looking for a personal best. Either way, it makes it a little easier when you experience the amazing atmosphere of being cheered on by hundreds of people What date will the festival be held – and where’s the best place for spectators to congregate to watch the action? This year’s event will be held on Sunday 14th September. The start and finish will be at Forster’s beautiful Main Beach. The unchanged run course spans from the base of Bennett’s Head in Forster to the Tuncurry breakwall, covering some beautiful sights along the way. What race categories will be held this time around? The Brooks Forster Running Festival will once again offer an event distance to suit all
levels of athletic ability. Our youngest competitor will be three years old, whilst our oldest will be up to 80 years of age. Events are: 7am 21.1 km half marathon; 9am 10 km run; 10am 5 km fun run; 10:30am 4 km walk and talk; 11:30am kids 4 - 8 2 km fun run; 11:30am kids 9 - 12 4 km fun run; 11:45am presentation. What sponsors have come on board this year? The continued support for the Forster Running Festival is amazing. Brooks came on board as naming rights sponsor for the inaugural event in 2011 and have remained with us ever since. It is incredible to see major companies support regional events. As for our sponsors on a local level, these Forster Tuncurry businesses have essentially guaranteed the future of our event. Who are some of the better known athletes you’re expecting to compete? This year’s
festival will no doubt throw up a few last minute surprises, no different to previous years. Some athletes don’t like to express their decision to race until the last minute, depending how their training is situated. The Brooks Forster Running Festival is one week prior to Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, so it’s a great lead up race for a number of competitors. Headlining the show in the McDonald’s half marathon at this stage will be our previous year’s male second place Anthony Farrugia and also female second place, Kirsten Molloy. 2013 winners Vlad Shatrov and Belinda Murray have not confirmed their intent to run as yet. More info? To enter any event, visit our website: www.forsterrunningfestival.com.au. Online entries close midnight 11th September; however, you can enter on the day depending on numbers.
BRISBANE 104KM Tweed Heads
BRUNSWICK HEADS BYRON BAY LENNOX HEAD BALLINA EVANS HEAD
Grafton RED ROCK CORINDI BEACH MOONEE BEACH COFFS HARBOUR MYLESTOM URUNGA HUNGRY HEAD NAMBUCCA HEADS SCOTTS HEAD
Port Macquarie BONNY HILLS NORTH HAVEN Taree TUNCURRY FORSTER SEAL ROCKS HAWKS NEST Newcastle
SYDNEY 160KM
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Editorial
Editorial
F L A S H
MOB IT BEGINS WITH AN ANCIENT BEAT MEASURED OUT ON CLAP STICKS. HEADS TURN ON O L D
B A R
TAREE’S VICTORIA STREET
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PROGRESS. fter many months of planning and preparation, at last the Old Bar & Manning Point Chamber of Commerce is able to progress some of its ideas which are now on show to the public. New brightly coloured seats have been installed in the CBD. The bus shelter at the front of Bi-Lo has been painted and new polycarbonate panels are soon to be installed. Most of the tables and seats in the beach park have been painted in colours to match the seats is the CBD and this colour scheme is to be extended to other parks in Old Bar, Wallabi Point and Manning Point. If funds can be stretched far enough, covers will be provided to those tables currently without them. The power poles along Old Bar Rd. inside the 50km/h zone are being painted in similar bright colours. All work is being carried out by Chamber volunteers and Wesley Uniting work for the dole people. The Old Bar Men’s Shed has offered support to the Chamber in carrying out various projects in the area.
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Getting a footpath along Old Bar Rd. all the way to the beach remains a priority, as does providing decorative bin covers in the CBD. There are a number of other projects that the Chamber desires to advance, but many will take some time to implement due to consent from various parties and funding.
TO WATCH A PROCESSION OF DANCERS APPEAR FROM NOWHERE AND SNAKE INTO A WIDE CIRCLE.
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hey are Worimi and Biripi youths whose proud faces are daubed in chalky ochre. They begin a dance they’ve been rehearsing for three days at Camp Elim. They know it well - they’ve stomped and whirled on grass, sand and dirt. Uncle Steve had taught them how to feel the moves; how to inhabit the spirit of a kangaroo. After a day they moved easily and stayed inside the beat. Worimi and Biripi elders had visited. Jay Davies shared language and stories around a camp fire. Aaron Taylor taught the boys how to throw a spear and how to catch a boomerang (carefully, in a clapping
motion). Aunties mob performance– a ia Joan, Eden and spontaneous dance in a At Taree’s Victor ) Street (pictured Lee bonded with public space. At Taree’s n ke ar ta onlookers appe the en the girls over Victoria Street (pictured) wh t Bu st. fir back at a dance arts and craft. onlookers appear taken music kick s in – ’s Solid na version of Go an ar and The culture back at first. But when pe Rock – smiles ap ers.” camp was run the music kicks in – a th ga d ow cr a small by the Saltwater dance version of Goanna’s Freshwater Arts Solid Rock – smiles appear Alliance and I and a small crowd gathers. The was privileged to be Worimi and Biripi dancers nail the invited along to take photos. performance and earn their applause. The dance was performed at A flash mob indeed. (See more photos six unannounced locations at: kirkowersphotography/facebook or during Naidok Week. It was a flash saltwaterfreshwater.com.au).
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SCORE A MINION PRIZE TO TAKE H OME! Simply sp spen end $1 $110 0 at Ma an nn niing Mallll between 29th S Se ep p t– t 3r d O ct and show us your receipt o n th he day of pur chase during one of the tim e slots below to spin the wheel for your chan a ce to win in stantly! Spin n Win in sessions: 10:35am–10:5 50am m, 11:35am–11:5 0am, 12:35pm–12::50 pm, 1:35pm–1:5 0 pm ou outtssiid de Coles. *Terrm mss and cond n itions apply .
81 Manning Street, Taree | manningmall.com.au |
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YOU KNOW HIM AS “THE COMMANDO” FROM THE BIGGEST LOSER ... NOW, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO TRAIN WITH COMMANDO STEVE - ALL THE WHILE KNOWING YOU’RE ALSO HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LOCAL INSPIRATION MEEGAN MALOUF ... i Steve, tell us about your life prior to joining The Biggest Loser? I joined the Army at 18 years of age, as soon as I finished Year 12. I did selections for Special Forces and spent the better part of 10 years as a Commando based in Sydney. That involved all things military, being deployed a couple of times overseas, and at around the 10 year mark I started to get itchy feet; I was questioning myself and what life meant and felt that there was a lot more on offer, so I chose to leave. In leaving, I had to figure out what I wanted to do, and I had always enjoyed training and being very physical - so I did all of the courses required to become a PT and started working in a gym. Within two years of being out of the military, The Biggest Loser opportunity presented itself, so I jumped at the chance and found myself on the show as a trainer. One of your mottos is “being fit is as much about the mind as the body”. How do you shift people's way of thinking? It is a gradual process, and it depends on what environment you are in. Helping to break these habits in someone’s everyday life is about showing them and making them realise that it all comes down to conscious living. It's about making decisions and choices around what they are doing with their time. Controlling the variables of eating the right foods, getting support, and training enough is what is important. We all learn in different ways; you have to tackle issues one at a time and what it is they need to change. How do you feel when you see contestants on the show after their transformations? Elation! It's amazing to see in such a short period of time how they can turn their lives around. More so than anything, it is a feeling of satisfaction because I'm not the one
enforcing the change. I am just providing the tools and the know how; they are the ones who have to really do the hard work. It's fantastic; there is a camaraderie and likemindedness built over time, and to see people take on your advice and way of thinking is really great. What encouraged you to support Meegan Malouf in her fundraising efforts? Meegan has had it hard, and she's been one of those people who has come from behind. With Multiple Sclerosis, Meegan has managed to dig deep and keep fighting. Someone like Meegan who deals so well with the hand they have been dealt is what inspires me. To support someone like Meegan ... she wasn't sure if she would be able to secure me to come up to Taree and Port Macquarie to do these training sessions, but she put it out there and everything has come together. Someone like Meegan who has really been through a life changing experience herself and wants to raise that awareness within her own community by having these events and inviting visiting identities to raise even more awareness is just fantastic. What can we expect from the upcoming training sessions at Taree and Port Macquarie? In the training sessions, first and foremost is to have some fun. Fitness exists within movement, so I focus on helping people move better with form, technique and range of movement. The Commando that you may think of isn't all about smashing people; he's about getting in there, addressing the foundation and building that up. It's not to say it's not going to be hard training - it's more so that it's relative. If someone hasn't done much training for a while, I'm not expecting them to break world records, as long as they push themselves both physically and mentally. Thanks Steve.
i Gavin, how will Your Life Fitness Centre, Port Macquarie be involved with helping Meegan to raise funds for her battle with MS? At Your Life Fitness Centre we have taken on hosting the unique opportunity in Port Macquarie, “Train with Commando Steve at Your Life Fitness Centre” event to raise funds for Meegan’s cause to get treatment for her MS. By selling tickets to the event, we are aiming to raise funds beyond the costs of the event to donate to Meegan’s cause. Our centre is not profiting from this event; it’s for charity to help Meegan get the help she needs to improve her lifestyle for herself, which will also benefit her family as a whole. Our team will be assisting in the lead up and on the day to ensure this event is something special and raises the much needed funds plus awareness of the treatments available in the local community. Describe this unique opportunity with celebrity trainer Commando Steve ... This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with Commando Steve at Your Life Fitness Centre; there are strictly limited tickets available for the sessions on Sunday the 14/9/2014. Commando Steve will take us through a workout utilising his many years of fitness industry experience and his extensive military training experience. Commando Steve has been successful on the TV show The Biggest Loser and will no doubt motivate you to achieve more! If you’re looking for a training experience that’s never been held in Port Macquarie before or want some motivation to kick off your fitness routine for spring, then sign up for this event. The event will cater for all fitness levels and will be an amazing atmosphere in the exclusive group personal training sessions. How can the community help Meegan at the fundraising day? Get into Your Life Fitness Centre and purchase yourself a training session ticket before they sell out is the main way to help Meegan’s cause in fundraising; plus, you will get an amazing training experience. Tickets are available to the public, not just our members. There will also be two meet and greet sessions where you can buy pictures or get autographs with the Commando on the day. We have a Facebook event page you should check out if you’re interested in making donations: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1448637375423767/?ref=5 We have all our event information; plus, you can
watch Meegan’s story and make donations. You can also contact Gavin or Your Life Fitness Centre reception on (02) 6581 0059 to find out more about the Port Macquarie sessions. Commando Steve will also be visiting Taree on Saturday 13th September: see Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1457226841196362/?ref=22 or contact Meegan (see below) for details). I've been battling Multiple Sclerosis now for seven years. It hasn't been easy, with my MS not responding to five different medications and a continual decline in my physical abilities. My biggest achievement that I thought was not possible after my diagnosis was the birth of my 6 year old son and my miracle baby daughter, who turns two this month. It was not expected that my fertility would remain under heavy medical treatment for my MS, so subsequently our babies were beautiful surprises - especially our daughter - who is our only girl after four sons. I was also diagnosed halfway through my midwifery degree. I completed my degree, as well as having my Bachelor in Nursing before my diagnosis; it was a major achievement to not only deal with learning about MS and my symptoms, but doing this whilst studying full-time and working as a student midwife, all at the same time. As far as my health is concerned, with the help of the Commando and his inspiration and no excuses attitude and the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation, I was able to lose over 60 kg. I learnt how to chnage from having an unhealthy view of my own body image to being happy in my own skin and enjoying life far more as a result. I was even awarded Most Inspirational Role Model by Michelle Bridges in December 2010 for my no excuses attitude.
the plug! People can jump online and donate at http://www.gofundme.com/7f1tdw Anyone interested in following my journey, I have set up a Facebook page and soon a blog to record from now through my treatment and beyond. All fundraising events will be linked here as well. www.facebook.com/ pages/My-ever-after-My-Journey-with-MSand-HSCT/776963402324551 It’s called My Ever After. You can contact us via email stephenmalouf@live.com.au or Erin Quinn, co-ordinator on 0404 114 116. manning-great lakes focus 13
AROUND THE REGION //SEPTEMBER 2014
19 20
STROUD RODEO & CAMPDRAFT
Friday 19th September: campdraft and junior rodeo, campdraft commences at 6:30am - junior rodeo commences at 3:00pm. Saturday 20th September: Campdraft and main rodeo – campdraft commences at 7:00am – rodeo commences at 9:00am. Cost: Adults $18. Children 15 years and under $7. NO BYOG, food available on the ground, live entertainment: The Viper Creek Band and Kaylenes Rain. More Info: Lawrie Hamilton 0427 725 143.
20th 5th to the
7 MUSIC IN THE BACK PADDOCK Music in the Back Paddock at Great Lakes Winery Celebrate Dad's Day on Sunday, Sept 7th listening to a special blend of jazz, blues and soul with Aunty Hu Hu and The Big Lazy. Music kicks off at 1pm. Adults $15; Kids under 15 FREE. Call 4997 7255 or email: info@greatlakeswines.com.au for more info!
AFTERNOON MELODIES FUNDRAISER
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Dottie’s Relay for Life Team is holding an “Afternoon Melodies” fundraiser, to be held at Old Bar Soldiers Memorial Hall – Sunday 14th September at 2pm. An enjoyable afternoon of fun, good company, raffles, a chocolate wheel, and a chance to sit back and listen to some music by wonderful local musicians including Richard Crook, Stuart Lathwell, John Cooke, Sheila O’Connor and Charmaine Donoghue. Come and enjoy a sing-a-long, a cuppa, and some wonderful homemade cakes! All proceeds go to "Dottie’s Relay for Life" team, and on to the Cancer Council. Transport available (Old Bar only) – phone Sheryl on 6553 3482.
This changes everything. The all new C-Class at Taree Motorama.
Hold your breath. The all new C-Class is changing the rules and raising the bar in every conceivable way. Unprecedented dynamics are delivered through the latest generation 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. Sleek design and aerodynamics set new standards in efficiency. Then, there’s a host of advanced technologies and comfort features that are unrivalled within the segment. Take the wheel. Prepare for change. Now exhale.
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Experience the all new C-Class for yourself at Taree Motorama. www.mbtaree.com.au
Taree Motorama
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46 Victoria Street, Taree
Phone 6539 3300
ART EXHIBITION + SCULPTURES + PHOTOS Great art at the Lake Street Gallery, 34 Lake St. Forster during school holidays. All new paintings from local artists with photos and sculptures from far and wide. Come along, bring the kids and see what the local talent can do with paint, pastels, stone, wood and a camera. Exciting contemporary paintings alongside traditional landscapes and still life studies are a great way to enjoy art at your local gallery. Choose your favourite and enter it in the "Viewer’s Choice Award". All works are for sale at a wide range of artists' prices. Cost: Free entry, all welcome. When: Open every day, September 20 until 5 October, 10am - 4pm. Contact Vicki Bullard 6554 5855 or vickibullard@hotmail.com
Cottage Garden Colour Bring on the cottage garden colour! Now that spring has arrived, some much needed rain has helped raise the tank water levels and soak the earth, just in time for the planting season. It will no doubt encourage gardeners to carry out essentials such as pruning, fertilising and final preparation to the garden soil for fresh plantings.
Billabong zoo Wow! Billabong Zoo can’t wait for the start of another
Manning Valley Books
Old fashioned perennial cottage garden plants were once very common in gardens. Cottage garden plants quickly disappeared when new gardening trends were introduced and became harder to find. Here are a few favourites of ours, like the sun loving Marguerite Daisy that come in an array of soft pink and white shades, with single or double rows of petals. The many spectacular colours of drought tolerant hardy Pigface requires minimal watering and flower throughout spring. For summer colour vibrancy, it’s hard to overlook Verbena, which is a low growing ground cover - flowers until the end of autumn. Easter or Michaelmas Daisy comes in a selection of mauve, pink and white, single or double rosettes and adds a medium height accent of colour in autumn.
It has been a long tradition to have a local bookshop in your town. Over the past 42 years, Taree enjoyed having a large and well stocked bookstore in Manning St.
Greenpatch’s next workshop is on Saturday 20th September 2014, "Organic Gardening with Vegetables and Fruiting Plants", 9:30am - 3pm, cost $60. Registration essential: ph (02) 6551 4240.
Manning Valley Books moved to Wingham in August and although the shop is smaller, they still maintain a high level of special orders, and customer service is paramount.
Seedlings are now available in a range of Non-Hybrid Heritage varieties. Greenpatch also offers a one or two year membership, includes packets of seeds, 10% off all nursery plants and books, a free fruit fly exclusion bag and a free pH test of your soil.
“Bricks and mortar bookselling is so important. We can give the customer information where the internet cannot and that extra feel of the books on the shelves and speaking to knowledgeable staff who live and breathe books.”
It’s now time to plant basil, beans, beetroot, corn, cucumber, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, pumpkin, marigold, tomato, shallot, squash, sunflower, and zucchini.
Manning Valley Books is now open: shop 2/89 Isabella St, Wingham, and they can be contacted on 6557 0879 or on Facebook. They are open Mon - Friday, 9 - 5pm and Saturdays 9 - 1pm.
Times have changed, and bookselling is not what it used to be for the bricks and mortar shops. Owner Nicky Stevens, who purchased back in 2010, had to deal with not only the Angus & Robertson fallout, but the GFC on the back of that. In 2012 Nicky was successful in gaining approval to add an ABC Centre into the bookstore. This proved a worthwhile business decision and one from which the shop has not taken a backward step. Nicky says that the ABC Centre with its nationwide appeal has drawn customers who wouldn’t traditionally have visited a bookstore.
school holidays. Shrek the monster croc has made himself quite at home and has been thrilling crowds with his feeding shows at 12.30 daily. Our gorgeous "Happy Feet" Little Penguins star in their own daily feeding routine at 10am, and not to be missed are our beautiful red panda sisters, Rato and Tito, who enjoy their dinner at 2:30pm daily. The latest arrivals are our two mischievous meerkats, Bido and Pongo, who are on the go nearly all day, digging, taking turns to act as the sentry and of course, munching down on as many bugs and worms as possible. Our special animal encounters are a great way to get even closer than you think and feature our pythons, koalas, snow leopards, penguins, meerkats and red pandas. Prices, times and experiences vary, and bookings are essential. If watching the animals eat is making you feel hungry, why not grab a bite yourself from the zoo café; our new chefs are sure to have something to tempt the tastebuds, with fresh ground coffee, homemade scones and biscuits, burgers, wraps and sandwiches made to order. Take home a special memento from our huge gift shop and remember, Billabong Zoo is the place for you! Enquire about our catering for group functions and children’s birthday parties. Visit our website www. billabongkoala.com.au and like us on Facebook for the up to the moment goings on around the zoo.
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jake stone. Wingham Akoostik Festival
AKOOSTIK FESTIVAL SONGWRITING WORKSHOP Getcha Music to the Masses Twenty musicians aged between 15 and 25 will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in a songwriting workshop and performance with two talented musicians from successful Australian bands.
“This has been made possible through support from INDENT – an initiative of Music NSW – and we are thrilled to have their support for this fantastic workshop.” Mac has performed at festivals across Australia with Art Vs Science, including the recent Splendour in the Grass at Byron Bay.
The “Getcha Music to the Masses” workshop brings successful musicians Dan Mac (Art Vs Science) and Thom Rawle (Papa Vs Pretty) to Wingham to write, play and perform at the Wingham Akoostik Festival. The free workshop will be held on Friday 17th October from noon.
Sydney-based Rawle’s music career with band Papa Vs Pretty has included an ARIA nomination and performances at festivals such as Homebake and Big Day Out. Places are limited to 20 at this workshop; to request an application form, email hello@ akoostik.com.au.
Participants will work with Mac and Rawle to arrange four songs, which they will then perform at the festival on the Friday evening.
Tickets to the Wingham Akoostik Festival are on sale now. Headline Acts are James Reyne, Grace Knight, Rick Price and Caravana Sun: visit www.akoostik.com.au for earlybird tickets, just $15 to $45.
Akoostik organiser, Kev Ballard, said: “To have Thom and Dan in town personally helping to craft songs is just epic!
CALLING ALL ASPIRING MUSICIANS ... 20 YOUTH AGED 15-20 HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A WORKSHOP MENTORED BY SINGERS FROM ART VS SCIENCE AND PAPA VS PRETTY. JAKE STONE TELLS US MORE ...
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'm Jake Stone, singer/songwriter guitarist for Papa Vs Pretty. for bluejuice and Indent/MusicNSW Both are phenomenally talented individuals Education officer. I've been working in with a range of musical skills. Like the list of the Australian music industry for about bands mentioned before, both are bonded by 14 years or so, as a journalist, a musician and their interest in songwriting and arrangement. a venue bartender. I love the community and Ask either to play you a guitar or piano solo, I have been lucky enough to work alongside and your jaw will drop. many, many talented individuals and bands Musicians applying for the workshop will during my time in bluejuice. have to be of a certain skill-level. This is not Since 2002 or so I've been playing shows, an entry-level course, as it will require the recording albums and radio singles. We wrote applicant to demonstrate their ability as a songs like Broken Leg, Vitriol, Act musician (a clip of your playing) Yr Age and I'll Go Crazy to or as a songwriter or singer (a work for radio because we demo of a song, or a clip of TH E genuinely love pop music, your vocals). P O WO R K SH and writing with tight There are only 20 spots, G IN IS FO R A SP IR discipline. so the course will offer S, ER IT SO N GW R Hooks, melody, lyrics successful applicants a D N A S SI N G ER WA N T O and arrangements focused day of writing. H W S ER AY PL SS IN are the driving force The aim is to write and A M A ST ERCL A A LI TY U Q A G behind my obsession arrange a solid pop song W R IT IN with catchy songs and from chords to lyrics and SO N G.” form the bedrock of good melody, and then perform songwriting. the song onstage that night I've played some of Australia's at the Akoostik Festival, with biggest music festivals and formed assistance from tutors Thom and Dan. longstanding friendships with bands like It's sort of a School Of Rock kind of idea, Art Vs Science, Sparkadia, The Jezabels, where three groups will produce three separate Papa Vs Pretty, The Aston Shuffle, The songs, and perform them in order, occupying Preatures, Red Riders, Safia, Thundamentals, different roles throughout the performance. The Kite String Tangle, Peking Duk and many Everyone should get a taste of a few different more. band roles, so some musical background and The thing that bonds all these differentskill is a must. sounding acts is their skill at writing pop music. Attendees will also get some basically But it can be very hard to write a great pop recorded demos of their songs to keep, as song. What's the secret? Well, I don't know. mp3s. But I've put two of Australia's most talented To be honest, the calibre of the tutors is so pop writers together to help the young high, that the workshop should recommend musicians and songwriters at the Wingham itself. If you are a young person, this is an Akoostik Festival Workshop find out. incredible opportunity. The workshop is for aspiring songwriters, Applications will open on September singers and players who want a masterclass 19th, and entry details and requirements in writing a quality song. Your tutors are Dan will be available from musicnsw.com For any Mac, singer/keyboardist and guitarist from further enquires, contact Jake Stone at Jake@ Art Vs Science, and Thom Rawle, singer and musicnsw.com
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Wingham gham Showg Showground Showgro o Akoostik Songwriting Workshop with Dan Mac (Art Vs Scienc Science) ce) & Thom Rawle (Papa Vs Pretty)
FRIDAY OCT 17 GETCHA MUSIC TO THE MASSES
Apply now, spots are limited email : hello@akoostik.com.au Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal
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SteveAttkins.
from Great Lakes Winery
watch. steve attkins Where has the cork gone? a history lesson. People of my vintage have history with cork. All wine was once bottled with a cork, and the cork was covered with a heat sealed capsule. e enjoyed the challenge of peeling off the capsule with the useful blade attachment found on the corkscrew. This was the easy part, but at times you would curse when the capsule was made of metal and you would slice the side of your index finger as you ripped at it in anticipation of revealing the final obstacle between you and that precious drop that remained inaccessible. After tending to the wound you would take your time to accurately position the tip of the corkscrew dead centre on the top of the cork, which was all important as you pushed and turned with the right amount of pressure as the corkscrew drilled its way down to the correct depth in preparation for the retrieval. Then hopefully, when the stars were aligned, ever so gently with a wriggle and a pull, the cork would slide from the neck of the bottle without falling apart or at worst, leaving half of it in the bottle. At times the cork wasn’t so obliging and you were required to place the bottle between your knees for leverage and yank with great gusto to get the bloody thing out, nearly flinging your arm off as the cork finally succumbed to your brute strength. You got a strange sense of achievement when the cork emerged in tact to the familiar sound as the pressure within the bottle was released. The final enjoyable part of this ceremony was closely inspecting the retrieved and sometimes stubborn cork that has been soaking in the red wine, then taking a good whiff of it....aaahhh what
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satisfaction and how clever are you???? By this stage, with all that anticipation how could the wine taste anything but sensational! So now we have screw caps ...yep you unscrew it and pour. There is no story here with the exception of the occasional perforation being faulty causing a little angst but there is no sense of achievement, satisfaction or anticipation. You want it now – you got it now! So that is the difference in terms of experience but there are good reasons why screw caps have replaced cork. The availability of cork, “cork taint” and the “drink now” market we are in today. The supply of cork is a problem. The bark of the cork (oak) tree gives us our corks. It takes 25 years to grow a cork tree to the right maturity for producing quality cork and once this age is achieved, the cork bark can only be harvested every 9 years. If the quality of the cork isn’t what it should be there is potential for cork taint which means the wine it is caring for is spoilt. Wine sealed by cork needs to be stored on a gentle slope to ensure the cork is kept moist by the wine without applying the full pressure of the volume which can cause the cork to fail. Cork is still recommended for premium wines requiring storage for 5 years or more but the majority of us drink our wine within a few hours of buying it – so for this reason screwcaps makes much more sense. Sometimes in being sensible there is something lost.
Still Life (M) $16 at 7pm Monday 8th September at Fay’s Twin Cinema aree Film Society’s next showing is Still Life (M) $16 at 7pm Monday 8th September at Fay’s Twin Cinema. Still Life is a resonant drama about a quiet, optimistic and selfless man who finds joy in helping everyone but himself. For over 22 years, life for the unassuming John May (Eddie Marsan) has been his work for the local Council in South London, finding the next of kin for those in his community who have passed away alone. But in this age of "efficiency", John’s meticulousness and care is no longer deemed necessary, and he is abruptly made redundant. John is left with one assignment: a search for the relatives of an elderly neighbour, Billy Stoke. John manages to locate Billy’s abandoned daughter, Kelly, (Joanne Froggatt). These two insular people are naturally drawn to each other, and as friendship blossoms, John’s outlook opens imperceptibly to life’s possibilities … Still Life is a celebration of dignity, community values and human connection, and all that life is worth living for. Then at 7pm on Monday 22nd September, the Society presents an extra spicyy screening of eph’s School The Lunchbox (PG) $14 at St Joseph’s
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Hall, Wingham. Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox delivery system transports thousands of meals everyday from kitchens to offices. A Harvard University study found that just one in a million lunchboxes is ever delivered to the wrong address. This is the story of that one lunchbox. Ila (Nimrat Kaur), a neglected housewife, attempts to spice up her marriage by preparing a special lunch for her husband. When it is accidentally delivered to Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, they exchange notes to each other to get to the bottom of the mistaken delivery. Their notes gradually evolve into a series of intimate little confessions about their loneliness, memories, regrets, fears and small joys. Still strangers physically, Ila and Saajan become swept up in a relationship built on the fantasy of their letters. Great value film pass for the year ending June 2015, only $110. For tickets, membership or further information, please visit www.tareefimsociety.org.au/ or phone 6552 3476.
with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds
WH
AT ’ S I N
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As we enter into the warmer spring weather, we turn the attention to bean growing. It’s time for the seeds to be sown direct in the garden for delicious produce of green, purple or yellow beans. They are the first summer vegetable choice of seeds to be planted that tolerate the cooler soil temperatures. Thumbs up to one of the easiest vegetables to grow and with regular harvesting, can crop over many months! A common question is “Are those beans stringless”? Yes, the majority are stringless, providing they are picked young and you can keep up with the harvesting. Beans enjoy a mostly sunny position and good well drained friable soil. Provide adequate plant spacing when sowing seed, as this also allows for good air flow. They require a sprinkling
teer of lime and a dressing of organic matter oveer lightly forked in. To sow bean seeds; cover t, and an nd with 3 cm of soil, keep moist, not wet, cooler germination will take up to 14 days in cooler tss and and conditions. They're largely free of pests wing ng diseases, providing the plants are growing ted ed healthy. Bean fly, thrips and two spotted sma mallll mite may be encountered, which are small witth sucking insects and can be controlled with hru um. natural sprays such as garlic and pyrethrum. Bu ussh Water plants regularly in dry weather. Bush ro oduce ce types can grow to 45 cm high. They produce eti t es pods in as little as 40 days; many varieties are available. Climbing types will save or garden space and require a strong wiree or mb biin ng plastic trellis to 1.5 metres. Picking climbing g over. oveer beans is a treat, as there is no bending www.greenpatchseeds.com.au
Bean Growing. g
AFENDS
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Fish and Chips from Roadies CafĂŠ.
download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat
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beach Bums September spring menu at Beach Bums includes additional belly warming soups and colourful salads. Try the new saffron pear, feta, beetroot and caramelised walnut salad. Make sure to check out the specials board for the extra breakfast and lunch daily flavours.
Eye fillet with scallops, Tiger Prawns and garlic cream sauce.
flow cafÉ. restaurant. bar. Food worth living for. Bring the family and say thanks to Dad with a special Saturday night dinner or Sunday lunch at Flow Bar. Flow will be serving up a sublime Surf n Turf + beer or glass of wine special for $35. Please book early, as seats are limited Saturday 6 September Dinner and Sunday 7 September Lunch.
Why not set some new personal goals with the lead up to summer! The coffee is always flowing early, so start the day active at Main Beach. Remember, a yawn is a silent scream for coffee! #forstermainbeach #beachbumscafe #whaleon #nswtips #tourismaustralia
September is the perfect time to start planning your end of year and Christmas celebrations. Take the stress out of the end of year rush and secure your booking at Flow. A relaxed and inviting coastal venue offering mouth-watering cuisine, the best of Old Bar Beach and the Manning Valley. Contact Flow for special function packages.
Owners Kate and Darrin.
31 David St, Old Bar, Beach 6557 4224
North & Beach St, Forster Main Beach. 6555 2840 beachbumscafe.com.au
8am-11am Tues to Wed; 8am-3pm Thurs to Sun; dinner 6pm Thurs to Sat nights. Please see facebook.com/flowcafe for happy hour, weekly live music & menus
7 days 6:30am-3pm.
Szechuan prawn fettuccine with dressed rocket
roadies cafÉ
salty's bar and grill
Premium fuel for foodies!
Spend this Father's Day at Salty's Bar and Grill
Drop into Roadies Café for a bite to eat on the go, or stop and relax for a while with us.
Treat Dad to great food and enjoy a day overlooking the water in quiet
With a great range or meals to suit everyone’s tastes, from sandwiches to panko crumbed chicken schnitzel, Szechwan prawn pasta and our famous Roadies’ beef burger, you will be sure to find something that will delight you.
Bookings essential
Why not try our mouth watering wood fired pizzas - available Thursday, Friday, Saturday night.
77 Church St, Gloucester 6558 2772 yum@roadiescafe.com.au Sunday - Wednesday 7:30am - 3:30pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30am - late.
and peaceful surroundings. Breakfast 8:30am - 11am Lunch 12pm - 3pm Owners Will and Erin Lute.
Owner Andrea & Head Chef Sam.
9 McInherney Close, Port Macquarie 6584 0841 Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6pm and Sundays, 10am - 4pm. manning-great lakes focus 21
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DINEON19 C L U B
T A R E E
D I N E O N 1 9 AT C L U B TA R E E H AV E B E E N AWA R D E D S I LV E R I N T H E 2 0 14 / 1 5 C H E F ’ S TA B L E C O M P E T I T I O N. W E C A T C H U P W I T H H E A D C H E F K E V I N A N D F I N D O U T W H AT THIS MEANS TO HIM AND THE CLUB AND W H A T T H E C O M P E T I T I O N W A S A L L A B O U T.
i Kevin. Can you introduce yourself and Renee to our readers ... what was it about hospitality that inspired you to become a
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chef? I have always wanted to be a chef. I was one of two boys in school who chose the elective of home economics at the time. When I left school, my aim was to find an apprenticeship, which I found within the Hilton Hotel group in the UK. Renee was a work experience student who we saw potential in; we quickly offered her an apprenticeship with the team. She has been with the Club for five years. How long have you been the Head Chef at Club Taree? For 11 years; I started when the club moved to the new premises. I was employed with the new move in mind, moving from Sydney. It has been a long and enjoyable journey. During this time I have seen Club Taree go from strength to strength. You have recently won the Chef’s Table award. Can you tell us what this award entails and what was involved with the competition? There is a lot of detail that goes into the
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planning of a menu for the competition. The first hurdle is creating a three course menu within the food cost of $18 per person. They usually give you a key ingredient to use; this time it was spatchcock. The panel of judges look for innovation, use of seasonal produce, different techniques used and the menu itself. The first stage is to create a menu plan, working out individual costs, methods and ingredients. If you make it to the finals, you then have to create the menu for 25 guests, which includes the judges; it is here the pressure it on, making sure our ideas come to life and hopefully impress the judges. What other clubs/restaurants were competing in this competition; and did you ever think you could take it out? The Chef’s Table competition is open to all club restaurant chefs throughout NSW; 15 clubs made it to the final event of cooking in front of a panel of judges. The competition is a wonderful experience for club chefs to take part in. It gives us the opportunity to be recognised by our peers in the industry, and also challenges and give chefs experiences outside of the everyday working club kitchen. The competition is getting more difficult and demanding every year. The calibre of chefs in the industry is outstanding; we were very
surprised to win the silver medal. What does winning this award mean to you and the club? It’s great recognition for the whole catering team, as throughout the competition process we still had a restaurant to run and our daily jobs to do. For me, it gives me a sense of pride working alongside Renee, whom I have seen grow and develop in the job, also giving her the opportunity to participate and obtain a silver medal in something that is offered to every club chef in NSW. Can you tell us about some of the dishes you created in the competition? The whole menu shows some old fashioned cooking ingredients cooked with modern techniques. The entrée was chilled gravlax ravioli; salmon, balsamic beetroot chutney, cucumber jelly, semi dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, and basil and tomato stock. We decided to use the spatchcock/poussin in the main of the menu, cooked two ways, one being stuffed with a smoked garlic and red pepper mousse, and an old fashioned suet pudding with the poussin and creamed leek filling served with mushroom and asparagus bubble and squeak, sage and onion crumb and madeira glaze. The dessert was a trio of rhubarb and custard (which is a familiar British sweet) consisting of warm brioche pudding, mascarpone brulee baked Alaska, vanilla anglaise and
rhubarb cosmo gel. Are any of these dishes available from your bistro at the club? What would be your favourite dish to create and why? The menu was specifically created as a one off competition entry, so I would have to say that it is not a regular menu that would be provided at Dine on 19. That is one of the main motives for entering the competition: to create a menu we wouldn’t usually serve that challenges us as chefs and gives those training in our kitchens some experience and knowledge of what goes into a competition. I don’t have a favourite meal as such; however, I am more interested in bringing back the more traditional ingredients or cooking styles, complementing them with modern techniques and flavours. For those who wish to check out the award winner and his cooking, what are the opening times for the bistro and should they book first? The restaurant Dine on 19 is open every day. Our lunch opening times are from 11:30am ‘til 2pm. We reopen at 5:30 until 8pm (8:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights). The café is also open for these hours and in-between where you can grab a coffee, some wonderful home-made desserts, cakes and slices, as well as a variety of freshly made snacks. Bookings are not essential, unless you have a larger group. Thanks Kevin, and congratulations.
Home MAKEOVER Is old and tired doing you out of valuable dollars, when it comes to selling or holiday renting a property that you have?
Erica's inspiration board was full of sea colours, cane old and new, casual coastal timbers and some funky modern touches.
Is curb appeal something that is lacking in your life? Or only seen in TV makeovers?
With an initial meeting and some thoughts together, Erica and Greg went back to work in the big city, and work began.
Maybe you are home, and do not know where to start first. Recently, we worked with our lovely customers, Erica and Greg, who had a family property that had not been getting much interest in the holiday market.
Updating the cane furniture, painting, new blinds, a budget kitchen makeover were on the drawing board. All the fittings and trades were sourced locally, as their request was to keep it local.
It was tried, looking drab, brown and out of date. The kitchen, curtains, furniture and decor were in need of some long over due TLC.
What a difference we have made here: light, bright and keeping some of the existing things, whilst adding some beautiful new touches.
The unit’s good points were a great location and a fabulous view out to the Forster shore line and Tuncurry breakwall.
So if you are needing help or some extra confidence in making decisions, come in and see us at Coasting Home.
Was its interior letting it down? We thought so.
Our beautiful store will help inspire you, and our staff are happy to help.
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DINOSAURS
ALIVE
C A R O L I N E
B L E E C H M O R E
CAROLINE BLEECHMORE FROM PARK BEACH PLAZA TELLS US THE SHOPPING CENTRE WILL BE HOSTING DINOSAURS ALIVE! – A UNIQUE EXHIBITION FEATURING SOME AMAZINGLY LIFELIKE, HUGE ROBOTIC DINOSAURS! READ ON TO FIND HOW YOU CAN ALSO WIN AN AWESOME ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE ON THE COFFS COAST FROM NOVOTEL PACIFIC BAY RESORT …
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i Caroline. What’s your role at Park Beach Plaza? I’m the Marketing Manager for Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach HomeBase in Coffs Harbour. I look after all the marking, advertising and promotions for both shopping centres. I love my role, as no two days are ever the same! I think this is one of the unique aspects of working in a shopping centre environment - it’s a living entity that brings new challenges along with the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. I’m lucky that I get to be creative and organise so many different activities, events, promotions, assist businesses grow and work in partnership with our local media. I feel fortunate that I am able to do something I love, which makes a normal day in the office pretty “awesome” - as my kids would say! Describe the exciting display, Dinosaurs Alive! that Park Beach Plaza will be hosting. The exhibition is an exciting and educative exhibition featuring nine robotic dinosaurs that takes visitors along the 165 million year journey of the Age of Dinosaurs! It consists of 5 fully landscaped displays located throughout Park Beach Plaza, plus an interactive activity area where kids can get hands on with dinosaur related educational activities. Visitors can marvel and learn about the nine dinosaurs on display as they walk through the exhibition. By seeing the life-like dinosaurs move in front of them, visitors can imagine how the magnificent creatures once roamed the Earth. The exhibition will include the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Mother Triceratops with baby and egg nest, Apatosaurus, the vicious Velociraptor, Ornithomimus, Stegosaurus, and the flying 24 manning-great lakes focus.
Pteranodon. The exhibition will educate the public with the latest known facts about the prehistoric era. There will also be dinosaur facts throughout the shopping centre linking the displays, and kids will have the opportunity to complete a Dinosaur Fact scavenger hunt to win some fabulous prizes. StageWorks Corporate, a Perth based company, is a producer and operator of themed attractions, special events and exhibitions in the cultural-tourism and leisure industries. StageWorks researches and develops new projects independently and in partnership with the public and private sector. They work around the globe including Australia and New Zealand, SEA, China PRC, India and Africa. They produced Dinosaurs Alive, which has been touring both internationally and in Australia. Why was it decided to bring Dinosaurs Alive! to Park Beach Plaza – it sounds amazing, but it’s not the usual type of exhibition you’d see in a major retail centre? Many families find it difficult to visit capital cities to experience exhibitions of this quality due to costs associated with travelling to major cities. Park Beach Plaza actually hosted a similar event 17 years ago, and we felt it was time to bring the new version back to a whole new generation of children. We are thrilled to have been able to secure and host a world class educational exhibition for the benefit of families living in regional New South Wales. The event has been secured for families to enjoy over the October School Holiday period. There are not many venues that can actually house an exhibition of this size, which makes Park Beach Plaza unique. What dates/times will people be able to view the display? “Dinosaurs Alive!” will open for a limited fiveweek season at Park Beach Plaza Coffs Harbour from Wednesday 10 September until Sunday 13
October. It is open 7 days a week during shopping hours. Will there be any costs involved for people to view Dinosaurs Alive!? Entry is FREE, as the event is fully funded by Park Beach Plaza, with landscaping supplied by TG Jung Quarries and Total Gardens Landscaping Supplies, media support from StarFM and of course Focus Magazine plus accommodation packages from Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Yes it’s FREE; it’s incredible, but true. For those who don’t live on the Coffs Coast, but maybe a couple of hours’ drive away, why do you feel Dinosaurs Alive! is worth the trip to visit? Dinosaurs Alive! gets a huge reception wherever it goes, but the venues it’s visited are usually only major cities. After a four-year tour of Australia and the Philippines, Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour is thrilled to be bringing Dinosaurs Alive! to regional New South Wales. The entry cost would usually be over $50 for a family of four to see if you were to visit this exhibition in a major city! What other facilities does Park beach Plaza offer the out of town visitor? Park Beach Plaza is the largest shopping centre between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, located on the Coffs Coast. The centre has the largest and most diverse variety of specialty stores on the Coffs Coast, with over 120 stores together with Target, Big W, Woolworths, Ritchies Supa IGA, Aldi and JB Hi-Fi. Coffs Coast is the regional tourism destination taking in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen areas on the North Coast of NSW, approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. The heart of the Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour, is well-known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere,
its spectacular coastline, and its many attractions and events. There is plenty to see and do for all visitors, including art with a number of thriving galleries, markets, a wealth of shopping experiences and popular theatre and cinemas. Novotel are providing an exciting opportunity for FOCUS readers too, with a chance to win an accommodation package. What prizes are on offer? Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour are generously offering FOCUS readers the opportunity to win 2 nights’ accommodation in a 1 bedroom spa suite for 2 adults and 2 kids, including full buffet breakfast daily. Where can people find out more info about Park Beach Plaza and the Dinosaurs Alive! display? Information is available on our website www. parkbeachplaza.com.au or at www.dinosaursalive.tv. If readers are wanting information on accommodation or other exciting things to do on the Coffs Coast during their visit, they can contact www.novotelpacificbayresort.com.au or www. coffscoast.com.au Thanks Caroline.
win2 nights at
Novotel Pacific Bay Resort
2 nights’ accommodation in a 1 bedroom spa suite for 2 adults and 2 kids including full buffet breakfast daily at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour. To enter this competition, competition visit isit www.focusmag.com.au/giveaways/ Closes midnight September 18, 2014. LTPM/14/00922.
Destination: NSW State Forests Upcoming Entertainment THE DELLTONES - Friday 17th October; 8pm Australian music legends The Delltones were told back in 1958, “Don’t give up your day job; this music is not going to last”. More than 55 years later, The Delltones are still touring and delighting audiences with their highly polished, colourful and energised show. The Delltones remain one of the most consistent live entertainers in Australia, with arguably the longest performing and recording history for a vocal harmony band with an original member - Peewee Wilson. If you only go out once this year, don’t miss the Delltones Live - they’re better than ever! THE CAT EMPIRE - Wed 22nd Oct; 8pm Renown all around the globe as one of the world’s best festival bands, THE CAT EMPIRE never fail to start a party. Best described with a series of slashes which might run something like this - Jazz/Reggae/Funk/Latin/Gypsy/Cuban/ Australian party music - THE CAT EMPIRE have been touring and releasing records for well over a decade. Their latest album, STEAL THE LIGHT debuted Top 20 in six countries. No strangers
to the stage, in March 2014 they played their milestone 1,000th show. THE CAT EMPIRE has a massive army of fans the world over, for very good reason. They deliver incredible musicality, humour, entertainment and energy. Guaranteed to make you smile and dance! BEN PORTSMOUTH “The King is Back!” Thursday 6th November; 8pm. “World’s #1 Elvis Tribute” for the first time in Australia. Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’s DNA in his blood from an early age. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself. When Ben performs, it’s as if he is inhabiting the persona of Elvis. His triple octave vocal range and perfect pitch allows him to hit the most challenging high notes. His guitar virtuosity enables him to authentically recreate Elvis’s 1968 comeback concert. There was only one Elvis, but Ben is the closest you will ever get in terms of Elvis’s looks, his singing voice and on stage charisma.
If you haven’t already visited your local NSW State Forest, now is the time to do so! There are some beautiful awardwinning State Forest destinations on the Mid and North Coast of NSW just waiting for you to visit, and they’re absolutely free. Old Bottlebutt, Burrawan State Forest Gold Award, New Tourism Development, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards This grand Red Bloodwood tree, known as Old Bottlebutt, is the Mid North Coast’s newest tourist destination. Located close to the Pacific Highway, off Bago Road, Old Bottlebutt is accessible via a short 600 m loop walk through dry rainforest under a canopy of Bangalay Palms. An architectdesigned viewing deck allows visitors to rest and enjoy the grandeur of this magnificent tree. Over 200 years old, Old Bottlebutt measures 54 m in height and a massive 16 metres in girth. Burrawan Picnic Area is at the start of the loop walk, and includes a covered picnic area, toilets and car-parking. State Forests of the Coffs Coast Gold Award, Specialised Tourism Services, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards Lower Bucca, Orara East and Wedding Bells State Forests are unique in offering visitors a diverse range of visitor experiences located close to Coffs Harbour and the Pacific Coast. Visitors can ride their mountain bike, trail bike or horse through these forests; they can even bring their dog. Walking tracks criss-cross creeks and gullies, taking visitors on a journey through lush rainforest. Korora Lookout and Sealy Lookout are located in Orara East State Forest, approx. 9 km or around 15 minutes drive from
Coffs Harbour city centre. The centrepiece of these areas is the majestic Forest Sky Pier, a 22 metre viewing platform at Sealy Lookout surrounded by towering trees. The Forest Sky Pier offers an expansive vista encompassing Coffs Harbour city, its foreshore and marina, coastal mountain ranges and the shoreline far into the distance. Experience a Forest Playground Gold Award, Destination Marketing, 2014 North Coast Tourism Awards NSW State Forests are yours to share and enjoy. With picnic and camping areas, lookouts and walking tracks all free to visit, they are your ideal day-trip or holiday destination. Next time you’re visiting your local State Forest, we’d love you to share your experience by adding #visitnswforests to your uploaded images via social media. We love to see them and share them via our Facebook page. Want to know more? W: www.forestrycorporation.com.au E: visit@fcnsw.com.au P: 1300 655 687 Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/forestplayground www.twitter.com/visitnswforests #visitnswforests
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issi DYE
ISSI DYE
KEEP ROCKIN’ IS ISSI DYE’S MOTTO – AND YOU’LL HAVE A CHANCE TO DO JUST THAT WHEN YOU RELIVE ALL THE CLASSIC 1950S HITS WITH ISSI ON SEPTEMBER 15 AT THE TUNCURRY BEACH BOWLING CLUB!
i Issi. Take us back – I believe most of us have heard about you, or seen one of your shows – but why did you become involved with show biz in the first place? What was it about the “biz” that attracted you? Back in the ‘60s I was a great fan of the Beatles and would often sing their songs at the school social functions, then the opportunity came for me to sing at a Victorian resort over summer holidays in the late ‘60s - and I never went back to uni studies! My first television appearances began with TURNING ON TV SHOW - 1969! - hosted by Baby John Burgess. Songs included Incense, my first single, and then One Last Kiss, which gave me a great following around the country. This was followed by a regular spot on UPTIGHT and then THE HAPPENING 70S teenage show - both national TV shows. You’ve had such an amazing career, which has spanned several decades. What keeps you performing – what’s your motivation? Entertaining and performing to an audience was natural for me as a choirboy in front of a congregation when I was 8 to 15 … my father was a cantor in the synagogue (Jewish church) and taught me how to perform in front of an audience and not to be nervous! Be yourself and enjoy each show! I performed for my first paid show at 16, earning 1 pound! That was an incentive to keep going and make a career from music, over 50 years ago. I have not looked back - it’s been an amazing time. If you had to name a few highlights from your career, what would they be ... and why do they mean so much to you? 26 manning-great lakes focus.
My first TV appearances in the late ‘60s were very exciting times ... then into the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s with my own TV shows on both the 9 Network and 10 Networks in Melbourne/Sydney and Brisbane/Gold Coast - these were known as LATE NIGHT MOVIES WITH ISSI DYE, where I hosted the late night movie shows. Great fun! Touring Australia with some of my favourite overseas artists as a support act was very exciting for me; I worked with Roy Orbison (‘70s), Ray Charles (‘70s), The Beach Boys (late ‘60s), The Platters (‘90s), Johnny Farnham (‘60s and ‘70s), Chuck Berry (‘70s), The Everly Brothers (‘80s) and many more. Who are some of your favourite performers from both times past – and currently? What is it about them that inspires you? Bobby Darin and Dean Martin were two of my very favourite singers/entertainers - they were both so COOL and worked their audiences in an easy manner… This is something which I try to do even today - to connect with the audience so they enjoy my shows. Other artists I admired for their professionalism are Johnny Farnham, Don Lane, Bert Newton, Michael Bublé and Dolly Parton. Tell us about the Magic Melodies shows that you present in venues around Australia. What’s the aim of these shows, and how did you come up with the concept? The morning shows have been a natural progression for me; however, I am still working my larger night time shows, but as my audience are growing older with me (we are seniors now!) I am enjoying a lot more of the daytime shows around the country. The patrons remember all the nostalgia of the music we grew up with - the shows are much more friendly and interactive with the patrons on the morning shows … it’s very enjoyable for me. I love it when everyone
sings all the songs. When/where are these? How familiar are you with the Great Lakes I will be back this year, for two more Magic (Tuncurry/Forster) area? Why do you enjoy Melodies at the TBBC on Monday, October 20th visiting us here? and THE XMAS SHOW, Monday, December 1st. I have been travelling and performing all over Here’s a tough one for you – let our readers the country for nearly 50 years and always in on a fact about Issi Dye that few of us enjoy the Manning Valley area to probably know about ... return to for shows. My daughter, Bianca Dye, The people in the Taree/ is a top radio/TV personalMy next show on r Forster area have been very ity in NSW - she was on be Monday, Septem supportive of my shows Nova FM in Sydney (won ute to 15th will be a trib (Elvis/ over the years, and it several awards) and ngs the 19 50s hit so ry er has been wonderful to now hosts the Breakfast /J ky Buddy/Cash /Ric I will continue to return so Show on i98fm in Wol). c. et Lee/ Everlys r ge in regularly to visit them. /s longong. st ri have guita me, g tin or pp You’re presenting one su Bianca is also a regung Gary Ki a great ve ha ill w of your Magic Melolar on Channel 7 Sunrise e w d an dies shows at Tuncurry show on the weekends … nostalgia day!” Beach Bowling Club on Google “bianca dye”)! September 15th. What time We worked together on does the show kick off – and Kerry Anne’s Midday show several what are some of the songs you’ll be times. performing? Where can we find out more informaThe Tuncurry Beach Bowling club and espetion about you and your upcoming gigs? cially the manager Terry Green have been very Please look at my website: www.issidye.com or supportive of my seniors Magic Melodies shows like my page on Facebook: issi.dye - it has been two fun years with these regular I am happy to respond to any letters/likes etc. shows, and we are looking at new shows all the Thanks for your interest – keep rockin’! time to keep patrons happy. Thanks Issi. My next show on Monday, September 15th will be a tribute to the 1950s hit songs (Elvis/Buddy/ the plug! Cash/Ricky/Jerry Lee/ Everlys etc.). I will have guitarist/singer Gary King supporting me, and we See Issi Dye’s Magic Melodies show will have a great nostalgia day! We dress up in at Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club on ‘50s gear and encourage people to dance and join September 15, at 10:30am. in - doors open at 10am and the show’s 10:30am until noon … only $5 admission! Tickets cost $5. You have some other performances booked Contact the Club on: 6554 6477. in our area over the next few months too.
“
focusTourism. Sharon Bultitude - Great Lakes Tourism
Tourism Sharon Bultitude Well it’s here - spring has arrived!Whilst I personally love winter, there’s something about spring that energises the soul and beckons new beginnings. pring is also synonymous with fantastic events and festivals. At this time of year communities across Australia get outside and celebrate. The Great Lakes is no different, with a spectacular line up of events throughout September, October and November. DON’T MISS SPRING EVENTS
S
IN THE GREAT LAKES For Music, Art & Film Lovers 7 Sept - A delicious mix of jazz, wine and local produce in the idyllic “Back Paddock” at Great Lakes Winery. 13 Sept - Experience the global phenomenon that is PechaKucha right here in Forster. Enjoy
amazing stories, works and ideas from creative locals in the innovative Pechakucha 20x20 format. 4-6 Oct - The Forster Film Festival returns, showcasing an inspired program of short films. Community Celebrations 12-14 Sept - Make the most of the spring weather and the stunning beauty of the wildflowers and waterways of the Myall at the Hawks Nest Wildside Festival. 4 Oct - Help Stroud to Paint the Town Pink at their annual Country Fair. Get Amongst it with some Serious Sport & Adventure Action 13 Sept - PaddleNSW Myall Classic Ultramarathon is already an iconic paddle event on the Australian marathon racing calendar, and new organisers PaddleNSW are promising an even bigger and better event this year! 14 Sept - With a race distance for everyone, the Brooks Forster Running Festival is a must do! 4&5 Oct - Surf lifesavers do battle at the annual Forster Weekend of Surf Carnival. 4-6 Oct - Witness spectacular sailing action at the now legendary Wildcat Regatta. 4-12 Oct - Wildside Adventure Race is a new event this year and not for the faint hearted. A 500 km race with teams navigating by foot, mountain bike and kayak against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Lakes and Manning Valley regions. And don’t forget there’s a market somewhere in the Great Lakes EVERY weekend! You’ll find a full event calendar at www. greatlakes.org.au/events. Or give the Visitor Centre a call on 6554 8799.
Events are very important for tourism and are a core part of Great Lakes marketing. They are catalysts for attracting visitors, increasing spend and stay. They are image makers, creating awareness of the regions brand, providing a competitive marketing advantage and point of difference. Increasingly, visitors are seeking "real" experiences. Events provide these too. Even the small community festival has tourism value. The economic value of events cannot be underestimated. Tourism NSW estimates a spend of $248 for each overnight stay. The NSW Club Triathlon earlier this year brought $1.5 million of new money into the Great Lakes economy. These visitors spent money not only on accommodation but also food, entertainment and equipment. However, there is an added return from events while harder to measure is by no means any less valuable. Events can make a quiet time busy, take visitors to places they would not normally go to and bring ‘new’ people to the region. These visitors then go home talking about their fantastic experience and plan their next visit. So the region benefits from word of mouth advertising (invaluable) and increased visitation. This is important for the businesses that may not see "on the day" return from an event. Events generate sustained growth for our region and in turn, individual business. So why not get out and about this spring and check out the events in your town! Sharon Bultitude, Marketing & Partnerships Great Lakes Tourism.
at Taree Central Join us at Taree Central these school holidays to make your very own scented candle! The workshops will take place between Monday 22nd and Friday 26th September in Centre Court from 10am–2pm daily. Bookings not required however spaces are limited. 12 children maximum per session. Activity for ages 5+ years only.
60 Manning Street, Taree | tareecentral.com.au |
manning-great lakes focus 27
1. White lace dress - $59.95 2. White high neck strap top - $29.95 with blue floral skirt - $35.00 3. Hawaiian maxi - $49.95
1. Orange wrap dress - $49.95 2. Blue splash dress - $49.95 3. Cap sleeve pastel dress - $49.95
3. 2.
get the
Shoes 1. Bo Peep - $69.95 2. Windsor Smith Tempt - $109.95 3. Lipstik Jase wedge sandal - $79.95
1. 2. 3.
1. 3. 2.
2.
2. 3.
1. 3.. 3
3. Shoes 1. Windsor Smith Cranky Black k - $109.95 2. Windsor Smith Cranky Leopard pard - $109.95 3. Lipstik Jase wedge - $79.95 1. High neck statement dress - $49.95 2. Black jumpsuit - $49.95 3. Floral puzzle dress - $49.95
Dressed by Justdresses4u, Vibe spray tans by Ultrasonic Clinic, footwear by Manning Shoes.
28 manning-great lakes focus.
1.
socialscene Below. Di and Phil Rayson, Paris
with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.
Right. Victoria, Tahnee and Steve on Steve's 50th
Above. Alana being congratulated by Jenny Dayment
Below. Amanda Evans and friends at her 40th. Below. Songwriters Night
Social/scene.
Above. Ruby Maxworthy, Alana Clarke, Shirley Clarke, Bron Wallace and Caitlyn Cameron
Yay, it's spring and we can rejoice a little and celebrate rain. We love that stuff that falls from the sky and makes the garden grow, the grass green and farmers happy.
I
had only just got used to the fact that it was winter after being in warm weather in Europe; I thought I was going to freeze when I arrived at Sydney airport a few weeks ago. I went for a visit on my return to my old workplace, Cassegrain Wines, and dumbly asked them how the vintage was going ... oops, it was the middle of winter, Donna, was the reply. I was in the middle of Provence during vintage ... OK, no more bragging. Well - maybe just a little! It would be remiss of me not to tell you about a very special birthday that was spent at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant,“Benoit”. One of the reasons that we went to Paris first was to meet with Phil and Di Rayson and celebrate Phil’s 50th. We started the evening with a few beers watching the World Cup, which was a great atmosphere, as France were in the game that night - but not on their game, unfortunately. We went on to Champagne and Foie Gras at the restaurant and ended with a cycle ride to the Eiffel Tower to watch the light show. I think that is a very good way to spend a special birthday. Happy 50th, my friend! I would also like to shout out to another friend, Steve Morton, who turned 50 on August 19th and celebrated with a family and work lunch at that crazy café Bent on Food - no Foie Gras, but his daughter Toria, who happens to work with us, made him a fabulous cheesecake, which broke my diet. Happy birthday, Steve; hope you enjoyed your special day. Amanda Evans enjoyed her 40th birthday party with around 40 of her friends and family at Bent on Food on August 2nd. Amanda did a fabulous job of decorating the room in vintage chic with vintage lace runners and bunches of fresh pastel flowers, vintage tags and twine -
all my favourite things. I couldn’t be there, as I was on a plane, but I was pretty impressed when I caught sight of a photo on Instagram. Jake Davey played on the night, and everyone enjoyed some great music, excellent wine, including Great Lakes sparkling wine and shared platters of local beef and whole salmon. Nick prepared an amazing dessert table, and I was very proud when I received letters and texts of thanks for the food and the excellent service. Craig Evans celebrated his 40th birthday party a few weeks earlier with a great night at Fish Fish Fish. They have good taste, the Evans clan! Happy 40th birthday to both Amanda and Craig! Wingham Akoostik Festival presented another fabulous Mid North Coast Songwriters Event at the Manning Entertainment Centre on 14th August. Just like the last one, it was a great event jam packed with fabulous music, from a number of local artists. It was great to see some of the bands mixing it up; John Melville from The Travelling Teardrops played harmonica for The Last Train, which was absolutely fantastic. The staff at the MEC were all wonderful, and it was an excellent laid back way to spend a Thursday night. Thanks to the organisers, the artists, the MEC staff and volunteers, and the sound guys who all work hard to provide us with live music in our region. We are very lucky to have such talent and to have people who go out of their way to bring it to us. The PechaKucha (pronounced Pechacha!) means the sound of conversation in Japanese. It was started in Japan in 2003 by Architects Klein and Dytham, and events are now run in over 700 cities around the world. Forster is one of them. How fabulous for our stunning region! Series 2 PechaKucha Forster, held at Laneway in Forster, saw a sell out crowd. PechaKucha brings artists,
activists, story tellers, photographers, dreamers and rabble rousers together to present and entertain. Seven presenters: Donna Rankin, Gordon Elliot, Amy Heague, David Kernick, Gabby Toner, Megan Cooke and Shona Wilson kept the crowd entertained as they told their stories, shared their pain and joy and passion for their art. Don't miss PechaKucha Series 3, Laneway, on September 13. Gather your friends, pals, amigos for an evening filled with brave, inspiring and inspired stories. Hallidays Point had a great night recently at the Black Head Surf Club celebrating Alana Parkins being awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. A large crowd of locals and friends from afar turned up to thank Alana for all she has done for the area. Her citation from the Governor-General read: “For service to conservation and the environment, and to the community of Hallidays Point.” Celebrations began midafternoon and continued well into the night. A great day was had by all at the 2014 Taree gold cup Carnival. Our very own Wingham Dress Up’s owner, Shirley Clarke, and sales gal Bronwyn Wallace were asked to judge best dressed gent and most elegant lady. Twelve finalists were selected for each, and the winners both won prizes to the value of $700. The previous night the local Calcutta event was run, which was well attended. The wet did not prevent people from attending the Taree Gold Cup, and betting was on for horses who liked the wet. Looking forward to Melbourne Cup at the Taree races and putting your best fashion foot forward. 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. manning-great lakes focus 29
SUPERFOOD PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF •CHIA SEEDS• WHAT ARE CHIA SEEDS? EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT THEM, BUT WHAT ARE THEY? The tiny black or white seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet, loaded with nutrients. Pour into a smoothie, on oats, or sprinkle on a fruit salad.
10 BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS 1. Chia seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients, with next to no calories. 2. Loaded with antioxidants. 3. Almost all the carbs in them are fibre. 4. High quality protein.
E X H A U S T E D ? YO U C O U L D B E A D R E NA L LY ST R E S S E D . . .
5. Due to the high fibre and protein content, chia seeds can help you lose weight.
Dr Linda Dade
6. High in Omega-3 fatty acids. 7. Improve blood markers, lowering the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. 8. Improve exercise performance as much as a sports drink. 9. Easy to incorporate into your diet. 10. Trendy superfood. Available at your local health food store.
By Ultrasonic Clinic
SUPER HAIR REMOVAL LASER TECHNOLOGY MIXED WITH IPL IS A NEW CONCEPT WITH FAR GREATER RESULTS & MAXIMUM BENEFITS hat makes the new SHR Machine stand out in the industry? It uses high pulse repetition rates at low energy levels, together with high power. Instead of simply blasting unwanted hair, it heats the hair follicle very gradually. INMotion Technology is a rolling technique that eliminates the common problem of missed or skipped spots.The new IN-Motion Technology combines concurrent cooling with a gradual thermal rise to the target temperature, without any risk of injury or pain.
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SHR Module uses photo selective thermolysis and combines with it IN-Motion technology. The light in certain wavelengths with the SHR heat, targets pigment and melanin located in the hair follicles. Flashes of light disable the targeted hair follicle, causing the unwanted hair to fall out, preventing future growth. Since hair growth cycles are not synchronised, several treatment sessions are needed to also treat dormant follicles. SHR leaves beautiful bare skin without any complications.
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with Dr Linda Dade - Chiropractor
umerous studies show that stress raises the risk of cancer, heart disease, allergies, raises blood sugar and interferes with our immune system. In fact, excess cortisone (the stress hormone) is also implicated in bone dimeralisation, possibly leading to osteoporosis, interferes with skin healing and regeneration (read ageing!) and increases protein breakdown that can lead to muscle wasting. Our little adrenal glands, each weighing less than a grape, are super important because their job is to enable your body to deal with stress. Also known as suprarenal glands, they are located just above your kidneys and when they are fatigued, a condition known as adrenal fatigue or exhaustion occurs; your entire body feels it and suffers from extreme exhaustion. How do you get adrenally exhausted? Cortisol is released when we feel anger, fear, depression, guilt. But wait, there is more ... sleep deprivation, overwork, chronic inflammation, pain, maldigestion, trauma, chronic inflammation and chronic illness, toxic exposure and nutritional deficiencies will all contribute to the release of this stress hormone. It is ironic that your adrenal glands are there in large part, to help you cope with stress. However, too much of it is actually what causes their function to break down. One of your adrenal glands' most important tasks is to prepare you for the “fight or flight” stress response. The secretion of adrenalin and other hormones are increased when we feel stressed. These days, however, we are not fleeing or fighting; we are just loading ourselves with more stress. Our digestion suffers (who sits down to a four course meal when there is a tiger at our door) as all our blood is diverted to our limbs to aid in our flight or fight. There is no time to use our brain for anything but fleeing, so brain cognition diminishes as well. Your adrenal glands control so many different body functions, some of which involve minerals. Calcium and magnesium can have an impact on your adrenal function, as stress tends to make your body use these minerals up at a higher rate. To get the energy we need, the body must efficiently produce the energy currency of the
N
body called ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate. These are produced in the mitochondria of your cell in a series of chemical reactions that require coenzymes (usually activated B vitamins) cofactors (minerals) and oxygen to cause the reactions to work. Interestingly, the two parts of the body that are the most hungry for ATP are the brain and the muscles. So energy loss often shows as poor memory, muscle pain and fatigue. The nervous system is also affected. In Chinese Medicine, the adrenals are associated with the muscles that support the ankles (Gastrocnemus, Sartorius, Gracilis). When the adrenals are not working properly, these muscles are also weakened. The emotion associated with adrenals is "muddled instability". Sounds about right – ankle sprains and instability! Get your energy back 1. Keep your nervous system in tip top shape. Regular adjustments from your favourite chiropractor can not only keep you out of pain, but may also help stabilise adrenal function, support your immune system and a whole lot more! 2. Keep your diet fresh and clean. Take a load off your digestive system and allow easier absorption of nutrients. 3. Eliminate refined sugars, processed food, giving your adrenals a rest, reducing inflammation and avoiding chemicals which block energy production. 4. Supplement with minerals like magnesium plus zinc and activated B vitamins. 5. Get enough sleep – your body heals when you are sleeping, especially in the hours before midnight. Seven to eight hours is ideal. 6. Yoga, gentle exercise, breathe, relax, regularly! 7. Take time out just for you daily; you only need a few minutes. Your breath can be your friend here, allowing space between each breath. 8. Swap caffeine for something more soothing, like dandelion or pepperemint tea. 9. Live in the moment. It is precious and it is all we have, really! Have your health questions answered linda@banksanddadechiro.org.au
Staff at recent Can Assist Ball
CEO Peter Johnson introduces us to the new ENT surgeon at Mayo Private Hospital.
CEO - Peter Johnson Dr Indu Gunawardena ast month we were able to announce that the Mayo was successful in achieving compliance with the National Health and Safety Standards. The hospital achieved 14 met with merit ratings. Recently we learned that the national average for all hospitals across Australia is just 4. One of the areas of strength noted by the accreditation survey team was Mayo’s level of involvement with the community. In 2013 the Mayo Private Hospital donated $10,000 to CAN ASSIST - Manning Valley. We are following this up with 3 years of continued support for a total of $10,000 for 2014-16. Also, our parent body Healthe Care has developed a cap selling program where all proceeds will be directed to CAN ASSIST. The first 50 caps were sold at the CAN ASSIST ball and raised another $1,500. The caps, which are being funded by our suppliers, will be sold to Healthe Care staff and communities across our network of hospitals for the rest of this financial year. New ENT Surgeon – Meeting the Needs of Families Mayo is pleased to announce the recent arrival of Dr Indu Gunawardena to its list
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N ew se rv ic es save ov er 50 0 lo cals fro m fo r tr av el li n g so u th treatm en t. ”
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of Visiting Medical Staff. Dr Gunawardena replaces long time ENT surgeon Dr Peter McCarthur, who retired from surgery last April. Dr McCarthur still provides local consultation services. Indu is currently based in Gosford and works at another Healthe Care Hospital, Gosford Private. She completed her fellowship training at the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide and has completed visiting fellowships in Canada and the USA. Indu has a strong interest in Sleep Apnea Surgery, and her services will complement our developing Sleep Study services. Indu sees both adults and children and has a special interest in sleep apnea, snoring, allergy, sinus problems, and head and neck cancer. As an ENT surgeon, Indu treats many children in her practice. As a mother she understands the pressure that working families experience when trying to arrange
Mayo Private Hospital
appointments and surgery for children. In what can be considered a new model of care, Indu is going to operate on a Saturday each month, so that parents will be able to stay with their children without having to take days off work during the week. Initially, Indu will do consultation clinics on Sunday and Monday following surgery. Appointments at the Mayo in Taree can be arranging by ringing indu’s offices on 02 4324 5677. If an urgent consultation is required, Indu is able to see patients at her clinic just south of Newcastle. Other Important Appointments Dr Hardeep Salaria specialises in operations to treat degenerative spine problems. Almost everyone knows someone with this problem, and Hardeep will no doubt save many Mid North Coast residents from having to travel to Newcastle or Sydney for surgery. Dr Gias Ahmed is a new urologist that has taken over from Dr Nagaonkar, who has decided to take a sabbatical for one year. Dr Ahmed is already taking many referrals and
between Dr Kwok and himself, they have already covered Dr Nagaonkar’s workload. Like Dr Gunawardena, Dr Ahmed and Dr Hardeep also work in other Healthe Care hospitals. This demonstrates the benefit of networking between the Healthe Care facilities. Win-Win outcomes for the Mid North Coast Residents Fewer people travelling to Newcastle and Sydney is a great thing for our wonderful area. When we add the patients that Dr Gunawardena, Dr Salaria and Dr Ahmed treat to those now being treated in our new Cardiac Catheter and Interventional Laboratory, there will be over 500 patients who will be treated in Taree rather than in Newcastle or Sydney. This represents a massive saving in travel and accommodation costs for local residents and substantial increases in expenditure and investment into the local community. Money earned and spent in our area has a multiplying impact that benefits our entire community. There are more exciting service and facility developments being looked at, and we look forward to talking about these in the next few months.
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The RADICAL ABDOMINOPLASTY OPERATION ‘Tummy TUCK’
T
he gradual increase in girth in pregnancy and in weight gain causes tissue-expansion and stretching.
When the above situation is reversed, i.e. after delivery of a baby or weight loss, there are different types of reversal in the various tissues affected. Muscles do best and can almost recover completely. The two large columns of muscles in the anterior abdominal wall, the right and left Rectus Abdominus muscles, which give great strength to the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back, are such examples. The fascia covering these muscles, a strong sleeve around the muscles and fused (attached) in the midline, stretch up to a point before further stretch causes irreversible damage.
32 manning-great lakes focus.
When the muscle recovers, the fascia does not, and this results in a weak and stretched midline. Instead of a fused midline keeping the muscles together, the central stretched ellipse of fascia causes the muscles to be separated, weakening the anterior abdominal wall as well as the back. This ‘divarication or diastasis’ of the muscles is equivalent to a midline hernia and causes significant weakening of the anterior abdominal wall, and protrusion of the abdominal contents, especially in the standing position. The correction The radical abdominoplasty procedure described by Dr. Ivor Pitanguy, the doyen of Brazilian plasticsurgery, is an excellent operation which fixes this problem very well. The surgery results in the re-
establishment of the central fascial fusion, with the muscles back together in the midline and with recovery of strength and contour. A bonus of this operation is the removal of a good amount of skin and fat from the anterior abdominal wall. The surgery is major, needing general anaesthesia and hospitalisation as well as time for recovery, but the excellent resolution of the problem makes it all worthwhile. Recurrent abdominal wall hernias. An extension of this technique is the use in the correction of recurrent abdominal wall hernias, resulting from multiple previous operations and attempted hernia repairs. A very significant advantage of this type of repair is the avoidance of the use of synthetic mesh grafts with its many attendant problems.
Focus on Health
Ebola Virus Epidemic
East coast CHILDCARE Can you tell us about your partnership
the children and their families and always
with public schools in Great Lakes and
with fun in mind.
Manning Valley? Josh Emerton and I
We open early before school, offering
started our relationship with the local schools as casual teachers back in 2007. Since then, we have provided care and entertainment to 1000s of local primary school kids before school, after school and during school holidays. We currently operate services at Forster Public, Taree West Public and most recently at Pacific Palms Public School. What’s been the key to the success
somewhere safe and homelike to have breakfast and get ready for the day at school. After school we collect children on our buses and offer a healthy afternoon tea followed by homework help, sports, games, craft, cooking activities and time to relax. Holidays are jammed packed with excursions, fun and mayhem to keep the kids happy.
of your programs? Understanding and
How do the staff impact on your centres'
respecting the kids we look after and
successes? Having enthusiastic, responsible
building solid relationships with families has
and energetic staff have been key to the
been a big part. We offer innovative and
success of each centre. While our centres
diverse programs to cater for the different
have a common philosophy, the coordinators
interests and needs of the children. We also
and staff at each centre are what makes
design our programs with a lot of input from
them uniquely appealing to the local families.
We have all been hearing about the Ebola Virus epidemic in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. When we come across these stories it is natural to be alarmed. However, we should feel glad we have a great health system in Australia. While we don’t need to fear, we should still act. This virus was first reported in 1976. It is carried by West African flying foxes. It then infects forest wild animals and those people living there. Most of those people have antibodies to the virus and so have had Ebola Virus without symptoms. However from time to time we have had outbreaks in West Africa when Ebola beomes more virulent or from laboratory accidents in England and Russia. The World Health Organisation, as at 14th August, estimated that there have been 1,975 cases in the current outbreak with 1,069 deaths. The virus is transmitted by contact with human secretions. The most contagious fluid is blood but even sweat can transmit the virus. People get infected through cuts on their skin or through mucus membranes e.g. the eyes, genitals or mouth. People become contagious when they become sick, so health workers providing care are at most risk. That is why we see news reports of these brave souls wearing space suits. About a week after infection, Ebola presents with sudden onset of high fever, sore muscles, headache and sore throat. They then have vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, problem with their kidneys and liver and bleeding. This bleeding may be from the bowels, the stomach, eyes, mouth, vagina or ears. In Australia we have good access to speedy diagnostic testing with blood or bodily fluid immune testing to pick Dengue Fever or malaria, which are more common. Our government recommends against travel to these countries. However, if people need to
go, they should keep strict hygiene standards, avoid contact with Ebola cases or those with unknown illnesses, avoid food which could have been contaminated during preparation and avoid contact with wild animals. I have seen a number of epidemics threaten us in Australia. Each time there is public panic and fear amongst Health Workers about their personal risks. I recall with the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, feeling fearful giving hospital and community care to infected patients. With the more recent SARS epidemic, despite education of doctors about avoiding infection, we did not do a good job. I recall speaking to the Head of Infectious Diseases at the John Hunter Hospital who told me the majority of their front-line staff eventually tested positive for SARS, due to carelessness during high workloads. Fortunately fatality rates had fallen rapidly. So what should we do? Simple, commonsense measures are all that are necessary. We should cover our mouths when we cough, then use an alcohol hand wash. If we have a cold, we should not go to work, but wear a mask to protect our families. As citizens we should support the West African public health workers and clinicians helping stop the spread of this disease. Unfortunately our Federal Government cut $8 billion from our Foreign Aid budgets. This is despite the fact that, back in 2000, Australia committed to the Global Millennium Project goal of 0.7% GDP allocated for Foreign Aid by 2020. Our charity can make great differences to impoverished countries. Consider donating to Save the Children or other West African agencies. In some global Virtuous Circle if we reduce sickness and suffering elsewhere in the world we, ourselves, may be better off too.
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+ H E A L T H
E X P E R T S +
HEALTH +
TAREE EYEWEAR Mark and Carol Ryan at Taree Eyewear put their longevity in Taree down to one main reason - customer satisfaction; we feel the best advertisement for us is a happy patient. We aim to achieve this with a wide range of high quality frames to suit any face, competitive pricing and caring and professional after-sales service. Couple all this with the latest technology and innovation in lenses. Precise digital equipment allow us to measure our patients to 1 tenth of a millimetre for absolute accuracy and fitting of "Freeform multifocal lenses", that are custom made to every patient's individual requirements. They have less distortion and therefore wider viewing zones than conventional multifocals. Of course eye health is critical, and this is where Dickon Walch, our experienced on-site Optometrist, is invaluable - thorough Macular and Glaucoma testing, including retinal photography and constant communication with local Ophthalmologists and GPs to ensure a total eye health solution. Fashions are on the move again, with bigger, "plastic" frames coming back into vogue. According to feedback from frame reps, "plastic" frames make up 65-70% of the market (and growing). We find in a lot of cases that patients find "plastic" frames more comfortable, without the nose pads found on most metal frames. Colours are a mix of darker "Nerd Chic" and bright, bold colours of all combinations.
General Practitioners Access Health Care was established in 2002 by local doctor John King, and is conveniently located in two surgeries at Tuncurry and Wingham. Access Health Care provides a range of comprehensive services, including skin cancer treatments, general family medicine, aged care, nursing home visits, INR, ECG, diabetes management, asthma, vaccinations, workers compensation management and travel medicine advice, just to name a few. Both surgeries are fully accredited through GPA Accreditation, include registered nurses and offer onsite allied health services including pathology – making it a one stop shop! While medical services can be very costly, Access Health Care aims to minimise the cost to the patient. Access Health Care has 11 general practitioners across the two surgeries, including our newest GPs: Dr Shantona Bag and Dr Mary Jane Micua at Access Health Care Tuncurry; and Dr Navdeep Shukla, who has joined the friendly team at Wingham. New patients are very welcome at Access Health Care. Appointments can be made by contacting us at the locations below. Providing quality, affordable health care in a caring environment.
ACCESS
HEALTH CARE • Family general practice • Clinics: Skin, diabetes, hypertension, • Care for chronic illnesses • Skin cancer treatment • Women’s Health • Childhood and travel vaccinations • On call service • Nursing home visits • Workers compensation management • Pre-employment medical examinations and regular onsite employment health services. • Training for medical students, registrars, nurses and traineeships for admin staff. New patients are very welcome at Access Health Care. Appointments can be made by contacting ….
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Mid North Coast SLEEP CLINIC
Access Health Care
We provide you with
E X P E R T S
Access Health Care Tuncurry
Access Health Care Wingham
18 Peel Street, Tuncurry Phone 6555 5464
1 Bent Street, Wingham Phone 6553 4255
In 1998 when the new Mayo Hospital opened out at Potoroo Drive, Trent Jenison and I set up the first Sleep Unit between Port Macquarie and Newcastle. During the early years we treated very few patients and those we did see were incredibly severe, stopping breathing over 80 to 90 times an hour. Obstructive sleep apnoea was a newly recognised condition, having being pioneered by an Australian, Professor Colin Sullivan. The equipment then for treating sleep apnoea was very uncomfortable, large, noisy machines resembling a small vacuum cleaner. Today, a recently released Resmed machine is quiet and the size of a clock radio. In 2000, I completed the Sleep Medicine course at Sydney University and became a clinical nurse consultant. In the years following, I have remained closely connected with colleagues from the Woolcock Institute in Sydney, a world renowed research centre for sleep disorders. After leaving the Mayo a year ago, I felt that with the knowledge and experience I had gained over 14 years working in the field, it was a shame to not offer an alternative service to sufferers in the community. Hence, the establishment of the Mid North Coast Sleep Clinic. We pride ourselves on offering excellent diagnostics services by visiting the client at home and applying the equipment ourselves. We feel they get a better night sleep in their own bed and they can go to sleep and wake up at their own normal time. Our other services can be found on our website www.mncsleepclinic.com.au
+ H E A L T H
E X P E R T S +
New acquisition for our dental surgery Smilecraft Dental Introducing the new technology for the first time in the Manning and Great Lakes area. Also referred to as same day dentistry and computer aided design and milling (CAD/CAM) is an innovative new brand of treatment that helps in performing some multivisit traditional
smile in a short period of time. We can also replace your old worn down amalgams with natural looking ceramic fillings. With in-office CAD/CAM dentistry, needed restorations are identified, created and cemented in the same day when appropriate, or a couple of days rather than weeks, which saves time.
traditional methods.
Same day CAD/CAM dentistry also eliminates the need for having temporaries for weeks, since the permanent and clinically proven final restorations are placed shortly after teeth preparation, instead of waiting for weeks. This reduces concerns about tooth sensitivities that could otherwise result when wearing temporary restorations for long periods, or about the temporaries falling out at inconvenient times. With all the added benefits, the good thing is this does not increase the cost of the procedure as compared to traditional methods. Call for a free consultation to have treatment done with this technology.
You can have dramatic improvement in your
Offer is valid only for the month of September.
procedures into a same day office visit. Thanks to this new technology, patients can receive metal-free porcelain crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays in one day or sometimes a couple of days, depending on the case, if same day CAD/ CAM restoration is a treatment option. The E4D Plan Scan System uses laser scanning to capture the optical impression of the tooth, and it also has 3-D CAD software for designing the restoration, as well as CAM technology (milling unit) to mill the restoration. There are many benefits of this technology over
manning-great lakes focus 35
+ H E A L T H
E X P E R T S +
HEALTH + E X P E R T S +
RENAE TAYLOR + C L I N I C A L P S Y C H O L O G I S T +
Forster Podiatry Linda Thacker is a locally grown girl who returned to Forster after graduating from The University of Western Sydney in 2003 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Podiatry). Before embarking on Podiatry, Linda completed an Associate Diploma in Health Science (Massage Therapy), owned a Remedial Massage practice in Sydney for 12 years and taught and tutored Remedial Massage at TAFE. Owner of Forster Podiatry, Linda is proud to be celebrating 10 years of practice and would like to thank all patients and staff for their support. Associate Podiatrist Mr Dezi Wilson, a country boy from Inverell, is also a great asset to Forster Podiatry after completeing his studies at Charles Sturt University three years ago. Linda and Dezi are registered Podiatrists and members of AHPRA, The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW), Diabetes Australia and The Australasian Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Do you or your family have Diabetes or arthritis, play sport, have an injury, suffer foot, ankle, knee, hip or back pain, suffer from Ingrown toe nails (we love doing nail surgery), corns or calluses or just can't reach or see your feet and need help cutting your nails? Does your child have flat feet or sore legs? At Forster Podiatry we specialise in ALL facets of Podiatry.
36 manning-great lakes focus.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SOLUTIONS Tell us about your work? I greatly enjoy my work as a Clinical Psychologist. A Psychologist assists people to feel emotionally well. I work in a terrific team at CPS with 14 other Psychologists. I am very proud to have played a part in creating a service that helps so many. It can be a demanding job at times, but it is also very rewarding. I enjoy normalising mental health and helping people to feel comfortable talking about themselves and their challenges. Mental health is just health to me. Everyone is unique, and psychologically we are shaped by genetics, our upbringing and experiences. Our emotional worlds can be complicated and we can easily fall into less helpful patterns of behaviour and thinking. Most of us just want to feel comfortable in our own skin and reasonably content with the world. I believe this can be achieved. Exciting times ahead? We are working towards broadening our services to include physical and nutritional aspects of mental health. This is a particular interest of mine. I believe we need to work with the whole person to achieve best results.
Get healthy, get active and get happy with the Y!
DID
Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre Lake Street Forster 2428 P 6591 7199 ymcansw.org.au/greatlakes
38 manning-great lakes focus.
SEPTEMBER 2014
with Terri
AQUARIUS.
TA U R U S .
LEO.
January 21 - February 19
April 21 - May 21
July 24 - August 23
You may be feeling a little uprooted or unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions; wait for what feels right, and you will have no regret. New friends are coming into the picture, so relax and enjoy the social interactions. Herderite helps us to see our evolution, thus making it less of a challenge.
You so desperately want a change in direction, but this is challenging your rules and boundaries in life. At present, your personal strength is being tested, which also may make it harder to pursue your desires. Ask yourself how badly do you want change? Let this motivate you. Set your sights and then give your-self permission to receive. Phenacite helps us to release other people’s worries from our energies.
Your self-opinion is at present under attack. Be kinder to your sensitivity, and stop believing negative things about you. Instead, wake up tomorrow with a brand new beginning attitude and watch your determination return. You have a wonderful connection with a soul mate; enjoy their company, without imposing any negative influences on your precious time together. Citrine connects us to our happier energy.
PISCES.
GEMINI.
VIRGO.
February 20 - March 20
May 22 - June 22
August 24 - September 23
An ending of a situation is bringing an exciting new influence into the picture. Your task at the moment is to understand your place in the bigger scheme of things. Don’t compromise your standards to soothe your fears. Keep in touch with makes your heart sing. Rose Quartz attracts us towards loving experiences.
Focus on your most important challenge at this time in order to achieve your hard earned success. You are too easily distracted at present, which is causing frustration. Be a little more aware of your thoughts, eliminate negativity, self doubt & fear. You have worked for the changes trying to enter your reality, so allow yourself the excitement of receiving. Turquoise & Rose Quartz will enhance your approval.
Your focus will be clearer after you set new goals or direction. Get that clever Virgo mind active and satisfy your intellect. An exciting new opportunity is out there through learning something different, so look for that perfect course or read an imformative book. You can anticipate new friends in this next cycle, ones that give unconditional love and support. Topaz strengthens our selfesteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.
ARIES.
CANCER.
LIBRA.
March 21 - April 20
June 23 - July 23
September 24 - October 23
Your leadership skills will be sought after in the work environment over the next few weeks. Allow your strengths to shine, and don’t be afraid to put your hand up for a promotion. Connect with your laughter a little more, as you are currently taking life too seriously. This is waking up old fears and insecurities and leaving you feeling trapped by life. Turquoise is great for communication.
Be patient just a little longer. You are likely to be very busy over the next few weeks, offering you some distraction from your thoughts. Relax! Let go of the need to know what will be & enjoy just being in the now. Set some fresh goals & wait for their arrival. Rose Quartz is a very powerful calming crystal.
Connect with a passion you have. Your love of life needs satisfying. Change is coming forward; a natural challenge for the Libran. Start a project or play with your creative energies. Offer your family members some profound healing advice, don’t be afraid to speak. You would benefit from spending quality time expressing thoughts & feeling into poetry or words. Topaz strengthens our self-esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.
SCORPIO. October 24 - November 22 Remove all self-doubt. You already know what your challenges outcome will be. You even have your answers for getting there quicker. Find out what it is that renders you powerless, so that you cannot be played with. You’re gifted at thinking outside the square, to allow yourself this enlightenment, treat you as you would another. Snowflake Obsidian is wonderful for shattering negative thoughts.
S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21 Bring out your happy self, as you are taking life far too seriously. This has left you drained lately and feeling unenthused. You just do things, you don’t need to talk about it or plan it, so remember this when you are next tempted to procrastinate. Give yourself permission to receive the things you so desperately desire. Sugilite would be of great benefit at this time, as it helps us face our challenges with a joyful outlook.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20 Begin something new. Soon work opportunities will keep you busy; fill your being with satisfaction and complete you. However, your enthusiasm needs to be strong when the project begins, so now is the time to feed it. Help your mind to get ready for this opportunity by writing lists, and setting goals. Rhodonite helps us to discover new talents through our creative energy.
manning-great lakes focus 39
focusrealestate.
with Amanda Tate - L.J Hooker
M RKET
CSU Justice Studies Opportunities Abroad
REVIEW The Importance of an Educated Market Appraisal With the Sydney market moving along quite strongly and prices steadily increasing, we are yet to see the full effects in our Great Lakes/Manning Valley area. Sold, sold, sold! If you think you are seeing sold signs everywhere, you are right. The last twelve months have seen a huge turnover of homes in the Great Lakes/Manning Valley area, with the smaller beachside suburbs outselling the main town of Taree nearly two to one. It has been busy times for all real estate agents in this area, but we are selling more homes than what are being listed. This is what will cause major changes to our marketplace and in very short periods of time. So how does this affect the average residential property? When buyers have plenty of properties to choose from in their price range, they have the luxury of being selective, taking their time and making offers. When the supply pool is not there, you have
more buyers trying to buy the one property, making decisions quickly and prepared to pay more to secure what they want. The pressure is back on the buyer and this puts pressure on market prices, pushing them upwards, which is what we are currently experiencing. That market appraisal you may have had six months ago could now be outdated. It is important prior to choosing your agent to ensure they are providing you with the right information regarding your home. A list of comparative sales should be given to you to substantiate their advice. It is a costly exercise listing a property well over market value, as modern buyers come well researched and don’t give overpriced listings a look in. How do you know? Simple: in this market they will have no interest compared to a property that is priced right and gets a good offer first up and sold quickly. By the way - market appraisals are free, so give us a call.
Students undertaking a Justice Studies degree with Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie get an education grounded in real experience in the Australian community. Port Macquarie student Tim Lord took his education a step further in July this year when he undertook a two-week study tour with Donguuk University in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. While in Seoul, Mr Lord was able to compare the Australian and Korean criminal justice systems and was stunned by the differences, particularly in juvenile justice.
alternative systems of justice in place around the world.�
“Basically, the Korean system is more like a technical training college, where inmates learn skills and trades to prepare them for outside life, while Australia has a prison-like system. And as the Korean system has far fewer repeat offenders, perhaps we can learn from their experience.�
The two-year Justice Studies course prepares Port Macquarie students to either apply to join the NSW Police Force for their third year as a probationary constable, or complete CSU’s three-year Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice). From 2015, these courses are combined into a new Bachelor of Criminal Justice.
Mr Lord said at the end of his course he would like to join the police force, but is keeping his options open. “My travels to Korea have also opened my eyes to working overseas and to
To learn more about the opportunities available at Charles Sturt University, especially in Port Macquarie, call 1800 334 733 or visit www.csu.edu.au/port-info
Curious about where you’re heading? That’s why in 2015 at CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus we’ll be offering courses in the following exciting areas: • • • • •
% # !' & #
# ' ! % ' $! "#' ' ! ( (
( # ! $
40 manning-great lakes focus.
Accounting Advertising Business Studies Criminal Justice Education (K-12)
• • • • •
Graphic Design Medical Imaging Paramedics Psychology Public Relations
CSU Port Macquarie and North Coast TAFE will also offer options in these areas: • Accounting • Gerontology • Social Work
FIND OUT MORE www.csu.edu.au/port-info 1800 334 733
focusinterview.
Ethel Knight (Aunty) aged 6 years and 9 months. Died 2001, aged 92 .
Australian Red Cross Celebrates 100 Years!
The Australian Red Cross is renowned for the work they do locally, nationally and overseas and the organisation celebrated their centenary just this year. It’s timely to pay tribute to a few of our local Forster Tuncurry branch members …
F
orster Tuncurry Red Cross secretary and publicity officer, Denise English … Denise, how long has the local branch of the Red Cross been established in the Great Lakes
area? Red Cross has had a branch in the Great Lakes area right from the initial formation time 100 years ago - in fact, it is also our local 100th anniversary. During that time, we became Forster/ Tuncurry combined. How long have you been involved with the organisation? I’ve been a member for nearly 20 years (joined at 65, when I retired from Special Ed. Full-time teaching) and have been on committees in Victoria and here. Presently I’m secretary and publicity officer … What are the chief goals of Red Cross locally? Goals and aims are set out fully in our seven fundamental principles. I will just nominate them here: HUMANITY, IMPARTIALITY, NEUTRALITY, INDEPENDENCE, VOLUNTARY SERVICE, UNITY AND UNIVERSALITY. I believe your group is hosting a zone gathering for Red Cross on September 18. What is the purpose of this event, where will it be held, and who is invited to attend? The Annual Country Zone 4 Conference: this is a gathering of nine branches and clubs of Australian Red Cross. We meet to share activities, have a guest speaker about Red Cross and another speaker from the wider community. There are reports on the year's activities from every branch and club. Invitations are issued to all nine members of our zone and this time, Federal member Bob Baldwin will open proceedings, a local primary school's band will perform, and speakers will be invited. It will be held at St Alban's Anglican Church Hall in Forster, from 10am through lunch until
mid afternoon. Whom can readers contact if they’re interested in finding out more info about the local branch of Red Cross or upcoming functions/events? For local people, as hon. secretary, I can be contacted: Denise English - 6557 5703. We also have an excellent booklet for new members on which aspects of the continuing humanitarian work overseas and throughout Australia we are directly involved with here in our Forster/Tuncurry branch. Functions and events are publicised monthly in two local papers, with posters around different venues, on FM radio in Tuncurry and on the website of the Information Centre in Forster. Final say ... I'd personally like to thank all of our committee and volunteers for their hard work and make special mention of Norma Watson, our current president, who has been a Red Cross Member for 43 years, including lengthy periods as president. SOME LOCAL RED CROSS PERSONNEL SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES FROM THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE RED CROSS … Joyce Tyrrell - awarded Laurel Wreath for over 50 years’ service. I joined the local branch of Red Cross in 1964 while my husband was stationed as one of the bank’s managers in the country town, Trundle. After that, it was continuous membership in five other towns until we retired to Forster some 32 years ago. Various local incidents over the years followed - house fires, floods etc. with people needing linen and blankets which we could supply, with help from Red Cross in Sydney in some cases, and there was always the blood service needing funds to operate. Also, along the way I have held executive positions – president, secretary, treasurer and can now wear my long service (50
years) medal with pride. Ruth Moore - previous member of Gloucester Branch of Red Cross and Laurel Wreath recipient. The main fund-raiser at the above branch was working at the Gloucester Sale Yards regularly at all the cattle sales. We had our centre adjacent to the yards, where we served endless sandwiches, pies and drinks. At a big sale (bull or horse) we would be out there about 8am until 5 or 6pm. It’s hard to say how many meals we would serve, and frequently one of the ladies who were rostered for each sale would have to go back into Gloucester (about 2 miles) to get further supplies. In 1983, we moved to Forster, and I have continued to support Red Cross ever since, holding many committee positions over the years. Gary and Pam Knight - Forster/Tuncurry Branch (proud of the long service association their family has had with the Red Cross) Ethel Knight was born in Leura on 19/3/1909 and joined Red Cross as a Junior Member in 1915, aged 6½ years. (See photo above left). She was still an active member until she died aged 92. She was awarded long service medals and the Laurel Wreath for long length of membership. Ethel never married and was engaged with Red Cross and other charities all her life. There is a Red Cross plaque in Leura in recognition of her 85 years of service. Today, dedicated work for Australian Red Cross is carried on by nephew, Gary Knight and wife Pam, who are performing invaluable work for our local branch. Genie Williams – Country Zone 4 representative Genie is a recent member here, having run a Red Cross shop in Ipswich in past time. However, she is our Country Zone 4 representative, which is a lot of work, is vice president of our branch, so will be closely involved with our Conference. Noelle White – awarded both the Laurel
Wreath and Gilt Rosette for long servic service My association with Red Cross goes back a long way. In the beginning, at the ripe old age of 14, it was prompted by a desire to do something for the war effort. My London school had been evacuated at the commencement of hostilities and my education continued in a rather haphazard fashion, sharing a governess with a friend, Hazel. The lady in charge of British Red Cross was a Dame Beryl Oliver, and as it happened, she attended our church … After I came to live in Australia in 1948, the local Red Cross took the form of a sub branch to Murrurundi’s long established branch. Some of the wives in the Timor area organised a social tennis club, which became the nucleus of a full branch a year or so later … I was one of the founding members … When we moved to Forster in 1973, my Timor friends presented me with life membership … the cottage we bought on One Mile Beach belonged to the then president of Forster Red Cross, Molly Wansey, so I barely had time to unpack before being reinstated and back in action! Tuncurry remained a separate branch until we amalgamated in July 1998 … In 1986 we moved to Hannam Vale to establish my husband’s dream of a tropical fruit orchard … My next Red Cross opportunity occurred when there was a move afoot to establish a branch in Laurieton … as the first president of the branch, I was fortunate to have my friend, June Wholohan as secretary … Following the deaths of my husband and son, I returned to Forster, in 1999. In 2001, I was privileged to be awarded a laurel wreath to add to my long service medal. In June 2011, I received the Gilt Rosette, representing 60 years of service with the Australian Red Cross. On May 8th, 2014 … I was present with many others at Parliament House, Sydney and received my Red Cross Service Award from the Governor. Thanks everyone. manning-great lakes focus 41
focusinterview. with Linda Bryant from Photography by Linda
peter bolte Leading Appliances This month I interviewed Peter Bolte from Leading Appliances, formerly RetraVision, in Manning Street, Taree. They have a beautifully designed store and most of all, truly appreciate their customers.
Business
L
eading Appliances has had some big changes in the last 18 months. Can you tell us about them? Yes, it’s been very character building, to say the least - the unravelling of Retravision which started in June 2012 and eventually led to the West Australian Retravision business taking control of the national board and to save their own businesses, selling the brand to rival buying group NARTA (members who include Betta Electrical, JB HiFi, Bing Lee and Bi Rite). This led to the total demise of Retravision on the eastern seaboard and left over 60 of the smallest stores across the country without a home. The Leading Edge Group saw the opportunity and on the 1st April, 64 stores nationally became the founding members of Leading Appliances. Our biggest challenge in the first place was too reassure our fantastically loyal customer base that the only thing that had changed was the name above our door; everything else that customers expected and valued from dealing with a RetraVision store remained the same. Here we are 16 months later and although the retail environment is not without its challenges, I’m extremely proud of the fact that we’ve managed to remain viable and relevant to Taree and the Mid North Coast. Our company promise is “Real People, Real Service”, and I think it encapsulates in four words what separates us from our competitors. I’ve also been fortunate enough to sit on the Leading Appliances advisory committee; seven members from across the country sit on this committee, and we provide advice and counsel from “the coalface” back to our Marketing and Product Management team with particular regard to product core ranges, catalogues and supplier arrangements. This interaction between management and members is virtually unheard of within the appliance industry and is hugely beneficial to the entire group. 42 manning-great lakes focus.
All things considered, our business has Panasonic TVs are the same - the only thing that probably never run better than it does now, and alters is the experience someone has when they I can’t imagine being in any other buying group go to buy one. than Leading Appliances. Our customers tell us all the time: “You’re A little birdie told me that you took out the only people who know what you’re talking "Store of the Year" this year! What does it about”, and I think that in itself motivates us. take to achieve such an honour? Whether they buy from us or not, it’s important Simply … a great team! that people make educated choices when Every time we open our doors, we strive to buying appliances and as anyone who sells give our customers the best shopping experience anything will tell you, “The best customers are they’ve ever had and run our business as happy ones”. efficiently as possible; everyone in our It’s fair to say that a large proportion of shop works hard to achieve this. our customers are older members Of course I’m biased, but of our community, and it's Lawrence (Montague) important to us to maintain n io ct ra te and Dave (Tingle) are the service heritage that in is Th awesome salesmen. people who have dealt between d an t en Their product with the store for em ag man ually knowledge blows generations have enjoyed. members is virt the in me away; they really Your “Where’s Henry” unheard of with stry and is appliance indu know their stuff! competition on l to the hugely beneficia Our “warehouse Facebook recently entire group.” and logistics manager” had the whole town Shayne Kendall gets all following. It also was the customer compliments; great to see you supporting not a week goes by when a other local businesses. Was that customer doesn’t take the time to your intention? ring with praise for Shayne’s attention to If I am totally truthful, no - it just sort detail in delivering and installing their new of ended up that way. Really, all we set out appliances. to do was have a bit of fun and as a tentative Without the effort of these three guys, we experiment with social media. would struggle to have a business. I plagiarised the idea from the Leading We like to think our store is one of the Appliances store in Charter Towers; they’d done cleanest, best laid out and ticketed electrical a “Where’s Wally” and had put one of their appliance stores a customer will ever go into. salesman in various landmarks around the town. As a customer of your store, service stands We get amazing support from some local out as being at an excellent level. What do businesses and it was Donna’s idea to feature you do to keep your team so motivated and them as our locations; the most interesting thing excited about service? about the businesses we featured was how Thank you! At the end of the day, how we many had won awards and recognition from treat and “love” our customers is the only thing within their industry. I think sometimes that the we can do differently to our competitors; there wonderful achievements of local businesses is very little difference between what you can and business people for whatever reason go buy from us and what our competitors offer… unnoticed and unrecognised, and “Where’s all Westinghouse fridges are the same, all Henry” was great at showcasing some real Taree
“
success stories. We engaged with over 19,000 people over the 20 posts. Incidentally, we still have about eight businesses that didn’t get featured this time that will be part of “Where’s Henry # 2” later in the year. Do you have any changes coming up that we can look forward to? Yes. Firstly, just in the new and exciting products, technology and innovation continues to deliver. We specialise in cooking and kitchen appliances, and things like induction cooking and multi function self cleaning ovens are hugely popular. Washing machines and dishwashers that can work out how dirty the contents are and wash accordingly for maximum efficiency, and so many products now have online connectivity and “app” controls - we have products that will transmit a tone via a mobile app to a service centre to diagnose faults. For the first time ever, we have now gained access to and are selling LG products, formerly there was animosity between LG and Retravision, which had denied us access to this worldwide appliance giant, and it’s great to be able to offer their products. This adds a huge dimension to our refrigerator range, especially in the big French door types; they also make exceptional dishwashers and washing machines. It’s probably time we had a bit of a spruce up inside the shop; we’ll do some painting once it gets a bit warmer and make some other cosmetic changes to the store layout. I think we can make better use of wireless technologies to both enhance customers experience but also improve the way we run our business and demonstrate products. And lastly, we’ll continue to explore the world of social media; it suits my personality to put myself out there ... life is way too short to take yourself too seriously. Thanks so much, Peter, and all the best to a business who truly does recognise what great service is! ~ Linda.
it's about the customer . . . a lway s ! ! !
lthough the means of providing products and services has changed over the last 47 years the reason for the credit union’s existence has not… Holiday Coast Credit Union exists to enhance the financial and social wellbeing of its members and their community. As a business, we focus on providing our members, as customers, with quality products and services with a continuing emphasis on the education of members in the benefit of saving and the wise use of credit. In addition to this, and in the true spirit of a mutual organisation, we also provide much needed funding to local community groups who, like us, work to make our communities a great place to live, work and play.
A
It is our belief that the very have principles that ast Co ay id built Hol here w to on ni U Credit inue nt it is today will co e nc va le to deliver re to the and viability in .” futu re
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Like all businesses, we have to position for the future and respond to change that continues to be driven by technology and societal changes that are themselves often driven by technological change. It is important though, in responding to the digital revolution, that we continue to recognise and value the power of relationships and the value of being authentic and caring and simply being there when our members require to meet our staff face to face. It is our belief that the very principles that have built Holiday Coast Credit Union to where
HAVING STARTED AT THE LOCAL DAIRY COOPERATIVE IN WAUCHOPE ON 4 SEPTEMBER 1967, HOLIDAY COAST CREDIT UNION HAS ALWAYS KNOWN AND CONTINUES TO RESPECT THAT IT EXISTS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE AND CARING FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR ITS MEMBERS, WHO ARE ITS OWNERS.
it is today will continue to deliver relevance and viability into the future. That is an absolute focus on our members, who are our customers and our owners and more specifically, on their individual financial needs. The future in banking is with us now and our challenge continues to be one of engaging new members, especially the younger generations, while at the same time continuing to meet the needs of long term members. The delivery of online anytime, anywhere banking services is a key focus of our business, as is the maintenance of the personal
engagement. We continue to invest in our people and in particular the focus on customer care and the importance of being customer driven. The encouragement of our team to be fully engaged in and conversant with social media and continue to have conversations with our customers at every opportunity will drive the Holiday Coast difference. To me, the investing in our team is critical for us to maintain our value proposition and mantra of: “It’s about the customer … always” Our success to date, and indeed into the future, will continue to be dependent on our relationships with members and the trust and respect that exists within each of those relationships.
It’s where you belong... Our vision confirms that our business is not just about selling financial products and services.
Amanda Hudson
Our business is also about helping our customers structure their personal finances in a way that eases stress and supports the making of wise and informed financial decisions. Our aim is to help customers live the lifestyle they want now, whilst preparing them for the achievement of their future dreams and goals.
Kempsey Branch Manager
By helping our customers better manage their money, it not only helps them personally, but the benefits extend to the broader community through stronger, happier, and wealthier families that are in control of their finances and their financial future. Being a 100% Customer-Owned business, it makes sense that everything we do is because of, and for the benefit of, our customers. We are more than just a banking solution. We are a community.
5 Reasons to do business with us: 1. We are friendly & helpful 2. We have great Business Products 3. We smile 4. We make “banking” easy 5. It’s about the customer... always!!!
Congratulations to all recipients of the 2014 HCCU Community Partnership Program Grants. Over $1,200,000 in Community Partnership Program Grants since 2005 More than 320 Community Groups Supported
1300 365 7 24
hccu.com.au
/holidaycoastcreditunion
Holiday Coast Credit Union Ltd ABN 64 087 650 164, AFS & Australian Credit Licence: 240782. Registered Office: 1 Commerce Street, Wauchope.
manning-great lakes focus 43
focusinterview.
VOCI Stupende
beautiful voices Voci Stupende … literally translates as “beautiful voices” – which is exactly what you can expect to witness in both Stroud and Gloucester this month, with two glorious performances. Hugh Fraser introduces us to this amazingly talented classical song company …
VOCI STUTonight was a ert wonderful conc d an re nt Ce at the Wesley te si a d fin to I am trying that you to donate to so good can keep up the me ho e work. We cam gh after and were on a hi lent” ta witnessing such
“ i Hugh. Please tell us a bit about your background/ working life ... where did you originally call home, and where are you based these days? I have lived from south to north, reared near Coleraine in the Western District of Victoria then schooled in Melbourne and Canberra. For me, I guess the education really began in the “University of Western NSW”, when I went jackerooing at Haddon Rig. We rose with the dusty dawn at 4am and often worked ’til the western night claimed back the 46 degree C heat. Later I worked at Wallamumbi, east of Armidale, with the opposite problem that my water glass froze solid next to my bed. I managed the family property, Nareen, for a while but met and married a girl from Gloucester, Jane Laurie, in 1987. We moved to Arran in the New England just before Hester was born in 1988. Hannah arrived 22 months later. The early ’90s were tough and drought stricken, with a wool market collapse. We began Frasers of Arran, New England, a knitwear company manufacturing fine woolen garments out of Melbourne. It was a massive learning curve, but a success, and saw us producing around 50 styles. The business had a good innings for 20 years. We ended Frasers of Arran last year to concentrate on biodynamic practices at home on Arran. We couldn’t predict that the New England would again be plunged into severe drought, along with much of QLD and Northern NSW. The universal gift and benefit of music became a welcome focus beyond this rural backdrop. Meanwhile, our daughters, Hester and Hannah, had graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Hester did an Honours degree in Composition and is now a singer/songwriter performing as Goldheist. Taking her talents on tour earlier this year, she raised money for the 44 manning-great lakes focus.
2GB We’re for the Bush Drought Appeal and sold her song, “Dust”, through iTunes to raise money and awareness for the drought. Hannah took a degree in Classical Voice Performance and is now a member of the prestigious vocal ensemble “The Song Company”. They loan her to us for Voci Stupende. Introduce us to Voci Stupende ... who are they, and what are the members’ individual talents/skills? Voci Stupende are a vibrant group of young singers, both students and alumni of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. At the moment they include a wide range of talented people. Our current sopranos are Zoe Drummond, Sylvie Humphries, Michelle Ryan, Alex Oomens. Our mezzo sopranos are Hannah Fraser and Sarah Kemeny. Our tenor is Damian Arnold, and we have Daniel Nicholson as baritone and Jared Lillehagen as bass baritone. The idea is for Voci Stupende to be a versatile and adaptable group taking on different members as opportunities arise, so its composition will change and develop. What is your involvement/role with the group? When we first hosted these young artists in Armidale last year, we realised that they needed facilitators and promoters to take them to as many areas as possible. Our role is to organise venues, advertising, accommodation and food, so the performers can concentrate on bringing us the joy of their singing. Our aim is to give them a stepping stone whereby, as fledgling artists, they can be introduced to the widest possible audience in Australia and possibly abroad. We have been encouraged by the fervent response of our regional communities, who feel privileged to have the opportunity to hear opera singers of this calibre embarking on their careers. What does “Voci Stupende” mean ... and why is this such an apt name for the group?
It translates literally from the Italian as “beautiful voices”, and that is exactly what this classical song company offers. Audiences can expect to be enchanted and enthralled by Voci Stupende. Please provide some examples of the pieces of music in Voci Stupende’s repertoire ... We like to keep some well loved pieces in the Voci Stupende repertoire, such as Bizet’s famous duet for tenor and baritone, Au Fond de Temple Saint (from The Pearl Fishers), and the famous Flower Duet from Lakmé by Delibes, or the Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman by Offenbach. At the same time, the performers continue to introduce new and delightful pieces covering wide genres and eras in music. The journey for the listener will always be part familiar and part evocative discovery. What are some of the concert venues Voci Stupende has already visited this year – and what was some of the feedback received? Voci Stupende have now had the pleasure of performing in Canberra at The Wesley Centre and Woden SCC in March, at Roth’s Wine Bar in Mudgee and Orange Regional Conservatorium in May and at St Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Roseville, Sydney in August. We have been overwhelmed with enthusiastic support. Here are some of our audience responses. "Tonight was a wonderful concert at the Wesley Centre and I am trying to find a site to donate to so that you can keep up the good work. We came home and were on a high after witnessing such talent"… after Canberra. “Opera at Roth’s a resounding success. Listeners were catapulted from quiet tears to jovial laughter at the comic and absurd, rising spontaneously in applause at the end of
the final encore.” (Mudgee Guardian Review). "…I DID go to the concert yesterday and thought it was superb. What a talented lot of young people they are."… after Orange. Why do you feel local audiences will enjoy these performances – what can we expect to see and hear? Voci Stupende are some of the best new talents in the classical arena, bringing forth an accessible repertoire which people will relate to and find melodic and familiar. They will be struck by the energy and spirit of the performances and the absolute harmony of blended voices perfectly attuned to each other. Voci Stupende is for music lovers, not just opera lovers. How much are tickets to the performances, and where can they be purchased? What are the dates/times and venues for these performances? Voci Stupende will be presenting two concerts in Gloucester and Stroud in September. Gloucester will be held at the GHS AUDITORIUM, 129 RAVENSHAW ST, GLOUCESTER NSW 2422 SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 7PM. Stroud will be held at ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, STROUD NSW 2425 SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER - 2PM. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 pensioners and $20 for children under 15. They can be bought online for Gloucester: http://www. trybooking.com/98806 Stroud: http://www.trybooking.com/98813 Or telephone (02) 6778 1233, or at the door. Where can people go to find out further information? The best place to find out more information is our website: www.vocistupende.com Thanks Hugh.
focusbusiness. with Gary Gersbach from Great Lakes Business Chamber
garygersbach The somewhat political roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) continues and the availability is extremely variable as to when and where it will be installed. At this stage, it is unlikely the NBN will be installed in the Great Lakes in the foreseeable future. owever, the good news is The NSW Business Chamber, membership Countrytell, a private company of which is part of local chamber and social enterprise with membership, has recently announced partial government funding, is a number of new initiatives to further now well established within the Great Lakes improve the benefits available to all area and, through wireless infrastructure, members. is providing internet services equal to and Whereas there was a limit to the greater than the NBN. availability of various advice lines, this has Initial consultation with the Great Lakes now been lifted, and advice is now available Council some time ago has now resulted on a continuing basis. This is a further in Countrytell providing a reliable and benefit in addition to the various webinars effective service to both the GLC and and information meetings available MidCoast Water. throughout the year ... yet The Forster Tuncurry another reason to join the Business Chamber has Chamber, in addition also had discussions to the networking n with Countrytell and is opportunities Initial consultatio with the Great excited at the service with the local me time now available to members. Lakes Council so lted in ago has now resuiding local, and more Lakeside Countrytell prov tive importantly, new Festival a reliable and effece GLC businesses. Both the service to both thater. ” Not only can local Chamber and and MidCoast W firms benefit from the GLC have this development, it been seeking an opens the opportunity event that has the for internet based small and possibility of becoming large businesses to relocate to an annual landmark that the local area, and thus expand its can attract crowds and promote economic development. (More jobs, more the attributes of the Great Lakes. income!) Based on the previous year’s inaugural Great Lakes Council Consultation event, the Lakeside Festival has that The Chamber has continued its liaison possibility. If only for this reason, the local with the Council in an effort to encourage businesses, shopkeepers, craftware, cultural an improvement in the overall economic and even sporting organisations should development for the area’s businesses. support this event. Concern has also been registered at the It is to be held on the 1st November continued lack of an appointment of an 2014, at John Wright Park, with the gates Economic Development Manager, although open from 10:30am until 6pm. It is an ideal as we understand, not as a result of the situation and occasion to highlight and lack of effort. market your particular brand and product. To our knowledge, no viable alternative Both the GLC and the Chamber are has been considered if the appointment sponsors of this event, to assist in focusing does not eventuate in the near future. The visitors on the Great Lakes' attributes. Chamber has had a proposal submitted to For further details, visit www. the GLC for some time, but no discussions lakesidefestival.com.au wherein you will along those lines have been initiated. find comprehensive information on the Chamber Membership event and how you can best contribute.
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Manning Tax and Business Consultants Pty Ltd From baking to bricklaying, consulting to crafting - whatever keeps you busy, Manning Tax and Business Consultants are here to make your business life easier with Xero. Xero is online accounting software that connects you with your numbers, your business and us, your advisors. Anytime, anywhere, from any device. 1. COLLABORATE IN THE CLOUD Bringing more heads to your books is easy with Xero. Just give us access and we'll log in, look at your numbers, and give you advice. Perfect for spotting opportunities and nipping problems in the bud. 2. MOBILE ACCESS On the move? Access accounts, check balances, upload receipts and invoice customers from your smartphone or tablet (while kicking back at your favourite café) with Xero's iPhone or Android app. 3. RECONCILE FROM ANYWHERE Xero receives your bank statements
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focusabode.
MANNING GREAT LAKES
property guide
IN HARMONY WITH NATURE. BHI Builders thrive on challenging jobs, be they new homes, alterations, additions or even a new deck. Chrissy Jones viewed one of their recently finished homes, a country homestead found on Half Chain Road, Old Bar.
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aving a unique design and versatile floor plan, the home oozes rustic charm and sits proudly in its countryside loca-
tion. A high pitched gable roofline and colonial stone block work gives the home an individual look. The texture and random surfaces of the stonework blends beautifully with the hardwood timber of the entrance door and verandah posts and curved rafters. The corrugated iron bullnose verandah is a great benefit to the home, not only by extending the living area, but also by allowing in full natural light while protecting the interior of the home from the harsh sun and the elements. Wrapping around the home, the verandah connects with the rear gable roofed entertainment area that overlooks the surrounding farmland. Entry to the home is into the open plan lounge, living and dining areas that adjoin the kitchen. All opens out to the rear outdoor entertaining area through an impressive collective of glass sliding doors with windows above. The glass work reaches up to the apex of the ceiling line, giving a cathedral feel. Timber look vinyl flooring used throughout the living areas provides an easy clean surface, ideal for the country lifestyle. A rustic wood fire will keep the family warm in the cooler months. Cream internal walls are contrasted with a charcoal grey feature wall that has a built in fish tank as its focal point. The fish tank is viewable both sides, from the living areas
and in the home cinema. Movie nights at home would be perfect here, soft carpeting underfoot, mood lighting and a high ceiling that follows the rake of the gable, all adds up to comfort and relaxation. The horseshoe shaped kitchen is the heart of the home. Creating a warm, inviting space, the natural charm of this country style kitchen is ideal for the budding chef in us all. Wide bench tops, large pot drawers to store bigger items, a walk-in-pantry, plus overhead and under-bench cabinetry provide plenty of storage. Twin Smeg gas ovens and cook-top, plus a stainless steel range-hood and pendant lighting, a double, stainless steel sink and dishwasher have all been incorporated. Perfectly positioned windows give up views to the hinterland and make the work space a pleasure to be in. The remainder of the home comprises a private parents' retreat with en-suite and walk-in robe, a home office, laundry, games room, and a family bathroom that services four spacious bedrooms. Whether it’s the outdoor entertainment area, the country-style gourmet kitchen, large open plan family areas, separate kids' play areas or mum and dad’s luxurious master bedroom, the home has something for every member of the family. Having many innovative features designed to perfection to suit a relaxed, acreage lifestyle, the home captures the classic features of the true Australian homestead; open spaces, large rooms, high ceilings and a traditional verandah.
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property, the two storey home is a standout in its surrounds.
focusabode.
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ABOUT THE BUILDER.
D
allas Brown and his team have an unwavering commitment to clients to give them exactly what they want. They do this by working closely with the finest professionals and sub-contractors in the district for all engineering, surveying, interior design and associated building trades. Having a loyal, skilled team built up over many years ensures the best possible outcome for clients during this exciting phase of their lives. BHI builders offer you a complete home building service including free consultation
BHI builders offer you a complete home building service including free d consultation an d an n sig de quote, ance thermal perform ur yo of t en m ss asse house design. ”
and quote, design and thermal performance assessment of your house design. They will handle all Council liaison and applications and the construction of your dream home, extension or renovation. They also offer asbestos removal and landscaping. No job is too big or too small. BHI were building sustainable homes long before it was trendy or legislated ... BHI Builders have experience in working with mud brick, rammed earth and “Timbercrete”, as well as the growing list of mainstream products. Being accredited in "Residential Building Thermal Performance
Assessments" means using "2nd Generation Software" they can assess the thermal efficiency of your house design and make recommendations to make your home more comfortable and less costly to run. Going to great lengths to minimise waste, they “reduce, re-use, re-cycle” wherever possible, with all waste sorted on site. They are often researching new and unconventional products and are always willing to work with something different. Being qualified
to assess the energy efficiency of your existing home and make recommendations for your extension or renovation to make it more sustainable and comfortable to live in, gives BHI Builders a comprehensive local building service. When next building, contact BHI Builders for a no obligation free consultation and quote. Phone Dallas Brown on 0414 780 710 or check out their website: www.bhibuilders. com.au for more information about this Master Builders Green Living Builder.
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LUXAFLEX polyresin shutters
OUTDOOR LIVING THE SOLUTION IS SIMPLE Forster Tuncurry Awnings & Blinds have the products and knowledge to help you to create the perfect outdoor living space. IP TRACK AWNINGS: No Zips, No Ropes, No Straps, No Buckles: Keep areas warm in winter and cool in summer – so you can enjoy your outdoor lifestyle, no matter what the season! Pull down and push up – it's that easy to protect yourself from the elements with a Ziptrak track guided blind system from Forster Tuncurry Awnings & Blinds. For sun, wind, rain and UV protection, choose the fabric that you need from acrylic awning fabrics, sunscreen mesh fabrics, PVC tinted or PVC clear. Ziptrak blinds can be secured and locked in the down position to guard against high winds and UV – no zippers or buckles required – it's that simple. Specially designed tracks on both sides enable the fabric to glide smoothly – stop anywhere you want. Ziptrak Blinds are simply the best track guided blind system. VERSICLAD INSULATED ROOFING: Using structural insulated roof panels for your project will transform your area and extend its use to all year round. Available in a variety of roof profiles, colours and finishes, insulated roofing has the added benefit of being quick to install and requires less posts and unsightly roof beams,
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manning-great lakes focus 49
FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES FASTPLAST BUILDING SUPPLIES HAVE INTRODUCED SOME NEW SOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO WANT TO ADD STYLE AND LIVEABILITY TO THEIR HOMES. he LYSAGHT Living Collection® and Versiclad Insulated Roofing The LYSAGHT Living Collection® is a range of verandahs, patios, carports and decks designed to add value and increase year-round entertaining or vehicle storage options. All designs provide good-looking, low maintenance structures featuring 100% Australian made COLORBOND® steel, ensuring durability and fire and termite resistance. Styles available include Skillion, Pitched Hip, Pitched Gable, and Dutch Gable designs. Fastplast’s in-store designer Damon Ryan offers you the ability to create a custom home improvement roof style with a gable
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insert, and the matching deck options ensure your outdoor area is complete. The range includes styles to suit any home and budget, with flexible, engineered free-standing or attached designs that can be tailored to meet roofing, gutter and colour requirements. Skillion or pitched rooflines can be clad in a wide range of colours, a variety of translucent sheeting options or a combination of both to provide just the right mix of light and shade. Versiclad Insulated Roofing Versiclad Insulated Roofing, a brand of high performance insulated panels, can be used in various architectural, design and industrial applications. The roofing is cooler in summer, warmer in winter, is low
maintenance, is excellent for reducing noise and offers a quick construction time. The insulated roof panels are available in a huge range of internal and external materials and finishes, with an expanded polystyrene core to suit your desired insulation rating or free span requirement. Versiclad’s insulated roof panels are made using traditional roofing profiles, perfect for matching existing roof products, or creating an architectural look for your home. Versiclad has amazing usage flexibility, suiting your design look as well as practical requirements of span and thermal performance. It can be used for complete homes, outdoor living and verandah applications, or even use as walling for your
workshop or garden studio. Using insulated panels dramatically reduces construction times and site mess compared to traditional forms of construction, and is amazingly simple to install. The insulated roof panels provide a clean crisp uninterrupted ceiling finish, reducing the number of unsightly and costly support beams normally associated with traditional roofing methods. For more information about the LYSAGHT® Living Collection or Versiclad Insulated Roofing, call Damon Ryan at FastPlast Building Supplies, located at 16 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie. Phone 6581 2526 to arrange an appointment, and he will help you design your new home addition.
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52M i d - N o r t h
Coast Focus Magazine