Manning-Great Lakes Issue 100

Feature Story Club Forster

June 2015 // issue 100

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Welcome to the March edition ofedition Manning-Great Lakes Welcome Welcome to the to the March March edition edition ofthe Manning-Great Manning-Great Lakes Lakes FOCUS. FOCUS. Welcome to the March edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. ning-Great Lakes FOCUS. Welcome to the Welcome March to March of Manning-Great edition ofFOCUS. Manning-Great FOCUS. Welcome Lakes to FOCUS. the March edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. Welcome toofthe March edition ofLakes Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS.

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The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, International Women’s Day …community. community. Manning community. Valley The U3A Manning Silver Tones Valley U3A SilverSilver Tones community. The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones nity. The Manning Valley U3A Week, Silver International Tones Week, Women’s International Day Women’s Day … Week, International Women’s DayTones … community. The Manning Valley U3A Week, Women’s Day … Singers only entertain theentertain masses, they raise it seems to beittothe month inspiring Singers not onlyonly entertain the masses, they raise itthe seems it seems be the be month the month for inspiring for inspiring not only entertain the masses, they raise Singers not only entertain the masses, they raise itto seems to be for inspiring Singers not Singers the not masses, only entertain they thethe masses, they raise Singers not only entertain the masses, they raise not only entertain masses, seems they to raise befor the month itthe seems for toinspiring be the month for inspiring it only seems toraise be forthey inspiring Singers not entertain themonth masses, raise itmonth seems to beSingers thenot month for inspiring fundsfunds for funds needy charities too. events and people. for needy charities too. events events and people. and people. forfunds needy charities too. funds for needy charities too. events and people. for needy charities funds for too.needy charities too. too. funds for needy charities too. or needy charities too. events and people. events and and people. events and people. funds for needy charities events people. The Great Lakes Art Society host the 33rd WeArt have both a Seniors feature and aand The Great Lakes Society will host the 33rd WeSociety have We We have both both a Seniors aWeek Seniors feature feature aSeniors The Lakes Society will host the 33rd The Great Lakes Art Society will host the 33rd We have both aWeek Seniors Week feature and a Great The Great Lakes Art The Society Great will Lakes host Art the Society willWeek host the 33rd The Great Lakes Art Society will host the 33rd Great Lakes will have host both the 33rd a Week Seniors We have Week both feature aaand Seniors aWeek feature and aArt We have both a33rd Seniors feature SPIREL PHOTOGRAPHIC The Great Lakes Art Society will host the and 33rda We have both aand Week feature and aArtwill Annual Open Artissue, Competition again this month; inWomen Business Feature inside this issue, soinside Annual Open ArtOpen Competition again this month; Women in Business in Business Feature Feature inside inside this issue, this issue, soissue, soFeature Annual Open ArtOpen Competition this month; Annual Art again Competition thisFeature month; Women inmonth; Business Feature this issue, so Annual Art Annual Open again Art Competition this month; again this this month; Annual Open Art Competition again this month; Open Women Art Competition Women again inthis Business Women Feature ininside Business this Feature so inside this so Women in again Business inside so Annual Open Art Competition again this issue, month; Women in Business inside this issue, so Competition How many times have you looked at that faded family with prize pool of over $5,000, it$5,000, will attract we’llof certainly get to aget wonderful locals awonderful prize pool of over it$5,000, will attract we’ll we’ll certainly certainly get to get meet tofew meet awe’ll few ato wonderful few wonderful locals locals with a few prize pool of $5,000, itprize will attract with a over prize pool of over willover attract we’ll certainly get meet awonderful few wonderful locals with a prize pool ofwith over a $5,000, pool it pool will of itover attract $5,000, willit wonderful attract with a prize pool of over $5,000, it will attract prize pool over $5,000, we’ll certainly itmeet will attract to meet certainly a certainly few get to meet aa few wonderful locals we’ll certainly get to meet ait few with a prize of $5,000, will attractlocals we’ll get to locals meet awith locals photo on the wall and thought, “Soon”? We all do it! The some topsome notch entries. And local trio the Tree andentries. read about their achievements. top notch entries. And local trionotch the Tree and read and read about about their their achievements. achievements. some topsome notch entries. And local trionotch the Tree some top notch entries. And local trio theachievements. Tree and read about their achievements. top notch entries. some And top local trio entries. the Tree And locallocal trio the some top notch entries. And local trio the Tree op notch And and local read trio about the Tree their and achievements. read about theirtheir achievements. and read about their some top entries. And trio Tree the Tree and read about achievements. months fly by,in thethe kidspast, grow up and sooner than you know it, arch! I never thought this was an especially busy month in the past, but I’ve changed my mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are March still warm month, make the s March! It’s March! I lovers never I never thought this this especially an especially busy busy month month in the in the past, past, but but I’ve I’ve changed changed my mind. mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With With March March astill warm athought warm month, month, make make the Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are It’s March! Iastill never this was an busy month in the past, I’ve changed my mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With March still aan warm month, make the month inWith March! the past, I thought never but It’s I’ve March! thought changed Iare never this my was thought mind. an especially this was busy an especially month It’s in March! busy the past, month Iand never but inbut I’ve thought the changed past, this but was my I’ve mind. an changed especially busy mind. month I’ve changed Woodies, live music Woodies, lovers live entrepreneurs, music lovers and are entrepreneurs, are Woodies, live music lovers andbut entrepreneurs, are my mind. es, liveIt’s music and With entrepreneurs, March still awas warm With March month, still make athe warm the month, make the With March still amy warm month, make thearemymy It’s March! Iwas never thought this was an especially busy month in the past, but I’ve changed mind. Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, With March still aespecially warm month, make the that portrait on the wall is ten years old! hosting an awesome music The Descent, mostmost ofmusic itmost andmost head down Beach Bums to hosting an awesome music event, The Descent, of itevent, and of itmost head and head down down to Beach to Beach Bums to to hosting an awesome event, The Descent, Welcome the June of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. hosting anevent, awesome music The Descent, of itto and head to Beach Bums to hosting an awesome hosting music an event, awesome The Descent, music event, Descent, hosting an awesome music event, The Descent, an awesome of The it and Descent, head most down ofdown to itBums and Beach head Bums down todown toedition Beach Bums to most of itawesome and head down toThe Beach to hosting anevent, music event, The Bums Descent, most of itto and head to Beach Bums tomusic ove Tuesday Pancake Day, families. Great Lakes Viking Challenge, hrove rove hrove rove Tuesday Tuesday (or (or Pancake Day, families. families. Great Great Lakes Lakes Viking Viking Challenge, Challenge, which which the Lakes onWinery March 14. The enjoy a (or coffee or aenjoy lovely meal overlooking Main hrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day, families. Great Lakes Viking Challenge, which Photographic canGreat fion x that for 14. you. At Challenge, the momentwhich we are atGreat the Great Lakes on March 14. The enjoy enjoy arove coffee aPancake coffee ahrove lovely aThe meal meal overlooking Main Main atGreat the Lakes Winery on March 14. The hrove rove Great Tuesday Lakes (or Viking Pancake rove Tuesday Challenge, (or Pancake which Day, families. hrove rove Tuesday Great Lakes (or Pancake Viking Great Challenge, Day, Lakes families. Viking which Challenge, Lakes Viking atWinery the Great Lakes Winery on March 14. The aor coffee orDay, aoverlooking lovely meal overlooking Main hrove rove Tuesday (or Day, families. Great Lakes Viking which at the Great Lakes at Winery the Great on March 14. Winery The on March 14. The atSpirel the Great Lakes Winery March The Great Lakes Winery on enjoy March aor coffee 14. orlovely aDay, enjoy lovely ameal coffee overlooking orPancake a or lovely Main meal overlooking Main enjoy aLakes coffee or a which lovely meal overlooking Main which at the Great Lakes Winery on March 14. The Challenge, enjoy afamilies. coffee aatlovely meal overlooking Main t’s our 100th edition! ION can’t tellTHE Thank you act all -isact you’re the reason Yvette Hugill and Carbury; to call it in THE COVER isCheap to take place March and 9.Amber as like we as like we to like call to call inone-of-a-kind it Australia), in Australia), THE ON COVER set isthe set place March on March and 8 and 9. 9. headline Cheap Fakes -isaas one-of-a-kind Cheers! as we like to call it ON in Australia), ON THE COVER istake set to take on March 8place and 9. 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Cheers! you how happy and Living proud I am Manning-Great Lakes is such arock, wonderphotographer Kirk Owers; fashion Day, Seniors Week life to full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there –all don’t St Patrick’s StIf Patrick’s Day, Day, Seniors Seniors Week Week Living Living life to life the to full the are full the are vibrant, the vibrant, For all For you all soccer you soccer fans fans out there out there –or don’t – Living don’t Brisbane If life you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ON THE COVER $60 shoot! St Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living toband. the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – don’t Brisbane band. Ifto you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ONPatrick’s THE ON THE COVER COVER Brisbane band. Ifto you like funk, soul, pop vibrant, St For allDay, you Seniors soccer St Patrick’s fans Week Day, there Seniors Living –the don’t Week life tolife the full Living are the vibrant, the St Patrick’s are For the all vibrant, Day, you Seniors soccer For Week fans out you there soccer –soul, don’t fans life out toorthe there full –Brisbane are don’t vibrant, For all you fansorout there – don’t Brisbane band. Iflike you like rock, funk, soul, pop ON THE COVER Brisbane band. Iffull you Brisbane rock, band. funk, If you soul, like pop rock, or funk, soul, pop or band. If you like rock, funk,soccer soul, pop eePatrick’s band. you like rock, ON THE funk, COVER soul, ON orout THE COVER ON THE COVER Stpop Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living life the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – the don’t Brisbane band. Ifor you like rock, funk, pop ON THE COVER to be involved with FOCUS ful place to live, work, and play. expert, photographer and blogger Dani …gUkulele and this is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss this six a side, fast paced action! …between, and …I mentioned and this is this inIevent is addition in addition to to and and talented talented Silver Silver Ukulele Ukulele miss miss this six this a side, asix side, fast paced fast paced action! anything in between, this event isand athis must-see. inspiring and here are just anything in between, this event aUkulele must-see. mentioned mentioned inspiring inspiring women, women, and here and here are just are just anything in between, this event isSilver aevent … and is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss amiss side, fast paced … I and miss this isthis in six addition … awomen, side, and fast this toinspiring is paced in colourful action! to and talented colourful Silver and Ukulele talented … Silver miss this Ukulele this issix in addition ais six side, to fast this paced six colourful action! fast and paced talented action! 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Every year FOCUS has ahas Women lalusual the usual monthly monthly events events take take Strummers, Strummers, who feature feature on our on cover our And And this is this in is addition in addition to all to the all plays, the plays, Whether you’re young, or so young, be ayoung, few acelebrating of few of them! Every Every year FOCUS year FOCUS awho has Women awho Women Whether young, or not so young, be the usual monthly events that Strummers, who feature on our cover And isyoung, in addition to all the plays, Whether you’re or so young, be athat few of them! Every year FOCUS has aon Women our all cover the usual monthly And all the this events usual isthat in that addition monthly to events all Strummers, the that plays, take who Strummers, feature on our all who the cover feature usual monthly on our And cover events this isthis in that addition take And to all is Strummers, the in addition plays, to allfeature plays, on our cover And this is inoraddition all the Whether you’re young, Whether or not you’re sonot young, young, be or not so young, beaaddition Whether you’re young, or notA so young, be theto ther you’re or athem! few not of so them! young, Every be atake few year of FOCUS them! has Every aEvery Women year FOCUS has ayou’re Women anot few of them! Every year FOCUS has Women all the usual monthly events that take Strummers, who feature on our cover And this is in tothe all the the plays, beach? A nature reserve? park, even bush for aplays, Whether you’re orthis not so young, bewho atake few of them! year FOCUS has acover Women These days, with life being so ability to continually adapt and change District Manager for the Mid Coast Rund the Manning-Great Lakes this month. This friendly bunch ofthis movies, performances happening in inspired this month our locals are amazing! in Business Feature … We’re proud of our local ace around the Manning-Great Lakes Lakes this month. this month. This This friendly friendly bunch bunch movies, movies, and and performances performances happening happening inamazing! inspired this month -locals our locals are amazing! inManning-Great Business inmovies, Business Feature Feature … We’re … We’re proud proud of our oflocal our local inspired this month -local our are amazing! place around the Manning-Great this month. This friendly bunch of movies, and performances happening in inspired this month -in our locals are amazing! in Business Feature … We’re proud of our local nch place of around the Manning-Great and around performances the Lakes Manning-Great happening this month. in This friendly this month. bunch place This of friendly around bunch the movies, Manning-Great of and performances movies, Lakes and happening this performances month. inlocal This happening friendly bunch inpersonalised and performances happening in inspired this month inspired -and our locals this month are - our are amazing! inspired this ourmovies, locals are amazing! daround this month -the our locals inplace Business are amazing! Feature in … Business We’re proud Feature ofLakes … our We’re local proud ofof our local Business Feature … We’re proud ofinour place around the Manning-Great Lakes month. This friendly bunch ofamazing! movies, and performances happening inofmonth -sitting? more inspired this month - locals our locals are inLakes Business Feature … We’re proud of-of our fast-paced and people being so as needed, and I think this is something ral Fire District; and the team from Club locals is just one of the groups from our neck of the woods this month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and be too! They’re ea. locals locals is just is one just one of of groups the groups from from our neck our neck of neck the of woods the woods this month. Told Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you and should you should be too! be too! They’re EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO area.businesswomen, isthe just one of the groups our neck ofthis the woods this month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you should be too! They’re ps area. from ourbusinesswomen, area. neck ofyou theshould woods this month. locals Told isThey’re just one of locals the is groups just area. one from offrom the groups our from of the woods ourmonth. neck this ofmonth. locals the woods isTold just this onethis month. of the groups Told from our neck of the woodsshoot this called month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S PHOTO LETTER PHOTO EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO R’S LETTER PHOTO and businesswomen, you should belocals and too! you They’re should be too! They’re businesswomen, and you should too! They’re area. locals is just one of the groups from our neck ofbe the woods month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you should be too! They’re We are also now introducing an extra special “Retime-poor, convenience and short cuts we do our best to practice at Forster -which among others! giversity ofSpeaking Seniors which the Manning Valley U3A (University you itFOCUS. was busy! This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an enterprising, creative and talented bunch, aking Speaking ofbeautviful Seniors ofWeek, Seniors Week, Week, which the Manning the Manning Valley Valley U3A U3A (University (University you it you was itan was busy! busy! This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an enterprising, an enterprising, creative creative and talented and talented bunch, bunch, This month’s beautviful image of the iconic Speaking ofit Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University itbeautviful was busy! This month’s beautviful image of the iconic anof enterprising, creative and talented bunch, of you Seniors Speaking was Week, busy! of which Seniors Week, the which Manning Valley the U3A Manning (University Valley Speaking U3A of (University you Seniors ityou was Week, busy! you it image was busy! the Manning (University you it was busy! This month’s beautviful This month’s image of the iconic image ofwas the This month’s beautviful image of the iconic month’s image an enterprising, thewhich iconic creative an enterprising, talented creative bunch, and talented bunch, enterprising, creative and talented bunch,Valley U3A Speaking of Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University you it busy! This month’s beautviful of iconic the iconic anand enterprising, creative and talented bunch, Wear it”. This one is just for the ladies and gives the opportunity Forster-Tuncurry shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re the reason our area is such aarea ear from 15 -commonplace, 23 March, of the Third couldn’t fithe the EDITOR’S PHOTO are and it’s not quite ON THE this to our Men in and Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot Gymer. and they’re and they’re part part the of reason the reason our our area is23 such isWe such ais a isForster-Tuncurry bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. uns his year this year from from 15 -part 15 23 -of March, 23 March, of the of Third the Third Age). Age). We couldn’t We couldn’t fi tbridge the firuns tAge). EDITOR’S EDITOR’S PHOTO PHOTO bridge was shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re part of the reason our area such atof runs this year from 15 -March, 23 March, of the Third Age). We couldn’t fiabridge tyear the EDITOR’S PHOTO Forster-Tuncurry Forster-Tuncurry was shot by Brian Gymer. was shot by PHOTO Brian Gymer. was shot by PHOTO Brian Tuncurry bridge was and shot they’re by Brian part Gymer. of and the they’re reason our part of such reason aCOVER our area isForster-Tuncurry such and they’re part of the reason our area isGymer. such a WeForster-Tuncurry n’t runs fi t the this year EDITOR’S from runs 15 this - of 23 PHOTO year from 15 -area 23 of March, the Third Age). of We couldn’t Third fiwas taAge). this the We couldn’t from EDITOR’S 15 fiby t Add the -Brian PHOTO March, EDITOR’S of the Third Age). couldn’t fit wedding thebridgedress EDITOR’S Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot byBusiness Brian and they’re part of the reason our area isthe such runs this year from 15 -Age). March, the Third We couldn’t fi23 tbridge the EDITOR’S PHOTO to pop that on again andGymer. relive some memories! The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to live. oted quite ain few pages in entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for so common to experience longevity in The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special special place place to live. to live. The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such We have so many rising stars in our Environmental Features, and we have a e’ve devoted devoted quite quite aShane few aphotos, few pages pages in entire entire group group on our on cover, our cover, as there as there are are Shane Shane Chalker Chalker is well is well known known for for The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to live. we’ve devoted quite ainpages few pages in entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for The bridge features The in many bridge photos, features as in it’s many such photos, as it’s such The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such known for features many special place as it’s to live. such special place to live. special place to live. sdge there we’ve are devoted quite we’ve Chalker awe’ve few devoted is well quite in known a few for entire pages group in on our entire cover, group as we’ve there on our devoted are cover, Shane as quite there a Chalker few are pages is Shane well in known Chalker entire for is well group known on our for cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to live. devoted quite a few pages in entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known for Husbands, it’s a great anniversary surprise, and yes, if you want a40 classic landmark, but Iproducing can’t say I’ve seen too to all the women who were involved our cover -can’t to some 40 of them, so you’ll have to go amzing images and this a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too to all to the all women the women who who were were involved involved a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too business and the workplace. area whether it’s in business, sport, his sue issue - to and -Thanks and our cover our cover -celebrate to celebrate to celebrate some some 40 of 40 them, of them, so you’ll so you’ll have have to go to go producing producing amzing amzing images images and and this this bumper edition. a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue - Thanks and our cover to celebrate some of them, so you’ll have to go producing amzing images and this a classic landmark, a but classic I can’t landmark, say I’ve seen but I too can’t say I’ve seen too a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too c and landmark, but Iproducing Thanks say I’ve to seen all the too women Thanks who to all were the women involved who were involved Thanks to all the women who were involved have this issue go - Thanks and our this cover issue amzing to and celebrate images our cover and some to this celebrate 40 of them, some so you’ll 40 of have this them, issue to go so you’ll and producing our have cover to go amzing to celebrate producing images and amzing some this 40 images of them, and so this you’ll have to go producing amzing images - and this a classic landmark, but I can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue - and our cover - to celebrate some 40 of them, so you’ll have to go producing amzing images - and this to join in you can! many pics of itBryant taken at night. Well done, Brian -photo this and to Linda Bryant for the important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter is no many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian with with this feature, this feature, and to and Linda to Linda Bryant Bryant for the for the many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian hese very very important important members members of our of our to their to their interview interview page page to meet to meet the rest the rest month’s month’s Editor’s Editor’s letter letter photo photo is no is no To what does FOCUS owe its success? many pics of it taken at night. Well done, Brian with this feature, and to Linda Bryant for the entertainment, or just about any other EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO these very important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter photo is no many pics of it taken many at night. pics of Well it taken done, at Brian night. Well done, Brian many pics of it taken at night. 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Well done, Brian with this feature, and to Linda for the these very important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter photo is no You can follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our new great shot! stunning photography. great shot! photography. photography. great shot! y. of them. exception. ommunity. unity. of them. of them. exception. exception. great shot! photography. I stunning havestunning to stunning say astunning huge part of this can fi eld you could mention! 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Both boys started riding top of One Mile Beach sandhill, capturfocusmag.com.au if you’d like to see them in This month we catch up with Kirby and Carl sand Week, month’s and we jo@focusmag.com.au certainly Week, have and we an certainly have Photography an by Linda Photography for this Week, month’s by Linda for we this jo@focusmag.com.au certainly month’s have an jo@focusmag.com.au Photography by Linda for this month’s jo@focusmag.com.au Week, and we certainly have an Photography by Linda for this month’s jo@focusmag.com.au FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of the from from the Saltwater the Saltwater Boardriders Boardriders Club Club ahead ahead ofClub the of the FOCUS. roup of locals doing just that! stunning cover image. FINAL SAY FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders ahead ofFOCUS. the mazing ng group group of locals of locals doing doing just just that! stunning stunning cover cover image. image. FINAL FINAL SAY SAY FOCUS. FOCUS. from the Saltwater from Boardriders the Saltwater Club ahead Boardriders of the Club ahead of the from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of in. the www.spirelphotographic.com amazing group of locals doing just that! stunning cover image. FINAL SAYsunset, moment in the offi cethat! with this crew! FOCUS. from the Saltwater Boardriders Club ahead of the BMX when they were just toddlers, ingdoing the while the clouds roll amazing group FINAL of amazing locals SAY doing group just of that! locals doing stunning just that! cover image. stunning cover amazing image. group FINAL of locals SAY just FINAL that! SAYSAY stunning cover image.FOCUS. FINAL SAY amazing group of locals doing just that! stunning cover image. FINAL FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary -of amazing achievement, FINAL SAY club’s club’s 50th 50th anniversary anniversary amazing amazing achievement, achievement, FINAL SAY oduce you to members of the INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help getting older, but FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, introduce WeWe introduce you to you members to members the of the INSIDE INSIDE THIS THIS ISSUE ISSUE “You “You can’t can’t help help getting getting older, older, but but FINAL SAY FINAL SAY FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary club’s amazing 50th anniversary achievement, amazing achievement, club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, We introduce you to members of the INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help getting older, but FINAL SAY club’s 50th anniversary amazing achievement, Also, we“You areWe so very fortunate toolder, introduce you to can’t introduce members help getting of youthe to members but of THIS the ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSUE We introduce “You toThanks can’t members help getting of “You the can’t older, INSIDE help but getting THIS ISSUE older, but butSAY “You can’t help getting older, but and look them now! With a host ofyou Merryl! We introduce you toINSIDE members of theat INSIDE THIS ISSUE “You can’t help getting older, “Anyone who stops learning islearning old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam “Anyone who stops is old, whether guys! guys! We also We interview also interview Sean Sean Page Page and Sam and Sam “Anyone who stops learning isyou old, whether “Anyone who stops learning isto old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam Valley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you don’t have to get old” -to George “Anyone who stops “Anyone learning who is old, stops whether learning old, whether “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether one who stops learning guys! isManning We old, also whether interview guys! Sean We also Page interview and Sam Sean Page and Sam guys! We also interview Sean and Manning ng Valley Valley Quota Quota Club, Club, Wendy Wendy We We haven’t forgotten forgotten the younger the younger you don’t you don’t have have to get old” get old” -to George -isdon’t George Manning Valley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you don’t have get old” -to George “Anyone who stops learning isPage old, whether guys! We also interview Sean Page and Sam younger Manning Valley you Quota Manning don’t Club, have Valley Wendy to get Quota old” Club, - haven’t George We Wendy haven’t forgotten We haven’t the younger Manning forgotten Valley the Quota younger don’t Club, have Wendy you get don’t old” -have George We haven’t get old” - George the younger you don’t have to get old” - George have amazing regular advertisers and National and State wins and placFINAL SAY Valley Quota Club, Wendy We haven’t forgotten the younger you have toSam get forgotten old” - George attwo twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, asPrivate these two talented teenagers have at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, Thomson, as these as these two talented two talented teenagers teenagers have have at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, as these two talented teenagers have merris the Forster Private Hospital members of our community either! Burns. at twenty or eighty. at Anyone twenty who or eighty. keeps Anyone learning who keeps learning at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning ty or eighty. Anyone Thomson, who keeps as these learning Thomson, two talented as these teenagers two talented have teenagers have Thomson, as these two talented teenagers have from from the Forster the Forster Private Hospital Hospital members members of our of community our community either! either! Burns. Burns. at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning Thomson, as these talented teenagers have Ferris from the Forster Private Hospital members of our community either! Burns. either! Ferris from theBurns. Forster Ferris Private from the Hospital Forster Private members Hospital of under our community members ofeither! Ferris our community from the Forster either! Private Hospital Burns. Burns. contributors who support us Forster each and ings their belts, these guys areBurns. “To sustain longevity, you have of to our community either! Ferris from the Private Hospital members of our community either! Burns. members stays young. The greatest thing in life is toin been chosen to represent Australia as ainterviewed part of stays young. The greatest thing life isgreatest to keep been been chosen chosen to represent tochosen represent Australia Australia as afantastic part as aEmma part ofPolson stays young. The thing inyoung. life iskeep to keep stays young. The greatest thing inisto life is thing tonew keep been to represent Australia as aEmma part of out some of the fantastic new We interviewed from stays young. The greatest stays thing The in life to keep inAustralia lifein islife to young. The greatest thing in life is to keep oung. The greatest thing been in chosen life is to keep been Australia tointerviewed represent asof arepresent part of Australia as ainterviewed part of been chosen as a part sn llsabout us about some some of the of fantastic the fantastic new new We We interviewed Emma Polson Polson from from stays young. The greatest thing iskeep to keepof Emmastays been to Australia as agreatest part of tells us about some of the fantastic new We interviewed Emma Polson from tells from us about some tells of us the about fantastic some new of the We new Emma We interviewed Polson tells from us Emma about Polson some from of the fantastic We interviewed Polson from every month. You are allrepresent terrifi c,chosen and champs to watch. Well done -Emma you do evolve” -represent Aries Spears. tells us about some ofchosen the fantastic new We Polson from your mind young.” -young.” Henry Ford. theavailable Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat your mind Henry Ford. the Australian the Australian Auroras Auroras Under Under 16 dragon 16 dragon boat boat your mind young.” Henry Ford. your mind young.” Henry Ford. the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat available in the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth a very proactive your mind young.” your Henry mind Ford. young.” Henry Ford. your mind young.” nd young.” Henry the Ford. Australian Auroras the Australian Under 16 dragon Auroras boat Under 16 dragon boat the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat ams rograms available in the in hospital’s the hospital’s new new Manning Manning Dairy Dairy Youth Youth a very a very proactive proactive your mind young.” Henry Ford. the Australian Auroras Under 16 dragon boat programs available inhospital’s the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth -Dairy aprograms very proactive y programs proactive programs inprograms the available new in the hospital’s Manning new Dairy Youth Manning - a very proactive Youth available - a very proactive in the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth - a very proactive - Henry Ford. weavailable could never adequately express available in how the hospital’s new Manning Dairy Youth - a very proactive our area proud! crew later thiscrew year. Well done, Sean and Sam -year. crew crew later later this year. this year. Well Well done, done, Sean Sean and Sam and Sam crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam later this year. crew Well later done, this Sean and Well Sam done, Sean and Sam crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam - group of young people apy pool, and Phil Webster and enthusiastic group of young people therapy ydrotherapy pool, pool, and and Phil Webster Phil Webster and and enthusiastic enthusiastic group group of young of young people people crew later this year. Well done, Sean and Sam hydrotherapy pool, and Webster Phil Webster and enthusiastic group of young people ung hydrotherapy people pool, hydrotherapy and Phil pool, and and Phil and Webster enthusiastic group and ISSUE enthusiastic ofenthusiastic young hydrotherapy people group ofpool, young and people Phil Webster and enthusiastic hydrotherapy pool, Phil Webster and group of young people much we appreciate your contributions. INSIDE THIS do usdoproud! us do proud! us proud! do us proud! do us proud! do us proud! do us proud! odham from the Great Lakes who are determined to see the dairy nd hil Rodham Phil Rodham from from the Great the Great Lakes Lakes who who are determined are determined to see to the see dairy the dairy do us proud! andAnd Phillastly, Rodham from the Great Lakes are determined to see the dairy heand dairy Phil Rodham and from Phil the Rodham Great Lakes from the who Great are Lakes determined who to are see determined the and dairy Philwe Rodham toseem see dairy Great Lakes who are determined to see the dairy and Phil Rodham from the who Great who are determined to the see thethe dairy I have to acknowledge our More than ever tofrom JoLakes Atkins –Jo Editor Jo Atkins Atkins – this Editor –month, Editor Jo Atkins – Editor s – Editor And Jo Atkins – Editor Jo Atkins –JoEditor Jo Atkins – Editor on the other endimpact of the spectrum, we Atkins –JoEditor Jo Atkins –on And on And the on other the other end of end the of spectrum, the spectrum, we we JoEditor Atkins Atkins – Editor – Editor And on the other end of the spectrum, we Jo Atkins Editor And on the other end And of on the the spectrum, other end we of the spectrum, we And the other end the–industry spectrum, we Jo Atkins –impact Editor Jo Atkins –ofEditor Jo Atkins – Editor Jo Atkins – Editor pport Group share the impact industry continue to thrive in the Valley, And on the other end of the spectrum, we rsmag.com.au Support Support Group Group share the the impact industry industry continue continue to thrive to thrive inthrive the in Valley, the Valley, Jo Atkins – Editor Cancer Support Group share the industry continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au nancer the Cancer Valley, Support Group Cancer share Support the impact Group share industry the impact continue industry to continue in Cancer the Valley, to Support thrive in Group the Valley, share the impact continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au Cancer Support Group share the impact industry continue to thrive in the Valley, jo@focusmag.com.au readers -share it’s you guys who email us our have covered an amazing cross section jo@focusmag.com.aujo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au jo@focusmag.com.au e has on men and their and Jerrad Allen fi lls us in about the his sease disease has on has men on on men and and their their and Jerrad Jerrad Allen Allen fills us fills infiand us about in about the thisinterview disease has on men and their and Allen fi lls us in about Jo Atkins Editor Allen fills us in about the out this the disease has this men disease and their has magazine, on men and and their Jerrad Allen lls us Jerrad inthe about Allen this the disease fills the us inusabout on men theand and–Jerrad this disease has on and men and their and Jerrad Allen fillshas in about the their leads, read our and ofJerrad local talent. jo@focusmag.com.au support our local businesses. ADDRESS: We’ve Fred Suite 2 ADDRESS: / 42 Wharf ADDRESS: ADDRESS: Suite Suite 2interviewed: / 42 2Wharf / 42 Wharf jo@focusmag.com.au EMAIL: EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au Suite 2Wharf /artists 42 Wharf harf ADDRESS: Suite 2 / ADDRESS: 42EMAIL: Suite 2Bullen, / jo@focusmag.com.au 42 Wharfjo@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf EMAIL:

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chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf, Street,jeff@focusmag.com.au Forster 2428 jeff@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au elisabeth@focusmag.com.au CTOR: Jay Beaumont DIRECTOR: ARTART DIRECTOR: JayDIRECTOR: Beaumont Jay DIRECTOR: Beaumont ART Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont DIRECTOR: Jay ART Beaumont DIRECTOR: JayBeaumont Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: JayLinda Beaumont ART ART DIRECTOR: JayDIRECTOR: Beaumont JayADVERTISING Beaumont michael@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant ART Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont PHOTOGRAPHER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant Bryant ART DIRECTOR: Jay ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: JayBryant Beaumont 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jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au Photography by Linda Photography Photography by Linda by Linda jay@focusmag.com.au Photography byPhotography Linda Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: reg@focusmag.com.au Photography by7338 Linda Photography by Linda byLouise Linda Louise Louise Beaumont Beaumont Louise Louise Beaumont Beaumont MANAGER: MANAGER: reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Louise Beaumont Photography by Linda Louise Beaumont MANAGER: FAX: (02) 6555 reg@focusmag.com.au Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont Beaumont ont Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: MANAGER: MANAGER: Louise Beaumont reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au reg@focusmag.com.au Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: WEB DESIGNER: reg@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC HIC / WEB /GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: /GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB / WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 CONSULTANT/WRITER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: 02 6551 02 2353 6551 Mob: 2353 0416 Mob: 073 0416 902 073 902 GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: louise@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC /louise@focusmag.com.au WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC /073 WEB DESIGNER: 022353 6551 23530416 Mob: 0416 902 GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902/louise@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 Mob: 02 6551 902 2353 Mob: 0416 louise@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: joey@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au 02073 6551 2353 Mob: 073 0416902 073 902 louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au archment EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment Michael el Marchment Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, Michael Michael Marchment Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Craig Mason, Mason, Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au Chrissy Jones JP Mason, CraigCraig Michael Marchment Michael Marchment Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Michael Marchment Michael Marchment Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig PHOTOGRAPHER: Mason, Mason, Michael Marchment www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Mason, www.photographybylinda.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au usmag.com.au ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au l@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au NT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan East Coast Photography ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: chrissy@focusmag.com.au WEB: www.focusmag.com.au East Coast EastEast Coast Photography Photography michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: East Coast Photography East Coast Photography Coast Photography East East Coast Photography Annette Wannell Coast Photography Annette Annette Wannell Wannell Annette Wannell Jasmine McQuillan Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Jasmine Jasmine McQuillan McQuillan Annette Wannell jeff@focusmag.com.au DESIGNER: Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC HICGRAPHIC DESIGNER: DESIGNER: Joey Dable Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan Jasmine McQuillan Jasmine McQuillan 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGNER: DESIGNER: Joey Dable Joey Dable 02 6554 02DESIGNER: 9703 6554 /9703 0411 / 846 0411 084 846 084 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Joey Dable DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Joey Dable DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / GRAPHIC 0411 846 084 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 02 084 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au DESIGNER: Joey Dable TV: www.focustv.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: The Photography Hub GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au ag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au oey@focusmag.com.au ocusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au 02 6551www.eastcoastphotography.com.au 2353www.eastcoastphotography.com.au Mob: 0416 073 902 GRAPHIC DESIGNER:joey@focusmag.com.au Kyle Rathbone FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com kyle@focusmag.com.au

chrissy@focusmag.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryant COPY EDITOR:Linda Reg Brookhouse Photography by Linda reg@focusmag.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig www.photographybylinda.com.au

Mason,

East Coast Photography 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 www.eastcoastphotography.com.au

www.photographybylinda.com.au

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focusinterview.

C L U B

F O R S T E R

OUTSTANDING Regional Initiative

L-R: STEPHEN BROMHEAD MP (MEMBER FOR MYALL LAKES), KEVIN “NED” LANDERS, CURTIS LANDERS, CLAIRE FLETCHER (PRESIDENT, CLUB FORSTER), PETER V CLARKE FCPA (GENERAL MANAGER, CLUB FORSTER), DARREN PETTET (ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, CLUB FORSTER), ANTHONY BALL (CEO CLUBSNSW). PHOTO COURTESY OF JACQUIE MANNING.

Club Forster was successful in winning the award for “Outstanding Regional Initiative” for its effort with the “Curtis Landers Road to Recovery” Auction held in July last year. On hand to accept the award on behalf of the club and the community were President Claire Fletcher, General Manager Peter Clarke and Assistant General Manager Darren Pettet. Also attending as special guests was Curtis Landers himself, accompanied by his father, Ned. Darren Pettet tells us more.

H

i Darren. What are the “Clubs and Community Awards” all about? These awards recognise and celebrate the unique stories and significant good that clubs do, and the dedicated people who make clubs what they are. Recently winning the award for “Outstanding Regional Initiative”, tell us about the award and the Curtis Landers “Road to Recovery” efforts held by the club. This event has been described as one of the largest single fundraising appeals held outstand of a city. The cause was to benefit a young man who was reported of having less than 2% chance of ever being able to walk. His remarkable determination is truly inspirational. This story has touched so many people from near and far, and the support shown was amazing. The main auction was held in the Club Forster Auditorium and was called by Ray Hadley; the M/C of the evening was Mike Rabbit from Channel 9’s Sports Report. There were two live crosses to the Channel 9 Footy Show, and we had a sell-out crowd of over 700

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people that had to be fed, with more than by his local school at the Great Lakes Campus 160+ items that had to be auctioned off. - especially the work and support given to Interviews from the games’ greats included Curtis by Deputy Principal Mick Adam - has Laurie Daley, Chris Anderson, Andrew Ryan been incredible. and local legend Danny Buderus, and “The committee of the fundraising all this happened within a time appeal for their work behind frame of 3½ hours! After the scenes, in particular this we were finally able Tony Lumptin from TJL as to announce that a total Business Advisors for his w The cause a of over $250,000 was guidance, advice and fit to bene as w ho w raised just on the continued work ... we an young m ng vi ha of evening, which was are truly grateful.” ed report ce an ch 2% an th certainly a remarkable With Club Forster less le to and proud moment to and the Great Lakes of ever being ab kable walk. His remar be a part of. community having truly determination is Curtis has made a raised over $250,000 inspirational.” remarkable recovery, on the auction night which is still continuing alone, how will this today. Tell us about the help Curtis and his family? amazing support he received Ideally, the money was raised from Club Forster and the community. for Curtis to assist him in purchasing As quoted by Kevin “Ned” Landers much needed medical, educational and (Curtis’ father): “Club Forster‘s support physiotherapy equipment needed to aid him has been truly astonishing, along with a in the future on his Road to Recovery. number of other local and statewide clubs. Why is it an honour to receive Also, the hospitality industry has really recognition for these invaluable efforts? opened our eyes to what clubs do for their I was very proud to accept this award community. The support Curtis has received on behalf of Club Forster and our local

“

community, because it showcases the true spirit of the Great Lakes community, who have given generously of their time, effort, and financial assistance. Who were some of the dedicated people involved with the Curtis Landers fundraising events? The Club Forster team was led by Peter Clarke, Eddie Youngblood, and myself, plus other principal contributors were Aaron Temple, Peter Gardiner and Warren Blissett, who were outstanding in forming a committee that includes representatives of the Forster and Gloucester Junior Rugby League. Our local Mayor, Mrs Jan McWilliams, family and friends of the Landers family, including the two young men, Jay Wither and Max Elliot, who set up and managed the Facebook site “Road to Recovery”. How does Club Forster provide a platform for widespread community initiatives? Our club has an obligation to assist in all events that relate to our local community, and through our professionalism we strive for what is best of our members. Thanks Darren.

inside this

Matters.

Matters. Matters.

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[ wit h A la n T ickle ] [ w it h Ala n T ick le ]

Issue 100 - June 2015

6.

Dani Odgers. Fashion photographer, Blogger, Shop Owner and all round local gem ... Dani Odgers from Wolfe & Ordnance shares her passion for photography and fashion with FOCUS …

8.

Amber Carbury. This month in FOCUS we were delighted to interview artist Amber Carbury. Amber grew up here in the Manning and has since moved around the East Coast of NSW, developing her incredible skills and showcasing her art.

16. 50.

Kirk Owers. Kirk Owers’ skill behind the lens has led him to many far-flung corners of the globe whether he’s focusing on the ancient art of falconry, or capturing the wet and wild action at international surfing comps, Kirk produces stunning images.

4. Club Forster 12. BMX Bandits 27. Taree Open Art Exhibition 42. Taree PCYC Gymaroo Allstar Cheerleading & Stunts

usual suspects.

the

10. What’s On for June 18. eat featuring local restaurants 44. Star Guide with Terri 45. Tourism Update with Donna Hudson

Dear Alan, My wife and I receive close to a full aged pension. We both have account based pensions and $100,000 in bank accounts aiting until after June 30th to and fixed deposits.

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be in the race to get advice

Are there other options to or consider with Dear Alan, on taxation superannuation respect to the age pension? RW We are caught under the assets tests contributions can prove towith be aRW, total of $350,000 in assessed assets. At Dearcostly. age 70 and good health, wereceiving still have If you have your own business, getting You have told mein that you are not a advice well before June allows action to be some years ahead of us but as you full pension, which means that you eitherhave have taken to rectify accounting issues or address pointed out an earlier column, the single assessed assets inin excess $279,000 or have taxation opportunities. pension will be tough, when one of us excess assessed income. Assessing the appropriate amount to place dies. It is to suggested that you request Centrelink to superannuation, taking Should we spendprepayments, more on ourand house to provide a statement of your income andfor asset up the recent budget announcement get the assets down? assessment and you should then reviewitems the of small business to purchase of capital We never miss reading your column and accuracy of the amounts recorded. less than $20,000 can all be useful tools in always find it interesting, thank you. PS. reducingmistake taxationisliability, provided theof A common overstating thethat value Dear PS, purchase is justifi ed. homeIf contents and nancialpension assets a couple on theother agednon-fi or disability Having a trusted taxation adviser to bounce such have as motor vehicles, caravans and boats. assessed assets more than $286,500 then ideas off is a really good gatekeeper for such their pension reduced by $1.50 forvalue, every Furniture is valuedis at the second hand decisions. $1,000 in excess that amount. not Superannuation replacement cost,of and vehicles at the Contributions as or youwholesale have pointed realistic trade-in value. ItHowever, is really important forrightly those who areout, this hurtsthe even more on the singleby pension, where salary sacrifi cing to or who Because pension issuperannuation reduced $1.50 there is a reduction when assessed assets are self -employed and making deductible per thousand of excess assets, if the asset exceed $202,000. to ensure contribution test contributions, determines how much that pension is paid, caps are not exceeded. Should there be a review? legitimately reducing the assessed assets by A general capit of $30,000 applies, exceptwhen for I don’t is in the national interest $10,000 forbelieve example, saves $15 in pension. those aged 49 or above on June 30th 2014, interest rates are the lowest in living memory, Thatwhere extra apension is like earning 3.9% per higher cap ofthe $35,000 (This that either spending money,applies. or needlessly annum interest on $10,000 ficarrying gure includes employer contributions such out improvements on the home, as SGL, as well as salary amounts.) There are other means ofsacrifi reducing assets actually results in more netce income. Conversely, increasing contributions might legitimately, but the message is that thereduces asset If a person affected by the asset test appropriate to reduce the impact of test be certainly impacts. assessed assets by spending money, this taxation on income received. What if theproduces income the testequivalent determines the actually of 3.9%pa Budget changes and Pensions pension amount by virtue of thepaid? extra pension paid, which is The changes to the Centrelink asset test do more than what is being earnedinvested on most fixed If the $100,000 is until the only money not take effect January 2017 and plenty deposits or savings accounts. apart from the account and can happen by then, based but thispensions, also allows some What are some to reduce if assessed assets are measures less than $279,000, planning. assessed assets? it is Single likely that the income received fromlimit homeowner current lower Funeral bonds where youwell invest a lump the $202,000 allocated pension is set above thesum, means deductible that compounding interest on Pension cuts you out earn at amount. $775,500 Centrelink the deposit but the capital is not assessed as an New rules $289,500 Under current rules, Centrelink (or Veterans asset. (I can such products.) $547,000 cutarrange off Affairs, if you're a veteran) takes your Couple Placinghomeowner $7,000 each$286,500 to a funeral bond results pension's purchase price and divides it by the Pension cuts out $21 $1,151,500 in an additional per fortnight pension for

actuarial life expectancy when the account based pension commenced. Based on the 2005-07 Australian Life Tables, males aged 65 currently have a further life expectancy of New rules Females $451,500 18.54 years. of the same age have a $823,000 cut off 21.62-year life expectancy. a The couple. winners in this are those who have

The result of this calculation is called your Gifting based of money account pensions established before pension's deductible amount or DA.

There is1st no 2015, gift duty or tax on gifting money January where there is a concessional

Ifincome the commencing balance for a you newlike. account and youtreatment. can give away whatever based or allocated pension is $200,000, the This means that whereas in many cases, less However, amounts in excess of $10,000 per DA is $10,787 if you're male and $9,250 than the full pension was being received, now financial year up to a maximum of $30,000ifin as their total assets exceed the lower female. five years, will countcurrently as an asset. their assets fall below the revised lower Iflimit, moreifthan those amounts Revalue personal assets are drawn, the limit, they will find that they may qualify for extra amount is counted as assessed income. It is worth keeping Centrelink up to date with

full pension from January 2017. theolder realistic marketisvalue of the youraccount vehicles and The a person I am pleased to saywhen that my statementsbased in personal assets, because they decline value pension commenced, higher the DA, as Money Matters beforethe December last in year, and every Your home contents only be the life year. expectancy is less. at seminars to encourage peopleneed to implement the valuebased a second handregardless dealer would give test you, pensions ofbased asset Byaccount transferring the existing account notrules theto insured value. “as can change” pension a new one, as theprophetic. current age of the Those who have deemed investments only Superannuation pensioner is used, which results in a more still won’t not get yet full age pension if they are single A person pension age can hold favourable outcome under the income test.

with $151,000 invested or aand couple money in superannuation, this iswith not

New Rulesinvested, so the changes haven’t $264,000 counted as an asset.

After December 2014 helped those with thatnew levelaccount of assets.based Estate Planning Challenge ofnot low interest ratest of a DA pensions will have the benefi Having money held in single names or as say under the income new rules a single pensioner toLet’s reduce assessed and they will be tenants in common, will enable transferring loses the pension and has $500,000 invested assessed in similar way to bank accounts. some of the money to the next generation in a in bank accounts at 3%, that only produces

Commencing account based pensions before will. This $300 per reduces week. assessed assets, and it is not then should be considered even if retirement is counted as a gift. That is a tough ask and without some some time off. This can be useful in cases where the strategy advice, their savings will dwindle.

survivor might otherwiseoflose all Centrelink Reviewing the structure existing account Strategy based pensions is also wortharound considering, I entitlements. can see a raft of strategies estate if planning and asset reduction being employed the income test impacting or likely to impact Finally, having aisdiversifi ed investment portfolio for those close to the cut off fi gure. on future Centrelink payments. takes away the reliance on interest rates.

It is quite ridiculous that reducing assessed

are only about three occasions It There must also be remembered that theover dropan assets from 2017 will produce theand equivalent average 20 year period that cash fi xed in pension when there is a death and the of 7.8% return, which is about 2.5 times more interest is the leading asset performer. survivor is left to manage on a single pension, than what would be earned on deposit. is Diminishing significant. assets to increase the pension is

Regardless, investing wisely through

a recipe that for trouble if taken of to account the extreme, Ensuring the structure based diversifying investment assets and judicious and having a portfolio that actually pensions is reviewed to account forgrows that isin use of annuities and other asset test effective value andwill increases over time putsI the strategy, becomeincome the accepted norm, important. Centrelink pension where it should be; that is,

believe. The opportunity won’t be there from 2015, asWhile a safety net to could support peoplebefore who need anything happen January so there is six months from now available to 2017, being forewarned does incentives enable preit while still retaining enough for consider those options.

emptive advice. people to fund themselves as much as possible.

This information and advice is of a general nature only and no reliance should be placed on the information before seeking individual advice This information and advice ageneral generalto nature only and noreliance relianceshould should placedcircumstances. onthe theinformation information before seeking individual advice information and advice isisofofaAdviser nature only and no bebeplaced on individual advice from aThis Financial Planner and Taxation ensure the appropriateness to individual Alanbefore Tickleseeking and Your Heritage from Financial Planner andTaxation Taxation Advisertotoensure ensure theappropriateness appropriateness individual circumstances. AlanTickle Tickleand andYour YourHeritage Heritage from aaFinancial and Adviser the totoindividual circumstances. Alan Financial Planning arePlanner both authorised representatives of Securitor Financial Group AFSL 240687 ABN 48009189495. FinancialPlanning Planningare areboth bothauthorised authorisedrepresentatives representativesofofSecuritor SecuritorFinancial FinancialGroup GroupAFSL AFSL240687 240687ABN ABN48009189495. 48009189495. Financial

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

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focusinterview.

Dani

DANI Odgers

W O L F E

&

O R D N A N C E FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER, BLOGGER, SHOP OWNER AND ALL ROUND LOCAL GEM ... DANI ODGERS FROM WOLFE & ORDNANCE SHARES HER PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND FASHION WITH FOCUS…

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hat’s your connection with our gorgeous region; did you grow up here? Yeah, I grew up in Forster-Tuncurry; it truly is such a beautiful place to grow up. I only moved away for university and to pursue work opportunities. I love coming back here to get away from the grind of the city. Setting up the store has given me the ability to do this much more regularly as well; I think it’s great. At what point did photography become an interest for you, and when did you develop your passion for fashion photography? I became interested in photography when I was in school; at that point it was more of a hobby. It developed more into a passion when I left for university to study photo imagery and later, visual communications. Certain projects I got the opportunity to do through university really geared my focus more towards fashion photography, and I haven’t looked back since. What are some of the exciting projects you’ve worked on? I really can’t put it down to one, because I get really excited about all our projects. With

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Following

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each new collection a perfect space became university I a en arriving in store I shoot available in Forsterdecided to op ng hi ot cl e a new look book and Tuncurry, so I jumped lin small on d ul co I re he campaign. I have a at it. w store, y love m th bo ne bi location and model I contacted a few of m co y and wish list; each new my friends who work for photograph hat fashion; this is w shoot I get a chance within the industry d an fe ol W e m beca to tick those off the list, and live in the area and Ordnance. ” which is pretty exciting thought it would be a for me. great idea to open up a Tell us about your online pop up store for the summer. blog Wolfe & Ordinance and Having a shopfront turned out to how it became much more than just a be something we thoroughly enjoy, and fashion blog … we’ve had such an amazing response from Wolfe and Ordnance originally started as the community, so we’ve decided to stay. a photography and fashion blog. As my main I am constantly on the hunt to bring interest in photography is fashion, I spent a lot Australia's most sought after designer labels of time working with other bloggers, models to the doorstep of Forster-Tuncurry. From the and collaborating with labels. Initially it was a statement pieces from Asilio, to the elegance space where I could showcase my portfolio. of Camilla and Marc, the fun wearable pieces Following university, I decided to open a small of The Fifth and a bit of rock and roll glamour online clothing store, where I could combine from OneTeaspoon sees Wolfe and Ordnance both my love for photography and fashion; this offering apparel, accessories, swimwear and is what became Wolfe and Ordnance. denim for every age demographic. I ran the online store for almost a year Who are some of the local artists/ and realised that we needed to expand the designers we can find showcased in your business by opening a store and having a more shopfront? physical presence within the market. Originally I teamed up with Lisa Stricker, the owner we were looking in the Sydney area; however, and director of Lenni the Label, to create a

place for customers to not only to find all the wonderful brands we stock at Wolfe and Ordnance, but also a place where all the pieces in the Lenni collection are available. Alongside Lenni we also stock local designer IINA and Son of Lumiere, to add some more oomph to our store collection. I think it is great to be able to support local designers, because it is an industry that does need more support and recognition within Australia. We don’t always need to look overseas; we have fantastic talent available right here. Fashion tips for winter? Layer it up to your heart's content. Wrap up in an oversized statement coat or a turtle neck - that’s where I’m at, at the moment. Denim flares are also making a comeback, so get your hands on some of those babies and you’ll be set. Where can our readers find and follow you? They can head to our shopfront in Tuncurry, which is shop, 4/ 1-5 Manning St, or head online to www.wolfeandordnance. com, follow us on our social media: Intagram: @wolfeandordnance and Facebook: www.facebook.com/wolfeandordnance. Thanks Dani.

Single level dwellings make Single level dwellings make aa small, friendly village… small, friendly village… Discover the friendly and caring community Tuncurry Discover theoffriendly andVillage. caring community Everyone is of onTuncurry the same Village. level –Everyone literally!isThere aresame no stairs on the level and certainly lifts to about, – literally!noThere areworry no stairs andonly pleasant through well-tended certainly paths no lifts to worry about, only gardens and villas. pleasant paths through well-tended and villas.who will fast You’ll soon get to knowgardens your neighbours, become yourget friends. You’ll soon to know your neighbours, who will fast become your friends. You’ll also have peace of mind in knowing that dependable care on-site 7 days that a week to provide You’llstaff alsoare have peace24ofhours mindainday, knowing dependable professional to high care ina day, the privacy yourtoown care staff are low on-site 24 hours 7 days aofweek provide home, as required. This allows couples to stay together, professional low to high care in the privacy of your owneven if theirascare requirements are quite different. home, required. This allows couples to stay together, even if their care requirements quite different. Live independantly while are enjoying the option of quality meals, cleaning, shopping, bill paying moreofservices, Live independantly while enjoying theand option quality including regular social outings on the village bus. meals, cleaning, shopping, bill paying and more services, including regularatsocial outings on the village bus. View floorplans www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au or callfloorplans us on 6554 to arrange an inspection. View at8424 www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au or call us on 6554 8424 to arrange an inspection.

Tuncurry Tuncurry Village Village

11A Chapman Road Tuncurry NSW 2428 11A Chapman Road Tuncurry NSW 2428

Tel: (02) 6554 8424 Tel: (02) 6554 8424

The Grandis Double sized lounge and dining room The Grandis Double galley style kitchen with extra

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Double sized lounge andfridge dining room storage/pantry and large Double galleyboth stylewith kitchen with extra 2 bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms storage/pantry and large fridge n Double courtyard n 2 bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms View more floorplans at www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au n Double courtyard View more floorplans at www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au n n

focusinterview.

Carbury This month in FOCUS we were delighted to interview artist Amber Carbury. Amber grew up here in the Manning and has since moved around the East Coast of NSW, developing her incredible skills and showcasing her art. Viewed closely, her works resemble thousands of tiny dots - an art skill that will leave you in awe.

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hat’s your relationship with the Manning-Great Lakes area; how did you come to call it home? When I was 9 years old, my family moved to a beautiful area located in the Manning Valley called Bobin. I grew up on a cattle farm in Bobin, attended the local public school and then went to Wingham High School, before moving to Newcastle for further studies. I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to have grown up in a community that felt like one big family. I felt a great sense of belonging in Bobin, vn and it will always be my home. What do you recall as being your earliest creative memories? My interest in being creative began at a young age; I was encouraged and supported by the local community. Bobin Public School enabled students to be practically involved in their interests, and art was no exception. Local artists and musicians were often involved in assisting the school with “life skills day”, and it was this inspirational artistic encouragement that excited my interest for the arts. When was it that you discovered your passion was, in fact, talent? Was this something that progressed quickly? My passion for painting and drawing during my teenage years developed into what I would describe as a healthy love and obsession with expressing myself through art. I realised that this passion was a driving force within my personality - something that could give a sense of meaning and purpose in life. My love and interest for art has become even stronger over

the years, as I battle reduce the “muddiness” is I realised that th with myself to try and of the painting; in other a as w n passio y m achieve my greatest words, when painting in ith w e rc driving fo ng hi et m potential. I am aware skin tones it is more so ity al person a ve that I must be patient efficient to learn how to gi d ul co at th and with myself, as only correctly mix the tones sense of meaning time, persistence and you need and then apply purpose in life.” practice can further my them to achieve a more skill level. precise or correct outcome. It seems a lot of your After years of painting this work reflects the female way, my work has slowly evolved human figure. What is it about into my own particular style. I have this subject that draws you in? become accustomed to applying the paint Drawing and painting the human in a dot-like manner using particular colours form was one of the main focus areas at that build up in tonal layers to create an image. art school. I felt an instant connection to my What are your future ambitions? work when the human form was involved. The At this point in time, my main goal is to challenge and struggle to reveal the essence of work hard and gain recognition as an emerging life in an artwork was captivating to me. I have artist. After completing a Bachelor of Fine a constant desire to reveal the human form in Art in 2009, I worked in retail full-time for six an emotionally romantic way, and my discovery years, in what seemed like an endless rut to of such artists as J.W.Waterhouse and Gustav pay the bills. Financially I was unable to paint Klimt strengthened and excited this desire. The full-time and found it extremely hard to keep female form, in particular, seems to resonate a creative rhythm going with my work. I have with my love and use of colour and patterning been painting full-time for just over a year in my work. The beauty and emotion in the now with the assistance of the NEIS program. female form has always been a subject of This small business programme has given captivation for many and a subject of which me the extra time, knowledge and support I many artists never tire from. desperately needed to boost my confidence You’ve referred to your paintings as a and skills to start my career as a full-time artist. collection of hundreds of dots; how did Where can people see examples of your this skill develop? work, follow your journey, or contact you Over time I have developed a way of painting if they'd like more information? that not only reflects my interest of patterning, To see examples of my work or contact me but assists with layering techniques that were for further information, you can go to my taught to me at art school. My painting teacher website at www.ambercarbury.com and follow used to say to me, “Mix your paint on the the links to Instagram or Facebook. palette, not on your surface” in an attempt to Thanks Amber.

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A R O U N D T H E R E G I O N / / JA U NG EU S2T0 12 50 1 4

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Bringing Joy through Song. With one heart and mind, the Sydney Male Choir produce one beautiful sound of song, strong, vibrant and lyrical that stirs the heart and emotions.

Proceeds raised on the night to go to Taree’s community owned Bushland Health Group and retirement villages. Heaps of prizes, giveaways galore, monster raffles, lucky door prizes and lucky envelopes. Everyone’s a winner! Be a part of a fun filled night. Everyone welcome, from groups to individuals; bookings essential.

When Sunday 21st June; 3pm. Where Club Forster, 19 Strand Street, Forster. Tickets $10 - $15. Contact (02) 6591 6591 or www.clubforster.com.au

When Saturday, Jun 13th, 6:45pm - 11pm. Where Taree West Bowling Club, Endinburgh Drive. Tickets $13/head or $100 for a table of 8 players. Contact Allan Lenton: 0419 148 113.

SYDNEY MALE CHOIR

Forster keys Family Fun Weekend

Soil health Soil Improvement

Yes, it’s on again; Saturday 4th is a huge speedboat practice and display. Sunday 5th is our big day. Everything is happening, the speedboat spectacular, plus 150 classic cars, 55 market stalls, jumping castle, pony rides, Zumba dancing demonstrations, dog show, Great Lakes band, stationary engines, power model sail boats, even a merry-go-round. Our car display, will host some 32 clubs from Sydney, Newcastle, Taree, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Tea Gardens, Dungog, Tilligerry and of course, Forster/Tuncurry.

An all-day workshop, sponsored by LLS Hunter. Four nationallyknown speakers, Jeremy BRADLEY, Carolyn DITCHFIELD, Ludwig MÜLLER, and Jack WATERMAN will present their personal, proven experiences with alternative methods to super-phosphate fertilizers to improve soil conditions. Light lunch, coffee/tea provided. As participants’ numbers are limited by the venue, please sign-up by June 12. When Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 10am - 4pm. Where Gloucester Gallery, Level 2, Denison St, Gloucester. Tickets $20, payable at the door. Contact gkgw2422@gmail.com

When Saturday 4th - 10am and Sunday 5th July from 9am. Where Elizabeth Parade, Forster Keys.

Kularoo Centre Affordable, Locally Respected Care • 24/7 Registered Nurse • Friendly, modern community • Chef prepared meals • Care that works around you

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Taree lions club Fundraising trivia night

Discover the BaptistCare difference today 6555 1600 baptistcare.org.au/ KularooCentre

“I am very happy and content to spend my life amongst friends at Kularoo”

Maria

Cnr Kularoo Drive & Boundary St, Forster

manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

L O C A L B OY S SONNY EASTER AND O L I M O R A N H AV E B E E N TA K I N G O U T N U M E R O U S S TAT E A N D N AT I O N A L B M X T I T L E S A N D AT T H E YO U N G AG E S O F 9 A N D 1 3 , T H E S E B OY S A R E G O I N G P L AC E S !

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Oli Moran

hen did you start riding, and when did you realise it was something you were really good at? On my second birthday I got a bike and I never used training wheels; I just rode. In 2007 at five years old I went to Taree BMX track after Dad heard about it. I remember worrying about if I would be able to get around the first corner, as it was so big. I found a little table top, which I jumped all the time. Jumping got me hooked. Our friends in forster, the Rankins, introduced us to their BMX friends in Sydney, and we started participating in races all over NSW. It was good. That year I participated in Sprockets at Aussies, Vics, ACT and NSW titles, as my older brother, Will Moran, was racing well, making all state level finals but crashing in the Aussies. In BMX there is just participation

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out until you’re an 8 from Shepparton, The best thing ab g lin el av tr year old boy. where I got my first is X BM new ng ei se d an In 2009 at the Aussie Title. I won my ld or the w family. y m ith w Worlds at Adelaide third at Mt Gambier in es ac pl rs ride Entertainment Adelaide. Both my brothe y pare nts BMX too and m Centre, in the 8 Winning is such a which is like to travel too, boys, I raced in relief, and you feel the great.” my first big final happiest you’ve ever and came third in the been. It’s exciting after world. It was so exciting! all the hard training, and I I was very surprised, but very always desire to win. I like to happy. That was the start for me. win. I wanted to race all the time. At all big races, I think about riding the Tell us about some of the national titles perfect lap, rather than focusing on my you’ve won. competitors. I race hard for ex Olympian, I won the Australian National Titles three Luke Madill, who is my coach. I focus on years in a row at 8 boys, 9 boys and 10 boys. exploding out of the gate in first. I don’t think In 11 boys my best mate, Jack Davis from about much, although I often picture the Tamworth, crashed into me in the final. I have good rides I have had and I picture making come second in Australia for the 12 boys and this lap a good one too. If I get a good gate 13 boys. and get out in front, I am confident I can My best Australian Title was the second make it a perfect lap and maybe win. one at Cairns, as I backed up my success What has been your favourite moment?

“

After the 11-12 boys’ cruiser race, when I got third in the world racing up an age at New Zealand, in Auckland. I was racing against all the boys who were a year older. I came through with third in the world and only got beaten by the 20 inch world champ and the previous year’s 20 inch world champ in the year above me, so that was a huge achievement. I was so happy. The best thing about BMX is travelling the world and seeing new places with my family. Both my brothers ride BMX too and my parents like to travel too, which is great. My mum gets so nervous, she cannot watch me race, and my dad is friends with parents from all over the world, so he likes talking to everyone and watching me do my best. I am going to America in June to stay with the Davis family and to race and prepare for the World Titles, which I will race in Belgium in July. I am hoping to ride well and get a perfect lap. Thanks Oli.

focusinterview.

Sonny Easter

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hen did you start manage to overtake enough riders to make riding, and when the podium. Australia’s top riders in my age did you realise it group, Thomas Tucker and Callum Howarth, was something the World No. 1 and 2 from Queensland are you were really really fast, but I can do bigger tricks. We are all good at? good at different things. On my third birthday, Jon took off my You’ve also secured a spot on the Lil Pros training wheels, as I had broken them from BMX Freestyle Tour. Tell us about that. doing heaps of corners. We went across the I rode on the Lil Pros BMX Freestyle Tour in road to Cundletown Park, and Jon held me January. It was cool riding with the top pro as I started riding down the hill, but he let go riders like Dustin Grice and Dan Chiarelli. I was and I kept riding all the way to the bottom of scared to go down this massive steep ramp at the hill. After that we went to the basketball Rampt Skatepark, but once I did, I landed the courts at Chatham, and Jon built two little biggest tuck no hander ever, and won the Lil ramps that I rode over. He moved the ramps a Pros Freestyle Best Trick Comp. I was so happy foot apart, and I did my first jump. I have not I’d gone down the huge ramp. I love doing stopped jumping ever since. I have now done BMX tricks, because it feels so good when you thousands of jumps and I love jumping my learn a new trick. Sometimes I have to practice bike, because it is so much fun. a trick for weeks before I get it. Once I can do I didn’t do any Sprocket races, as it, it feels easy and is fun. I would ride every afternoon at At GC Compound I did a Cundletown dirt jumps with massive 360 with a full Jon and the older boys. bar twist. That was They built ramps for cool and so much g in th My favourite me over the biggest fun. w ne is learning to e lik I jumps. When I was 7 You must have so , ks freestyle tric k ar ep at sk years old, I went to to do a lot of e th at hang out d just an ps m ju a NSW State Series training! How rt di e and th ills until I sk w ne BMX race at Maitland. often do you e tic ac pr I do that I was really nervous train and what is get them dialle d. lowed .” al and scared, but I made involved? as much as I am it through to the final I do a lot of riding and came fifth. I wanted at the track to get good to do heaps better, and for at pumping, manualling the rest of the season I managed and jumping. My favourite to come second or third in each race, skill is jumping, but I reckon I but I never won. manual good. Last week I did my first triple I realised I was a good rider when I was manual. in the 8 boys and we travelled to Victoria My favourite thing is learning new freestyle and I raced the Victorian Open State Titles. I tricks, so I like to hang out at the skatepark came second to the World Champion from and the dirt jumps and just practice new skills Queensland and beat the no.1 kids from until I get them dialled. I do that as much as I Western Australia, Northern Territory, South am allowed. Australia and ACT. I practice gates, which is the race start, and How did it feel when you came second at we do sprints on Dumaresq Island bridge a few the BMX National Titles and also fourth in mornings a week to get fast. the 24 Inch Cruiser Division? You must be I race a lot and travel all over Australia. pretty proud of yourself! Sometimes we camp; other times we stay in a It felt awesome, because I had never made hotel. I like to stay in hotels where there is all a podium before at nationals, which are so you can eat breakfast, because I can eat heaps. much harder than NSW races, because all the My dream is to one day go to Crankworks riders are so good. Last year I got a fourth and compete against the best freestyle dirt and was a little upset to not get a podium, so jumpers in the world. There are always massive I worked very hard at my skills and my gate jumps, and the tricks are insane. this year. It has been fun, especially this year, I will have to be brave to ride there and have because I can manual and jump heaps more amazing skills. and because of my fast track speed. I usually Thanks Sonny.

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SteveAttkins.

from Great Lakes Winery

watch. steve attkins

Love is Strange(M)

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GE T CO S Y W I T H A BOT T L E O F W I N E P L U S N E W 2 0 1 5 R E L E AS E S

W H E N J U N E A P P ROAC H E S, I L O O K F O RWA R D T O C O S Y S PAC E S A N D P L AC E S T O E NJ OY A G O O D B O T T L E O F R E D W I T H G O O D C O M PA N Y A N D G O O D F O O D.

y own home serves as a great venue most of the time, but I do enjoy discovering cool, little (and not so little) places with atmosphere and a good offering. Have you been out exploring what’s on offer in our part of the world lately? I don’t get out much, so when I do I want to make sure both the wine and the food is of a good standard. It’s great to see many restaurants and cafés surviving the winter when business is pretty much reliant on local trade rather than tourism - which means the quality of product on offer is meeting the mark! So I’d love to share with you the places that I have visited and would recommend you take the time to visit but to be honest, there are too many to list - plus there is a restaurant guide already in FOCUS, and I really don’t want to leave anyone out that deserves a mention. Rather than recommend anywhere, I do recommend you just get out and explore for yourself on those wintry evenings and weekends. We have our own cosy welcoming space to relax and enjoy a delicious bottle of wine in our cellar door. Come and spend some time

with us when you’re up for something a little different and out of town! At the moment, we are pretty excited, as we are about to release our new wines for this year - including a Verdelho, Shiraz and Rose and are looking forward to sharing these with our customers. Many of our customers have been waiting for Verdelho, which we sold out of some months ago, and the Rose has been off our production list for a couple of years ... so relief is on its way! Come along to our next Music Day on Saturday, June 6th, when we will be offering tastings of these new release wines.

upcoming event! Back Paddock Music Saturday, June 6th, 1pm to 4pm. “Caravana Sun”, supported by “Harrys Lookout”. Prepurchased Tickets $20. Under 16 $5 - Family Pass $50 (includes 2 adults and 2+ under 16) At the Gate Tickets $25; Under 16 $5; Family Pass $60.

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aree Film Society is now 20 years old. Its next movie is a great reflection on a longstanding relationship. Love Is Strange (M) screens at 7pm Monday 22nd June at Fay’s Twin Cinema. After nearly four decades together, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) finally tie the knot in an idyllic wedding ceremony in lower Manhattan. But when George loses his job soon after, the couple must sell their apartment and - victims of the relentless New York City real estate market - temporarily live apart until they can find an affordable new home. While George moves in with two cops (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez) who live down stairs, Ben lands in Brooklyn with his nephew (Darren Burrows), his wife (Marisa Tomei), and their temperamental teenage son (Charlie Tahan), with whom Ben shares a bunk bed. While struggling with the pain of separation, Ben and George are further challenged by the intergenerational tensions and capricious family dynamics of their new living arrangements. Love Is Strange is a multi-generational story that examines the different ways each of us experience love - and what we expect from it - at different points in our lives. The heart of the story is the long-term relationship of Ben and George, two men who have built a life together for over 30 years, who get married in the first scene - and lose their home in the second. What does love look like to those who have been together for a lifetime, and are now in their later years? For the characters of Ben

7pm Monday 22nd June, Fay’s Twin Cinema. and George, that love is given shape by loss, both material and personal, and how that loss can shine a bright light on all that these men had in their love for each other over so many years. In the characters of Kate and Elliot, a married couple in their late 40s, we see love in crisis, and how we often face ourselves in real and surprising ways in middle age. Their son is growing up, their stable lives interrupted by their uncle’s unexpected presence; and everything that they knew to be fact seems much less certain. And in their son, we find the nature of young love - of learning the realities of love through observing the relationships of others. Joey watches his parents; he watches Ben and George. They say you don’t teach your children by what you say, but by what you do. In many ways, Love Is Strange is a coming-of-age story, as it tracks the growing awareness of a teenage boy as he becomes a man - and what he learns from all the different relationships around him. Love Is Strange is about the ways we learn to live - how we are taught and who teaches us. How does the Church teach us about love; how does a piano teacher teach us about music; how does an artist help us see; how do movies teach us who we are, and what love, strange and beautiful, can look like? Tickets are $16, including chatting with cakes and coffee. For further information visit www. tareefilmsociety.org.au or phone 6552 3476.

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

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Citrus

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AT ’ S I N

Home grown citrus is one of the most commonly grown fruits in our region and the easiest of trees to grow. Mature trees provide an abundance of fruit, which are delicious. There is always extra fruit for friends and family. Early Mandarins start ripening in May, with most varieties maturing in winter. Valencia Oranges mature late November. The sweet, juicy, tangy Lemonade Tree is well worth growing, and the fruit is surprisingly delightful when eaten fresh or juiced. The Blood Orange is just that, orange inside with splashes of dark red colour, and the skin has a red-orange blush. The Meyer Lemon has a smooth, yellow skin,

matures early winter and is relatively free of pests and diseases, which make it ideal for growing in pots or small garden spaces. Citrus require a mostly sunny position in well drained, fertile soil; feed with a 2 cm layer of aged animal manure or a complete organic fertilizer in late spring well after fruit set, supplementing with another dressing in summer and autumn if required. Citrus require ample watering in dry periods, as they are shallow rooting plants and will suffer if they dry out too often. Mulch plants well to help retain soil moisture. A living mulch of nasturtiums growing underneath

will help to control aphids. Citrus Leaf Minor larvae burrow into the surface of the leaf, attacking new growth and causing the leaf to curl in spring and autumn. Young trees can be sprayed with various oil sprays when flushes of new growth appear, or simply cut off infected leaves. The same oil spray can be used to control Scale found on the stems of the plant or under the leaf. Stink Bugs feed on the shoots and suck on the growing tips. Spray young bugs in late winter with a soft soap spray, and in summer the adults can be handpicked and removed from the tree: caution - protect your eyes with sunglasses.

win

a new winter wardrobe Spend $50 in any fashion retailer or $150 in any jewellery retailer for your chance to win 1 of 5 $1000 gift cards. Take your receipt to the Customer Care desk to enter.

BONUS

ENTRY COUPON Take this coupon to the Customer Care desk with your receipt for a bonus entry.

FORSTER Competition closes 4pm, Sunday 21st June 2015. For a full copy of the terms and conditions, please visit www.stockland.com.au/forster or the Stockland Forster Customer Care Desk. NSW Permit No. LTPS/15/03128

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focusinterview.

KIRK OWERS KIRK OWERS’ SKILL BEHIND THE LENS HAS LED HIM TO MANY FAR-FLUNG CORNERS OF THE GLOBE - WHETHER HE’S FOCUSING ON THE ANCIENT ART OF FALCONRY, OR CAPTURING THE WET AND WILD ACTION AT INTERNATIONAL SURFING COMPS, KIRK PRODUCES STUNNING IMAGES. AND WHEN HE’S BACK HOME IN THE MANING-GREAT LAKES, YOU’LL OFTEN FIND KIRK OUT AND ABOUT SHOOTING BEAUTIFUL LOCAL WEDDINGS …

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i Kirk. It’s been a massive twelve months for you and your photography business! One of the highlights was travelling to Hawaii to cover the prestigious Billabong Pipe Masters surf event. Describe this experience for us ... Thanks Jo, it sure has, and the Pipe Masters was a definite highlight. It’s the final contest of the World Surf League season and is often held in big and dramatic waves on Oahu’s North Shore. Pipeline easily lives up to the hype given to it over the years. It explodes on a shallow lava reef just metres from a palmlined shore and tubes in both directions. The 2013 contest was held in amazing surf which peaked on the final day, a Saturday. The beach was overflowing with spectators, and every so often a wave would sweep through and drag a row of them into the action. Some people lost cameras, phones, sunglasses or their dignity. The contest itself was incredibly exciting, with Mick Fanning coming from behind in two critical heats to clinch his third World Title. Kelly Slater put in a commanding performance and won the day. It was far and away the most exciting sporting event I’ve been lucky enough to attend. Mind-blowing.

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stories for them, including a feature on a great You were asked to contribute content to bloke called Walkaway Dave. Dave is gravely a few new publications - magazines and concerned about the problem of ocean plastic books - as well. That’s such a boon for a and spends his winters cleaning up plastic photojournalist! What were some of these debris on Yagon Beach, near Seal Rocks. publications? He lives off the ocean, cleans up Yeah, that’s right, as a freelancthe long stretch of isolated er you’re always on the hunt beach mainly by himself for new markets and new st and is raising awareness opportunities. I’m lucky Some people lo , cameras , phones via his facebook page: to be on a retainer with eir www.facebook.com/ Tracks magazine and sunglasses or th est itself dignity. The cont ting, WalkAwayDave. to have good relaexci was incredibly One thing you tionships with three g ing comin with Mick Fann l mentioned to me ca or four other titles in iti two cr from behind in ird earlier was that Australia and overseas. s th heats to clinch hi you travelled to Abu Last year I was asked to .” tle Ti ld Wor Dhabi and produced a contribute to a beautiful work on falconry while surf travel book called 100 you were there. Falconry is Greatest Waves and then to not something commonly heard write an essay and supply photos of these days. What fascinating for a UK book called Incredible Waves. things did you learn about this method Surfing has become popular all around the of hunting? world, so it’s opened up new audiences. I was invited to the U.A.E. to write a few Occasionally I can on-sell a story already pubstories for Get Lost travel magazine. One was lished in Australia to America, Europe, Japan about the nightlife in Abu Dhabi, which saw or Brazil. I’ve also started working for a high me attending several nightclubs on “ladies end magazine called Great Ocean Quarterly, night” to get the scoop (the scoop was free which encompasses all facets of ocean-related cocktails for the ladies and no photographs activity and art. I’ve written two environmental

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for the lone Australian guy nursing $15 beers in the corner). Another was a photo essay on falconry, a subject of which I knew exactly nothing. The great thing about travel writing is you have to pay attention, ask questions and observe closely. Falcons, to answer your question, are fast. Faster than leopards, faster than V8 supercars fanging up Bathurst’s Conrod Straight and significantly faster than the focusing capability of a Canon 5D Mark II. Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal alive but in the UAE they favour the more majestic Saker Falcon, which also moves at quite a clip. Falconry began as a hunting technique for the nomadic Bedouin, but today it’s a popular hobby for nobles and the Arabian Peninsula’s mega rich. Some U.A.E. falcons have their own passports and reach their top sped jet-setting in business class to international meets. Closer to home, what are some of the standout local events you’ve covered recently? I was stoked to cover an indigenous culture camp last winter. A talented group of Worimi and Biripi youths spent three days at Camp Elim learning a traditional dance, which they later performed around Forster and Taree in a flash-mob format. Elders visited the camp and passed on cultural knowledge: spear-throwing,

focusinterview.

Heading: Kirk Owers – Behind the Lens Pics- Supplied in Dropbox

kirk owers

bush tucker, weaving, language, didgeridoo. It was a real privilege to be able to listen in and learn a few things myself. Then earlier this year I photographed the Saltwater Freshwater indigenous music festival up in Coffs Harbour, which was amazing. It happens on Australia Day every year, and it’s inclusive, family friendly and has such a great vibe. Archie Roach was the highlight. Weddings are the “bread and butter” of many photography businesses, and you’re well known locally for shooting some gorgeous nuptials. How much do you enjoy this type of photography - and what do you find are some of the main challenges associated with wedding photography? Weddings are the best. It’s the most challenging and rewarding work I do. I love taking a photojournalism approach to the day and to try to capture all the emotion, excitement and togetherness as it naturally unfolds. The last wedding I photographed, there were enough tears to lift a boat. It’s great to see people get swept up in the significance of two people committing to a life together. I get right into it,

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edding s are

W constantly changing, and by the end of the the best . It’s the so you have to keep night feel really cong and most challengin ve lo striving and adjusting, nected to the couple I . I do rewarding work m is al or you get left behind. rn and their story. There taking a photoj ou y...” da e But, like anyone, when are many challenges approach to th you take pride in your with wedding photogwork, there’s satisfaction raphy and significant in feeling like you’re doing pressure to get it right. well and improving. You never You can’t do a re-shoot, master photography; there’s always especially the way I work. I’m more to learn, and there are dozens of interested in fleeting true moments, brilliant photographers who inspire me. I’m a so you’ve got to be intuitive and really in the self-taught writer so every time I get somezone. The challenges are many and varied, but thing published, it feels a minor coup. I feel like with over ten years of experience I’ve If you could give one piece of advice to handled most situations pretty well, including aspiring photographers just starting out in a flash flood. the business, what would it be? What keeps you motivated and inspired I’d share some advice passed on to me many each and every day - why do you do what years ago. Follow the Six Ps. Patience, Perseyou do for a living? Paying my bills and keeping my kids in skate- verance, Perspiration and Practice, Practice, Practice. boards and soccer balls - that’s all the motivaWhat plans do you have in the pipeline for tion I need. I feel incredibly lucky to have the 2015? opportunity to write and shoot and to do both I’ve got weddings booked right into June across a variety of fields. They’re both dream this season, and then they start up again in jobs. Both disciplines are very competitive and

September. I’m looking forward to all of those. Three are in new locations for me: Treachery Camp, Rainbow Flat and Timbertown. I’d be stoked to get away on another magazine assignment in winter, but that’s out of my hands. If my workload slows down enough over winter, I’d like to write up a travel story about a recent family holiday in Tasmania. Other than that, I’ll be re-jigging my website, taking heaps of photos and surfing as much as possible. Where can people view more of your work, contact you, or even purchase the books you’ve been involved with? My website (www.kirkowersphotography. com) and Facebook page are where I display my latest work. The surf travel books are available in most good bookstores, and I’m in Tracks magazine frequently and the Surfer’s Journal, Surfer and Great Ocean Quarterly occasionally. My Abu Dhabi stories will be scattered across the next several editions of Get Lost magazine. Thanks Kirk. manning-great lakes focus.

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Grilled Salmon - coconut & brown rice salad with date & tamarind chutney. from kembali cafĂŠ pacific palms.

download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat

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Flow cafÉ. restaurant. bar.

Australian Seafood Tasting Board: BBQ chilli, garlic Qld King Prawn, Brighton Oysters “Natural”, Salt & Pepper Bass Strait Squid, Panko crumbed Red Spot Whiting

Hello winter! As the cooler weather creeps in, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the start of fireside dining and the launch of our new winter inspired menu. The change of season brings new produce to the menu, like some of the traditional comfort foods of root vegetables, hearty greens and warming risottos - and others not so traditional. Winter warmer special ... Warm your cockles by the fire on Thursday nights and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer with every main meal purchased. Visit www.flowbar.com.au for the June live music line up.

Bistro SeaSalt The weather may have cooled down, but the warm, friendly service, divine food and spectacular location remains the same. With our wonderful wines and beers plus new and exciting dishes, Bistro SeaSalt has you covered. Planning a special occasion or event? Call us to make it a truly memorable one. Now fully licensed and open for breakfast on weekends.

Owner & Chef Ben Hansen

Dine with us on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights for the chance to win a $50 Bistro SeaSalt voucher. One drawn every week.

31 David St, Old Bar, Beach 6557 4224

21 Beach St, Harrington 6556 1700

Tuesday - Sunday: breakfast & lunch 8am - 3pm. Thurs - Sat: dinner from 6pm. Please see facebook.com/flowcafe for happy hour, weekly live music and menus.

Open Wednesday - Saturday for dinner from 6pm. Breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Milly Hill Lamb Rump with crushed peas, mushroom, dukka, whipped fetta & mint pesto.

restaurant synergy

kembali cafÉ

Where food and service work in harmony. Synergy Restaurant & Bar located at the Mercure Centro Hotel in the heart of town.

Embracing the chilled out lifestyle of Blueys Beach.

For an intimate dining experience, offering modern Australian cuisine at its best.

We are now featuring a varied selection of $15 dishes that will be updated weekly. Check out our weekly dinner menus on Facebook - Kembali Cafe and Instagram - kembalicafe

Intimate private dining rooms available on request, for bookings of 10 or more guests. Also consider our unique rooftop banquet room, with amazing ocean views, for that spectacular event.

Welcome to our new style of dinner!

Executive Chef Nathaniel.

Kembali Café is now licensed, with beer, wine and spirits, plus an exciting new cocktail menu! Kembali serves smooth Gusto coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and delicious treats all day long.

Chefs Ceiron Bartz & Kane Donkin.

Looking for a venue or catering for your party, function or wedding? Contact us via email: kembalicafe@gmail.com or phone: (02) 6554 0889.

Cnr Hay & William Streets, Port Macquarie 6583 0830 www.centrohotel.com.au 7 days, 6:30am - 10am for breakfast; 5pm - late for dinner. Bookings essential.

2/188 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach 6554 0889 Open 7 days, breakfast and lunch. Dinner Thurs, Fri and Saturday from 6pm. manning-great lakes focus.

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BEN HANSEN BISTRO SEA SALT

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i Ben. It’s been about You deserve to know that you’re getting six months (believe it what you’ve paid for. or not) since we first We are heading into winter now, and caught up. How have it’s the prefect time of year for those things been at Bistro hearty meals. What will be on your SeaSalt? menu this winter? Hi again. Well, six months have certainly Winter is exciting, because you get to use flown.The response has been quite amazing all those more flavoursome ingredients like up to now and really, we are lamb shanks, ox tail and root veges still at the beginning, so like parsnips, then cook them the future looks very slowly and gently until they exciting. melt in your mouth ... As a chef in a Just classical, hearty, ribThe quality of local beachside sticking meals that take the ingredient s The e. community, what us back in time. on r be m nu is ns or do you love the When it comes to better the praw the is , most about your functions, you really a piece of steak te easier it is to crea . ” job? do have the prefect ious something delic I think that having venue. What options people, old friends do our readers looking and strangers alike, at holding a party or coming here for the first special event at Bistro time and going away happily SeaSalt have? surprised and feeling like they’ve We have started to pick up a few been treated to something special, functions of late, so that’s been fun. We yet unexpected, is what Tracy and can cater for groups of up to about 40 for I like most. That, and the opportunity to more formal sit down meals and probably meet new friends. We’ve certainly met some 50 - 60 plus for less formal, stand up finger wonderful people in such a short time. food style events. Our menus are flexible What do you think is important when it and use all the same fresh ingredients as our comes to creating the perfect meal for à la carte menu. Plus, we’re fully licensed, your customer? with a beautiful range of beers, wines and The quality of the ingredients is number spirits, so if you’ve got something special one. The better the prawns or a piece of coming up, give us a call to discuss your steak is, the easier it is to create something needs and wants; I’m sure we’ll be able to delicious. We now have better access to make it memorable. fantastic fresh and local produce than ever Thank you, and thanks everyone who has before, so next time you dine out, ask made our first six months so special. where your seafood or lamb comes from. Thanks Ben.

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SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Exciting New Dining Experience Comes To Forster ... We all want to add a little spice to our lives, and a new dining venue opening late June promises to be an experience to remember for local foodies. Opening on Thursday, June 25, the highly anticipated Spice Monkey will offer Asian fusion cuisine plus an exciting interactive sushi bar experience. The highly skilled head chef duo will deliver traditional Japanese and Asian fusion fare; together the pair offer over 35 years’ experience and a desire to create exceptional culinary delights. Perfect for all occasions, the restaurant will cater for all dining options, ranging from an intimate dinner to special events such as engagement parties, birthdays and weddings. Spice Monkey’s unique bar and dining experience will delight the senses and provide a culinary experience like no other. Created by local celebrated restaurateurs Darren McDonagh and Joni Cassano, owners of the famed Reef Restaurant, Spice

Monkey’s Asian fusion cuisine will immerse diners in the diverse flavours of Asia Open from 11:30am to late, Tuesday ‘til Sunday (extended trading hours during school holidays) and located in a prime position overlooking the pristine Wallis Lake, Spice Monkey is the place to be for your next lunch or dinner. The venue will offer live music on Friday nights for local music lovers to enjoy whilst overlooking the water and enjoying a cocktail. To celebrate the opening, Spice Monkey is giving away a dinner for two valued at $150 at the official opening on 25th June. The prize includes a 5 course degustation menu plus beverages. For more information and to enter, simply log onto the Spice Monkey Forster Facebook page. Spice Monkey is located at Shop 4, Reef Apartments, Wharf Street, Forster, and access is via Memorial Drive. Bookings are highly recommended and can be made by phoning (02) 6554 8767.

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spice

spice Sushi Asian Fusion Cuisine Bar

ranging from a garlic and lemon marinated pork cutlet with honey figs, roast kumara, goats cheese and pistachio to traditional fare such as gourmet pizzas. Reef’s Head Chef’s gourmet lunch offerings are proving to be a hit, with new plates created daily for the special price of only $15 each. Perfect for a business lunch, catch up or a weekday feed in a tranquil location, the Reef’s lunch offer is available every day from 12pm to 2:30pm. With the same amazing service and breathtaking location - whether you’re looking for a relaxing location for a gathering, special occasion or just a great spot to wind down for a meal, the Reef is the place to escape and enjoy the best dining experience in Forster. The Reef is located at Shop 1, Reef Apartments, Wharf Street, Forster. Bookings can be made by phoning (02) 6555 7092. Check out the website to view the delicious menu or for more information visit www.reefbargrill.com.au

creative asian cuisine

Thursday June 25th

    

Waterfront Restaurant Now Offering Gourmet $15 Lunch. As one of the most iconic restaurants in Forster, the Reef is well known as the place to visit for a relaxing meal, get together or drink at the end of a busy day. A favourite for locals, the Reef has just got even better, with a $15 special lunch menu set to please the most discerning food lover. With its picturesque location and unrivalled customer service, you could be forgiven for wanting to sit at the new outdoor bar and never leave. Owned by long time local restaurateurs Darren McDonagh and Joni Cassano, the restaurant and bar have been recently refurbished and now offer diners a fresh new décor and dining experience within a relaxed and modern environment. Head chef Peter Tjornelund offers a stunning array of delicious meals with an exciting mix of modern Australian and European options

creative asian cuisine

 spice

reef dine. relax. indulge

t e m r up Eats GCo hea

        

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We like to add a little spice to your bar and dining adventure. From service to the plate we will immerse you in the diverse flavours of Asia.

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Live music every Friday night from 5:30pm

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Shop 4, Reef Apartments Wharf Street, Forster Access via Memorial Drive

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CREATE

YOUR TASTE. MCDONALD’S HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAMILY FAVOURITE FOR LET’S FACE IT - ALL AGES. NOW CRAIG EVANS INFORMS US THAT MCDONALD’S HAS BEGUN THE ALL NEW CREATE YOUR TASTE

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hat is this all about, and how has it been seen by the customers? Create Your Taste is a completely new menu that we have on offer for our customers, but it’s more than just Gourmet Burgers. The Create Your Taste platform completely reinvents how our customers experience McDonald’s, from Self Order Kiosks which enable the customer to build their own creation, to our gourmet burgers served up on timber boards with an offering of fries or a side salad, to table service by one of our Hosts or Hostess for dine in customers. The menu allows our customers to build their own burger with five simple steps. You have a choice of two different style buns, lettuce wrap, or build it with no bun, your choice of cheese from a selection of five, choice of other hot ingredients such as crispy bacon, pineapple, egg, grilled mushrooms, grilled onion or extra meat, add some salad such as beetroot, whole leaf lettuce, Jalapenos, tomato or pickles, and then finally add from our enormous range of sauces. Customers are telling us that they love to be able to build a burger from exactly

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0515 Taree CYT Ad 25.5 x 15 PR.indd 1

what ingredients they love without having to compromise on flavour, and the experience of then having this delivered to you table without you lifting a finger is very “unMcDonald’s”. Your Taree store across from the VIC centre has also begun self service systems. These look pretty cool; how is this going, and what difference will it make to order times? The Self Order Kiosks are a great new feature that we have for our customers to be able to order their meal. Not only does it enable our customers to customise their Create Your Taste Burger, but you also have the opportunity to purchase all other items from our existing menu, as well as customise those offerings. We understand that some of our customers may be apprehensive in using this technology, so we have available Hosts who are well trained on how to use the Kiosk and are most happy to help you through the experience. If you are paying by Eftpos, the ordering experience is seamless for all customers, whether you are ordering from the Create Your Taste menu or even a Happy Meal for the kids. The great thing about the kiosk is as a

customer you are in total control and you can take your time and explore the menu, or simply order your Big Mac and fries and be on your way without the need to be waiting in line for your turn to place your order. It’s Your Maccas, Your way! What else is on the menu for McDonald’s heading forward? What our customers are experiencing today is just a sample of what we have on order for the future. Over the next 12 months our customers will get to experience some new chicken variations, as well as breakfast options that are currently in trial. While we will still have available the true McDonald’s favourites, there will be a transformation so our customers can customise what they eat and experience at our McDonald’s in the future. While it is not a change to the menu, I wanted to let the community know that at Taree we will also be installing a brand new Playground

and Family Zone in the coming months. The new Playland and Family Zone will see us spend over $250,000 transforming the front of the restaurant, and it will be a great haven for families with children. What do all these new initiatives mean for employment in the local area? Across the two restaurants that Amanda and I own, we currently employee over 300 staff, but with the addition of the Kiosks, Table Service and Create Your Taste menu, we will need to increase our staff by an additional 50 over the next six months, which will be great for the local community. McDonald’s have a reputation for only employing young people, but that is not the case with us, and we are eagerly looking for vibrant, enthusiastic staff who would like to join our team; anyone that is interested in joining us for this transformation should apply online at mcdonald.com.au/careers

19/05/2015 3:11:04 PM

Judith Lucy “Lucy is one of our finest comic talents, of any sex, race or religion.” Sydney Morning Herald. Judith Lucy is back on stage with her first new solo show since 2012, and the good news is that her last year really sucked. A truly awful year for Judith always leads to a great show for her fans, and 2014 was magnificently terrible. Think death and early menopause, and you’ll be in the ballpark. It is 20 years since Judith premiered her ground breaking solo show, King Of The Road, at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, which saw her literally tap dancing through the story of her adoption and the ill-advised overseas odyssey that followed. That show helped launch the Melbourne Town Hall as the hub of the Melbourne Comedy Festival and sold out in theatres across the country years before there was a festival circuit to follow. Since then, her shows have been unmissable treats - always hilarious, honest and occasionally shocking. Judith doesn’t write a show unless she has something to say, and she is more than ready for this one. It hasn’t been all death and menopause over the last three years. Her second book, Drink, Smoke, Pass Out was released, and she made her second TV series for ABC, Judith Lucy Is All Woman. Her last show, Nothing Fancy, was nominated for a Helpmann Award, and her all singing, all dancing

The AUSTRALIAN Tenors “The Australian Tenors” are internationally renowned for thrilling audiences around the world with the power of their beautiful voices and are constantly in demand for television appearances, radio interviews and concerts.

book reading with fellow author/comedian Denise Scott sold more than 30,000 seats across the country. Judith sprang to national attention as a cast member of the iconic Late Show in 1993. Since then she has headlined feature films, performed to hundreds of thousands of fans from the Sydney Opera House to London’s West End, has released two best-selling books and headlined two documentary series for ABC. It is virtually impossible to imagine the Australian comedy scene without Judith Lucy and luckily in 2015, you won’t have to. After three years off the stage, she’s back again touring with a brand new show.

Soloists in their own right, “The Australian Tenors” combine in a dynamic display of true Australian talent. In the great tenor tradition, they bring romance and excitement along with warmth and humour to their performances. “The Australian Tenors’” versatility spans all genres of the classical tenor repertoire. In this spectacular performance, audiences are thrilled by classical arias such as La Donna e Mobile, Nessun Dorma, traditional Neapolitan songs, O Sole Mio and Funiculi Funicular, popular tenor tunes from the golden age of song such as Granada and The Donkey Serenade and beautiful duets including Some Enchanted Evening, (South Pacific), The Prayer, (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli song), “Time to Say Goodbye” (Con te Partirò) made famous by

(Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman), Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life) from the Barcelona Olympic Games, All I Ask Of You from the worldwide smash hit Phantom Of The Opera. An absolute stunning programme that encapsulates the spirit, the beauty and vocal demand of truly authentic tenor voices. A performance from “The Australian Tenors” is never complete without the ever popular Waltzing Matilda, Australia My Country (Dorothea Mackellar poem), I am Australian, among other favourites. “The Australian Tenors” are: Mr Stuart Neilson Kemp, Mr Murray Mayday, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Gavin Lockley, and Mr Thomas Douglas Strong. The Tenors have performed extensively with Opera Australia, English National Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera de Monte Carlo and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Australian and International Symphonies and Philharmonic Orchestras.

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socialscene

Graceand Jai

Julian’s Party

Lauren and Craig’s Wedding

Lauren and Craig’s Wedding

Wingham Wellbeing

Mum’s Birthday

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Social/scene.

erhaps it is that last little ray of sunshine that warms us before the winter sets in that makes it perfect for a country wedding. May is also a special month, as it is time to celebrate that very important woman in our life, our mum. Mother’s Day is pretty much flat out for restaurants all over the region, as families spend time together to celebrate mum. We were fortunate to have the lovely Grace and Jai from Sweet Nothin playing a few tunes in the backyard, with fabulous weather contributing to a great day. My own mum also turned 70 on 14th May, so it was a special time for our family. We celebrated with breakfast at the café on her birthday, and the family got together at Nabiac Hotel for a meal a few nights later. We have connections to the hotel, as we all grew up in Nabiac and spent the odd night there in our youth. My nephew, Schafer, shared his 10th birthday with Mother’s Day, and I conducted a private cooking class for Julian Fitzgerald and nine of his friends on 23rd May. They all had a fabulous time making pizza dough and picking out their favourite toppings; the group loved making lemonade from home grown lemons, and they enjoyed a healthy icecream made from yogurt, honey and fruit. Julian gave me a beautiful card and a lovely gift to thank me for conducting his party. It is these special gestures that make my job so special. Another auspicious occasion was the 75th birthday of the Martin Bridge. More than

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with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

manning-great lakes focus.

May seems to be a popular month for weddings; we did two, and there were many visitors in town for other weddings held in the region.

a few days she is off to America to work as 4,000 people walked the bridge to celebrate an au pair in Denver, Colorado. We enjoyed its birthday on Sunday 17th May. Down on a staff farewell for Tori at the Reef Bar and the riverbank, more celebrations were held, Grill in Forste, where we were well looked with markets and entertainment keeping after by friendly staff and enjoyed a beautiful everyone occupied. When I think of the meal as we wished Tori well. Her family bridge, I feel many connections (excuse the and friends also held a surprise farewell pun). I think of the floods in the ‘70s, when for her on 16th May at her family home. us Nabiac kids couldn’t go to school as Around 40 people came to say bye the bridge was under; I think of bye for now to Tori, and she the beautiful sunrises over the had no idea that everyone river when I am sweating was conspiring behind it out at training; the b co Ja ed her back to get the backdrop to the pool The talent s party organised. We as we waited for Cook from Harry fé at the ca will miss you, Tori! the starting gun at Lookout played M ay. Jacob on Friday 22nd al song s Jen Draper and the school aquatic in plays many orig her team held a carnival many years oustic with a smooth ac g 6th birthday party ago. atin sound, incorpor telling for Wingham Not everyone ry some countrysto folk of Wellbeing on 15th loves this bridge, and an essence ” . ns May at Bent on Food. but I suspect they just observatio The girls enjoyed a see rusty old metal and great meal and celebrated a lot of rattles, where the with their own raspberry paleo community sees a beautiful cake. Fortunately, they shared it with structure that connects us all in some me, and I was pretty impressed with their special way. Thanks to the organisers of the bridge celebrations for all their hard work and skills. 9th May was a beautiful crisp day for appreciation of this wonderful icon. Lauren Wilson and Craig Greenaway to It is always difficult to lose an employee exchange vows on the creek behind Craig’s who has been with you for a long time. Tori parents’ home at Wherrol Flat. 106 people Stinson started working with me 6 years ago, travelled from all over the place to help this where she would do some dishes, make the lovely couple celebrate their wedding day. It odd milkshake and help with the cleaning. was a special day for us too, as we catered Before she left, she was just about running for the wedding of Lauren Steele and Jason the place, as she knew exactly what to do. In

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Quigley back in 2010, and it was at this wedding that this couple met and later fell in love. Five years later, it was their turn to make their lifetime commitment, with Jason and Lauren as guests. The Wherrol Flat Hall was a lovely venue for a wedding, although we could have done with a larger oven. The space looked beautiful all lit up and has perfect beams for hanging vintage lights. Our dessert table went off a treat, and everyone enjoyed local beef, local pork belly and entrees of fresh prawns or vegetable and goats cheese tarts. The wedding celebrant was Julie Blanch from Wingham and photos were by Matt Van Dyke from Iron and Clay photography in Port Macquarie. The speeches were a highlight, as they were spoken with love and lots of humour. The talented Jacob Cook from Harrys Lookout played at the café on Friday 22nd May. Jacob plays many original songs with a smooth acoustic sound, incorporating some country storytelling and an essence of folk observations. We all enjoyed his great voice and friendly disposition. We look forward to having him back to play again soon, or you may catch him at Flow in Old Bar along with other venues, either with the band or solo. 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.

socialscene

Taree parkrun organisers

Erika Rayner and Gabby Vanbalen

Some of the volunteers at Taree parkrun

Taree parkrun participants

Tanya Cross, Robyn Norris, Daniel Edge, Alecia Edge and Belinda Crossingham

Taree parkrun participants

Tori’s farewell

Christine Calabria from Artisans on the Hill, with Heidi Fowler and Ingrid Bayer

Dana Gardner, Cara Dale and Jenna Coombes from C2Hills Investments

Megan Lewis, Sasi Limapiba and Linda Bryant

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focuseditorial.

Sydney MALE CHOIR Bringing joy through song “A chorus of singers is like a company of brothers; the heart is opened, and in the stream of song they feel themselves of one heart and of one mind.” (Herder.)With one heart and mind, the Sydney Male Choir produce one beautiful sound of song, strong, vibrant and lyrical, that stirs the heart and emotions.

the singing at the 11am, 11th November

The Sydney suburb of Petersham in 1913 was where one group of men first joined together to sing in harmony and for pleasure, leading soon after to the foundation of the Sydney Male Choir. Each year, since 1930, the Choir has led the singing at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney - a truly proud tradition. It also leads

joined the choir midway through 2010. Our

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Memorial Service held at the Cenotaph each

gabrieldarzi

year. From very humble beginnings and for over a century, the choir has become one of the finest and most respected male voice choirs in Australia. The Sydney Male Choir is led by its Musical Director, Houston Dunleavy, who singing is accompanied by Dewi Liu, who enhances the choir’s performances with her sensitive playing. We are blessed to have Alan Thrift, who was Musical Director for 20 years before his retirement in September 2010, as Emeritus Musical Director, so that we may draw on his experience and musical knowledge.

T

Founder/Executive Chef of The Sicilian

What is Authentic Food?

he word is plastered over cookbooks, ingredients and recipes, but just what is “authentic” food? One of the most delicious and interesting dishes I’ve tasted recently is the German sausage at the Mentges Master Meats/Rudis Continental Shop at Taree. “Over 700 years ago, a man from the Rhine river in Germany set up a smallgoods manufacturing shop. The year was 1260 A.D. and his name was Herr Mentges. Since 1965, Rudi had experience in serving the great tastes of pure sausages and other meats to the public in Germany.” I buy from Rudi, and my customers and I both love his products because they are authentic, not like a giant meat processing plant. Rudi told me that he came here in 1989 and started working for a butchery called “Gibson Skinner” in Wingham, NSW. He wants to follow his passion and family traditions of creating authentic food and ingredients. I asked him, “What’s the main spice you use in your sausages?” He simply mentioned, “Fresh pigs, white and green pepper, nutmeg, paprika and garlic.” I asked him as a chef, “The sausage has a bit of a smoky flavour in it.” And I knew he used good products to bring original flavours to life. That’s why he uses Beechwood to smoke his meats, because of the light-blue smoke. Another great thing about his products is that it’s suitable for coeliacs and diabetics, because they’re all made without fillers, preservatives, gluten or added M.S.G and colours. For more info: www.mentgesmeats.com.au Barely a day goes by without a restaurant, cookery book or TV chef shouting about their “authenticity” credentials. But what on earth is “authentic” food, and most importantly, does it taste better? The word itself comes from Ancient Greece: “autos” meaning “self” and “hentes” implying “doer” or “being”. It’s also tied up with the notion of authorship, so a working definition of authentic food could be dishes which are true to themselves and the person cooking or creating them. So authenticity can’t just be about place; even the ingredients used will taste different depending on where they’re grown.

And what about dishes without a sense of place; the Frankfurter Sausage, Kransky, Bockwurst, the pasta Primaveras or Chicken Tikka Masalas of the world? Can they never be authentic? And “authentic” can’t mean “timeless”, or no dish would ever evolve. In many places, dishes considered to be classics of the local cuisine don’t taste as they used to even five or 10 years ago. The influences of travel, trade and other cultures, the availability of ingredients and changes in technology are all factors in their evolution. For example, heat was once brought to Indian curries by black pepper; chillies were only introduced to the subcontinent in the sixteenth century. One of the ideas underpinning cooking is that food is an integral part of identity. I recently read about members of an Egyptian Chefs’ organisation who didn’t want to cook their mothers’ food, as they associated it with poverty. They have jettisoned authenticity in favour of aspiration; evolution at work. I grew up eating and cooking my mama’s and nonna’s food. One of the big secrets I have learnt is that many successful restarurants have continued their family’s recipes. These recipes entail real, authentic dishes which they have served throughout the seasons. So, can you enjoy a traditional yet inauthentic dish if it’s tasty? I believe there is always a core recipe, which in a way works as a guide. If you’re emulating flavours that have a history, then steering away from them will in no way make that traditional. But of course, adding your own take or influence certainly isn’t wrong. So perhaps an “authentic” dish is one that captures the spirit of the original ... We seem to instinctively know what “authentic” means to us, so we’re able to filter out horrors like “Chinese Tofu Pizza”. But then, one person’s “horror” is another person’s exciting innovation, and therein lies the rub. But does it matter? It shouldn’t, but traditional recipes demand some respect. It’s useful for cooks to learn, or be curious about, a dish’s origins, ingredients, and cultural context that make it what it is before creating their own riff. As an authentic chef and restaurateur, Mentges Meats has Michelin-Star rating without a doubt.

focusinterview.

focusinterview.

TAREE OPEN

Exhibition It’s on again! The Taree Open Art Exhibition showcases the amazing talent of artists from near and far. Don’t miss your opportunity to see some beautiful work. The exhibition opens on Friday, July 3rd at 6:30pm and runs until 2pm Sunday, July 12th at the Taree High School Hall, Corner of Albert and Macquarie Streets (public viewing hours are 9am - 4pm from July 4th.) Here we get to meet two of the contributing artists, Yvette Hugill and Fred Bullen …

Yvette Hugill hat’s your artistic and subject. I have Master Pastellist status background - how/ through the Pastel Society of Australia, and when did you first pastels would be the medium that I use most ... realise you had but not necessarily prefer. artistic ability? The majority of my work is landscape. I also After completing enjoy still life and figurative subjects. My work high school, I studied Graphic Design through ranges from traditional to contemporary. the National Art School, Sydney. I then worked What category/ies are you entering at this as a book designer for a leading publishing year’s Taree Open Art Exhibition? Tell us house. I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember more about the piece/s you’re creating for and have always had an interest in art. After the exhibition? leaving Sydney for Gunnedah, I’m still working towards the North-west NSW, I worked exhibition and will make my as a freelance designer final choices as it draws near. for a number of years. as I will definitely enter the w I , ar Last ye be During 1989 - 91, I Pastel, Drawing, and Open to d le thril s ou in m undertook a drawing Sections. I have a couple Lu in ed includ ge pa 6 and painting course in mind which will vary 21 a , ur lo Co , through the Tamworth in subject matter, media full-colour book ks or TAFE, gaining high and techniques. I usually showcasing artw of distinctions in each. I like to enter works that and techniques el st 50 Australian Pa have been painting and have some local content Artists .” exhibiting consistently and hopefully appeal to the since. viewer. I have held solo exhibitions What do exhibitions such as in both regional and private the Taree Open Art Exhibition galleries and numerous joint and group mean to you personally as an artist? shows. I have work represented in It’s important to me to exhibit, compete private, corporate and gallery collections and promote my work in the region. The Taree in Australia, USA, UK and Japan. I’ve been Open is a major exhibition which receives fortunate to reach the finals of the Essential entries from both interstate and regional artists, Energy Countryscapes Art Prize on two with an average of approximately 350 - 400 occasions and the Manning Art Prize, three works on display and a high standard. It’s times, where I was awarded a prize for always interesting to see what other artists are excellence. creating and be inspired to try different ideas. Last year, I was thrilled to be included in I’ve enjoyed entering since we moved here five Luminous Colour, a 216 page full-colour book, years ago. showcasing artworks and techniques of 50 Where can readers see more of your Australian Pastel Artists. artworks? Describe the artworks you typically create I have work at the Manning Regional Gallery, what media do you use, and what genre of the Weswal Gallery - Tamworth and the art would you say your work belongs to? Gunnedah Art Gallery. I enjoy using Pastels, Acrylics, Oils, Inks and Website … www.yvettehugill.net Coloured Pencils, depending on the technique Thanks Yvette.

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Fred Bullen hat’s your artistic background how/when did you first realise you had artistic ability? When I was in primary school, I attended art classes in the softly lit lounge area of the local cinema in Lakemba. There wasn’t much emphasis on technique - mostly it was just having fun with other “artistic” children. Later, I painted with the Parramatta Art Society until I was about 20. It would be true to say I abandoned art to concentrate on my career as an engineering designer for the next 40 years. But when I retired and moved to the Mid North Coast of NSW in 2007 with my wife, Patrice, I decided to take up the challenge of starting back into art. When I joined the local art society, I was fortunate to meet a great group who painted at all levels of skill and where we were guided in our individual artistic endeavours by dedicated and competent local artists who give up their time to teach. In addition, participation in weekend workshops by visiting tutors with their own distinctive artistic styles allowed me to experiment and find my comfort level in diverse media and subjects. Over the past years I have held a number of solo exhibitions in the local library and in small commercial galleries nearby, as well as entering works in many open exhibitions sponsored by Art Societies throughout NSW. I’m always delighted when someone likes my work enough to buy it - mainly because they must feel an affinity with what I consider is a very personal artistic expression. Describe the artworks you typically create - what media do you use, and what genre of art would you say your work belongs to?

I started by painting traditional landscapes on canvas and moved on to large format boards for abstract works, often with very heavily textured surfaces. Over my brief career I’ve explored using a wide range of materials, such as fabric, paste, plastic and everyday household items. These materials have allowed me to create works in a style I call “abstract realism”, which are inspired by the local bush and beach, as well as my own imagination. Recently I’ve moved back to more traditional materials and styles. What category/ies are you entering at this year’s Taree Open Art Exhibition? Tell us more about the piece/s you’re creating for the exhibition? I’m entering three sections: the “traditional” acrylic on canvas; the open section; and the drawing section. The traditional work is called All Washed Up; it shows everything used for a big family dinner after the washing-up is done. The painting for the open section is a stylised landscape, Into the Bush, and the drawing is called Washed Ashore, where a seagull surveys what has come in on the last tide. What do exhibitions such as the Taree Open Art Exhibition mean to you personally as an artist? Exhibitions allow me to meet fellow artists, appreciate how the subject of their work has been interpreted by them and of course, help to entertain the thousand or so visitors who come to see the results of our artistic efforts. Because the Taree Open is well known by interstate and local artists, it’s the preferred place to display our best work and have it professionally judged. Where can readers see more of your artworks? I have works at the Lake Street Gallery, Forster, Hastings Valley Fine Art and Masterpiece galleries at Port Macquarie. Thanks Fred.

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focusinterview. with Linda Bryant from The Photography Hub

bree durie AFTER PHOTOGRAPHING BREE DURIE FROM TAREE PET BARN WITH HER HUSBAND AND BABY GIRL, WHO IS JUST ADORABLE, I’VE COME TO ADMIRE HOW SHE MANAGES BUSINESS AND FAMILY ...

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love hearing stories of how children can be a part of a business and that we no longer live in the strict “box” that business once was for families. So this interview is about Bree and how she, along with her family, have grown a business into an award winning enterprise that is doing a great trade, in a matter of two years. How long has the Taree Pet Barn been established, and how long has your family owned it? Taree Pet Barn has been in the Manning Valley for the past 15 - 16 years. We have owned Taree Pet Barn for almost two years, purchasing the business back in July 2013. In that time we have created a new look for Taree Pet Barn that we are very proud of. It’s clean, it’s fresh, and it’s inviting; we love the fact that Taree Pet Barn is a place our customers look forward to visiting. We’ve seen a huge change in your business from a customer perspective; what do you attribute to the current success of the business? I believe a business cannot get anywhere without great staff; I owe a great deal of our success to them. They are the face of Taree Pet Barn - the friendly face that greets you every time you walk through the door. They are the ones you can rely on to help you get the very best advice for your pet. All of the staff at Taree Pet Barn are such an important part of the team, and their passion to help customers and go that little bit extra to ensure everyone leaves satisfied is such a key aspect in why people love coming to shop at Taree Pet Barn. It has taken a lot of hard work and determination to get us to where we are today. The road has not been easy, but when to

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Business

this day we have customers walking through to spend quality time with her Nanny, Poppy our doors for the first time or the first time and Gran. in years and commenting on how amazing I will admit a juggle some days is an underthe shop looks, it makes all of the hard work statement, especially now someone escapes worthwhile. As I said, we love the fact that out of the office to see the fish or play with people see Taree Pet Barn as a place to visit, the birds and rabbits, but she does have a whether they call on a weekend with the kids pretty cool environment to grow up in, playto see Speedy the Squirrel and all the ing with the animals and stealing all animals, or to get the right adthe customers’ hearts. I sit back vice for their pet. sometimes at the end of a This year at our Just week and wonder what For Pets Conference the next whirlwind week As people with over 70 Just For will bring, but I honestunderstand how Pet Stores across ly wouldn’t change it ed Australia, we won for the world. a healthy balanc diet helps us as the award for ExHave you seen a have humans, we too cellence in Retailing change in the way ge in seen a huge chan y for 2014 and were that pet owners bu the way people nominated in the buy and care for t.” pe r ei for th top four for Retail their animals? Store of the Year 2014. I think the change in For a business that is not the way people buy and even two years old to be care for their pets very much given such recognition, I feel is has to do with the shift in people’s just an incredible achievement - none perception of how they think of their of which would not be possible without pet. Today, people see their pet as that speour fantastic staff and the support of our cial member of the family, the one who will customers. love you, show you affection and be your best With a (very gorgeous) baby girl as well mate, no matter what. Previously pets were as the business to run, how do you juggle just that - “pets” - we did love them and care it all? about them, but we didn’t have the same unI think I’m very lucky; there are not many derstanding of our pets’ needs as we do now. working mums out there who get to take As people understand how a healthy baltheir daughter to work with them every day. anced diet helps us as humans, we too have We are pretty lucky in that Dad is at work seen a huge change in the way people buy with us too, so neither of us miss out on our for their pet. People now have a better unprecious girl growing up. We find when she’s derstanding of how important it is for their not at work with us, we miss her cheeky little pets to have a high quality, balanced diet. We face, so it’s nice to have her close by. We do carry one of the largest ranges of Premium have a great network of support that is alPet Foods in the area and definitely find that ways there to help, and it means she also gets customers want to know exactly what is go-

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ing in their pets’ mouths. As the education of living a healthy lifestyle increases, so too has the benefits of passing this healthy lifestyle onto our pets. This is one of the reasons behind us implementing the Just For Pets Free Six Point Health Check, where people can bring their pets in for a consultation with one of our pet experts and really make sure they get the right information on what is best for their pet. During the check, our Pet Expert will check your pets’ weight and nutrition, skin and coat, parasites, joint mobility, dental health and behaviour. I think the Free Six Point Health Check really fits in with the changes in the way we now buy and care for our pets and is such a great service for customers to use to ensure their pet is getting the very best. Any new innovations on the horizon for the Pet Barn? There are so many exciting things in the shop now, with our Free Six Point Health Check up and running with our Pet Experts, our fabulous new Pet Groomer, Jessica Bird, and we have a gorgeous coral display tank that we set up about six months ago. We have our Marine Man, Adam, on board to help anyone out who is looking to venture down the road of marines and/or corals. We are very passionate to continue our work with our Local Rescue Groups and help rehome and give animals a loving new start; it is the reason you will not see puppies and kittens in store, but we feel very strongly about how important it is to help provide these animals with a second chance. In all, I think the only way is up for us, and we are very excited about what the future hold for Taree Pet Barn. Thanks so much, Bree - my kids and I will see you when we are in next!

fair envirofair is a community event that takes place annually on the Queen's Birthday long weekend in the beautiful river city of Taree, on the NSW Mid North Coast. resented by Manning Valley community radio station 2BOB 104.7FM, in its 25th year the envirofair is held with the simple aim of raising awareness about environmental protection and the local environment, from its natural assets to the people who live and work within it. envirofair is a fun-filled family day of entertainment, featuring: music, dancing and performance artists; fabulous food from 2BOB Radio's famous Global Café and local epicureans; innovative market stalls; displays and demonstrations of ecologically-friendly products and ideas for living; and inspirational environmental speakers. envirofair has the kids sorted, with a variety of cool activities and workshops for their entertainment, including candle and kite making, circus skills, and face painting; you can even fashion your own instrument from recycled objects with Junk Music, plus heaps more. envirofair is staged at Taree Park (2BOB Radio's "backyard") on the corner of Wynter and Macquarie streets. Everyone is welcome, so come along to envirofair 2015 to show you

care. envirofair is a day to celebrate and indulge in all the good things offered by the The day also tic magnificent Manning features a fantas ns ia ic us Valley and regional lineup of great m l el w as , surrounds: a healthy and entertaine rs ng lli se ls al as market st environment; fresh air; uce an d fresh local prod delicious, nutritious s and gorgeous clothe food; music, dance and s.” handmade good laughter; useful, clever stuff to learn about; and embrace sustainable ways of inspiration. Last year’s envirofair living - and have lots of fun at attracted more than 4,000 visitors. the same time! The first envirofair was the brainchild envirofair showcases ecologically-friendly of Jo Wallace, who is a founding member goods and services and provides a platform of the Manning Media Cooperative Ltd, which for environmental speakers and activists. owns and operates 2BOB Radio 104.7 FM. The Information and demonstrations are provided Manning Media Coop. was established in the about organic gardening, no-dig and container mid-1980s by a group of progressive, likegardening, worm farming, organic food minded thinkers who formed the core of an production, solar and wind alternative energy environmentally-aware, alternative community sources, recycling and re-using, healthy living, that continues to thrive in and around the alternative therapies and more. The day also Manning Valley. features a fantastic lineup of great musicians The aim of envirofair is to raise awareness and entertainers, as well as market stalls selling of environmental issues and inspire people to fresh local produce and gorgeous clothes and

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handmade goods. Children are the future, so envirofair is a family day with environmentally-friendly entertainment for the littlies at the 2BOB Battery-Free Zone.

the plug! envirofair Taree Park, Saturday 6th June 9:30am - 3:30pm

0400 637 150, 10am - 7pm. www.envirofair.org.au

What do you think is important for water in our region? Join the water conversation MidCoast Water is currently working on a long term water resource management strategy - and we want you to join us in talking about our water future. Have your say and sign up for regular updates at

HOW DO VALUE IT?

www.midcoastwater.com.au/ourwaterourfuture

For more details go to www.midcoastwater.com.au or call 1300 133 455 manning-great lakes focus.

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FIVE GENERATIONS OF

BRICKMAKERS I N

T H E

M A N N I N G

V A L L E Y

The Baker family has been making bricks the traditional dry press way at Lincoln Brickworks, Wingham, since it was established in 1952. Chrissy Jones had the pleasure of chatting with John and his son, Michael, who is the fifth generation of Bakers in brick making. ow has the brickworks evolved over the years? Michael: It started out with one brick machine; we now have four. It began with one kiln; we now have eight. In the boom years of 1980 - 81, we sold more than four million bricks and employed up to 28 people. Today, competition from much larger and more modern brickworks has seen us scale down production considerably. We now employ eight people, but continue to hold our share of the market. Our traditional methods are more labour intensive and we can’t match the larger producers on price, but we can certainly compete on quality and have the bonus of producing a unique product. Initially the local market kept the brickworks busy, but in recent years we have had to search for new markets. Our bricks have been used in Federation style homes on Sydney’s North Shore and in buildings on the Central Coast and as far north as Coffs Harbour. The brickworks is one of a few in Australia using traditional methods of brick manufacture; tell us more…

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John: The clays are quarried locally, then put through a process of grinding and are elevated into dry press machines. The “green” bricks are then stacked Heritage into a modern low thermal kiln Architects o utilising wood-firing, which searched for tw a d fin helps give them their unique years to at colouring. manufacturer th ade m nd Part of the brick-making could make ha e th r fo es brick shap tradition includes the n ve se a of n io restorat the 1930s. manufacture of “specials” ilding in bu y or st Our company - what are those? ey that was built dn Sy made a number of Michael: Bullnose, reveals the 1930s.” in different shapes to and squints, unusually shaped match the building, with bricks once common in brick homes, the assistance of a local firm on windowsills for example. These Greg Milligan Engineering, who “specials” are enjoying a renaissance, especially made the templates. favoured by architects, who can put them to You now have a cleaner, greener brickworks many uses. Examples of these “specials” can through reducing your carbon footprint by be seen around Taree in the city’s landscaping 67%. How was this achieved? double bullnose bricks from Lincoln Brickworks Michael: We are subject to clean air adorn many flower boxes and walls in the CBD. requirements of the Protection of Environment Also, Heritage Architects searched for two Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2002. Prior to years to find a manufacturer that could make June 2010, the brickworks emitted an estimated handmade brick shapes for the restoration of a 4,310 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Once the seven story building in Sydney that was built in

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new kiln came into production, the audited measurement of CO2 emissions was reduced to 1.407 tonnes per annum. The bricks produced by Lincoln Bricks use 100% of waste fuel that has to eventually convert to greenhouse gases and if it can be used to produce an essential product in the form of building bricks, it is no burden to the environment. The end result is that Lincoln Brick’s contribution to green house gases is close to zero. John: It used to be pretty obvious when the brickworks’ old kilns were firing; now you can barely see the smoke. Our low thermal mass kiln is truly unique and helps us to cut costs and minimise our footprint. It gives a future here. Thanks John and Michael.

Evolve Solar - On Grid, Off Grid, Hybrid Looking for a reliable electrician in Taree who specialises in solar power system installation and maintenance? Evolve Solar Electrical Communication does just that and more. ichael, tell us about your business. How long have you been operating? Evolve originated from a strong desire to design and deliver premium solar power systems to homes, business and industry on the Mid North Coast of NSW. We have been operating for one year, but have been working in the renewable energy industry since 2006 and the electrical industry since 1999. We are a family owned and operated business. Sandi and I grew up in the Manning Valley and are proud to call it home. We have worked and trained all over Australia and are pleased to offer our skills locally. What do you offer clients? Solar - on grid, off grid, hybrid. We can cover all your solar power needs. Electrical - energy efficiency for homes and business. Communication - home and office phone and data. We specialise in solar power system installation and maintenance, to ensure energy efficiency for your home and business. What benefits are there to switching to solar? 1. Financial. Reduce your power bills. 2. Environmental. Using renewable resources. 3. Economical. Supporting local jobs. 4. Energy independence. Coupling with batteries to provide protection from power outages, as seen in the Hunter Valley flood.

How can you help clients save money and the environment? We can install grid connected solar power, which will reduce your dependence on expensive grid electricity. These systems can be fitted with a battery bank to make the solar power go further. For clients who are too far from grid electricity, we can install an off-grid solar power system. Also, we check your home or business’ electrical systems, upgrading to achieve greater efficiency, and we educate clients about the most efficient way to use their appliances. A few simple changes can have great benefits for our environment. What makes your business stand out from the rest? Using 8+ years of renewable energy industry experience, we can guarantee first class installation and local support for your solar investment. We do not take short cuts; every job we do is individually designed and installed. Our customers get quality and reliability from a local they can trust. Why would you encourage readers to go solar? Solar power is fun and exciting. You can power your home with the sun. You can own your energy! How do readers contact you for more information? Call us on 0408 269 655, or send us an email to evolve@outlook.com.au Also, visit our new website: evolvesolar.com.au

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Sustainable living & lighting New Owners Wilsons Solar & Electrical – Quality & Reliability Who are we Wilsons Solar & Electrical is a small local business servicing the Great Lakes and Manning Valley. The owner operator Mick Wilson is a member of Master Electricians Australia and the Australian Solar Council. Mick has over 19 years’ trade experience and has worked right across the electrical industry, from heavy industry experience in manufacturing, mining, power generation and distribution, to domestic and commercial construction, maintenance and inspection. What we offer Wilsons Solar & Electrical take pride in offering quality and reliable service at a fair price. As part of this they are constantly reviewing the latest products and offer up to date advice. Wilsons Solar is well placed to handle all your domestic, commercial and

industrial electrical needs, and when it comes to solar, we have a variety of choices to suit your lifestyle or business, such as on grid, off grid and battery storage systems. We can design, install and maintain small domestic systems and larger commercial systems. Why solar Now is great time for small business to install solar power. With rising electricity prices, our systems can cut costs, maximising their daytime consumption and also make the most of the $20,000 tax right incentives recently announced in the Federal Budget. If you would like a free onsite consultation for your business or your home, contact Wilsons Solar and Electrical today. Wilsons Solar & Electrical, for a local business offering quality and reliability.

We Design Install and Maintain Stand Alone, Grid Connected and Battery Storage Systems

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Meet James Witherspoon and Jayde Love, new owners of Sustainable Living and Lighting. They believe there are always ways to reduce your energy consumption and costs, from changing globes to energy efficient LED, to installing solar and skylights, or by simply just switching off. They can help you choose the best sustainable living and lighting solutions and invite you to call into their showroom on Kularoo Drive at Forster and check out their huge product range. Lighting: Finding the perfect lighting solution for your space, one that provides the perfect level of illumination, is energy efficient and suits your lifestyle can be a challenge. By offering a wide choice of the latest LED lighting technology as well as beautiful pendant lights, they make it easy. Solar Power: James and Jayde specialise in customised solutions to help you reduce

electricity costs by tailoring a solar design to suit individual needs and usage patterns. Offering advice on how to best utilise your solar production to maximise self consumption and get the most out of your system, they can show you how to provide your own power during the day. You will start saving money once the system is installed. illume Shaftless Skylight Systems: illume Shaftless skylight systems are designed to add the ambience of skylighting to any area of your home. illume systems work in place of conventional skylights and also in locations where a traditional skylight could not be fitted. illume is designed to convert the sun’s energy to light and auto-adjust brightness levels to match external conditions. Contact James and Jayde on 6554 8776 and let them help you take control of your electricity costs and help you create a positive atmosphere - they can make a house feel like a real home!

MIDCOAST Waste Australia, and in particular the Mid North Coast, has some of the most beautiful natural environments in the world. Unfortunately, we sometimes take our country for granted; in fact, we are “wasting” Australia away. Currently Australia generates over 43 million tonnes of waste per year. That's more than 2,140 kg per person. Erin Masters, Education Officer for Midcoast Waste Services, says, “Currently we are so good at generating waste, that Australia produces more waste per capita than any other country in the world besides the United States." Improvements to recycling systems have definitely helped and have a range of positive environmental benefits. Approximately 22,707,000 tonnes of waste is recycled annually (about 52% of waste generated) and more people than ever are recycling, with 99% of households now participating in some form of reuse or recycling programme. Ms Masters continues, "In the local area we recycled more than 14,000 tonnes of material in the past 12 months. This recycling has huge environmental benefits. Together we have saved over 30,235 cubic metres of landfill space, created

greenhouse gas benefits equivalent to 1,400 cars off the road and had over 68 Olympic Swimming Pools’ worth of water savings." Unfortunately, while recycling has increased, so too has our waste generation. We are still creating more waste than ever before, and recycling may not be able to compensate; we will continue to send increasing amounts to landfill. Food waste is one of the biggest issues; more than 1/3 of the average household’s waste is food. In fact, NSW sends over 1.1 million tonnes ($2.5 billion worth) of food to landfill each year. This can have huge environmental impacts as when food breaks down in landfill, it creates methane, one of the leading Climate Change gases. The majority of food waste can be avoided by taking simple steps such as menu planning, shopping with a list and ensuring that you store food correctly to prevent early spoilage. Unavoidable food waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings can

also be composted or worm formed at home. As a nation we need to become much more aware of the waste we are creating and the impact it is having on the environment. Ms Masters concludes, "There are many simple things we can all to do help reduce our waste generation.” • Buy items with little or no packaging • Utilise reusable shopping bags and travel mugs • Swap or sell unwanted furniture, clothes and toys • Start a composting system at home • Recycle all possible materials correctly • Purchase products made of recycled materials So this World Environment Day, ensure you reduce, reuse and recycle to help protect the Australian environment. For more information, contact Midcoast Waste Services on 1300 290 763.

bamboo by logan leigh For 33 years, Logan Leigh has supplied Australia’s kitchen and joinery industry with quality bench tops and doors. Recognising Bamboo’s durability, versatility and sustainability, Logan Leigh added Bamboo bench tops to their range in 2012 and is now launching a new range of Bamboo mono-stringer staircases and Bamboo bathtubs. Bamboo structural beams will also be available later in 2015. Eco-friendly and versatile: the Bamboo plant is classified as a grass and requires minimal water for healthy growth. Bamboo is resistant to bacteria, fungus, rot and termites, so it does not need to be chemically sprayed. Bamboo forests are more efficient in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen than the same area of trees. The unique rhizome root systems continually sprout new growth and shoots, so replanting is unnecessary. Bamboo can be harvested every five years, compared to a hardwood forest of 40 to 50 years. Logan Leigh is proud to supply a range of beautiful, durable and eco-sustainable Bamboo building products that will add a natural warmth and elegance to your home. See our website: www.loganleigh.com.au for full product details.

Established 1982

Launching Our

New Bamboo Staircases and Bathtubs at the Sydney HIA Home Show 28-31 May 2015 Excellence in Environmental Sustainability

Factory & Showroom 67 Whitbread Street, Taree NSW 2430 P: 02 6551 5022 F: 02 6551 5023 E: contact@loganleigh.com.au

Reliable delivery Australia wide

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HEALTH Editorial

Editorial

ACHILLES INJURIES

Achilles injuries are unfortunately too common; they can start as a little niggle and end up being very debilitating.

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unners and cyclists are susceptible due to the repetitive nature of the sport, but it is just as often seen in those who do no activity at all. However, they all have one thing in common: the injury is caused by a change in load. Tendons are designed to work hard, but too much of something or a traumatic event can damage them. The Achilles is vulnerable in two places: mid portion and at its insertion. An injury at its insertion point near the calcaneus can be more problematic, due to other structures around this point. Risk Factors Known risk factors for this injury include age, poor foot biomechanics, training load, muscle strength/flexibility and limitations need to be taken into account, and this sometimes means looking up towards gluteal and core strength. Females are more at risk, especially around menopause, due to changes in Oestrogen levels. Weight: when it is held around your midsection. Those with a systemic disease such as Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis are also at a higher risk.

How do we fix them? As contradictory as it sounds, in order to make it better, we have to load the tendon; they don’t do well with rest. To start with, you may be asked to reduce but not stop your activity - this will help to reduce pain levels, but pain is also used as an indicator to ascertain how much load we can place on the tendon. Rehab programmes use active progressive loading of the tendon, so that it can learn and adapt; isometric and isotonic exercises are used for this. Other treatment modalities may include massage, dry needling, strength training, gait assessment/retraining if necessary. Foot orthotics may be useful in some cases, but whatever is used, it must be utilised alongside a load programme. Research has shown that an injection or surgery to the Achilles, unless ruptured, is often detrimental in the long term. It’s important that this injury is caught early; this reduces trauma to the tendon and facilitates a quicker return to activity. If you would like more information or to make an appointment, call: Mid Coast Podiatry on 6551 4815.

URINARY TRACT I N F E C T I O N S

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rinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common infection, usually caused by bacteria, that involves parts of the body’s urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are more common in women, children and the elderly; however, 1 in 20 men will suffer at least one UTI during their lifetime. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, burning pain upon urination, a feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating, stomach pain, cloudy/smelly urine and/or blood in the urine. Some infections will also cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and back pain. Most UTIs are not contagious and cannot be

passed on during sex; however, this is not always the case. Some UTIs are caused by microorganisms that are sexually transmitted, such as chlamydia. Drinking plenty of water, using urinary alkalisers (e.g. Ural, Citravescent, etc.) and avoiding acidic foods and drinks (e.g. soft drinks, meat, vinegar, etc.) can all help treat a UTI; however, if these treatments do not work or you get recurring symptoms, you should see your doctor, as you may need antibiotics. If you would like more information on Urinary Tract Infections, please call Saxbys Pharmacy on (02) 6552 1662 or come in and talk to one of our pharmacists. Ian, Shari and Erinn.

By Sundial Dental

IMMEDIATEDENTALIMPLANTS With dental implants now being the most popular and the most sucessful way of replacing lost teeth, the technology and the skill of the dentist has evolved to allow for immediate tooth replacement with use of dental implants. Dr Elfar answers some FAQs about immediate implant placement. My dentist has informed me I need to have a front tooth extracted. I hate the thought of wearing a denture; what are my other options? The best way to replace a missing tooth is by dental implants. Implants have a 99% success rate and implant placement preserves bone and gum in the area, so it will look like a natural tooth. Q. What is a provisional crown? Traditionally 34

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a crown could not be placed on an implant until the bone around the implant was fully integrated; this usually takes about six months. But now with careful planning and skill, a provisional crown can be placed. A provisional crown will look like a natural tooth, but will initially be made so that it does not contact the opposing teeth. This is to ensure ideal integration of the implant in the bone. If you imagine a star picket in a bucket of setting cement, if you are moving the picket around, the cement will not set and the picket will continue to move. Q. What is involved with the planning? A 3D X-ray is taken to assess the amount of bone.

Then the implant is planned using the software to the desired position. This data is collaborated with a CEREC scan of the patient’s mouth, so a crown can be designed and milled inhouse. Once this planning has been completed, a surgical guide is constructed which will allow for key hole placement of the implant to within 500 um. Q. What can I expect from the procedure? The procedure takes about 1 - 2 hours. With the use of the surgical guide, it is a mimimally invasive procedure with a short healing time. During the procedure the tooth will be extracted, the titanium implant placed through the surgical guide and if initial stability is achieved, the provisional crown placed.

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Photo courtesy of Steve Young Photography

LIFEBLOOD When 18 month-old Emelia Cook needed brain surgery, the generosity of anonymous blood donors saved her tiny life. Emelia’s mother, Naomi, shared what it means to receive the gift of blood.

critical blood donations are. I was raised in a household where blood donation was encouraged; however, you don’t often get to witness first-hand what an impact those donations can have.

Tell us how Emelia ended up needing a lifesaving blood transfusion. In 2013 Emelia was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour. She had significant blood loss during surgery and, due to her age and being quite small, this was potentially life threatening.

I still have my beautiful daughter and get to witness her grow up, healthy and happy. I don’t think I could ever express how grateful I am for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and those who do donate blood.

Without the transfusions, Emelia would most likely not have survived. I attribute her survival to both the skill of the medical team and to the blood donors who provided those life-saving transfusions. How do you view blood donation now? I think it has made us more aware of how

What would you say to anyone thinking about giving blood? Give it a go. It takes little time, the staff are wonderful, and your donation can save lives. To save lives like Emelia’s this winter, give blood at Taree Donor Centre at 6 Macquarie St. Book now on 13 14 95 or at donateblood.com.au

SAVE LIVES THIS WINTER IN TAREE During flu season, many regular donors are unable to give blood. Help boost blood stocks this winter and give blood in Taree.

Taree Blood Donor Centre 6 Macquarie Street

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au 36

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Expert Comprehensive Care of Skin Cancers

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rimary skin cancers The initial step in the treatment of skin cancer is to confirm the diagnosis. Quite often, this is a clinical decision made after examining the affected area with magnification. Sometimes, a biopsy is done, where a small selection of the cancer is sent to a Pathologist for examination under a microscope. Appropriate treatment is then planned and this may be with Carbon Dioxide Laser for superficial skin cancers, or excision with a knife for deeper cancers. Reconstruction of the treated area, to leave it looking as near normal as possible and to preserve function, is often necessary and is usually carried out at the same time as removal of the cancer. Residual or recurrent skin cancers The treatment of residual skin cancers, where initial treatment was inadequate and where there is persistence of cancer, and recurrent cancers where the cancer recurs after previous treatment, is more difficult. In a significant percentage of patients, surgery is done in a staged fashion, where excision is done to confirm adequacy of cancer removal and followed up, after 24 or 48 hours, by reconstruction with skin grafts or flaps (skin and fat) and sometimes with additional material such as cartilage from the ear

or the nose. Frozen Section Examination of cancer tissue, where the cancer removed is handed over to a Pathologist for examination while the patient is still on the operating table, is used where there is difficulty in outlining the extent of the cancer, and often in cancers involving the eyelids, to preserve as much tissue as possible for satisfactory reconstruction. The need for comprehensive care in skin cancer treatment There is a lot more to skin cancer treatment then cancer removal: Accurate diagnosis, adequate removal, appropriate reconstruction and proper and long term follow up care is needed. Preservation of function and appearance takes a while to be established due to the way tissue heal and mould and hence scar management is an important part of the treatment. There may also be instances where more treatment may be required, in the form of surgery or sometimes, with Radiotherapy or occasionally with Chemotherapy. Expert Care and Management, including reconstruction to maintain function and aesthetics is available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre. Please seek a second opinion at The Centre if you are being sent out of town for treatment.

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focusinterview.

OPSM AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING EYE CARE RETAILERS, OPSM HAS MOVED INTO THE MID NORTH COAST COMMUNITY, TRANSFORMING FROM BAKER PAYNE WEBB OPTOMETRISTS TO FIVE OPSM STORES, OFFERING LOCAL RESIDENTS A GREAT RANGE OF AFFORDABLE EYEWEAR AND HIGH-QUALITY EYE CARE. WE SPEAK WITH FRANCHISEE PARTNER ANDREW SIMPSON ABOUT HIS DESIRE TO PROVIDE THE MID NORTH COAST COMMUNITY WITH WORLD CLASS SERVICE, PROFESSIONALISM AND LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY.

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i Andrew. As the new franchisee partner of Mid North Coast OPSM stores, what is now on offer for local residents? The stores will stock a variety of optical wear and sunglasses to suit most budgets, with popular brands including Ray-Ban, Vogue and Oakley. OPSM will also offer residents exclusive technology to help monitor eye health. The 5 stores may have a new look and feel however; most familiar faces of the Baker Payne Webb team remain for the Kempsey, Laurieton, Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Taree locations. Why was it important to introduce a new look and feel, whilst maintaining the same experienced teams in each location? By introducing the new look and feel along with the substantial investment in eye care technology, we wanted to send a message to the residents on the Mid North Coast that

their eye care is our highest priority. I also want to let everyone know that the passionate team from Baker Payne Webb are still here and, as an OPSM store, we can now offer locals even better value with the best technology and a wide range of optical glasses and sunglasses. We look forward to welcoming our loyal Baker Payne Webb customers to our new OPSM stores so we can continue to look after the Mid North Coast community sight for life. How will the expansion of OPSM benefit regional communities? We are passionate about eyecare, our customers trust us with their eyes because our stores are dedicated to providing worldclass service and technology, eye health advice, the very best eyewear solutions. A lot of people in our community are diligent with their eye health and eye care which is encouraging. However, it’s important for everyone to have their eyes tested regularly, not just those that require vision correction.

WE LOOK DEEPER

Andrew Simpson FRANCHISEE PARTNER, OPSM MID NORTH COAST

Regular eye tests are important to check Digital Retinal Scan. In a single scan we health and general wellbeing, eye have a greater chance of detecting tests can detect conditions abnormalities, which could like glaucoma, plus indicate an eye condition indicators for broader affecting a person’s vision. health issues like The Optos Daytona diabetes. Ultra Wide scanners You may have r noticed that ou Bringing valuable are exclusive to , nt re but store look s diffe unity technology in OPSM and allow m we want the com e still eye care to the Optometrists to see ar to know that we region, describe a 200-degree view r ei r th here to look afte some of the of the back of the eye health .” advanced facilities eye in a single scan in and services less than five minutes, provided at OPSM compared with only 45 stores. degrees using standard We take the care of our local digital retinal scanning machines. residents’ eyes very seriously. OPSM The images are stored securely for offers eye tests using the exclusive future comparisons and enable better Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital management of patients’ eye health. The Retinal Scanners. Residents will be able Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal to get a scan of the back of their eye, scanner is exclusively available at OPSM. which is four times wider than a regular Thanks Andrew.

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Visit OPSM Port Macquarie, Settlement City Port Macquarie, 64 Clarence Street Wauchope, 18 High Street (Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scan available in October 2015)

Laurieton, 8/16 Laurie Street Kempsey, Belgrave Street Taree, City Centre

Our ultra-wide digital retinal scan* is four times wider than the standard scan.

*Standard scan refers to a 45 degree retinal scan using fundus photography. The Optos Daytona Ultra Wide Digital Retinal Scanner is exclusive to OPSM. Ask if the scan is suitable for you. Fees apply.

opsm.com.au OPSM9276 0515 75x225 lakes focus. 38 manning-great OPSM9276 0515 290692 DRS LSM Press 75x225 Create Focus.indd 17

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Mid Coast Podiatry Whilst we provide the whole spectrum of podiatry services, each podiatrist brings a special interest to the practice. Esher Townsend, owner and Principal Podiatrist, has a special interest in running injuries which affect the feet, shins and hip. Having been a competitive runner in her younger days and experiencing probably every injury known to a runner, it gives her an insight into the frustrations often accompanying these problems. “I think it’s important when treating lower limb injuries, we don’t just focus on the feet. What is happening elsewhere in the body is vitally important for optimum function; you need to look at the whole person .” Annie Harden joined the practice in January this year; she came into podiatry after working in Aged Care Rehabilitation for numerous years as a registered nurse. “I chose Podiatry, as it is a profession where your treatment can have a real impact on a person’s ability to keep active, mobile and healthy.” Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy are the two most common injuries we see. These

conditions are very individual to the person, which is why a comprehensive biomechanical assessment is important; this includes watching you walk or run, testing muscle flexibility and strength, looking at you from top to bottom. There is now an arsenal of treatment options available for these conditions, and these are tailored to the individual, taking into account what their outcome goal is. For some, it’s just about being able to walk the dog without pain; for others, they want to get back to training for their marathon. For more information, please see our website: www.midcoastpodiatry.com.au or call 6551 4815.

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SUFFERING HEADACHES? Poor posture, stress and our busy lifestyles seem to directly result in headache and migraine.

KOBOSHA HEALTH

Headache is viewed as one of the most common ailments, affecting five million sufferers nationally.

“If you’re not feeling 100% happy and healthy, than think of me as your personal GPS, helping you find your way to a happier, healthier you.“

There is strong evidence to suggest acupuncture is ideally suited for treatment of headaches. One such study concluded that: “Acupuncture leads to persisting, clinically relevant benefits for patients with chronic headache, particularly migraine”. Similar research trials concluded that participants with acupuncture treatment experienced: 22 fewer days annually with headaches, used 15% less medication, made 25% fewer visits to their doctor and took 15% fewer days off sick per year. Acupuncture can achieve this by naturally encouraging production of endorphins and opioids (natural painkillers) that are targeted by strategic needle placement. More importantly, however, we balance the head and neck meridians to ensure further reduction of headaches and their severity. Research has also discovered significant differences in physical functioning, energy, and change in health. This is the wonderful side effect of acupuncture treatment - holistic mental and physical wellbeing. Get rid of those headaches that hold you back by booking a course of treatment today! For more information on how acupuncture can help you, check out the website: www.christophernesbitt.com.au

At Kobosha we make you and your health our priority and are passionate about helping you to live your life to its highest potential, offerering many investigative services, such as live blood screening, food sensitivity testing, hair analysis, cellular health analysis and much more. Also now offering our RENEW YOU PROGRAMMES. Our programmes are the perfect opportunity to assess your current health and performance levels and then tailor make a programme to enhance positive improvements, helping you to feel completely re-energised, healthier, fitter and more resilient to the pressures of everyday life. There are a variety of programmes available. The Stress Less programme incorporates dietary and lifestyle advice alongside tailored prescriptions of herbal and nutritional recommendations to restore balance and to support emotional wellbeing and mental health. Contact us today to receive professional, personalised healthcare that will give you the positive results you are looking for. Our services and programmes make restoring your lifestyle balance as convenient as possible, and our hand-held approach guarantees you’ll have support every step of your journey.

Winter Is HERE! It’s the time of the year we love to rug up and get cosy! Call into Modern Wisdom to see our great range of ponchos, wraps, pashminas and scarves! Our natural Bamboo clothing range has some beautiful long sleeve tunics, palazzo pants and cardies, all to keep you toasty and warm. While in-store, view our latest range of Kelly Rae Roberts inspirational wall art, stunning sterling silver rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings, and our wish jars are a perfect gift for that special occasion. For those seeking knowledge, wisdom and a new way of living and being, check out our extensive range of self-help books, meditation CDs, divine guidance and oracle cards, all to help with your spiritual growth. It’s also that time of year when our annual stocktake is looming - a time for clearances and bargains! We are offering a 50% discount on one item per customer, so for that special piece you have had your eye on, now is the time to grab a great deal! See below for details. From all of us here at Modern Wisdom, we would like to thank our beautiful customers for their support and wonderful compliments bestowed on our mind, body, spirit store. We really appreciate each and every one of you! Love and Light, from Narda.

0414 312 919 Evolve Healing Centre 8 Wharf St Forster koboshacompletehealthsolutions.com.au

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TAREE PCYC

GYMAROO

C h e e r l e a d i n g

t e a m s

&

S t u n t

ALLSTAR G r o u p s

Cheerleading these days is a far cry from the vision you probably have in your mind! Competitive cheerleading is recognised as a sport under the Australian Sporting Commission, and Courtney Longa, coach of the Taree PCYC Gymaroo Allstar Cheerleading Teams and Stunt Groups, tells us the sport is 90% mental and 10% physical! Under Courtney’s coaching, our local Allstars have achieved some amazing success in recent competitions ...

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i Courtney. Tell us a bit about yourself ... What’s your family/ school background, and how long have you lived in the ManningGreat Lakes area? Hi, my name is Courtney Longa, and I am the coach of the Taree PCYC Gymaroo Allstars cheerleading teams and stunt groups. I am currently in Year 12 doing my HSC and have lived in the Manning Valley all of my life. When and why did you first become involved with Taree PCYC? I first became involved with the Taree PCYC when I was in Year 6. My best friend, Hannah, dragged me along to start cheerleading, and I've been hooked ever since. Gone are the days when cheerleading only involved stereotyped girls waving pom poms and chanting. Competitive cheerleading is recognised as a sport under the Australian Sporting Commission, involving no pom poms, but a strictly choreographed routine that follows a rubric scoring system and ruling before a panel of judges. Please introduce us to the Taree PCYC Gymaroo Allstars ... How many members are in the group, what is their age range, and what do you specialise in? The Gymaroo Allstar Cheerleaders are a group of boys and girls who take their sport very seriously. Our competition team is a mixture of boys and girls from the ages of 10 years to 18 years old. We execute a 2 minute and 30 second routine of non stop jumps, tumbling, stunt and dance that visually appeals to an audience, each year progressing further and further with difficulty. Our competition team is made up of 20 athletes, and the stunt groups consist of four

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people in each group, competing with only a one team that trains on Thursdays. minute routine altered and perfected throughout Some of your group are fortunate enough the year; however, this minute is jammed packed (and skilled enough) to be able to compete full of the highest scoring technique, skill and at a national level. What competitions have overall fitness of the athletes. you been involved with over the past year This year we have an all boy partner stunt or so, and how has the team fared against group that will be competing, which executes the tough competitors these events usually these stunts, but will only be two people. provide? How long have you been coaching this Last year our cheerleading teams competed group, and what’s involved with your role in five competitions and placed very well at as coach? each. Our two highest ranking competitions I have been coaching the Gymaroo Allstar included: our Cheerleading team Cheerleaders and Gymnastics for the ranking 2nd in Australia, and past three years. As a coach, I not one of our stunt groups only physically train them for ranking 3rd in Australia G one are the routine, but I also prepare at the Australian the days them mentally. Allstar Cheerleading ng that cheerleadi Cheerleading is considered Federations Nationals only involved to be 90% mental and 10% on the Gold Coast in s rl gi stereotyped physical. My role is to derive November. s m po s m waving po confidence out of each We also placed 1st ” g. tin an and ch athlete that joins, whether in our cheer division and being shy, new to the sport or achieved two 1st places, having a mental block for a skill. two 3rd places and one It’s this encouragement and 2nd place for our stunt groups breaking down of fears that makes my at the Aussie Gold International job that much more rewarding. I feel very Cheerleading Championships on the blessed that I can have a job that surrounds me Gold Coast. with people that share the same passion and Describe some of the stunts/moves the determination as myself. At the end of the day, if Gymaroo Allstars perform at this competitive they come off the floor competing with a smile, level. that’s all that matters. I would have to say our baskets draw the most When and where do you all meet to train attention from the crowd, due to the height that and practice? these boys and girls get thrown into the air and Our competitive cheerleading teams train caught, some doing different manoeuvres while on Tuesdays and Fridays for two hours with doing so - making it even more challenging and occasional all day trainings on weekends at the awesome to watch. Taree PCYC. Our Cheer Stunt groups train also What have been some of your proudest on Tuesday and Fridays. moments as a coach of this terrific group to We also have a non competitive cheerleading date?

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I would have to say my proudest moment ever as a coach would be last year at Nationals. The team had come so far, and to see the routine hit perfectly and everyone come off screaming in excitement made the whole cheer season perfect in my eyes. Standing in the awards room when placings are being called out one at a time, and it wasn't us until we heard 2nd was so surreal. The massive trophy was a bonus. Being able to say that I coached a National level team is a dream come true. What are the Gymaroo Allstars plans for the next 12 months - any major events on the horizon? We hope to continue our mark on the cheerleading world, improving and achieving higher within the sport we all love. We are currently getting ready to compete at Newcastle in June and then Aussie Gold International on the Gold Coast again this year in July. If people are interested in finding out more about the Taree PCYC Gymaroo Allstar group, or even in potentially becoming a member - what do they need to do/whom do they need to contact? Anyone can join the fastest growing sport in Australia right here in Taree, whether you want to compete against the best within the country or just join a class to experience what cheer is all about. We offer competitive classes as well as non competitive cheerleading classes that run once a week. If you would like to gain any information about who we are or you want to be part of a team, please contact Taree PCYC on 6551 0292 or email taree@pcycnsw.org.au Alternatively, pop in and have a chat with the friendly staff at 95 commerce Street, Taree. Thanks Courtney. Photos courtesy of AASCF.

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with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

JUNE 2015

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

Esteem issues need to be recognised and disolved. Look at your reflection and smile; it’s that easy! The more you like yourself, the easier it will be to receive the best. It is time for you now. Calcite brings out our spontaneity and confidence.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 A new friend or special love is likely to touch your heart soon. Enjoy the vast differences between you. Much laughter can be expected, as you learn to look at things differently together. Amazonite is wonderful for personal truth.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Celebrations are coming, so don’t give up your dream. You have needed to recognise your own strength and independence, so you can succeed. Don’t allow the frustration of feeling suspended to spoil your passion or focus. Ruby worn daily energises the aura with passion and persistence.

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TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21

Justice will prevail! Any unfinished business should be taken care of A.S.A.P. Recognise your fears, and shatter them with laughter. Pay attention to your words; they can get you into or out of trouble. Rose Quartz is a powerful “loving” crystal.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

Relationships will be a major influence on your thoughts for some time. Avoid expectations, as they only lead you to disapointment. Instead, look at the uniquness of your partner and stay happy for knowing them. Sugilite helps to build emotional bridges, in a loving way.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

Love yourself enough to make the best choices in life. Your time is precious; spend it wisely to avoid feeling pulled in all directions at once. Be sure to prioritise fun in your schedule. Phenacite helps us recognise our own divinity.

LEO.

July 24 - August 23 Patience is the virtue Leos are learning about. Avoid self-destructive thoughts and remain positive, as this will connect you with your outcome. Changes begin with thoughts; set some fresh goals. Aventurine is good for personal growth.

VIRGO.

August 24 - September 23 Time is approaching for you to have an uncomplicated emotional existance. There is likely to be a huge change in your thought processes, as you are changing quickly. Avoid being intolerant of people as they haven’t changed; you have. Lapis Lazuli amplifies our self-knowledge.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are wise old souls. Listen to the wisdom of your own words, as you have all your answers. You avoid self confidence in making choice, only because change is a challenge. Feel your truth. Ruby feeds our life force.

SCORPIO.

October 24 - November 22 You are about to tumble into the “unknown”, but it will be the best thing for your growth. You will learn a lot in a very short time, and you will be loving the experience. Be adventurous and enjoy. Tourmaline strengthens inner peace.

S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21

Play with your ability to manifest. You only need to think about what you want and fill yourself with the excitement of having it and think “thanks”, then forget about it. Clear quartz amplifies our “magical” abilities.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Set some fresh goals quickly if you haven’t recently, as you are about to have some good luck. Positve energy is likely to affect your thoughts over the next few weeks, so capitalise on this. Rhodochrosite keeps our inner child active with joy.

focusTourism. Donna Hudson - Manning Valley Tourism

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Wonderful winter in the manning valley.

here’s a chill in the air, and the autumn leaves are lighting up our landscape. Misty mornings, frosty lawns, and stunning sunsets. Don’t you just love

Donna Hudson

Tourism

winter? While the Manning Valley might be most wellknown for its summertime activities, there’s so much to do all through the year, and winter is no exception. With daytime temperatures averaging around 19°C, venturing out is easy. It’s the perfect season to enjoy crisp, winter days in our great outdoors, finished off with snuggly fireside evenings. For beach-lovers, winter provides the perfect backdrop to rug-up and take a long, lazy stroll in peace along our pristine coastline. Enjoy the sea-spray on your face, the fresh on-shore breeze, and stunning blue skies that stretch out to the horizon. And for the anglers amongst us, pack a thermos and head to your favourite fishing spot - we hear the fish are still biting all through our temperate winter, especially Luderick and Bream. Bushwalking is a favourite Aussie winter pastime, and what an amazing array of choice we have here on our doorstep. If you haven’t visited Coorabakh National Park in winter, set a date in your calendar and enjoy a fabulous family day out. Just 30 minutes’ north of Taree you’ll discover walking trails to suit all levels of fitness, stunning scenery viewed from Newbys and Flat Rock lookouts and several family-friendly picnic

areas set in amongst the rainforest. And what’s better than a BBQ lunch on a crisp winter weekend? Grab your family and friends, pack the car, and head north, south, east or west to find some of the well-appointed picnic areas sprinkled throughout the region. If it’s a beachside BBQ you’re after, Saltwater Beach or Diamond Head are worth the visit. On the river, try Brimbin Reserve, and for a foresty-feast, make the trip to the ever-graceful Ellenborough Falls, where you can enjoy BBQ facilities and picnic tables, with the best view in town. For the less adventurous who prefer the indoors, the Manning Valley offers a whole range of toasty taste-tempting cafés, restaurants and bars, many featuring our fresh local produce and most offering cozy charm to warm you up in winter. And if we’ve tempted your tastebuds with these wonderfully wintry suggestions, why not welcome friends and visitors from outside the region to experience a Manning Valley winter? Our peak tourist season has traditionally been through the warmer months; however, this is also such a wonderful time of year to show off our winter-beauty as well. For more ideas of things to see and do, visit www. manningvalley.info or share your experiences with us on Facebook/manningvalley.info The Manning Valley will make your senses come alive during winter … naturally!

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M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

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M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Tony Lumtin, Brian Alexander & Justin Van Haren

TJL Business Advisors & Accountants

We are excited and proud to announce that as of 1st July 2015, Manning Tax & Business Consultants (MTBC) will join forces with TJL Business Advisors & Accountants (TJL). Brian Alexander and his MTBC team will unite with Tony Lumtin and his team at TJL.

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hy did you merge the businesses?

We need to ensure both our business’ continual growth is supported by bigger, better and stronger expertise, knowledge and advice. Together we can continue to service our clients at the highest level and lead the industry in innovation and financial management. By uniting and sharing our skills and expertise, we are the firm with the most qualified staff and quality of service in the Manning-Great Lakes area. What does this mean for your clients? Our merge allows us to offer our clients broad expertise in individual and business accounting, taxation, bookkeeping, forecasting, together with the Cloud System Technology and particular focus on MYOB and XERO. Partners, Tony Lumtin and Brian Alexander, both have a passion for Business Advisory with focus on business sale and acquisition and business management consulting. At TJL we ensure our clients are getting the most out of their business. We also offer our clients extensive knowledge, experience and professionalism in another arm of our business, TJL Financial Management. Justin Van Haren and his team can develop a financial plan and strategy to help you reduce debt, build wealth for the future and make sure you’re looked after along the way. They also have a strong expertise in Self Managed Superannuation Funds. What does this mean for the local community? The added expertise, knowledge and experience from our combined forces ensures the community has a

place to help individuals and businesses put solid plans in place to get ahead. We are also proud to be expanding, but keeping everything local, employing local people to service local clientele. As a multifaceted business, we offer the convenience of being your one stop shop for all individual and business finance needs. What are the services you offer? We are proud to offer the numerous services we do! Our primary areas include accounting, taxation, bookkeeping, MYOB and XERO and other cloud accounting systems, Business Advisory and Acquisitions, Management Consulting and Equipment Financing.

Tony Lumtin of TJL commented, “We are really excited to bring MTBC on board and look forward to their quick integration into the TJL family, as well as their added knowledge and experience.” Additionally, Brian Alexander of MTBC says, “We look forward to a very STRONG partnership and team, and continuing to grow our business while satisfying our clients at the highest level.”

We need to ensure both our business’ th is continual growbig ger, supported byronger better and st owledge expertise , kn and advice .”

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The TJL Financial Management team focus on Mortgage Reduction, Wealth Creation, Investment, Superannuation incl. SMSF (Self Managed Superannuation Funds), Retirement Strategies and Estate Planning and Insurance. Tell us about your team as at 1st July? When we merge on 1st July, combined we will have 28 staff based in Taree, Forster and Sydney. Our staff consists of an array of personalities with skills and specialties in various fields. Tony and Brian believe in constant, up-to-date training for themselves and their staff, and we are proud to be the biggest user of technology in the Manning-Great Lakes area.

Tell us about the charity you’re proudly supporting in the local community?

We are very proud to support the local community as the major sponsor for the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat 2015 Inaugural Charity Golf Day in March. This was a huge success for such a worthwhile charity. We had over 100 participants playing an 18 hole, four man Ambrose, and finished the day off with a catered presentation and auction. It was a great day, with a fantastic result. We raised $18,184.99 to help the Retreat and families with ill or sick children, who can now have a well deserved break and reconnect. We look forward to a bigger year next year and hopefully double that amount! Visit www.tjlbiz.com.au to find out more about us and how we can help you reach your financial and lifestyle goals and also maximise your business’ success. Or call us on 6554 9511 for a complimentary initial consultation. manning-great lakes focus.

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M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Phil Goodsell

Mid Coast Retirement Village Lawyer

I have established a new legal business here on the Mid North Coast providing advice in relation to retirement village contracts and agreements for aged care facilities. There are more than 50 retirement villages in our area. They represent an important lifestyle and accommodation choice for a growing number of Australians over 55. There are even more aged care facilities on the Mid North Coast. Residents proposing to move into a retirement village must sign a resident contract. These are now very bulky documents that can be very confusing. You shouldn’t sign a contract without professional legal advice from a lawyer experienced in retirement village legislation. Residents who do not properly understand the whole “deal” could jeopardise their retirement. I also advise and assist residents on any matters arising while they are living in a village and on their rights and entitlements on moving out. Many seniors (and their families) now have to consider moving into an aged care facility. There is a very complex system of fees that may be payable, although you may be partially exempt from some of these. I provide advice to those entering an aged care facility to ensure all fees are correct and are necessary payments by the individual concerned. I will visit clients at their residence anywhere on the Mid Coast. I usually charge a fixed fee. Contact me on 0427 614 271 or email me at philip.goodsell@ iinet.net.au to discuss how I can assist you.

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Mark Tyler

Forster Photos & Framing

Mark has been in the photographic industry for 30 years and has a degree in photography. He opened one of Australia’s first digital labs, Forster Beach Photos, at the roundabout in 1997. In a rapidly changing industry, he has always stayed at the forefront by using state of the art equipment and technology. “We help customers with technical challenges and make printing from digital cameras and mobile phones easy! We still believe in the photographic industry and are proud to still be a part of it,” said Mark. After selling Forster Beach Photos in 2010, Mark and his family went travelling and returned to Forster in 2013 and opened Forster Photos & Framing. “My wife, Judy, has a strong connection to the area, as her family have been farmers in the Manning for over 150 years. We love the beauty of beach and bush, and it’s a great area to bring up kids,” said Mark. Mark expanded into custom framing 10 years ago to complement his business. Forster Photos & Framing use state of the art equipment, including their high quality computerised Italian matt cutter and a huge range of mouldings, from modern Italian to coastal shabby chic, and have a glass cutting service. They make rustic frames from local recycled timbers and have a huge range of beautiful readymade frames at a good price.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Kam Baker r u r a l f i r e s e r v i c e

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hat does your role with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) entail? Under the Rural Fires Act, I’m appointed as the Fire Control Officer for the Mid Coast Rural Fire District. My role is the District Manager, so it’s to manage all the rural fire brigades and responses to incidents within the Rural Fire District. The Mid Coast Rural Fire District covers the local government areas of Port MacquarieHastings, Greater Taree, and Lord Howe Island. When and why did you become involved with the RFS? I first joined what was known as the Bush Fire Service, on the 1st September 1979 in Patonga Beach, on the Central Coast. I rode on the school bus with the local fire brigade’s captain’s son. He said to me, “Do you want to come and join the fire brigade it’s really good fun?” I was looking for things to do, as I’d just moved to the area. So that’s how I started with the Patonga Brigade, and I worked my way up. At the brigade’s Annual General Meeting, probably about two years after I joined, I met a guy called the Fire Control Officer, or the District Manager, and I thought what a cool job that’d be! I made the decision to make the Rural Fire Service my career, so I worked my way up through the volunteer ranks - I was Deputy Captain/Brigade Captain at Pearl Beach, Group Captain at Gosford and then on 21st June 1993, I started in the Fire Control Officer’s job at Gloucester. In 2006, I moved and took on Taree, and subsequently Port Macquarie and more recently, Lord Howe Island. What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your career? What I enjoy the most is the fact that

Superintendent Kam Baker, District Manager for the Mid Coast Rural Fire District, has enjoyed a long-term career within the Rural Fire Service. With 52 brigades under his command and a large district to manage, Kam’s role is a busy but extremely rewarding one … everything we do for the community is positive. I have under my command nine other staff who support what we do, and there are 52 brigades across the Mid Coast District (both frontline brigades and support brigades); within these brigades are around 1,200 volunteers. Supporting these brigades and giving them the tools to protect the community, respond to 000 calls, community education - we have a school cadet programme running this year at Camden Haven and Chatham High Schools … As a whole, it is a very rewarding job. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t want to go to work. Highlights of the job are things like the major incidents I’ve been involved in; I was heavily involved in establishing our aviation firefighting training in its early years and involved with major incidents on the Mid North Coast and all over the state. In 2014 I was the Incident Controller for a major fire in the Barossa Valley in South Australia. I was also involved with the Canberra fires in 2003. How do you cope with the negative aspects of the job - dealing with loss of life and property? Over the years you do learn to mentally condition yourself. You can’t turn your feelings off, but you realise you have an important job to do, and you basically just get on with it. In saying this, the Rural Fire Service has established a Critical Incident Support Service, so if needed, we have a whole network of support available. What have been some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed within the RFS during your years of service? Some of the biggest changes are improvements to our fleet and firefighting appliances. But probably the biggest change since the 2009 Victorian fires is community messaging. The community now wants to know what’s going on instantaneously, so our messaging

plan, prepare your property and make sure to the community includes information about incidents near them and any actions they may you’re bushfire ready for the coming fire need to take. Our messaging goes out via our season. website, the Fires Near Me app, and in serious People may not live right near the bush emergencies, via SMS. - they may be a few streets backs, but they We use a programme called ICON, or can still be affected by ember attack. The Instant Control Online, which is a single Canberra fires were a classic example of tool that manages an incident. All of our houses that were streets away from the situation reports, updates, incident action interface, but still burned to the ground. A plans, mapping, and community bushfire survival plan is important. warnings are captured by Why would you encourage this one single computer people - including system; with the strike juniors - to join the of a key we can RFS, and how do put information The most they go about it? in about an important thing We have junior incident, or have is people need to membership in al plan issue advice a bushfire surviv r te the age range of in w e or emergency and over th s ed ne an pl is of 14 - 18; they th warnings to period , ” . ed ew vi re attend training and to be people very, very

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quickly. Now we’re in winter, some may become a bit complacent about fire danger, but what would you recommend people do to keep themselves “fire safe”? The most important thing people need to have is a bushfire survival plan and over the winter period, this plan needs to be reviewed. A bushfire survival plan can be downloaded from the RFS website, and there’s actually an app for this available on both Google Play and iTunes. But, it’s not just a matter of filling this form out - it’s about having an engaged conversation with your family - and neighbours - about what will happen if a bushfire approaches. What are you going to do? Are you going to leave? Are you going to stay? Are you going to defend - is your property defendable? And if you are going to leave, you need to make the decision to leave early. Over winter, update your bushfire survival

they are introduced to the service. From 16 years on, with parental consent, they can attend incidents. The RFS is the largest volunteer fire service in the world. It’s very rewarding; we provide nationally recognised training. The skills learned in the RFS can not only be used to fight fires - they can be used in everyday life. Joining the RFS is about helping your local community, and becoming a part of your local community. We encourage people to get involved even if you don’t want to fight fires, you can become a part of our communications group, community education groups, logistical support groups and so on. If you’re interested in joining the RFS, contact your local office: Port Macquarie: (02) 6588 9000 Taree: (02) 6591 2900 Visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or Facebook. Thanks Kam. manning-great lakes focus.

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M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Craig Smith C r a i g S m i t h & A s s o c i a t e s Craig Smith & Associates (CSA) is a SMSF specialist firm. We advise on the rationale for your SMSF, develop its investment strategy in conjunction with your needs and views, establish your SMSF with corporate trust (we do not recommend individual trustees), oversee all administration and compliance along with your SMSF’s accounting, preparation of financial statements and lodgement with ATO alongside other essential facets of your financial planning needs, including estate planning and personal insurances. CSA’s goal is to deliver multigenerational enhanced financial outcomes for our selected clients. The motto of Craig Smith & Associates is: “Knowledge Trust Quality Advice”. Your financial planning specialist Craig Smith (Authorised Representative No: 263524) is licensed through Dover Financial Advisers Pty

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Ltd. Craig Smith & Associates is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Dover Financial Advisers Pty Ltd: ABN: 87 112 139 321; AFSL Licence No. 307248. Craig established Craig Smith & Associates in 1989 and is a well recognised and respected financial planner with extensive expertise and academic qualifications pertinent to financial planning. Craig holds the following qualifications: SMSF Association Specialist Accredited Adviser; Master of Commerce in Financial Planning from University of Western Sydney; Bachelor of Education from Armidale College of Advanced Education (now University of New England); Advanced Real Estate Certificate from Dept of Technical & Further Education.

M E N I N B U S I N E S S F E AT U R E

Bruce Pain

Michael Dye

regional financial solutions

Manning adventist School

What is your role at Manning Adventist School? Principal and Year 3 - 6 Classroom Teacher. How long have you been Principal? Just over a year. I have over 35 years’ teaching and administration experience in a variety of primary and secondary school roles, across four states and two countries. How would you describe your school? It’s like a family. Staff members know all the students, and students know, support and encourage each other. What sets you apart from other independent schools in the area? Definitely our special character and small class sizes. MAS provides a dynamic learning environment for children from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. How long has the school been established?

It commenced in 1977 in Taree and moved to its current, idyllic, rural location in 1983. PreKindy was a recent addition to our programme - the only one in the Manning Valley. What feedback do you get from students and parents? Plenty of positives! They love our value-based, Christian education, small class sizes, caring staff and our very competitive fees (Pre-Kindy $25/day!) What benefits are there for students at your school? Manning Adventist School is concerned with upholding family values, respect for authority and the overall development of each student. It is committed to seeing each student develop their maximum potential. If you are looking for a school where students don’t just attend, they belong ... then look no further.

How long have you been in your choosen industry for? I have been advising in insurance and financial services since 1991.

and Trauma), and Investment. What is the business philosophy of RFS?

Before undertaking any work, we will clearly explain the various steps involved in the financial planning process, as well as our fees and se li charges. We’ll also take ia ec I sp f o ge n ra a the time to answer all in e th r fo es ic your questions. If you are serv , ed y lo p m What type of -e lf se happy to proceed, we services can you small business will then begin working owners and help our readers on a plan for you. If part retirees ... ” with? of our advice involves I specialise in a range recommending certain of services for the selfproducts, we will set out in employed, small business writing our reasons for suggesting owners and retirees. These services those products, so you can ensure you are include Superannuation, Personal Risk happy with our recommendations before Insurance (Income Cover, Life & Disability proceeding. Can you tell us about some of your qualifications? I have a Diploma of Financial Planning, Dip FS (FP) and am also a Justice of the Peace (JP).

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focusinterview.

BRETT C O W L I N G

CEO BIRIPI MEDICAL CENTRE MEET BRETT COWLING, THE NEW CEO OF BIRIPI MEDICAL CENTRE, AND FIND OUT WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BIRIPI ORGANISATION OVER THE COMING YEARS.

i Brett. Introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your role at the Biripi Medical Centre ... My name is Brett Cowling, and I am the new-ish CEO of Biripi. I bring a variety of experience to this role, working in leadership roles beside first nations’ people, mostly from the community controlled and not for profit sector. I was firstly a clinician prior to undertaking Doctoral studies in Public Health. I have worked in similar roles with communities in Central Australia, Top End, Palm Island and Solomon Islands, before returning to the North Coast, where I was born. I am not an Aboriginal person, but have a deep respect for their heritage value and believe in a long term commitment to walking “side by side” Aboriginal people to govern and lead community controlled services. This has been and continues to be a privileged journey for me. What is the business vision of the Biripi Health Organisation? Biripi ACMC is a community controlled organisation that provides the most culturally appropriate evidence based services to the community in sectors of Primary Health Care and Foster Care (Out of Home Care). At the heart of community control is strong research that Aboriginal people are in the best position to provide services and govern the board of directors in making decisions for the future of Aboriginal people. For this reason, the Board of Directors is comprised of 100% Aboriginal people with a diverse skillset and roles in the community, including in the hospital and at various schools. The Board of Directors and staff receives support and training from the peak Aboriginal Bodies such as Aboriginal Health and Research Council (AHMRC), Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (ABSEC) as well as the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC). The Board also works 52

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very closely with audit partners both financial, clinical (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) and the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG). The service is continuously improving accountability and transparency of reporting, monitoring and evaluation. What strategic plans do you have in place in the near future for the organisation? Biripi has just completed an extremely innovative strategic plan. As the incoming CEO, the significance of this highly consultative future intent for the organisation is critical to ensure that all staff, clients, community, Board Members, foster parents as well as current and future funding bodies are clearly communicated with regarding the Strategic Plan. Following 12 months of dialogue with all involved in and passionate about the future of Biripi ACMC, we are very pleased to endorse and release this Strategic Plan, which is the map for future directions of Biripi over the next three years. I personally am very much looking forward to working with you, the community, to ensure the growth and development of this very unique community controlled organisation. I will ensure effective communication and feedback through the quarterly community meetings, governing committees, and regular staff feedback. From this point, the governing subcommittees will play an important role in performance management and evaluation of this Strategic Plan and the annual business and activity plans that are documented for each area of service delivery. The Board of Directors is very pleased to play a role in this evaluation through their skilled based portfolios on each of the four governing subcommittees. I personally look forward to feeding back progress and being held to account for the outcomes of the Biripi ACMC Strategic Plan. The next stage is to engage the community and members in meaningful dialogue regarding access to service delivery in Bushland’s community and at Purfleet. The CEO role in

with local Non-Government Organisations this is to listen and find an effective balance such as MVNS, MSS, PCYC, as well as local between community control, good corporate government agencies such as Police and Local governance and appropriate clinical care. Health Districts. The Board of Directors at Biripi ACMC is very The total number of staff is 120, and excited to release and endorse the Strategic approximately 75% of these staff are first Plan 2015 to 2018. The Board of Directors nations’ people. These comprise a variety and Members have invested significant time of skillsets, including Aboriginal Health in yarning about the future of this community Services, Doctors and Dentists, Allied controlled organisation and how we can lead Health Professionals, Cultural and Clinical to better service provision and measurable Coordinators, Aged Care Workers, Children’s outcomes for the Biripi Nation. To support the Case Workers. It is also particularly significant evaluation of the Strategic Plan, the Board of that Biripi ACMC reinvests more than 15 Directors has unanimously chosen mil per year of generated revenue to have skill based portfolios and government funding in the areas of Primary within the communities we Healthcare (Clinical serve. A good example Governance), Child and e tim g tin of this is that over 800 Youth Services, Audit ci It’s an ex C, CM A pi ri thousand of Medicare and Risk and Aged for Bi ity un m m co revenue this Financial and Community e and th ge an ch e th g in ad Year has gone to Care. These is le r la gu re h ug ro th support the Aboriginal portfolio holders munity dialogue at com Foster Children in this will take a lead meetings .” area, in addition to the on four governing government contractual subcommittees that agreements. have a variety of internal The new Financial Year employees and external will see Biripi ACMC expanding influence. The Strategic Plan specialist medical services to the will be regularly monitored through Purfleet site and growing our partnerships the effectiveness of the governing in the Bushlands Community focused on subcommittees. The Board looks forward youth services. We are also undertaking a to working with the CEO to ensure there is feasibility study into expanding our existing cultural sensitivity aligned with an appropriate aged and community care opposite the Purfleet balance of clinical and corporate governance. mission, to include residential aged care beds. It is very important for our 3,000 patients It’s an exciting time for Biripi ACMC, and the and 124 foster children that we are providing community is leading the change through culturally appropriate evidence based services. regular dialogue at community meetings These are spread across a variety of services and good governance through the Board of such as primary health care, dental, general Directors. practice, social and emotional wellbeing, Please contact me at Brett.cowling@ maternal and women’s services and community biripi.org.au if you would like to provide care, youth services, children and out of home feedback, or see the new strategic plan care. These services are spread geographically on Facebook: biripi aboriginal corporation between Taree, Port Macquarie to Inverell. medical We have multiple sites in these areas as well ,providing outreach to schools and partnerships Thanks Brett.

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DAVID MATHESON, WILDLIFE RESCUER AND CERAMIC SCULPTOR AND GAIL MORPHETT, PAINTER, PRINTER, SCULPTOR AND THE “KOALA LADY” OF THE AREA ARE MEMBERS OF THE MYALL RIVER ART WALK, A SUB GROUP OF THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT GALLERIES IN THE GARDENS, WHICH REPRESENTS MORE THAN 40 ARTISTS IN THE TEA GARDENS AND HAWKS NEST AREA. DAVID AND GAIL INTRODUCE US TO A UNIQUE COMPETITION THAT IS OPEN TO ANYONE TO ENTER!

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ntroduce yourselves briefly to our readers ... Whereabouts in the Great Lakes do you call home, and what do you most love about the area? DAVID: I live in the old part of Tea Gardens. I love the village atmosphere and the friendliness of the people here. There is endless wildlife in the area, and I do what I can to help protect them, as well as taking care of orphans and injured creatures. GAIL: I live in Winda Woppa, which is the sand spit on the mouth of the Myall River, with Port Stephens on the other side of it. I love the whole area for its quiet peacefulness. It’s full of birds, wildlife, dolphins and koalas - it is beautiful! Describe the Bat Flats Art Competition you’re currently involved with ... What’s the aim of the competition, and what do people have to do to enter? GAIL: The Bat Flats Art Competition is pretty unique - it combines art and creative activities with helping a little Australian mammal that needs our assistance. The end effect is a beautiful and environmentally sound solution to assist reducing the burgeoning mosquito and sandfly problem. The competition asks people to make “bat flats” - little homes for micro bats. They can be as creative or subdued as you wish and simply appear to be a beautiful piece of creativity to be hung under the eaves of homes and other

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buildings! the landscape, as well as introduced bird To enter, it’s as simple as typing in www. species that take over their usual homes. As a batflats.com.au into your web browser to consequence, of the 16 species of micro bats check out how to make a bat flat - there in the Hunter/Great Lakes region, a quarter are are some samples on show there already listed as threatened or endangered. - and make one! Then fill in Bats sometimes receive negative and send off the entry publicity, and some people form on the web with may even openly admit to some pictures! Even if disliking them. Why is it iMicro bats sem you’re not inclined to in people’s best interest hi bernate over make a bat flat, the to assist micro bats? akes winter, which m , le post-competition DAVID: Micro bats are ab er them quite vuln fe sa a exhibition on the rarely seen, as they sleep e so if we provid be ill w October long during the day and hunt haven, they the n he w ng ri sp weekend will have insects during the night. there in ” e! riv ar es zi plenty to buy! Mosquitos are a major moz OK ... it would be part of their diet - they logical to assume that eat around 40 percent of “micro bats” are small their body weight each night bat species - but please tell in mozzies and other biting insects us more about them. What’s the like sand flies. Mosquitoes tend to average size of these creatures, and congregate around humans, so it pays to give what is their usual habitat? the micro bats a home nearby. DAVID: Micro bats are tiny, some not much How will this competition benefit our local bigger than a butterfly - they range from 4 micro bat population? to 16 cm. They are shy and love cuddling up DAVID: The Bat Flat Art Competition together to sleep during the day, usually in increases the awareness of micro bats and their hollows in trees, under bark, in caves and needs, and encourages people to provide bat under old timber bridges. flats for them. How endangered are our local micro bat Micro bats semi-hibernate over winter, species? What is the biggest threat to which makes them quite vulnerable, so if we their existence? provide a safe haven, they will be there in DAVID: Unfortunately their natural habitats spring when the mozzies arrive! are disappearing due to man’s changes to With many bat flats scattered throughout

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our towns, there will be more opportunities for these little Australian mammals to live and raise their young. And this in turn should have a major impact on the mosquito and sandfly population which will be a relief to all of us! There’s also a massive prize pool attached to this competition. Tell us more about this - are there various prize categories, for example? GAIL: Yes, we’ve got a $10,000 prize pool with first prize of $5K, second being $2K, third prize of $1K and four additional awards of $500, so there’s plenty of opportunity to win. From all the entries received, 60 finalists will be selected by a judging panel, then an independent judge will choose the final seven works. What’s the closing date for entries to the competition, and how do people submit their entries or find out more info? GAIL: Closing date for entries is 1 August 2015. The entry form and more details about bat flat requirements can be found by typing www.batflats.com.au into your browser. And you can follow us on Facebook at @ GITGart or on Twitter with Galleries In The Gardens and #batflats. We’ll regularly post some of the latest entries on our website and social media, so there’s plenty to get the creative juices running! Thanks David and Gail.

becker family funerals Conveyancing for you Selling and buying property or a business can be the most stressful time of your life. Why choose Conveyancing for You? Sharon Ponton has been established in conveyancing in the Great Lakes area for the past 12 years and has a vast knowledge of the local area, having moved here some 20 years ago. As a licensed conveyancer, Sharon specialises only in property law. She is mobile and will come to you for the signing of contracts, marketing properties and any other conveyancing work in the Forster-Tuncurry area. Kellie Cary works with Sharon two and a half days a week. What is a Licensed Conveyancer? We do similar tasks to Solicitors, offering skills in residential and commercial property transactions, including the sale, purchase and re-mortgage of freehold houses or flats, the creation of new leases and tenancies, and the transfer of interests in domestic property. Reliable, prompt service … Sharon guarantees to reply to your phone call on the same day; she will liaise with you and with the agent on a regular basis and keep you informed throughout the conveyancing process. Sharon offers a friendly, personal, confidential service with qualified advice. Contact Conveyancing for You on Ph: 6555 9273 or see the website for further information www.conveyancingforyou.com.au

The PHOTOGRAPHY hub It’s been a huge month here at the Photography Hub. We’ve had all of our Easter shoots, our launch party, as well as a new website, new brand and new look! The Hub Club has welcomed many new members, and we’re thrilled that so many others agree with us that the concept is fantastic. Just $9.95 a week, and members get a full family shoot plus two themed shoots each year and all of the photos from each. The difference with this concept compared to other studios, is that others try to offer something for "free" or low priced up front, then add on lots of expensive prints and options afterwards. Clients end up spending far more than they anticipated. We hear of it over and over again. But our members don’t pay ANYTHING extra! All of the files are included from each session. The Hub Club is by far the best value family photography in the area. The Hub Club also supports an orphanage in Bali, with 1 in 20 memberships going directly to buying food and clothing there. It’s part of our commitment to giving back. So thank you to all of our members, new and old. The Hub Club - it’s the place to be!

Arranging a funeral for someone you love is one of the most emotional and loving acts you will ever experience. Becker Family Funerals are here when your time of need arises. Our experience allows us to lead you through the decision making process that reflects your wants and needs. Our family has been known to the Manning Valley for four generations now. With this sense of belonging to our community, we feel very comfortable in the care, advice and guidance we continually give to other families who experience loss and grief. Another valuable resource for true peace of mind is a Pre Paid Funeral Plan. Many of our local families completely pre pay their funeral expenses at today’s prices. In conjunction with Foresters Friendly Society and with our help, you can relieve your family of any financial burden at a later time. A pre paid funeral plan makes real economic and emotional sense. We welcome your call for further information about pre paid funeral plans. Remember that Becker Family Funerals are always here to help.

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Enrolments now open at mvac Are you considering a school for your child from 2016? Why not take a look at Manning Valley Anglican College? At MVAC we pride ourselves on approaching our students as individuals, working with them to stimulate their love of learning. As children progress from Kindergarten to Year 12, we continue to develop our understanding of how best to support them as they build meaningful, ongoing connections with their peers, their teachers and the wider community. Our four cornerstones are effective programmes in Early Learning and Student Welfare, research-driven teaching and learning initiatives and strong support in their studies. Each of these areas is led by a highly experienced Director, who works with staff to identify and implement new ways of

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supporting each and every student both inside and outside the classroom. MVAC values enthusiasm, commitment and the urge to explore and discover. We are an inclusive community of professional educators and dedicated parents working together to help students take the first steps on a journey of self-improvement. Our students come to us from across the Manning and Great Lakes, with many travelling to and from school on direct bus routes to Forster-Tuncurry or connecting routes to all surrounding towns. Enrolments are open now for the 2016 school year. We encourage you to pay us a visit, meet our dedicated team, and discuss the ways in which Manning Valley Anglican College can help your child to let their light shine.

focusbusiness. with Jeremy Thornton from Manning Valley Business Chamber

focusrealestate.

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JeremyThornton As someone who has a passion for business, I generally have my eye open for real estate vacancies and the like. If you’re like me, then you’d be noticing a lot of “Sold” or “Leased” stickers on shop fronts across the Manning-Great Lakes at the moment!

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We’ve also seen Small Business highlighted ure, it’s not all red roses in the in the Federal Budget, with incentives business world, but the trends are and tax breaks that should be available to certainly positive at the moment. most Manning-Great Lakes businesses. We In my business I see a lot of the know the position of the economy and Mid North Coast, Hunter, Sydney demographics in the area and we now have and New England regions and am buoyed by some incentives from the Budget ... what how much is happening in our own backyard. better time to sit with your team and look at When you compare this to other areas, we are what you can do to grow your creating some magic at the moment. business. Imagine if every business The recently completed Manning Valley worked on a goal of growing to a Economic Brief presented some startling point where - at a minimum details, which is also why I am they had to hire one extra excited to see activity. It person. At its simplest goes into great detail form, this would about the state of the be a major boost economy in our area, We’ ve also seen to the economy. but one of the most Small Business ral By using the alarming figures is de lighted in the Fe es gh hi iv nt resources of our directly linked to the Budget, with ince at th local businesses, much talked about ks ea br x and ta ble to la ai av it too stimulates Intergenerational be ld ou sh reat growth, and the Report that was most Manning-G .” knock on effect in released earlier Lakes businesses the community will this year. To put it have rich rewards. simply, the position of The time is right; let’s our worker demographic get to it! in comparison to retirees While we’re getting put us at the position The Federal innovative and excited, let’s benchmark Government states Australia will reach by our businesses! It’s awards time! Entries are 2050! We’re 35 years ahead of the national now open for the Manning-Great Lakes/ average! This trend is not improving either, Gloucester Business Awards. We had a and is something we need to be aware of fantastic event last year and crowned Golf and concentrate on trying to correct. If we Club Motor Inn Wingham as Business of The are at this position now, what will it be like in Year. Talking to Paula from the Motel, one 2050 if we don’t make changes? Whilst the of the key benefits she got out of it was the numbers are of concern, it is also a perfect morale boost for her team and the recognition opportunity to look at what your business with her customers. Why not have your whole can be doing to diversify or position yourself staff work on the submission and openly for the future. Every business should have discuss the question set? It’s great for ideas a business plan and if you are a Chamber and will give you an insight into how they Member, I encourage you to review the report view the business. Then celebrate with the and see what your business can do today and awards night on Friday, July 31st. For more for tomorrow. Plenty of great ideas are out details, contact the Chamber office or check there and if you have a go, it will hold you in your inbox for how to nominate. good stead for the future.

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with Amanda Tate - L.J Hooker

REVIEW

IT’S HERE AND IT IS OFFICIAL - THE GREAT LAKES/MANNING VALLEY IS IN VERY SHORT SUPPLY OF PROPERTIES TO SELL. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU?

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or sellers, it means strong buyer to speak directly with agents from not only interest and in some price ranges, around Australia, but New Zealand, Dubai, higher than normal sale prices UK and parts of Asia. Sydney is ridiculous, being achieved. For buyers, it and there is no other way to sell other than means be warned, be ready, as by auction. Homes are fetching hundreds from now on our real estate market may not of thousands of dollars over reserve, to the be on your side. We are heading back into a amazement of both the seller and the agent. sellers’ market. From our perspective here locally, that over Our markets seem to have aligned from reserve price is, in some circumstances, the Harrington to Forster, with land sales seeing a cost of our high end properties! Agents are massive surge in interest, even also finding that the overseas buyers, on new sub-divisions in particular from China, are the offering twelve main ones driving this market, months delayed especially in the more affluent There are still a settlement. lot of nice , new, areas. Offices right up and ties Buyers are lifestyle proper r down the East Coast are fe mainly coming around which of experiencing a similar , from the luxury, spacious a big market to ours - shortage upmarket homes ide Central ts of properties to sell, and ou e th r fo change Coast, Hunter small lly ua us plenty of buyers pushing d an r buye Valley and rison to prices upwards. change in compa prices le Sydney, with their premium sa Commercial properties, coastal areas .” ey in Sydn especially investments, are finally seeing in strong demand; however, good capital growth. with strong recent sales, expected With the coastal price yields on sale price are already showing increases and demand for new signs of decreasing. Two sales of interest homes on the rise, local builders are in Manning Street at $1.9 million and $7.82 now searching for cheaper blocks million just last month - always good news for inland - so Taree, be ready. us. With the influx of Sydney and Central Another point of interest is the increase Coast buyers, the higher end market, in of activity with buyer interest in motels, with particular over $600,000, is now moving, and a few good sales recently. Whilst I believe there have been a few good sales on rural/

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residential blocks - especially around Wingham and Failford. There are still a lot of nice, new, lifestyle properties around which offer luxury, spacious, upmarket homes - a big change for the outside buyer and usually small change in comparison to their premium sale prices in Sydney. So what is happening in Sydney? I think we are all aware from the media that the Sydney market has gone crazy. I have just come back from our annual L J Hooker Conference in Melbourne, so have had a great opportunity

overseas interest is behind this, it is Sydney

where most of the inquiry is emanating from. The residential rental market still remains strong, with vacancy rates continuing below 2%. A recent article released from RP Data estimates our residential rents have increased 31.9% over the last five years, with our average rental increasing to $310 per week. Overall our Valley is still offering affordable buying, whether it is for lifestyle or investment. As locals, it is up to us to get out there and promote our beautiful region. manning-great lakes focus.

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Margaret Love is the President/Secretary of the Cundletown and Lower Manning Historical Society. Margaret tells us about a special appeal the Society is currently holding, which will improve the Cundletown Museum beyond measure! Read on to see how you, too, can help raise the roof! i Margaret. What’s your role with the Cundletown and Lower Manning Historical Society, and how/why did you first become involved with the organisation? I am President/Secretary. The Historical Society was commenced in 1996 by Shirley Burne and me following a request from Bob Ezzy, Principal of Cundletown School, having a filing cabinet of records collected by the school not being catalogued. For several years we used the school building, but members quickly realised it had outgrown the building and started looking for a new venue. The Society has a very active committee of nine and membership of 40 who assist in door duties, so the museum can be open for visitors and organising fundraising events to raise money for day to day running and future development. The Cundletown & Lower Manning Historical Society is carrying out an exciting new development currently taking place behind the Cundletown Hall. Fill us in on what the purpose of this new building will be - why do you need more space? With the expansion of the museum’s collection of artefacts and local history displays, it became obvious that the past dairy industry needed acknowledgement as a major contributor to the employment and economy to the Manning Valley. With the long term loan of a restored “Peters” milk can collection truck and numerous donations of horse drawn vehicles and dairy equipment, the committee set about designing and fundraising for a weatherproof building for these displays. Describe how the new shed will look when it’s completed ... How big will it be? Cundletown Hall is listed as a Heritage Item; quite stringent regulations were applied to our Development Application. Its final design needed to fit within the character of the 58

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Along the way, wn many Cundleto y lle and Manning Va lent so citizens have al ke d as n he a hand w a n ve gi or so to do shows ch hi w n, tio na do n of the io the determinat ep the ke to community ” g. in project go

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property and not impact greatly on the nearby residential area. Several attempts were made over the three year approval process to obtain a balanced structure, and it now has a roof profile which somewhat resembles a dairy milking shed. It will have smooth wall sheeting facing both Main and Queen Streets with timber doors and windows and other walls lined with Colorbond material similar to the roofline. It was hoped the structure could be 30 metres x 10 metres; however, Council required an eight place concrete car park in front of the building - hence, the length of the display area is now 20 metres x 10 metres. Completing this project has not been without its headaches. What are some of the issues you’ve faced along the way? Several meetings were held with local tradesmen and Council representatives providing various concepts; however, the site did attract Heritage status and regulations. The milk truck being a focal point in the exhibition, the design needed larger supports for the height of the truck body. If the building was erected elsewhere, a lesser style and costing would be used. Several businesses and consenting authorities have recognised the work of the Society with reductions in their standard fees and charges. It has been a long process, but the final outcome will be worth the effort. How much do you anticipate the shed will cost to complete ... and what is the shortfall you’re currently experiencing in terms of funds? Cost of the exhibition shed is $120,000. The Society has $50,000 for the current construction and will need to fundraise a

further $70,000 to finish it. We are conducting a “Raise the Roof” appeal through local media for public contributions. We are attempting to attract suitable State or Federal Grants for funding. After the building is constructed, further fundraising will be needed for the mandatory concrete car park, interconnecting disabled access from the existing Museum. A new disabled toilet block and revamped kitchen will be future projects. What fundraisers does the historical society have planned to help raise money for the new shed? Since the Museum has been at Cundletown Hall, community fundraising has continued by market days, entrance fees, catering for group visits and sale of craft items made by members. Several local history books and research material is available for sale at the Museum, which fund operational expenses. Recently a very successful “High Tea” was held at Cundletown School, where over 100 ladies (and some blokes) enjoyed the event. A wine tasting and river cruise to Port Macquarie proved most successful, and several day coach trips are planned for the Gloucester and Hunter Valley region between now and December. If anyone is interested in a beautiful day out, please contact the Society on 6553 9574 for details. What individuals/organisations have currently supported the new building ... Who would you like to thank? I would like to acknowledge Neil Ryan (Draughtsman) of Taree and Nigel Young of Young Building P/L for their contribution and patience. Neil has represented the committee all through the consultation process and willingly negotiated with various consenting authorities.

In 2011 a $14,000 grant was received from The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and used to finance the approval processes. We were very fortunate to have received a $30,000 donation from a local resident. Without this boost, the project would not yet be started. A professional from Sydney, with connections to Taree, has donated four whirly birds for air circulation in the new roof. Several professionals and business proprietors have either donated their services or reduced costs to enable the approval process to proceed and construction to commence. Along the way, many Cundletown and Manning Valley citizens have also lent a hand when asked to do so or given a donation, which shows the determination of the community to keep the project going. A big thank you goes out to everyone who has assisted us. How can readers support the Society’s “Raise the Roof” appeal and contribute to the completion of the new building? The Society opened a special secured account with the Commonwealth Bank Taree, and those who would like to assist can now Direct Deposit their contribution (no matter how big or small) to BSB: 062603 Account Number 10599339. Alternatively, they can post their donation to Cundletown & Lower Manning Historical Society Inc, P.O. Box 58 Cundletown NSW 2430 or deliver it to the Museum at Cundletown Hall, corner Main & High Streets, Cundletown. All enquiries can be directed to me on 0428 522 556. Final say ... I would like to thank FOCUS for telling the community about our exciting project and invite the public to come to the museum so they can see for themselves what the Society is trying to accomplish. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 3pm. Thanks Margaret.

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