Manning-Great Lakes i106

Feature Story Stephanie Holm

December 2015 // issue 106

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CELEBRATE CELEBRATE YOUR YOUR CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS MOMENTS MOMENTS

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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. nning-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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St Patrick’s Day, Seniors community.

The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, International Women’s Day … community.

The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, Week, International International Women’s Women’s Day …

Day … community.

The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones community.

The Manning Valley U3A Silver Tones Week, International Women’s Day … community. community.

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The Manning Valley U3A Week, International Women’s … Manning 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 ers 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. s for 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 he 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 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; ual 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 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 a 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 some top notch entries.

And local trio the Tree and read about their achievements. some top notch entries.

And local trio the Tree and read and read about about their their achievements. achievements. some top notch entries.

And local trio the Tree some top notch entries.

And local trio the Tree and read about their achievements. some top notch entries. somesome And top local trio entries. the Tree Andachievements. locallocal trio the some top notch entries. And local trio the Tree e top notch entries. And andlocal readtrio about the Tree their and achievements. readread about theirtheir achievements. andnotch readnotch about their top entries.

And trio Tree the Tree and about achievements.

March!

Iin never this was an busy month in the past, but I’ve changed my mind.

Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, are With March still warm month, make the It’s March!

It’s March!

I lovers never Ithought never thought this this an 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 aespecially warm month, make the month 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 in the past, 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. odies, 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!

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Woodies, live music lovers and entrepreneurs, With March still aespecially warm month, make the 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, hosting anevent, awesome music The Descent, of itto and head Beach Bums hosting an awesome hosting music an event, awesome The music event, Descent, hosting an awesome music event, The Descent, ing an awesome of The it and Descent, head most down ofdown to itBums and Beach head Bums down todown toto Beach Bums to most of itawesome andDescent, head down toThe Beach to hosting anevent, music event, The Bums Descent, most of itto and head to Beach Bums tomusic rove Tuesday Pancake Day, families.

Great Lakes Viking Challenge, hrove rove hrove rove Tuesday Tuesday (or (or Pancake Day, families. families.

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Welcome to the December edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. St Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living life to the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – don’t St Patrick’s St 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 – don’t – don’t Brisbane band.

If you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ON THE COVER Welcome to the November edition of Manning-Great Lakes FOCUS. St Patrick’s Day, Seniors Week Living life to the full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fans out there – don’t Brisbane band.

If you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ON THE ON THE COVER COVER Brisbane band.

If you like rock, funk, soul, pop or the vibrant, St Patrick’s For all Day, you Seniors soccer St Patrick’s fans Week out Day, there Seniors Living – don’t Week life to the full Living are life the to vibrant, the full St Patrick’s are For the all vibrant, Day, you Seniors soccer For Week fans all out you there soccer Living – don’t fans life out to the there full – are don’t vibrant, For all you fansorout there – don’t Brisbane band.

If you like rock, funk, soul, pop or ON THE COVER Brisbane band. you Brisbane like rock, band. funk, IfCOVER you soul, pop rock, orrock, funk, soul, pop pop or Brisbane band.

If you like rock, funk,soccer soul, pop bane band. If you like rock, ON THE funk,COVER soul,Stpop ON or THE COVER ON THE Patrick’s Seniors Living life to Ifthe full are the vibrant, For all you soccer fansorout there – the don’t Brisbane band.

If like you like funk, soul, ON Day, THE COVER Week … and this is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss this six a side, fast paced action! … and … and this is this in is addition in addition to to colourful colourful and and talented talented Silver Silver Ukulele Ukulele miss miss this six this a six side, a side, fast paced fast paced action! action! anything in between, this event is a must-see.

I mentioned inspiring women, and here are just anything in between, this event is a must-see.

I mentioned I mentioned inspiring inspiring women, women, and here and here are just are just anything in between, this event is a must-see. … and this is in addition to colourful and talented Silver Ukulele miss this six a side, fast paced action! ver Ukulele … and miss this this is in six addition … a side, and fast this to is paced in addition colourful action! to and talented colourful Silver and Ukulele talented … and Silver miss this Ukulele this is in six addition a side, miss to fast this paced six colourful a action! side, fast and paced talented action!

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I Ifmentioned inspiring women, and areabout justanything erry Christmas!

Lakes area, and he’s really excited who’s wellto known for heranniversary community work, f one more person tells me how their most elaborate and extravagant reaching their 40th this usual monthly events that take Strummers, who feature on our cover And this is in addition all the plays, Whether you’re young, or not so young, be a few of them!

Every year FOCUS has a Women he all usual the usual monthly monthly events events that that take take Strummers, Strummers, who who feature feature on our on cover our cover And And this is this in is addition in addition to all to the all plays, the plays, Whether you’re young, or not so young, be a few a of few them! of them!

Every Every year FOCUS year FOCUS has a has Women a Women Whether you’re young, or not so young, be all the usual monthly events that take Strummers, who feature on our cover And this is in addition to all the plays, Whether you’re young, or not so young, be a few of them!

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You can catch also stops by for ahappening chat.

Marg had the pleamany weeks/days … hours ithappening islocal toofthe production to date throughout Novemmonth - amazing! that’s 40happening years of assisting the ound the Manning-Great Lakes this month.

This friendly bunch of movies, performances happening in inspired this month our locals are amazing! in Business Feature …

We’re proud of our ce place around around the Manning-Great Lakes Lakes this month. this month.

This This friendly friendly bunch bunch movies, movies, and and performances performances in inspired this month -locals our locals are amazing! inManning-Great Business inmovies, Business Feature Feature …

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We’re proud proud of our local our local inspired this month -local our are amazing! place around the Manning-Great this month.

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We’re proud of-of our you’ve been good Mar Haze at FOTSUN in Port Macquarie this of meeting royalty recently in Sydney!

Christmas, probably dissolve ber.

Mary Poppins is aPHOTO much story community with many emergencies. locals isbe just one of the from our neck of the woods month.

Told EDITOR’S LETTER businesswomen, and you should be too!

They’re a. area. locals locals is just is one just one of the of groups the groups from from our neck our neck ofsure the of woods the woods month. this month.

Told Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you and should you should too! be too!

They’re They’re EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO area.businesswomen, isgroups just one of the groups from our neck ofthis the woods this month.

Told EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you should be too!

They’re oups area. from ourbusinesswomen, area. neck ofI’ll the woods this month. locals Told is just one of locals the is groups just area. one from ofloved the groups our neck from of this the woods our neck this ofmonth. locals the woods isTold just this onethis month. of the groups ToldToldfrom our neck of the woods this month. Told EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S PHOTO LETTER PHOTO EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO TOR’S LETTER PHOTO and businesswomen, you should belocals and too! you They’re should be too! businesswomen, and you should too!

They’re area. locals isThey’re just one of the groups from our neck ofbe the woods month.

EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO businesswomen, and you should be too!

They’re this year, I hope at month, and this interview will tell you just Add this to our fabulous pullout in a puddle of pre-holiday season for young and old, and with the fabWell done to the entire team. king of Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University you it was busy!

This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an enterprising, creative and talented bunch, peaking Speaking of Seniors of Seniors Week, Week, which which the Manning the Manning Valley Valley U3A U3A (University (University you it you was it 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 of Seniors Week, which the Manning Valley U3A (University you it was busy!

This month’s beautviful image of the iconic an enterprising, creative and talented bunch, University Speaking ofyou Seniors Speaking was Week, busy! of which Seniors Week, the which Manning Valley theU3A Manning (University Valley Speaking U3Aof (University you Seniors it month’s was Week, busy! which you it image was busy! the Manning (University you it was month’s beautviful This month’s image ofbeautviful thebeautviful iconic image ofwas the month’s beautviful image of busy! the iconic his month’s beautviful image anitenterprising, of the iconic creative an Seniors enterprising, talented creative bunch, and talented bunch, an enterprising, creative and talented bunch,Valley U3AThis Speaking of Week, which theThis Manning Valley U3A (University you it busy!

This of iconic the iconic anand enterprising, creative and talented bunch, least you can say how boys came to be playing atwas this Christmas Carol guide, and you’re all musiset stress.

So much to do between lighting and atmosphere We’ve also interviewed local Forster-Tuncurry shot by Brian Gymer. and they’re the reason our area is such aarea year from 15 - 15 23 March, of the Third We couldn’t fithe the EDITOR’S PHOTO Forster-Tuncurry bridge was shot Gymer. and they’re and they’re part part the of reason the reason our our area is23 such isulous such athe astage, bridge shot by Brian Gymer. s runs this year this year from from -part 15 23 -of March, 23 March, of the of Third the Third Age).

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March, the Third We couldn’t fi23 tbridge the EDITOR’S PHOTO year’s been special gig ... for some reading andreleasing entertain-an The bridge in many photos, as it’s such special to live. now and the end of the year! at the Manning Entertainment Centre, Alyse Gray, who’ll be evoted quite ainplace few pages in entire group on our cover, asour there are Shane Chalker is well known for The bridge features inour many photos, as it’s such special special place place to live. to live.

The bridge features inour many photos, as it’s such ve we’ve devoted quite quite aShane few aphotos, few pages pages in entire entire group on our on our cover, asfeatures there as there are are Shane Shane Chalker Chalker isplace well isDecember well known known for for The bridge features in many photos, as it’s such special place to we’ve devoted quite ayour few pages entire group on our cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well known The bridge features The in many bridge photos, features as in it’s many such photos, as it’s such The features photos, as it’s such known for features many special place as it’s to live. such special togroup live. special to ,bridge asdevoted there we’ve are devoted quite we’ve Chalker awe’ve few devoted pages is in well quite inlive. known ainplace few entire pages group inlive. on entire cover, group as we’ve there on devoted are cover, Shane as quite there acian Chalker few are pages islive.

Shane well in known Chalker entire for isasfor well group known onknown our forcover, as there are in many Shane Chalker is well The bridge features in many photos, it’s such special place to devoted quite afor few pages incover, entire group on cover, as there are Shane Chalker is well for bridge productive full of good In this ment. aIssue classic landmark, but Ibut can’t say I’ve seen too to all the women who were involved eissue - and our cover -and to some 40 of them, so you’ll have to go amzing images -celebrate and this Seriously though, ismemories. time this production will be truly magical. album shortly, Cathy Posselt from aso classic but Igo can’t say I’ve seen too to all to the all women the women who who were involved involved a so classic Igo can’t say I’ve seen too this issue - to and -Thanks and our cover our cover -celebrate to celebrate -I’ve to celebrate some 40 of 40 them, of them, so you’ll you’ll have have to go to go producing producing amzing amzing images -women and -images and this this alandmark, classic landmark, but Iproducing can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue - Thanks and our cover -the to celebrate some 40 of them, so you’ll have to amzing -were and this alandmark, classic landmark, abut classic can’t landmark, say I’ve seen but Ibut too can’t say I’ve seen too a classic landmark, can’t say I’ve seen too landmark, but Iproducing can’t Thanks say to all too women Thanks who to all were the women involved who were involved Thanks to all the involved llssic have this issue go - Thanks and our this cover issue amzing - seen -itto and celebrate images our cover -some and -were some to this 40 of them, some you’ll 40 of have this them, issue to so -you’ll and our have cover to go amzing -images to producing images -who and amzing some this 40 images of them, - and so this you’ll to go but Iproducing amzing images - and this aIproducing classic landmark, Iand can’t say I’ve seen too Thanks to all the women who were involved this issue -that and our cover -celebrate to celebrate some 40 ofproducing them, so you’ll have to go producing amzing images - and thishave It’s been a important super year for the FOCUS We meet Catherine Summers aka “Miss Editor’s Letter Photo many pics of itBryant taken atitmeet night.

Well done, Brian -Hidden this and to Linda Bryant for the ery important members of our to their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter photo is noletter many pics of taken at night.

Well Brian -at with with this feature, this feature, and to and Linda to Bryant Bryant for the for the many pics of itmany taken at night. done, Brian -photo ofimportant year when we start to prepare Many thanks to talented the Treasures Gallery in Harse these very very important members members of our of our to their to interview interview page page to meet toto meet the rest the rest month’s month’s Editor’s Editor’s letter photo is no is-photo no pics of itmany taken at night.

Well done, Brian with this feature, and to Linda Bryant for the these very members of our to their interview page to the rest month’s Editor’s is no many pics of itdirector taken atWell night. pics of Well itdone, taken done, at Brian night.

-photo Well done, Brian -the many pics of it taken night. Well done, letter Brian -photo is no ymeet pics of itwith taken atfeature, night. with Well this done, feature, Brian and with -Linda to this Linda feature, Bryant and for to the Linda Bryant for the with this feature, and to Linda for these the rest very important month’s these members Editor’s very important letter of our photo members istheir to no their of our interview to page their to interview meet these the very page rest important to meet month’s the members Editor’s rest of letter month’s our Editor’s to isBryant no their letter interview photo is page nois to the rest at month’s Editor’s many pics of it letter taken night.

Well done, Brian -photo with this feature, to Linda for the these very important members ofand our their interview page to meet the rest month’s Editor’s letter nomeet team, andstunning we’re expecting 2016 to be Kitty Summers” inshot! this issue - ashot! very stylish This month’s pictells wasus kindly by great shot! stunning photography. shot! stunning photography. photography. great of them. exception. mmunity. community. of them. ofphotography. exception. exception. ourselves for the holiday onslaught -them.

Cameron for fi lling us in on the rington, who just how artisticalgreat stunning photography. great shot! great shot! great shot! tnity. shot! stunning photography. stunning stunning photography. community. ofGayle them. exception. community. exception. community. of photography. them. ofgreat them. community. exception. exception. of supplied them. exception. great shot! stunning community. of them. exception.

Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE even bigger and better (but please, not too model and pinup success.

Miss Kitty is Manning Valley Tourism.

When’s the last Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE INSIDE THIS THIS ISSUE ISSUE Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ Life!’ is the catchcry for Seniors Many thanks to Linda Bryant from Don’t forget to send your images to Don’t forget to email your local photos to jo@ INSIDE THIS ISSUE Live ‘Live Life!’

Life!’ isto the is catchcry the catchcry for Seniors for Seniors Many Many thanks thanks to Linda to Linda Bryant from from Don’t Don’t forget forget to send toforget send your your images images to to visiting friends and relatives, Christmas production, and also to Linda Bryant lyforget inclined our area really is.

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DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone an@focusmag.com.au le dylan@focusmag.com.au Rathbone GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Kyle Rathbone DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf, Street, Forster 2428 chrissy@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au ADDRESS: Suite 2 / 42 Wharf, Street, Forster 2428 jeff@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au dylan@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au chrissy@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING 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 ADVERTISING RECTOR: Jay Beaumont T DIRECTOR: ARTART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont Jay Beaumont michael@focusmag.com.au ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont DIRECTOR: Jay ART Beaumont DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont Jay Beaumont PHONE: (02)(02) 6555 3381 michael@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont PHOTOGRAPHER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Linda Bryant Bryant ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ART DIRECTOR: JayBryant Beaumont ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: PHONE: 6555 3381 PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda ART DIRECTOR: Jay Beaumont ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES SALES MANAGER: MANAGER: PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Bryant PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryant Linda Bryant ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES SALES COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: smag.com.au COPY COPY EDITOR: EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse Reg Brookhouse PHOTOGRAPHER: Bryant ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING MANAGER: SALES MANAGER: ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: CONSULTANT/WRITER: @focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES ADVERTISING SALES SALES COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse jay@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: jay@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR: Reg Brookhouse COPY EDITOR: Reg COPY Brookhouse EDITOR: RegLinda Brookhouse ADVERTISING SALES jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au CONSULTANT/WRITER: jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au COPY EDITOR: RegADVERTISING Brookhouse jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au jay@focusmag.com.au Photography by Linda Photography Photography by Linda by Linda jay@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Photography byPhotography Linda Louise Beaumont Louise Beaumont MANAGER: FAX: (02) 6555 7338 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 umont 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: IC / WEB DESIGNER: reg@focusmag.com.au Chrissy Jones JP APHIC GRAPHIC / WEB / WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / GRAPHIC WEB GRAPHIC / DESIGNER: WEB / WEB DESIGNER: DESIGNER: 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 Chrissy Jones JP GRAPHIC /6551 WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC //louise@focusmag.com.au WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: 02 6551 02 2353 6551 Mob: 2353 0416 Mob: 073 0416 902 073 902 GRAPHIC /WEB WEB DESIGNER: joey@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: GRAPHIC / WEB DESIGNER: 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 GRAPHIC / DESIGNER: louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au 02 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 02 073 6551 902 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 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 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 902 louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au louise@focusmag.com.au Marchment EMAIL: jo@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment chael Michael 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@focusmag.com.au Michael Marchment Michael Marchment Michael Marchment PHOTOGRAPHER: Craig Mason, CraigCraig 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 chrissy@focusmag.com.au PHOTOGRAPHER: Mason, www.photographybylinda.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: michael@focusmag.com.au focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jeff Cowan michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au hael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: ADVERTISING ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: CONSULTANT: WEB: www.focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au TANT: 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: WEB: www.focusmag.com.au East Coast East Coast Photography Photography michael@focusmag.com.au michael@focusmag.com.au ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: East Coast Photography East Coast Photography East CoastPHOTOGRAPHER: Photography East East Coast Photography Annette Wannell Coast Photography Annette Annette Wannell Wannell Annette Wannell jeff@focusmag.com.au The Photography HubHub Jasmine McQuillan Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Annette Wannell Jasmine Jasmine McQuillan McQuillan Annette Wannell jeff@focusmag.com.au IC DESIGNER: Joey Dable Jasmine McQuillan PHOTOGRAPHER: The Photography GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable APHIC GRAPHIC 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 02 9703 6554 / 9703 0411 / 846 0411 084 846 084 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable TV: www.focustv.com.au Jasmine McQuillan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC Joey Dable DESIGNER: Joey Dable GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Joey Dable 02 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: GRAPHIC JoeyGRAPHIC Dable DESIGNER: Joey DableDableannette@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC Joey9703 Dable 02 6554 9703 / GRAPHIC 0411 846 084 02 6554 9703 / 0411DESIGNER: 846 02 084 6554 9703 / 0411 846 084 annette@focusmag.com.au annette@focusmag.com.au DESIGNER: Joey Dable TV: www.focustv.com.au DESIGNER: Joey 02 6554 / 0411 846 084 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 usmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au jasmine.m@focusmag.com.au y@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 073 073 902 902 jasmine.m@focusmag.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 joey@focusmag.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au 02 6551 2353 Mob: 0416 www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au www.eastcoastphotography.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au joey@focusmag.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone www.eastcoastphotography.com.au FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kyle Rathbone FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com kyle@focusmag.com.au kyle@focusmag.com.au

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Erin Coulson

ADVERTISING erin@focusmag.com.au CONSULTANT/WRITER:

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Chrissy Jones Chrissy Jones chrissy@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 OCCASIONS JEWELLERS FORSTER www.eastcoastphotography.com.au 40 WHARF · FORSTER OCCASIONS STREET JEWELLERS FORSTER

www.photographybylinda.com.au www.photographybylinda.com.au

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Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy Essential Energy

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Essential Energy

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PAN_OccasionsJewellers_CHIR15_82x317_QI.indd 1

22/10/2015 11:50:41 AM

focusinterview.

HOLM

Stephanie

Colouring in for all ages has become exceptionally popular lately, with many people enjoying the creative and relaxing activity. Natural history illustrator Stephanie Holm has turned her artistic talents towards producing a beautiful colouring book called Wildscapes, which will provide hours of enjoyment! Not only does the book provide a creative outlet, but there’s a bit of a mystery to be found within its pages as well …

H

i Stephanie. What’s your relationship/ association with the Manning-Great Lakes area?

I grew up in the area.

Before I started primary school, we lived near Tuncurry Beach, then crossed the bridge to Forster, and eventually moved into the house my dad built at Green Point. I only moved away from the area after finishing school to attend the University of Newcastle.

What sparked your interest in the natural world - and what is it about nature that inspires you most?

I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world. When we’d walk along Tuncurry Beach, I’d dawdle behind searching for shells, sponges, shark eggs, and other interesting things the waves deposited on the shore.

Then when we moved to Green Point and Wallis Lake, Booti Booti National Park and Seven Mile Beach became my stomping grounds.

The complexity and beauty of the natural world inspires me. It’s not man-made, and it’s perfect.

You’re a natural history illustrator - which is not an occupation you commonly hear about. How did you get into this field, and what are some of the projects you’ve been involved with?

I first heard about the one-of-a-kind Natural History Illustration degree when I was in high school, but it was only several years later after trying my hand at other jobs and other courses, that I realised natural history illustration was what I wanted to do.

I applied, was accepted, and haven’t looked

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back. adventures/activities can be found in the The degree combined fieldwork, in book? which we’d observe animals in their natural Wildscapes is my Australian-themed habitats, and studio courses, where I learnt colouring book featuring Australian different illustration techniques. fauna, flora and insects. Within the pages All of my illustration work is researchyou might spot some of your favourite based - I enjoy learning about the subjects Aussie animals: echidnas, koalas, emus, I’m illustrating. One of my latest projects was cockatoos and kookaburras. But there are illustrating marine life for signage along the also quolls, numbats, pygmy possums and Mosman foreshore. honeyeaters, among many others!

You’ve recently produced It was important to me that a colouring/art therapy I illustrated the animals book entitled naturalistically, rather g I’d been followin Wildscapes. How than as cartoons. the all-ages did this idea come There are wild overse as , colouring trend about? Was creating scenes, and natureuraged when Mum enco yself. a colouring book inspired patterns of em me to create on something you’d feathers, fungi, frogs t ea a gr I thought it was always planned to and gumnuts. There idea . ” do one day? are also interactive I’ve always wanted to elements, spaces where write and illustrate books, you can add your own though I never imagined patterns. And, if you look my first publication would be a closely, you might notice that colouring book. a mischievous feathertail glider has I’d been following the all-ages hidden itself across every double page. colouring trend overseas, when Mum See if you can spot its tail! encouraged me to create one myself. I And finally, on the last pages is a Spotter’s thought it was a great idea. And having Guide, a visual guide identifying many of spent the last four years at university drawing the birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians Aussie animals, I knew that’d be my focus. included in Wildscapes.

In the week between being confirmed in As an illustrator yourself, why do you my PhD and flying to New Zealand, I drew feel colouring in activities and books designs for six pages, and submitted them have become so popular for all ages to Allen & Unwin’s Friday Pitch. Everything lately? What do you see as some of the happened quickly from that point; it was benefits of colouring? only six months between first contact and Colouring is a creative activity that doesn’t the release of Wildscapes. use a screen. I’ve heard the term “digital Tell us more about Wildscapes. What detox”, which I think is apt!

“

And facing a blank page can be daunting for some people. They don’t feel they can draw, but colouring books take away that intimidating white page and replace it with an interesting image you can build upon.

There is still plenty of scope for creativity, and I’m blown away by the brilliant colouring efforts people have shared on social media.

It can be therapeutic too. I’ve heard from many people that colouring helps them manage anxiety, because it requires a shift in focus. For others, colouring helps them to relax, to calm their mind.

Finally, for some people, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and memories of childhood.

What are your future plans ... any other exciting projects on the drawing board (forgive the pun)?

I’m currently mid-way through a PhD in Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle. That project involves illustrating many of the native species found in the bushland on Callaghan Campus. However, I’d love to be able to continue writing and illustrating books. I do have a little idea for a children’s picture book featuring one of my favourite Aussie animals, so we’ll see where that goes.

Where can readers source Wildscapes, or see other examples of your work?

I have a portfolio website: stephanieholm. com. If you’d like to see some of my sketches and coloured illustrations in real life, they are on display at Great Lakes Library Forster until January 10, 2016.

Juju Collections on Wharf Street, Forster stocks Wildscapes in-store.

Thanks Stephanie.

12.

inside this

pieces of karishma.

Karishma St. Juste loves portrait photography - and it truly show in her beautiful images, which capture the essence of people’s personality. Specialising in women’s, children’s and maternity photography ...

Issue 106 - December 2015

16.

Illy.

Hitting the shores of Port Macquarie for FOTSUN this month is one of Australia’s most iconic Hip Hop artists, Illy. FOCUS was able to catch him in between studio sessions in the States for a quick chat …

50.

32.

usual suspects.

the

11. what’s on for December 20. eat featuring local restaurants

john green.

John Green has been through challenges most of us couldn’t even begin to imagine, having suffered a car accident that’s left him a quadriplegic. But through his positive attitude and newfound love for computers, he’s adapted and now enjoys helping others in many ways ...

34. social scene with Donna Carrier 49. star guide with Terri

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

www.focusmag.com.au follow us on

www.facebook.com/coffscoast.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

winners MAR HAZE IS A BAND THAT’S REALLY STARTING TO MAKE A NAME FOR ITSELF. LEAD SINGER, GUITARIST AND TRUMPET PLAYER DEAN MITCHELL CALLS THE GREAT LAKES AREA HOME, AND HE SHARES WITH US HIS EXCITEMENT OVER THE RELEASE OF THE BAND’S SELF-TITLED EP, THE AIRPLAY THEY’VE RECEIVED ON TRIPLE J AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE …

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here do you hail from originally, where do you base yourself these days ... and what do you most love about the

Mar Haze, as we felt ocean haze really suited our laid back, beachside lifestyles.

Describe the band’s sound …

The best way to describe our sound is dub-rock, and with the horns thrown in there, it makes it unique to any other bands around. area you call home?

The four band members play I was born and bred in Tuncurry, an eclectic collection of d an st and I’m still in the area today. instruments. What do you nd ha a d I di The thing I love most is my play, and what do you feel with my guitar t the cu surroundings: the beach, you bring to the band to ot rg fo d an ck - one the lake, and close knit personally as a musician? string s on the ne into ent community.

I play guitar and the of the string s w stage How did Mar Haze come to trumpet, and I am the vocalist. a power bo ard on wer e po and cut off all th form - where did you guys I feel I bring a bluesy jazz ...” in the pu b meet each other? influence to the band, which Kane, Chris and I met in our reflects my background. first year at JMC Academy in As a band you’re somewhat Sydney. A few years later at a Port renowned for your live antics and Macquarie gig, Kane introduced us to genuinely fun stage performances.

Jarin - a mate he grew up with. At the time our What’s been the most unusual thing drummer had just announced he was leaving you’ve ever done on stage? the band, and coincidently Jarin was looking for Probably the time I did a hand stand with my a band to join. So we straight up asked Jarin to join guitar and forgot to cut the strings on the neck - one and lucky for us, he was keen to jump on board. of the strings went into a power board on stage and What does “Mar Haze” mean ... how did you cut off all the power in the pub ... Probably lucky I come up with the name? didn’t get electrocuted ha ha!

After a few failed attempts such as Earth Child Your new self-titled EP was released in July. and Soult Water, we knew we had to come up Describe this for us - how does it differ from with something different and unique. As Mar is the your earlier work?

Spanish word for ocean, one of us came up with The EP is definitely a step up for the band. We

“

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have been touring and working hard for many years and finally have something that we’re all proud of.

We all have differing inputs when it comes to making music, so having an EP that encapsulates all of our influences is something to be proud of.

The band will be playing at FOTSUN in December. How did this come about - why were you selected to play this gig?

We were lucky enough to be the winners of the triple j unearthed FOTSUN act competition something we’re really proud of, as it shows our hard work is paying off.

It’s a big step for us getting recognised on this level. We’re so stoked to be playing at a festival we all really love, and we’re all so stoked to be in a huge line up!

Where is the band headed in 2016 ... what’s on the drawing board?

We are writing new material as we speak that we all agree is our best material yet. So next year when we release those songs, we’re hoping to get high rotation on the radio and build our following.

We’re hoping that now our name is out there, the new stuff will be received well and hopefully get us up there with the big names.

Where can readers download your music or find out more about you?

Our music is available for download on iTunes or hard copies can be purchased on our online store at www.marhaze.com.au/store.

Thanks Dean.

Great Lakes living

A friendly community

Single-level floorplans

Pets and gardens

Beautiful outdoor spaces

Social activities & outings

24-hour onsite nursing care The friendly community of Tuncurry Village is the right choice for supported living in the Great Lakes district.

For starters, everyone is on the same level – literally! There are no stairs and certainly no lifts to worry about, only pleasant paths through well-tended gardens and villas.

You’ll soon get to know your neighbours, who will fast become your friends.

You’ll also have peace of mind in knowing that dependable care staff are on-site 24 hours a day,

7 days a week to provide professional low to high care in the privacy of your own home, as required. This allows couples to stay together, even if their care requirements are different.

Live independantly while enjoying the option of quality meals, cleaning, shopping, bill paying and more services, including regular social outings on the village bus.

Please visit our website to view extensive floorplans or call us on 6554 8424 to arrange an inspection.

11A Chapmans Road Tuncurry NSW 2428. Tel: (02) 6554 8424 | www.sunrisesupportedlivingtuncurry.com.au manning-great lakes focus.

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focusinterview.

CATHERINE SUMMERS, AKA MISS KITTY SUMMERS, CALLS THE OLD BAR AREA HOME. FROM

HER TOMBOY ROOTS, MISS KITTY IS NOW A SOUGHT AFTER MODEL, WITH A PARTICULAR LOVE FOR ROCKABILLY, PINUP, GOTHIC AND ARTISTIC STYLE SHOOTS. IF YOU

MISS

HAPPEN TO SEE MISS KITTY OUT AND ABOUT, SHE’LL NO DOUBT BE IMPECCABLY STYLED AND DRESSED … SHE’S HARD TO MISS!

CATHERINE SUMMERS, AKA MISS KITTY SUMMERS, CALLS THE OLD BAR AREA HOME. FROM HER TOMBOY ROOTS, MISS KITTY IS NOW A SOUGHT AFTER MODEL, WITH A PARTICULAR LOVE FOR ROCKABILLY, PINUP, GOTHIC AND ARTISTIC STYLE SHOOTS. IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE MISS KITTY OUT AND ABOUT AROUND, SHE’LL NO DOUBT BE IMPECCABLY STYLED AND DRESSED … SHE’S HARD TO MISS!

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hy do you choose to call the Manning area home ... What is it about the Valley that you most enjoy?

My little family and I moved to the Old Bar area in early 2013 for my husband’s work. We decided to finally settle down here, because it’s just so beautiful. We love the area, we love the people and we’re thrilled to be able walk to the beach every morning in summer. The relaxed vibe is just amazing after having lived in Sydney.

Tell us a little about your background and where you grew up/went to school ...

I grew up in country NSW, near Tamworth, with male cousins - so only ever wore jeans and baggy shirts. I had no idea about makeup and no clue about how to handle my unruly, naturally curly hair.

I went to school in Tamworth and was such a bookworm. I still am, really. I read on average one book a week and have just completed my professional editor/proofreader qualifications.

I met my amazing husband in 2003, and we’ve moved around quite a lot with his work.

It’s been a big adventure, but it’s lovely to finally settle down.

When did you first become interested in makeup artistry and modelling work (did these two things go hand in hand, or did one lead to the other?)

I had my first modelling job at 14 years old.

I wore a vintage wedding dress on the catwalk for a local wedding expo. The dress was a gorgeous green gown from a Sydney boutique called The House Of Merivale and belonged to my stepmother. She still has it in her wardrobe today.

That was the first time I’d ever used makeup - just a touch of foundation and some mascara.

I moved to Newcastle in 1998 and was so unconfident, that I didn’t do any more modelling, then got busy finishing school and studying to be a child care worker.

I’ve been fortunate enough to get some great makeup tips over the years, most recently

focusinterview.

“

I’ve been fortunate enough to get some great makeup tips over the years, most recently from Mid North Coast based superstar Mandi Levanah. ”

from Mid North Coast based superstar Mandi Levanah.

Thank you so much! That’s such a great compliment. I always try to leave the house looking presentable and ready for What is it about the Pinup and Rockabilly style of modelling that most appeals to you? anything.

I grew up in a family that loved old cars and hot rods, so I pride myself on being a “pinup on a budget” and would be happy to offer style tips to those interested. (Contact via falling in love with Pinup was probably inevitable. We went to loads of car shows when I was younger, and I just wanted to email: sandykitty84@hotmail.com) be part of it all. I wanted to dance to the music, dress like the The makeup I use all comes from Coles/Target, and most of my clothes are op shop sourced and sometimes altered by me women, and drive the cars.

After having my children, I found my body shape had on my own sewing machine. changed. Before children, I was straight up and down. A stick.

My hair is usually a hot mess! I use my husband’s pomade After having my girls, I grew curves that I didn’t know how to most days and just hope for the best. handle. I started wearing pencil skirts to accentuate my waist eBay is also another great source of budget friendly Pinup/ and loved how feminine I felt.

Rockabilly themed clothing.

We own a beautiful 1965 Mustang named Lucy However, there are Pinup stores popping up all over the which we get out in whenever we can. place now, and you can’t beat going into a physical store for that hands on assistance.

My husband is also a huge vintage vinyl What upcoming events/gigs do you have? lover so we have it all now: the old os ot ph I have some exciting photo shoots music, the old car, and the old clothes. d I have ha in d booked in for December, and those Even our little girls love dressing up. he pu blis d an n ia al tr images will be published in several You’ve had lots of modelling many Aus ines , az ag m l na io upcoming magazines. gigs, but what are some of your at intern ovel y oL tr Re g: in As of next year I’ll be ud favourites ... the ones you had incl Lady available for bookings the most fun/success working Magazine, Foxy e, Pinup Magazin four days a week and on? ce , an ég Él e qu Classi One of the mothers from my am always happy to r Vintage Boudoi playgroup is aiming to start up travel for the right Magazine ... ” a high end boudoir photography project. business in the New Year, so I’ve been I don’t just do helping her get the start-up photos she Pinup and Rockabilly needs for her portfolio. It’s been great. Once modelling. I love doing she is ready, she’ll be based in Port Macquarie as “The more artistic themed shoots, Boudoir Diaries.” Her photos are fantastic, and I can’t glamour, promotions work, catwalk, recommend her enough. alternative, tattoo and gothic photo I really enjoy working with local photographers and shoots as well. artists, but I also travel to Newcastle, Sydney and interstate.

Where can we find out more about What are some of the publications/websites etc. your you? photographs have been used for?

I take bookings and enquiries via I have had photos published in many Australian and email: sandykitty84@hotmail.com international magazines, including: RetroLovely Magazine, Foxy I have a Facebook page: www.

Lady Pinup Magazine, Classique Élégance, Vintage Boudoir facebook.com/MissKittySummers Magazine and Delicious Dolls.

I have an Instagram page: www.

I have also been fortunate enough to have my photos instagram.com/MissKittySummers used in calendars, look books, catalogues, exhibitions and on Thanks Miss Kitty. photographic websites as well.

Black & white image courtesy of: Your face always looks flawless, and your styling’s Terry Biggendon. impeccable! Do you offer makeup and/or styling services Colour images courtesy of: to others and if so, how do they contact you?

Phil Ingram.

“

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9

Matters. [ w ith Ala n Tickle ] Major changes to Pension Assets Start 2017, NOT 2016 Some confusion has arisen locally as a result of some advertisements for seminars about changes taking place to pension assets tests from 1 January 2016.

There are some less significant changes taking place on January 1st, 2016, but the major impact of a lowering of asset test threshold starts from 2017.

Notwithstanding that the change hits in just over a year, strategy designed to reduce assessed assets, such as annuities, gifting, pre-payment of funerals or funeral bonds are better established sooner rather than later for those impacted to capture asset reduction, so getting advice early is important.

Low Interest Rates and Benefit of Diversification The double blow to pensioners that will suffer a reduction in age pension, is that low interest rates makes it harder to generate income and there is the real risk of drawing capital to meet the cost of living.

The recent volatility in markets in response to world events does offer some opportunity, particularly with Australian Shares having retreated.

Some interesting conversations with clients have occurred of late.

The portfolios that have a balance of assets that include overseas shares and listed property have produced net returns double to what is earned on fixed term deposits and cash over the past year.

The 34% return from some International Share Funds and 16% from Listed Property has countered the low cash rates and negative returns from Australian Shares.

Another interesting observation on Australian Shares is that some mid cap and smaller

companies have produced amazing returns, so a weighting toward Mid Cap stocks have also contributed to returns across balanced portfolios that have pleasantly surprised clients.

The pull back from blue chip stocks have now offered some value, and coupled with the attractive dividends that often well exceeds term deposits, add weight to the argument that diversifying assets is the key.

Longevity Risk and Welfare Challenge Living beyond 90 and reaching 100 is becoming the norm.

Stats show that a 75 year old in good health is likely to exceed age 90.

This presents a huge challenge to the Federal Government, and a tightening of pension tests is inevitable.

It means that thinking long term when devising a retirement income strategy post retirement is essential.

I stated in an earlier article that including the family home in the means test but with asset thresholds increased to accommodate this, would be a fairer move than what is now in place.

It is absurd that family homes worth millions are not assessed as an asset and ultimately pass to the next generation, while the tax payer funds their retirement.

Such a move would generate either downsizing of the homes of the wealthy in major metropolitan areas to release assets to produce income or open the way to “buy” a retirement income secured by the home equity.

Research by the Centre for Independent Studies as presented to last week’s Economic and Social Outlook Conference supported that view.

It was claimed that such a move would save the Government up to 14 billion a year, but almost 98 percent of pensioners would ultimately benefit.

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

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CLUB FORSTER ALL ACCESS 80s (Tribute to Rock Bands of the ‘80s) - Friday 1st January at 8pm This is your VIP pass to the ultimate ‘80s rock experience. The biggest hair, the tightest pants, the wildest party outside the sunset strip.

From hard hitting rock to power ballads, all your ‘80s favourites in one kick-ass show, loud and reasonably priced.

These boys have the looks, the moves and the attitude to match, without the substance abuse.

The band includes members Jett Black - Lead vocals, guitar, Jesse Jäxx - Guitar, keyboards, vocals, Bones - Bass, vocals, Mick Fury - Drums, vocals. ''PULSE'' Under 18s Charity Dance Party Saturday 2nd January from 6 - 9pm Special Guest DJ - Lui from MAX FM. See the interview with model and event organiser Jasmine Farlow on page 23.

FRENZAL RHOMB - Friendless Summer Tour (Supported by The Clowns) - Thursday 7th January at 8pm. FRENZAL RHOMB invite you to come and re-tox with them on the amazing “FRIENDLESS SUMMER” tour, hitting several sleepy holiday towns (and a few places no one would ever holiday in) this December and January!

IWA WRESTLING - Saturday 9th January at 8pm. Escape to the amazing world of IWA Pro Wrestling. It's a family fun action packed live show. With heavyweight matches, women’s matches, tag teams and daredevils, all guaranteed to blow you away!

The whole performance is audience interactive and so provides something extra for those who want a little more fun when they go and see a live show.

AROUND THE REGION //DECEMBER 2015

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Wingham community Christmas Street Carnival

This annual family friendly event is held each year in Bent Street and Central Park. Try your luck at the ham wheel, enjoy a visit from Santa, watch the annual bed race, have a whirl on a carnival ride or just enjoy the many tasty

TRIVIA TUNES & TUCKER

5

The night is hosted by Anthony from 2RE and Lui from MAX FM. As well as trivia, we have live local entertainment SOAR and Stacey Lee performing, with a DJ playing the night out.

Prizes from Thomas Sabo, Royal Doulton, MINDFOOD Magazine plus a chance to win $1,000. All proceeds to support Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW. When Saturday 5th December; 6:30pm. Where Club Taree.

Tickets Club Taree reception. $25 per ticket or $200 for a table of 10; includes dinner.

More info 0428 301 088 or forsterinfo@rmhnnsw.org.au

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Christmas Wrapping

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are looking for more volunteers to help wrap at Stockland Forster this Christmas, to get wrapped in the Christmas Spirit and help raise much needed funds for the Ronald MacDonald Family Retreat in Forster.

When Mon 7th Dec - Christmas Eve. 10am - 3pm daily (two 2½ hour shifts each day).

Location Stockland Forster.

Phone 0428 301 088.

Email forsterinfo@rmhnnsw.org.au

treats available for purchasing at one of the many food stalls.

When Thursday, Dec 10th, 5pm - 10pm Where Central Park, Bent Street, Wingham.

Contact Graeme Nash. Phone 0417 299 877.

FORSTER Farmers’ market Forster Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of each month. It’s a great opportunity to purchase and tantalise your taste buds with the freshest of produce from the farm. The aim is to promote fresh produce grown or made in the Great Lakes, and the neighbouring regions of Gloucester, Greater Taree and beyond.

When Sat 19 Dec 2015, 8am to noon.

Location Forster Visitor Centre, Little St, Forster.

Phone (02) 6555 4351.

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focusinterview.

KARISHMA ST. JUSTE LOVES PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY – AND IT TRULY SHOW IN HER BEAUTIFUL IMAGES, WHICH CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF PEOPLE’S PERSONALITY. SPECIALISING IN WOMEN’S, CHILDREN’S AND MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY, KARISHMA IS ALLOWED A GLIMPSE INSIDE SOME OF THE MOST PRECIOUS MOMENTS IN HER CLIENTS’ LIVES ...

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hat’s your selfie at six years old! Ha ha. connection to the However, it was in my teenage years and Manning area… how owning my first mobile phone with a camera long have you called installed where all the action began. I remember the Valley home? taking a lot of photos of nature/landscape and of I have called the course, lots of selfies!

Valley “home” for a year now, and it is a It wasn’t until a friend of mine place that I absolutely adore! lent me her expensive DSLR My connection to being in camera to use that I the Valley is through my really began practising I have always husband’s work. He is a portrait photography a loved the camer Minister of Religion and and just shooting ild! since I was a ch pastors both Wingham for fun, eventually h Flipping throug and Gloucester Seventhphotographing my first family al bums, Day Adventist Churches. ever paid shoot with the y you would see m I am originally New same friend’s camera! ng little face grinni s Zealand born and bred, It was when I could ay w al mischievously, ” but have been living and e! call a DSLR mine that I os up nice and cl moving around Australia for decided to venture into a about 11 years. Previous places photography business.

I have called home were Canberra, When did you start your Cooranbong and Port Macquarie. photography business, Pieces of I am unsure how much longer we will call Karishma - and what’s the meaning the Valley home due to the nature of my behind the name of the business? husband’s work, but I am hoping it will be for My photography business actually began as many more years to come! an accident! Due to the nature of my husband’s What first inspired you to pick up a camera? work, it was a given we would move and it I have always loved the camera since I was a wasn’t until we moved from Cooranbong to child! Flipping through family albums, you would Port Macquarie in 2012 and knowing no one see my little face grinning mischievously, always there at all that I began thinking about pursuing up nice and close. I recall taking my first ever photography seriously.

“

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manning-great lakes focus.

focusinterview.

Also, being on my own inspired me to want to with. meet some new people through photography and What do you believe the essence of a good as I photographed them, the recommendations portrait should be - are you a fan of more just kept coming in. The beginning of 2013 was natural shots or posed/formal shoots? when my little business was officially born.

I tend to incorporate both into my shoots. I The name “Pieces of Karishma” actually began create a vision for the photoshoot and together as “KSJ Memories”, but I felt I needed a forever with any of the clients’ requests have myself name that was meaningful to me and would be a fantastic mixed session of both natural and easy for others to remember. A beautiful friend formal. Plus, I do find I tend to get bored quite summed it up for me perfectly; in every image, quickly if it were just straight posing; “Pieces of Karishma” aims to capture the whereas, having clients interact with each beauty and love that our Creator has for other makes for lovely imagery.

His creation. It is more than “Pieces Also understanding the lighting you of Karishma”; it is “Pieces of our choose to use is a great way to Creator”. produce an image of any kind You specialise in maternity, and is essential for post Pregnant children and women’s processing. mothers photographs. Why did What is it about y are currently m to you choose this type of photography that ite absolute favour ps portraiture? keeps you motivated m shoot! I adore bu I enjoy all types of and inspired every ow and seeing the gl s um portraiture, but there are day? of expectant m e.” always specific types that I THOROUGHLY enjoy and mums-to-b will draw a photographer meeting my clients and either based on the success of their families, but I think that type with their business or what I love the most about just for pleasure’s sake. photographing them is being Children are a gem to photograph able to hear their stories of who they are, challenging, but definitely rewarding - especially if where they are from and where they are in life the client brings their child back for more progress now and their current journey. Sometimes I find shoots with you over the years, and you get to see I much enjoy hearing their stories, rather than them grow before your eyes! It’s so precious and a photographing them ha ha - whoops! Labour reminder of how fast time flies. stories from my mama clients seem to be my most Pregnant mothers are currently my absolute favourite to hear at the moment. favourite to shoot! I adore bumps and seeing the Where can readers contact you or see glow of expectant mums and mums-to-be. All of samples of your work? my maternity clients so far have also booked in for General page: “Pieces of Karishma a newborn session, so it is quite the experience Photography”: www.facebook.com/ seeing them with their perfect round belly to then piecesofkarishma having a bub in their arms - and if they are first www.piecesofkarishma.com.au time parents, it’s just so special!

Women’s Portraits Only: “Women Portraiture There is something to be said about women’s Mid North Coast”: www.facebook.com/ portraiture. I have such a passion for bringing womenportraiture out both the inner and outer beauty of a woman Email address: piecesofkarishma@gmail.com through their images. We are our biggest critics Thanks Karishma. and deceived by media into thinking we need to look like flawless beasts, but that is rubbish! I take you, as you are, spin a little magic with my stylists and together we create images that are NOT about being perfect, but images that explore who you are, your look and what you think about yourself. Embracing you for who you are and for how God created you to be - every stretch mark, love handle and all!

What type of light do you prefer to shoot with and why?

I very much enjoy shooting with natural light, but I also work with and carry around an external flash for when the situation calls for it. There are never any certainties with natural light, but I enjoy the challenge of positioning a person in order to gain the best light as well as adapting to what I have been given to work with.

Do you shoot in both outdoor and indoor settings (i.e. do you have a studio?)

Yes, I shoot both indoors and outdoors! I have a sunroom home studio in which I work, that I actually now rarely use, as all of my current clients have requested the beautiful outdoors for their sessions. I absolutely love the outdoors and do prefer it over indoor shooting, as it is a bigger canvas and there is just so much more to play

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SteveAttkins.

from Great Lakes Winery

with Horticulturalist Neville Donovan - Greenpatch Organic Seeds

steve attkins

edible flowers

WH

FESTIVE VISITO RS MAKE SURE VISITING THE LOCAL WINERIES IS ON YOUR TO DO LIST FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON WHEN YOUR RELATIVES ARRIVE WANTING TO BE ENTERTAINED. WINERIES ARE A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS, AS THEY PROVIDE AN EXPERIENCE OF MORE THAN JUST DRINKING WINE AND CAN BE INTERESTING FOR THE NONWINE DRINKERS AS WELL.

T

here are a number of elements to wineries that make the overall experience enjoyable and offer a great destination when you have friends and relatives crowding the house and you find yourself having to be the entertainment director!

and knick-knacks. Wineries can be a great place to find a gift for someone that is difficult to buy for, or the “foodie” in your life who likes something a little different.

Come visit us at Great Lakes Winery in Wootton, just a short drive down the highway. We offer wine and cheese tastings, grow our own beef, sell as much local produce as we can get our hands on, and we work hard to make it an enjoyable experience when you take the time to come and visit us. Make a day of it and take the gorgeous scenic drive from Wootton to Pacific Palms and have a swim at one of the many spectacular beaches, or a dip in a tranquil lake and lunch at a cosy café.

First of all, the majority of wineries provide free tastings, with friendly staff offering information about the wine and winery who are happy to have a relaxed chat with you. The chat isn’t restricted to the subject of wine either.

Part of what we love about what we do is having conversations with customers from all over the world in the cellar d We offer wine an door, which at times , gs in st ta cheese transforms into a sponas r own beef, sell ou ow gr taneous party when we as e uc much local prod on and we get a few visitors s can get our hand ake it arriving at once, with m we work hard to rience everyone contributing pe ex e bl an enjoya to the jovial atmothe time to when you take .” sphere. me and visit us

“ co

Wineries are typically located in a beautiful location, which provides you with a sense of relaxation and space to unwind - meaning room for the kids to run around. And just because it is called a “winery” doesn’t mean only wine is available.

You can find ports and liqueurs and sometimes a variety of boutique beers may also be on offer. At Great Lakes Winery, if the kids are well behaved, we offer a “gourmet” cordial tasting, which is very popular.

It is also common for a winery to sell other interesting items, from local produce through to antiques. What a great way to do your Christmas shopping - sampling wine and gathering items to create unique gift hampers. It is a great opportunity to get your hands on the local produce of the region, including local cheeses, condiments, jams 14

manning-great lakes focus.

Or visit one of the other wineries, including Villa De’sta and Wallamba Vale Winery at Krambach, Ghinni Ghinni Wines just north of Taree on the highway or Red Tail Wines at Marlee. Plus, if you venture out to Gloucestor and Stroud there are some lovely boutique vineyards to drop in on. Pick a couple to visit in a day for a fun experience for the whole clan.

AT ’ S I N

During the spring-summer season, introduce tasty edible flowers to decorate festive dishes that can vary in colour from soft pastels to vibrant hues. The texture of flowers allows for a surprisingly creative change!

Complement your garden with an array of edible flowers that bloom at different times of the year. The flower petals can be used as a garnish and include an edible option to your cuisine.

An added advantage of flowers is that they attract beneficial insects, bees for pollination and birds that feed on nectar. Many flowers are edible: roses, beans, heartsease (viola), peas, marigold, sunflower, radish and dianthus, just to name a few.

Nasturtiums are perhaps the most common flower used in salads, providing a light peppery flavour in colours of yellow, red and orange. Other flowers used in salads include blue borage, calendula and yellow petals of sunflower.

Several male zucchini flowers can be picked

early morning. To keep these fresh, store flowers inside each other in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Flowers can be dipped in batter then deep fried or stuffed with rice mix and cooked slowly in water.

Many culinary herbs produce flowers in the warmer months. Young flower heads can be harvested, chopped up finely and used to flavour savoury dishes. These include chives, sage, fennel, basil, coriander and rocket. Lavender Vera is excellent in chocolate cake and used as a garnish for desserts.

The orange petals of calendula resemble saffron. Use in rice dishes, coleslaws, orange cake and sweet biscuits.

Scented rose petals can be dried and used to flavour and colour desserts, ice cream, smoothies, cocktails and as a garnish for rice pudding. The flavour and colours add a beautiful dimension to sweet dishes and drinks.

Always identify any plant material as edible and not poisonous before being eaten.

Video OF THE

MONTH

So as you prepare yourself for the influx of families and friends over the next couple of months, keep in mind the wineries you can visit - each has its own speciality, providing unique experiences that you might not have realised was available. You never know what you might find, as most wineries are so much more than just a winery!

Watch on your smartphone

UPCOMING BACK PADDOCK MUSIC at Great Lakes Winery

VIDEO BY: Neil Anthony - Forster Tuncurry song.

Sunday December 13th - Xmas Party in the Paddock with “The Trapps”.

WATCH AT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVtUgSElXoo

Sunday January 3rd - Caravana Sun.

1:12

ABOUT: Inspired by Neil’s holidays in the Forster Tuncurry area.

manning-great lakes focus.

15

fotsun 2015

focusinterview.

Hitting the shores of Port Macquarie for FOTSUN this month is one of Australia’s most iconic Hip Hop artists, Illy.

FOCUS was able to catch him in between studio sessions in the States for a quick chat …

H

ey Illy. You’ve had such a successful journey so far; give us some insight into where it all began …

I started writing music around 12/13, and it really just went from there. My first show was at 17; it’s been a pretty long trip.

Back then at that young age, who were your musical influences - the ones who first inspired you to get into Hip Hop? It was all the gangsta rap stuff coming out of America. I think a lot of kids or young teenagers gravitate towards that, because it’s rebellious and exciting, so my earlier influences were 2Pac, Biggie, NAS all the real legendary dudes from that era.

How would you say your style has progressed since you first kicked off?

I’ve definitely become a bit more focused on writing songs as opposed to just rapping. I got my schooling in the underground Hip Hop scene in Australia, and where I’m at now is a very long way from that.

I write a lot more stuff that’s sung now.

A lot of the most successful songs of mine are songs that are almost Pop songs; they have a big chorus that will have a singer on it, and I’m finding that the older I get, the more I’m enjoying writing those kinds of songs, because they’re a lot harder to write than Rap songs.

I think, to write a good song like that is

16

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a lot harder, for me at least; it’s a lot more there for so long - I can’t even remember of a challenge than to just write a verse. exactly when it was last, but it was ages That’s kind of where a lot of my sound is ago. I think I’ve only been there once ... changing, and it’s exciting for me.

So yeah, I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve called you up while you’re in the because it’s kind of rare with the amount States; what are you doing over there? of touring we’ve done in the last couple of I’m working on the next album actually; years that there’s been places we haven’t I’ve been basically in the studio visited - and Port Macquarie’s one of flat-out for the last two them. I remember it fondly, so weeks in New York, and it should be cool.

I just got to LA around Who are you bringing a good I think, to write an hour ago. I have along to accompany a lot song like that is another week here, your set? s least; it’ harder, for me at le nge and then back home.

It’s me, my drummer al a lot more of a ch verse.

What’s the process and my DJ. We have a than to just w rite re a lot behind writing an a bunch of friends on he That’s kind of w , ng gi album for you? the bill, so we might an ch is of my sound ” e. m r Generally I’ll get try to work something fo g tin ci and it’s ex in the studio with cool out while we’re up producers and work on there, I think. beats - even if it’s a rough What can we expect skeleton of the beat. I’ll then from your onstage vibe? start working on the melody for Depending where the album’s the hook or a phrase, or even if it’s just at, it might be one of the first times we a single word for the hook, and then play some new material. I don’t have any I’ll build the hook up and then after shows until FOTSUN from now, so it might that once there’s a topic there, I’ll then be one of the first times we play the new write the verses around that. Then it kind songs live, which’ll be pretty exciting. of goes back and forth, refining the beat, Tell us about this little venture, Friday refining the lyrics, until it gets to the final Flips. Will you be performing some of version. these tracks at FOTSUN? You’re one of the headliners for our Yeah probably. At the moment we have coastal festival FOTSUN this year. What one in the set, so I reckon we’ll probably are you looking forward to the most? keep that in there!

Just getting back there. I haven’t been What has been the biggest highlight of

“

your career to date?

There have been quite a few. Playing the one night stand was a pretty huge thing personally for me. Being over here at the moment - I love New York - it’s always a highlight, and I always feel really inspired to work on new music when I’m there. The last two years since Cinematic was released, it’s kind of been one highlight after the next, for which I feel very fortunate. I hope the next album is similar; it’s kind of hard to just pick one or two.

I just have some quick fun facts for you ...

Your real name? Al. Do you have any pets? No. Favourite Food? Pizza.

What are you listening to at the moment? Right now I’m still listening to the Kendrick Lamar album and the Hermitude album.

Growing up, what did you really want to be? I really wanted to be a Palaeontologist.

Biggest fear? I’m not fond of spiders.

What’s on your bucket list? Getting this album done without going crazy.

Thanks Illy.

the plug!

Catch Illy at FOTSUN 11 - 12 December, Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park: www.fotsun.com

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17

focusinterview.

evermore CHRISTMAS BRADEN GRAHAM

WE HOPE THIS MIGHT BE A VERY DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS FOR YOU IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY! WE’D LOVE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE BRUCE STREET CAROLS CHRISTMAS PARTY.

E

vermore Living have been open now for just a little over two months, residents are moving in, and stage two is about to start. How is everything going?

We are delighted and very excited to welcome our stage one residents to Evermore over the past couple of months. All of our residents are very happy at Evermore, the overwhelming comment being that it is “more than we expected”. Daily activities at Evermore include aerobics or Pilates, craft, movie matinees or people relaxing in the heated swimming pool or at the lounge bar.

Our stage one residents were given complimentary dining packages including free two course lunches and dinners, coffee and cake for morning tea and a drink at happy hour daily for the first three months. There is wonderful social interaction between the residents and most participate at our off site events, including our corporate race days at the Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club.

The Melbourne cup luncheon event was a cracker, with invited guests, family and friends coming along to join in Evermore’s festivities on cup day. More activities and social events are planned for December and January, including Bruce St Carols at Forster, Christmas at Evermore and Open Days, to name a few. As they say here, there is never a dull day at Evermore…

Evermore will be holding a Christmas Carol event in conjunction with the Presbyterian Church.

When will this be held, and can local residents 18

manning-great lakes focus.

world at that very first Christmas. We’ll be having an and visitors to the area come along? afternoon of fun in finding out about the one who The Bruce St Carols at Forster is open to the general defines Christmas at our “Epic Explorers” Kids’ Club public, and we invite everyone from the community, activities from 3:30pm, with drama, face painting, including visitors, to attend on Sunday 13th December from 3pm to 7pm. We are closing off the street, and games, and music. there will be a rabbit jumping castle, slippery Mums and dads are welcome to stay for slide, Batman combo castle, unlimited a coffee or tea and join in the fun too. fairy floss, face painting and a kids’ Our carols will commence around club to run from 3pm to 6pm, 6pm and finish up around 7pm e or m Ever ng vi Li t with the carols from 6pm to after a free sausage sizzle, in en em tir Re the ith w n 7pm. It should be a great conjunction with our friends at io ct un nj in co urch afternoon and evening for Evermore Retirement Living.

Presbyterian Ch host families from the region to Now you will be shutting are delighted to Carols have some fun and enjoy off the street, is this the first Bruce St vite all at Forster and in the carols, proudly organised correct? Where would be to join from the region

by Rev David Hann and his the best place for carol ate with us to celebr ay helpers from the Presbyterian goers to park, and what nd Christmas on Su . ” Church. should they bring? m 13th D ec from 3p David says, “We hope this We encourage people to bring might be a very different Christmas along chairs for the carols, and there for you in the best possible way! We’d is off street parking within close vicinity love you to join us for the Bruce Street Carols to the Presbyterian Church and Evermore.

Christmas party with our Evermore neighbours, Is there anything else you would like to add culminating in singing and hearing about Jesus or make mention of for this event?

Christ, the one who defines Christmas and gives us Evermore Retirement Living in conjunction with the something truly to celebrate!”

Presbyterian Church are delighted to host the first Can you let our readers know what will take Bruce St Carols at Forster and invite all from the region place on the evening/night of the carols? to join with us to celebrate Christmas on Sunday 13th December from 3pm.

Forster-Tuncurry Presbyterian Church invite you to Thanks Braden. join us in celebrating the coming of Christ into the

“

YOU ARE INVITED TO

BRUCE ST

CAROLS

AT FORSTER Sunday 13th December 3-7pm

Street Party - Sausage Sizzle - Face Painting - Amusement Rides

Carols 6-7pm at the Presbyterian Church

Call 02 6528 0442 www.evermoreliving.com.au

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19

Chicken and Slaw with a side of chips and a i o l i m ayo, p l u s A Da s h e r C o c k ta i l f r o m Dasher’s.

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

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Bowers CafÉ restaurant Bowers is for lovers of good honest and original food in a laid back setting overlooking Kolodong valley.

We source the best local produce to create unique dishes with bags of flavour, morning, noon and night - plus, the coffee is to die for.

Family friendly lunches and intimate dinners.

Spice Monkey Spice Monkey’s succulent summer menu has arrived Swing in to the Monkey to try our new summer menu, featuring mouthwatering dishes such as our Balmain Bugs with white miso, sake, sweet wine and citrus sauce, or a refreshing Thai duck salad. Spice Monkey is the perfect summer location to enjoy some lunch time sushi, either in your work break or before heading back over to the lake for an afternoon swim.

Chefs Mark & Kelly Davis

461 Kolodong Road, Taree 6550 1230 Tues - Sat, 10am - 2:30pm for morning tea and lunch.

Thurs - Sat dinner from 6pm

Still looking for the perfect Christmas party venue? Spice Monkey offers chic cocktail packages and seated banquet style functions to suit any size group.

Happy hour is 4 - 6pm daily, with $4 Monkey Magic schooners, $4 wines and $8 cocktails. Don’t miss live music every Friday night starting at 5:30pm.

Head Chef Brian Rout

spice

Shop 4, Reef Apartments, Wharf St, Forster.

Access via Memorial Drive.

6554 8767 Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Party Platters

Two Hans

Reef

Two Hans Café - Asian dining experience for all ages.

Korean and Japanese Dishes.

Summer breezes and cool cocktails at Reef

Take away sushi available (lunch only).

Ask us about our party platters, great for any occasion.

Closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Dine in or take away.

Shop 1 Centre Point Arcade, 153-157 Victoria Street, Taree.

6552 6823 Open Monday - Saturday lunch - 11:30am - 3pm.

Dinner 5:30pm - 9pm. Kitchen closes at 8:30pm.

Jonno Lee

Reef is the idyllic location to kick back and relax this summer, as you enjoy a chilled Christmas beverage at the bar, overlooking the sparkling Wallis Lake. Our delicious new summer menu will be out in December and offers fresh local oysters and seafood, such as the seared half shell scallops with butter braised leeks and avruga caviar - or you can try our $15 lunchtime gourmet cheap eats - offered daily.

Don’t miss out on booking your Christmas party at Forster’s favourite summer venue - exclusive packages available - dates booking out fast!

For more information, call 6555 7092 or visit www.reefbargrill.com.au

Head Chef Peter Tjourneland

Shop 1 Reef Apartments, Wharf St, Forster 6555 7092 Open daily for lunch and dinner from 12pm.

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focusinterview.

T W O H A N S

Hyun Lee Dasher’s The heat is on ... Summer is here ...

Come down and enjoy one of our many delicious shakes or cocktails whilst you enjoy the summer sun and water views.

Pop in today and put our meals to the test. Something for the whole family.

Dasher’s staff and managment would like to wish their customers a very happy Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful 2016.

Licensed

Head Chef John Kaukasi

Eat in or take away

24 - 30 Memorial Drive, Forster 6555 7352 Closed Mondays only. Tuesdays 11am - 3pm, Wednesday - Sunday Lunch from 11 - 3pm and dinner from 5pm.

I

PRODUCING QUALITY ASIAN FUSION CUISINE ...

ntroduce yourself to us and your role cuisine. We provide our customers variety; it’s at Two Hans? very different from a normal Asian restaurant.

Hi, my name is Hyun Jong Lee from Coming into the holidays and tourist Korea. Call me Jonno. I take care of the season, what are your Christmas party kitchen, creating the menu, service and options at Two Hans? cleaning.

We are new and there are lots How long have you been of things to take care of, a chef? Tell us about so we haven’t thought your experience in the about Christmas options ct Customers expe industry ...

- but we do sushi party d an Asian cuisine, I have been platters - and this is s, le od we have rice , no es . cooking for 15 years. obviously one of the sh di t fish and mea y so I cooked Western best options when an re Bulgogi Ko e th is ef be ed cuisine in a 5 star having a small party at ic sl based , and sh di r la pu po hotel in Busan, home. t mos is also a spicy calamari Korea, but I wasn’t What types of items ” r. best selle satisfied with just can be found on the learning cooking, so menu, and what are I made the decision to the favourites? join a cordon bleu famous Customers expect Asian cooking school in SYDNEY. After cuisine, and we have rice, noodles, fish and meat dishes. Bulgogi Korean soy graduation, I had the chance to work based sliced beef is the most popular dish, at ARIA restaurant for six years; my last and spicy calamari is also a best seller. position was Senior chef de partie. I left What are the opening times for Two Hans, Aria Restaurant in June this year. and are bookings essential?

What is the best part of working at Two We open Monday to Saturday: lunch - 11:30 Hans?

- 2:30, dinner - 5:30 - 8:30. Takeaway sushi We cook Asian fusion. We’re able to create is available from 10am weekdays. It is not any menu we like as chefs; it’s exciting! essential to book for dinner, but for lunch and For those of our readers who haven’t been Friday/Saturday dinner, it’s better to book. to Two Hans yet, what can they expect?

Thanks Jonno.

We cook Korean, Japanese and Chinese

“

Channels - Family Restaurant Daily promo meals - 7 Days a week Sundays - two course roast lunch/dinner only $12.50.

Jugs of soft drink $5 - all day.

• Al La Carte Menu • Lunch Menu • Kids Menu • Chef’s Board Specials • Barista Bar BOOK NOW - Huge Seafood Raffle - Christmas Eve. See our website - what’s on for full details.

Channels Family Restaurant Manning River Hotel, 20 Oxley St, Taree (main road heading north) 6552 3116 Bistro open for lunch 7 days, 11:30am - 2pm; dinner Sunday - Tuesday 6pm 8:30pm, Wednesday - Saturday 6pm - 9pm. Barista bar open 7 days from 11am.

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manning-great lakes focus.

Head Chef Scott Hyde.

focusinterview.

JASMINE FARLOW

DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER MODEL JASMINE FARLOW HAS SET HERSELF THE GOAL TO PERFORM WELL IN THE AUSTRALIA GALAXY PAGEANT, AND SHE HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCEPTED AS A NSW STATE FINALIST. ONE OF THE CRITERIA FOR THIS PAGEANT IS TO FUNDRAISE FOR A NOMINATED CHARITY ... AND JASMINE HAS ORGANISED A PULSE UNDER 18S DANCE PARTY AT CLUB FORSTER ON JANUARY 2ND, TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE ...

that give back to Australia.

I will also be working closely with my sponsors I’m very excited that this event JF DESIGNS, Miracle lse is is happening. Pu age of Agency and Barbee Barb im designed in the collection to ensure that es that the ‘say no’ danc at I am ready to put my e used to take plac when best foot forward when I ck Club Forster ba s step on that stage. ke La I attended great Why have you decided College . ” to enter this pageant?

I believe you’ve now This will be the third time relocated to Sydney. What I have entered Miss Galaxy. I are some other things that have aim to take everything I have learnt changed/achievements you’ve had in from the previous years and apply that the past couple of years? knowledge into my 2016 journey. Galaxy has I have relocated to Sydney, yes. Since being allowed me to grow as an individual; I believe based there, I have taken on modelling full-time. that in life you never stop learning, and I hope I’m a strong believer in setting goals for yourself this year to continue doing so. and I am slowly ticking mine off. I have recently Part of the criteria for entering Miss Galaxy been signed to one of Sydney's leading agencies is to fundraise. As you’ve said, your chosen and have landed campaigns for brands such as charity is Wildlife Warriors - why did you Miracle Agency, Privvy Fashion and Rimmel, along choose this particular charity? with starting my own swimwear label and not for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors is a very profit organisation called Newcastle Suspended, uniquely Australian charity focusing on helping which focuses on the homeless and ways in our native animals. With my own personal charity which we can help those going through that "Newcastle Suspended " being aimed at helping situation. humans, I would also like table to help animals in You mentioned you’ve entered the Miss need, and wildlife can often be overlooked.

Galaxy pageant. Tell us a bit about this event One of the fundraising events you’ve ... When and where will it be held, and what organised is the PULSE Under 18s Charity will you have to do?

Dance Party at Club Forster on January I have entered Australia Galaxy Pageants; I was 2nd, 2016. Describe this event for us - what extremely excited to be given the news that I was entertainment/activities are planned? accepted as a NSW state finalist.

I’m very excited that this event is happening.

Galaxy is one of those goals that I have set Pulse is designed in the image of the "say no" for myself. It affords me the opportunity to be dances that used to take place at Club Forster involved in my community. back when I attended great Lakes College.

Leading up to the pageant state finals, which They are a drug and alcohol free zone where will be held in Sydney on the 11th February, I under 18s can dance and experience a happy and will be raising funds for my chosen charity, the fun atmosphere, without feeling pressured to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors by hosting events partake in adult or illegal vices.

“

H

i Jasmine. Last time we spoke (a couple of years ago now), you were about to jet off to London for the Face of the Globe Pageant. How did you fare in this event, and what did you learn from the whole process?

Yes, in 2013 I travelled to Paris and London to represent Australia in a world pageant where I walked away with the title of People's Choice, meaning I was voted the preferred winner by the general public from around the world.

I feel I learned a great deal from my experience overseas, and this year earned a spot at the world finals to compete again in the same system.

However, I recently made the choice to forgo my place at the worlds to compete in the world’s fifth largest pageant system, Galaxy Pageants.

This system is of sentimental value to me, as it was the first ever pageant I had the honour of being a part of.

What have been some of your favourite modelling gigs in recent times?

It is honestly so hard to pick a favourite gig; each one is so very different, and that’s what makes it exciting.

Every day my job is new: one day I could be shooting a fomal wear campaign at the Opera House, and the next day I’m standing on set with a large python wrapped around my shoulders.

I never know what the day will bring.

I personally always looked forward to these dances when I was at school and knowing Forster- Tuncurry have not held an event like this in over five years, I know it is the perfect way to not only help my charity, but my home town.

On the night you can expect pumping tunes played by MAX FM'S very own Lui for breakfast, appearances from Australian beauty queens who will be helping chaperone the event, as well as giveaways.

Tickets are available from Club Forster, Jungle Surf in Tuncurry and Great Lakes College Forster Campus. I’m so grateful to Eddie and the team at Club Forster for making this a possibility - I cannot thank them enough.

What do you hope to achieve through your entry to Australia Galaxy Pageants?

I am hoping that my experience with Australia Galaxy Pageants 2016 allows me to apply my knowledge learned from previous years, as well as to grow within myself. Of course I would love to take home the national crown and compete internationally as Miss Galaxy Australia 2016, though that is not my only focus. I am aiming to raise $5,000 for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors before state finals in February, and having already raised $2,000, I’m feeling hopeful that this is a strong possibility.

Thanks to my sponsors: JF designs - official Galaxy sponsor; Miracle Agency - dress; Barbee Barb collection - shoes.

Thanks Jasmine.

the plug! ‘’PULSE’’ Under 18s Charity Dance Party, Saturday 2nd January from 6 - 9pm.

Special Guest DJ - Lui from MaxFM. Tickets: $15.

Min age 12 years. manning-great lakes focus.

23

focuseditorial.

gabrieldarzi

b

Founder/Executive Chef of The Sicilian

uon Natale means merry Christmas, and there are many versions throughout the world in all different languages. This season is about family and friendship, celebrating with our loved ones, as well as remembering the people who are not with us anymore. From a traditional background, we always love this time of year! It’s fun! It’s a huge party, and everyone’s invited. Christmas lights flashing, shopping centres decked out, and the whole world celebrates with us.

Christmas offers a range of different foods to cook and enjoy with family and friends. Many countries don’t have the pleasure of having great weather like us in Australia. Back home, I remember it was cold, snowing and freezing. But here in Australia, we’re wearing boardies, flip flops and sunnies on the beach. It’s cool in its own way!

And food is everywhere! I’ve mentioned before that food is the most important part of the party. Imagine taking the food away ... What would happen to the party? Boooooring!

I’m proud to be a chef at this time of year, because it’s my time to shine. I’m lucky to have The Sicilian, that reflects this passion. Putting aside pavlova, pudding and roasts, Christmas cakes have always been on everyone’s tables - something that has been prevalent in many cultures for many years. When I researched this, I found that there are two variations of origins of the Christmas cake. The earliest noted recipe came from Rome. This recipe contained pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and raisins that were mixed into barley mash.

24

manning-great lakes focus.

buon Natale!

In the Middle Ages, honey, spices, and tions to community events and charity preserved fruits were added. work, but she is a damn good cook!

I bake my Christmas cakes using When I asked her where that cake old family methods. The taste is a recipe came from, she divulged that totally different flavour than what we it’s been in the family since the 18th buy from local markets. I have eaten Century! When she first came to different Christmas cakes on many Australia, she used to help her motheroccasions, and I realise everyone loves in-law, Mary, cook food for the family. their Mum’s Christmas cake the most.

The beautiful thing about food is that In their eyes, their Mum makes the it lives forever. After Mary Saad passed best Christmas cake. But I’m going to away, Mon continued with the recipes, disagree with you with this until 10 years ago, when friends story… began asking her to cook About four years for them. And that’s ago, I met a lady I’m how MMK has come to who was very proud fruition. I’ve personally passionate about to be a chef at ordered a couple of this time of the food and what her cakes for this year, e us year, beca we’ve done in the to and the reason why e tim it’s my Manning Valley. ” is because I know she e. in sh One day she brought uses fresh ingredients, she a gift for us, which cooks with skill and love, and was a small Christmas the results are out of this world! cake. It was wrapped beautifulIf you’d like to get your hands on ly, and the presentation made me some of her cakes, which I strongly not want to open it! When I finally recommend, then head on over to her did go to cut the cake, the aroma from website at www.monsmk.com, email the cake was amazing. I immediately her at monssaad@hotmail.com or call told my wife that we needed two cups her kitchen on 0418 692 107. I hope of coffee to sit down and enjoy that one of her cakes makes it to your table cake. I love tasting other people’s food. this Christmas!

Sometimes it’s ordinary, sometimes it’s This is going to be my last article for okay. Sometimes it’s unbelievable.

“

And Mon’s cake was unbelievably good! I’m talking about Mon Saad from Mon’s Mediterranean Kitchen.

Coming from a Middle Eastern background, her culinary arts where influenced by Mediterranean culture, and that has given her an advantage with her authentic and traditional recipes.

I know Mon through her contribu-

2015. I want to thank my followers.

Your support for this column has been monumental, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunity from the guys at FOCUS. Have fun, drive carefully, take care of yourself and your families and go whip up a storm!

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

I S T M A S • • C H R

S L O R CA K PAR

I N T H E

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25

BROUGHT TO YOU BY L.J. HOOKER. ENTERTAINMENT AND FAMILY FUN ARE ON THE MENU FOR THIS YEAR’S CAROLS IN THE PARK. There will be a sausage sizzle available, as well as soft drinks from our very own local sponsor and supplier, Saxbys Soft Drinks, Bean Out and About Mobile Coffee Van, the ice cream man with icecreams and slushies for the kids and kids at heart, along with fairy floss and lots of other treats.

The food will be available from 5pm, with the carols beginning at 6:30pm. Taree’s best fireworks display will finish the event at 9pm.

There will be an array of local talent and a special visit from Santa Claus, Prime Possum and Mr Hooker Bear.

We will also be doing a special tribute to the ANZAC 100 year anniversary. There is a children’s colouring in competition running prior to the event: first prize is a Go Pro camera. Entry forms available from your local school or L.J. Hooker Taree.

With so much to do, see and experience, don’t miss out on the annual Carols in the Park, December 13th.

The team at LJ Hooker Taree would like to thank you for your support throughout 2015 and wish you and your family a joyous Christmas and a prosperous healthy 2016.

Taree 26

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6552 1133

taree.ljhooker.com.au

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH THEIR FLOCK

ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground; the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around.

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child.

“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind.

“Glad tidings of great joy I bring to all of humankind, to all of humankind.”

“To you, in David’s town, this day is born of David’s line a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign, and this shall be the sign:”

He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all; and His shelter was a stable and His cradle was a stall: with the poor and meek and lowly lived on earth our Saviour Holy.

For He is our childhood’s pattern: day by day like us He grew; He was little, weak and helpless; tears and smiles like us He knew: and He feels for all our sadness, and He shares in all our gladness.

“The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid.”

And our eyes at last shall see Him, through His own redeeming love, for that child, so dear and gentle, is our Lord in heaven above: and He leads His children on to the place where He has gone.

wishing

nderful and sa

family a wo you and your

fe festive seas

And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God on high, who thus addressed their song, who thus addressed their song:

Not in that poor lowly stable with the oxen standing by, we shall see Him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high: where His children gather round bright like stars, with glory crowned.

gs Season’s Greetin

AWAY IN A MANGER

“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will henceforth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease!”

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus,

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

look down from the sky

Sending peace, joy and happiness

on!

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Enjoy a Saxbys this Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our customers

to all of our valued clients and to their families this festive season.

Proudly insuring Carols in the Park 2015

State Wide Service for all of your conveyancing needs.

Licence Number: 1569680

| Toll Free: 1800 180 102 | firststateconveyancing.com.au |

State Wide Service for all of your conveyancing needs.

manning-great lakes focus.

State Wide Service for all of your conveyancing needs.

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UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold!

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all gracious King!

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come With peaceful wings unfurled And still their heavenly music floats O’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hovering wing.

And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world hath suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet bards foretold, When, with the ever-circling years, Shall come the Age of Gold; When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song Which now the angels sing.

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled” Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star

Christ by highest heav’n adored Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin’s womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King!”

O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never Over us all to rein O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light Glorious now behold Him arise King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia Earth to heav’n replies O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to Thy perfect light .

WORKWISE Clothing Group

From our family to yours -

Sending best wishes to all Taree Residents this Christmas and New Year.

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Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Thank you for all of your support throughout 2015, we will see you again in 2016!

The Crossinghams

Wishing our valued clients a fun and festive Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2016!

From Phillip, Janelle & the Team at WorkWise Clothing Group

I S T M A S • • C H R

S CAROLK PAR

I N T H E

ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created; Chorus Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light; Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star;

THE FIRST NOEL The first Noel, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest O’er Bethlehem it took its rest And there it did both pause and stay Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Chorus Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Chorus

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Season’s Greetings from Thanking you for your support in 2015. We wish our valued customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wishing you a very safe and

6552 4322 State Wide Service for all of your conveyancing needs.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2016.

From all the team at Stacks Finance

State Wide Service for all of your conveyancing needs.

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SILENT NIGHT Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Saviour is born!

Christ the Saviour is born.

WHAT CHILD IS THIS What child is this, who laid to rest, in Mary’s arms is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthem sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN God rest ye merry gentlemen,

Chorus

let nothing you dismay

The shepherds at those tidings,

Remember Christ our Saviour,

rejoic-ed much in mind

was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan’s power,

And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind

when we had gone astray

And went to Bethlehem straightway,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy

the son of God to find Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our gracious father, the blessed angels came,

Now to the Lord sing praises,

And unto certain shepherds

all you within this place

brought tidings of the same,

And with true love and brotherhood,

How that in Bethlehem,

each other now embrace

was born the son of God by name,

This holy tide of Christmas,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy.

all others doth deface

Merry Christmas to our listeners.

All the best for a safe & happy 2016.

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy.

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: haste, haste to bring Him praise, the Babe, the son of Mary.

Chorus Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Chorus So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king, to own Him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him.

With Christmas blessings -

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love’s pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.

JOY TO THE WORLD! Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns; Let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.

Shane Evans 0408 653 126

Cleaning | Gardens | Lawns | Maintenance

www.outsideinps.com.au 30

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O HOLY NIGHT O holy night The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth Long lay the world In sin and error pining ’Til He appeared and the soul felt His worth The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder beams a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices O night divine O night when Christ was born O night divine O night, O night divine Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we Let all within us praise His holy name Christ is the Lord Then ever, ever praise we Noel, noel, O night divine Noel, noel, O night, O night divine Noel, noel, O holy night

MARY’S BOY CHILD A long time ago in Bethlehem So the holy bible say Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ Was born on Christmas day Hark now hear the angels sing A new King born today And man will live forever more Because of Christmas day Now Joseph and his wife Mary Came to Bethlehem that night Them find no place to bear the child Not a single room was in sight By and by they find a little nook In a stable all forlorn And in a manger cold and dark Mary’s little boy was born Hark now hear the angels sing A new King born today And man will live forever more Because of Christmas day Trumpets sound and angels sing Listen to what they say That man will live forever more Because of Christmas day Trumpets sound and angels sing Listen to what they say That man will live forever more Because of Christmas day Be – cause of Christ- mas day

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may his His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel

Taree Baptist Church

wishes you a merry Christmas & a happy new year!

JOYFUL, JOYFUL, WE ADORE THEE

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

441 Kolodong Road Taree

6551 2051 Christmas blessings to all!

Taree Baptist Church

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, centre of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Wishing you a happy and holy

CHRISTMAS The Salvation Army—Taree 55 Manning Street, Taree Ph: 6551 2570

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focusinterview.

Richard Perram OAM - Curator - pictured here with one of the artworks: Richard Jackson, Bad dog (blue) 2007 Aluminium, hardware, MDO, formica 69 x 76 x 46, Pedestal: 108 x 42.5 x 62.5 cm

richard headshot R I C H A R D

P E R R A M

O A M

-

C U R A T O R

Dylan Lynch, Sucked in Juice Box 2013, acrylic on steel, 53.3 x 66 x 71.1 cm.

Courtesy of the Artist and The Still House Group.

Richard Perram OAM, Director of Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is the Curator of a unique exhibition, Stars and Stripes: American Art of the 21st Century from the Goldberg Collection. The exhibition an initiative of BRAG and Museums and Galleries of NSW (MGNSW), and in conjunction with Sydney collectors Danny and Lisa Goldberg has travelled to various galleries in Australia. Now, we’re fortunate to be able to view it at Manning Regional Art Gallery until January 17. Richard gives us some more insight into this eclectic exhibition …

H

i Richard. Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery …

I’m the Director of the BRAG; I’ve been there since February 2004. Prior to that I worked at a whole range of organisations, such as the Australia Council, I ran Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for a couple years, I worked for Arts Queensland, and I was the Director of the Australia Centre for Contemporary Art in Melbourne during the ‘80s.

At Bathurst, I work with staff including a Curator, an Education Officer, an Office Manager, and Collections Manager to generate exhibitions, to promote our local artists, and quite importantly, we also run a residency programme at Hill End, out of the home of Donald Friend and out of another home which was owned by Jean Belette and Paul Haefliger, the artists.

How did the idea to put the collection together for the Stars and Stripes exhibition come about?

Danny Goldberg lives in Sydney, but he spends about one month in every two in New York, for his work. Danny’s a very good friend of John Kaldor (who gave an enormous collection to the Art Gallery of NSW and also does the Kaldor Projects). John said to Danny, “Why don’t you put together a collection of American art?”

So, that’s just what he did! Danny’s put this collection together without any reference to advisors; he has a very good eye for art, and he’s visited galleries and artists throughout America, to put together this truly amazing collection.

The collection numbers over 200 pieces, but

most of it’s in storage. And he’s now currently to Sydney and Melbourne. In the show back working on another collection of contemporary then, the American artists were very young; European art!

Andy Warhol was only 39, and similarly, many John Kaldor suggested Danny tour his of the artists in Stars + Stripes are very young. collection to regional areas, so Danny went to Of the over 200 pieces Danny has in this MGNSW with the idea of putting an exhibition collection, how many are touring? together. Michael Rolfe, the General Manager There are 51 in the exhibition. In Bathurst at MGNSW, then contacted me originally, there were six more works and asked if I’d be interested in the exhibition - but these in doing the show, as he aren’t touring because they knew I had an interest in It’s been an were either too heavy, too inordinate contemporary American fragile, or too expensive. g this pleasure puttin art. So, that’s how it all One of the exhibition er - it’s exhi bition togeth came about… pieces in the g citin been such an ex What interested me exhibition is called d an thing to work on s of was that the show Bad Dog, which is ht lig one of the high al has been generated by rather eye catching! su vi e th my career in an organisation that’s What are your arts . ” committed to touring the thoughts on this work? best art to regional areas, This piece is by Richard and it’s been curated by a Jackson. The interesting thing regional art gallery. with this show is you can see The exhibition is touring to nine galleries even if it’s ever so subtly - that there’s (including Bathurst), and they’re all regional a difference between the artists based in galleries apart from Manly Gallery in New York, and the artists based in Los Angeles.

Sydney. It’s travelling as far north as Ipswich There’s an irreverence about the artists based in in Queensland, and south to Latrobe Regional Los Angeles, to a large extent - and Bad Dog is Gallery in Victoria. very much from Los Angeles!

It’s the first time since 1967 that an exhibition Richard Jackson has an element of anarchy of contemporary American art has visited in his work, and the dog in the exhibition is a Australia. much smaller model of an extremely large piece All of the artists in the exhibition are either he placed outside the Orange County Museum based in Los Angeles or New York, but some of Art. The large dog is as tall as the Museum, of the artists don’t actually come from America and it proceeds to urinate blue paint every originally. There’s a Japanese artist in the show, couple of minutes on the wall of the building. and two artists originally from Israel …

The various smaller models come in different The previous show of contemporary colours - they’ll urinate red, green or blue paint.

American art that came to Australia was in And of course, there are many other 1967 and that was from the Museum of interesting artworks in the exhibition as Modern Art in New York, which only travelled well, which use such a varied array of

“

media …

Yes, such as Mike Bouchet’s Refresh Everything painting, which is a very subtle painting that’s made with Coca Cola - it’s yet another artwork from Los Angeles that shows how much more cheeky the art from Los Angeles can be.

There is a lot of digital photography in the show too, that a lot of people wouldn’t realise actually is digital photography - the quality of the reproduction is so extraordinary.

In selecting the works for this exhibition, we looked at not only different approaches to how artists use media … quite a few of the artists move from one medium to another.

They may create a sculpture, but then they do a painting; there’s often not much stylistic continuity to their work. For example, Sterling Ruby has a ceramic piece in the show, but he has also worked in high fashion with designer Raf Simons.

Final say …

It’s been an inordinate pleasure putting this exhibition together - it’s been such an exciting thing to work on and one of the highlights of my career in the visual arts.

An acknowledgement must go to Museums and Galleries NSW for its support; it would be very difficult to tour exhibitions such as these to regional areas without such assistance.

Thanks Richard.

See Stars and Stripes: American Art of the 21st Century from the Goldberg Collection at the Manning Regional Art Gallery from October 30th - January 17th.

Note: This is a Bathurst Regional Art Gallery exhibition in conjunction with Lisa and Danny Goldberg, toured by Museums and Galleries of NSW. manning-great lakes focus.

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socialscene

Genevieve and Mark’s Wedding

At Great Lakes Winery

Helen’s 40th

Allie and Terry Cross at Jesse Morris

I

Social/scene.

love these events, as we get a change of scenery and get to attend some really cool events. The best part is that we get to add value to someone’s special day.

On 17th October we travelled to Diamond Beach to cater for the beautiful wedding of Mark and Genevieve. Following a beachside ceremony, guests were invited to a garden party and sit down dinner reception at the bride’s parents’ property in the most amazing tipi marquee I have ever seen. We served a lovely selection of canapes on arrival followed by share plates including slow cooked lamb shoulder with lemon, garlic and rosemary along with macadamia and lemon myrtle crusted Atlantic salmon fillet, and loads of healthy local vegetables. After dinner, guests partied away the night on the outdoor dance floor. A fabulous wedding cake was made by Genevieve’s sister, Caitlin, the celebrant was Margo Smith, and the lovely photos were taken by Mel Lawrence. Ninety-six people attended, with most travelling from Sydney, but some from as far as New York and London.

It was a very moving Manning Valley Business Chamber luncheon on Thursday, November 12th at Greater Taree City Council Chambers, who were this month’s sponsors.

Bent on Food provided a selection of canapes, with networking on the balcony overlooking the beautiful Manning Valley, followed by a touching story of bravery and resilience.

November’s guest speaker was Samantha Barlow, along with her husband, Laurence.

Samantha Barlow was a highly respected sergeant on her way to work one morning, but could have been any woman - her

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with Donna Carrier from Bent on Food.

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Michala’s 21st Celebration

Michala’s 21st Celebration

I could probably just repeat the introduction for last month, as it has been another month of functions, weddings and various offsite catering events.

and Bert (played by Jeremy Miller) walked attacker was a junkie after money. Around up walls and hung upside down as if they 38 women attended the luncheon, with did this every day. I loved the dancing, the Samantha’s story touching everyone in the singing, the acting and everything about this room. Her resilience, her indomitable spirit production. It is always great to see people and her triumphant return to work after you know up on stage; my neighbour, my 22 months of rehab is an inspiration to all customers, my friends and the gorgeous Australians. Samantha never gave up, and children whom I have taught to make she is testament to the value of positive cupcakes were all great. I wouldn’t like thinking and the will to live. With the to name any of the cast in particular, support of her loving husband and because they were all fantastic. the love of her family, she was Thanks to director Gayle given the courage to live Cameron (who also on to tell her amazingly did an excellent job of motivating story. re I had the pleasu s rt A e directing Cabaret, We took a trip re attending Ta y ar M of n tio Miss Saigon and down to Great Council’s produc sday 18th ne ed Cats), musical Lakes Winery Poppins on W days before director Don on Sunday 1st November a few e most th Secomb and it finished. I had ying every November to jo amazing time, en or mance , not choreographer listen to a bit of rf minute of the pe Amanda jazz on Grahame’s ay to look to w ch hi w knowing e m so d se Hammond, is birthday. It was a m I the stage in case ” the cast, the il. glorious day and ta de tle lit y tin crew, the staff we ran into many at the Manning Wingham people Entertainment Centre who were there for a and everyone involved Probus event. We enjoyed for providing the people of some lovely wine, cheeses and some the Manning Valley with a top notch “homegrown” sausage sandwiches. performance. What is simply amazing is that I had the pleasure of attending Taree Arts Taree Arts Council is a volunteer organisation, Council’s production of Mary Poppins on th with around 70 volunteers working on this Wednesday 18 November, a few days before production. I can’t wait until the next one! it finished. I had the most amazing time, My lovely young friend Helen Zanardi threw enjoying every minute of the performance, a fabulous bash for her 40th birthday on not knowing which way to look to the Saturday 21st November. It was a fancy dress stage in case I missed some tiny little detail. party in the theme of roaring 20s, so there The effects were particularly well done; were some finely dressed people there, except Mary Poppins (played by Elizabeth Hall) for Morgan and I, who were in uniform after flew through the air with umbrella in hand,

“

catering for a wedding at Blackhead. The Chanel style cake was made by Megan BailieMace, very stylish indeed. Around 60 guests attended the lovely outdoor party, dining on a tasty spit roast under the stars. Helen thanked all the people in her life; but we are grateful to have her in our life, as she is a very special lady and I am sure I join many people in wishing her a fabulous 40th.

Michala Whatson (Micki) recently celebrated her 21st birthday. The theme was “Lights-Camera- Action!”

Family and friends got into the spirit of the event. Michala is super special. Michala’s mum, Sue, tells me that she was born with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (missing the middle part of the brain that lets the information cross between the two hemispheres). She also had no nasal passages and has a central front tooth instead of the standard ! All this left her mildly intellectually impaired and also on the Autistic Spectrum ...

She faces daily battles socially, but is still managing to learn and grow into an amazing young lady. She attends Breakthru People Solutions - and has since leaving the Chatham High support unit. They are an amazing organisation that has helped get Micki out of her comfort zone to experience new things.

My beautiful niece, Paige, celebrated her 21st birthday on Melbourne Cup Day at the races in Taree. I would like to wish her a very happy 21st and a lifetime filled with happiness and sunshine. x I would love to hear from you if you have any social events, weddings, parties anything!

Send pics and info to donna@bentonfood. com.au Cheers, Donna.

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M A N N I N G - G R E A T

3

L A K E S

F O C U S

G I F T

G U I D E

2

Christmas Guide

Gift

1

4

1. Books for all ages From Gloucester Bookshop Phone 6558 1208.

2. Seafolly toddlers’ bikini From Iguana Phone 6557 6688.

4. Giftware From Tuncurry Pharmacy Phone 6554 6579.

3. Billabong on board luggage From Iguana Phone 6557 6688.

5. Giftware for the golfer From Tuncurry Pharmacy Phone 6554 6479.

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The Gloucester Bookshop It’s CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN...

Fun, sun, family and friends, a time to share, relax and renew.

Modern Wisdom has searched the country for that special and unique gift for you to give to those you love. Stunning jewellery in sterling silver, crystal, bronze, brass, stone, wood and beads pendants, rings, bracelets and necklaces; you’re sure to find just the right piece!

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Funky journals, purses, wallets and key-tags in a range of bright summer colours for that special someone. Choose from our large range of inspirational books, oracle cards, CDs and DVDs - nothing nicer than a gift of knowledge, understanding and relaxation.

Our dreamcatchers, suncatchers, salt and selenite lamps will add sparkle and brightness to any home. We offer friendly advice and excellent customer service; perfect packaging and gift wrapping is all part of the experience when you visit our mind, body, spirit store.

From all of us here at Modern Wisdom, we would like to thank our beautiful customers for their support and patronage over the past year and wish you all a happy, healthful and heartfelt Christmas.

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The Gloucester Bookshop is an independent bookshop full of treasures. Soon to celebrate eight years of trading, we have books for all ages and tastes.

Whether you want the latest bestseller or biography, are interested in science, history or current affairs, covet beautiful books on art, food or gardening, or need an audio book for a long journey, you’ll find a carefully selected collection to browse.

Our children’s section has all the favourites plus lots of information and activity books, and adorable books for the very young. Our travel section offers up-to-date maps, including local topographical maps plus road atlases, travel guides and travel accessories. And we also stock fabulous cards, writing paper and wrap.

At the Gloucester Bookshop we pride ourselves on our friendly country service. Books make wonderful gifts and we’re here to help you choose the perfect present, but gift vouchers are also available. We’re happy to take orders by mail and phone and if we don’t have something in stock, we’ll search the world to find it for you. Join the Friends of the Bookshop for special offers, or like us on Facebook for all the latest news.

The Gloucester Bookshop, 76 Church St, Gloucester.

(02) 6558 1208 www.gloucesterbookshop.com.au

M A N N I N G - G R E A T

L A K E S

F O C U S

G I F T

G U I D E

4

Christmas Guide

Gift

5 2

1, 2 & 3. Homewares From Ma Belle Phone 0428 864 753.

6

4. Books for all ages From Gloucester Bookshop Phone 6588 1208.

3

1

5. Men’s T-shirts From Saltwater Wine Phone 6554 7979.

6. Women’s Billabong Swimwear From Saltwater Wine Phone 6554 7979

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THE PHOTOGRAPHY HUB

BENT ON LIFE Bent on Life carries kitchenware, ladies’ handbags and wallets, cookbooks and beautiful upmarket babywear.

The very sought after Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is also at Bent on Life - the perfect gift for budding DIY enthusiasts..

We have a range of quirky gifts, kitchenware, cushions, jewellery, cookbooks and diningware plus more - for all your Christmas gifts, with something beautiful for everyone.

The girls will lovingly gift wrap your present while you pop down to Bent on Food for a coffee; free when you spend $50.

Multi-purpose gift vouchers are very popular, also available for use at the café or the cookery school.

Gourmet hampers are a fabulous gift for the foodie or those difficult to buy for people, plus we have an exciting range of local products.

You can also shop online www.bentonfood.com.au

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Wow, it’s busy times here at the Hub right now! We’ve had our Christmas mini shoots, and with over 100 Hub Club members, that meant a lot of little elves, dresses and Santa hats on our gorgeous little Hub Clubbers! With some bad weather around, we had to reschedule our November workshop which - was disappointing - but we will now hold it on the 12th December, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for great weather then.

Santa will be at the Hub right through December for photos with the kids. We have a beautiful, bright set, and Santa’s so excited to see all the kids! He’ll be in the studio every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. There’s no need for an appointment; just turn up. And the photos start at just $20!

And of course, our much anticipated voucher special! They are already walking out the door … Or should I say, they are walking off the website. We have all of our vouchers available online this year, because we know what a busy time of year it is and we aren’t always open late, because we’re doing shoots.

So jump onto our website and get one of these vouchers and save as much as $250 - there are so many freebies thrown in, it’s crazy!

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our loyal customers and Hub Clubbers. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

BLOSSOMS CHILDren services The joy of thinking is so evident in a young child. We love listening to their voices.

“If you don’t hold it by the string, it makes a flat sound; it needs to vibrate,” one of our children tells another child while we are using the triangles. “What would happen if it was a circle shape?” he responds. “It would have to be like this ... “ and he shows us with his hands a circle with an opening.

This is child led learning, and we know that this type of learning remains with the child. At this young age children will learn most things, and in the past adults have presented children from a very young age with flash cards and structured lessons.

Research has shown that whilst children will repeat this information, they will not always retain this when presented with something new. It is not real learning.

At Blossoms we want our children to learn how to think.

Having this skill will prepare them not just for school readiness, but a lifetime of knowing.

We are currently taking enrolments for next year; please ring to come and have a look at our wonderful service.

focusinterview.

•SUNDAY

DECEMBER 13•

C R E AT I V E FA I R AT

H

i Peter. This December Artisans on the Hill will be holding Creative Fair; can you tell us what this is all about?

Artisans has always created, taught and sold high quality craft in their workshops and Gallery. There are a lot of very talented people (Artisans) in and around the Manning Valley who deserve an event to showcase and sell their creations.

Each of the participants in Creative Fair at Artisans has been invited because they produce quality goods - ideal Christmas gifts not found in stores!

At Creative Fair you can chat to the makers, choose their products and even discuss having special pieces made to order, just for you.

Creative Fair opens to visitors at 9am on Sunday 13th December and continues to 3pm.

Address is 702 Tinonee Road, Mondrook, and entry is FREE, of course.

Artisans Coffee Lounge will also be open with Christine’s famous date or plain scones, coffee, tea and other goodies. The Gallery will be open all day as well.

What kind of products will be on show at the fair, and will visitors to the fair be able to purchase items?

Visitors will be able to purchase a large variety of hand made goods at the fair.

A few of the participants and their products where they can make items for themselves, or include: gifts for family and friends.

Grahame Rawbone - a fine furniture maker The gallery always has such amazing works and restorer from Gloucester. Grahame’s on show; who are you currently displaying?

“Slimming Mirrors” are among some of the In the Coffee Lounge we are fortunate to have quality timber products he will have for a comprehensive display of canvas prints you. and lithographs of photographs by Kylie and Michael Reynolds Emmy and Oscar winner, Dr will not only have timber Jim Frazier. These amazing es ut pens, jewellery and other in images would make a great m Only ten , ay w gh hi products, but they will addition to any home or e th from ook dr on M at be demonstrating their workplace. Dr Frazier is s Artisan e on ne no Ti e id skills and showing you will be on hand to chat ts just ou am . gh in W to ay how they create their to you about his work w e th e masterpieces. and his current project, Simply follow th am signs Tinonee, Wingh ” Lynne Jones will have Symphony Of The Earth. h. from Taree Sout amazing Paper Tole art.

We also have an amazing Vivienne Scott is a local award-winning 3D Paper Tole who creates lovely Jewellery,

by Lynne Jones of one of Jim’s including pieces using Swarovski Crystal images.

Crystals.

The Gallery features pieces for sale Jenny Dayment will have interesting sewn from over forty talented Australian Artisans, and felted items. including Alan Williams (the best in the world for Kath Mears has a range of products artistic wooden bandsawn boxes), Peter Minson, including bath salts, silk painting and encaustic a third generation Aussie glass blower, Setsuko art.

Ogishi, who creates wonderful glass pieces, and For those into metal, Eric Hull’s creations will lots more. delight.

With Christmas and holiday season just Come and check out lots more, including around the corner, can you tell us what pieces by hosts, Peter and Christine. visitors to the area can expect when they Another feature will be children’s workshops, pop up to Artisans?

“

ATMOSPHERE - the first things visitors to Artisans experience are the quiet, relaxed ambience and the magic Manning Valley vista!

Air conditioning makes it pleasant on a hot day, or perhaps enjoy the afternoon sea breeze as it makes its way up the valley to Artisans' deck.

AMAZEMENT - a browse through Artisans' Gallery is always sure to amaze and inspire.

CREATIVITY - for those who want to get a little “hands on”, we will teach wood turning, silver jewellery from Precious Metal Clay, kiln formed glass and lots more. Special children's workshops will get them off the iPad for a while to experience some old school skills.

RELAXATION - those who are staying in our Manning Valley Hideaway accommodation at Artisans get to enjoy Artisans' facilities in an even more relaxed manner.

Where can our readers find Artisans, and when can they visit?

Only ten minutes from the highway, Artisans is at Mondrook, just outside Tinonee on the road to Wingham. Simply follow the Bucketts Way from Taree South to Tinonee, then follow the signs towards Wingham.

Open from 10am Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, Artisans will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but re-opens on Boxing Day and will remain open from 10am, seven days a week through to the end of the January school holidays.

Expect the Unexpected at Artisans!  Unique and Practical Gifts in Artisans Gallery  Coffee Lounge with Awesome Views  Fun Craft Classes in Wood, Silver, Glass and lots more  Accommodation in Manning Valley Hideaway Why Not Give a Gift Voucher for Christmas 702 Tinonee Rd, Mondrook (Tinonee) 2430

www.artisansonthehill.com.au

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Ph: 6553 1199

and WELLBEING W I T H M E L A N I E R O B I N S O N N D B H S C G A I A H E A LT H

ditch DETOX the

COOL YOUR CHRISTMAS JETS; IT’S CHRISTMAS!

S

ummer is upon us and with the promise of sun, sand and festivity comes the exhausting realisation that there’s not enough hours in the day to tick all the boxes of our expectations. Many of us spend the lead up to Christmas and New Year’s like the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland - frantic and wildly eccentric! But this is no tea party - it is a two month binge on food, alcohol and family - a recipe for indigestion!

Are you sick of reading the same pious article about how to do it perfectly? Yeah, me too! So here are a few tips that will have you happily cheat your way through ...

For *Pete’s sake - slow down! Expectations birth a fear of failure and fear sits in the adrenal/kidney system. You are going to need these organs to ride through the next few months and countless family confrontations, not to mention the gallons of alcohol we use to lubricate such occasions.

Your adrenal glands are the little guys who secrete STRESS hormones, which act to serve us in situations of survival and though many family get-togethers require such strategies. Prolonged exposure to stress is wearing, ageing and downright frustrating. You will begin to feel tired all the time; you’ll blame the heat, but not the fact that you lay awake mulling over what Uncle Barry said at the dinner table last night.

If you want to be kind to your adrenal glands, rest more often, hydrate between drinking holes, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Should you have an expansive collection of derelict health supplements in the kitchen cupboard - dig out some Magnesium and take it over the next couple of months. Think of it as a safety net below the lofty trapeze of school holidays.

Your kidneys are responsible for the filtration

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of liquid and toxins from the body. Liquid and toxins will circulate through your entire body via the lymphatic system, seeking an out through the kidneys. Give them a hand and drink some water!

All this stress and activity can be ageing, so rather than celebrating the New Year feeling 10 years

V

Gastro

omiting and diarrhoea, also known as “gastro, can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasite or other infections that occur in the body. They can also occur from food intolerances, alcohol, anxiety, some medications and medical conditions.

Our bodies can quickly lose fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration can develop quickly, especially in children, and can be quite dangerous and sometimes fatal. Symptoms include dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark coloured urine, muscle cramps and irritability. If a person is

dehydrated, the most important thing to do is to rehydrate. This includes drinking plenty of fluid or using oral rehydration solutions such as Hydralyte or Gastrolyte. These formulas provide the body with electrolytes that have been lost from vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

It is important to seek medical advice if you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours, if there is blood in the stool, if you have a high fever (>38 C) or if the patient is less than six months old.

If you want more information, call us at Saxbys Pharmacy on (02) 6552 1662 or come in and talk to one of our pharmacists.

Ian, Shari & Erinn.

older than you did in 2015, consume foods that are rich in Essential Fatty Acids to keep the cell wall plump, young and functioning at its peak for nutrient absorption. Fresh foods like avocados, fresh oily fish, olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seeds, chia seeds, raw nuts and seeds are a good start.

Perhaps you can trade the glass of bubbly at

protein BALLS

breakfast with a fresh juice, which will hydrate you and deliver a healthy cocktail of minerals to get you through the day. Silica is an anti-ageing mineral and you can find it in fresh vegetables like cucumbers, spinach, avocado and raw nuts.

It also supports connective tissue repair and acts as a cleansing nutrient for the body. A good juice recipe might be 1 whole cucumber, 1 green apple, 2 stalks of celery + leaves, 1 handful of parsley, and 1 small pinch of fresh turmeric. If

Ingredients:

METHOD:

that is not sweet enough, add a slice of fresh

330 g raw whole almonds or walnuts 60 g Pure Native WPI or Organic Pea Protein 20 fresh dates, pitted 3 generous tablespoons of raw cacao 1 teaspoon natural vanilla paste ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch flaked sea salt 1 orange Coconut, Goji berry, Cacao, Nuts for rolling

Throw almonds into the food processor with cinnamon, protein powder, a little orange zest and naked chocolate, then process until the mix looks crumbly.

Add dates, vanilla extract then process again until the mix starts to come together.

Add the juice of ½ orange if needed, so that mixture is soft and forms a soft ball.

Form into 14 decent sized balls.

Roll in coconut or any other of the suggested coatings and store in the fridge until you feel like a snack or quick meal on the run.

Store in the fridge for up to four weeks - if they last that long.

pineapple. And before you think of adding some bubbly for flavour, maybe reach for some coconut water instead?

Take the time to notice your body and mind over the silly season. Grab a walk on the beach just to feel the breeze on your face; laugh at your limitations; smile at more people in the shops.

Christmas is a time for joy, after all. Not Aunty Joy, married to Barry - she never brings salad and always drinks the bubbly … *Who the heck is Pete?

manning-great lakes focus.

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focushealth

with Dr Linda Dade - Chiropractor

Dolphins OOSH Care

EVEN OUR KIDS ARE STRESSED! What is the stress response? If you were a zebra and you spotted a lion running towards you, you would not have to think about the stress response.

Y

our body would go through a series of neurological, biochemical, hormonal, and physiological actions, all designed to help you run away from that lion and survive for another day. Hooray!

Once you saw the lion, your brain and hormone system would release stress hormones (cortisol) enabling you to stand and fight or run away (fight or flight). Once you got away from the lion, your stress hormones return to normal. And, that’s it.

Sadly, you are not a zebra, and your stress does not go away quite so easily. In our world the lions keep coming - financial issues, bullying, traffic, exam stress, etc.

That means cortisol keeps pumping, and elevated cortisol levels make you fat, shrink your brain, dampen your immune system, impact

digestion and sleep, increase fatigue, cause headaches, upset hormones and generally make you feel terrible. This is happening to our children as well!

Throughout our lives, our activities, thoughts and behaviours lead to specific changes in our brain and nervous system that impact our health. Everyone has a timeline of their health.

No matter how far along you are in yours, the right intervention can result in positive change.

Our holistic approach to your health means all of these aspects are addressed, helping you handle your stress better, get out of pain and live life with vitality.

As this year screeches to an end, make a plan to give your family’s health a boost. Many blessings for Christmas and my best wishes for a joyful, prosperous and HEALTHY New Year.

Dolphins OOSH Care provides quality before and after school care as well as Vacation Care for children in Kindergarten to Year 6.

At Dolphins OOSH, we aim to provide a fun, warm, and safe environment for our children.

The staff at Dolphins OOSH are committed to providing a quality programme that reflects the children’s likes and interests.

Our Afterschool Care programme includes craft activities, games, physical outdoor fun and science experiments.The staff encourage the completion of homework and assist children with their homework and homereaders.

Our vacation care programme includes

HEALTH CARE FOR EVERY AGE We find the solution

• • • •

Pain and mobility Neurological rehabilitation Safe, gentle care for all ages DVA, EPC

54 The Lakes Way Forster 2428

p. 6557 6333

e. linda@banksanddadechiropractors.com.au w. www.banksanddadechiropractors.com.au 44

manning-great lakes focus.

Banks & Dade Newspaper Advert 72mm x 50mm Healthcare Nov 2015.indd 20/10/2015 1 2:38:10 PM

excursions to Aqua Golf, My Kitchen Rules, Trampolines, Twin Towns Tennis and the Movies. We have special guests such as a Magician Workshop and Science on the Move.

During the term, our hours of operation at “The Loop” are from 3 - 6pm.

During the holidays we open at “The Loop” from 8 - 6pm.

Our Before School Care is still in operation at Dolphins Child Care Centre from 8 - 9am.

For more information on any of our OOSH Care Programmes, please call our Director, Jo, on 6555 3266, or drop down to “The Loop”, 9 South St. Tuncurry, during operation hours to check it out for yourself.

Can you prevent injuries?

The answer to that question in my view, is mostly yes - obviously, events outside of our control happen, but I believe if we make that decision to start exercising then we should take steps to make sure the body is a capable of doing what we want it to do. The majority of injuries occur because we ask ourselves to do things the body is not trained to do; most injuries we see in the podiatry clinic are caused by the repetitive nature of the activity … Deciding to train for a 10 km or marathon, just started to walk to lose weight, just started going to the gym etc. etc. and unfortunately, sometimes it takes a while for the body to catch up to our enthusiasm.

for this activity is major precursor to injury.

So how do we prevent these injuries …

being injured isn’t it. A visit to the podiatry clinic

Strength: most of the running injuries we see in the clinic are heel, achilles, shin, ITB and hip pain.

The majority of clients present with weak gluteal and calf muscles; lack of strength in these muscles

for a gait assessment can be a helpful tool in

Flexibility: Can’t touch your toes, reduced movement through the ankle joint and big toe joint; these are all important for efficient muscle and body function.

Biomechanics: Do you pronate? Do you supinate? Do you overstride? Is your pelvis tilted too much?

Footwear: Is it necessary to wear joggers that cost $260? Do you have to wear joggers, or can you run barefoot? The answer is very much to do with the answers to all the above questions.

Isn’t exercising meant to fun … Yes, but

preventing injury.

For more information, visit our website or call 6551 4815 for an appointment.

manning-great lakes focus.

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with Susie Boswell.

journey, around seven on return. Currently you can leave SYD at 9.30 Saturday night and arrive in RAR at 6.40am Sunday local time. As a guest at Little Polynesia Resort you’d be saying Kia Orana at check-in after just 15 minutes on its airport shuttle. A Sunday morning snooze by the beach or pool should swiftly soak up the three hours’ time difference. (Qantas and Virgin fly via Auckland).

L

S U M M E R I N T H E S O U T H PA C I F I C

ast month’s Paris terrorist strikes are inevitably having a flow-on effect on tourism to the French capital, wider Europe and the Mid-East. France, the world’s most popular tourist destination, normally welcomes nearly 85 million visitors a year, way outstripping the US (70m) and Spain (60m). While the personal suffering resulting from Black Friday is immeasurable, the economic and social upheaval also sees tourism service providers in damage control. There’ll be at least a temporary shift in world tourist movements just as there was post

9/11, the Bali bombings and similar tragic events.

Many Australians, already facing the dollar’s lower purchasing power, are deciding to holiday closer to home, at least for now.

At the same time, tourism to the Cook Islands is expanding beyond its traditional market, long dominated by New Zealanders. Better-appointed resorts are attracting greater numbers of Aussies thanks to good flight schedules, short flying time and the opportunity to stop over in NZ. Air New Zealand operates non-stop return flights ex Sydney to Cook Is’ gateway Rarotonga on one day a week, flying time a fraction over six hours on the forward

“Little Polly” bills itself as the islands’ most intimate luxury boutique resort (no children under 15) and, with just 10 over-beach and four garden bungalows, is ideal as an unforgettable location for a proposal, tropical beach wedding, special anniversary occasion or a relaxing or romantic getaway. It’s set on a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach with superb snorkelling offshore and free kayaks on a turquoise lagoon. For even greater solitude there’s the opportunity to couple several days here with several more in a thatched overwater bungalow on Aitutaki, the islands’ magnificent isolated sanctuary 45 minutes’ flight away. We’re not talking Bali-level tariffs here, but as they say: life’s measured not by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away. See www.littlepolynesian.com and www.aitutakilagoonresort.com RUGBY 7s COMES TO SYDNEY: This summer at home, Sydney sees a unique event that’s been called a “sporting Saturnalia”, when spectators dress up in the most inventive, outlandish costumes - reminiscent of Rio’s Carnivale – and dance and party with the exuberance and

focus _Travel

abandon of La Tomatina.

At last, on the weekend of February 6-7, Sydney hosts the first of its four successive years as the Australian venue of the famous Rugby 7s. Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, is home to the 7s Down Under for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Sixteen of the world’s top teams face each other in thrilling fast-paced first-class rugby - seven players on each team; two seven-minute halves - with a big serving of fun on the sidelines. The Sevens World Series consists of nine tournaments around the globe and Sydney’s expected to rival the famed Hong Kong 7s and surpass even the excitement and atmosphere of Twickenham. The 2016 7s are a curtain-raiser to the Rugby 7s’ entry to the Olympics in Rio in August. Sydney tickets modestly priced from $25. See www.sydney7s. com.au, with links to travel packages.

BARANGAROO: Sydney’s new harbour-front reserve is a must-visit, with music, food trucks, picnicking and glorious views. The site offers a fresh location for enjoying the New Year’s fireworks. Fees apply for NYE, from a sensible $14.50 concession. See www.barangaroo.sydney and follow the What’s On menu.

BEACH BLANKET WITH A BONUS: Love the beach, hate the clingy sand! The wonderful new Lagu beach blanket repels every golden grain.

Place it under your beach towel and not a skerrick sticks. Pretty popsicle colourways; easily portable for summer holidays; a smart, classy gift. $50 at www.lagu.com.au

nursing agency

MBC007_FOCUS_HP_255x156_NURSING_HOME_CARE_Nov15_v2.indd 1

16/11/2015 3:04 pm

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focusinterview.

• M a rg L e w i s • Marg Lewis is known to many in the Manning-Great Lakes, for her role with the Life Without Barriers organisation, which provides many services for those with a disability, for her volunteer work with parkrun in Taree, and for her tireless efforts with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) – among others. But it was the RDA in the limelight recently, as Marg and her team of riders, horses, and supporters travelled to Sydney to do a presentation before some very important guests …

H

i Marg. It’s been a little while since we last spoke.

What’s been keeping you busy lately?

I still work for Life Without Barriers, although not in the Operations Manager role. I’m now Practice and Programme Specialist for the disability programmes and provide support to regions across the Northern area.

Taree parkrun also keeps me pretty busy, but it’s a really enjoyable kind of busy. The way the local community has embraced parkrun and its values is really heart-warming.

You’ve been involved with the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association for a long time now. What have been some of the major changes you’ve witnessed in the organisation over this time?

I joined the local Centre when I moved up here in 2005. The Centre has changed and grown enormously since then. It has moved to a permanent venue on The Lakes Way, which has meant that horses can be kept on site and the programme could grow. It has also meant that we have been able to offer a wider range of programmes and disciplines.

2015 has seen the Carriage Driving programme, which has been in recess for a few years, recommence.

The Dressage programme has seen a marked growth in participation. There are now nearly 20 riders participating in Dressage. This year we took a team of 10 riders to the RDA (NSW) State Dressage Championships held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. From this we had two riders, Amber Hunt and Mikaela Worth, come home as State Champions.

Mounted Games is another programme experiencing growth. Riders from our Centre participated successfully in the RDA (NSW) State Mounted Games Championships at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and one of our horses, Cinnamon, was named RDA (NSW) Horse of the Year.

The community has been really supportive of

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RDA, which has assisted the Centre to grow and the presentations. From this feedback, our change with the added demand. The Centre presentation changed to be centred around now has a roof over the 60 m x 20 m arena, two things: The Connections (Mental Health) a small clubhouse and a small paddock that programme and the therapeutic side of riding. we call the “Pleasure Park”. It has equipment On the day, the RDA riders entered the arena permanently set up which provides a range of unmounted, supported by volunteers. They then activities for riders. mounted their horses in the arena. This meant You were very privileged to travel to that people could see the individual limitations to Sydney recently with some riders movement and mobility and then the from RDA. What was the dramatic change in movement special occasion? to the rider’s bodies when Andrew Scipione, they were on the horses.

It was a great Commissioner of the People could see how l al r experience fo an NSW Police Force, d the movement of an who participated esn’ t invited RDA (NSW) to the horse facilitated do at experience th e Th take part in a joint movement in the n. te happen of on tr Pa e th rider presentation riders’ bodies that is r G overno it was so ), SW (N for Prince Charles, they are not able to A D for R m to be hi r fo ul rf Camilla, The Governor create from their own de on w and of NSW, David Hurley natural movement. I able to see first-h ” out. what RDA is ab and his wife, Linda, as presented this part. part of their visit to Sydney.

The other part to The event was closed to the our presentation was the general public and was held at Connections programme, which the Mounted Police division in Redfern.

Margot presented. This programme Which riders (and horses) accompanied is an unmounted programme, usually you during the visit, and where were three months in duration. The people who they all from? participate are usually people who experience Lillian Rowsell and Mikaela Worth from issues with trust, disconnection from people Manning-Great Lakes Centre and Cameron and and community and quite often have low selfRenee Smith from Tall Timbers Centre in Sydney esteem. were the riders. The horses were Scooter and The programme involves the horses naturally Turbo from MGL and Hannibal and Chocolate “connecting” with the participants and following from Tall Timbers. I presented along with another them around. The horse wants to be near the RDA (NSW) Director, Margot Bulger (from person and for the participants, this is sometimes Tumut). the first time they have experienced something What was involved with the presentation? wanting to spend time with them. The message The Mounted Police (MP) presented their drill was that horses look at what is on the inside of work, crowd control, how they desensitise horses people, not the outside. and how they execute an arrest from horseback.

You mentioned you able to meet some very RDA’s presentation covered the programmes noteworthy visitors on the trip, including: offered and the benefits gained by riders.

HRH Charles, Prince of Wales; Camilla, We presented to an “advance party” initially Duchess of Cornwall; and his Excellency in September. This included representatives General, the Honorable David Hurley AC from Clarence House, who provided feedback DSC (REtd.), Governor of NSW and his wife, about what we should concentrate on in Mrs Linda Hurley. What was this experience

“

like?

It was a great experience for all who participated and an experience that doesn’t happen often. The Governor is the Patron for RDA (NSW), so it was wonderful for him to be able to see first-hand what RDA is about.

Prince Charles and Camilla commented on the obvious changes in movement with the riders once they were on the horses. Prince Charles said he could see the benefits to the riders and that he was impressed with the obvious partnership between horse and rider.

The experience of riding with the oldest continuously active Mounted Police Unit in the world was also a thrill. We worked closely with them for two months in the lead up to the event, and everyone travelled to Sydney in October for a full practice.

How did you find the reception to the RDA presentation from the wider crowd?

The audience were invited guests, including family and friends of RDA (NSW) riders and volunteers and family and friend of the MPs. The reception and feedback from them was wonderful. It was wonderful that they were able to share in the experience. Included in the guests for RDA (NSW) were some of the people who own the horses we used. It was a great way for us to be able to show them how much we appreciate the fact that they have shared their wonderful horses with us.

Describe your visit to Government House in Sydney ...

It was a lovely afternoon. Riders, carers and coaches from Nepean and Ryde Centres shared in this opportunity. Prince Charles chatted to everyone over the afternoon, which was quite a task given there were 270 people there.

This visit will be a hard experience to top ... what’s next on your agenda?

Hmmmm … a rest soon from RDA, as we go into recess for Christmas. I guess for me, I’ll continue with parkrun and I’ve also commenced planning the 2016 Mother’s Day Classic in Forster (this will be the 3rd year).

Thanks Marg.

DECEMBER 2015

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

with Terri

AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19

You will benefit by practicing patience at the moment. The universe has the bigger picture in mind, and it’s easy to be caught up in impatience.

Just relax and set some goals and try using some visualisation to see yourself walking the walk.

Citrine shatters frustrations.

PISCES.

February 20 - March 20 Your thoughts have lately been focusing on cycles that repeated in your past, although when you reflect on these things they don’t seem to have the same affect on you as before. You have healed or changed your views. Thank yourself for your growth and watch what comes. Malachite brings past hurts to the surface for release.

ARIES.

March 21 - April 20 Prepare for the unexpected. The universe is aligning for you to reach full potential and to connect with the bigger purpose in life. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to succeed. Then have fun.

Ruby shatters fears - great for adventure.

TA U R U S .

April 21 - May 21

You may be feeling a little suspended at present.

This won’t last long. You are discovering what your role in the bigger scheme of things is. Take some comfort and free yourself from any undigested emotions from the last 12 months.

Citrine is great for clearing.

GEMINI. May 22 - June 22

You have carried a dream from a long time ago or for a long time, and you are aligning for another chance to access it. Be prepared and give yourself permission to try it; the confidence it will offer will heal any esteem issues.

Rose Quartz is great for self-love.

CANCER. June 23 - July 23

As your beliefs and foundations in life have recently been in question, it is a great time to establish new ones to cater for your future. Set some fresh goals and give yourself permission to achieve them. Enjoy!

Citrine attracts abundance.

LEO.

SCORPIO.

July 24 - August 23 Self worth and self-approval are subjects that may benefit from a little empowering. Life has been a bit challenging for you in these areas of late, and it is likely that these qualities need to be restored.

Rose Quartz is the crystal of love.

October 24 - November 22 Listen to your wise words when you are giving advice, as you will hear some wise words also meant for yourself. This is how your divine self talks to you. Avoid any self-degrading thoughts or what you think other people think of you.

Turquoise is great for self-worth.

VIRGO.

S A G I T TA R I U S .

August 24 - September 23 Your higher awareness is waking, and this aligns you with reaching or striving for your highest potential. Set your sights on a gift or talent and develop it as much as you can. Be kind to yourself in thought and avoid worrying about what people think.

Selenite shatters negative thoughts.

LIBRA.

September 24 - October 23 You are aligning with reaching full potential where career is concerned. Expect a promotion or transfer or even a new position. Set some fresh goals, concentrating on how you wish to feel in the workplace.

Citrine shatters self doubt.

November 23 - December 21

Justice can be expected to settle any outstanding wrongs. You will benefit by being aware of your fears, so you can become the answer to them thus avoid facing them - for personal growth or evolution. Amethyst reconnects us to our personal journey.

CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20

Time to set some fresh goals, knowing exactly why you want the things you crave. This will ensure a pure motive for the universe to work with. As selfesteem is low at present, give yourself permission to succeed.

Turquoise is great for self-worth.

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life

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JOHN GREEN HAS BEEN THROUGH CHALLENGES MOST OF US COULDN’T EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGINE, HAVING SUFFERED A CAR ACCIDENT THAT’S LEFT HIM A QUADRIPLEGIC. BUT

THROUGH HIS POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND NEWFOUND LOVE FOR COMPUTERS, HE’S ADAPTED AND NOW ENJOYS HELPING OTHERS IN MANY WAYS. ONE OF JOHN’S ROLES IS TO ACT AS THE CHAIRPERSON FOR THE LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS NATIONAL DISABILITY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL, WHERE’S HE’S ABLE TO BE A SPOKESPERSON AND REPRESENTATIVE FOR OTHERS WITH A DISABILITY …

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i John. Share your story with us please …

Nine years ago I had a car accident, when I was on my way home from a job on the border of Victoria. I was only about a kilometre away from home, and I rolled my car and went down an embankment.

I spent four months in a coma and two years in Sydney, between hospital and rehab.

Since I finished rehab, I’ve been studying IT part-time. Prior to the accident, I didn’t actually know anything about computers.

You could say I was computer illiterate!

My life has since basically turned a complete 180 degrees …

I’ve worked outside most of my life. I used to travel around Australia working on electricity substations and powerlines - I’d be lucky to get home twice a year to visit. The only state of Australia I haven’t worked in is Tasmania.

I played football around the Wingham area until I was in my late 20s - I was always into sport, and I liked to surfski.

When I came out of the coma, I couldn’t move anything. Not my legs, my arms - it was very scary, and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I’m classified as aC5/C6 quadriplegic, so I can basically feel from the bottom of my chest up.

In rehab I was introduced to software that allows you to talk to your computer, and that’s what really got me interested in IT. Life Without Barriers and the services it offers have been a big part of your life since. How did you become involved with this organisation?

When I was in rehab, I was interviewed by three different carers’ agencies, but only one 50

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was local (based in Taree), and that was Life Without Barriers. The other two I’m really enjoying my agencies were based in uncil, Newcastle, so I chose work with the Co g in and I love help Life Without Barriers. me pt ke people ... It’s It was a great e tim is th going all decision, and I’ve never lp knowing I can he looked back. r ila m si a in rs othe If Life Without Barriers the Queensland border situation ...” didn’t provide me with down to Raymond Terrace their services, I wouldn’t and as far west as Moree. even get out of bed. They What are some of the issues visit me every day, get me up and clients have had, that you’ve moving, and they help me go swimming. been able to address?

How did you become Chairperson An example was a situation in South of the Life Without Barriers National Australia. We helped with a day programme Disability Services Advisory Council? that didn’t have access to a car that could The Council started in 2011; I was one accommodate wheelchairs. There was of the founding members. To become a person who would often miss out on Chairperson, I was voted in by the other travelling experiences - especially when members at the time. laws that affected taxi travel for those in a I felt great - very privileged - to be voted wheelchairs etc. changed. This person found in, but at the same time I wasn’t sure what it very difficult to leave the group home, but I’d gotten myself into. we ended up being able to get a suitable car Life Without Barriers isn’t a small for the home - and she can now attend all organisation - originally formed in Newcastle, the outings. it’s one of the largest providers of home care One of the best things we’ve achieved is in Australia, and it’s in New Zealand as well. that now our clients can actually interview There are representatives on the their own potential carers. They can meet a Council from every state in Australia - 13 potential new carer face to face, ask them representatives in all. questions, watch their reactions and decide We meet twice a year face to face, and if this carer is the one they want or not. This four times a year via teleconference or has been the most empowering thing for computer to discuss any issues or difficulties our clients, giving them this choice - when so that Life Without Barriers clients may have, many of their other choices have been taken and to provide feedback to the organisation away. about their services.

What are your future plans - what are I’ve also been the Co-Chair of Life Without you looking forward to?

Barrier’s Northern Area Advisory Council for almost two years; this covers the area from I’m really enjoying my work with the

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Council, and I love helping people. Since having my accident, I know how it feels to be stuck in a chair, to feel like you can’t get your message across, to not have all the choices you like … and it’s kept me going all this time knowing I can help others in a similar situation.

I’m happy for people to email me if they’re in a situation like this and they’re having any problems.

My passion is IT - I’d love to be able to help people who can’t use a computer. There’s so much amazing software out there now; there are even ways of being able to play computer games with a device that sits on your head and “reads” your thoughts.

Thinking outside the box is a big thing in my life - it always has been, but even more so now. I use a stick to tap with for typing, and a special touch pad mouse.

I’m happy to point people in the right direction if they’d like to know more about using a computer; this is what I love to do, and I’d like to do much more of this in the future.

People can email me: john666green@ gmail.com if they’d like some assistance.

Thanks John.

John pictured with carers Teegan and Bohdan.

focusbusiness. with Jeremy Thornton from Manning Valley Business Chamber

JeremyThornton SO, WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF CHRISTMAS! COME ON, WHO ELSE THINKS THIS YEAR FLEW FASTER THAN USUAL?? IT’S BEEN A FULL ON YEAR, AND SOME OF US ARE READY FOR THE BREATH OF FRESH AIR THAT CHRISTMAS DAY AND THE FOLLOWING WEEK BRINGS.

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or me, I’m looking forward to being around family ... Whether sitting on the Jetty at Cundletown with Nik’s family or enjoying my parents’ company in The Manning for the first time.

It will be their first Christmas in the Manning Great Lakes, as they retire this weekend after 30 years in the Ministry and move from Lismore to our beautiful region. We are looking forward to having everyone in the one area for the first time ever! In the lead up to Christmas, retailers are in their element. We consumers start pumping millions back into the local economies. A NSW Government legislative change will see retail shops that have previously been required under old laws to stay closed on Boxing Day, December 26, may now open for trade. There are a number of conditions surrounding this change, including all persons working in the shop freely electing to do so. Merely rostering a person to work on the day does not mean that they have freely elected to work. There are some large fines involved if employers don’t comply with the conditions, so we strongly recommend you get the facts first direct from Industrial Relations. Our source is via NSW Government Webpage, being: http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/oirwww/Industries_and_Awards/Retail_industry.page News that Boxing Day trade may open up is exciting for our area. However, will local retailers take advantage of it? That I can’t answer. I hope so, but it does come down to the individual business owner. It is interesting during the Christmas break to go through our area and see a number of retail shops closed because the owners are on

holiday. Whilst this is appreciated, it is also the biggest time for retail, with tourists pouring into The Manning Great Lakes. For our doors to be closed it does give the wrong message to potential new locals and families looking to make this their regular holiday destination. Again, it is the individuals’ decision, which is totally respected.

I often mention tourism, as it is a hot topic of mine. Tourism drives people to our area. Even our business being in Professional Services benefits from tourism. We spent considerable funds doing up our new Victoria Street Office, so when visitors drive up the main street they see something as professional and striking as you would see in a metropolitan market. These tourists are potential clients and residents. They also become spokespeople for our region. “Sprucing the place up” is something we should all be doing going into the Christmas period, as we are all tourism ambassadors, even if indirectly. With that in mind, I want to finish 2015 with some thank yous. Thanks to the Executive and members of Manning Valley Business Chamber and its affiliated zones. Your support and drive has helped greatly this year, and we are poised for a huge 2016. Thank you to Greater Taree City Council for your partnership.

To Donna Hudson, Jane Rae and Ron Posselt a personal thank you. Tourism partners and business partners, thank you. Finally, we finish this year with a big event for members at Steber International on December 16th at 5pm. A factory tour and drinks will follow. Please keep an eye out for your invitation. All the best for Christmas; look forward to talking Manning-Great Lakes Business in 2016.

Fixing Fixing OurOur Federation Federation & Tax & Tax System System

Fixi

delivering delivering for Lyne for Lyne

Reforming Reforming our Federation our Federation and Taxand system Tax system has the has the potentialpotential to deliver to big deliver winsbig forwins our electorate. for our electorate.

Reforming our Federa potential to deliver big

A few monthsA ago, few months I undertook ago,aI undertook series of public a series forums of public and distributed forums andadistributed household a household survey seeking survey yourseeking views about your views whereabout our taxwhere system ourand tax our system Federation and ourcan Federation be can be improved. Over improved.

1,000 people Over 1,000 took part people in this tookprocess part in this withprocess many ideas with put many forward. ideas put forward.

A few months ago, I undertook a se survey seeking your views about wh improved. Over 1,000 people took p

Some of theSome suggestions of the suggestions and recurring andthemes recurring included themes measures includedto: measures to:

Some of the suggestions and rec

• • • • • • • • • •

Significantly • Significantly increase the increase Age Pension the Age Pension • Significantly increase the Age P Reduce •Personal Reduce Income Personal TaxesIncome Taxes • Reduce Personal Income Taxes Many peopleMany have people talked about have talked the need about for the Australia need for to consider Australiaadopting to consider theadopting same the same Reduce •SmallReduce Business Small TaxBusiness Tax Small Business Tax GST model atGST Newmodel Zealand. at New I would Zealand.

NOT Isupport would NOT a broadening support a or broadening increase inorthe increase GST inin the•GSTReduce in Abolish Payroll • Abolish Tax and Payroll otherTax inefficient and otherState inefficient Taxes State Taxes • Abolish Payroll Tax and other in isolation. isolation.

Clamp down • Clamp on multinational down on multinational companies avoiding companies theiravoiding tax obligations their tax obligations • Clamp down on multinational c Make private • Make healthprivate insurance healthmore insurance affordable moreand affordable reduce “out-of-pocket” and reduce “out-of-pocket” If a New Zealand If a New GSTZealand model was GSTapplied, model was I would applied, only Isupport would only suchsupport a proposal suchif ait proposal if•it Make private health insurance medical expenses. medical expenses. included many included of the many items of listed the above, items listed most above, notablymost a significant notably aincrease significant in the increase Age in the Agemedical expenses.

Introduce• new Introduce incentives newtoincentives make infrastructure to make infrastructure and servicesand delivered services by delivered the by the • for Introduce new incentives to ma Pension, TaxPension, Cuts, Reform Tax Cuts, of Commonwealth-State Reform of Commonwealth-State Relations andRelations additional and funding additional for funding States and Territories States andmore Territories efficientmore efficient States and Territories more effi infrastructure. infrastructure.

Change •the revenue Change the mix revenue betweenmix the between Federal and the Federal State Governments and State Governments to better to better • Change the revenue mix betwe align with their align roles withand their responsibilities roles and responsibilities align with their roles and respo At present, I At ampresent, finalising I am a submission finalising a incorporating submission incorporating much of yourmuch feedback of your to both feedback the to both the Reform local • Reform government local government to become more to become sustainable more through sustainable a closer through alignment a closer alignment • Reform local government to be Reform of Federation Reform ofand Federation Tax Reform andWhite Tax Reform Paper White processes.

PaperI processes. have been seeking I have been costings seeking costings with State Government with State Government agencies agencies from the Parliamentary from the Parliamentary Budget OfficeBudget on many Office of the on many suggestions of the suggestions put forward and put forward will and willwith State Government agencie Increase•funding Increase for major funding national for major and national local infrastructure and local infrastructure projects projects • Increase funding for major nati incorporate them incorporate in my upcoming them in mysubmission. upcoming submission.

Fixing Our Federation & Tax System

Fixi

Authorised by Dr Authorised David Gillespie

by Dr David MP, 75-77 Gillespie Clarence MP, 75-77 Street,Clarence Port Macquarie Street, Port NSWMacquarie 2444. NSW 2444.

forfor Lyne Dr DavidDrGillespie David Gillespie MP | Delivering MPdelivering | Delivering record funding record funding our local for our community local community

Reforming our Federation and Tax system has the potential to deliver big wins for our electorate.

Dr David Gillespie manning-great lakes focus.

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Reforming our Federa potential to deliver big

focusTourism. Donna Hudson - Manning Valley Tourism Photo courtesy of Manning Valley Tourism.

Donna Hudson Vigilantly protecting our Water Supplies In the Manning and Great Lakes we enjoy one of the best drinking water supplies in the country - and MidCoast Water is constantly working to ensure the water they deliver to their customers is safe and reliable.

MidCoast Water’s role in the community is to deliver safe drinking water and safely return treated water to our environment. Water has to meet stringent drinking water quality guidelines, and they work closely with the NSW Department of Health on a testing regime to ensure the quality.

While MidCoast Water takes an active interest in the health of the catchment and has a number of programmes in place to protect and enhance the environment, they do not act as a consent authority for other activities that take place.

They are actively and closely monitoring the Gloucester gas project, with a focus on making sure controls are put in place to mitigate any impact on water quality in the Manning - which

supplies water for over 36,000 customers between Crowdy Head and Tarbuck Bay. MidCoast Water participates in the project’s community consultative committee and are, amongst other activities, working with Gloucester Shire Council on their water study.

Tourism

They also meet with community action groups to discuss the issues and share information.

The drinking water provided to the Manning and Great Lakes community makes its way through an advanced water treatment plant, which is designed to remove pollutants from the source water if necessary, before making its way to households.

Do you want to know more about your water?

Have a look at www.midcoastwater.com.au and check out the information on water supplies latest testing results are here, as are details about the water treatment process.

To keep up-to-date with our news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

WELCOME TO THE

Festive SEASON IT’S BEGINNING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS … THE WEATHER IS WARMING UP, MORE PEOPLE ARE OUT AND ABOUT SHOPPING, THE SMELL OF BBQS ARE IN THE AIR AND LOCALS ARE ENJOYING BEING BACK OUT IN THE SUN, SURF AND SAND.

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he summer months are an exiting top five to dos in each area, a top 10 for the time in the Manning Valley and whole region, surfing secrets and a centre pull Great Lakes, as we are able to out with a map and tourist drives. share with our visitors the best Another thing I love about summer is the of what the region has to offer colourful markets and events that take place things that we have the luxury of experiencing throughout the region. One to add to your every day! calendar is New Year’s Eve Celebrations that It’s no secret that our natural attractions take place along the beautiful Manning River are the biggest drawcards across foreshore in Taree. We invite you to pack the regions, boasting a picnic, dine in one of the nearby stunning National Parks restaurants or purchase food and Reserves, pristine from one of the many vendors beaches, waterfalls, on the day. Celebrations lookouts, rivers, will kick-off at 6pm with Another thing I love about mountain trails and live entertainment and lourful summer is the co that more. But in saying activities followed by a ents markets and ev this, it can be quite spectacular fireworks hout take place th roug overwhelming for display at 9pm. the region .” visitors to decide New Year’s Eve where to go, what to celebrations will be taking do, and where to find place in Great Lakes at John those hidden gems that the Wright Park, with activities from locals know so well.

6pm. Come along and enjoy the Luckily, both Manning Valley and fireworks on the lake at 9pm.

Great Lakes Tourism have released Whether you live locally, are visiting family brand-spanking new visitor guides just and friends, or have chosen our region as a in time for Christmas, so visitors can have the place to help you unwind and relax, we wish inside scoop on the hottest spots in the region, you a happy and safe festive season. all wrapped up in two beautiful books. Pick them up from your local Visitor Information Centre at Taree North or across the Great Lakes in Forster, Bulahdelah, Tea Gardens and GREAT LAKES Pacific Palms - and get exploring!

We were so pleased that we could release these guides in time for Christmas, as we know that it’s a time when family and friends come to visit, and it’s a great chance for locals to show off their little piece of paradise to their visitmanningvalley .com.au loved ones. We’ve included some little extra touches in the Manning Valley guide such as

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Help us out this summer Don’t spray in the middle of the day – limit your outdoor water use to before 9am and after 4pm.

For more details of MidCoast Water’s summer water saving program go to www.midcoastwater.com.au or call 1300 133 455

To keep up-to-date with our news, follow us on facebook or twitter 52

manning-great lakes focus.

YOUR OFFICIAL GUIDE

TO THE

ISSUE NO5

Mid North Coast

New South Wales

with Lynda Bryant from the Photography Hub

business minds

Col Scott Col Scott, along with his beautiful wife Tara, run a very interesting business in Tarcoll Constructions. It’s not only their business that is fascinating; it’s a strong belief that anything is possible. And with that belief has come some wonderful opportunities right here in the Manning Valley ...

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ow long have you been in business?

Our business started 22 years ago, and it started from a dream. From making cubby houses and potato pallets when I was only 10 years old in my father’s business and then coming from New Zealand to Australia to live and building a timber jewellery box for my Year 12 Woodwork project, to building project homes as an apprentice carpenter and working on heritage listed homes in Balmain and Leichardt in Sydney, where we hand pitched roofs. Then, building multi million dollar homes throughout Sydney and even doing a stint in Toorak in Melbourne, building houses that were designed by Alex Popov Architecture, who studied under Jorn Utzon (who designed the Sydney Opera house).

Then with Tara and myself having our first baby and moving to Taree when Jack was 10 days old, so our children could learn that milk comes from a cow, not just a carton ...

The growth of our business started with installing Colorbond fencing and small building jobs and then into ceiling insulation, insurance work all over NSW and now into Aboriginal housing work.

The Aboriginal housing work has been the most rewarding and satisfying path we have taken so far. This reminds me of one of the most beautiful incidents that have happened to me, where an Aboriginal lady called me from the roadside on one of our sites saying, ”Hey white loaf, white loaf, come down here”… When I made my way to see her, I said, “What can I do for you, darling?” She gave me a big hug and said, “Thank you for giving my son an opportunity that he would never have got without you coming into our town”. That made me feel fantastic; I had employed her son to do work for us to give him an experience of what it’s like to work in his own Indigenous community.

You have a few facets to your business. Tell us about it all ...

We have a building and construction business

doing Aboriginal housing and general mainteI see massive opportunities in everything that nance and building work. We also have Tarcoll we do. Basketball is but only one tool in which Corporate giftware, where we deal with China we have access, to try to provide our young to design and manufacture corporate giftware, students with the opportunity of meeting people which we engrave in Taree for customers like who have achieved excellence and are on their Real estates, RAAF, Defence Force customers, and way to achieving greatness. And if they are ever other businesses to give to clients and staff. We to achieve some of the great heights of these also have an importing and on-selling business, basket ballers, then they need to believe in themwhere we design and manufacture timber wine selves and to associate themselves with people racks and sell these to customers. who will believe in them.

It is rewarding to be able to show Tarcoll, along with a strong crew of our employees how all three believers at Taree Tornadoes, played a of these diverse businesses big part in bringing a professional work together to make basketball team from Brisbane Tarcoll what it is ... down to Taree - the Brisbane t I am yet to mee You’re passionate Spartans - in March 2015. The someone who about helping young Taree Tornadoes and the Brisfrom has not achieved indigenous people bane Spartans team gained a believing . ” find work. Where has lot from this experience. The that passion stemmed Tarcoll Mob on the job staff from? assisted with the re-vamping, Yes, we do employ Abpreparation and organising of original people, but I am more the Purfleet basketball court and than happy to give anyone an assisted with the Biripi Medical Centre, opportunity, whether they are Aboriginal, to enable some of the kids who would not African American, European or Chinese. normally be able to join in with this venture to I hold no prejudice towards people who participate. want to work and achieve, as most successful After the dust had settled, the bonding which businessmen, businesswomen and athletes the Brisbane Spartans achieved within their men’s have made good choices and have had to work team has had them already book in to come back extremely hard to become great. And to have to Taree again in March 2016. greatness doesn’t just happen … It is earned.

I believe that the Taree Tornadoes Basketball We have been told we are one of the top Association has played a big part in the tourism builders in NSW for Aboriginal housing, and we in the Manning Valley, which has gone unseen, are also one of the top employers of Indigenous and I believe there are other events happening on people. We try to strive for excellence every day our calendar to benefit not only our kids, but also with our Indigenous apprentices and trainees ... our community.

We have a new Facebook page called Tarcoll’s James has now come back to Taree after Mob on the Job, which allows us to showcase all spending a 48 hour stint here when he came our employees which make up Tarcoll and show along with the Brisbane Spartans. Last weekend our followers what kind of work we undertake. we picked him up from Sydney, as he has chosen As well as all this, there’s also the basketto come back to Taree from the USA to live and ball association, bringing big players to the work. Jonny Miller, a USA import, and Yusuf Qaregion to represent the sport. Do you see afow, the Somalian national captain, came with opportunities for the Manning Valley there? the Brisbane Spartans and have both also given

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time back to our community.

All of this has been made possible by Paul Healy at the Taree Tornadoes, as he has encouraged Cal, CJ and Austin Bruton to come to Taree and do a clinic with our kids - not only from our association, but also from other associations as well.

Basketball also played a very big part in helping my family with coping strategies through a torrid time, when Tara was diagnosed with a rare strain of cancer. We were issued the keys to the stadium, and it gave Jack and myself down time.

We won lotto finding the cancer, which was by chance ... We are forever grateful. We were told if it wasn’t detected, she wouldn’t have been with us last Christmas.

Growing a business and family both take a lot of time. How do you fit it all in?

Our business has been designed to give our children, Jack and Annika, and our employees future opportunities in the building, giftware and branding, importing and on-selling businesses and also the belief that anything is possible in this world and this town called Taree. This is not to say that our children have no family life, as our children not only enjoy basketball, but they also enjoy just being kids and that is so important.

I believe as you grow stronger in business and surround yourself with professional people, your dreams become reality ... We have great employees, great family and great friends, and this makes all of this possible.

Life is far too short to hold grudges and not to believe that your dreams are achievable. As I say to all our kids at basketball - and some don’t believe - but as long as I believe, I believe they can do anything ... And guess what? I am yet to meet someone who has not achieved from believing.

Thanks so much Col, for inspiring and believing in our next generation. manning-great lakes focus.

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focusrealestate.

with Amanda Tate - L.J Hooker

M RKET REVIEW

AS THE BOOMING SYDNEY MARKET ALMOST COMES TO A HALT, THE QUESTION ON EVERYONE’S LIPS IS: “IS THAT IT FOR OUR MARKET?”

A

lthough traditionally we do to talk up our area and encourage industry follow the trends from Sydney, to move from the expensive financial burdens filtering up to the Mid North of the Sydney region to the beautiful work/ Coast is usually a slow process lifestyle balance that our area can offer.

- so as the Sydney market goes Despite the media hype about interest rates, into “adjustment mode”, I believe our market investors are still buying with confidence, is just beginning. After a shortage of new and first home buyers are again their main properties coming on to the market, spring competition. The number of first home buyers has arrived and with it a flurry of new listings is also impacting with rental properties. as gardens bloom, for sale signs The $350,000 market and under go up and usually within a across all regions is usually couple of weeks a bold sold prior to going to print sold sign is proudly advertising. It has never t b u o Without a d stamped across been more important to y a the best w is the signboard. et to be ready to buy, rk a buy in this m ts know Owners are happy, n and that includes preto let the age oking for lo re a as they have more approval for finance u w h at y o hen w so ty er p than expected and being decisive in a pro tches your funds to spend, when choosing what one that ma e market , th criteria hits front whilst buyers are property is right for e you are in th relieved that they you. Without a doubt ” stalls. have finally secured the best way to buy in a property in this hot this market is to let the market. agents know what you are Lifestyle properties are looking for in a property so when still in strong demand, with many one that matches your criteria hits the new residents making the Great Lakes/ market, you are in the front stalls.

Manning Valley their home. There’s As for tenants, I do not believe it has ever still strong interest from the Western been tougher to lease, with vacancy rates Suburbs of Sydney and the Central Coast, below 1% in most areas and landlords having with $500,000 to $700,000 their most the luxury to be very selective as to whom popular price range. Families are excited will reside in their property. Rents are on the with their purchase after moving out of their increase, with an average three bedroom, standard three bedroom red brick, red tiled brick home, ensuite, double garage in a good home in the “burbs” to a modern, sprawling area now approaching the $400 per week homestead on a few acres - landscaped pool mark. We still have the busiest rental time to and new four wheel drive usually in tow. We come, so January should be very interesting. often hear them saying, “Best decision we With the Christmas holiday season fast have ever made; should have done it years approaching, it is a time to showcase and ago”. Our area has so much to offer families; enjoy our area and all the benefits of the somehow we just need to attract the family pristine beaches, waterways and scenic areas businesses to relocate not just their family, on offer. but the whole business to our area, to create Wishing you all a safe Christmas and a more employment for the new entrants. On happy, prosperous 2016; may you have time that note, there are some good industrial subto spend quality time with your family and divisions in the pipeline, so as locals we need friends.

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